Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

"Human Seokjin! Human Seokjin!"

Seokjin glances up from the meat grilling over the fire to the four pups barreling over the ridge towards him. 'Human Seokjin'-the title never fails to amuse him, even after the moons he's lived here. Wolves place a lot of importance on their gender- it determined their status, their occupation, and most importantly who they mated with. Whether alpha, beta, or omega, knowing your place and role was paramount, and the fact that Seokjin lacked this very important distinguishing marker made him quite an outlier.

Well, that and being the only human in a pack of wolves.

"Aren't you all supposed to be in training?" he asks as they come to a halt in front of him. It's midday and the sun is shining brightly in the cloudless sky, a perfect time for young wolves to work on their hunting and sparring skills. His den being where it is, oftentimes Seokjin can hear their yips and snarls from over the ridge where they practice in the large clearing on the far side of pack territory.

Heewon puffs out his chest. Despite barely coming up to Seokjin's waist, the oldest alpha of the bunch always has an air of superiority about him. "Teacher released us early to do an important job."

"Yeah, we've got to share important news with everyone in the pack!" adds Kanghoon, a beta with messy brown hair whose furs are always in a state of disarray.

"Ooh, is that so?" Seokjin reaches over and flips his skewers so both sides can cook evenly. Accidentally burning cuts as choice as these would be a travesty. "Do tell."

"The hunters are coming back today! Head Alpha says they'll be here by sunset, and that we should all gather to feast their return!" chimes in Minjun, the youngest beta. Behind him the even tinier Seunghan nods, the alpha half hidden behind Minjun as he always tends to be around Seokjin.

"That is valuable news," Seokjin agrees. "Good thing they gave such a vital responsibility to such worthy pups."

The youngsters all beam, looking thrilled.

"Since we're doing a very big 'sponsibility does that mean we can have some meat, Human Seokjin?"

Seokjin chuckles. He'd been expecting this, especially as the pups' eyes had all been constantly darting to the food ever since they'd arrived. Wolves have voracious appetites, none more so than those still growing. Seokjin's methods of preparation (and especially his use of spices) are seen as supremely odd to most of them, who tend to think solely in terms of sustenance rather than savoring a meal. But the younger members of the pack are more adventurous than their elders, and it's not unusual for Seokjin to have unexpected visitors popping by begging for scraps every time he makes something new.

"Hmm, I don't know...since the hunters are returning, this should probably be saved for the feast," he says, putting on an expression of mock seriousness and watching as the pups' faces fall.

"Aww, can't we have just a little bit?" whines Kanghoon.

"We're starving," Minjun pouts with puppydog eyes, "and we have to find everyone in the pack! We need energy!"

"Please, Human Seokjin? Pleeeease?"

Seokjin pretends to deliberate for a few more moments before picking up one of the skewers, slathering it with sauce, and offering it to them. "Oh, alright. But just because you guys are my favorites."

With excited squeals the pups tear into the meat, chewing viciously as grease runs down their chins.

"Good huh?" he asks, watching them fondly.

"The best!" Kanghoon moans, licking the sauce from his fingers. "I wish my dam's cooking was as tasty as yours."

"Hey now, don't go saying that too loud," Seokjin wags a finger. "I don't want to get on any omega’s bad side."

"Human Seokjin, you must be excited that the hunters are coming back, right?" Minjun asks, mouth half-full. "My dam can't wait for my sire to return."

"That's 'cuz it's hard for omegas to be away from their mates for too long," Heewon explains with an imperious tone. "They're not made to be alone. They need alphas and betas to take care of them."

"That's not always true..." Seokjin keeps his tone mild. "There are plenty of omegas who can handle themselves just fine, like Jimin for example." The mate of the Head Alpha might look delicate, but Seokjin has seen firsthand how vicious he can be when defending the pack.

"Omega Jimin is a special case," Heewon sniffs. "It's because Head Alpha lets him get away with anything. When I have a mate, I'll be much stricter."

Seokjin merely hums. Stereotypes like this are quite ingrained amongst wolves, and he's found that as a human his opinion of them (mainly that they're restrictive and stupid) often isn't taken seriously.

"Human Seokjin, even though you're not a wolf are you like an omega?" Seunghan asks softly, looking at the human with wide eyes.

Seokjin snorts violently, taken by surprise by the question. "An omega? Why would you think that?"

"Cuz you're Alpha Jungkook's mate, and he's the most alpha of alphas!" Minjun answers in Seunghan's stead. The other pups nod in agreement. "So you must be his omega!"

"Yeah, everyone knows Alpha Jungkook is the strongest, toughest, fiercest alpha in the whole pack!" Heewon exclaims.

"He's the best hunter there's ever been and brings back the biggest kills, and all the other packs don't dare try to steal from our territory because then they'd have to face him!" Kanghoon's eyes are filled with admiration.

Seokjin listens, entertained, as the pups continue to extol the alpha's many strengths and achievements. "You pups really look up to him, huh?"

"Everyone looks up to Alpha Jungkook," Heewon says, like it's obvious. "He's the most important alpha in the pack after Head Alpha. Which makes it even weirder that he chose you, Human Seokjin."

The other pups look uncomfortable at the eldest's words, but Heewon isn't deterred.

"What? It's true! An alpha like him should be with a real omega, not a human. They're not like us, there's a reason why we don't mate with them. They're frail and weak, and human Seokjin can't even have pups!"

"Heewon!" Minjun scolds, looking shocked at the alpha's rudeness. "Human Seokjin, I'm sorry."

"It's alright, Minjun-ah. Don't worry."

Seokjin isn't particularly hurt by Heewon's words, because they're true- it is completely unheard of for a wolf and a human to mate, and there are still many in the pack who consider it beneath Jungkook to have chosen Seokjin. For their most talented alpha to have rejected every eligible omega competing for his affections (and there were many) and take a human instead...

Well, in the end it was no one's business but Jungkook and Seokjin’s, and he isn't about to let a few cruel words from a pup (most likely parroted from his parents) get him down.

"You all better get a move on anyway. The sun will be setting soon, and I'm sure you still have lots of others to find."

The four pups all spring up, suddenly remembering their important task.

"Shoot! We gotta go!"

"Thanks for the food, Human Seokjin!"

“See you tonight at the feast!”

Heewon, Kanghoon, and Minjun scurry off, but Seunghan lingers behind.

"Human Seokjin...I don't agree with Heewon. I think...I think you're great." The tiny alpha's face is red, and he scampers off behind the others before Seokjin can respond.

The human's heart fills with endearment as he watches them disappear over the ridge before turning back to his cookfire. The hunters will be back before long, and he's got work to do.

By the time Seokjin reaches the gathering grounds the sun is low in the sky and preparations for the evening's festivities have already begun. The wide open area in the middle of pack territory is surrounded on all sides by thick pine grove, the space inside cleared out and dotted with cookfires being lit in anticipation of the kills brought back by the hunters. It seems like most of the pack is already here: Seokjin sees alphas and betas carrying wood for the fires, omegas carefully setting out their ingredients and tools, and pups darting in-between the working wolves, laughing and chasing each other. Adjusting his own satchel of supplies, Seokjin scans for an open space to make his own fire, when-

"Seokjin-hyung!"

The human turns at the sound of his name to see the Head Alpha's mate waving at him from over by the main firepit in the center of the grounds. Jimin is properly dressed up for the occasion, clad in beautiful white robes stitched with golden stars that match his light blonde hair. He's surrounded by other omegas and betas and clearly in the middle of directing preparations, but he quickly abandons them in favor of hurrying toward Seokjin. 

"Omega Jimin, how many times do I have to tell you that you don't have to call me that?" Seokjin says.

"About as many times as I've told you not to call me Omega Jimin," Jimin retorts, putting his hands on his hips.

"I'm only being proper," the human says lightly. "Don't want to be accused of disrespecting Head Alpha's mate."

"To hell with propriety," Jimin blows a raspberry, looking distinctly un-dignified, and it makes Seokjin chuckle. "I know I'm an omega, I don't need to be reminded of it every single time someone talks to me. I like your human terms much better, and I like when you call me Jimin-ah, so keep doing it."

Seokjin smiles. "Well, I suppose I can't go against a direct order..."

"That's right," the omega preens with satisfaction before peeking at the contents of Seokjin's bag. "Ooh, what did you bring tonight, hyung? Something yummy?"

"Just some of the lamb I was marinating earlier. I’m trying it with a new version of that spice blend I shared with you before, and I think it'll taste even better once it's cooked a bit longer."

"Oh hyung, that sounds delicious," Seokjin can practically see Jimin salivating, the small omega's eyes round with hunger. "Are you sure you don't want to ditch my stupid brother and be my mate instead?"

"I think your own mate might have something to say against that idea, let alone mine," Seokjin grins.

"Pah. Namjoon would understand. Just bribe him with some of that dewberry pie you make that he loves so much."

"As tempting as the offer is, I'm afraid I have to decline. Jungkookie is the only wolf for me." The human winks. "But you're always welcome to drop by for a meal."

"Deal," Jimin smiles, his eyes disappearing into crescents. "Maybe now that Kookie and the others are back, we can all go sneak out to the spring. I'm dying for some relaxation."

"Sounds good to me," Seokjin agrees, thinking wistfully of soaking his aching muscles in the warm water. He looks around. "Speaking of, where are Yoongi and Hoseok?"

"Tonight's Demilune, remember?" the omega says, pointing up to where the half-moon can just begin to be seen in the evening sky. "They've already set out."

Ah, that's right, Seokjin had forgotten entirely. It was another important facet of wolf culture-the importance of the moon. Wolves looked to the heavenly body for guidance in many areas of their lives, from making important decisions to conducting rituals under its glow. And as the pack's moonseer, it was Yoongi's duty to observe the moon in its phases and interpret it and the stars for signs. His mate Hoseok always went with, both to keep the older beta company on his long journey to the stargrounds and also to watch over Yoongi while he observed the night sky.

"Right, I'd forgotten." Seokjin tries not to look disappointed. At gatherings like these he usually sticks close to the two betas. Though he's been officially declared part of the pack by the Head Alpha, many of its members still give Seokjin a wide berth. Some are wary, untrusting of a human after so many clashes in the past between the two species. Some just seem unsure how to interact with him due to the massive cultural differences. But others are dismissive or even sometimes outright hostile, refusing to trade with Seokjin or loudly whispering derogatory things about him when he passes by. He does his best to pay them no mind but on a night like tonight, it's going to be hard to be alone.

"I'm sorry hyung," Jimin says sincerely, his expression regretful. "I wish you could come sit with Joon and I, but-"

"It's okay, Jimin-ah, I understand. You and Namjoon need to do your duties."

The omega frowns. "Feasts are supposed to be about community. I don't like you being all alone."

"It's fine, really. I won't be once Jungkook gets back. Until then I'll just get cozy in my own little corner."

Jimin still doesn't look happy, but he nods. "Well...at least come join us after the dedication is over and the feast starts, okay?"

Seokjin feels warm at the younger's worry over him. Jimin is one of the most important wolves in the pack, but he's never made Seokjin feel anything less than welcome. "I promise. Now go get back to your job before someone scolds us, Head Omega-ssi."

"Stop calling me that or I'll sic my alpha on you," Jimin huffs, whacking the human in the shoulder, but Seokjin sees him crack a smile. "I'll be waiting for you and that lamb later, don't forget!"

And with that the omega flutters off back to his place at the center of the clearing. With a final wave Seokjin hefts up his pack once more and resumes his search for a place to start his fire.

He finds a secluded little spot on the far side of the clearing and leisurely begins to unpack his supplies. Then he carefully lines up his fuel and kindling and scatters dried bark on top of it before pulling out the small flint he keeps tied as a necklace and striking it with precision. The tinder quickly catches, and the tiny spark steadily grows under his supervision into a steady flame. Seokjin makes sure it's contained properly by the stone ring before taking out the provisions he'd brought and laying them out on his deerskin.

As he brushes the lamb skewers with one final coating of sauce and places them over the fire to cook, Seokjin reflects that he might have brought a bit too much food now that Hoseok and Yoongi won't be joining him. But that's okay- it means he gets to have the tastiest bits for himself, and he can always give the extras to Jimin afterward.

The sun has finally disappeared below the horizon now, the half-moon gleaming brightly above as stars begin to appear in greater numbers. Seokjin breathes in deeply, enjoying how the smoke makes the air rich with the scent of cooking meat. The sound of chattering wolves all around him makes a comfortable background noise as he meticulously turns the skewers, determined to make sure none burn even a little bit.

He's almost finished the first batch when there's a howl in the distance and the heads of the pack turn as one to the entrance of the clearing. Seokjin can hear the thunderous sound of paws thudding against earth, and moments later a group of wolves emerges out of the darkness, their eyes shining in the firelight.

Most wolves of the pack already dwarf Seokjin in size, even the omegas, but the alphas of the hunting party make them all look tiny. Twenty in total, each one is an arresting sight: all hulking muscles, rippling fur, and vicious claws. In their teeth they carry the spoils of their hunt, and the wolves in the clearing make way for them to pad over to where Namjoon and Jimin sit waiting at the center of the clearing.

Wolves hunt for the pack, not for themselves, and it's traditional for the hunters to present any kills to the Head Alpha, who will then dictate to whom it will go. It's something that Seokjin admires about the pack-that everyone from the leader all the way down to the lowliest pup will get their fair share.

One by one the wolves step forward and drop their offerings at Namjoon's feet: rabbits, deer, sheep, and even a fox or two. It looks like they've had great success, and for that Seokjin is grateful. Summer is fast coming to an end, and it's important that they start storing food for the harsher months as early as they can. He should really make time to talk to Namjoon, to give him some advice about smoking and salting that the wolves might not be aware of. It would help increase the amount of provisions, and-

Seokjin is taken from his ruminations about food preservation as the last wolf steps forward, his ink black fur gleaming in the glow of the fires. This wolf is the biggest of the hunting party, a full head taller than the next largest and two times as broad. The pack gasp and murmur in amazement as he drags forward his own kill to the Head Alpha- a gigantic boar almost as long as Seokjin is tall. It must weigh at least fifty stone, and its tusks are nearly the length of the human's arm. Even to a wolf a boar is a fearsome opponent, and many members of the pack have found themselves grievously injured after a fight with one. To be able to take down such a beast is a truly impressive feat, and there's only one alpha in the pack who can do it.

"Alpha Jungkook, we acknowledge your offering to the pack and commend you on your skill," Namjoon says to the wolf as he drops the boar in front of him. "Thanks to you, our pack will not face hunger this moon and many after."

The surrounding wolves howl in acknowledgement as Jungkook bows his head, stepping back and calmly sitting on his haunches with the rest of the hunting alphas. Namjoon surveys the assembled pack, his eyes roving over all of them before he smiles.

"Our hunters have returned safely and we thank the moon above for their success. Now, let the feast begin!"

Cheers and howls engulf the clearing as Namjoon motions to the wolves beside him to begin skinning and preparing the new meat. Seokjin only gets a fleeting glance at the huge black wolf before he's surrounded by others praising the hunters and their catches.

Smiling to himself Seokjin instead turns back his own food, humming as the sound of music fills the air. Now that the pomp and ceremony is over the pack will celebrate long into the night with songs and dances. It's a perfect way to spend a late summer's eve, and he's looking forward to observing the usual courting intrigue that always happens at events like these.

Seokjin is in the process of throwing another log onto the fire when suddenly he's being wrapped up by strong arms and pulled back against a solid chest in a crushing hug, knocking the wind out of him.

"Oof! Hello to you too. Don't squish me!"

"You didn't come to congratulate me," his mate murmurs sulkily. Seokjin can easily picture the childish pout on his face, and it makes him chuckle.

"You looked a little occupied. Didn't want to take you away from your gaggle of admirers."

"None of them matter. You're the only one I want to see." Jungkook nuzzles into the crook of Seokjin's neck, inhaling deeply. "Missed you so much, hyung."

"You act like it's been moons since we've seen each other," Seokjin says, tilting his head to allow better access. As a human he may not have a gland like wolves do, but the alpha seems to enjoy scenting him there regardless. "You were only gone for a few weeks."

"Doesn't matter, felt like ages. Wanna be with my mate all the time."

"You're insatiable," the human chides, though the tenderness in his voice cancels out any harshness of his words. "C'mere."

He turns Jungkook around so that they're face to face before pulling him into a kiss. This form of affection is foreign to wolves but his alpha has been nothing but an eager student, taking to the activity with aplomb ever since the first time they'd come together. Tonight is no exception, and even though Seokjin can hear the mutterings of the wolves around them he doesn't pay them any mind. He does finally break the kiss, but only so that he can finally look at his most precious person for the first time in far too long.

Seokjin is quite tall for a human, but Jungkook is even taller-and as a man he's just as broad-shouldered as when a wolf. His skin is a deep tan that glows even warmer in the light of the fire, making the ceremonial inks carved into his arms stand out even more than usual. Like his fur his black hair is thick and wavy, loosely tied up in a simple knot with stray tendrils curling around his ears.

But despite his intimidating size and appearance, there has always been an innocence to Jungkook's face- a certain roundness to his cheeks and softness of his lips that contrasts in the best way with the sharpness. It's always been one of Seokjin's favorite things about him, and nothing more so than his eyes. Wide and expressive, they're like windows into the alpha's soul-and the way they're watching Seokjin right at this moment, filled with love and adoration, makes the human feel just as warm as if he was standing right in the center of the cookfire.

"I missed you too," Seokjin says, which causes the alpha wolf to break into an even wider smile. "Now let me get a good look at you. No injuries this time, right?"

He grabs the younger's wrists, lifting his arms and inspecting them before pushing his furs aside and running his hands along his broad chest to check for cuts or bruises.

"You fuss worse than a dam," Jungkook complains, squirming under Seokjin's evaluation. "I'm not a pup anymore, you don't have to worry about me."

"I'll always worry about you, and there's nothing you can do about it. It's my right as your mate. Now stay still or there'll be no skewers for you."

"You made skewers?" the alpha gasps, his face lighting up with an almost comical amount of excitement. "My favorite kind, with the lamb?"

"Mhm." Seokjin finally ends his inspection, turning to the fire and pulling off a perfectly cooked one. Jungkook tears into it like, well, a wolf, and within seconds the huge chunks of meat have been completely devoured. 

"I'm going to assume this means you like the new spice blend," the human comments as Jungkook tosses the empty stick aside and makes grabby hands at the rest of the skewers. With a fond sigh Seokjin passes him another, which is promptly attacked just like the first.

"Hyung's cooking is always my favorite no matter what it is," his mate replies confidently as he munches on the meat. 

"Just don't eat it all, I promised Jimin I'd save him some."

"What! No!" Jungkook holds his meat possessively to his chest. "These are mine, tell him to go make his own."

"You can't spare a few for your own brother? He's looking forward to it very much."

"That's because he's a terrible cook," Jungkook grumbles, then wilts a bit under Seokjin's reprimanding stare. "Ugh, fine. He can have one. Just one!" 

Seokjin smiles, giving him yet another skewer before finally taking one for himself and sitting down beside the fire. As he bites into it the tangy mix of spices fills his mouth, blending in harmony with the tender meat. Jungkook plops down beside him, their bodies pressed comfortably side by side as they eat. The sound of mirthful voices and song fills the air but the two of them are silent, simply enjoying each other's company and the joy of sharing a meal together after being apart. 

"I wish I didn't have to be away so often," Jungkook finally speaks again after they've both had their fill and are now lying back, staring up at the starry night sky. "I don't like you being all by yourself."

"It's not so bad," Seokjin assures. "I like the peace and quiet. And when I do get lonely I go visit Yoongi and Hoseok, or see if Taehyung needs help on the farm. So don't worry about me."

"If you get to worry about me, then I get to worry about you."

"Fair enough." Seokjin yawns widely, pleasantly sleepy after such a filling meal. 

He swears his eyes have only fallen shut for a few moments when suddenly he's being lifted up by warm, muscular arms as though he weighs nothing more than a feather. "Wha-?"

"You've had a long day, it's time to go home."

"You're one to talk. I'm not the one who's been dragging a gigantic boar around."

"All the more reason for both of us to go." The alpha hefts the satchel of Seokjin's supplies on his back, and Seokjin sees that his cookfire has already been extinguished as well. 

"But Jimin-"

"Can come get his food tomorrow. Tonight I want you all to myself. Alphas returning from hunts need full and uninterrupted cuddles with their mates."

"Do they now?"

"Yes, it's pack law," replies his alpha with utter solemnity. "Our most sacred edict."  

"You're ridiculous."

"I'm yours," Jungkook hums, giving a kiss which Seokjin returns with one of his own, both grinning at each other like idiots.

"And I wouldn't want it any other way.” 

Chapter Text

many moons ago...

Seokjin wasn't expecting to run into anything interesting when he set off by himself into the forest. He'd simply snuck out of his family's little house early in the morning in order to have some time alone, away from the noise and commotion of his parents and siblings and the hustle and bustle of the village in general. He loves his home, truly, but sometimes it all gets to be a bit much. 

Here underneath trees so tall they seem to touch the sky itself it's crisp and cool and most importantly quiet, and the only sounds Seokjin hears as he carefully winds through are the occasional chirp of a bird high above or the crunch of leaves beneath his feet. There are no paths here, no waymarkers or guidestones, no sign of human activity at all. In fact everyone in the village usually keeps as far away as possible, which is exactly why the so-called Wolfwood is Seokjin's favorite hideaway. 

The reason for everyone's avoidance can be discerned right from the name. The Wolfwood borders wolf territory, and is far too dangerous for humans to venture into because of it. Wolves are feral and violent, or so say the elders, slaves to their instincts and mostly incapable of civilized behavior, and they change their form from man to beast and worship the moon in strange rituals. 

Humans and wolves have been enemies for generations, and there are countless tales from ages past of bloody battles over land, food, and resources. The only reason those haven't continued these last few decades is because wolves haven't been seen since the time of Seokjin's grandparents. No one knows what's caused them to give up their encroachments into human land and no one is brave enough to cross into wolf territory to find out. The winding river that separates the two sides might as well be a stone wall between them.

Seokjin is quite young and still innocent about much of the world, but to him it's not worth having fear or animosity towards a group he's never even seen before, let alone had reason to hate. If anything, the stories told by his family and the elders to scare the youth away only make him more interested in meeting a wolf, not less. Could they really be as terrifying and savage as everyone made them out to be? Maybe they weren't. Maybe they just did things differently. And they sounded so strong-able to take down things like bears and boars all by themselves, without weapons or tools. Wouldn't it be easier if humans and wolves could co-exist, and help each other instead of fight? 

Maybe it's a foolish idea, the product of a sheltered youth. But it doesn't stop Seokjin from imagining seeing a wolf someday. Sometimes, when there's a full moon in the sky, Seokjin even swears he can hear the distant sound of howling, far, far away. It's probably just his overactive imagination, but it's why he likes to walk in the Wolfwood, just to dream that he might catch a glimpse of one across the river. 

Seokjin mulls over these thoughts as he ambles through the trees, eyes peeled for any interesting herbs or berries that might be growing in this part of the wood. He's always on the lookout for new ingredients to cook with, never happier than when his mother lets him join her in preparing the day's meals and experiment with his own ideas and unusual additions.

You'll make your future wife very happy if you give her lots of delicious food, she always says. There's no better way to show love than through a good meal. 

Seokjin thinks he's not ready yet to be settling down- he hasn't even reached his twenty-fifth nameday yet, for goodness sake! But he knows that his mother is only looking out for him. His older brother is already betrothed, and as next in line it'll be expected of Seokjin to start courting soon. 

He's close to the border now- he can hear the gentle sound of the flowing river nearby, though he knows that this part of it is quite shallow, more like a stream. He hadn't realized that he'd come this far; the sun is already high in the sky and he needs to start heading home soon before his family realize that he's gone. 

Seokjin is just about to turn back when the flash of something red in his periphery catches his eye. He moves toward a large oak, where clusters of tiny berries are growing on bushes near the trunk. They look similar to barkberries but instead of blue they are a bright scarlet color, their waxy skins shining from the morning dew. He plucks one and pops it into his mouth, humming in surprise at the sharp, sweet taste. It's delicious, and he bets these would go perfectly in a pie, or maybe even just as jam. 

Seokjin is bending down to pick more when he's startled by the sound of a frightened yelp in the distance. He springs up, searching for the source of the sudden noise. For a moment there's nothing, but then he hears it again, louder this time- a desperate whine, coming from the direction of the river. 

Without thinking he abandons the berries, quickly pushing through the underbrush toward the noises, which are growing louder and more panicked. When at last he reaches the river he sees movement on the other side that makes him gasp. 

It's a wolf. 

Frozen with shock, Seokjin can only stare with wide eyes. A wolf, a real wolf, here, right now! He has no idea how big they're supposed to be, but something about this one makes him think that he isn't an adult. Even from this distance he seems quite small, and Seokjin guesses that he might only come up to his waist when standing to full height. The wolf is sprawled on his side, breathing heavily, and from the pitiful yips seems to be injured. Looking closer Seokjin can see a gash splitting the jet black fur near his hind leg, and a large amount of blood already beginning to stain the pebbles beneath. 

What should he do? Run? No, he can't just leave this poor creature like this. Help? Seokjin's no healer, but even he can tell that a wound like that is going to get bad very quickly unless attended to. But he knows almost nothing about medicine, so what can he do? And even if he were to help, would that still be inviting trouble? The wolf is on the other side of the border, and now that he's received proof that wolves still very much exist, he would be a fool to cross onto their territory unwelcomed.  

Seokjin doesn't have a chance to debate further however, because now there's another sound coming from the trees behind the injured wolf as a third party appears. It's a snarling brown bear, huge and angry and clearly after the wolf, teeth bared and claws out. The wolf's eyes widen with fear and he scrambles to get away from the angry animal, but the injury on his leg causes him to lose his balance and collapse again with a yowl of pain. It's too late, there's no way to escape and the wolf seems to realize this, cowering in terror as the bear closes in to strike a killing blow when-

An ear-splitting roar rips through the clearing, causing the bear to halt in its tracks and look towards the source. On the other side of the stream Seokjin stands tall on a large boulder, arms spread wide as he tries to make himself look as big and threatening as possible. He yells and screams like a madman, staring the animal down and praying that he hasn't just made himself its next target. 

For a few moments the brown bear doesn't move, merely staring at the human with its beady eyes, and Seokjin's certain he's made a terrible choice. But then, mercifully, it turns, clomping into the underbrush and away from both the human and the injured wolf. Threat somehow miraculously averted, Seokjin drops his aggressive stance and exhales in relief. His heart is pounding so hard it feels like it might explode out of his chest and his legs feel like jelly, but nonetheless he carefully wades across the stream toward the still prone wolf. He watches Seokjin approach, dark eyes wide, but makes no move to try and get away. Seokjin doesn't know if that's due to the injury, or if he too is in shock about what the human just did. 

"Are you okay? Wait, that's stupid thing to ask, of course you're not. I just meant, I'm glad it ran off, otherwise we'd both probably be dead right now. I really didn't think that was going to work." 

He stops a few feet away, not wanting to get any closer in the other's personal space without explicit permission. This wolf may be small and injured, but those teeth and claws still look perfectly capable of ripping him apart.

"Is...is it alright if I take a look at your leg? Seems like that thing really got you good, and you might bleed out if we don't do something."

The wolf gives a pitiful yelp, and Seokjin holds out his hands in what he hopes is a reassuring way. 

"Hey, hey, it's gonna be alright. I can help, I think. At least let me try, please?"

After a long pause, the wolf lowers his furry head in what Seokjin takes to be assent. He crosses the last space between them and crouches down, inspecting the gash. It doesn't look any better up close. If anything, Seokjin can see just how much blood is coming out of the wound and that makes him worry even more. 

"Damn, this is bad. We gotta stop the bleeding." He glances at his things, but nothing that he's brought with is suitable for making a dressing. So instead he shucks off his overshirt, mourning the fact he chose one of his favorites to wear today, a lovely pink fabric sewn with lilies that he'd been given on his nameday. Quickly he uses his paring knife to cut it into long ribbons before turning back to the wolf.  

"Now I'm no healer. But I saw them do this before when old man Kim got his arm sliced by a chicken, so I hope it works."

He wraps a strip of the cloth tightly around the wolf's leg a bit above the gash, then grabs a sturdy branch from nearby and twists it, trying to get the dressing as tight as possible. It takes a few tries and several expletives, but at last he thinks he's managed it. At the very least the wound doesn't seem to be bleeding anymore. 

"Phew. That's one crisis solved. Now..."  He dips one of the remaining pieces of fabric into the clear water of the stream before using it to gently wipe away the dirt and debris that have gotten into the wound. The wolf growls lowly at the first press of the cloth, but Seokjin hums reassuringly in response.

"Shh, I know, it's gonna sting. But I gotta get this as clean as I can before we wrap it up, otherwise it might get infected."

The wolf doesn't make any more sounds but he continues to watch the human, wide black eyes staring intently at Seokjin as he continues his ministrations. Seokjin’s not sure how, but somehow he can tell that the wolf is asking him something. 

Why?

It's a good question. Why is he helping out someone that should be his enemy? If he had been smart Seokjin would have left the wolf to his fate and gotten as far away as he could when danger appeared. 

"I know it doesn't make sense. I'm human and you're a wolf and we're supposed to hate each other, but...I can't just sit back and watch someone get hurt without doing something, y'know?" 

The wolf makes another noise, but this one isn't like any of the others so far. It's a low rumble, almost like a sound of agreement. Seokjin cleans the dirty cloth in the water before resuming his task. 

"Actually, even though it didn't happen exactly how I imagined it, this whole thing is kind of a dream come true for me."

The wolf tilts his head.

"Seeing you, I mean. A wolf. I've heard stories of your kind ever since I was a little kid, but no one even knew if you were still around. I've always thought you sounded so interesting and tough." He chuckles a bit, looking at the wolf. "Although you are a lot smaller than I imagined."

The wolf growls, but it doesn't sound angry-more like a disgruntled grumble.

"Sorry, sorry. I'm sure you'll grow up to be plenty big and scary. Just remember I helped you out and don't have me for dinner, okay? My name's Seokjin, so don't forget it."  

Finishing his cleaning, Seokjin tosses aside the stained cloth. "Alright! Now one last touch..."

He uses the last remaining scraps of his overshirt to cover the wound, making sure the wrapping is secure before stepping back.

He gives his handiwork a final go-over. It's a bit sloppy and nowhere near what the village healer is capable of, but considering his lack of experience and materials Seokjin is quite proud nonetheless. The bright pink fabric stands out quite startlingly against the wolf's black fur, like a child's doll all dressed up.

"Sorry, I don't have anything more subtle to give you. Try standing if you can and see if it stays in place." 

The wolf slowly rises up, gingerly putting weight on the injured leg, and Seokjin is relieved to see that his improvised bandages and tourniquet seem to be holding properly.  

"Perfect. Hopefully that can see you through until you get home. You do have a home, right?" he asks with sudden worry. What if this wolf was an orphan, the very last of his kind? Has he been roaming the forest all by himself?

But the wolf must somehow sense his thoughts because he gives an amused huff and nods, eyes gleaming. 

"Oh, okay. You do. Well good. Try not to run into any more bears on your way back, you hear?" 

Seokjin expects the wolf to leave, and so he's surprised when he hobbles back over to him instead and presses his snout to Seokjin's wrist. The human doesn't move as the wolf rubs his head against him several times before stepping back and chuffing, apparently satisfied. Was this some sort of thanks, perhaps?

"I...um, you're welcome?" 

With one final glance in his direction the wolf heads into the forest, soon disappearing amongst the thick undergrowth. Seokjin stands staring after him for quite some time, still a bit dazed by the entire encounter. 

When he finally snaps out of his reverie and trudges back across the river and toward home, he knows two things for certain. 

Firstly, wolves are still very much alive. 

And secondly, he can't let anyone in the village find out.

Chapter Text

All around the leaves are beginning to change, turning the world into a stunning palette of reds, oranges, and yellows. Despite the fact that fall means the harsh months of winter will soon be upon them, it's still Seokjin's favorite time of the year.    

He holds his hands over the top of the stone oven, the warmth of the fire inside helping to combat the chill in the air. He was one of the first to arrive but he still has a few loaves of bread left to finish despite being here since before sunrise. 

The perils of living with an alpha with a practically bottomless stomach, he thinks to himself as he smoothly slides out another perfectly browned loaf and replaces it with a fresh ball of dough. 

He doesn't mind spending his morning baking bread, but it would probably be more enjoyable if he had some friendly company to pass the time. Unfortunately the omegas gathered around the other ovens have made their opinion of Seokjin quite clear. They're deliberately faced away from him, clustered in a close circle that leaves absolutely no room for him to join. Seokjin is glad he got here as early as he did, otherwise they probably wouldn't have let him use the ovens at all. 

Seokjin isn't an omega, but because many of his chores happen to align with typical omega duties he's often in their company. It makes the pointed exclusion from the majority of them sting more than it should, though he's never said anything to Jungkook about it. Part of him desperately wants to, but another part doesn't want to trouble his mate with something like this. It shouldn't even bother Seokjin in the first place, right? Who cares what a bunch of jealous little ninnys think about him?

Seokjin repeats that to himself as he watches over the bread, but his ears can't help but pick up the conversation being had by the cluster of wolves nearby. 

"Now that the leaves are falling the first snow won't be far behind."

"I hope I can finish my new furs before the cold sets in, my nest is so bare right now. I'm worried about what my alpha will say when he gets back."

"You should be! Your alpha won't be pleased at all if he comes home to a poor nest!"

"That's right, it's one of our most important duties as omegas to make sure our alphas are warm and comfortable in their own dens."  

That makes Seokjin pause. He knows that omegas nest, but not much more than that. He didn't know it was something they did outside of their heats, and he certainly never realized it was important to their alphas as well. 

"An omega who doesn't please their alpha is practically worthless," one of the wolves says loudly to the others, throwing a pointed look over at Seokjin. "Just like a human." 

The words hit Seokjin like a slap to the face, and he hunches over the oven so that the others can't see the way his cheeks are flushing. They're just trying to get a rise out of him, that's all. He should let anything they say slide right off his back like water on a fish. 

But instead their words are stuck in his head like sap, his mind filling with uncertainty. Is Jungkook secretly unhappy with their home? Does he wish he had a proper nest from a proper omega instead of the jumbled mass of furs, blankets, and pillows that they usually sleep in? Has Seokjin been doing something wrong this whole time? Has he been failing his mate?

The smell of smoke grabs his attention, and he hurriedly pulls the charred loaf out of the oven. The blackened little thing is a perfect representation of Seokjin's mood, and he shoves it in his satchel with an aggravated sigh. Thankfully that one was the last of his bread for today, so doing his best to ignore the taunting looks from the omegas he gathers the rest of his things and scurries back home.

Jungkook is still out helping to build the new healer's cabin so their own is mercifully empty when Seokjin arrives and slams the door shut behind himself. He haphazardly throws the finished loaves on the table and then drifts over to their bed, observing it with a critical eye. 

It looks perfectly normal to him: several layers of thick, heavy furs at the bottom for cushioning, covered in handwoven blankets in various colors. Pillows lie scattered across them, and here and there Seokjin notices a few scraps of clothing tucked amongst the fabric, probably left there from when the two of them had been too lazy to put them away before going to sleep. 

It looks like a bed, but is it a nest? What is a nest even supposed to look like? He's never seen one before, let alone tried to make one. Wolves are highly protective of their dens, and no one outside of close kin is usually invited inside them. It's not like he can just go ask someone for help...

Or can he?

Seokjin stands nervously outside the Head Alpha's cabin, waging an internal war with himself as he fiddles with the charms of his bracelet. The crescent moon in particular has been subject to so much of his anxious rubbing over the years that its once rough wood is now almost perfectly smooth. 

Just do it, a voice inside him says.

But this is so embarrassing, argues another. 

You want to please our alpha, don't you?

His hand is halfway up to the door when without warning it opens to reveal Jimin on the other side, causing the human to leap back with an undignified yelp. 

"Seokjin-hyung!" the omega greets with enthusiasm. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"I-um," Seokjin stutters, heart still beating fast, "I was wondering if I could talk to you? About, uh, something private?"

"Sure! I was just going to pick some berries," Jimin says, holding up the large woven basket in his hands. "Would you like to join me?"

Seokjin nods, grateful that they'll be able to have this conversation away from prying eyes and ears. He doesn't say anything more as he follows the small wolf through the pack grounds and into the forest, watching with interest as Jimin pauses every so often to sniff the air before promptly changing their direction. They've passed at least three bushes loaded with berries but Jimin hasn't stopped at a single one. Finally Seokjin's curiosity gets the better of him.

"What are you doing?" 

"Trying to find the ripest ones," the omega explains, stopping to tilt his head up once more. "Namjoon has been awfully stressed lately with preparations for leaf-bare, so I'd like to make him some tarts. And only the tastiest berries will do for my alpha." 

“You’re going to make something by yourself?…Are you sure that’s a good idea?” Seokjin tries to ask delicately. Jimin may be many things, but one he certainly isn’t is a competent cook. Seokjin feels a phantom sense of nausea just remembering the past instances of tasting the omega’s attempts at preparing a meal. 

Jimin hesitates. “Well…maybe not. But Jin-hyung, you always say that the most important part of cooking is cooking with love, right? So as long as I do that I'm sure everything else will fall into place and be just fine!” 

He says the last part with determination, clenching his little hand into a fist, and it makes Seokjin chuckle. Jimin really is too cute sometimes, even if Seokjin will get a smack for ever saying so.

"Ah, you smiled!" Jimin chirps. "I was worried that frown was going to be etched into your face if it stayed there much longer. What's got you so down today?"

"It's a long story," Seokjin says, "but the main thing I wanted to ask you was...how do you make a nest?"

The omega doesn't respond for a few moments, merely blinking at the human with surprise. "A nest? What made you want to know that?"

"Like I said, it's a long story. But I've obviously never made one and I need to now and I don't know how and you're the only person I could think to ask, so-"

"Woah, woah, slow down!" Jimin stops in his tracks, crossing his arms and fixing Seokjin with a searching gaze. "I'm more than glad to tell you anything you want to know, but why are you suddenly so stressed about this?"

Seokjin doesn't respond, now quite interested in the tree roots underneath his feet, and he hears Jimin growl.

"What did those dung-for-brains say to you now?"

"Nothing."

"Don't lie to me." For someone whose head only reaches Seokjin's shoulder, the omega can certainly be intimidating. "Tell me who it was and what they said. I'll slap them so hard that they'll think twice about being rude to you."

But Seokjin shakes his head, finally meeting Jimin's eyes with pleading ones of his own. "No Jimin-ah, please, it's okay. You don't have to do that. Being accused of favoritism from the Head Alpha's mate will just make it worse."

"But what good am I as a leader if I let my own packmates treat you poorly?" Jimin argues. 

Seokjin shrugs. "They won't be like this forever. I'm still so new to the pack, and these things take time. If I keep ignoring them, they'll eventually get bored and move on."

Jimin still doesn't look convinced but he must be able to sense Seokjin's unwillingness to bend on this issue, because he merely sighs and starts walking again. 

"Fine. But please tell me you've at least let Jungkook know what's going on."

"Are you kidding? He'd have them all strung up by their tails before I'd even finished talking."

"All the more reason to do so," Jimin huffs, then turns serious again. "Part of being mates is sharing your burdens, you know. Kookie loves you more than anything, and he knows what a big sacrifice it was for you to leave your kind and come live with us. He wants you to be happy here." 

"I know," Seokjin agrees, rubbing his fingers absently against his moon charm and feeling the familiar warmth he has inside whenever he thinks about Jungkook. "And I want him to be happy too. That's why I want to learn how to make a proper nest. Will you teach me?"

Jimin pauses by another bush, plucking a plump dewberry and popping it into his mouth. He hums in approval before starting to pick the other bright red berries and tossing them into his basket. "Well, I can try. But it might be difficult for you to understand because your senses don't work exactly the same as wolves' do."

"That's true, but I still want to try," Seokjin affirms. "Even just knowing the basics will help me do a better job than I am now."

"I'm sure your den is perfectly wonderful as it is, but since you're so insistent..." The omega drops another handful of berries into the basket as Seokjin leans down to assist him. "The main thing to keep in mind when nesting is to go by instinct."

"Instinct?"

"Mhm. Listening to your inner wolf and what it wants, what it thinks will work best together and look and feel most pleasing."

"So I'm already at a major disadvantage." Without any inner wolf to speak of, it's going to be quite difficult for Seokjin to listen to it. 

"In a traditional sense, yes. But even as a human you must have similar instincts. What kind of colors and patterns make you feel relaxed and comfortable? Do you like things that are soft and smooth, or ones that have more texture? What placement of pillows looks the best? Just ask yourself these questions, and whatever answers you get are how you should make your nest."

"Okay, and how will I know if I made it wrong?"

"There's no such thing. Every nest is different, just like every wolf is different."

"But what if Jungkook doesn't like the way I do it?"

Jimin gives him a deadpan look that reminds Seokjin very much of Yoongi. "Hyung, that alpha worships the ground you walk on. You could ask him to bring you the moon and he'd be outside the next night making a rope to catch it with."

"Now you're just exaggerating."  

"I absolutely am not. But if you really want to make Jungkookie go crazy, put something of yours in the nest."

"Like clothes, you mean?"

"Exactly. Nothing alphas like more than having the scent of their mate around them." The omega's smile turns decidedly more devious. "Especially if it's something from an intimate area, if you know what I mean..."

"Jimin!" Seokjin squeaks, ears reddening. 

"What? I'm just telling the truth!"

Jungkook still isn't back when Seokjin gets home, for which the human breathes a sigh of relief. He wants to get started on following Jimin's advice, and he needs alone time to do it. 

Shucking off his outerclothes, he moves over to their sleeping area. Step one is a clean slate. He removes everything: the pillows, the blankets, the furs, the extra clothes, until nothing is left but the bare floor. Then he rushes to where the rest of their bedding is stored and pulls all of it out as well, throwing the pieces on top of the existing pile. Finally he plops down in the center of the now empty sleeping space, closing his eyes and trying to focus. He feels a bit stupid sitting here on the hard wood trying to will himself into a nesting state, but still he keeps at it nonetheless.

Jimin said to go with my instincts, he thinks. To pick things that feel right. But how do I know what feels right?

Tentatively he reaches over and strokes his hand across one of the deerskins. It feels fine, but not as soft as he would prefer. He moves it aside and tries another one. This one is much better, and he nods to himself as he sets it on the "good pile" before picking up the next.

As Seokjin works his way through the stacks of bedding, he finds himself falling into a rhythm, his speed at determining whether to keep or throw increasing steadily as he goes. 

Woolly, scratchy blanket- throw.

Sleek fox fur pelt, nice and soft- keep.

Lumpy pillow stuffed with itchy hay- throw.

The faded, worn blanket that Jungkook had given him as one of his first courting gifts- keep. 

All the random articles of his clothing inexplicably scattered around and tucked into the blankets-throw.

Okay, well, maybe this scarf can stay, he can't smell himself but Seokjin wears it a lot, so maybe Jungkook will like it- keep. 

Seokjin gets even more into the endeavor once he begins to place the items he's decided on. He had no idea he felt so strongly about the position of furs or the exact fluffiness of pillows until right at this moment, but he's thoroughly enjoying himself as he arranges and rearranges everything to his satisfaction. 

So absorbed is Seokjin in his task that he doesn't hear the door open, nor the padding footsteps behind him. 

"Watcha doin'?" 

The human practically springs into the air in shock, throwing the pillow in his hand on instinct at the source of the noise, who catches it easily with a grin.

"Sorry, didn't mean to scare you."

"I think you nearly gave me a heart attack," Seokjin huffs, clutching his chest as he sinks back down. 

"I thought you heard me come in. What are you up to?"

"Um..." Despite his prior fervor about it, Seokjin suddenly feels nervous about explaining himself. "I've been...I've been nesting."

"Nesting?" the alpha repeats, eyebrows raised.  

"I heard it was important...so I asked Jimin to teach me how."

"You asked Jimin to teach you?" Jungkook asks, his voice growing even more incredulous.

"Yeah, and this is the result," Seokjin motions to the bedding around him. "So, um, what do you think? Is it...pleasing to you?"

Jungkook looks lost for words, mouth hanging open as the alpha's eyes dart from the new nest to the human waiting anxiously in the middle of it. As the silence stretches on, Seokjin begins to panic, a series of increasingly frantic thoughts stacking on top of each other in his head.

Oh no, he hates it.

He thinks this was stupid.

This was stupid, why did I try to do this?

I'm not an omega, why did I think I could do this?

Idiot, idiot, id-

He's forcefully tugged from his spiral of despair as Jungkook sinks down onto the nest beside him and pulls Seokjin onto his lap, wrapping him up in a tight hug. 

"Hyung, calm down. I can feel you losing your mind right now."

"I'm not-"

"I wasn't speechless because I hate it. I was speechless because I was overcome by how much I love you, and what miracles I must have done in my past lives to deserve you as my mate."

"W-what?" Seokjin pulls back, staring into Jungkook's eyes and only seeing sincerity there. "But I haven't even done anything."

"You thought that because omegas make nests for their alphas that I was unhappy because you hadn't, right? And that you were somehow failing in your role as my mate?"

Seokjin can only give a small nod, taken aback at how easily the younger can read him. 

"Do you really think I care that you're not an omega, or that you don't do omega things? That I think I'm missing out on something because you're human?" Jungkook sighs fondly, pressing his forehead against Seokjin's. "Hyung, I love you because you're you. You don't have to try to change yourself to make me happy. I'm already happiest when I'm with you." 

"But-"

"If you want to make a nest, then make a nest. I happen to think this one is perfect. But don't do it just because you feel you have to live up to some ideal, okay?"

"Aish, when did you get so wise and mature?" Seokjin mutters, desperately wiping at the tears now running down his cheeks. "What happened to the little pup who used to follow me around?"

"He's still following you around, but now he's big and strong and would rather carry you instead," his alpha replies, peppering kisses all along Seokjin's face and making him giggle.

"Stop! You know I'm ticklish!"

Jungkook ignores his squeals, continuing to kiss Seokjin's neck as the human wriggles ineffectively, trying to escape his clutches. The most he manages to do is force Jungkook onto his back, effectively straddling him.

"Ooh, I like where this is going."

Seokjin slaps his chest. "Yah, get your mind out of the dirt!"

"Why?" Jungkook's voice is a low rumble. "If we're going to be making nests we should also break them in properly."

"I take back what I just said about you being mature."

"Oh come on hyung, you know I'm plenty mature," comes the teasing reply, accompanied by a deliberate roll of the hips. 

"What am I going to do with you?" the human groans melodramatically, though he fails to stop the smile spreading across his face or the heat now coursing through his veins.

"Put me in my place, I hope." His alpha gazes up at him with lidded eyes, tongue darting out to wet his lips. 

"Hmm," Seokjin hums, leaning down to cage him with his arms and feeling Jungkook shiver beneath him as he murmurs lowly in his ear. "Be careful what you wish for." 

Chapter Text

It's been a few days since Seokjin's unexpected act of heroism, and he hasn't been able to stop thinking about the black wolf since. Did he make it back to his pack safely? Is he healing from his injury? Did the other wolves notice the scent of a human on their side of the river?

Seokjin really hopes that last one isn't true. It was only after the wolf was long gone that he'd realized what a potentially massive mistake it had been to use something so obviously human-made to wrap the wound. It's impossible to explain away, and Seokjin can only imagine the bad scenarios that could occur if the wolves think that humans are trying to encroach on their territory. For his part he'd done his best to erase his presence on the wolf side by splashing the area with water and scuffing out his tracks, and he has to hope that's enough. 

As he goes about his usual routine working with his father and siblings on the farm and helping his mother to cook, Seokjin's not really sure why the wolf has been such a constant presence in his mind. It's not like he's ever going to see him again. The fact that they met at all was just a strange twist of fate, a completely random chance. And yet...

In his dreams Seokjin sees the wolf running, the moonlight glinting off his black fur as he pounds through the forest, wild and free. And when Seokjin wakes from those dreams he's always filled with a strange sense of longing, a pull deep within that beckons him out into the forest, back across the river. 

It's made him clumsy and distracted, and by the fifth time he's pulled out a carrot instead of a weed his father orders him away lest he accidentally destroy any more half-grown vegetables. 

Seokjin apologizes and hurries to drop his tools and scurry from the field. He doesn't head back home though. Instead he finds himself in the Wolfwood, stepping carefully over the same tree roots he had before as he retraces his steps to the river. He's barely even aware of what he's doing- it's almost like something other than himself is compelling him forward, making him move with single-minded focus until he reaches the border. 

But when he gets there he's greeted with nothing but bubbling water and the rustle of leaves on the trees on the other side. He's disappointed, but what did he really expect? For the wolf to be waiting for him, drawn by the same unexplainable call Seokjin had been? Of course not. This isn't an elder's tale. He's done nothing but waste his time coming all this way, and for what? 

But then, just as he's turning away to trudge back home, he hears it. The sound of branches snapping, followed by the crunch of leaves. Seokjin whips back around, eyes wide. Could it really be his wolf? 

But what steps out from the trees on the other side of the river isn't a wolf. It's a man.

Well, perhaps youth would be a more accurate term, because this round, soft face can't possibly belong to an adult. He looks a few years younger than Seokjin and still very much in the midst of growing into his long limbs. His black hair is loose and messy, falling in waves across his shoulders, and his feet are bare and stained with dirt. He's wearing loose pants stitched out of some kind of hide, and an upper covering made of thick fur that looks awfully like the skin of a bear. A brown bear, in fact.  

Wait, does that mean that this boy could be...?

For a moment the two stare at each other. The expression on the mysterious boy's face is confusing to Seokjin- a mix of excitement and nervousness, as though he desperately wants to speak but is holding himself back for some reason. Seokjin decides it's up to him to break the silence. 

"You're the wolf I met before, aren't you?"

The boy nods eagerly, but still says nothing. Seokjin sighs in relief.

"So you made it home safely after all." He moves a little closer. "I'm so glad, I was really worried. How's your leg?"

In lieu of a response, the wolf lifts up the fabric covering it. Seokjin gapes- forget a gash or a wound, there's not even a trace of a cut at all!

Completely forgetting all rules of staying on his side of the river, Seokjin dashes across to get a better look. The wolf doesn't move as the human approaches, merely watching him with huge, dark eyes as Seokjin drops to his knees in front of him and inspects his leg.

"This is crazy. That thing had gotten you so good you could almost see bone! There's no way it could have closed this fast, and so cleanly!" He looks up at the young man with suspicion. "Is this some sort of wolfy super healing?" 

The boy nods, causing his long hair to fall in front of his face. 

"You gotta be kidding me. So not only can you turn into a wolf and have senses ten times better than mine, but you also get to recover from major injuries like they're nothing? That is so unfair. Being a human sucks, I want a redo!" He shakes his fist to the sky melodramatically. 

The sound of giggling tears Seokjin from his impassioned tirade, and he sees that the wolf is bent over with laughter, his eyes crinkled into tiny slits. It makes him somehow look even softer and cuter than he already does, and Seokjin feels a sudden fondness.

"So you think I'm pretty funny, eh?"

"You are funny," the wolf says, the first words he's spoken. His voice is high and slightly creaky, further confirming Seokjin's theory that this boy is still quite young.

"No, I'm Seokjin, don't you remember?" He's teasing, but the wolf looks up at him with a serious expression.

"I do. You saved my life, and I'll never forget your kindness and bravery as long as I live."

Seokjin feels slightly embarrassed by the pure earnestness in the younger's eyes. "Ah, well, I mean, it wasn't that impressive-"

"That bear would have torn me apart if it wasn't for you. But you scared it off, all by yourself!" The young wolf's fists are clenched as he practically hops up and down with excitement. "It was amazing! You were nothing like any humans I've heard of before."

"What are we supposed to be like?" Seokjin asks curiously. 

"The teachers and elders say that humans are as weak as worms and cowardly as vultures, and that they use their devious ways and toxic tools to make up for the strength and wisdom that they lack. They use schemes and tricks and never fight fair, and they scorn the blessings and guidance of the moon and worship the sun instead." He stops, looking at Seokjin with confusion. "But you helped me instead of hurting me, so you must be different from other humans." 

"Well I'm not going to say that there aren't any humans that match the description you gave," Seokjin concedes. "But there are a lot who aren't like that either."

It's clear that both sides have some very entrenched prejudices toward each other, and hearing this wolf's description of humans makes Seokjin even surer that the tales he's heard about wolves all his life must be just as skewed. 

"Really? You mean there are more like you, Human Seokjin?"

"I like to think so. And you can just call me hyung, it's fine." If taking on a bear together didn't make you close, Seokjin isn't sure what does. 

"H-yUNG?" the boy repeats, looking confused. 

"Yeah. Do wolves not use that term?"

"No. What does it mean?"

Seokjin thinks for a moment. "Well...specifically it means older brother. But you can use it with any older man you're close to. It's like a respect thing, but also a familiarity one too, you get?" Why is it so oddly hard to explain this? Seokjin's never really had to think about it before. 

"A man? What's-oh, I see." The wolf nods. "Because you don't have alphas or betas or omegas."

"Um, no. I don't think so. What are those?"

The wolf shakes his head. "Not what, who. Everyone is one of them. Well, every wolf."

Huh. Interesting. "And which are you?" 

"An alpha," the boy says proudly, chest puffed, and Seokjin guesses being one must be a good thing. "But not officially, since I haven't presented yet."

Their version of adulthood, perhaps? "And when will that happen?"

The wolf deflates. "I don't know. Soon, I hope. I'm sick of being stuck in training with pups. I want to be a hunter like Namjoon."

"Who's he?"

"Only the greatest hunter in the whole pack!" the wolf explains, voice full of hero-worship. "He's big and strong but also super smart too. He was the one who killed the bear you saved me from. When I told him it attacked me, he set out and took it down that very night."

"All by himself?" Seokjin marvels. 

"Yeah, cuz he's the best!" the wolf agrees, stroking the bearskin around his shoulders. Then he frowns. "But these days he's always so busy because he's apprenticed to Head Alpha, and when he's not busy he's spending time with Jimin." 

The petulant tone of the wolf's voice makes Seokjin raise a brow. "Jimin?" 

"My brother," the boy grumbles. "He's always hanging around Namjoon, bringing him salves after hunts and giving him his terrible cooking. The stew he made last time was so bad I thought it was going to stink up our den for a whole moon, but Namjoon is so kind that he ate it anyway." He makes a face as though biting into something sour. "They're probably gonna be mates someday." 

"Mates?"

"Yeah, they'll come together under the moon's blessing and then live in their own den and have their own pups. Don't humans do that?"

"Yeah, but we don't call it mating."

"What do you call it?"

"Marriage. We call it getting married."

"MARR-iage. Are you married, Hyung Seokjin?"

"Seokjin-hyung," the human corrects. "And no, definitely not."

The wolf tilts his head. "Why? Is there no one who wants to marry you, Seokjin-hyung?"

"Yah, why is that your first assumption? I'm extremely handsome and talented, I'll have you know! There are plenty of people who want me, probably!" 

The wolf giggles again. "Mhm."

Seokjin huffs, but he can't be truly annoyed when this wolf is watching him with such a sweet face. 

"Hey, before I forget...No one knows we met each other, right? They didn't see the cloth I gave you, did they?"

"Nope."

Seokjin breathes a sigh of relief. "Thank goodness. What did you do with it?" 

"I, uh, got rid of it," the wolf replies, though he doesn't meet Seokjin's eyes. "No one will find it, don't worry. Anyway, that reminds me! I have something for you."

"You do?" Seokjin says with surprise. What could a wolf possibly want to give to a human?

The wolf's expression turns shy as he pulls something out of his pocket and holds it out. Seokjin takes it, peering curiously at the small wooden carving in the shape of a crescent moon. It's clearly been done by an inexperienced hand- the shape is uneven and there's a few noticeable nicks and scratches where the carver clearly lost their grip on their knife. 

"It's a protection charm," the wolf explains, looking nervous. "To keep you safe, and to thank you for keeping me safe. I made it myself so it's not very good, but-"

"It's lovely, thank you. I'll treasure it." Seokjin smiles, and the wolf's cheeks turn pink.

"Ah, um, you're welcome." 

After hearing all the bloody stories about them Seokjin never thought he'd one day describe a wolf as adorable, but there's really no word that fits better for the one in front of him. But as he's opening his mouth to tell him so, he suddenly realizes how dark it's gotten. The sun is halfway buried in the horizon, and if he doesn't leave now, he won't make it back to his home until well after nightfall. 

"Shit, I lost track of time- I've gotta go."

"What? Already?" The young man's expression crumples into a disappointed moue. "But I like talking to a human, it's fun."  

"And I like talking to a wolf." Seokjin pauses, wondering if what he wants to ask is even possible, let alone feasible. "Maybe we could...meet again?"

"Really?" The wolf instantly perks up. "Yes! When?"

"When do you think you can come back here?"

"Anytime, any day, it doesn't matter," the younger replies eagerly.

"Well I don't think I can get away quite that often, but how about next Sunsday? I won't have to help on the farm then."

The wolf nods. "Sure!...What's a farm?"

"I'll tell you next time we meet."

"Okay!" With an excited hop, the wolf heads back toward the tree line. He's just about to enter it when Seokjin remembers something important.

"Wait! You never told me your name!" 

The boy turns around with a smile that glows just like the sunset behind him.

"I'm Jungkook! Don't forget it!"

As the wolf vanishes into the trees, Seokjin shakes his head, chuckling. 

"I don't think you have to worry about that."

Chapter Text

"You're close to your rut, aren't you?" Seokjin asks one morning as he stirs the contents of his cooking pot. He's trying a new recipe for stew today, and if the delicious aroma now filling the air is any indication he thinks it's turning out wonderfully. 

From his current location latched onto Seokjin's back, his mate momentarily pauses his aggressive scenting to look at him curiously. "How can you tell?"

“Well let’s see…” Seokjin begins to count on his fingers. “You've barely let go of me in the past two days, and every time you're forced to you have an expression like I'm going to be snatched away if you aren't watching my every move. You've been scenting my things so aggressively that every wolf from here to the sea can probably smell you on me. And finally you've given everyone we've met, talked to, or even just walked past a glare that promises you're about to rip their head off if they stay near me longer than ten seconds."

Jungkook doesn't bother to deny any of these actions. If anything, he looks pleased that Seokjin has noticed them. "I do all that even when I'm not in pre-rut."

Seokjin sighs, moving with some difficulty due to the giant lunk of alpha still attached to him over to his stores of herbs and pulling some out to add to the pot. "You alphas and your absurd possessiveness." 

"It's not absurd at all!" Jungkook argues, his grip somehow tightening even further. "If you could smell some of those knotheads when you walk by-"

"Believe me, I'm thoroughly glad that I can't." Jungkook has tried to explain it to him before, the way each wolf has a scent that's uniquely their own, and how it changes depending on their emotions and feelings. It's something that wolves take for granted as just another form of communication, but to Seokjin it seems like an encumbrance he's more than happy to live without. 

"They need to be reminded that you're mine so they don't get any stupid ideas," his mate growls, nosing against Seokjin's neck before grabbing his free hand and rubbing against his wrist as well. 

"Alright, well I'm sure by now I'm positively reeking of you, so let go of me so we can eat breakfast before it gets cold."

It's a testament to the power of Seokjin's cooking that Jungkook obeys, detaching himself from the elder and plopping down at the table. Seokjin doles out two steaming bowls of stew, making sure that the one for Jungkook is full of meat. The wolf will need all the protein he can get before he expends all his energy in his rut. Hopefully Jungkook can rein in his overprotective instincts long enough for Seokjin to finish everything else he needs to get done first. 

But perhaps that's a hopeless wish, because as soon as Seokjin sets the food down and goes to take his place across from Jungkook the alpha grabs his arm and tugs him so that the human is sitting on his lap instead.

"I believe I said it was time to eat," Seokjin reminds pointedly.

His mate has the nerve to look innocent even as he rubs his big hands up and down Seokjin's sides while making no move to take his bowl. "Right, and that's what we're about to do."

"And how exactly do you expect to if you've got me here in your way?" the human chides.

"Hyung can feed me." This reply is accompanied by a pair of wide, pleading eyes that shouldn't be possible coming from someone normally so tough looking. 

Seokjin purses his lips, glaring at the wolf beneath him who merely continues to beg. Damn him, and damn Seokjin for being a weak, weak man.

"Oh fine. Shut up and open your mouth."

"I think those statements cancel each other out," Jungkook replies with a supremely self-satisfied grin. It's promptly knocked off his face as Seokjin aggressively shoves a spoonful of stew at him.

"You know I was having such a nice, peaceful time when you were out on the hunt," he rants, pushing another scoop toward the alpha. "I don't know why I put up with this."

"Thss nt trew, yew lerve me," comes the garbled reply from the wolf, his cheeks bursting with stew. He swallows. "Mmm, this is delicious."

"I added beetroot this time," Seokjin explains, the familiar excitement that always comes when he talks about food overriding his annoyance at his clingy mate. "I thought it would give a nice earthy flavor to balance the gameyness of the venison. Of course too much and it would taste more like dirt instead, so I threw in some lemongrass too, and-what?" He stops talking as he notices the way Jungkook is looking at him with a dopey smile.

"Nothing, I just love how you get when you're passionate about something," he says with complete sincerity, and Seokjin can practically see the hearts in his eyes. "I could listen to you talk all day." 

"Just hurry up and eat," he snaps, ears reddening. "If you're going to be in rut soon, I've got errands I need to finish first."

"Where are we going?" Jungkook asks, accepting another spoonful.

"We?"

"Obviously I'm coming with you."

"Don't you have your own work to do?" Despite his official role as lead hunter, Jungkook was often asked to help with other projects around the pack when he was home. He'd been tasked with everything from chopping trees and building cabins to helping reroute the stream or replanting berry bushes. No matter the task the alpha did it well and with enthusiasm, and it's yet another reason for his popularity amongst the pack.

"Nah, finished the last of the clearing last night, and they're not starting the new addition to the meeting cabin yet. So I'm all yours." He waggles his eyebrows suggestively. 

Seokjin rolls his eyes as he scrapes more of the stew from the bowl. "Only if you promise not to snarl at every wolf that comes within ten lengths of me." 

"I promise." 

"Good. And just so you know, I'm going to visit Taehyung today."

"I take back that promise." 

"Jungkook!" The human glares at the wolf, who has the audacity to act surprised.

"What? He's always flirting with you!"

"He is not, you're delusional."

"He is! He always saves the best vegetables for you-"

"-which is something you benefit from, so why are you complaining-"

"and hangs around you telling those terrible jokes and trying to butter you up-"

"-just because you have no sense of humor-"

"-and if you could smell him when you walk by, you'd understand exactly why I think he's such a-"

"Aish," Seokjin sets down the bowl and spoon, taking his mate's head in his hands. "Even if that is all true, it doesn't matter. I'm yours and yours only you jealous alpha. How many times do I have to tell you?"

"At least ten times a day would be a good start," Jungkook replies with utter seriousness. Seokjin sighs before dropping a soft kiss on his forehead.

"You're silly."

"I know," says the alpha with a kiss of his own. "That's why you love me."

To Seokjin's relief, despite his claims Jungkook is mostly restrained in his demonstrations of alpha possessiveness as he accompanies Seokjin on his rounds. Sure, he doesn't let go of the human's hand the entire time. And okay, maybe he sends a few withering glares at the beta tailor helping Seokjin pick out a new set of pelts or the alpha butcher who leans a little too close to Seokjin when handing over his cuts of meat, but otherwise he's perfectly civil.

When they pass through the entryway into the healer's cabin, Seokjin sees Jungkook's nose wrinkle, extra sensitive right now to the myriad aromas of the herbs and tonics. They take up almost every inch of the roomy space, hanging from the rafters to dry, spread across pelts on the floor to be sorted, or arranged in clay pots lined meticulously on the narrow shelves.

"Ugh, it hurts my nose in here," the alpha complains. "This place stinks."

"I could say the same thing about you," comes the sardonic voice of the beta in the middle of the room, his eyes focused on the mortar and pestle he's currently using to crush some berries. "You smell even worse than usual."

"I do not!" Jungkook whines, looking affronted. "My scent is perfectly wonderful!" 

"You're lucky you don't have a wolf's nose, your mate absolutely reeks of pre-rut," the healer says to Seokjin. "I'm assuming that's why you're here?"

"Yep. Wanted to get everything prepared before I'm trapped with a clingy, horny monster for three days."

"Isn't that what every day is already like for you since you mated this little brat?" Ignoring Jungkook's indignant growl, the black-haired beta finally looks up at the pair with a grin.

Even after knowing him for so long, Yoongi's eyes always take Seokjin by surprise. They're completely white, a unique coloration that marks the beta as a moonseer, supposedly chosen by the gods themselves as one of their earthly vessels. Every pack had at least one, trained from the moment of their birth to read the stars, divine their messages, and serve as an important advisor to the pack leader.

That description conjures up pictures of tranquil sages in pristine robes gently meditating and calmly sharing wisdom, but Yoongi couldn't be farther removed from that presumption. The beta may be small but his tongue is razor sharp and no one, not even the Head Alpha, is safe from it. It never fails to amuse Seokjin seeing even the toughest alphas cowering in fear in the face of Yoongi's aura.

"Jungkook, out," the beta commands curtly, jerking his head toward the door. 

"What? Why?"

"I want to talk to Seokjin about rut preparations. This doesn't concern you."

"But it's my mate and my rut, so why can't I-"

"Now," Yoongi growls, and even the strongest alpha in the pack knows not to argue any further. With a final nuzzle against Seokjin's neck, Jungkook quickly disappears out of the cabin, tail between his legs. 

Yoongi puts aside his work and stands up, moving over to the assortment of tinctures and medicines near the window. "Let's see...you didn't have any complications with the foxroot I gave you last time?"

"Nope, worked like a charm. No rashes or irritation."

"Good. I'll give you some more whiteherb as well to help with the soreness." 

Seokjin watches with interest as the healer plucks the correct herbs out from their jars, measuring them carefully before pouring them into a small satchel. When Yoongi finally turns around with the finished product in hand, his milky eyes study the human carefully. 

"I know we've had this conversation before, but I would be remiss in my duties as healer if I didn't bring it up. You don't have to help Jungkook with his rut. Alphas always act like it's the end of the world, but he won't die if he doesn't get somewhere to stick his knot. You could have him go to a rut cabin, or you can stay here with Hobi and I until his cycle is over."

Seokjin appreciates the beta's concern, truly, but still he shakes his head. "It means a lot to me that you're looking out for my well-being, but-“

"Not just your well-being, but your safety too,” Yoongi interrupts. “Alphas in rut can forget their own strength, and considering your body isn't exactly built for what's meant to happen..." 

"Yes, what's meant to happen," Seokjin says lightly. "But that's not really a concern with us, you see."

Yoongi quirks his brow in confusion. "Meaning..."

"Well, he'll be quite embarrassed if he ever finds out I told you this, but..." Seokjin leans in close, a twinkle in his eye. "He's not the one doing the sticking, if you know what I mean."

"Wait..." Yoongi's eyes widen. "Then the herbs I've been giving you..."

"Aren't for me," the human replies with a wicked smirk on his face. 

Understanding flashes across the beta’s face and Yoongi hunches over, his breathy laugh filling the room.  

"So that's how it is, eh?" he says, still cackling. "You sly fox. Guess I don't have to worry about you anymore then."

"What are you two laughing about in there?" comes Jungkook's loud whine from outside. "Are you making fun of me?" 

"No," Seokjin shouts back at the same time Yoongi yells "Of course we are."

"Hyungs!!"

"Better attend to your alpha before he goes feral," Yoongi jokes, handing Seokjin the satchel of herbs. 

"Thanks Yoongi-yah. See you in a few days."

"Have fun you two!" the beta calls after them as Seokjin exits the cabin and is immediately set upon by his anxious alpha. "Don't rough Kook up too bad!"

"What does he mean by that?" Jungkook looks at Seokjin with a pout. "What did you guys talk about?" 

Seokjin chuckles, pulling him along as he heads down the path. "Oh nothing. Come on, we've still got to see Tae."

Jungkook moans. "This day is just going from bad to worse." 

The closer they get to Taehyung, the deeper the frown on Jungkook's face becomes, and by the time the cabin is in sight it's become a quite terrifying scowl. Seokjin makes his way around to the fields behind it, where he's greeted with the familiar sight of the brown-haired alpha whistling a cheery tune as he plucks vegetables.

"Looks like a good harvest this year!" he calls to him, and Taehyung looks up from his produce with a boxy smile.

"Jinnie-hyung!! Long time no see!"

"Jinnie-hyung?" comes Jungkook's acidic growl from behind, but Seokjin pointedly ignores him and skips over to the younger alpha.

"I know, I've been meaning to stop by and see how things were going, but life got awfully busy and I didn't have time. I'm sorry."

"Hey, it's no big deal. I'm just happy you're here so I can give you some of these veggies while they're fresh! And hello to you as well Jungkookie!" Taehyung chirps, giving the other alpha a cheery smile that is definitely not returned.

Jungkook doesn't reply at all until Seokjin elbows him hard in the ribs, upon which he finally musters a stilted “Hello, Alpha Taehyung."

"Ah, please, how many times do we have to go through this? You can call me hyung! I think Jin-hyung's human phrases are so much cuter than ours, don't you?"

Jungkook merely grumbles under his breath, though Taehyung doesn't seem to mind. The alpha has always been an oddball amongst the pack, which is probably why he and Seokjin get along so well. He's extremely put off by the sight of blood and abhors violence, and so was completely unsuited to typical alpha roles like hunter or warrior. Instead Taehyung had taken to performing odd jobs around the pack until Seokjin's arrival had introduced him to the idea of agriculture, something he'd taken to with intense enthusiasm.

Like with most human practices, the wolves of the pack had looked at his new occupation with a range of scorn and dismissal, but none of them could deny the results when Taehyung had succeeded in growing his first crops and been able to provide the pack with a steady stream of produce ever since. Seokjin views the alpha's success with no small amount of personal pride, thrilled to have been able to share the wisdom and experience passed down in his family and have someone equally excited to talk about things like propagation and crop rotation.

"What are you picking today, Taehyung-ah?"

"Cabbage and wolf peaches. Here, try one. I think they're extra plump this time around thanks to your idea about the soil."

Seokjin accepts the proffered red fruit and takes a large bite, moaning in pleasure as its juices run down his chin.

"Good right?"

"Scrumptious," the human agrees. "I think mixing in that pea straw mulch definitely made a difference."

"Yes! And your advice about the watering helped a lot too!" Taehyung plucks another from the vine and offers it to Jungkook. "Here, Jungkook-ah, try one."

Jungkook looks momentarily torn between reluctance toward accepting something from his (in his mind at least) rival and his ever-present appetite. Appetite must win this particular battle because he snatches the wolf peach from Taehyung's hand and eats half of it in one bite.

"Is it not to your taste?" Taehyung asks him, looking surprised at the other alpha's angry expression.

"No, that grumpy face actually means he really likes it," Seokjin explains. "When Jungkook eats something delicious he always looks like he's about to kill someone."

"Wow. Well I'm glad you're enjoying it!" Taehyung beams. Jungkook merely grunts and finishes the fruit before reaching over and snatching the rest of Seokjin's too.

"Sorry, he's extra cranky today because he's in pre-rut," Seokjin tells Taehyung with an apologetic look. Taehyung nods with understanding.

"Say no more, I totally get it. Guess this means I won't be seeing you for a while though, huh?"

Seokjin feels guilty; Taehyung may be a strong and capable alpha (especially now that he's become quite broad and strapping from all the hard farmwork) but harvesting all these crops by himself is going to be quite a challenge.

"I'm sorry, Taehyung-ah. I really wanted to join you. But I promise as soon as we can Jungkook and I will be here to help."

"You will?" Taehyung says, eyes lighting up.

"We will?" Jungkook echoes, looking at his mate with disbelief.

"Yep," Seokjin asserts confidently, sending his alpha a glare that brooks no argument.

"That's wonderful, thank you so much! Here, let me give you some of what I've already picked to take with you now." 

Taehyung scurries away toward his den to grab an empty basket then hurries back, picking the choicest veggies to fill it with. Once it's practically bursting he passes it over to Seokjin, who takes it with a surprised huff.

"Are you sure it's okay for us to have this much?"

"Of course! Jungkookie will need all the nutrients he can get during his rut, and you have to stay healthy too hyung! Besides, none of these would even be here in the first place without your help!"

"Nah, I'm just an advisor. Really it's because of you, Taehyung," Seokjin tells him. "You're the one who's been doing all the hard work."

The alpha's cheeks look a bit red now. "Oh hyung, you're too kind. You better get going now so you can get home before sunset."

"Right." How did it get so late so quickly? "Thanks for everything, Tae."

"Bye-bye!" Taehyung waves cheerfully as they head off. "Can't wait to see you soon!"

"See? That was a perfectly lovely visit," Seokjin says as he and Jungkook reach their cabin, exhaling in relief as soon as they get inside and he can finally drop all the baskets and bags he's been carrying. "You had nothing to be worried about."

"Why did you volunteer me to help?" Jungkook asks, still looking sulky as he places down his own things.

"Because you're strong and good at physical labor, and it'll hopefully be an opportunity for you to get over this ridiculous one-sided rivalry you have with Taehyung."

His mate starts to protest, but Seokjin continues.

"I know you two could get along if you just gave him a chance. Tae really wants to be your friend."

"He...he does?" Jungkook frowns, looking at him with confusion.

The human nods. "Yeah. He really admires you, you know. Thinks you're great, that you're everything an alpha should be, and wishes he could be more like you."

"I, that's-" the alpha's cheeks are turning pink now. "What he does is important too."

"It is," Seokjin agrees. "But I think it would be nice if he had a few more friends to help him with it."

Jungkook sighs heavily. "...Alright, fine. You're probably right. But can we stop talking about him until after my rut? My wolf is going crazy hearing you be so fond of another alpha."

"Hmm, does someone need a little reminder that there's only one wolf I'm crazy about?" the human teases. He can see his alpha's eyes already starting to glimmer with the first hints of gold, and knows soon Jungkook will be completely consumed by his rut instincts.

"Yes, preferably one that ends with us both naked and fucked out in the lovely nest my mate made for me. What do you think of that?"  

"Sounds perfect," Seokjin hums, eyes half-lidded as he runs a long finger down Jungkook's chest. "Show me what you can do, alpha."

Chapter Text

As excited as he had seemed to meet again, as Seokjin makes his way back to the familiar part of the river on Sunsday there's still a part of him that doesn't expect the wolf to really show up. No, not wolf, he had a name- Jungkook. A name and a personality and a smile that Seokjin couldn't seem to get out of his head no matter what else he did during the week or how many times his father berated him for spacing out when he was supposed to be working. 

And now he's on his way to see it again. Hopefully. The whole concept still seems totally unbelievable- from thinking of wolves as almost mythical beings to now meeting up with one as though they were old friends.

What has my life become? Seokjin thinks to himself, ducking under the low hanging branches of the surrounding trees. I really am becoming a character in an elder's tale. 

The Boy and the Wolf, they'd call it. A heartwarming tale of friendship across boundaries and species. Or maybe if Jungkook doesn't come, The Fool Who Hiked Over an Hour For Nothing. Yeah, that would be more Seokjin's luck. 

But it seems his fears are unfounded, because as soon as the human emerges from the thick brush on his side of the river he hears an excited voice calling his name. 

"Seokjin-hyung!! Over here!"

The sound is coming from close by, and when Seokjin turns he sees that Jungkook is waiting down by the waterline on the human side of the river. It's the first time the wolf has crossed over, and Seokjin notes that the wolf's coverings are curiously dry even though the water is rather high today.

"I'm so glad you're here!" Jungkook beams, springing up from his sitting position as Seokjin winds his way down to him. 

"Me too. Honestly I was a little worried that you wouldn't be."

The wolf frowns. "Why would you think that?”

"I dunno. Maybe you'd be busy, or you'd change your mind."

"Are you kidding? Meeting with you is the most exciting thing that's ever happened to me! I wouldn't miss this even if Head Alpha threatened to pluck my tail!"

Seokjin doesn't know what any of that means, but the passion with which it's said tells him everything he needs to know about Jungkook's sincerity.   

"Well I hope I live up to your expectations. How long have you been waiting, anyway?"

Jungkook shrugs. "Just a couple hours. I was so excited that I couldn't sleep, so I left as soon as it was sunrise."

Seokjin's eyes widen. Well, that explains the dry clothes. "That was hours ago. Haven't you been bored sitting here?"

"Nope! I've been practicing." The young wolf holds up a small whittling knife and a hunk of wood that's been carved into some sort of lumpy shape. Seokjin steps closer to get a better look. 

"What is it?"

"You can't tell?" Jungkook asks with anticipation. 

"Um..." Seokjin peers at the wood. "Looks like a...deer?"

The wolf's giddy grin transforms into a pout. "It's supposed to be a human." 

"Aren't these antlers?" Seokjin says, gesturing at two large points on either side of the lump.

"They're your arms!" 

"Right, of course," the human agrees instantly, stifling a laugh at the wolf's indignant tone. 

"Forget it," Jungkook huffs, stuffing both the wood and his knife into his small pouch. "You promised you'd tell me what a farm is."

"You've been waiting all this time for that?" Seokjin chuckles. "It's probably going to be a disappointing reveal. A farm is just a place where we grow food."

"What kind of food?" 

"Vegetables and fruits. Rice, beans, cabbage, stuff like that." He looks with interest at the younger's completely nonplussed expression. "Do wolves really not grow crops?"

Jungkook shakes his head. "The omegas have a little field of grain they tend to make bread, and sometimes they or the betas will go pick berries or mushrooms or other things they can forage, but we mainly only eat meat." 

"And it's all from things that you hunt? You don't raise sheep or pigs?"

"No."

"But your clothes and supplies-"

"We get those from things we've hunted too."

Seokjin is silent for a moment as he absorbs this information. "How many wolves are there in your pack?"

"Hmm...well, there were quite a few litters born last spring, so let's see..." the wolf purses his lips, counting on his fingers. "Probably about eighty?" 

"Wow." Seokjin can't help but be impressed. 

"What do humans do? Do you grow clothes out of the ground too? On your farms?" 

"We don't grow the clothes themselves, but we do grow things that are made into clothes," Seokjin replies casually, frowning when Jungkook's mouth falls open in shock. "What?"

"You're lying."

"I'm really not. You see what I'm wearing now?" He holds up his arm. "It's made from something called ramie."

Still looking skeptical, Jungkook reaches forward and runs his hand along Seokjin's sleeve. "It's so smooth and soft...You're really saying this used to be a plant?" 

"Yes. But it's been through a lot since it got plucked out of the ground to make it into something like this." 

"The color is so pretty..." Jungkook marvels, before suddenly bending down and burying his nose in the fabric and taking a long inhale.

"Hey!" Seokjin squeaks in surprise. "What are you doing?"

"You smell so nice, hyung," the wolf replies, taking another sniff before finally releasing Seokjin's arm.  

"I-uh, thank you?" 

"Do you not think so?"

"I can't say I've ever really thought about it at all unless I was covered in mud or sweaty or something," Seokjin says honestly, pausing at the flabbergasted look on Jungkook's face. "What?"

"So are human noses are just for show then? They don't really work?"

"I can smell, I just can't smell myself. Or at least not the way you can, apparently." 

Jungkook shakes his head. "Humans are so strange."

"Well what do I smell like according to your superior wolfy nose?" 

“Like freshly baked bread...mmm,” the wolf says, scooching closer to pull Seokjin's arm up once again and breathe in deeply, apparently completely unaware of the idea of respecting personal space. For some reason though, Seokjin doesn't really mind.

"Not exactly what I was expecting, but I guess I can't complain. Is that a common scent?"

"I've never met anyone with it before," the wolf says, still holding onto him with the cheerful smile. "Guess that makes you even more special."

At the end of their day together Seokjin and Jungkook agree to come back to the river the following Sunsday. When they do they have such a good time that they decide to return the one after, and then the one after that. In no time at all their meetings have become a regular occurrence, a steady constant that Seokjin finds himself looking forward to more and more at the end of every long week. Hearing firsthand accounts of what life is like in a wolf pack would be a big enough draw in itself, but it's not the real reason the human waits for Sunsday with such zeal. In truth it's the thought of seeing Jungkook again that puts a spring in his step. Every time he catches his first glimpse of the wolf waiting for him by the riverside (always there before Seokjin no matter how early the human arrives) he can't help but break into a smile just as wide as the one he's greeted with. 

He wouldn't miss this for the world, but coming together so frequently has put some concerns in Seokjin's mind too- ones he voices to the wolf the next time they're together. It's a perfect summer's day- the heat of the sun tempered by the trees above and the cool feel of the water on their feet as they sit skipping stones. They've been having an unofficial competition of sorts to see who can get their rock the farthest, and so far Seokjin has been losing spectacularly. His current attempt is no better- no sooner has he tossed the stone than it disappears beneath the stream with a loud plunk!

"Are you sure it's okay for you to be with me all the time? Aren't your mother and father wondering where you are?" 

Seokjin's own family has certainly been viewing his disappearances with increasing suspicion. His excuses about liking to take walks or wanting to get fresh air are holding up less and less when he both refuses to say where he's going and also vehemently denies anyone from accompanying him. Maybe he should try to pick some herbs on the way back and use that as an alibi...

"Mother?" Jungkook cocks his head, confused. "Father? What are those?"

Seokjin gives him a sidelong look as he tosses another stone that sinks pathetically after only one skip. "Your parents? The ones who gave birth to you and raised you?"

"Oh! You mean my sire and dam. They died many moons ago." The words are said without any real emotion and Jungkook doesn't seem particularly affected, but Seokjin's heart lurches all the same. He places down the stone he'd been about to throw and puts his hand over the wolf's. 

"I'm sorry to hear that."

"It's okay," Jungkook assures him with a small smile, turning his palm to lace their fingers together. "I was really young when it happened, so I don't remember them too much. My brother raised me, and Namjoon and Yoongi too, so I've never been alone. They've always looked out for me."

"I'm glad," the human says, and he means it. There's something about Jungkook that just makes Seokjin want to keep him safe and protected despite the fact that he can literally turn into a wolf. Maybe it was the circumstances of how they first met, or maybe it's just that everything about Jungkook is just ridiculously endearing- from his big starry eyes and round cheeks to the way he gets adorably competitive about the most ridiculous things like who can blow the most seeds off a dandelion or find the slimiest toad.  

"Seokjin-hyung, would they be my hyungs also?" the younger's voice interrupts the human's musings. 

He nods. "Yes, definitely."

"Namjoon-hyung, Yoongi-hyung, Jimin-hyung," Jungkook says slowly, testing out the words. "Hyung, hy-UNG, hyuuuung. It sounds funny when you say it a lot." 

"How do wolves usually refer to others?" Seokjin asks. "Do you have your own terms?"

Jungkook picks up another stone and throws it with a practiced flick of the wrist. It skips almost to the other side of the river before finally sinking. "Everyone gets called by their status- Alpha, Beta, or Omega. So Alpha Namjoon, or Beta Yoongi. Like that."

"Hmm...then should I be calling you Alpha Jungkook?"

"No, because I haven't presented yet." The wolf grimaces. "And even if I had, I wouldn't want you to. It sounds so...formal."

"Makes sense. So what do your friends call you, then?"

"Kook, usually." His brow furrows. "Or Koo, when they're teasing me." 

"What's wrong with Koo?" 

"It's too cute," Jungkook replies with annoyance, skipping another stone. "Makes me sound like I'm still a little pup."

"You are a pup though. Isn't that what you just said?"

"Barely! I'll be presenting any day now, just you wait! See how big my muscles are getting already?"

The young wolf drops the rock he was holding and shoves his arm in front of Seokjin's eyes. In his opinion it looks just the same as before, maybe with the slightest hint of new definition, but he chooses to keep that to himself in the face of the proud confidence Jungkook exudes. 

"You've got a long way to go until you match these." He says instead, flexing his own arm and immediately wincing as he pulls a muscle.

"Until I'm an old man like you, you mean?" Jungkook teases, his eyes glittering with mirth. 

"Yah! I'm in the prime of my life, you brat!" Seokjin squawks, smacking him lightly. Jungkook merely giggles harder, leaning his head on the elder's shoulder. They've fallen into this back and forth, this push and pull, so easily that sometimes Seokjin forgets he's only known Jungkook for barely a season. 

"You can't say that after you were just complaining before about how sore you are all the time."

"Look, we can't all turn into overpowered beasts and run around on four legs. Some of us aren't built to hike through the forest to get here every week."

"I know. That makes me even happier that you do it, hyung."

The sudden earnestness takes Seokjin by surprise, and when he glances down at Jungkook he finds the wolf already staring back at him, his wide eyes shining with happiness. It leaves him a tongue tied, and with warmth flooding through him that has absolutely nothing to do with the summer heat. 

For a few moments neither man says anything, simply sitting together as they watch the river flow past. The sun is starting to dip down now, and Seokjin knows that soon he'll have to leave and head back home. But he really doesn't want to go, and so he doesn't. Finally Jungkook lifts his head off Seokjin's shoulder, turning to face him with a distinctly mischievous look.

"You know, they say that being in water is a good cure for sore muscles..."

"Yeah, I've heard that too," Seokjin says, before the realization hits him and he shakes his head frantically. "Oh no. No no no, don't you dare even think about-"

The squeal he lets out as Jungkook shoves him into the river is so loud that the birds in the surrounding trees take flight, matched only by the wolf's uproarious laughter.

"Aagh!! You absolute brat!!" Seokjin yells, now soaked from head to toe. "I told you not to do it!!"  

Jungkook looks down at him with faux innocence. "But hyung, don't you feel nice and relaxed now?"

"No, I do not! This water is freezing cold!!"

"Sorry," the wolf says, not looking sorry at all, "but it was too funny not to. I wish you could have seen your-"

He doesn't get a chance to finish as he's dragged into the stream himself by the surprisingly strong grip of one very grouchy human.

Chapter Text

It's always hard for Jungkook to decide his favorite part of waking each morning. Is it the scent of baked bread, homey and welcoming and tinged with just the slightest hint of sweetness? Or perhaps instead the feel of the comfortable, solid weight wrapped around him- the arms circling his waist, the legs entwined with his own? Or maybe it's the sight of his mate's head on Jungkook's chest as his own gently rises and falls, still fast asleep? 

Impossible to choose, but since they all come back to the same thing in the end Jungkook supposes his favorite thing can simply be described as Seokjin.

Between the pair of them the wolf almost always wakes up first, even on days where he has no responsibilities and would really rather stay asleep. But due to his human's tendency to make the alpha his personal pillow, Jungkook usually finds himself trapped beneath him, unable to wriggle free without disturbing Seokjin's rest. 

Jungkook doesn't mind. He can think of worse fates than to be stuck under the most handsome man in the world. And besides, it gives him plenty of time to ponder important questions. Questions like: how was it possible for his mate to become more and more beautiful every single day? The wolf's eyes turn first to his human's thick hair. It's the color of chestnuts and quite mussed- partially from sleep but mostly from Jungkook's hands being tangled in it the night before. He runs a hand through it now, marveling at how soft and silky it feels underneath his rough fingers. 

Next he travels down to the long, full lashes that flutter against Seokjin's pale cheeks. They certainly weren't pale last night, Jungkook thinks with satisfaction, remembering the way they'd flushed the prettiest shade of pink, making the human practically glow with pleasure. His gaze continues to plush lips, slightly swollen from the onslaught of kisses they've received and currently pursed in a tiny pout. Jungkook can still taste Seokjin even now, can still hear the whimpers the elder had been unable to contain as he'd attacked his mouth with a ravenous hunger. It takes great effort not to dive in again, but he tears his eyes away and focuses instead on the part of Seokjin that still fills him with indescribable euphoria no matter how many times he sees it.

The mating mark on his neck.   

It's yet another mystery, and one that Jungkook is sure he'll always be unable to answer: why would someone as lovely, as talented, as charming and funny and kind and brave as Seokjin agree to take Jungkook as his mate?

Of course the alpha isn't stupid, or humble to a fault. Jungkook knows he's considered quite attractive, a good hunter, and that many wolves look up to him. He's listened to his brother and his hyungs tease him relentlessly about his popularity in the pack and his supposed horde of admirers for years. But when it comes down to it Jungkook really doesn't think he's as impressive as Namjoon, or wise like Yoongi, or more personable than Hoseok. And he knows he can be childish, and needlessly competitive, and absolutely insufferable when he gets in a bad mood. He's also picky and bratty and gets jealous easily, whether it's for attention from his hyungs or from his mate.

And yet Seokjin chose him all the same, even though loving Jungkook meant leaving behind his family, his home, and his very people. Meant coming to a strange place with strange customs and ways of life completely different from his own, and having to weather it alone when the alpha is away on the hunt as he so often is. It takes immense strength of will, and if he were in the human's place Jungkook honestly doesn't know if he could do it. It makes the alpha even more determined to make Seokjin the happiest member of the pack, to make sure he wants for nothing. It's the very least he can do in comparison to everything Seokjin has given him. 

On most mornings Jungkook would be content to simply ruminate on these mysteries and more while burying his nose in Seokjin's hair and inhaling the wonderful smell of bread until he gets slightly scent-drunk. He'd wait until his mate awoke and then pepper him with kisses until the elder squealed about being ticklish, at which point Jungkook would flip them over and pin him down onto their furs to give him something that would really make him moan.  

But no. Not today. Today Jungkook has a very important mission to complete, and he needs to start it right now even if that means having to leave the perfect comfort of their nest and his sleeping mate within it. 

With the same slow, careful movements he usually uses when tracking prey Jungkook extricates himself from Seokjin's hold. First gently untangling their legs, then delicately lifting the human's arms from around his waist. With intense precision Jungkook shuffles out from underneath him, freezing in anticipation as Seokjin's head falls onto the pillow. 

After a moment of silence the human's soft breathing resumes, and Jungkook exhales in relief. Safe. He carefully tucks the blankets and furs around Seokjin until he's wrapped nice and snug, then steps out of the nest and begins getting ready for the day- giving himself a quick wash, pulling on his furs, and running a comb through his hair. It's even more unruly than normal, and without the usual help of his mate to tame it Jungkook huffs in frustration before giving up and deciding to just tie it up instead. He's got more important things to worry about. Jungkook has just finished when his ears pick up the sound of movement in the nest. 

"Kookie?"

Shoot.

He turns to see his mate's head poking out from the top of his cocoon of coverings, drowsy eyes searching the room until they land on the alpha.

"Why're you up s'early?" the human asks, voice rough and slightly slurred with sleep. "Come back t'bed."

With the way Seokjin looks right now, soft and sweet-smelling and utterly enticing, there's absolutely nothing Jungkook would like to do more. But with great difficulty, he tamps his inner wolf down. 

"Sorry, but I have to help one of the elders. The door to their hut is breaking and I need to find some wood for a new one." A lie, but one that will explain his absence today, so long as Seokjin doesn't ask anymore questions. 

Thankfully his mate seems too dozy to inquire further. "Oh...okay."

"Go back to sleep, hyung."

"Mmkay..." Seokjin yawns, eyes fluttering closed. "Love you." 

"Love you too," Jungkook replies, unable to keep the dopey smile from spreading on his face as he watches his human burrow back into his nest. With one final adoring gaze back at his mate, he slips out the door.

Wolves don't celebrate birthdays, at least not in the way that humans do. While the successful delivery of a new litter of pups is always greeted with joy and excitement from the whole pack, no one keeps track of the specific days on which they occurred. Instead every wolf is considered a year older on the night of the Winter Moon, a communal aging commemorated with feasts, dancing, and song. 

That was why Jungkook had been quite befuddled all those seasons ago the first time Seokjin had mentioned his birthday, followed by the human growing just as confused when the wolf replied he didn't know when his own was. And even after the older man had explained it all the alpha still thought it was overly complicated. With so many people born on so many different days it seemed impossible to keep track of them all, let alone observe them. 

Not at all, Seokjin had replied with a smile, because when you love someone, you look forward to celebrating them. 

Now that he lived here with the pack this would be Seokjin's first birthday without his family. And while he'd made no mention of it to Jungkook, the alpha knew that didn't mean he wasn't thinking about it. His mate had a tendency of trying to keep certain things to himself, especially when he was feeling sad or hurt. It was something Jungkook was constantly trying to get him to change- to make Seokjin understand that as his mate Jungkook wanted to help him, and that it wasn't a burden or an annoyance. 

In any event the alpha knows that spending an important human tradition alone is not what he wants for his mate. Seokjin should have as good a time on his birthday this year as he has on all the others. And Jungkook is going to do everything he can to make sure of it. 

Though it lies on the other side of the ridge from his own, it doesn't take very long for Jungkook to reach Jimin and Namjoon's den. Not when he's already antsy, practically running the whole way there with only the briefest greetings to the wolves he passes on the way. When he arrives at the familiar cabin Jungkook doesn't bother to knock, simply bursting in as usual with no regard for the alpha and omega inside currently locked in an amorous embrace and who spring apart with identical yelps at his sudden appearance.  

"What kind of grown wolf barges into someone else's den uninvited?" Jimin chides indignantly. The omega's cheeks are flushed and his lavender scent is sweet with obvious arousal, though it's now quickly souring in annoyance. Beside him Namjoon merely shakes his head, all too used to the younger alpha arriving in his home with no warning. 

"I'm not uninvited, you're the one who told me to come do this here in the first place," Jungkook shoots back, shuffling over to the food stores and beginning to pull out the ingredients he's been secretly bringing here the past few weeks without Seokjin's knowledge. "You're the ones slobbering all over each other in the kitchen." 

"You could still have the decency to knock before you come roaring in like a wild boar," his brother huffs, pulling his skewed robes back over his shoulders and smoothing down his rumpled hair. "Especially since I wasn't expecting you to come until later."

"Decided to get an early start," the young alpha replies, still rummaging through the supplies. "Where did you put the eggs?"

"They're over by the-agh, I had those organized!" The omega detaches himself from his mate and scurries over, shoving Jungkook aside and rearranging the now scattered set of utensils. "Joonie, he's messing up my kitchen!"

"I am not! It's not my fault you have everything here cluttering up the table-"

"It's not clutter, and it's perfectly arranged-"

"Don't know why you even have half this stuff when your cooking always comes out the same anyway-"

"As if you're one to talk-"

With a long-suffering sigh borne from a lifetime of mediating these squabbles, Namjoon steps in-between the bickering brothers. "Jungkook, be more considerate of Jimin's things. Love, relax. Kook will put everything back the way it was when he's finished." 

The other two both grumble, but simmer down obediently in the face of the Head Alpha's calm admonishment. 

"Thank you. I'd like to come back to a den that's still in one piece." 

"You're leaving already?" Jimin pouts as he pulls out the bowl of eggs and passes it over to Jungkook. 

"I have to get an early start if I want enough time to pick up the elk," replies his mate, moving toward the entry and pulling on his traveling furs.  

"Elk?" asks Jungkook. "For what?"

"For the birthday celebration. I had Beta Seungho put some aside."

"Hyung..." Elk meat is Seokjin's favorite, and Jungkook is touched both that Namjoon remembered and went through the effort to get some for him. "You didn't have to do that."

Namjoon smiles. "I didn't, but I wanted to. Even if he wasn't your mate, I would still like Seokjin very much. Of course we want to help celebrate him." 

Jungkook doesn't reply, but he does dart over to the older alpha and run his wrist along Namjoon's, scenting him gratefully before returning back to the counter with a contented hum. 

"Always so thoughtful, my alpha," Jimin sighs, stepping over to Namjoon as well and tilting his neck as his mate nuzzles along his scent gland. "See you tonight. Be safe."

"Of course. I love you."

"I love you more," the omega purrs, rubbing himself against his alpha one last time before Namjoon disappears out the door. 

Jungkook makes a face. "Gross. You two are so sappy." 

"Oh shut up," Jimin replies lightly, looking pleasantly dazed from Namjoon's strong petrichor scent. "As if you and Jin-hyung aren't ten times worse whenever you're together."

Jungkook doesn't deny it.

"Anyway, are you sure you know how to make this?" his brother asks. "Did hyung give you instructions?"

"Of course not. If I'd asked him then he would have gotten suspicious."

"So how are you going to do it then?"

"I watched him really closely the last time he made one, and I think I have it all memorized." 

Cake was certainly something Jungkook had never heard of before meeting his human, but the first time he'd tried one the wolf was so enraptured he was half convinced he was dreaming. The soft pillowy layers of bread and fruit had been a revelation, and Jungkook wasn't ashamed to say he'd used his most deadly pouts to get his mate to make more whenever he could. Now it was his turn to repay the favor, and Jungkook can only hope his memory hasn't left out a crucial step or ingredient. 

First is getting the oven ready. There are some definite perks to having a brother who's mated to the Head Alpha, and being able to use his private oven is one of them. Lugging this delicate cake back and forth from the communal ones would have been a major hassle. Jungkook moves over and begins to stack wood and tinder inside, arranging them carefully before reaching for the nearby firestarter and using it to spark it all alight. The small fire grows steadily under his supervision, and after a while he leaves it be. Hopefully it will have reached the perfect temperature when it's time to put the cake inside.

Turning back now to the table of ingredients Jungkook surveys the spread in front of him, mentally tallying everything in his head. Flour, check. Applesauce, check. Eggs, check. Briarberries, check. Pearl ash, check. Honey...

Honey! He was supposed to pick it up from Hoseok before he came over! 

"What's wrong?" Jimin asks, noting the alpha's scent spiking with anxiety. 

"I forgot to get the honey from Hobi-hyung. I gotta-"

But he's interrupted by a loud series of knocks on the door, followed by a familiar voice.

"Jiminie! Jungkookie! Special delivery!"

Oh thank the moon, Jungkook thinks, dashing over to the door and pulling it open. "Hobi-hyung! I'm so glad you're-huh?"

He stops in surprise at the sight of not one wolf but two waiting outside. The first is Hoseok, obviously, the brown haired beta's sunny smile and sweet honey scent as unmistakable as his bright red furs. But standing beside him is someone Jungkook hadn't expected to see. It's Taehyung, the tall alpha looking somewhat awkward as he holds a large jar to his chest and gives Jungkook a shy smile. 

"Bet we're here just in time, eh?" Hoseok chirps jovially, a jar also in his hands. "Namjoon popped by on his way to the meeting cabin and said you were starting early, so I figured I better get over here right quick!"

"It's like you read my mind," Jungkook grins. "Without honey this whole thing would taste terrible."

"Then it’s a good thing I'm the best bee-whisperer in the whole wood!"

Hoseok gives Jungkook a quick scenting, then promptly skips into the cabin and carefully places down his jar before genially scenting Jimin as well. Jungkook turns back to Taehyung, who holds out his own jar. 

"I don't mean to intrude but I was bringing some things over to Hobi-hyung and Yoongi-hyung and I heard them say you were making something special with briarberries for Seokjin-hyung and I have some briarberry jam and I thought maybe it would go with it and-"

From his rambling explanation and muted scent Jungkook can tell the older alpha is clearly nervous, reluctant to step into something he wasn't invited to. But Jungkook has been growing fond of Taehyung ever since Seokjin volunteered them to help with the fall harvest, where he’d been forced to admit that Taehyung really wasn't a bad wolf at all. He was a bit spacey and more than a little odd- especially the way he talked to the vegetables like they were friends-but he was nothing like the manipulative mate-stealer Jungkook had made him out to be in his jealousy. In truth they had had quite a good time together, and even though he won't admit it to Seokjin (for fear of his mate's smug expression if he does) Jungkook wouldn't mind spending time with Taehyung again.  

Besides, it's a special day. So in the spirit of celebration Jungkook takes the proffered jar with a smile. "Thanks, hyung. Would you like to come help?"

"M-me?" Taehyung's eyes widen. "No, I-I couldn't, it wouldn't be right for me to come into Head Alpha's den-"

"Nonsense, Joonie-hyung's not even here," Jungkook argues, tugging the other alpha inside. "And Jimin doesn't care, right?" he calls back to his sibling. 

"Why do you never call me hyung?" the omega sulks, hand on his hip as he glares at him. 

"Why should I?"

"I'm your actual brother! If you should be calling anyone that, it's me!"

Taehyung had been staring in wonder at the inside of the cabin, but he snaps to attention as Jungkook pulls him over to Jimin, bowing deeply. "Omega Jimin, I'm so sorry to intrude in your den."

"Just Jimin is fine," Jimin replies, looking amused by the alpha's propriety. "And for something like this, it's more the merrier I suppose. I know Jin-hyung will be pleased to have you here to celebrate his birthday." 

"His...birthday?"

As the omega starts to fill him in, Jungkook moves back over to the cake ingredients. Now that he has the honey he can finally get started. Approximating the correct amount of flour he pours it into a bowl and then cracks the eggs, stirring them in fully before adding the applesauce, pearl ash, and some of the honey. 

"I wonder what it will taste like," Hoseok muses beside him, eyes sparkling as he observes. "Hope it's as good as the ones Jin-hyung makes."

"Nothing will ever taste that good, but I'm trying to get as close as possible." The alpha adds some of the briarberries, mindful not to crush them as he starts mixing again. "Jimin, is the oven heated?"

"I'm not answering that until you ask properly," comes the omega's snippy reply. Jungkook rolls his eyes.

"Jimin-hyung, is the oven heated?" he tries again, this time with as much saccharine sweetness as he can put into the words. 

"Why yes!" Jimin chirps back, equally sweet. "It should be ready!" 

Retrieving a wide bread pan Jungkook doles out the batter, sprinkling the layer with berries before remembering Taehyung's jam. Popping open the lid, he takes a spoonful to taste, humming in delight at the wonderfully tart flavor. 

"This is delicious," he tells the other alpha, whose cheeks become dusted with pink at the praise. "You made this yourself?"

"Yes. There are a lot of berry bushes near my den, and I taught myself to make jam so they wouldn't go to waste."

Jungkook is quite impressed by that and tells him so, which only makes Taehyung blush harder.

"It's really not that special-"

"I beg to differ!" Hoseok pipes in. "I'm absolutely terrible at things like jamming and pickling even though my dam taught me since I was a pup! The last time I tried it turned out so sour I thought Yoongi-hyung was going to faint." 

The beta takes a spoonful for himself, his eyes lighting up. "Taehyungie, you have to teach me how you do this. This is the best briarberry jam I've ever had." 

"I want to try it too!" Jimin slides over, taking the spoon from Hoseok and taking a big scoop. 

"Hey, leave some for the cake!" squawks Jungkook, snatching the jar away from the other wolves before they gobble down the whole thing. 

He spreads some of the jam into the batter, swirling it until it makes a pretty spiral. He'll save the rest to put on top of the finished cake. Satisfied with his work, Jungkook carefully places the pan into the oven and then steps back, wiping the extra flour from his hands. 

"Well that didn't seem hard at all!" Hoseok chirps. 

Taehyung bends down by the oven, peering inside with curiosity. "How long does it take to bake?"

"Jin-hyung usually leaves it in until it rises up and turns a little golden, and then he pokes it to make sure it's cooked all the way through," Jungkook explains as Taehyung listens with enraptured interest. "So we'll just have to keep checking it until it's done." 

"And in the meantime, you can all help wash these dirty dishes and clean my kitchen you've been stomping all over," Jimin interjects, cleaning cloth in one hand and a bucket of water in the other as he glares at them. 

Hoseok springs into a mock salute. "At your service, Head Omega!" 

Jimin growls in annoyance, shoving the bucket into the beta's hands. "Just shut up and get going."

The alphas and beta begin work without further complaint- scrubbing, washing, and drying obediently. The omega oversees them like the tiny taskmaster he is, pointing out spots missed and chastising them for improper sorting. 

"By the way, where is Jinnie-hyung?" Taehyung asks as he finishes drying the mixing bowl. 

"Yoonie is distracting him," Hoseok tells him. "He's taking him out to help look for herbs, and then bringing him back here afterward so we can surprise him."

"Ah. That sounds like a good plan."

"Unless Yoongi blabs," says Jimin.

The beta giggles. "He won't. He's taking the whole thing very seriously. It's adorable."

Jimin rolls his eyes. "You think everything about him is adorable."

"Because it's true!" Hoseok holds his cheeks, smiling widely. "Ah...we may be wolves, but he's just the cutest little kitten, my Yoonie."

Considering how many times he's been on the receiving end of one of the older beta's scolding lectures or acidic barbs Jungkook doesn't exactly agree with that assessment, but he supposes Yoongi is quite softer with his mate. Jungkook certainly dissolves into a pile of mush anytime his own is around. 

With the four of them working in tandem it doesn't take long at all until the room is back to its pristine, Jimin-approved state. The omega surveys their work with a satisfied nod as Jungkook goes to check the progress of the cake. It's rising nicely but still looks a little underdone, so he leaves it be to continue baking. 

He's standing up just as the door opens and a burst of cold air mixed with petrichor signals Namjoon's return. 

"Welcome home!" Jimin trills, skipping over to give his mate another nuzzle. 

"Hiya, Joonie," Hoseok waves.

"Good to see you," the alpha replies, before noticing the other person in the room. "And you as well, Taehyung."

"H-Head Alpha!" Taehyung stammers, quickly bowing almost all the way to the floor. "I'm sorry for coming into your den uninvited-"

But Namjoon merely waves him off. "It's alright. You're close to Seokjin, aren't you? Of course you should be part of this. And you don't have to be so formal." 

"R-right," the younger alpha replies, looking awed. 

Namjoon moves over to the table and opens the sack he's brought with, revealing the elk meat within. 

Hoseok whistles appreciatively. "Woah, this is some tasty looking stuff! We're going to be eating well tonight!"

"Yes, I was quite lucky. There is a problem though..."

The other wolves all look to the Head Alpha with confusion.

"Who's going to cook it?"

Jungkook grimaces. That truly is a problem considering Jimin can make even the tastiest meat turn to gristle, Hoseok is by his own admission no use, and the less said about Namjoon around open flame the better. And while Jungkook isn't nearly as terrible in the kitchen as any of them, his skills have definitely gotten quite rusty since he mated Seokjin. His human is simply an unparalleled cook, and the alpha isn't ashamed to admit he's fully taken advantage of that as much as he can. 

"Um," comes a hesitant voice, and everyone turns to look at Taehyung. "I'm pretty decent at roasting meat. Nowhere near as good as Seokjin-hyung of course! But I cook for myself, so it'll be edible at least." 

"Our savior!" Hoseok cheers, pulling the alpha in for an aggressive hug. "Taehyungie, you're the best!"

Taehyung's face turns a quite impressive shade of red. "Ah, well, at least wait until you try it before saying things like that..."

"We'll help you with whatever you need," Jimin says, rolling up his sleeves. "Just tell us what to do."

Taehyung nods, looking determined. "Right. If someone could start the cookfire and someone else slices the meat, I'll make the rub."

"Hobi-hyung, you slice and I'll start the fire," Jimin delegates. 

"What should I do?" asks Namjoon.

"Stay as far away from everything as possible," the omega replies, giving his mate an affectionate pat. "Why don't you go pluck some nice flowers from outside for decorations?"

"Jungkookie, do you want to help me with the meat or Jiminie with the fire?" Hoseok calls to him.

"Actually, I've got to go get Jin-hyung's present," the alpha replies. 

The beta's eyes glimmer with excitement. "Ooh, a present? What is it? What is it?" 

"A secret," Jungkook smiles, heading toward the door. "Make sure the cake doesn't burn while I'm gone!"

He hears the others' affirmations and protestations behind him as he exits back outside. Though the Winter Moon is still a ways away and the sun is now fully in the sky, the air is cold enough that he can see his own breath. Jungkook pulls his furs tighter around himself as he weaves his way through the territory, heading toward his secret spot. 

Eventually he reaches the hidden cave, pushing through the thick branches shielding the entrance. It's tucked away far from the main pack grounds, deep in the forest away from prying eyes. He needs no light to aid him in navigating the darkened inside, having spent enough hours here to know every nook and cranny by heart. This little retreat had been a favorite spot of his from all the way back to his puphood days, a spot to get away from his sometimes overbearing hyungs and the rest of the pack. Now with duties to fulfill and a mate who he preferred to spend every available moment with, Jungkook didn't have much reason to come here anymore. But it did serve as a perfect place to work on Seokjin's gift  away from his ever curious mate. 

He picks it up now, running his hand along the smooth, curved wood. It had taken ages to find the perfect kind, to cut it into the right shape and smooth out all the nicks and rough edges, but Jungkook is pleased with his work. He only hopes that Seokjin will be equally so. 

Gift in hand, Jungkook hurries back out of the cave and makes his way back to Namjoon and Jimin's den. Despite his speed a fair amount of time has passed by the time he returns, and he can smell the mouthwatering aroma of meat as he draws near. 

"You're back!" Hoseok greets as he arrives, waving from over by the cookfire alongside Taehyung and Jimin as the meat slowly roasts.

"What on earth is that?" asks Jimin, looking skeptically at the object in Jungkook's hands. "A new sculpture of yours?"

The alpha shakes his head. "No, it's something that humans use."

"What's it called?"

"It's a-"

"The top of the cake is beginning to turn brown, should we take it out?" interrupts Namjoon's voice from inside the cabin, causing Jungkook to sprint inside. Placing Seokjin's present aside, he darts to the oven and quickly removes the cake, breathing a sigh of relief when he sees that it hasn't burned. In fact it looks perfectly browned, and when he sticks a thin sliver inside, it comes out clean as well. 

"Certainly looks good," Namjoon comments. "What's the next step?"

"It's gotta cool, and then we can put the toppings on."

It's only now that Jungkook notices the wildflowers scattered everywhere around the room, apparently haphazardly plucked and placed at random and some still with soil clinging to their stems. Biting his cheek he glances at Namjoon, who gives him a sheepish smile.

"I tried to pick nice ones, but I don't really know what I'm doing...and I'm a little worried Jimin is going to throttle me when he sees the dirt I've tracked in." 

"Well I can't let my Head Alpha die such an ignoble death," the younger alpha giggles, "so I'll help you."

By the time the two alphas have properly washed, cut, and arranged the flowers in a pleasing display the cake has cooled enough that Jungkook can at last begin to decorate. He first spreads Taehyung's jam, making sure the entire thing is evenly coated, before drizzling it with honey and placing the remaining berries on top. He's quite proud of the finished result, especially considering he's never made one of these before. He only hopes it tastes as good as it looks. 

"Mmmm, that smells positively scrumptious," moans Hoseok as he and the others come back inside, laden with plates full of steaming meat. As they place them on the table beside the cake Jungkook feels his mouth start to water. If the roasted elk tastes even a fraction as good as it smells, they're all truly in for a treat.

"That should be everything, right?" Jimin asks, arranging the meat on the plate. 

Jungkook nods, glancing at the sun beginning to set now out the window. "Yep. And just in time too." He looks at the others with a grateful smile. "Thank you all for your help. I couldn't have done it without you."

"Shh! Everyone, quiet! I can smell them coming!"

Despite being a beta Hoseok has always had an exceptional skill for recognizing scents, so Jungkook doesn't doubt his words. 

"Quick, quick! Get into position!" Jimin hisses, beckoning them all over so they're crouched behind the food covered table. Jungkook scrambles to hide Seokjin's present out of sight before joining them. 

"Won't they be able to smell us?" Taehyung whispers.

"Yoongi-hyung will, but humans have terrible noses. Jin-hyung won't suspect a thing." 

They all wait in eager anticipation, and Jungkook feels his pulse spike at the first whiff of Seokjin's scent and the sound of his mate's voice from afar. 

"I've really got to get going after this; it's late and I want to have dinner ready by the time Jungkook gets home."

"Not to worry, you'll see him soon," comes Yoongi's low drawl. "Just have to pick this up from Jimin first..." 

The door creaks open.

"Shouldn't we knock before-"

"Surprise!!!" the assembled wolves shout in unison, springing up from behind the table. 

Seokjin yelps, his hand clutching his chest as he looks at them with utter shock. "I-wha-huh?"

"Happy birthday, hyung!" Jungkook cheers. He rushes over to his mate, sweeping him up in his arms, spinning him around, and planting a big kiss right on those perfect lips. Behind them and still in the doorway, Yoongi rolls his eyes. 

"Happy-" Seokjin looks around. "You...you mean this is all for me?"

"Of course it is, silly!" says Jimin. "What do you think?"

Jungkook reluctantly lets Seokjin down so the human can come closer to the table. He already looks flabbergasted by the meat, but when he notices the cake his eyes somehow get even bigger. 

"You made a cake?"

"Mhm." Jungkook steps behind him, wrapping his arms around the human's waist and nuzzling against the mating mark on his neck. They've only been apart for less than a day, but that's still far too long in Jungkook's book. 

"Without a recipe?" 

"Yup."

"I...How?"

"Learned from watching you," the alpha explains in-between kisses all across Seokjin's neck. "And the hyungs helped with the ingredients." 

The human's expression is halfway between amazement and fondness. "I...I don't know what to say."

"Well while you decide, should we start eating before the meat gets cold?" asks Jimin to a chorus of agreement. The assembled party begin to sit themselves around the table, pulling over other pieces of furniture to make up for the lack of chairs. 

"The birthday boy should be at the head!" Hoseok instructs, gently pushing Seokjin toward it. But before he can sit down Jungkook is already in the seat and tugging him to sit on his lap. 

"You should have the most comfortable seat possible," he explains with a mischievous grin, to which his mate merely sighs, a smile of his own blooming across his face. 

"How kind of you."

"And you had the nerve to make fun of me and Joonie earlier," Jimin mutters, rolling his eyes. 

After the others have all settled down a plate bursting with food is placed in front of the human.

"As wonderful as this looks, I really don't think I can eat this much."

"Don't worry, your chair will take care of anything that's left behind," Yoongi quips, and Jungkook huffs.

"It's called preventing food from going to waste."

"It's called being a bottomless pit," the older beta fires back, casually filling a plate for his own mate. 

As Seokjin takes his first bite of the meat, the surrounding wolves wait with hushed anticipation. His eyes close as he chews slowly, but when he finally swallows they open into happy crescents. 

"This is absolutely delicious."

It's all the others need to start diving in themselves, similar exclamations of delight leaving their lips as they feast in earnest. 

"Wow, this is so tender! It's practically melting in my mouth!"

"It's been cooked perfectly, not a bit is underdone or overdone."

"The spices you used on this are so unique, who came up with those?" Seokjin asks.

"It was all Taehyungie here!" says Hoseok, pointing at him. "He was in charge of the whole thing."

"I never would have thought to mix rosebark and picopeppers together, what a great idea! You've got a good sense of taste, Taehyung-ah."

"Ah, hyung, thank you," the alpha replies, face turning a shade quite similar to the briarberries on the cake. 

"Maybe you can give Jimin some tips so the next meal he makes for Joon-hyung turns out halfway edible," Jungkook says with mock innocence, earning a snarl from his brother.

"Be quiet, you brat! My alpha loves my cooking. Don't you?" He turns to his mate expectantly, and Namjoon visibly gulps. 

"It's certainly…unique. There's really nothing else like it." 

"Spoken like a true Head Alpha," Yoongi chuckles as Jimin pouts. 

The rest of the meal passes quickly as they chatter about anything and everything. There's a playfulness in the air and an easy camaraderie between them- even Taehyung, who seems to be warming up quickly to the rest despite being the newcomer. They laugh and joke and tell stories, and when at last the meat is all gone (which honestly doesn't take very long considering the appetites of the assembled wolves) all eyes turn toward the cake at the center of the table. 

"So do we finally get to eat it now?" Hoseok asks, his own honey scent sweetening in anticipation. "Or is there some kind of special human ritual first?"

The wolves look to Seokjin. 

"Usually we'll put candles on top and light them, and then whoever's birthday it is blows them all out." 

Namjoon cocks his head. "For what purpose?"

"You're supposed to make a wish when you do it," the human replies, looking a little shy about the whole thing. "But it's okay, we don't have to-"

"Jimin, go get some candles," orders Jungkook. 

"Why don't you go get them, brat?" the omega snaps back.

"I'm currently occupied with more important responsibilities," Jungkook explains smugly, wrapping his arms around Seokjin's waist and ignoring his mate's embarrassed squeak as he nuzzles his face into his neck. 

Jimin mutters some hair-raising curses under his breath, but still rises from his chair to glide over to the supply chests and retrieve some. 

"Hmm...they might be too big," he says, bringing them back to the group. Jungkook has to agree with him- they're made for keeping dens warm in the winter, and so are quite large and thick. If they try to put one into the cake, it'll smush the entire thing. 

"Not a problem," Yoongi says, taking the candles from the omega as well as a knife from the table and beginning to expertly shave them down until they're the appropriate size. 

"You've got all kinds of interesting skills, Yoongi-hyung," Taehyung tells the beta with admiration. 

"Just like to dip my fingers into lots of different pies," Yoongi sticks the now smaller candles into the cake. "Or cakes, in this instance."

After a quick strike of flint the candles are alight, flickering warmly in front of Seokjin. He closes his eyes, taking a deep breath and holding it for several seconds before blowing them out all at once. Then he looks up at the watching audience of wolves, chuckling at their nonplussed expressions. 

"Typically everyone claps at this part."

In unison the others all begin to clap enthusiastically, causing Seokjin to laugh even harder.

"Close enough."

"You didn't make your wish though," Jungkook points out. 

"Yes I did. It's supposed to be a secret, or else it won't come true."   

The alpha grumbles at that. He wanted to know what it was so he could fulfill it as quickly as possible. 

"Aright, on that note, let's eat!" The human begins to carefully slice the cake, doling out pieces to the eager wolves who all wait patiently until everyone is served and Seokjin has a piece of his own in front of him. Then without further ado, he takes a bite. 

Once again Jungkook waits on pins and needles to see what his mate's reaction will be. And once again no sooner has Seokjin swallowed than a moan leaves his lips, his scent sweetening until it's almost the same as the cake. 

"I think this might be the best cake I've ever tasted."

The others need no further prompting to dive in themselves, equal exclamations of delight leaving them as they get their first mouthfuls. For a while none of them even speak, the only sounds in the room are the clink of plates and the hums of satisfaction. 

"I can't believe you really did this all without a recipe," Seokjin says at last, scraping the last bits of jam off his plate. "How did you do it so well?"

"I learned from watching the best," Jungkook replies, feeding his mate one of his stray berries. 

"And from having my delectable honey and Taehyungie's lovely jam," Hoseok adds.  

"And being able to use my kitchen and my oven," chirps Jimin. 

Seokjin beams at them. "Thank you. All of you, truly. I never expected something like this, and it makes me so, so grateful that you've welcomed me into your lives and have become a part of mine too." 

He sniffles, a stray tear falling down his cheek even as his scent is still strong with happiness. "I couldn't have asked for better. Thank you for becoming my new family."

Jimin and Hoseok's eyes are both brimming with tears, and Taehyung looks about ready to sob. Even Namjoon and Yoongi look touched, though they're holding it together a bit better than their mates. As for Jungkook, the alpha merely shifts the human in his lap so that they're face to face. So that he can look into the eyes of the one he loves so much it feels like his heart is about to explode out of his chest. 

"We all love you, hyung." 

And then he kisses him, light and soft but with all the weight of his words behind it. Seokjin giggles, resting his forehead against Jungkook as he beams at him. 

"Aww," comes Taehyung's coo from somewhere beside them. "They're so cute."

"Oh! I almost forgot!" Jungkook springs up, dislodging Seokjin from his place on his lap as he scurries to the other side of the room. "Hyung, close your eyes!"

"Huh? Why?"

"So I can give you your present!"

"Present? I don't need, I mean this is already so-"

"Shh, hyung, let him spoil you," Hoseok chuckles, gently pushing the human back down onto his chair. "Jungkookie is adorable when he's like this."

"I-oh, alright," Seokjin concedes, closing his eyes. Jungkook double checks to make sure they're firmly shut before coming over and placing the gift across his mate's lap. 

"Okay....open!"

Seokjin does, his eyes widening as he looks at the object. 

"I...how...where..."

"Made it all by myself," the alpha chuffs proudly. 

"I can't believe it. You really are-"

"Great, wonderful, Jungkook is the best, we get it-" Jimin interrupts sarcastically, "but what on earth is it? I've been waiting to find out all day." 

"Yeah, is it a weapon of some kind?" guesses Hoseok. 

"It's not pointy enough to be a weapon," Taehyung dismisses. "And Jin-hyung doesn't like fighting."

"So maybe for some kind of ritual or activity instead," posits Namjoon. 

Yoongi snorts. "A ritual of what? Poking things from a distance?"

Seokjin listens with amusement as they all continue to intensely debate the gift's purpose, but it's Jungkook who finally speaks. 

"You're all wrong. It's a fishing rod."

"A fishing...what?"

"Rod."

"Rod?"

"It's used to catch fish," explains Seokjin with excitement. "You dangle bait from it here, and then when the fish bites you pull it out of the water. I used to love to fish, I would sit by the river all day just catching what I could, which honestly wasn't much...but they're so yummy when you fry them up or bake them or even just on their own with some sauce-" 

He stops his excited rambling upon noticing the dumbfounded expressions on the surrounding wolves. "What?"

It's Jimin who says what the rest of them are all thinking: 

"Humans are so weird."

"I still can't believe you'd been planning all this for so long and I had no idea," Seokjin tells him later as they're walking home. 

Well, Jungkook is walking. Seokjin is being comfortably carried in his arms, something the alpha had insisted upon with his usual fool-proof combination of sweet-talking and puppy-dog eyes. But really, should his mate be subjected to the strain of walking home on his special day? Obviously not. 

"Guess I'm just real good at being sneaky," he replies with a cheeky grin. 

"Mhm. Well, I'm certainly not complaining." Seokjin runs a hand along the length of his new fishing rod. "I can't wait to try this out. Although we'll probably have to wait now that the river is starting to freeze over."

"I could cut a hole in the ice," Jungkook offers. 

"And risk you falling in and turning into a wolf-scicle? I don't think so. I'll be patient until spring."

Neither speaks for a while after that, the winter night calm and quiet around them and the chill in the air making Jungkook grateful that he has his human in his arms to keep them both toasty. 

"Are you sure you can't tell me what you wished for?"

"Why are you so eager to know?"

"So I can make it come true," Jungkook replies with total earnestness. 

Seokjin huffs, ruffling the alpha's hair. "Don't worry about it; you do that every day. Being with you is already a wish come true."

"Hyung..."

"It's true. I love you so much."

In lieu of a reply Jungkook instead leans forward to give him a kiss, delighting in the softness of Seokjin's lips and the way their warmth chases away the cold. 

"Happy birthday, Seokjin-hyung."

Chapter Text

"-and when the hunters get back we'll all get together, they’ll present their kills to Head Alpha, and we'll have a big feast to celebrate!"

Jungkook's eyes are positively sparkling as he speaks, the fronds of grass he had been in the process of braiding now getting crushed as he clenches his fists with excitement. 

"It sounds like a good time."

"Oh hyung, if you could only see it! Everyone sings and dances, and the elders tell the most fantastical tales. And the hunting alphas are so strong and fierce...I can't wait until I'm one of them!" 

Seokjin smiles, his own braid abandoned in favor of watching the younger fondly. "Speaking of, how has your training been going?"

"Great! I caught a fox all by myself this time, and Alpha Doyeon said my stalking technique is almost perfect!" The young wolf puffs up with pride, and it makes the human chuckle.

"So does that mean you haven't crashed into any more beehives recently?" he teases.

"Hyung, that was one time!" Jungkook whines, smile morphing into a pout. "Ugh, I should never have told you about that."

"Aww, but it's such a great story," Seokjin argues, ruffling his hair. 

"Sure, if you say so. Anyway, what's been going on with you?"

Seokjin sighs. "Nothing special. Just harvesting all our crops one last time before the season ends."

While autumn is always nice because they get to enjoy the food they've been working hard to grow all year, it also means a lot of hard effort to actually pick it all. And that's not even getting into the work of drying, pickling, and preserving everything to last through the winter. It means early starts and long hours in the field, and nights where his head has barely hit the pillow before he's being woken up to do it all over again. All in all it's left Seokjin exhausted to the bone, and only his fondness for Jungkook makes him keep making the arduous trek all the way to the river to see the wolf. 

"Ooh. Did you pick more of those big orange ones you told me about last time? The ones with the yummy seeds? Pupkins?"

"Pumpkins," Seokjin corrects. "And yes, we did. As a matter of fact..." He reaches over to his satchel and pulls out a small jar of them, watching with affection as Jungkook's face lights up with delight. 

"Try not to eat them all in one mouthful this time."

“T’ late," comes the garbled reply, cheeks already bursting with seeds. "Mmmm...so good..." 

He swallows with some difficulty, then beams at Seokjin. "Thanks hyung. Will you bring more next time too?"

Seokjin grimaces, the words reminding him of the topic he'd been avoiding their entire time together today. "I...well, I would but...the first snows will probably be coming soon." 

"Yeah," Jungkook agrees casually, turning back to his now slightly crumpled grass braid. "So?"

Seokjin gazes at the young man beside him now happily focused on his task. How is it possible to have become so attached to someone in such a short time when they've only known each other since the spring? How is it that he can feel so content, so at ease when they're together? And why is it that he's finding it so hard to say the words he needs to say next?

"Jungkook...I don't think we're going to be able to see each other after today."

Jungkook freezes before his head whips up to look at the human, eyes round with shock. "W-what?"

"Once the snows really start and it gets below freezing, I won't be able to come out here anymore." There's already been some light dustings of frost, and the temperature has been falling rapidly to the point where Seokjin is bundled up quite tightly today. 

"But...why not? The river will freeze and then it'll be even easier to cross over."

Seokjin isn't sure what hurts more, having to tell Jungkook or the absolutely devastated look on the wolf's face when he does. 

"I know for you it probably won't be any trouble, but for humans it's too dangerous. We're not built to be outside in the cold for so long, or to walk through snow like you can."

Jungkook doesn't respond, merely winding the blade of grass in his fingers over and over. Seokjin waits anxiously for what the younger will say when he speaks again. After what seems like an eternity, Jungkook exhales heavily. 

"...I understand."

"I'm sorry. I wish there was another way." 

"But you'll...you'll come back again, right? In the spring?" He says it so timidly and with such hesitation that Seokjin feels compelled to pull him into a hug. The wolf squeaks in surprise, but easily allows himself to be tugged into Seokjin's hold as the human embraces him tightly. 

"Of course I will. Why would you think otherwise?"

"I dunno," Jungkook mumbles, tucking his head against Seokjin's chest. He smells like pine needles and earth, and Seokjin inhales deeply as he nuzzles him affectionately. 

"Aish, you silly pup. Seeing you is the best part of my whole week, didn't you know?"

"Really?"

"Really. I look forward to it more than anything else…Although if you drop any more slugs down my back I might change my mind." 

"But it was so funny watching you hop around trying to get them off," the wolf giggles, then yelps as Seokjin tugs his ear. "Ow! Okay, okay, I promise I won't!" 

"Good. Then let's make another promise too. After the snow melts we'll meet back here on the first Sunsday after the Blossom Moon. How about that?"

Jungkook nods, serious. "I promise. I wouldn't miss it for anything. Even if I had a broken leg, or I was half-dead with greencough, or-" 

"Um, I think in that case I would rather you didn't," Seokjin interrupts. "Please don't die trying to come visit me."

"Okay, well, as long as I'm not on death's door I'll be there. Better?"

"Better." 

They're both silent for a while after that. Jungkook hasn't made any move to free himself from Seokjin's hold, and Seokjin doesn't see the need to let go either. Having a wolf in his lap is keeping him nice and toasty. Is Jungkook always this warm? Does he get even warmer when he's covered in all that fur? And while he's on the subject...

"Hey," he nudges the wolf, "since I won't see you for a while, there's something I've been meaning to ask you."

"Yeah? What is it?"

"I don't know if this is rude, and I don't want to make you uncomfortable so you can totally say no, but..." He pauses, and Jungkook waits with an expectant expression. "Can I see you turn into a wolf?"

"...Is that all?" Jungkook giggles. "The way you were talking I thought you were going to ask for a blood oath or something."

"Hey, I was just trying to be respectful! I don't know what the etiquette is around your wolfy powers."

Said wolf shrugs. "There really isn't any. We change back and forth whenever we like. Some members of the pack like to stay in wolf form all the time, others never do. It's nothing special."

"Um, it definitely is," Seokjin argues. "It's literal magic."

"Nah, magic is that yummy sweet thing you brought last time. What is it called again?"

"The apple tart?"

"That's it!" 

"I didn't know it made such an impact on you," Seokjin comments, brow raised.

The young wolf sighs, hands on his cheeks. "It was so good, I dreamt of it."

"I'll try to keep that in mind and remember to bring you another one in the spring." 

"Really?" Jungkook looks as excited as if Seokjin had just sworn to pull a star from the sky. "You mean it?"

"Sure. Only if I can see your wolf form though."

"Right, right." 

Detaching himself from Seokjin's embrace, Jungkook steps back until there's a decent space between them, shucking off his coverings as he does so. Seokjin averts his eyes out of respect for the other's modesty, which Jungkook apparently finds amusing if his giggles are anything to go by.

"You can look, I don't mind."

Seokjin glances back over, careful to keep his gaze on Jungkook's upper half nonetheless. The wolf shoots him a cheeky grin. 

"One wolf, coming right up!"

It happens quickly, much quicker than Seokjin expects it to. One second the familiar form of Jungkook stands in front of him-lanky limbs he still hasn't quite filled into yet, perpetually round cheeks, and messy waves of hair that never seem to want to be tamed. Then without warning, before Seokjin can even blink, there's a wolf instead. 

It's been quite some time since Seokjin has last seen Jungkook this way-not since their very first meeting in fact-but he still looks roughly the same as before. As a wolf he's covered in midnight colored fur that matches the color of his hair, long and thick but still with that distinctive wave to it. Despite his claims about growth he still only comes up to Seokjin's waist, and his paws look a bit too big for him. And his eyes are somehow exactly the same as when human- round and wide and twinkling in a manner that always reminds Seokjin of stars in the night sky.  

"Hmm...you're going to be the best hunter in the land, eh?" he asks with mock skepticism, crossing his arms. "I don't know about that...you look like only a pup to me."

Jungkook bares his teeth and attempts a threatening growl, but it comes out higher and more wobbly than he probably intended. Seokjin's grin grows as he pretends to swoon.

"Oh no, I'm very frightened! Someone save me from the big scary-"

He's interrupted as he's aggressively tackled, hitting the earth below him with a soft oof! as the wolf pounces atop him. Paws on his shoulders, Jungkook leans down until his muzzle is right next to Seokjin's face.

"Eugh, your wolf breath is terrible!" the human yelps. "Let me go!"

But Jungkook doesn't obey, instead placing more of his weight onto Seokjin's chest as he settles on his haunches. Seokjin didn't think it was even possible for a wolf to smirk, and yet...

"Okay, okay, I take back what I said. You're very tough and intimidating! Now can you please get off me before I suffocate?"

With a satisfied rumble the black wolf finally eases off, settling instead just beside him. Seokjin exhales in relief as he sits up. 

"Thank you. That felt like the time my cousin dropped a whole haystack on me. How is it possible for someone as small as you to weigh so much?" 

The wolf flicks his ears before his gaze alights on something behind Seokjin and he darts over to it. Moments later he returns with a large branch in his jaws, padding up to the human with it. Seokjin scoffs. 

"You want to play fetch? Are you a wolf or a dog?"

But Jungkook doesn't seem to care, dropping the wood at his feet before bending down with his bushy tail wagging with anticipation. 

Seokjin sighs, picking up the branch. "Alright, if you insist..."

The branch goes sailing in the air as the wolf springs up after it like a flash of lightning and manages to catch it in his teeth before it hits the ground. Seokjin is frankly amazed at his speed- no wonder he's becoming such a good hunter. 

With a pleased yip Jungkook trots back over to him, dropping his catch and getting into position again. Seokjin hums.

"I went too easy on you that time. This is gonna be much harder."

With a grunt he hurls it again. It whips through the trees but not quick enough to outpace the wolf, and Jungkook once again grabs it without much difficulty. They go on for a few rounds more, Seokjin growing increasingly frustrated at the wolf's ease in snatching the stick no matter how hard or fast he throws it.

When Jungkook brings it back yet again after a particularly spectacular catch, Seokjin scowls at the smug gleam in his eyes. 

"You are such a show off. Okay, how about....this!" 

He swings as hard as he can, but doesn't release the branch from his hand. As predicted Jungkook goes flying forward, only to comically screech to a sudden halt when he realizes Seokjin hasn't actually thrown the stick. He whips his head back around, eyes narrowing and teeth bared.

"Oops," Seokjin chuckles. "My bad."

The wolf lets out a whine before trotting back over and flopping down. Seokjin tosses the branch aside and sits down beside him.

"Have fun?"

Jungkook chuffs, curling into a ball and resting his head on the elder's thigh. Seokjin reaches down to gently stroke his fur. It's not as soft as it looks- in fact it's quite dense and a bit rough to the touch. Not exactly the silky pelt of a fox, but it no doubt does its job keeping Jungkook warm. And the wolf seems to enjoy being touched if the way he nudges against Seokjin's hand is any indication. 

"Aish, you really are a dog." But he keeps petting him all the same. 

The autumn breeze causes the browning leaves to rustle in the trees, an occasional one falling down onto the pair as they sit together. Seokjin tries to capture this moment in his mind, the way Jungkook feels beside him, so he can keep it with him while they're apart.

"I really will miss this, you know," he tells him. "I'll be thinking about you every day, so you better do the same, okay? Or else."

He's joking, but something about the way Jungkook watches him makes Seokjin feel like the wolf plans to take those words absolutely seriously.  

Chapter Text

"Let's go out."

Seokjin looks up from the shirt he's currently in the process of mending to give his mate a quizzical stare. "What are you talking about?"

"We should go out," Jungkook repeats, rolling over from the sprawled out position on the floor he's been in for the last hour. "I feel like I'm going to turn into a blob if I don't do something. We've been inside for ages."

Seokjin can relate, but still. "May I remind you that there's a very good reason why we've been inside?" 

Winter has finally arrived in full force, blanketing the entire forest in heaps of snow and ice. Between the heavy precipitation, the long nights, and the frigid temperatures, most members of the pack have stayed secluded in their dens for this part of the season- Seokjin and Jungkook included. It's a bit frightening really to be so cut off from the rest of the world. But Seokjin is relieved to know that the hunters were able to catch a great deal of prey, and with the addition of Taehyung's vegetables and the other foodstuffs Seokjin has dutifully gathered and preserved all summer and fall at least he has no worries that they'll be able to make it comfortably through the leafbare with full bellies.  

But that doesn't mean that there still aren't other concerns- namely, the relentless boredom of being trapped at home for days on end. Of course Seokjin is more than elated to be able to spend so much time with his mate, especially considering that winter is the only time of year that Jungkook isn't away for long periods with the hunters. Being able to wake up beside him each day and spend lazy mornings in bed together before whiling away the hours talking, playing games, or simply enjoying each other's presence while doing chores is something Seokjin will never take for granted. 

Even so...he still misses going outside. 

"But hyung, it's been a lot warmer the past few days, and the sun has been out so the snow is melting a bit," the alpha argues. "Shouldn't be any trouble to get out now, at least until it snows again."

"Okay, but even so where would we go?"

"Hmm..." Jungkook ponders for a moment, tapping the wood absently. Then his eyes light up. "Oh! How about the hot spring? Just think of it, getting all nice and toasty in the warm water, breathing in the clean air...I bet it'll feel amazing."

Well, Seokjin certainly can't argue with that. Chances to visit the hot spring are few and far between, mostly because the two of them are often so busy with their duties and chores that they have no time to make the trek. But even just the thought of the steaming water on his aching bones feels like absolute heaven, and he has to hold back a moan. 

"Yeah...I bet it would."

"So then let's go!" His mate springs up, coming to where the human sits at the table and plucking the mending needle and cloth from his hands to set them aside. "If we leave now we can make it there right at sunset and get to see the beautiful sky too."

Seokjin huffs. "You seem to be forgetting something rather important."

"What? Oh, right! Snacks! We'll need those for sure!" Jungkook hops to the cupboard and begins to pull out the foodstuffs within. "Good catch, hyung."

"What? No, not snacks! You're forgetting that I'm not a wolf."

"Huh?" The alpha looks over at him, head tilted. "Of course I know you're not a wolf, hyung."

"What I mean is, you're forgetting that I can't turn into a big furry beast who can stay nice and heated while running halfway through the icy forest to get to the spring. It'll take me ages to walk there, and by the time I do I'll have frozen to death and you'll be mated to an ice cube."

But Jungkook only giggles. "Silly hyung, of course you won't. All you have to do is ride me."

"Ride you?" Seokjin squawks, ears turning red. Jungkook smiles even wider. 

"Not like that. At least, not until we get back home..." he winks, and Seokjin smacks him on the arm. 

"Yah! Get your mind out of the dirt!"

The alpha merely gives him a peck on the cheek before turning back to the food. "What I meant was, ride me as a wolf. It'll take no time at all to reach the spring that way, and I promise we'll be there before you can even feel the cold." 

"I won't be too heavy though?"

"I don’t know, have you suddenly become heavier than a full-grown boar?"

"...you’ve made your point."

Seokjin contemplates the idea. On the one hand, it's not foolproof. What if they get lost in the snow, or sick from the cold? But on the other hand he really, really wants to be somewhere other than inside the den...

"Oh, alright. Let's do it."

Jungkook lets out a very wolflike howl in excitement. "Yes! Hot spring here we come!"

"Now get out of the way before you mess up my perfectly dried jerky," the human huffs, bumping his alpha out of the way and beginning to carefully wrap the meat he'd pulled out. "Leave the packing to me, thank you very much."

"Whatever you say, Head Human!" Jungkook gives a mock bow, dodging Seokjin's swat with another giggle. 

As Seokjin continues the process of gathering everything they'll need, Jungkook grows increasingly closer to clawing at the walls. He bounces restlessly behind the human the entire time, his incessant questions reminding Seokjin of a needy pup more than a fully grown alpha: 

"Can we go yet?"

"Are you sure that's enough snacks?"

"Do you really need all those furs?"

"Can we go now?"

"You're bringing the dried pumpkin seeds right? Those are my favorite."

"Hyung, if we don't leave soon we won't get there until tomorrow!"

When at last Seokjin deems them ready Jungkook wastes no time scooping him into his arms and practically knocking the door off its hinges in his eagerness to leave.

"Hey! Don't destroy our den!" 

Jungkook doesn't reply, instead setting Seokjin down before shucking off his clothes with rapid speed. Before he can even blink Seokjin is no longer staring at the beautiful human form of his mate but rather the gigantic black wolf that towers over him, looking even darker in contrast with the snow around them. As he scrambles to pick up the clothes Jungkook had discarded in his haste the wolf lays down, head cocked and ears tilted in a clear invitation. Stuffing them into his rucksack and already beginning to shiver from the wind even wrapped in his thickest furs, Seokjin wastes no time clambering onto his back. He's never done this before, and as Jungkook stands back up he awkwardly puts his arms around the wolf's neck, unsure of where to hold or how hard to do so without hurting him.

"Is this okay? Am I gripping too tightly?"

Jungkook gives an amused chuff, shaking his head. He doesn't give any warning at all before suddenly sprinting off, causing Seokjin to yelp in surprise and clutch onto his fur for dear life as they hurtle through the forest. 

"Aagh!! Slow down, you maniac!"

Back when he lived in the human village Seokjin had ridden horses a few times, but this is absolutely nothing like that experience. As Jungkook howls happily Seokjin can feel the vibration of it pulse through his body, along with the sensation of the wolf's strong muscles contracting beneath him with every step. The constant motion should be off-putting, yet somehow he doesn't feel queasy or unbalanced. In fact the wolf moves so smoothly that it almost seems like Seokjin is part of him rather than merely a passenger. 

After he gets past his initial spike of terror he even rather starts to enjoy the experience. The forest looks so different from up here. Seokjin marvels at the frost covered trees and the way the setting sun paints a rainbow of colors behind the bare branches which stand like inky shadows against the evening sky. Other than the sound of Jungkook's paws thudding against the ground and the rustle of the wind through Seokjin's furs there's nothing but silence around them, as though they're the only two people left in the world. It's strangely peaceful, and Seokjin finds himself easily getting lost in the steady rhythm of the wolf's steps and the sight of the trees whizzing past them.

In what seems like no time at all Jungkook slows to a stop and Seokjin shakes himself out of his reverie to see that they've arrived at a familiar rocky outcrop. He can see the rising steam in the distance, smell the distinct mineral scent, and even from here feel the change in temperature. 

He slides down from Jungkook's back, weaving carefully through the tall boulders until he reaches the clearing and sees the spring in front of him- a large pool of calm, clear water surrounded by smooth stones. 

Even though he's desperate to feel the warmth Seokjin still makes sure to carefully remove his clothing, folding it properly before setting it aside along with the rest of the provisions he's brought along. Then, naked flesh already starting to prickle from the cold air, he lowers himself into the spring as fast as he can without slipping on the wet stones. 

Seokjin doesn't try to stop the moan that releases from him at the first touch of the hot water. It's absolutely heavenly- the perfect temperature and exactly what his tired muscles need. At the sound of footsteps behind him he turns just in time to see Jungkook leaping into the spring with a whoop, causing a massive splash that drenches Seokjin and has him spitting out a mouthful of mineral water.

"Would it kill you to do things calmly for once in your life?"

"Aww hyung, but that's no fun," his mate grins at him before flopping down so that he's floating on his back. 

Seokjin rolls his eyes before mimicking him, closing his eyes and breathing in the crisp air, reveling in how it fills his lungs as he's enveloped by the steam.  

For a while they both remain like this, neither speaking as they enjoy the pool. Seokjin watches the sun as it dips lower and lower behind the horizon, shading the sky increasingly darker hues until it at last disappears. Above them the moon glows in the new night, a thin crescent just barely visible amongst the bright stars.  

"This is the best," hums Jungkook, shuffling so that he's resting back against the edge with his arms on the rocks. 

"It is," Seokjin agrees, sliding beside him and tucking easily against the younger's side to lay his head on his broad chest. "Good idea."

"I knew you'd enjoy it."

The human sighs. "The only thing we're missing is a nice hot spring egg."

"...hot spring egg?" 

Seokjin glances up to see his alpha looking at him quizzically. 

"Yeah. You take an egg and put it in the water for a while and it gets perfectly cooked- soft and creamy but also with a nice firmness to the yolk." He licks his lips at the memory of them. 

"Sounds yummy. Can we make some next time?"

"Well, we'd have to find some eggs first." Difficult to do considering wolves don't raise farm animals like humans. "Obviously chicken is out, but if we could find some more duck like the ones you used for my birthday cake, then maybe those would work instead."

"Leave it to me, hyung. I'll get more no problem." 

"In the middle of winter?"

"Yup." Jungkook clenches his fist, eyes burning with determination, and Seokjin has no doubt he'll come through one way or another. Nothing motivates his mate more than the prospect of delicious food. 

They fall back into silence once again.

"Hyung," Jungkook says after a while, "tell me a story."

"A story? What kind of story?"

"Doesn't matter. I just like listening to you." 

"Hmm let's see...did I ever tell you about the time my brother and I ate all the plums?"

"No," Jungkook's eyes glimmer with interest. "Tell me, tell me."

Seokjin settles himself more comfortably against the alpha as he begins the tale. “It was a long time ago, I must have been barely ten. My mother had been given a crate of them from her family who lived in a village far from ours. We'd never had any before, and from the first bite they were the most delicious thing we had ever eaten. Sweet and soft and juicy, they seemed to almost melt in our mouths..."

"Mmm."

"Our mother told us we were only allowed to eat one each, and needed to save the rest to share with my father and other siblings when they got home from the market. But they were just so good that we couldn't help ourselves. So we hatched a plan: one of us would distract her with some silly nonsense or false emergency and then the other would sneak into the kitchen and take another plum."

"Hyung! So devious!"

"If you'd tasted those plums, you'd have done the same thing. But I swear we only had a couple each, because we knew if our mother noticed later it would be bad news. It went off without a hitch, and we were certain we'd gotten away with it...but that night when my father got back and my mother brought the crate over, it was completely empty."

The alpha gasps, fully riveted. "So what happened then?" 

"Well as you can imagine my brother and I were the number one suspects. We tried to plead our innocence, but it was no use. Then, just when my mother was about to give us a proper tongue lashing, all of a sudden our dog wandered in with his fur stained with plum juice. Turns out he'd decided to take his fair share too." Seokjin chuckles at the memory. "Thanks to that he got all the blame and my parents never found out we'd taken any at all."

"Wow," Jungkook hums. "Well, what I learned from this story is that I should be checking our food stores more often to make sure the good stuff isn't being secretly eaten, huh?"

"That was when I was a kid! I don't do that anymore!"

"Sure, sure. Sounds like you were quite the troublemaker when you were a pup, huh?"

"I wasn't that bad."

"Don't worry hyung, I did all kinds of stuff like that when I was young too. Just don't listen to Jimin's stories, he always overexaggerates."

"Well now I'm definitely gonna ask him then." Seokjin tries to imagine Jungkook as a tiny pup, scampering behind his older brother and getting into mischief, and it makes him smile. It fades as another thought crosses his mind.

"Jungkook..."

"Hm?"

"Are you...that is to say, do you ever...think about having pups?"

"Why do you ask?"  

Seokjin feels his face reddening for a reason wholly separate from the cold air. "I don't know...it's just something that's been on my mind now and again."

"Well..." Jungkook tilts his head back, staring up at the starry sky above them. "I won't say that I never have. Mostly when I was a pup myself, I guess. I think most young alphas look forward to having a mate and a litter of their own."

The words send a pang of guilt through Seokjin, and Heewon's voice from all those moons ago fills his head. There's a reason why we don't mate with them. They're frail and weak, and human Seokjin can't even have pups! 

"Oh...I see. And now?" A part of him doesn't want to know the answer. Dreads it, because of what it might mean. 

"And now what?"

"You have a mate but no pups."

"Uh-huh."

"And you're...alright with that? Of being with me, even knowing I can never give you any?"

"Hyung." Jungkook shifts so that he's able to look directly into Seokjin's eyes and it makes the human even more embarrassed, squirming underneath the wolf's earnest gaze. "If all this is to say that you feel like you're keeping me from some imaginary life you think I deserve just because you can't, nothing is further from the truth."

"I-I didn't say-"

"No, but you were thinking it, weren't you? Don't lie."

Seokjin doesn't reply and Jungkook sighs.

"Having pups isn't the be-all and end-all. Yoongi-hyung and Hobi-hyung don't have any and don't plan on having any. Do they look unhappy?" 

"No," the human mumbles, sinking further under the water until it's up to his chin.

"So why won't you believe that I'm happy without them too?"

"I dunno...I just want you to have everything you've ever wanted."

"I do have everything I've ever wanted. I have the most wonderful mate who I wouldn't trade for the world. I have my amazing hyungs. What more do I need?"

"Well, just so you're sure..."

"I am sure." Jungkook tugs him even closer so that he's fully ensconced in the alpha's arms. "I've never been more sure about anything in my life than you."

Seokjin doesn't reply, overcome with the mix of joy and comfort he never seems to run out of when he's with his mate. Instead he simply leans up, giving him a kiss that he hopes conveys all the emotions filling his heart. By the way Jungkook eagerly responds to it, he's quite certain he's understood.

After it ends, Jungkook gives him a lopsided grin. "And hyung, if you're sad to miss out on the experience of raising pups, have no fear. I guarantee you that once they get started Jimin and Joon-hyung are going to have enough to start their own pack, and we'll have our hands full helping them out."

"Oh boy," Seokjin smiles back. "So what you're saying is it's our job to spoil them rotten and pass on all our mischief?"

"Exactly. We're going to be the best...what was the human word? Guncles?"

"Uncles."

"Right. We're going to be the best uncles those pups could ever wish for."

Seokjin laughs. "Jimin and Namjoon have no idea what they're getting themselves into, do they?"

Chapter Text

In Seokjin's opinion the season of winter always passed by in an almost interminable dullness-grey cloudy days blending together into an endless mass as he and his family stayed tucked away at home, waiting out the cold and snow. It was already the least exciting part of the year, but somehow this particular winter had been even more colorless and monotonous, and it's all because of Seokjin's separation from Jungkook.  

Seokjin had tried to keep himself busy and occupied the best he could, to try and make the days go by faster and spring come sooner. But it seemed that no matter what he found himself doing Seokjin's mind always came back to thoughts about the wolf. When he was chopping vegetables for dinner Seokjin wondered if Jungkook was eating well. When he was sitting by the fire mending clothes Seokjin hoped that Jungkook was staying warm. When he was out beside his father shoveling snow Seokjin thought that Jungkook would probably have fun rolling around in the flakes.  

Jungkook, Jungkook, Jungkook. 

To pass time Seokjin had also started to make a new satchel, one he could give to the alpha when they finally saw each other again. He'd noticed the last time they met that the one the wolf usually carried was quite small and getting thin near the bottom. Seokjin will be the first to admit he isn't particularly artistically gifted, but still he tried his best to make a study bag and add pleasing designs into the leather- leaves and flowers and even a tiny wolf that he asked his mother to help him carefully stitch right in the center. She had given him a knowing sort of look that Seokjin didn't understand when she saw him working so hard, but didn't say anything as she reached over to gently correct his missed stitches. 

When the agreed upon day finally arrives Seokjin is already up before the sun rises. Trying to fall asleep the night before had been a fool's errand, his mind overwhelmed with a mix of excitement and nervousness. At long, long last he was about to see Jungkook again. Would the wolf be there waiting for him? Would he like the presents Seokjin had made for him? Had he missed Seokjin as much as the human had missed him? 

Creeping carefully out of his home so as not to wake his still-sleeping family, Seokjin double-checks that the new satchel is securely in his bag along with his other gifts before making his way down the now familiar path to the river. He breathes in the warm spring air as he walks, inhaling the scent of the fresh earth finally coming back to life after the harsh winter. All around him leaves and buds are starting to appear on the once bare branches, tiny pops of green and white in the sea of brown and black. 

Maybe the excitement causes him to move faster than usual or maybe he just loses track of time, but before he knows it Seokjin has arrived at the river's edge. The ice has fully melted, the stream coursing steadily past and out of sight. Seokjin glances around eagerly for a familiar face, half expecting to hear Jungkook's voice calling his name, but sees no sign of the wolf. No matter, he's extremely early anyway. And won't Jungkook be so surprised to see that Seokjin has beaten him there! So the human merely settles himself against the side of a smooth boulder to wait, watching the flow of the water and listening to the chirps of the birds in the trees. 

Seokjin waits. And waits. And waits some more. 

At some point he decides to cross the river. Anything to be closer, to be nearby once Jungkook finally arrives. With careful steps Seokjin wades through the still cool water, moving slowly so as not to slip on any wayward rocks. Once safely on the other side he sits down on a patch of soft ferns, his eyes scanning the dense trees for any sign of the wolf.

Still he waits.

The sun steadily climbs into the sky, rising higher and higher until it's now completely overhead. With each passing hour Seokjin's excitement fades, steadily being replaced by concern. 

Did Seokjin get the date wrong? No. The Blossom Moon had been clear in the sky- there'd been no mistaking it. Today was the correct date.

Did Jungkook forget? Seokjin thinks back to the last time he had seen the wolf, how excited and insistent he'd been that they meet again in the spring. It seems highly unlikely that he wouldn't remember, even if it had been so long since they made that promise. So then...

Has something happened to Jungkook? Even just the idea of it makes Seokjin's heart race and his stomach twist into knots. What if something was wrong? What if he was sick, or had been injured on a hunt?  

Just as his mind is beginning to spiral into increasingly panic-inducing scenarios, Seokjin hears the snap of twigs from nearby and his head whips up.

"Jung-" But the words die in his throat as he looks at the newcomer. 

It's a wolf alright, but it's not the one he knows. No, even from this distance Seokjin can see that this one is enormous, easily three times the size of Jungkook and with reddish-brown fur and grey eyes that are narrowed as they gaze down at the human.

But what's even more shocking than the giant wolf is the fact that there's a man riding atop him. Compared to the wolf he's positively tiny, his pale skin and pitch black hair standing in contrast with the russet fur beneath him. But what catches Seokjin's attention the most are the man's eyes. They're completely white, both iris and pupil completely devoid of all pigment. Seokjin feels trapped by them, rooted into place as the duo draw nearer. 

The wolf comes to a stop several lengths away, his teeth bared in what Seokjin can infer is a decidedly unwelcome manner. Atop him the white-eyed man surveys the human for a long moment, his stare equally cold, before he finally speaks.

"Well well...so it's true after all. Our Koo has gone and got himself a real-live human. And here I thought we had wasted a day coming out here for nothing."

"I-what...who- who are you?" Seokjin finally manages to stutter, watching half in fascination and half in terror as the small man slips off the back of the wolf and starts to move toward him.

"The more pertinent question is: who are you, human?"

"I-"

But the stranger keeps talking, striding nearer without hesitation as the wolf pads behind him. "How exactly did you start meeting with our Jungkook, and what are your intentions with him?"

"My...my intentions?" Seokjin repeats, bewildered.

The two have both come close enough for Seokjin to see just how small he is (very, very small) in comparison to what must be a fully grown wolf. The one in human form is smaller than Seokjin, but his blank eyes and overall demeanor make him somehow even more intimidating. The man smiles sardonically at him, flashing his sharp canines, and Seokjin gulps. 

"Yes...You see ever since last summer our little alpha has been acting very strangely. Disappearing for hours at a time and not telling us where he's been going. Always coming home soaking wet or covered in dirt, like he's been trying to hide some kind of scent. Getting angry when others insult humans, and talking back rudely to elders when they tell stories to the pups about your kind."

Seokjin stays silent, his heart thumping uncomfortably loud in his chest. The wolf glances at him, and Seokjin wonders if he can hear it too. 

"Then a few moons ago he suddenly seemed to lose all his energy. He'd lie around for hours, solemn and despondent as though having lost something very precious. But no matter how many times we asked, he wouldn't say why. Wouldn't explain why he kept staring out toward the river, or carving strange tokens he wouldn't let any of us touch. And then..."

The white-eyed wolf fixes Seokjin with a particularly calculating look.

"And then...?" Seokjin practically whispers, terrified to hear the answer. 

"He didn't come out of his den two nights ago, so I went to check on him. I found him in the throes of his presentation rut, writhing and convulsing, fully lost to his new instincts, clutching something that positively reeked of human. But that's not all. He kept repeating a single name, over and over. Moaning it with desire; chanting it like a prayer. Seokjin."

Seokjin can't breathe. He barely even understands what's being said to him, doesn't know what a rut or a presentation is, but that's not important right now. Jungkook was calling for him? Jungkook...Jungkook wanted him?

"That's you, isn't it?" the stranger asks. "You're Seokjin."

The human nods and the huge wolf suddenly growls, making Seokjin stumble back in fear. Are they going to kill him? They have every right- he's an enemy and he's clearly on their territory. He was a fool to think he and Jungkook could get away with their clandestine meetings for so long, and this is how it all ends.

"Wait! Please! Before you get rid of me, I need to know- is Jungkook alright? Whatever's happening to him, is...is he going to be okay?"

The russet wolf stops snarling and the white-eyed one tilts his head. "...Why do you ask?"

"Because he's my friend!" Seokjin replies passionately. "He's my friend and we were supposed to meet today and when he didn't turn up I got so scared, and- and I've been so worried about him."

The small wolf's expression turns more perplexed. "Humans don't care about wolves. You hunt us for sport, burn our forests, and poison our streams. A human would never worry about a wolf." He narrows his eyes. "You're lying."

"I'm not!" Seokjin argues emphatically. "Jungkook really is special to me, and I don't want anything bad to happen to him. We've spent so much time together and he's one of the most important people in my life, and even before I knew him I still didn't want that bear to kill him-"

"You were the one who saved him from that bear? You?" The look on the other's face is now one of utter disbelief.

"Yes! It was gigantic and he'd already hurt his leg and couldn't get away, so I screamed at it to try to scare it off and thankfully it worked-"

The white-eyed stranger says nothing for a few moments, his lips pursed and brow furrowed, clearly thinking hard. 

"I think you'd better shift," he says to the wolf beside him. "We need to get to the bottom of this and we can't do that if he's terrified you'll rip his head off the entire time."

The other steps back and Seokjin's jaw drops as the massive body shrinks into that of a man right before his eyes. It does nothing to make the wolf less intimidating as he's still tall, massively broad, and with muscles bigger than Seokjin's limbs. His russet hair falls across his tanned face and his grey eyes are still fixed on Seokjin, though perhaps (Seokjin hopes) with less ill-intent than before. The white-eyed wolf pulls a set of furs out from the bag he has with him and tosses them to the other, waiting for him to dress before giving him a small nod and focusing back on the human. 

"Alright, now let's hear it. All of it, from the moment you and Jungkook first set eyes on each other to right now. And don't leave out a single thing."

Seokjin doesn't. He has absolutely no desire to become acquainted with the wrong side of these two, because even as a man the brown wolf still looks perfectly capable of snapping his neck without difficulty.

By the time Seokjin has finished his story both wolves are no longer looking at him with mistrust or anger. Instead they seem completely bewildered.

"This is unbelievable," the taller one finally says, looking to his companion with wide eyes.

"And yet somehow it answers all our questions," The smaller replies. His eyes are still on Seokjin but they seem less critical now, more thoughtful. 

"But it doesn't make any sense! A human and a wolf, becoming friends? It goes against everything we've ever been taught about them!"

"You and I both know more than anyone how misguided some of the wisdom of our elders can be. Seems like this is one of those times."

The russet wolf groans, running a frustrated hand through his hair. "But for something as important as this, shouldn't the stars have given you a sign? This could affect the whole pack!"

"Humans worship the sun, and fall under its protection. Perhaps that means this is out of the scope of my view."

"Um..." Seokjin is loath to interrupt this intense conversation, but still- "Does this mean you're...not going to kill me?"

"Not at the moment," the short wolf replies casually.

"Oh great, thanks," Seokjin huffs, exasperated. "Well at least give me a heads up when you decide."

The wolf cracks a smile. "You've got some spark, huh? Are all humans like you?"

"Hard to say. I don't know anyone who's been held captive by wolves to compare with."

"What are we going to do with him?" The other wolf asks. "If he really is this important to Jungkook, we can't just kill him. But if anyone else were to find out..."

The white-eyed wolf shrugs. "You're the one who wants to be Head Alpha, Joonie. Sounds like it should be your call."

Joonie...?

"Yoongi, you're literally the pack moonseer! It's already your job to help make these decisions now!"

Yoongi...?

"Ugh, you're right. Damn. Hmm, let me think..."

"Wait, wait," Seokjin interrupts them again, eyes widening with a sudden realization as he points at the larger wolf. "Are you...are you Namjoon? The alpha who Jungkook's brother wants to mate?"

Both wolves look shocked. 

"He...he does?" the one called Namjoon says, face suddenly turning red. 

The one named Yoongi rolls his eyes. "Of course he does, you idiot! Jimin hasn't had eyes for another wolf his entire life."

He turns back to Seokjin. "But how do you know that, human?"

"Jungkook talks about you all the time," Seokjin explains, seeing the two of them in a whole new light now that he's realized their identities. 

He looks at Namjoon. "About Namjoon who he looks up to as the best hunter in the pack, and who's going to be Head Alpha someday." He turns to Yoongi next. "And Yoongi who tends his wounds when he gets sick or injured and always gives the best advice. And then there's all of the squabbles he gets into with Jimin-"

"Koo really doesn't know when to shut up, does he?" Yoongi chuckles, while Namjoon still looks dumbfounded by the revelation that Jimin has feelings for him. "I shouldn't be surprised. He's probably told you every pack secret without breaking a sweat, the little blabbermouth." 

Seokjin smiles. "Well I wouldn't say that, but-"

They're interrupted by a ferocious roar that echoes through the forest behind them, practically rattling the branches of the trees. Seokjin doesn't have time to react before moments later a new wolf emerges. He's enormous- even bigger than Namjoon had been, with pure black fur and blazing gold eyes. He sprints towards them, heading directly toward Seokjin who yelps in terror and crouches down in a fruitless attempt to protect himself from his apparent imminent death. 

But it seems the wolf isn't after him after all, because upon reaching the human he turns around and faces down Namjoon and Yoongi instead, standing between them and Seokjin. He growls viciously, teeth fully bared, ears flattened, and body hunched over as though ready to spring on them at any moment.

Amazingly, neither looks particularly concerned about the enraged creature threatening them. In fact Yoongi looks almost amused, a smile playing at his lips and a glint in his eye. 

"Stand down, Jungkook. We're not going to hurt your human."

Wait...Jungkook?

Seokjin does a double take, mouth agape as he stares at the newcomer. No, this...this can't be Jungkook. He remembers it very well-Jungkook's wolf form was small, practically dog sized! He was cute and fluffy and looked at Seokjin with big wide eyes! He wasn't this ferocious force of teeth and claws and muscle, an almost feral creature who oozes menace and dominance...was he?

"J-Jungkook?" Seokjin asks hesitantly, afraid to have the wolf's attention back on him but at the same time too curious for his own good. 

He doesn't really expect the wolf to respond at all. But to his utter bewilderment, as soon as the wolf hears Seokjin's voice his entire demeanor changes. The snarling ceases and his aggressive stance completely eases as he turns toward the human and promptly barrels into him. Seokjin is knocked off his feet as he's suddenly engulfed in fur, squealing in surprise as Jungkook wraps himself around him and promptly shoves his head against Seokjin's neck, rubbing aggressively.  

"Aagh! What- what's going on??" he shrieks, trying to push the wolf off to no avail.

"Well I'll be," comes Namjoon's voice from somewhere outside the furry prison Seokjin is currently trapped in. "Can't say I ever expected this."

"He's always been an odd one, our Koo," says Yoongi, his voice filled with a resigned fondness. "Always has to do things his own way."

"Can you stop saying things I don't understand and help me??" Seokjin yells at them, managing to pop his head free even as the wolf continues to enthusiastically nuzzle him. 

"Sorry, no can do," Yoongi shrugs, not looking particularly sorry at all. "Bad form to come between an alpha in rut and their courting partner."

"Their what?"

But before Seokjin can get an answer the fur against him suddenly fades away, the huge black wolf shrinking into the form of a man. If Seokjin thought seeing Jungkook as a human would be less disconcerting than seeing him as a wolf, he's dead wrong. Because just like his wolf, this Jungkook looks absolutely nothing like the human remembers. 

Where once Seokjin had been taller now the wolf stands well above him. His previously lanky limbs and thin frame have filled out considerably, with clearly defined muscles rippling beneath his tan skin. His hair is even longer now, trailing past his broad shoulders in loose waves, and he stands with a confidence and authority that the old Jungkook certainly didn't possess. 

He's become an adult, there's no doubt about it- no trace left of the gangly adolescent Seokjin had first met almost a year ago. 

He's also become stunningly attractive, and that's filling Seokjin with even more confusing feelings. 

Yet somehow despite all these earth shattering changes to the wolf Seokjin knew, Jungkook's eyes are still the same. Their color is different, true- a blazing gold instead of the previous black. But they're still just as wide and bright as they were before, looking at Seokjin with a pure adoration that makes his heart beat violently in his chest. 

"Jungkook..." he breathes. 

"Seokjin-hyung." The alpha's voice is smooth and sure and it sends a shiver down Seokjin's spine as Jungkook pulls him into his arms, burying his face in Seokjin's neck.   "Mine."

Chapter Text

Seokjin isn't expecting company this morning, so when the knock on his door comes it startles him so much that he accidentally stabs himself with his sewing needle. Grimacing in pain and sticking the injured thumb in his mouth he sets aside his current project and ambles over toward the entryway.

Now that spring has finally arrived, Jungkook is away on the first hunt of the season and won't be back until at least next week. And Seokjin knows that the rest of his friends are just as busy- Yoongi and Hoseok off to collect herbs to replenish their stores, Taehyung preparing the soil for the first crops of the season, and Jimin and Namjoon overseeing the reparations of other parts of the pack village after the harsh winter storms. 

So then who...?

He opens the door and is surprised by the sight on the other side. It’s an omega-tall and dark-haired, a hand around his rounded belly and panting slightly as if he'd run all the way here. 

"Oh, Omega Yeonjun," Seokjin greets, "good morning."

"Human Seokjin, I'm so glad you're home," the omega says, looking at him with anxious eyes. "I came to ask for your help."

"...My help?" repeats Seokjin, even more confused now. While it's true that Yeonjun isn't one of the omegas who regularly hissed at Seokjin in the market or whispered about him behind his back, they're certainly not close in any way. In fact, Seokjin isn't sure they've ever had a full conversation other than simple greetings in passing. 

"Yes. I'm so sorry to spring this on you without warning but it's completely unexpected and I didn't know who else to come to-" The wolf looks close to panicking, and Seokjin places a calming hand on his shoulder. 

"Hey, it's alright. Take a deep breath and tell me what's going on."

Yeonjun inhales. "Spring fever is going around, and everyone seems to be getting it at the same time. Doyoon, Siwoo, and Seojun are all sick right now, and that means I'm the only one left to take care of the creche." 

"Oh dear. I'm sorry to hear that." Seokjin now understands the omega's concern. Pups that were too small to begin formal training were brought to the creche to socialize and play with others while their parents worked. They're usually watched over by a cluster of omegas, and Seokjin has often seen those omegas wrangling the energetic balls of fur and trying to keep them all out of trouble. It's a very important responsibility and far too great a task for a single omega to handle on his own, especially one who's pupped himself. "But...what does that have to do with me?"

"Well I, I was hoping-" Yeonjun takes another steadying breath. "I was hoping you would be able to help me watch them."

"Me?" The human's eyes widen. "You'd trust a human to watch over pups?"

"Omega Jimin trusts you," Yeonjun replies seriously. "And if my Head Omega does, then I will too.”

"Well, I mean...of course I'd be happy to help, it's just that some of the others might not..." Seokjin thinks of the omegas who still look at him with scorn or distrust. He knows that many of them have pups in the creche, and no doubt won't be happy to hear that the human was taking care of them.

"Please, Human Seokjin!" Yeonjun begs, clasping his hands together in supplication. "Everyone else has to attend to their own duties, there's no one else to spare. And without your help, I don't know what I'll do!"

"Well..." Seokjin sighs. Oh, who is he trying to kid? There's no way he's not going to help pups in need. "Okay. I'll do it. But-"

"Oh thank you!" Yeonjun exclaims, taking Seokjin's hand in his own and squeezing gratefully. "Thank you thank you thank you! I don't know how I can ever repay you!"

Seokjin chuckles wearily. "You might not have to. Let's see if I survive this first."

After rushing back inside to gather his things, Seokjin follows Yeonjun over the ridge and through pack territory until they reach the creche grounds. It's a wide expanse of flat, sandy earth surrounded by thick bushes- perfect for corralling rambunctious pups. There's a shady spot dotted with soft moss near the edge for them to nap in, and scattered around are bones, sticks, and other different things for them to play with. 

"I really can't thank you enough for agreeing to help, Human Seokjin," Yeonjun says, hurriedly placing down his own heavy packs of supplies. 

"Like I said, it's really no trouble. And please, just Seokjin is fine. There's no need to be so formal."

He gives a wide smile to the omega and receives a shy one in return, then looks across the grounds.

"So, how does this work?"

"The dams will be here to drop off their pups soon," Yeonjun explains, tugging a few soft furs from his satchel and spreading them on the ground. "They'll leave them here for the day and come pick them up in the evening. There haven't been any new litters this early in the year, so all of the pups here today should be old enough to manage themselves fairly well."

"Fairly being a subjective word I guess?" Seokjin grins, and Yeonjun chuckles. 

"Well...some are more well-behaved than others. But they usually find ways to occupy themselves most days, so you shouldn't have to do too much. Although at this age most of them aren't fully in control of their shifting, so they might not stick to one form."

Seokjin nods. "Alright, I'll be ready to chase down some little scamps."

Soon the first omegas arrive, pups in their arms or trailing eagerly behind them as they make their way to the creche. Seokjin tries to make himself unnoticed as Yeonjun greets them, but there's no escaping the derisive sneer that cuts across the clearing. 

"Why is the human here?"

Seokjin turns with a sigh to see Sungjae, one of the omegas who dislikes him the most, glaring at him. His pup, Sungho, clings tightly to his leg, so tiny that the top of his head barely reaches his dam's knee. Beside them are other omegas from Sungjae's little group, each of them also looking over at Seokjin with distasteful expressions. 

"Human Seokjin generously agreed to help me today, since the others are all sick," Yeonjun explains. Sungjae scoffs. 

"What use would he be? What would someone like him know about raising pups?"

"I've had plenty of experience raising children, so I'm sure it won't be too different," replies Seokjin evenly. He gives the omega a polite smile which decidedly isn't returned. 

"I don't know if I want to entrust my precious pup to a human. What if he gets hurt because of your ineptitude?"

Seokjin takes a deep breath, willing himself to stay calm. "That won't happen, Omega Sungjae. I swear I will keep your pup safe."

Sungjae still looks less than convinced, but one of the other omegas beside him nudges him. 

"Jungmo is due any day now, and we promised we'd be there to help him build his nest. We can't go back on that."

Sungjae huffs, then turns back to Seokjin with a haughty look.

"I'm leaving my Sungho here with you because I have no other choice, human. But if anything happens to my pup-"

"I will take full responsibility." Seokjin says, meeting his eyes without hesitation. 

With one more withering look the omega bends down to his pup and pats him on the head. "Be good for Omega Yeonjun and stay away from the human, alright Sungie?"

The tiny pup nods, detaching from his dam and scurrying over to Yeonjun. The other pups follow his lead, clustering around the omega after being scented by their parents. 

"Hum-I mean, Seokjin, I'm sorry," Yeonjun says, looking uncomfortable as the other omegas disappear down the path. "I didn't think-"

"It's alright," Seokjin assures him. "I can't begrudge a parent for being overprotective of their child."

Seokjin settles himself on the other side of the clearing, close enough to keep an eye on the pups but far enough to keep them from being uncomfortable. Thankfully it's a perfect day to be outside-the bright blue sky above is clear of clouds, and the sun shines down onto the little wolves as they run and squeal after one another. A warm breeze drifts across his skin, and Seokjin sighs in contentment. After so many long weeks of winter,  just being in the spring air feels like heaven. 

Absently he runs his hand along the freshly growing grass, plucking a sturdy blade and bringing it to his lips. He blows sharply into it, and with satisfaction hears the familiar tweet of sound as the grass vibrates between his thumbs. 

Most of the pups come to a halt as their heads swivel around to locate the source of the noise. When they look in Seokjin's direction the human smiles at them before blowing again into his new whistle. He sees the interest on their faces but none of them move, still seemingly hesitant to come closer. But then one of the bigger ones seems to throw caution to the wind, toddling over to where Seokjin sits and looking at him with big eyes. 

"Human Seokjin, whatcha doin'?"

"Playing my whistle," the human explains. "Want to try?"

The pup nods, chubby little fingers reaching eagerly to take the blade of grass. He smashes it between his fists and blows with all his might, which only results in a sound closer to a raspberry than a whistle. 

"It didn't work! Is it broken?"

Seokjin valiantly tries not to chuckle at the pup's adorably confused expression. 

"No, it's not broken. Here, hold it a bit looser. Like this."

He gently maneuvers the pup's hands until they're curled carefully around the grass. 

"Now press your lips nice and tight together, and blow."

The small wolf obeys his instruction, looking positively elated when the grass gives a small toot!

"Human Seokjin, I did it!!!"

"You sure did, kiddo. What's your name?"

"Joonki."

"Well Joonki, since I showed you my secret whistle technique, do you think we can be friends?" 

The pup considers for a moment, then nods. "Yeah."

Seokjin grins. "Wonderful. So how about you call me hyung then?"

"Hee-ung?"

"Yep. Seokjin-hyung. Sound good?"

Joonki doesn't get a chance to respond before several other of the pups have come barreling over, looking excited. 

"What are you doing?"

"Can we play too?"

"I want one!"

"Let me try!"

By the time Yeonjun comes over to tell the group it's time for lunch Seokjin is completely surrounded by pups squeaking and tweeting their own blades of grass. 

"You're going to scare away every piece of prey in the whole territory with this cacophony," he comments, looking fondly at the young wolves. 

"We've definitely got a ways to go before we're ready to perform at the solstice festival," Seokjin jokes as the pups eagerly show off their instruments to the omega. 

"Omega Yeonjun, look, look!"

"Watch me!"

"No, listen to me first!"

"Mine's the loudest!"

"I see, I see, you're all doing a great job. But let's take a break and have some lunch, okay? Come on, chop chop."

The prospect of food is a mighty motivator and the group wastes no time in leaping up and scurrying over to where Yeonjun has laid out a spread of meat and berries. Seokjin stands as well, ready to help dole out the food, when he hears Joonki calling over to him.

"Seokjin-hyung, come sit next to me!"

"No, next to me!" a pup named Sangcheol shouts. 

"Nuh-uh, he's gonna eat with me!" chimes in another.

"Aish, you've certainly gotten popular," comments Yeonjun with a smile. "Better attend to your admirers." 

"But don't you want help?"

"It'll be a bigger help to have them all distracted and in one place," the omega assures him, gently nudging Seokjin toward the waiting pups. "Go on, make their day."

The pups all bounce with excitement, scooching over to make room as the human settles in the middle of their little circle with his own bowl of food. He's barely lifted a piece to his lips when the questions begin. 

"Where did you learn how to do that?"

"Can you teach us other things?"

"Seokjin-hyung, is it true that humans eat each other?"

Seokjin tries not to choke on his food at that last one, turning to Joonki with wide eyes. "Now where did you hear that?"

The pup shrugs. "That's what the elders told us."

Sangcheol nods. "Yeah, they said that when winter comes humans run out of food because they're bad hunters, and that they have to eat each other instead!"

Seokjin carefully chews and swallows his meat. "Well, that's certainly a good scary story, but I'm sorry to say it's not true. We just eat the same things you guys do."

The expected sighs of relief don't come. If anything the pups look slightly disappointed that their new friend isn't a vicious cannibal, and Seokjin snorts. 

"I don't think we'd taste very yummy anyway. Too chewy and fatty to be any good."

"But how do you hunt prey if you can't shift?" questions another pup. "There's no way you'd be able to catch them like the hunters do."

"We can't chase them down, that's true. We're much slower than any of you. Instead we have to be more sneaky about it. So we set traps and use lures to get the prey to come to us."

The eyes of the assembled pups are all round with rapt attention now, their lunches forgotten. Seokjin taps his chin thoughtfully.

"You know…if you guys want a demonstration, I think I still remember how to make a snare. Want to see?"

The resounding cheer of a dozen pups is answer enough. 

Over the next few days Seokjin returns each morning to help Yeonjun watch over the pups in the creche. The omega thanks him profusely every time, endlessly grateful for the human's assistance while the other caretakers are still sick. But Seokjin assures him that he's happy to do it. In truth, it's nice to have something other than chores to occupy his time while Jungkook is away, and he's grown immensely fond of the pups even in just their short time together. A fondness that is apparently equally returned if their excited squeals of Seokjin-hyung!!! whenever they arrive for the day are any indicator. Seokjin isn't sure if it was his admittedly impressive display of a twitch-up snare on the first day, his bag of cookies on the second, or some combination of both, but the young wolves have all become quite taken with him.  

Having the affection of the pups is nice enough, but it's also had the unintended side-effect of making their parents look more kindly toward him as well. Sungjae and his group are still as cold as ever, but the other omegas have become noticeably warmer- greeting Seokjin when they pass by in the market, making small-talk with him when they pick up their pups, and even sharing some of their food and supplies with him. It's all so small in the grand scheme of things, and yet Seokjin's heart feels lighter each time someone calls his name or smiles at him across the path. 

"Seokjin-hyung, watch me!"

The human looks up from the grass braid he's weaving with little Chiwon to see Yoosuk waving frantically from across the clearing. "Okay, I'm watching!" 

With a determined look on his round face, Yoosuk shucks off his furs. Moments later there's a tiny wolf in the spot where the boy once stood, his pink tongue lolling happily as he bounds over to where Seokjin sits. 

"Wow, look at you! You're getting so good at that, Yoosukkie!" Seokjin praises, ruffling the pup's grey fur affectionately. 

"Seokjin-hyung, I can do it too!" pipes up Chiwon from beside them, grass braid long forgotten as he springs up and starts disrobing as well. 

It's not long before the rest join in, and soon Seokjin is surrounded on all sides by colorful balls of fur all yipping for his attention. He'd thought Jungkook had been small when they first met, but compared to these pups he was positively gigantic. The youngsters are so little that Seokjin could easily pick them up in his arms. And though he tries, really tries, not to coo at how absolutely adorable they are, it's impossible.

"Oh my! Such a ferocious group of powerful wolves! Other packs better watch out!"

Yoosuk howls and the others follow suit. Their squeaky attempts are more comical than terrifying, but Seokjin still acts impressed nonetheless. 

"Amazing! Well, I'll be sure to tell Head Alpha we don't have to worry about the safety of the pack from now on. You've all got it covered."

The pups all look exceedingly proud of themselves, and Seokjin grins.

"But...now I think it's time for a nap."

The wolves whine, nudging against him to try and push him to stand, but Seokjin just settles himself more comfortably in his spot. 

"Hey now. You all want to be like Alpha Jungkook when you present, right?"

The pups' eyes shine with attention at the mention of their hero. Seokjin will never fail to be amused at how revered his mate is by all in the pack- especially when his most recent memory of the alpha was Jungkook close to tears because there was no more of Seokjin's special jerky to take along on his latest hunt. 

"I thought so. Let me tell you a secret then: Alpha Jungkook knows that it's just as important to rest as to work and play. So if you want to be like him, you'll have to do the same."

The change in the pups is nearly instantaneous. They curl themselves up next to Seokjin, pressing their warm fur against him until he's become enveloped in his very own wolf-blanket. In no time at all they seem to have drifted off, their only sounds the occasional sniff or sleepy yip. 

"Well, that's one way to get them to actually adhere to naptime."

Seokjin looks up to see Yeonjun smiling down at him, having finished packing up the remnants of their afternoon meal. 

"I'm about ready to join them. This is exhausting! You and the others don't get enough credit for all your hard work, especially since you're expecting yourself." 

Yeonjun blushes. "Ah, well, that's so kind of you to say. But you're doing a wonderful job too. The pups all adore you so much already that I'm worried there will be a riot when you stop coming. Did you help raise pup- I mean, children, when you lived in the human village?"

"Not in any official capacity. But I have a lot of younger siblings and cousins, so I spent a lot of my early years wrangling them." Seokjin looks at the snoozing pups around him, smiling softly. 

"And you know...this has been really nice, getting to spend time with these little guys. It's certainly a fun change from being home alone while Jungkook is gone."

Yeonjun frowns, his expression taking on a decidedly guilty air. "Seokjin, I...I want to apologize for how so many of us have treated you since you came here. When Alpha Jungkook announced he was taking a human for a mate, there was a lot of fear and anger about it because of what we'd been taught about your kind...But that doesn't make it right. You're nothing like the stories say, and even if you were it wasn't fair to judge you before we even knew you. I'm sorry."

"I..." There's a lump in Seokjin's throat that refuses to go away even when he coughs aggressively. "Thank you. It means a lot to hear you say that."

"I know a lot of the others feel the same way, and we'd like to get to know you better. Would you...would you like to join me and some of them on Moonsday morning? We go to the ovens together to bake bread." 

"I would love to," Seokjin says earnestly. 

Yeonjun beams back at him. "Great! Oh, and if you're worried about Sungjae and his cronies being there, don't be. They never go on Moonsday."

"You could tell there's bad blood between us, huh?" Seokjin huffs. "Or at least on his side. I've never really understood why he dislikes me so much."

"Oh, I don't think it's that hard to figure out," the omega tells him, carefully settling himself down beside Seokjin and the sleeping pups. "You're handsome and talented and Alpha Jungkook looks at you like you've hung all the stars in the sky. Who wouldn't be jealous of that?"

"I'll be sure to tell your mate you said so," Seokjin teases, even as he feels the tips of his ears beginning to burn. 

Yeonjun giggles. "Soobin would understand. Actually, I think he'd probably agree with me. But don't worry, anyone with eyes can see you're just as crazy about Alpha Jungkook as he is about you." 

It's the end of the week and just about time for the dams to pick up their pups when Yeonjun runs over to Seokjin with an alarmed look. 

"What's wrong?" the human asks, concerned at the omega's anxious demeanor. 

"Have you seen Sungho?" 

Seokjin shakes his head, looking at the pups gathered around him. Despite his growing familiarity with most of them, Sungho had continued to stick close to Yeonjun instead- no doubt at his dam's insistence.  "No, I haven't. Why?"

"He was with me and a few of the others just a little while ago picking berries, but I looked away for only a moment and now he's gone! I can't find him!" 

The omega's voice has become an octave higher with worry, and Seokjin stands to put a comforting hand on his shoulder. 

"Yeonjun-ah, calm down. He can't have gotten far." He looks to the pups, who are gazing up at the adults with curious eyes. "Has anyone here seen Sungho?"

They all shake their heads. Seokjin nods, turning back to the omega. "Okay. Where did you last see him?"

"Over there, by the firebushes right beside the treeline," Yeonjun replies, hand shaking as he points in their direction. "But you don't think-"

"Pups, stay here with Omega Yeonjun. I'm going to go look for Sungho."

"No!" Yeonjun grabs his arm. "It's almost sunset; you can't go out there alone. I'll go instead-"

"I'm not letting someone as close to pupping as you wander around in the woods. It's too dangerous."

"But if it's dangerous for me, then it is for you too!"

"It doesn't matter, we're already wasting time." Seokjin gently shakes out of the omega's grip. "I have to find him before it gets dark."

And without another word he sprints off in the direction of the woods, Yeonjun's plaintive cry fading as he crosses into the trees. 

Stepping into the thick underbrush, Seokjin looks around carefully. The forest is huge but Sungho is a small pup and he can't have gotten that far in such a short time. Seokjin may not have the senses of a wolf but he does have his human smarts, so he'll just have to make do with those. He bends down to investigate the earth beneath his feet and sees a few newly broken branches and freshly fallen leaves, and some more in the distance. It's not much, but it's the only lead he has to go on. So he follows the makeshift trail, calling out Sungho's name as he goes. 

As he winds deeper and deeper into the trees, Seokjin grows increasingly concerned. Even though the sun hasn't set yet it's getting dark awfully fast, and there's plenty of dangers out here for a small pup to fall prey to. He needs to find Sungo, and fast. 

Seokjin pushes on through the underbrush, searching desperately until suddenly he hears a shrill voice. 

"Human Seokjin, help!"

Seokjin looks up and sees a small figure high in the tree above him. It's Sungho, and the human breathes a sigh of deep relief. 

"What are you doing up there?"

"Followed a butterfly 'n got stuck," the pup says, clutching the branch beneath him tightly. "Please help!"

"Okay, don't move, I'm coming."

Seokjin has never been a particularly adept climber, but he isn't going to let that stop him now. With a grunt he hefts himself into the tree, carefully scaling his way upwards. It takes longer than it should  because of his inexperience and with each tug he's terrified the wood beneath him might snap and send him tumbling down, but by some miracle he manages to reach Sungho. 

The poor pup is clearly terrified, face streaming with tears and body quivering as he holds on for dear life. 

"Shh...shh...it's okay. Hyung is here." Seokjin reaches out slowly, allowing the pup to grab onto him. "That's it...nice and slow. Come on, hyung's got you."

Seokjin thanks the moon that Sungho is so small, because otherwise there would be no way for him to possibly hold him and make his way back down to the ground. Mindful of his precious cargo he takes his time- one foot before another, one branch before the next, whispering soothing words to the frightened pup all the while. 

It feels like an eternity, but at last Seokjin's feet touch solid ground. He sets Sungho down beside him before fixing the pup with a stern look. 

"Now I'm glad you're safe, and I know you didn't mean to get into trouble, but don't go running off like that ever again. You could have gotten very hurt."

" 'm sorry," Sungho sniffs, crying in earnest now. "Human Seokjin, I'm so sorry!"

Seokjin bends down to his level, gently wiping away the tears. "There there, it's going to be alright. Let's get you back to your dam, okay?"

"I-"

Sungho suddenly cuts off with a gasp, his eyes filling with fear as he looks at something behind the human. Seokjin spins around and feels his stomach drop as he sees an enormous black bear pushing through the foliage. Its beady eyes are trained on them and its thin frame suggests that it's only just woken up from hibernation and is hungry for its first meal. 

"Sungho," Seokjin says, keeping his voice level, "stay down on the ground, and don't move."

"But-"

"Now."  He hears the tiny rustle of leaves as Sungho obeys his instructions but the human keeps his eyes locked on the bear, rising up and subtly shifting his stance so that the pup is hidden behind him as he tries to make himself look as large and intimidating as possible. 

They wait in silence, each sizing up the other. The bear is still watching him and sniffing the air, but it doesn't move closer.  For a brief moment, Seokjin thinks it's decided not to attack. 

But then suddenly, without warning, it charges straight at them. Seokjin doesn't even think to try and flee, merely stands firm and has a second to pray that Sungho will be smart and run. 

In seconds the beast is upon him, shoving him down with its gigantic paws. Seokjin hits the ground hard and the bear attacks, its jaws closing around his arm as it bites fiercely. The human howls in pain, flailing wildly as the animal's teeth piece his flesh. The pain is immense, but with every bit of his strength Seokjin tries to fight back. He kicks the bear as hard as he can, but that seems to only make it angrier as it rears back to claw at his leg next. The pain magnifies tenfold and he feels blood pouring from the open wounds. He's already getting dizzy, and knows that he's not making it out of this alive without a miracle. But at the very least, Seokjin has to keep the bear distracted long enough for Sungho to get away. 

With a hysterical scream, Seokjin connects his fist with the bear's muzzle with all his might. It rears back, groaning in pain, but Seokjin has no more strength left. He collapses to the ground, his vision fading and body feeling unbearably heavy as he succumbs to the overwhelming agony. 

The last thing he hears before everything goes black is a ferocious roar. 

When Seokjin returns to consciousness the first thing he registers is warmth: the warmth of the furs piled atop him, the warmth of the soft bedding beneath him, and the warmth of the hand tightly curled around his own, fingers interlaced with his. A thumb runs gentle circles around his palm, slow and soothing in a steady rhythm, and for a few moments Seokjin feels calm. 

Then the pain hits. 

His back. His arm. His leg. It comes at him in waves, sudden rushes of fire all through his body that makes him let out a groan and curl involuntarily inward.

"Hyung??"

With some difficulty Seokjin peels his eyes open to see the face of his mate a breath away from his own. Jungkook looks about a bad as Seokjin feels- his hair is greasy and unkempt, his skin is pale, and he looks like he's been wearing the same furs for several days. The alpha's dark eyes are slightly wild as they gaze at him, filled with a volatile mix of distress and elation.

"K...Koo?"

Jungkook lets out a shaky breath. "You're awake. Oh stars, you're awake. I was so scared- I thought-"

"Wha...what's going on?" Seokjin's head is still fuzzy, and the pain isn't helping his memory. 

"What's going on is you nearly died being a stupid, selfless idiot-" Tears begin to spill down the alpha's face but he makes no move to wipe them away, instead grasping Seokjin's hands even tighter. "Why did you do that?"

Oh, right. The bear. 

"Couldn't let Sungho get hurt..." Seokjin manages to say, then looks at the younger with concern. "Is he alright? It didn't get him, did it?"

"The pup is completely safe. Everyone is safe thanks to you, you self-sacrificing fool!" Jungkook sounds furious, but Seokjin can hear the hurt and fear beneath.

"Oh, thank goodness," Seokjin sighs with relief. "Then everything is fine."

"Fine? Everything is fine? Hyung, I almost lost you!" Jungkook wails, close to sobbing now. "If I had gotten there even just a minute later you would have been torn apart, you would have been dead-"

"But I'm not dead," the human says soothingly. He unclasps their hands so he can cup the alpha's face, stroking his cheeks tenderly. "I'm completely safe, just like you said. So please don't cry; it makes hyung sad to see you like this."

The alpha sniffles, leaning forward to bury his face in Seokjin's neck. "Don't you dare do something like that again. Ever."

"I'm not planning on it, believe me. But bears must have a grudge against me. Guess they can't bear to see me."

Seokjin chortles at his own joke, and his mate gives an exasperated huff. "Only you would be making terrible puns when you're laying half-dead in the healer's hut."

"Oh, is that where we are?" Seokjin finally takes a good look at the surrounding space, noting that they do indeed seem to be tucked away in the corner of Yoongi's workspace. "How long have I been out?"

"Three days."

"Hey, that's pretty good." At Jungkook's disbelieving look, he amends his statement. "For a human, at least. Remember, I don't have your super wolfy healing."

"I've been well reminded."

There's a sound of movement from the other side of the high shelves they're ensconced behind and Jungkook immediately crouches over Seokjin in a possessive stance, his lips curling back into a warning snarl. 

"Woah, it's only me!" comes Hoseok's voice, the beta's head popping into view a moment later. "Just wanted to check on-hyung! You're awake!"

"Hi," Seokjin tries to wave and winces in pain as his arm screams in protest. 

"This is great! I'll go get Yoongi!" With that, the honey-haired beta promptly disappears out of sight.  

"So what happened?" Seokjin asks Jungkook as the alpha shifts so that the human is safely wrapped in his arms without jostling his injuries. "How did you know to come find me?"

"We got back from the hunt not long after you left. I heard Omega Yeonjun in a panic and went to see what was wrong, and when he told me you'd gone into the forest I took off after you without a second thought. Thankfully it wasn't hard at all to follow your scent, but when I got there..."

The alpha shudders. "The sight of you broken and bloody on the ground is going to haunt me for a long time."

Seokjin clasps Jungkook's hand in his once again and gives it a reassuring squeeze. "And the bear?"

Jungkook's smile is positively feral. "I would have brought it to you as a trophy, but there weren't enough pieces left." 

"My hero," Seokjin sighs, leaning his head against the alpha's chest. 

Footsteps can be heard heading toward them again and Seokjin smiles, thinking that Hoseok has returned with Yoongi. But the two wolves that emerge around the corner are definitely not their beta friends. 

It's Sungjae and Sungho. 

Even though Jungkook had already told him that the pup was fine, Seokjin still exhales in relief to see him unharmed. He's being held tightly in his dam's arms, but upon seeing the human he wriggles free and sprints over to Seokjin's bedside. 

"Human Seokjin!! You're okay!!" 

Jungkook automatically tightens his grip around his mate, but Seokjin ignores his alpha's protective action and reaches down to ruffle the pup's hair. 

" 'Course I am, kiddo," Seokjin tells him. "Beta Yoongi is the best healer there is; I'll be right as rain in no time."

"Yay! Dam said that we could come see you as soon as you were awake, to say thank you!"

Seokjin is surprised to hear this, but even more surprised when he looks up at the omega still standing a few steps away.

The expression on Sungjae's face is one that Seokjin has never seen before. It's not his usual sneer or looks of judgement or condescension. No, instead it's full of regret, guilt, and shame.  

But even this pales in comparison to what happens next. Seokjin's jaw drops as Sungjae falls to his knees and bows deeply to the human. 

"Human Seokjin, thank you for rescuing my pup. No words can truly express my gratitude properly, or the debt that my mate and I owe to you for saving Sungho's life, but...I want to ask forgiveness for the way I've treated you since you came here."

Jungkook makes a questioning rumble in the back of his throat, but Seokjin nudges him to be quiet. 

"I had thought that because you're human that it meant you would never truly care about this pack, but I was wrong. What you did for Sungho, risking your life...that proves you're just as much a wolf as any of us."

Seokjin doesn't respond right away. Frankly he's in a bit of a state of shock. It's not everyday you have someone who wronged you begging at your feet to be forgiven. And Seokjin can tell that Sungjae is sincere- there's absolutely no way the exceedingly proud omega would demean himself by bowing to a human unless he meant it. 

Beside him Jungkook is looking between the omega and the human with a suspicious gaze. Seokjin knows he's not going to be able to avoid telling his mate everything now, but at the very least it doesn't have to be right this minute. One thing at a time. 

"Please stand up Omega Sungjae."

The wolf obeys, watching him with trepidation. 

"It's true that the way you and your friends have treated me since I’ve joined the pack has hurt me-"

"...What?" growls Jungkook lowly. Seokjin ignores him and continues on. 

"But I also know how hard it is to understand someone or something that seems on the outside to be so different from yourself. And more than anything, I think that it's more important to make friends instead of holding grudges. So with that being said..."

Seokjin sits up and extends his hand. 

"Shall we start again?"

The omega's hand clasps his, and Seokjin smiles.

Chapter Text

To say that Seokjin is bewildered by everything that's happened so far today is an understatement of the greatest kind. Being threatened by wolves only to find out that they were actually Jungkook's closest friends would have been enough excitement on its own. But then reuniting with Jungkook, a Jungkook he never anticipated, a Jungkook who is looking at him like he can't decide whether to fall at Seokjin's feet or devour him whole...and did he mention that Jungkook is completely naked?

All things considered it's a miracle Seokjin is still standing, although that's mostly thanks to the fact that Jungkook has him tightly held in his arms with seemingly zero intention of letting go. He's still nuzzling against the human's neck, a deep rumble of satisfaction vibrating from his throat as he does so. Seokjin desperately tries not to think too hard about the fact that the wolf is completely bare or the way that his skin feels absolutely blazing hot pressed against Seokjin, practically burning through the human's clothes.

"J-Jungkook, I...you..." he babbles, his mind apparently unable to focus on anything other than how devastatingly handsome the young wolf has become. The way they're locked together is doing funny things to his heart...and also to other parts of him as well. 

But it just doesn't make sense! Jungkook has always been cute, Seokjin has never denied that. Adorable in his youthful enthusiasm, charming in his naivete. Small and friendly and not a threat at all. This Jungkook is not that. This is...this is...

"I'm sorry it took so long for me to come for you," the alpha whispers into his ear, his low murmur doing absolutely nothing to help Seokjin's current state. He feels something hard and thick pressing against his thigh and it takes frankly superhuman effort not to look down. "I only just got free."

"Got...got free?" 

"Once they found out my presentation had started, they locked me in the rut cabin," the alpha chuckles darkly. "As if something like that was going to keep me from you."

"What did you-" Something drips onto him and Seokjin gasps, glancing down to see that the alpha's fingers are wet with blood, the skin on the tips of them mangled and torn. "Wait, you're hurt!"

All inappropriate thoughts promptly forgotten he pushes Jungkook away enough to grab them, running his own along the damaged flesh. "This is serious! We need to wrap these before they get infected!"

Before the wolf can respond Seokjin has already sprung into action, dashing over to his bag and pulling out a clean cloth to wrap Jungkook's hand. He tears it in half as he scurries to the river, dipping one piece into the cool water before bounding back over to Jungkook. The alpha's golden eyes follow the human's every move and he puts up no resistance as Seokjin manhandles his fingers to clean and bandage them. If anything, Jungkook just looks immensely pleased. 

"Did you break down the door of the cabin with your bare hands or something?" comes Yoongi's amused voice from somewhere behind them. "That desperate to get to your intended, eh?" 

"I thought this kind of thing only happened in elder's tales," says Namjoon. Seokjin doesn't look away from his ministrations, but he can hear the sound of the two of them drawing nearer. A low growl from Jungkook makes them both stop in their tracks.

"What are you doing here?" demands the young alpha, his eyes narrowed and mouth twisted in a scowl as he stops watching Seokjin to glare at the other two wolves. "Why are you with him?"

"Down, puppy. I already said we weren't going to hurt him now."

"Not going to hurt him 'now'? So you were going to hurt him before?" Seokjin can hear the anger rising in Jungkook's voice, and he's pretty sure that if he wasn't currently keeping the alpha's hands occupied Jungkook would be seconds away from attacking the others.

"We thought he had done something to you," Namjoon replies, his voice level and placating. "We had no idea until we talked to him that you two had formed a bond."

"You had no right," Jungkook hisses. "He's my mate! Mine!" 

Seokjin has no idea what's happening, but he does know that he'd better step in before things escalate further. He finishes binding the cloth around the alpha's fingers before focusing on the three wolves around him. Jungkook is shooting daggers at the older two, his lips pulled back in the beginning of a snarl, while Namjoon looks exasperated and Yoongi bemused. 

"Hey, hey! No fighting! You're friends, why are you all snapping at each other like this over a misunderstanding?"

"It's because he's still in rut," Yoongi explains, motioning to Jungkook, who growls. "When alphas are in that state it heightens their emotions and they don't think rationally. And since this is his presentation rut, it's even more pronounced."

So he's under some sort of haze? "You mean he isn't himself?" 

Namjoon sighs and shakes his head. "No. If anything, this is his truest self."

"Don't you like me, hyung?" Jungkook asks, suddenly turning his attention back to the human. The intensity in his eyes makes Seokjin gulp. "I became like this for you. My body, I mean. Strong and powerful, so I can protect you. My mate shouldn't have to worry for anything, because I'll take care of you."

"I-I, well-," Seokjin stutters, thrown off guard by the sudden shift in the alpha's demeanor. "I was really worried when you didn't come...I missed you."

The alpha positively preens, taking one of Seokjin's wrists and pressing it to his lips softly. "I missed you too, more than anything. But I promised you I would come back, and now we won't have to be separated ever again."

Seokjin feels his face going red as Jungkook nips his skin with his sharp teeth. "What do you mean?"

"Now that I've presented, I can mate you properly. By the next full moon I'll build the perfect den for us, with everything you could ever want. Then I'll claim you."

"What?" exclaim Seokjin and Namjoon at the same time. Yoongi snorts. 

"Moving a little fast, don't you think?"

But Jungkook doesn't look put off. If anything his golden eyes seem to glow even brighter, with an almost manic gleam.

"Because Seokjin-hyung is already mine. My wolf knows it. And he knows it too, don't you?" He leans in and lightly grazes his teeth along the side of Seokjin's neck. "You're going to look so beautiful with my mating mark. All mine for everyone to see." 

"I-"

"Keep you by my side forever, nice and safe and happy. Anything you want, I'll give to you. Gonna be the first thing you wake up to and the last thing you see at night. And-"

But Seokjin doesn't get to hear the rest of these plans, because Jungkook's eyes suddenly droop closed and he sways forward. The human barely manages to catch him before he falls to the ground, struggling under the dead weight of the bulky alpha. Then without warning Jungkook shifts back into his animal form- causing Seokjin to yelp in surprise as he's buried in fur yet again. With great difficulty Seokjin extracts himself from beneath the motionless mass of wolf.

"Jungkook?" He shakes him, a flash of panic coursing through him when the wolf doesn't respond. "Jungkook?"

He looks over at Yoongi and Namjoon in horror. "What's happened to him? Is he hurt? Sick?" 

"Don't lose your head," the white-eyed wolf chuckles. "He's just asleep."

"Asleep?" Seokjin repeats, staring back down at the alpha. But to his disbelief, Yoongi is right. He can see the gentle rise and fall of Jungkook's chest, and nothing about him seems to be in any sort of distress. "But...why? And why did he shift back?"

"When we go through rut it takes a toll on our bodies," Namjoon explains. "Expends a lot of vitality even if we're not with a partner. This is the third day of his, the last day, and he just used all his energy to sprint all the way across pack territory. No wonder he's exhausted."

Yoongi nods. "Mhm. He'll probably be out the rest of the day at least."

"The rest of the day?" Seokjin's eyes widen. "So what do we do?"

The two wolves look at each other, a silent conversation passing between them. Yoongi shrugs. 

"Well, it'd be a major hassle to carry him all the way back when he's like this...so I guess we'll just leave him where he is for now until he wakes up and shifts."

"You're just going to leave him here by himself?" Seokjin exclaims. "What if something happens to him?"

"I'm not sure if you've noticed, but Jungkook is now an apex predator," Yoongi says sardonically. "Anything in this forest that tries to go after him has a death wish of the most violent kind." 

"But-"

"If you're really so worried, why don't you stay with him? You've already been his savior before, after all." 

Seokjin purses his lips, staring at the sleeping alpha. If he doesn't get back home his family will worry about him. But despite what Yoongi says, it doesn't feel right just leaving Jungkook on his own. What if another bear comes, or something even bigger? Jungkook may be big, but he's helpless if he's asleep.

"Fine. I'll stay with him."

Yoongi grins. "Figured. You're both completely gone for each other, aren't you?" 

He snaps his fingers at Namjoon. "Joon, give them your furs so Jungkook has something to wear when he shifts back. Don't want the human getting all hot and bothered again." 

Seokjin scowls but Namjoon nods, removing his clothing before quickly shifting back into the large russet wolf. Yoongi tosses the furs in Seokjin's direction before clambering back atop the wolf's back. 

"We'll be back later for him. Gotta go make some excuse to the elders for why he left the rut cabin and where he is before they get suspicious." The small wolf sighs theatrically. "The things I do for this brat." 

And without another word the duo disappear into the trees, leaving Seokjin alone with a sleeping alpha and a million questions.

Seokjin sits in stunned silence for a long while after they've gone. Beside him the gigantic black wolf dozes peacefully, dead to the world with his snout buried in between his paws. Seokjin leans back gingerly against his side and the wolf immediately curls around him, enveloping Seokjin in a warm cocoon of fur. His tail comes to rest across the human's lap and Seokjin strokes it absentmindedly, trying to process everything that's just occurred. 

His mind keeps circling back to Jungkook's words, and the intensity in the alpha's eyes as he'd spoken them.  

My mate shouldn't have to worry about anything, because I'll take care of you.

I missed you too, more than anything.

Seokjin-hyung is already mine.

There really isn't any other way to interpret his meaning, and perhaps Seokjin should feel more surprised by the fact that Jungkook seems to be completely besotted with him. But the longer he sits there the longer he reminisces about the way that Jungkook has always looked at him when they've met, the way the wolf always wanted to stay as close to him as possible when they were together... and he starts seeing those moments in a different light. Starts understanding how obvious the signs were if he had been looking for them, as improbable as it seems. And realizing that maybe his own feelings have also been-

The wolf snorts in his sleep, rolling onto his back before abruptly shrinking back into a man.

"A little warning when you do this would be nice," Seokjin grumbles, even though Jungkook is still sound asleep. Sound asleep and utterly gorgeous, with his tanned skin and thick arms and supple-

Clearing his throat violently, Seokjin scrambles for the furs Namjoon had given him and manages to finagle them onto Jungkook's body without staring the best he can. It's definitely a challenge, but the picture of Yoongi's smirking face in his mind manages to keep Seokjin on track. 

He spends the rest of the time studying the alpha, memorizing every detail of him after so many months apart. Really, is it fair for someone to have lashes so full and thick? Lips so plump and pink? Hair so sleek and smooth, so soft underneath his fingers? 

"It's seriously not fair for you to be hot and get to turn into a wolf," he grouses, poking the alpha's side in annoyance. Jungkook merely snores and snuggles closer into the human's embrace. 

"Aish, Yoongi's right, the things we do for you..." But Seokjin's smile is ridiculously fond as he continues to keep his vigil. 

The sun is starting to set when Jungkook finally wakes up, blinking blearily as his mouth stretches in a yawn and exposes his sharp canines. Seokjin notes with relief that the gold has faded from the alpha's eyes; they're now back to their familiar black, though the expression of fear and embarrassment in them is new to Seokjin, as is the way that Jungkook scrambles away from the human's touch as if he's been burned. 

"Hyung! I-I-" Jungkook looks down at the furs he's wearing, sniffing in confusion. "What...? How did I-?"

"Namjoon left those for you," Seokjin explains. "The two of them will be back later. They said that you would be fine on your own until then, but..."

Jungkook looks at him with wide eyes.

"You...you stayed," he says, voice hesitant as though expecting the human to lash out at him. Seokjin huffs. 

"Of course I did. I wasn't going to let you just lay there alone on the hard ground." 

"I...but...the things I did...the things I said..." Jungkook looks absolutely mortified, his cheeks flaming as he clutches his long hair in his hands. "You should have run as fast as you could. I sounded like a complete maniac."

"You were certainly...enthusiastic," Seokjin chuckles, though he's turning slightly pink as well. 

The alpha groans. "Hyung, I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have said those things and sprung this all on you with no warning and-"

"Did you mean them?"

"I-huh?" Jungkook pauses mid-apology to stare at him. Seokjin calmly holds his gaze. 

"Did you mean everything you said? About me being your mate, and wanting to be together? Or was that just your rut talking?" 

He waits patiently for the alpha to answer. Jungkook looks conflicted, his eyes dropping to his hands as he fiddles with the fur Seokjin had covered him with. At last he sighs heavily, seemingly resigned to something.

"...I meant it. All of it."

A rush of something floods over Seokjin like a wave crashing to shore. Elation? Excitement? Anticipation?  

"How long...how long have you felt this way?" 

Jungkook takes another deep breath before responding. "Since the very first time we met."

This takes Seokjin by surprise. "Wait...the very first time? With the bear?" 

Jungkook nods shyly. 

"But...why?" Seokjin asks, baffled. He'd assumed that the wolf's feelings had come later, after they'd gotten to know each other and spent so much time together. 

"Because you were so brave, coming to my rescue, taking care of me...you were like a hero from an elder's tale, something I'd always dreamed of. And so handsome, and your scent was so-" Jungkook cuts himself off, his entire face very red now.

Seokjin thinks they have very different memories of that initial meeting, seeing as he thought he looked less like a hero and more like a deranged lunatic yelling at that bear. 

"And so ever since that day, you've liked me?" When Jungkook nods again, Seokjin goes on. "But then, why didn't you say anything?"

"Because I didn't think I was worthy of you yet. You're so wise and talented and I was just a pup who hadn't presented and didn't have anything to offer you...I thought when I finally became a hunter, when I could prove that I was capable..."

The wolf gives a disgruntled huff, shaking his head. 

"I had it all planned out- where I would take you, what I would say...and then I ruined that all today."

"Well...I wouldn't say that."

Jungkook looks at him, confusion in his expression. "What?"

"Sure this was all very unusual and unprecedented as far as romantic overtures go, but that doesn't mean you've failed. If anything, this was probably the push I didn't even know I needed to get my head out of the sand."

"Hyung, what are you saying?" the alpha asks, a note of hope in his voice. 

In lieu of a response, Seokjin reaches over to his bag and pulls out the satchel he'd made for Jungkook, handing it over to him without a word. The wolf's jaw drops as he takes it, his eyes slowly running over the intricate stitch work and carefully woven designs. He gingerly runs a finger over the tiny wolf in the center before looking up at the human. 

"Is this...?"

"A courting gift? Yes." Seokjin chuckles. "I didn't realize that when I was making it but looking at it now, how could it be anything else? I haven't stopped thinking about you since the second we separated last fall. Without you, my life just wasn't the same." 

"So, does this mean..." Jungkook swallows thickly. "Does this mean that you accept my courting?"

"Well, I'll be honest-there's never been anyone I've wanted to court before, so this is all new to me. And I've got no clue what wolf courting entails, or how it differs from the human kind." Seokjin shuffles so that he's sitting beside the wolf, taking his hand in his own and interlocking their fingers. "But I'm more than willing to figure it out with you. As long as we're together, I'm happy." 

It doesn't matter that the sun has almost completely sunk below the horizon, because Jungkook's smile is blinding enough to light up the entire forest. 

Chapter Text

Despite the severity of his injuries, Seokjin mends quickly in the days following his unexpected encounter with Sungjae. Between getting plenty of rest, meals made from Taehyung's healthiest veggies, and Yoongi's most potent tinctures, it's no time at all before he's back on his feet with only a few bandaged limbs and slowly fading bruises left to remind him of his harrowing experience. Everyone is thoroughly impressed with his speedy recovery, and Seokjin himself is immensely grateful for it after being cooped up in the healer's hut for nearly a full moon. When he steps back outside for the first time in so long and is greeted with warm sun on his face and the sweet spring breeze against his skin, it feels like paradise.

Seokjin also very much appreciates being back in his own den and especially his own nest, safely tucked away from the hustle and bustle that seemed unending while he was at the healer. Not only was Yoongi always busy with a constant stream of sick or injured pack members to tend, but it also hadn't taken long for word of what Seokjin had done to spread- especially after Sungjae's apology. It seemed like every wolf in the pack had come by to hear the story and offer condolences or apologies of their own, and after the first few days Yoongi had to ban visitors from bringing gifts because they'd begun to occupy so much space that the beta couldn't reach his patient.

Even after returning home, the change in the pack's attitude toward Seokjin had been intense and unescapable. He was now greeted warmly wherever he went, given the tastiest cuts of meat or larger portions of supplies, asked to share his recipes and cooking tips, and invited to join in all kinds of activities from sewing circles to trips to the hot spring. Seokjin had frankly been overwhelmed by the amount of attention, unused to being the pack's focus in a positive way rather than something to look at with suspicion. But at the same time he can't deny that he's the happiest he's ever been since he came here. Jungkook and his other friends have always made Seokjin feel welcome, but he hadn't realized just how much he'd missed having the warmth and support of a community around him until now, and he's determined not to take it for granted.

Perhaps Seokjin's favorite part of the whole thing was the gaggle of omegas that came to beg him to continue helping out with the creche. They'd appeared unannounced at his door one morning, pleading expressions on their faces and baskets full of the choicest berries and freshest loaves of bread to tempt him into accepting their request.

"The pups have never been as bright and well-behaved as they are since you began looking after them!"

"After what happened to little Sungho, I could only feel secure if I knew someone so brave and strong as you was keeping them safe."

"In return, we'll do any of your chores that you want- even laundry!"

Seokjin pretended to consider it just to tease them, but in reality it wasn't a tough decision at all. He'd grown quite attached the youngsters in the creche and it was no hardship to continue to spend time with them-especially now that he often finds himself finishing his own chores early due to all the help from the other pack members. And he definitely wasn't going to turn down the opportunity to have someone else washing furs for him-his least favorite task of all.

When he'd returned back to the creche the resulting squeals from the pups were so loud they'd frightened the birds from the trees, and the tiny wolves tackled him with such eagerness that Yeonjun was afraid Seokjin's wounds might reopen. If they'd treated him with respect before it's now turned into complete awe-many have even begun bragging to their friends and parents that they want to be like Alpha Jungkook AND Human Seokjin.

All in all, it's been a very different spring from Seokjin's last in all the best ways, and there's only one dark spot in his otherwise flawless season.

Jungkook.

The change in his mate would be impossible not to notice even if Seokjin wasn't already highly attuned to the alpha's every mood. But as it is, it's unescapable. The human may not be able to smell Jungkook's scent, but it's like there's a dark cloud hovering over his head ever since Seokjin's conversation with Sungjae. Jungkook's usual enthusiastic excitement and playful curiosity is gone, replaced with a wolf that flips back and forth between unwarranted despondency and persistent gloom with seemingly no trigger.

He's distant during the day, speaking very little and constantly finding excuses to be off doing one task or another instead of spending time with Seokjin. And when they are together he's moody and mostly silent, only commenting when the human asks him a direct question and looking as though he's almost afraid to be in Seokjin's presence. It's as though he's waiting on tenterhooks for the human to yell or be angry at him, though for the life of him Seokjin can't figure out why.

But when Jungkook is asleep it's like he's a completely different person-clinging to Seokjin almost painfully tightly as if afraid the human won't be there when he wakes and murmuring things Seokjin can't fully make out that sound like apologies.

Seokjin tries to ask Jungkook what's bothering him, but the wolf avoids his questions. At first Seokjin chalks it all up to lingering stress from the bear ordeal-that maybe Jungkook was still affected by the trauma of almost losing his mate. While he's never been the cause of one before, he knows from the stories of the others that his mate is known for his excessive sulks. So he tries to give him space and not pry even though he's desperate to know what's going on in the alpha's mind.

When Jungkook leaves on the next hunt, Seokjin figures that being away with the other alphas will help rouse him from this strange mood and that he'll return afterwards back to his normal self. But to his disappointment that isn't the case. If anything Jungkook's demeanor only seems to have worsened- he pulls back from pack activities even more to instead spend long stretches of time on his own in the wood, returning only when the moon is high in the sky.

One afternoon Seokjin pulls Jimin aside, the omega's pursed lips telling him that he's already aware of what the human is going to ask.

"I'm sorry hyung, I really have no idea why he's being like this."

"He didn't say anything to you or the others? Did anything happen while I was still at Yoongi's?"

Jimin shakes his head. "No, nothing."

"I just don't know what's gotten into him," Seokjin says wearily. "And every time I ask if he's alright, he just brushes me off. I don't know what he could be so worked up about....is there something I'm missing?"

The omega hums thoughtfully. "His scent is so sour...and the only time I remember it being like this before was when, well..."

"When?"

Jimin looks at him with troubled eyes. "When he thought he wasn't going to see you again."

Seokjin wearily trudges back home, ruminating on Jimin's words the entire way. Jungkook was acting the same way as when they'd been separated? What on earth could that mean? Was it something Seokjin had done? Was he angry with him?

He reaches the cabin just as the sun is dipping below the horizon, unsurprised but still disappointed when he goes inside and finds it empty. Jungkook hadn't spoken a word to Seokjin when they'd woken that morning, barely touching his food before sprinting out of the den to who knows where. A rush of frustration courses through Seokjin, both at his mate for not talking to him and at himself for letting this go on for so long. Instead of preparing dinner or any of his other usual nightly activities he plops himself down right next to the door, waiting with arms crossed for the alpha to return.

He's going to get answers one way or another, damn it.

It feels like an eternity before Jungkook returns, the door of the cabin opening slowly as though he's trying not to make any noise. Seokjin hadn't bothered to light any of the candles, and so the wolf probably thinks he's gone to sleep already.

"What in the stars is going on with you, Jungkook?" he demands, springing up.

The alpha jolts in surprise at the elder's sudden appearance and displeased tone, "I-wha? Why- why are you sitting in the dark?"

"That's not important right now. Why are you acting like this?"

Jungkook doesn't say anything at first. Then he brushes past the human to the table and lights one of the candles. "I've just been...thinking about things."

Seokjin follows him, irritation rising. "Don't play dumb with me. Jimin said your scent has been-"

"Jimin should stay out of things that aren't his business!" the alpha growls, his eyes avoiding Seokjin's.

"How are we supposed to know whose business it is if you won't tell us anything? You've been completely out of sorts and everyone is worried about you, especially me! So why won't you talk to us?"

A tremor of anxiety runs through Seokjin when his mate doesn't reply.

"Unless...unless it's something I've done? Have I hurt you?"

The alpha's reaction is immediate. He whips around, face panicked now. "No! Hyung, no, never. It's not..."

He trails off, putting a hand to his forehead. Seokjin thinks he sees the glint of wetness in his eyes, and it makes him start to panic even more.

"Jungkook, what's wrong? Please, let me help you."

"I've failed," the wolf's voice wobbles. "I've failed as your mate."

This was the last thing Seokjin expected to hear, and it renders him momentarily speechless. But Jungkook seems to take his silence as agreement because he continues on, inhaling shakily.

"I haven't honored my vows. I promised I would keep you safe-"

"And you did!" Seokjin interrupts, managing to find his voice again but still utterly bewildered. "Without you that bear would have made mincemeat of me, but I'm completely fine-"

Tears are streaming down the alpha's cheeks now. "No! When we mated, I swore before the moon that I would care for you, protect you. That I would make you happy! But you haven't been! This whole time, all these moons, you've been hurting and suffering and I didn't even know about it!"

"I...Koo, that's not-"

But the alpha isn't listening. "I took you away from everything, everyone you loved! I knew it was selfish and greedy, but I couldn't bear the thought of living without you. But I thought that at least you could find a new family here. And I thought you had, that you were making a place for yourself here..."

His voice is steadily rising in pitch, becoming more hysterical as he works himself into a frenzy. "But this whole time you've just been hiding from me how you really felt, and how you've been treated! And the worst part of it all is that you didn't trust me enough to tell me, to let me help you! And that means I've failed in every way that matters."

These last words seem to take all of Jungkook's energy with them. Seokjin instantly closes the distance between them, pulling Jungkook against his chest and wrapping his arms around him as with a pained sound the alpha collapses against him.

Seokjin breathes deeply, willing himself to remain calm. Even though he's reeling from everything he's just heard it will do no good if they both fall into hysterics. "Come on, let's get you in the nest."

The alpha tries to argue, but Seokjin merely tightens his grip and starts to lead him toward the back of the cabin. Jungkook is so much taller and broader, but he feels so small right now as he leans heavily against Seokjin, body quivering and shoulders heaving with his continued sobs.

With some difficulty Seokjin manages to shuck off his own outer furs before pulling off the younger's and gently settling him down so that he's lying in the center of their nest. Then, touch light and gentle, he carefully pulls the blankets and coverings so that Jungkook is snugly ensconced before standing back up. Jungkook makes a pleading noise, but Seokjin merely presses a soft kiss to the top of his head.

"Shh. I'll be right back, I promise. Stay here."

The younger doesn't respond but obeys, doing nothing to stop the tears still flowing steadily down his face. Seokjin can feel dark eyes following his every moment as he hurries over to the kitchen and pokes the fading embers of the small cookstove back to life, then reaches into the food stores to pull out a bowl of berries and starts crushing them.

In no time at all he returns to his mate's side, a steaming mug of drizzleberry tea in his hands. Seokjin carefully passes it over to the wolf as Jungkook blinks up at him. To the human's relief he's stopped shaking and his tears have finally subsided in the time it took Seokjin to prepare the drink, but now he just looks completely lost.

"Drink up," Seokjin says, sitting down and crossing his legs comfortably. "And then we'll talk."

Very slowly, his eyes still glued to Seokjin's, Jungkook takes a small sip. Then another, and another. With each one the tension in the alpha's shoulders loosens a fraction, the rigidity of his posture gradually easing. Seokjin waits patently until he sees that he's finished it all, then takes a deep breath.

"Alright, let me just try to get this straight. No-" he says, when the alpha tries to talk, "I want to speak first. You've been beating yourself up and distancing yourself all this time because you feel like you've failed as a mate?"

The wolf gives a tiny nod.

"And that's because of what's been going on between me and the omegas?"

Jungkook nods again, eyes downcast and hands still wrapped around the mug. Seokjin huffs.

"Well by that logic, I've failed as a mate too."

"What?" Jungkook's gaze snaps up. "Hyung, no! Of course you haven't. I'm the only one to blame, I should have known-"

"How could you have known when I was deliberately hiding things from you? I should have told you what was happening from the very beginning, but I didn't. I was proud and didn't want to admit how much it was affecting me, so I shoved it to the side and tried to pretend I didn't care."

The alpha shakes his head violently. "But I should have tried harder to make sure you were doing well here in the pack! I should have asked more questions, should have realized the way they were treating you wasn't normal-"

Seokjin sighs and reaches over to gently take the mug from the younger, setting it aside before interlocking their fingers.

"Jungkook, every day I'm amazed by what a kind, generous, and caring person you are. But you're also so popular and important to the pack, and sometimes that makes me feel like I'm not good enough for you. Like I hold you back from having everything you deserve."

"Hyung-"

Seokjin squeezes his hand and Jungkook quiets.

"I know it's irrational, but it's how I feel. How I've felt for a long time. And when those omegas would make comments about how I'm not fit for the pack, it would make me think that maybe those thoughts I had about myself were right. And in my mind if I told you, you might agree, and might realize that you could do so much better than me..."

He inhales.

"So I didn't tell you about how Sungjae and the others had been acting, even though it meant I was lying to you and keeping things from you. I'm sorry."

Something wet trickles down his face, and Seokjin belatedly realizes he's crying moments before Jungkook pulls him into his embrace and hugs him tightly.

"Don't apologize to me," he says emphatically. "You are all I've ever wanted in this life. You are everything to me, Seokjin-hyung. Nothing you could ever do would make me think less of you, or regret being yours. I'm sorry for not telling you that more, for not working harder to make you see yourself the way I see you. And I'm sorry for how I've been acting. I didn't think I was worthy of being near you after realizing how I failed you, but all I've done was hurt you more."

Seokjin sighs. "We've both made mistakes. Maybe you should have been more aware, maybe I should have been more forthcoming. But in the end it doesn't make a difference who's more to blame. Our biggest fault was not sharing our troubles with each other."

Jungkook hums in agreement, and Seokjin pulls back slightly so that he can look into the alpha's eyes.

"Let's agree right now to both be honest with each other, even when we think what we're feeling is silly, or embarrassing, or stupid. We're in this together, no matter what anyone else says or does. Right?"

"Right."

"Good. Now let me cuddle with my mate, I've been completely deprived for days." And without further ado he pulls Jungkook down and finagles himself underneath the blankets as well so that they're both snuggled together, Seokjin's head on the alpha's chest and their legs tangled. "Ahh, much better."

Neither says anything more for a while. Seokjin is content to just lie here, feeling the steady rise and fall of his mate's chest beneath him and feeling the warmth of his skin.

"I've missed this," he murmurs eventually, eyes closed.

"Me too," his mate affirms, his nose buried in the human's hair. "My wolf has been completely manic without you."

"Is that why you've been keeping me in a death grip every time you fall asleep? Your subconscious coming out?"

"Probably. It's been horrible trying to stay away from you. But I really thought you would be furious with me once you realized how I'd failed you, and that you wouldn't want to be around me. I guess I was prematurely punishing myself."

"For the last time, you didn't fail me," Seokjin replies. "And the only thing that made me angry was not knowing how I could help you. I thought you were angry at me."

"I love you more than anything, hyung," Jungkook says assuredly. "I could never be angry at you."

"Hmm...even if I made a double batch of the picopepper lamb skewers for Jimin and didn't give you any?" Seokjin asks with faux seriousness.

"You wouldn't!" The alpha's tone is so affronted that Seokjin can't stifle his laughter.

"Obviously not," he assures his mate, leaning up and giving him a kiss. "I love you far too much to do that."

Chapter Text

Now that they've officially declared themselves to be in courtship, Jungkook has been presenting Seokjin with gifts almost every time they meet. Seokjin isn't sure if the alpha has suddenly been filled with present-making zeal or if he's had these waiting, but Jungkook has certainly come a long way from the misshapen blobs he'd been making when Seokjin first met him. The carvings he presents to the human now are proper works of art: intricately detailed charms in the shapes of flowers and animals that Seokjin adds to the growing bracelet that never leaves his wrist. Every time he looks at them or feels them against his skin he's reminded of Jungkook, and that comforts him like nothing else.  

But charms aren't the only gifts Seokjin has been receiving. Now that he's begun to hunt, Jungkook also brings offerings of meat as well. As Seokjin soon discovers, according to wolf tradition this is meant to symbolize his ability to provide for his future mate. Seokjin certainly isn't opposed to getting thick slabs of boar, glistening slices of venison, and tantalizing cuts of rabbit....his mouth waters just at the sight of it. Obviously he can't bring most of it home without arousing his family's suspicions (there's only so many times he can claim to have fortuitously run into the village butcher) so most of the time Seokjin ends up cooking the meat then and there for the two of them to enjoy. Eventually Jungkook even helps to build a small firepit near their usual meeting place, and it becomes something of a habit for them to share meals whenever they meet. 

Not to be outdone Seokjin spends his own free time at home creating courting gifts as well, pulling out all the stops as he tries to think of things that Jungkook will enjoy. Luckily for Seokjin what his wolf likes is very easy to figure out: Jungkook goes completely moon-eyed every time the human brings even the smallest scrap of food, and once Seokjin starts regularly coming with new dishes to try and exotic spices from far-off villages the alpha is completely enraptured.

Though they try to keep a regular meeting schedule, Jungkook's new status as a member of the hunting party means that he's often called away for extended periods of time, especially in the summer. Seokjin misses him terribly during these absences, but he knows that being a hunter has always been Jungkook's dream. And as the alpha steadily works his way up the ranks and proves himself capable, Seokjin is extremely proud of him. 

Jungkook tries to give Seokjin as much forewarning as he can as to when he'll be away, but the times he's unable he always makes sure to send someone else in his place. 

Because I know you'll worry yourself into a tizzy if I don't show up, hyung, and I don't want that.

Seokjin pretends to act affronted, but he knows that Jungkook is right- and it makes the warmth in his heart grow even stronger to know that the younger considers things like this. 

The first few times, Yoongi is the one who comes in Jungkook's place. The white-eyed wolf grumbles about the ordeal every time (This little brat, making me trudge all the way out here. Doesn't he know I'm busy too?) but Seokjin can tell that beneath his supposed annoyance the beta actually likes coming to see him. The two of them certainly have an enjoyable time whenever they're together: trading stories of human and wolf culture, getting into spirited debates about the best berry compounds to heal barkskin, and soaking in the river on hot days while they sit in companionable silence watching the clouds. 

Seokjin becomes so used to seeing Jungkook or Yoongi's familiar heads of dark hair that the blonde waiting for him this time comes as a total shock. His cheerful ambling skids to a halt as he takes in the newcomer warily, half-hidden behind an oak tree. The unknown wolf is even smaller than Yoongi, with thin limbs and delicate features. He turns at the sound of Seokjin behind him, his beautiful face splitting into a wild smile that makes his rounded cheeks even more prominent. 

"Oh, there you are! I was beginning to think I had the wrong spot. But this place positively reeks of Kookie, so I knew I couldn't be too far off." The stranger scrunches his nose. "I don't know how you stand it, although he did say your senses aren't as good as ours. Lucky you!"

Seokjin doesn't say anything while the petite wolf babbles amiably a mile a minute, but his brain is working frantically. This newcomer clearly knows the alpha, and if what Seokjin has learned about wolves from Jungkook and Yoongi is true, his small stature and soft features probably meant that he was an omega. Which means this must be...

"Are you...Jimin?"

The blonde pauses his chatter to smile at Seokjin again. "That's right! And I'm so happy to finally meet you, Seokjin-hyung!...Did I say it right?" He tilts his head cutely and Seokjin can't help but be charmed.

"Yeah. But you don't have to call me that if you don't want to. I know wolves don't use honorifics like that."

"But we should, it's fun! I've been wanting to get out here for ages, but between Joonie's new responsibilities and all our preparations..."

He trails off, holding his now-pinkening cheeks in his hands with a pleased smile. 

"Preparations?" Seokjin repeats, finally emerging from his spot behind the tree to come toward the peppy omega. 

"Yes, our mating preparations. Joonie and I will be saying our vows at the next full moon," Jimin replies, his eyes starry in a way that reminds Seokjin very much of Jungkook. They are brothers, after all, even if just going by looks Seokjin couldn't think of two people who looked less similar. Where Jungkook is tall and broad, Jimin is short and compact. And while Jungkook's skin is a deep tan and his long hair is black as ink, Jimin is pale with short hair so light it almost seems white. 

"-and of course, we have you to thank for that!" 

Seokjin is yanked from his musings by Jimin's statement. "Thank me? Why?"

"Why? Because without you my sweet, silly, utterly dense alpha would have never realized that I've been trying to get him to court me for years!" 

Jimin skips over to him and takes Seokjin's hands in his own, running his wrist lightly along the human's in a way that Seokjin now knows is meant to convey affection. 

"When he and Yoongi came back from their first meeting with you, Joonie came straight to my den with an intensity in his eyes I'd never seen before..." he trails off, sighing dreamily. 

"And later, after...when everything had calmed down a bit, Yoongi told me what happened. I've been meaning to thank you ever since!"

"Ah, I mean, I really didn't- you don't have to-" Seokjin stutters, flustered by the omega's earnest admiration. 

"Nonsense! Without you Namjoon would still have his head stuck in the sand and I'd die a mateless omega, all my beauty wasted." Jimin puts a hand to his forehead dramatically before grinning at Seokjin again. "So with that in mind, it's only fair that I support your courting in return."

"Y-you do?" While he's happy to hear it, Seokjin had been expecting a bit more resistance. 

"Of course! Kookie is completely besotted, and anyone who makes my little brother look the way he does when he talks about you can't be anyone but his true love..." Jimin hums blissfully, then snorts. "Although I can't imagine why anyone would choose to willingly spend their life with that menace."

"Is this my chance to hear embarrassing anecdotes about Jungkook?" Seokjin chuckles. "Because if so, I am all ears."

Jimin's smile turns decidedly more mischievous. "Oh Seokjin-hyung, you and I are going to get along so well." 

Seokjin spends an entertaining afternoon with Jimin hearing all kinds of stories from Jungkook's puphood days, followed by a delightful reunion with his pouting alpha a week later when Jungkook returns from the hunt and learns what happened. 

"I can't believe he told you that story," he whines, looking less like a ferocious predator and more like a sulking child curled up in Seokjin's lap. 

Seokjin merely hums, running his fingers through the alpha's thick waves. Jungkook's hair has gotten even unrulier while he's been away, and there's nothing Seokjin enjoys more than untangling it and feeling the way the wolf melts into him as he does. 

"Aww, but I'm sure you looked so cute covered in butterflies."

"Hyuung!" Jungkook buries his face in Seokjin's shirt, his ears turning bright red. 

"Hey, I'm just happy that your brother likes me. I was worried I'd have to duel him for your honor or something."

"Is that a thing that humans do?" the wolf's head pokes back up curiously. 

"Only in elder's tales, as far as I know."

"Have you...have you said anything to your family about us?" Jungkook asks hesitantly. Seokjin isn't sure from his tone whether he's worried that he has or that he hasn't. He sighs heavily. 

"Nothing outright, but I think they're really starting to get suspicious."

Frankly, that might be an understatement. Despite the precautions he's tried to take (leaving before anyone else is awake, making sure to always bring back something as an excuse for where he's been, and carefully hiding any larger gifts from Jungkook under the loose floorboard in his room) his father has been questioning him very closely every time he comes back from visiting Jungkook, and his siblings keep commenting on how there's something different about him. The only outlier is his mother, who has stayed uncharacteristically mum and seems to be holding herself back.  

"You seem more tired than usual," Seokjin comments, taking in the alpha's slumped posture and the dark circles under his eyes. "Was the hunt rough?"

"Not particularly," Jungkook replies, then huffs in annoyance. "The trouble was back home."

"What do you mean?" 

Jungkook lets out a long-suffering sound. "It's the omegas...ever since I presented they've been all over me like bees on honey. Lingering around when I'm home, following me to the market and gossiping loudly to each other in hopes I'm listening....and now they've started leaving things at my den when I'm away on hunts."

"Things like?"

"Furs and blankets that smell like their scents, healing salves, dried berries, all kinds of things."

"And I'm assuming these are common ways omegas signal their interest in potential mates?" Seokjin asks, highly amused by the sour look on the alpha's face.

"Uh-huh. Even though I've made it as clear as I can that I'm not interested in any of them. I gave all the furs back, and I keep giving the other stuff to the hyungs because I don't want it. But they still won't give up."

"Well, you can't blame them for trying," Seokjin says fairly. "In fact, I hear you're the most eligible alpha in the pack."

Jungkook growls. "Did Jimin tell you that? He can never ignore a chance to mock me."

"It was Yoongi, actually. But I think your point still stands." 

The alpha says nothing for a few moments, then turns to look at Seokjin with a serious gaze. 

"Hyung, have you thought about us...being together?"

"I thought we already were," replies the elder lightly. 

"No. I mean, yes, we are. But I meant living together. Fully, as mates."

Seokjin has spent a lot of time thinking about it, whether it's walking home from their visits or lying awake late at night in his bed. He thinks about how wolves and humans haven't interacted in decades, before that only ever seemed to be at odds with each other, and probably won't take well to one of their number showing up with an enemy. He certainly will never even consider trying to bring Jungkook to his village. Not because he's ashamed of him, but because if anything happened to Jungkook, if any of his neighbors- or sun forbid his own family- hurt the wolf, Seokjin would never be able to forgive himself. 

And besides that, Seokjin can see how much the pack means to Jungkook, how closely intertwined wolves are to one another even if not related. He could never live with himself knowing that he took Jungkook away from his community, the work he loves, and the family and friends that he treasures. 

But that only leaves...

"I want you to come live with me, hyung. With the pack."

"Jungkook...that's impossible. You've said it yourself, the elders and the others hate humans. They'd never accept me." 

But the wolf doesn't look discouraged. If anything, there's a certainty in his eyes that Seokjin doesn't understand. "I don't think it's as far-fetched as we once would have believed."

"What do you mean?"

"Things are changing," the alpha says ominously. Then-

"Answer me honestly, hyung. If it were possible, would you come with me? Live with me?"

Seokjin thinks about everything he would have to leave behind. His own home, the little cottage he's grown up in and lived in his whole life. His family- his mother and father and his siblings he loves dearly. The rest of the village. Can he really say goodbye to everyone and everything he's ever known?

But then Seokjin looks at Jungkook, and sees the hope and nervousness in his eyes. Remembers how he feels whenever he's with him, that rush of joy and elation and contentment he's never felt with anyone else before or since. The way it's felt when he's been separated from him, that aching loss that nothing else can fill. 

And really, he finds that the answer isn't that hard at all. 

The first time Seokjin kisses Jungkook, the alpha's reaction is nothing like he'd expected. They've just polished off another delicious meal courtesy of Jungkook's fresh-caught game and Seokjin's roasting skills, and are now sitting comfortably beside the dying fire watching the sun dip down through the trees. Seokjin knows that he'll have to leave soon, but it's so difficult when he's so utterly at ease with a full belly and Jungkook's arm around his shoulders keeping him tucked snugly against his side. 

When at last he turns regretfully to tell the wolf that they need to say goodbye, he's once again taken aback by Jungkook- by the elegant slope of his jaw, the fading scars scattered across his smooth skin that add rather than detract from his beauty, and the way the flames flicker in his dark eyes. He's completely alluring without even trying, and it makes heat curl through Seokjin's chest.

Jungkook inhales sharply as Seokjin slowly leans in and seals the distance between them. His lips are warm and surprisingly soft, and still taste like the spices from their dinner. But they don't move in response to Seokjin's- in fact, the wolf has completely frozen, his eyes still open and body rigid.

Seokjin quickly pulls back, shame rising. "Shit-I-I'm sorry, I should have asked-"

But Jungkook doesn't look angry, more confused. "What was that?"

Seokjin's heart sinks further at the skeptical tone. "I know I haven't kissed anyone since the time at the harvest festival when I was sixteen, but I didn't think I was that bad-"

"Hyung," the alpha interrupts his rambling with a hand on his arm, still looking utterly nonplussed. "What are you talking about? What's a kiss?" 

"I-" Seokjin gapes at him. "What do you mean, what's a kiss? You've never been kissed before?"

"I've never even heard that word before. What does it mean? Is it what you just did with your lips? Is it a human thing?"

"I...I guess it must be," said human says, bewildered. "Wolves really don't kiss?"

"Why would we? What is it supposed to do?" Jungkook looks so innocently curious that Seokjin can't help but chuckle despite the absurdity of it all. 

"It's a way humans show affection to each other. Kinda like scenting I guess. Depending on where and how you do it, it can be something friendly and familial, or more...intimate."

"Where and how?" the alpha repeats. "Like how?"

"It's not exactly easy to explain."

"Then show me?"

"Okay, so for example..." Seokjin sits up and presses a quick kiss to the top of the younger's head. "Like this, if you're a parent with their child."

He gives another quick peck to Jungkook's cheek. "Or this, if you're friends who haven't seen each other in a while."

He can practically see the wheels turning in the alpha's mind. "Neither of those are where you kissed me...so that way must be for mates, right?"

"Yes, usually. But that's not the only way. There's a lot of ways you can kiss someone you love." 

"I see....Will you show me the others?" 

Seokjin feels the tips of his ears getting hot. "Only if that's something that you want. We really don't have to-"

"I do," replies the alpha, and there's a new intensity in his eyes that sets something in Seokjin alight. "I want to know how to make you feel good, hyung. How to make you mine in every way I can."

Needless to say, Seokjin returns home very, very late that night.

One season passes, then another, and soon a whole year has gone by. It seems to Seokjin like it's been merely a blink of an eye, all the new memories he's made with Jungkook blending together into a beautiful tapestry. Spring spent strolling along the blooming flowers, giggling at the way the wolf sneezes from the pollen. Summer eves spent sprawled on the mossy earth telling stories about the stars. Plucking plump mushrooms and berries in the fall and having a feast with Namjoon, Yoongi, and Jimin. 

Winter had been the hardest, the separation from the alpha made even harder than the last time due to the new closeness between them. Seokjin had missed Jungkook intensely when they'd been apart before, but this time around it's as though there's a literal ache in his heart, a festering wound that refuses to heal until he sees his beloved again. 

Seokjin passes the time making as many gifts for Jungkook as he can: another new satchel, this one thick and sturdy so the wolf can take it with him on long hunts. Jars of jams and jellies in unique flavors that he spends hours carefully mixing on the stove. A blanket woven by hand that Seokjin keeps beside him in bed each night to make sure it smells like him. 

When they reunite the first time the following spring, it's as if the piece of him that was missing is back as soon as he sees the familiar shape of the alpha in the distance. Neither can even speak at first, too busy being wrapped in one another to say anything. 

"I told them," Jungkook says later, much later, when they've both been sated and are curled against each other by their favorite tree. 

Seokjin cracks an eye open, his mind and body still pleasantly dazed. "Told what? Who?"

"The pack. I told them everything. About you and I. That I'd found the one I want to spend my life with and he's a human, and that I intend to mate him."

Seokjin springs up, eyes wide with shock as he looks down at the alpha. "No, you're joking, you didn't-"

"I did, and I don't regret it." The alpha's own eyes are blazing. "I don't want to hide you anymore, hyung. I don't want to hide how I feel about you, or spend another winter without you. I want to stand beside you proudly as your mate for all to see." 

"But...but how did they all react? They can't have been happy." 

Jungkook snorts. "They weren't. Some of them thought I was playing a joke. Others said that I'd lost my mind. Jimin and Namjoon both had to confirm that they'd met you before half the pack even believed you were real."

The wolf's voice is calm, but fear still courses through Seokjin. "Are you in danger? Are they going to kick you out?" 

"Not if they want to lose their lead hunter," replies Jungkook with a grim smile. "The elders are in an uproar of course, but I'm not afraid of those old fleabags. Now that Namjoon is the Head Alpha, it's his word above all others." 

Yet another shock. "N-Namjoon is leading the pack?"

"Head Alpha Wonshik passed away during the winter, and Namjoon officially took his place at the solstice ceremony."

"I..." Seokjin trails off. This is so much to take in, and he hadn't been expecting any of it.

"No one is going to go against the Head Alpha's decision, especially not after the divination." At Seokjin's confused look, he continues. "The elders demanded that the Moonseer ask the gods about you, and Yoongi told them that you were no threat to the pack."

"Did he really see that, or did he lie?"

"Does it matter? Don't you see what this means, hyung?" Jungkook asks, pulling Seokjin into his arms, his eyes alight. "We can be together now."

When the human doesn't respond right away, his face falls slightly. "Hyung, did I do something wrong? Are you unhappy?"

"No, no-" Seokjin is quick to reassure the wolf. "I am happy, really. It's just...what am I going to tell my family?"

Seokjin is still mulling it all over by the time he gets home that night, barely even aware of the questioning glances sent his way by his siblings as he heads to his own room without a word to any of them. 

He can go and live with Jungkook. He can join the wolf pack and be with the alpha he loves. It still sounds untrue no matter how many times he repeats it in his head. As confident as Jungkook had always been, there'd been a part of Seokjin that truly didn't believe this day would ever come. And now that it has the seriousness of it all is fully hitting him, the realization that he really will have to leave behind everything he's ever known and take a chance on a strange new place. Can he really do it? Can he really be a lone human amongst wolves?

A soft knock at the door interrupts his spiraling thoughts, and he looks up in surprise to see his mother's face peeking around the doorframe. 

"Can I come in? I'd like to talk to you."

Seokjin nods, apprehensive. Is she going to lecture him about his absences? Tell him that he hasn't been pulling his weight as he should?

But his mother sits down gently on the bed beside him, her eyes kind. 

"I think it's not wrong to say that you've had a lot on your mind lately?"

Seokjin nods.

"And today something happened that gave you even more to think about?"

Seokjin nods again, still unsure where this is going. 

She hums. "You've met someone, haven't you?"

A bolt of fear slices through Seokjin, and he clearly doesn't hide his reaction fast enough because his mother reaches out, taking his hand in hers. 

"I'm not here to reprimand you. You're an adult, you can make your own decisions. And honestly I've had my suspicions for a while...I just want to know why you think you have to hide them from us." 

"It's because he's not, um...he's not from around here."

She nods. "From another village? Somewhere far?"

"Very...very far. And they, they don't um...they don't get along well with us."

Seokjin is sure that she's going to press him for more answers, to make him explain. He probably would have, if he was in her place. But she doesn't. Instead his mother leans back on her hands, staring up at the ceiling. 

"You know, your grandfather came from somewhere far, far away. Did I ever tell you the story?"

Seokjin shakes his head. His grandfather had died long before his birth.

"My mother always used to say that he appeared out of the forest one day half-dead with nothing but the clothes on his back, like something out of an elder's tale. She never told me what village he came from; maybe she never knew herself. But she brought him to our village and nursed him back to health, and it was love at first sight for both of them. He never said much about his past, but there were certain things he'd do..."

She chuckles softly, rubbing a finger along the inside of her wrist.

"When I was small, he would always take my hand and run his fingers over me just like this. And sometimes he would go off into the woods for a long time, and not come back until the moon was all the way up in the sky." 

Seokjin doesn't reply. Thoughts and questions are spinning inside his head so fast that he's almost getting a headache, overwhelmed by everything he's just heard. His mother sits patiently with him for a while before she asks her next question.

"What's the name of your wolf from far away?"

Seokjin startles, turning to look at her with wide eyes, but she merely continues to smile and wait patiently for him to answer. 

"His name...his name is Jungkook. He's sweet, and kind, and funny, and I've never felt the same way about anyone as I feel about him, and..."

"And?" 

He takes a deep breath, and continues. 

"He wants to marry me, ma. And I want to say yes. But to be together, I would have to leave here. Leave you, and pa, and everyone..."

He trails off, but it's clear from his mother's face that she understands. 

"Do you love him?"

"More than I ever thought possible." 

She nods, looking satisfied. "Then you should go to him."

It was the last thing he expected from a conversation that has already gone in directions he could never have anticipated. "What? But- but ma, if I do that-"

His mother cuts him off, chuckling. 

"Seokjin...you know you can always come home, right? That your father and I, and everyone else, we'll always be here for you? You're still part of this family, no matter how far away you go." 

Seokjin feels his eyes starting to water, and he leans into the comforting embrace of his mother. She holds him with the same tenderness and love as when he was a child, and just like then he feels completely comforted.

"You have to listen to what your heart is telling you. All I've ever wanted is for my children to be happy. And if this Jungkook does that for you then I'm content, no matter who or what he is." 

"But the village-"

"People move away to other places, so can you. What they don't know won't hurt them."

"But pa-"

"Don't worry about him either. Your father is a stubborn old goat, but I'll get him to see sense. Now..." she smiles, "tell me all about my soon to be son-in-law."

It had been one of the most nerve-wracking experiences of Seokjin's life to confess everything to the rest of the family. Though it had almost all been worth it just to see the look of utter astonishment on his father's face when he learned his secondborn son was in love with a wolf. But true to her words his mother had worked her magic, and though it had taken some very intense conversations and a whole host of family meetings, they all had eventually come to accept Seokjin's explanations of events. 

His older brother had been relieved that Seokjin had found a spouse at last, having been worried about Seokjin's lack of interest in anyone from the village. Meanwhile his younger siblings were completely uninterested in their brother's love life, instead begging Seokjin to tell them every gory and exciting detail about wolves that he could. When he'd told the story of saving Jungkook from the bear, their eyes had grown so wide they resembled tiny moons. 

Seokjin hadn't intended for them all to come along when he finally left to join Jungkook, but when he'd said that to his family they'd looked at him as if he'd said something very silly. 

"Of course we're coming with you," his mother chided. "We want to meet Jungkook ourselves."

"And see him turn into a big wolf!" his younger brother exclaimed.

Seokjin hadn't had the heart to tell them no, but when he nervously explains the situation to Jungkook the alpha only laughs. 

"Don't worry hyung, it actually works out perfectly. Joon has been worried about taking you away without your family's consent. This way everyone can meet and see for sure that I'm not kidnapping you."

"The fact that he's concerned about that says a lot about you," Seokjin teases. 

Jungkook merely smiles. "What can I say? I'm not afraid to take what I want."

The trees are in full bloom and their colorful petals fall onto Seokjin's shoulders as he, his parents, and his siblings make their way through the woods toward the river. It still feels surreal to be doing this- to be bringing his family to meet Jungkook and his own, and to be leaving them to join the wolf pack. 

"I can't believe you've been coming all this way every week for years," his older brother pants, chest heaving both from the exertion of the long walk and from carrying one of the bags full of Seokjin's belongings. "No wonder you're suddenly so strong."

"It's so romantic!" chimes his youngest sister, practically bouncing on her feet. "Oppa did all of this for love!" 

"Love or insanity," grumbles his younger brother, rubbing his feet. "Are we almost there?"

When they reach the water, Seokjin sees that the wolves have already arrived and are waiting on the human side of the river. Namjoon is in the middle, looking even taller and more imposing than usual when flanked on either side by Yoongi and Jimin. Jungkook stands slightly in front of the rest, his dark eyes scanning the tree line. When he spots Seokjin his face splits into a huge grin and he bounds forward, sweeping him up and spinning him around while peppering him with kisses. 

"You're here!!"

"Yes, yes," Seokjin huffs, blushing. "Put me down, you silly alpha."

Jungkook obeys, but not before nuzzling Seokjin's neck thoroughly for good measure. Then he finally seems to remember that they're not alone and turns to look at Seokjin's family with increased seriousness. Seokjin turns as well to see that his parents and siblings are all looking at the wolves with a mixture of amazement and trepidation. Yoongi and Jimin gaze back at them with interest, while Namjoon steps forward toward Seokjin's father and gives a slight bow. 

"Thank you for coming. I am the leader of our pack; my name is Namjoon. This is my mate, Jimin, and my Moonseer, Yoongi." He motions toward the other two, who give nods of their own as Seokjin's father introduces himself and the rest of the family.  

"And this obviously must be Jungkook," says Seokjin's mother warmly, striding forward and taking the younger alpha's hands in her own. "The one who has made our son so happy."

Jungkook turns a furious shade of red, bowing frantically. "Y-yes, that's me. I only ever want to keep making Seokjin-hyung happy. I swear it." 

"I'm sure you will," Seokjin's mother smiles, pinching the wolf's cheek fondly. "And so handsome too! My Jinnie is quite lucky."

Seokjin didn't know Jungkook's face could get redder, but the evidence in front of him proves otherwise. 

Namjoon looks between Seokjin's parents seriously. "And I swear on my duty as Head Alpha that I will keep your son safe. No harm will come to him in my pack."

"Oppa, oppa!" his little sister hisses, tugging on Seokjin's clothes insistently. "We wanna see the big wolves!"

"Yeah, yeah!" agrees his younger brother beside her. "Ask them to get big!" 

"Don't be rude!" Seokjin's older brother snaps at them, though it's clear he's curious as well. 

But the wolves don't seem insulted, rather amused. Jungkook looks toward Namjoon for permission. When the older alpha nods, he dashes behind the nearest tree only to emerge seconds later as the hulking black wolf, causing Seokjin's father to yelp in surprise and his sister to squeal with delight. 

"Eeee!!! Wolf-nim, you're so cool!!" 

The rest of the group watch in amusement as she and Seokjin's other younger siblings chase him around, the wolf yipping happily. 

"I didn't know something could be so ferocious and so...cuddly, at the same time," comments Seokjin's father as he watches his children play with the alpha. 

"That's our Kookie," Jimin chirps. "Looks scary, but a total softie."

The two groups spend the rest of the afternoon sitting together by the water's edge and getting to know each other. Seokjin takes a moment to look at them all, his old family and new one together as one. Beside him Jungkook regales Seokjin's younger siblings with stories about his hunts, the children hanging on his every word, while across from them his father and Namjoon are in a deep discussion about building techniques. Beside them Jimin and Seokjin's mother examine each other's clothing and accessories with interest, the omega starry-eyed in wonder as he peers intently at the complicated embroidery decorating the human's robes.  

Seokjin can't help but marvel at the two species getting along so well. One day, could humans and wolves all get along like this? It seems like a ridiculous dream, but maybe...

Only when the sun starts to lower in the sky do they realize it's time for them to separate and for Seokjin and the wolves to head to the packgrounds. Seokjin hugs each member of his family tightly, trying to hold back the tears that threaten to overflow. 

"Make us proud, son," says his father.

"We'll miss you, oppa! Come visit sometime with Wolf-nim!" his sister begs.

"Remember what I said," his mother tells him, her own eyes watery. "We'll always be here for you."

Seokjin nods, and with a full heart steps back to wave at his family as they leave. Only when they've completely disappeared through the trees does he finally turn toward the wolves waiting for him.

"Are you nervous?" Jungkook asks as he joins them. 

"Yeah. But I've got you with me, right?"

"Always."

Seokjin smiles. "Then I've got nothing to worry about. Take me home, alpha." 

Chapter Text

"Seokjin-hyung! Seokjin-hyung!" 

The loud voices calling his name startle Seokjin, making him lose his balance and topple over onto the soft grass with a heavy oof! The pups around him whine in disappointment and turn as one with pouts on their tiny faces to face the trio of approaching wolves.

"You interrupted Seokjin-hyung!" squeaks little Chiwon.

"Yeah! Hyung was about to beat his handstand record!" adds Yoosuk, pointing an accusing finger at the older pups. 

"Sorry, hyung," apologizes Minjun, trying and failing to hide his giggles at the sight of the human sprawled out on the ground with his clothes askew. 

"Yeah, didn't know we were getting in the way of important business," adds Kanghoon, looking similarly amused.

Seokjin sits up, picking grass out of his hair. "It's alright, I'm sure I'll have plenty more opportunities this season. Now, what's so important they've got you three on messenger duty?"

"The hunters are due back today!" Seunghan explains. 

Seokjin smiles. "Ah, I see. Let me guess: that means we're due for a feast tonight?"

The older pups nod, causing the younger ones to squeal. 

"A feast?" Chiwon yips. "With everybody?"

"And with lots of meat?" asks Joonki, already drooling. 

"That's right," Seokjin agrees, before turning back to the older trio. "And in that case, you youngsters better get going and let the rest of the pack know, right?"

"Right! Let's go!"

"See you tonight, Seokjin-hyung!"

As they sprint away from the creche, Seokjin turns back to the young pups in his care. "A pack feast, how fun! And this will be the first one for most of you, am I right?"

They nod and hop with exhilaration, a few even shifting unintentionally from the excitement. Seokjin chuckles, pulling the little wolves into his lap as the others gather around him.

"What's it like, Seokjin-hyung?"

"Is there lots of food?"

"Will all the hunting alphas be there?"

"Will we get to see Alpha Jungkook?"

Seokjin hums. "There is, and you will. Everyone will come to the gathering grounds to see Head Alpha and Head Omega welcome back the hunters and their offerings for the pack, and then we'll all feast together."

The pups all chitter and chatter amongst themselves, eyes aglow. 

"Will you sit with me, hyung?" asks one.

"No, hyung is going to sit with my family!" argues another, shoving his friend. A third yells over them both.

"Nuh-uh, he'll be with me!"

"Hey, hey-" Seokjin interrupts before the pups start properly scuffling. "No fighting. You'll all be with your own families, and I'll be with mine."

The pups whine at that, their little faces crumpling into disappointed pouts. Seokjin holds up a finger.

"But...maybe if you behave, your dams will let you come over to my fire and say hello to me and Alpha Jungkook."

The resounding cheer is loud enough to shake the trees. 

The gathering grounds are already packed by the time Seokjin arrives that night. He'd been occupied with putting the proper garnishes on the food, and by the time he'd finished the sun had already begun to set and he'd had to sprint across the ridge. He hopes that the others were able to secure a good spot in his absence. 

All around him wolves are preparing for the feast- arranging firewood, setting out ingredients, and laying out furs and blankets. As he weaves his way through they call out to him in greeting from all sides, bringing him over to their own fires to say hello, chat, and give him some of their own food. It seems like he's spoken with half the pack by the time he finally spots Yoongi, Hoseok, and Taehyung waving at him from a firespot right in the center of the clearing. He makes his way over to where they're sitting with some difficulty, barely able to carry the weight of all the gifts he's been given.   

"I think Kookie is in serious risk of losing his status as the most popular pack member," Hoseok comments teasingly as the human sets down the piles of food with a grunt. 

Seokjin waves a dismissive hand as he tries to corral all the fruit into one basket. "Oh please, don't be silly."

"He's got a point, hyung," adds Taehyung, looking over the array of offerings with impressed eyes. "You've got enough here to last the whole winter. Everyone's crazy about you."

"I'm sure most of them are just thanking me for taking care of their pups, that's all," the human argues, feeling his ears starting to go pink. 

"Mhm. And the reason we were able to get such a prime fire spot tonight definitely wasn't because everyone saved this spot specifically for you," says Yoongi. 

"What? No they didn't- you're joking, right?" Seokjin looks between the wolves with wide eyes. When none of them speak, he feels the heat spread from his ears to his whole face. 

"Hyung, you're so cute when you blush," Hoseok chortles. 

Seokjin is thankfully saved from any more embarrassment by the sound of a familiar voice calling his name. He turns in time to see Jimin heading toward them, the omega practically waddling from the added weight of his rounded belly. Seokjin leaps up to meet him halfway, putting his arm around Jimin's shoulder and helping him sit down with the rest of them.

"Hey! No running around when you're about to pop, Head Omega."

"I've got plenty of time, these little ones aren't going anywhere soon," Jimin replies, cradling his bump affectionately. "You can all stop coddling me."

"We will when you stop overworking yourself," chides Yoongi. "You're supposed to be taking it easy as per my orders as your healer." 

"I am, I promise. Tonight is nothing hard anyway, I just need to look regal and imposing and accept the offerings with grace." He schools his face into an expression of solemnity, lowering his voice. "Alphas, we thank you for your dedication to the wellbeing of our pack. May the Moon bless you."

"Very dignified," grins Hoseok. 

"Anyways, what are you going to make this time, Seokjin-hyung?" Jimin asks eagerly. "More skewers?"

"Actually, this year I decided to marinate and slow roast a nice choice cut and then finish it with some last minute searing to seal in the flavor." 

When none of the others respond he looks up only to see the four of them practically with their tongues out, eyes almost feral with hunger.

"I'm going to guess that means you're excited to try it."

Jimin leans in close, fluttering his eyelashes. "You know as Head Omega, I think I should get an extra share- don't you think so?"

"You're pupped, you shouldn't be eating so much," argues Hoseok. "So I'll eat your portion instead."

"Actually, I saw in a vision last night that I was meant to get an extra portion," asserts Yoongi.

"I'm the alpha here, I need more meat than the rest of you," whines Taehyung. 

"What are you all bickering about now?" comes Namjoon's voice, interrupting them. 

Seokjin faces him with a mock expression of fear. "Head Alpha, save me! I'm a poor, defenseless human, and these scary wolves are going to tear me apart for my meat!"

Namjoon nods in understanding. "Hmm...sounds serious. You'd better give it to me for safekeeping." 

"Traitor!" yells Hoseok.

"Betrayed by the sire of my pups," Jimin wails dramatically.  

Taehyung shakes his head. "I think this is an abuse of power. We should revoke his leadership."

"Well before you do that, at least let me finish tonight's ceremony," chuckles the Head Alpha, before looking at his mate. "It's almost time to start, love. Will you be alright?"

"Of course I will!" Jimin grumbles, getting slowly to his feet. "And if you keep treating me like I'm some frail little thing I'm never letting you pup me again."

"Now that's a serious threat," Yoongi snickers. "Better listen to him, Joon." 

"Don't start eating without us!" Jimin calls back to them as he and Namjoon move to their spot to await the hunters. "Or I'll sic my alpha on you!"

By the time Seokjin and the others have built up their fire and gotten everything else ready, the sun has set below the horizon and the thundering sound of approaching wolves can be heard in the distance. Seokjin straightens up from tending the fire in time to see the hunting party making their way through the gathering grounds, jaws leaden with prey. 

He spots Jungkook at the head of the pack, his massive form and pitch black fur easily recognizable. His kill is almost as big as he is- an enormous bear that dwarfs in size even some of the other wolves of the hunting party. Seokjin can see the pride glimmering in his mate's eyes as Jungkook drops his offering in front of Namjoon and Jimin and the surrounding wolves howl in appreciation. When he steps back to allow the others to present their own kills the wolf locks eyes with Seokjin, who smiles and blows him a kiss. 

"Our hunters have returned safely, and we thank the moon above for their success," proclaims Namjoon once all have come forward. "Let the feast begin!"      

Seokjin barely registers Jungkook bounding toward him before he's all at once engulfed in fur, the wolf bowling him over and covering him with his huge body. Seconds later it's replaced by the alpha's human form as he shifts, thankfully preventing Seokjin from suffocating but now presenting him with the new problem of being squeezed to death as Jungkook embraces him tightly. 

"H-hi there.”

"Missed you," his mate murmurs, burying his face in Seokjin's neck and scenting him aggressively. 

"I missed you too," Seokjin says, closing his eyes and reveling in Jungkook's warmth.

"This is all very touching," comes Yoongi's sardonic voice from somewhere behind them, "but why don't you at least put some furs on before you hug Seokjin to death?" 

Jungkook reluctantly complies, but not before giving his mate a deep kiss first. Slightly dazed, Seokjin wobbles over to the fire and starts to take the meat off. He's barely gotten the first cut onto a plate before Jungkook's arms are back around him, the alpha's chin resting on his shoulder. 

"Smells sooo good, hyung," he rumbles. "And so do you."

"Buttering me up won't help you get extra portions," Seokjin replies, laughing when he hears Jungkook whine. 

"How can you be so cruel when we've been separated for so long?" 

"It wasn't even a fortnight, you overdramatic alpha. Now be patient, we have to wait for Joon and Jimin before we start."

Jungkook whines again, but then contents himself with scenting every part of Seokjin he can reach while the human adds the final touches to the food. It's not long before Jimin and Namjoon rejoin them, and after everyone welcomes Jungkook back they settle in to enjoy their meal. 

For a few moments the only sounds are the clinking of utensils and the scraping of bowls. Sitting on Jungkook's lap (at the alpha's insistence, of course) Seokjin takes a bite of the meat and nods approvingly to himself, proud that the marinade he'd whipped together had turned out so well. It's only when he looks up and sees the rest of them all staring at him that he pauses, food halfway to his mouth.

"Um...is there something on my face?"

"I still can't believe that Jungkook gets to eat this kind of stuff every single day," Hoseok says, sounding somewhere between amazed and annoyed. 

"It's wasted on someone like him," sniffs Jimin, snatching an extra morsel off of Namjoon's plate. 

"What's that supposed to mean?" growls Jungkook, glaring at his brother. 

"It means that you don't have the palate sophisticated enough to appreciate the subtleties of hyung's cooking." 

"As if you do? Well, I guess anything would shock your taste buds after what your own cooking subjects them to-"

"You take that back you little brat-"

"It really is delicious, Seokjin-hyung," Taehyung tells the human over the sibling squabbling. "Thank you for making it." 

The others all chime in, adding their thanks as well, and Seokjin glows from the praise.

"You're welcome," Seokjin tells them, "I'm just happy to be able to share with you all."

"Seokjin-hyung!" 

The wolves turn together to see the source of the noise. It's some of Seokjin's creche pups, the little wolves all holding hands as they scurry up to the human.

"Well look who it is," Seokjin smiles warmly. "Come to say hello?"   

"Dam said we could!" squeaks Chiwon. 

"Who's this?" asks Jungkook, poking his head around Seokjin's shoulder to get a better look at the newcomers. 

The pups' eyes go so wide at the sight of him that Seokjin is worried they'll pop out of their heads entirely. 

"Koo, meet Chiwon, Yoosuk, and Joonki. Pups, this is Alpha Jungkook." 

"Alpha Jungkook," Yoosuk whispers like a prayer. Beside him, Joonki looks close to fainting. 

"H-h-h-h-hello," the tiny pup manages to say, barely able to look the alpha in the eye. 

"Hello," Jungkook replies fondly. "It's nice to meet you. I've heard lots of stories about you pups from Seokjin-hyung."

"Y-y-you h-have?" Joonki gasps, turning to the other two who look equally amazed. "Alpha Jungkook knows about us!"

The pups all squeal, huddling together in delight. Around them, the older wolves and Seokjin all watch the adorable sight with amusement. 

"Alpha Jungkook, you looked so cool tonight!" Chiwon exclaims.

Joonki jumps up and down. "Yeah, we want to be hunters too when we present!"

"I'm glad to hear it," Jungkook says seriously. "We'll need strong wolves like you three to keep the pack fed."

The little trio looks positively over the moon at getting praise from their hero.

"Seokjin-hyung is helping us train to be just like you!" Yoosuk tells him. 

"He is, huh?" Jungkook chuckles, wrapping his arms around Seokjin. "Well isn't that nice of him."

The pups all nod eagerly.

"Seokjin-hyung is the best!" 

"Yeah, he brings us the yummiest snacks and shows us how to skip stones and stand on our heads!"

"And he tells the funniest stories at naptime!"  

"Sounds like you pups really look up to him," says Jungkook as Seokjin flushes from the praise. 

"Yeah! Seokjin-hyung is our favorite!"

"Mm," Jungkook hums, pressing a kiss to Seokjin's cheek as the human beams. "He's my favorite too."