Work Text:
The sky was roaring loudly, spray drizzles hardening into bigger icy droplets. The sun was hiding away behind dark clouds. It wasn't gentle. The stormy waves were crashing between the trees, tearing through the forest, snapping branches with the force.
Sounds were muffled under the storm noises. It was already pitch-dark until Yoongi realised they couldn't go back to their pack, to their home. And it'd be even darker as the night falls.
Hoseok and Yoongi were out for a hunt towards the north to provide for their pack. The rain wasn't intense at that time. It was a soft muzzle that soaked the earth under them. They had thought they'd be back home until the rain got harder.
Hoseok had tracked down an elk striding towards the river nearby. Senses sharp, but his movements silent and light. Yoongi had always admired that skill of his. But even before they could strategize a plan, the rain drops hit harder on their skin. The elk had leapt to probably find a shelter. And they had to leave too. They had stock back home, but they had to fill in more for the pups.
Yoongi had been starting to set a trap, a little bit away from Hoseok. A voice cut through the wind, muffled and distant. But his instincts screamed to find him. “Yoongi..!!”
He looked back at Hoseok, who struggled to walk with his human legs, wobbling towards him, soaked and pale from the cold, “We need to move!”
Yoongi nodded, looking up at the sky with a stink eye as another thunder split the sky with the light. “Yeah! Let's go now.”
Oh! How it soured his mood. It was a little date mixed with duty. But the storm had to get in his way.
They walked towards the exit of the forest. The cold was as harsh as the squally wind, cutting against their skin.
“Home is too far, Yoon!” Hoseok whined, calculating the miles they had to cross to reach home. Impossible. They're gonna freeze to death at this point.
A faint distress scent hit Yoongi's nose. As ridiculous as it could be in the stormy weather and heavy wind, Yoongi can still recognise Hoseok's scent, or even any other pack member's scent even in a whirlwind. Especially because of the pack mark. Yoongi hated the distress scent. Bitter and stinging to his nose.
He looked around to find anything to shelter them for a while, until at least when the rain slows down. Anything warmer and safe.
His eyes sparkled when he looked behind him and saw the significant part of a mountain, blurred by the heavy droplets. “Let's go.” He wrapped Hoseok's wrist with his fingers, tightly secure as he prepared himself for a quick run. It's not too far. “We go west.”
Hoseok blinked, eyes darting towards the said direction. “Our cave.”
Yoongi nodded. A slow smile bloomed on Hoseok's face. Relieved and a feeling of security washed upon him. The cave was their little getaway. A secret and sacred hideaway for their little ministrations on hunts or patrols. “The closest shelter we could spend the storm in.”
It wasn't theirs, doesn't come under theirs or any other packs’ territory. That's the reason they marked the little cave as theirs. Hidden furs. Scribbles and carvings by Hoseok on the walls. Some woods to keep them warm on cold nights. Some old clothes wrapped around an oil can. A shelter carved by the time and weather became their second home.
They adored the place.
“We should shift!” Hoseok gathered all the things to tie them into his body, or grab them by his teeth.
“Okay, don't get confused in the rain. Run to the cave only, ok?” Yoongi turned to shift ignoring the judging eyes of his alpha.
The cave was two or some miles away from where they were. Their paws are strong enough to fight the storm and get there safely as they made the run. The wolf fur didn't help much with the cold. They assumed the temperature was regressing in minus.
The shift made their bones crack. Limbs turning into paws, skin turning into thick and shiny fur, senses growing into their real forms with practiced ease. It was as easy as breathing.
Rain is already soaking their fur. Yoongi shook himself, spraying the rainwater from his silver grey fur. He's been told his wolf form was pretty. But Hoseok made him feel it was real. A pretty shade of silver that shines under the sun.
Meanwhile, Hoseok— he was golden brown. Thick around his neck and chest. A tad bit smaller than Yoongi, but beautiful nonetheless. As though honeyed wood soaked under the sun.
Hoseok's eyes crinkled at the corners, like he was smiling. Maybe he was. When does he not, anyways! His ear peeked straight and tail wiggled twice with a little bark. As though he was screaming pretty. Yoongi's heart warmed under his fur chest. He bets he'd be red around his cheeks in his human form.
He tucked his head onto his shoulder, like he did sometimes to hide his blush pink cheeks. Hoseok purred, nudging him with his nose. He could feel the affection exuding from his being through the pack bond. It hit his heart like a sharp arrow and then spread to all his limbs and body like a spray of chemical reaction.
A thunder cracked through the dark sky again, making Hoseok flinch visibly. And he didn't waste a second before running towards the west. Yoongi laughed internally. And although Hoseok gets startled easily, he was fast. Way too fast for his smaller frame. He doesn't understand why he was taller in his human form though.
Yoongi followed him, strong limbs hopping upon the soaked and muddy earth. They sprinted towards the mountain like their life depended on it. Well, it did. The rain whistled against his ears as everything flew past behind him because of the run. They were soaked to the bone even with the fur. Wind threatened the strength and stability of their legs.
But the cave was closer. He could see the outline of the mountain with a blurry and smokey atmosphere.
He could almost feel the giddy and excited sparks from Hoseok. He was the first to reach into the cave. It was cold. Nature and weather colliding felt almost alive, vibrating within their bodies and hearts.
The cave smelled like a mix of cedarwood, musky fur and the oil clothes they had hid deeper into the small pit on the wall, covered with another stone for none to see. It was their home. Or something closer to home.
Hoseok turned to look at Yoongi as they entered, hopping on his toes with a pleasant shine in his red-ish eyes. Tail wagging excitedly and little purrs erupting in his chest. Cute.
They shook themselves to discharge the water out of their fur. And before Yoongi could even shift back, he was shoved back with Hoseok's cute nose nudging into his fluffy neck. Demanding a warm scenting.
He nudged back into Hoseok's neck, rubbing and nuzzling to scent back. It's been a while since they had. The urge was strong. Hoseok put his front paws on Yoongi's neck as they stumbled on the ground with tired huffs.
Yoongi could feel all the bursts of emotions. Love, relief, security and comfort. One of Hoseok's paws never left his furry skin.
A thunder cracked outside the cave, making Hoseok flinch violently, he almost climbed up on Yoongi.
Yoongi couldn't help the barked laugh slip his throat, making Hoseok offended. Hoseok stepped back to narrow his eyes down at Yoongi. His pretty ember eyes crinkled.
Yoongi licked his side of neck as an apology, nuzzling him into a soft, melted putty.
Sometimes, Hoseok's childish demands reminded him of the pups back home. All pliant, energetic and ready to play around.
Hoseok finally shifted with a shiver. Golden fur turning into honey skin. Ember eyes into light brown eyes. Hoseok crawled towards the fur pelt resting at the corner, spreading it on the ground to avoid the ice cold rock under him.
“It's so cold!”
Yoongi shifted behind Hoseok. “You are saying that every other minute.”
“Because I'm cold every other minute. You need to help, alpha.” Hoseok pouted, throwing his legs and hands like he was a fish in agony, yearning to save his life.
Yoongi huffed although grinning fondly as he moved to throw a trouser to his naked body. He dug through the pit for the oilcloth, flint and tinder.
Hoseok gasped at the soft hit, quickly pulling it on. “Oh, my hero! I was just about to freeze into a pretty ice sculpture, but.”
Yoongi shook his head, throwing a top on him, earning a giggle as he pulled some clothes onto himself.
“Aren't you a pretty sculpture that came into life already ?”
Hoseok blinked. Tilting his head with a melted smile, popping out his tiny dimples, looking at Yoongi trying to make the fire. “There is my flirty alpha.”
“I wasn't flirting.” Yoongi didn't look up, and Hoseok was sure it's not because of the non-existent heat or fire making him look so red.
Hoseok just grinned smugly. He knows if he says or teases the alpha leader further, he's going to boom-blast from how red his face would be. His shy alpha.
Hoseok laid back on the pelt, the cold of the wall making him shiver. He continued to stare at Yoongi, admiring his skills and instincts to protect his pack on his own. And he's proud of that. Hoseok's heart swelled at the thought, a fond smile stretching at his lips.
Yoongi struck the flint harder, making sparks that didn't reach its peak. He could feel Hoseok's eyes burning at his side, making him feel weirdly nervous. As if he hadn't marked him as soon as they decided to form a pack. Like he wasn't carrying the pack bond mark on his right nape.
The tinder finally caught the fire around the dry wood, orange light dancing through the cave. Yoongi exhaled a relieved breath through his mouth as he rested back beside Hoseok. “There.”
Hoseok melted dramatically, slouching on the carpeted floor. “Oh! I think I'm in love.”
Yoongi smirked, “With the warmth of the fire?”
“No, you.”
Yoongi cackled before he threw a bark of a laugh, Hoseok following with his giggles.
The cave slowly warmed up with the help of the fire pit. Their damp clothes hung around the cracks and edges of the cave walls. The rain patterned outside with the rumbles of the thunder that vibrated through the stone walls. A cold wind made its way into the cave once in a while, making the fire flutter and making them tremble.
They settled back, wrapping another thick blanket around their back and until their chin. Hoseok clung to Yoongi for more warmth. Toes tucked under Yoongi's legs. “Woah. You really are freezing.”
“Told you so.” Hoseok pouted, nuzzling against Yoongi's scent glands.
“They are like ice balls.” Yoongi caressed and rubbed his feet to warm them up.
Hoseok snorted, tugging the blanket tighter as he slouched to make himself scrunch as much as he could. “What do you think they're doing right now?”
A smile instantly spread on his lips. Imagining the scenario of their pack house with his now closed eyes. The place was cozy— smoke, dampened wood and their own scents mixed together. Home. But half of his home is back in the pack house. They must be a chaotic mess.
“Jungkookie must be jumping and dancing in the rain in our backyard.” Yoongi let out a fond snort.
Hoseok burst into laughter. He could totally imagine him in their backyard, arms spread and hopping on his toes with a big, wide smile. “True. And Jin Hyung must be screaming at him from the foyer with a blanket.”
“I can totally see that in my head.”
Seokjin always did that. Screaming while tender touches, aggressive yet caring. Scolding them while he tended to them with warmth. The entire pack revolved around him. And Namjoon. He kept everyone sane in chaotic circumstances. Or maybe he tries to. The pups are hard to handle but they soften when someone's serious.
“Namjoon must be whining and trying to stop Taehyungie from climbing on the roof.” Hoseok giggled, muffling on Yoongi's shoulder.
Yoongi snorted, imagining Namjoon pulling Taehyung's clothes to refrain him from running. “And Jimin must be standing there with his arms crossed against his chest like…” Yoongi did the same, pretending to be Jimin. “Obviously encouraging both of the youngsters."
Hoseok cackled at that, throwing his body off Yoongi and back to cling on him. “God, yes. And probably with a bag of his favourite snacks.”
The laughter quiets down with two long sighs in the cave. “Ah! I miss them.” Hoseok pouted, throwing a hand in the air.
Yoongi hummed. The fire crackled with small sparks, spreading warmth as the rain stabilised outside pattering against the stoney mountain. The thunder roared from time to time.
Their cold bodies warmed up inside the cave. Maybe because of the fire, or maybe because they were stuck to each other from head to toes. The younger alpha's toes are still tucked under Yoongi's legs for warmth.
Another thunder responded outside the cave, making Hoseok jolt out of his skin. A bit dramatic, but he gets startled easily by loud noises. Totally ironic for his loud self.
“You're so dramatic, Seok-ah!”
“Yet you still love me.” Hoseok wiggled against his skin, a ticklish sensation brushing against Yoongi's waist.
“Hmm…. Do I ?” Yoongi raised an eyebrow looking down at pouting Hoseok.
“Don't you?”
Yoongi looked at Hoseok. Observing his features; lips jutted out further, eyes narrowed suspiciously, and brows knitted together in a frown, honey skin gleaming golden by the fire. His hair half dry and half damp, curled mess around his forehead.
And he gasped. “Woah. That's what you give me, huh?”
“What— what do you mean?” Yoongi, forced to come out of his pleasant reverie tilted his head.
“Hesitation!”
Hoseok was really offended now. His pout deepened if that was even possible, that Yoongi just wanted to kiss away but he held back. He clutched the blanket tighter in his grasp like he wanted to just snatch it away for himself but he didn't. He would never.
Yoongi chuckled, poking the top of his index finger into Hoseok's puffed cheeks. “You're ridiculous, Seok-ah.”
“I am just heartbroken, mister.” Hoseok's eyes seemed droopy, feigning oh so sorrowful expression as his head tipped down.
Yoongi decided to act along as he put a hand on his back, consoling. “You'll survive, babe.”
“After everything I've done for you? Sure.” Hoseok scoffed disapprovingly, wiggling a bit away from Yoongi.
Yoongi beamed fondly as he pulled him back, scratching on his scalp through his curls, tucking him back into his nape, his scent gland. Such a spoiled alpha.
“You act like one of the pups sometimes.”
“They are like me because they are my pups.” Hoseok's voice muffled against his throat.
“No wonder the house is never quiet, filled with chaos.” Yoongi shook his head, lips pressed into a thin line to hide his smile.
Hoseok smacked his chest, before he pulled away to glare at him cutely. Yoongi pulled him back into his shoulders with a silent cackle, and continued to scratch his head. “They adored me.”
“Sure, they do.”
“You didn't answer me though.” Hoseok nudged his nose into his cheek, teasing him into admitting.
“About what ?” Yoongi could play along with him all his life if that's what Hoseok wanted.
“If you love me.” A faint whine could be heard through his tone.
Yoongi stared at him as if he asked something obvious. Like he asked where the sun rose and set from. A universal fact. “We’re literally mated, Seok-ah.”
Hoseok huffed. “That's not my answer and you know that, hyung.”
"You literally carved out names on the cave walls, see.” Yoongi pointed to the spot where their initials were scratched across the stone wall.
“That I did.” Hoseok looked proud, looking affectionately at their name. “But that still doesn't answer me.”
“And what's with Mark on your neck?” Like the mark knew it was being talked about, the circular red-ish teeth mark caught the fire light on Hoseok's nape, proud and just there for the show.
“Not all mated people are in love, hyung. Just tell me my answer. I want my pending reply-confession back.”
Yoongi groaned in exhaustion, he clenched his fingers around Hoseok's waist and then he caressed the spot to rectify. He looked back at Hoseok, “Sure, Seok-ah. I love you.”
And Hoseok's expressions softened immediately. A smile quickly set on his lips. His eyes were sparkling with the fondest look. He leaned in with a giggle to meet Yoongi's lips, placing his slightly cold palm on his cheeks.
Warmth was the first thing he could focus on. Maybe from the fire and the efforts he put in to lit up. Dryness was next, from the harsh wind and cold. But that was not what lingered. It was the familiarity, the relief he felt the most. And their mixed scent, rainwater, soaked earth, woodsy and musky was the most honey feeling.
The kiss was slow. Innocent. They hadn't been together like that for a while. It was hard when they were leading the pack and pups and then being in their tails most of the time.
Hoseok smiled against his lips. He could almost taste the sweetness of his smile, the width of his grin against his own. “There.”
He pulled away slightly, brushing his thumb on Yoongi's pale high cheeks. “It wasn't so hard, was it?”
“Well, you annoyed and exhausted me into confession. That's not how you do it.”
“If that's how you're gonna admit, I'll do it again and again.” Hoseok shrugged, pleased.
Yoongi snorted quietly before leaning back to kiss him slowly, mouthing at the mark on his neck.
Another loud thunder pierced the sky with the crack of lightning. But Hoseok didn't flinch this time, lost in their own bubble and wandering hands beneath the blankets. Heads away from the storm outside.
~End ~