Chapter Text
Namjoon inhales deeply in an attempt to calm his nerves. Today is the day he receives his first ward and to say he is excited is an understatement. He has always wanted a pride of his own or just someone to take care of, but he never could because of where's he's from and what that place did to him.
So for him to be apart of this program is almost like a wish come true, and Namjoon is certain he will do well in raising a small carnivore. He is a doctor works with hybrids of all kinds, is one himself so raising one similar to him should be no impossible task.
The leather of his shoes boom on the tile of the floor and his tail flicks as he winds through hallways until it circles his waist. Namjoon is aware of how intimidating, he seems and it doesn't help that tiger hybrids already have a horrid reputation, but he plans to do more than his best.
Looking at his watch Namjoon clicks his tongue on the roof of his mouth. He's more than a few minutes early, meaning that his ward is not even in the room yet. He will not be able to enter until half an hour has passed. Pacing around the room Namjoon thinks of the species he could possibly be assigned.
Preferably, he would hope for a tiger like himself, it would be the safe choice pair an adult with a child and guide them, but of course nothing is ever so perfect. Perhaps a different kind of cat? Or even a canine? Namjoon has no problem with either or any carnivore if he is being honest. Some species will be a task to raise when compared to others, however. Namjoon still plans on doing more than what is required of him.
Looking down at his watch again Namjoon almost purrs, but forces it down when it shows the time he wants. Soon he will be home with a ward of his own.
Striding through the doors and up to receptionists desk Namjoon puts on a charming smirk as his ears twitch and gives his name when prompted. "Kim Namjoon."
The human woman's voice is chipper as she rattles off the room number and Namjoon commits it to memory. The room he's headed for is on the fourth floor. Straightening out his suit Namjoon makes his way to the elevators and forces himself to calm down.
This will go well. Namjoon is qualified and able to easily provide for a child so in theory all of this should go well.
Clearing his throat once he finds the room, he was a directed to Namjoon's knocks are confident and ricochet off the walls. As he waits to be called in Namjoon stares down at his claws. He will have to file them if he wants to having the child and not harm them.
A voice rings through the door offering Namjoon in and he obeys only to pause when he hears a patter of feet and a distressed squeak. The sound was high almost terrified sounding and as Namjoon steps into the room completely the squeak is replaced with a sniffle.
Searching the room Namjoon notices the agent working for the company first, but no hybrid. The agent is halfway under a table speaking at a sharp volume and Namjoon has the urge to cover his ears. He can only imagine how much the child is suffering.
"Jungkook, sweetie, you have to come out now. Mr. Kim is here to meet you. Don't you want to see him?" Jungkook, that's the child's name even without seeing the hybrid Namjoon knows the name fits. Striding further into the room Namjoon makes his way to the agent a charming smile on his lips.
The agent is male and still struggling to get the child out from under the table. There is a louder squeak as Namjoon stops by the table and then a high frightened voice. “No! He's scary, so I don't wanna.”
The agent stands with a huff as he straightens out his clothes and grabs Namjoon's hand. “Choi Eun at your service, and I'd like to apologize for, Jungkook he's been so nervous after learning that his caregiver would be a carnivore.”
That sets off warning bells in his head. The company wouldn't assign Namjoon a herbivore would they? That's inane a carnivore doesn't have the same needs as a carnivore so they wouldn't. That would no doubt end in failure yet Namjoon still finds himself asking what class the child is. “Jungkook, is a carnivore isn't he?”
“Oh, no,” Eun laughs, pulling on his cufflinks and Namjoon's entire plan and confidence drowns. How the fuck is he supposed to take care of something that is not a carnivore? “Jungkookie, is a herbivore. A Flemish Giant to be exact.”
Great so not only is he assigned a herbivore, but he's assigned a herbivore that's terrified of him.
But Namjoon is still going to try his best that will just take a little more effort is all...and more research. “May I try to introduce myself to him?” The boy shuffles under the table and Namjoon can hear a sniffle the sound oddly makes him want to bristle and get rid of whatever is causing it. The thing is though is that Namjoon already knows the cause for the rabbits distress; him .
“Of course! Of course, maybe you'll have better luck than I did.” Namjoon is starting to dislike how cheerful this agent is, even though there is a child crying under the table. But then again Namjoon should expect that humans don't exactly care for hybrids other than to show them off. So why would this agent put in any effort to calm the child down when there is another hybrid to do it for him?
Crouching Namjoon uses a hand to lift the tablecloth out of the way only to regret it when wide, water glassy eyes look at him with fear. What makes it even worse is that Jungkook stumbles back a whine falling from his mouth as he hiccups. “No, you're gonna eat me! That's what the nurse said, I don't wanna be eaten, mister.”
As Jungkook curls into a little ball Namjoon's attention focuses on the way the boy's ears twitch with each shake of his shoulders and how his tail convulses when he hiccups. In a doleful sort of way Namjoon finds it endearing. And in all reality he shouldn't because he's the reason that Jungkook is crying.
“I'm—I'm not going to eat you.” He tries to explain only for the boy to back away from him once more. “I just want to introduce myself, Jungkook.” Namjoon doesn't know how to deal with kids. Being a doctor doesn't prepare you for this no matter what anyone says. And Namjoon has always wanted a kid, but right now he finds that maybe he really is not made out for it.
But god Namjoon wants to take care of Jungkook teach him right from wrong, Namjoon wants to see a child grow up with his way of rearing and succeed. Namjoon wants that and it shouldn't matter what Jungkook is he is going to do his best to take care of the rabbit because Jungkook is his ward now and Namjoon never gives anything less than his best.
Clenching his hands for just a moment Namjoon breathes and clears his head before trying again, his voice softer, posture more welcoming and while Namjoon smiles he doesn't show his teeth, that could frighten Jungkook even more which is something he plans on avoiding like the damn plague. “Jungkook, I just want to talk, okay? I'm not going to eat you and I'll even but the table cover down if you want? I just want to introduce myself is all.”
He eases the fabric down so that Jungkook cannot see him and even back away from the table casting Eun a glare for his giggling. The human has done nothing and Namjoon wonders why he was assigned to a child. Once he is a reasonable distance away Namjoon hears Jungkook Jungkook talk without a sniffle. “Okay,” It's one word, but it's clear as crystal and Namjoon thinks Jungkook sounds utterly adorable.
“I'm, Kim Namjoon and I promise not to eat you, Jungkook.” His tail flicks behind him when Jungkook giggles softly. The sound is nice carefree and similar to wind chimes. “And as of today You will be my ward.”
“What's a ward?” Even though Namjoon has not interacted with Jungkook long he can already imagine the rabbit's nose wrinkling up in confusion as his ears flick.
Tone exuding patience and posture relaxed Namjoon answers moving his tail so that it flicks near the edge of the cloth. He has to be smart on how he eases Jungkook out of his hiding spot. “A ward is someone that gets taken care of. And since you are my ward, Jungkook I will take care of you.”
“Like a family?” Namjoon tenses up at those words. He wants a family, but he can't promise Jungkook that because Namjoon isn't confident that he won't mess this up. “I've never had a family before.”
His common sense jumps out the metaphorical window right then and there. “Then yeah, we could be a family, but first you have to come out.”
A noise of dismay comes from under the table, but even as Jungkook inches out from his hiding spot Namjoon knows that this is not a sign of trust it is of compliance. He and Jungkook have a ways to go before they will be comfortable with each other. That is okay though Namjoon is patient and is willing to try, so if that means giving the bunny space then he can do that. He'll have to if he wants Jungkook to stop fearing him.
Jungkook's head peeks out first and now with the light of the room, illuminating his features Namjoon's lips give a little quirk. The boy's ears are much too big for his head, but Namjoon expected that rabbits have rather large ears and Flemish's have even larger ones. Jungkook will grow into them though Namjoon is certain he will. Scanning the other's attire Namjoon already goes through what he will have to buy in the coming days when Jungkook comes home with him.
Childish mocha eyes blink up at him and Jungkook's lip wobbles as he takes in Namjoon. The tiger is gigantic even when compared to all the adults he's seen. “You really promise that you won't eat me?”
Namjoon tilts his head and closes his eyes a sincere smile overtaking his features as his voice smooths out to something he could call a purr, but won't. “Of course. I wouldn't be taking care of you if I did.” Jungkook bites at his lip while his hands twist in the fabric of his shirt. That's true and Namjoon has done nothing to him other than look intimidating.
With a bounce of his head Jungkook scuttles out from under the table, his whole body seizing in nervousness when Namjoon rises to his full height. Noticing that the child is inching away Namjoon passes a reassuring smile only to falter when Jungkook squeaks and hides his face with his ears, as in he pulls them down to cover his face like a screen. Namjoon is going to have to work on that later.
Striding up to the agent Namjoon heaves out a sigh as he attempts to keep Jungkook in his sight. Rabbits while notoriously known for being skittish are also some of the most adventurous hybrids out there and with one so young Namjoon will have to keep an eye on him.
“When will I be able to take him home?” He hears the scuff of Jungkook's shoes on the tile and resists the urge to turn around and check if the child is frightened. Namjoon can't do that right now he has to find out when Jungkook will officially stay with him.
Eun grins lips stretching up, up, and up until Namjoon is wary of the human's face snapping in half. “In a week or so, Jungkook will be escorted to your home Mr. Kim. And I do so hope that the both of you will end up getting along.”
The words sound fake and too cheery for Namjoon to appreciate them. He only has a week. That's enough time to get a few necessities and figure out how to give the bunny space while still being around to help if something detrimental happens. It is not the most interactive idea, but Namjoon is working with what he has and is also taking this approach because he doesn't want Jungkook to squeak in terror every time he is near.
Leaving with the flick of his tail Namjoon smiles to himself when he notices Jungkook's finger twitching almost like he wants to grab it. The boy is endearing Namjoon will admit to that, but it will take effort on both their parts for this to work. Less so on Jungkook's part since he is a child, but still the rabbit will have to try just like him. In different ways, of course, but Namjoon believes this arrangement will work out in the long run.
Once Namjoon arrives home a sense a dread wells up and curls in his throat, waiting for the moment to choke him. His home is large, gigantic when compared to most, but not because Namjoon wishes to flaunt his wealth—that is the last thing on his mind. He had always wanted children and bought the house believing that he could have some, but life doesn't always work in his favour. From growing up in a shelter and being forced to take medication both then and now Namjoon's chances were destroyed and that's why he wants this to work.
But having a home that doesn't feel like a home would not work in making a child feel welcome would it? Since it is empty with only a few rooms in use Namjoon is worried that Jungkook will only feel isolated and with him sticking to his idea of lurking around that will only be made worse. God Namjoon doesn't know how to do this.
Covering his face with his hands and groaning from his throat Namjoon thinks of ways to make his home seem...homely. Everything is clean because Namjoon refuses to have dust anywhere, all it is, is a nuisance and Namjoon can't stand the light dust of dirt. Not to say he is organized since he really is not, but everything is organized so that even with his papers being a mess he still knows where things are. It's not the most effective system, but it works for him.
“What have you gotten yourself into, Namjoon?” His voice echoes off the walls and it's pitiful how empty his house is despite him living there. It is no place for a child to grow up. “First, you frighten your ward and then you plan to bring him here. Such a wonderful idea that is.”
Climbing the stairs Namjoon searches for the room that will soon be Jungkook's. It is across from his own, but as Namjoon sees it from the top stair he starts thinking that maybe it shouldn't. Jungkook won't want to see the person that frightens him first thing in the morning, would he? Shaking his head and forcing away such negative thoughts Namjoon curls his fingers around the brass knob.
There is only a few items in the room as of now just a dresser and a desk. Namjoon had decided to wait on getting everything else until he learned what his ward would be, and before today when Namjoon expected to be caring for a carnivore his mind had been bursting with ideas. His first one had been to paint grass on the walls, but now Namjoon is against it. Since carnivores are the only ones that use grass to track prey—herbivores use it to hide .
Still standing by the door Namjoon attempts to think of something positive. Maybe he could get Jungkook something to play with? Children, regardless of their species liked stuffed creatures didn't they?
Closing his eyes Namjoon leaves the room with a curse and heads to his own. He will read over a few cases for both clients at the clinic as well as for meetings, only after he clears his head will he go out to get things for Jungkook. Then he will be able to think rationally and shove his unintended bias out of mind. Namjoon just wants this to work out and he's so so terrified that he is just going to ruin his only chance.
Uncapping his pen Namjoon pours over documents and case files only for his mind to go back to Jungkook. Back to Jungkook with his too large and compelling eyes that Namjoon is sure will eventually have him bending to every whim, back to those ears of Jungkook's and how he tries to hide behind them. Cradling his head in his hands Namjoon releases a long suffering sigh, he can't get anything done if all he is thinking of is what Jungkook will no longer have if Namjoon messes this up. The rabbit will not be happy or endearingly bashful, he will be miserable if Namjoon can't provide sufficient care for him.
Sliding his chair back Namjoon shucks on his coat and leaves the house. He is going to do this right and that means putting his ward before everything else and getting him the things he will need. Or Namjoon is going to try and probably unintentionally annoy the hell out of the staff. He is not exactly an expert on what a rabbit hybrid would like, he just knows what to do when they are sick or experiencing problems.
Namjoon ends up pissing off a sales assistant and he hadn't meant to, but he was asking question similar to, what material would a rabbit like? Although now that he thinks back on what kind of person was helping him it really was his fault. Why would a human know what a hybrid would take comfort in?
So by the end of that fiasco Namjoon has what he hopes Jungkook will like. He thought of buying a few books but settled on just one in case his ward wasn't mush of a reader or didn't know how to read. If it ends up being the latter than Namjoon will teach him. It wouldn't surprise him. After looking at the file the company gave him Namjoon came to find that Jungkook is only five and has never had any schooling as of yet.
Pleased with his choices Namjoon heads to his study. Everything had taken a handful of days to arrive and be situated so tomorrow is the day that Jungkook should arrive and Namjoon's plan is going into action. He hopes that everything will turn out well, or at least that Jungkook doesn't cry again.
By the next morning Namjoon shuffling by the stairs ears pressed flat to his head and tail wrapped around his waist flicking at every noise. To say he is nervous is an understatement. As of now Namjoon is a bundle of nerves shooting off message after message in a futile attempt to get him to calm the fuck down it does not help that he is tuned to every noise coming from outside his door, every crackle of pebble under shoe, the puff of cold air from a mouth and the most apparent of all is Jungkook's heartbeat.
Namjoon doesn't want to focus on the heavy, stampede pulse of the rabbit's heart, but he can't help it. It booms and thrums through his ears like drum and Namjoon wants to do something to help Jungkook calm down except the boy is not even inside and he can't physically do anything without potentially freaking Jungkook out.
There is one knock and Namjoon is at the door and swinging it open before the next and then third can come. The sight that greets him is Eun's hand frozen in the air and Jungkook trailing after him head tucked to his chest while a hand grips at one of his ears. “Ah, Namjoon-ssi I'm pleased to see that you're so eager,” He rests a hand on Jungkook's shoulder nudging him forward and Namjoon swallows his growl when Jungkook stumbles. “And I'm sure that, Jungkookie will be as well once you two get acquainted!”
Jungkook feet scuff together and Namjoon thinks that no, no he won't. Letting the duo into his home Namjoon casts a glance at Jungkook and finds the child staring at the stairs in fascination. Crouching so that Jungkook is eye level with him Namjoon keeps his voice low even as Jungkook backs away from him. It feels like a slap to the face, but Namjoon can preserver. “You can explore if you want to, Jungkook this is your home, too now.”
The rabbit's ears fall with his nod and then slow and so so careful Jungkook ease away from him, an excited shine to his eyes when he looks to the stairs again. Then he is off peeking his head over the railing and Namjoon can't fight the smile twitching in his lips. Jungkook, he expects will be an adventurous child.
Standing once more Namjoon locates Eun and motions for the agent to sit. As he looks at the other Namjoon still wants to snarl and he can't pinpoint a reason why, Eun has done nothing to him or the child, but something is off about the man. “Jungkook, is one of the more skittish individuals involved with this program, as you no doubt have figured out.”
Eun tilts his toward the stairs and when Namjoon looks all he catches is raven ears ducking and failing to hide behind the banister.
Clasping his hands together Namjoon gives a nod his ears still flat against his skull and tail swishing in irritation. He hopes this meeting ends soon, since Namjoon still plans on keeping an eye on Jungkook until the boy is comfortable. “Considering he hide from the both of us I would assume so. Of course before you mention any potential problems that may come with me raising him, I would like to reassure you that, Jungkook is in capable hands.”
Eun laughs the sound sort of mocking, sort of sincere and it makes Namjoon bristle. “Well, considering you were chosen, we would hope so, but since you are a predator and, Jungkook is not, there will always be someone that suspects that you are not doing a satisfactory job.” His fingers tap on the table and Namjoon balances between looking at him and Jungkook playing by the stairs. “And it's nothing personal, Namjoon-ssi, but personally I am against you raising him. From what I have seen so far is that you have no idea what you're doing.”
He and everyone else that says such would be right, but that will not bother him. Namjoon has dealt with doubt his whole life and it is not going to affect him now. He won't let it affect him.
Turning away from the social agent Namjoon focuses all his attention on the pad of feet above him along with the blithe giggles that follow every few seconds. That is what Namjoon wants to be able to protect and he will, so no one else matters if all they are going to do is try and dissuade him from this. “Then, Eun-ssi, it's nothing personal, but a predator is still a far better choice than a human so if you would excuse me, I would like to check on my ward.” Standing he gives the other man a nod and gestures toward the door. “Have a nice day.”
The clip of his shoes is what drowns out the door closing and Namjoon climbs the stairs annoyed and frustrated, but he shoves it all away as soon as he catches sight of Jungkook at the end of the hall standing on his toes so that he can peer out of the window at the bustling streets. Namjoon doesn't make his way closer. He is content with just being able to witness a true, sincere grin blossom on Jungkook's face.
He will make this work because this struggle of his will be worth being able to make Jungkook smile.
It's not as easy as it sounds as the weeks pass and Namjoon is still tiptoeing around Jungkook, but he does his best to get the younger up, dressed and fed before huddling up in his study while Jungkook roams. Soon he will start teaching Jungkook, but not yet it is too early for him to try and Jungkook still jumps at the sight of him. Although there has been minor progress, but it is progress nonetheless with the most important being that Jungkook looks him in the eye when he speaks and Namjoon is no longer referred to as, mister instead Jungkook has finally ventured to call him, Hyung .
To say he is pleased is a lie. Namjoon had been ecstatic and he is sure that when Jungkook ran off after saying it he had purred into his coffee. He doesn't know why it had pleased him, but it did and Namjoon doesn't want the bunny to take it back.
Of course that is the only progress that has been made so far other than Jungkook knocking on his office door once, slipping a note under the door and running away. All the note said was a simple thank you in rough lines, but it made Namjoon smile. Although he is still unsure what the note was for.
Besides all of that life has continued as normal with Jungkook bouncing through the halls while he works and maybe Namjoon should try to interact with the child more he really doesn't know. Jungkook does not jump as high or far away when he enters the room so maybe that is a good sign? He will try tomorrow as of now Namjoon has to finish a few write ups.
It is supposed to storm tonight and Namjoon is accustomed to working through rain piercing his window as tree limbs slap and scratch glass or paint. It is something Namjoon has learned to tune out after years of living through it, but tonight something is different and Namjoon can't pinpoint what it is exactly.
Moving away from his chair Namjoon stretches debating on sleeping on the couch after his next set of documents or walking to his room. It is then when he walks close to his study door that he hears a doleful and desperate whine. At first he thinks nothing of it, believes it to be Jungkook running around the house still and he settles back at his desk ears twitching uncertainly.
As the whine comes more and more often and Namjoon becomes more antsy he ends up padding away from his desk and into the hall. There is no sigh of Jungkook, but that is normal the boy spends most of his time searching every nook and cranny he sees. At the clap of thunder the noise becomes high and squeaky and Namjoon doesn't think as he follows it, heart thumping in his chest as he realizes that Jungkook is making that sound.
It gets louder the closer he gets and Namjoon can't focus on anything except the way Jungkook is shivering in the middle of the library with his hands over his ears when he sees the younger. Jungkook is crying tears like bubbles at the corner of his eyes and Namjoon can hear his name falling from the child's mouth like a mantra, Namjoon hyung, make it stop. Make it stop! Namjoon is not sure when he drops to his knees and tucks Jungkook to his front, but god Jungkook is tiny—so so terrifyingly tiny, and Namjoon doesn't want to hurt him—and shivering against his chest as tears stain his clothing and fingers crinkle in the material of his shirt.
Namjoon doesn't think about ways to get Jungkook to calm down, he just rumbles low in his throat and hopes it comes out like a hum or anything vaguely comforting. The sound is deep and raspy, but Jungkook looks up at him in wonderment tears still spilling from his eyes as shivers still attack his body, but at least he isn't terrified anymore.
The rabbit's words slur together as another boom of thunder comes but Namjoon understands every word. “Th-The nurse, she used to hum du-during storms, too.”
Jungkook burros against his chest at the third burst of sound and Namjoon leans closer so that the younger can hear. “I know a way to help you forget about the storm.” The shelter was not a great place, but there Namjoon learned of ways to distract himself and others when they were scared so he hopes it will work with Jungkook as well. There is a sniffle and Jungkook is clinging to his front lip wobbling and eyes screwed shut. Petting the boy's hair Namjoon waits until Jungkook's heart evens out before continuing. “Would you like me to show you?”
All he gets is a choppy nod that has Jungkook's ears tucking under his chin along with a whine. Without any hesitation Namjoon grips one of Jungkook's hands and stands placing the child's feet atop his own. Jungkook burrows his head into Namjoon's stomach refusing to look up and with another hum Namjoon sets him back on the ground before twirling him. It's been a long time since Namjoon has ever danced and even when he was younger he was dreadful at it.
But as he bends at his waist to grip Jungkook's other hand and earns a shy giggle he thinks this is worth it. They don't focus on the storm and Jungkook picks up on the few movements quickly so soon they are in their own little world with Jungkook laughing as Namjoon hums and leads him around in a circle.
Of course, nothing wonderful lasts and when Jungkook falls forward with a slip Namjoon falls with with him and ends up on his back with a rabbit on his chest and his tail curling around Jungkook's waist. Jungkook wipes at his eyes with a pout and Namjoon still is not thinking when he leans forward and bumps their heads together. “You're clumsy, Hyung.” Namjoon knows the boy says it both as a fact and because he doesn't want to be blamed, but Namjoon agrees anyway because it makes Jungkook grin into his shoulder. And when Jungkook whispers, and you're like tigger Namjoon can't help but chuckle in agreement.
It is after this day that Jungkook no longer runs from him and Namjoon will never admit to leaving a plush toy of a certain tiger on Jungkook's bed.