Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Jimin took a deep breath as he put his car in park and cut the engine. His hands were clammy and his heart was pounding. This was not something he wanted to do, nor felt the slightest bit comfortable with, but he wanted to be a good son. He had to be.

He felt his phone vibrate and pulled it from his pocket.

Dad [2:30 PM]:

Big day. Proud of you for finally making the jump! Let us know how it goes

Jimin stared at the text for too long, biting at his thumb nail and trying to think of the best response. He would always overthink these things. And just everything in general.

Jimin [2:33 PM]:

Thanks Dad! Will do

Jimin had to close his eyes and take a few more deep breaths.

“C’mon Jimin, you can do this.” He whispered to himself, trying to manifest the courage.

Truthfully, to most, this didn’t seem like a big deal at all. If anything, probably a fun experience. But for Jimin, it meant an entire shift in his life and routine. It had taken Jimin so long to finally fall into a lifestyle that gave him the opportunity to grow and find himself, but no matter what, he would always fall back into his family’s wishes. Even if it meant uprooting nearly all the progress he had made over the past 2 years.

But it was too late now. Backing out wasn’t an option. 

Finally, he opened his eyes and broadened his shoulders, turning to open the car door and step out into the blazing heat despite the sun going down. He wondered why he’d decided to wear formal attire for this, especially in these temperatures.

He rushed into the building so as not to sweat on his pricey dress shirt, and was instantly met with the youthful face of what looked to be a teen volunteer.

“Hi there! What can I do for you today?” She gave him a big smile, displaying the braces laid across her teeth which seemed to further prove Jimin’s theory of her secondary school age.

“Hi! I’m looking to–” Jimin didn’t anticipate how unnatural the words are going to feel coming out of his mouth “–adopt.”

“That’s wonderful! Have you ever adopted from us before?” She asked, already pulling up some forms.

“I haven’t. This is my first ever adoption actually.”

“Well congratulations on making this big decision.” 

The words reminded him of his dad and he just weakly smiled.

“If I could just grab some details from you before I send you with one of our volunteers, that would be great! Let’s start with your name.”

“Park Jimin.”

“Date of birth?”

“October 13th, 1995.”

“Address?”

Jimin answered the rest of the standard questions, nervously gripping the side of his pants. 

“Perfect! Thank you so much. If you’ll just wait one moment, another volunteer Mary will bring you to take a look at who we have here.”

Jimin thanked her and sat down on the chair for a moment while the receptionist used the intercom to call for Mary. He got embarrassed when it came to his attention that he hadn’t gotten her name, and debated asking for it when another woman walked through the door. She looked a bit older than the front desk girl, possibly college age.

“Park Jimin?”

“Here!” Jimin stood, and immediately scolded himself for how he’d responded. What, was he in fucking grade school?

The girl clearly found it humorous and came closer.

“I’ll be walking you through the facility. Do you have any questions or concerns before we begin?”

“Oh, no!” Jimin lied. “I’m ready to start.”

He was, in fact, not ready to start, and had many questions and concerns. But he’d already made too much of a fool of himself to inconvenience them further.

“Great, if you’ll just follow me.”

She led him through the entrance, and the nameless receptionist waved at him before she disappeared behind the closing metal door. This was it.

"So, first time adopting a hybrid, huh?" Mary asked nicely as she led Jimin to the suites.

"Yeah, my family is really pushing me to get one." Jimin said with a meek smile, then worried that his words had come off as though he was criticizing his family.

In all honesty, he really didn't understand why his family was so dead set on him adopting a hybrid. They didn't even really give a reason other than the fact that everyone in their family but Jimin had one. He assumed it was because they enjoyed owning beautiful things and showing those things off, but they had the slightest bit of common sense not to say that out loud.

Whatever the reason, it was now Jimin’s turn to follow suit according to them. And he was never one to deny his family’s wishes…or anyone’s for the most part.

Jimin’s fidgeting with his pockets had exposed the collar Jimin’s parents had given him for his first hybrid, and caught Mary’s attention. Upon glancing at it, she hardly hid her eyes rolling. He blushed and tried to stuff it back into his pocket.

"Everyone has their motives, right?" She said, clearly not feeling as friendly as before.

Everyone who adopted a hybrid was required by law to put a collar on them, but that wasn't what she was judging him about. It was the fact that he had a genuine leather collar with a gold clasp and a myriad of precious gems aligning the band symmetrically. If he was being candid, Jimin found it quite ugly. But of course he accepted it graciously to make his parents happy. One look at that collar, and it was clear that Jimin was looking for a hybrid to put on display and brag about to others. Not one to adopt as a companion like a decent member of society.

"I'm guessing you want to see the classically trained, purebred hybrids?" She assumed, already opening the door to the stairs that would lead to the top floor.

Ever since the ban on hybrid mills, finding hybrid breeders was illegal and punishable on both parties by a lengthy jail sentence and heavy fine. Members of the upper class had ignored it, assuming their wealth exempted them from punishment, and found themselves in prison amongst the common people because their money couldn't buy them out of the law for once. 

Breeders had gone out of business and were nowhere to be found, so the only place to get purebred hybrids—the hybrids that were once owned by the wealthy upper class and were the most prized of them all—was from pounds. They were well groomed, well mannered, well trained, and had a tendency to be breathtakingly beautiful. Even more beautiful than most humans, and the people who bought them did so almost entirely to show them off and nothing else.

Only the wealthiest could afford to adopt them, seeing as the adoption fees for such high class hybrids were through the roof. And, Jimin holding a collar worth over a year of an office worker’s salary, was reason enough to predict that he was definitely a member of that wealthiest class.

She was walking Jimin up when his embarrassment overwhelmed him, and he stopped at the base of the stairs.

"Actually, no. I’m not looking to adopt a classically trained hybrid." He said in a panic.

An utter lie. He absolutely was searching to find a purebred hybrid to make his family proud. However, the dread that came with people being unhappy with him overtook his critical thinking skills in the moment, and he caved.

She turned and raised a brow. "You aren't?"

He shook his head. "Anything is fine with me."

Jimin sensed she didn’t believe him, so he took it a step further to try and prove he wasn’t exactly what she assumed him to be.

"Are there hybrids that you have trouble adopting out?" He asked. "I could give them a good home, and maybe prove that not all hybrids have to be upper class to my family, you know?"

He was rambling now, but he couldn't help it. He hated when people thought lowly of him. He was a people pleaser to a fault, and pretty much any negative response from anyone was enough to sway his decision to accommodate their wishes if it meant they'd like him. Or at least not be disappointed in him

"Yeah, there's just the alphas on the basement floor. I could show you if you want?"

Oh god…alphas. He wasn’t expecting that.

It was rare to see them in pounds because they were usually strong enough to find work and be paid under the table, and ordinary looking enough to fit in with humans if they docked their tails and ears. It was a despicable, borderline robbery of the pathetic income given the amount of work they would provide for greedy employers, but in their opinion it was better than being stuck in a glass box.

They were stubborn and serious and bitter, but they would do what they needed to in order to stay off the streets and out of the pounds. Most of the alphas in the pounds were caught coexisting with humans without an owner, and were arrested and admitted by force. No shady manager was going to adopt them when there were plenty on the streets searching for work.

The omegas tended to be more relaxed, and their gratitude to have a home made them obedient and compliant. Alphas had a reputation of not being the most family friendly hybrids, and they never fell into the classically trained category. They were too independent for that. Jimin was surprised there were even alphas in this pound, let alone an entire section of them.

However, he had dug himself in too deep now, so he simply nodded, relieved that she was showing some faith in him.

"Yeah, that'd be great."

True, his family will be extremely disappointed, but he would have to deal with that later. Right now, he couldn't emotionally handle walking out of here and everyone judging him and categorizing him into the stereotype he knew he gave off.

She led him to the basement floor, and immediately he could tell that these were not the hybrids coming from his family’s hybrid ranking. They were sprawled out in an unmannerly fashion, chewing their food with their mouths open, wearing baggy, unflattering clothes, and overall gave off a very below-middle-class aura.

Jimin controlled his face so as not to show his shock. He'd only ever seen the well groomed omega hybrids of his family. He had heard the reputation of alphas, but he didn't know they’d be quite like this.

Upon walking in, some hybrids perked their ears up, their eyes darting to the collar in his hand. Some looked awe-struck at him, others scowled. The ones that glared at him knew better than to trust rich humans who adopted low class, mutt hybrids. The awe-struck ones clearly weren't aware of the hybrid fights that the wealthy put on, adopting the few alphas they could get their hands on and placing bets on them. There hadn't been any stories of masters making them fight to the death, but Jimin didn't want to search deeper in fear of what he might find.

"You can peruse around. Let me know if anyone catches your interest."

Jimin gave an unsure smile and nod. "Thank you."

He took a moment to gather himself and walked around, looking through the glass of each of the rooms.

Some of them looked as though they’d been here a while, while some seemed to have been recently picked up off the streets. None of them came up to the glass as omegas begging to be adopted would, though the fresh ones kept their eyes on the collar—probably never having seen something so lavish in their life.

There were a few older ones that glared at him, almost as if challenging him to try and adopt them just so they could retaliate against the fighting rings they were sure he’d put them in. Jimin could hardly handle the scrutiny he felt, and quickly rushed from window to window

He came upon the last cell to find the hybrid inside it lounging on the couch. He seemed to be asleep, and Jimin's jaw nearly dropped at how gorgeous he was. Not one expensive hybrid his family had matched the beauty of this one.

He looked to be decently tall, with smooth, tan skin and dark brown hair that looked incredibly soft and wavy. His complexion was flawless and glowing, and Jimin could tell his eyes were probably big even with them being closed. He had nice lips and a fit physique, and something about the hybrid’s long fingers made Jimin feel a certain way.

Jimin looked down at the plaque containing the hybrid’s information and found out that he was only a couple months younger than Jimin, which made him more comfortable. Jimin felt weird at the idea of ordering around a hybrid that was older than him, but also hated feeling responsible for a hybrid much younger than him as if he was a dad. All of his friends' hybrids were around the same age as them, and it was easiest and the most casual for them to hang out in a group like that. 

“Taehyung.” Jimin read out the name on the plaque.

That must have caught the hybrid’s attention, because his eyes opened and slowly drifted over to Jimin, proving his theory about how big the hybrid's eyes would be.

He caught his breath as the hybrid’s gaze landed on him, terrified of the reaction he’d get. Instead, the hybrid kept a straight face as he looked Jimin up and down. Jimin gulped nervously, then put his hand to the glass, wondering what he must be thinking.

"Him?" Mary asked as she walked up to Jimin.

The reaction told him that not many people had shown interest in him, and it worried Jimin as to why. However, it was too late to back out now. 

"Yeah, he looks nice." 

She gave Jimin a quizzical look. Taehyung looked anything but nice.

"And he's my age." 

Jimin could tell she wasn't quite buying it, but he didn't know what else to say. He wasn't sure why he wanted Taehyung either, he just had an urge to pick him. He was intrigued.

"Sir, this hybrid is a bit...temperamental." She explained. "He's been nearly adopted multiple times, but people tend to have problems with his attitude and change their minds."

Jimin was a bit taken aback and slightly offended that she was talking about Taehyung as if he wasn't right there. The hybrid didn’t have any reaction to it, which told Jimin that he must be used to this.

"It's fine, I'm not looking for a classically trained hybrid anyway." He said. 

She looked at him with worried eyes for a second longer, then over at Taehyung. He was just staring dauntingly now, and her vision returned to Jimin once again.

"You're sure? You don't even want a meeting or anything?"

And for once in what felt like Jimin’s entire life, he made an impulse decision without thinking or worrying about it. He knew his parents wouldn’t be impressed, and the volunteer was giving him an out to change his mind without judgment, but he was going with his gut on this one.

"I'm sure."

She shrugged and returned to the glass.

"Looks like you're getting adopted again, Taehyung."

"Whoopie." He said in a monotone and extremely deep voice, getting off the couch and confirming Jimin’s assumption that he would be tall once he was standing up.

"Do you want to take any of your possessions?"

"No. I don't have shit here." 

Jimin now understood why Taehyung was hard to adopt out, and why the volunteer spoke about him in the way that she did. He definitely seemed a bit…testy. But Jimin wasn't going to back out.

"Okay. Well then, you two can come to the front desk and Mr. Park can sign the paperwork and pay the adoption fees." 

She opened the glass door and Taehyung walked out in front of Jimin, which is not something any of his family’s hybrids would ever dream of doing. Jimin was a bit intimidated realizing just how much bigger Taehyung was than him. Maybe it would’ve been a good idea to do a first impression meeting…although upon second thought, Jimin had a feeling Taehyung wouldn’t have agreed to it anyway. It was all or nothing.

As they were exiting the basement level, Taehyung’s eyes fell on the collar that Jimin was still fiddling with.

"I'm not putting that on." Taehyung said immediately.

Jimin's eyes widened, looking down at it. He'd expected Taehyung to have some hostility, but not about something as mandatory as a collar.

"Taehyung, you know you have to–" Mary tried, but Taehyung cut her off.

"I'm not putting on a fucking collar." He snapped, and she sighed.

They all stopped walking halfway up the stairs at Taehyung’s announcement.

"This is the part where people change their minds." She said to Jimin in an exhausted tone. Clearly, they had been through this many times before.

Jimin bit his lip, looked down at the collar, and then looked back at Taehyung.

"That's okay. You don't have to wear it."

Taehyung raised a brow and now Mary’s eyes went wide.

"Um, Mr. Park, according to the law he does have to wear it."

"We'll figure it out. But for now, we're just going to the car and then my apartment. I doubt any cop will stop me in such a short period of time."

Taehyung smirked and looked at the volunteer, who was visibly uneasy.

“You see that, Mary? My new owner said I don’t have to wear it.”

She couldn’t shake the concerned look off, but had to continue with the adoption process anyway.

“Alright…right this way.” She now led them back to the lobby.

Jimin glanced up at Taehyung, who still had that triumphant grin and held out his arm.

“After you, sir. ”

The way he said it and got so close to Jimin sent chills down the human’s back. He was finally starting to second guess his decision here. They walked up to the front desk where the volunteer passed them off to the head of the adoption agency. She looked just as stressed as Mary.

“If there’s any problems, you have 10 months to bring him back. But if you do, you surrender your right to adopt from this agency again. And if you bring him back any later than that, it’ll be counted as a year and you’ll be turned away.”

“I understand.” Jimin nodded. This was the agency all of his family members had adopted from, so he was familiar with the standards.

“Okay, that’ll be $300 for your adoption fee.” 

Jimin’s surprise was evident on his face. He was not expecting that.

“That’s it?” He asked.

“Yup.” She said, “It’s not as expensive to adopt from the list of extended stay hybrids.”

“Extended stay hybrid” must be a polite term to signify an alpha. All of his family’s hybrids had been at least $1,500, usually more. He didn’t think there would be such a difference in fees between high and low class hybrids. It didn’t quite sit right with Jimin either.

Jimin put down the cash, signed the paperwork, then was sent on his way with his newly adopted hybrid.

“Good luck.” Both the women said as Jimin walked out with Taehyung.

“Thanks. Have a nice day!” Jimin said.

He turned to see Taehyung already out the door and walking to the parking lot. Jimin rushed after him, worried perhaps he’d be seen by a cop.

“Which one’s yours?” Taehyung asked.

“That one.” Jimin said, unlocking his Tesla.

Taehyung scoffed.

“Of course it is.” He opened the door and hopped in. 

Jimin took note of it. Typically, anytime he gave a ride to a kid or someone who didn't come from a lot of money, it took them a second to figure out how to open the Tesla doors. Taehyung did it with ease like it was second nature. Either he had an impressive knowledge of car models, or he'd been in multiple luxury cars before.

The car ride was awkward for Jimin, however it was impossible to say if Taehyung felt the same way. He simply messed with the radio the whole time, then asked Jimin to see his phone so he could control the music from his library.

Jimin gave it to the hybrid without question, and once he curated a playlist he was satisfied with, he started going through the human’s phone.

“So, it looks like you’re single.” Taehyung commented while swiping through his photos.

The comment flustered Jimin a bit, and he began regretting handing Taehyung his phone so carelessly.

“Uh, yeah. It’s been a while since I’ve dated.” Jimin said.

“I’ll say. It took going back four years to see any photos of you with someone that looks slightly romantic.”

“I deleted most of them.” Jimin said.

“Damn, one of those breakups, huh?” Taehyung said. “You’re not on dating apps?”

Jimin became increasingly uncomfortable with how intrusive Taehyung’s questions on his personal life were getting so suddenly.

“They’re not really for me.” He kept it short. “So, could you tell me about you?”

“What about me?” Taehyung asked. “Surely you’re not asking me to unpack the trauma of being a low class hybrid stuck in a pound for five years?” 

Immediately, Jimin backtracked.

“No no no. Not that, just, anything about yourself?”

Taehyung grinned to himself at how easy it was to make Jimin flustered.

“Well, you know my name, my age, and how long I’ve been in the pound. That’s about all I got.” He said, “Anything you want to tell me about you, Jimmy-boy?”

The informal nickname coming from the hybrid shocked Jimin. 

“Jimmy-boy?”

“Not a fan?” Taehyung asked. “I’m not calling you owner, or master, or sir. That was just for show back there. So, what? Want me to just call you Jimin?”

It was something Jimin would have to get used to, but he’d signed up for this despite the warning of Taehyung’s behavior.

“Yes, that works.”

After another twenty minutes of Taehyung prying through Jimin’s phone and changing the song repeatedly, they finally arrived at Jimin’s apartment complex.

“Damn, even the parking garage feels rich.” Taehyung commented as they walked out.

Once again, even though Jimin was supposed to be leading Taehyung to his apartment, Taehyung somehow ended up always walking in front of Jimin. It worried him, seeing as he was obviously a hybrid walking without a collar. Jimin had hoped Taehyung would at least stay closely behind him.

The human let out a sigh of relief once they’d finally landed at his door.

“Well, this is it.” Jimin said, letting Taehyung in.

The hybrid walked through the threshold, taking in the surroundings.

“Wow, you have weird interior design preferences.” 

The comment slightly offended Jimin, seeing as he’d always prided himself a bit on his apartment’s aesthetic.

“Weird?” He repeated. “It’s just minimalist.”

“Yeah, but almost everything is white and functional, and there’s no personality. It looks like a cult.” He said flippantly, slipping off his shoes at the door. “Do you have a shower?”

Jimin decided to let the rather impolite comment go.

“You don’t want to eat first?”

“Nah, I’d like to get the scent of the pound off of me as soon as possible.” Taehyung didn’t wait for a response from Jimin as he went searching. 

Once he’d found Jimin’s room, he immediately started stripping once he got into the bathroom. Jimin’s cheeks flushed at the sudden flash of Taehyung’s shirtless—albeit, very impressive—figure and turned away, exiting the bathroom.

“When you’re done, I’ll put clothes on the bed and show you around.” He called behind his shoulder.

Jimin’s mind raced now that it was all settling in. He’d really gone out, adopted a hybrid he’d received multiple warnings about without a meetup, and now that hybrid was in his apartment, making it his own upon entry. He tried to think of ways to implement rules, but he was never good at confrontation nor establishing his authority.

He really hadn’t thought this out, but there was no way in hell he would be taking Taehyung back. He’d committed to this, and he was determined to make it work for Taehyung and himself, no matter what.

After about an hour waiting for the hybrid, Jimin finally peeked into his room to see if Taehyung was still in the bathroom. To his surprise, the hybrid had put on the pajamas Jimin had laid out for him, and gotten under the covers of Jimin’s bed for a good night's sleep.

“Taehyung?”

“What?” The hybrid asked in a tired voice.

“I was going to offer you some food and show you to…your room.” He said softly.

“I don’t have an appetite with how exhausted I am, and I’ve already scented this room so it’s too late to switch now.”

Jimin almost couldn’t believe the liberties Taehyung was taking.

“But—where am I supposed to sleep?” Jimin asked defeatedly. 

“This is a king size bed, Jimin. You can definitely fit.” 

The prospect of sharing a bed with a perfect stranger, let alone the hybrid he’d just adopted, sounded outlandish to Jimin. But before he could respond, Taehyung had turned over and pulled the covers over himself to close the discussion.

Jimin had no choice but to brush his teeth, wash his face, and head to bed as well. Taehyung was on the side he normally slept on, but he supposed tomorrow at the very least he could ask to switch sides. The shorter tried to get comfy on the new position, and Taehyung groaned.

“What’s with all the movement?” The hybrid asked.

“Just trying to get comfortable.” Jimin responded in an apologetic voice.

“Do you normally thrash around this much when you sleep alone?”

“I usually sleep on the other side.” Jimin muttered. 

Taehyung rolled his eyes and Jimin gasped when the hybrid grabbed his waist and lifted him up and over himself so that Jimin was on his appropriate side.

“There, now you’re where you’re used to. Will you sleep, finally?” 

Jimin’s heart was racing a bit from the rather intimate contact he’d just had, and simply nodded.

“Yeah, goodnight.”

“Night.” Taehyung responded, and fell asleep almost instantly.

Jimin was still feeling a bit restless, but tried to remain still for the sake of Taehyung not snapping at him again. He hadn’t shared a bed with someone since his last boyfriend, so he was struggling to grasp the situation he was in.

Furthermore, the entirety of what he’d gotten himself into. His family was going to want to see his purebred, classically trained hybrid, wearing the collar they’d given him. How was Jimin supposed to explain bringing an entitled, ill-mannered alpha who refused to wear a collar—or take any orders?

“You’re still moving.” Taehyung grumbled, half asleep.

Jimin’s leg was bouncing—a childhood habit from when he would overthink and get jittery.

“Sorry.” Was all he responded with.

Suddenly the hybrid’s arm was around his waist, pulling him in so Taehyung’s chest was pressed against his back.

“Be still.” Taehyung ordered in his sleepy voice.

Jimin froze at the contact, completely caught off guard. The tactic definitely worked in getting Jimin to stop moving, but it did nothing for his racing thoughts. If anything, the proximity made them even faster.

He suddenly remembered that he’d texted his father “Will do! ” when he told Jimin to update him on how the adoption was going. Telling his father about his current situation with his newly adopted hybrid was absolutely not something he was going to do.

Taehyung sighed, sensing the human’s anxiety, then dug his face into Jimin’s neck and exhaled, his hot breath fanning over Jimin’s exposed skin. The action made Jimin shiver, and within seconds he started to relax suddenly.

“Do you feel better?” Taehyung asked.

“Yeah.” Jimin said. “Did you do something?”

“I released relaxing pheromones into your skin. Maybe now you’ll get some sleep, which means I’ll get some sleep.”

Perhaps because Jimin’s family would never even entertain of letting a hybrid get this close to them, let alone sleep in their bed, Jimin had never learned about this ability that hybrids had. Pheromones that worked on humans? Maybe it was exclusively an alpha thing, but all Jimin knew is that he had never calmed down so quickly in his life. It felt like he had just taken an anxiety pill with codeine. 

“Goodnight, Jimin.” Taehyung said.

Jimin was already dozing off, the hybrid’s voice sounding like a blur in the distance.

“Goodnight…”

Chapter Text

Jimin woke up the next morning with a yawn and quick stretch. It took him a couple seconds before he remembered he had adopted a hybrid that was in his bed the night before, and nowhere to be seen now. He threw the covers off of himself and ran out the bedroom door, only to find something even worse than Taehyung running away.

Dirty dishes toppling over in the sink, pancake batter, egg yolk, and juice all over the counter tops, the aroma of something burning smoking up the entire apartment, and Taehyung sitting on the bar stool munching on his breakfast like nothing was wrong.

“What happened?!” Jimin asked, rushing in to turn off the stove that Taehyung had left going.

“I made breakfast.” Taehyung said, like was obvious.

“Yes, I can see that. A better question: how did your breakfast result in nearly destroying my kitchen?”

“Lest I remind you that you adopted me yesterday? So this is our kitchen.” Taehyung said before stuffing a pile of pancake into his mouth and swallowing after what appeared to be two bites.

Jimin was astounded in the worst way possible.

“Alright, how did your breakfast result in nearly destroying our kitchen?”

“I haven’t cooked in a while.” Taehyung answered nonchalantly. “Won’t the maid clean it?”

“I don’t have a maid, Taehyung!” Jimin said, grabbing the windex and paper towels from under the sink and frantically wiping down the countertops.

“You don’t?” Taehyung took a pause before shoveling another bite and speaking with his mouth full. “Hm. I thought all you rich people had maids and butlers and shit.”

“I like to clean.” Jimin stated with wild eyes. “In fact, I need it to be clean.” 

Taehyung’s floppy ear perked up at the panic in Jimin’s voice. He could hear Jimin’s heart pounding at an alarming rate, and smell the human’s increasing anxiety.

“Whoah, slow down. What’s wrong with you?”

“This is freaking me out!” Jimin said in a shaky voice, his body shaking along with it.

It made Taehyung begin to worry, and surprisingly feel a little guilty. He got to his feet and walked over, grabbing Jimin’s wrists and pulling him away from his violent cleaning.

“Hey, just breathe. It’s okay–”

“It’s not okay!” Jimin said, clenching his eyes shut and trying to regulate his breathing.

The remorse started to kick in for Taehyung, and he sighed, letting go of Jimin’s wrists.

“Look, I’m sorry. I’ll clean it up.”

“No, it’s too late. I need it to be the same way it was.” 

Taehyung was familiar with anxiety and had been raised with people who had it. He’d never experienced it on a personal level, but as an observer on the sidelines, he felt sympathy for the terror it caused people.

“Okay, how about this. I’ll wash the dishes and wipe down the counters while you get ready for work, and when you’re finished you can come fix whatever I didn’t do to your standards. Is that alright?”

Jimin gnawed on his lip nervously, glancing over at the breakfast nightmare he’d woken up to..

“I promise you won’t walk into a mess like this again.” Taehyung said, and Jimin took a deep breath.

“Alright.” Jimin put down the cleaning supplies and turned away.

He walked back to his bathroom, looking utterly demoralized. Taehyung watched him until the bedroom door closed and he heard the shower start running. He slowly turned back to the disaster he’d created and groaned.

“Ugh, fuck.” Taehyung cursed himself.

Thirty minutes later, once showered and dressed, Jimin dreaded walking out into the kitchen. He clutched the doorknob, preparing himself before stepping out of his bedroom, only to find a delightful sight of his kitchen looking exactly the way it did before he left. Taehyung was at the sink, wiping down the faucet with disinfectant wipes, and the place smelt like the fresh citrus of Jimin’s many sanitization products.

“Hey.” Taehyung said once he noticed Jimin. “Are you feeling better?”

“Yeah.” He said, a little embarrassed now that Taehyung had already seen him have a near meltdown like that. “Thanks for cleaning up.”

“It was my mess in the first place.” Taehyung replied, slinging the towel he’d used to dry the dishes over his shoulder. “I put everything back exactly where I found it.”

“How’d you remember it all?” Jimin asked, casually peeking into the cupboards to check if Taehyung had actually gotten all of his organizational patterns right.

“I got good at memorizing my surroundings after having roommates with anxiety.” He said. “One struggled with fear of contamination and the other struggled with compulsive need for order. So cleaning and having everything be exactly how they wanted it is like second nature to me.”

“Wow, that’s really impressive.” Jimin complimented him. “I haven’t been diagnosed with anything, but…I just freak out when things aren’t perfect.”

Taehyung nodded, understanding. “Are you okay that I’m here alone without you while you’re at work today? You’re not worried about things being moved around?”

“Yeah I’m okay. It helps that you know.” Jimin said. “I’m sorry that you had to see me like that.”

“I’m sorry for making such a wreck. I just assumed you had someone who cleans for you like other rich people.” He pushed away from the counter and walked over to Jimin. “I promise I won’t cause a mess here again.”

Jimin smiled as he looked up at Taehyung. Maybe this hybrid wasn’t such a bad idea.

“Thank you, Taehyung.” He said.

After making sure Taehyung understood the TV and gaming setup, and giving him his cell phone number to call from the landline in case of emergency, Jimin was out the door with a granola bar and water bottle. Taehyung wasn’t surprised Jimin was healthy and had a home gym setup in his apartment based off of his physique. He could feel the human’s firm stomach and slim waist the previous night when he held Jimin against him.

Taehyung busied himself with discovering new shows and movies, snacking, and spent most of the day gaming. He was pretty shit at it initially since it’d been years since he’d gotten to play video games, but he picked it up quickly. He’d always had a knack for it. He even used Jimin’s home gym and made sure to wipe everything down and shower afterwards. He made sure to simply wash and dry the pajamas Jimin had given him to put on once he was done washing up. He knew if Jimin walked in and saw someone else in his clothes, he might have another meltdown.

Taehyung didn’t notice how many hours had passed or that the sun was nearly setting by the time Jimin got home.

“Welcome home.” Taehyung said as Jimin finally returned.

“Hi, Taehyung.” Jimin greeted as he came through the door.

Jimin slipped off his shoes and slotted them in his shoe rack perfectly aligned with the others, retreated to the bedroom to put his suit and socks in the hamper, and returned in fresh sweats and house slippers.

“How was work?” Taehyung asked, muting the news he was listening to.

“It was fine. The hybrids there could smell you on me.”

“Well that makes sense.” Taehyung snickered. “They allow hybrids there?”

“Yeah…it’s actually my company so I got the legal clearance for them to bring their hybrids.” He said, a bit insecure about coming off like he was bragging. “It wasn’t too hard. The only requirement is that they have the paperwork and that their hybrids–”

Jimin stopped himself, but Taehyung knew where it was going.

“Wear a collar?” The hybrid finished the sentence for him.

“Yeah.” Jimin said, rushing to grab a glass of water and change the topic. “Were you alright here by yourself?”

“Yeah. You have a lot of cool shit to do.” Taehyung said. “Were you tired at all?”

The question came seemingly out of nowhere, and Jimin didn’t know why Taehyung was asking. But once he thought about it, he realized that he actually hadn’t felt that energized in a while.

“No, actually. I’m usually feeling pretty dead on my feet by midday, but today I was fine.” 

“It might help that you can finally sleep soundly too.”

Jimin cocked his head in confusion. “What do you mean?”

“The calming pheromones I gave you last night. They aren’t supposed to make you fall asleep, but you push yourself so hard in your daily life, which is why once you could finally relax and your own exhaustion completely took over and you knocked out.” Taehyung explained, making Jimin feel sheepish. “That’s why I didn’t do it this morning while you were panicking. I was worried you’d still be sleepy and pass out before work.”

Jimin was aware that he overworked himself. It was a byproduct of trying to please everyone that made him stretch himself too thin. He went to bed late and got up early, went to work early and left late. Anytime he wanted to relax he felt shameful about not doing enough. It’s like he was physically incapable of giving himself a break.

“I can sense you overthinking now.” Taehyung said, analyzing his face.

Jimin snapped back into reality. Shaking his head.

“Sorry.” He apologized.

He was always apologizing.

Taehyung sighed, seeing Jimin act this way. “Come here.” 

Jimin tentatively walked over to the hybrid, and once in front of him, Taehyung tugged  the human down to sit beside him. He leaned over Jimin so now the hybrid was on top of the human, and once again pressed his face into the nape of Jimin’s neck and exhaled.

Instantly Jimin let out a breath of relief, feeling as though the load from work was lifted off of his shoulders. Taehyung pulled away, still hovering over him and looking down at him.

“Better?” 

Jimin grinned shyly and nodded.

“Yeah…thanks.” 

Taehyung mirrored his smile and sat back up, pulling the human up with him.

“I should’ve told you before I left to look through some catalogs to get you a new wardrobe.” Jimin said, his articulation slower after Taehyung calmed him down. 

“I already did. And your card information was saved on your computer here, so I just went ahead and ordered it. Along with some much needed decor items.” 

Jimin’s jaw dropped as he whipped out his phone to check and make sure his bank hadn’t called him asking about fraudulent charges.

“Taehyung! What did you buy?”

“Don’t worry, I didn’t spend more than what you paid to adopt me.” Taehyung said. “Based on your car, the collar, your apartment and who your family is, I know I could’ve spent a lot more.”

“My family?” Jimin questioned. “How do you know my family?” 

“I was here all day, Jimin. Of course I snooped through everything. On top of that, your parents have shown up in two different news channels for purchasing the most luxurious realties in this opulent ass city and conjoining them to make the most expensive mansion in the Tri-state area.” He pointed to the TV, and sure enough, there was Jimin’s dad speaking to the reporters outside of their new home. “Looks like you’re the little rebel who moved out to an apartment in the next city despite your family’s wishes, huh?”

Jimin looked away, downcast.

“We’re still close…” 

“I can see that. But why’d you move out, Jimin?”

Jimin cracked his thumbs, something Taehyung noticed Jimin did when he was unsure of himself. Which was most of the time.

“They were making my anxiety worse with their behavior. I needed to get away from that lifestyle.” He said. “I don’t like attention, and I try to be nice to people. They crave attention, and don’t particularly care to be nice to anyone. You see how they live. They’re extravagant and show it off for everyone to see any chance they get. I was having panic attacks all the time from how they acted and the parties they would throw.”

“I would be overwhelmed too, damn.” Taehyung said, turning off the TV and hoisting himself off the couch. 

“But I still do love them! And I do everything I can to make sure they’re not disappointed in me.” Jimin added, frantically.

Taehyung smirked. 

“Yeah, trust me I can tell.” He switched topics. “Wanna see what I got?”

Jimin was pleasantly surprised with Taehyung’s fashion choices. He wasn’t sure what he pinned Taehyung as, but an artsy, headband-wearing guy wasn’t it. And he was pretty good at finding deals. For all the items he got, it was surprising he’d only spent $300. That amount of money wouldn’t even buy a pair of slippers that his family members would wear.

He had to admit it was a little distracting walking into his apartment the following week and seeing Taehyung shirtless with just joggers and a headband pulling his bangs out of his face. Due to the hybrid’s surprising vigilance, Jimin had to be sure never to stare for too long. 

One time, however, Taehyung caught Jimin gazing and furrowed his brow.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” 

Jimin’s face flushed with embarrassment but he tried to play it off.

“I just noticed you’re kind of strong.” Jimin said. “But you don’t workout.”

“Yeah I do? I use your gym every day.” Taehyung corrected him.

“You do? It never looks touched.” Jimin asked in surprise.

“I clean it and put everything back exactly how I found it for you.”

Jimin didn’t quite know how to respond, other than try and hide the smile forming on his face.

“Oh, thank you.” He said softly.

Before Jimin could change the topic, his phone rang, and to his demise, the contact was his father’s name.

“Mom and Dad calling again?” Taehyung asked with an amused expression.

“Yes.” Jimin said in defeat, taking a deep breath then answering. “Hi, Dad.”

“It’s good to finally hear from you, boss man.” Jimin heard his father’s voice. 

Immediately he felt guilty for ignoring their calls, knowing he’d been too much of a coward to face the pending issue. 

“So, when are we meeting your hybrid?” His dad inquired, and Jimin nervously toyed with the case on his phone. He hadn’t properly prepared for this conversation that he knew was coming. “It’s been two weeks! We’re excited to see him.”

Jimin awkwardly laughed.

“Yeah, we’re excited too. It’s just that Taehyung is, uh…” he looked over at the hybrid sprawled out on the couch, tossing cheerios up into the air and catching them in his mouth “…shy.”

“Alright, I understand he needs some more time to assimilate. But try and get him comfortable quickly, we’re ready to prepare a welcome brunch for him!”

“Don’t worry, Dad. He’ll definitely get comfortable soon.” Jimin lied.

Getting comfortable was probably the first special skill on Taehyung’s resume, behind looking like a model and being the best damn cuddler known to man.

“Your parents are still thirsty to meet me, huh?” Taehyung asked once Jimin hung up the phone.

“Yeah.” Jimin said with a dejected tone, plopping down next to him and sinking into the cushion.

“You know, you’re gonna have to tell them you adopted an alpha eventually. Might as well rip off the bandaid before the cut needs stitches.”

Jimin didn’t have the heart to tell Taehyung that him being an alpha was only the first problem on the list of reasons Jimin’s family would be disappointed with his choice.

“I know.” Jimin agreed. He looked up at the TV and saw the game Taehyung had muted on his xbox. “What is this, anyway?”

“This? It’s a first person shooter game. Why?”

“How do you play?” Jimin asked, sitting up.

“Well, it’s all about working together and killing the enemy team.” Taehyung explained.

“Sounds violent.” Jimin cringed, already growing a distaste for it.

Taehyung understood why. This was not at all Jimin’s type of wind-down game. It would stress him out, especially if he had a mic and got verbally attacked by his opponents. While the shit talking egged Taehyung on, it would probably make someone like Jimin cry by round one.

“Yeah, I don’t think it’d be for you. Something simpler would probably be a nice form of reality escapism in your case.”

“What kind of game?” 

“Like…I don’t know, something where you build things? Or make an alternate universe?”

Right away, Jimin was intrigued.

“I used to play Club Penguin and Webkinz as a kid when I had free time.” He shared. “I would take care of them and buy them things. Is there something like that?”

Taehyung had to refrain from biting his lip at how cute the human was.

“Yeah, there’s games like that. They’re mostly PC games though if you wanna come over here.”

He led Jimin to his setup and took a seat, with Jimin hovering behind him. He pulled up a few different world building games: Sims, Minecraft, Animal Crossing. Jimin watched as Taehyung walked him through. Truthfully, he wasn’t all too familiar with these ones since he wasn’t exactly the target audience for them, but he could tell Jimin was fascinated.

 It made sense that Jimin would like to play these kinds of games. He was a naturally nurturing person, and the idea of taking care of his own little characters and having creative control to make them happy and embody his personality was enticing to him.

He really wanted to hop on and try playing, but he wasn’t sure how to politely ask Taehyung to get his ass up so he could sit and get to work. He also still needed Taehyung’s presence to walk him through how to get started.

“You ready?” Taehyung asked, rolling out his chair.

“Yes and no. I still need you to help me while I play, at least for now.” 

Taehyung understood the seating predicament Jimin was alluding to and decided to eliminate the hassle of trying to fit two chairs in the tiny space.

“Here,” he grabbed Jimin’s hand and pulled him to sit on his lap. “We can play like this.”

Jimin’s cheeks went completely crimson at the action. Taehyung’s large hands gripped his hips to situate him more comfortably, and he had to pretend to focus on the screen to recollect himself. Sure, they cuddled every night, but something about this just felt different. More intimate.

Eventually Jimin got used to it, and he sat there on Taehyung for hours. He was so focused that he would forget to ask Taehyung if he was hurting him with his weight, which the hybrid was grateful for. It was nice that he didn’t have to keep reassuring the human every five minutes like he assumed he would be.

Jimin played to his little heart’s content until the hybrid could see the human’s eyelids start to grow heavy and his posture start to slump.

“Jimin?” Taehyung tried to get his attention.

“Hm?” The half-awake response came from the human.

“I think you should go to bed soon. You have work tomorrow.”

“I’m okay, I’m almost done.” Jimin said in the same sleepy voice he had when he wished Taehyung a good night.

“You’ve been playing for five hours. It’s almost midnight, let’s get you to bed. You’ll be miserable tomorrow if you don’t.”

“Five more minut–.” Jimin protested, a yawn cutting him off halfway.

Taehyung chuckled and simply stood, cradling Jimin in his arms.

“My world!” Jimin squealed, reaching for the mouse.

“Don’t worry, this version auto-saves.” Taehyung said. “Now it’s time for you to go to bed.”

He carried the hardly protesting human to their room, placing him on the mattress and tucking him in. He knew Jimin would feel disgusting waking up with his teeth not brushed and his face not washed, but Taehyung feared the human would fall over if he tried to stand at the sink to do his skincare.

Taehyung got to his respective side and assumed the position, holding Jimin close and burying his face in his soft neck.

“Goodnight, Jimin.” Taehyung said softly.

“Goodnight, Tae…tae…” 

Jimin fell asleep before he could finish, but the accidental nickname struck a memory deep within Taehyung that he decided to ignore in exchange for a good night’s rest.

Throughout the next couple weeks, Taehyung continued to impress Jimin with many of his qualities. Though he didn’t quite respect Jimin’s personal space, he respected his belongings and his sanitation standards. He didn’t judge Jimin on his wealth as much as most people did, and he didn’t seem to care about anything that Jimin was insecure about in himself. Taehyung felt less like a hybrid pet and more like…a friend.

They still weren’t really able to go out together, due to Taehyung’s refusal to wear the collar. Truthfully, not only did Jimin not mind, but he was somewhat grateful. Before adopting Taehyung, Jimin didn’t like being home too much because he got lonely. Now, with how much Jimin had come to enjoy Taehyung, he could finally be content as a homebody without the anxiety of being alone with his thoughts for too long. 

Beyond gaming, Taehyung had gotten Jimin into some more of his hobbies, so the two would sit and talk for hours as the hybrid taught him. They would crochet, cook, and decorate Jimin’s apartment while watching nature documentaries. The hybrid turned out to be really funny, and interestingly he also found Jimin pretty humorous in the adorable way. The human’s constant embarrassment and overthinking was somewhat endearing, and Taehyung enjoyed hearing Jimin’s thought train and then teasing him after to ease his worries.

Taehyung didn’t think he would ever enjoy a human again, but he increasingly found himself excited for Jimin to come home from work. They would spend every minute together, talk for hours about anything, and every night Taehyung would hold Jimin and release pheromones to help him sleep. Jimin hadn’t gotten such consistent, peaceful rest in his entire life, and he didn’t know what he would ever do if Taehyung was gone for even one night.

The hybrid was unexpectedly comforting as well, and a great listener. Jimin had always played therapist for his friend group and struggled to be vulnerable when they would try and reciprocate it, so it was foreign to him to be honest when Taehyung was asking him how he felt and processed life around him. It was really nice, and everyday Jimin was almost as grateful to have adopted Taehyung as Taehyung was to have been adopted by Jimin. 

***

It was a rainy day, and Taehyung was working on a puzzle he’d ordered while he waited for Jimin to come home, shaking the rain off of his umbrella before hanging it up.

“Hi, Taehyung.” Jimin greeted him cheerfully as he entered his apartment. 

The human had been acting a lot more whimsical since when he first adopted Taehyung. The hybrid tacked it up to Jimin finally getting steady sleep.

He put down his puzzle piece and looked over at the human.

“Hey, Jimin. How was work?”

“It was good. I got to grab lunch with my friends at break, which was fun.”

Taehyung grinned at Jimin’s update. The human was so easily pleased with the simple things in life. It was endearing.

“Aw, I’m happy you had that time with them.”

Jimin smiled contently, removing his tie. “What are you doing?”

As soon as the human was close enough, Taehyung got a better scent from him. He was quickly displeased. It didn’t smell like Jimin’s shampoos or colognes, it smelt like—

“Taehyung?” Jimin called his attention, snapping the hybrid out of his thoughts.

“Sorry, what?” He shook his head slightly.

“I asked what puzzle you’re solving.” Jimin giggled.

“Oh, a Van Gogh painting.” He said. “Were you around other hybrids today?”

Jimin was caught off guard by the sudden question.

“Oh, yeah. We got a new hire so his hybrid was meeting all the others. I was hanging around for a while.”

Taehyung squinted at Jimin’s explanation.

“Did any of them touch you?” He asked.

Jimin couldn’t quite tell where Taehyung was going with this, but he thought about his day anyway to try and provide answers.

“Now that you ask, yes. A couple of them did give me a hug goodbye.” He said. “You can really smell it?”

Taehyung tried to repress the unpleasant feelings that came onto him when his human shared that other hybrids had been physically affectionate with him.

“Very much so.” He said. “I can normally smell the hybrids that work at your office, but this one is just strong because of the direct contact.”

Jimin was impressed with Taehyung’s abilities, but then again, probably all hybrids had this skill. None Jimin had come across had ever explained it.

“Normally we don’t hug, but I think they were just excited.” He said, then added with a light laugh, “Why? Does it bother you?”

“Yes.” Taehyung said bluntly, causing Jimin’s smile to fade.

“Oh…I’m sorry. Why is that?”

There were a few different reasons that came to Taehyung’s mind, but he decided to go with the safest option.

“Having another hybrid’s scent in my home is hard for me.”

“I had no idea.” Jimin expressed, immediately feeling guilty. “Is it because you’re an alpha?”

“Uh…yeah.” Taehyung lied. 

“I’ll go shower and change.” Jimin said then scurried off to their room.

Taehyung was unwrapping a new poster to put up when the human walked into the living room timidly, still towel drying his hair.

“Hey, are you alright if I have some friends over?” Jimin asked Taehyung, despite being in his own apartment.

“It’s your place, isn’t it?” Taehyung pointed out as he analyzed the artwork.

“They all have hybrids as well. I thought maybe you’d like to meet them?”

That made Taehyung’s ears perk up. Truthfully, he’d never had a lot of hybrid friends. His experiences with them hadn’t been too positive either, and he was more than happy with just being around Jimin, but he had to admit…the thought of having others like him to talk to was enticing.

“Yeah, I’m down. When are they coming?”

“Does tonight work?”

Taehyung couldn’t help but be amused by Jimin asking him if he could have his own friends over to his own apartment.

“Sounds good, Jimin. I’ll clean myself up just for the occasion.”

Taehyung tried to feign nonchalance when Jimin’s friends walked in a couple hours later with their hybrids in tow. There were only two. Both of them were about his height and stature, except one had ridiculously broad shoulders, and he was surprised to see that they were both alphas like him. The broad shoulder one was named Seokjin, and he belonged to the rather scrawny black-haired guy named Yoongi, the hybrid positively towering over his owner. The other was Jungkook, who belonged to a bright eyed, big smiled human named Hoseok. Everyone introduced themselves to Taehyung, and the hybrids seemed chill. Kind of similar to him.

“Where’s Namjoon?” Jimin asked.

“He’ll be here later. His new hybrid was being fussy apparently.” Yoongi informed, sliding off his shoes at the door and walking in. 

It was clear by the body language and behavior that these friends were close with Jimin. They were very familiar with the apartment like it was their own, symbolizing that they’d been here a lot. Same with the other hybrids. They knew where the beer and wine was in the fridge, being sure to keep the place neat for Jimin and wipe up any spills, aware of the cleaning product’s location.

Taehyung felt the protective urge to guide them so that their actions wouldn’t make Jimin anxious, but they obviously already knew how to move and act. It almost made Taehyung a little jealous that these other friends and hybrids had known Jimin so well before him.

“Damn, looks like you finally added some personality to the place.” Hoseok said. “Whose personality? I’m not quite sure. But it looks cool.”

“It’s all Taehyung’s.” Jimin answered softly.

The boys all looked back at the hybrid. 

“Nice job.” Hoseok said with a cute little laugh. “You finally got Jimin to accept colors.”

They all sat at the couch and mingled for a bit. Taehyung got to know Jimin’s friends and their hybrids, and found he was enjoying himself very much. He didn’t necessarily consider himself the most social butterfly, but he eased into conversation with the group rather quickly. They were very friendly, and asked Taehyung a lot of questions. If anything, he was talking more than Jimin was in the circle. Whenever Taehyung would peek over at Jimin, the man looked fulfilled just watching his friends enjoy themselves, making sure they all had food and drinks and that any other need was met. It didn’t surprise Taehyung for a second that Jimin was a good host.

It had been about an hour and a half of fun chatting with coffee table games when the last friend walked in the door with his hybrid following behind him.

“Sorry I’m late! Jihoon decided to take twelve years to get ready.” The tall man with silver hair said. 

Taehyung guessed that this was probably the artsy videographer friend Jimin had mentioned. They referred to him as “Namjoon,” telling Taehyung that his hunch was correct.

“You are so dramatic.” The last hybrid retorted as he came in tow. 

He was an upper class omega cat hybrid who had the attitude of one. He promptly walked past Taehyung and to the side of the couch where Jimin was with the other humans. It irked Taehyung, but he let it slide. Taehyung introduced himself to Namjoon as he sat down and cracked open a beer, but his eyes quickly floated over to Jihoon, who was sitting way too close to his human. 

“Hello.” Jimin smiled at the hybrid.

“Hi.” He said, batting his eyelashes. “Namjoon has told me a lot about you.”

“He has?” Jimin asked, looking up to an equally surprised Namjoon.

“I have?” He asked with a mouth full of a pizza slice he’d picked up from the box settled on the coffee table before him.

“He’s always so forgetful.” Jihoon rolled his eyes and wore a playful smile.

Taehyung tried to get back into the conversation, but he couldn’t stop looking over at Jihoon and Jimin. When the omega started laughing too hard at everything Jimin said and leaning on him far too much, Taehyung grew fed up and stood to get a drink.

Jimin, Namjoon, Hoseok, Jihoon and Seokjin mingled on the couch while Jungkook and Yoongi had made their way over to join Taehyung in the kitchen. Taehyung unceasingly glared over at the scene, growing visibly more and more frustrated with a firm grasp on his beer bottle.

“He’s gonna try to fuck him for sure.” Yoongi said eventually in an apathetic tone while scrolling on his phone.

Jungkook nodded in agreement while practically swallowing his pizza whole. However, the comment didn’t go unnoticed by Taehyung.

“He’s what ?” Taehyung asked.

“He tries to fuck all of Namjoon’s friends.” Yoongi shrugged. “He’s got a thing for humans. Never their hybrids though. He acts like they don’t exist.”

“He doesn’t get along with any other hybrids. But he can’t keep his hands off their humans.” Jungkook chimed in. “He’s what humans would probably call a home-wrecker. Except his version of wrecking homes is just creating a really awkward dynamic between the humans and their hybrids.”

“Why?” Taehyung said, his grip tightening on the edge of the counter that he was leaning on.

“Not sure. Maybe some power play or something? Namjoon doesn’t fuck hybrids so that might be doing a number on his self worth that his owner doesn’t want him.”

“Doesn’t Namjoon care that Jihoon is this way toward his friends?” Taehyung asked.

“Not really. He doesn’t really act like much of an owner. Namjoon didn’t adopt Jihoon, he’s the hybrid of his college roommate. But once the roommate went to some internship abroad, he left Jihoon with Namjoon. They’re more like roommates now, but Jihoon insists on coming out with him since he can’t go out alone.”

“That’s stupid.” Taehyung said, trying to act less bothered than he was, but failing miserably.

 Yoongi and Jungkook detected it instantly and locked eyes with each other. Jungkook put his plate down and Yoongi finally focused on Taehyung instead of his phone.

“I thought you’d have noticed sooner, since you have that hybrid sense or whatever.” Yoongi said.

Oh, Taehyung had noticed alright. Jihoon sent out such strong pheromones it made Taehyung nauseous. 

“Jin picked up on it right away, and won’t let me get too close to him.” The human said casually, but it caught Taehyung’s attention.

“He won’t let you near him?” He asked, a slight tilt to his head in puzzlement.

Before Yoongi could elaborate, Seokjin came up with crossed arms and a frown on his gorgeous face.

“Yoongi, let’s go. I’m tired, and I didn’t know he’d be here.” He said with animosity, and Yoongi slid his phone into his pocket.

“See?” He said to Taehyung, then pulled out his keys and looked at Seokjin. “I’m gonna go say bye to the guys.”

Seokjin gave a nod and Yoongi walked off.

“I wouldn’t let Jihoon get too close to Jimin if I were you.” Seokjin warned Taehyung in a low voice. “Jimin is too nice, and Jihoon will get him alone as soon as possible to seduce him. He’s already done it with three other friends of Namjoon’s.”

“I don’t know how I’d stop him.” Taehyung said, and Seokjin looked at him dumbfounded.

“Tell him: ‘stay away from that bitch.’”

“Aren’t I not allowed to make that call?” He asked, and Seokjin shook his head in disapproval.

“You’re an alpha, Taehyung. Protecting your pack is in your nature. Keep him away, and if Jimin pushes back, put him in his place.”

Taehyung stared at Seokjin as he tried to connect the dots of what he was saying. 

“How can I do that to a human?”

“He adopted you, so you’re stuck together. Just because he’s the owner, doesn’t mean he’s the boss. Jimin is sweet, but way too much of a pushover as you’ve probably picked up on. He needs a leader, and discipline.”

“That’s probably why he was so drawn to you.” Jungkook agreed. “He doesn’t know he craves it, but subconsciously he’s begging for an alpha to take control of him.”

“Make him know you’re in charge.” Seokjin added in agreement.

“Again, how can I do that to a human?” Taehyung asked, frustrated that they weren’t answering his question directly.

“I did it to Yoongi.” Seokjin said. “I could smell the sub in him from a mile away. As soon as he let Jihoon get too close, I made him know that night that I wouldn’t be letting anyone try that with him.”

Jungkook backed up his point. “Hoseok and I don’t fuck, but I know a lot of hybrids that have established themselves as the alpha over their owner. Haven’t you ever heard of that relationship?”

“No.” Taehyung answered simply. 

“Didn’t you have owners before?” Seokjin asked.

“Yeah, but there was no relationship like that between hybrids and their owners.” He said, refusing to elaborate more.

Seokjin and Jungkook didn’t push the issue.

“Well, in this case, I think it’s rather important that you confirm this dynamic.” Seokjin continued on. “What, did you think Jimin will lead? My guess is he asked your permission to let his friends come over to his apartment tonight, right?” 

Wow, they really did know Jimin.

“Exactly what I thought.” Seokjin said.

“Ready to go?” Yoongi asked when he walked up to Seokjin. 

“Hell yes.” Seokjin said, and gave one last look at Taehyung. “Just follow your instincts, Taehyung. It’s how we’re hardwired.” 

With that, the two walked out. As Taehyung watched them, he noted how Seokjin’s arm was wrapped around Yoongi’s waist and led him out with obvious authority. It was alien to Taehyung, but once he saw the interaction, he knew he wouldn’t be able to stop thinking about it.

“I can see the wheels turning.” Jungkook said with an amused smile. “Why don’t you go see for yourself how it’d feel to take charge of the scene?”

Taehyung didn’t need anymore egging on before he was bounding over to the living room. When he walked in and saw Jihoon practically sitting on Jimin’s lap, nuzzling into him, he saw red and clenched his fists to keep under control.

“Jimin.” He announced once he was before him.

The human looked up at Taehyung with surprise, seeing as the hybrid didn’t normally demand his attention like this.

“Yes?”

“Can I have a word with you?” He asked.

Jimin awkwardly untangled from the now irritated omega and walked into the laundry room with Taehyung. Immediately the man was pressed against the wall, Taehyung towering over him and making the human blush.

“He’s trying to fuck you.” Taehyung said, causing Jimin’s eyes to go wide.

“Huh?”

“That bitch is trying to fuck you. I can smell his pheromones and they’re making the house reek. Making you reek of him.”

Jimin opened his mouth to say something, when suddenly Taehyung’s face was buried in his neck, scenting him and causing Jimin to gasp.

“Uh...Taehyu–”

“I don’t want you going near him.” Taehyung said. “Not unless I’m there.”

Jimin’s breath picked up as he was hit with arousal. He squirmed a bit beneath Taehyung as the hybrid alternated sides to scent every inch of his neck, which happened to be Jimin’s most sensitive area.

“O-oh, okay. I won’t.” Jimin said, nervously swallowing the lump forming in his throat. “I’m sorry.”

“Damn right.” Taehyung said. “I don’t want anyone’s scent on you. Especially if it’s his.”

Jimin dug his nails into the wall.

“I didn’t know. It won’t happen again.” Jimin said, giving into Taehyung’s demands without the slightest bit of retaliation and igniting a fire within the hybrid. 

His human submitting to him so easily, just like Seokjin said he would, lit Taehyung ablaze in a new way. Now he wanted nothing more but to make Jimin do it again.

“I want you to get them all out of here.” Taehyung growled, pulling away and looking down at Jimin, still cornered against the wall.

“Why?” Jimin asked, anticipation dripping from his words.

“To teach you a lesson on not letting people touch my things.”

Jimin nodded frantically and rushed out into the living room.

“Hey guys, sorry I’m gonna have to call it an early night. Taehyung reminded me that we have a long day tomorrow.”

Jihoon looked annoyed, and Jungkook smirked, very aware of what Taehyung was planning to do. 

“That’s alright, it’s getting late anyways.” Hoseok said, standing up with Namjoon. “It was nice to meet you, Taehyung!”

Both humans gave him a quick hug as they left, Jihoon simply glaring at Taehyung who glared right back. When Jungkook came up to hug Taehyung goodbye, he was cracking up.

“Good luck, big boy.” He said under his breath.

Jimin walked them out, telling them all to drive safely before closing the door behind them. He locked it then looked over at Taehyung for approval.

“Get on your knees.” The hybrid ordered him, brashly.

It didn’t take a second for Jimin to do as he was instructed and drop down to the tile floor. It made Taehyung instantly hard to see how submissive and eager his human was.  He bounded forward, undoing his belt buckle while Jimin’s mouth began to water.

“What were you thinking while Jihoon was crawling all over you?” He asked dauntingly.

“I–I didn’t think an–”

“Exactly.” He said. “You weren’t thinking. You weren’t thinking about what he wanted to do to you, or that he was doing it in front of me. Do you think I’m easy?”

“No!” Jimin said, looking up at Taehyung as he stood above him. “I’m sorry, Taehyung. I should’ve noticed sooner.”

“You’re too nice, Jimin. You need some order in your life, and someone to tell you exactly how you should behave in the presence of your alpha.”

“Okay.” He bowed his head before looking up at Taehyung with those innocent eyes. “What are you going to do to me?”

“Open your fucking mouth, Jimin.”

Jimin did so without a second thought, and Taehyung brought out his dick, taking no delay in shoving it down Jimin’s throat. The human was a bit shocked with the size of it, but then again he’s never been with a hybrid before. Let alone an alpha. He had heard rumors about the size of alpha’s…endowments, but this was his confirmation that those rumors were true.

Taehyung’s hand was behind Jimin’s head, fucking his face.

“Suck it, Jimin. Show me how sorry you are.”

Jimin struggled to get it down his throat, gagging a couple times. Taehyung was mindful to give Jimin a short break in between gagging before shoving his dick back down his throat. Seeing the bulge in Jimin’s neck every time Taehyung thrusted into his mouth made him animalistic.

He gripped Jimin’s hair to yank him off. 

“Get up.” He ordered. 

Jimin scrambled to his feet and Taehyung grabbed his shirt and yanked it over his head, tossing it on the couch. While the unfolded shirt on a random piece of furniture might have made Jimin anxious before, right now he was far too desperate for Taehyung to care.

“Strip and get back on your knees.”

Jimin took off his pants and boxers at lightning speed, then returned to his place on the floor just as Taehyung had instructed. The hybrid went right back to fucking Jimin’s face even faster than before, now that the human’s gag reflex was warmed up. The human had spit and precum dripping down his chin, tears gathering in his eyes, and he was falling into a level of submission that made him completely compliant to anything Taehyung ordered of him.

Taehyung unbuttoned his flannel and let it drop to the floor before returning his fingers to Jimin’s soft hair, grabbing it to keep his head in place as he continued thrusting his dick down his throat. Jimin gasped as Taehyung pulled out suddenly, yanking him to his feet and hoisting him up. Taehyung carried him to their room on his shoulder like a caveman, kicking the door closed behind and tossing Jimin onto the mattress.

“You’re gonna learn what it’s like to be put in your fucking place by an alpha.” He said.

Jimin’s eyes went wide and he wasn’t sure that he’d ever yearned for something more in his life. Taehyung stripped the rest of his clothes and got onto the bed, grabbing Jimin’s wrists and pinning them down. He went in for Jimin’s neck, sloppily kissing and licking. He began sucking, making Jimin moan and squirm beneath him. 

“Taehyung…the hickeys...” He said. “I have work–”

“Do you think I fucking care?” The hybrid demanded. “Lie here and do as you’re fucking told.”

Jimin arched up into Taehyung, unnaturally horny from his command.

“I’m gonna mark you up so everyone knows you’re mine. My property and my personal little slut.”

Jimin gasped and wrapped his legs around Taehyung. 

“I’m gonna do something I should’ve done the first night I got here.” He growled into his skin.

“W-what?” Jimin asked breathlessly.

“I’m gonna mark you as mine. Then, I’m gonna fucking breed you.”

Jimin cried out in pleasure as Taehyung bit the area where his neck and shoulder joined. Hard. Jimin clenched his fists that were being restrained by Taehyung, seeing stars with euphoric feelings.

“Taehyung, please!” He begged. “Please fuck me.”

The alpha made sure the mark would be there for a while, then pulled away to look down at the helpless little human.

“Oh, I’m going to.” Taehyung promised. “But first, you need to know the fuckin rules.”

He sat up, but when Jimin tried to follow he wrapped his fingers around the man’s throat and pinned him back to the bed.

“When I’m fucking you, you’re going to refer to me with fucking respect. Got it?”

Jimin’s pupils were dilated and he nodded frantically.

“What am I to you?” Taehyung asked.

Jimin bit his lip, embarrassed, before Taehyung’s fingers tightened. Jimin gripped the blanket in his little hands, Was he really going to do it? Shed every last ounce of pride or authority to his newly adopted hybrid because he was turned on?

“Fucking say it.” Taehyung reached down and slapped his ass, making Jimin jolt and his dick twitch.

Yes, yes he was.

“My alpha.” Jimin said in an almost inaudible voice.

Taehyung’s fingers loosened. “What was that?”

“Alpha!” Jimin finally broke, completely dropping all of his defenses to his hybrid.

“That’s fuckin right. You’re gonna be a good little slut and do everything I say. Got it?”

“Yes!” Jimin cried out. “Please, Taehyung. I’m begging you.”

Taehyung’s eyes drifted down to Jimin’s completely hard, twitching cock. He was so desperate and it made Taehyung starve for his human. He grabbed Jimin’s hips and flipped him over. Jimin tried to get onto his hands and knees but Taehyung held him down from the back of his neck.

“I didn’t say you could get up.” He said, slapping Jimin’s ass.

The human’s eyes rolled back as he whimpered. He had never been handled like this before and he didn’t think he’d ever be able to go back.

“Now don’t you dare do anything that I don’t tell you to.” Taehyung warned.

“I’m sorry alpha.” Jimin said, deliriously.

Taehyung grabbed his hips and lifted them up, his other hand quick to return to the back of his neck and remind him to keep his face against the sheets. He spread his human’s ass and let a large amount of spit fall from his mouth onto Jimin’s asshole. Jimin shuttered with anticipation and Taehyung massaged his asscheeks, his thumb slowly creeping towards Jimin’s entrance.

Jimin clawed the sheets as Taehyung inserted a finger, slowly sliding it in and out. He would spit again to make sure it was slick and not to hurt Jimin as he inserted another finger in. Jimin was amazed that with just Taehyung’s spit alone, he was able to fuck three fingers into him without Jimin crying out in discomfort. 

Being able to fully give up power to someone he trusted, to be handled and in control of someone else for once, was absolutely addicting. He was always in tune with every aspect of his life, obsessed with planning out every move and knowing every second of his day. Now he was at his hybrid’s mercy. He was completely under the orders of Taehyung, feeling powerless and submissive. He positively adored it.

He slipped into subspace immediately after giving in to Taehyung’s orders, and Taehyung could feel it.

“Good boy.” He said, giving Jimin chills.

After living his whole life being criticized for every move, there was nothing he craved more than being praised.

“You like that, don’t you?” Taehyung asked, having picked up on it right away. “You like when I praise you for being good. When your alpha tells you that you’ve behaved well.”

Jimin trembled and nodded, hiding his face in the pillow.

Taehyung reached forward into Jimin’s drawer and pulled out the lube. So he really had snooped through every one of Jimin’s things. He squirted some onto his dick, and then onto Jimin’s asshole, fucking it in with his fingers.

“You’re gonna be good for me and take every inch, right Jimin?”

Jimin nodded again, his face still pressed against the sheets.

“Yes! Please, alpha. I need you so bad!” Jimin wailed.

“What a good, slutty little whore.” Taehyung said. “I’ll start off slow for you so I don’t break you. Yet.”

Taehyung aligned his dick to Jimin’s entrance and slowly pushed in. Jimin jolted, arching his back and screwing his eyes shut with the mix of pleasure and pain. Taehyung kept his promise and pushed in as slow as possible, pausing every time Jimin flinched.

“Doing okay, baby?” Taehyung broke his sadism momentarily to ask.

It made Jimin’s heart skip a beat.

“Y-yes, I’m okay.” He choked. “Keep going.”

Taehyung did, and right when Jimin was about to quit and beg Taehyung to not push in any further, the alpha stopped.

“It’s in.” He said.

“Oh, thank god.” Jimin sighed, panting against the mattress in relief. A couple more centimeters and Jimin feared he was going to have to tap out. 

Taehyung raked his fingers through Jimin’s now tousled hair, leaning over to breathe some pheromones into Jimin’s neck. They ignited something deep within Jimin that made him feel just as animalistic as Taehyung, and whined in arousal.

Taehyung smirked.

“Those are the pheromones an alpha releases on an omega before they fuck.” He said. “Makes sense that they’d work on you.”

All Jimin could do was nod. Speaking at this point was useless. It would just come out as babbling and whining. The most he could do was beg Taehyung and say his name at this point.

“I’m gonna fuck you properly now.” Taehyung gave him notice. “Tell me if you can’t take it.”

Sure, he was teaching him a lesson. But first and foremost, his responsibility was to take care of Jimin. This wouldn’t work if the human was actually afraid of him.

Jimin just nodded into the mattress, relieved to be satiated. Taehyung started slow with shallow thrusts, not pulling out anymore than halfway. Jimin was gnawing on the comforter, which Taehyung allowed for now. He spat on his dick as it slid in again, giving more lubrication to Jimin. 

When Jimin couldn’t stop flinching at every slow thrust, Taehyung decided to show him a little mercy. He reached over to grab the lube bottle again. Jimin was too far gone to notice Taehyung pour a little on Jimin’s hole as he thrust back in, pushing the lube in as well.

It made the glide easier with each squeeze, and while Taehyung normally hated using lube, he understood that Jimin wouldn’t produce slick like omegas did, so he had to be mindful of his human’s body.

Jimin got noticeably even hornier as the glide became smoother, encouraging Taehyung to start actually fucking him. The human finally didn’t have the strength to bite on the comforter anymore, and his mouth hung open against the blanket, his moans and whimpers falling from his puffy lips shamelessly. If Jimin weren’t in the penthouse, his neighbors would undoubtedly hear his lewd sounds. Taehyung wondered if he fucked Jimin hard enough, whether the tenants below him would hear. If not his moans, maybe the rocking bed would do it.

Taehyung grabbed the back of Jimin’s hair with one hand and his thin waist with his other to stabilize him as he began fucking him harder. Jimin’s moans and pleas grew louder, never failing to address Taehyung respectfully just as the hybrid had ordered.

Soon Taehyung’s animalistic instincts overcame him, and he was holding Jimin down and fucking him mercilessly while the human wailed in pleasure.

"That's right, moan for me, bitch." Taehyung growled, holding Jimin's hips down and fucking him rougher than Jimin's ever been fucked before. 

Jimin couldn't believe someone could be so dominant in bed, and he fell victim to his own desire from the first word Taehyung muttered.

"Look at how pathetic you are, getting bent over and fucked senseless by a hybrid. How humiliating for you, my owner, completely at my mercy. You're nothing but my little slut, aren't you?"

Jimin could hardly process what Taehyung was saying when the hybrid was fucking him stupid like this. He felt a harsh slap to his ass and yelped.

"Answer me." Taehyung said. "Tell me what you are."

Tears streamed down Jimin's face and drool out of the corner of his mouth as Taehyung hit his prostate with remarkable accuracy. It would be hard to miss with the size of the hybrid’s dick.

"Your bitch." Jimin sobbed, the shame causing his dick to twitch with intense arousal.

"Damn right." He said. "Who do you belong to?"

He thrust into his prostate particularly hard, causing Jimin to cry out.

"You!" He sobbed. "I belong to you. Please Taehyung, make me yours. I just wanna be yours."

Two minutes prior, the hybrid would’ve punished Jimin for referring to him without the honorific. But he couldn’t deny that he loved how good his name sounded coming out of his helpless little human. Taehyung smirked at Jimin being completely submissive to him like this. He’d wanted nothing more from the moment Jimin walked up to his cage than to bend him over and use him however the fuck he wanted. That's the only reason he even slightly cooperated with the human, was to see just how much the human would let him do to him if given the chance, assuming it would probably never happen.

Turns out, he was wrong. Thanks to Seokjin, Jungkook, Yoongi and Jimin’s submissive character, it absolutely did happen, and the human let him do just about anything to him.

"Do you wanna get knotted, baby?" Taehyung asked, leaning over to whisper in his ear. "Wanna get filled up with my cum and have it plugged up in your ass? Wanna be bred , Jimin?"

The older boy gasped and nodded frantically. Yes, he wanted that so bad. He needed it.

"Yes, Taehyung." Jimin said. “Please breed me, do whatever you want with me."

"I’ll show you who’s the new boss around here." Taehyung said. “You’re mine.”

Taehyung thrust angrily and deep a few more times, reaching around gripping Jimin's hard dick to jerk him off along with him. Taehyung finally couldn't hold back and pushed his knot into Jimin, pressing all the way in until his hips were against the human’s ass, then blowing his load into the smaller man.

Jimin cried out at the incredible feeling of his walls being painted with Taehyung’s cum, and the hybrid’s handjob hardly lasted before Jimin was cumming all over his bed sheets, then falling limp nearly into his mess before Taehyung caught his hips. 

He led him over to the clean side of the bed, positioning them in a spooning form while his knot went down. Jimin was gasping for air as the alpha came down from his dominant space and kissed the back of his sweaty hair. Jimin struggled to get a grasp on reality again as he regained his vision from the white that overcame him from how hard he had cum.

“Good job, Jimin.” Taehyung said softly. “It’s over. You did great.”

Jimin’s eyes fluttered closed, too tired to even smile at the praise he loved so much. He could barely move, which boded well for him seeing as he wouldn’t be able to with Taehyung’s knot lodged in him.

“It’ll be a while until you can move.” 

Jimin finally started regaining the ability to speak after a few minutes.

"How long does it normally take?" Jimin asked through his panting.

"Anywhere from ten minutes to a half hour." Taehyung answered. "You should try and sleep, it's been a while since I've knotted someone so it’ll most likely be the latter."

"What if it goes down and...it's messy?"

Taehyung chuckled. "I'll clean you up after you fall asleep."

Jimin’s people pleasing made its way back into his completely fucked out mind somehow, and he worried about Taehyung being tired.

"You don't have to stay up." Jimin said.

"It's okay, it's what an alpha does to their mate." 

"Mate?" He asked.

"Well, yeah. We live together, I’m an alpha and you’re my human. I see you as mine, so naturally I see you as my mate, and I'll take care of you. After tonight this pretty much sealed the deal."

Jimin blushed a bit at that. He had a hybrid taking care of him. He had someone taking care of him.

“Go to sleep, Jimin.” Taehyung ordered, softly this time. “I’ll take care of you. You’re so fucked out, I promise you’ll be able to sleep through it.”

“Won’t you be tired?”

“Not until you’re cleaned up. It’s an alpha thing, I wouldn’t be able to sleep like this knowing how uncomfortable you’d be in the morning.”

Before Jimin could push more, Taehyung pressed his face into Jimin’s neck which was covered in the alpha’s bite marks, and released the relaxing pheromones. 

“Sleep, Jimin.”

After the night’s events, Jimin didn’t last three seconds before he was out cold.

Chapter Text

Jimin was curled up in Taehyung’s lap as they watched a movie, Taehyung wearing only sweatpants and Jimin in just a big shirt of the hybrid’s. He had the popcorn in his lap and would alternate between putting one in his mouth then one in Taehyung’s. His head was nuzzled into the crook of the hybrid’s neck, his bangs flopping over his eyes, and Taehyung couldn’t help but grin at how cute his human was like this.

Jimin had been extra clingy to the hybrid ever since the previous night's events, and Taehyung loved it. He felt as though Jimin fully trusted him and leaned on him as his protector.

Right when Taehyung was starting to doze off, he felt Jimin’s phone vibrate on the couch next to him. Jimin tried to be gentle with his movements, so as not to rouse the hybrid.

After reading the message, Jimin softly poked Taehyung’s cheek.

“Taehyung?” He whispered

“Hm?” The hybrid lazily responded, his eyes still closed.

“Yoongi invited us over for dinner tonight. Do you wanna go?”

Taehyung shifted a little bit, trying to wake himself up.

“Yoongi?”

“Yeah. He said Jin misses you and wants to catch up too.”

This puzzled Taehyung. He’d just met the other alpha the night before. Granted, he was a bit touched that Jin wanted to hang out, but how did he already miss him?

“He does?”

“Uh huh. Yoongi said he had a question of ‘How everything panned out,’ which I didn’t understand.”

But Taehyung understood.

“Oh, right. Yeah, let’s go.”

A half hour later, Taehyung kept his arm around Jimin’s waist as the pair walked up to Yoongi’s porch. Jimin politely knocked on the door, and they heard a faint “Coming,” before Yoongi opened up.

“Glad you could make it.” His eyes flicked to Taehyung’s arm placement so fast Jimin didn’t even catch it. “Come on in. We’re almost done with making dinner.”

They walked in to see Jin hunched over a pan, stirring something in it. When he glanced up at Taehyung and Jimin walking in, he immediately knew the answer to the question he was preparing to ask the other alpha.

“Hey guys, thanks for coming.” Jin quickly turned to his human. “Yoongi, could you and Jimin set the table please? Taehyung and I will have this out in just a moment.”

Yoongi grabbed the plates and utensils before leading an oblivious Jimin to the dining room. Taehyung joined Jin at the stove, the older hybrid smirking as he peeked over to his friend.

“Heard you missed me.” Taehyung teased as he joined him.

“Oh, knock it off.” Jin rolled his eyes. “How’d it go?”

“You were right.” Taehyung wore a smug smile. “He definitely needed a leader.” 

Jin chortled, returning his focus to the dish.

“I knew it. He’s always been a sub, based on what I’ve observed with his behavior. But he needed an alpha to satiate him and get him in the right headspace.”

“I think we definitely got there.” Taehyung said, handing Jin some spoon he was motioning for. “Thanks for the advice.”

“I was hoping he’d make the right choice with his first hybrid, but I honestly thought he’d give in to what his parents wanted.” Jin said. “They wanted him to get a classically trained omega, you know.”

“Jimin didn’t tell me that, but I figured. I did some research on his parents.”

“You haven’t met them yet?” 

“Nope. I think he’s afraid to tell them about me. I don’t really care, as long as I have him it doesn’t matter.”

“What a good alpha.” Jin winked at him, and Taehyung playfully nudged the older alpha.

“How long did it take you to take charge with Yoongi?” Taehyung asked, reaching to steal a sliver of cooked steak before the older hybrid smacked his hand away.

“A good 2 months. There was another all-too-flirtatious hybrid that came around with one of the old friends in the group. I needed to make it very clear to Yoongi what I would not tolerate, and who he was gonna answer to.”

“What was he like?” Taehyung asked. “It’s funny, I feel like everyone could sense how Jimin would be, but Yoongi I’m honestly a bit surprised by.”

“He doesn’t express it outwardly like Jimin does. With Jimin it’s so obvious that he needs someone in charge. With Yoongi it takes living with him and constant proximity to pick up that he’s actually a softie. He’s in charge of most things in his life, so he needs to come home and have someone to put him back in his place and take that stress off of him.”

“I never would’ve known he’s secretly soft.” Taehyung commented. “It’s pretty funny that practically the same hybrid situation turned out to be the breaking point for both of us.”

Jin rolled his eyes. 

“Absolutely. I hated that bitch, and I hate Jihoon. He treats Namjoon like a dumbass when he should be grateful he took him in instead of dumping him on some random person. Every time Namjoon brings him around I get angry all over again. If Jihoon even touches Yoongi I have to remind him who he belongs to.”

Taehyung squinted as he recollected the previous night.

“Didn’t Jihoon hug Yoongi last night?”

Jin locked eyes with Taehyung, and the younger hybrid snickered.

“Oh, so it looks like we had similar nights then.”

“I knew we would.”

When dinner was ready and everyone sat down, Taehyung made an effort to observe Yoongi. The music producer eased himself into his chair, flinching when his butt first made contact with the seat, then slowly lowered himself with a very muffled, but pained groan. Jin noticed Jimin sitting a bit unnaturally too, and the hybrids kept glancing at each other and holding back their laughter.

After a delicious dinner, some card games, and many stories from the humans’ childhood friendship, Jimin and Taehyung left still stuffed from the finishing cheesecake Jin had made for dessert.

“Was it nice to see Jin?” Jimin asked on the drive home.

Taehyung’s hand was on Jimin’s leg, and as usual he was switching songs on Jimin’s phone. Jimin wasn’t sure if the hybrid had ever let a song play all the way through. It drove him crazy at first, but now he found it kind of funny. It was like a guessing game to see how long the song could go before the hybrid would get bored and change it, and whether the next song would be in the same genre or completely opposite of the original vibe. Jimin had seen Taehyung go from pop, to jazz, to show tunes, and even to opera all in the span of 5 minutes.

“Yeah. He’s really cool. He and Yoongi are kinda similar, yet polar opposites at the same time.” The hybrid answered.

“Polar opposites? How so? I always thought they matched each others’ energy identically.”

Taehyung smirked. Of course Jimin thought that.

“Just a hunch.” Taehyung shrugged, changing the song again.

When they got home, Jimin was leaning his head against Taehyung’s shoulder as the elevator took its time to climb to Jimin’s penthouse.

“When did you guys give Jin his nickname?” Taehyung asked randomly.

Jimin furrowed his brows, trying to remember.

“I’m not quite sure that we ever called him something else. That’s just always how Yoongi referred to him, so we went with it.” He looked up at Taehyung with that adorable grin. “Why? Do you want a nickname to go by?”

Taehyung scoffed. “That’s not it, I was just curious.”

Jimin turned to wrap his arms around Taehyung’s neck, the hybrid’s snaking around his waist naturally as the human leaned against him.

“Well, I could make one up for you too, if you want. You’re still new to the friend group. It’s not too late to reinvent yourself.”

“Oh really? Is there a reason you want to give me a nickname so bad?” Taehyung grinned.

“No reason, but there’s some that could work for you.” Jimin said. “Gamer boy, Van Ghoh, chef Taehyung.”

Taehyung rolled his eyes at the slight jab from his breakfast fiasco, and Jimin laughed at the reaction.

“Absolutely not.” Taehyung said, smacking the human’s ass playfully.

“How about Taetae?” 

Jimin said it so innocently, but once the name left his lips Taehyung went rigid and his grin disappeared, as if unsure whether he heard it right.

“What was that?”

“Taetae?” Jimin repeated with a cute little smile.

Taehyung was not amused anymore. 

He dropped his arms from Jimin’s waist and turned them around so Jimin was now the one pressed against the wall, Taehyung towering over him. Jimin’s excitable expression quickly morphed into a concerned one as he looked up at the displeased hybrid.

“Do not call me that.” Taehyung said, his voice an even deeper tone than usual.

Jimin didn’t know how to respond, but he still blushed in embarrassment. The reaction was so sudden, and bewildering. One second they were playing around with innocent banter, and the next Taehyung was standing over Jimin, scolding him.

“I’m sorry.” Was all Jimin could think to respond to the unexpected reaction with.

The elevator pinged when it had reached Jimin’s floor, and the hybrid sighed, turning to press in the code’s numbers on the door handle and walk into the apartment. Jimin stayed slumped against the wall in a daze for a moment, before following Taehyung inside.

“Is everything okay?” Jimin asked while slipping off his shoes next to Taehyung’s, not bothering to put them in their place. “Did I say something wrong?”

“No, Jimin.” Taehyung said, shedding his jacket and hanging it on the hook. “I’m gonna shower off.”

Jimin just stood idly in the entry way as he watched the hybrid.

“Okay…” Jimin said softly. “I’ll just wait out here.”

Taehyung didn’t respond, shutting the bathroom door behind him. Jimin heard the shower start running, and hugged himself. This was not good for his racing thoughts problem. He looked around and spotted his pristine kitchen. Despite there being no mess, Jimin reached for his disinfectant spray and started cleaning any new area he could find to wipe down.

Fifteen minutes later, Taehyung came out in fresh pajamas. He saw Jimin on the couch, trying to unwrap Taehyung’s poster as carefully as possible. He was nervous of upsetting the hybrid again, but he needed some task to get his mind off of what had happened in the elevator. It was such a quick altercation, most people would be completely unaffected by it. But Jimin was too sensitive to let such a moment pass without overthinking.

Taehyung scolded himself for causing Jimin to feel this way. He knew better, he knew how Jimin got. But he let his emotions get the best of him, and now he was the trigger for Jimin’s backtrack in progress. He walked over and sat next to Jimin on the couch.

“Hi,” Jimin said unsurely. “I hope you don’t mind, there was wrappers around the coffee table, so I–”

“Come here.” 

Jimin looked at the hybrid hesitantly, making sure that he meant it. When he saw Taehyung’s warm eyes and open arms, it didn’t take two seconds for the human to fall into them, resting his head on the hybrid’s chest.

“I’m sorry I snapped.” Taehyung let out a somber exhale. “I didn’t need to get like that.”

“It’s okay.” Jimin’s voice was quiet as he fumbled with Taehyung’s hoodie string. “I’m sorry I called you that. I didn’t realize you didn’t like that nickname.”

“It’s not a big deal. I mean, to me it is, but you didn’t know that.” Taehyung’s shoulders slumped a bit. “It’s hard to explain, but basically, you can give me any nickname except that one.”

Jimin nodded against the hybrid.

“I don’t think I’ll be trying out any more nicknames.” He responded softly.

Taehyung held back a groan. He felt like he wasn’t really fixing the situation. He hated that his past still held so much power that it could trigger him to act that way. Especially toward Jimin, who knew nothing about his history. 

“You can go with just Tae, if you want.” The hybrid offered, raking his fingers through Jimin’s fluffy bangs.

“Just Tae?” Jimin sat up a bit to examine Taehyung’s expression.

“Yea, it’s fine. It’s kind of the same as shortening Jin's name, except Tae is the first syllable of mine.”

Jimin wasn’t quite certain whether to go for it or not.

“Tae?” He repeated. “You’re sure? It’s not that different from—the other one.” Jimin made sure not to repeat the nickname that had gotten him in trouble.

“It’s okay. To me it’s a lot different.” Taehyung said, pulling Jimin back to kiss his forehead. “Tae is good.”

Jimin smiled and nuzzled back into Taehyung’s chest.

“Alright. In that case, ready to go to sleep Tae ?”

Jimin could feel the vibrations of Taehyung’s baritone voice as he laughed lightly.

“Yeah. Jin’s cheesecake still has me in a food coma.”

Jimin made a move to get up, but found little success when Taehyung’s arms tightened around him. The human peeked up into Taehyung’s eyes in question.

“I’m really sorry for snapping at you, Jimin.” Taehyung apologized again, his eyes reflecting deep regret. “I didn’t mean to make you feel bad when you were just having fun. I hope I didn’t scare you.”

Jimin smiled and squirmed a bit so he was still laying on top of Taehyung, but now they were at eye level. 

“I wasn’t scared. I was just confused and concerned for you. I felt bad for making you upset, but I wasn’t scared.” Jimin said. “Maybe before I would’ve been, but I couldn’t be scared of you now. I trust you.”

Taehyung grinned, cupping Jimin’s face and kissing him. 

“That’s a relief.” He said after pulling away. “I'd never forgive myself if I made you afraid of me.”

Jimin giggled and gave Taehyung a quick kiss on his nose.

“Not possible.” 

The next morning, Jimin found it harder than usual to wake up. He normally didn’t eat that late at night, so he felt extremely groggy. Still, he pulled himself together and got out the door in time, making sure to grab the lunch Taehyung had made for him on the way out. Though the hybrid wasn’t necessarily the best cook, Jimin could tell the meals were made with love, so he ate them happily and just pulled the pickles out of his peanut butter sandwich or avoided the banana slices in his caesar salad. 

Ever since getting Taehyung, the hybrids at Jimin’s work had been extra friendly. Jimin had tacked it up to them being happy he had adopted a hybrid, however, it led to Taehyung immediately scenting his human every evening after work. He understood that Taehyung didn’t like Jihoon, but Jimin didn’t understand why it frustrated him that the other hybrids were around him more.

As per usual, once Jimin returned from work, he called out to his hybrid.

“Tae?” Jimin announced, entering his apartment. “I’m home.”

He put his shoes in the rack and walked in to see Taehyung sitting on the couch, watching Bob Ross as he followed the painting. He put his piece down then looked up at Jimin.

“Welcome home.” He greeted him. “Come here.”

Hearing Taehyung tell Jimin “Come here” never failed to give him butterflies, and he hurried over. Taehyung pulled him into his lap, holding him tight and burying his face in his neck, scenting him.

“There’s a couple new hybrids there.” Jimin said, sitting stiffly on Taehyung to try and not get turned on. “They’re really nice.”

“Yeah, I’m sure.” Taehyung said flatly. He paused as he scented up his neck, noticing it getting stronger the higher he got up Jimin’s jaw. “Why the fuck is the scent most prominent on your face?”

A baffled Jimin tried to go through the day’s events in his head.

“Oh! I used this hybrid’s towel to wipe my face.”

“Why did the hybrid have a towel?” Taehyung asked, cynically. 

“I’m not quite sure?” Jimin said naively. “We just bumped into each other and some of his water splashed onto my face, so he had a handkerchief and dabbed the water away.”

The realization hit the human too late. Taehyung had told him about how some hybrids enjoyed scenting humans who owned hybrids as a way to assert dominance. Like dogs peeing on the same fire hydrant that doesn’t actually belong to anyone. Except in this case, Jimin very much did belong to someone.

“Ah…that was on purpose wasn’t it?” He wore a sheepish expression.

“Get on your fucking knees.” Taehyung demanded, and Jimin scrambled to do so. It never ceased to amaze Taehyung how well trained his human was. “I’ll scent you so strong every hybrid in the whole building will know you’re mine.”

Taehyung pulled out his already hard dick from his pants and grabbed Jimin’s jaw, and the human was well trained by now to know what that meant. He opened up and Taehyung shoved his dick past Jimin’s soft lips and down his throat. The human’s eyes rolled back in pleasure of being used as Taehyung gripped the back of his hair and immediately began fucking Jimin’s face.

“Those goddamn hybrids taking advantage of your innocence.” Taehyung growled. “I’ll show them how fucking innocent you are.”

Jimin gagged a couple times on Taehyung’s dick, making it halfway down his throat. Of course, the hybrid was careful not to go past Jimin’s limits, but he went as hard as he knew his human could take it. He was teaching him a lesson, afterall.

He pulled Jimin off briefly and shoved his face against his balls, the human obediently taking them into his mouth and sucking them as he looked up at Taehyung from under his cock that lay on his face. It was perhaps one of the most erotic images Taehyung had ever seen in his life, and his mouth watered thinking about it.

He pulled Jimin away and shoved his dick back into his mouth. Jimin’s big teary eyes and beautiful plump lips, along with his moaning on the hybrid’s cock, meant it wouldn’t take long for Taehyung to cum. Once his dick started pulsing, he pulled Jimin off once again with a pop. He jerked himself off just above Jimin’s face, groaning as he came. He painted Jimin’s lips and cheeks with his cum, and the human gasped at how humiliating it was. He was addicted to it. He opened his mouth at the end to get the last of it on his tongue and Taehyung grinned in satisfaction as he watched. It was so sinfully lewd.

Once finished, Jimin reached for the tissues on the coffee table to wipe himself off, but Taehyung grabbed his wrist before he had the chance.

“No. Keep it there while I finish you.” He said, causing Jimin’s eyes to go wide in shock. “That’s right, you’re gonna moan for me like a little bitch with my cum on your face.” 

Taehyung tossed Jimin onto the couch in a swift move, yanking down his slacks and spreading the man’s ass cheeks. A glob of saliva dripped down from his lips onto Jimin’s asshole, and the hybrid reached forward to shove his fingers into Jimin’s mouth.

“Suck, you little slut.”

Jimin accepted Taehyung’s fingers past his puffy lips, running his tongue along them eagerly in preparation. Taehyung pulled them out and spat on his hole again before slipping two in, and Jimin gripped the pillow beneath him with a little gasp.

“Relax.” Taehyung ordered with a smirk.

It didn’t take 5 seconds for Taehyung to find his prostate, making Jimin go weak. He had to be conscious enough not to press his cum-covered face into the luxury cushions on his couch as Taehyung brought him to blinding pleasure at such a remarkable pace. Jimin wanted so badly to grind his boner against the couch, but he wouldn’t dare. He knew he’d be in more trouble if he did, and right now he was so desperate to cum he couldn’t take any denial. 

Taehyung’s fingers worked their magic, and once he shoved a third against his prostate, it was over. Jimin was cumming all over the throw blanket on the couch. They'd had to replace the blanket 5 times now. Taehyung laughed maliciously as he saw his human trembling, trying to stay up.

“Good boy.” Taehyung commended, slapping his ass once. “That should help the problem of hybrids scenting you.”

Jimin gave an exhausted smile as he regained some strength, the hybrid helping him back to sit on the floor to avoid his mess.

“You know…if you came with me to work, they wouldn’t be able to mess with you like this anymore.” Jimin ventured as he tried to catch his breath.

Taehyung smirked as he fastened the buckle on his belt. He ran a towel under the faucet and rang it out before walking over to Jimin, tipping the human’s chin up to wipe his cum off his face.

“I doubt any hybrid would try to touch you again after this.” Taehyung said with a cocky grin. 

His hand traveled down from Jimin’s chin to his jaw, the intensity in his eyes matched with lust made Jimin gulp down the lump forming in his throat. His fingers made their way to Jimin’s neck and tightened just the right amount, making Jimin’s face flush and he bit his lip.

“And if they do,” Taehyung continued, “I’ll just have to mark you every day to remind you who you belong to.”

Before Jimin could respond, he heard his phone ringing from his briefcase. Taehyung helped him stand on his wobbly legs to retrieve it. Once he saw the contact name, he gasped and spun around to Taehyung.

“My family!” He screeched, bursting into action. “We’re meeting them tonight!”

Taehyung failed to refrain from exhaling a frustrated breath.

“Oh, right. That.”

“Get dressed! Brush your teeth, comb your hair. We have to look perfect!” Jimin was scampering around like a bunny. 

The scene made Taehyung embarrassed to witness, but he followed at an appropriate pace and the pair were out the door in ten minutes. Jimin hardly spoke on the drive over, his hands cold and trembling. Taehyung would’ve liked to provide some comforting words, but he knew that wasn’t what Jimin needed right now. He needed to mentally prepare, so Taehyung just let them drive in silence.

Once they arrived, the Parks’ butler opened the door for them, and upon walking into the ridiculously large mansion, the hybrids living there immediately smelled Taehyung’s marking on Jimin and began giggling amongst themselves. Taehyung rolled his eyes while Jimin’s cheeks burned in humiliation.

“I’m guessing they know?” Jimin whispered to Taehyung.

“Definitely.”

“Great.” Jimin cringed.

The butler removed Jimin’s coat, placed their shoes on the rack and led them to the living room. There sat Jimin’s beautiful family on the genuine leather couches. His family members smiled with perfectly straight, sparkling white teeth and stood on the white tile floors.

“Jimin!” His mother exclaimed, rushing over with open arms to embrace her son. 

Taehyung stiffened as he sensed Jimin’s heartbeat spike, but the human adorned a friendly smile to mask it.

“Hi, mom!” He walked into the hug, his father coming close behind.

“So good to see you, son.” He shook Jimin’s hand. 

Taehyung watched from behind Jimin as his aunts and uncles all took turns welcoming the human, and finally stood before the pair, eyeing the hybrid down. Jimin shifted glances with them, unsure of their reaction, until Taehyung cleared his throat, startling his human. He turned and took a step to the side, holding out a hand to Taehyung.

“Oh! Sorry, This is my hybrid, Taehyung.” 

As if they all were being controlled by one puppet master, every family member took a step back, and did a complete scan of Taehyung from head to toe. Based on the looks they gave him, his family did not seem very pleased. It was clear they were all attempting to mask their reactions in varying levels of subtlety. Taehyung just gave a half-assed grin and a small wave.

“Hi. Nice to meet you finally.” His voice had little enthusiasm.

“Hello…” Jimin’s aunt said. “You’re very tall.”

The rather unusually timed comment had Taehyung glance at Jimin quickly, before looking back at his aunt.

“Uh, thanks?” He squinted his eyes a little. “Are hybrids supposed to be shorter?”

“Omegas typically don’t surpass 5’6.” Jimin’s dad informed him.

The answer irked Taehyung. His question was rhetorical, meant to make his aunt reflect on how silly her comment was. He didn’t actually mean for Jimin’s father to explain something to Taehyung about his own species.

“I know.” Taehyung’s false smile dropped a bit, along with his already low energy. “I didn’t expect you to assume I’m an omega.”

One of Jimin’s aunts gasped a tad, and all of his family members faces slowly morphed into expressions of distaste. Taehyung thought he had seen it all, but now standing before Jimin’s ridiculous family, he wasn’t sure he’d ever witnessed an overreaction quite as theatrical as this.

Jimin’s eyes darted from Taehyung to his family.

“Are Jack and Lilly still here? Maybe they could show Taehyung around while we catch up?” He desperately attempted to veer the conversation anywhere else.

Taehyung glared at Jimin after suggesting it. He didn’t want to be there at all, let alone be dragged around by the Parks’ weird omegas.

“Yes.” His father answered, still frazzled by Taehyung’s demeanor.

He called the two over and sent Taehyung off with them. Jimin sighed a breath of temporary relief as he joined his family at the table. The peace didn’t last two minutes before his father ruined it.

“Very...interesting choice for a hybrid, Jimin.” His father said, eyeing Taehyung as the other hybrids showed him the art in the living room.

Jimin gripped the tablecloth draped over his knees and curled his toes.

“Uh, yeah. He’s rather, um, mysterious.” His mother said, trying her best to hide her judgment. 

“What made you choose him?” His father asked, and Jimin nervously smiled.

“He’s my age and that sounded nice to me.”

The family all made a show of looking at one another after Jimin answered. Their expressions said it all, and it was evident that they were agreeing to make Jimin feel uncomfortable or guilty without sharing a word.

“Why would that matter?” His mother finally asked.

“Well…it kind of makes him more personable. Like he’s one of my friends or something.”

Silence fell over the table, and his parents shared a look again before returning to a panicked Jimin.

“Son, hybrids are not friends.” He chastised his son.

Jimin felt increasingly nervous with all of his family watching him now. He thought about how Taehyung flowed through life. How he didn’t give a single fuck about what anyone said. How he’d told Jimin that he could never move past his family trauma if he continued to let them have the same power over him that he had since childhood. All of these lessons and observations flashed through Jimin’s mind after that one comment, and he closed his eyes and took a deep breath before letting it out with a new attitude.

“Well, I don’t know. It just makes it more comfortable to be with someone my age.”

“Why would it matter if he’s a hybrid?” His mother asked.

“Because I don’t really treat him much like a hybrid.” Jimin admitted.

“What do you treat him as?” They asked.

“A friend.” Jimin finally said, making them gasp. Taehyung grinned, hearing it as he followed Jack and Lilly up the stairs.

“Jimin, we did not tell you to get a hybrid as a friend.” His father began with that tone of voice he acquired when he was about to lecture Jimin.

Jimin clenched the table cloth harder, his frown becoming harder to hide. He wasn’t sure that he wanted to hide it.

“Then what was I supposed to get a hybrid for? A pet? An accessory?” Jimin asked. Of course no one ever said it out loud, but that’s exactly what they were all thinking. “Taehyung is nice and funny and has saved me multiple times already. I don’t see him as someone below me just because of what the law says.”

“Is that why he isn’t wearing a collar?” His aunt asked, and Jimin sighed.

“Yes.”

“Jimin, this is incredibly reckless of you. You know that it’s illegal to have a hybrid without a collar.” His mother said.

“Had we known you were going to treat your hybrid like this we would have picked one out for you.” His father added on.

A hardy laugh from the other end of the table momentarily broke the tension as everyone looked to see Jimin’s uncle visibly amused by the scene.

“Aw, c’mon you two. Lighten up.” He said cheerfully to Jimin’s parents, surprising everyone. 

He’d never known his uncle to be any better than his family when it came to outlooks on hybrids. If anything, an argument could be made that he had the worst opinions on the matter, when looking at his adoption history.

“You approve of this?” Jimin’s father asked in frustration.

“Why not? I mean, did you look at him? He’s quite a beauty.” He said, and something about it made Jimin’s stomach churn. “Is he a purebred Jimin?”

“Uh…no. He’s an alpha.” Jimin prepared himself for the overreaction he was about to receive.

His mother gasped dramatically and his father clenched his jaw.

“An alpha? You don’t say!” His uncle held an unsettling amount of eagerness as he spoke. “I’ve never seen an alpha that handsome. Except when the hybrid mills were still around.”

Now his uncle had everyone’s attention, and Jimin was on high alert.

“I guess so.” Jimin said, ready to get off the subject. 

He didn’t know where his uncle was going with this and he didn’t like it. He’d rather continue the lecture from his parents at this point.

“Is there something you’re trying to get at?” Jimin’s mom asked.

“Not at all! Just making an observation.” His uncle feigned innocence, taking a sip of his wine. “I was just thinking, it’s been a while since I’ve seen an alpha so well maintained. They’re usually mangy with scars and calluses. And these days, it’s getting harder and harder to find a good purebred omega since they don’t breed much anymore.”

His uncle’s words were like a pit in Jimin’s stomach as he put the pieces together of what the man was alluding to. He focused his attention on Jimin as he continued.

“You know, Jimin. I hear there’s a high price for hybrid owners who can breed good omegas. It takes special alphas like yours that are even more prized than omegas because of how rare they are to come by.”

He was officially creeped out by every word that left his uncle’s mouth.

“What are you saying?” Jimin’s eyes were like slits when he asked it.

“Get to the point, hyung.” His father chimed in, mirroring a similar glare as Jimin’s.

“I’m just saying, you could have yourself a good side hustle there with that pretty alpha. Or maybe even a good offer for him. My omegas are starting to enter their heats y’know, and they’re not getting much younger.”

“Are you suggesting I sell Taehyung to you so you can use him as a breeding machine?” Jimin’s grip had shifted to his fork, and it got so tight that their butler kept a nervous eye on it.

“It’s just something to think about.” He was giving a hardy laugh at the reaction he was getting from Jimin. Almost like he was enjoying it. “Just making sure you’re aware of your options.”

Jimin’s tensed fingers now bent the silver fork he was holding from anger, catching his mother’s attention.

“Jimin?!” She called to him, and immediately he dropped the now warped fork.

“Enough of this!” His father slammed his hand down on the table and stood, pointing to Jimin with authority. “You’re going to the pound and returning that hybrid as soon as we’re finished with dinner, and then your mother and I will pick out a new one for you that’s suitable to our lifestyle.”

Jimin stared his father in the eyes, silent after he was given the order. He thought about how his parents had made him feel his entire life, about how relieved he was when he moved out, and about how Taehyung made him feel safe and taken care of for the first time ever. He was Jimin’s home, and in a shocking act of defiance, Jimin clenched his fists and stood up.

“No.” His voice was firm as he said, and his parents' eyes nearly popped out of their heads at the severe disbelief at the turn of events. 

His father stayed silent for just a moment, before he could finally recollect himself.

“No?” He had to make sure that he had heard his once obedient son correctly.

“No.” Jimin repeated with a tone of finality. “I’m not returning him. I’m an adult. I pay my own bills, live in my own apartment, and I have my own company completely separated from the family business. I will not let you control what I choose to do with my life anymore, and Taehyung is coming back home to our apartment.”

Jaws dropped at Jimin’s protest. Even the butlers couldn’t keep their expressions controlled. Not that anyone would’ve noticed. All eyes were on Jimin. He closed his eyes, straightened his tie, then looked back at his parents.

“When you’re ready to treat Taehyung with respect, I will come back.” He said, then turned to his uncle with a fierce gaze that sent chills down the older man’s spine. “And if you ever suggest I sell Taehyung or use him for breeding again, I will go straight to the police. Soliciting the use of alphas for illegal breeding is a federal offense.”

His uncle was just as speechless as the rest of his family. Jimin was trembling from the adrenaline the outburst had provoked, and desperately tried to hide it. When the hybrids all came back downstairs to hear what the commotion was about, Jimin’s eyes zeroed in on Taehyung.

“Tae, let’s go.” He said, using the endearing nickname that struck his family even harder.

“Don’t have to tell me twice.” Taehyung smirked, following Jimin to the door. He draped Jimin’s coat over the human's shoulders, opened the door for him, and turned to give the family one last ironic salute. 

“Pleasure meeting you fine people.” The hybrid’s words drenched in sarcasm as he shut his door on the way out.

They made it to the car and finally Taehyung stopped Jimin, cornering him against it.

“Jimin, I can hear your heart pounding and your blood rushing. What the hell happened?” His poker face from the house shed as his worry for his human took over his facial expression.

The human was still shaking with fury, as well as amazement of what he’d just done.

“They were just shit talking you.” Jimin said, unable to make eye contact.

“Yeah, so? We knew that would happen.” Taehyung’s fingers tipped Jimin’s chin so the human had to meet his eyes. “I can tell there’s something else. What happened, Jimin?”

The human finally let out a defeated breath and slumped against the car.

“My uncle…he was talking about how handsome you are for an alpha…”

Taehyung was visibly skeptical. “Yeah?”

“He was just saying that he hasn’t seen an alpha so attractive in a while, and that I could make a lot of money off of you with the whole shortage in hybrid breeding.”

Taehyung’s fingers dug into the car he now leaned against, his grip nearly hard enough to dent it. He was relieved he hadn’t been in the room because he’s not sure if he would’ve had the restraint not to attack his uncle the minute he suggested it.

“So I got angry and I threatened him. Before that my dad said I needed to take you back to the pound, so I yelled at him too.”

Hearing the whole story had Taehyung cooling down instantaneously, now sharing the same shock Jimin’s family had, which quickly morphed into relief for his human. Jimin lived for his family’s approval. It was the main source of his entire existence. His existence was for them to accept him, or at least not be disappointed in him, and he would rather die than disrespect them. Until today.

This was the most out of character thing Jimin had ever done, and Taehyung wouldn’t be surprised if he’d be shaking for the rest of the week from it. As enraged as he was about what his uncle said, the effect it had on Taehyung to know that Jimin would go against every fiber in his body to protect him could not go unnoticed. The hybrid was overjoyed for his human.

Jimin had not only defied his family to defend Taehyung, but had also proven that he no longer would go against even his own morals to appease them. He had become his own person with his own virtues and principles that would not be shaken. The hybrid wrapped his arms around Jimin and embraced him tightly. It took Jimin by surprise at first, but he eventually melted into the embrace, thankful for Taehyung’s comfort and support.

“I’m so proud of you.” Taehyung whispered, holding him even closer.

Jimin hid his face in the hybrid’s chest. Taehyung truly was a safe haven for the human that he had never experienced before. This is why he fought back against his family. He would never give Taehyung up. Taehyung had become his home.

After taking in the feeling, Taehyung finally kissed Jimin on the temple and pulled away, still cupping his cheeks. He beamed down at the human and kissed his plush lips.

“Now can we go get some food? I’m not gonna lie, whatever your chefs were cooking smelled amazing and we haven’t eaten yet.”

A half hour later, the pair were sitting on the pier with their feet swinging over as they finished the last of their hotdogs. It was a bit uncomfortable for Taehyung to sit on his tail tucked into his baggy jeans, but he ignored it for the chance to watch the beautiful view with Jimin. It took everything in him not to pull off the beanie hiding his ears so he could listen to the peaceful sounds of the night without obstruction.

The ocean breeze on the cold night might have made Jimin shiver if he wasn’t wearing Taehyung’s coat on top of his own and cuddled up to the warm hybrid. Jimin peeked over at Taehyung who had his head tilted back a bit, enjoying the light mist from the crashing waves on his face. Jimin still couldn’t quite comprehend how gorgeous the hybrid was, his beauty more mesmerizing than any human he’d ever seen.

“Taehyung?” Jimin softly called his hybrid’s attention.

“Mmhmm?”

“I know you don’t like talking about your life before this…”

Taehyung gave Jimin a side eye, as if warning him to proceed with caution.

“I don’t wanna pry, but—I just want to know how it felt.” Jimin finished.

“How what felt?” Taehyung arched his eyebrow at the ambiguous question.

“To not have your hybrid family anymore.” Jimin looked down at their interlocked fingers, timidly.

“Why do you ask?” The irritation the hybrid usually felt when his past was brought up didn’t show in his voice. He was actually just curious why Jimin was asking.

“It’s just that I kinda feel like…” Jimin’s voice trailed off a bit and Taehyung noticed the human’s lip trembling. “I feel like I just lost my family.”

“Baby,” Taehyung wrapped his arm around Jimin’s waist and pulled him in closer. “You didn’t lose them.”

“I’ve never done that before.” Jimin’s voice was now shaky with the tears he was holding back. “I’ve never done anything against their wishes. I’m worried they’ll be so mad at me they won’t—”

The human sniffled, looking away in shame. He didn’t want Taehyung to see him like this.

“Won’t what, Jimin?” Taehyung asked, his eyebrows knitting together as he watched the turmoil his human was experiencing.

“That they won’t love me anymore.” He finally got out, the tears falling down his cheeks.

Taehyung gently directed Jimin’s face to him so that the human could cry into his shoulder. His small hands clutched Taehyung’s sweater as the hybrid rubbed his back and kissed his head.

“They still love you, Jimin. You just set a boundary which you haven’t done before. They’ll get used to it, and they definitely won’t cut you off.”

Jimin’s soft cries were breaking Taehyung’s heart, but he was trying to choose his words carefully to show compassion to his human while also assuring him it would be okay.

“Thinking about how it is to live without a family won’t be necessary. Everyone sets boundaries at some point, and it took you 28 years. It needed to happen eventually, and once the dust settles, your family will probably apologize to you.”

Jimin’s crying winded down to sniffles as Taehyung comforted him.

“I promise, Jimin. You didn’t lose them. They love you too much to let you go.”

Jimin wiped his nose and finally looked up. Taehyung cupped his face and wiped his tears with his thumbs.

“I’m sorry to put this on you.” He averted his sad eyes from Taehyung’s. “I don’t want to make you feel uncomfortable.”

“Jimin, you’re my human.” Taehyung said. “I’m going to protect you and be here for you no matter what. Your friends feel the same. We’re all here for you, and you can tell us anything. You don’t have to keep everything inside all the time.”

Jimin couldn’t meet Taehyung’s gaze until the hybrid kissed his forehead.

“Everything will sort out, okay? For right now, we can probably just get you home before you catch a cold.”

The hybrid pulled his jacket around Jimin’s shoulders tighter and rubbed his arms to warm him up. Jimin’s fingers wrapped around Taehyung’s wrists, causing the hybrid to meet the human’s eyes. They were still a bit glossy from his subsiding tears, but now he adorned a shy smile as he looked up into his hybrid’s warm gaze.

“You are my home.”

Chapter Text

Jimin never knew that the removal of incessant calls and texts from his parents would alleviate such a large weight of his anxiety. 

Before, he would never have his phone anything less than ten feet away from him. Taehyung had even seen Jimin come waddling out of the shower, sopping wet, to retrieve his phone if he had accidentally left it out of reach in case his parents called. The only way to get him to neglect it was if Taehyung shared the shower with him. Now, Jimin would forget where he left his phone, and remain unbothered if he was doing something with Taehyung, saying he’d grab it later. 

Taehyung almost couldn’t believe the transformation. They hardly ever turned on the news anymore, in case Jimin’s family was on. Neither of them cared to have that negative energy anywhere near them. Jimin was smiling more, laughing more, dancing more, and if Taehyung thought they were fucking a lot before…well now it was a whole separate realm.

Before, Jimin would get tired after one session and need a break if they were going for two. Now, his sex drive could almost be matched by Taehyung’s, which was really saying something being that Jimin was just a little human compared to Taehyung’s hybrid sex drive.

Jimin was finally starting to relax a bit about going out with Taehyung in disguise. The hybrid still caught his human perimeter checking every store they walked into for cops, but for the most part, the human stopped trying to convince Taehyung that they should stay home when the hybrid wanted to do something fun with Jimin. 

The two had just come back from the Great Park, and Jimin was sat on Taehyung in their loveseat, looking through the pictures the two had taken at a photo booth they’d found on the way home.

“Did you think the coachman was weird about us during the horse ride?” Jimin asked casually, still trying to figure out which photo strip to tape up on the fridge and which to keep in his wallet.

“He was probably just surprised. It’s not often to run into another disguised hybrid in New York.” 

Taehyung had answered casually, his eyes focused on the movie Jimin had picked and was currently ignoring. But the comment made Jimin sit up and finally look at the hybrid.

“He was? How could you tell?”

Taehyung snorted at the ridiculous question. “Jimin, hybrids can always tell when there’s another one of us, with or without the collar. We can tell another hybrid and what they are just off the scent.”

“This is complete news to me.” Jimin crossed his arms. “So what was he?”

“An alpha. Which makes the most sense why he’s disguised and working. If he were in a pound he’d probably never get out.”

Jimin cringed a little when he said it, remembering that Taehyung had mentioned being in the pound for five years on the car ride after Jimin had adopted him.

“Is it weird seeing other alphas?”

“It would’ve been before, but now I’ve gotten used to it since Jin and Jungkook are alphas too.”

“They are?” Jimin asked, perching up in Taehyung’s lap more.

It perplexed Taehyung that Jimin was surprised by this information. “You didn’t know?”

“Yoongi and Hoseok never told me.” Jimin shrugged. “I guess I just figured they were betas.”

“Nope, they’re both alphas too. That’s why I thought you wanted us to be friends, so I wouldn’t be lonely.”

“I mean, I did want you to have friends. I just had no idea there were more alphas like you.”

The comment instantly caught Taehyung’s attention and he arched an eyebrow at Jimin. “What do you mean ‘alphas like me?’ ”

It wasn’t until he was questioned about it that Jimin realized the weight behind his words and his face flushed in embarrassment.

“I mean…” Jimin scrambled for an adjective to replace the one in his head.

“Well behaved?” Taehyung read his mind.

“...Yeah.” Jimin admitted, looking rather sheepish.

“So, now that you know what alphas can really be like, what did you think we were like, hm?” 

“I guess I just believed what I’d seen on tv and what people said around me.”

Taehyung was trying to figure out what angle to take. It was disappointing to know that this is how Jimin once viewed him, but he didn't see the value in chastising him about it now. Clearly he’d grown. However, this was a good opportunity for a refresher to solidify his learning lesson.

“Well, they’re partially right, aren’t they?” That trademark, taunting smirk started to form on the hybrid’s face, and Jimin looked at him with confusion.

“Right about what?”

“That we can be wild.” He said. “In fact, I can be really wild.”

It made Jimin swallow a lump in his throat and his fingers started fidgeting.

“Oh.” He remarked. “Even more than usual?”

“You haven’t even seen wild yet, Jimin.” Taehyung challenged, egging on the human to push him.

Jimin opened his mouth to give in when his phone rang, stopping him from doing so. He reached over to read the contact, then let out a defeated breath.

“Who is it?” Taehyung asked, a bit annoyed at the distraction when things were about to get steamy.

“The secretary from the company on the floor below mine.”.

“Why does she have your number?” Taehyung glanced at the wall clock. “And why is she calling this late?”

“The executive of that company has temper tantrums and he’ll order her to call me and ask to come and help them out when he’s working late.”

“Help out a company that…isn’t affiliated with you at all?”

“Yeah…” Jimin was embarrassed to admit it to Taehyung. “Like, just give some pointers on how to get them out of some bad deal.”

“So let me get this straight. A company who is not yours and its executive who you do not know, asks you to come to them and fix their bad business deals at 10 pm on a Friday night?”

“Yes.” Jimin sighed.

The phone had stopped ringing, and Jimin unlocked it to call back. 

“You can’t be serious.” Taehyung pulled Jimin closer on his lap. “You already had a tiring day at work and we just went out for hours. You’re exhausted.”

“It’ll be okay, I’ll just sleep in tomorrow..”

“Jimin, you know you never sleep in. You’ll be groggy all day tomorrow and you’re getting up early to help Yoongi before Namjoon’s birthday party.” 

Jimin got off of Taehyung, walking to the kitchen. He held the phone to his ear as it rang back. “Tae, I have to hel–”

Taehyung stood and gripped Jimin’s hips, pulling the human back against him and grinding his growing erection against the human’s ass. That sexual tension had returned, exciting Jimin and making him weak beneath his hybrid. The call connected, and Taehyung could hear the female voice on the other end, signifying that the secretary had picked up, and was already asking him to come in. He leaned down and sent those knee weakening kisses onto the human’s neck.

“Hi Amy! S-sorry, can I put you on hold for just a minute?” Jimin barely managed to get out before letting out a whimper after he’d pressed the correct button.

“Tell them no, Jimin.” Taehyung growled in his ear.

Jimin felt weak in the knees as Taehyung’s fingers dug into his waist.

“I—I can’t.” He stuttered out, hiding the speaker into his shirt, his desperation for Taehyung slowly taking over.

“Yes you can. You know you don’t want to go. Stand up for yourself, Jimin.” Taehyung thrust his dick against Jimin’s ass and the man had to grab the hybrid’s arms that were around him for support.

“Tae…” he breathed out, sinking back into the hybrid.

“Answer the call, Jimin. Tell them no, then I’ll take you exactly how you like.” He said, stopping all of his movements.

This was a big moment for the human. Taehyung was getting Jimin to put aside his people-pleasing, and Jimin was actually considering it. He finally got enough of his composure to take Amy off hold.

“Hello? Hi, yes. Unfortunately I won’t be able to come in.” He said, trying to keep it together.

Taehyung could see the shift in Jimin’s expression as his boss was clearly trying to get him to change his mind. That worried look Jimin got when he felt he was letting someone down.

“I understand, it’s just that—oh, really? I’m so sorry to hear that.”

Taehyung grabbed Jimin’s hips and ground into his ass again, giving it a firm slap. Jimin’s eyes nearly popped out of his head and he had to collect himself.

“Cmon, Jimin. Say no.”

Jimin covered his mouth as his head leaned back on Taehyung’s shoulder.

“Fuck whatever they say. They’re just guilting you. I’ll make you forget all about it. Just tell them no. You can do it.”

Jimin bit his lip, contemplating as he struggled to hear what the secretary was saying. “Well…”

Taehyung snaked his hand around and enclosed his fingers around Jimin’s throat, gripping just enough to make him gasp. 

“Tell them no, and I’ll show you what fucking wild is.” Taehyung said in his ear, tightening his fingers around the human’s neck.

That was it.

“I can’t come in. I’m sorry. I’ll see you on Monday.”

Taehyung took the phone, hanging it up and tossing it on the couch. He gripped Jimin’s hair and bent him over the counter, grinding his clothed boner against Jimin’s ass and making the human whine.

“What a good boy.” He said into Jimin’s ear, making him melt against the hybrid. “Such an obedient little human.”

It was kind of silly being called a good boy, seeing as they were in their late twenties, but it made Jimin’s dick twitch all the same. The hybrid gripped Jimin’s hair in his fist and yanked his head back to whisper in his ear.

“Although that did take a bit longer than I would expect after giving you an order.” His voice was husky and filled with lust. “I think I’ll still have to teach you a little lesson on respect and remind you who’s in charge here.”

He turned the human around and lifted his legs up around his waist, barely giving Jimin enough time to secure his arms around the hybrid’s neck before Taehyung was carrying him to their room and tossing Jimin on the bed. He grabbed Jimin’s pajama pants and yanked them off, along with his boxers. His shirt came quickly after, and then Taehyung got to enjoy one of the most beautiful scenes of his pliant little human squirming bashfully beneath him, completely naked while the hybrid was fully clothed.

“Aw, embarrassed, baby?” Taehyung teased, getting a pathetic little whimper from the human. 

He grabbed Jimin’s ankles and flipped him over, pulling his ass up and coming up behind him to shove his face down against the mattress. He spread the human’s cheeks apart to let a glob of his spit fall right onto his hole, causing Jimin to wiggle his ass in anticipation. Taehyung reached under the pillow and grabbed the lube, squirting some on his fingers and warming it up to slide them in. Jimin shuddered with the action, the hybrid finding his prostate in record speed after fucking him so many times.

Jimin was clutching at the comforter and arching his back as Taehyung stretched him out, teasing his prostate just as much and torturing the human as he tried not to cum before getting fucked.

“Tae…” Jimin whined, hiding his face into the koala Taehyung had won for him at the fair the night before. 

“You want me to fuck you, Jiminie?” Taehyung taunted him evilly.

“Please, Tae. I need you.”

Taehyung would normally enjoy teasing his human for longer, but something about Jimin’s overcoming of his people-pleasing had the hybrid feeling a bit more generous today, so he granted Jimin his wish.

“Only because you were so brave earlier.” Taehyung pulled off his shirt and got out his dick, lubing it up and centering it at Jimin’s hole. “Remember this the next time you’re about to let someone walk over you.”

Taehyung pushed into his human and Jimin cried out, clutching the stuffed koala tighter. Seeing Jimin get fucked while holding the stuffed animal below him made Taehyung absolutely feral. It was so adorable and sinful at the same time for Jimin to be defiling his present like that.

He didn’t waste any time in gripping Jimin’s hips and fucking into him like a jackhammer, giving the human no time to get used to the pace. Jimin didn’t need it though. He wanted this so bad.

“Alpha!” He cried out without a second thought, his death grip on the koala plushie and arching his back for the hybrid.

Taehyung put his hand on his neck and shoved his face into the mattress.

“You look so fucking good like this, Jimin.” He complimented in a mocking tone. “So ready to bend over and give yourself to me like a fucking slut. You’re just like a bitch in heat.”

Tears sprang to Jimin’s eyes from how aroused he was by what Taehyung was saying as the hybrid sent a few spanks to his tight ass, reveling in the slight jiggle with each slap.

“You’d be just as happy staying here in this bed with your ass up, ready for me to use whenever I damn well please. You’re just my little human to fuck over and over and you’ll beg for it every time.”

“Tae!” Jimin sobbed, his dick twitching from what he was saying.

Taehyung pulled out and flipped Jimin around again, shoving a pillow beneath his ass so he was perfectly presented to him. His eyes were wide, his plump lips parted and every breath had a hint of a whine to it as he arched up instinctually, like he was non verbally begging Taehyung to put his dick back in his ass. 

The hybrid did, placing his fingers on his waist where marks were starting to form from his grip. He pushed back into the human, Jimin’s eyes screwing shut as he reached around the mattress, desperately searching for purchase. Taehyung locked his wrists down as he fucked him at an unforgiving pace. Every breath was wrapped in a moan from his human now. It was absolutely pathetic, and the most erotic thing Taehyung had ever been privileged to witness. 

He gathered Jimin’s wrists in one of his large hands, gliding his long fingers down his tight little body and pressing down against his firm stomach, something absolutely primal coming over him. Jimin could swear if Taehyung pressed down just a bit more he would feel his own dick fucking into the tiny human. 

“Fuck I wish I could get you pregnant.” Taehyung growled, sliding his hand over the expanse of Jimin’s faint abs. “You’d look so good getting knocked up after I fucking breed you.”

That was all it took for Jimin to fall apart and cum all over their chests. Tears were streaming down his cheeks and his body kept flinching with each spurt of cum. Taehyung pushed as deep into his ass as he could and came with a groan, painting Jimin’s walls. He hadn’t noticed his knot forming until Jimin yelped when the hybrid tried to pull out.

“Oh, shit.” Taehyung analyzed the situation, trying to think of the next step while still releasing the last of his orgasm into the human. “I didn’t realize that was happening.”

It was a bit trickier to knot when in missionary in terms of come-down time. After doggystyle, they could just spoon. The only option really after knotting in missionary was to have Jimin straddle him. Taehyung carefully maneuvered them so he was leaning back against the headboard and Jimin was sat on his lap with either leg on each side, his arms limp and his head on the hybrid’s shoulder.

“You haven’t knotted me in a while.” Jimin finally got out after a few minutes of catching his breath.

“I don’t know what came over me. I guess a mixture of seeing you stand up for yourself and talking about being wild got me in that headspace.”

“Was that the wild you were talking about?” Jimin’s question was filled with hope, making the hybrid chortle.

“No, Jimin. That was not the wild I was talking about. I told you, that’s something only hybrids can take.”

Jimin huffed and Taehyung pinched his ass to remind him to behave. “Don’t get an attitude. You’re going to bed as soon as I can clean you up.”

Jimin obeyed and finally found enough use in his arms to wrap around Taehyung’s neck, nuzzling into him more and enjoying the aftercare.

Jimin woke up bright and early with that after-sex glow and it kept illuminating his face as he cleaned up, got ready, and picked up Yoongi for their chores. After rejecting Yoongi’s questions about the family debacle and swearing he’d tell him at the party, Jimin kept giggling to himself as he watched the oblivious older sifted through the different decorations in the party store they’d stopped at.

“Soo…” Jimin said, toying with one of the plastic crowns on a shelf once he finally couldn’t keep it in any longer. “Jin is an alpha, huh?”

Yoongi stopped reaching for the balloon he was inspecting and looked at Jimin with suspicious eyes. “Yes, why?”

“No reason. Taehyung just informed me. I didn’t know.” He said, pretending to closely examine the plastic party plates. “I don’t know why I just never put the pieces together.”

Yoongi stared at Jimin’s innocent act. “I never really felt the need to talk about it, I guess.” He said.

“Yeah, I suppose we’ve never really been that type.” Jimin shrugged.

Yoongi’s stare turned critical.“What type?” 

“The type to talk about our sex lives and what we’re into. We’re usually pretty private when it comes to that.”

Yoongi scowled and fully faced Jimin. “Taehyung told you, didn’t he?”

“No. You just did.” Jimin snickered, making Yoongi blush at his self incrimination. “You know, I never pegged you as the submissive type.”

“Yeah yeah, laugh it up.” Yoongi rolled his eyes, returning back to choosing which balloons he wanted. “You’re in the same position as me.”

“True.” Jimin admitted. “I’m just impressed you kept it from us all this time. You’ve had Jin for even longer than we’ve known you. It’s been like, what, almost 10 years now?”

“I know y’all wouldn’t judge me, but it’s kind of just like, a giveaway you know?” Yoongi said. “Fucking an omega or beta hybrid can go a few different ways. But fucking an alpha hybrid…only one thing can be going on there.”

“You’re getting railed.” Jimin couldn’t stop laughing.

“You are too!” Yoongi huffed.

“Yes, but I don’t think anyone is surprised with me. You, on the other hand…”

“It’s a nice change of pace, alright?” Yoongi defended himself, crossing his arms childishly as they made their way down the costume aisle.

“So did you have a feeling when you adopted him that it’d be like this?”

“Nope.” He said. He opened his mouth, pausing for a second as if filtering the next sentences to say. “I just wanted someone to hang out with who was strong enough to help me out with projects. We were just roommates until a hybrid like Jihoon came around. It’s like it awoke a beast in Jin.”

“Same thing with Taehyung.” Jimin said. “He never really showed that possessive side and then all of a sudden it hit when Jihoon was there.”

“Yeah. That was thanks to Jungkook.” Yoongi said. “Taehyung didn’t know what to do until Jungkook told him. I also gave him a peek into my dynamic with Jin to help move him along.”

“So, I have you two to thank for me getting my shit rocked that night.” Jimin jokingly probed.

“Oh, please. You’re grateful.”

“True.” Jimin smiled contently as he pulled his tea closer to drink. “I am.”

“You’ve seemed lighter these days ever since that night.” Yoongi noted.

Jimin could only giggle when he reflected on it. “I’ve just been happier. Less stressed and shit.”

Yoongi peeked over at Jimin when he said it. “Yeah?”

“Yeah. I used to be really anxious about everything and everyone. These days I’ve been able to relax and set boundaries. My mental health was pretty shit before but I guess I just feel a lot better lately.”

There were a few moments of silence as they stood in front of the bizarre costume masks before Jimin felt Yoongi staring, and finally his curiosity got the best of him.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” He turned his head to meet Yoongi’s gaze.

“This is the first time I’ve ever seen you be open about your feelings.” Yoongi answered instantly. “You’ve never really been vulnerable like this. No matter how much we tried, you always deflected and asked us how we’re doing.”

He blushed a little, wondering if Yoongi was upset about Jimin dumping his problems on him. 

“It’s really nice.” Yoongi assured him before Jimin could apologize. He knew his friend so well.

The comment caught Jimin off guard.

“Really?”

“Yeah.” Yoongi elaborated. “We always worry about you, especially with your anxiety, and we never knew exactly how you felt. We just had to try and guess how to help you. It’s nice that you finally feel comfortable to be open.”

“Oh.” Jimin laughed awkwardly. “I never noticed I did that.”

“That’s always how you’ve been. It didn’t change until Taehyung.” Yoongi said. “Before you did everything your family said no question, accepted any request, never defended yourself or shared your emotions because you felt like a burden. Now you’re okay to stand up for yourself and be vulnerable with your feelings.”

It took a second to hit Jimin. He knew he’d started feeling better, but hadn’t grasped just how much he’d changed. “I guess you’re right. I don’t really know what happened.” 

“You realized how nice it is to be taken care of.” Yoongi answered.

Jimin had never thought very deeply about it, but now that he was reflecting on their relationship, he realized that Yoongi had a point. He had never let anyone take care of him, because he felt guilty putting his problems on others. He always worried that he wasn’t doing enough for those around him, and he felt selfish if he accepted help from anyone. 

It wasn’t until Taehyung practically forced Jimin to let himself be taken care of that he finally accepted it was okay to let people in and give him a helping hand. Maybe that was another reason why he felt so much closer to his friends now, despite seeing them less.

“I was the same way before Jin.” Yoongi continued, a little smile forming. “It feels good, huh?”

Jimin matched Yoongi’s grin, still thinking about Taehyung.

“Yeah. It does.”

***

After picking up Taehyung, the three returned to Yoongi’s house and Hoseok showed up with Jungkook shortly after. Of course, Namjoon couldn’t make it to pre-party setup because Jihoon didn’t feel like working. While it was a bummer Namjoon couldn’t be there, the three alphas didn’t particularly care that Jihoon would not be attending until later.

“Are you gonna spill the tea on what happened when you introduced him to your parents?” Jungkook asked Jimin expectedly, mixing the fruit punch.

“That's a post-party cleanup conversation.” Jimin said while batting his lashes, making Yoongi roll his eyes.

“Well if you had come over yesterday we could’ve heard the drama already.” Hoseok poked fun.

The comment didn’t go unnoticed by Taehyung.

“What was yesterday?” The hybrid asked.

“Jimin didn’t tell you? Yesterday we went ice skating now that the rings are opening up for winter.” Jungkook said. “We’re switching our Monday/Friday beach bonfire nights to festive activities since winter is approaching.”

“You guys hang out twice a week?” Taehyung asked, bewildered.

“Yeah. Monday’s, Friday’s, and every other weekend we’ll usually go on a short trip.” Yoongi said, looking a bit curious as to why Taehyung was so lost. “You guys have always been invited, but Jimin would say you couldn’t make it.”

Taehyung glanced over at a sheepish looking Jimin. “Why’d you stop seeing them for so long?”

“I wanted you to get comfortable.” He answered softly.

It was so sweet and distinctly Jimin, Taehyung wanted to wrap him up in his arms and kiss him right there. But he refrained in front of Hoseok and Jungkook. Even though they already knew, he wanted to play it safe in case Jimin wasn’t ready to be affectionate in front of them.

“So are you guys going on a weekend trip soon?” Taehyung asked.

“Yeah, this time to Toronto I think.” Jungkook answered.

“Oh, damn. So it’s like international trips. I thought maybe it's just like, to other states.” Taehyung said, a bit surprised. 

“Sometimes it’s that, but Toronto isn’t too far and it’s a long weekend next week so we have time.” Yoongi said. 

Taehyung glanced over at Jimin who was busy making appetizers. He adorned his signature satisfied smile he always had when he was with his friends. It made the hybrid a little sad, thinking about everything Jimin must have missed out on for the past month and a half because of him. Jimin felt Taehyung staring at him and peeked over. His smile turned into a bashful expression and he looked away. Jin and Yoongi noticed it all and simply glanced at each other before continuing.

“As always, you guys are welcome to come.” Yoongi interjected. “We’re just going snowboarding and getting drunk in the cabin we rented.”

When Taehyung and Jimin tuned back in, the human looked down and Taehyung awkwardly went back to blowing up the balloons before him.

“Um, we probably won’t be able to make that one.” Jimin said.

“Bummer.” Hoseok pouted, helping Taehyung with his job. “Are you going somewhere else?” 

Jimin peeked over at Taehyung. The hybrid shrugged and gave Jimin the nonverbal okay.

“It’d probably be hard to be on a plane with Taehyung’s condition.” Jimin tried to put it lightly.

Jin arched his brow and looked over at the other hybrid. If it was serious, he probably would’ve been able to tell.

“Shit, are you alright?” Yoongi asked.

“Uh…yeah I’m good.” Taehyung gave a wry smile. “I just don’t do the collar thing so I can’t travel.”

There was a heavy silence that hushed the group for a moment as the others processed what they’d just heard. They didn’t really know how to react respectfully without showing their shock.

“Oh.” Hoseok broke the tension. “So…if you don’t mind me asking, how do you leave the apartment?”

“He wears a hat and tucks his tail in.” Jimin said. “We don’t bother here because it’s such a short distance. But, yeah. They make sure hybrids are wearing their collars on the plane so it won’t work.”

The other hybrids couldn’t really believe what they were hearing. Not wearing a collar? That eliminated like 80% of the activities Taehyung could participate in with their friend group.

“Well, that’s alright.” Yoongi attempted to shift the conversation. “Next time we’ll just pick a local place so you don’t have to wear it on a plane.” 

Taehyung and Jimin looked over at Yoongi with gratitude. They knew it wasn’t a good idea since everyone would be penalized for it if they were caught, but even if it were an empty invite, it was still kind.

While the humans finished up inside, the hybrids started placing the beer kegs out in the backyard.

“No collar?” Jin asked, once they were finally away from the humans.

“Yep.” Taehyung said, and it was in a tone that made the alphas realize he wasn’t going to say much more about it.

They simply sighed and tried to think of the best final comment to make so that Taehyung might reconsider his philosophy.

“That sucks. There’s a shit ton of trips we were thinking of planning for you.” Jungkook said.

It did indeed stick with Taehyung. It had been so long since he’d gotten to travel. He’d be lying if he tried to say he didn’t miss it at all. He loved to travel. But he knew he wouldn’t be able to enjoy it with a collar on his neck.

Taehyung didn’t know how to respond, so he just shrugged.

“That’s really nice. I don’t wanna hold anyone back, so don’t worry about me. Thanks though.” He said it genuinely, but also with a tone of finality.

The two hybrids weren’t going to push a conversation past its welcome, so they dropped it as well.

Despite not being able to be affectionate with Jimin, the party was a complete success. A few more hybrids came that were like Jihoon, and they all hung out in a group. The alphas ignored it and just mingled with the other human friends they’d met. Taehyung could definitely see how Jimin’s group was so tight knit when meeting some of the other New Yorkers. It’d been so long since he’d been around the humans of the state that Taehyung forgot how some of them act, and it didn’t match the vibe of Jimin, Yoongi, Namjoon and Hoseok.

Taehyung was just glad he had Jin and Jungkook. There were times the three of them ended up sitting on the counter and Jungkook would try and probe Taehyung for the dirt on Jimin’s family.

“It’ll come soon.” Taehyung sipped his beer coyly. “Jimin wants to save the best for last.”

The party ended late after singing Namjoon a happy birthday then their human friends stumbling out to their Ubers with their hybrids trying to steady them. Namjoon was going to stay later but he had gotten far too wasted and, much to Jihoon’s dismay, needed to go home and sleep it off.

A few hours later, Jimin finally regaled the friends with the tale. Based on the boys' mixture of shocked and excited expressions, the story was definitely worth the wait.

“Damn, I can’t believe you actually stood up to your crazy family.” Hoseok said. “That’s insane!”

“I never thought the day would come.” Yoongi shook his head in disbelief. “What finally brought you to it?”

Taehyung smiled as Jimin went on, then felt a nudge from Jungkook on his arm. He and Jin were giving him proud looks.

“You really gave him confidence.” Jin said under his breath. “Just a year ago Hoseok would never dare to say a negative word about the Park family in fear of Jimin having a full emotional meltdown over it. Now he’s standing up for himself and letting the guys express their praise for him and disdain for his family.”

“Maybe, but I think he finally reached a breaking point.” Taehyung said. “I wasn’t even in the room. It was all him. Probably for the best though, if I’d heard his uncle offering Jimin to use me for a sperm donor I don’t think he’d live to see another day.”

“I wish I could say I’ve never heard of something so insane, but unfortunately I have.” Jungkook said, surprising Taehyung.

“You have?” The hybrid asked with wide eyes. “Where?”

Jungkook glanced over to Jin, as if asking for permission.

“They did it to me.” Jin said, beating Jungkook to the punch.

Taehyung’s jaw dropped as he heard it.

“You?” He asked. “Like, they adopted you for it?”

“Yup. And used me for it too.”

Jungkook looked down at his drink somberly. It was such sudden, heavy news that Taehyung didn’t know where to go from there.

“Jin…I’m so sorry.” Taehyung finally apologized. He wasn’t at fault, but what else could he say? I was horrible news, and even worse to have gone through.

“It’s alright. It was 10 years ago.” Jin said. “It was something similar. Right around the time that the outlawing of hybrid mills started to seem like a reality, some of those aristocrats started flocking to the streets and pounds to find acceptable alphas to use for their omegas. I thought I was going to work on building their pool, next thing I knew I was chained up in their basement with their omegas thrown down for days with me.”

The hybrids didn’t realize that the humans had stopped talking and were listening to Jin now. Yoongi looked concerned, but his hybrid gave him a reassuring look before continuing.

“It’s okay. I figured you all should know sooner or later. I’ve only told Jungkook, and of course Yoongi already knew.”

Yoongi looked down sorrowfully. Jimin could tell the story was just as hard for him to hear now as it probably was the first time.

“They locked you in the basement for breeding?” Hoseok asked, and Jin nodded.

“They would just toss omegas down and we couldn’t eat or drink until I finally fucked them. They would be in heat and it was already hard for me to resist, but once they swore they’d starve us both to death we both just gave in. I knew their threat was real, and even if I wanted to die, I didn’t want the omegas to lose their lives too. Tha alpha protection instinct, y’know?”

Jungkook and Taehyung understood perfectly.

“I’m so sorry, Jin.” Jimin said. Taehyung could hear the shakiness in his voice, indicating that he was holding back tears.

“How’d you get out?” Hoseok asked.

“Yoongi actually.” Jin continued. “He lived next to the guy doing it. He thought something weird was going on with how secretive they were and how alphas would show up and never seem to leave. Then when he offered Yoongi a pup one day, he put the pieces together and called the cops.”

Now Jimin understood why Yoongi was hesitant to explain the origins of how he got Jin earlier that day at the party store. 

“He was doing it to other alphas?” Jimin asked.

“Yeah. There were three of us locked in different rooms. We would have to breed two to three times a day. The humans’ friends and family that were worried about losing access to purebred hybrids would just bring over their omegas. Some of them flew over to his house from what I heard. Sometimes the omegas the threw down didn’t even speak the same language as us—I don’t even know where they were from. It was becoming an international business.”

“What happened once you called the cops?” Hoseok directed the question to Yoongi.

“They came to the house and raided them. Especially once the hybrid mill ban hit, that type of shit is a life sentence with no parol, so they’re fucked. People on the news were calling in to adopt the alphas and omegas saved from the house.”

“How’d you get Jin?” Jimin asked.

They looked at each other with a gaze that could only be shared between two people with as intimate of a bond as them.

“I never wanted to adopt a hybrid, but Jin chose me so I adopted him.” 

Jin grinned and held an arm out for Yoongi. The normally flat faced, stoic man came over and sat in Jin’s lap, letting the hybrid situate him into a comfortable position that reflected how intertwined they were. It made Taehyung glance over at Jimin, who also came to sit next to him. He wrapped both of his arms around Taehyung and clung to him, as if terrified that letting go would mean potentially losing his hybrid.

“I can’t believe my uncle wanted to do that to you.” Jimn said, his lip quivering at the thought.

“I doubt your uncle would be that insane.” Jin said. “Both morally and legally. He probably just wanted to adopt Taehyung and see if he would give into his omegas in heat.”

“Still.” Jimin held Taehyung’s arm tighter. “I’m so sorry you had to go through that Jin.

“It’s okay. It took a long time and a lot of therapy, but I’m at least glad that it exposed the hybrid black market and made people aware to look out for it. I just hope that not too many other alphas or omegas had to experience it.”

“You’re the only one I’ve met.” Taehyung said. “I was on the streets for a year and I’d never heard of that shit.”

“Same.” Jungkook agreed. “I couldn’t sleep the night that he told me about it.”

The friends were all a bit shaken from the story, but they felt even closer afterward. It made the mood more somber of course, however it felt like they had bonded even more after being entrusted with Jin’s history. It just went to show how supportive their group was, and they were there for Jin as he shared and made sure he was okay.

When everything was done and everyone was heading home, Jimin still glued himself to Taehyung’s side. He wouldn’t let go, and though it made it a bit hard to walk, Taehyung didn’t complain about it.

“You okay?” The hybrid asked as they got close to the car.

“That was really scary.” Jimin’s voice was as soft as Taehyung had ever heard it. It made him want to wrap Jimin up in his coat and hide him from the world.

“I know. Jin is incredibly strong.” Taehyung nodded. “I feel so bad for him.”

“I can’t believe he never told us.” Jimin’s voice was a bit shaky now. 

Taehyung knew it must be killing Jimin to just now find out—that he couldn’t have provided emotional support for Jin sooner.

“I guess he wasn’t ready.” Taehyung said. “It sounds like he needed time to cope with the trauma himself. At least Yoongi was there for him.”

“I can’t believe…” Jimin’s voice was practically a whisper now. “I can’t believe my uncle…”

Taehyung kissed Jimin’s head as they got to the car, leaning back against it and holding Jimin. 

“C’mon, let’s go get some ice cream to cheer up.”

They held hands as they searched for the perfect tub to share in the grocery store. The colorful cartons were so enticing behind the frosted glass, and it took them far too long to agree on a flavor.

“Okay, how about you decide on the flavor and I’ll pick the sprinkles.” Taehyung finally gave in to the cute human, who hummed in satisfaction. The hybrid was too weak to Jimin’s charm, and walked off to find his treat.

It took about five minutes for Jimin to furrow his brows, wondering what was taking Taehyung such a long time. He grabbed the rocky road and went searching down the aisles. It wasn’t until he got to the final row that his heartbeat picked up pace, his thoughts beginning to swarm a bit too fast to keep his anxiety down. He did another lap up and down the rows, his steps getting a bit fast as he tried to call out Taehyung’s name in as casual of a tone as he could so it didn’t cause a scene. 

When it had been ten minutes and there was no sign of Taehyung, Jimin’s heart was officially pounding. He couldn’t call the hybrid because Taehyung didn’t have a phone, and he was too afraid of asking the cashier to announce him on the intercom in case the security came and tried to help. The security were basically cops and getting cops involved would make everything riskier regarding his lack of collar.

Jimin had concluded that Taehyung was indeed not inside the store, and it was late, and there was nothing else open at this hour. He thought about going to the car and waiting for the hybrid, but wouldn’t that look suspicious? Cops would certainly ask him why he was just sitting in his car at 1 in the morning in a deserted parking lot. 

Jimin finally couldn’t take the waiting anymore. He swiftly replaced the ice cream in the fridge and left the store, his pupils shaking and his breath unsteady.

“Taehyung?” Jimin called out, frantically looking around.

He could hear his heartbeat pounding in his ears a mile a minute, and anxiety nearly paralyzed him. He was no longer just a little worried for Taehyung—he was entering a full panic attack as his mind started racing. What if the cops had already found him and put him in handcuffs? What if they were questioning him and Jimin wasn’t there? What if he was already on his way back to the pound?

Or worse. 

What if he had been caught like Jin had. What if he was on his way in some car to some house to be chained in a basement and used as a breeding mule? What if he was going to starve in a random room and be scarred and traumatized from being forced to impregnate omegas so their pups could be sold on the black market?

Jimin’s lungs were heaving as he tried to breath through the tightness in his chest and he began to feel dizzy as his toes and fingers went numb.

“Jimin?” He heard the hybrid’s voice, and Jimin immediately whipped around and saw Taehyung walking up to him.

The human stumbled into him, throwing his arms around Taehyung and hiding into his chest. 

“Whoah, Jimin. Take it easy.” Taehyung said, catching the human and practically holding him up.

“I lost you.” Jimin said weakly. “I thought maybe the cops had taken you and you’d had to leave with them. Or…even…”

“I’m right here.” Taehyung said, rubbing Jimin’s back comfortingly. 

Jimin breathed a sigh of relief. Honestly Taehyung had just gone to the car to get Jimin’s jacket because he looked chilly, and ended up getting distracted by the alley of vending machines to search for his favorite cookies. But as soon as Jimin started panicking he could sense his human’s distress and immediately came rushing to him. He didn’t register how scared Jimin was to lose him, and it struck him more than he expected it to.

“Sorry I freaked out.” Jimin said, finally stepping away and recomposing himself.

“It’s alright.” Taehyung said, pushing the human’s bangs out of his face. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I think I was also just dehydrated.” He lied

Taehyung didn’t even bother calling him on it. They both knew it was Jimin trying to cope, and it didn’t need to be addressed.

“Let’s just get you home then.”

The human clung to him, wrapping both arms around Taehyung’s as they walked to the car, just as he had a half hour ago at Yoongi’s after Jin told his story. Just as before, the clinging made walking a little more challenging, but Taehyung didn’t try to fight it. He just wanted Jimin to feel alright.

Jimin wouldn’t let go of Taehyung when they got to the car, and the hybrid sighed, leaning back against it and letting the human hide into him. The human wasn’t in the right headspace to move on yet, and Taehyung wouldn’t push him before he was ready.

“Are you paranoid after Jin’s story?” He asked softly, rubbing Jimin’s back in efforts to soothe him. Jimin just nodded against him. “I promise, I’m not going anywhere, Jimin. I’m right here. You have me.”

Jimin just let out an undetectable noise. Taehyung tilted his chin up and leaned down to kiss him. The neon light from the rusty grocery store sign was the only light illuminating off of their skin, their breath visible against the biting cold of the autumn night. Taehyung was cupping Jimin’s soft cheeks and ran his thumbs over the soft skin. He smiled warmly and kissed his human’s forehead.

“No one is taking me. I’m with you.” 

***

Three days later, Taehyung was startled awake and shot up in bed. He was drenched in sweat, his mind was racing, and everything in him felt tense. His eyes trailed down to the tent forming under the sheets, and dread flooded him to his core.

“Oh shit.” 

He threw the covers off of himself and practically sprinted out of the room.

“Fuck, fuck fuck,” Taehyung panted, frantically reaching for the landline. “C’mon pick up…”

Taehyung hunched over, letting out a groan that could only be compared to a carnivorous animal’s growl as he held his stomach.

“Tae?” Jin asked when he answered the phone. “What’s up? I thought you guys were coming over later tonight.”

“Call Jimin and tell him to go straight to your house.” Taehyung beelined, heaving for breath, and Jin immediately knew.

“Your rut?!” 

“Yeah. I didn’t realize it had been a year.” He finished off the line with another groan, wiping the dripping sweat from his brow.

“Tae! Didn’t you ask Jimin to get you meds for it?”

“I forgot, and he’s never had an alpha so he didn’t know.” Taehyung said. “It’s really bad, I haven’t had a rut in…I don’t even know how long. But he cannot come home while I’m like this.”

“Shit, Tae. Okay, I’ll call him.” Jin said. “Do you need to go to the hospital?”

“I can’t.” Taehyung said, and he could hear Jin growl on the other end.

“Do not tell me this is about not wanting to wear the fucking collar to the hospital.”

They both knew it was. 

“Just tell Jimin to stay at your house for a week. And tell Yoongi I’m sorry to make him intrude.” Taehyung said, then hung up the phone.

He practically crawled over to the shower and turned on the cold water, getting in to cool himself down. He honestly wasn’t sure if he’d be able to make it through this one without going to the hospital, but that was a risk he was willing to make. He would literally rather die than put on the collar to be admitted.

He got another phone call and groaned, realizing he wouldn’t be able to walk across soaking wet without ruining Jimin’s floors. He had to turn off the water and towel dry himself whilst feeling like he was 170 degrees before answering the phone.

“Hello?” Taehyung asked, his voice nearly hoarse at this point.

“Jimin said he’s coming home.” Jin said upon answer

“What?! No, tell him he can’t!” 

“He’s too worried for you. C’mon, you knew he wouldn’t leave you like this.”

“Jin, please come here and physically stop him.” Taehyung was begging the older, still holding his stomach to try and subdue the growing fire inside of him.

“I would if I could leave, but Yoongi is on a business trip. If I go and get caught without him I’ll be arrested and Yoongi will have to come home.”

Taehyung was freaking out. He realized he was dripping sweat and put the towel around his waist on the floor so it didn’t get the wood soaked.

“Can Jungkook and Hoseok come? Or Namjoon?” He asked desperately. 

“Namjoon is shooting a video in Paris and Hoseok is with Yoongi so Jungkook is stuck at home too.” Jin said. “There’s literally nothing we can do. You either have to bolt the door closed or go to the hospital.”

“This cannot be happening.” Taehyung nearly yelled out in frustration. “How much time do I have?”

In a cruel stroke of irony, he heard the keypad of the door beeping, indicating that Jimin was home.

“Apparently none.” He heard Jin say on the other end of the line

Taehyung slammed the phone down and ran to the door, pushing it closed with all his force.

“Taehyung, let me in!” Jimin yelled at him through the door.

“Jimin, I can’t let you in. You have to go to Yoongi’s, or Hoseok’s, or literally anywhere else. It’s not safe for you here.”

Taehyung wanted nothing more than to rip the door off its hinges and drag Jimin to the bed, but he had to refrain. Jimin was a human, he wasn’t built for what Taehyung would do to him if given access.

“I need to see you! I can’t just let you stay here alone in this condition. Why didn’t you tell me about the rut?” He heard Jimin’s exasperated voice through the door.

“I forgot about it, it’s been years.” Taehyung said. “Last time I had it I was like a wild animal. I cannot let you in this apartment.”

“Tae, I will not let you suffer alone. What if something bad happens to you?”

“Something bad will happen to you if you don’t get away from this door within 20 seconds.” Taehyung warned him.

“Tae, just let me–”

“I will not go to the hospital.” Taehyung stated firmly.

“I wasn’t going to try and take you there. I know you won’t go.” Jimin said.

Taehyung frowned in confusion. Jin must have told Jimin what happens during ruts. He must have told him what Taehyung would be like. What on earth could Jimin be planning? Unless…

It finally clicked why Jimin was so determined to get inside .

“No.” Taehyung said.

“Tae–”

“Absolutely not.” Taehyung stood his ground, sweat dripping off of him as the heat his body gave off most likely raised the thermostat in the apartment.

“I’ll be fine, Taehyung.”

“No you won’t.” Taehyung assured him. “Humans aren’t made to withstand that. I will not put you in danger.”

“You’re not putting me in danger.” Jimin said. “I trust you.”

“Jimin, you have no idea what ruts are like. I’m an animal. I lose touch with my human consciousness. Even omegas are barely capable of handling it.”

“Let me in, Taehyung.” Jimin said.

“No!” Taehyung groaned, holding his stomach. "Jimin, get the fuck away from this apartment, and I mean it.

“If you don’t open this door, I will call the police to bust it down, and I mean it.” Jimin said. It was the first time he’d ordered Taehyung to do anything, but the hybrid could tell by Jimin’s tone that he wasn’t bluffing.

Taehyung sighed, realizing that he had warped the doorknob from his grip on it.

“I’m three times stronger while I’m like this.” Taehyung said.

“I know.”

“Things will break.” 

“I don’t care.”

“You might break.” Taehyung desperately tried to reason with him.

“Let me in.”

“I’m telling you Jimin…”

“I want this.” Jimin said, and to his surprise, Taehyung could sense Jimin’s arousal from the other side of the door.

He let out a deep breath, finally easing up on his force to keep it shut. He was already losing his mind with how desperate he was to fuck him, and he knew he would be losing his ability to restrain himself in just a few moments.

“Do you have a taser or something?” Taehyung asked. “In case of…emergency?”

“Yes.” Jimin said. “Let me in.”

Taehyung gulped, trying to prepare himself, and finally opened the door. 

Upon seeing his human there, his pupils dilated and he lost all control, grabbing him and throwing him over his shoulder, slamming the door closed. He didn’t even make it to the bedroom. He tossed Jimin onto the couch and physically ripped off all of Jimin’s clothes in two yanks. Jimin was fascinated and more turned on than he had ever been by Taehyung’s state.

 He wasn’t kidding when he said he became animalistic. His irises were almost completely black from his rut. His muscles looked even more defined and his movements were somehow rougher than they already were when he fucked Jimin. Though the human was aware that he should probably be scared of how Taehyung was like this, all he could focus on was how badly he wanted the hybrid.

He pulled Taehyung down to kiss him, which the alpha hardly seemed interested in. Nothing about this was romantic. It was all Taehyung chasing his relief, and Jimin was alright with that. Something about Taehyung’s taste was even sweeter for some reason. He tacked it up to a byproduct of the rut, though he couldn’t figure out why that would correlate. 

Taehyung pulled away after about half a second to spread Jimin’s legs and push them up against his chest, letting a glob of saliva fall onto the human’s hole. Instantly Jimin understood the difference in the taste. Upon contact, the saliva felt tingly and warm, and something about it turned Jimin into a whining mess. His dick grew hard and he began precumming. 

Aphrodisiac. 

Jin had not warned him about this, and it was absolutely addicting. The alpha might have even forgotten about this since it had been so long since his last rut, but Jimin was already hooked. The human’s moaning made Taehyung fiercer, and he aligned his dick to Jimin’s entrance and shoved it in immediately. Jimin gripped the couch and cried out, but it didn’t hurt. Well, a little bit. But the saliva had put him into a state of arousal even stronger than regular sex with Taehyung, and he was writhing in pleasure under the alpha as Taehyung fucked him mercilessly on impact. 

Jimin moaned the hybrid’s name, and although he was hardly in his right mind, Taehyung slapped Jimin’s ass harder than he ever had, and the human knew it would leave a mark for days. He wasn’t kidding when Taehyung said he would get even stronger than he already was. Jimin switched gears and referred to him with the honorifics instead, which seemed to satisfy the hybrid hearing his mate calling him “alpha.”

Jimin couldn’t even speak with how hard Taehyung was fucking him. He was writhing and screaming out in pleasure, absolutely certain that Taehyung’s dick had grown even bigger from his rut. His suspicions proved correct when he looked down between the two of them while Taehyung was pounding into him, and saw his stomach expanding a bit each time his hybrid thrust in. 

He was hypnotized as he watched what his own body was doing, until Taehyung’s repeated targeting of his prostate made the human roll his eyes back and completely go limp. He tried to reach for the hybrid who just pinned his wrists down, so hard there would certainly be bruises around his wrists.

Jimin didn’t care.

He felt the familiar stretch of Taehyung’s knot as it formed at the base of his enlarged rut-induced dick. The abuse of his prostate along with the added stretch of the knot was the last Jimin could take before he was cumming against their chests with a cry. He felt completely full as Taehyung groaned and released inside of Jimin, his knot fully formed and locking them together. Jimin knew for a fact Taehyung had never cum that much inside of him, and something about it made him already hungry for more despite how utterly fucked out he was.

Jimin was just about as sweaty as Taehyung when it was finished. The alpha was gasping for breath, and his dilated pupils were going back to normal. He lowered onto Jimin, making sure not to crush him, hid his face in his human’s neck.

“I’m sorry.” Taehyung whispered.

“Don’t apologize.” Jimin said. “I’m great.”

Taehyung could sense that Jimin was honest, but that was only the first knot. Ruts lasted for at least three days, and Taehyung could see this one lasting even longer since it’s been dormant for so long.

“It’ll come back, Jimin. It will never be gentler. It’ll be just that hard every time for days. ” Taehyung warned him.

“Good. How long do we have?”

“At most, a half hour. Most likely, ten minutes.” Taehyung said. “Knots go down fast during rut, and the minute it does, I go right back to how I just was.”

“I’m ready.” Jimin said confidently, then faltered a little. “Is this the wild you were talking about?”

Taehyung sighed. Jimin didn’t understand what he’d gotten himself into. 

“Yes, Jimin. This was the wild I was talking about. It’s only meant for hybrids, and you really shouldn’t be here, doing this.”

Jimin grinned through his afterglow, proud that he now understood what Taehyung was referring to. The hybrid was not as amused. Jimin was too fragile for a rut, let alone Taehyung’s. The hybrid completely lost his mind, he hardly remembered fucking Jimin just now. He was afraid to look at Jimin’s body and see what he’d done.

“Jimin, I need you to understand that when I’m like this, I black out. And you will not be strong enough to fight me off.” Taehyung warned. “If you can’t take anymore, you need to run away the minute my knot starts to go down and taser me if I chase you. Grab that blanket to wrap around yourself and your phone and run out the door. Call Jin or Jungkook, or the police. Okay?”

“Alright. I promise.” Jimin said.

To Taehyung’s utter amazement, Jimin kept his promise. He took every single rut fuck for three days straight—every single knot. He never backed down, he never got scared, he never needed a break. Taehyung had hardly come across an omega who could handle a rut unless they were in heat. The fact that Jimin could take it at all, let alone as a human, was outlandish.

Taehyung was nearing the end, where he had a little more sanity while he wasn’t knotting Jimin. He only needed to fuck out a rut about three times a day instead of every hour like before.

“Are you okay?” Taehyung asked after one of the final sessions. 

He had carried Jimin to the kitchen and the human was replenishing himself with water and bananas.

“I’m amazing.” Jimin said, blissfully.

“I figured you’d have ran out the door by now.” Taehyung said. “Or needed to go to the hospital.”

“Nope. I’m okay.” The human said. “You’re not as animalistic as you think you are, Taehyung.” 

The comment visibly stunned Taehyung. “I’m not?”

“I mean, you fuck insanely hard, even more than usual—which is really saying something.” He giggled. “But you have some self control. Haven’t you remembered any of the times you’ve fucked me?”

“Hardly.” Taehyung answered, bluntly

“I’ve cried and asked you to slow down, and you have.”

The words sounded like a foreign language to Taehyung when Jimin said them.

“...I have?”

“Yeah. At least three times now I’ve asked you to calm down and you did. One time you even saw me crying and asked if I was alright without me saying anything.”

“I did?” Taehyung’s eyes went wide.

He wasn’t surprised that he remembered nothing. The ruts he had suffered through before were almost like amnesia for him. But unconsciously having the ability to be gentle while in rut? That was even more wild than Jimin’s little body being able to take it.

“Yeah, I can’t believe you don’t remember.” Jimin said. “I guess it makes sense, since your pupils were still huge. But I haven’t felt unsafe once, which I really wasn’t expecting. I was sure I’d need to call Jungkook at some point.”

The hybrid was silent for a long while, his eyes fixated somewhere in the distance, clearly lost in thought.

“Oh.” Was all he responded with after what felt like ten minutes.

“Is everything alright?” Jimin asked, tilting his head and looking intently at his hybrid.

Taehyung’s eyes were still staring off, his mind visibly somewhere else, until a small grin tugged at his lips.

“Tae?” Jimin couldn’t take the anticipation.

“Yeah.” Taehyung answered once he finally met Jimin’s gaze. “I’m good.”

Before Jimin could interrogate further, he saw the shift in Taehyung’s expression as his smile dropped and his pupils dilated again. Jimin had just enough time to shove the plates off the counter before the hybrid flattened him against it to fuck out the last of his rut in him.

***

“So uhh…without getting too graphic,” Jungkook started, “We were just wondering how you’re doing? I mean, with everything.”

Jimin was sitting amongst the hybrids a few days later in Hoseok’s apartment, his face still radiant from the week he’d just spent locked up with Taehyung.

“It was totally fine.” Jimin said, somehow luminescent. “Amazing in fact.”

Jin and Jungkook were just as astonished as Taehyung had been.

“Really?” They asked at the same time.

“Yeah, Taehyung was actually really sweet.”

Both of their eyes nearly popped out of their heads.

“Really ?” They repeated, as if incapable to physically comprehend the information Jimin was relaying to them.

“Yeah! It was intense, but it wasn’t scary like Jin and Taehyung warned that it would be.” Jimin beamed. “Without getting too graphic, there were times where I couldn’t take it, and even though Taehyung doesn’t remember, he would stop and make sure I was okay.”

This caught the other alphas’ attention as they started putting the pieces together.

“While in rut sex?” Jin asked.

“Uh huh. He warned me that when he blacked out he wouldn’t be able to stop, but I guess he has more control than he thought.” He said happily, grinning over at Taehyung.

The two alphas also looked over at Taehyung with a different expression.

“I see.” Jin said. “That is pretty rare.”

Jimin averted his attention back to the other hybrids. “It is?” 

“Extremely.” Jungkook answered. “I’ve only heard of an alpha subconsciously holding back while in rut a few times.”

“Guess I’m just lucky.” Jimin smiled, leaning on Taehyung’s shoulder.

The other two alphas made eye contact with each other with knowing grins, then back to a content looking Taehyung. Of course Jimin didn’t understand what that meant as a human, but they all did, and Taehyung was now glowing almost as bright as Jimin was.

“It sounds like it.” Jin concurred.

Chapter Text

The group walked into the store, and immediately Jungkook went tense and Taehyung cracked up, followed by Jin. The humans, ever so lost, looked around the store to try and find answers as to what just evoked such reactions from the hybrids.

“What’s wrong?” Hoseok finally asked.

“Nothing.” Jungkook said immediately before the older hybrids could answer, pushing his cart forward. “Let’s just get what we need and get out of here.”

Taehyung and Jin couldn’t stop cackling amongst themselves, leaving the humans in the dark. The alphas joined Jungkook at the produce section of the grocery store where they knew he’d be. The area was cold and frigid, of course.

“It’s nice over here, isn’t it?” Taehyung asked, feigning oblivion.

“Fuck off.” Jungkook snapped at them. The humans joined behind, still trying to figure it out.

“Are you okay?” Hoseok asked Jungkook.

“I’m just fine. What’s on the list?” He asked in a short tone that was very unlike him. Taehyung and Jin shared a look then led their humans away.

“What the hell is going on?” Jimin asked, growing frustrated at being left out of this joke. Taehyung wrapped his arm around Jimin and went the opposite direction.

“I’ll explain later.” Taehyung said. “I think Jungkook will go feral on me if he finds out I told you right now.”

Jimin dropped it and they gathered what they needed in their baskets. Taehyung didn’t allow Jimin to be as indecisive as he normally was for Jungkook’s sake. They parted ways to divide and conquer for timeliness. Jin spotted Jungkook at the same time as Taehyung again, having also split from Yoongi to speed up the grocery trip. They connected eyes before telepathically agreeing to do the same thing.

“How ya doin, Kookie?” Jin asked. 

Jungkook was still extremely rigid, his jaw clenched and his knuckles white with the grip he had on the cart. Taehyung noticed the bar was starting to bend.

“I’m. Fine.” He said firmly.

“Are you sure? Why do you seem so frustrated?” Taehyung asked.

Jungkook glared at the hybrid, causing the two to fall into a fit of giggles.

“Hey, we got our lists done fast for you, alright? They’re checking out right now and then we’ll be out of here.” Taehyung assured him.

Jungkook just groaned and trudged away. Taehyung and Jin laughed deviously and followed behind to rejoin with their humans.

“So, you gonna tell him?” Jin bumped his shoulder against Taehyung’s, who responded with a smug smile. He knew exactly what Jin was referring to.

“Eventually.” He gave a performative shrug.

“You know, if you don’t beat him to the punch, Yoongi will.” Jin said. “I’ve had a rut with him.”

Taehyung’s ears perked up under his hat and he had to adjust it to ensure he didn’t expose his identity.

“Yoongi?” Taehyung almost couldn’t believe it. “He handled your rut?”

“Well, he handled our version of it.” Jin snickered. “When Junglook said he’d only heard of breaking during rut sex a couple times, one of them was me with Yoongi.”

“Really?" Taehyung was taken off guard by how casually Jin told him. “When was this?”

“First year after he adopted me.” Jin said. “He didn’t know anything about hybrids. He didn’t even know what a rut was, and I didn’t think I’d have one after everything happened. It was a shocker for both of us, but he took it.”

Taehyung was surprised, and decently impressed. Before they could continue Jimin came up with Yoongi.

“Guys? I think we should leave. Jungkook looks like he’s about to explode.”

The two hybrids allowed themselves one last laugh before following their humans. “Alright, let’s put the poor kid out of his misery.”

Once the promise was fulfilled and they were outside, Jungkook let out a long breath of relief and practically sprinted to the car with the cart, causing Hoseok to chase after him in bewilderment. 

“Now will you tell me what the hell that was about?” Jimin asked, crossing his arms.

“There was an omega in heat in there.” Jin answered. “We all smelled the pheromones as soon as we got inside and knew Jungkook would be struggling.”

“You could sense it that fast?” Jimin asked.

“Of course. I can smell hybrids scent on you the second you walk in the door.” Taehyung said.

“Why was he struggling so much more than you guys?” Jimin asked.

“Because he doesn’t have a mate.” Jin explained. “Once you have a mate, that stuff doesn’t really affect you anymore.”

Yoongi accepted this information, most definitely having had this explained to him before, but Jimin wasn’t satisfied. What was that supposed to mean? Jungkook didn’t have a mate?

“We should get going so our ice cream doesn’t melt.” Jin said, grabbing Yoongi’s hand. “See you tonight!”

They waved to the other couple and walked off. Taehyung put his arm around Jimin again and walked them to the car.

“What did Jin mean by that?” Jimin asked as they put their groceries into the back.

“By what?” Taehyung asked.

“By saying Jungkook didn’t have a mate?”

“He doesn't.” Taehyung explained. “I thought you knew that.”

“I thought he and Hoseok were mates. Jungkook takes care of Hoseok for the most part, and he’s an alpha and they live together. Doesn't that make him Jungkook's mate?”

“Not the way you're thinking.” Taehyung chuckled. “Living together and helping out doesn’t equate to being the kind of mates Jin is referring to.”

“But you said you see me as your mate because you take care of me." Jimin struggled to wrap his head around it. "Why doesn't that go for Jungkook and Hoseok?"

“It’s complicated.” Taehyung restrained from flashing the ardent smile threatening to make a presence on his face. “I’ll explain it better when I’m not dying of hunger. Can we stop somewhere on the way home?”

Jimin huffed but begrudgingly followed Taehyung. The hybrid found it harder and harder these days not to squeeze Jimin’s cheeks when he felt endeared by the human. He was too damned cute for his own good.

After putting their groceries in the car, Taehyung held Jimin’s hand and led them to his favorite brunch spot down the street. Jimin was going on about the most recent dream he’d had to Taehyung, who listened with a fond smile until he noticed a shift in the air. He felt something was off, and it only took rounding one corner for Taehyung’s ears to perk up under his hat yet again. He froze, Jimin slamming into him. 

“Tae?” The human asked asked, pulling at his hybrid’s coat a bit to try and snap him out of it.

Taehyung’s eyes scanned the premises before locking on the target. Before Jimin had a chance to catch what Taehyung had spotted, the hybrid held his hand tighter and swiftly turned them around.

“Taehyung? What’s wrong?” Jimin asked, struggling to keep up.

“Nothing. We just gotta go.” He tried to hurry without causing a scene.

“I thought you wanted to eat?”

“I changed my mind. Let’s just g–”

Before he could finish, he heard a voice calling to him.

“Aren’t you missing something, sir?”

Taehyung halted, stiff in his tracks. This time Jimin was vigilant enough to stop without toppling against him again, turning to see what was surely the source of Taehyung’s shift in demeanor. Upon landing eyes on it, Jimin wasn’t quite sure what made Taehyung so tense. It was just a hybrid? There was nothing extraordinary about him, at least not that Jimin could see. He was even shorter than Jimin, but based on Taehyung’s reaction, the human gathered that clearly there was some type of trouble this unknown hybrid was going to cause if they didn’t listen to him.

“I can smell you, moron.” He jeered towards Taehyung.

Taehyung growled and pushed Jimin behind him to shield his human as he turned to face the unknown hybrid.

“I fucking know that, dipshit.” Taehyung responded, much fiercer than the other.

“I don’t know if you want to be picking a fight with me, mutt.” The other hybrid wore a pompous sneer that Taehyung had to hold back from clawing off from his face.

“Tae, what’s going on?” Jimin grabbed onto his hybrid's arm as he peeked around Taehyung to see.

“I’m guessing your human knows? Based on how he reeks of your scent.” The smirk on the shorter hybrid's face told them that he knew just how much of Taehyung’s scent was on the human.

“What the fuck do you want?” Taehyung glared reached into his soul.

“Something to keep my mouth shut.” The hybrid simpered, crossing his arms.

Jimin felt the blow of his words to his core, the color draining from his face as he held on tighter to Taehyung. The same way he did when Jin told them about his backstory.

“Go fuck yourself.” Taehyung retorted, sending shockwaves of anxiety through Jimin at the impulsivity of it.

“Well, looks like either I go to the cops or you give me something to make it worth not turning you in.” The hybrid threatened, his eyes flicking to Jimin with a mocking grin. “Looks like your human is getting pretty scared. You might wanna make a decision quick before he faints at the thought of losing his precious little alpha.”

Taehyung was about to fight back before Jimin took a couple hundred dollar bills out of his wallet and shoved them into the other hybrid’s arms.

“There!” He grabbed Taehyung’s arm and started trying to pull him away. “C’mon Tae!”

There was desperation to his voice, and Taehyung was instantly angrier than before. He hated that another hybrid could affect Jimin like this, but his instincts forced him to do what would make his human calm down.

“What a good alpha, taking care of his bitch.” Taehyung heard the other hybrid laugh maliciously at him whipped around, charging over to him.

Before he could wrap his hand around the hybrid’s throat, the other held up a phone.

“Careful, mutt. All it takes is one dial.” He batted his lashes, well aware that he held the power.

If not for Jimin’s hands on Taehyung’s arm, the alpha might have failed in making the rational decision. “If you didn’t have the safety blanket of the fucking police, I would tear you to shreds, you little beta. ”

The other hybrid just smiled smugly at him and Taehyung finally let the human tug him away, pulling the hybrid’s arm with all his might.

“You  don’t have to give in to him.” Taehyung stopped Jimin once they were around the corner. “He’s just trying to scare you.”

“It’s fine! I don’t care about it, let’s just go back home before we run into any more trouble.”

“Jimin, if we get caught you wouldn’t get in trouble. Just me.”

“Please can we just go home?” Jimin asked, shaking Taehyung’s arm desperately with a quivering voice. “I’m scared.”

Taehyung realized that Jimin was tearing up, and immediately shifted into protection mode. He put his arm around Jimin. 

“Okay, let’s go.” He said, helping Jimin keep this footing through his anxiety.

***

“You seem vexed.” Jin said, handing Taehyung a beer as the alphas sat together on the couch that night. 

“We got mugged today.” Taehyung grumbled, setting the beverage on the table. He was in no mood to drink.

The hybrids' eyes widened in shock, wondering who on this earth would be strong enough to physically overpower an alpha.

“What? By who?”

“Not with physical force.” Taehyung clarified. “Some beta bitch noticed me without a collar and blackmailed us. I could tell he was a nark the minute we got close. They give off those sour pheromones.”

“Shit, I’m sorry.” Jungkook patted him on the back. “How much did he take?”

“I don’t know. Jimin gave him the money and pulled me away. I was gonna fight for it, but he was really scared. So, obviously I left it.”

“Damn, poor kid.” Jin tsked. “He doesn’t carry a collar on hand for emergencies?”

“There’s no need.” Taehyung stated with that same short tone that always followed any topic of him and the concept a collar in the same sentence.

The other two alphas let out heavy sighs, clearly getting a bit fed up with this ambiguous resistance.

“Tae, you know if you just—“

“If you’re gonna tell me I need to wear the collar, save your breath.”

“I know you don’t want to talk about it, but you’re missing out on a lot of life by not just putting it on.” Jin said. “Not just fun shit—like the camping trip we should be on right now—but also for shit like this. You know how Jimin feels about you, what that would do if something happened to you?”

“They have a lot of really subtle collars too now.” Jungkook chimed in. “You’ve seen mine. It’s basically just a necklace.”

“It’s just enough to get the cops off your back. And then you won’t have to worry about your ears and tail showing all the time.” Jin reasoned.

“I didn’t make you guys stay home with me. You could have gone with them. And I’ll take stuffed ears and a cramped tail over wearing a collar any day.” Taehyung said. “You guys can wear yours to make life easier, but I’ll go back to the pound before I put one on.”

Jungkook was reaching his wit's end with this, but Jin gathered his patience and tried to take the sympathetic route for Taehyung's sake.

“Tae, it feels like there’s something deeper about your refusal to wear the collar.” Jin finally said gently. “It’s been over six months since Jimin adopted you, and you’ve still never told us more than three facts about your life before this.”

“There’s no deeper reason.” Taehyung said, crossing his arms. “I just don’t wanna wear it.” 

The other hybrids could tell the conversation was over, at least on Taehyung’s end. Jin sensed Jungkook’s growing frustration and just glared at him with a subtle shake of his head. He knew that if they wanted to help Taehyung, they needed to be careful to not make upset and close himself off.

“Well, if you change your mind, we’re going to San Francisco next month.” Jin said, then turned on the film they’d agreed upon.

It was some weird movie clearly made by humans based around the omegaverse, which naturally had the three in tears laughing so hard. The three of them had taken it upon themselves to finish off the movie with some pre-rolls Yoongi had left them, which only made it funnier.

“Did you ever fuck an omega?” Jungkook asked Taehyung once the movie got boring.

“A couple times, it’s been years though. Since before the pound.” Taehyung said.

“Did you know them or was it like helping through their heat thing?” 

“I helped her heat, but I knew her. She was my mate.”

The comment caused a hush over the other hybrids. Taehyung had said it with such indifference, which maybe would’ve gone unnoticed by humans, but Jin and Jungkook knew the weight of the concept.

“You have a mate?” Jungkook asked Taehyung as the hybrid took a hit from the blunt.

“I did.” Taehyung said, exhaling the smoke. “Not for very long, though.”

“Did you mark her?” Jin asked.

“Yep. I was gonna let her mark me back, but then…it ended.”

He said it suddenly, in a way that made Jin and Jungkook glance at each other before continuing.

“It just ended?” Jungkook asked. “What do you mean?”

“We stopped being mates.” Taehyung said, completely apathetic about it.

Of course, all of them knew that’s not how it actually worked. You don’t just turn that off once the mark is there. But they gathered that Taehyung must have a reason for phrasing it so cryptically.

“I’ve never heard of such a thing.” Jin said. “Was there a specific reason?”

The other hybrids watched as Taehyung chose next words carefully. “She couldn’t get pregnant, no matter how hard we tried.” Taehyung said before another hit.

“You wanted kids?” Jin was pretty surprised at this suggestion.

Taehyung let out the puff of smoke for just as long as he’d breathed it in. “Not really. But she did.” 

“Wow. And the omega was a female?” Jungkook asked, and Taehyung nodded. “And you mated her?”

“Yup.” Taehyung answered plainly.

“Were you…sad?” He followed up.

“No. I only mated her to try and help the whole offspring process.” Taehyung shrugged. “I don’t think she particularly cared either. She had other things to do.”

Taehyung’s vague descriptions of the wildly out of the ordinary event were bizarre to say the least, but the more questions his friends asked, the more irritable he got. Similar to anytime anyone brought up anything that related to his life before Jimin. 

Finally they decided to just drop it when they heard footsteps coming down the hall and turned to see Jimin walking in.

“Jimin?” Jin asked, pausing the movie. “What are you doing back?”

“We decided not to go.” He answered, clearly a bit irritated. “We got to the campgrounds and then Hoseok started freaking out when he walked through a web and the spider fell on his shoulder. He made us drive back.”

Taehyung and Jin cackled but Jungkook just groaned.

“Great. He’s going to be asking me to check every square foot of the house for the next week for spiders.”

“It was HUGE!” Hoseok came bounding in, with an equally unamused looking Yoongi trailing behind.

“I cannot believe we drove an hour and a half there just for you to bail out within five minutes of us getting out of the car.” Yoongi berated him, looking over at the hybrids. “I’m not exaggerating. I literally checked the time from the GPS of when we got there versus when we left. It was almost five minutes on the dot from parking and getting back in the car.”

Jungkook was the only one not sharing the amusement Jin and Taehyung were getting from the story, knowing what it entailed for his following week.

“Welp, there goes our hybrid staycation.” Jungkook sighed, grunting as he hoisted himself to his feet. “Alright, let’s go home.”

The pair left with Hoseok ranting about the spider the whole way out the door. Jimin and Taehyung exited shortly after saying their goodbyes to Yoongi and Jin.

“Well, was the ride fun at least?” Taehyung giggled over at Jimin.

“Not particularly, Hoseok got carsick and we had to pull over to get antacids and ginger ale.” Jimin complained and Taehyung covered his face, trying to keep back the delight the unraveling details gave him.

A comfortable silence settled after Jimin finished venting about it. Taehyung wasn’t changing the song every two minutes, too busy trying to compose himself. Now that Jimin was back, he decided now was the best time to finally explain the weight of what breaking consciousness during rut meant.

“Jimin?” Taehyung asked, holding back his eager smile. “I have something to tell you.”

“That you have a mate?”

Hearing the unanticipated answer come from Jimin’s mouth instantly made Taehyung’s heart plummet and his smile fade.

“What?”

“You guys were talking about it when we got home.”

Taehyung could see Jimin’s Adam's apple bob when he said it, clearly holding back tears.

“Oh…I didn’t know you heard that.” Taehyung said, his eyes downcast.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Jimin’s voice started quivering.

Taehyung paused, unsure of how to answer. 

“I forgot about it until now.” He simply said. “It was so long ago.”

The quiet in the car was no longer peaceful, but painfully tense.

“So that's it then?” Jimin asked. “She'll be mated to you forever?”

Taehyung’s silence was all Jimin needed to feel sick to his stomach.

“Did you love her?”

“No.” Taehyung’s immediate answer was organic to his feelings. “It didn’t mean anything.”

“What do you mean, It didn’t mean anything?” Jimin’s agitation was starting to make a presence in his tone. “I may not be a hybrid, but I’m not completely oblivious to how mates work. I know that shit is for life. And you have that with someone else that isn’t me.”

There was another painful pause before Taehyung’s reply. Jimin could see the hybrid suck his bottom lip under his teeth, something he did when he was contemplating what to say. In this case, it was how to phrase what was inevitably going to break Jimin no matter how it came out.

“I know. I’m sorry.” He finally responded, peeking over at Jimin. “If I could go back and change it I would. But it’s marked forever.”

“Then why did you do it?” Jimin asked, his voice quivering, weighing on Taehyung’s heart with every word.

“I…” He sighed, looking away. “I don’t know.”

He was holding back so much of the truth, and they both knew it. But despite how sad Jimin was about it, that was one area Taehyung wouldn’t go.

“I’m really sorry, Jimin.” Taehyung apologized again. “But I promise, it was six years ago. I don’t know where she is now, if she’s even in the country or alive. I was young and I didn’t think much about it. I have no feelings for her, and I didn’t really even at the time.”

“You told me that once you’re mated you can’t get turned on by anyone else.” Jimin said. “Is that true?”

“If she had bitten me, then yes it’d be true. But I only marked her, so I can still be with someone else truly. I promise I've only ever felt this way about you, and if you were a hybrid I would have mated you the first time we had sex if you’d let me. That’s how sure I was.”

“So there’s really no way for you to mark me like hybrids?” Jimin asked finally.

Taehyung looked at him sadly, his own heart breaking as he answered. “Since you’re human, no. There’s no way to physically mark you in a way that would matter to hybrids."

Jimin swallowed the lump in his throat, misty eyes locked on the road and gave a curt nod. “I understand.”

The rest of the drive was silent, and Taehyung knew that tonight was not the time to tell Jimin. 

“Tae?”

The hybrid felt himself being shaken awake gently the next morning. He opened his eyes to see Jimin standing next to the couch looking down at him.

“Why’d you sleep out here?”

Taehyung rubbed his eyes, trying to think of the best way to answer.

“I just stayed up late gaming and passed out here.” He lied.

He could tell Jimin was hardly buying it, but let it go for now. He couldn’t admit that he felt too guilty taking up space next to Jimin after what had happened.

“Well, go ahead and get dressed.” Jimin smiled softly. “It’s pottery day.”

The heaviness in Taehyung’s chest lifted almost instantly at the reminder of their plans. The hybrid shot straight up with a huge smile on his face, his tail wagging shamelessly.

“Fuck yeah!” He hopped off the couch and scurried to their room.

Jimin giggled at the display of excitement he so rarely got to see. Taehyung was always the significantly more composed one of the two, so seeing the roles reversed was quite a treat for Jimin. 

True, he was still significantly hurt to find out about Taehyung’s mate. He would almost venture to say it broke his heart to hear Taehyung share the news with the other alphas so blasé. For as close as Taehyung and Jimin had gotten, the hybrid had never even made it seem like there was anyone before him. He would understand a romantic relationship at some point, but a mate? A permanent mate? What made it worse was that he wasn’t sure Taehyung had had any plan to tell Jimin ever, despite how easily he shared the news with the hybrids. Jimin had gone through a whole rut with Taehyung, all to find out he’d had a mate?

Jimin was holding back tears when he heard them talk about it, all the way until he laid his head on the pillow that night. He wondered how he’d ever be able to approach the conversation again without crying. He wondered how he would ever be able to move past it—then he woke up alone in the morning. It hurt even more than Taehyung revealing his past mate, and Jimin decided he would find out how to make peace with the hybrid’s mysterious past that he'd likely never get answers to. He couldn’t take another night without Taehyung, or a morning waking up anywhere but in his hybrid’s arms.

Before they got in the car, Taehyung turned and wrapped his arms around Jimin, testing to see if the human would be receptive to it. When Jimin leaned against him, Taehyung let out a sigh of relief.

“I’m sorry about last night.” Taehyung said. “Are you okay?”

Jimin wasn’t, but he knew he would be. He needed to be.

“I’m okay.” He smiled up at him. “Let’s go see you put your money where your mouth is, Van Goph.”

Jimin smiled fondly as the hybrid tugged him to their car. Taehyung couldn’t refrain his leg from bouncing as he anxiously glared at each stoplight, cursing them for delaying their session.

“Tae, relax. We’re still going to be early.”

“But what if all the paints are gone by the time we get there?” Taehyung whined.

“I don’t think they’ll be ready to paint by the time our session is done. I’m pretty sure we have to come back in a week.”

Taehyung crossed his arms and slouched like a frustrated kid, and Jimin could have pinched his cheek from how cute his behavior was. It was such a reversal of roles, it nearly made Jimin squeal.

Just as Jimin said, they’d arrived earlier than any other students for the class. Jimin wasn’t sure he’d ever seen Taehyung so vigilant in his life as he watched the instructor with his big eyes. Jimin had to remind Taehyung to keep his emotions in check lest someone notice his hat shifting because of his ears stuffed under it.

His endearment of Taehyung’s behavior gradually faded away when they started working with the clay, as Jimin discovered that he really wasn’t good at pottery. Taehyung was a complete natural, shaping and carving away and receiving the most compliments out of all the students from the instructor, who completely ignored Jimin. It’s not that the human necessarily cared, of course he was thrilled that Taehyung was so gifted, but he just hated putting so much work into something that didn't show it.

Jimin sighed at the end of the lesson, examining his warped molding of what was supposed to be a bowl. His eyes flicked over to Taehyung’s perfect pot, the one that the teacher had praised the hybrid endlessly for. Taehyung was practically bouncing from how excited he was looking at it, contemplating how he was going to paint it once it was finished.

“Tae, our session is over.” Jimin muttered, taking off his apron.

“Okay, I just wanna take a look at the paints before I go to get my vision for when we come back tonight.” He put his pot down gingerly.

“He said they’re dry enough to take now. Can’t you just paint them at home so we don't have to come back?”

Taehyung’s jaw dropped, as if he could not fathom the words that had just come from Jimin’s mouth.

“Paint it at home? We don’t have the materials, nor the workspace, nor the expertise of our instructor to tell me if I’m carving correctly.” Taehyung chided him. "He said the best way is to come back a few hours after so it's not completely dried out and mistakes can be fixed while painting."

“Tae! I don’t want to come back.” Jimin whined and stomped his feet dramatically on the floor. “I just spent two hours making what looks to be a giant ear canal, and I just wanna forget this ever happened.”

Taehyung could not resist falling victim to Jimin’s little temper tantrum, and simply admitted defeat.

“Okay, we can go.” He wiped off his hands. “Can I just look at the paints before to figure out what colors to order?”

Jimin’s face lit up in anticipation of leaving the store. “Sure! I’ll go pay.”

He hopped up and waited in the short line with his credit card ready. Jimin was okay to take Taehyung's beautiful pot home, but he wanted to simply throw his own pathetic bowl in the trash before they even left the shop.

The human’s eyes scanned around the store aimlessly, mentally planning his following day at work. His focus reached Taehyung, a fond smile growing on his face as per usual whenever he saw the hybrid, until he analyzed his demeanor.

He looked a manner Jimin had never seen before. He was rigid, his hands to his sides, and his eyes as wide as Jimin had ever seen them, displaying absolute shock. It concerned Jimin and he followed Taehyung’s line of vision to what was causing such a reaction, landing on a girl standing across from him with a similar expression as she stared back at Taehyung. Squinting his eyes for a clearer picture, he noticed that she was not a girl, but in fact a hybrid.

“Sir?” 

Jimin startled out of his internal investigation when the cashier called for his attention. He couldn’t stop looking over at Taehyung and the girl throughout the transaction. The two hybrids both looked extremely uncomfortable, hardly capable of making eye contact. It didn’t last long until she reached her arms around and hugged him. Taehyung pretty much just stood there stiffly, finally putting one limp arm around her back to attempt reciprocating the hug he clearly didn’t want to be a part of.

Jimin paid for the pottery with haste, immediately turned down the membership she offered him, thanked her and hurried to Taehyung. He reached the scene as the girl was walking away, and Jimin could see once he got closer that she was overwhelmingly gorgeous. Just like Taehyung. They looked like they could be a Hollywood starlet couple with their beautiful features. 

“Tae?” Jimin called his name, once he got close enough.

It seemed to snap Taehyung out of the daze he had watching her leave. He finally looked down at Jimin, who was beyond confused.

“Is everything okay?” Jimin asked. 

Taehyung seemed to be reorienting himself in reality as he finally answered Jimin.

“Yeah.” He said, looking down at Jimin. “I’m okay.”

Before Jimin could ask about her, Taehyung’s arms wrapped around the human, pulling him in close and embracing him. Jimin was still a bit rattled by the interaction, but he could never pass up physical affection from the hybrid. He looped his arms around Taehyung, grateful that every hug with the hybrid was meaningful, unlike the one Taehyung had just shared with that other hybrid.

“It looks like the next class is about to come in. Let’s head home.” Taehyung said.

He held the box with their pottery pieces under one arm, wrapping his other around Jimin as he walked them out the door. He kept his arm around Jimin all the way to the car. When they got in, Taehyung’s hand was on Jimin’s thigh, but instead of playing on Jimin’s phone he just set a playlist then looked out the window, with an unreadable expression.

“Tae?” Jimin decided to try again.

“Mmhmm?”

“Who was that?” He asked.

Taehyung’s thumb kept running over Jimin’s thigh for a moment as he figured out how to answer. He debated whether to tell the truth or make something up to ease Jimin. But he figured the human deserved more than silly lies that he’d probably be able to see through anyway.

“That was my mate.” 

Jimin felt it like a ton of bricks on his chest and his fingers went ice cold.

“Your mate?” He repeated for clarification.

“Yep.” 

“The one you haven’t seen since before the pound?”

“Uh huh.”

“I thought you said she moved away?”

“She did. Guess she moved back. She probably has a new family now.”  He shrugged.

Jimin didn’t know what to say. He didn’t want to say anything. The news made him so inexplicably angry, but he knew he didn’t really have the right to be. It had just been a hard reality for Jimin to face in the first place. Now all of a sudden the omega was making an appearance in his life again just as Jimin was starting to cope with the fact that she even existed at all.

“What’d she say?” Jimin asked.

“I don’t even really know. I was too stunned.” Taehyung said. “I think she apologized.”

“Apologized for what?” Jimin asked.

There was a painful pause that Jimin was certain went on for too long.

“For leaving.”

“She left you?” Jimin asked, his heart breaking even more. 

He had not known that she was the one to cut it off, and now he was left wondering if Taehyung had ever stopped wanting her, if everything he’d said about not caring about her was a lie.

“Technically, with moving away and all.” Taehyung answered.

“I thought you didn’t care about her?”

“I didn’t.” He said. “But she was still the one that moved, not me. I guess she felt bad about it.”

Jimin had so many questions and it irked him that Taehyung wasn’t seeming to answer any of them. Jimin was having an emotional meltdown and Taehyung was as calm as ever.

“I see.” Jimin said, locking his eyes on the road.

When they parked, Jimin promptly got out and started walking to the elevator.

“Jimin? Did you want me to grab your pot?” Taehyung asked, hurrying out before Jimin left him behind.

“If you want.” He said over his shoulder.

Taehyung stood still for a moment as he watched his human walk to the elevator, confused by Jimin’s shift in behavior.

“Are you mad at me?” Taehyung asked, abandoning the pots for now to catch up with Jimin.

“No.” Jimin stated, pressing the button for the elevator.

“Really? Because it feels like you are.” 

“I’m not.” Jimin repeated.

 The elevator came and he walked in, Taehyung closely following him.

“You were completely happy to be leaving before, and now you’re giving me the cold shoulder.”

“No I’m not.” Jimin lied, and Taehyung gave him a get real look.

“Jimin, c’mon. Let’s not do this. Just tell me what’s wrong.” He pleaded. “Is this about the pottery class? I told you, your bowl looked great.”

“It’s not about the bowl. It’s not about anything.” Jimin looked away, watching the elevator buttons go up. He wished this damn thing went faster, but that was the price he paid for renting the penthouse.

“Jimin, you can’t ignore me. Not only because we live together, but also because we’re currently in a 10 square foot elevator together.”

They finally reached the top floor and Jimin exited, walking into the apartment to immediately start cleaning the first thing he saw.

“Jimin, what the hell is the matter?” Taehyung asked, getting fed up. “What’d I do?”

“You didn’t do anything, Tae!” Jimin gradually got angry enough to raise his voice.

“Then why aren’t you looking at me? You’ve hardly said a word since the pottery shop. Something must have happened. Why are you mad at me?”

Jimin groaned, turning to look at Taehyung finally. “Because you mated someone else, alright?” 

Once he got to the root of it, Taehyung let out a deep breath. Its source was from a mixture of frustration and regret. 

“This is about Sheena?”

It hit Jimin’s stomach like a rock to hear Taehyung say her name. He hadn't up until now, but it rolled off his tongue so naturally, as if mocking Jimin that she knew Taehyung so much longer than him.

“So that’s her name.” Jimin crossed his arms.

“We’ve been over this, Jimin. I already told you I’m sorry I mated someone before you.” Taehyung groaned in irritation.

“I know, but it still bothers me, okay? It upsets me that it happened, and that you don’t seem to care at all, and that we just saw her and that she’s fucking beautiful, and that she gets to have you in a way I never will. The way I want you so bad. She gets to have it so easily and you don’t even care about her.”

Taehyung knew he could be angry at Jimin bringing up his past, but he took a step outside of himself. Realistically, if put in Jimin’s shoes, Taehyung wouldn’t have been too ecstatic at the circumstance either.

“I understand why you’re sad.” Taehyung said. “I would be too.”

“I don’t know how to get over it.” Jimin said, dropping down onto the couch. “Every time I think about it, I get upset all over again.”

Taehyung sighed, coming to sit across from Jimin. “I’m mad too.” Taehyung said. “I wish I hadn’t. But I was young and naive and I didn't…” 

He stopped himself, and Jimin looked more intently.

“Didn’t what?” 

Taehyung thought about it a bit longer, then simply let out a defeated exhale. “I just didn’t really think it through.” 

Taehyung was unquestionably bailing out on telling the truth, but he just couldn’t share that side of him. Not to Jimin, or anyone.

“I don’t know what else I can say to make you feel better, other than promise that I wish I didn’t mate her, and that I truly feel nothing towards her. It was six years ago, and as you could probably tell, I was not happy to see her. And she didn’t particularly look thrilled to see me either.” He said. “I just wish I could take it back and ease you from thinking about it.”

Jimin held the pillow closer to him. His thoughts were swarming, and he couldn’t look Taehyung in the eyes.

“I just need to think.” With that, he walked over to the door, grabbing his keys. “Will you be okay here for a bit?”

Taehyung looked longingly for his human, but just nodded. “Yeah, do what you need to do.”

Then Jimin was out the door.

***

“Jimin, you know it’s not fair for you to be angry at him over this, right?” 

Jimin looked over at Yoongi after Jin asked it, and the older nodded, backing his hybrid up.

“I know.” Jimin admitted. “I think part of it is that there’s clearly some reason he’s not telling me. Every time I ask how he could do something so big to someone he seemingly doesn’t care about at all, he just says he doesn’t know why he did it. He gets all tense and short with me.”

“Yeah, he was like that when he explained it to us too.” Jin agreed.  “I would guess there's probably something else there he doesn’t feel comfortable sharing yet.”

“It’s been months though.” Jimin let out a frustrated huff. “I adopted him in June and it’s nearly Christmas. How long will it go on until I get answers? I can deal with the weird collar resistance, but this mating thing directly affects how we are...”

Jin felt for Jimin, he really did. He felt for Taehyung too. He understood Jimin’s sorrow, but he also could tell there was something deeper happening for Taehyung. Jin was a hybrid, he knew how mating worked, and he knew how fucking weird Taehyung’s situation with this random omega was. It was a terrible position to be in for Jin as both a long time friend of Jimin and a fellow alpha friend of Taehyung, and he wished he could just get the younger hybrid to open up and explain why he was so secretive about seemingly everything pre-adoption. Jin had truly never heard of something like it before, but as a hybrid with a complicated past, he couldn’t bring himself to make any assumptions on Taehyung’s part or pressure him to explain.

“I get it, I promise I do.” Jin said. “I get frustrated too, and I can only imagine it’s much worse since you live with him and have a relationship. But I think whatever happened must have been pretty serious. You don’t keep stuff in for this long unless it’s that hard to rehash.”

“You're right.” Jimin held his knees to his chest. “I know it’s a dick thing for me to want information he doesn't want to share so bad, but it’s just so painful not knowing anything about him before seven months ago.”

“I mean, that’s the thing though.” Yoongi chimed in. “It’s only been seven months. I know that seems like a lot, but think about it, we've been friends for nine years and Jin just told you guys about his past."

“But you knew?” Jimin pointed out to Yoongi.

“I knew what was on the police report. But Jin wouldn’t talk about the specifics of what happened for, what, like three years?” The human looked to his hybrid.

“About that.” Jin nodded. 

“I completely get your position, Jimin. But he cares for you, a lot, and you couldn’t live without him.” Yoongi tried to explain to Jimin. “It’s up to you now to decide whether you want to stay through this or not.”

“What, like return him to the pound?” Jimin asked, his face going pale at the idea.

“No, not like that. But if it hurts you this much, it might be good for you two to go back to being just regular roommates, you know?”

“I do not know.” Jimin said. “I would lose my mind if that happened.”

“Then there’s your answer.” Yoongi said. “Just give him time. If he tells you eventually, that’s great. If he never tells you, you’ll have to sort out where you want to go from there.”

Jimin sighed, knowing the two of them were correct. Despite only being a couple years older than him, Jimin always felt that Yoongi and Jin were eons wiser than him and all the other guys in the group. 

Jimin’s eyes landed on Jin, who had a peculiar look on his face that the human couldn’t quite decipher.

“What are you thinking, Jin?” Jimin asked.

The alpha seemed to take a moment to choose his words carefully before responding.

“Have you and Taehyung talked about what happened during his rut since the night you told us about it?” Jin asked.

“Not really, why?” Jimin didn’t quite understand his purpose in bringing it up so suddenly.

Jin was clearly making some connections in his head and it frustrated Jimin that he didn’t understand. It felt like no one was ever going to tell him anything.

“Just talk to him, Jimin.” Jin finally said, as if he had settled on something in his mind. “I think if you hear him out, he might explain at least a little more of the situation to you.”

***

Jimin stared up at the cursive lettering of the sign that tormented him. He hated this stupid place, but for the sake of Taehyung, he had to swallow his pride and do what he needed to make it up to the hybrid.

“Hello.” The attendant greeted Jimin as he walked in. “Are you here to schedule the pottery painting session with our instructor?”

Jimin took a deep breath and exhaled before admitting defeat.

“Actually, I was wondering if you were still offering memberships for the holiday season?” He muscled through the words. “My bo—uh, friend, was interested.”

Her face lit up, realizing she would be earning commission from this.

“Of course we are! And we have a special, by registering now your first three paints are 20% off." She was practically singing. "If you just follow me, we can get you all signed up in the system.”

Ten agonizing minutes later, Jimin walked out with two laminated cards that signified his and Taehyung’s membership to the pottery shop for the next two months. He was almost out the door when he felt a tap on his shoulder and winced, prepared for another attendant to try and sell something he desperately did not want but was too nice to turn down.

However, when he turned around, he was met with none other than Sheena—Taehyung’s gorgeous mate.

“Um,” Jimin’s palms grew sweaty as he wiped them on his jeans. “Hi?”

“You were here with someone I know earlier.” She told him, as if he didn’t remember.

“Oh, yeah.” He smiled awkwardly. “I came to take a class with Taehyung.”

She tilted her head, visibly confused. “Taehyung?”

Jimin frowned, puzzled as to why she needed confirmation. “Yeah…is that not his name?”

Upon him asking for clarification, it’s like she remembered something and snapped back into gear. “Right, Taehyung.” 

Based on her reaction, it was clear to Jimin that she knew Taehyung as something else. He'd gone by a different name before his life with Jimin.

“How do you know him?” She asked, bringing Jimin back to the conversation.

The way she got straight to the point probably meant she was trying to figure out whether Jimin knew Taehyung was a hybrid before outing him.

“He’s my—I mean, I’m his—”

“You’re his new owner?” She beat him to the punch, her eyes hopeful. 

“Yeah.” Jimin finally answered as blunt as she was being.

“Oh thank god.” She let out a sigh of relief, putting a hand on her chest as if to steady her heart. Jimin’s nervous expression turned into a curious one at her unexpected reaction.

“Why do you say ‘thank god?’”

“I just hoped that Taehyung would fall into the right hands.” She said. “He deserved so much more.”

“What do you mean?” Jimin asked again, noticeably protective. “What did you do to him?”

At first, she looked thoroughly offended at him insinuating that she would have done something to hurt him. Then, as she thought it over, her face morphed into a melancholy expression and her eyes were somber.

“He didn’t tell you?” 

“No. He won’t tell me anything about his past.” Jimin said, looking away.

She bit her lip, thinking about the situation she was in. “I don’t think it’s my place to say then.”

Jimin finally realized that he didn’t have a right to know either. Based on her reaction, it further validated that there was a dreadful reason why Taehyung wasn’t willing to share about his history.

“I understand.” Jimin said. He could tell she was lingering, shifting from one foot to the other while she tried to formulate her next words.

“Just know,” She looked up into Jimin’s eyes, “When he says that he didn’t want to mate me, he means it.”

With that, she hurried away, leaving Jimin standing there. He was left watching as she exited the store with a human who held open the door for her and a bag of paints in his other hand. Jimin was at the very least relieved they hadn't come back for this painting session, otherwise they would all be in close quarters together for an hour and a half.

Jimin replayed the scene in his head over and over. First of all, up close, she was even more ethereal than he remembered, which hurt. Second, she was clearly concerned for Taehyung and cared for him, which hurt even more. Finally, she knew about his past, and though Jimin understood that he wasn’t entitled to that information, it still hurt the most that she did. In just a two minute interaction, Jimin gathered that she’d been in Taehyung's life for much longer than the human had previously thought, she undoubtedly knew him far better than Jimin did, and in addition to being left with even more questions, the short conversation tore Jimin’s heart out.

She had everything Jimin wanted. Taehyung’s mate marking, matched beauty, a shared history and first hand understanding of why he was the way that he was. She had it all, right down to the knowledge of Taehyung’s real name, which Jimin didn’t even know was something she'd have over him. He'd never once thought that Taehyung might have gone by something else before Jimin.

He hurt so bad from the interaction and everything that came with it, but the absolute worst part of it all was realizing how inexcusably unfair Jimin had been to Taehyung. He’d said he understood that the hybrid had lived a hard life, but he didn’t fully wrap his head around it until meeting Sheena. The gorgeous mate of Taehyung who could confirm his life was even more tragic than he led on, and Jimin had let himself grow frustrated with his hybrid's refusal of disclosing that traumatizing information.

Jimin was practically running to the car once he got his thoughts straight. After a frantic drive home with multiple traffic violations, he came bursting through his front door, frantically looking for the hybrid.

“Taehyung?” He called.

Taehyung was in the kitchen preparing dinner—shirtless, of course.

Before he could even respond, Jimin ran into his arms and hugged him so tight that if Taehyung didn’t have the build of a hybrid it might fracture his ribs. The hybrid’s eyes went wide at the unexpectedness of it, but gladly wrapped Jimin up in the embrace once he gathered his bearings.

“I’m sorry.” Jimin said into the hybrid’s chest.

Taehyung furrowed his brows

“What?” He asked, trying to pull away enough to see Jimin. “What for?” 

“For being upset with you because of your past. It wasn’t fair for me to be angry at you for something that already hurts you. And it’s not right for me to get frustrated at you not telling me what else happened before.”

Taehyung’s eyes became melancholy. “Did something happen?”

“Please don’t be mad.” Jimin pleaded, pulling away to look up at him. “I ran into Sheena.”

Taehyung’s eyes went wide and he went stiff.

“I promise I didn’t go up to her. She came to me.”

“What happened?” Taehyung's expression showed how deadly serious he was.

“She just told me she was glad you’re with me now, and that you truly didn’t want to mate her. She said it wasn’t her place to talk about your past, and I finally understood that I was being a shithead to you and I’m so sorry.”

Taehyung was pretty rattled by this news, but of course he went into protector mode and just pulled Jimin back in, resting his chin on the human’s head.

“It’s okay, Jimin.” He said. “I understand the frustration. It’s a hard situation for you.” 

He pulled away and kissed his human, who gladly accepted it.

“You don’t have to tell me anything else." Jimin said quickly. "I won’t bring up anything about what your life before this was like, and if I accidentally do, just tell me it’s not my business and I’ll drop it and never talk about it again.”

Taehyung chuckled at the absurdity of it. He would never speak that harshly to Jimin, but he deeply appreciated the sentiment of Jimin’s determination to make him comfortable. He analyzed the moment, smelled the pheromones on Jimin, and finally took the opportunity.

“Jimin, there’s something else I have to tell you.” Taehyung said. “I’ve been trying to tell you for a few days now.”

Jimin nodded in excitement, just purely content to be in his hybrid’s embrace again. “What is it?”

“You know the whole consciousness during rut sex thing that Jin and Jungkook were so surprised about?”

“Yeah. It’s just rare, right?”

“Extremely. But it’s not only that it’s rare, it’s that there’s a much deeper meaning to it.”

Jimin stood back and looked up at Taehyung with questioning eyes as the hybrid kept hold of his hands.

“What’s the meaning?”

“It means you’re my mate.” Taehyung grinned. “My real mate.”

Jimin was speechless for a moment, thoroughly lost by Taehyung’s confession. 

“...What?”

“That’s what I was going to tell you.” Taehyung said. “It’s not just that I see you as my mate. It’s that you are my mate.”

“Tae, you don’t have to make me feel better.” Jimin responded sincerely. “I understand how hybrid mating works.”

“No, I don’t just mean emotionally my mate.” Taehyung said. “I mean like, biologically, you’re my mate.”

Jimin frowned, looking up at Taehyung. “How is that possible? You can’t mark me.”

“Yeah, there’s this thing called ‘fated mates.’ It reaches across species for hybrids.” Taehyung explained. “I think humans have another word for it...soulmates?”

“Well, yeah, but that’s just an expression.” Jimin was still confounded. “Fated mate? How do you even tell that?”

“There’s not a lot of ways to tell because it’s so rare. I don’t even know if it actually exists in humans or if you guys just made it up for yourselves.” Taehyung said. “But the biggest tell is that even in my primal form during my rut, I could hear and see you. My human side was completely gone, but I still took care of you. That wasn’t a conscious choice, that’s something alphas can only do with their actual, fated mate—my soulmate. It’s against my will and purely instinct, which is why we were all so surprised.”

Jimin tilted his head. “I…I don’t get it. I’m a human.”

“I know.” Taehyung broke into an excited smile. “Fated mates defy the laws of hybrid nature. Even though you’re not an omega or even a hybrid at all, you’re still my mate. I had a rut with Sheena, and she couldn’t break past that primal part of me. It was only you. I’m only made for you.”

It took Jimin a good couple more moments for Taehyung’s explanation to completely settle in Jimin's brain. Once he’d finally come to terms with it, Jimin broke into a smile as ecstatic as Taehyung’s and threw himself into the hybrid's arms with an elated squeal.

“So I’m actually your mate? Your real mate?” 

Taehyung giggled, spinning Jimin around once before putting him back on the ground and cupping his face to plant a long kiss on his plush lips.

“Yes. You’re mine, and I’m yours.”

Jimin couldn’t stop giggling as he jumped into Taehyung’s arms again, nearly smashing their faces together when he kissed him. This time there was so much more. It was more than a lustful makeout that would lead to fucking. This was passionate, meaningful. Taehyung kept Jimin’s feet off the ground while they kissed, losing track of time until suddenly the fire alarm went off.

Taehyung put Jimin down and the two whipped their heads around to see whatever the hybrid was making was blackened to a crisp in the oven, resulting in the kitchen appliance spewing smoke and triggering the piercing siren.

“Taehyung!” Jimin screeched, rushing over to open the oven door, grabbing his mitts and pulling it out to promptly dump in the sink. “Make the alarm stop before the fire department gets called!”

Taehyung ran to open the windows then grabbed some of his posters and hysterically fanned the smoke away from the detector. After Jimin soaked the burnt…whatever it was in the sink, and Taehyung subsided the smoke enough, thankfully the alarm turned off.

They slumped onto the kitchen floor against the cupboards once it was over.

“What the hell were you making?” Jimin asked.

“It was supposed to be chicken breast.” Taehyung said sheepishly. “Honestly, it didn’t look much better before it caught on fire.”

Jimin just squinted at Taehyung for a second before bursting out into laughter.

“Hey! It’s not funny, that could’ve been serious!” Taehyung exclaimed.

But Jimin had transcended into the state of falling onto his surroundings through his roaring laughter, hiding his face to try and contain himself. Taehyung couldn’t keep in his cuteness aggression at Jimin’s little performance, and pounced on the human, wrapping his arms around his waist to dig his fingers into his sides and tickle him.

“Wait! I’ll stop!” Jimin pleaded through his giggles, squirming now as Teahyung hit the spots he knew made Jimin laugh the hardest.

“You’re trying to get in trouble, aren’t you?” Taehyung taunted him.

Jimin kept laughing as he tried to break out of Taehyung’s grasp. He managed to get to his feet and held out his hands to make distance between them before Taehyung could grab him again.

“C’mere, little Jimin.” Taehyung teased, standing to his feet and advancing toward him.

“In your dreams, Taeta–”  Jimin immediately stopped, his eyes going wide and his cheeks flushing once he realized he'd gotten too carried away. He stood up straight. “I mean, Taehyung.”

It was weird to hear Jimin say his name in full in this light hearted setting, and the hybrid quickly decided he didn’t much care for the formality of it. Taehyung mirrored Jimin, standing up straight, and Jimin looked away, holding his hands behind his back and opening his mouth to apologize.

“It’s okay.” Taehyung stopped Jimin’s apology before it started. “You can say it.”

Jimin peeked up at a grinning Taehyung in surprise. “What?”

“You can call me that name.” Taehyung clarified. 

Jimin toyed with his fingers still behind his back. The memory of what had happened last time replayed in his head.

“I don’t want to make you mad.” Jimin said, looking away again.

“It won’t make me mad. I want you to.” Taehyung encouraged him.

Jimin wasn’t quite sure whether or not to give in. He knew Taehyung wouldn’t get upset this time, but he didn’t want to make Taehyung feel like he had to push aside his comfort for Jimin.

“Come on, little Jimin. Just say it.”

“...Taetae?” Jimin nearly whispered, peeking up at him from under his bangs.

“Yes?” Taehyung answered, that warm smile still on his face.

Jimin lit up, giggling once again. “You really don’t mind?” 

“Nope. Just don’t tell the guys.” He instructed. “Only you can call me that.”

Jimin threw his arms around Taehyung’s neck, going on his toes to kiss his cheek.

“Okay, Taetae. ” He practically sang with excitement.

Jimin wasn't expecting any information about Taehyung's past from here on, but the fact tat the hybrid let Jimin use the once forbidden nickname on him meant more to Jimin than Taehyung would ever know.

“Oh! Before I forget, I got something for you.” Jimin said.

Taehyung waited in anticipation as Jimin pulled out the card and handed it over. Taehyung read it and the look on his face instantaneously erased all of the distaste Jimin had for the craft, and he made a mental note to treasure that look forever.

“You got the membership?!” Taehyung nearly squealed, causing Jimin to match the elated expression on his hybrid's face.

“Yes. We have until February.”

“Then what are we waiting for?” Taehyung grabbed Jimin’s keys for him, nearly jumping up and down with glee.

“Wait! What about dinner?”

“Fuck this dinner. We’ll eat with our minds.” Taehyung said, throwing on a hoodie draped on the chair and rushing out the door with Jimin’s hand in his free one.

Jimin was extremely worried about dinner and the fact that they weren’t having it, but he decided to push that aside for Taehyung. He was Jimin's mate after all, and even though Jimin would certainly get hangry in addition to grumpy at being in the store that haunted him, he would be satisfied as long as he saw Taehyung happy at the end of the day.

Chapter Text

Taehyung sat on the curb outside of Jin and Yoongi's house, sipping his beer and watching cars drive by with the older alpha. While summer was one of Taehyung's least favorite seasons, he couldn't deny his love for the warm nights that came with it.

“How’s mated life treating you?” Jin nudged Taehyung who smiled smugly.

“Not bad at all.” He leaned back on his palms. “As good as I thought the sex was before, it’s like tripled now. I don’t even know how that’s possible.”

“It’s the souls being connected.” Jin explained. “That’s why humans call it soulmates.”

“Damn, for once they got it right.” Taehyung grinned.

Their conversation came to a halt at Jihoon’s whining and complaining in the distance. It made both of them go rigid and glare over at the scene. Sure enough, there he was bitching at a very aloof-looking Namjoon.

“I don’t know how Namjoon deals with that.” Taehyung shook his head. “I don’t know how anyone could put up with something like Jihoon.”

“His owner is lucky Namjoon could take him in.” Jin said. “He was desperate to find a place for Jihoon. He almost dropped out from going abroad. He loves that awful hybrid so much for whatever reason.”

“The shit these rich pricks put up with for omegas.” Taehyung scoffed.

“They spend so much money on them, even if they find them annoying they’d do everything for those bitchy omegas. Apparently his owner dotes on the Jihoon and lets him get away with any and everything he wants like a spoiled kid.” Jin rolled his eyes. “Yoongi told me whenever Jihoon doesn’t get asked for, he just throws a tantrum and threatens to run away, then his owners hand him whatever he wants on a silver platter.”

Taehyung just stared out at the cars going by. He spat on the pavement before taking the last swig of his beer. Jungkook joined them on the curb as they watched the cars go by. Taehyung let the two talk, putting in just enough effort into the conversation to keep them off his back at the sour mood he was in.

“Hey!” Jimin’s greeting startled Taehyung as the human came up behind him, crouching down to wrap his arms around the hybrid’s neck and kiss his cheek. “Ready to go?”

“Yep.” Taehyung stood and the pair said their goodbyes to the hybrids before walking to the car.

Taehyung made sure he was on the outer edge of the sidewalk, letting the human loop his arms around his elbow as he raved about the day. It wasn’t until they got to the car that Jimin noticed his hybrid hadn’t said a word. Taehyung opened Jimin’s door for him silently, then plopped into the passenger seat, waiting for a hesitant Jimin to start driving.

“Tae? Is everything alright?” Jimin asked once they were on the road.

“Yeah. Just tired.” Taehyung answered, looking out the window. 

Jimin’s eyes glanced down at his phone still in the cup holder. Normally it would be in Taehyung’s hand, and the hybrid’s other hand on his thigh. But now Taehyung had his arms crossed, slouching and staring out the window. Jimin wanted to ask what was wrong again, but he knew he wouldn’t get a direct answer. When Taehyung got like this, he learned it was best to just drop the subject until he was ready.

Once they got home, Taehyung slipped off his shoes and walked into the living room, flopping down on the couch with an arm draped over his eyes.

“Tae? Are you going to sleep?” Jimin scurried over to the hybrid, leaning over him curiously. “Don’t you wanna get ready for bed before?”

Taehyung remained in that position for a moment longer, before putting his arm down to look up at his human. Jimin tilted his head in concern, until Taehyung reached for the human and yanked him down onto him. Jimin gasped, but it was quickly swallowed by Taehyung’s lips on his. He flipped them over and went straight for Jimin’s neck, unbuckling and removing his belt with one hand and holding his wrists down with the other.

“T-Tae–”

He was silenced by Taehyung’s lips on his. The hybrid got his knee between the human’s thighs and pressed it against his growing erection, getting a moan out of Jimin. Taehyung went back down to his neck, biting and sucking onto the soft skin harder than usual, which was really saying something.

Jimin was about to comment on the hickeys it would cause when suddenly Taehyung gripped either side of Jimin’s flannel and ripped it open, the buttons flying everywhere. Jimin’s breath caught in his throat at the aggression, and Taehyung nearly ripped his pants off in the same fashion, removing his boxers until the human was completely bare.

Jimin was turned on, of course, but there was also a hint of something else with Taehyung’s fervency that made the human slightly worried. He couldn’t fight back his hormones, however, and melted into Taehyung as the hybrid lifted him up and carried him to their room. He threw Jimin onto the bed and pounced on top of him, flipping the human over onto his stomach instantly.

He hovered over him and bit into his neck again, getting a whimper out of the human. Taehyung grabbed the lube and spread it messily on his fingers before inserting one into Jimin. If they hadn’t fucked that morning, Jimin might have flinched at the sudden stretch. 

But he was able to take it without too much push back this time, also because he trusted Taehyung. The hybrid didn’t take as long to stretch Jimin since he was still somewhat prepped from their morning fuck. Taehyung didn’t even bother removing anything past his shirt, he simply pulled his dick out, lifted Jimin’s hips up and thrusted his dick into the human.

Jimin cried out, gripping at the sheets with the friction. Taehyung’s dick hit Jimin’s prostate immediately, causing the human to go weak beneath him. He whimpered as Taehyung fucked him ferociously, even more than usual. Taehyung let Jimin drop to the mattress and fucked him pronebone. 

Jimin reached for Taeyung’s hands, but the hybrid gathered his human’s wrists together and held them down. He easily did so with one hand, using the other to slap Jimin’s ass harshly. Jimin sucked in a breath at the pain, not quite broken in enough to take it. His hands clenched in their hold as Taehyung grabbed the back of his hair, pulling his head back to expose his neck and bite the skin again. Jimin was squirming beneath him now, unsure of how to feel.

Of course, it always felt good to be fucked by Taehyung, but something about tonight felt different. It felt off, and it started to alarm Jimin. He tried to pull his wrists from Taehyung’s grasp, but wasn’t strong enough. Taehyung’s dick repeatedly hitting his prostate made it harder for him to fight it off, but the impending fear managed to overcome his arousal.

“Taetae,” Jimin said hoarsely. 

Taehyung didn’t hear the uneasiness in his voice, and simply slapped his ass, thinking Jimin was moaning his name.

“Tae.” Jimin tried again, hardly able to speak through the conflicting feelings.

When Taehyung wrapped his fingers around Jimin’s throat, the human panicked. It was all too much, and finally his emotions overcame, and any slight pain that came with the pleasure which normally caused Jimin to scream Taehyung’s name in desire became solely pain, and the human called out before he wouldn’t be able to.

“Taehyung, stop!” Jimin cried. “It hurts!”

Instantly, Taehyung snapped out of it and removed his hands from Jimin. He pulled out of him, catching his breath as he took in the damage. 

Jimin’s hair was rustled, his wrists red from Taehyung’s fingers, his neck covered in hickeys and bite marks. He imagined his ass was probably pretty red from Taehyung slapping it, but the worst part was the look in Jimin’s eyes. They were wide and distraught, staring down Taehyung like he was a monster. Matched with his quivering lip and trembling limbs, Taehyung understood what it was. 

Jimin was afraid of him.

“Oh, fuck.” Taehyung said, coming down from whatever headspace he had transcended to. “Jimin…”

He tried to reach forward and Jimin flinched, making Taehyung stop. It broke his heart to see Jimin cowering back into the bedframe, using the blanket to cover himself. Tears were brimming the human’s eyes, and Taehyung’s chest felt like it had a mound of bricks dropped on it with guilt.

“Jimin, I’m so sorry. Please don’t be scared, I’m not gonna hurt you. I’m so sorry.” Taehyung pleaded. 

He tucked his dick back into his jeans and stayed a safe distance away to make sure that Jimin was comfortable and had agency for the next move. He wouldn’t have been surprised if Jimin ran out of the room after what had just happened, and he wouldn’t blame him. 

Having a hybrid three times as strong as him hold him down and fuck him when he wasn’t quite into it would be utterly terrifying, and Taehyung hated himself that he was the cause of this.

“I’m so so so sorry, Jimin. Are you okay?” Taehyung asked. “I won’t touch you, but please just tell me if you’re alright? Did I hurt you badly?”

Dread overwhelmed the hybrid now. What if he had injured Jimin? What if he needed to be taken to the hospital? He would have to explain what had happened, it would ruin Jimin’s reputation forever. 

If he was seriously hurt, they would never release him to Taehyung to take care of him seeing as he’s a hybrid. They would get his family involved and then they would know. Taehyung might have fucked up Jimin’s entire life just because he’d gotten too fired up, and it mortified him to know what could happen to his human.

Taehyung started to panic now, trying his best to keep it together.

“Please talk to me, Jimin. Are you alright?”

Jimin just kept staring at him until his heart rate went back to a semi-normal state. Tears escaped his eyes and slid down his cheeks. He studied the hybrid, analyzed the look in his eyes, and deduced that he was himself again. Whatever had overcome him was done, and Taehyung now sat in front of him, tormented. 

Jimin finally put down the blanket and scooted over to Taehyung. The hybrid sighed in relief and lifted him up and into his lap, cradling and rocking him to comfort.

“I’m so sorry, Jimin. I got way too rough.” Taehyung apologized.

Jimin was still regaining himself, trembling and trying to steady his breathing. Taehyung could feel it and kept kissing the human’s head to try and erase what he’d just done.

“You scared me.” Jimin said softly. “I’ve never seen you like that. It felt like you hated me.”

Even more remorse flooded Taehyung’s entire being. He remembered the night after he’d snapped at Jimin and told him he dreaded that he had scared the human. Jimin had just smiled and said he could never be scared of the hybrid, and tonight Taehyung had managed to fuck that up.

“No, baby I’m so sorry. I could never hate you. I didn’t mean to scare you. I’m so sorry.” He couldn’t stop apologizing. “Did I hurt you?”

Jimin slowly nodded his head, holding up his wrists which had the red imprint from Taehyung’s fingers gripping them too tight. What kind of alpha was he? This is how he takes care of his mate?

He delicately placed his fingers under Jimin’s wrists and pressed gentle kisses on the marks. Jimin winced a bit at their sensitivity, but appreciated the gesture nevertheless.

“What were you thinking about that made you get like that?” Jimin asked.

Taehyung didn’t dare answer. He couldn’t get himself to go there. Not fully, at least.

“My past.” He said. “People who have hurt me. I usually let that anger out when I’m exercising, but for some reason it’s just been on my mind today more than ever.”

That was a lie. He knew exactly why it was on his mind so heavy today.

“Where else does it hurt?” Taehyung asked.

Jimin sniffled and held his neck, and Taehyung kissed the marks. He laid Jimin down and kissed his hips and thighs where he’d gripped so hard he worried it would bruise, apologizing with nearly every kiss.

By the end Jimin wasn’t afraid anymore. Just rattled from the experience.

“Do you want me to sleep on the couch?” Taehyung asked.

Jimin shook his head. He didn’t admit it because he knew Taehyung wouldn’t like it, but Jimin was distressed for him. Taehyung was so outside of himself and clearly something was wrong that he wasn’t talking about. Not only did Jimin not want to be alone, but he didn’t want Taehyung alone either.

He held on tight to Taehyung and the hybrid reciprocated. Jimin rested his head on Taehyung’s chest and the hybrid could still feel his human trembling. Taehyung hated himself for it and hated what made his mind go there even more.

“I’m so sorry.” Taehyung kept apologizing. “I’ll never do that again.”

“You can be rough.” Jimin said. “Just…not like that.”

“I’ll never be rough with you again.” Taehyung promised. “I hurt you and scared you, and it’ll never happen again.”

Jimin didn’t have it in him to argue with Taehyung on clarification. He simply nuzzled into the hybrid and fell asleep.

***

“Taetae?" Jimin called when he entered his apartment, slipping off his shoes.

“In here.” Taehyung’s voice came from the kitchen. 

Jimin had to hide his excited grin. This would surely get Taehyung to snap back into his original ways.

The human practically skipped over to Taehyung and threw his arms around the hybrid’s neck, pressing completely against the taller figure. He felt his strong arms wrap around his waist and rest his chin on Jimin’s shoulder. The hybrid had to hunch over quite a bit or lift Jimin off the ground when his human wanted to hug him this way, but Taehyung didn’t mind.

“You’re being awfully cute.” Taehyung chuckled, rubbing his human’s back.

The compliment was not what Jimin was looking for. He pulled away and looked up at Taehyung, puzzled.

“Oh, yeah. Just missed you.” He forced a light laugh.

“Here I am.” Taehyung gave him a warm smile, ruffling his human’s hair.

Jimin just stared at him with a little frown. “Do you…notice anything different about me?”

Taehyung furrowed his brows, cocking his head. “I don’t, is everything okay?”

“I just thought you might make a comment on how I smell.”

Taehyung bent his head down to sniff Jimin’s scent, then looked back into his eyes with that cute grin.

“You smell nice, as always.” He kissed Jimin’s forehead then walked back to whatever he was making in the kitchen. “Do you wanna start getting ready? We have to be at Yoongi’s in an hour.”

Jimin just stood, defeated. Taehyung really didn’t care? Jimin knew that he knew. The alpha could smell another hybrid’s scent on him from across the apartment. There is no way Taehyung got that close to him and didn’t smell the alpha on his skin. His coworker brought his new hybrid, who just so happened to be an alpha, and Jimin made sure to sit close to him all day to get his scent so Taehyung would fuck him possessively like he used to.

“Okay.” Jimin responded despondently, trudging to his room to get ready

An hour and a half later, Jimin stared at Taehyung from across Yoongi’s pool. His hybrid sat with Jin and Jungkook at the grill, the three of them laughing and having a jolly time. They were mingling with other party guests, meeting fellow hybrids, and looked joyful and entertained. 

Everything Jimin should be feeling, but wasn’t.

Jimin perched bitterly on the edge of the pool chair, sipping from his beer and scowling very visibly. It was not like Jimin at all. He was glad he wasn’t the one throwing this party, otherwise he’d have an extremely hard time keeping it together.

“You look happy.” Yoongi said sarcastically as he sat on the pool chair next to Jimin.

“I am!” Jimin lied, not wanting to hurt Yoongi’s feelings.

“It’s okay.” He laughed lightly. “What’s on your mind?”

Jimin debated digging himself deeper into the lie to not put a damper on Yoongi’s upbeat mood, but he knew lying would be obvious to his best friend and only cause the older to push further.

He sighed and looked back over at Taehyung. “It’s been like two weeks since we’ve fucked.” 

The news genuinely surprised Yoongi. Taehyung was utterly obsessed with his human, and Jimin was equally as obsessed with Taehyung. They were as intertwined and horny for each other as Yoongi and Jin, except they were terrible at hiding it. 

They didn’t even try to make it subtle. They were so head over heels for one another. He remembered Jimin letting it slip that he and Taehyung fucked 2 to sometimes 3 times a day. Now it’d gone to biweekly? Even after ten years together, Yoongi and Jin were still fucking pretty much every night. 

“Did something happen?” Yoongi asked.

Jimin ran his thumb over the ridges on the beer bottle, looking pensively at the label design.

“He was just really rough a couple weeks ago, and it was too intense.” Jimin said. “I had to quit, and he’s hardly touched me since. I even came home reeking of another hybrid today, and he didn’t do anything about it. He used to scent me every day the minute I got home.”

Jimin’s shoulders slumped and he glanced over pathetically at Taehyung. The beautiful hybrid was flashing his straight, white teeth as he laughed at something Jungkook said, pushing back his soft wavy hair in the process. Taehyung was so breathtaking it hurt

“I think he’s disappointed that I quit.”

Yoongi’s eyebrows scrunched together when he heard it. “I doubt that. Taehyung wouldn’t be like that.”

“I can’t think of why else he’d stop fucking me. I mean, even if I came home and barely smelled like a hybrid he would wreck me in bed. He didn’t even look the slightest bit bothered when I came home today.” Jimin let out a pitiful sigh. “I think he’s losing interest.”

“Jimin, that’s not possible.” Yoongi said. “You’re his mate.”

“A mate he no longer wants to fuck.” Jimin said, hunching over and resting his chin on his hand. “I don’t get why I tapped out. We fucked through his rut, yet I couldn’t handle one night of him being a little mean?”

“It sounds like there’s something else there, Jimin.” Yoongi said. “I know he hasn’t lost interest in you. First of all, because his instincts wouldn’t allow it. Second of all, he still stares at you with those puppy dog eyes and brings you up any chance he can. You’re his whole world.”

Jimin didn’t know what else there was to say. If Taehyung was so obsessed with Jimin, why wouldn’t the hybrid fuck him anymore?

“Just give it time. I’m sure he’ll tell you. Or maybe he’s just going through a dry phase and it’ll come back.”

“Have you and Jin ever gone through a dry phase?” Jimin asked.

Yoongi paused mid swig of his beer. It was all the answer Jimin needed.

“I figured.” The younger huffed.

“Hey, we go through periods of, like, not having sex as much?” Yoongi tried to reason.

“Oh yeah? What’s the longest you two have gone without fucking?”

Yoongi looked away abashedly, wondering if Jimin was actually looking for an answer or if it was a rhetorical question. One peek and he could tell Jimin was serious.

“Uh…like four days.” 

Jimin rolled his eyes dramatically and continued to stare at Taehyung.

“But, it was like, 4 days break, and then a day break, and then a 2 day break.” He said. “It was like two weeks of on and off.”

That did pique Jimin’s interest.

“Why?” He asked. “Were you in a similar situation to me?”

Yoongi wished he hadn’t brought it up. 

“Well, not exactly. We were on a family vacation and sharing rooms with family, so we didn’t have many opportunities to have sex.”

“Oh no, what a dry spell.” Jimin remarked sardonically.

“We’ve had times where we’re here and not fucking as much.” Yoongi tried again.

“Uh-huh. Did you fuck last night?” Jimin tested him.

Yoongi’s silence was the answer.

“And what about two nights ago? And the night before that?”

Yoongi sheepishly scratched the back of his neck.

“Exactly as I thought.” Jimin said. “It’s fine Yoongi. I don’t want you to downplay your sex life and happiness with Jin to make me less miserable about myself.” 

Yoongi sighed. “Jimin, I know this is going to sound like obvious advice, but I think you should just ask him. He wouldn’t just randomly switch from being feral over you to avoidance for no reason.”

Jimin just shrugged and rested his chin on his hand again, staring longingly at his mate.

“I’ll try.”

Jimin decided to ignore Yoongi’s advice and simply try to have sex after the party. He moaned into the kiss once they walked into their apartment. The human had been hinting at what he wanted from the moment the party was over, and finally had a chance to act on it when they were home. 

Jimin wrapped Taehyung’s arms around his waist, practically putting the hybrid’s hands on his ass. Taehyung cupped it lightly, careful not to grab too hard and Jimin wanted to roll his eyes.

Why was he being like this?

Jimin jumped up and wrapped his legs around Taehyung’s waist. The hybrid held him up gently, then walked them to the couch and sat down with Jimin on his lap. Jimin was growing frustrated at the hybrid’s lack of enthusiasm, and shifted them so that he was lying flat on the couch and Taehyung was on top of him. 

Jimin stretched out his neck for Taehyung to suck hickeys onto, but instead he just placed soft kisses. Finally, Jimin had it.

“Tae, do you not wanna fuck?” Jimin asked, causing the hybrid to stop.

“What?” He asked, tilting his head as he looked down at his human.

“Do you not want to fuck me? Because if so, you can just tell me.” Jimin stated.

“Of course I wanna fuck you.” Taehyung said. “Isn’t that what we’re about to do?”

“Well, yes, but I don’t really feel like you want to.”

“Why not?” Taehyung asked, completely lost. 

Since when had Taehyung ever passed up the opportunity to fuck his human? There had never been a single time, and he doubted there ever would be. He would fuck Jimin all damn day if he could, which only perpetuated his confusion why Jimin would suggest something so inaccurate as Taehyung not wanting to have sex with him.

“You’re barely putting any effort in. I feel like I’m having to physically coax you through it.”

Now he understood what Jimin was getting at.

“Jimin, just because I’m being gentle doesn’t mean I don’t want to fuck you.” Taehyung said. “I just don’t want to hurt you.”

“You won’t hurt me!” Jimin insisted. “Right now all you’re hurting is my pride because I feel like you don’t want me. But if I made it through your rut, I’m pretty sure I can take you being your regular level of rough.”

Taehyung sat back, sighing and running his fingers through his hair.

“Jimin, last time I was rough, I actually hurt you and I scared you. I’m not gonna risk doing that again.”

“You won’t!” Jimin pledged, sitting up. “That time, it still felt good, it was just the emotional part that scared me. You were being as rough as when we normally fuck in our proper headspaces, but that time I wasn’t there and you were, so I got scared and it didn’t feel right. You haven’t been cold like that ever since, and I trust you not to do that to me ever again.”

Taehyung bit his lip, a little unconfident of Jimin’s reassurances.

“I’m okay, Taehyung. I miss how we used to fuck. I miss being desired and irresistable like you always used to make me feel. I don’t want you to treat me like I’m this fragile glass doll. I want you to fuck me the way we both like.”

Taehyung was still hesitant, but he couldn’t deny he missed that too. A lot.

It had taken the utmost self control not to pounce on Jimn every chance he got like he used to. But every time he almost did, the memory of that look on Jimin’s face that night plagued his mind, and he resisted the temptation. The few times they’d gotten frisky, Taehyung had kept it safe and simple with just light foreplay. He didn’t realize how fed up Jimin had grown from it.

“I promise, if you go too hard I’ll tell you the moment I need you to stop. But for the love of god, please quit it with this vanilla shit. I can’t take it anymore.”

Taehyung looked at him from under his bangs. “Swear you’ll stop me if it’s too much?”

“I swear. C’mon Taehyung, fuck me like you used to.” As if going in for the kill, Jimin smiled seductively and twirled a lock of Taehyung’s hair in his finger. “Don’t you wanna get the scent of that other hybrid off of me?” 

Taehyung’s eyes immediately darkened with lust when his human brought up the hybrid from Yoongi’s party that was far too cozy with Jimin for his liking.

“He was very touchy and hugged me a few times. I figured you’d wanna get rid of that scent, along with all of the other scents from hybrids at work.”

And just like that, Taehyung pounced. Jimin welcomed it with open arms, or at least as long as he could until his arms were held down and pinned against the couch.

“I fucking knew that was on purpose.” Taehyung growled. “I thought you learned your lesson on not letting people touch what’s mine.”

“I guess I forgot I was yours.” Jimin tested, practically sealing his fate for the night.

Taehyung wrapped his fingers around Jimin’s throat and gave the appropriate amount of force in squeezing. It lit a fire inside of Jimin, and he became just as feral as Taehyung in anticipation, almost instantaneously falling into his submissive headspace.

“Oh baby, you’re gonna regret saying that.” Taehyung said, his voice hitting that deep tone it got when he was about to utterly destroy Jimin in bed.

Taehyung yanked Jimin’s shirt off and threw it carelessly out of the way, following with his jeans and boxers until the man was completely bare beneath him. He manhandled his human so he was on his hands and knees before him. He pulled his dick out and gripped Jimin’s jaw, forcing his mouth open and thrusting his cock past the human’s lips, straight down his throat.

It had been days since he’d sucked Taehyung’s dick, and he gagged on the intrusion.

“That’s right. Choke on my dick you little slut.” Taehyung mocked, gripping Jimin’s hair and immediately fucking his face.

Jimin’s eyes rolled back before they fluttered closed, relieved to have his hybrid taking him how he wanted again. He whined when Taehyung pulled out, only momentarily before he was manhandled yet again over the arm of the couch, his head leaning over it.

Taehyung threw off his shirt as he stood and came to where Jimin’s mouth hung open, grabbing his throat and thrusting in again. He could feel his own dick bulging in his human’s neck as he tightened his grip on it, and once he released it was even better to see himself sliding in and out of Jimin’s throat.

The human struggled to keep up as Taehyung’s balls smacked against his face. He felt himself falling completely under submission as Taehyung used his face to chase his own pleasure. 

But it wasn’t just to reach his own orgasm. It was to teach Jimin a lesson. To remind him exactly what he was.

“You were trying to catch my attention coming home smelling like another fucking hybrid, weren’t you?” Taehyung asked with a raspy voice.

Jimin moaned and nodded as well as he could through Taehyung’s dick lodged in his throat.

“I fucking knew it.” Taehyung pulled out of the human’s mouth and gripped his hair, forcing him to look into the hybrid’s eyes. “You need to be reminded of who you belong to and I’ll make sure of it.”

He shoved his dick back in Jimin’s mouth and fucked his throat at such a rate that Jimin was gagging every other thrust until Taehyung pushed in as deep as possible and came down his human’s throat. 

Jimin’s eyes went wide at the volume of the load, and barely managed to swallow it down before Taehyung pulled out and let the rest of his release coat Jimin’s face. It hit the human’s skin in hot, thick ropes as Jimin had the audacity to smile while receiving it.

“You liked that?” Taehyung taunted as Jimin nodded. “Just wait until I’m done with you.”

He threw Jimin over his shoulder and took him to their room, tossing him on the bed and grabbing the lube in preparation. Jimin didn’t even get a chance to move before his face was pressed into the mattress, his ass up and on display for the hybrid.

Taehyung stuck the spout of the bottle directly into Jimin’s hole, squirting an absurd amount into the human without warming it. Jimin shivered at the feeling and whined, wishing it were Taehyung’s fingers.

“You’ll get my dick soon enough, you little slut.” Taehyung growled, slapping Jimin’s ass with enough force to leave a mark.

He paused for a second to check the human’s reaction, making sure Jimin was in the correct headspace before he continued. When he just gripped the sheets and let out a loud moan, arching his back for more, Taehyung felt confident to keep going.

Taehyung slapped his ass again once more before shoving his fingers into Jimin’s hole with less grace than usual. He knew when Jimin was like this, he wanted the stretch. He wanted it to hurt just the right amount.

“Fuck…Tae…” Jimin pleaded, wiggling his butt to try and get Taehyung’s fingers to go deeper.

“What was that?” Taehyung reached around to grip Jimin’s throat again, reveling in hearing the human choke. “What did you just call me?”

Jimin couldn’t close his thick lips, his jaw slack with the pleasure and endless moaning falling out from lust.

“T-Taehy—”

Taehyung's fingers tightened so much that Jimin could hardly breathe.

“Try again.”

He loosened his fingers so Jimin could gasp for breath.

“Alpha!” He cried out, his dick twitching and precumming madly at the humiliation.

“Damn right.” Taehyung slapped his ass. “If you have any sense of self preservation, you won’t make that mistake again. Right?”

“No, alpha.” Jimin shook his head. “I’m sorry.”

Taehyung curled his fingers, pressing into Jimin’s prostate so suddenly that Jimin screamed out and came all over the bed in surprise. The hybrid was admittedly a bit shocked too—he didn’t realize just how pent up his human was.

“Wow,” He scoffed, “You really were desperate for my dick, weren’t you?”

“Yes…” Jimin whimpered, “Please can I have it?”

Taehyung’s dick twitched with how fucking hot it was that his human was begging for his dick right after cumming.

“Such a needy slut.” Taehyung smirked. 

He stood for just a moment to rid himself of his pants and boxers before getting back onto the bed. Jimin was still fully hard even with the large amount of cum on their bedsheets.

“I’m gonna fuck you stupid, and hopefully for your sake you learn your lesson to never let another hybrid touch you like that again.”

Jimini gnawed on his lip. Taehyung gripped his hips, centering his dick and pushing in. He sucked in a breath at how tight Jimin was, and how he was sucking him in despite how much Taehyung’s dick hardly fit.

“Oh…alpha.” Jimin gripped the sheets harder, arching his back.

“Look at you, so eager to take me in your tight little hole.” Taehyung laughed maliciously. “You’re so desperate for my dick, you’d let me do anything to you.”

“Yes!” Jimin pleaded. “Do anything to me, I can take it. I need it.”

“You won’t even be able to speak in a moment, Jimin.” Taehyung leaned over, nearly pressing his lips to his human’s ear. “First, tell me what you are.”

“Your bitch.” Jimin said immediately, exposing how long he’d been dying to say those words again. “I’m your bitch.”

“And who do you belong to?”

“You.” Jimin whimpered. “I belong to you, alpha.”

“Good boy.” Taehyung chuckled before pulling back.

He took a deep breath before pushing into Jimin. The human wailed out as Taehyung made his way, precumming once again.

“You okay?” Taehyung whispered once he was halfway in.

“Yes!” Jimin cried. “Please fuck me, alpha!”

Jimin was so deep into submission and eroticism that he was hardly even himself anymore. He’d become a pliant, lecherous being, begging for his hybrid’s dick like he was made for nothing else. If Taehyung weren’t his mate, he would probably fall into the parallel dominant headspace and go completely feral, fucking him uncontrollably at the impurity of it all.

He pulled out almost completely before slamming himself in, erupting a scream of pleasure from the human as well as instantaneous tears of gratitude. If he could talk, he would probably thank Taehyung for the gift of his cock deep in Jimin’s ass.

Taehyung gripped Jimin’s hips, giving him three seconds to adjust before pulling out and fucking him almost as wildly as when he was in rut. He pistoned his gigantic dick into his human’s constricting hole, provoking howls of euphoria from Jimin.

 As Taehyung had promised, Jimin couldn’t formulate a single word once his mate was fucking him this way. Maybe before their sex break, he might have been able to save a piece of sanity and awareness, but after missing Taehyung and the miraculous sex for a week he thrashed unabashedly as the hybrid mercilessly jackhammered into him.

“Look at you, writhing around like a wild animal because of how in love you are with my dick.” Taehyung said with a sinister smile. “You’d love it if you could stay on my cock forever. You’d beg for me to breed you over and over if I let you. Such a pathetic cock wore.”

Jimin’s eyes were nearly rolled to the back of his head, his tongue hanging out of his mouth and a pool of drool streaming from his mouth. He was completely limp under Taehyung’s control, the only thing he knew or felt was his hybrid’s dick pounding against his prostate.

“I should, after the shit you pulled. I should tie you down and plug you up with my cum. Give you exactly what you’ve been begging shamelessly for—what you were born to do.” Taehyung clenched his teeth as his own orgasm approached, his knot forming. “Do you miss when I was in rut? When I just used you for my pleasure? When I made you my personal cocksleeve? I came in you so many times I’m surprised your tight little body could take it, but then again I shouldn’t have been shocked. This is what you were made for.”

Jimin’s tears streamed down his face, flagrant moans and whines and whimpers flowing out from his thick lips without an ounce of shame. He couldn’t even stop them if he’d tried. He forgot how to use any muscle in his body, and even what planet he was on.

“You were made to take my dick.” Taehyung gripped the human’s hair, yanking his head back to press his lips to his ear. “My dick only. You fucking belong to me, got it?”

It was silly to expect Jimin to speak in this state when he’d forgotten his own name, but Taehyung wasn’t in a compassionate mood.

“Say it, Jimin.” Taehyung sneered. “Tell me what you are.”

It took Taehyung slowing down, torturing Jimin, for the human to finally regain enough words to earn what he’d been hopelessly despairing for.

“Yours.” He choked out, and Taehyung decided to finally show him mercy and speed up again.

“I’m gonna knot you and you’re gonna take it like the cockhungry slut that you are.” Taehyung said. “I’m gonna fucking breed you so you never forget who owns this ass.”

Taehyung gave a final few thrusts until he pushed his knot past Jimin’s asshole, lodging in and locking them together as he came in his human. Feeling the hot load paint his walls and fill him up was the final blow until Jimin screamed out again, cumming even harder this time onto the pool he’d already released from Taehyung’s fingers alone.

The hybrid kept Jimins’ hips up long enough to finish releasing in Jimin after what felt like a whole minute of cumming inside him. Once he finally regained his vision, he looked down at Jimin and saw that his human had gone completely limp, sporadically twitching from the intensity of the orgasm. His face was still covered in cum, and the red marks of Taehyung’s hand around his neck were sure to stay for the rest of the night.

Taehyung smiled lazily in satisfaction at finally being able to treat his human the way they’d both been pining for. He carefully rolled them to the side so they were away from Jimin’s mess, spooning until Taehyung’s knot went down.

“Good boy, Jimin.” Taehyung laughed lightly, kissing the back of his sweaty hair.

The human gathered the last pinch of his remaining energy just enough to babble out something incoherent which Taehyung could’ve sworn sounded like “love you,” but they were both completely out before he could even think twice about it.

Jimin floated out of their room the next morning to find Taehyung sitting at the counter, sipping on his iced coffee. The human wrapped his arms around the hybrid and rested his head on the broad shoulder, humming a bit in satisfaction.

It was so cute, it got the alpha snickering.

“You alright, Jimin?”

“Mmhmm.” Jimin hummed again. “Just fabulous, Taetae.”

The hybrid grinned. It was nice to see Jimin like this again. He felt weightless and had the afterglow from the night before. He was walking slightly funny with a noticeable limp, and Jimin embraced it gladly.

“You seem to be in an extra chipper mood this morning.” Taehyung commented.

“Last night was perfect.” Jimin did a pirouette, then looked at Taehyung with fluttering eyelashes. “Thanks to you.”

Taehyung cracked up at the little show Jimin was putting on to prove his point and set his iced coffee on the counter.

“Come here, Jimin.”

The human practically skipped over to his hybrid and Taehyung lifted him into his lap, pressed a couple kisses on his cheek.

“So, you feel good?” He asked. “You did almost immediately pass out after I knotted you.”

“Positively phenomenal.” Jimin sighed contently, leaning his head on the hybrid’s shoulder. “I dreamt of your dick.”

Taehyung cackled at how brazen it was, and decided it was the most opportune time to inform Jimin.

“Well in that case I suppose now is the best time to break it to you.” Taehyung started, looking a bit sheepish. “We owe Yoongi a new countertop.”

Jimin frowned and looked at Taehyung with question. “Uh…why?”

“When I saw you with that hybrid I was kinda gripping it to hold back my jealousy and I broke off a chunk.”

“Tae!” Jimin swatted him. “You could’ve just come to me.”

“I didn’t want to be over the top!” Taehyung defended weakly.

“And committing property damage is less over the top?”

“Okay, you make a point.” Taehyung shrugged. “But, hey, look on the bright side. At least now you know how badly I’ve missed you.”

Jimin sighed in exasperation, but couldn’t help the grin that came with Taehyung peppering kisses on his neck to apologize.

“Bet I can make you forgive me.” Taehyung said into Jimin’s neck.

“How are you gonna do that?” Jimin grinned, then immediately gasped when Taehyung stood, scooping Jiming up with him. 

“Tae—“

Jimin was about to object, but once Taehyung innocent kisses turned into sucking and biting, the human knew he was done for, and just moaned into the feeling as the hybrid carried them back to the bedroom.

***

Yoongi saw Jimin the following Monday for lunch break and grinned. He had that freshly fucked afterglow, and he knew his best friend had sorted it out with his hybrid.

“You look satisfied.” Yoongi commented when Jimin sat down. “I’m guessing you solved the little sex drought?”

“Absolutely.” Jimin practically sang.

“Good. Care to explain what was wrong without ruining my meal?”

“I asked him finally and he was just scared of hurting me after I had to tap out.” Jimin said. “Once I promised I was fine, it was right back to normal.”

“Perfect amount of explanation without making me sick.” Yoongi commended him. “If I were nicer I would skip saying ‘I told you so,’ but I’m not nice, so. I told you so.”

Jimin rolled his eyes but he had nothing to retort with. Yoongi had given him the advice that had worked out perfectly.

“Yes, you did. Thank you, hyung.” Jimin said in a sing-song voice, addressing Yoongi with honorifics like he only did when he wanted something.

In this case, it was to get out of the lecture Yoongi was sure to give him about talking about his feelings with Taehyung before jumping to conclusions.

“Hey, so, I was wondering…do you think Taehyung would consider wearing the collar anytime soon?” Yoongi asked suddenly.

Jimin furrowed his brows at the suddenness of it. “Probably not. Why do you ask?”

“My boss is just sending me to Japan, and I wanted to see if you two would come. It’s cherry blossom season, and the rest of the group said they’re in.” Yoongi tried to be careful as he continued when Jimin looked down at his hands. “I don’t wanna pressure him, it’d just be really nice if you two could come with us this time. But it’s up to what Taehyung is comfortable with at the end of the day.”

Jimin couldn’t deny that he dearly missed traveling with his friends. They had been kind enough to try and make their trips local enough for Jimin and Taehyung to join, and didn’t talk much about the trips they went on without them when they all hung out. But they missed traveling together, and they all wanted Taehyung to join in.

“I was just thinking maybe since you had this break through, you could possibly see if he’d reconsider the collar so he could come?”

Jimin simply pushed his food around with his fork in contemplation before sighing and deciding on his plan of action.

“I’ll ask him.

Jimin called for Taehyung when he walked into his apartment after work.

“Taetae?”

He found the hybrid hunched over their coffee table with some tools, fixing the leg that had broken from Taehyung fucking Jimin on it the previous night.

The hybrid’s ears perked and he looked up to see Jimin. “Yeah?” 

“I have good news!” Jimin skipped in and plopped down next to Taehyung on the couch.

The hybrid put down his tools and turned to face Jimin. “What happened?”

“You remember how Yoongi said sometimes his work sends them on vacations?”

“Yeah?”

“Well they’re sending him to Japan! Tokyo, specifically. I guess the CEO has a house there.”

“That’s awesome.” Taehyung smiled, not quite sure what reaction Jimin was searching for.

“And, it just so happens that the boys all have PTO left. So we can all go stay and hang out together!”

Now Taehyung understood why Jimin was so excited.

“That’s amazing, Jimin! When is the trip?”

“In about 2 months. So we have just enough time to get you a passport if we do expedited shipping.”

Taehyung took a second to mentally walk through the steps of getting on a plane and traveling out of the country.

“Getting on a plane would mean…”

Jimin bit his lip and they both glanced over at the collar that had been on the key tray ever since Taehyung had come from the pound.

“No.” He said firmly.

“Tae, won’t you just think about it?”

“I have. You can go without me, I’ll be fine here.”

“I know you would, but I don’t want to go without you.” Jimin pouted. “They don’t want to go without you. They want to go all together as a group.”

“Well I can’t go unless I wear that thing, which I will never do.”

Jimin huffed and stood up from the couch. “C’mon, Taehyung! Don’t you wanna go on vacation? It’s all our friends, plus Jihoon won’t be coming.”

“If you can figure out a way for me to go without putting that on, then I’d love to come. But if not, I'm staying here.”

“Couldn’t you just—”

"Forget it, I'm not putting it on." Taehyung said, and Jimin's frustration reached its peak, and he stood up and stomped his foot on the ground.

"Damnit, Taehyung! Why are you being so impossible about this? Why can't you just do this one thing for me and put the damn collar on?"

"Because Jimin, a collar means being owned, and that's bullshit. I'm no one's property. And if you have a problem with that, you can take me right back to the pound."

It was such an extreme statement to make so rapidly, but Jimin could tell the hybrid meant it with every fiber in his being.

"I'm not saying you're my property! You know I don't see you as that, I just want to be able to fucking go out with you without you having to hide. I’m sick of being anxious that you’ll get caught and taken away from me. I want to bring you to work with me and travel around with you and go to the fucking beach with you. You can't wear a hat and stuff your tail in your pants everywhere we go forever, Tae. Why can't you just do this for me? For yourself?"

Taehyung scowled and got to his feet as well, glaring at the human.

"Do you have any idea how degrading wearing a collar is, Jimin?"

"Taehyung, I let you humiliate and degrade me practically every night when you fuck me. I let you order me around, make me your bitch. I do anything and everything you tell me to. How could you think I see you as my 'possession' when I've asked you to make me yours from the first time we fucked!" Jimin said, then grabbed the collar. "And we’ll change this collar and get a subtle one like Jin’s and Jungkook’s. I don't want it to look like you're wearing a collar either. But if it means never being able to live your life, then why can't you just put it on?"

Taehyung glared at Jimin with such an intensity that the human had never seen directed at him from his hybrid. It wasn’t ferocious or dangerous. It was simply the breaking point of frustration pent up from long, long before Jimin had ever laid eyes on Taehyung almost a year ago. 

"Whether you admit it or not, wearing a collar means that you're owned by someone.” Taehyung said, staring into Jimin’s eyes with such intensity it made the human shiver. “Someone bought you and now you belong to them. And even if they say they love you and buy you nice things and say they'll be there forever, the reality is they don't love you and they won't be there forever. And sooner or later they'll pack up their shit and leave you out in the streets. While they go on living their luxurious fucking lives, you're out to fend for yourself and left wondering what the fuck you did wrong for them to do that to you!"

Tears were brimming Taehyung’s eyelids, and Jimin's lips were parted and eyes were wide as the words left the hybrid’s mouth.

Finally, it all came out. The rage and the mystery and the stubborn persistence all poured out before him, and it was even worse than Jimin had imagined. 

Taehyung sighed in final defeat, looking away from his human.

"They say that you have a home forever, and then they just leave you. With nothing but that collar that was supposed to symbolize their promise to always love you."

There was a painful moment of complete silence after Taehyung finished. Words were caught in Jimin's throat, and he couldn't formulate a single sentence. All he could make out was his mate’s name.

"Tae..."

"Just take me back to the pound, Jimin.” Taehyung said in a dejected tone. “Find a hybrid that isn't damaged." 

With that, Taehyung walked past the human to their room. Jimin stood there in his own thoughts for a second, processing everything the hybrid had said. 

So Taehyung is a classically trained hybrid. He was from a wealthy family, and probably got spoiled just as much as the hybrids from Jimin’s family did. That’s why he was familiar with luxury cars, expected maids and butlers, and wasn’t impressed with Jimin’s parents’ mansion. He was taught manners and etiquette and probably knew a decent amount of party tricks to show off to guests, and all this time Jimin thought he was just a stray mutt.

He looked down at the collar in his hand and sighed, tossing it aside, not concerned about where it fell. He cared too much about Taehyung to ever lose him. He’d rather be cooped up inside or travel with the anxiety of getting caught than just get rid of Taehyung and live on without him. He wouldn’t have it, and so he took a deep breath and followed after Taehyung. His mate.

Sure enough, the hybrid was searching through the drawers to find the clothes he wore from the pound on his first day and his adoption papers. He found the outfit first and stripped, changing into the black sweatpants and gray long sleeve they gave the alpha hybrids to wear in the pound.

“Tae…” Jimin tried again.

“I’ll make it easier for you, Jimin.” Taehyung said. “I’ll go myself, and if I get arrested then it’s not much different than being in the pound. That’s where they’ll send me anyway.”

“Taehyung, please just talk to me.”

The hybrid found the documents he was looking for, folded them into his pocket and headed out the room. He wasn’t even going to take a single thing he’d acquired in his time at Jimin’s. Nothing to remind him of the human or his mated life.

“It’s fine, Jimin.” Taehyung said. “This time, adopt a more obedient hybrid.” 

“Taehyung, stop.” Jimin said, but his dread started picking up as he realized Taehyung was serious.

The hybrid walked past Jimin and headed to the door, and Jimin rushed out to grab the sleeve of his shirt.

“Taehyung please!” Jimin begged, and Taehyung finally stopped and glanced over his shoulder.

Seeing his human’s lip tremble and feeling his heart race melted some of Taehyung’s coldness away as his protective instincts kicked in. Tears started welling in Jimin’s eyes and Taehyung turned around.

He exhaled and pulled the human in. “Come here.”

Jimin hid into his hybrid and cried into his chest. Despite multiple washes, the clothes still smelled like the pound and it made Jimin feel like he was losing Taehyung.

“I’m sorry.” Jimin said. “I don’t want you to go. I need you.”

“I’m right here, Jimin.” Taehyung assured him, rubbing his back comfortingly.

“Can we please talk?” Jimin finally got out through his tears, looking up at his hybrid.

Taehyung took a deep breath and grabbed Jimin’s hand, leading him back to his room to sit on the bed.

“I didn’t mean to make it seem like it’s either the collar or you’re going back to the pound.” Jimin said. “We’re mates, for crying out loud. I would rather work from home and never leave again if the alternative was losing you.”

Taehyung looked away, his trust issues creeping back in. This wasn’t too different from what his past family had said to him, right before they’d left. They’d said they would do anything to make sure they could keep Taehyung with them, then in an instant, they were gone.

"I'm not gonna leave you, Tae." Jimin said softly. "I know they said they loved you, but they were lying, and I'm sorry. I actually love you, Taehyung. Not only as my hybrid or my mate, but I'm in love with you too."

The news wasn’t shocking per say, given that they were mates, but it still made Taehyung’s stomach flip in circles nonetheless. It was a confession that, oddly enough, hadn’t been explicitly said by either of them, and was long overdue. 

He chuckled and Jimin frowned. “What’s funny?”

"In love with a hybrid, huh?" Taehyung asked teasingly, causing Jimin to swat him.

"I don't care what you are. I just know how I feel about you, and I don't ever want to let that go. So, if you really don't want to wear it, you don't have to. We'll figure it out, but I don't want to take you back. I can't. I can't lose you. I really couldn’t handle that.”

Taehyung just stared at him, and Jimin chewed on his lip.

"Do...do you feel the same way?" Jimin asked softly.

Taehyung sat up and in one move Jimin was in the hybrid’s lap. He gasped and Taehyung wrapped his arms around Jimin and nuzzled his face in his shoulder.

"Of course I do. I thought it was obvious." Taehyung said with a warm grin. "I'm in love with you too, Jimin. Have been for a long time."

A wave of relief washed over Jimin as he sighed and wrapped his arms around Taehyung's neck.

“I know it’s been hard to not know about my life despite being mates.” Taehyung acknowledged, at last. “I act annoyed when it comes up, but in reality, it’s just really hard to talk about. I’m way happier now than I ever was before, but it was still so much of my life. I’ll try to explain more, it’ll just take time.”

“Is that why you were so angry that day you…y’know.”

Taehyung knew what Jimin was referring to, and he was grateful he didn’t say more about it.

“Yeah.” Taehyung admitted, his eyes downcast. “That day was the anniversary of when they left me. Jin was talking about how much Jihoon’s owners spoil him even when he threatens to run away, which just made it worse.”

Jimin held him close, shaking his head. “I don’t want you to tell me anything you’re not comfortable with. If you don’t want to, I won’t expect to know anything else about your life. I’m just content that you’re in mine.”

Taehyung smiled, kissing Jimin. The human pulled away briefly, and Taehyung gathered that something was on his mind.

“Can I ask one question though?”

“What is it?” Taehyung asked hesitantly.

“Is Taehyung your real name?”

The hybrid’s eyebrows furrowed before he cracked up.

“What’s funny?” Jimin asked.

“Yes, Taehyung is my real name.” He said through his laughter. “Why do you ask?”

“When I called you ‘Taehyung’ to Sheena, she looked confused. Like she had to remember why I’d said that.”

The humor melted away from Taehyung’s voice and he just looked away pensively. “Yeah, that makes sense.”

He didn’t continue, and Jimin didn’t press for more. Taehyung had already given him enough backstory, and Jimin was just happy to know whatever his mate let him.

Jimin just wrapped his arms around Taehyung’s neck tighter, enjoying the embrace of his hybrid. Taehyung held him close, pressing his face into Jimin’s neck and releasing the calming pheromones to ease him after the anxiety he’d just had.

“I’m sorry I worried you.” Taehyung said. “I thought me leaving would be better than keeping you from what you want to do.”

“It really, really wouldn’t.” Jimin said, pulling away to kiss his hybrid. “I don’t want you to ever leave.”

Taehyung smiled up at him before pressing a gentle kiss to his lips, trailing down lovingly to his jaw and neck. “I won’t.”

Jimin’s calm lasted only a second before he noticed the rate in which Taehyung was kissing his neck. It was no longer innocent kisses, and quickly turned into sloppy licks and light biting on his skin.

“Tae…” Jimin gasped when Taehyung bit down slightly harder, causing Jimin’s dick to start stiffening. “What are you doing?”

“Showing you how sorry I am.” Taehyung said into his neck, slowly kissing down his collarbones, unbuttoning his shirt to expose his toned chest. 

He gripped onto Taehyung’s gray shirt. The shirt from the pound that Jimin now loathed. The hybrid turned them over so he was above Jimin on the bed. He completely removed Jimin’s shirt and kissed down his chest to his waistband, unbuckling his belt and pulling off his slacks and boxers in one go. Jimin gasped as Taehyung pushed the human’s legs up to his chest, going down on his stomach so his face was between the older’s thighs.

He kept his eyes on Jimin as he pressed his tongue against the human’s entrance, eliciting a whimper from the human. Jimin gripped on his thighs, keeping them up as the hybrid swirled his tongue around his entrance, teasing him. Jimin gnawed on his lip, looking down at Taehyung as the hybrid finally pushed his tongue past the ring of muscles, causing the human to throw his head back onto the pillow.

“Tae…” Jimin whined, reaching one hand down to curl his fingers in the hybrid’s hair and using his other to cover his mouth.

Taehyung took his time sliding his tongue in and out of his human, alternating between swirling around the rim and going back to tongue fucking him. Jimin tried to arch into Taehyung, but the hybrid had a firm grip on both of the human’s thighs, forcing him down. Desperate whimpers slipped past Jimin’s thick lips as his dick twitched on his stomach.

He’d never met someone who could bring him to cum from just eating him out until Taehyung. It was already an impressive and nearly inconceivable skill, but once they’d become mates, Taehyung’s tongue could take the human apart in seconds, as he was about to now.

“Wait, wait Tae.” Jimin tugged on his hair, causing the hybrid to look up.

“What is it, love?”

“Please come here.” Jimin begged.

Taehyung released his thighs and crawled up between Jimin’s legs.

“Take this off.” Jimin pulled at the shirt Taehyung wore in the pound. “Please take this off. Take this all off.”

Taehyung knew the deeper meaning behind Jimin’s pleas, and gave in to his requests, throwing the shirt off and kicking the sweats away. Jimin made a mental note to throw them in the trash or the fire later with Taehyung’s permission.

The hybrid laid on Jimin, cupping his face and kissing him passionately, with an added layer of intimacy after their confession. He pulled Jimin’s leg up over his shoulder, sucking on his finger for a second before reaching down and slipping one past his rim. Jimin whined and arched into him as Taehyung began stretching him out with just spit alone. As usual, he found Jimin’s prostate instantly, evoking a high pitched moan from the human.

“Fuck me.” Jimin breathed into their kiss. “Please Tae, please fuck me.”

Taehyung got on his knees and grabbed the lube, spreading Jimin’s thighs and drizzling some onto Jimin’s entrance. He spread it on his dick, jerking himself for a moment before centering in front of Jimin. 

“Jimin.” Taehyung said. “Look at me.”

The human looked up at his hybrid, fighting through his urge to close his eyes from the pleasure. Taehyung maintained eye contact as he pushed into Jimin, seeing how long the human could stay focused before he fell victim to his lust. It wasn’t long until Jimin rolled his eyes back and sunk into the pillow. If Taehyung were in a more dominant headspace, he might have pushed further to torture Jimin a little. But right now, he just found his human’s fruitless attempts adorable. At least he was trying.

In just minutes, Taehyung was thrusting into Jimin with the same zeal as usual, bringing both of them to a state of blinding euphoria. The hybrid felt himself getting close, and leaned over Jimin, brushing his damp bangs off his sweaty forehead.

“I love you.” Taehyung said through his heavy breathing.

“I love you.” Jimin repeated in a quivering voice, tears gathering in his eyes from the pleasure and the emotion of it. “I’m gonna cum.”

“Cum for me, love.”

Jimin clenched his eyes and moaned, arching and cumming all over their stomachs. Taehyung grunted as he delivered his last few thrusts before cumming inside his human. He rode them both through it, kissing Jimin at the end of both of their climaxes.

Taehyung hid his face into Jimin’s neck for a moment, the human hugging his hybrid close as they came down. Once their breath was reaching their regular rates, Taehyung got out of bed to clean them up.

“You didn’t knot me?” Jimin asked as Taehyung wiped him off with a tissue.

Taehyung chuckled as he tossed the tissues. “You sound disappointed.”

“I mean…” Jimin didn’t want to admit that he was.

“I will tonight, baby.” Taehyung promised, kissing his forehead before helping him to sit up. “We don’t have time now.” 

“What?” Jimin asked, putting his feet on the ground and pulling one of Taehyung’s t-shirts over himself. “Time for what?”

Taehyung got into his clothes and walked out of their room. Jimin hopped off the bed and scurried after him, pulling up boxers and jeans on the way.

“What are you doing?” He asked, tripping over his pant legs.

“We have to go get my passport, right?” 

Jimin froze as Taehyung stood before the collar. He stared it down for what felt like ten minutes before finally taking one last deep breath and picking it up. He walked over to Jimin who was still stunned in disbelief, holding it out for him.

“Go ahead.” Taehyung said.

Jimin just stared at the collar until Taehyung picked up the human’s cold hand and placed it on his palm. Finally Jimin broke his eyes away from it and looked up into Taehyung’s, as if trying to figure out whether or not the hybrid was testing him.

“Really?” Jimin asked softly.

Taehyung nodded, grinning as he looked down at Jimin with those big, loving eyes. Jimin still couldn’t really fathom the turn in events, and questioned once again.

"Are you sure?” The human nearly whispered. “You know you don't have to." 

"Just put it on, Jimin." Taehyung said with a little laugh, bending his head down a bit so his human could reach.

Jimin finally smiled and reached up with shaky hands. He carefully clasped the latch around Taehyung's neck, letting it settle above his collarbones. Taehyung stood straight and adjusted the collar so the tag was in the correct place, still keeping his warm eyes on Jimin.

"Okay, let’s go."

They were both a little nervous, but Taehyung grabbed Jimin’s hand and made his way to the door.

“Wait wait,” Jimin tugged on his arm, “I need to grab my keys.”

“Let’s just walk.” Taehyung said. “It’s a nice day.”

Jimin’s eyes turned into crescent moons with how big his smile grew. The human loved to be outdoors and walk around, but he’d preferred driving for the past nearly entire year since he’d adopted Taehyung to avoid possibilities of the hybrid getting arrested. 

Now that neither of them had to worry, they could enjoy walking around outside as much as they wanted, without Taehyung having to stuff his tail or ears under clothes and worry about either of them showing whenever he got too excited and moved too much.

Jimin couldn’t stop clinging to Taehyung in excitement as they made their way down the elevator. Taehyung was resting his head on top of Jimin’s that was against his shoulder until he finally glanced down at his human.

“Jimin, I have something to tell you.” He said. “About the collar.”

“What?” Jimin asked anxiously, looking up at the hybrid.

“I don’t want to make a big deal out of it but…the one your parents got is extremely ugly.”

Jimin burst out into laughter at the sincerity behind Taehyung’s comment.

“It truly is.” Jimin giggled, reaching up and running his fingers over the ridiculous, tacky jewels.

Sure, the collar was more than what some people make in a year, but good god was it unappealing. Jimin subsided his laughter, then got an idea.

“Wanna go to the store and pick out a new one before we get your passport?” He asked. “I know the place Jin and Jungkook got theirs. The ones that look like necklaces.”

Taehyung smiled and kissed Jimin’s head as they reached the ground floor. “Sounds good.”

Twenty minutes later they were at the nearby pet store, trying on different collars. It took quite a while to find the perfect one to correspond with Taehyung’s unique fashion, but eventually they landed on a chain that resembled the multiple necklaces the hybrid wore on a pretty regular basis. It was still a collar, but if just glancing it wasn’t noticeably different from the other chains he had layered on.

“Like it?” Jimin asked as Taehyung adjusted it, locking in the tag with Jimin’s contact information on it.

“Much better.” Taehyung smiled contently. “Now, where do we get my passport?”

“Wait, just one more thing.” Jimin said, pulling Taehyung’s arm and leading them out the store.

Taehyung had to admit, now that it was heating up again, it felt so fucking nice to not have to stuff his ears under a beanie. It had been years since he could walk out and about in clear hybrid form, and it added an air of freedom despite wearing a collar.

Jimin pulled him all the way to the end of the block and into a store Taehyung had never seen before.

“Uh, what’s with this place?” Taehyung asked, looking around at the peculiar inventory.

Jimin stopped in front of a wall with a bunch of hanging jewelry on it, smiling up at Taehyung.

“Pick one for me.”

Taehyung finally gathered that they were in a small business jewelry store, and they stood before a wall of unique necklaces, with an entire section that looked like the subtle collars he and the other two alphas wore. He glanced down at Jimin who wore a happy expression, waiting for Taehyung. He wanted to match his hybrid as much as possible, and remind him that he was not some pet owned by the human, but rather his mate that he wanted to be with all the time.

The hybrid felt like his heart was leaping in his chest as he scanned across the wall. He held up multiple collars to Jimin, who stood tall and stretched out his neck for every one until Taehyung found the perfect fit. 

Ten minutes later, the pair were walking out the store with Jimin in his brand new necklace, making their way down the busy street.

“You’re sure you don’t want to go get the car?” Jimin asked timidly.

“Nah, let’s take the subway.” Taehyung said with a skip in his step. “It’s nice to get to walk around again.”

The two couldn’t stop smiling and giggling like a couple on their honeymoon. Once they got in the subway, Jimin leaned against Taehyung’s shoulder again as they watched their reflection in the window. Taehyung noticed that he was focusing on something on the glass, and peeked down at his human.

“What’s on your mind?” Taehyung asked.

“We look like we’re wearing a couple necklaces.” Jimin answered immediately, completely fulfilled at the prospect of it.

Taehyung interlocked their fingers and kissed the back of Jimin’s hand before resting his head atop Jimin’s again.

“Yeah, we do.”

Chapter Text

“What are we doing here?” Jimin asked, clumsily crawling through the window.

Taehyung gripped Jimin’s hips and lifted him down. “I have something I’ve been wanting to show you.”

Taehyung took Jimin’s hand and led him through the hallways of the theater. Jimin couldn’t shake the fact that they were trespassing private property, which meant breaking the rules, which Jimin hated to do. He thought he would faint if a security guard caught them and yelled at them while shining his flashlight in their faces. However, when clinging onto Taehyung, Jimin instantly felt much safer.

“What are you showing me that requires us to break into a performing arts theater?” Jimin questioned.

Once they entered the concert hall, Taehyung pulled Jimin up onto the stage before answering his question. The hybrid retrieved Jimin’s phone out of his pocket, then reached into his own and brought out a small bluetooth speaker, placing both on the piano in the center of the stage.

“Well, now that you know I used to be a rich bitch,” Taehyung said, making Jimin giggle, “I might as well put some of the bullshit training I went through to good use.”

The comment struck curiosity into the human. “Oh yeah? How so?”

Taehyung connected the phone’s bluetooth and pressed the desired song, then a classical piece started playing from the speaker. 

“I’m going to teach you how to ballroom dance.”

Taehyung then held out a hand theatrically for Jimin. The music coming from the device wasn’t the best quality, but for a $20 speaker it wasn’t anything to complain about.

“Ballroom dance?” Jimin laughed. “That’s what they taught you at etiquette school?”

“Yup. Amongst many other useless skills.” He took Jimin’s hand and pulled the human against him. “Now, how familiar are you with waltzing?”

“Not at all.” Jimin said. “I danced for a while in high school but it was lyrical, and I forgot everything by now.”

“That’s alright. Can you follow my lead?”

“Maybe?” Jimin answered with little confidence.

Suddenly he was lifted off the ground a bit until his shoes were on top of the hybrid’s.

“Okay, we’ll go like this until you get it.” Taehyung grinned, doing the steps with Jimin’s feet on his.

“Isn’t this kind of cheating?” Jimin asked, holding on tighter to Taehyung for balance.

“Only if you learn nothing. But you have a good memory, so you’ll get it in no time.”

True to his word, Taehyung had Jimin following his lead on his own within a few minutes, and eventually incorporated some dips and turns. Jimin was a quick learner, and pretty agile from what Taehyung had seen in bed, so it came as no surprise that the human got at least the basics down swiftly.

“Look at you, my little ballerina.” Taehyung mused as Jimin playfully spun around on his own.

The pair giggled while Jimin put on a silly show for Taehyung, who sat on the piano bench and watched him. Jimin transitioned between about four different dance styles in his best attempt at performing them convincingly.

“You’re a natural, baby.” Taehyung applauded. 

“I know.” Jimin fluttered his eyes. “Any more requests?”

“Requests?” Taehyung arched his eyebrow. “You’re taking requests?”

“I need to repay you for teaching me ballroom dancing don’t I?”

“Ah yes, you do.” Taehyung’s eyes went sultry, and Jimin realized he may have made a mistake in giving the horny hybrid such power in the vague offer. “Then in that case, why don’t you go ahead and give me a lap dance?”

Jimin’s dick began hardening against his jeans. Taehyung switched to their sex playlist, changing the classical song to a slow and sensual one. He reclined back in the piano bench, sitting far too comfortably on the cushion as he manspread invitingly. Jimin held his hands shyly behind his back, his eyes flicking down to Taehyung’s welcoming lap, back to his lustful eyes and cocky smirk.

“Come on, little Jimin.” Taehyung said, his voice like sin. “Come pay me back for my hard work.”

Jimin stared down at the growing tent in his hybrid’s pants, his mouth watering as he began to walk over.

“Wait.” Taehyung put up his hand. “How about you do a little strip tease for me first?”

Jimin gripped the hem of his shirt, gulping down the lump forming in his throat. Taehyung reached over to turn up the music, looking expectantly at his human. Finally, Jimin gathered his confidence and gripped the hem, slowly pulling the shirt over his head and tossing it somewhere on the stage. He took another two steps forward, swaying his hips and staring at Taehyung through lidded eyes as he unbuckled his belt, slipping it through the loops and dropping it, the buckle making a clunking sound on the black wood.

“I want nearly everything off by the time you get to me.” Taehyung said, his eyes flicking to Jimin’s neck quickly. “Except the collar. Leave that on.”

Jimin bit his lip and unzipped his jeans, making a show to arch his back as he bent over to pull them down so Taehyung got a delicious view of the human’s ass as he wiggled it to shimmy the jeans down his thighs. Taehyung nearly just ordered Jimin to come straight to him, but restrained himself. This was a miraculous event, and Taehyung wanted to savor it.

The human was solely in his briefs by the time he was only a few feet away from Taehyung. He paused, thinking to himself, before sinking to his knees. He looked up at Taehyung with a little grin as he slowly crawled the rest of the way to him, swinging his hips back and forth with each knee forward. Taehyung had to gnaw on his tongue to keep from pouncing on the human with how impossibly seductive it all was.

Jimin stopped before Taehyung, sitting back on his knees and looking up at him in faux innocence. The hybrid stared hungrily at his human, slapping his own thigh once to signal to Jimin that he needed to get on. Jimin stood to his feet and held onto Taehyung’s shoulders, putting a knee on either side of the hybrid’s hips then settling on his lap.

Taehyung raised his hands to rest on Jimin’s hips until the human grabbed the hybrid’s wrists, preventing him from doing so.

“This is a lap dance.” Jimin said, shyly trying to set a rule. “No touching.”

Taehyung was thoroughly amused by Jimin’s attempt at dominance, but played along anyway, returning his palms to the bench. Jimin began rolling his hips forward, grinding his boner against Taehyung’s. The hybrid groaned and restrained himself from grabbing onto Jimin. It was incredibly difficult, and if Taehyung’s mind wasn’t clouded with lecherous thoughts of what he wanted to do to Jimin, he might have taken a moment to reflect on his own lack of self-control.

Jimin held on tighter to Taehyung’s shoulders, digging his knees into the piano bench to fully press their entirely hard erections against each other as he kept grinding on the hybrid. The human had never given nor received a lap dance, but he actually believed Taehyung when the hybrid kept saying Jimin was a natural. Jimin felt he had entered his own element, and he thought to himself that he ought to practice giving his hybrid lap dances more often.

“I would love that.” Taehyung replied, which made Jimin realize he’d accidentally said that thought out loud. “Except at home, I’d rather you be fully naked the whole time. And that the little crawling portion lasts much longer. I love seeing you on your knees.”

Jimin smirked as he unmounted from Taehyung, turning around and gripping the hybrid’s thighs as he took a seat in his lap, swiveling his hips to grind his plush ass down onto Taehyung’s dick. The hybrid groaned, his fingers tearing holes into the expensive piano bench from how hard it was to restrain himself.

“Fuck, Jimin.” Taehyung growled into the human’s neck. “You’re gonna make me cum fully clothed.”

“So be it.” Jimin hummed. “I’m not done with my dance.”

Taehyung smirked. Normally he would have Jimin face down, ass up if he tried to pull a little dominant stunt at home. But seeing his human enjoy himself and fully embrace his sensuality helped Taehyung to hold back from fucking Jimin senseless on this very stage. Taehyung did buck up into Jimin a couple times, which the human allowed. It just made him grind down on the hybrid harder, reveling in every grunt and curse Taehyung let out with each movement from Jimin.

“You can touch me now.” Jimin permitted in a breathy voice. “You’ve been good.”

Taehyung chuckled at the human’s audacity, but finally wrapped his hands around Jimin’s slim waist, nearly enclosing it entirely with his long fingers. He controlled Jimin’s hips to his desired movement and rhythm, and he soaked in the sounds his human made when he was giving into his lust at Taehyung’s hands. The hybrid reached one hand down to palm over Jimin’s clothed erection, and found a dampened spot from his precum. 

Taehyung sucked on Jimin’s neck as he slid a hand past the waistband of his human’s briefs, wrapping his fingers around his dick. Jimin moaned and leaned his head back to rest on Taehyung’s shoulder, continuing to grind on the hybrid as he indulged in the handjob he was simultaneously receiving.

“Fuck…” Taehyung cursed again, bucking up into Jimin’s ass. “I’m gonna fuckin’ jizz my pants.”

“Same.” Jimin whined, arching into Taehyung’s hand as it jerked his painfully hard cock.

Taehyung bit down on Jimin’s neck where he always did as he came in his boxers with a groan. Only a few seconds later Jimin was digging his fingers into Taehyung’s knees, cumming all over the hybrid’s hand in his own briefs. He jerked Jimin through it until they both came to a stop. Taehyung closed his legs so Jimin could comfortably sit on the hybrid’s lap, his whole body reclined against it. His head still laid back on Taehyung’s shoulder as the hybrid wiped the evidence of Jimin’s release on the bench.

“Tae…” Jimin tried to scold, but he was still catching his breath.

“That was so fuckin’ hot.” Taehyung snickered. “You definitely earned your free dance lesson. I’d pay for another lap dance from you, especially if this is how they always end.”

“You cumming in your pants?” Jimin teased, and Taehyung’s hand traveled up to the human’s neck to give a squeeze over his collar.

“We’ll see how smart that mouth of yours is with my dick down it when we get home.”

Jimin had never gotten dressed so fast in his life, and he completely forgot his reservations about sneaking into the theater as he and Taehyung ran back to the window they crawled in from, cackling like giddy idiots.

That evening, Jimin and Taehyung wandered around hand-in-hand at the department store, waiting for their friends. They checked over their lists a couple times, making sure they had a go-plan for when they all split off to find their items in the mall.

“Jimin!”

The two looked up to see Yoongi and Jin walking over. They weren’t holding hands like Jimin and Taehyung—they weren’t the type to show public affection. That was saved for the privacy between them two, or occasional displays of affection while at an enclosed house with their friends.

Jungkook and Hoseok came in only minutes after, and soon the hybrids and humans broke off to find their separate necessities for the trip.

“So…” Jin started off the minute the humans were gone. “You’re coming to Japan with us after all?

“Yep.” Taehyung stated proudly. “We took passport pictures last week.”

“Well I’ll be damned.” Jungkook chuckled. “Last time we brought up the collar you shut that shit down immediately.” The youngest hybrid reached up and poked the collar around Taehyung’s neck. “What changed?” 

“I told him my past.” Taehyung said, making the other hybrids' jaws drop.

“You did?!” They asked in unison.

“Some of it.” Taehyung shrugged. “There’s obviously a lot more that’ll come out with time, but he understands the whole collar thing now.”

“Tae, that’s amazing.” Jin threw an arm around Taehyung’s shoulders to hug him from the side, Jungkook following suit. “Does it feel better getting it all out?”

“Yeah.” Taehyung grinned. “I’ll explain to you guys later when we’re not at a shopping mall.”

“You don’t have to.” Jin said, though both of them were dying to know.

“No, I want you to know. The more I talk about it the easier it’ll be.” Taehyung said.

His friends just gave him matching warm smiles before they embarked to fulfill their travel inventory before their trip.

***

Jimin wasn’t sure how much of the view he really took in while in Japan, because his eyes were on Taehyung for most of it. He had never felt so fulfilled than watching his hybrid excitedly leading him through every activity, pulling him by the wrist and pointing to anything that interested him. Which was just about everything.

Taehyung hadn’t been to Japan in nearly 10 years, and he couldn’t believe how different the cities were when he’d returned. The entire friend group swore that the best part about the trip wasn’t even the itinerary, but the enthusiasm on Taehyung’s face the entire time. None of them, not even Jimin, had ever seen Taehyung so exuberant for such a prolonged period of time, and they still reminisced about it long after they’d returned home.

Jimin fell more and more in love with Taehyung every day it felt like, and he’d never known happiness like this or true security than when he was at his hybrid’s side, holding onto him and looking up in adoration at his mate.

***

The group were all slumped in Namjoon’s living room after the artist finally returned from his two month trip abroad in Paris. They caught him all up on everything, focusing mainly on the trip. If it were anyone else, they might have refrained from gushing about a vacation to someone who didn't go on it, but it was different with Namjoon. He was too relaxed and easy-going to get upset over such things, and instead just asked for stories and to see pictures. Plus, once he was presented with the multitude of plushies they’d gotten him as souvenirs, Namjoon couldn’t complain. 

He hadn’t really wanted to go with Jihoon dragging behind him either, and he had enough social awareness to pick up on the fact that Jihoon’s presence would have heavily affected everyone’s experience for the worst too. Hence, why they were all at Namjoon’s apartment in celebration since Jihoon was finally getting shipped back to whatever god forsaken owner he came from. They were going to take Namjoon for a night out right after Jihoon was gone and plan their next trip so he could pick the destination.

They were all watching something on Namjoon’s TV and sipping on beers, waiting for the artist when he returned to the living room from a phone call.

“Is it okay if my old roommate comes in to chill for a bit? Jihoon is still packing his things, so he’s just gonna wait until Jihoon is ready.” Namjoon asked.

“Sure. I haven’t seen him in years.” Hoseok shrugged.

“Honestly I didn’t think he’d ever come back. I figured he’d just dumped Jihoon with you forever.” Yoongi said.

“I was kind of starting to wonder about that too. But now that I’m moving apartments, I have to have documentation that the hybrid is mine, and I told him there’s no way I’m adopting Jihoon from him.” Namjoon said.

“Thank god.” Jin muttered, causing Jungkook to snort.

“What is Jihoon’s owner like?” Taehyung asked. 

Taehyung had never wanted to know a damn thing about the omega hybrid or his background, but now he felt the need to prepare himself for whatever was about to walk through the door.

“I didn’t see him much, since Yoongi and I lived in an apartment while he was in university. It was usually just Namjoon coming over, but he brought his roommate a couple times.” Jin explained. “He wasn’t the worst, just kind of annoying in that he was always trying to prove how rich he was.”

“I never met him, but Hoseok told me about him since the three of them shared a dorm.” Jungkook added. “Apparently he was really vain and desperate to show off how much money he has, like that’s his whole personality.”

“He might have toned that down since then, though.” Jin said. “I mean, I would hope so. It’s been nearly ten damn years since they graduated. If he still has that same attitude, I’m rowing him out to sea”

Taehyung and Jungkook snickered, and as if on cue, there was a knock at the door. It could only be Namjoon’s roommate, and Taehyung tried not to look too obvious in judgment as the artist waltzed over to open up for him.

“Hey Joon, long time no see!” The man walked in and embraced Namjoon.

When they pulled away Namjoon looked at the youngest hybrids who were the only ones unknown to Jihoon’s owner. 

“Guys, this is Wooyoung, my old college roommate.” Namjoon introduced him. “Wooyoung this is Hoseok’s hybrid, Jungkook, and Jimin’s hybrid, T—“

“V?” Wooyoung finished before Namjoon could.

The abrupt interjection had Namjoon look quizzically at his old roommate. Everyone else had the same confused expression at Wooyoung referring to the hybrid with a random name, except Taehyung. When eyes shifted to the hybrid that the human had just addressed, Taehyung looked utterly stunned. The expression only lasted a few seconds until it morphed from crippling shock to a bone-chilling portrayal of lethal hatred.

“Wooyoung.” He responded. Something in his deep voice just felt dangerous when he addressed the human.

“Uh…hi.” Wooyoung let out a blatantly uncomfortable laugh. “How’ve you been?”

“How have I been?” Taehyung repeated in disbelief, before standing tall and glaring at him with wild eyes. “How have I been?! Fucking fantastic, thank you for asking. I’m doing just peachy, still healing from all the trauma you and your bullshit family so graciously gifted me. How have you been after leaving me in the streets like a busted couch to be taken to the junkyard?”

Wooyoung looked around nervously, taking a hesitant step back, unprepared for such a confrontation.

“V…I—”

“You what?” Taehyung cut him off before he could craft any excuses. “What can you possibly have to say, you fucking bitch!”

In a fit of heightening rage Taehyung flipped the coffee table with his one hand out of his way to bound toward the unexpecting human who was starting the clamber back. 

“We—we didn’t mean for it to happen like that.” Wooyoung tried to reason.

“Like what? How did you mean for it to happen? Why did you do it at all?” Taehyung demanded as he got closer toward his ex-owner.

All the humans in the room were unsure of what to do, but Jungkook and Jin quickly got to their feet to try and stop Taehyung from escalating even further. It slowly tore Jimin’s heart to see all the pain Taehyung had kept inside combust in fury like this. He’d never witnessed Taehyung this mad, nor did he think the hybrid was even capable of it.

Wooyoung started looking a bit scared, and backed away, glancing over to Namjoon. “Um, I'm gonna wait in the car.”

He reached for the door but Taehyung slammed it closed, his palm flat against the wood and his arm cornering Wooyoung against it.

“No fucking way.” The hybrid said, peering down at the recoiling human, practically radiating heat from rage. “I want you to look me in my face and tell me why you left me there.”

Wooyoung shrunk under Taehyung and tried to calm him down.

“Taetae…” 

“Do NOT call me that!”  Taehyung’s booming voice echoed in the hallway as it got louder. 

Jimin heard it, and suddenly it all made sense why Taehyung refused to let anyone refer to him with that nickname in the beginning. It was clearly an endearment bestowed by his previous family that was triggering for him to hear now—and most likely how he was known to everyone, if not by that other random name Wooyoung kept calling him a minute ago. Jimin wondered if one of these two names is what Sheena knew Taehyung by, and that’s why she had to think about it when Jimin referred to his hybrid by his real name. All of Taehyung’s triggers came from the trauma of this terrible family.

Jin tried to reason with Taehyung, seeing as the hybrid looked extremely close to getting physical with a human. The legal ramifications for a hybrid assaulting a human varied, but none of the outcomes were good.

“Let me go, Taehyung.” Wooyoung’s shaky voice held no authority.

“Say it, you fucking bastard.” Taehyung ordered. “You can’t even get it out, can you? You know it’s fucked up, and you know everyone will think so too.”

“Tae, get off of him.” Jungkook said, putting a hand on his shoulder.

Taehyung shrugged it off and hit the door right next to the human’s face, making Wooyoung flinch.

“Say it!” Taehyung yelled. “Admit that you fucking left me there because you got too rich for me. You were embarrassed to have me as your hybrid so you abandoned me for a little bitch like Jihoon!”

“Okay, yes! Are you happy?” Wooyoung yelled back. “You didn’t fit in!”

The pure ferocity that possessed Taehyung’s entire being was terrifying for all of the humans to see as they watched in crippling astonishment. 

“I went to months of goddamn training to fit in for you and your fucking family! I accepted that god-awful new name you gave me to sound more elite and make others forget who I was before. I dropped every aspect of myself to take up ‘high class’ interests for you, I even fucked and mated that omega to try and breed more hybrids for you.” Taehyung hit the door again. “I wore that goddamned collar for a year after you abandoned me, hoping every day that you’d come back. I would’ve taken a fucking bullet for all of you, and you just pack up and leave me there!”

“Taehyung, stop!” Jin and Jungkook were trying to pull Taehyung away now, but he wasn’t done.

“Do you have any idea what that feels like? To come back after months away from home to an empty house with a locked door at night? I didn’t know what happened or where to go or what to do. I wandered the streets looking for you like a fucking moron for a year until I finally got arrested. I didn’t let anyone adopt me because I was praying you’d come back to find me. I spent five years rotting in that goddamn pound because of you!”

“I’m sorry, okay!” Wooyoung’s voice was almost as loud as Taehyung’s. “We were new to wealth and no one had alphas. We didn’t know what to do.”

“Be fucking humane! Don’t abandon your family because I don’t fit in with your new lifestyle!” Taehyung’s face was red and veins visible in his neck. “Don’t fucking play dumb. You know you could’ve tried to find a family for me, but you didn’t want anyone to know you ever had me and you’re all fucking cowards who couldn’t to admit it to my face. You kept me to try and get kids out of me, and once that fucking omega couldn’t get pregnant you left me. I told you it wouldn’t work, and you still pressured me to try, then fucking took her and left me. After fifteen fucking years of being your hybrid, you just left me. You and your family are worthless, fake aristocrats without an ounce of compassion or loyalty!”

Jin and Jungkook had nearly dragged Taehyung into another room by his last few words to the human.

“All I wanted was for you to love me!” Taehyung practically screamed as he was pulled away. “Fuck you and fuck your goddamn family. I hope you all burn in hell!”

With that, the other hybrids had successfully gotten Taehyung into Namjoon’s bedroom and slammed the door shut. They could still hear Taehyung shouting and things being thrown in there, but Namjoon didn’t care about anything breaking—just that Taehyung got all of his anger and pain out. The humans were left speechless with Taeyung’s rampage filling the silence through the wall.

“Is that true, Wooyoung?” Namjoon asked, eventually recovering his ability to speak.

Wooyoung was still gathering himself after the incident.

“Uh…kinda.” He admitted, sheepishly.

“You just left him out in the streets? Alone?” Hoseok demanded. “Without a goodbye or explanation?” 

“We just weren’t ready for all the money and we wanted to assimilate—”

“So you abandoned a member of your own family just to try and fucking ‘kick it’ with the rich kids?” Yoongi asked, getting more frustrated as Wooyoung’s meaningless answers kept coming.

“I don’t know! We didn’t think about it.”

“What the fuck do you mean you didn’t think about it?!” Jimin was the last one to gather his words, but now that he had them, he was going to unleash as he jumped to his feet and pointed threateningly at Wooyoung. “Do you have any idea what the fuck you did to Taehyung? He refused to be adopted for years because he was waiting for you. He wouldn’t put on a collar from someone else because he felt like he was betraying you. He was so fiercely loyal to your stupid family and you all just left him in the dust, and he still waited for you! You were his whole world and you just up and left him without so much as a goodbye?”

Wooyoung had no grounds to defend himself. He knew it was wrong now, and he knew back then too. But they were too determined to be part of the wealthy class, and did everything they thought they needed to do to reach it.

“I didn’t know rich people had alphas!” Wooyoung kept trying. “Had I known we would have kept him!”

“Are you fucking serious?” Yoongi joined Jimin on his feet. “You don’t give a shit about Taehyung. You just wanted to fit in to the rich so bad, and Taehyung was collateral damage because of your greed. Have you ever even thought about him since you left? I never heard you speak a word of your life before wealth when we were in college.”

Wooyoung looked between all the humans, desperate to see if any one of them would sympathize with him.

“I knew you weren’t actually rich.” Hoseok low blowed, hitting Wooyoung where it hurts. “You were just faking it like the others. And we let you into our circle anyway because we thought you were secretly a good person. Joke’s on us, huh?”

Wooyoung was completely speechless. He was rattled, his pride shattered, and his image marred forever. He just glanced up to Namjoon who looked at him with disappointment.

“I think you should go wait in the car. I’ll send Jihoon out when he’s ready.” Namjoon said calmly.

Wooyoung nodded, his head bowed in shame. He opened the door and walked out. If he had a tail it would be tucked between his legs.

“Wooyoung?” Namjoon called after him, and the man turned around somewhat optimistic that maybe his old roommate would show him compassion. “Don’t ever ask me to babysit Jihoon again, even if you do move. Find somewhere else for him.”

Wooyoung’s hopes fell and he just nodded again before trudging back to his car. All the guys looked back over to Jimin, who was still trembling with adrenaline.

“You okay?” Hoseok asked softly.

“I need to see Taehyung.” Jimin declared, rushing to where the other hybrids had dragged him off to.

There was still yelling behind a door and Jimin could hear the other alphas' calm voices, trying to ease Taehyung. Jimin tapped on the door gently, scared to make his alpha madder.

The room went silent and finally the door cracked open, Jin appearing.

“Can I see Taehyung?” Jimin asked, almost in a whisper.

“Uh…” Jin looked over at where Jimin assumed Taehyung was. “I don’t know if you wanna see him like this.”

“It’s fine.” Jimin heard Taehyung from beyond the door. “I’m calm.”

Jin looked at him with uncertainty, seeing as just seconds ago he was screaming and throwing furniture. But Jin knew Taehyung would never hurt Jimin, so he motioned for Jungkook to follow him out. The two alphas exited and Jimin entered timidly. The room was a bit of a mess, obviously from Taehyung throwing things around. Thankfully nothing seemed to be broken.

“Tae?” Jimin asked weakly.

The alpha leaned against the dresser, still panting from his outburst. Hearing his human so scared and vulnerable slowly shifted his anger to protectiveness, and he looked at Jimin.

“Come here.” 

Jimin rushed into Taehyung’s arms, hiding his face in his chest and hugging him as tight as possible. Taehyung held him close, but not with all his force lest he crush the human.

“Tae, I’m so sorry.” Jimin choked out. “Had I known I never would’ve come here with Wooyoung on his way.”

“It’s okay, Jimin. It was heavy, but it needed to happen.” Taehyung comforted his human. “I don’t think I ever would’ve been fully healed if I didn’t see him and get answers confirmed…and let him know how much it hurt. Hopefully he feels like shit.”

“He definitely can’t feel good.” Jimin said. “We all went off on him and Hoseok shamed him and Namjoon told him not to contact us again.”

Taehyung’s somber face morphed into a bit of a look of gratitude.

“You guys didn’t have to do that for me.”

“We couldn’t help it. Hearing what he did and how it affected you enraged all of us.” Jimin looked up at the hybrid with misty eyes. “We love you, Tae.”

The hybrid’s grin turned into a full smile as he held Jimin close again.

“Jesus Christ, what happened here?” Jihoon asked, walking by with his bag on his shoulder.

The two were startled by the sudden intrusion, and looked over at the cat hybrid.

“Aren’t you leaving?” Taehyung asked with even more animosity now. 

“Yes, I just wanted to say goodbye before I left.” He said smugly, referring to the humans.

“Just leave, Jihoon.” Jimin snapped, taking both hybrids by surprise. “Go back to your stupid owner and don’t come around anymore.”

Jihoon looked just as staggered as Wooyoung had, and simply stood in the door for a few more seconds before leaving, receiving similar treatment from the rest of the humans and hybrids on his way out. Jimin held Taehyung close for what felt like an hour, when there was another tap at the door.

They turned to look at Namjoon peeking in, and it hit Taehyung what he’d done.

“Oh shit, Namjoon,” Taehyung broke away, frantically trying to pick up everything he’d thrown. “I’m so fucking sorry, I wasn’t even th—”

“Seriously, it’s okay.” Namjoon reached forward to stop Taehyung from cleaning. “I was just coming to make sure you’re alright. We’re all kind of worried about you.”

Taehyung sighed and stood straight from hunching over to pick up everything.

“I’m okay now.” He nodded. “I’m really sorry you had to see that, and that I did all this.”

“I needed to call a cleaning service anyway after how messy Jihoon made my place.” Namjoon reassured him. “Did you wanna reschedule going out tonight?”

Jimin was about to take up the offer but Taehyung answered first.

“No, I’m fine.” The hybrid said, genuinely. “I think I need to give some more apologies, and also thank everyone for defending me.”

“You don’t need to thank us, Tae.” Namjoon said sincerely.

Taehyung just walked up and hugged the tall human close, surprising Jimin and Namjoon as the hybrid wasn’t really a hugger and neither was the artist. Still, Namjoon smiled and welcomed the embrace before they all rejoined with the group, who all treated Taehyung with just as much love once he returned.

***

“Where do you rank that in the dessert tier list?” Taehyung asked, holding Jimin’s hand as they exited the ice cream shop into the warm summer evening.

“That’s so hard.” Jimin put his finger to his chin, categorizing all of their past late night sweet treat adventures. “I think for ice cream it ranks third, and for overall dessert shops it’s at sixth.”

“Third for ice cream?” Taehyung pulled Jimin closer as they crossed the street once the walking figure lit up white. “I didn’t know you liked it that much.”

“Well, for taste it might be fifth place, but when you include the ambiance and the craftsmanship of the ice cream, it all factors into the ranking.” Jimin hummed to himself, then stopped in his tracks without warning, his eyes wide as he suddenly remembered something.

“You forgot your credit card, didn’t you?” Taehyung asked, far too familiar with Jimin’s reactions to certain events.

For someone who was so neat and anal about everything, forgetting his credit card was oddly one occurrence that frequently happened to Jimin.

“I’m sorry.” The human said shamefully.

“Don’t apologize.” Taehyung chuckled, kissing Jimin’s forehead. “You stay here. I’ll go run and get it.” 

Taehyung looked both ways before jaywalking across the street to the ice cream shop.

“Tae!” Jimin whined after him, nearly tempted to run after the hybrid. 

But jaywalking was against the law, and Jimin hated breaking rules. He huffed and stomped all the way down the street to where the nearest crosswalk was. Meanwhile, Taehyung was already in the café. The hostess recognized him and immediately handed over the credit card, then the hybrid was out and ready to jog over to the light where he anticipated Jimin would be headed. 

He knew his human too well, and he would have been more shocked if Jimin had actually waited where Taehyung told him to. He would have been the most shocked if Jimin had jaywalked behind him. 

No. Sure enough, Jimin had nearly made it to the light where he could cross over legally.

“I told you to wait!” Taehyung called over to the human with an amused smile.

Jimin just gave him a pout while he incessantly pressed the crosswalk button harder.

“You just never do as you’re told, do you?” Taehyung teased, getting a more intense glare and more aggressive button-pressing from his human. He was clearly making it a race now to get to Taehyung before the hybrid could reach him.

Taehyung smiled to himself and stood at the edge of the sidewalk, looking both ways to wait for when he could jaywalk across the street and beat Jimin to it, when something caught his eye and he froze. He stood up straight and fully faced the direction of the figure coming toward him.

Wooyoung.

The hairs on the back of Taehyung’s neck bristled, and the type of fiery hatred that only his ex-owner could spark inflamed within his entire being. It had been two weeks since the event of them mistakenly reuniting, and the hybrid had nearly moved on until now. Taehyung scowled at the wretched human as he got closer, until he was within earshot. He had the impudence to smile abashedly at Taehyung, further driving his disgust.

“If your final act of revenge is to get me arrested for physically assaulting a human, then keep walking closer.” Taehyung warned Wooyoung firmly as the human approached.

Wooyoung halted, a dejected look replacing his meek smile as he hung his head.

“Please, Taeta—” he stopped himself before letting out the nickname, “…Taehyung.”

“What do you want, Wooyoung?” Taehyung asked, staring daggers at the human.

“To apologize.” He said, looking up at the hybrid. “I mean actually, sincerely apologize.”

“Yeah right.” Taehyung didn’t even have it in himself to scoff at the human.

“I’m serious!” Wooyoung insisted. “Look, it was wrong. Vile. All the things you said were right. It was a heinous thing to do, and I’m so insanely sorry. I never came to terms with  it…and I think by somehow convincing myself that it was the right choice, I was trying to alleviate my guilt.”

“Well I hope you never stop feeling guilty.” Taehyung snarled. “If there’s any justice in the world, it’ll haunt you for the rest of your life.”

“I won’t stop feeling shitty. I can’t.” Wooyoung said, looking down in shame. Taehyung was about to turn away when the human looked back up at him. “But, I was wondering…”

“What?” Taehyung demanded when the human took too long, eager to not be speaking with Wooyoung anymore.

“I was wondering…if you would ever wanna come back to live with us?”

“Are you out of your fucking mind?” Taehyung had to moderate his voice so he didn’t start yelling again. It was extremely challenging after hearing such an outlandish proposal.

“I know it’s a long shot, but the thing is, we all regret it—regret leaving you. We missed you from the moment we left.” Wooyoung said, desperately. “I wanted to come back and try and find you, but we’d moved so far. It was impossible, and we didn’t even know if you’d still be around.”

Taehyung slowly let his hand relax from the tight fists he was clenching.

“I understand that you’ll probably say no, but I talked to my family about it. They were thrilled when I told them I found you.” He said, looking hopeful. “My mom begged me to bring you home so they can all apologize.”

Now, it was Wooyoung who had rendered Taehyung speechless. His family who had raised him was suddenly begging for him to come back. The family he’d spent nearly his entire life with, from age 7 to 22, wanted him home.

“Taetae?” Wooyoung tested the nickname to see if the hybrid would get angry. When he didn’t, Wooyoung grew an optimistic smile. “You could move back in, and you’ll be treated like royalty. We’re not as rich as Jimin, but we have so much more to offer you now than before, along with a lifetime of memories both from the past and present ones that we could make.”

“I’m adopted, Wooyoung. I can’t just abandon my owner.”

“Actually I looked it up, and legally, hybrids are allowed to choose. The original owners can’t force them, but if they want their hybrid back then the hybrid decides whether to stay with their original or new family.” Wooyoung explained. “You could live with us, Taetae. We were your family for most of your life. You’ve only been with Jimin for a year, you were with us for 15. And if you move back in, we would never, ever let you go again.”

Taehyung just stared into the distance, taking in every word.

“Obviously I’m not gonna ask you to just come along with me now, but, I wanted to give you this.” 

He pulled something out of his pocket, and Taehyung’s eyes went wide when he realized what it was. His breath caught in his throat and his fingers trembled. 

“Where did you get that?” 

“I’ve kept it all this time.” Wooyoung placed Taehyung’s original collar in his hand. “I never let you go completely, Tae.”

Taehyung’s eyes were locked on the collar he’d once adorned for nearly his whole life. The collar that he both dreamt about in yearning and had nightmares about in heartbreak.

“If you decide to come back, my mom’s phone number is still labeled on the back.” Wooyoung said, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. 

Sure enough, Taehyung turned the metal tag over and there it was. Everything was exactly how he remembered it—the fake leather, the loose clasp, the dented metal. They’d given it to him when they were still middle class, then Wooyoung replaced it with a diamond studded one to try and make Taehyung blend into their new lifestyle. 

“Call us if you change your mind, okay?” Wooyoung pleaded.

Taehyung’s eyes weren’t moving from the collar, and Wooyoung expected that. He sighed, satisfied he’d finally talked to Taehyung, and went his way.

“Hope to see you soon, Taetae. All of us hope to see you.”

Jimin watched it happen from across the street. Wooyoung placed the collar in Taehyung’s hands, and the hybrid who had once screamed in his old owner’s face, now just listened. Jimin had never been more tempted to jaywalk in his life, the crosswalk couldn’t have taken longer to light up.

By the time it was finally on, Jimin was practically sprinting across the street. 

“Tae!” Jimin screeched, running up to his hybrid.

Taehyung was still a bit dazed from the interaction, but hearing his mate’s voice call to him brought him back to the moment and he looked up to catch Jimin once the human tripped into him.

“Careful.” Taehyung said as he steadied Jimin.

“What was that?” Jimin asked, holding onto Taehyung’s arm. “What did Wooyoung say to you?”

“He asked for me to come home.” Taehyung took Jimin’s hand to start walking, but the human stopped and pulled on the hybrid to get his attention.

“What?!” Jimin looked up at Taehyung in dismay. “After everything he did, he asked you to come back?”

“Yeah.” Taehyung said. “I’m just as surprised as you are.”

“It sure doesn’t seem like it.” Jimin responded, a bit worried by the hybrid’s lack of reaction compared to his. “You don’t seem affected at all.”

“Trust me, I am.” Taehyung tugged the human to walk with him again. Jimin complied this time, though he wasn’t done questioning.

“How are you so calm?” Jimin asked. “I’m freaking out over here!”

“I’m not calm.” Taehyung said, his eyes on the sidewalk, avoiding Jimin’s. “I’m just confused.”

“What are you confused about?”

Jimin knew he shouldn’t be badgering Taehyung so much after such a jarring encounter, but he needed to know what was going on in his mate’s head.

“It’s just so random.” Taehyung shrugged. “I didn’t know he ever thought about me, but now he tells me he never forgot about me and wants me back. He gave me my old collar to prove he never moved on.”

The way Taehyung spoke about it racked fear throughout Jimin’s entire being, and he clutched tightly onto the hybrid, looking up at him in distress.

“You’re not gonna go, are you?” Jimin asked, clutching Taehyung’s arm tighter. “You’re not gonna leave me?”

Taehyung felt the disconcertment of the human and looked to him, finally giving a frazzled grin.

“No, Jimin.” Taehyung reassured him, squeezing his hand. “I’m not gonna leave you.”

It wasn’t very convincing, but Jimin just clung onto him. It took everything in him not to bring it up again on their silent walk back to Jimin’s apartment. He made it most of the way, until they walked into their room to get ready for bed. Taehyung took off his collar like he always did when they got home, then reached into his pocket and dropped his old collar onto the bedside table next to his new one. It looked so much like a real collar—like one Taehyung would never be caught dead wearing now. 

Taehyung’s eyes lingered on it for a few moments, when he finally picked up on the fact that Jimin was standing at the doorway, his head bowed and his eyes downcast.

“Jimin?” The hybrid walked up to stand before his human. “What’s wrong?”

“Please don’t go back to them.” Jimin nearly whispered, tears welling in his eyes. “Please don’t choose him over me.”

Taehyung lifted Jimin’s chin and the human looked into the hybrid’s eyes. He cupped Taehyung’s face and kissed the hybrid with all the passion he had in him, desperate to be close. Taehyung kissed him back, wrapping his arms around the human’s waist and pulling Jimin against him.

He laid Jimin on the bed and kissed down his jaw to his neck, pausing at the area he always bit that would have been his mate mark if Jimin were a hybrid. Taehyung simply pressed his lips to the spot this time, then kept going down Jimin’s chest. The human felt his heart was breaking until Taehyung ground his thigh against Jimin’s growing hardness.

Jimin leaned his head back and moaned as Taehyung started unbuckling the human’s belt, pulling down his jeans and briefs. He then removed Jimin’s sweater, leaving him completely bare beneath Taehyung. The hybrid ran his hands up Jimin’s body, pressing his fingers into the human’s waist like the shorter loved so much. 

He put Jimin’s thighs over his shoulders and sank down to press his tongue against the human’s entrance. Jimin gripped Taehyung’s hair, moaning at the sensation. Taehyung teased Jimin’s hole for a minute before pushing his tongue in, earning a gasp out of the older. Soon he was tongue fucking Jimin while the older squirmed, his fingers curling into Taehyung’s hair as he tried to buck up into the hybrid’s mouth.

Right about now, Taehyung probably would have started prepping Jimin to fuck him, but instead once the hybrid’s fingers were inside of him, he just massaged his prostate slowly until the human was writhing around.

“Tae—” Jimin whined. “I’m gonna cum.”

It was meant to be a signal for Taehyung to move onto fucking him, but instead the hybrid pressed harder against Jimin’s prostate, making the human cry out and continue arching up into Taehyung’s fingers to chase his release. The hybrid milked Jimin’s prostate until the human came all over himself with a moan of Taehyung’s name. 

He was a little disappointed that Taehyung’s hadn’t fucked him, until the hybrid laid down on top of him again and started ravishing Jimin in another heated kiss. Jimin had to gather himself from his fresh orgasm to wrap his arms around Taehyung’s neck.

“Tae…” He sighed in pleasure as the hybrid began sucking on Jimin’s neck, hopefully making marks.

Soon Jimin found himself getting hard yet again, his dick coming to life as Taehyung wrapped his fingers around it and started jerking him off painfully slow. Jimin could only pull at Taehyung’s shirt weakly, trying to get the hybrid to do something more. Taehyung understood and sat up, yanking off his shirt and making quick work to remove the rest of his clothes.

 Once he was as bare as Jimin, Taehyung reached into their drawer to grab their nearly empty lube bottle, which the human made a mental note to replace. Jimin was already decently prepped from Taehyung eating him out, so it didn’t take long for him to be ready for the hybrid’s dick.

Taehyung spread Jimin’s legs and gradually pushed into him, admiring the way Jimin’s eyes would go cross at the initial stretch every time. He gripped onto Taehyung’s shoulders as the hybrid aimed his dick for Jimin’s prostate, fucking into him at a surprisingly fast pace as opposed to how carefully he’d entered the human at first.

Typically, Taehyung preferred to savor the first few minutes of fucking Jimin, going slow and teasing him and making his human beg for more. Tonight felt different, though. He was gentle, yet intentional, almost as if he was trying to meet a task of getting Jimin to cum. It was certainly working, because after just a few minutes of fucking directly into Jimin’s prostate, Taehyung had the human crying out and arching into him for more. His fingernails dug into Taehyung’s back, scratching down his skin as his second orgasm came over him. 

“Tae!” Jimin screamed, cumming on himself for the second time.

The hybrid slowed down, still completely hard inside of Jimin. Usually Taehyung was pretty good at matching his orgasm to Jimin’s, so the human was rather confused why he was still fully erect.

“Think you can go one more time?” Taehyung asked.

Jimin was trembling from two orgasms in a row, but he didn’t want Taehyung going to bed without cumming, and he did find it incredibly arousing that his hybrid wanted him to orgasm so many times.

“Y-Yeah.” Jimin said in a hoarse voice.

Taehyung grinned and pulled out, flipping Jimin over and pushing back into him. He enclosed his large hands around Jimin’s against the bed, subsequently pinning him down to it. Once he was fucking into Jimin, hitting his abused prostate again with impeccable accuracy, the human started to feel the hybrid’s knot forming. While sufficiently overstimulated, Jimin welcomed the knot, welcoming the confidence that came with Taehyung wanting him. Wanting to stay with him.

Jimin hid his face into the mattress, whimpering into it as his third orgasm approached.

“I love you.” Jimin croaked, tears streaming down his face from the overwhelming pleasure. “I love you so much, Taehyung.”

“I love you.” Taehyung responded, reaching around to jerk Jimin off once again. “Cum for me.”

Jimin sobbed as he came for the third time, nearly dry, and Taehyung held up his limp body for his final thrusts before he released inside his human, now with his knot fully formed. Jimin could hardly keep his eyes open as he gasped for air, his entire being trembling and tears still streaming down his face.

Taehyung kissed the back of Jimin’s neck, praising him as usual for aftercare. He laid them on their sides, spooning Jimin close while he waited for his knot to subside.

“You did so good, baby.” Taehyung said softly, sprinkling more kisses on Jimin’s shoulders. “I’m so proud of you.”

Jimin could hardly muster a smile as his exhaustion dragged him from reality into slumber.

“Don’t go…” Jimin mumbled with the remaining energy he had left.

He felt the hybrid’s arms tighten around his waist, and Taehyung dug his face into Jimin’s neck to release relaxing pheromones, as if sending the final blow to completely knock the human out. Once he knew Jimin was deep in slumber, Taehyung’s eyes traveled up to the two collars on the table, locking his sights onto his old one. His first one. 

He didn’t know how long he’d stared at the collar, completely still. He was so deep in thought, he didn’t even realize his knot had gone down until Jimin shifted around to cuddle into Taehyung’s chest. The hybrid snapped into gear and got out of bed to clean the human up in his sleep, putting a pillow in Jimin’s arms to replace his chest with, then plopped down on the love seat in the corner of the room.

He slouched back, fixating his eyes on the collar. His mind was racing as he played the scene over and over in his head. Wooyoung begging for him to come back, telling him that his old family wanted him, giving him the one artifact left that reminded Taehyung of his old life, before money ever came into the picture.

He sat and he stared for hours, time completely lost on him. Jimin rustled a bit in bed, and normally Taehyung would have jumped under the covers to hold his human close, but not tonight. On any typical night, Taehyung would never have left the bed after cleaning Jimin up. But tonight was not a typical night, and while the hours ticked by, Taehyung remained slouched in that chair, his eyes locked on the collars and his thoughts racing a thousand miles per minute.

Jimin woke up the next morning with a stretch. The first thing he noticed was that he was cleaned up from the night before, which was expected. Taehyung had never once neglected cleaning up after himself when he fucked Jimin.

Next he noticed the lack of Taehyung’s arms around his waist. He always fell asleep cuddling Jimin and held the human until morning. Jimin frowned and sat up, trying to listen for Taehyung in the bathroom or kitchen.

“Tae?” 

His heartbeat started to pick up as he threw the covers off himself and got out of bed. He almost immediately fell to the floor from how weak he felt after how many times he’d cum the night before, but he got up on shaky legs, put on a large shirt of Taehyung’s and walked out, praying he’d find the hybrid in the kitchen making something weird for breakfast with his headphones on.

“Tae?” He called again before walking into the empty kitchen. 

Jimin gulped down the lump forming in his throat, his heartbeat spiking now as he rushed over to the living room.

“Taehyung?!” 

He found it empty and nearly sprinted to where Taehyung’s gaming system was. The computer was off and the monitor was cold, indicating that Taehyung hadn’t touched it that morning.

“Taehyung? Where are you?” Jimin cried out, running to the home gym and then the laundry room out of desperation. 

He checked every square inch of the apartment but Taehyung was nowhere to be seen. Jimin was panting now from the anxiety racking through his body, nearly paralyzing him. He wanted to call out Taehyung’s name again, but to what purpose? The hybrid wasn’t there. He wouldn’t come in to hold Jimin and calm him down.

Jimin stumbled back to his room, on the off chance that maybe he hadn’t looked close enough. Suddenly he ran to check if Taehyung’s adoption papers were still there. When he found them in the filing cabinet, a wave of dread washed over him as his hands went cold and he started trembling harder than the night before.

He slowly turned around to look at the bedside table. Taehyung’s new collar lay exactly where the hybrid had left it the previous night, alone on the hardwood.

His original collar, just like Taehyung, was gone.

Chapter Text

Jimin felt he was about to pass out as he dropped back into the loveseat. He was hopelessly trying to calm down and think rationally, but how could he possibly? His hybrid, his best friend, his mate, had left without a word. Not a “goodbye,” not a note. Nothing.

He sat completely numb. It had been a year since Taehyung had come home with him, and never once had there been a time Jimin had been in the apartment without his hybrid after that. Jimin no longer knew home without Taehyung in it, and now he was entirely lost.

He felt abandoned, realizing that Taehyung had taken up Wooyoung’s offer. Jimin had hoped that being mates would ensure that Taehyung would choose him over his old owner, but apparently the hybrid’s family bond was stronger. Why wouldn’t it be? Taehyung was raised with them. They knew his hybrid family, they knew his whole life while Jimin had hardly learned as much as Sheena. They knew everything about him. They didn’t have to wait a year for Taehyung to expose his past. They are his past.

Despite what they’d done, they were his family, and Taehyung clearly missed that. He missed it so much that he left Jimin without so much as a goodbye. 

Tears welled in Jimin’s eyes as he stared at the empty spot on the table where his old collar once laid. He sat like that for hours, still in disbelief. He couldn’t call because Taehyung had no phone. He couldn’t search because he had no idea where Wooyoung lived. For all Jimin knew, Taehyung could be on a plane with his old owner at this very moment, flying to wherever Wooyoung moved to re-enter his old life.

Jimin’s alarm clock beeped eventually, and he didn’t turn it off. He got emails, and he let them remain unopened. His phone rang, and he ignored it. He only stared at the lack of collar. He couldn’t get off the chair. He was completely limp, yet stone cold and frozen at the same time. 

***

“Jimin?” 

He wasn’t sure how much time had passed since discovering Taehyung was gone, but regardless Jimin didn’t flinch when he heard his name called after his door had opened. It wasn’t Taehyung’s voice, so it didn’t matter.

Yoongi called for him again as the older walked into his apartment, followed by Jin.

“Jimin?” Jin’s frantic voice echoed off the walls.

They burst into his room and found him pathetically sitting on the love seat in the corner.

“Jimin!” They rushed over, pulling him onto his feet.

It was alarming how the man’s legs nearly gave out, most of his weight left for Jin to steady him. He looked dazed, and the other mated pair glanced at each other with a shared reaction of concern.

“I’m sorry.” Jimin finally uttered out, his eyes still averted. “He’s gone.”

The two didn’t even bother asking Jimin for more details or question why he was sitting alone in a chair wearing nothing but Taehyung’s shirt. They just dragged him into his living room with haste.

“Look at this.” Yoongi said, plopping the younger man down on the couch.

Jin turned on the TV, and the first thing Jimin saw was a random house in a suburban area, surrounded by the cops. 

“What is this?” Jimin asked, hardly capable of focusing on anything.

“Just wait.”

The news reporter was talking and multiple angles were shown around the house, and then it flashed to someone standing beside the cop car, speaking to the officer. When Jimin squinted to see clearer, he realized that it was Taehyung.

Jimin choked and his heart started pounding with adrenaline once his eyes landed on his mate, who he just two minutes ago believed he would never see again.

“Where is this?!” Jimin asked, gasping for breath as he hopped up and frantically searched around for his keys.

“Wooyoung’s house!” Jin’s voice sounded just as panicked as Jimin. 

“Where the fuck is that?” Jimin demanded, far more aggressive than he ever spoke.

“I’ll call Namjoon and ask, but we gotta start moving.” Yoongi said before looking at Jin. “Can you get him in some clothes before he runs out naked?”

Jin managed to dress Jimin in at least a pair of pants and shoes, not bothering to change him out of Taehyung’s huge shirt. It was hard enough to drag him back into his room as is with how desperate he was to get to Taehyung. Soon all of them were tumbling out the door to the elevator like kids bursting out of school for recess. 

“Taehyung is getting arrested?” Jimin asked in utter disbelief.

“I don’t know! We were calling you and you didn’t answer so we rushed over here.” Jin said. “Did you see him this morning?”

“No! I woke up and he was gone, that’s why I couldn’t get up.” Jimin said, clutching the rail so hard his knuckles turned white.

Namjoon finally answered Yoongi’s call.

“What’s up?” 

When Jimin heard Namjoon’s voice, he lunged for the phone, yanking it out of Yoongi’s hands. Normally, the older would yell at Jimin for such an absurd outburst, but in this case, he understood.

“Where does Wooyoung live?!” Jimin demanded.

There was a pause on the other end of the phone, and Jimin could practically see Namjoon’s confused face as if he were standing right before him.

“Jimin?” He clarified who he was speaking to.

“Yes. Where does Wooyoung live?” Jimin asked again, louder this time.

“Why do you have Yoongi’s phone?”

“Goddamnit, tell me Wooyoung’s address!” Jimin nearly screamed at the older.

“It’s an emergency!” Jin chimed in the background.

“Okay okay, lemme find it. I have to scroll through our messages.”

“Hurry!” Jimin pleaded.

“Jimin, what the hell is going on?” Namjoon asked as he searched for it.

“Turn on the news.” Yoongi said. “Taehyung is at Wooyoung’s house and there’s cops everywhere.”

“What?!” Namjoon questioned, now matching their level of anxiety.

“I don’t know, he’s just on there so we rushed to pick up Jimin and we need to get there.” Yoongi said as they toppled out of the elevator and rushed to his car.

“Okay, I found it. I’ll text it over.” Namjoon said. “Do you need me to go there too?”

“If you can.” Jimin’s voice sounded like he was on the verge of crying, which he sort of was.

He was too determined to cry, but the emotions were overwhelming him and his dread was making a presence in his voice’s cadence.

“I’ll head over.” Namjoon promised before hanging up.

Yoongi tried to drive as carefully as possible so his unease didn’t launch them into a car accident. It was deathly silent for most of the ride, the heavy breathing form the three of them being the only noise.

“Did he say anything to you?” Jin finally asked Jimin.

“No.” Jimin was still trembling with adrenaline. “He ran into Wooyoung last night, and he told me that apparently the bitch had the nerve to ask Taehyung to come back to him.”

“What?” Yoongi and Jin’s voices portrayed their shock.

“Yeah. He was super weird and distant the rest of the night. We fucked and he seemed kind of out of it, then I woke up and he was gone along with his old collar that Wooyoung had given him.”

“Holy shit.” Yoongi muttered.

“Yeah. That’s why I hadn’t moved all day. I figured he had decided to go back with Wooyoung. I’m still not sure, but now that I see all the cops, I’m even more confused.”

“We’re almost there.” Yoongi informed, checking the GPS on the screen.

It felt like years before they finally arrived. Yoongi hadn’t even put the car in park before Jimin jumped out of the vehicle, running over to the scene. His eyes were darting around and he could feel his heart pounding in his ears

“Kid, you can’t be here.” A cop grabbed Jimin’s elbow. “This is a crime scene.”

“That’s my hybrid!” Jimin said, yanking his arm out of the cop’s hold. 

It was wildly out of character, seeing how terrified Jimin was of the police. But he didn’t care right now.

“You’re the owner of one of the hybrids?” The cop asked, frustrating Jimin.

“What? One of the hybrids? What are you talking about?” Jimin asked. “Taehyung is my hybrid! The one being interviewed on the fucking national news!”

The cop was just as confused as Jimin.

“I don’t know the names of the hybrids recovered, but you’ll get access to them soon enough once we take them in for questioning. Just make sure you bring their adoption papers.”

“What are you talking about?!” Jimin demanded again, and the policeman was slowly losing his patience at Jimin’s lack of cooperation.

“Jimin?” 

The two whipped their heads around to see Taehyung, walking away from the cameras shoved into his face and headed toward Jimin. Tears welled in Jimin’s eyes and he completely disregarded the cop as he began sprinting toward the hybrid.

“Taehyung!” Jimin screeched.

The hybrid opened his arms expectantly, prepared for his human that was barreling towards him. Jimin leaped off the ground and latched onto Taehyung, the hybrid easily catching him though Jimin’s velocity would probably have knocked over any human.

Jimin didn’t care that everyone saw him completely koala around the hybrid, wrapping his legs around his waist and arms around his neck, hiding Taehyung's shoulder. Taehyung wrapped his arms just as tightly around Jimin, kissing his head.

“Hi, Jimin.” Taehyung said softly. 

“You left.” Jimin cried into him, the tears he’d been holding back breaking through and flooding out. “You left with his collar. I thought surely you’d chosen him over m—”

“He’s going to jail, Jimin.” Taehyung said before the human could keep going.

Jimin was still sobbing, but managed to lift his head from Taehyung’s shoulder, wiping his tears enough to try and read the hybrid’s face.

“W-What?”

“I finally found out how they made their money so fast.” Taehyung continued. “I figured it out after your uncle made that comment at your parent’s, and after hearing Jin’s story. They’ve been running an underground hybrid breeding business for years.”

Jimin’s eyes nearly popped out of his head, his fingers clutching onto Taehyung’s shirt instinctively as if to keep the hybrid close so he couldn’t be taken.

“What?!”

“That’s why they had me mate Sheena when I still belonged to them, because I couldn’t get her pregnant for months. They figured I was sterile when I couldn’t get her pregnant even after mating her, and that’s why they left me—because I wasn’t any use to them. But once Wooyoung saw us together, he tried to get me back to see if I could get a male omega pregnant and breed them more hybrids.”

Jimin’s jaw dropped at the news, and at how cavalier Taehyung was delivering it to him. Not only that Wooyoung—his old friend from college—had been running an illegal hybrid breeding business, but that he had almost kidnapped Taehyung to take part in it.

“He was going to try and use you like how Jin was used?”

“Yeah.” 

Taehyung’s confirmation just made Jimin hold onto him tighter in fear.

“What’d you do? How’d you bust them?” Jimin’s mind was racing faster than he could get his questions out, causing him to stumble over his words. “How did you not kill him once you found out? I want to kill him now, and I’ve never felt violent in my life.”

“I did want to kill him.” Taehyung admitted, calmly. “I had to wait in the car while Hoseok scoped it out, pretending to show interest in selling Jungkook. When Wooyoung exposed where they were hiding the hybrids, Hoseok called the police while Jungkook pinned Wooyoung and his parents down. The cops raided the house within thirty minutes, and found their basement filled with alphas and omegas in induced heats.”

Jimin felt sick to his stomach thinking about it, and if Taehyung hadn’t been holding him up, the human’s weakened knees might have given out.

“There’s evidence that they’ve been doing this for years, and I had no idea about it. That’s why they moved away so suddenly. People were starting to raise suspicions.” Taehyung finished. “Wooyoung and his parents are already in handcuffs about to be taken in for interrogation.” 

Jimin’s eyes scanned the area behind Taehyung, and there was Wooyoung, his hands behind his back being led by a cop to the car. He felt it like a giant weight lifted from his chest as the cop closed the door behind Wooyoung, and looked back down into Taehyung’s gaze.

“I still can’t believe you didn’t attack him.” Jimin said, regaining his words through his dizziness. “When did you put the pieces together?”

“First, the rule he made up about a hybrid getting to choose between their new or old owner. The government has never granted us that much agency over ourselves.” Taehyung said. 

It’s true, hybrids weren’t treated any better than regular domesticated house pets when it came to the law. Banning hybrid breeding farms was just an afterthought when dog breeding farms were outlawed, further proving that hybrids weren’t viewed as anything more valuable than animals.

“Then when he told me he wanted me back and gave me my old collar saying that he never got rid of it, I knew something was seriously wrong.” Taehyung continued. “I saw him throw it away when I still lived with them after he gave me the new one. I’d dug that collar out of the trash and kept it hidden in my room, and when he handed it to me yesterday, it wreaked of omega pheromones. I’m assuming he found it when they left me and used it so my scent helped induce the omega’s heats.”

Jimin was appalled at the lengths these terrible monsters went to, what they were willing to do to a member of their own family for greed. It was evil.

“They were my family for 15 years, I know him too well. He’d never apologize unless there was an ulterior motive.” Taehyung glanced over at Wooyoung quickly. “If Jin hadn’t told us about the underground hybrid breeding, I wouldn’t have figured it out so fast. But not for one second did I believe he actually wanted me back.”

Jimin hugged him tight again, hiding into his neck. “Taehyung, I’m so sorry. I can’t believe they were going to do that to you.”

“I can.” Taehyung sighed, pulling his arms tighter around his human. “They were getting increasingly shady my last few years there. They were bloodthirsty to stay rich, I just didn’t want to see it because I loved them too much.”

Jimin kissed Taehyung’s cheek repeatedly to try and comfort the hybrid, though it was honestly only really comforting himself as Taehyung had completely come to terms with this reality.

“In a way, it’s a relief they thought I was sterile after making me mate Sheena. I knew I couldn’t get her pregnant because I’m gay, so I couldn’t get myself to knot her.” Taehyung shrugged. “I’m guessing after years of doing this, they figured out it doesn’t need to be a male alpha and female omega to get pregnant, which is why they tried to get me back once he saw me with you. There was a male omega the cops just rescued, and I have a feeling he’s who they were going to try and put me with if I’d fallen for the trap.”

Jimin remembered Jihoon when Taehyung brought up Wooyoung owning a male omega, and his eyes went wide.

“Was Jihoon part of this?” Jimin asked.

“He didn’t participate in the breeding, but he was part of the trafficking. He would seduce humans to convince them to sell their hybrids to Wooyoung.” Taehyung said. “That’s why he tried to sleep with all of Namjoon’s friends. All the ones he went after had hybrids.”

“So he was trying to seduce Yoongi and Hoseok to sell Jin and Jungkook too?”

“Yep.” Taehyung confirmed. “He was trying to seduce you to hand me over too, but he didn’t know that I was Wooyoung’s old hybrid. Just that we were all alphas that Wooyoung could use for breeding.”

Jimin was lucky that Taehyung was so strong, otherwise the human's constricting hold on the hybrid might have strangled him. He was still completely wrapped around Taehyung, and the hybrid held him there comfortably.

“Can we go home?” Jimin finally begged in a broken voice.

“We’re probably gonna need to go to the police station.” Taehyung said, apologetically. “I’m sorry, baby. I wanted to have this all sorted out before you woke up so you didn’t worry, but the cops started questioning us the minute they arrested Wooyoung. Once the news stations showed up I realized this might take a long time, and we couldn’t find a chance to call you with the police and reporters surrounding us.”

Jimin whimpered into Taehyung, but he nodded in acceptance. It had to be done, so Wooyoung and his horrible family could finally be served with justice, but it was just so fucking scary.

“Alright.” Jimin croaked, preparing to continue this nightmare until it reached its end.

Jimin cupped Taehyung’s face, and in front of every human in the area, pressed a long kiss to the hybrid’s lips. Taehyung returned it, holding onto his human tightly, before they pulled away and Jimin finally unmounted his hybrid, interlocking their fingers. 

“The minute this is all done, we can go straight home.” Taehyung squeezed Jimin’s hand. “Also, do you have my collar by chance? My real one?”

Thanks to Jin shoving it in Jimin’s pocket in their frenzy, Jimin did have Taehyung’s collar with him. Tears returned to Jimin’s eyes as he reached into his pocket and gave Taehyung his collar back. The hybrid put it on with a little grin then took Jimin’s hand again.

“Alright, let’s do this.”

After hours upon hours of interviews and statements and questioning, Taehyung and Jimin finally got to go home by nightfall. The cops didn’t end up taking Taehyung’s old collar as evidence like the hybrid had predicted, so he simply stuffed it in his pocket, disappointed to still have the terrible thing in his ownership. 

Jimin and Taehyung exited the police station with heavy sighs, all of their friends by their sides. They all packed into Namjoon’s car to escort the completely spent pair home. Once they walked the couple all the way up to Jimin’s apartment, each one hugged Jimin and Taehyung, instructing them to go to sleep the minute they left and rest for the duration of the weekend.

As they said their goodbyes, Jimin couldn’t help but get emotional thinking about his friends. All of them, every single one, hadn’t thought twice about leaving work to come to his aid. Jin and Jungkook practically acted as bodyguards to Taehyung once they got a hold of him, and the entire friend group waited the whole day at the police station with them, despite their interviews hardly lasting even a fraction as long as Taehyung’s.

The only time they’d left was to get coffee or food for Jimin and Taehyung, returning right to their side once they’d come back. After everything was said and done, many tight embraces and words of gratitude and reassurance were exchanged, as well as promises from all the friends to call if either of them needed anything. Jin to Taehyung especially, knowing how jarring it must be for Taehyung to know exactly what his old family was planning to do to him. 

With Jimin’s own family bringing him endless anxiety and melancholy, the human couldn’t believe how lucky he had gotten with his group of friends, and Taehyung felt just as grateful that he’d been welcomed in and now they all cared for him just the same.

“Call me if you need literally anything, okay?” Jin directed Taehyung, Jungkook nodding beside him in agreement.

“I will.” Taehyung smiled warmly with his friends. “Thank you guys.”

Once they’d walked all their friends out, the pair practically crashed face first into the bed, nearly passing out fully clothed.

“Tae?” Jimin’s voice was raspy from his sleepiness.

“Hm?”

“Why didn’t you tell me what you were gonna do?” He asked in a soft voice, informing Taehyung that his actions had hurt him.

“I wasn’t sure whether or not I would be confronting Wooyoung personally. And if I was, I didn’t want you to see me like that again. I also knew it was also going to be really intense to see what Wooyoung was doing, and I didn’t want it to haunt you.” Taehyung turned his head to look at Jimin, his cheek squished against their comforter. “I’d hoped I had tired you out enough last night to make you sleep through most of the day so you didn’t wake up without me.”

“I was really scared without you here” Jimin’s voice was unsteady as he held back more tears. “Terrified.”

Taehyung looked at him sadly, lifting himself up enough to hover over the human, kissing on the back of his neck lovingly.

“I’m sorry, baby.” Taehyung whispered. “I’m sorry for scaring you.”

“I thought you left me for him.” Jimin whispered back.

“I’ll never leave you for anyone.” Taehyung promised, nuzzling into Jimin’s neck.  “Even if my real birth parents came looking for me, I wouldn’t leave you. You’re my mate.”

Jimin smiled with heavy eyelids, struggling to get one more question out before he completely gave into his body’s desire for rest.

“Tae?”

“Hm?”

“Why didn’t you bite me?”

Taehyung furrowed his brows, looking down at Jimin.

“Bite you?”

“Yeah. You usually bite my neck where you say a mate bite would go, but last night you didn’t. It made me worried.”

Taehyung gave a lazy laugh. “I was just trying to be gentle.”

“Making me cum three times in a row was gentle?”

“I mean, I wasn’t choking, spanking, or humiliating you, right?”

Jimin replayed the night, and deduced that Taehyung made a correct observation.

“Why were you trying to be gentle?”

Taehyung grinned, reaching down to run his fingers through Jimin’s hair.

“While I was trying to fuck you to sleep, I also just wanted to show you how much I love you.” His fingers trailed down to Jimin’s neck, rubbing along the area on his neck that his human was referring to. “Want me to bite you now?”

Jimin nodded, rolling over onto his back with the limited energy he had left. Taehyung got between his legs, still holding his weight over the human despite feeling very weak. As usual, he pressed gentle kisses to the area of Jimin’s neck that he always bit. The sweet action sent chills down Jimin’s back, and he subconsciously wrapped his arms around Taehyung’s neck, inviting the feeling. 

It was amazing that even in their deepest state of exhaustion, the mates could still fall victim to their lustful urges for one another, and soon Taehyung was stripping Jimin of his clothes and kissing down the human’s chest. Jimin moaned as he curled his fingers through Taehyung’s hair, begging for him. The hybrid had his dick lubed and Jimin prepped within a few minutes, and was pushing into his human with a satisfied groan.

There was no rush, no calculated goal, no ulterior motive like the night before. It was just the two mates indulging in each other's bodies, loving every second of being close and entwined with one another. Taehyung slid his arm under Jimin’s back to press his human entirely against him, taking his other hand to interlock with Jimin’s fingers and press down against the comforter. Jimin’s free hand traveled from curling his fingers in Taehyung’s hair to digging into his back every time the hybrid’s dick pressed against Jimin’s prostate. 

“Tae…” Jimin whined, grabbing onto the hybrid’s shoulders as his eyes started to roll back with his approaching orgasm.

“Cum for me, baby.” Taehyung encouraged, pushing in and holding his dick against Jimin’s prostate long enough for the human to moan the hybrid’s name one last time before reaching his orgasm and releasing on himself.

“Good boy.” Taehyung praised, kissing Jimin’s neck as he thrusted the human through it.

He felt his knot forming, snagging at Jimin’s rim, milking the end of his human’s orgasm as he reached his own. He leaned down so his lips were at Jimin’s ear.

“I love you.” The hybrid whispered as he hit his climax and came inside of his human, his knot locking them together. 

While they were still coming down from their orgasms, Taehyung gently turned Jimin’s head to expose his neck, leaning in and fitting his teeth over the designated area. He clamped down his jaw hard enough to leave a mark on Jimin’s skin for the rest of the night, causing the human to wince in pain before smiling tiredly and welcoming the implications that came with being bitten.

“I love you too...” Jimin finally responded, falling victim to his own exhaustion by the last word and passing out before Taehyung had even released his bite from his human’s neck.

Jimin woke up to a cold, empty bed. It took less than one second for his eyes to shoot open at the realization, and sat up, looking around the room. 

Taehyung was gone again. 

That overwhelming feeling of dread amassed in his stomach, telling him that maybe Taehyung had changed his mind and left for some reason. Jimin looked up and saw Taehyung’s collar wasn’t draped over the chair where he’d put it, then threw the covers off of himself, hurrying out of the room. He scanned his surroundings fearfully, until he spotted his hybrid. 

He was sitting at the computer. The fireplace was lit—in it, Taehyung’s old collar lay on the log, slowly disintegrating in the flames as the hybrid played his game casually.

Jimin let out a breath of relief and a sleepy smile curled his lips up. The human realized as he walked over that he was only wearing Taehyung’s big shirt—meaning the hybrid had cleaned him up and put the shirt on him before tucking him into bed. Jimin made his way to Taehyung, leaning over to hug the hybrid’s neck and bury his face into his shoulder.

“It’s late. Go back to bed.” Taehyung told him sternly, aware of how mentally strenuous the day had been for his human.

Jimin just smiled fondly and stood, coming to stand next to Taehyung. The hybrid paused his game and pulled one of his earphones back to look up at Jimin, unable to fight off the endearing grin tugging at his lips.

“You just never do as you’re told, do you?” 

Jimin giggled and the hybrid sighed, pulling his chair out just enough to lead his human to sit in his lap before returning to his game.

“You’re gonna regret staying up when you wake up all cranky tomorrow.” Taehyung said. 

Even though it was a Saturday, Jimin was always lethargic the following day if he went to bed past 10pm.

“Just wanted to be near you.” Jimin said, curling up into Taehyung.

“Well I’m only playing one more, then putting you back to bed.” 

“Will you stay with me?” Jimin asked.

“No.” Taehyung responded, but Jimin could practically hear the hybrid’s little smile when he said it.

Jimin snickered and leaned in to kiss the hybrid’s cheek before wrapping his arms around Taehyung’s neck to watch him play his game. Jimin didn’t know what exactly was happening, but he could tell Taehyung was winning. His eyelids started getting heavy again and he was going limp against Taehyung.

“Told you.” Taehyung said. He finished his game and turned it off. “Come on, little one. Let’s get you back to bed.” 

The hybrid lifted Jimin up and carried him back to their room.  When he laid Jimin down in their bed, the human grabbed Taehyung’s arm and looked at his hybrid with pleading eyes.

“Don’t go.”

“I’m right here.” Taehyung promised, getting into bed on the other side. 

Jimin immediately scooted back into Taehyung so the hybrid could wrap his arm around the human’s waist, pulling him in even closer than he had before.

“I love you.” Jimin said, feeling Taehyung press his face into his neck and release calming pheromones.

“I love you, Jimin.” Taehyung responded with a loving kiss on the bite mark he’d made.

Jimin’s eyes peeked up in his last moments of consciousness to see the bedside table. Taehyung had placed both his collar and Jimin’s matching necklace next to each other, entwined together much like the pair of mates were now in bed. Taehyung pulled Jimin closer, falling asleep with his face pressed into his human’s neck. 

Jimin smiled tiredly, craning back to kiss Taehyung’s head before sinking into peaceful slumber, safe in his mate’s embrace.