Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The stars were brighter than usual. 

Jungkook blinked. He hadn’t seen the stars in weeks. Not since he’d fallen ill - a day after his sister and the day before his mother. The sickness had spread quickly through their village, sparing few. In the days that followed they’d been quarantined in the house. Not that they could have left anyway. 

Jungkook’s body became so weak that he could barely move, and the fever kept his brain so foggy that he could barely form coherent thoughts. He slipped in and out of consciousness, only stirring when one of the physicians came by. But even that had stopped eventually. The last thing he could remember was staring at the ceiling of his home, wishing for an end to this misery. The rotten smell of death consumed the air. His mother and sister were gone. He’d hoped he would join them soon. 

The stars.

He closed his eyes. Opened them again. The stars were still there, brighter than he’d ever seen them – clear and crisp like diamonds scattered across the sky. And there was more – the sky wasn’t the inky black that he’d thought it was. There were shades of indigo and violet and magenta all spreading as far as he could see. 

It was beautiful. 

Was he dead? Was this heaven?

Jungkook sat up. It appeared he was in some kind of clearing surrounded by trees. He could hear crickets chirping and frogs croaking and even the sound of water trickling nearby. It was so peaceful here. 

But where was here? And how did he get here?

He was pretty sure he’d never been to this forest in his life. And what was even stranger was the fact that he didn’t feel sick. He felt tired. And a bit thirsty. But his head was clear, and he could breathe again. 

Jungkook rose to his feet. Thirsty , he thought, quickly deciding he’d head for the sound of the stream and then figure out what to do next from there. He stumbled a bit through the trees, following the sound of the water. His throat was aching,  and when he reached the small stream he dropped to his knees, guzzling handfuls of the cold, clear water. He drank until his stomach felt like it might burst but his thirst still wasn’t quenched – honestly it felt even worse. He finally forced himself to stop, leaning back on his heels. It was only seconds before the water came back up, and he sputtered as he vomited the liquid into the grass, his stomach heaving until it was empty once more. 

He was so damn thirsty. Or was it hunger? He wasn’t sure, but his stomach was aching now, his mouth and throat so dry it felt like he’d swallowed sand instead of water. 

Strange.

Maybe he was still sick. If that was the case, his best bet was to find a nearby village or town and see if one of the physicians knew how to help him. Maybe they could help him find his way home. If he’d survived maybe some of his family had made it too. 

He decided to follow the stream eastward, hoping he would soon discover other people or some sign of civilization. As he walked the burning feeling in his throat and stomach grew stronger, and a pain started to throb behind his eyes. 

I must still be sick, he thought. Dehydrated.  Although that didn’t explain why the water had turned in his stomach like acid. 

He wasn’t sure how long he’d been walking when he heard quiet voices carrying between the trees. The stream had widened into a river, and Jungkook was surprised he could discern the words of a man and a woman over the bubbling sounds of the rushing water. 

“I think we should turn back,” the woman said, her voice prickled with fear. 

“It’s going to be alright,” the man answered. 

They came into view then, both of them probably around Jungkook’s age, maybe a little younger. The girl’s face blanched when she saw Jungkook stagger through the trees, and she yelped. 

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you,” Jungkook rasped. The water had slowed and quieted, and his hoarse voice seemed to echo through the trees.“I’m just looking for town.” 

“Are you alright?” The boy asked, genuine concern in his eyes. He carried a sword on his hip, but he didn’t draw it. 

Jungkook shook his head. “I–I’m not sure,” he answered truthfully. 

“We’ll get you back to town, my father’s a doctor.” 

Jungkook’s shoulders sagged with relief. “Thank you for your kindness.” 

The girl relaxed and she approached Jungkook now, holding out her canteen. “Do you want some water? You look parched.” 

Jungkook started to explain how the water had made him so sick earlier, but the words died on his lips. The girl’s scent, it was – it was unlike anything Jungkook had ever smelled in his life. Rich and thick and god he was so hungry. The pounding in his head had grown so loud, a steady thump thump thump, and now he realized it was the sound of her heart, strong and steady and pumping blood under her skin. 

He could see it. The pulse point under her jaw – the thick vein running along the side of her smooth, white throat. 

Thump, thump, thump. 

“Sir, are you alright?” 

Jungkook didn’t remember moving, but suddenly he was on her, his hands squeezing her with a crushing strength as his teeth sunk into her throat. 

He barely registered the sound of her scream. 

Blood filled his mouth and coated his tongue and throat and he knew this is what he’d been looking for, what he needed, god how had he ever lived without it? Nothing had ever tasted this perfect, this delicious. He never wanted to stop, he never would stop, he’d –

“Get off of her!” Hands pulled at Jungkook’s shirt and pulled him off of the girl but not far despite the fact he’d used enough force that Jungkook’s shirt had ripped down the back. There was the briefest instant of pain in Jungkook's chest, and it took him a moment to realize that the man had plunged his sword through it. 

Jungkook’s eyes flickered from the sword to the man’s face, to the horror written clearly across his features. He pulled the sword from his body and dropped it unceremoniously. In an instant he was on the man instead, nearly knocking him into the river as he tore through his skin with his teeth and drank deeply. 

  He ignored the girl’s screaming sobs as she smacked her fists against his back weakly, completely uncaring as sweet, hot blood poured down his throat. 

He wasn’t sure why he opened his eyes, why he looked over the boy’s shoulder and into the water. The moonlight shone brightly against the surface, and in the reflection was a monster – eyes glowing red and sharp fangs. Blood coating its mouth and chin and throat. 

Jungkook froze in horror.

He ran a hand across his mouth and felt the slick blood coating his lips. 

“I – I’m.” What have I done?

“Someone help, please! ” the girl cried. 

Jungkook ran. 

─── ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ ───

Here, deep in the forest, it wasn’t so different than before. 

Jungkook wasn’t sure how long it had been since he’d first discovered the cave, since he’d hidden here and hoped to never be found again. 

The cave was abandoned, and not so much as a squirrel had entered since Jungkook had made it his home. Perhaps they knew what he was, what he’d become. 

A monster. 

The hunger had returned quickly, even more painful than before, but he’d ignored it, pushed it down as deep as he could. Eventually he grew so weak he could barely move – so weak that it wouldn't have even mattered if someone had discovered him, he wouldn’t have been able to hurt them. 

It wasn’t so different from before . Before he’d become this . It was familiar – the weakness, the pain. Once again he wished for death. Selfishly, so that he could escape the all-consuming misery of the never-ending hunger. But also so that he could atone for what he’d done. 

He prayed that they weren’t dead. That somehow they’d made it back to their village and the boy’s physician father. He’d scrubbed the blood from his skin and his clothes, but even now he could smell it, could hear their horrible screams. 

The longer he waited there in the cave, the longer his gaps between consciousness  became. 

Had it been days? Months? He wasn’t sure. 

He just wished it would end. 

And then one day he opened his eyes, and he realized he wasn’t alone. 

A voice, calling out to him, asking him something , he couldn’t make sense of anything, couldn’t have answered them anyway. They put something to his lips and he began to drink before he realized what it was. 

Blood. 

He slapped away their hands weakly, trying to form the word no before falling unconscious once more. 

─── ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ ───

This time when Jungkook woke, he was in a bed. 

Soft cotton sheets rubbed at his arms and legs, and a fluffy dark blue duvet covered his body. There was a soft pillow under his head. It felt like heaven. What he imagined a cloud would feel like. 

The bed sat in a fairly large room, one that was almost as large as Jungkook’s entire house back in his village. It was easy to tell that wherever he was, it was the nicest place Jungkook had ever been in his life. 

But where was here?

And how did he get here?

The last thing he remembered was a cave. The dark, damp cave where he’d hoped to die, because… well he couldn’t really remember why. Or how he’d gotten to the cave in the first place. He planted his hands against the sheets and pushed himself up into a sitting position, but his head felt like it was stuffed full of cotton, or maybe logged with water. It was too heavy for his neck. The walls began to tilt, darkness filling the corners of Jungkook’s vision before he collapsed back onto the pillows. He blinked up at the ceiling, trying to will it to stop spinning. 

He was weak. 

Hungry . 

The feeling brought back the stirrings of a memory in the back of his mind. He tried to reach for it but his thoughts were sluggish and before he knew it, the memory was gone again. All he knew was that it felt bad. 

It was then that a quiet creak sounded as the door to Jungkook’s room began to open. He sat up again, leaning back into the pillows so that he didn’t collapse once more. A man walked inside, his eyes widening when they landed on Junkook’s face. 

“You’re awake!” His face was unnaturally beautiful, unlined and unmarked by a single scar or blemish. He looked young, but something about him felt older , something Jungkook couldn’t explain. Despite the smile that spread across his face, Jungkook sunk back into the bed, trying to put as much distance as he could between himself and the stranger. 

“Don’t move, I’ll get Seokjin-hyung,” the man said, and just like that he was gone again. 

Jungkook wondered if he should try to run, escape before the man and Seokjin-hyung came back, but he knew it was futile. His body was much too weak to get out of this house without help. So instead he waited, eyes trained on the door. 

It didn’t take the beautiful man long to return, this time with an equally beautiful man in tow. “See, he’s awake, I told you.” 

Just like the first, this new stranger looked young, but Jungkook sensed he was older than he looked. Even more so than his companion. And more than that something about him was almost inhuman. Maybe the absolute stillness in his stance, or the perfection of his posture. Whatever it was, it put Jungkook on edge. 

“Who are you?” he asked, “And why am I here?” 

The second man, Seokjin , crossed the room slowly, but with a fluid grace that was almost animal-like. As he grew closer, Jungkook realized what was so off about him. It was his eyes. They were a deep, burgundy red. His companion's eyes were the same scarlet and they stirred at the ugly memory once more, scarlet eyes and long fangs and blood. 

“Do you remember when I found you in the woods?” he asked. 

Jungkook began to shake his head, but then the memory of another person filled his mind. One with a soft, comforting voice. “I – I’m not sure.” 

Seokjin nodded, resting on the edge of Jungkook’s bed. “I’m sure you don’t remember much. You were very weak. You still are.” He waved to his companion, beckoning him over. The other man handed him a cup, a dark liquid inside. “I brought you back here, to my house to help you get better. My name is Seokjin, and this is Taehyung.” Taehyung smiled at him again. “Can you tell us your name?”

“I’m Jungkook.” 

Seokjin held up the cup. “Well Jungkook, it’s nice to meet you. Now you need to drink this or you’ll fall unconscious again.” He held it out and after a moment of hesitation, Jungkook took it. He immediately regretted it when he saw what was inside. 

Blood. 

He recoiled immediately, thrusting the cup in Seokjin’s direction. “Get it away from me,” he hissed. 

The memory that had just been out of reach was back now, replaying vividly in Jungkook’s mind. The scent of the woman in the wood’s blood. The way it had tasted when Jungkook sank his teeth into her throat. Her screams. 

“It’s alright,” Seokjin said, taking the blood back and handing it to Taehyung. 

Jungkook shook his head. “Get it out of here, I don’t want it.” 

Seokjin sighed. “Jungkook, you have to drink it. Our kind can’t survive without it.” 

Jungkook looked at him incredulously. “ Our kind?”

“Yes, our kind. Taehyung and I are like you. We can help you.” 

“I don’t want your help,” Jungkook snapped. He had a feeling he knew the kind that Seokjin was referring to. He’d heard the legends of the undead creatures that wandered the land at night. Blood drinkers. Monsters. Vampires. Somehow he’d been made into one of them. He’d possibly killed someone. 

“Don’t talk to him like that,” Taehyung growled.  “Seokjin saved you.” 

“I didn’t want to be saved. I – I almost–” He couldn’t finish the sentence. “I’m a monster. I don’t deserve to live.” 

Seokjin’s face softened, and he placed a gentle hand on Jungkook’s shoulder.  

“Jungkook, many vampires have done things they regret, especially so soon after changing. Do you remember how you got to the forest? Or who changed you?” 

Despite himself, Jungkook felt himself relaxing under Seokjin’s touch. “No. I just woke up there. I don’t even know where there is. I didn’t know I was different until –” 

Seokjin’s kind smile slipped into a frown, his eyebrows pulling together in something close to anger. “It’s a sire’s job to help a new vampire transition into their life. To keep accidents from happening. Yours leaving you alone, well –” his eyes darkened, and Jungkook had a feeling he could be frightening if he wanted to. “I’m going to take care of you now. I’ll teach you the things your sire should have taught you.” 

“Sire?” 

“The vampire that turned you,” Taehyung explained. “Seokjin-hyung is mine.” 

“Oh.” It was hard to think about – the fact that someone would do this to him and leave him all alone. But here were two strangers, ready to help him. “Why would you help me?”

Seokjin blinked. “Why? Because it’s the right thing to do. You don’t deserve the existence that awaited you, had you stayed in that cave.” 

Jungkook shook his head. “You don’t know that, you don’t know me or what I’ve done.” 

“I know that you were willing to keep yourself isolated so you wouldn’t hurt anyone. That’s good enough for me.” He held out the blood once more, sighing when Jungkook instantly recoiled. “This is pig blood. No humans were harmed, I swear to you. You need to drink. I don’t know if your plan is just to let yourself die, but starving yourself won’t kill you. Instead you will fall into a semi conscious state. It’s painful and miserable. I can teach you how to feed responsibly, though. If you’ll let me.” 

Pig blood. 

It didn’t exactly sound appetizing, but the more he let himself consider tasting it, the more Jungkook wanted. Needed. He extended a tentative hand. “Okay.” 

The first thing he noticed was the temperature. Lukewarm, room temperature. Nothing like the hot blood he’d tasted from the humans in the woods. And the taste, not repulsive but wrong. Still, the more he sipped the more he wanted. He knew he could easily drain the goblet, but instead he handed it back to Seokjin after drinking about half, turning his head away as he wiped his lips with the back of his hand. 

“Your self control is…impressive,” Seokjin said. 

Jungkook wished he could let himself be pleased with the compliment, but all he could think about was the feeling of teeth tearing into flesh, the sound of piercing screams and weak hands trying to push him away. He laid back down on the soft bed. The blood had already begun to soothe the aching in his body and the whirling in his head, but he was still exhausted. 

“We’ll let you sleep,” Seokjin said, rising to his feet. “We’ll bring you some more later.” 

Jungkook nodded. “Thank you,” he managed. Despite his despair at this fate that had been unwillingly thrust upon him, he did appreciate the kindness the two vampires had shown him. 

“Of course.” 

“I don’t want to die,” Jungkook said quietly. “I just don’t want to hurt anyone else.” 

“We’ll help you. I promise. For now we’ll let you rest.” 

“Okay,” Jungkook’s eyes were already starting to close. 

And then they were gone and Jungkook slipped back into darkness. 

─── ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ ───

It took a few days for Jungkook to feel stronger and to be able to stay awake for more than a few hours at a time. Seokjin told him he’d recover more quickly if he drank more blood, but Jungkook was fine with the slow pace. 

It turned out Jungkook had been right, Seokjin was a lot older than he looked. About 300 years older than he looked. It was clear when he spoke to Jungkook that he’d seen much more of the world than Jungkook could even imagine. He’d met kings and queens in kingdoms Jungkook had never even heard of. Not that he’d admit it. Taehyung was the one to tell Jungkook stories, never missing a chance to brag about his sire. His mate, as Taehyung referred to him, although Seokjin rolled his eyes at the title, explaining to Jungkook that it was an ancient vampire term that hardly anyone used anymore. 

“Taehyung has a flair for the dramatic,” he explained, with a fond smile. 

As promised, they explained all of the details of what Jungkook’s new life entailed. Some of what he’d heard in legends and bedtime stories turned out to be complete fabrications. (Jungkook had been relieved to discover he still had a reflection.) But others – immortality, increased strength and speed – were true. And the most important, it seemed, was the sun. 

“You can never go out in the sun, Jungkook,” Seokjin explained, gravely serious. “At least not now. And during the day these curtains must remain closed. Even through the window it can hurt you, understood?” 

Jungkook had promised him he wouldn’t, but it hadn’t taken long for curiosity to set in, especially after three days of being cooped up in his bedroom. He’d noticed a sliver of sunlight peeking between the dark, heavy curtains, spilling onto the floor. He crept from his bed until he stood in front of it, then slowly stuck out his hand. 

The pain was immediate – burning, searing pain like he’d stuck his hand into a fire. He hissed and yanked it back. Unlike the few cuts he’d seen heal almost instantly over the past few days, this healed slowly, over the course of hours. He decided he wouldn’t try something like that again any time soon. 

Seokjin had stressed to Jungkook that he wasn’t a prisoner here, but for now Jungkook felt most comfortable staying in his room, and for the most part Seokjin and Taehyung gave him his space. Although Taehyung did stop by a few times to “check on him” though Jungkook was pretty sure he just wanted to talk. 

Despite only seeing the two of them it didn’t take long for Jungkook to realize other people lived in the house as well. The stronger he became the sharper his senses grew and he began to recognize the different footsteps in the hallways and on the stairs. Seokjin and Taehyung’s were the easiest to identify, but there were others as well. Three he thought. And maybe a cat. 

His suspicions were confirmed when Taehyung mentioned a Jimin one day. 

“Who’s Jimin?” Jungkook asked.

Taehyung had blanched at the question, and Jungkook wondered if he wasn’t supposed to talk about him.  “He’s - well he and Seokjin and I are all together.” 

“He’s another vampire?” 

Taehyung swallowed. “Well no. He’s human.” 

Jungkook's stomach dropped. “There’s a human here?” 

“Don’t worry!” Taehyung said hurriedly. “He hardly ever comes to this side of the house. And besides, he’s trained to fight vampires and other creatures. You’re much too weak to hurt him right now.”

Jungkook frowned. 

“Sorry, it’s the truth. Sips of pig blood will only get you so far. But really, don’t worry. The only reason we hadn’t told you about him is because we didn’t want you to worry.” He patted Jungkook’s knee softly. 

“Is there anyone else?” 

“You can meet the others when you’re ready to come out? Okay?” 

“Okay.” 

Jungkook figured that Taehyung had meant those words as an incentive for Jungkook to leave his room, but instead, it worked as a deterrent. There was a human in the house. Possibly multiple humans since Taehyung hadn’t been forthcoming about who else was living there. 

And so he stayed in his room, the only place where he could make sure that the others stayed safe. 

It was easy to fall into a routine. Sleeping during the day, waking at night. After just a few days his body adapted to the new circadian rhythm. Seokjin left him books, and although he’d never been much of a reader there wasn’t much else to do, so he’d sit at the desk in the corner and read, his vampire eyes only needing the barest of candlelight to see. 

His senses weren’t the only thing that had changed. Once he finally felt brave enough to really examine himself in the mirror, the first thing he noticed was the way his skin had smoothed to something that resembled porcelain. His features were the same, save his irises, no longer dark brown, but a bright scarlet. And his teeth. He’d felt the fangs with his tongue, even learned how to extend them if he wanted, but this was the first time he’d seen them with his own eyes. Long and white and impossibly sharp. 

He covered the mirror after that. 

He’d been there nearly a week when he’d found some paper in one of the desk drawers, along with a pencil. He’d always loved to draw, to paint, whatever he could get his hands on. There hadn’t been much time for it over the last few months of his human life, especially once the plague had begun to spread. 

The sketch was simple, the old oak tree in his village that he’d climbed since he was a child. He was rusty, and he wasn’t pleased with the result, but it felt good to sketch again. He searched the desk for more paper but there was none in the drawers. He sighed. Maybe he could ask Seokjin for more? 

When he woke the next night however, he found a pad of paper sitting on the desk. The night after that, a new pencil as well as some sticks of charcoal. 

He wasn’t sure why he didn’t mention it to Taehyung or Seokjin, although he was almost positive neither of them were leaving the gifts. (They were left during the day after all.) Instead he just drew more each night, making sure to leave the drawings out on the desk, in case someone came to see them while he slept during the day. 

The thought made him feel a little less alone. 

─── ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ ───

There was a man. 

A man in Jungkook’s room. 

 Not Seokjin or Taehyung – not a vampire at all. Jungkook could hear the steady thump of his heart from across the room, could smell the blood under his skin. He clenched his fists as he jumped back almost involuntarily, trying to put some distance between himself and the human. 

The man’s head snapped toward him and his eyes flew wide. 

“Shit, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you.” 

Jungkook was frozen in place, his fingers gripping his sheets so tightly he knew if he moved they would surely tear. The man held up his hands and spoke softly, like he was trying to calm a wild animal. Jungkook figured that wasn’t far from the truth. 

“It’s alright, no reason to be afraid. I won’t hurt you.” 

Jungkook blinked, shook his head.“I’m not afraid of you. I’m afraid of what I might do to you. You should get out of here.” 

He thought the man might grow afraid once he’d realized his mistake. That he might tremble with terror or flee from the room. The last thing he expected was laughter. 

The man’s eyebrows raised, and he let out a loud almost barking laugh. “You don’t have to worry about me. I’ll be fine.” 

“You don’t understand! I’ll kill you!” Jungkook cried indignantly. Didn’t this human know what he was? What he could do to him?

The man just smiled. “Not likely, Jungkook.” 

Jungkook blinked. “You know my name?” 

The smile grew, dimples forming in his cheeks. The man took a step closer, into the soft morning light shining through the window. He tucked a piece of glossy black hair behind his ear. 

Jungkook felt a slow thump in his chest. 

“Yes, I know your name. I’ve been helping the coven take care of you. During the day at least.” 

“Oh.” The coven. Jungkook hadn’t heard Taehyung or Seokjin use that word. 

He came even closer and Jungkook moved back further on the bed, until his back hit the wall. This time the man seemed to feel guilty, quickly stepping back and rubbing the back of his neck. 

“I’m sorry, I just feel like I know you, but I can imagine how hard this is for you. Some stranger in your room. Please forgive me.” He bowed politely. “I’m Namjoon.” 

“H–hello," Jungkook stammered. "It’s alright, I just really don’t want to hurt you.” 

Namjoon smiled again and it almost looked a little sad. “I told you, you don’t have to worry about that. But if it’ll make you feel better, how about I stay here, where the sunlight touches the floor?” 

Jungkook nodded. “Okay.” 

Namjoon sat with his back against the wall. “I’m glad to finally meet you Jungkook,” he said kindly. 

Jungkook swallowed. He tried to let his body relax, but his eyes kept falling to the pulse point on Namjoon’s throat. 

“I don’t understand. Why would Seokjin let a human take care of me? I – I could hurt you.” 

Namjoon’s eyes grew big. “Human?” Then he laughed again. “Oh that’s why you’re worried. Jungkook, I’m not human. Or at least, not fully human.” 

Now that Jungkook thought about it, there was something other about Namjoon’s scent. Not the faint scent of death that seemed to stick to the vampires nor the sweet scent he caught drifting in from under the door. The one that Taehyung had told him was caused by magic. No, it was something else, something warm and earthy. Like the forest after rain. 

It didn’t make his scent any less mouthwatering. 

“So you’re … like us?” 

“More or less.” Namjoon offered another smile and his dark eyes bore into Jungkook’s own, so intently that he had to look away. There was no fear there. Either this man was crazy, or he really didn’t have anything to fear from Jungkook. And worse than that, he was beautiful. Jungkook forced himself to look away.

“But not a vampire?” 

“No.” 

“Are you being cryptic on purpose?” 

Namjoon laughed harder this time, his head thrown back. Jungkook caught a glimpse of his teeth – of the sharp white canines framing pretty square incisors. They weren’t quite as long and sharp as Jungkook’s own, but they still looked like they could rip a throat out if he wanted. 

“I deserved that. I’m sorry, I was just curious to see what you thought. I’m a werewolf.” 

Jungkook’s eyes widened. He supposed he shouldn’t be surprised, if vampires were more than myth, why shouldn’t werewolves exist as well? 

“So you don’t have to worry, okay?” Namjoon explained. “I can hold my own. Especially against a fledgling who only drinks pig blood.” 

“Why does everyone keep saying that?” Jungkook grumbled, crossing his arms. 

“Ah, no reason to pout, I’m sure you’ll be a strong vampire someday,” Namjoon said, his smile still wide. Jungkook couldn’t tell if he was teasing, but he did let himself relax a bit, allowing himself to trust that Namjoon would be able to protect himself if needed.

“So, you said you help take care of me. What do you do?” 

Namjoon cleared his throat and Jungkook’s breath caught as he watched red bloom across the man’s cheeks. The sight of it reminded him of the blood beneath his skin, and his stomach churned at the thought.

“Oh, I bring some blood right before you wake up. And I check in just to make sure you’re sleeping okay. And well, today I brought you this.” He held up a little silver tin, his cheeks still very pink. 

“What is it?” 

Namjoon started to move closer but seemed to think better of it, opening the tin instead. Inside were a variety of oil pastels, every color of the rainbow and more. Jungkook shot forward, leaning as far as he could without getting out of the bed. For years he’d dreamed of owning a set like that. For a moment the thought of blood was completely gone, his mind filled with thoughts of what he could create. 

“Those are for me?” he asked, eyes wide. 

Namjoon nodded. “I thought you might like something different than plain charcoal.” 

Jungkook blinked. “Wait, it’s you that’s been bringing me the paper and the charcoal?” 

“Yes,” Namjoon looked almost guilty. 

“I – thank you,” Jungkook said sincerely. “I hope I can make it up to you.” 

Namjoon’s face lit up with another smile. “Just keep leaving drawings out, and that will be more than enough.” 

If Jungkook could still blush he thought he might have. “Okay,” he said, “I will.” 

“I’ll let you get back to sleep,” Namjoon said. He set the pastels on Jungkook’s desk, beside a goblet of what Jungkook assumed was blood. Before he left he pulled the curtains completely closed, plunging the room in almost complete darkness. 

Once he was gone, Jungkook wasted no time scrambling out of bed and across the room. The pastels were even prettier up close. He knew he should do as Namjoon had suggested and go back to sleep, the sun was still up and the longer he sat at the desk the more exhausted he felt. But he couldn’t help himself, he had to try them out. 

As he worked, his thoughts kept drifting back to Namjoon. He supposed he should find it weird that someone was coming in here while he slept, but Namjoon seemed … nice. He was handsome, that was for sure. And he couldn’t deny it was nice to talk to someone. Now that he was alone the room felt too quiet.   

─── ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ ───

It was silly. 

Jungkook knew it was silly, but still here he was, an hour after sunrise and fighting to stay awake. 

Two days had passed since his unexpected meeting with Namjoon. He’d finished many drawings since then and left them out as promised. He’d thought maybe Namjoon would wake him up when he came for his daily check-ins and tell him what he’d thought of them, but the past two nights he’d woken up disappointed. His only visitor had been Seokjin. He wasn’t sure why, but he kept his and Namjoon’s conversation to himself and Seokjin didn’t mention it either. He wondered if Namjoon had even told him it had happened. 

It had been near sunrise when he’d decided he would simply stay up until Namjoon came here. Just to thank him again for the pastels. No other reason. 

But the moment the sun had risen it felt as if weights had been tied to Jungkook’s eyelids. He felt weak, beyond exhausted. And now, an hour later, his head pounded and he felt almost nauseous as he sat at the desk and tried to focus on the drawing in front of him. If he could just make it a little longer –

Jungkook jerked awake some time later to the sound of a deep voice. He was still sitting at the desk, but someone had draped a blanket over his shoulders and there was a body perched on his bed. He frowned when he realized it was Taehyung. 

“I said, ‘is your bed not comfortable?’” Taehyung repeated. “Sleeping at your desk is a strange choice.” 

Jungkook chose to ignore him, instead rising to his feet and folding the blanket before he began to put his art supplies away. He didn’t miss the smile tugging at Taehyung’s lips as he watched him. If the other vampire was curious where Jungkook had gotten the pastels and the paper, he didn’t comment on it. 

“Did you need something?” Jungkook asked. He knew it was rude to speak to him in such a way, but he was embarrassed at being caught, and the smug smile on Taehyung’s lips was getting on his nerves. Not to mention his head hurt so badly he could barely think. 

“No, I’m just bored. Hyung went into town without me.” His lips settled into a pout, a look not very befitting of a 150 year old vampire. He cocked his head to the side. “You should feed. I can smell how hungry you are from here.” 

Jungkook blinked. It made sense now, the irritation and the pounding in his head. He’d been so worried about staying up this morning that he’d never drank from the goblet resting on his nightside table. It had been replaced since then and he picked it up, taking a long sip. “Sorry,” he said. 

Taehyung shrugged. “No reason to apologize. Especially if you let me stay for a while. Seokjin-hyung always tells me I need to give you your space, but I think you could use a friend.” 

The pressure in Jungkook’s head had already started to ease and he offered Taehyung a smile. “Yes, you can stay for a while.” 

“Great! Want to play a game? I have some playing cards.” 

They sat together, cross legged on Jungkook’s bed, as Taehyung showed him various games, many of which Jungkook had never heard of. It was … nice. Almost felt normal. Jungkook couldn’t remember the last time he’d played a game. Years at least. Before his father had passed when he’d actually been able to be a child. 

“Is it possible for us to stay up past sunrise?” Jungkook asked after a while, trying to sound nonchalant. 

“Possible?” 

“I tried today, but as you saw, I ended up falling asleep at the desk. It felt almost impossible to stay awake.” 

Taehyung nodded. “Oh right. I almost forgot, it’s been so long. It’s difficult in the beginning. Our bodies have a natural instinct to sleep during the day. It’s like a defense mechanism, to keep us out of the sun. Maybe science, maybe magic, I don’t keep up with those sorts of things.” He waved his hand dismissively. “It should get easier. Though, you barely feed so your body is already weakened.” 

Jungkook’s brows furrowed. “So, if I drink more, I can stay awake during the day?” 

“It will definitely help. Now come on, it's your turn.” 

Hours later Jungkook sat at his desk, charcoal between his fingers and an empty goblet beside him. For the first time since he’d woken up in Seokjin and Taehyung’s house, he’d drained every last drop of the blood they brought him. And he felt good. 

He couldn’t believe how different he felt. Still tired, the sun had risen long ago, but his mind was focused. If his senses had seemed stronger before it was nothing compared to now. But what was even better than that was that nagging in the back of his mind that never seemed to go away, that constant hunger . The want for blood. 

It had gone quiet. 

He almost felt normal. 

The padding of footsteps from down the hallway caught his attention. Heavier than Seokjin’s or Taehyung’s. Moments later he smelled Namjoon’s earthy scent. He sat up straighter. 

Namjoon froze in surprise when he opened the door. 

“Jungkook, I– You’re awake,” he said, stumbling over his words a bit. 

“I am.” 

Namjoon’s brows furrowed. “Are you alright?” 

Jungkook nodded. “I wanted to know what you thought of my new drawings,” he explained, picking up the small stack of paper. “ I thought maybe you’d come by at night, but you haven’t. So I stayed up.” 

“Oh!” Namjoon stepped into the room, closing the door behind him. He started to walk over to Jungkook’s desk, but hesitated. “Can I?” 

“Yes,” Jungkook said. He still felt nervous about being close to Namjoon, but he’d already felt a difference when he’d walked into the room. He felt more in control of himself. 

His confidence flagged once Namjoon was standing beside him, close enough to touch. 

It wasn’t that he wanted to feed, or that he was thinking about the blood under Namjoon’s skin. It was just – Namjoon was perfect. Jungkook had seen it before, but now, seeing him up close he realized it was even worse than he’d thought. Before he’d been too distracted by the fear of hurting him to let him feel anything close to attraction, but now – well now things were different. 

Namjoon was at least a few inches taller than Jungkook and broad, the muscles of his chest pulling at the fabric of his shirt. His hair was glossy black and just long enough to curl around the back of his ears. His jawline was sharp, a faint shadow of stubble dusting it as well as his upper lip. 

“Did you like the pastels?” Namjoon asked, his deep voice quieter now as they stood beside each other. 

“I did.” 

Namjoon smiled wide, dimples carving into his cheeks. “I’m so glad. I loved the one you did of the tree and all the flowers.” 

“It’s from my village,” Jungkook explained. “These are too.” He passed over a couple more drawings. One of the pond where he fished with his friends as a child and another of the forest that lined the horizon when he looked out his back window. Namjoon gently ran his fingers over the paper, barely touching the surface. 

“You’re so talented. You did this from memory?” He said, his voice soft. 

“Yes.” 

“Who’s this?” he asked, reaching for a drawing that Jungkook thought he’d left in the drawer. 

“My mother.” He frowned as he looked at it. The drawing had taken him longer than any of the others. He just couldn’t get it right. Every time he finished it wasn’t good enough, it wasn’t her. He still wasn’t satisfied. 

But as Namjoon looked at it his mouth fell open a bit and he nodded. “I should’ve known. She looks just like you. She’s beautiful.” 

Jungkook didn’t have a response to that, his brain spinning at the implication that Namjoon had just called him beautiful as well. Thankfully Namjoon spoke again, saving him from his awkwardness.
“Where is she now? In your village?” 

“She died before I was turned.” 

Namjoon’s face fell, and Jungkook could smell the change in him, his bright earthy scent turning dark and damp. “I’m so sorry,” he said. “Do you have any other family?” 

Jungkook shook his head. He reached for the drawing, carefully smoothing the corners before he stowed it safely in a drawer. “My father died in a hunting accident when I was young. My mother and sister died when the plague hit our village.” He didn’t mention how close he’d been to death as well. 

“My parents passed too. When I was a child.” Namjoon said, softly. “It still hurts, even now.” He gave Jungkook a smile that said I understand . He set his hand on top of Jungkook’s where it rested on the desk. 

Jungkook’s chest tightened and he felt it. He thought he’d imagined it before, when he’d first seen Namjoon in his room. The thud of his heart in his chest. He knew it was impossible, but there it was, almost painful behind his ribs. He gasped and jerked his hand back. 

Namjoon’s face twisted in horror and he practically jumped backward, quickly putting a few feet between them.“Oh my god, I’m so sorry, I shouldn’t have touched you without asking.” 

“It’s alright, really,” Jungkook said quickly, guilt filling his chest. “It’s not that–”
Namjoon wouldn’t let him finish. “I wasn’t thinking. You’re a new vampire, and I’m sure it’s hard to be around me. I should go.” 

“Please don’t.” The words were out before he could really think about it. Namjoon froze. “Please stay for a while? I – I like the company.”

Namjoon’s body relaxed. “I would, but I have to go into town today.” He smiled apologetically. 

“Oh. Right. Of course.” Jungkook tried not to show his disappointment. Of course Namjoon had things to do other than sit around with him in his bedroom. What had he been thinking?

“But I’ll come back tomorrow?” He phrased it like a question, as if he was asking Jungkook’s permission. 

“I would like that,” Jungkook said. 

Namjoon gave him another stunning smile, his pretty teeth and dimples making Jungkook’s stomach flip. 

“Tomorrow, then.” 

“Tomorrow.” 

─── ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ ───

“Can I ask you something?”

“Of course,” Taehyung said, shuffling the stack of cards in his hand. 

Jungkook swallowed. It had been on his mind these last few days, but he was afraid to bring it up, worried what Taehyung might think. The heartbeat . He knew he’d felt it. Twice now. And both times around Namjoon. 

He’d kept his promise the next day, returning to Jungkook’s room shortly after sunrise. He’d brought more art supplies from town, his cheeks turning pink as he presented them to Jungkook. And he’d come back the next day, and the next. Each visit was longer than the last, and today, even though it was nowhere near sunrise, Jungkook’s eyelids were already starting to droop from lack of sleep. 

“Can vampire hearts beat?” Jungkook asked, deciding to keep the question as vague as possible.

Taehyung blinked at him. “Why would you ask that?” 

Jungkook blanched. “I – I was just wondering.” It was kind of an unspoken rule that he and Namjoon hadn’t told the others about their meetings. He wasn’t sure why, he doubted they would care. But he couldn’t deny that it felt nice to have something that was just his. Namjoon was so easy to talk to, so kind and handsome, and he smelled so nice. It felt like if he told Taehyung or Seokjin about it, the magic would be broken. 

Thankfully Taehyung seemed to accept this explanation without question. “Actually they can. It’s not common but certain things can trigger it.” He dealt the card deck between them. 

“Things like what?” Jungkook asked, not satisfied yet. 

Taehyung shrugged. “Fear. Strong magic. Love.” 

Love.

But he didn’t love Namjoon. He’d just met him. 

He tried a different approach. “Has it ever happened to you?” 

Taehyung smiled. “Twice. Once with Seokjin-hyung, and once when I met Jimin.” 

“When you met him?” 

Taehyung’s smile grew. “Yeah. Seokjin-hyung thinks it’s silly, but it’s said that when a vampire meets their mate it makes their heart beat. It’s how I knew Jimin was meant to be with us.” 

“Oh,” Jungkook said, “that’s –” 

“Romantic? I know. Hyung can deny it all he wants but I heard his heart beat that day too.” He looked smug as he examined the cards in his hand. 

It was romantic. But could it mean–? Jungkook didn’t know what to think. 

─── ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ ───

“What are the others like?” Jungkook asked Namjoon. He was trying desperately not to think of the conversation he’d had with Taehyung the night before, all thoughts of mates and love pushed to the far corner of his mind. 

“What others?” Namjoon asked, not looking up from the piece of paper he’d been furiously scribbling on for the better part of an hour. He’d been the one to propose drawing together this morning, and while he’d been hard at work, Jungkook had barely gotten anything more than a basic sketch finished, too distracted by Namjoon beside him. His eyebrows furrowed as he concentrated, and he gripped the charcoal tightly, his hands flexing in a way that Jungkook couldn’t look away from. 

“The others here, in the house. Taehyung mentioned Jimin, but he wouldn’t tell me about anyone else. Also, is there a cat?” 

Namjoon put the charcoal down. “Oh. Right. Well there’s me obviously.” 

Jungkook smiled. “Obviously.” 

“And then there’s Hoseok and Yoongi. Hoseok is a witch, and Yoongi is his familiar.” 

A witch. That explained the smell of magic that drifted under Jungkook’s door. “What’s a familiar?” 

“He helps Hoseok direct and control his magic. He’s a demon.” 

Jungkook nearly choked. “A demon ?” 

Namjoon just laughed. “It’s not as scary as you think. He can’t do much on his own without a witch. Besides, Yoongi-hyung is as softhearted as they come.  He can take any form he wishes but he spends half his time as a cat and naps in the windows.” He leaned closer, lowering his voice. “If you rub his belly when he’s in cat form, he’ll love you forever.” He winked and Jungkook looked down into his lap, thankful he couldn’t blush or he’d be bright red. 

“I see. How did you all come to live here together?” 

Namjoon’s eyes lit up as he launched into the story like he’d rehearsed it. “Well first there was just Seokjin-hyung. He doesn’t say much about his past to the rest of us, but Taehyung says that he was alone for many years. He was like you, afraid of hurting others. Except he didn’t have another vampire that took him in. One day, he met someone and fell in love. A human of all people.”

“Taehyung?” Jungkook guessed. 

Namjoon nodded. “He told Taehyung the truth about himself and Taehyung wasn’t scared at all. But there was an accident, and Taehyung was hurt. He was going to die. So he asked Jin-hyung to turn him into a vampire. Yoongi came sometime after that. He also doesn’t say much about his past, but he did say he was bound to a different witch before Hoseok. That witch severed their bond.”

Jungkook gasped. “Why would he do something like that?”

“When witches claim familiars, they are united by a blood bond as well as a magical one. An emotional connection can strengthen that bond, but it can also be strengthened in other ways. Consuming a demon’s blood daily can make a witch stronger. But when he asked, Yoongi told him no. So he severed their bond and left him.” 

 “That sounds terrible.” 

“From what I can tell, it was. But I think he’s okay now.” He grinned. “It’s only been a few years since he brought Hoseok home, but he’s changed so much. He’s much more open. And he laughs.” He smiled warmly.

“He brought Hoseok home?”

Namjoon nodded. “Hoseok’s coven kicked him out a while back. He’s never told us why, but I'm sure Yoongi-hyung knows. Yoongi met him while he was gathering plants in the woods nearby the house and it didn’t take long at all for them to make a witch-familiar bond. Though their relationship is much more than that. Then came Jimin. Did Taehyung tell you much about him?” 

Jungkook shook his head. “No, but he said that I shouldn’t worry about hurting him because he’s trained to fight vampires.” 

“That’s a little bit of an understatement.” Namjoon chuckled. “Jimin was a vampire hunter, from a long line of vampire hunters.” 

Jungkook gaped. “He was ?” 

Namjoon grinned. “And what’s even crazier is that he met the others because he was tracking them.” Namjoon leaned in close, fully immersed in his story-telling. “He’d been following Seokjin and Taehyung for over a month when he finally cornered Taehyung. But before he killed him Taehyung told him something.” 

Jungkook was just as locked in as Namjoon was, leaning close, their faces closer than they had ever been before. “What did he tell him?”

“He said ‘I think you’re my soulmate’. And Jimin couldn’t go through with it. At least that’s how they tell it. And they tell it often.” He laughed fondly. 

“That’s so romantic,” Jungkook sighed. “And what about Seokjin-hyung? He didn’t mind that Taehyung liked someone else?” 

“He was more upset that Taehyung brought a hunter back to the house. But no, he wasn’t upset. I think he fell for Jimin very quickly as well. Though he’d probably deny it. He gets embarrassed about that kind of thing. Taehyung and Jimin are more…” 

“Shameless?” Jungkook offered and Namjoon laughed. 

“Yes, definitely.” He turned back to his drawing, apparently done with his story but Jungkook frowned, realizing something was missing.

“What about you?” he asked. “How did you end up here?” 

Namjoon sighed, a small sad smile spreading across his lips. “You caught that, huh? I kind of skipped over myself.” 

“You don’t have to tell me,” Jungkook said hurriedly, “I don’t mean to pry.” 

“No, no, it’s okay. I mentioned how my parents passed when I was young, but what I didn’t tell you was that they were killed.” 

Jungkook’s eyes widened. “Oh, Namjoon-ssi I’m so sorry.” 

“It’s okay, it’s been a long time. My father was the leader of our pack, and he and my mother were killed by one of his generals. They would’ve killed me as well, but one of my nursemaids saved me. She raised me, but she got sick and passed away when I was a teenager. I was on my own for about a year, and I ran into Taehyung at a night market. He figured out what I was and insisted I come home with him.” He smiled again, this time genuinely. “Yoongi-hyung still jokes that I’m their stray puppy that Taehyung found on the street.” 

Jungkook tried to imagine what it was like, living alone for so long. He couldn’t imagine. “You were all alone? How old were you?” 

Namjoon shrugged. “I was sixteen when I first came to live with them. It was just Seokjin, Taehyung, and Yoongi hyung then. Now I’m physically older than Taehyung was when he turned, and he likes to call me hyung as a joke.” He rolled his eyes. 

“Was it scary? Being alone?” 

“Not so much scary as lonely. There isn’t much out there for me to be scared of. But my kind is meant to live in packs. Being alone is…hard.” Jungkook could relate. He may not have had a pack, but as the days went by he found himself missing his family more and more. And his friends. His life. 

“I’m so sorry,” he said. 

Namjoon shook his head. “Don’t be. The past is done and it made me who I am. Besides, I have a pack now, and it may not be conventional, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.” 

“I’m glad,” Jungkook said, returning Namjoon’s smile. “But still, is it hard not having any other werewolves around?” 

Namjoon thought about it for a moment. “It can be a little hard, just because the others don’t really understand some wolf things, but at the end of the day I don’t really mind. The others have done so much to make me feel comfortable here. Yoongi-hyung even shifts into a wolf sometimes so that we can run together. And besides, I’ve found that I like the company of vampires.” He stared into Jungkook’s eyes with the last sentence, and something about his words stirred something in Jungkook’s gut. He looked away, swallowing. 

“T–That’s good.” Jungkook yawned, his eyelids drooping involuntarily. 

Namjoon smiled. “You should get some sleep. It’s almost midday.” 

But I don’t want to.

Jungkook nodded. “Okay. Thank you for telling me so much.”

“Of course. There’s much more, but I think you should learn that on your own. Once you feel comfortable of course.” And for the first time, Jungkook really could imagine it. Meeting the others, having a coven, a pack . As long as he had Namjoon’s warm smile and comforting scent by his side he felt like he could do it. 

“Okay,” he said, wishing Namjoon didn’t have to go, but he was right, he needed to sleep.

“Sleep well,” Namjoon said. 

─── ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ ───

Jungkook didn’t sleep well most days. 

Ever since he’d woken up in the forest months ago, he’d been plagued with horrible dreams. Dreams of monsters with sharp fangs. Sometimes with no face, just shadows. Other times the face was his own. He saw himself attack the couple in the woods, sometimes from his own point of view and other times like he was watching from outside his body. Either way it was terrifying. And he dreamt of pain – of a fire that consumed his entire body and left him screaming. 

“It’s probably your memories of The Change,” Seokjin said, when Jungkook finally brought up the nightmares. “It can be incredibly painful. Especially if your body was in bad shape when your sire turned you.”

“Will they ever go away?” 

Seokjin patted his knee. “With time. You’ve seemed to be in better spirits lately, though. Taehyung tells me you’ve entertained him with some card games. I hope he hasn’t bothered you. He’s very happy to have a new friend.” 

Jungkook smiled. “I don’t mind. Taehyung-ssi is very kind.” 

“I know I’ve told you, you can call both of us hyung. There’s no need to be formal.”

“Yes, hyung.” 

“I’m also very glad to see that you’ve been feeding more. You look well. You’re very welcome to join us in the rest of the house when you’re ready. Namjoon may keep a more human sleeping schedule, but he does join us most evenings. If you don’t want to stay up all day.” He gave Jungkook a knowing smile. 

“I – I don’t –,” Jungkook stammered. 

“There’s no need to explain anything, I’m just glad you’ve connected with someone here. Namjoon speaks very fondly of you. I only ask that you treat him with care. He’s very dear to all of us.” 

Jungkook nodded. “O – of course.” 

“Good.”

Once he was gone, Jungkook couldn’t stop thinking about what he’d said. That Namjoon spoke fondly of him . The thought filled him with so much warmth. 

─── ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ ───

There came a day when Namjoon didn’t come. 

They’d been meeting regularly for a week or so, sometimes talking, sometimes just sharing each other’s company while drawing or reading. Until today. Jungkook’s heart sank when he looked at the clock and saw it was nearly noon and Namjoon still wasn’t there. He could barely keep his eyes open much longer. 

He couldn’t deny how quickly he’d grown attached to Namjoon’s presence. His scent, his laugh, the deep timbre of his voice. He wanted him around all the time, but he was grateful for the few hours he got each day. He’d been worried that he might have pushed too far a few days ago, asking Namjoon about his past. But in the following days Namjoon had shared more, opening up to Jungkook without being asked. Jungkook admired his honesty and his willingness to be vulnerable. He’d even opened up some on his own. 

He hadn’t told him exactly what had happened, but he told Namjoon his fears about feeding, explained to him why he only drank just enough blood. 

“I can’t imagine what it feels like to go through what you’ve gone through,” he said. “I was born a werewolf. To go through such a change from human to vampire must be terrifying. But I hope you know that I trust you. From the first moment I met you, I knew you were a good person.” 

“I’ve done terrible things,” Jungkook said, his throat tightening. “I’m not a good person.” 

Namjoon started to move toward him and stopped. Ever since Jungkook had jumped away from him, he’d been careful not to touch him again. “That wasn’t you.” 

“You don’t know what happened.”

Namjoon shrugged. “Doesn’t matter. If you were a bad person it wouldn’t bother you so much.” 

He hadn’t been able to get the conversation out of his mind. Namjoon had been so sure Jungkook was a good person, said he trusted him. He couldn’t understand why. 

Where was he?

The shadows that lurked in the dark, mean corners of his mind whispered that Namjoon had realized Jungkook wasn’t a good person and that he should stay away from him. 

Jungkook’s eyes slid shut and he slipped into some of his worst nightmares yet. 

─── ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ ───

It took two days before Namjoon came back. 

Shadows lined his lower eyelids, but when he saw Jungkook he smiled just as bright as ever. 

“Sorry I was gone. I brought you these to make up for it.” Paints. And an easel. They were wonderful, the colors beautiful and rich, but Jungkook would’ve thrown it all away if it meant Namjoon would never disappear from him again. Besides, they were nothing compared to the beauty of that smile. 

“Come out tonight,” Namjoon said later. He laid on his side in the middle of Jungkook’s bedroom floor, his head propped on his hand as he watched Jungkook paint. 

Jungkook frowned. Painting was a lot harder than drawing, he’d discovered. He’d never had the chance to try it in the village, and he’d been very unimpressed with his first few attempts so far. “What?” he asked. 

“Come out of your room. Meet the others.” 

Jungkook froze, his fingers tightening around the paintbrush in his hand. “I don’t –”

“They’re dying to meet you. And I think you need to get out of this room.” 

Jungkook turned to look at him. “But what if I –,” he swallowed. “What if I hurt someone?” 

Namjoon stood up and walked over to him, crouching in front of his stool. “You won’t. And if you try, I’ll stop you.” 

“You mean you’ll be there?” 

Namjoon smiled. “Of course I will. And so will Seokjin and Taehyung. Besides, you’re around me every day and you’ve never tried to hurt me. Jimin and Hoseok may be more human than I am, but hyung says their blood isn’t so different. It shouldn’t affect you anymore than mine does.” 

Jungkook swallowed. If only Namjoon knew how much his blood did affect him. Even now, it wasn’t the only thing on his mind but it was there. He’d never smelled anything so delicious in his life. And the smooth contour of his throat, practically begging to be bitten. Jungkook tore his gaze away. He should’ve fed more before Namjoon’s visit. 

“Please come out, for me?” Namjoon’s voice was quieter, deeper. It sent shivers up Jungkook’s spine. 

“That’s not fair,” Jungkook said, feeling a little breathless. 

“Is that a yes ?” 

Jungkook looked at Namjoon again and knew that there was no way he could deny him. 

“Okay.” 

Namjoon jumped to his feet. “Excellent! I’ll let you get some sleep so you’ll be well rested. I’ll be back at sunset.” 

Jungkook frowned, not ready to see him go. “But –” 

“I’ll see you then! Sleep well, Jungkook-ah.” And then he was gone. 

Jungkook couldn’t believe what he’d just agreed to. 

It was just after sunset when Jungkook woke. He dressed quickly, his fingers fumbling over buttons in a way that they hadn’t since he’d been changed. He nearly jumped out of his skin when there was a knock on his door. 

“Come in,” he said. 

Namjoon poked his head in and smiled. “I was worried you might change your mind.” 

Jungkook shook his head. “Let’s just get it over with.” He took a deep breath and stepped through the door, joining Namjoon in the hallway. 

“Don’t be nervous. They’re going to love you.” 

Jungkook didn’t answer, but before he could think too much about it, he slid his hand into Namjoon’s. Namjoon tensed for a moment but didn’t pull away, instead entwining their fingers. “I’ll be right beside you,” he said, squeezing Jungkook’s palm. 

Jungkook’s room was at the end of a short corridor. Candles lined the walls, flickering orange light. At the other end of the hall Jungkook could see the top of a staircase. Namjoon pulled him toward it. 

“This is the west wing. Most of us stay in the east, but Seokjin-hyung didn’t want you to be bothered.” The staircase was grand, unlike anything Jungkook had ever seen before. Dark shining wood and lined with a beautiful bannister that he couldn’t help but run his fingers across. 

They reached a landing where a separate staircase came from the other side of the house. The two converged into one and led to the main floor of the house. 

“That’s the east wing,” Namjoon said, pointing to where the other staircase led. 

“How did Seokjin and Taehyung get such a grand house?” Jungkook asked, his mouth hanging open in wonder. He’d never seen anything like it.

Namjoon laughed. “Years of saving money I suppose. Like I said, hyung doesn’t tell us a lot about his past.” 

He led Jungkook through the main hall, the kitchen, the ballroom. They even had a ballroom. It was all beautiful, like something out of a dream or a storybook. It was also empty. 

“Where is everyone?” Jungkook asked. 

“I suppose still in their rooms. The night is still early. Though some of them could be in the parlor. It’s this way.” 

The parlor wasn’t empty. Taehyung sat on an elegant sofa on the other side of the room. And he wasn’t alone. Someone was perched on his lap, and it didn’t take Jungkook long to realize it wasn’t Seokjin. He was smaller than both of the vampires, but he was just as beautiful with pink full lips and pretty button nose. He obviously wasn’t a vampire, his cheeks flushed with bright color, and his heartbeat steady in his chest. His eyes were closed and his head leaned back on Taehyung’s shoulder, his lips parting in what appeared to be pleasure. It was only then that Jungkook realized what was happening. Taehyung was feeding. 

It was nothing like what Jungkook had done in the woods. There was no violence, no fear. No, if anything the human (Jimin he assumed) seemed to be enjoying it, his tongue flicking out to wet his lips and soft moans sounding from his throat. Jungkook looked away, sure this wasn’t something he was supposed to see. 

Namjoon cleared his throat, and Taehyung’s head raised, but it wasn’t until he noticed Jungkook standing there that he gently removed Jimin from his lap, and he quickly wiped the blood from his lips as well as Jimin’s neck. 

“Jungkook! I’m so happy to see you out of your room,” he said, rising to his feet. “Please come join us.” 

Jungkook clung to Namjoon’s hand like a lifeline. 

“Where’s Seokjin-hyung?” Namjoon asked, leading Jungkook to another couch. They sat with their knees touching, closer than they’d ever been before. 

“Seokjin-hyung is here.” Seokjin froze as he walked into the room, his eyes immediately landing on Jungkook. “Jungkook, hello. I’m so glad you could join us tonight.” He smiled wide. “Let me get Hoseok and Yoongi, I think they just got back from town.” He ducked back out of the room. 

“This is Jimin. Jimin, this is Jungkook,” Taehyung said, and Jungkook finally let his eyes rest on the human across from him, tensing as he prepared himself. But as he looked at him he was shocked to find he felt nothing. 

Sure he could smell his blood, especially where some still sat on the collar of his shirt, missed when Taehyung had cleaned them up. But he’d drunk an entire goblet full of blood before he’d come down tonight, and besides, it was nothing compared to the scent of Namjoon’s blood. It was light, flowery – pleasant for sure. But Namjoon’s was heady, intoxicating if Jungkook let himself think about it for too long. 

“Hello,” Jimin said, smiling sweetly. He didn’t seem the least bit afraid of Jungkook. “I’m so glad to finally meet you, Taehyungie talks about you all the time.” 

Jungkook felt shy. “It’s nice to meet you as well, Jimin-ssi.” 

“Please, call me hyung. We’re all family now, I’m sure they’ve told you that.” 

Jungkook nodded. “Yes, they have.” 

“Good.” 

He smelled Seokjin’s return before he heard it. The sweet smell of magic hit him more strongly than it had the entire time he’d been staying there, and he finally realized what the source was. A young man with full cheeks and a wide smile was chatting happily with Seokjin, but once he saw Jungkook he stopped, his eyes going wide. 

“Is this Jungkook?” 

“Yes, that's what I was trying to tell you, Hoseok,” Seokjin said. 

Hoseok wasn’t at all what Jungkook had expected a witch to be. His clothes were bright and his smile even more so as he took Jungkook in. “Hi! It’s nice to meet the person Joonie keeps sneaking off to see. I’m Hoseok.” 

“It’s nice to meet you as well,” Jungkook said at the same time Namjoon said, “I have not been sneaking.” 

Hoseok laughed, a clear happy sound. Jungkook smiled back, surprisingly very at ease in another human’s presence. That was until he noticed the other man in the room. Yoongi, because who else could he be, stood at the entrance to the parlor, eerily still. He watched Jungkook, head cocked, feline eyes boring into Jungkook’s skull. 

Jungkook tensed. If he’d thought Seokjin and Taehyung had an inhuman quality when he’d first met them, it was nothing compared to Yoongi. He was lovely, pale skin smooth like porcelain and pink rosebud lips, raven hair curling over the backs of his ears. He wasn’t very tall, but despite his small stature his presence was immense. The tilt of his head and sharpness of his eyes reminded Jungkook of a cat observing prey. As he came closer it was like a chill had entered the room and Jungkook sank back against the couch, cowering against Namjoon’s side. 

“Hyung, is that really necessary?” Jimin drawled, rolling his eyes. “There’s no need to scare him.” 

Yoongi’s eyes flickered to Namjoon and Jungkook’s joined hands and he finally blinked. The fear that had been slowly choking Jungkook’s chest quickly winked out. Yoongi shrugged, his face relaxing into an expression that was almost sleepy. 

“Sorry,” he said, his voice soft and low, like crushed velvet. “I’m a bit wary of strangers.”

“You didn’t try to look into his mind did you?” Namjoon’s voice was hard in a way that Jungkook had never heard before. He looked between him and Yoongi, worried he’d caused some kind of fight. But to his surprise Yoongi just laughed. 

“You know Hoseok doesn’t like for me to do that,” he said simply. 

Jungkook swallowed. Yoongi was strange, that was for sure. Everything in Jungkook’s instincts was telling him to run far away, that if there was one true threat in this house it was the familiar, the demon , standing in front of him. But then Hoseok wrapped an arm around Yoongi’s shoulders, squeezing him against his body like it was nothing. 

“Please forgive my other half, he can be a bit protective. Especially of our baby Namjoonie. But he’s harmless, aren’t you, hyung?” 

Yoongi didn’t answer, but instead his eyes closed and he changed, his body shrinking and in his place a small black cat remained. He rubbed against Hoseok’s leg before jumping on the couch. Taehyung scooped him up, kissing the top of his head and murmuring something Jungkook couldn’t hear. The cat curled up in Taehyung’s lap, tail wrapping over his nose. 

“You’d think after a few hundred years, he’d learn some manners,” Jimin said, but he reached over and scratched between Yoongi’s ears, fondness in his gaze. 

“I don’t understand why I’m the baby when Jimin is the youngest,” Namjoon groaned. 

“We didn’t raise Jimin,” Seokjin said easily. 

“Namjoon’s right, I should be the baby,” Taehyung said, lips settling into a pout. “I’m physically the youngest.”

“Of course you are, darling,” Seokjin said, kissing the top of Taehyung’s head. “Now who wants dinner?” 

 The dining room was beautiful, a long mahogany table filling the center of the room and surrounded by seven chairs. Jungkook sat toward the end, beside Namjoon. He wasn’t sure what he was supposed to do for dinner, considering he didn’t eat, but Taehyung was seated as well, still holding onto Yoongi as he talked to Hoseok and Jimin. 

“Don’t worry about Yoongi,” Namjoon said. “Hoseok was right, he’s just protective. But he would never hurt you. He just needs some time to know you’re someone he can trust.” 

“Okay.” 

“I’m sorry, I know this is all pretty overwhelming, isn’t it? Is it too much?” 

Jungkook shook his head. “No, I’m okay. I’m not sure what I’m supposed to do now though.” Seokjin had brought food from the kitchen – cooked chicken, bread, cheese. “I don’t eat.” If he was honest, the smell of the food, a meal he would have thoroughly enjoyed in the past, had begun to make his stomach roll with nausea. 

“Hyung says it takes vampires a while to get used to being around human food again. But he and Taehyung will even eat some sometimes,” Namjoon said. His brow furrowed. “Is it making you sick?” 

Before he could answer, Seokjin placed a wine glass in front of Jungkook, though he knew immediately it was something thicker than wine that filled its depths. “Here, take a few sips. It helps.” He patted Jungkook’s shoulder. 

Jungkook did as he was told, sighing in relief as the roiling in his stomach eased. He watched as Namjoon, Jimin, and Hoseok loaded their plates with food, the sound of their conversation a little loud after weeks alone, but not unwelcome. Taehyung and Seokjin chatted with them happily, sipping their glasses of blood while the others ate. 

Jungkook leaned closer to Namjoon. “Does Yoongi eat?” he asked quietly. 

Namjoon nodded. “Sometimes. Depends on his mood. He doesn’t really need to eat but he can. He only needs blood to survive. Like you.” 

Jungkook’s eyes went wide. “Oh.” 

He was quiet for the remainder of dinner, instead watching the others. Their dynamic was easy, practiced. Like a family. Seokjin wasn’t the serious, brooding vampire Jungkook had imagined him to be. Instead he cracked jokes and laughed loudly with Hoseok, his hand casually slipping into Jimin’s hair as he spoke, his fingers playing with the strands. Yoongi stayed in his cat form, sprawled across Taehyung’s lap and fast asleep. 

“He overworked himself today,” Hoseok said, smiling at him fondly once they’d finished eating. He scooped the little furry body into his arms. “I’m going to turn in early. It was nice to meet you Jungkook.” 

Jungkook helped Seokjin and Taehyung clean up the dishes while Namjoon and Jimin checked their stores and made a list of the supplies they would pick up at the market tomorrow. It felt surprisingly nice to clean. It was familiar. Human. 

When everything was clean and they rejoined the others, Jimin was quick to push himself between Seokjin and Taehyung. His  lips pressed to Seokjin’s ear and his hand tugged at his sleeve. Seokjin’s eyes widened. 

“If you would excuse us,” Seokjin said, and Jungkook could’ve sworn he saw a tinge of pink in his cheeks. “Thank you for joining us for dinner, Jungkook.” 

“Thank you for having me, hyungnim.” 

They hurriedly disappeared from the parlor. 

“They do that a lot,” Namjoon said. “You’ll get used to it. Come on, I’ll walk you back to your room.” 

It wasn’t very late, not even midnight according to the large grandfather clock on the landing where the staircase split in two. Or was it early? Now that Jungkook lived a life by night he wasn't sure. 

“I would stay up with you,” Namjoon said, catching Jungkook’s glance at the time. “But I have to get up early for the market. It isn’t always like this, everyone disappearing right after dinner.” 

“It’s alright,” Jungkook said. “I wouldn’t mind a little quiet.” 

Namjoon smiled sheepishly. “Yeah, we can get a little loud when we’re all together.” 

“No, it was nice.” Jungkook smiled. “I’m glad I came out.” 

“Good.” 

They had almost reached his door when Jungkook decided to ask the question that had been burning in his mind for hours now. “When we first came into the parlor, was – was Taehyung feeding from Jimin?” 

Namjoon nodded. “Yes, he was. We’ve told them not to do it in public living spaces, but they never listen.” 

Jungkook frowned. “But Jimin, he – he likes it?” 

Surprise bloomed across Namjoon’s face, and then his cheeks bloomed with pink. “Well, I believe it can be quite … pleasurable . If done correctly.” 

Jungkook wasn’t prepared for the slap of envy he felt at the thought of one of the others feeding from Namjoon. The thought of Namjoon in Jimin’s place – Taehyung feeding from his neck – it made his hands clench. 

“You – you find it pleasurable?” he asked, unable to meet Namjoon’s eyes. 

“Oh – oh no I’ve never – I’ve just heard that it can be,” Namjoon stammered. 

Jungkook breathed a sigh of relief. “Oh. You don’t want to?”

“I didn’t say that.” Namjoon’s voice was low, and he took a step closer. “I’d let the right vampire feed from me. If they wanted to.” Jungkook looked up at him, his breath catching at the dark look in his eyes. 

“The right vampire?” 

“I’d let you. If you asked.” 

Jungkook nearly choked. His skin felt hot, his clothes too tight. He looked at Namjoon’s throat, the pulse point below his jaw. He was so close, he smelled so good. 

“I – I don’t want to feed. Not like that.” He managed, tearing his eyes from Namjoon’s skin and taking a big step back, his shoulders hitting the door to his room. 

“Right. Of course! I’m so sorry, I shouldn’t have mentioned it,” Namjoon said. “Forgive me.” After so much time together, Jungkook could detect a change in his scent. He was unhappy – no, embarrassed. Disappointed. Jungkook felt guilty.

“There’s nothing to forgive,” Jungkook said quickly. “No harm done.” 

“Well, I should get to bed then. Thank you for coming tonight.” Through his disappointment at Jungkook’s rejection he still seemed genuine, his smile still kind and his voice warm. 

“Thank you for convincing me.” 

“I’ll see you tomorrow?” 

“Tomorrow. Goodnight.”

“Goodnight.” 

─── ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ ───

Dinner with the others, or family dinners, as Seokjin called them, became a regular part of Jungkook’s routine over the next few weeks. The others included him, but never pressured him to talk. Even Yoongi warmed up to Jungkook, sitting beside him at dinner one night to ask him about his artwork. Jungkook still felt a little uneasy around him, but he agreed to show him some of his work after dinner.

Jimin and Hoseok were definitely easy to talk to, and the more time Jungkook spent with them, the less afraid he was that he might hurt them. 

But as much as he enjoyed the others and their company, Jungkook liked his time with Namjoon best. And the others seemed to be well aware, even beginning to playfully tease him about his favorite. 

“I finally got a new vampire friend, and he likes the werewolf more than me,” Taehyung whined one night after Jungkook chose Namjoon for his partner in a card game. 

It had embarrassed him at first, until he noticed the way Namjoon smiled every time one of the others called him Jungkook’s favorite. And besides, he was beginning to get the feeling that he was Namjoon’s favorite too. 

“Don’t be jealous, Tae-hyung,” he said. “I like you all equally.” 

“Well that’s just simply not true,” Jimin chimed in, grinning. “But that’s okay, Taehyungie will get over it.”

Jungkook looked at Namjoon out of the corner of his eye and saw the familiar, slightly smug smile tugging at the corner of his lips. 

Later, Jungkook was helping Jimin clean dishes in the kitchen when he brought up something that had been burning in the back of his mind. 

“Hyung, can I ask you something?” 

“Of course! What’s on your mind?” 

Jungkook focused very closely on a spot he was cleaning, unable to look Jimin in the eye. “You let Seokjin-hyung and Taehyung-hyung feed from you?” 

“Oh.” Jungkook snuck a peek at him out of the corner of his eye, and saw Jimin’s ears turn a bit pink. He hoped he hadn’t overstepped. “Yes, I do.” 

“And – and you like it? It doesn’t hurt?” Jungkook asked, still feeling a bit mortified. 

Jimin barked out a laugh. “No, it doesn’t hurt. It feels really good actually. Why do you ask?” Jungkook could feel his eyes on him now, could almost sense the teasing smile that was surely pulling at his lips as he asked, “Are you thinking of asking someone to let you drink from them?” 

“No!” Jungkook said quickly. “No, I was just wondering.” 

Jimin hummed, and Jungkook could tell he didn’t believe him. He wasn’t even sure if he believed himself at this point. Ever since Namjoon’s confession the other night, that he would let Jungkook drink his blood if he asked, he hadn’t been able to stop thinking about it. 

“Well, if you decide to ask someone, you should know that feeding is very intimate, ” Jimin continued. “If you decide to do it, you should make sure that person is someone you…,” he paused for a second, “someone you like. Does that make sense?” 

Jungkook finally looked at him. “You mean like, sexually?” 

Jimin nodded. “It’s pleasurable for the person being fed on, but it’s also very nice for the one doing the feeding.” He grinned knowingly at Jungkook. “Or so I’ve been told.” 

“Right.” Jungkook said, eyes falling back to the dish in his hand. Of course Namjoon chose that exact moment to walk into the kitchen. 

“Jungkook-ah, are you almost done? I want to show you something.” 

Jungkook startled, feeling like he was caught doing something he wasn’t supposed to do. He fumbled the plate in his hands, nearly dropping it in the sink. “Yes, I’m almost done,” he answered, not daring to look back at Namjoon. 

“Okay great!” Namjoon said happily, disappearing back into the parlor. 

“Hmmm,” Jimin hummed, clearly trying to hold back a laugh. 

Jungkook ignored him, rinsing the last dish and handing it over for Jimin to dry. “I should go see what he wants,” he said, continuing to ignore Jimin as he heard him start to laugh from behind his back. 

“What is it?” Jungkook asked, once he’d found Namjoon again. 

“Want to go for a walk?” 

Jungkook blinked, “You mean, outside?” He looked outside of his window at night sometimes, but it was hard to see much unless the moon was bright. There was a big oak tree outside his window, one he’d drawn more than once.

Namjoon nodded. “I want to show you the garden.” 

“Oh,” Jungkook said. He hadn’t known there was a garden. “Alright. I mean, yes.” 

It wasn’t until he stepped outside that Jungkook realized how much he’d missed the fresh air. It was cool tonight, a brisk autumn breeze humming in the trees. Not too cold that the crickets had stopped singing yet, though. The moon was nearly full, splaying silver light across a simple cobblestone path through the garden. It was beautiful, sprawling greenery and blooming flowers. 

“Oh, wow ,” Jungkook said, mesmerized. 

“Do you like it?” 

“I do, very much. It’s wonderful.” 

Namjoon looked very pleased. “I’m glad. It’s nice to have my work appreciated.” 

“You did this?” Jungkook asked, eyes wide. “All of it?”

“Most of it. Hoseok and Yoongi have an herb garden at the other end, but I tend to it most of the time. Come see the rest.” He took Jungkook’s hand, interlocking their fingers as he pulled him along. “I wanted you to see the flowers while they’re still here,” he said. “Some will stay until winter, but some of the others are already starting to fade. But look – here’s where I grow vegetables. In a few weeks we should be able to start harvesting some of them.” He pointed out a few different kinds – tomatoes, carrots, pumpkins. Then he started naming off the types of flowers around them, and even though Jungkook lost track of what he was saying he loved to listen to him talk and couldn’t stop smiling. 

“Sorry,” Namjoon said, hiding his face behind his hand. “I’m talking too much aren’t I?” 

“No! No, not at all. I love it. I wish I could see it during the day.” 

“This is enough for now,” Namjoon said. “I’ve been wanting to show you all week but I was waiting for a night with a brighter moon.” He gestured down the path. “There’s a little pond down there, with a bench. Do you want to sit for a while?” 

“Okay.” 

The bench was just big enough for the two of them, and Jungkook’s leg pressed against Namjoon’s beside him. He felt so warm compared to the cool autumn night, and Jungkook ached to press closer. 

“I’m happy to spend some time together,” Jungkook said, feeling brave. “Just the two of us.” 

Namjoon smiled. “I am too.  Especially since I won’t be able to see you tomorrow.”
“You won’t?” 

“No, I won’t be at dinner.” 

Jungkook frowned. He remembered the last time Namjoon hadn’t come to visit him, nearly a month ago. “Is it because of the moon?” 

“It is.” 

“Do you change ?” It was easy to forget most of the time that Namjoon wasn’t fully human. When they were together Jungkook almost forgot that he wasn’t either. 

Namjoon pulled Jungkook’s hand into his lap, tracing his palm with his fingers. “No, I don’t change on the full moon. I used to, but as I got older I learned to control it. I just get a bit… animalistic I guess. Not fully in control of myself. I don’t like it. So Hoseok gives me potions to help me sleep through it.” 

“That sounds hard, I’m sorry.” 

Namjoon shrugged. “It was harder before I met Hoseok, but it’s not so bad now.”  

“I’ll miss you,” Jungkook said. 

“I hope you can survive one dinner without me,” he teased. His voice grew soft. “But I’ll miss you too.” He looked up from Jungkook’s hand, his dark eyes shining as they reflected the moonlight. “Jungkook, I really want to kiss you right now. Can I?” 

“Yes,” Jungkook breathed, already leaning closer. 

Namjoon kissed him gently, almost carefully, with soft lips, his hand cupping Jungkook’s jaw. Jungkook’s head spun, and for the first time since he’d been turned he felt warm. Every inch of his body, warm and light. The kiss only lasted a few moments, and when he pulled away Jungkook’s mouth was already aching to meet his again. 

─── ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ ───

Jungkook couldn’t stop thinking about the kiss. 

He played it over and over in his head. The softness of Namjoon’s lips, the little sigh that had hummed from his throat when Jungkook leaned in further to kiss him back. 

His throat. 

Jungkook saw it every time he closed his eyes. The smooth tan skin at the base of his ear, right under his jaw. The long, sloping line of his neck and the dip of his collarbone. Jungkook wanted to taste it, wanted to sink his teeth in and warm his fangs under his skin. 

It wasn’t the same as before – it wasn’t the craving he’d felt when he was first turned. Not hunger, or at least not the same kind of hunger. It wasn’t that he wanted Namjoon’s blood, or well, he supposed he did . But not because it was blood, because it was Namjoon. He wanted to taste and touch and drink. He wanted him. The feeding was just one part of that want. 

The more he thought about it, the less wrong it felt. After all, Namjoon had offered. But Jungkook couldn’t fight the fear that still lurked in the back of his mind. He couldn’t bear the thought of hurting someone. Especially not Namjoon. 

Still, he imagined it – what it would be like to let himself give into his urges. To take what Namjoon had offered him. 

He thought about it at dinner that night, the seat beside him so glaringly empty. He ignored Jimin and Taehyung’s jests about how he was moping, his mind thoroughly preoccupied. Though they were right, he was moping. It felt a bit pathetic, how badly he missed Namjoon after only a day of not seeing him. 

“He’ll be alright,” Yoongi said quietly, patting Jungkook’s arm gently. “Hobi’s potions have made things much easier for him. He’ll be back tomorrow.” 

Jungkook relaxed a bit, offering Yoongi a small smile. “Thank you, hyung.” 

─── ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ ───

The following evening Jungkook practically ran out of his room, burning with excitement to get to dinner. He saw the body outside his bedroom door only half a second before he smacked into it. Strong hands caught his shoulders, and despite the extra strength Jungkook’s vampire body had given him, Namjoon barely even moved as Jungkook ran into him. 

“Well, hello, there,” he said, grinning. 

“Hi. Sorry I didn’t see you standing there,” Jungkook said, smiling back despite his embarrassment. He tried to take a step back but Namjoon held fast to his shoulders. There were shadows under his eyes, but otherwise he looked fine, just as handsome as ever. Jungkook couldn’t look away from his lips, so pretty and full. He wanted to kiss him again, but for some reason he felt shy, and instead he looked away, glad he couldn’t blush. 

Namjoon cleared his throat, finally letting go of Jungkook’s shoulders and taking a small step back. His cheeks did look a bit pink, and Jungkook wondered if he’d been thinking about the same thing. 

“I wanted to walk with you,” he said. He offered his hand, and Jungkook took it, gladly. 

“Okay.” 

He wasn’t sure what any of the others talked about at dinner, only aware of the way Namjoon’s thigh was pressed against his under the table, or the way his knuckles would brush against Jungkook’s every once in a while as he ate. 

No one seemed surprised when Namjoon excused himself right after eating, apparently still too tired for much socializing. Jungkook felt disappointed until he realized Namjoon was looking at him, waiting almost expectantly. 

He followed without question, murmuring a quiet goodnight to the others, who didn’t seem surprised, but also didn’t tease Jungkook about leaving so soon. 

“Do you want to go to your room and draw?” Namjoon asked as they climbed the stairs. 

Jungkook considered it, but shook his head. “I was actually wondering if I could see your room,” he said. 

Namjoon raised eyebrows. “My room?” 

Jungkook looked at the floor as he shrugged his shoulders. “I want to know if it’s how I picture it.” 

“This way, then,” Namjoon said, taking Jungkook’s hand with a smile. 

Namjoon’s room was filled with rich browns and greens. A tall bookcase sat on the far wall, its shelves almost completely filled. Small plants sat atop the window sill and along the reading desk in the corner. Filling every inch of space was Namjoon’s scent, warm and rich and perfect.

“So, is it what you pictured?” he asked, still holding Jungkook’s hand in his. 

Jungkook shook his head. “No, it’s even better.” 

Namjoon smiled. “I’m glad you like it.” 

Jungkook stood in front of the bookshelf, his eyes tracing over the titles. “I missed you at dinner yesterday.” 

“I missed you too,” Namjoon said. 

“It wasn’t very fair for you to do what you did,” Jungkook said. 

“What do you mean?” Namjoon was close. Not touching Jungkook, but so near that he could feel the warmth of his breath on the back of his neck. 

It was easier to talk to him with his back turned. When he couldn’t get distracted by his eyes, or his lips, or his throat. “Kissing me the day before the full moon. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it.” 

Namjoon came closer, until his chest pressed against Jungkook’s back, almost caging him against the bookshelf. 

“I haven’t either.” 

Jungkook looked back over his shoulder and Namjoon was there, so close. All he had to do was tilt his head and then they were kissing. Namjoon cupped his face again, but this time his hand was firmer, more insistent. Jungkook turned to face him, his arms sliding around his neck. 

The kiss was feverish and wet as Namjoon parted Jungkook’s lips with his tongue, his hand firm as he tilted Jungkook’s head to give himself better access to his mouth. Jungkook felt alight, his body burning from head to toe. Namjoon pulled him closer, until their bodies were completely pressed together. 

Jungkook couldn’t think beyond the feeling of Namjoon touching him. Their mouths sliding together, Namjoon’s hand on the back of his neck, the other sliding into his hair. All he could smell was his hair, his skin…

His blood pumping under his skin. Under Jungkook’s hand, as he slid it across Namjoon’s chest, the frantic thump, thump, thump of his heart echoing under Jungkook’s fingertips. 

His fangs began to descend on their own. 

Jungkook pushed against Namjoon’s chest with nearly all of his strength, stepping back and colliding with the bookshelf with a sharp thud that sent multiple books crashing to the floor. Namjoon stumbled backward a bit, his eyes wide. 

“Jungkook are you o –” 

Jungkook didn’t answer, pushing past and fleeing Namjoon’s room without another word. When he got back to his own room he locked the door and slid to the ground, his back against the hardwood, tears welling in his eyes. 

He didn’t move from the spot for hours, didn’t even go downstairs for blood before sunrise like he’d been doing for the past few weeks. He kept seeing it – what he’d done to that couple in the woods. It played on loop in his brain, but now interspersed with the kiss he’d shared with Namjoon, with the way he’d almost bitten him. 

He finally climbed in bed as the sun started to rise, but it took him hours to fall asleep. It felt like he’d just closed his eyes when he heard the knock on the door. A crack of orange light peeking through the curtains told him that the sun had yet to set. 

He only opened the door a crack, peeking through. Namjoon stood on the other side, his face creased with worry. “Can we please talk?” he asked. 

Jungkook pushed the door open, letting the other man inside. Namjoon reached for him, but he took a step back, out of his reach. The hurt that flashed across Namjoon’s face felt like a punch to the gut. 

“Jungkook, I’m so sorry.”

Jungkook blinked. “Sorry? Why?” Namjoon hadn’t done anything wrong. Jungkook was the one that couldn’t control himself. That had almost –

“I went too far. The full moon, it heightens my desires. I was still feeling the effects last night, but I should have controlled myself. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.” He looked crestfallen. Jungkook wanted to kiss away the tension in his face, smooth the lines of worry between his brows with his fingers. 

“Hyung, you didn’t – I left because of me, not you,” Jungkook explained. “I – I wanted –” 

“You wanted what?” Namjoon’s voice was so gentle, and Jungkook felt himself relax a bit. 

“I wanted to bite you,” he confessed, ashamed. “I felt like I was about to lose control, and it scared me. So I left. I’m sorry.” 

“Oh, jagiya , you don’t have to apologize for that. I’m sorry you were afraid, but I told you, you can feed from me. It’s natural, you didn’t do anything wrong.” 

The pet name made Jungkook feel like he might melt, made him want to launch himself into Namjoon’s arms, but he stayed rooted to the spot, vehemently shaking his head. “No, you don’t understand. I might have hurt you.” He took a deep breath, finally prepared to tell the truth of what had happened, even though he knew once Namjoon heard, once he knew what he’d done, he wouldn’t like him anymore. Definitely wouldn’t want to kiss him or hold him anymore. 

“After I was turned, before I knew what had happened to me, I ran into a couple in the woods. I can’t even fully explain what happened, but I lost control. All I felt was blood lust, and once I realized what was happening it was too late.” His hands shook at his sides. “I – I think I killed them,” he whispered. His throat felt thick, and tears welled in his eyes. 

“ Jungkook. ” Namjoon took a step closer and this time Jungkook didn’t pull away, sagging against Namjoon’s chest when he pulled him into his arms. Namjoon smoothed his hand over his hair. “It’s okay,” he said softly. “You were left alone. It wasn’t your fault.” 

“But what if I –” 

“You won’t.” Namjoon’s voice was stern. Final. “Come here, let’s sit.” He led Jungkook to the bed and they both sat on the edge. Namjoon kept an arm wrapped firmly around his waist, using his other hand to wipe away the tears that had spilled over Jungkook’s cheek. “You say you think you killed them. Why aren’t you sure?” 

Jungkook looked at the floor, unable to meet Namjoon’s eyes, undeserving of the kindness there. “I stopped. And I ran. I don’t know what happened next. I just left them there.” 

“You stopped? Why?” 

“I saw my reflection and I realized what I was doing,” Jungkook said, pulling his knees against his chest, trying to make himself as small as possible. “It was terrifying.” 

“Jungkook.” Namjoon put a finger under his chin, turning his face so that he had to look at him. “Do Seokjin and Taehyung know about this?”

Jungkook shook his head. “Not exactly.” Was this it? Was Namjoon going to tell them and everyone would realize how terrible he was?

But Namjoon smiled. “Well that explains why you’re so worried. Jungkook, it’s amazing that you were able to stop. Almost unheard of. It takes incredible self control, which is almost always overridden by hunger in a newborn vampire. Hyung would tell you the same.”

Jungkook let himself consider it. Namjoon seemed so sure, so completely void of judgment or disgust. 

“So you’re not afraid of me?” 

Namjoon wrapped both arms around him. “Never. I’m just sorry you’ve been going through this alone. What happened wasn’t your fault. If anything it’s the fault of the vampire that turned you and left you alone.” 

Jungkook let himself sink into Namjoon’s arms, let himself be comforted and, more than that, let himself believe he deserved it. 

“You don’t look like you slept at all,” Namjoon said, smoothing the hair back from Jungkook’s forehead. “You should rest.” 

Jungkook gripped his sleeve. “Don’t go.” 

“I won’t.” They laid side by side in the bed, facing each other, Jungkook’s head tucked under Namjoon’s chin. His scent was soothing, no longer a trigger that made him feel hungry, but something that calmed him, made him feel safe. 

“Me feeding from you. Is that really something you want?” Jungkook asked.

Namjoon tensed. “I’ve wanted it since we first met,” he said quietly. 

Jungkook’s stomach twisted. “Don’t say that.”

“Why?” 

“Because ever since you told me I could, I haven’t stopped thinking about it. It’s making me crazy.” He pulled back so he could look into Namjoon’s eyes. His pupils were blown wide, the rise and fall of his chest quickening slightly. 

“Jungkook, that's all I think about. Ever since the first time I saw you, I’ve wanted to give you my blood. Actually, I’d give you anything you asked. But that – that’s what I think about the most. I’d give it to you now if you asked.” 

Jungkook’s heart began to beat in his chest, not just once but a slow steady rhythm. He felt wild. It wasn’t scary like it had been before. 

“Even after what I told you?” He gasped as Namjoon pushed him onto his back, hovering over him.

“I trust you. And I want to help you. I know drinking that cold pig blood must be miserable. But I’m also selfish. I don’t want you to drink from anyone else. Only me. And I – I want to know how it feels. I never cared before, but with you, it’s just – you’re so beautiful, so sweet and lovely and good. I’d do anything for you.” 

Only me. So beautiful. So sweet. Jungkook felt dizzy from Namjoon’s words, his scent, the feeling of his body pressing him into the bed. 

“I want it too,” he said, running his fingers along the column of Namjoon’s throat. Namjoon trembled under his touch.“I don’t care about the pig’s blood, I’d live off of it for the rest of my life, but I want you .” 

“You do?” 

“Can you not tell?” 

Namjoon smiled. “I want to hear you say it.” 

“Hyung is the most handsome, most beautiful person I’ve ever seen. I want to kiss you, touch you. I – I want–” 

Namjoon’s eyes were dark. “What do you want?” 

“I want to know what your blood tastes like,” he confessed. 

Namjoon shuddered, and Jungkook could feel the hard length of him pressing against his hip through their clothes. When he spoke his voice was hoarse. “Taste it then. Please.” 

He arched his throat, and Jungkook could see his vein pulsing under his skin, just below his jaw. He leaned closer, the ache of his fangs descending lower from his gums making his own erection throb in his pants. Was he really going to do this? He wanted to. He wanted to so badly, more than he’d ever wanted anything else. But he wanted to be sure. He wanted to know what would happen when they crossed this line.

He closed his eyes. Forced himself to think clearly. He pressed a kiss to Namjoon’s throat and pulled away, pulling his fangs back as he did so. 

“I want to,” he said. “And I will. But not now. I want to talk to Seokjin-hyung first.” 

Namjoon let out a shuddering breath. “Okay. Yeah, you’re right.” He kissed Jungkook’s lips gently and rolled off of him. “I can wait,” he said, smiling. “For now, let’s sleep.” 

Jungkook curled against his chest and was asleep within seconds. 

─── ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ ───

“The most important thing to remember is to not take too much,” Seokjin said. 

“Even if he asks you to keep going,” Taehyung added. “Though Namjoon can probably handle more blood loss than Jimin.” His eyebrows pulled together in thought. 

Jungkook swallowed, nerves chewing at his stomach. “Okay.” 

“Hey, don’t worry,” Seokjin said, smiling. “It won’t be like before. You’re not a newborn vampire.” Jungkook had told him and Taehyung about what happened all those nights ago, and just as Namjoon had predicted they’d been equally upset for Jungkook and amazed that he’d been able to stop himself. It felt good to tell them. To get that weight off of his chest. 

“It’s different when it’s someone you love,” Taehyung said, his eyes bright. “And it tastes even better .” 

Jungkook blinked. Was it love that he felt for Namjoon? Someone he’d known for just a few months now? It certainly was more than a simple infatuation, or even lust. He thought about what Namjoon had told him the night before. I’d do anything for you. He knew he felt the same. 

“Taehyung’s right,” Seokjin said. “You care for Namjoon. You won’t hurt him. And you’ll enjoy it. A lot. And so will he.”

Taehyung sighed dreamily. “There’s nothing like it. I’m just sorry you won’t be able to experience it the other way. A shame really.” 

Jungkook cocked his head. “What do you mean?” Taehyung just stared, and then he realized. “You mean, you two – from each other?” His eyes widened in shock. He hadn’t known it was possible for vampires to drink from each other. 

“Yes we do.” Taehyung grinned, and Seokjin smacked his arm. 

“Why are you telling him this?” he grumbled. 

“So we can drink from each other?” 

Seokjin nodded. “It’s just for pleasure. It won’t sustain you. You need something fully living for that.”

Taehyung nodded. “Human, werewolf, faerie, witch,” he listed, counting off on his fingers. “Definitely not demon though. Not that Yoongi would let you.” He laughed. 

“I wouldn’t want it anyway,” Jungkook assured him. 

“Oh, don’t worry, we know Namjoon is the only one for you,” Seokjin said, smiling. 

Taehyung seemed deep in thought. “You know, they may not drink blood, but werewolves do have a thing for biting.” 

“I think that’s enough of this conversation,” Seokjin said. 

─── ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ ───

“Are you alright?” Namjoon asked, as he closed Jungkook’s bedroom door. His palm was warm against Jungkook’s, their fingers entwined. 

It was only 10pm, but the house was quiet, everyone excusing themselves early after dinner. Jungkook couldn’t remember much of dinner itself if he was honest. He’d been preoccupied with the plans he had Namjoon had made for when it was over, barely engaging in conversation. 

“I’m alright,” Jungkook said, squeezing Namjoon’s hand. 

“We don’t have to do this if you aren’t ready,” Namjoon said, cupping Jungkook’s jaw. 

“No, I want to. I’m ready. As long as you are.” 

Namjoon chuckled. “Oh, I’ve been ready for a long time.” 

They stripped down to their underclothes, and Jungkook drank in the sight before him. Namjoon’s broad, tanned chest, his strong shoulders, his slim waist.

He sat in Jungkook’s bed, his back pressed to the headboard. Jungkook’s skin felt hot as his eyes dragged over him as well, his gaze turning dark. “Come here,” he said, his voice gravelly. 

Jungkook went to him easily, climbing in his lap and straddling his muscular thighs. 

“You’re so beautiful,” Namjoon breathed, tucking Jungkook’s hair behind his ear. He slid his hand lower, down the side of Jungkook’s neck and over his chest. He paused as he reached the spot over Jungkook’s heart, surely feeling the steady thump, thump beneath his skin. His brow furrowed. “Your–”

“It only does that when I’m with you,” Jungkook said softly. 

Namjoon kissed him, slow and deep, his tongue sliding between Jungkook’s lips. Jungkook moaned against his mouth, melting into his embrace. Namjoon’s muscles were strong and taut beneath Jungkook’s hands as he explored his shoulders, his chest, his back. The kiss was slow, almost lazy, but he could smell the excitement burning under Namjoon’s skin, could feel it in the pounding of his heart. 

“You feel tense,” Namjoon said softly, breaking the kiss and running his hands over Jungkook’s arms. 

“I’m nervous,” Jungkook confessed, pressing their foreheads together. 

“Hmm,” Namjoon hummed. Without warning he wrapped an arm around Jungkook’s waist and pushed forward, practically lifting him as he pushed Jungkook’s back against the mattress. “Let me help you relax.” 

He pressed messy open-mouthed kisses to Jungkook’s throat, his tongue dragging slowly over Jungkook’s skin. 

“O – oh,” Jungkook gasped, tilting his head to the side to give Namjoon more room. He was thorough, not an inch of Jungkook spared from his tongue, his lips or even his teeth. He licked, sucked, and when he gently nipped the skin below Jungkook’s ear, Taehyung’s words from before came back to Jungkook’s mind. 

Werewolves do have a thing for biting.

He thought about Namjoon’s pointed canines, wondered how they’d feel sinking into his skin. 

Before he could consider further, Namjoon wrapped his lips around one of his nipples, sucking gently. Jungkook’s back arched off the bed. “ Hyung ,” he moaned. 

“Feel less nervous?” Namjoon asked, grinning. 

Jungkook sighed. “A little.” 

If he’d thought Namjoon was done, he was dead wrong.  His tongue worked over Jungkook’s other nipple and then dragged down to his stomach. Namjoon covered the skin there in kisses as his hand slid over the hard bulge in Jungkook’s undergarments. 

“Can I touch you?” he asked. 

“Please.” 

Namjoon’s mouth followed his hand, his lips and tongue hot over Jungkook’s cock, even through the fabric separating them. He pulled Jungkook’s underwear down, just enough to free his length. His full lips looked positively sinful as he wrapped them around the head, his eyes rolling back as if he was the one being pleasured. 

Jungkook moaned, all nerves and worried thoughts quickly leaving his mind as Namjoon sucked and licked, his mouth so hot and soft and perfect. 

“Hyung,” he whined, hands slipping into Namjoon’s soft hair. “Come kiss me again.” 

Namjoon obeyed him without hesitation, leaning back over Jungkook’s body to kiss his mouth again, this time with more heat, more urgency. 

“Can’t believe I finally get to touch you like this,” he said, gripping Jungkook’s thigh to hitch it over his hip. 

He sat up again, pulling Jungkook back into his lap. It made Jungkook’s stomach twist pleasantly, how easily Namjoon could maneuver him. He kissed Namjoon’s jaw, his throat. He could feel his pulse beneath his mouth, and this time when his fangs began to descend he didn’t feel fear, just want. He let them graze over Namjoon’s skin.

“ Please ,” Namjoon practically whimpered, his body shuddering beneath Jungkook. 

Jungkook let his teeth sink into Namjoon’s neck. 

It was like tasting blood for the first time. As the first drop hit his tongue, Jungkook knew he could never go back to that cold pig blood. Or any other blood for that matter. Namjoon was the best thing he’d ever tasted. There was nothing like it, no way to describe it. 

“Oh, oh fuck ,” Namjoon gasped, his words turning into a moan as he gripped Jungkook tighter his hand sliding around his neck to pull him closer. “Please don’t stop.” His hips began to grind against Jungkook’s frantically and Jungkook reached between them, pulling Namjoon’s underwear down as much as he could so that he could feel him against him. His cock was thick and wet . The second it brushed Jungkook’s he moaned against the skin of Namjoon’s neck. They rubbed against each other desperately, and it didn’t take long before Jungkook reached his peak, his orgasm punching out of him hard and he bit down with even more force, making Namjoon cry out as he came as well. 

Jungkook pulled back, his fangs immediately feeling cold after the warmth of Namjoon’s neck. Blood dribbled from the small marks beneath his jaw and Jungkook ran his tongue over it, collecting it on his tongue, not daring to let a single precious drop go to waste. 

Namjoon’s eyes fluttered closed as he leaned back against the headboard, but his cheeks were pink, his heart steady. Perfectly okay. Jungkook felt good. Better than he remembered feeling in a long time. He’d never felt so full since he’d turned. So warm . His body felt loose and a little bit like jelly, but in a good way. 

“You okay?” he asked, a little breathless. 

Namjoon smiled, eyes still closed. “Never better. I don’t think I’ve ever come that hard in my life.” His eyes fluttered open and then widened. “Your cheeks, they’re pink,” he said in wonder, tracing over them with his fingertips. 

“They are?” 

Namjoon nodded. “I know hyung says hot human blood will do that, but I wasn’t prepared.” His voice was reverent. “ So pretty. ”

Jungkook tried to cover his face with his hands, suddenly feeling shy. 

“No, hiding,” Namjoon said, grinning. He pulled Jungkook’s hands away and kissed his palms. 

“So it didn’t hurt?” Jungkook asked once they were clean and pressed together under his sheets, their bare legs intertwined. 

“Not at all. The opposite,” Namjoon assured him. “It was … euphoric .” 

Jungkook sighed, so utterly relieved. “Good.” 

Namjoon’s fingers skated across his skin, lulling him toward sleep. “Did I taste good?” 

Jungkook smiled. “Nothing compares.” 

─── ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ ───

The sun was still up when Jungkook woke, its rays peeking through his curtains and shining on the floor. Namjoon slept beside him on his side, an arm thrown over Jungkook’s stomach as he snored softly. He looked younger when he slept. Almost delicate. Looking at him like this made Jungkook miss the sun more than ever. He wished he could see Namjoon bathed in the golden light of morning, the sunlight kissing his beautiful tan skin. 

He ran his fingers over Namjoon’s cheek, tracing his moles and the prickly line of stubble along his jaw. He felt the marks on the side of his neck, remembered how it had felt to put them there last night. 

“Good morning,” Namjoon rumbled, his voice even deeper than it usually was. He hadn’t opened his eyes yet but he tightened his arm around Jungkook’s middle, pulling him closer. 

“Good morning,” Jungkook answered, still touching Namjoon’s neck. “Do they hurt?” he asked. 

Namjoon’s eyes blinked open. He smiled and placed a kiss on Jungkook’s shoulder. “It’s a little sore, but not bad at all.” 

Jungkook rolled onto his side so they were facing each other. He touched the bite again, gently pressing his thumb against one of the small punctures. His breath caught at the way Namjoon’s eyes closed at the touch, a sighing whimper leaving his lips. 

“They look –” Jungkook stopped himself, unsure if he should finish his thought, unsure what Namjoon would think if he did. 

“Bad?” Namjoon guessed, frowning. “I can probably get a healing salve from Hoseok if it bothers you to look at them.” There was a hint of disappointment in his voice. 

“No,” Jungkook said quickly. No, not bad – the opposite of bad. “I like them,” he admitted. 

“You do?”

Jungkook nodded. He hadn’t expected to, but he loved the way they stood out against Namjoon’s pretty throat. He loved the way they reminded him of what it felt like to taste Namjoon’s blood, to rest his teeth beneath his skin. He told Namjoon so, his stomach twisting a little with guilt. “Is that bad?” 

“Definitely not bad,” Namjoon said, eyes darkening. “Is there any other reason?” 

There was, though Jungkook hadn’t wanted to admit it. “Yes,” he said quietly. “It’s like you’re –” 

“Like I’m yours?” He didn’t sound judgmental, if anything he seemed excited by the prospect, his scent richening and his breath quickening in his chest.

“Yes. Like you’re mine,” Jungkook confessed. He kissed the marks on Namjoon’s neck, earning another whimpering sigh. Jungkook kissed them again, his tongue flicking out to run over them gently. That time Namjoon practically moaned. 

“Come here.” His voice was practically a growl as he tilted Jungkook’s face up with a firm hand under his chin, connecting their mouths in a kiss. Jungkook kissed him back hungrily, and it wasn’t until he tasted blood that he realized his fangs had come out. He’d nicked Namjoon’s lips as well as his tongue, just enough to cover them in a sheen of scarlet. 

“Sorry,” he managed, pulling them back, but Namjoon shook his head.

“Don’t be,” he said, leaning in to reconnect their mouths.

Jungkook ran his tongue over Namjoon’s lips slowly, making sure he cleaned every last drop before kissing him again. Namjoon’s naked body was hot against his, his arms strong around Jungkook’s waist as he pulled him in as close as possible.  His cock pressed against Jungkook’s hip, hot and thick, and Jungkook wondered how it would feel inside.

“I want you,” Jungkook said, his words all but lost in the heat of Namjoon’s lips and tongue. 

“You have me,” Namjoon said. “Here, take what you want.” He turned his head, offering his neck, and as tempting as it sounded Jungkook shook his head. 

“No, not that. You. ” 

Namjoon rolled onto his back, pulling Jungkook on top so that he rested between his thighs. “I want you too,” he breathed. “Want you to fuck me. Will you? Please? ” 

It wasn’t exactly what Jungkook had in mind, but he wanted Namjoon in any and every way that he could have him. And how could he deny him? So beautiful, his black hair fanning out on the pillow, his cheeks pink, eyes dark with want as he stared at Jungkook intently. 

“Of course. Yes,” he said. 

Thank god he’d asked Namjoon to pick up some oil for his paintbrushes a few days before. He left him for a moment to grab it from his desk, giggling at the way Namjoon protested when Jungkook climbed off of him. Once he found it he kneeled between Namjoon’s legs, running his hands slowly over his inner thighs. He hadn’t been able to take his time last night, to really look at him. 

Namjoon’s body was perfect - tan and lean, his skin so smooth and soft. His stomach was pulled taut, his chest rising and falling quickly in anticipation as he watched Jungkook. His thighs were thick, muscular and strong with a squishy layer of fat that Jungkook couldn’t help but dig his fingers into. 

“Hyung is so beautiful,” he said, running his fingers over his hips and back down his inner thighs. He leaned down to press a kiss to the mole on his stomach, his lips dangerously close to the head of Namjoon’s cock as it leaked precome onto his skin. He ran his fingers over the silky skin of his thick length. “Want to make you feel good.” 

“You already have,” Namjoon said, his voice so low and gravelly it made Jungkook’s thighs clench.  

Jungkook pushed up on Namjoon’s thighs until he could see the dusky brown of his hole. He petted over it gently, savoring the way Namjoon whimpered a bit as he did so. Jungkook sighed, almost overwhelmed. Sex as a human had been different – a few drunken fumbles and hurried handjobs with whoever was convenient. But now not only were his senses heightened, but Namjoon was the most perfect person he’d ever seen. He’d never felt so connected to someone else. Never wanted someone more. And there was just so much . He wanted to taste the head of Namjoon’s cock, run his tongue over his hole, nip the soft skin of his inner thighs. 

“Tell me what to do,” he breathed. 

Namjoon blinked. “What?” 

Jungkook bit his lip, lowering his eyes. “I – I don’t – tell me what you want. Please.” 

Namjoon let out a shaky laugh. He ran his fingers through Jungkook’s hair gently. “Anything. Whatever you want. I just want you to touch me.” 

“ Hyung, ” Jungkook’s voice came out in a whine. 

“Start with your fingers,” he said softly, and it ran a little thrill down Jungkook’s spine. 

Right. 

Jungkook poured some of the oil on his fingers and ran them over Namjoon’s hole again before slowly pushing one inside. It was tight, and Namjoon’s eyes squeezed shut as a gasp slipped through his lips. 

“Okay?” Jungkook asked.

“Yes, just been a while.” Namjoon’s dimples curved into his cheeks as he smiled. “Feels good, keep going.” 

Jungkook slowly pumped his finger, in awe of the way Namjoon’s eyes slipped closed again, quiet moans sounding from his throat as he pulled his plush lower lip between his teeth. He gasped as Jungkook slid in a second finger, his thighs falling open even further. 

Jungkook wanted to hear more, wanted to make Namjoon feel good. He leaned down, dragging his tongue over Namjoon’s cock. 

“ Fuck ,” Namjoon gasped. 

Jungkook kept moving his fingers as he licked over Namjoon again and again before letting him slip fully between his lips, careful not to let his fangs prick him. Namjoon’s length was heavy on his tongue, and Jungkook quickly discovered that he liked it, his own eyes falling closed as he sucked. His jaw felt a bit stretched, his mouth so full. 

He was almost sad to pull off, but he wanted to taste more of Namjoon’s skin. He kissed down his shaft, over his hips. He brought his mouth to Namjoon’s hole and licked between his fingers, over the smooth muscle. The taste of the oil was a bit strange, but the sounds his hyung made made it worth it, and he pulled his fingers out to run the flat of his tongue over him slowly. 

“That’s – wow ,” Namjoon let out a noise somewhere between a laugh and a gasp. “No one’s ever – ah .” 

Jungkook smiled, pride flooding him at being the first to pleasure Namjoon like this. He licked over him again and again, his fingers dimpling into the skin of Namjoon’s thighs and ass. He didn’t stop until he was nearly out of breath, and Namjoon was too, his fingers digging into the sheets and thighs tight around Jungkook’s head as he sucked in a ragged breath. Jungkook turned to place a messy kiss to his inner thigh, letting his fangs drag over the sensitive skin, and Namjoon moaned.

“Bite me,” he gasped. 

Jungkook blinked. “What?” 

“There, bite me there, please .” The way he said it made Jungkook think he’d imagined it before, and the thought alone was almost enough to make him come. 

He kissed his thigh again, a little lower this time, just beside his groin. He sucked a bit, ran his tongue over it. When he let his teeth sink in he groaned – not only at the sweet taste of Namjoon’s blood filling his mouth, but the feeling of his fangs in the soft, supple skin. He wished he could keep them there forever, live between Namjoon’s legs for the rest of his immortal life. 

But only seconds after he’d bitten him Namjoon jerked, moaning again, louder this time. Jungkook opened his eyes just in time to see his cock twitching where it rested on his smooth belly, white cum spilling all over his skin as he orgasmed, completely untouched. 

Jungkook was utterly enthralled. 

It took all of the willpower he had not to rut against the bed until he finished too, still planning on fucking his hyung like he’d asked. He pulled back, placing a kiss to the new bite marking Namjoon’s skin, admiring the way it looked on his skin. Another claim he’d made on Namjoon’s body. The one on his neck could be seen by anyone, but his one was just for him. For them. A place no one but Namjoon and Jungkook could see. 

 “Are you alright?” he asked. 

Namjoon’s skin was flushed with reds and pinks, and he let out a ragged breath. “I – I couldn’t help it.” 

Jungkook kissed his hip. “That was the most attractive thing I’ve ever seen,” he said truthfully. Namjoon looked a bit embarrassed but pleased at Jungkook’s words, another breathless laugh escaping his lips as he closed his eyes. They flew open again as Jungkook dragged his tongue through the mess on his stomach, the taste of cum mixing with the blood still on Junkgook’s lips. 

“Oh my god, Jungkook-ah, sweetheart, you–” 

“Hyung tastes good,” Jungkook said sweetly, thrilled to see Namjoon so undone . His eyes bright but a little unfocused, his cheeks bright pink and chest flushed.  

“You can’t say things like that,” Namjoon said, swallowing. He ran this thumb across Jungkook’s lips,  and Jungkook kissed it, then his palm, then the delicate skin of his inner wrist. He could smell his blood so strongly there and it made his cock throb between his thighs. He was dying for release, dying for more. 

“Can I still fuck you, hyung?” he asked. 

Namjoon’s thighs tightened around his waist. “You better.” 

Jungkook poured more of the oil on his own length and rubbed the head against Namjoon’s hole, his breaths turning shaky in his chest. He’d barely begun to push inside when he had to stop, suddenly so close to coming at the sight of Namjon laid out beneath him. He was still hard, and somehow almost looked like he’d gotten bigger . Particularly at the base of his cock. His hands pulled at the backs of his thighs, so eager for Jungkook to slip inside of him.

“Hyung, I don’t know if I’ll last long,” Jungkook confessed. 

“Ah, love, that’s okay, just want to feel you.” 

Jungkook pushed himself further into the tight heat, embarrassed at the whine he let out once he was fully seated inside. Namjoon pulled him closer, his moans higher than they’d been before. “ Jungkook ,” he gasped as Jungkook started to move. “Feels so good.” 

Jungkook watched him as he rolled his hips, completely transfixed. He was so sexy, so perfect and handsome and god Jungkook really wasn’t going to last long. He tried not to look at the place where they were connected, at the delicious way his cock slid in and out. Or at Namjoon’s cock that was definitely getting bigger at the base, swelling in a way that Jungkook didn’t understand but he knew that he liked . He touched it and Namjoon groaned low and deep before pulling him down into a messy kiss. 

Jungkook had tried to keep himself controlled but he quickly lost himself in the taste of Namjoon’s mouth, in the feeling of his hole clenching around him and he thrusted his hips wildly, quickly approaching his orgasm. 

“Bite me again,” Namjoon begged against his lips. He turned his head and Jungkook was quick to obey. The second his fangs sank in Namjoon orgasmed again with a cry, and Jungkook was close behind, his hips stuttering until he orgasmed hard, his vision whiting out as Namjoon’s blood filled his mouth. 

Once he came back to his senses, Jungkook pulled his fangs from Namjoon’s neck and gently licked the trail of blood running down his skin. Namjoon was quiet, eyes closed and breathing heavily. Jungkook hoped he hadn’t taken too much, biting him so many times since last night. 

“Hyung? Are you alright?” 

Namjoon smiled. “I’m amazing.” The swelling at the base of his cock was still there but seemed to be going down a bit. Jungkook ran his fingers over it and Namjoon’s breath hitched. 

“What’s this?” Jungkook asked. 

Namjoon frowned. “It’s nothing.” 

Jungkook touched it again, wrapping his fingers around and squeezing. Namjoon gasped and bucked into his hand. 

“Doesn’t seem like nothing .”

“It’s a werewolf thing.” Namjoon didn’t seem to want to explain further and Jungkook was taken aback, not used to a Namjoon that wasn’t completely honest with him. He wanted to press further, but he didn’t want to upset him, especially not now when the moment had been so perfect.

“Okay, I’m sorry,” he said, offering a small smile. 

Namjoon’s face softened immediately. “No, don’t apologize, jagiya. ” The word turned Jungkook’s insides to jelly as Namjoon cupped his cheek in his hand. “I’m so happy right now.” 

“Me too.” He couldn’t remember when he’d ever been happier. 

“There’s a night market tonight,” Namjoon said, running his thumb over Jungkook’s cheek. “In town. Come with me.” 

Jungkook frowned. “In town?” 

“It’s mostly creatures like us. With a few humans here and there. You can pick out more paints. And whatever else you want, hyung’s treat.” 

Jungkook considered. It did sound nice to get out of this house. Even if it was a little scary. “Are you sure it’s a good idea?” 

“I’ll be at your side the whole time. And if it’s too much, we’ll leave.” 

“Okay,” Jungkook said. “I’ll go.” 

Namjoon’s smile was so bright and he kissed Jungkook softly. “Perfect.” 

“Can I sleep a little more until then?” Jungkook asked. 

Namjoon laughed. “Of course. Come here.” Jungkook settled into his arms with a happy sigh, his cheek on Namjoon’s chest. 

Chapter Text

The night market was nothing like Jungkook had imagined.

He’d pictured a few tents set up in a small village like the one he’d grown up in. But the town Seokjin and the others lived near was much bigger, and their town square was nothing like Jungkook had ever seen. There were at least fifty vendors crammed into the space, creatures of all kinds crowding amongst them. 

The vampires were the easiest to spot, pale and unnaturally still, with eyes of scarlet and ruby that shone in the darkness. Werewolves were more difficult, though after spending so much time with Namjoon he could detect the difference between their scent and that of regular humans. Most of the vendors themselves were witches, their scents wrapped in sweet notes of magic that Jungkook had grown used to after living with Hoseok and Yoongi. 

There were other creatures, unnaturally beautiful like vampires, but with eyes like gemstones – purples, blues, and greens. They seemed to almost glow in the dark, a golden sheen on their skin. 

“Faeries,” Namjoon explained as he caught Jungkook looking at a small group of them. “They didn’t used to come to these things, but in recent years they’ve become braver around vampires.” At Jungkook’s confused expression he added, “It’s said if a vampire drinks faerie blood they can walk in sunlight. You can imagine the rest.” 

Jungkook’s eyes grew wide. “Oh.” 

The biggest surprise was the fact that despite all the humans and other warm-blooded creatures around, Jungkook didn’t feel the least bit tempted. The desire to feed was simply… gone. He wasn’t sure if it was because of how much he’d satiated his appetite over the last twenty-four hours or because he’d discovered there was only one source of blood he wanted. It was most likely both.  

He looked at Namjoon’s throat, at the marks he wore there unashamedly. He’d noticed others looking at them as well, some outright staring. Thankfully only a few looked bothered by them, their faces winkling openly with disgust. 

“It doesn’t bother you?” Jungkook asked as he and Namjoon looked at a table filled with charms. The witch working the table looked ancient. She’d looked at Namjoon’s neck immediately as they approached, then at their joined hands, but said nothing. 

“What?” Namjoon asked, picking up a protection charm shaped like a bear. 

“The way they’re looking at us.” 

Namjoon shrugged. “Some werewolves still have weird prejudice against vampires. And some vampires feel like only humans should be used as a blood source. And even more frown on interspecies relationships. I think it’s all stupid.” He handed the witch a few coins and pocketed the charm. “For Taehyung’s birthday,” he explained. “He likes to collect bear charms.” 

“It’s pretty,” Jungkook said, smiling. He pulled Namjoon away from the table, unable to handle the old woman’s piercing gaze any longer. “And the bite marks? They don’t bother you?” 

Namjoon squeezed his hand. “I told you they didn’t. I like them. Look.” He pointed to a couple a few booths away. Two werewolves with matching marks on their necks. “See those? Mating bites. It’s normal amongst wolves to mark your mate.” They walked into a small tent full of magical objects. Thankfully there were no other patrons inside, just a bored looking witch who flipped lazily threw a grimoire as they looked around. 

Jungkook’s mind was spinning at the use of the word mate . Was that what they were to each other now? 

“Does that mean I’m your mate then?” he asked, and Namjoon nearly dropped the crystal he’d been holding. 

“Oh – I – I didn’t mean it like that,” he said, sheepishly, rubbing at the back of his neck. 

Jungkook deflated. “Oh.” 

Namjoon's voice was gentle. “It’s not like that,” he said. “Just, mating for werewolves, it’s – well it’s kind of a big deal.” 

Jungkook cocked his head. “How so?” 

Namjoon looked at the witch, but he was still completely oblivious to their presence. Namjoon pulled Jungkook further into a corner of the tent, lowering his voice. “A mating bite is special . And it’s permanent. It’s a big decision.” 

“I see. I get it. I wouldn’t want you to regret it.” Jungkook said. Special. Probably something he’d want to save for one of his kind. Not someone like Jungkook. 

Namjoon put a finger under his chin. “Hey. I know it hasn’t been long, but there’s no one else that I want, no one I’ve ever wanted like you, okay?” His eyes shone in the candlelight of the tent. And Jungkook knew he was telling the truth, he could see the adoration there. The love. 

Jungkook stepped closer. “I thought about it last night. You biting me.” 

Namjoon’s gaze darkened. “You – you can’t say that,” he said, his voice low. 

“Why not? I mean it. I want you to.” 

Namjoon let out a harsh breath through his nose. 

“Because if I bite you, I’ll want to mate you and I can’t. ” 

Jungkook frowned. “Why not?” 

A group of faeries entered the tent and Namjoon straightened up, clearing his throat. “Let’s talk about this later? Okay?” 

Jungkook crossed his arms over his chest. “Fine.” 

They explored the market for another hour or so, Namjoon trying to buy Jungkook anything that he looked at for more than a few seconds. Once they were home Jungkook followed Namjoon to his room. It was just after midnight, not quite bedtime for Jungkook, but Namjoon’s eyes were drooping. 

“Can I sleep in here?” Jungkook asked. 

“You don’t have to ask,” Namjoon said, smiling. 

“Did you like the market?” he asked once they were both in bed. He wore only light cotton pants, his chest bare and very distracting. 

“Huh?” Jungkook asked, currently tracing patterns in Namjoon’s skin. 

“I said, ‘Did you like the market?’” Namjoon repeated, giggling. 

“Oh. Yes, it was nice,” Jungkook said. “It was good to get out of the house. I hadn’t realized how much I needed it.” 

“Good. It was nice to be there with you.” 

Jungkook agreed. He thought he could enjoy anything if it involved spending time with Namjoon. Especially since the man insisted on spoiling him. They’d come home with not only new paints, but a box of fine colored pencils, new charcoal, an easel, and a small charm like the one Namjoon had gotten Taehyung, but this one shaped like a bunny.

  It looks like you, he insisted. 

It was now Jungkook’s most prized possession.

“Can we go somewhere quieter, though? The next time we go out?” 

“We can go anywhere you want,” Namjoon said. He pulled Jungkook close and kissed him. Jungkook was quick to deepen the kiss, slipping his tongue between Namjoon’s lips and rolling onto his back so that Namjoon was between his legs. They kissed lazily for a few minutes, hands sliding over each other’s skin. 

“Hyung,” Jungkook breathed between kisses, sliding his hand inside Namjoon’s pants to run his fingers over his length. Namjoon groaned against his lips, hips bucking into Jungkook’s hand.  

“Hyung,” Jungkook said again, “will you make love to me?” 

Namjoon stiffened. “Jungkook, I –” 

“Please Namjoon, I want to feel you.” Fucking Namjoon had been euphoric, the closest thing Jungkook had ever had to a religious experience. But he couldn’t deny it wasn’t what he truly wanted. 

Namjoon frowned. “Jungkook, I can’t.” 

There it was again. I can’t.

“But why?” 

Namjoon sat up on his knees, out of Jungkook’s reach. “I’ll hurt you. Your – our bodies aren’t meant for that.” 

“Is it because of that ?” Jungkook asked, gesturing to the base of Namjoon’s cock, where it was already growing thicker just from their kissing. 

Namjoon sighed, his chin dropping to his chest. “Yes.” 

Jungkook knew Namjoon was worried about the idea of hurting him, but all he felt when he looked at it was excitement. “What is it?” 

“It’s a knot.” Namjoon’s ears were bright red. 

Jungkook blinked. “What’s that?” 

“It’s so that when I mate, it holds us together. For um –” he cringed, “for breeding purposes.”

Breeding. The word sent an unexpected thrill through Jungkook’s body. 

“It’s only supposed to happen when I’m with an omega wolf during their heat, but for some reason it happens with you. Every time. I swear it’s like you barely touch me and it starts to swell.” He dragged his hand over his face. “It’s embarrassing.” 

“Hyung, it’s okay,” Jungkook said. “I think it’s –” his breathing grew ragged as he thought about it, the way it would feel to stretch him open, the way that only he made Namjoon feel like this. “I think it’s exciting. I like it.” 

“Exciting?” Namjoon blinked. 

“I want it,” Jungkook said shamelessly, but Namjoon immediately shook his head. 

“Jungkook, no, it’ll hurt you.” Oh how things had changed, Namjoon now worried about hurting Jungkook rather than the reverse. It seemed a bit ridiculous though. Jungkook had taken a sword through the chest and barely felt a thing. Though he had been experiencing intense bloodlust at the time. But still .

“You won’t,” he said. “I can handle it. I’m not a human, Namjoon. You won’t break me,” he added gently. 

Namjoon’s throat bobbed. “I – I’d have to think about it.” 

“Don’t you want to?” The words just slipped out, and immediately Jungkook knew they were unfair. 

“Oh sweetheart. Of course I want to.” Namjoon ran his hands down Jungkook’s bare torso. “You don’t know how badly I want to. But the thought of hurting you –” 

Jungkook sighed, trying not to pout as he realized he would not be getting his way. At least not yet. “And this is why you can’t mate me?” 

Namjoon nodded, smiling apologetically. “True mating requires knotting.” 

“Hmph.” Jungkook tried not to scowl, but he’d never been very good at hiding his emotions.

“But we can still have sex,” Namjoon said. “Still make love.” He reached for the bottle of oil on his bedside table. “Do you want to?” 

Jungkook sighed. “Of course I want to, hyung.” 

He was mesmerized as he watched Namjoon work himself open, his strong thighs planted firmly on either side of Jungkook’s waist, full lips parted as he let out little gasps and whines. His cock sat thick and dripping on Jungkook’s stomach, his knot already forming at the base. All disappointed thoughts of mating and breeding disappeared from Jungkook’s head as his cock slipped inside Namjoon’s entrance, and his hyung started to move. Thick thighs flexing and cock bobbing against Jungkook’s stomach. 

“Oh god ,” Jungkook gasped. 

“Let hyung take care of you,” Namjoon said.

─── ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ ───

“Can you two stop staring at each other like that, and pay attention?” Seokjin snapped. It took a few moments for Jungkook to realize he was talking to him and not Jimin and Taehyung who had been giggling in each other’s ears for the majority of their card game. 

But no, Seokjin was staring pointedly at Namjoon and Jungkook, the latter who admittedly had not been paying attention. Not since Namjoon had snaked his arm around his waist and whispered in his ear about how lovely he looked at dinner tonight. 

But who could blame him? 

“I’m very glad to see you both happy and in love, but as I was saying –” he continued on about things they needed to get in town, about plans for the upcoming winter months, but Jungkook had tuned out again, this time thinking about Seokjin’s choice of words.

Happy and in love. 

There was no doubt in Jungkook’s heart that what he felt for Namjoon was love. But they hadn’t said it. Not in so many words. A dark part of his mind had onced wondered if that was the true reason Namjoon denied him a mating bite, but Jungkook knew it wasn’t true. He trusted Namjoon.

And besides, they may not be mated, but they were bonded . At least that’s what Seokjin had called it. He explained that when a vampire claimed a partner or mate, for lack of  a better term, feeding exclusively from them and also allowing them to taste their own blood, a magic bond was formed and the vampire's immortality was shared. In other words, Namjoon would stop aging. Jimin already had. 

“You don’t mind?” Jungkook had asked, and Namjoon had looked at him with an endeared, but almost exasperated expression. 

“Mind? Why would I mind? I’d always been afraid of what would happen when I grew older than the others, when I –,” he shook his head. “Now I don’t have to worry about them. And I can spend forever with you.” 

Yes, Jungkook loved him. 

It was still on his mind as they cleaned the dishes together that night. Jungkook washing and Namjoon drying. He was so focused on his task, his tongue poking between his lips as he ran the towel over the china. Jungkook felt so fond as he watched him. 

“Hyung?” He handed Namjoon another plate. 

“Hmm?” Namjoon hummed, still absorbed in his task. 

“I love you.” 

Namjoon’s fingers fumbled, almost dropping the plate. He looked at Jungkook with wide eyes. 

“I know I haven’t known you long, but I’ve never felt close to someone like I do with you. I never want to be apart, and –” he took Namjoon’s hand, pressed it to his sternum, where his pulse was steady beneath his skin. “This. Taehyung said it could mean that –” he stopped, suddenly shy. 

“That I’m your soulmate?” Namjoon’s voice was serious, but his eyes were light, his scent happy. 

Jungkook nodded. Taehyung hadn’t used those words exactly, but in his heart they felt true. “I know it might sound crazy, but –”

“It doesn’t.” Namjoon took Jungkook’s hands. “Jungkook when I saw you for the first time – They say our kind just know when they meet their fated mate and I never believed it until I saw you. Even then I didn’t want to believe it. But then we spoke, and you stayed up and waited for me. And I – I felt it, in here.” He put his hand to his chest. “So no, it doesn’t sound crazy. Not one bit.” 

He smiled so beautifully it made Jungkook’s chest hurt, his dimples curving deep into his cheeks and eyes turning to crescents. “I love you too. I’ve loved you since that day you stayed up and waited to show me your drawings. And every day since.” 

Jungkook barely registered moving, but suddenly he was in Namjoon’s arms, kissing him. It was gentle at first, almost chaste, but then Namjoon pushed him back into the sink, water sloshing over the back of Jungkook’s shirt as Namjoon pulled at his jaw, his tongue licking between Jungkook’s lips. Jungkook pulled him closer, a moan hitching in this throat. 

“ Oh !” The sound was more like a yelp than an actual word, and Jungkook squeaked in surprise himself, so engrossed in kissing Namjoon that he hadn’t heard the kitchen door open. 

Seokjin and Yoongi stood beside each other, wine glasses in their hands. Yoongi’s mouth was slightly agape, and he looked frozen, almost like a statue. Jungkook tried to pull away but Namjoon held him fast, rubbing circles into his waist with his thumbs. 

“In our kitchen , Namjoon?” Seokjin looked completely mortified. Jungkook could imagine what he was like as a human in that moment, his cheeks and ears a bright burning red. It almost made him laugh. 

Namjoon rolled his eyes. “You and Jimin and Taehyung have done much worse in this kitchen.” 

Seokjin sputtered. “We have not!” 

“You have,” Yoongi said, deadpan. “I seem to remember Taehyung bending you over th –” 

Seokjin slapped a hand over the demon’s mouth. “ Yoongi !” he hissed. 

Namjoon just smiled smugly. “No need to worry, we’ll be going to bed now anyway.” He took Jungkook’s hand and pulled him past the other two as Jungkook covered his mouth and tried not to laugh. 

They both dissolved into laughter as soon as they reached the top of the stairs. 

“You shouldn’t tease hyung like that,” Jungkook said. 

“Oh no he deserves it, you don’t know the things I’ve seen.” He grinned and pulled Jungkook close, his arm around his waist. He leaned in, his lips almost touching Jungkook’s but not quite. “Now, enough about Jin-hyung. Would you like to come to my room for a while?” 

Jungkook’s breath caught in his chest as he nodded. He leaned in to connect their lips, but Namjoon moved out of reach. 

“Don’t tease.” Jungkook frowned. 

Namjoon laughed, pulling him down the hallway toward his bedroom. He seemed so happy, so light. Jungkook could understand because he felt the same way. The heavy weight of the last few months of his life was finally seeming to lift away. 

Once they made it inside Namjoon’s room Jungkook was assaulted with kisses on his lips, his cheeks, his neck – anywhere Namjoon could reach. More like an overexcited puppy than a wolf. 

“ Hyung, ” Jungkook laughed. 

“Sorry,” Namjoon said between kisses. “I’m just happy. And you’re just so beautiful.” 

Jungkook felt like he could fly. He grabbed Namjoon’s face and pressed their foreheads together. “I’m happy too. You make me happy.” He kissed him slowly, sucking gently on his lower lip before running his tongue over it and grazing it with his fangs. Namjoon cupped the back of his head and pulled him in closer, slipping his tongue between his lips. Jungkook wrapped his arms around his neck, quickly losing himself in the kiss, in Namjoon’s taste and smell and touch. 

He gasped in surprise as Namjoon’s hands slid to the backs of his thighs and scooped him up like he weighed nothing, showing off the strength he rarely flaunted. He carried Jungkook to the bed and laid him down gently before running his nose along the sensitive skin of his throat. 

“You always smell so nice,” Namjoon said, sighing. 

“I do?” 

“Why do you sound surprised?” Namjoon murmured, kissing Jungkook’s throat with an open mouth.

Jungkook closed his eyes, focusing on the feeling of Namjoon’s lips on his skin. “I feel like we smell like death and blood. V – vampires.” His voice trembled a bit as Namjoon’s teeth grazed under his ear and his knee slipped between Jungkook’s thighs, pressing against him.  

Namjoon hummed. “Well there is a faint scent of blood, but there is also the sweetness of the oil you use in your hair, the lavender in your soap,” he breathed deeply, against Jungkook’s clavicle. “To a wolf everyone has a scent and yours is,” he kissed the base of his throat, “intoxicating. Like autumn leaves and moss and definitely nothing like death. Actually, you’re starting to smell a bit like me.” 

“Is that good?” 

Namjoon sighed. “Very good. Wolves always want their mates to smell like them.” 

Jungkook’s heart skipped in his chest. “I thought I wasn’t your mate.”

Namjoon kissed his lips gently. “I shouldn’t have said that before. You are. In every way that matters. But I’ve been thinking, and I was wondering if you still want… that .” He blushed, and Jungkook loved that even after all they’d done there were still things about sex that made Namjoon embarrassed. 

“You mean, do I want you to mate me? Properly?” 

Namjoon nodded. 

“Hyung, you should know you don’t have to ask that.” Of course Jungkook wanted it. Ever since they’d discussed it at the market days ago, he thought about it all the time, dreamed about it. “Yes, I want it. I want to be yours.” 

Namjoon pushed up from the bed, and Jungkook immediately missed the warmth of his body pressed against him. His thighs pressed together as he watched Namjoon walk to his chest of drawers and pull something out from inside. 

“I got this from the market,” he said. It was a small blue jar, like the ones Hoseok used for his potions. “It’s for werewolves with…non-wolf companions.” 

Jungkook sat up, eyes wide. “What does it do?” 

Namjoon laughed. “Nothing magic, it’s just better for this kind of thing than the oil we use. If we use this and I,” he paused, his eyes growing dark, “ open you properly, I think –”

Jungkook felt like he’d walked into one of his favorite dreams. “You mean you’ll fuck me?” He was burning from the inside out, about to explode. 

Namjoon frowned. “Well I preferred when you called it making love but yes, I’ll fuck you. I’ll mate you.” The sound of Namjoon’s deep, honey voice saying those words sent lightning under Jungkook’s skin. 

Jungkook practically lunged for him, kissing him hard and messy as he pulled him back onto the bed, his fingers fumbling with the buttons of Namjoon’s shirt. “Please, Namjoon, please, hyung, I want it so badly.” 

“I will,  jagiya ,” Namjoon said. He took Jungkook’s hands and pressed them to his sides. “Slow down. Let me.” He unbuttoned Jungkook’s shirt and pulled it down his shoulders before he pulled his own over his head. He held Jungkook’s chin firmly and kissed him once more, languidly, with slow slides of his lips and tongue, his hands dragging over Jungkook’s shoulders and down his back. Jungkook melted into his touch, pressing his palms to Namjoon’s chest as he let him take complete control of the kiss. 

“There’s no need to rush,” Namjoon said softly against Jungkook’s lips. “We have all night.” He gripped Jungkook’s waist, his thumbs running over the bones of his hips. He pressed him into the mattress once more, kissing him until they were both breathless.

“Roll over,” he said gently. 

Jungkook rolled onto his stomach, excitement and arousal pooling in his belly as Namjoon put a pillow under his hips and pulled down his trousers and underwear. 

“ Fuck ,” Namjoon said, his voice not much more than a groan. If Jungkook could’ve flushed, he would have – the thought of how exposed he was right now setting him alight.

Namjoon ran his hands over Jungkook’s waist and then his ass, squeezing it lightly. “I haven’t let myself look at it, so I wouldn’t be tempted. You are perfect. Beautiful.” He moved his hands to Jungkook’s thighs. “Spread them a little more, okay?” Once Jungkook had done so he pressed on his hole gently, then rubbed over it with two fingers. 

“ Hyung, ” Jungkook whimpered. 

“I feel like I’m going to knot just from looking at you.” Namjoon groaned as he leaned forward, pressing his forehead to Jungkook’s back. He kissed along his spine, soft caresses of his lips and tongue. “Comfortable?” he asked. 

“Yes, feels good,” Jungkook murmured, eyes slipping shut. 

Namjoon leaned over him, his front to Jungkook’s back as he kissed his neck, his shoulders. He hovered over but kept the majority of his weight off of him, making Jungkook feel held and secure rather than trapped or caged in. His clothed cock pressed against Jungkook’s ass, and Jungkook pushed back against it, a strangled whine leaving his lips. 

“Patient,” Namjoon said against his ear, and Jungkook could hear his grin. 

Jungkook didn’t know the meaning of the word. He pushed back again, and thankfully it seemed Namjoon’s lust won out because he breathed in sharply and made his way back down Jungkook’s spine, kissing over the swell of his ass and finally over his hole. 

“ Oh, ” Jungkook breathed at the first touch of Namjoon’s tongue on him, hot and wet and dragging so slowly it was almost torturous. He did it again, and again, holding Jungkook open with his hands as he licked and sucked at his rim. Jungkook pressed back against his tongue, hoping for him to press inside , his swollen cock rubbing torturously against the pillow beneath his hips. 

Namjoon stopped for a moment to grab the jar of lubricant and scoop some out with his fingers. It was a little cold when he spread it over Jungkook’s entrance, but the discomfort was soon forgotten as two fingers pressed inside, curling in a way that made Jungkook swear as he dug his fingers into the sheets. 

“Good?” Namjoon asked, kissing the base of his spine.

“Yes. More.”

Namjoon pressed further in, his long fingers reaching places Jungkook didn’t know he had. He wasn’t rough but his fingers were insistent, purposeful. Scissoring apart and working Jungkook open while simultaneously rubbing against places that had Jungkook seeing stars. He worked in a third finger as he kissed his skin and murmured soft praises, his deep voice like velvet against Jungkook’s ears.  Jungkook couldn’t hold back his moans, the stretch was so good , more than he’d felt in so long. And even so, it may as well have been the first time, because every time Namjoon touched him it felt like the first. Maybe it was just better than any time before. Because he was Namjoon, because Jungkook loved him. 

Finally Namjoon deemed him stretched enough and pulled out his fingers. Jungkook pushed up onto his knees and spread his legs further, smiling to himself at Namjoon’s sharp intake of breath. After he’d been turned into a vampire, Jungkook had never thought he’d be able to look at himself again, fearing the monster in his reflection. But now he could never remember a time when he’d felt so beautiful, so wanted. 

“You want it like this?” Namjoon asked, voice low and a bit breathless as he ran his hands over Jungkook’s hips. 

Jungkook pressed his cheek to the mattress and nodded. He’d imagined it so many times, in so many positions but he kept coming back to this – on his hands and knees, with Namjoon using him how he wanted.  He hissed as the cold feeling of lubricant spread over him once more, and then he felt the blunt head of Namjoon’s cock prodding against his hole. Excitement ran through him. 

“Just tell me if it’s too much, okay?” Namjoon said gently, rubbing over Jungkook’s hip with his thumb. 

“I will.” 

It almost was too much, at first. Jungkook knew Namjoon was thick but feeling it inside was different, almost overwhelming, and he started to panic, worried that Namjoon was right and he wouldn’t be able to handle his knot if he could barely handle his cock. But quickly the discomfort faded to pleasure – intense pleasure that made Jungkook cry out so loudly that Namjoon froze. 

“Are you okay?” 

“Yes, please don’t stop, more ,” Jungkook whined, pushing back against him, desperate to get more of Namjoon inside of him, desperate to be closer, to take as much as he could get. 

And Namjoon gave him what he wanted, pushing in until his hips met Jungkook’s ass. He pulled out a bit, slowly, like he was testing what Jungkook could handle before pressing back in. After just a few thrusts he stopped holding back, fingers digging into Jungkook’s hips as he rocked into him hard. Jungkook tried to meet his thrusts but he soon felt himself go lax, letting himself be used. 

“You feel so good, I can’t believe I waited so long,” Namjoon groaned. Jungkook wanted to respond, but he felt a little dumb, only able to focus on the feeling of Namjoon’s length dragging over the sensitive spot inside of him with every thrust. Namjoon leaned over to kiss his back, his hips grinding slow and deep. He mouthed at Jungkook’s neck and jaw sweetly, nuzzling the tender spot under his ear with his nose. 

“I love you,” he said. And it wasn’t the first time he’d said it, but the words were still so new, and maybe it was the intimacy of the way they were connected, but Jungkook felt something deep in his chest, like he was going to burst from the sheer amount of how much he felt. Love, adoration, happiness. He suddenly felt like a fool for choosing this position – he needed to see Namjoon, now. He needed to kiss him and bury his face in his sweet throat. 

Jungkook turned his face to meet Namjoon’s lips, but the angle was off and he just caught the corner of his mouth. He felt desperate as he tried again, whining when he couldn’t get it right, but Namjoon shushed him gently. 

“Hold on,” he said. He pulled away but only for a moment, pulling out of Jungkook’s heat so that he could roll him over onto his back and settle between his legs. Jungkook reached for him immediately, pulling him down into a messy kiss. He gasped against Namjoon’s lips as he pushed back inside of him and began to rock his hips once more. 

“I like this better,” Namjoon said, between kisses. “I can see you.” 

“M – Me too,” Jungkook managed. Like this Namjoon was all he could see – the line forming between his brow, the curve of his parted lips, the sweat beading at his temple. He was exquisite. 

“I’m starting to knot.” Namjoon groaned, raising up on his knees. Jungkook watched, spellbound by the way the muscle flexed in his abdomen and along his arms. 

He sped up his hips again, and Jungkook could feel it , pushing and pulling at his rim as Namjoon fucked it in and out. It was a lot , so much that Jungkook thought he might split open. But not bad, definitely not bad. Even as Namjoon’s eyes slipped shut and he seemed to lose himself in it, thrusting so hard Jungkook started to shift up the mattress. He could feel tears welling in his eyes, completely overwhelmed with how good he felt. 

And then the knot finally caught, too big now to come back out, and Jungkook’s voice came out like a strangled cry at the immense pressure, the fine line between pain and pleasure.  “ Hyung, ” he moaned, his voice breaking on the word.

His hands gripped at the sheets, desperate for something to ground him, but Namjoon leaned over him once more, interlocking their fingers as he kissed him. His voice became worried. “Are you okay? Does it hurt?” He wiped at Jungkook’s cheeks, where tears had begun to fall. 

“No, just feels so good, so full,” he said truthfully, the edge of pain blurring away with each second Namjoon’s knot grew inside him. 

“God, you’re so beautiful, so perfect for me,” Namjoon said, mesmerized as he looked at Jungkook’s tears before kissing him again. “I’m so close.” His voice was ragged as he dragged his mouth over Jungkook’s jaw and down his throat. Jungkook could feel the sharp tips of his canines teasing at his skin. “Can I?” 

“Please,” Jungkook begged. 

Namjoon’s teeth sunk into Jungkook’s neck, his hips jerking to stop as he spilled inside of him. The sensation of being so full with Namjoon’s knot and his cum, as well as the sting of his bite was enough to tip Jungkook over the edge and he came untouched between them, his vision turning white as he splintered into pure ecstasy. 

“ Jungkook, Jungkook, Jungkook. ” Namjoon said his name over and over, like a prayer, between the kisses he spread all over his skin. “I want to live inside you, Jungkook.” 

“I like the sound of that,” Jungkook mumbled, eyes still shut as he caught his breath. 

He smiled at the sound of Namjoon’s breathy laugh. He opened his eyes and was greeted with the perfect image of Namjoon leaning over him, his tanned skin flushed with pink and sweat running down his throat. The feeling of his knot was still everpresent, even the smallest movements sending tremors through Jungkook’s body. 

Namjoon nuzzled under his jaw. “You took it so well,” he said. “I should have known you would.” The words sent a shiver through Jungkook’s body and he clenched around Namjoon making him groan. Jungkook could feel another rush of warmth inside of him, where they were connected.

His eyes went wide. “Are you still –?” 

“Yes, it keeps going for a while, until the knot starts to go down. For –”

“For breeding?” 

Another hot rush of warmth and Namjoon gasped, burying his face in Jungkook’s throat. “You’re going to be the death of me,” he said, nipping gently at Jungkook’s skin. “Yes, for breeding.” 

Namjoon breeding him.

The idea was absurd, but it made Jungkook burn inside nonetheless, and he felt himself start to grow hard again. Namjoon raised his eyebrows. 

“You like the sound of that?” 

Jungkook nodded. He hissed as Namjoon wrapped a hand around his length, slowly pumping as he stared down at him, his eyes intense. Jungkook felt tears burning at his lashes again, and Namjoon’s teeth pulled over his lower lip, still tinged with the scarlet of Jungkook’s blood. 

“It’s unfair how utterly breathtaking you look when you cry,” he said. 

He watched as a tear ran over Jungkook’s cheek, not bothering to wipe it like he did before, but instead leaning down as it spilled over Jungkook’s jaw and onto his throat, catching it with his tongue. Jungkook shuddered against him and pressed his face to his throat, breathing in his delicious scent. He mouthed at the skin there, eyes rolling back as he felt the pulsing of Namjoon’s blood.

“Hyung, can I bite?” he asked, fangs already grazing the sensitive skin.

“You know you don’t have to ask,” Namjoon said, suddenly breathless. His hand sped up its motion on Jungkook’s length, and the rhythm turned erratic as Jungkook sank his teeth into his neck. 

Jungkook drank his fill, lost in the taste of Namjoon’s blood, in the feeling of his hand on his cock and the stretch of his knot, still milking hot cum inside of him. His second orgasm hit him nearly as hard as the first, and he moaned against Namjoon’s throat as he spilled onto his own chest. 

They were quiet for a few minutes as Namjoon reached for a washcloth from the bedside table, gently cleaning the mess from Jungkook’s skin. He maneuvered them carefully until they were on their sides, still connected, Jungkook’s leg hooked over Namjoon’s hip. 

“How long does it last?” Jungkook asked, once his brain had settled enough to let him form words. 

“I’m not sure,” Namjoon said, smoothing Jungkook’s hair back from his forehead. “I’ve never knotted inside someone before.” 

Jungkook blinked. “You haven’t?” 

“No, only you.” Namjoon touched their foreheads together, and Jungkook felt warm, almost giddy as he tilted his face up to kiss him. 

“And we’re mated now?” 

Namjoon smiled, running a gentle finger over the fresh bite on Jungkook’s neck. “We are.” 

“Well I don’t mind waiting.” 

It took nearly an hour before Namjoon could finally pull out of Jungkook’s hole, an obscene amount of cum spilling onto the sheets when he did so. He carried Jungkook straight to the washtub afterward and cleaned him with gentle hands. The water was cold, but Jungkook didn’t mind, so thoroughly exhausted that he was just happy to be so taken care of. 

They went to Jungkook’s room afterward, curling up together in the clean sheets, Jungkook’s head pillowed on Namjoon’s chest as the sun began to rise. He could not remember a time that he’d felt so content, so blissfully happy. He was in love. Mated.

He fell asleep quickly, Namjoon whispering soft I love you ’s as he slipped into happy dreams.  

─── ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ ───

“I’ve never seen him like this,” Jungkook said quietly. They walked between the line of booths at the night market, huddled close together in the cold. Not that Jungkook really felt cold anymore. But it was still nice to feel Namjoon’s arm around his shoulders, his hand rubbing gently on Jungkook’s upper arm. His cheeks were pink from the cold, his breath coming out in little white clouds. 

Namjoon nodded. “I try to avoid him when he’s in one of his moods. I don’t know how we got roped into this shopping trip, Hoseok is much better at handling him.” He slid his arm from Jungkook’s shoulders to around his waist, pulling him in close to his body. His lips were nearly pressed to his ear as he murmured, “I’d much rather be in our room right now, in our be –”

“Can you two please pay attention to me for five minutes?” Jimin snapped. He stood with his hands on his hips, fire burning in his gaze. Jungkook shrank into Namjoon’s side. 

“Jimin-ah,” Namjoon groaned. “I don’t understand how we’re supposed to help. You should’ve asked Hoseok.” 

Jimin rolled his eyes. “Because Hoseok is busy. And besides, you two still need to pick out gifts yourselves.” 

“I already have a gift for Taehyung,” Namjoon pointed out. 

“Oh, so you just weren’t going to get one for Seokjin?” Jimin crossed his arms, jutting out his chin. Jungkook had never seen him so snippy. He kind of wanted to hide behind Namjoon to escape his wrath.  

Namjoon sighed. “Of course I am.” 

“Well then can you stop fawning over Jungkook for five minutes and help me?”  

“Fine.” 

“ Thank you,” Jimin turned on his heel, stalking off to another booth. 

“Sorry,” Namjoon said quietly so that only Jungkook would hear. 

Jungkook shook his head. “It’s okay. He just wants things to be perfect for his mates. I understand.” 

“Yeah but he could be a little nicer about it,” Namjoon grumbled as they joined Jimin at a tent filled with various pieces of jewelry, some magical and others just decorative. “And he’s keeping me from spending quality time with my mate.” 

“As if you two don’t spend enough quality time together,” Jimin huffed. “You barely come out of your bedroom.” 

If Jungkook could blush he would have, his body feeling flushed with embarrassment. He couldn’t deny Jimin’s words because he knew it was true. He and Namjoon had spent the last few weeks learning everything about each other. They’d adjusted their sleeping schedules in a way that worked for them both, staying up until the early hours of the morning and getting up around mid to late afternoon.

Not that they’d done much sleeping.

The most embarrassing moment had been a few nights ago at dinner, when Hoseok had gently asked them if they could try to keep it down that night because he needed to get up early. Namjoon had nearly choked on his food and Jungkook had wanted to melt into the floor. 

“Don’t worry, it’s normal,” Taehyung had said. “Most new vampires have very intense emotions and desires, and it’s expected to feel lustful. And Namjoonie hasn’t been able to kn –” 

“I think that’s enough of that,” Seokjin said, thankfully interrupting before Taehyung could say something truly mortifying, but still Jungkook had wanted to run from the table.

“So what’s your excuse then?” Yoongi drawled after a few moments, gesturing to Seokjin and Taehyung. “You’re not exactly new vampires anymore.” 

Seokjin had nearly launched across the table then, scolding Yoongi profusely as Hoseok and Jimin dissolved into laughter. 

Namjoon chose to ignore Jimin’s comment for now, gesturing to a thin silver choker embellished with diamonds. “This would look nice on Jin-hyung, don’t you think?” 

Jimin frowned. “It would, but I don’t know, I wanted to get him something more meaningful.” He put his face in his hands and sighed. 

Namjoon patted his back. “It’ll be alright, Jimin-ah. Besides, I don’t know why you’re so stressed about this, Seokjin and Taehyung have celebrated hundreds of birthdays. They don’t need a party and lots of presents.”

Jimin scoffed. “This is only my third year celebrating their birthdays. And I want it to be special.”

Jungkook wrapped an arm around Jimin and squeezed. It was funny how just a few months ago he’d been afraid to be in the same room as a human, but now spending time with Jimin was as easy as breathing. Although much of his time was spent with Namjoon, he truly couldn’t imagine his life without any of the others now. They were his coven, his pack. His family. “I think they’ll love whatever you get them, Jimin-hyung. Because they love you.” 

Jimin finally smiled. “Thanks Jungkookie. I’m glad one of you has some sense.” 

Namjoon rolled his eyes but he ruffled Jimin’s hair, smiling at him fondly. “Alright, time to get serious. We’re not leaving here without the perfect birthday gifts.” 

It took them a while but when they returned from the market later that night, Jimin had gifts for both Taehyung and Seokjin, as well as a few items he needed for the party he was throwing for them both. Namjoon had picked out a new cookbook for Seokjin as well. It even had a few recipes that were supposed to be easier on vampire stomachs. 

“He should be able to eat his own cooking, don’t you think?” Namjoon said with a fond smile as he wrapped up the book in shiny silver paper. 

Jungkook was the only one who hadn’t bought a present. Nothing had felt right as he’d looked at the presents at the market. He felt guilty for not spending nearly as much time with the others as he’d spent with Namjoon. He didn’t know their interests and tastes as well as he should after living together these last few months. 

“Do you think Seokjin-hyung and Taehyung-hyung would like a painting or drawing?” Jungkook asked as he and Namjoon got ready for bed. 

Namjoon raised his eyebrows. “I think they would love that,” he said. “Taehyung went through an art collecting phase for a while. Any art you’ve seen in this house was personally selected by him. I know he’d be very excited for something created by a friend.” 

Jungkook looked away shyly. “Well it wouldn’t compare to a professional, but –” 

Namjoon clicked his tongue, pulling Jungkook into his arms. “Your artwork is beautiful, jagiya. And it will be even more special coming from you.” He kissed Jungkook’s forehead. “You’re so sweet and thoughtful. We’re so lucky to have you around.” 

Jungkook hugged him back, hiding his face in Namjoon’s shirt at the praise. “I’m just lucky to have been found by you all.”

Namjoon reached for his chin, tilting his face up so he had to look at him. “You know they all love you right? Not just me. They adore you, and they’re so happy you’re here.” 

Weeks ago, Jungkook wouldn’t have believed Namjoon’s words. He didn’t know if he’d ever truly belong with the others, if he’d ever feel like more than a burden. But now?

He thought of the way Jimin had spoken to him earlier at the market. Of the way he’d valued Jungkook’s opinion for the gifts he wanted to pick out. He thought of the way Yoongi's voice grew soft when he spoke to him, how just a few days ago he’d caught Jungkook watching him at the piano and offered to teach him to play, if he wanted. And Hoseok, so bright and warm, like their own personal sun. He’d been working on a new spell recently. One that would allow the vampires to be able to go out in the sun. When he said Jungkook deserved to be able to go out with Namjoon during the day Jungkook had instantly begun to cry, and Hoseok had laughed so sweetly, pulling Jungkook in a hug that Jimin and Taehyung had joined without hesitation, cooing and smoothing his hair.

“Yes, I know,” Jungkook said finally, his vision blurring a little.

Namjoon kissed his forehead, wiping a few stray tears away with his thumb. He’d learned by now not to worry every time Jungkook cried. “Ready for bed?”

Jungkook shook his head. “Not yet. Want hyung to show me how much he loves me.” He kissed Namjoon deeply, his fingers curling in his hair. 

“I think I can do that.”

─── ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ ───

Jungkook had never seen the house so full. 

He recognized some of the party guests from town, though he didn’t go often enough to know any of their names. Werewolves, witches, vampires, and even a few faeries. He’d been introduced to quite a few of them over the course of the evening but he didn’t think he could remember a single one if he was asked. 

He’d begun to feel overwhelmed by so many bodies present, their voices echoing through the spacious rooms and their scents so thick it felt like it was clogging Jungkook’s throat. It was better when Namjoon was at his side – an anchor to keep him grounded when his mind wanted to drift away. He looked exceptionally handsome tonight, his hair styled back from his face and wearing his nicest clothes since Jimin had insisted on making the party a formal affair. He talked to the party guests easily with effortless charisma. He made sure to include Jungkook in every conversation but didn’t force him to talk. Which was just fine. Jungkook could listen to Namjoon talk for hours and never get bored. 

They’d been quite literally joined at the hip all night, Namjoon’s arm staying securely wrapped around Jungkook’s waist and holding him close against him. At least they had been until just a short while ago when Jimin had insisted he needed Namjoon for something important and pulled him away. 

“I’ll be right back,” Namjoon assured him. 

“I’ll take care of him!” Hoseok said cheerily, wrapping an arm around Jungkook’s shoulders. 

Jungkook had wanted to protest that there was no reason he couldn’t go with them, but he didn’t want to sound pathetic, unable to be without Namjoon for even a few minutes. So he stayed with Hoseok and Yoongi, the latter in cat form and currently cradled in Jungkook’s arms.  

“Yoongi-hyung doesn’t like parties?” Jungkook asked, scratching under Yoongi’s chin. 

Hoseok sighed. “It’s not that, it’s just that some people still aren’t quite comfortable around demon familiars. Especially when they’re as old as Yoongi. His animal form makes them feel less intimidated.” 

“Oh,” Jungkook said. Yoongi was currently dozing off in his arms, his small body going limp. 

Hoseok frowned. “I’ve been asking too much of him lately. He’s so tired.” He scratched between Yoongi’s ears. “I should’ve let him stay in bed.” 

A loud laugh from a nearby party guest made Yoongi flinch in Jungkook’s arms, he blinked open his eyes, his ears flattening to his head. Jungkook felt a pang of guilt. He knew why Yoongi and Hoseok had been working so hard lately, both determined to finish the spell that would allow Jungkook, Seokjin, and Taehyung to be able to withstand sunlight. 

“Why don’t you take him to your room?” Jungkook asked. “Let him rest for a while.” 

“Are you sure?” Hoseok asked. “I hate to leave you alone.” 

“I’ll be fine,” Jungkook said, smiling as he handed Yoongi over to Hoseok. 

“You can come with me if you want?” Hoseok offered. 

Jungkook shook his head. “I think I’m gonna take a walk outside. Get some fresh air.” Despite its immense size, the house had begun to feel constricting, almost suffocating. 

“Okay, we’ll come find you later.” 

The garden was empty, with only the sounds of muffled laughter and music from the house and snow crunching under Jungkook’s feet. He welcomed the quiet, taking a deep breath of the frigid air. He hoped Namjoon would be done with Jimin soon. He had no doubt that he would be able to find him out here. He wasn’t sure what it was, some kind of magic from the werewolf mating bite or maybe they truly were soulmates, but lately it felt like there was an invisible thread tying them together, tugging at Jungkook’s chest whenever they were too far apart. 

Jungkook dragged the toe of his shoe through the snow. It was strange, he could feel the cold but it didn’t bother him anymore. But he missed the familiar warmth of Namjoon’s body beside him. He sighed, wondering if he should go back inside and try to find him. 

A soft footstep, barely audible over the muffled sound of the party, snapped Jungkook out of his thoughts. There was a man standing at the edge of the garden, his eyes fixed on Jungkook.

“I didn’t mean to startle you,” the man said. His voice was familiar, though Jungkook couldn’t place exactly where he knew it from. The man stepped toward him. “Jungkook, it has been far too long.” 

Jungkook blinked. “Forgive me, have we met before?” 

“You don’t remember? Think back to the village, before you changed.” 

Digging through memories from before felt like crawling through mud, especially those from the time when Jungkook was sick. A memory surfaced, the man’s voice encouraging him to drink some water. A doctor. A physician from another village that had promised to heal their sickness. Jungkook had forgotten him until now. He supposed it should be a surprise, he had been barely conscious when the doctor had come. Jungkook remembered his voice more than anything. He looked to be middle aged, with long black hair smoothed back from his face. 

He took another step closer and Jungkook took a step back, warning bells echoing in his head. There was something off with this man. Something that pulled at Jungkook’s stomach and told him he should get far away. 

“I think I should return to the party now.” 

“There’s no reason to go back to them. Come,” he said, beckoning Jungkook with his hand, “you’re meant to be with me.” 

Jungkook let out a nervous laugh. “With you? I barely know you.” 

The man came closer, the red of his eyes flashing in the moonlight. Another memory made its way from the darkness, this one of the man leaning over Jungkook as he once more beckoned him to drink, but this time it wasn’t water he was offering.

Jungkook felt frozen in place. 

“You changed me,” he said.

The vampire was still approaching, slowly, but Jungkook knew he could be on him in a second if he wanted to. But still he couldn’t move, his feet moored to the icy garden path as if he’d frozen to it. The anxiety he’d felt before had become a true, palpable fear. But all he could do was stare into the cold eyes before him. 

“I saved you,” the vampire said. “I am your sire, and you belong with me. Now come. It’s better not to waste your time with goodbyes.” 

“No.” 

The vampire’s expression, which had been fairly neutral so far, turned toward displeasure. “This is not a request.” 

“I’m not going with you,” Jungkook said. He’d meant to sound stern but his voice trembled in his throat. 

“Jungkook?” 

The vampire looked past Jungkook’s shoulder, his face turning from mild displeasure to outright disgust. Namjoon’s hand found the small of Jungkook’s back, his scent warming him from the inside out until he wasn’t frozen anymore, feeling coming back to his limbs and he could move again.

“Are you alright?” Namjoon asked quietly, ignoring the other vampire. His voice was full of concern, but his eyes burned in a way that Jungkook hadn’t seen before, his jaw set rigid and shoulders tense. Jungkook had never seen Namjoon express anything beyond mild irritation at most, but it was clear he was livid right now, his body practically vibrating. 

“I’m okay,” Jungkook assured him. 

“Leave,” Namjoon said, turning to the vampire. “Jungkook isn’t going anywhere with you.” 

The vampire was visibly agitated by Namjoon’s presence, his previously cool countenance lost as he looked him up and down. Jungkook saw the moment his eyes landed on the bite marks on Namjoon’s neck, growing wide and flying to Jungkook’s throat where the matching mating bite marked his skin. 

He took a breath and seemed to regain his composure, smoothing his hair back from his forehead. “I believe it’s Jungkook’s decision if he wants to come with me, not yours.” 

“Of course it is,” Namjoon said. “And he told you no . Now leave.” 

“This is vampire business, your kind wouldn’t understand.”

“Jungkook is my mate, so it is my business.” Namjoon’s voice was deadly calm, but his body was tense, ready to move at any moment. Jungkook hoped it wouldn’t come to something like that. There were two of them, but he could tell this vampire was old, maybe even older than Seokjin. 

He let out a mocking laugh. “Don’t be ridiculous. He may have let you mark him, but he can never be your mate.” He looked at the mating bite again, frowning. “We should be able to burn it off, I think.” 

Jungkook nearly choked, his hand flying to his neck. Namjoon bristled beside him, but didn’t rise to the bait. 

“Jungkook isn’t going with you. Leave now,” he said again. 

The vampire sneered. “Or what? You may think yourself strong, but I’ve killed plenty of lycanthropes over the years. You won’t be any different.” 

Jungkook surprised himself with his own speed, moving in front of Namjoon in the blink of an eye. “You won’t touch him,” he snapped. His body shook with anger as well as fear. 

Namjoon’s hand slipped into Jungkook’s, and he squeezed his palm. “It’s alright,” he said softly. 

The vampire’s nostrils flared suddenly, and Jungkook’s heart dropped when he caught Jimin’s familiar human scent. He was ready to spring into action but the vampire didn’t move, if anything he looked less sure of himself as he looked behind Jungkook and Namjoon. 

Jungkook turned, and there was not only Jimin, but also Seokjin. Jimin didn’t look the least bit afraid, his eyes dark and narrowed in a way that Jungkook had never seen before. He twirled a dagger between his fingers almost lazily. 

Seokjin, however, looked perfectly at ease. “Hello, I don’t believe we’ve been acquainted,” he said, smiling pleasantly. “May I ask your name?”

The vampire frowned. “May I ask yours?” 

Seokjin kept smiling. “Kim Seokjin, Lord of this estate,” he said with a bow. “And though the host of tonight’s festivities is actually my darling husband Jimin, it’s still my job to welcome any guests to our home.” He gestured to Jimin at the word husband, but the other man continued to glower in silence, apparently unwilling to make an attempt at pleasantry. 

Though he didn’t show much change in his expression Jungkook could feel a shift in the vampire’s confidence. Seokjin had unbalanced him in some way. “Forgive me,” he said finally, returning Seokjin’s bow, “for my rudeness. I’m Doyun. I wasn’t aware you were the master of the house.” 

“Yes, it’s alright. But why don’t you come inside, so we can be introduced properly. I like to know the vampires that reside in the area.” 

Jungkook tensed. He looked at Namjoon, but his mate was quiet, his eyes still glued to Doyun. 

“Oh, I’m just passing through. I had some business to discuss with Jungkook,” he said. 

Seokjin smiled. “All the same, come inside. We can discuss this matter together.” It didn’t sound like a request.

For a moment Jungkook thought the vampire might refuse, but instead he nodded. “Of course.” 

─── ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ ───

The parlor was nearly empty. Jungkook could hear a few voices echoing from the foyer. It sounded like Taehyung was bidding their guests goodbye for the night. Seokjin gestured for Doyun to sit, taking his own seat in the high backed armchair next to the fire. Jimin perched on the arm of the seat, one leg crossed elegantly over the other. His eyes never left the other vampire, a quiet fury burning within them. Seokjin rested a hand on his thigh, his thumb running softly back and forth. Jungkook wanted to tell them both how sorry he was to have brought someone like this to their home. 

He tried to apologize to Namjoon as he sat beside him on the chaise sofa, making sure to put himself between his mate and Doyun. Namjoon shushed him gently. 

“There’s nothing to apologize for,” he said softly, so only Jungkook could hear. “Hyung will take care of it. Everything will be alright.” Jungkook wanted to believe him. But he had a feeling his sire wouldn’t go quietly. 

Taehyung joined them then, his face more serious than Jungkook thought he’d ever seen it. “The guests are all gone,” he said. 

“Thank you, my love,” Seokjin said, smiling at him warmly. He extended his hand and Taehyung went to him, squeezing his hand before standing behind the chair. He placed a gentle hand on the back of Jimin’s neck and Jimin seemed to relax a little. “This is my husband, Taehyung,” Seokjin said, smiling politely as if introducing Taehyung to a friend. “Taehyung-ah, this is Doyun.” 

Taehyung looked at the other vampire for the first time, but he didn’t echo Seokjin’s smile. His expression remained cool, but like Jimin there was an implied threat in his gaze, though it wasn’t as outright venomous. Doyun’s hand twitched at his side but he otherwise remained composed. 

Seokjin stood again, walking to the drink cart to pour himself a glass of blood wine. He sipped it as he sat back down. Doyun’s eyes followed the glass, but Seokjin didn’t offer him a drink of his own. Out of character for their usually impeccably mannered hyung.

“Now,” Seokjin said, “could you explain to us the nature of your visit?” 

Doyun’s eyes flicked back from the blood to Seokjin’s face. “Well, as I was explaining before, Jungkook is my progeny. I thank you for looking out for him, but he belongs with me.” 

“He doesn’t want to go with you,” Jimin said, speaking for the first time. Seokjin squeezed his thigh. 

Doyun’s looked as if he wanted to say something to Jimin, but he thought better of it, maybe out of some kind of respect for Seokjin, though Jungkook wasn’t sure. Instead he addressed Seokjin again. “As you know, it is a rule of our kind to follow our sires. To serve them. I am simply acting on my right.” 

Namjoon tensed beside Jungkook, but said nothing. Jungkook himself wanted to scream. You left me . He wanted to say. You turned me against my will and left me alone. I almost killed someone because of you.

“But why?” Seokjin asked, sipping almost lazily at his wine. 

Doyun blinked. “Why?” 

“Why do you want him now? You left him alone for months. If you cared so much about tradition would you not have kept him near you during his change?” Seokjin still smiled, but now rather than appearing polite it was almost mocking. Doyun frowned. 

“I wanted him to learn to take care of himself. Fledglings learn nothing through coddling,” he said. “Though I see he was coddled regardless.” 

Seokjin snorted. “I would hardly call nursing him back to health after finding him half starved in the woods, coddling, ” he said. 

“It’s not my fault if he decided to starve himself,” Doyun argued, growing increasingly agitated. “You may think you can deny me because your name holds weight in this territory, but I will bring this matter to the Council if I have to.” 

Jungkook’s stomach turned. Seokjin and Taehyung had mentioned a council of vampires before, but it had seemed like a fairytale, not an actual governing body. Could they actually force Jungkook to go with this stranger? 

But Seokjin ignored him, looking at Jungkook for the first time. 

“Jungkook-ah, I believe we all know how you feel, but just for the sake of stating it here in front of everyone, do you want to go with him?” 

Jungkook’s eyes grew wide. “No, hyung. I don’t.” 

“Well, there you have it,” Seokjin said simply, shrugging. “He doesn’t want to go.” 

“It doesn’t matter what he wants –” 

“Actually it does ,” Seokjin snapped. “And you can spout about rules all you want, but there is also a rule that when a vampire creates another of our kind it is their duty to watch out for their progeny. When you abandoned him, you forfeited your rights to him. I have been acting as his sire and I believe the Council would agree. Don’t you think, Taehyung-ah?” 

“Absolutely, yeobo ,” Taehyung said, smiling for the first time since he’d come into the room. 

“It seems we’re interrupting something,” a voice said from the hall. Hoseok walked into the room, Yoongi following close behind. “Talk of the Vampire Council. Must be serious.” He smiled but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. 

“We were just explaining that Jungkook won’t be going anywhere with this vampire, regardless of whether he’s his sire or not,” Jimin said. 

Doyun said nothing, all arguments dead on his tongue as he stared past Hoseok to where Yoongi stood, something close to fear in his eyes. Yoongi was silent, but Jungkook could feel the magic coming from him. It was like the first time they’d met, the room suddenly colder and filled with unease. His eyes had gone completely black, the most demon-like Jungkook had ever seen him. 

“Now, I believe we’ve made ourselves clear about the issue at hand,” Seokjin said as he rose to his feet, “and I suggest you leave before one of us rips your head from your shoulders.” 

─── ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ ───

It had been nearly an hour and Jungkook still couldn’t believe the words he’d heard from Seokjin’s mouth. It was hard to believe his hyung was capable of such violence, but his eyes had shown just how much he meant it. Jungkook’s sire was long gone, disappearing without so much as a word after the confrontation with the others. 

Shortly after his exit, Yoongi had shifted back to cat form and jumped into Jungkook’s lap, where he still slept now, his tail tucked over his nose. Jungkook stroked him absentmindedly as he leaned into Namjoon’s side. The other man hadn’t left his side for even a moment, staying glued to Jungkook’s side with an arm wrapped securely around his waist. 

They hadn’t spoken much since Doyun had left, other than Namjoon quietly asking Jungkook if he was alright, his soft lips pressed to Jungkook’s temple. He was still quiet now, and although he smiled at the others it didn’t quite reach his eyes, a line of worry etched in the space between his brows. 

“I just can’t believe he thought he could just take our Jungkookie away like that,” Taehyung said. He and Jimin had hugged Jungkook for almost twenty minutes straight after the encounter, teary eyed despite their previous bravado. Now Taehyung laid with his head in Jimin’s lap and his legs draped across Seokjin. Jimin ran his fingers through Taehyung’s hair as Seokjin rubbed his back. 

“Lone vampires like him don’t understand the power of a coven or pack,” Seokjin explained. “Part of me feels badly for him. 

“I don’t,” Jimin scoffed. “He threatened my family and ruined my party.” 

Jungkook frowned. “I’m sorry, Jimin-hyung.” He felt terribly that the party had been ruined because of his past. 

Jimin gasped. “Jungkook, this is not your fault,” he said, shaking his head. “You didn’t do anything wrong. And we will always be here for you. No matter what is going on. You know that right?” 

“You’re our family,” Hoseok said warmly, squeezing beside Jungkook and wrapping his arms around his shoulders. Jungkook settled into his embrace as the tears that had been burning behind his eyes for the past hour finally started to brim along his lash line. 

“Oh Jungkookie, don't cry!” Jimin exclaimed. He was in front of Jungkook in a second, his hands squeezing Jungkook’s cheeks. “It’s alright!” 

“We’re not upset!” Taehyung chimed in. 

Jungkook wiped at his eyes with the back of his hand. “I know, I’m just –” His voice caught and Namjoon pulled his face into his neck. Jungkook sighed shakily as he breathed in the familiar scent, burying his face against Namjoon’s shirt. He just felt so much. So thankful to have friends and a family again. To be safe and loved. 

“I think Jungkook has been through enough tonight,” Seokjin said softly. “I’m sure he’s overwhelmed.”

“Why don’t we go to bed?” Namjoon asked gently. 

Jungkook nodded. He handed Yoongi’s sleeping form to Hoseok, who cradled the cat against his chest. Yoongi blinked at him sleepily and Jungkook scratched between his ears. “Love you, hyung.” He looked at the others. “I love you all,” he said shyly. “Thank you for taking care of me.” 

“We love you too,” Hoseok said, squeezing Jungkook’s hand. 

There was a chorus of we love you s from the others as Jungkook followed Namjoon out of the parlor and up the stairs to their room. He’d barely closed the door behind them when Namjoon pulled him into his arms in a near crushing embrace. 

“Hyung?” 

Namjoon didn’t speak, just held him as he let out a ragged breath. 

“Hey, it’s alright,” Jungkook said softly. “I’m here.” He rubbed Namjoon’s back, and it made his chest ache the way he seemed to grow smaller in his arms, his face pressing against Jungkook’s neck. His shoulders shook just slightly, but he didn’t make a sound. 

“I was so scared,” he said finally, lifting his head and pressing his forehead to Jungkook’s. His eyes were rimmed with red, his cheeks shimmering with shed tears. “I knew hyung would fix it, but in the moment all I felt was anger and fear. It just hit me all at once, moments ago.” He wiped at his cheeks with his sleeve, laughing half-heartedly. “I’m sorry.” 

Jungkook took his face in his hands, his own tears threatening to spill once more (he’d always been a sympathetic crier.) “Don’t be sorry. I was scared too. I didn’t want him to hurt you.” 

“I didn’t want to lose you.” 

“I’m right here,” Jungkook said softly. “I’m not going anywhere.” 

Namjoon nodded. “I know. I’m alright.” 

Jungkook pulled him closer until their lips met. “I love you,” he kissed him again, “so much.” 

“I love you, too.” 

They got ready for bed and curled up together under the covers. Jungkook pulled Namjoon into his arms and kissed him again and again, slowly and gently.
“Would you –” Namjoon stopped. 

“Would I what?” Jungkook asked. 

Namjoon shook his head, his cheeks turning a bit pink. “Never mind, it’s nothing.” 

“Don’t do that,” Jungkook scolded softly. “What were you going to ask?” 

“Would you feed from me? Just a little?” Namjoon asked, throat bobbing. “I just feel so wound up, and I think it would help.”

“Oh. Of course I will.” Jungkook wasn’t feeling particularly hungry at that moment, but Namjoon’s blood would always entice him, no matter what. And even if it didn’t, he’d do anything Namjoon asked. He kissed Namjoon’s lips once more before gently turning his face to the side and pressing his lips to that tender spot just below his ear. Namjoon’s breath picked up as Jungkook sucked gently and followed with the tease of his tongue. Gently he sank his fangs into soft skin and heard the familiar hitch in Namjoon’s breath beneath him. 

Namjoon’s blood tasted off , not as sweet as usual, a hint of something almost sour on Jungkook’s tongue. Jungkook wondered if it was the fear and anxiety he’d been feeling tonight. He ran his hands over Namjoon’s shoulders and chest gently, hoping to ease the remnants of tension. It’s alright , he thought. Namjoon sighed and though there was still a trace of the sour taste, his blood seemed almost normal again. 

Jungkook didn’t drink much more, but he didn’t pull back right away. Leaving his fangs buried in Namjoon’s neck for a few moments longer. It just felt so nice . So warm. And he had a feeling Namjoon enjoyed it too. 

When he finally pulled back, Namjoon smiled at him a bit dopily. 

“Feel better?” Jungkook asked. 

Namjoon nodded. “Yes, much better.” He buried his head under Jungkook’s chin. 

“Good,” Jungkook said. He could tell by the way Namjoon’s breathing had slowed that within just a few seconds he would be asleep. “I love you.” 

Namjoon mumbled something against Jungkook’s throat that he could only assume meant I love you too, and mere moments later he was snoring softly. Jungkook smiled and curled around him, letting himself fall into sleep as well. 

─── ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ ───

Epilogue

3 months later 

“Are you sure this is a good idea?”

Namjoon shifted back and forth on his feet, brows furrowed and jaw rigid. Jungkook rubbed his arm. “Hyung, it’s fine. We already tried it, and we know it works.” 

“I know but we don’t know how long it will work.” 

They stood at the back door of the house. The door that led to the back of the estate and Namjoon’s garden. They’d been here before of course, but today was different, well, because it was day. Hoseok and Yoongi had finally perfected the spell that would allow Jungkook, Seokjin, and Taehyung to see the sun again. 

They’d tried it first in the safety of the house, with only a crack in the curtains allowing a sliver of sunlight to come through. Jungkook had been only a little nervous to extend his hand, the painful memories of what the sun could do his skin still ever present in his mind. 

“I’ll try first,” Seokjin said, patting Jungkook’s shoulder. Without a second thought he extended his hand into the sunlight. 

Nothing happened. Seokjin’s eyes grew wide. 

“Does it hurt?” Jimin asked, biting at his lower lip. 

Seokjin shook his head. “Feels warm.” His lips spread into a smile. 

Taehyung was quick to try next, then Jungkook. And Seokjin was right, there was no pain, no blisters, no burns. 

And now was the ultimate test. Walking outside. Jungkook wasn’t nervous. The moment he’d stuck his hand in the sunlight he’d known that things were different. He trusted Hoseok and Yoongi completely. He’d already thanked them so many times he’d lost count. But Namjoon was still apprehensive. 

“It’ll be okay,” Jungkook said, “I promise.”

Namjoon nodded. “Okay.” 

Seokjin and Taehyung went first – together and with Jimin holding their hands. 

“Come on,” Jungkook said, smiling as he held out his hand. Namjoon squeezed his palm. Jungkook took a deep breath and opened the door. 

It was bright. 

It had been less than a year since the last time Jungkook had seen the sun, but he’d somehow forgotten how bright it was. He covered his eyes as he pressed into Namjoon’s side. 

“Okay?” 

“Yeah, just not used to so much light,” Jungkook said. He blinked, letting his eyes adjust. Once he felt more comfortable he looked around, his breath catching in his throat. 

It was beautiful. The last of the winter snows had melted just a few weeks ago, but spring had already arrived in full force. Flowers bloomed all around, bees buzzing and butterflies fluttering around. And the sky . When was the last time he’d seen the blue sky? Since before he’d been sick. It felt like a lifetime ago. 

A loud laugh pulled Jungkook’s attention. It was Taehyung, practically jumping up and down in excitement. Seokjin was quiet but his lips were pulled into a wide smile, his eyes closed and face turned up toward the sky. 

“Are you happy?” Namjoon asked.

Jungkook nodded. “I never thought I’d see it again.” 

“You’re even more beautiful in the daylight,” Namjoon said, smiling.

Jungkook swatted his chest playfully, “Don’t.” 

“I’m serious!” 

And maybe it was true, because when Jungkook looked at Namjoon it was almost like seeing him for the first time. His eyes were a warmer brown than Jungkook had realized, his skin a deeper tan. So handsome. 

Namjoon caught him staring and smiled knowingly. “Want to go for a walk around the garden?” He asked, holding out his hand. “Just us?”

Jungkook took his hand. “Well, of course. I need a proper daylight tour,” he said, returning Namjoon’s grin. 

“Excellent. I can show you all of the new plants I got at the market yesterday,” Namjoon pulled him down the garden path, launching into explanations of flowers and plants that Jungkook didn’t really understand, but he loved to listen to anyway. 

“Jungkook, look!” They’d made their way to the bench where they’d shared their first kiss. It sat under a tall tree with branches that drooped toward the surface of the pond. Namjoon reached for one of the branches. “The cherry blossoms started blooming,” he explained. He held out the small pink flower for Jungkook to see. 

“It’s lovely,” he said. 

Namjoon tucked the flower behind Jungkook’s ear. “Almost as pretty as you.” 

Jungkook once again was thankful he could no longer blush. “You’re laying it on thick today, aren’t you?” 

Namjoon shrugged. “I’m only saying it because it’s true,” he pulled Jungkook over to the bench. “Come sit with me for a while. We can watch the sunset together.” 

“I can’t remember the last time I saw the sun rise or set,” Jungkook said, sitting beside Namjoon and resting his head on his shoulder. 

“Well tomorrow we can get up early and watch it rise as well.” 

Jungkook laughed. “Okay, hyung.” 

As the sun slowly sank below the trees, they sat together by the pond, watching the ducks and other animals. Jungkook’s eyelids began to feel heavy, and he was worried that he’d fall asleep and miss the sunset. He told Namjoon so, but he just laughed and kissed the top of Jungkook’s head. 

“It’s okay, we can always try again tomorrow. Or the next day. We’ve got plenty of time,” he said.

He was right, they had all the time in the world. Their entire immortal lives. Jungkook settled more comfortably against Namjoon’s side and let his eyelids shut once more, perfectly content.