JB POV:

I re-enter her bedroom, easing my way next to the side where Gyeom-ah has nestled himself as close as physically possible to (Y/N). The bond tying us together is restless and fidgety and the connection we have with (Y/N) is also weak and slightly strained- an echo of her inner turmoil at the moment.

My eyes are worried as they land on her, seeing the defensive and vulnerable curve of her shoulders. Having known her for several years now, I can read all of her body expressions easily and I know that when she's hurting, she has a tendency of trying to look as small as possible- and it pains me that I can't fulfil that sense of security by tucking her small frame into my arms and holding her.

There's a lot of words that'll need to be said, lots of talks to make clear just how precious and cherished she is for our coven and that there'll be no space for forgiveness in our hearts if they mess up again. (Y/N) might give them a second chance, a third, likely even a fourth- she feels too intensely, tries to see the good in everyone her heart is tender- but that doesn't mean we let her be open and exposed to endless hurt.

I wait for her decision- ready to accept whatever she says. If she wants to talk, we'll give her that space. If she doesn't want to, then nothing in existence will stop me from whisking her away from the stifling atmosphere if she wants to escape.

(Y/N) POV:

I stiffen when Jimin voices those words, that one sentence that manages to trudge through my veins like a slow pooling of ice that stiffens my blood and turns it icy cold. The arms become even more restricting and confining and I try to lean away, to escape from them but his grip remains like an unmoveable band- firm and unrelenting.

Gyeomie raises his head to scan my eyes for any hesitation, any refusal- silently questioning whether I want him to stay or not.

The others are already shifting, rising to their feet even as they shoot me and Jimin worried glances- lingering at the doorway.

"Do you want us here (Y/N)? If you need any of us, we wouldn't mind staying- if there's anything you need us for, give us a shout." Jin oppa says seriously, face warm and inviting but equally respectful and mindful of my decision- offering me an alternative as well.

I dither, unable to decide whether or not I want to hear him out. Whether or not I need the silent support of my mates. My eyes catch onto Yoongi who's standing slightly turned away, but his eyes are narrow and silently observant, watching carefully. When he realises I've been staring back, he ducks his head away- unable to keep his gaze, and it hurts- that despite it all, it still looks like he can't stand to see me; he looks extremely uncomfortable and on-edge given the stiffness of his shoulders and tightly coiled body.

If I don't, even if it gives me the personal satisfaction of being able to choose this time, of the way the it can be, I can't help feeling that in some way, if I don't give him a chance, it'll bring him the hurt he brought me- and I wouldn't want anyone to experience that. And a part of me begs me to hear him out, to see if even a slither of hope remains- if that warmth that comes from his touch can also be felt through his words.

I don't know if I'll live to regret it, but not giving him a chance to speak will surely become to be a life-long regret of what if's and what could have been.

"I'll...I'll speak to him." I hedge tentatively, his arms around me squeeze and tighten for a fraction of a second, as if he truly hadn't expected me to give him that chance.

The tension bleeds from the room and Gyeomie raises his head to look at me- deeply searching my eyes for even a fraction of anything other but agreement and consent.

"You'll know if I'm not fine Gyeomie and I don't doubt you'll come rushing." I say softly, leaning down to press a soft kiss to his cheek.

And then JB oppa leans forward over Gyeomie's shoulder to press a flat, splayed hand against the curve of my neck- I tilt my head back, allowing the both possessive and protective gesture happen- a sigh of relief escaping me. Even if I'm not their mate- I know I hold a place of my own in their coven and it's just his way of reassuring himself. His red eyes soften into their brown when I look up to smile at him and when his hand moves Gyeomie nestles his head in straight away, breathing in deep to my scent, nosing gently against the vein there- allowing himself to be comforted and soothed. His chaste kiss there is a common enough gesture between us but I just know that somehow he's trying to rile up the others.

A glance towards the doorway where they've all frozen proves it. Their eyes flash red in return and response to the gestures, clear claiming gestures whilst they stand there but they still manage soft smiles- the rational part trying to understand and accept the people in my life, the other vampires who have claimed me as their own too. And reluctantly leave, though Taehyung and Jungkook's shoulders are stiffer and the tension in their eyes penetrative.

But when the door closes, a soft shnick, I find the sound deafening in the otherwise silence, in that heavy blanket of stiffness and unease that falls over the two of us. I don't have the strength to look back, not knowing whether or not I can withstand the expression that'll greet me.

I duck my head further into my shoulders, body curling up as much as it can but when I draw my knees up, I realise the act just cages his arms further against me with no place to move. 

"(Y/N)..." he begins and I instinctively flinch, expecting to brace myself against the hostility and anger, but there's nothing but softness and hurt in it.

"I-I want to apologise." He says, getting to the point straight away. I pause- mind that was whirring with preparations of defence suddenly crumbling.

He wants to what?

Apologise? To me.

"You don't have to apologise just because your mates are here. I know you don't want to really..." I reply, bitterness seeping in alongside the pain.

He sucks in a sharp breath, the same arms that's holding me to him, gently twisting me around, the blanket slipping free from where Gyeomie had hastily draped it over me.

I blush at the feeling of suddenly feeling exposed, the brush of air against my skin sending goosebumps across my torso, but his gaze if fixated on my face and one hand comes up to rise towards my face and surprises me by tilting my head up, eyes not lifting to meet his.

"Will you look at me...please?" the sincerity brushing against my shattered barriers and coaxing my eyes up to meet the rawness in his, eyes red with a sheer look of vulnerability.

"I want to apologise because I hurt you, pushed you away and never truly gave you a chance. I've been nothing but horrible, cruel and selfish and it led to you being in pain." He whispers, voice wavering and thick with emotion.

I don't say anything. Just listen what he has to say- even as each word acts like a stab to my body and soul because of how pained and tormented he sounds- as if he had been hurting perhaps just as much as me.

"I've always had the worst experiences with humans- I still remember how it felt to be tormented and used and manipulated. And it had always started with people who had soft smiles and sweet personalities. And unfairly I associated you with those who hurt me. Waited for you to change and show me a side I was expecting." He says, words tinged with pained memories, past hurts and aches that perhaps haven't healed only been shunned to the back.

But if I had done what he did then I'd have never trusted vampires, never dared to associate with them or extend a hand towards them. If I had done what Jimin had done as a way to cope, to defend myself from future hurt- would I be the same defensive, aching soul I saw in front of me?

"You were nothing but kind and understanding and compassionate. It's vile to say but when I'd first thought you were a vampire; I'd been hurt and oddly betrayed by the fact that you already belonged to a coven. But when I learnt you were human; those feelings didn't fade- it felt like it was some sort of cruelty that I felt a pull when we weren't the same race and I had done nothing but been harsh and unkind and unfair..." he confesses. But not once has his voice and words felt ungenuine or false. 

My heart opens up to this person, aches alongside him for a past that changed his ability to see people for who they were at their core, to see their souls without any labels. I ached for him because I knew how hard it was to let go, how difficult it was to escape the pain of the past.

And somewhere along his words, my soul opened up and the truth and sincerity became a balm along that disfigured crack on my soul- where that hole that had gaped, that tear had become less wide and closed slightly.

"And I know what I did tore at you, but I will do anything and everything for another chance. For a shot at happiness and something more..." he beseeches, his hand gently coming to cup my face.

My soul melts at how right his touch seems, how my body wants to sag at the warmth and electric tingles and sparks the touch elicits, to curve into the touch that's so soft, so gentle, so perfect.

His eyes are wide and open. And I see how much it's hurting him too. How much he wants to make amends.

And maybe I was incredibly soft, maybe I was lured by the temptation of safety he could bring, maybe because he was my mate I melted and softened.

But even though the bitterness and hurt lingered, alongside it bloomed a small seed of hope, taking root and asking for a chance to flourish.

Maybe it's the sweetness of his words, the pure plea in his posture or the way his plump lips curve downwards with despair. And maybe because I just want to see him smile that I say.

"Let's try again. As people, as human and vampire. As mates. Let's give us a chance Jimin." I whisper, curling into the palm that cups my cheek, shifting slightly from the safe cradle of his lap.

And when the sparks set off anew, fiery, sweet, and electric- it's not only his touch but my soul...healing and shifting to provide him a way in.

And the way his face radiates with happiness and relief and hope.

----

I quickly realise that whatever had occurred earlier between us will stay as a biting pain, that when I'd shifted away slightly, flustered, and uncertain by the extreme close proximity we had been in, his arm instinctively loosens so it's not restraining and hurting, the way his fingers fall of my face.

But it sends an inferno of pain through me, that it brings tears to my eyes and punches the air from my lungs and when he scoops me close, pain abating by his touch, murmuring apologies- I realise as the pain dissipates that we have a serious problem here. How am I meant to go about living if my soul cannot bear the separation and protests in such painful ways?

"Jaebum oppa..." I call lightly, but I know that wherever he is in the house, he'll have heard and soon enough the approaching footsteps- accompanied by a stampede of others, attest to it.

The door opens and he peeks in, looking so soft and caring with the way his eyes land on me and immediately try to assess if everything is okay.

But that door widens and soon enough the rest of my mates, Gyeomie, Eunwoo and MJ oppa are poking their heads through- a manner which is comical in sight and would've incited a giggle if it hadn't been for the worry building up in me.

"MJ oppa, Hoseokie...I need to ask you something." I tentatively hedge. 

The two in question straighten, seriousness overtaking the concern, which continues to float in their eyes, as they walk forward- knowing that I've called for the two healers specifically.

But when they look at me expectantly, the question seems to be lodged in my throat and somehow Jimin picks up on it.

"Hyung, it hurt her to be parted for a bit...but how do we go about this now?" he asks, uncertainty colouring his voice.

The furrows in their brows deepen.

But it's not them but Jin oppa who provides an answer.

"Your souls need the time to heal, and separation will only make it revolt in confusion and hurt again." He says softly, walking over to brush a sweet tender hand against my brow.

"You'll need to be close for at least 24 hours for the entire time and then slowly begin easing out of it for small periods of time." he adds apologetically- the implications clear.

But all I can think about is how it feels like my freedom has been snatched away from me, even though he is my mate- there's something so hurtful about the idea of not having a sole moment of privacy for the whole day and then only limited amounts after that.

"Is there no other way?" I ask, eyes darting to JB oppa, to MJ oppa, to Hoseokie- to anyone who could give me a solution, even Yoongi because of how desperate the situation makes me feel.

"It could cripple a part of your soul..." Namjoon says quietly.

But the words hit me with the force as if they'd been slapped across my face.

"If a part of your soul gets crippled or damaged, it'll never heal- you'll always have pains and aches and a deteriorated health to an extent. Especially because you're human, you're body will be weaker- we can't risk it." He adds on.

"So my freedom is no longer mine?" I say, slightly hysterical feeling the dregs of panic kick in.

Their silent hurting faces are answer enough.

"But it's not fair! I don't want to be dependent on someone to live, why is it me?" I add, trying to ignore the hot splashes of angry, frustrated tears hit my cheeks even as I turn my face away- not wanting to show how much it bothers me.

It shouldn't perhaps. But it feels unfair. And wrong. And cruel. Because being a human makes me predisposed to weakness- and whilst I'd never hated or despised for who I was, there's resentment for the first time. That I'm weaker than them, more vulnerable, susceptible to pain.

It hurts acknowledging that.

"Chickie look at me, come on sweetheart turn your head please." A soft voice asks gently. JB oppa. And for some reason I've never been able to refuse the sweet soul, the kindness because he's asking so gently, so softly that it hurts and I don't want him to hurt too.

I raise tear-filled eyes to his, clutch desperately at his shoulders and pull him into a hug, allow the strong strength of him encompass me close, finally allow me to feel small and cherished and safe in those arms- the shield they've always been.

"It's not fair, I don't want to be in pain." I sob against his shoulder, pressing my face tightly to his chest and not raising it. He squeezes me tightly, murmuring against my head as he tucks me in further.

"If I could somehow change it, I would do it for you. I would do anything to lessen your pain sweetheart. But a few days is better than forever." He appeases.

Everything that's happening feels like too much, too soon, too quick. It feels like some cruel punishment by fate for wanting Jimin, for silently yearning for him. And now that I had him, it wasn't without consequence.

"I think it's best if you go to their nest, to get to know the others but know that our doors and arms are open and waiting and ready. You want out, we'll try our damned best to make it happen chickie." He promises.

And I see the logic, the reasoning, the sheer and blatant solution that glares at me in the face and nod sadly into his chest.

"What about Gyeomie? I don't want him to be lonely." I say.

Then another voice joins in.

"I'll stay at the nest, but you better answer your phone and respond to every text and heal. I want you better. I'll just feed like the others do, but you can bet I'll be waiting when you come back." He says, voice hurt but accepting of what has to be done.

He's willing to let me go so I can heal. But he'll be here when I come back.

It's not a question of if but a promise of a when.

And he slides his pinky to interlock with mine.

"We promised each other forever silly. Forever means you're stuck with me." he says.

And I lift my head to shoot him a watery smile.

And then turn to the others, to my mates.

"I'll go with you, if you'll have me." I say.

And it's not just Jin oppa who replies but five other warm voices.

"We can't wait to bring you home." They say.

And it's a reminder that I'll have a home beyond these four walls and the Ims nest. I have a home with them.

Even if a seventh piece of my soul doesn't respond.

(OOF! EMOTIONALLY D R A I N I N G  TO WRITE I TELL YOU! HOW WAS IT? LET ME KNOW! I HOPE THAT THE APOLOGY WAS SUFFICIENT BUT IT'S NOT A 'I FORGIVE YOU STRAIGHT AWAY, LET'S BE MATES' BUT MORE OF A 'EVERYONE MAKES MISTAKES, I WON'T HOLD YOURS FOREVER AGAINST YOU' AND I HOPE THAT THE HURT EVERYONE WAS HARBOURING TOWARDS JIMIN LESSENS. AFTER ALL THIS IS THE REASON WHY THEY'RE GOING TO THEIR NEST- PLENTY OF BONDING TIME UP NEXT WITH JIMIN! WHO KNOWS? MAYBE THEY'LL GROW CLOSEST THE QUICKEST! SEE YOU ON THE OTHER SIDE! STAY SAFE!)

Don't harbour grudges, built-up resentment and anger and hate- life is too short too hold onto the negativity and passes too quick to not spend it positively. 

ALSO! TOTALLY NOT READY FOR DYNAMITE ERA!! 🥺😭😫

Borahae! 💜💜💜

PurpleQueenie <3