TAE POV:

I rush out of bed to be downstairs before Jiminie wakes up and consequently (Y/N). Today is the first morning (Y/N) will have spent at the nest and I want everything to go perfectly. Hobi hyung had already woken me up, pressing light kisses across my face as he murmured he was heading down to make breakfast and when I reach the kitchen- he's already his usual veritable boundless source of energy, flitting around as he cooks, music playing and he dances and hums along- drawing in Joon hyung by the hands and spinning him around fondly.

He grins when he catches sight of me, grabbing my wrist to draw me in- pressing a sweet kiss to my mouth before he entrusts Joon hyung to me, rushing off to tend to the stove- muttering under his breath as he catalogues the continuously growing spread of food, filling the table with platters piled high.

I dither about where to put (Y/N)'s courting gift- today it is a pamper set; overflowing with different products and scents for her to try on, all coordinating in colour in the way they've been organised. I wonder whether I should place the basket on her chair, in front of it or simply entrust it to her lap when she sits down. Seeing her smile is a new joy I've harboured, seeing the way her face lights up, cheeks bunch and eyes twinkle, and she has the most adorable, pretty rose blush when she gets flustered. 

Not too long later- the others begin to appear. First of all it's Yoongi hyung, eyes blinking blearily and then confused when his eyes search the kitchen but the question remains in them, he plops himself down into a chair, grunting slightly when Hobi hyung firmly drops into his lap, squeezing him into a tight hug.

And then comes (Y/N) not only with Jiminie but also Jin hyung, whose eyes are a mixture of pride and concern as he ushers the two down into chairs- fretting slightly in the background when he sees (Y/N) stiffly sitting down but he does nothing except gently nudge Hobi hyung with his hip towards the table and finishes up at the stove.

It takes a few moments of Hobi hyung's gentle hands brushing against her brow and Jiminie's too and her smile comes out more naturally and less strained and the smile she shoots next is genuine and unforced. I hurry forward to place the basket down on her lap, waiting eagerly for her response- nerves fluttering as I wait for her to look up.

But when she does look up, my heart that doesn't beat still patters and squeezes at the soft, sweet look in her eyes, lips curved up and expression a mixture of shy and shocked.

"Thank you Taehyung..." she says, eyes blinking up, cheeks beginning to colour rose.

There's the blush I've been waiting for, sweet and enticing. I find myself captivated by the shade, long to immortalise it between splashes of paint or the lens of a camera- maybe one day I'll ask her if I could, bring Kookie in too. But right now it makes my mouth dry and my soul to squeeze in giddy elation.

But what I don't expect is the brief brush of fingers as she brings her hand close to mine, for that explosion of warmth and tingles to dart up my skin and make me shiver. For those petite, slender fingers to gently graze mine and gently entangle them, squeezing slightly as a silent thanks.

Her eyes speak louder than her words do- I can see those emotions floating around in them, that flicker of light and joy she associated with me and I want to make her smile more, laugh more. Want the tinkling sound of her laugh, the sweetness of her giggles, the honeyed warmth of her voice to wrap around my soul and permanently cocoon it in the essence of her. I want her to shape that part of my soul that belongs to her in a way that makes me tethered and truly hers- I want her to shape it with feelings that'll develop and nurture. For a future I envision with all of us.

It brings a wide grin to my face and I can't help but lean in, the call of her presence too strong and demanding to ignore.

I sink into the seat beside her, see the way her body curves towards mine. My eyes drink her in hungrily, commit each detail to memory and still find myself yearning to look at her over and over again. I look down at our entangled fingers and raise my hand, drawing hers with it.

I brush my lips against her knuckles, smiling against her skin when I hear a gasp and hitched breath, the way she initially startles and then melts into the touch, fingers pliant and loose in my grip.

"Thank you for letting us find you." I murmur.

"Thank you for being my mate." She replies.

(Y/N) POV:

A slight change makes all the difference. A slight shift is enough to make the day start better and with new hopes. Being able to have a small period of time independently- even if it had been just showering had renewed my hope and abated my slight despair. Though right now I was back to being next to Jimin- somehow his presence wasn't irking; his guilty looks and heartbroken stares attested to just how much he regretted his actions. But the kicked puppy look he was sporting was beginning to make me feel bad, and it made me wonder whether I had been neglecting him whilst essentially being bound to him. There was a positive way of looking at things- this way I had time to spend with Jimin and perhaps get to know him more.

What I did know for certain was that it allowed me to observe him far more closely and the details I had gathered made my heart and mind become at war with each other. My mind was struggling to see this softer and sweet side of Jimin in comparison to the way my mind had constantly reminded me of what I believed was his fixed manner towards me. The hardened, cool tone that had so easily cut me off, ended my apologies and attempt to explain myself was replaced with a sweet, loving tone- sometimes mature and sometimes sweet and cute. He cared for the two youngers extremely but also didn't hesitate to join in with the little jokes and teases they poked at their older mates for. But when it came to his hyungs, he was putty in their hands, melting and complying under gentle touches and praises- eyes fluttering when a kiss was pressed to his lips at night and greeted him in the morning. It made my heart lurch with a want so intense that it hurt more than distancing myself at times did.

I wanted what he gave to the others- wanted to be seen with those same loving and unrestrained eyes that sparkled and told a thousand stories. There was a newfound gentleness but there was also hesitance and fear- as if some part of him held back in apprehension.

So as he guided me down one of the hallways, I decided that I would ask him to talk, to clear the air and to begin our paths to each other again- I wanted that hesitance gone, only then could I see and experience Jimin for the sweet self I saw him to be.

But then the doorbell rang- a sound that somehow resonated through the house, halted my feet as Jimin cocked his head in curiosity.

"Can someone get that my loves?" Jin oppa's voice called- house passing it through easily to each crevice without amplifying it.

My heart twisted with a flutter when I realised that he'd included me in that endearment- considered and saw me as one of them. An easy acceptance.

And when Jimin turns to open the door, I turn with him- hand intertwined still, the presence and weight a comfort I had grown easily accustomed to; was soothed by.

And when Jimin smiles, eyes crinkling and lips parting in greeting to the person gracing their doorsteps, I don't expect him to step aside to let him in and for that person to be none other than a figure I know so well, that is so familiar to me.

Achingly familiar. It's the face of one of my havens, one of my support systems, one of my anchors when I'd been adrift. The very first anchor in fact.

Because a tall man steps in, face expressing ease and familiarity as he greets Jimin, and when behind him another familiar figure steps in- a woman, who's hand is as usual intertwined with her mate- my breath catches.

And they turn to look at me, eyes widening with unison and mouths parting slightly.

I didn't expect to see them here. Not like this.

Why on earth are Ryan oppa and Deok-mi unnie here? And looking shocked and stunned.

And I wonder if this is how it feels to have the ground ripped away from under your feet, body stumbling slightly- distantly realising I'm being steadied by Jimin who turns to me in alarm and concern.

But my eyes are wide open, fearful that if they shut who knows what'll happen in that instant.

It feels like my surroundings melt away and all I can feel and know is that panic that begins to well like the powerful crest of a wave, gaining momentum as it hurries towards me- and I don't know whether I have the ability to survive it and not drown under its powerful intensity.

JOON POV:

There's a shift in the house as it alerts us of the presence of two newcomers- but it also identifies them as people we know and not strangers and soon enough there's the bustle of activity as everyone starts moving and making their way to the large drawing room, one specifically kept for visitors. I'm already seated there with Jin hyung, Yoongi hyung and Hobi when Kookie and Tae appear in the doorway- wrestling over who enters the room first, arguing and bickering good naturedly as they claim seats right next to each other. Not soon after Hobi enters, shooting a smile at us before promptly tugging Tae onto his lap, sliding next to Kookie instead.

And when the final two enter it's with our guests in tow, the atmosphere in the room shifts, everyone straightening up, postures tight and straight- seriousness on everyone's faces. It's the curators of Amparo's exhibition- Ryan and Deok-Mi, they're renowned in the field and somehow they've been the only ones who've managed to be the ones who host Amparo's artwork- no other artist, curator or professional have managed the incredible feat that they have.

And usually the sight of them pushes any other thought from mind, except anticipation for what they'll say- but today it's the sight of a pale, shaky (Y/N) that pulls me out of the excitement and makes me stir in worry. Jimin's arm is around her but I wonder if it's more for support than as a soft gesture. 

I reach out in alarm, soul appeased only in the slightest, when Jimin carefully withdraws his arm with bated breath but sighs when nothing happens. I draw her into my arms, heart fidgeting with pride and soul beaming with happiness when she allows me to draw her onto my lap, wrapping my arms around her both protectively and caringly but I can feel the sort of numbing sensation emanating from the tether between our souls. She melts into me, back pressing against my chest- silently seeking out comfort and I'm more than willing to provide it.

"What's wrong sweetheart?" I murmur, the endearment slipping out before it can be taken away but the way she doesn't recoil or stiffen is a good sign- it doesn't seem sudden and it makes me smile calling her that.

"Nothing Joon...it's fine." She mumbles but the nickname doesn't escape me and draws out a wide smile as I look down at her slight figure cocooned perfectly within my embrace.

And then there's a realisation as I turn to take in the two curators- understanding that perhaps their presence unsettles her or even puts her on-edge and my arms wound their way tightly against her- soothing her as well as broadcasting to the two of them that she's mine, ours; noticing the reddening hue of their eyes as they silently observe the gesture.

"Ryan ssi, Deok-mi ssi I hope you are here with good news." Jin hyung prompts, fluidly taking charge of the conversation as he looks expectantly towards the two.

"Ahh Seokjin ssi, we are in fact here to discuss Amparo's latest exhibition." Deok-mi ssi takes charge, voice like silken steel- power subtly hidden under the soft tone.

Everyone leans forward, anticipation thick in the air- stifling almost.

"And...we did manage to offer a substantial amount right? No-one beat out the monetary figure we offered?" Yoongi hyung asks, voice pressing- urgency alight in his eyes and posture, a tightness that comes with worry that it may have slipped through our fingers.

Ryan ssi shakes his head. And I stiffen, wondering if somehow we failed this time.

"No, no- the amount you offered was more than enough to beat out others. It did get a lot of complaints and disappointment at the private biddings but you've managed to secure the entirety of Amparo's collection." He reassures and there's a sigh of relief from somewhere to my right- the deep exhale identified as Taehyung.

"We've brought the artwork- it's packaged and ready to be moved if you're available right now." Deok-mi ssi adds, eyes glancing from us to (Y/N)- clearly assessing this new situation, her new presence.

I find my eyes narrowing at the slight threat I read the gesture as, shifting uneasily at the deep, unreadable expression in her face.

"We are more than ready and available at the moment. The sooner we have them the better." Yoongi hyung adds, excitement making his dark irises sparkle, voice rushed.

"That's fine then. We have them outside- are all of you going to help?" he asks, even as the others hasten to their feet.

Collecting the artwork is somewhat of a created ritual- something we share and revel and celebrate in as we handle Amparo's art- something they've poured the essence of their life into. It's something special for all of us- but right now I have a lapful of slightly confused, distraught baby mate and I'm torn between wanting to go but also wanting to comfort her.

But she tugs at my arms gently, drawing my attention down.

"I'll help too." She offers, the offer so sweet and tempting- the idea of all eight of us sharing in this ritual making it even more special so my arms part to let her up, hands hovering to steady her if she needs it but she holds her hand out.

"Let's go then." She urges and I recollect that she too is a fan of Amparo's work- after all the first time I'd met her had been at the exhibition.

I grasp her hand and allow her to lightly tug me and guide me out of the room, following the others as we move to go outside where the artwork is.

RYAN POV:

The sight of (Y/N) in one of the strongest nests today- slotting into the lives of vampires who are infamous for their absolute separation from humans is confusing and frustrating. It's like looking at a puzzle and infuriatingly not being able to see a solution no matter how long you stare and how many hours pass.

I can feel the confusion and worry echoing in Deok-mi, can see it from the concerned furrow of her brows and the way her smile slips off when she walks past them. It's bothering her too.

Having worked with her, having seen her literally grow- has allowed me to harbour an extremely soft, protective spot for (Y/N) in my heart. And right now I don't see her as Amparo, don't let out her secret and feign indifference and a lack of recognition. I see her as (Y/N)- the young girl I saw blossom into a young woman- on the peak of beginning adulthood. I see her as the person behind the strokes of paint, the one who came to me in tears, in fear, in panic- seeking out comfort when she was plagued by the memories that were evoked and stirred up whenever an exhibition came about. I see her as the fragile, vulnerable, soft person she is and my instincts are raging to hold her close and hide her from the seven others who in my eyes scream threat and danger.

But there's also something else- something new between them. For some peculiar reason, the seven of them keep darting glances at her, lift up the artworks with ease but also wait or seem to be ager to hear a praise, for her to marvel and hover worriedly- offering to help, lifting up the smaller works herself. There's a charged energy that crackles in the air- a tension that is yet to vanish and I note that Yoongi in particular is one of those who is watching from afar- observing her but never broaching that distance that the others do with ease.

But the slight fidget, the nervous tremor that occasionally wracks her hands make me eagle-eyed, itching to swoop in and hold her away. Deok-mi it seems has no qualms in acting on those urges- just as the seven of them step through the doorway armed with artwork, a lively stream of chatter as they disappear indoors, she descends on (Y/N) in a flash, arms wrapping around her and squeezing her close, none of that carefulness- nothing but desperation fuelling the embrace. I dart at the doorway and hear the voices quietening as they head further away and approach the two. (Y/N) smiles sheepishly at me from where she's trapped in Deok-mi's arms, mouthing help over her shoulder.

I gently extract her from Deok-mi, holding her close for a few moments- allowing my panicking instincts to realise that she's fine and that there's no mask up- she genuinely isn't panicking and worried because of them being vampires, rather it's something else that lies under the surface.

"Are you okay baby?" Deok-mi fusses behind her, fretting- eyes flashing red with the frustration of being able to sense that something's wrong but not knowing what it is.

"I'm fine...I don't think you know but they're all my mates." She confesses from where she's burrowed her head into my chest, voice muffled by the fabric.

"They're what?!" Deok-mi shrieks, twisting her around and looking at her deep in the eyes with fear.

Fear for her because she holds a close place in Deok-mi's heart too and the fear is warranted- the feeling of sending someone you saw grow out into the wilderness of some sorts.

"Are you fine with that...let me rephrase are you happy?" I ask seeing her open her mouth to answer.

She thinks for a few moments, I can almost hear the cogs whirring around her brain as her brows furrow but then that furrow disappears, smoothens out.

"I believe I am, that I could be even happier with them with time." she answers honestly.

The answer appeases me. Because it's not a lovestruck confession, nor an exaggerated, embellished truth- it's her feelings as they are.

And I can live with that.

Sure I'll keep a closer eye on them all, be ready to jump in the moment they mess up. But I trust her, and I trust them too- I've seen them for several years as well now. 

My mate however is another story.

"My darling you promise to let your unnie know if something's wrong. You know our doors are open, you're welcome home anytime." She emphasises to (Y/N) who looks torn between being touched and wanting to giggle.

But somehow, we both have the same idea to fuss over the adorable girl and end up sandwiching her between us, eyes flashing red with satisfaction that for us- someone we see as a baby being sheltered and cocooned between us- even as she half-heartedly protests.

But then a sharp voice cuts through the air, shattering that perfect ambience.

"What do you think you're doing to my mate?" a cold voice demands.

My body stiffens at the hostility in the voice, the voice that demands an answer- between me and Deok-mi I can feel (Y/N) stiffen- hear the shocked questioning hitch of her breath.

I turn slowly, (Y/N) still in front of me and come face to face with a raging, fuming vampire. Who's voice has stirred up attention as the other six step out and try to read the situation.

A vampire who not too long ago looked only from afar at her.

Yoongi with his deeply crimson eyes, tightly coiled posture, and phone clutched tightly in one of his clenched fists- who looks at us with nothing but animosity within this moment.

And I wonder if somehow something else has shifted.

(YOONGI?! WHAT ON EARTH ARE YOU DOING?? HONESTLY...HE WASN'T GOING TO BE THE ONE TO DO THIS- IT WAS GOING TO BE JIMINIE BECOMING PROTECTIVE BUT SOMEHOW HE SNUCK IN AND STOLE THE SCENE! I WONDER WHAT'LL HAPPEN NOW- WAS THAT A SLIPUP OR INTENTIONAL, IS THIS FINALLY THE START OF SOMETHING GOOD, THAT ROAD TO REDEMPTION?? LET'S SEE! I CAN'T WAIT TO WRITE THE NEXT CHAPTER- THIS ONE BEING SOMEWHAT LONGER BUT OH WELL! 57K READS AND NUMBER 1?! THANK YOU MY LOVES SO SO MUCH! TAKE CARE AND STAY SAFE!)

It takes time, days, weeks, months, years to build up a level of trust and intimacy with someone and yet somehow a moment- one brief moment in time is enough to either shatter it all or create a new bond. Time is infinite but even it can't control our hearts.

Borahae! 💜💜💜

PurpleQueenie <3