Chapter 13

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Something was smelling amazing. Had for some time now... although Jungkook had a hard time categorizing the scent.

It wasn't Jimin's familiar scent. It was something else... familiar, but at the same time not quite.

Half asleep Jungkook moved closer, trying to get a better idea of the scent.

Where did he know it from?

When his hands felt fabric in front of him he pulled it closer, tiredly nosing at it.

He could hear a yelp above him, the bed moving a little.

"Jungkook..."

Confused and disoriented Jungkook's eyes snapped open. Not really properly registering what he was seeing he stared at Taehyung.

Then at the fabric in his hands that turned out to be Taehyung's sleeve.

Taehyung looked a little thrown off, clearly trying to keep his balance, a bowl in one hand and Jungkook holding onto his second one.

He was supporting himself on the edge of the bed with one knee and Jungkook realized that he must have pulled quite hard in his sleep...

And almost made Taehyung fall.

He quickly let go of the arm, moving back a bit.

"Sorry! I was still asleep."

Taehyung looked startled at Jungkook's sudden reaction, eyes wide and still clearly a little confused.

"Uhm... don't worry about it..." He looked awkward as he pushed himself off the bed. "Uhm I got you food. I thought it's probably better if you eat it here."

Jungkook nodded gratefully. Eating here certainly sounded more appealing than the kitchen.

"Yeah... thank you. Will you eat something too?" Jungkook still felt conflicted on Taehyung... but he wanted to be nice.

He really tried to at least. "If it's comfortable enough, maybe wanna join me eating here?"

Jungkook patted the bed, realizing he was somewhat inviting an alpha into his bed.

But then he pushed the thought away. It was Taehyung. He had to stop worrying about this shit.

Taehyung was so loyal to Jimin that even if he would have been more aggressive as an alpha he wouldn't have posed a threat.

"Sure." Taehyung seemed to catch himself and smiled. "Let me get a bowl for myself too."

While he was gone Jungkook rearranged the pillows a little for them both to sit comfortably.

When Taehyung came back with a bowl he asked Jungkook to show him where he was allowed to sit.

It was kind of nice. Taehyung respecting his nest like this.

Even though Jungkook didn't know many alphas, he'd heard people complain about how alphas tended to just walz right into an omega's nest like it belonged to them.

Jimin really had gotten himself someone good for him and Jungkook was glad that this was the case.

After they had settled down they both ate in what was a weird mix of a comfortable and uncomfortable silence.

Because it was pretty relaxed on one hand but Jungkook felt like Taehyung was preparing to say something.

And Jungkook had no idea what.

"You've been avoiding me..." Taehyung finally muttered, more so as a statement than a question. "I mean, you have been before, but it's gotten worse."

For a couple of seconds the words heavily hung in the space between them but then Jungkook sighed.

There was no point denying it.

"Yeah."

Taehyung sounded relieved when he continued talking. Maybe he had expected Jungkook to lie.

"Mind telling me why?" His voice was soft. Not pressuring Jungkook to talk in the slightest.

Jungkook really couldn't believe this type of alpha even existed.

He stared up at the ceiling, contemplating how to say what he was about to say.

He felt oddly comfortable sitting next to Taehyung right now. It was probably the alpha's scent.

Jungkook had liked it way too much right from the beginning.

"I'm going to say this to give you an idea of what is going on inside my head, not because I want to offend you. So please don't take it as an insult." Jungkook began, and he really didn't want to attack Taehyung. He just wanted to clear things up.

Maybe talking about the prominent issue of biology would help.

"Okay. I'm not easily offended usually, so go for it." Taehyung reassured, running his hands over the blanket under him as if to straighten it.

Even if he wasn't as obvious as Jungkook, he seemed a little nervous too.

"When we first met I was drunk so I was okay with you because I get more comfortable around people while I'm drunk. Then I started hanging out with you and Jimin and... my brain somewhat registered you as another omega.

Because you're sweet and soft with Jimin and barely have any... alpha tendencies. At least you're a lot more controlled and just nicer than all the alphas I've met before."

Jungkook sighed, relief flooding him when Taehyung didn't seem offended from being compared to an omega.

"But then we were at that party and you stood up to that guy and my brain finally realised you are an alpha... the problem is... I'm pretty anxious around alphas." He pressed his lips into a thin line.

"I really like you as a person and I know there is no logical reason for me to be scared of you, but right now a part of my brain just has alarms going off whenever I think of you."

He didn't dare look at Taehyung's face. Didn't want to see the disappointment.

Taehyung didn't deserve this.

"It's a little weird, but right now it's a lot better... I think your scent might be helping me keep my cool. Because even though I'm usually scared of alphas I already recognize your scent as something comforting rather than scary..."

"Jungkook..."

Even though he didn't want to, he forced himself to look up at Taehyung's voice. But the alpha didn't seem angry or annoyed.

Instead his eyes were so warm. It made Jungkook feel even worse for being such a judgmental dick.

"Is there a reason you don't like alphas? Any bad experiences that triggered it?"

Jungkook wasn't sure how much he was comfortable talking about. Especially with Taehyung.

They barely knew each other.

Nevertheless he decided to be honest. Taehyung deserved some explanation.

"Not anything like you're expecting probably. First off, practically all alphas I ever met were kind of assholes. Different levels of assholery but nevertheless assholes."

Jungkook brought his spoon up to his lips and carefully blew on the stew before taking his first bite.

It tasted amazing. Taehyung really was an amazing cook. Yet another stereotype Taehyung didn't meet.

At this point Jungkook wasn't even surprised anymore.

"I'm really not saying this to offend you. I genuinely like you as a person and it's been a while since I've felt this comfortable around anyone... it's just my experience with alphas so far."

He took another bite.

"They are usually territorial, selfish, arrogant and have no empathy." Jungkook explained. "It's them first, then everyone else."

For a second Jungkook stared at his bowl. He didn't exactly like talking about what he was about to say next, but it was far in the past.

And Jungkook wanted Taehyung to realize that this had nothing to do with him.

"The prime example for this was my mum's ex boyfriend. My parents got divorced when I was very young. My dad is a beta, my mum an omega. The next guy she went for was... different from my dad."

Jungkook grimaced.

"He was 'confident', 'strong' and all the other good alpha characteristics. About a year into the relationship he started beating my mum up whenever he was drunk. He hated me and my existence. I was the leftover of another man in that house."

He could tell Taehyung was releasing calming pheromones to counter his obviously angry ones.

Jungkook was grateful. It helped him stay there instead of slipping too deep into the memories.

He didn't want to cry. He still felt so helpless when he thought back to it.

"He never tried to hit me but he yelled at me a lot. No matter what I did he would get angry at me. I felt so helpless back then." Jungkook sighed, closing his eyes. "My mum broke up with him when I was twelve. He was my stepdad for only three years but it just... stayed."

Jungkook stirred his stew. "Every time I see an alpha display any of their typical characteristics I just get thrown back." He brought the spoon up to his mouth again.

"It's the worst when there is growling involved. Because he did that every time he was angry."

There was a long silence, until Taehyung finally spoke up. "I... do you mind if I touch you?"

For a second Jungkook hesitated, but then he shook his head. Even though he had been sure he was scared of Taehyung the last few days, sitting next to him right now...

It didn't scare him at all.

Jungkook had been scared of the idea of alpha Taehyung. Not Taehyung.

"I don't mind..."

He didn't lift his head though, scared that maybe the tears in his eyes would show.

He startled when Taehyung carefully took the bowl from his hands and placed both their dishes on the ground before sitting back down...

And pulled Jungkook into a tight hug.

Jungkook was taken aback by the sudden body contact, but he couldn't help sinking against the alpha.

He was used to hugging and cuddling with Jimin, but Taehyung felt completely different.

He smelled different. Was broader. Felt harder against him.

But it was calming nevertheless. Taehyung smelled absolutely amazing, especially up close.

The way his hands ran over Jungkook's back was so careful and soft.

They just sat there in complete silence, Taehyung holding Jungkook in his lap... and it could have been awkward.

But it wasn't.

For some weird reason Jungkook didn't feel awkward as Taehyung ran his hand through Jungkook's hair.

"Sorry about not saying anything... I'm not really good with words." Taehyung muttered after some time.

Jungkook shook his head, leaning more into Taehyung, shifting a little so he was more comfortable. "It's okay... same. I usually tend to come off as really rude."

Jungkook could feel Taehyung's chest shake as he laughed under him. "I... can see that."

A fake gasp left Jungkook's lips. "Fuck off."

Taehyung squeezed his waist. "I know you're not."

Jungkook tsked but let Taehyung continue to hold him.

After another small silence he spoke up again. "I really don't think you're like that..." He sighed, closing his eyes while leaning on Taehyung's shoulder.

"It's just instinctual for me to connect alphas growling to danger by now."

Taehyung nodded. "I get that. I'll try not to do it with you around anymore."

There was no way to describe how grateful Jungkook felt for Taehyung. Ever since they had met for the first time the alpha had been nothing but sweet and understanding.

"Thank you... I'm really glad Jimin picked you. He really deserves someone this sweet and caring." Jungkook couldn't help but smile.

It was funny how little jealousy he felt towards Taehyung.

"You're the first alpha that ever made it into his heart."

Taehyung chuckled, his hands still rubbing Jungkook's side. It was calming and way too comfortable.

They could have parted again and talked like that, but Jungkook wanted to stay like this a little longer. It felt good.

"Actually..." Taehyung began and Jungkook listened.

"It's pretty rare, but my parents are both omegas." Taehyung admitted, playing with the seam of Jungkook's t-shirt.

"I never really related to the typical alpha stereotypes because it's not what I grew up to be. It's probably why I can listen to you shittalking alphas and think to myself 'yeah, you're right.'"

The alpha shifted a little.

"When I grew up my parents went through a lot. Because my dad is an omega he was never able to properly protect my mother from alphas. No one ever took him seriously as her partner. Because she 'needed a real man'." He could hear Taehyung roll his eyes even if he didn't see it.

"I always wanted to protect them growing up. They raised me, certain that I was going to be an omega since even when I kept going on and on about becoming strong and protecting them, I was a small child with noodle arms." Taehyung giggled and Jungkook couldn't help smiling too.

The more he learned about Taehyung the more he liked him.

It was weird, but Jungkook was glad this was the way things were going. Nothing bad was happening.

It just kept getting better.

"When I presented they made me take five tests... because they couldn't believe it."

Taehyung moved his hand to Jungkook's stomach, now hugging him instead of rubbing his sides.

"I was happy. Because becoming an alpha meant I actually would be able to protect them. I started working out like crazy. My parents were actually scared that their noodle arm child would collapse at some point."

Jungkook giggled.

"I pulled through and started to get stronger."

Jungkook smiled. This was nice. Listening to Taehyung talk was nice. Learning new things about him was nice.

He liked this a lot.

"They must be proud of you."

Taehyung nodded. "They are. I think they are glad I didn't present as an omega. Being one isn't easy..."

There was a short pause before Taehyung added. "As you well know."

Jungkook stared at the ceiling.

"Yeah... I know all too well." Then he had to think of Jimin. A warm feeling spread through his stomach. "Jimin is amazing though. He's an omega too, but he isn't scared of anything. He isn't scared of standing up to people. Just does this thing... I look up to him a lot."

He heard Taehyung sigh behind him. "It's not that easy... Jimin doesn't make it easy for himself."

Jungkook furrowed his brows. "How so?"

Another sigh. "The only reason Jimin is brave enough to do this is because he knows he can take the repercussions if there are any."

Jungkook blinked. "What are you talking about?"

"Let's get back to eating." He could feel Taehyung's hand run through his hair. "This is something you should talk to Jimin about, not me. But don't try to copy what Jimin is doing. Although I doubt you ever will."

Jungkook felt Taehyung lift him off his lap.

He was confused, but Taehyung seemed to have no intention of answering his questions as he picked up his bowl again and went back to eating.

But Jungkook didn't miss the way Taehyung's gaze had turned a little darker.

He wondered what had happened to Jimin that Taehyung refused to really talk about.

A/N

:(

Precious bby Jimin needs to be protected