KOOK POV:

Slowly our new home begins to feel like one, the merging and intertwining of everyone's scents as they layer onto objects, in rooms becoming an instinctually soothing presence, enough to have my shoulders drooping and relaxing once I step through to the other partition, when sometimes I don't even need to hide behind Jin hyung as he leads us over- crossing over every now and then by myself.

And though he doesn't say it, I see the flicker of pride, the slightest way his feathers flutter and wings flap, preening as Jin hyung enters through the door and already finds me there, sees me talking to one of the hyungs or curled up on the sofa watching a film.

And it's curled up on one couch with Jin hyung's hands petting my ears, a loose light scratching at the base of my ears that droop under his touch, fingers softly trailing through the fur, with Yoongi hyung curled up on the armchair- in the artificial darkness of the living room; curtains drawn and lights off, that he seems to sink and relax, tail curled around him and face soft that the movie plays on in the background. My attention taken by the way Jin hyung gives soft doting attention to my ears, fingers drifting to my slightly damp hair at the base and scratching at my scalp, aiding me in becoming more boneless in his arms- Yoongi hyung's scent becomes softer, as if he relaxes as his eyes flicker from the screen to focus on the two of us, a gentle curve to his lips.

It's one of the first times I feel at rest, perfectly at ease where my instincts aren't fidgety because of the closeness of a predator, where both my human and hybrid parts of my brain are in agreement that this is so relaxing, comforting- that the way the pack scent tickles my nose is in gentle reminder that this is pack, this is home.

But the sweet hazy air that's descended on the three of us, even as Yoongi hyung's eyes are sleepy narrowed slits as he observes the two of us and Jin hyung's breathing is calming and deep is shattered with the sound of the door opening. Because with it, it brings the scent of a scent spiked in distress and simmering fear, it's the sharp tartness to Hoseokie hyung's usually mellow and sweet citrusy scent that it has my nose scrunching at how acidic it seems in the moment.

It has Yoongi hyung unfurling from his posture and rising from his armchair, moving towards the doorway just as Hoseokie hyung enters it. Posture holding a slight stiffness despite the warm smile he shoots all of us and I note that his lips don't form the pretty heart shape they do when his smile is genuine- there's something bothering him and even if he doesn't physically express it, his scent betrays him.

"Hey hyungs, hey Jungkook-ah. Space for one more?" he asks, slightly morose and looking at us with wide eyes- that flicker with something shadowed, something that can't be deciphered in the guise of the dark but even so Jin hyung makes a small sound, hyung's eyes are the sharpest and most attentive out of all of us.

"Yoongi the lights please." Jin hyung asks, hand having stilled where it had over my ears and begins once more, no doubt having sensed my tenser posture and shifting slightly to press myself further into him even if he can't accurately sense my scent.

The lights turn on, slowly turned up to full brightness so it doesn't hurt our eyes all of a sudden, Yoongi hyung's pale hand still holding onto the small dial as he peers at Hoseokie hyung, a small frown on his lips and eyes flashing with concern, tail curling slowly in the air behind him.

"Hobi what's wrong?" Jin hyung asks, breaking the silent stare-off the two hyungs have standing in front of each other, eyes held captive by the other, head turned towards them even as he continues to calm me, to keep me relaxed and content even with the simmering bubbling hurt.

Hoseokie hyung droops slightly at the concern in hyung's tone, head bowing forward and looking vulnerable even as Yoongi hyung's hand settles on his nape, giving a soft squeeze before his hand trails down the side to briefly scent him. Hyung leans into Yoongi hyung, resting and allowing himself to be held, to be scooped into a light hug, Yoongi hyung's tail curling towards him- trying to soothe his distressed kit, as I'd heard him fondly call Hoseokie hyung and Taehyungie hyung numerous times, I want to help but don't know how. All I know is that the sunshine of our pack doesn't deserve to be sad, to look as if the light has dimmed and spluttered out slightly.

He's too sweet and lovely for that.

Because Hoseokie hyung despite being a predator hybrid is all sunshine and sweet voice and affectionate as he comes bounding over to our side, claiming Jin hyung needs to scent him- that he had a few years of cuddles and scenting to catch up on. I wasn't oblivious to the longing looks he darted towards me sometimes whilst happily purring and rumbling as Jin hyung scented him, I didn't miss them because I longed to nestle into hyung's lap at the same time and reach out towards Hoseokie hyung. Because I wondered what his scent mingling with mine directly on my skin would feel like.

And right now, his scent has taken an acidic sour tone.

"What's wrong kit?" Yoongi hyung asks, voice a low timbre, a deep almost growl.

It makes me shiver and duck closer to Jin hyung, even if a part of me aches to move close, to help soothe hyung.

"...work." He mumbles vaguely.

Work.

Something that seemed to be weighing down on the other hyungs too these days. Only Yoongi hyung and Taehyungie hyung seemed to talk of work with a fond happy smile, Taehyungie hyung regaling us all with tales of the cutest kids and their little stories, voice filled with pride and fondness as he shared the most popular tale amongst the children these days at the centre. A magical fairy worker who didn't need wings or magic dust to spread happiness. A fairy even he hadn't caught sight of, pouting petulantly- coaxing out fond laughs from our hyungs and my own heart to brim with giddy happiness. Because there was this radiance as he spoke, low voice smooth and excited as he recounted his day, cheeks puffing slightly between stories when Yoongi hyung or Hoseokie hyung pushed food into his mouth. And Yoongi hyung's radio show continued to gain popularity, and once when in the safe confines of Jin hyung's and I room had I listened to his show live, I'd found myself soothed by the deep rumble of his words and equally fascinated by the tracks he played.

They were quickly becoming such inspirational hyungs I awed over from a small distance, wanting to cross the distance first and found myself shying away at the last moment, whether it was a too fast turn from what they were doing to face me, or the sharp dominance in their scent that had mine sparking in slight fear and feet backtracking, rushing away to seek refuge in Jin hyung's arms or behind him, fingers brushing nervously over black feathers.

And I watch unblinkingly at the sight of Yoongi hyung ushering Hoseokie hyung to the couch, I straighten up from my reclined position on hyung's lap to give him space, to let him sit down beside me and give him a small smile when he gives me a grateful look, shifting uncertainly in his seat.

Yoongi hyung sinks into a crouch, peering up at hyung and looking at him with such fondness and tenderness as he cups his cheek.

"What about work Hobi? Are you hurt? Did something happen?" he asks, voice and scent spiking with protectiveness.

He shakes his head even as he nuzzles into hyung's palm.

"Hobi speak to us, any of us." Jin hyung murmurs, reaching across me to lightly brush his fingers through hyung's hair when hyung just fiddles with Yoongi hyung's hands that rest on his legs.

I shift closer, slightly shuffling until my leg presses against his, until there's a small distance between me and Jin hyung.

Yoongi hyung's eyes turn to me, silently observing but soften, something welcoming and soothing in them. Slightly shifts and angles himself to the side, not as a rejection to me my instincts whisper but to give me space, to not overwhelm me and I shoot a small grateful look to him.

"Hoseokie hyung...is someone being mean to my sunshine hyung?" I ask, the nickname slipping out before I can take the words back, but he turns to peer at me, a look of softness transforming his face- pushing away whatever had been bothering him, lips quirking up.

He gives a small shake of his head, curving towards me, almost uncertainly hovering and dithering- holding back slightly.

And I feel in that moment that there's nothing to shy from, nothing to question when it's clear that hyung is hurting about something and that I can't stand it.

And don't hesitate as I hold my arms open for Hoseokie hyung, to let him have that choice of whether he wants a hug, not expecting for his face to brighten further before I'm tackled, falling back onto Jin hyung's lap as he wraps his arms around me tightly, head resting in the crook of my shoulder.

My arms tighten around him, knowing that sometimes tactile comfort is what is needed, feeling that a part of me just relaxes and sinks into the protective warmth of his body pinning mine, of his scent lightening and sweetening- brushing against my nose in a teasing tickle.

Hoseokie hyung doesn't say anything as he hold me, shifting closer and positioning himself so he's not pinning me into the sofa uncomfortably, but more so that his weight is grounding and comforting. I don't even flinch when his nose gently brushes against my throat, the slightest careful pressure that releases a bursts of my own pheromones to fill the air.

I relax into Jin hyung's lap, sag as Hoseokie hyung lets out a pleased rumble, the slightest purring sound as he noses against my throat with a bit more eagerness, gentle touch mingling with quicker swift touches, intent on releasing more of my scent into the room, hands going to wrap around my waist as he hugs me.

And it's only a few instances later that he leans back, looking far more relaxed and giving me a thankful smile as he leans back, drawing me up with him.

"Thank you Jungkookie." He says softly but it's Yoongi hyung who reaches over to place one hand on my knee and one back on Hoseokie hyung's looking at me with soft tender eyes, a silent look of gratitude.

And Jin hyung who sweeps me close in bed later that night and murmurs how proud he is.

That sometimes a friendly comforting touch could go a long way.

Because it had been easier for Hobi hyung to open up that his co-worker was hurting and he couldn't help, that he could see the signs of them hiding something and that he knew she wouldn't reveal anything if he pried.

And the frustration when he mentioned how her usual thick coat of scent blockers couldn't even keep out the hints of distress- and she'd never broadcasted such strong emotions before, especially not hurt ones. And once he'd unburdened himself, he'd physically looked lighter and had expressed those simmering protective instincts by fussing over me in ways that didn't breach barriers- soft gentle squeezes to my shoulder and the light feeling of his fingers brushing through my hair once. Taehyungie hyung had been swept up into his fierce cuddles and nuzzling when he'd stepped through, eyes lighting up when he saw us already there- unable to start forward because he'd been pulled into scenting.

And even Jiminie hyung couldn't avoid the soft fussing as Hobi hyung cooked tonight, piling food onto everyone's plates whenever we managed to make a dent into them, hands fretting and hovering and wishing to touch but held back slightly.

And as I curled into Jin hyung's arms and felt his wings flutter and settle as he nestled close, the room thick and heavy with our shared scent, with the intrinsically familiar scent of nest I wished that my hyungs would stop hurting, that the lives they lived beyond the four walls of our pack home wouldn't be so harsh on them.

Because they deserved happiness, they didn't deserve the stress that kept pushing their hybrid instincts to rise to the surface.

(Y/N) POV:

I know that the day Hobi comes to relieve me from my shift, he waves me goodbye with a tight tick to his jaw and his observing eyes narrowed and thoughtful. Know that somehow he's picked up on a difference in me, as if he can just peer through me and see the frazzled panicking mess I'm slowly but surely becoming inside.

And even as I leave I want to turn back and turn to him, to spill everything just so I don't feel alone, horrifically so, with the feeling of being trapped- so that I know I have a refuge though it's small and momentary in his sweet smiles and soothing voice. So the panic is eased even in the slightest.

And the panic and hurt only climbs.

The very place that had been a second home, a place of familiarity and security for me- where everyday I'd been eager to go to work, to be surrounded with the bright happy smiles and laughter of the children, of the pleasing rush to my instincts that came with soothing and nurturing and helping hybrid children was slowly becoming a place where I felt on edge, felt keyed up and always alert, tense.

That when a cup from one of the cafes in the centre had been brought in front of my eyes, held there I'd balked- found a nauseous twist to my stomach as it churned, where the familiar sight now had my mind screeching, thinking that the trafficker was behind me and with my heart in my throat whirled around, legs trembling, to see Hobi standing there- face scrunched in confusion and concern as he'd peered at me.

"Is everything okay (Y/N)? I can hear how loud your heartbeat's gone." He'd said, taking a small step forward. And I don't know whether I'd succeeded in hiding the slight tremor to my hands as I'd taken the cup, wrapping my hands around it and trying to leech the warmth from it.

"I'm fine. You were really silent this time." I said by way of explanation, and though he'd nodded there had been an examining quality to his look, watching me as I tentatively brought the cup to my lips and sipped at the hot chocolate, tensed as if I was expecting poison to flow from it, to be hidden under the sweet tones of it.

It hurt that I felt my mind begin to crumble with paranoia, feeling as if a pair of eyes followed me in the centre, followed me as I walked home- a constant pair of eyes watching, even if I turned the collar of my coat up, drew up the hood other days and hurried along quicker. But no hand came to land on my shoulder and yank me backwards, no sour stale scent that thickened and flooded my senses as I was pulled off a busy street. Nothing but that constant fear of waiting, of feeling as if something was going to happen and I wasn't prepared.

And I also knew it was beginning to affect Eunwoo and Binnie, after the first few days of when the fear was settling in, Eunwoo was becoming increasingly protective and on-edge whenever he was out with me, responding instinctually to my own responses with his to protect and keep safe. And Binnie was becoming clingy and holding onto me, trying to smother me in cuddles and his scent when he wasn't beginning to organise and sort through his collection of plush blankets and cushions, dragging me in to cuddle through the night under the warmest, thickest covers and sandwiched between the two. And though I loved the warmth it brought, felt myself truly feel safe and content in bed and protected by the both than I did in the entire day, it didn't erase the nightmares, the lingering phantom thoughts haunting my minds and the niggling worry that I needed to check up on Min-Jun, fretting that every night I was away, I didn't know whether he was sleeping well, whether he was safe.

And steadily in the span of three days, they manage to somehow infiltrate spaces I never thought accessible or easy to reach. I found stuffed plushie toys, grotesquely maimed and torn open- stuffing spilling out waiting for me in my locker when I opened it to place my things away, I found the spare unscented clothes that I kept in case of needing to change- reeking of a sour scent and I had handed them over to Namjoon and Jimin, their noses turning up against it. But it hadn't been a real scent left behind by one of the traffickers, but an artificial spray- created and not natural, but even so it was kept as potential evidence for helping to identify them, even if Jimin had said that it didn't ring a bell, didn't seem familiar to him.

The feeling of being watched grew, sometimes making me feel as if they were a hairsbreadth away, that their eyes burned holes into my skin but when I whipped around there was no-one there. In fact, I'd ended up startling a mother and her child at one instance and a kind elderly man at another- staring at me with alarm when I whisked around to see who it was, posture stiff and ready to bolt.

And Min-Jun seemed to somehow sense it too. Sensed it with the instinctual needs and responses he was still gauging out, but nestled against my side when I was in the office- now working on files became something that happened within his nest with his body draped over my lap, reading a book or sharing snacks. Or whenever he napped he now needed to see me in his line of vision before he drifted off, a blanket curled close in his little fist. But there was also a small significant change. Something that gave me hope in the growing fear and darkness of the current situation.

He didn't balk at Hobi's approach anymore, didn't screech when his hand came in to scratch at the base of his ears or when Hobi padded forward on naturally silent feet to play with the baby bear- he didn't shriek and rush for refuge, but slowly and ever so slightly leaned into the touch even from his perch on my lap. And when I did leave Min-Jun didn't seem to kick up such a massive tantrum anymore when he saw me pulling on my coat or pressing soft kisses before leaving, clinging just as petulantly but allowing himself to be pried away or settling in one of the other carer's arms, waving at me, calling for me to 'come back soon' as his now no longer frail hand waved at me. Though he clung even tighter the next day.

He scented me almost as if he felt I needed the reassurance, needed the small stamp of claim from him to help calm me down, as if it would ward off whatever it was that had me protectively and frettingly hovering near him even as we stepped out the office or he tugged at my hand and looked at me with imploring eyes and asked if we could go to the park.

And though I chased after him, indulged with playing hide and seek I couldn't stop the fear welling up that if I did close my eyes or turn my back, Min-Jun would vanish. That even as I took him back to the centre as he happily sucked at the straw of his apple juice carton, nestled against my body so he could securely hold onto the carton, I kept scanning our surroundings for a hostile figure- examining and scrutinising each smiling parent or every young person there.

It made me feel guilty, horribly so.

And like clockwork, Hobi asked. Never pushing for more but asking, nonetheless.

"Everything okay?" he asks, looking at me as the two of us grab our coats to head home, Min-Jun staying under the protected observation of the head caregiver at the nursery.

I nod, fiddling as I do up my zip, fingers occupied as I glide it up, draw my scarf to wrap around my neck, dipping my head slightly into it to avoid him catching sight of my grimace.

I wish everything was okay.

Wished that I could reply honestly and genuinely, not having to fight the tremble in my voice or buckle and just spill everything that had been bubbling and building.

"Everything's fine..." I say, seeing the way as he fiddles with his own zip and buttons his face twists, lips curving into a small scowl and eyes flashing for a moment.

And when we walk out together, it's in silence- heading out to the main roads side by side. But before we diverge, before we split off to go our own ways, his hand darts out to grab the sleeve of my coat.

"You know you can tell me if something is bothering you." he says, not a question but statement of fact, not a matter of needing permission but more so that it was a statement of when and where. That he is there for me to talk to, that his ears are ready to listen.

I nod.

His words help more than he'll know but they're also a reminder of exactly what Namjoon specifically ordered not to do.

Don't trust anyone. The less that know the better.

"I know Hobi. Take care getting back." I say softly, watching as his tail slightly droops and ears wilt giving me a small nod.

But the safety of his words, of the comfort there on offer doesn't fail to wrap around me- an extra layer of warmth as I walk home, somehow not feeling the stare pin me this time as I get home.

It creates a difference enough that when I get home, it's not Eunwoo and Binnie who pounce to scent mark and greet me, but my arms that drape over them and nuzzle into their hair, pressing soft kisses before peeling off my coat.

"I'm gonna have a bath." I call as I head towards the bathroom, bundle of fuzzy warm pyjamas in my hands.

"I'll order dinner in a bit." Binnie calls, my head turning in time to see his head poke out around the doorway, blowing me a kiss.

I smile and nod, entering the bathroom- steeping myself into a hot scented bath that has my stiff body relaxing and unwinding, that sluices away the stress of the past few days.

And when I'm towelled off and dressed in warm thick pyjamas and padding out into the hallway, there's the sound of the doorbell ringing.

"I'll get it!" I call, knowing that dinner has arrived, opening the door to a young smiling girl who holds the takeout bags towards me, and enter the living room with the bags, having them taken from me so Eunwoo can set them down onto the table- ushering me and Binnie to follow suit.

It's the calmest I've felt in a long time, all wrapped up and warm, belly full from dinner and in that pleasant haze of scenting and being scented as we curl together on the couch.

And as Binnie bounds up, claiming he left something in his bag accidentally, a surprise that he rushes to get- he returns with a boxed cupcake in hand and the sight of a blank white envelope.

"This was on the floor near the front door." He says confusedly, holding it out towards us.

But just as Eunwoo's reaches out for it, my own darts out to pluck it, distantly realising that Binnie goes to sit back down and Eunwoo is giving me a glance.

But I can't tear my eyes away from the envelope. Can't fight the vicious churning of my stomach as the slightly stale sour scent comes through, brushing mockingly against my senses.

And I know in that moment, that my pack isn't safe. That my home, my nest, my safe space has been violated. But that it's also brought them into danger.

And that it's the last straw.

That I'm not letting them take this from me, try to threaten the security of my family, of my pack.

That I've been pushed into a corner and I'll do anything to make it out alive, to get them out unhurt.

No matter what the cost.

(THERE YOU GO!! AHHHHHHHHH! I REALLY FEL FOR HER BECAUSE HER ENTIRE LIFE IS BEING TURNED AROUND, SHE DOESN'T KNOW WHAT TO CALL SAFE ANYMORE AND WHAT NOT TO, SHE DOESN'T KNOW WHAT AWAITS HER ON ANY CORNER!! AND IN THE FIRST HALF WE HAD SOFT FLUFFU HUGS AND SCENTING- WITH BABY BUN KOOKIE BEING THE SOFT REASSURING PERSON AND PACKMATE HOBI NEEDED! WHY WAS HOBI UPSET?? COS A CERTAIN (Y/N) JUST WON'T TELL HIM WHAT'S BOTHERING HIM AND IT'S MAKING HIM ALL SAD NOT BEING ABLE TO HELP OR PROTECT OR LESSEN HER BURDEN. BUT HE ALSO WON'T PUSH EVEN IF HE REALLY, REALLY WANTS TO!! POOR BABIES ON BOTH ENDS! AND NOW!! FINALLY! LET'S SEE WHAT THE NEXT CHAPTER BRINGS!! SO SO EXCITED FOR WHAT'S TO COME!! LET ME KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS AND REACTIONS AND IF YOU ENJOYED THE CHAPTER! TAKE CARE AND STAY SAFE LOVES!!)

QUESTION...SOMETHING YOU MISS?

Mine is...my old hair. Thicker and healthier- not it'll never be the same but I want it back!! Any tips on hair thickening please send my way!! Honestly, the hard water in England really isn't doing me any favours!! And generally and currently... I miss my old normal. I miss going to uni, meeting friends, walking around without a mask, without that ever-present fear of the pandemic. I want it all to be over!!

Borahae! 💜💜💜

PurpleQueenie <3