JIMIN POV:

My lips twitch as (Y/N) laments wistfully about the cute dungarees she'd unwillingly parted from, having turned to me with the saddest, widest doe-eyes that had tugged at my heartstrings, had me almost crumbling, resolve vanishing and slipping away. It had been so hard to shake my head and steer her away towards the tills, it felt like I was the bad guy for making her pout so dejectedly as she sighed, ears drooping as she walked forwards to pay for the armful of clothes she'd already gathered for Min-Jun.

And though the gesture had been so slight, so subtle that anyone would've missed it out, I hadn't failed to notice the way that she'd paid for quite a large chunk of the clothes with her personal card. It seemed that clothes came under the expenses the centre provided for but understandably with a set limit.

But it was clear that a limit wasn't going to be put on (Y/N)'s infectious enthusiasm in pampering the young bear cub, no limiting how active she'd been as she'd rushed around scooping up clothes in his size and having me hold them up in front of me so she could run careful, critical eyes on them.

It had left me filled with warmth seeing how her nurturing instincts were spilling out unrestrained, a smile on my face as I saw how she was buzzing with energy, so different to the endearing, sweet soft image of her sleepily padding around the kitchen this morning at breakfast. It had been such a domestic, soft sight to walk in onto, to see the way her ears had perked up, stiff and to attention at the sound of my footsteps and the flick of her tail as her instincts registered a predator close before she relaxed, less than a single instance it had been of becoming alert, and turned to smile at me, to push the larger, more heavily filled plate in front of me.

And when she'd had called me out on it, on trying to feed her more, I couldn't help being both amused and touched that she'd noticed, that she'd picked up on the behaviour.

And yet I shouldn't have been surprised, not when those large doe-eyes seemed to be all seeing, seemed to be far more observant than she let on, penetrative and powerful eyes was what she had.

And now. Walking beside her on the street, seeing the way the bags swing happily from her hand and the way she was pretending to be affronted at my lack of support had my fangs poking against my bottom lip as I smile, amusement and satisfaction bubbling up at the way her lips stretch out into a smile.

I hadn't seen such a carefree smile on her face since I'd met her. Because a case had brought us into each other's paths, because since then it had seemed like she'd only suffered and endured. It had seemed like since then I had seen several sides of her, but sides of her struggle, stages where that strong, fierce courage and independence had slowly started crumbling, cracks in the glass until it had all come tumbling down, until I'd seen that broken vulnerability that night at the station. Had seen the way she'd tried to put those shards of glass together, had tried to keep herself pieced together and had tried to adjust and cope to the change of living somewhere new. But despite being put together, the cracks didn't vanish- those moments of fragility and hurt still flickered through.

But today. Today those cracks seemed to melt away, faded from sight. Today she had been relaxed, had been content and all sleepy in the morning and buzzing with energy and enthusiasm later. It made me feel bad, made me wonder whether trying to keep her safe by keeping her inside was making her feel suffocated, was making her feel stifled and closed off from the world. Maybe that was why she had been so eager, so excited for this small outing.

And as we walked towards Jin hyung and Jungkookie's bakery, I resolved to take her out more, to give her these small joys, to do things to keep her smiling and content. She deserved that. She deserved so much more.

"So where do Jin and Jungkook work? That they invited us over?" she asks with curiosity.

"Where you'll get the best service for lunch. Really sweet and friendly staff where they work." I reply easily, smiling unconsciously at the thought of stepping into that homey, comforting warmth, of sharing that with her.

I was so sure that she'd enjoy herself, that she'd like the atmosphere as well as the food.

And I guide her down the last small stretch before turning to face the bakery, see the way she steps behind me, a small sound of rustling and footsteps coming to a stop before I'm pushing open the door. Before she's following me inside.

I sense more than see the moment she steps in, hearing the light footsteps and the barely audible sigh and from the corner of my eyes I see her hand loosening around the handles.

And then Jungkookie's voice is calling out, bright and happy as he greets us, as his head bends, ears flopping slightly as he waves at (Y/N) who's behind me, toothy grin as he takes her in.

My eyes drift over the empty café. A rare, odd sight.

The café was always bustling with customers, always filled with a cloud of scents, humans and hybrids alike and a constant hum of noise, of dishes clattering, of orders being taken and of customers chatting.

This. This was new. Slightly disorienting to see it completely empty, not a lone customer on any of the tables. The tables which are highly polished, chairs all neatly arranged.

And when I voice it, Jin hyung's sweeping in, black rustling wings as he sighs with relief, at how amazing it is to have an empty café for lunch.

Simply said words. But words that has my heart beating quicker with fondness and pride towards my packmate. At the silently thoughtful gesture of keeping it empty for (Y/N), to keep her at ease and to make her comfortable.

I watch as he and (Y/N) talk, a natural fluidity between them as they talk, surprising me momentarily because of how at ease they seem with each other before it makes me relax alongside at them, happy and instincts chirping satisfied and giddy for both of them.

The three of us watch as (Y/N) begins walking around the bakery, quietly exploring with wide eyes, pausing to look at the details of the art, of the colours of the shop, pausing in front of the awards, silent treads of her feet as she navigates the shop. Wrap an arm around Jungkookie as he leans against my side, increasingly more comfortable with seeking out affection, with reciprocating it and I feel my tail swish when he leans in to nuzzle at my scent gland, my head tilting to allow him to nose at the gland, feeling the soft fur of his ear brush against my cheek in a ticklish, soft caress as he scents, humming happily when a burst of mint seeps into the air.

Our postures loosen, my eyes content to track (Y/N) as she walks, following her journey, distantly tuned in to Jungkookie and Jin hyung's conversation, their soft worried murmurs drawing my eyes to flick to my packmates, at the undercurrent of distress in their words- alerted by the restless way Jin hyung's wings move and Jungkookie leans further into my embrace, shifting slightly.

But the conversation is disturbed by the back kitchen doors being pushed open and the squirrel hybrid, Moonbin, I remember, walking in, his tail all stiff and ears pressed forward and rigid with tension, following (Y/N)'s tentative question.

I watch as he murmurs, voice low and downcast, feeling sympathy at the sight of the dejected hybrid but the sudden way (Y/N) stiffens, the way her head jerks upright and stares at him, wide and disbelieving has my own posture stiffening and straightening in alarm. She looks unblinkingly at him and before I can tug her behind me, move her out of the way and out of Moonbin's line of sight, instinctively driven to protect first, assess second, his own tail wilts, sagging and loosing all its stiffness, ears perking up with energy, his own eyes showing he's startled.

And then there's a wounded, pained sound slipping out her throat, yanking harshly on my heartstrings and instinctual needs, followed by a deep, distressed growl. And then there's movement, sudden rough movement as the bags go tumbling down from her slack grip, legs propelling her to rush forward, to rush and approach the equally frantic figure who pushes his way past the counter hatch to get closer.

There's pure, urgent, unadulterated need as Moonbin scoops (Y/N) close, hands gripping her thighs to hoist her up, to cradle her close as her legs lock around his waist, as the two of them move towards each other, hands tight and unrelenting on her as he tugs her close and their bodies collide in a messy, entangled embrace full of want and pure longing. Her hands tremble as they fist into his clothes, yank him impossibly closer, foreheads pressed close as they breathe, shuddery rough exhales.

"Noona...noona it's really you.", and the urgency, the sheer relief in his words has my throat tightening up with the emotion, has me gripping the edge of the table I'd been leaning against, as I watch the two of them nuzzle, watch wet cheeks press together, watch this intimate greeting, so tender, so raw as they wind themselves closer.

"Binnie...I missed you." her voice is rough and trembling, gasping out his name, trembling in his hold as she crumples, head bent towards his throat as she scents. A rough, needy raw scent marking as she nuzzles against him, sobbing and shaking as she noses at the gland, presses wet teary kisses his throat to scent, to coax out more of that rich sweet nutty scent of hazelnut, scenting becoming rougher and more urgent, becoming more uncoordinated and messier but so, so painful, so, so needy.

His pained, shaky cries for 'noona' grate against my ears, so rough and so vulnerable, cracking with the pain of being parted so long as he tucks her close, his hands tightening on her thighs, looking as if they belong there, as if they always have with how his rough force has her crying, sobbing into the crevice of his throat, her hands tightening. This frantic urgency to get closer and closer, as if wanting, needing to meld themselves together.

And despite myself, despite the logical part of me recognising this as a needed reunion, as the sweet agonising reunion of two mates, a part of me jerks forward, instincts unsettled by the distraught state she's in, wanting to soothe her, wanting to get to her even if I know I have no right to. No place to interfere or come close.

And my sudden gesture has Jungkookie rising against me, hand gripping me with alarm and panic and a cry of 'hyung no'. I stiffen in his hold, freezing when his words and alarm has me stilling, his scent thickening and pulsing heavily, piercing through the fog of rich hazelnut, a sharpness to the soft cottony scent; something that just screams warning.

That and because all of a sudden he growls. A sharp warning sound that's directed threateningly towards me, telling me to stop in my tracks from where I'd moved forward. His tail shifting as he grips tighter at (Y/N), with a force that I can't help but worry that must be hurting her, his scent going bitter and sharp. I freeze and still because I see the way (Y/N)'s ears flick nervously, with distress and she grips tighter at Moonbin, holding herself over him and stiffens. As if to protect him from whatever caused him to growl.

And the knowledge that it's me that she's unconsciously shielding him from doesn't sit well in me, makes my stomach shift and twist into knots.

But I fall back, sagging against the table, responding to the warning by conceding and the tension bleeds out of his posture, but his eyes are dark as they look at me. Assess me.

It takes all my willpower, takes every ounce of resolve and restraint to not respond to the challenge in them, to snap my teeth at him, tail restlessly moving and ears beginning to bend back.

"Mine. She's mine." Is growled out so protectively, so defensively and so angrily, reminding me of hearing those same words, hearing the same protective rage from another voice, from another person.

She's not. She can't.

And yet my mind pushes to silence those instincts, those gut feelings that are never wrong.

She can't be...can she? Surely not. Surely I didn't miss such a vital piece of information.

"They're...they're safe Binnie." She mumbles, voice slurred and muffled, heavy and thick on her tongue as if she has difficulty wording it, as if speaking through a haze, slightly unaware.

The beginning of being scent drunk I realise. Clogged up and filled with pheromones, that rich nuttiness pumping itself out towards her, filling her. It wouldn't be too long until she became pliant and loose, unconsciously relaxing under the pheromones that silently screamed protect, protect.

And I try not to focus on how it makes me feel that she calls us safe, that despite being pushed near drunk on his scent, she had enough coherency to ease him off, to tell him we were fine. I try to ignore the way it makes my tail swish a bit quicker, brushing low against the floor and against the side of Jungkookie's calf.

But despite that, he remains defensive, voice shaking as he speaks, triggering an instinctual response out of her to scent him, to try settle him, telling him she's not going anywhere.

And I feel failed, feel absolutely ashamed at the way I'd been so focused on their interaction that I process the chiming of the door far too late, realise it when the steps are loud and close, until the sight of a tall male steps into our line of vision.

Has Jin hyung murmuring softly as he reaches out for him, the male who ducks away from the touch intending to hold him back, pushes forward towards the two of them.

It has protective urgency flaring up, hot white raw need that has me darting up and grabbing his wrist, tugging him away.

"Don't go near her." I snarl, fangs pricking against my lip as I tug him back, a sudden yank that has his foot staggering for all but one step.

But he tears his wrist out of my grip, striding forward with sharp focused eyes, my instincts flaring and bursting out at the random man approaching (Y/N) when she was in such a vulnerable state, when the curve of her back was exposed and unprotected.

I'm moving closer, rushing to get him away when Jin hyung steps into my way, wings fluttering as they flap, the edges brushing across my nose, a slight ticklish sensation as the black obsidian covers the sight of them.

"Just see Jiminie. Hold still pup." He says urgently, voice full of authority, has my instincts submitting at the power and command even as I shift restlessly, knowing that I needed to protect her.

But when he speaks her name, says it so hopefully, so tentatively and disbelieving I feel the fight drain out because he knows her, because that heavy rich scent of wood and pine pulses heavily and because I step out from behind hyung in time to see him bracket (Y/N)'s body with his chest, to tuck her between Moonbin and him.

Feel my heart clench at the agony as she sobs for him.

"Woo..." her hand leaning to tug him closer, drawing a wounded sound out of him before he's pressing back in tighter, to settle against her properly as he shudders, pressing his lips to the back of her head in a tender gesture.

"Your Woo." He echoes.

And I knew in that moment. It wasn't a mate, it was mates.

And I didn't know entirely what to make of the way I felt blistering agony drive itself into my heart, heavy and painful.

KOOK POV:

I watch with happiness, giddy exuberance as Binnie finally seems satisfied, finally content and happy as he cradles (Y/N) close, my heart aching for them as they clutch at each other, a frantic urgency to get closer, to scent each other and to finally feel settled.

A part of me feels guilty for not having caught it before, for not making the connection that it had been Binnie that (Y/N) had been able to detect on me these past few days. All those tentative hopeful glances, slightly disbelieving as she'd leant in, chased after something, that something I know knew to be the nutty scent of her mate, was her chasing after that familiarity. No wonder she'd been so at ease, so relaxed after scenting.

The scenting, which was still fresh in my mind, still fresh as I remembered the way she'd tentatively clambered onto my lap, shifting close and settling into my embrace as she'd lightly brushed her fingers to my scent gland, had chased after Binnie's scent. I still remembered how happy it had made me, to help her, to give her that small moment of comfort. Remembered how satisfied I'd felt on a deeply instinctual level as well, to feel as if I was protecting her, holding her within my arms as she tucked herself small and lightly nuzzled, chaste and gentle, still friendly, still slightly shy and hesitant. But slowly she'd relaxed, had leant into the hug and reciprocated it with just as much soft tenderness.

But that hadn't been anything like this. Like this almost compulsive scenting because they'd been parted so long, because this was the consequence of being separated from the one who her biology was bound with, who she yearned and craved on an instinctive level too.

It made my tail twitch and ears flop with happiness to see her finally reunited with him, happy to see Binnie who'd been so morose, so dejected and uncharacteristically silent and withdrawn these past few weeks to be snapped out of that, even if it was frantic, if it was full of need and haste as he clutched at (Y/N), protectively held her and growled warningly at Jiminie hyung.

Jiminie hyung who seemed keyed up, unaware that Binnie was her mate, but even more so affected. Probably fighting with the combined instinctual need as well as his duty as both an officer and friend. I could smell how affected he was beginning to get, to fight with those needs, could smell it in the way his minty scent became sharp and overpowering, an almost unbearable strength to that refreshing mint. And as I keep myself tucked in close, I can't help but lean in towards his scent gland, trying to ease away that sharpness, bothered by the way it makes my eyes sting with how strongly it pulses out but still lean in to nuzzle against it, sighing with relief when it mellows out slightly as he leans into it, pressing a peck to the gland as I lean back into his side once more.

And when he jerks forward, I feel alarm as I reach to grip his hand tightly, tugging him back.

"Hyung no!" I cry out, tightening my grip to stop his sudden response, as he tries to answer the warning growl, challenged by it.

My own scent pulses heavily, trying to settle our antsy packmate and out of the corner of my eyes, I see Jin hyung subtly step closer, wings pinned back as he prepares himself to intervene if he needs to, eyes watchful and carefully taking in Jiminie hyung, shooting me a small proud smile.

And despite it all, Jiminie hyung seems to calm, seems to settle against me and hold back every protective urge because he didn't know Binnie, he didn't know how sweet the squirrel hybrid really was. Hyung was seeing the very hurting, protective, fiery side of Binnie and bristling because of it, challenged and restless because of the warning, piercing look Binnie was eyeing him with.

And yet he was trying, he was remaining curved against me.

But then the café's chimes rang out as another person stepped in and the woodsy scent that seeps into the air, that penetrates through the fog of rich nuttiness has the three of us turning, has me stiffening only to relax mere moments later when I see Eunwoo step in, easy stride turning quick and face expressing bewilderment.

I relax because neither Binnie nor (Y/N) are being threatened, aren't at risk by Eunwoo's presence, see as Jin hyung reaches for Eunwoo with a soft murmur, trying to ease him into it but Eunwoo ducks away, swerving out the touch, eyes glued to the sight of Binnie and (Y/N) as he moves forward with purpose.

And relaxing had been an error in my hindsight because Jiminie hyung bolts upright and starts forward, moving quickly and with aim as he intercepts Eunwoo, hand wrapping around his wrist to jerk him away from the two.

"Don't go near her." he snarls, deep and rough and authoritative, fangs bared as he grips Eunwoo, Eunwoo who yanks himself out his grip and rushes forward regardless of the warning issued clearly with a low growl. An issue that has me shivering and wanting to bare my throat to hyung in submission.

I move forward but Jin hyung, already alert, already poised to intercept blocks Jiminie hyung from moving close to three of them, murmurs quietly but authoritatively for him to watch, for him to see what we know. For him to see the way that Eunwoo is quick to bracket (Y/N)'s body with his, protectively caging her in, pressing kisses to her head, eyes watering up as he hugs her from behind.

Not mate like we'd thought. Mates.

And if I duck my head down, ears falling forward as I scrub quickly at my eyes, who has to know? Who has to know just how much relief I feel, such a physical ache at their yearning and longing for each other, for the way they sob and clutch at each other, messily scent that it makes my eyes prick with happiness for them. Happy and so relieved that they have this, that they finally have each other.

Because it's clear just how much all three of them needed this, how much they'd needed each other and how her having to move away had affected them so deeply.

But my sniffle isn't quite as muffled as I'd thought and when I raise my head, pushing my ears to the side, I find Jin hyung's eyes already on me, tender and soft, focusing on my face with a sweet expression.

Guess there's just no hiding things from mates.

Neither the longing, neither the feelings.

There was always this transparency between mates, that always made understanding each other so easy, so instinctive.

And so when he opened his other arm invitingly, his left already wrapped around Jiminie hyung, how was I to say no? How was I to do anything except rush forward and eagerly tuck myself against him, pressing a small kiss to his cheek?

-----

I watch as Eunwoo continues to rub his cheek against (Y/N)'s, turning his head to press soft kisses to her cheek, nosing at the skin under her eyes, his antlers brushing against her hair. Much more lighter and relaxed scenting still filled with need but no longer hurried and rushed. Slower and more purposeful drags of skin against skin, arms loosely wrapped around her waist, his lips quirking up, eyes flashing with fondness as he watches her squirm from the touches, tightening his hold to keep her still.

Binnie who'd been unwilling to even consider the thought of separating from her is now bustling around behind the counter, eyes flitting back and forth from helping Jin hyung and me make lunch for all of us, a permanent smile on his face and posture so much more relaxed. It's as if everything that had been burdening him had fallen away, as if the sight of (Y/N) was making him relaxed and he was returning to his peppy, energetic self, slowly becoming more and more fidgety behind the counter as he tried to hurry us along.

Jiminie hyung sits on the opposite end of a large table, watching with a small smile as (Y/N) wriggles and teasingly moves away from Eunwoo only for him to huff against her neck and tug her back tighter. He smiles as he watches but his tail constantly moves, swishing silently behind him, ears flicking and stiff. Pointed orange ends to his fluffy ears, sharply perked up as if prepared to sense any change. Eyes slightly narrowed as if searching, scrutinising, watching out for any change, for any moment where he might need to step in, but his slouch suggests otherwise, his slouch suggests an ease that isn't necessarily there.

As my hands busy with arranging the cakes and baked treats onto a large stand, a knowing laugh draws me to turn my head to see Jin hyung elbowing Binnie lightly in the side, eyes knowing and glinting with mischief.

"Eyeing your mate up?" he asks, eyes straying to look at the two of them with a fond smile.

He nods unashamedly, cheeks pink and quickening as he arranges the ordered subs, sandwiches and paninis, picking up the tray and stepping out first, moving forward to join them at the table.

"Ready bun?" hyung asks me once I've finished arranging the stands.

I nod, nose twitching when he leans in to peck it, scrunching up against his lips and smiling when he leans away.

Carefully handling the stands as I follow him out, seeing the way his wings don't flutter, completely settled and resting, tucked against his back as he leads the way to the table, sets down the drinks in the centre.

"Let's get some food inside you. It's been quite the eventful start to the afternoon." He says, staring at the three of them on one end of the table and sliding in to sit beside Jiminie hyung, giving a small cursory squeeze to his leg, easing the stiffness in it as he faces the others.

Eunwoo and Binnie fuss over (Y/N), setting food out for her, easily picking out her favourites from the selection of food, picking her beverage out and putting it in front of her and more immersed in the sight of her eating and drinking making them relaxed, making them smile and settled at the sight.

It's endearing to see (Y/N)'s hand reach out to swipe at Binnie's lips, to see her pluck a napkin up to dab at his mouth before nudging him to eat more, his murmured 'yes noona' far sweeter and gentler than I'd have ever associated with his energetic personality.

Endearing and sweet, making my ears twitch as I watch how Eunwoo hasn't let go of her, hasn't let her clamber into a spare seat but keeps her tucked securely on his lap.

"You're so sweet to your mate Eunwoo. You two are lucky to have (Y/N)." Jin hyung speaks up and from the side I can see the way his eyes sparkle with satisfaction to see the plates slowly empty, to see the way everyone's eating and feeding each other, knowing that his own protective, nurturing instincts are satiated, are content.

But his words make the three of them pause. Has (Y/N) blinking at us, slow, blinks as her lashes flutter up. The three of them still, Binnie who'd been gently leaning into (Y/N)'s touch as she was petting his ears, stills, ears twitching. Eunwoo who'd been absent-mindedly rubbing circles into her stomach, hands under her coat, lifts his head from her shoulder, startled.

From between me and Jin hyung, Jiminie hyung shifts, sitting up and fiddles with the plate, finger rubbing against the rim, head bent.

That slightly unsettled swishing of his tail returns once more.

Silence.

Silence that drags on long enough that it has Jin hyung hesitating, looking wary and uncertain. Unsure as to whether he said something wrong.

And then a soft, surprised voice. Gentle but strong.

"Jin I think you're misunderstanding here. Binnie and Woo aren't my mates."

And it's our turn to blink. Confused. Had we read the situation wrong? Was her mate someone else? Why did Tae hyung say that she was then?

Jimin hyung's head darts up, surprise colouring his features.

"You're...not mated?" he hedges carefully, tentatively.

A shake of her head, gently patting Eunwoo's cheek as she leans forward, her hand slipping free from Binnie's ears.

She looks perfectly content and at home on Eunwoo's lap as she speaks, lips quirked up.

"Not at all. They're my packmates. Rather they're the mated ones, not me." she clarifies.

Mated. The two of them being mated was something both Jin hyung and I knew. But we'd been wrong in assuming they were a triad, that they were mated to each other and to (Y/N).

But if she wasn't mated then...where did Tae hyung get the idea from? He'd been so certain too.

"But Tae hyung was so sure...he told us that the fawn fairy had a prince mate..." I voice, cheeks warming at the way it makes (Y/N) giggle, a sweet bubble of sound as her hand goes to hide the wide curve of her lips, cheeks bunched up as she smiles.

Binnie and Woo look utterly endeared as she laughs, though there's a knowing lilt to Eunwoo's own lips, twitching as he hides his face behind her shoulder, eyes meeting mine in silent amusement.

"If he used the words fawn fairy and prince mate then he definitely got his information from the kids at the centre. Woo was probably the one they were referring to. Because he's visited the centre with me when we brought the kids blankets." She says, cheeks rosy from the heat of the café and flushed with both scenting and amusement.

Rosy cheeks suit her I absently think.

Jin hyung's surprised laughter has her eyes crinkling as she looks at him, clearly finding it humorous too.

Jiminie hyung sits up straight, eyes narrow as he runs his gaze over the three of them. As if reassessing everything, re-examining it all.

His hands splay wide on the table as he looks at them, head tilted and gaze sharp and examining.

"So to clarify...we haven't unknowingly separated you from your mate. And Moonbin and Eunwoo are your packmates." He states slowly.

She nods.

Though a wistful look of longing appears on her lips, eyes full of silent, flickering yearning.

"No you haven't Jiminie. I haven't found someone to call mate. Not yet." She says with a sigh.

Hyung leans back, posture loosening as he slumps into the chair, so relieved, so utterly relieved that he hadn't messed up as an officer, suddenly drained and boneless.

It's endearing and cute.

But at the same time I feel my heart twist with hope for (Y/N), hope that she finds someone worthy to call her mate, someone she can share that special connection with.

That same connection that Binnie and Eunwoo shared, the one I shared with Jin hyung and Jiminie hyung did with Joon hyung.

Mates were something special, were that someone that made you feel whole and complete on a level beyond compare. And I wanted that for her.

Wanted her to get to experience that. She deserved it, she deserved that feeling of fulfilment.

She deserved it all.

(Y/N) POV:

Even if I feel so satisfied, so instinctively satiated by having met Binnie and Woo, I don't want to leave, don't want to separate from them once more, heart twisting when I saw the regretful, apologetic look on Jin and Jungkook's face when they told us they'd have to open the bakery again in a little while.

I knew. I understood. But my heart ached at the thought of walking away, of moving away from them and to be swamped with that loneliness, with that feeling of hollowness once more.

For all that I'd longed to catch even just a glimpse of them, to know they were okay, now that I'd seen them, now that I was drenched with their scent, carrying it so heavily on my skin as a claim I didn't want to go, I didn't want to move away from the two of them, instincts pleading to step close, to stay enveloped into their hold. Warring with the logic that staying away was protecting them, that keeping away was so the traffickers couldn't hurt them. If I wasn't with them, they didn't become targets. I knew, my instincts knew it as they clashed against each other, but it still hurt to step away after tight, squeezing hugs, heart shattering when Woo and Binnie looked equally distraught, were clinging and holding each other to stop them from tearing forward.

I knew but I ached.

Felt selfish for yearning despite meeting them like this, despite this unexpected but blessed chance.

Felt selfish because I wanted nothing more to take steps forward when I knew that every step backwards, every step away from them was for the best.

"(Y/N) we should get going..." Jiminie speaks from by my side, voice soft and gentle, so understanding and knowing when I glance at him, as I see the tenderness in his eyes, stomach twisting into knots at the thought of physically leaving once more.

I nod, hands clutching tightly at the bags, gripping at them, clenching tightly to stop the way my hands tremble, to hide it.

"We should." I echo.

And yet my feet don't begin moving, my body doesn't turn away. Not immediately.

My eyes run over the two of them once more, see the way Eunwoo kisses Binnie's cheek and murmurs a goodbye before walking towards me, smiling gently.

"I should be leaving too, I need to get going for my shoot." He says.

I nod, feeling my eyes traitorously prickle when his fingers brush over mine, when he stands beside me and flanks my other side as we walk out.

Touched at the small gesture, at the soothing touch no matter how light as we step outside once more.

"Officer...Jimin-ssi, please take care of our bokki." Eunwoo says as he turns to face the two of us, hands fisting as he shoved them into the depths of his pocket, to physically prevent himself from leaning over.

"I will. I protect my friends." He replies easily from beside me, tail brushing almost reassuringly against my leg, silent comfort.

"She can get a bit fussy if things aren't working out, it's not abnormal to see her categorising and sometimes she needs..." he begins, words spilling out now that the time to leave has come, eyes concerned and brows furrowed as he looks at me.

I cut him off before he spills every habit, every embarrassing tell, hand darting out to stretch up to cover his mouth.

"Woo stop that!" I hiss, feeling his lips stretch into a smile under my hand.

His eyes sparkle, tease and mischief in them but I don't remove my hand until he nods.

From slightly behind me, Jiminie laughs, delighted and just as amused it seems.

"Don't worry Eunwoo, I'll take good care of her. We all will. And we'll also try our best to make things work so you and Moonbin can see her more often. It'll be slightly fussy to get sorted but we'll try figure something out." He promises, his words sparking warmth in my heart, a giddiness and elation that has parting not look so morbid and definitive.

Not when that hopeful spark flares inside me, not when Jiminie's words are serious and soft, gentle but firm, full of both authority and friendliness.

I press a quick kiss to Eunwoo's cheek, hands cupping his face as I nuzzle my nose against his.

"Stay safe Woo. You and Binnie. I'll call later." I whisper, smiling when his hands dart out for a final squeezing hug.

And this time when he turns to walk away, it's with more ease, with more reassurance, turning over his shoulder to smile and wave at me.

I watch until he's out of sight before I turn back to Jiminie, smile at him in thanks.

"Let's get back." He suggests, turning to face the opposite end, to begin our walk back to the apartment. I turn with him, a silence between us as we start walking until he breaks it. Voicing a question.

"So umm...what sort of shoot was Eunwoo talking about?" he asks curiously.

"Woo is a hybrid model. He does lots of campaigns and advertisements." I say with a proud smile.

He was doing his own bit to help hybrids, to promote products that aided them. It was the very vitamins he promoted for children and adults that were used at the centre for a lot of the hybrid children, that a lot of the staff used as well.

We had our own shelf of supplements and vitamins in the kitchen, waiting to be taken daily.

"So a caregiver, a baker and a model. What a diverse pack!" he says brightly, his minty scent pulsing out strong and sweet, refreshing and teasing against my nose. The mint continues to radiate outwards, a constant wave of his scent seeping out.

I nod.

Pack.

"Are you feeling okay by the way Jiminie?" I ask.

Even if his step doesn't falter, his scent does, turns sharp for a few instances, has me breathing shallowly with how strongly it's coming out.

His scent had been fluctuating on and off since we'd entered the café, turning at moments sharp, overpoweringly strong, at instances mellow and gentle and now. Strong and heavy.

"Why do you ask? I'm fine." He says, gaze still focused ahead.

And as level as his voice sounds, I know it's a lie. Know it even if he doesn't say it.

Somehow just sensing it. Sensing that there's been something that has been playing around in his mind, something that's been bothering him, something that had caused him to be silent for a majority of the time we were in the café.

And it bothers me that he's hiding it, bothers me that whatever it is, he doesn't feel comfortable with sharing. Because a part of me wished that as easily as I could trust and confide to him, that he could do the same, feel the same comfort in seeing me that way.

Friendship wasn't a one-way street.

But it felt like I was the heavily dependent one, felt like Jiminie was a support system and crutch for me and I couldn't do anything for him, felt as if I was standing on the side and watching him pain, watching his silent torment and just...remaining there. On the side-lines. Watching but unable to broach, unable to push.

"If you say so Jiminie. Just...I realise it might be harder for you to open up, to trust me but when you need me, when you want to share, I'm here." I say, also looking ahead, unable to look at him and see the honesty of my words ringing true, unwilling to see the way his expression shifts.

But his hand grips my arm and stills me, turns me to face him.

Serious, dark eyes that are slightly narrowed as they look at me, lips twisted into a frown.

"What makes you think that? What makes you think I don't trust you?" he asks.

I give a small smile.

"Jiminie, I trust you as a friend more than I trust you as Officer Park but maybe I'm not quite there yet. Because I can sense something's bothering you but you don't want to share. So...yeah." I trail off uncertainly, cheeks warming at wording it out, at telling him.

But I'd rather it be said then remain unspoken.

I felt like he should know just how much I trusted him, how much I valued and cherished Jiminie as a friend, saw him as that first and officer second.

Felt that he should know that for me his feelings came before his duties and responsibilities in protecting me.

And my other hand reaches over to squeeze his wrist lightly, one of the lightest and barest scents and squeezes. A light touch to the barely noticeable and less prominent scent gland on his wrist.

"Any time Jiminie. Just remember that." I say softly before my hand falls away.

We start walking, not waiting for an answer so it comes as a surprise when Jiminie speaks once more.

This time I can feel the weight of his gaze on me, feel it grazing the side of my face.

"I'm just...sorting through some stuff. Slowly processing that I'm not a failure of an officer by separating you from a mate. So...it's just quite a bit." He confesses.

My heart twists at his words, at the sincerity in the low timbre of his words, slightly stilted, slightly vulnerable as he opens his heart to me.

But it's a start.

It's a small step.

And hopefully he'll be able to take more.

"Take the time you need. And remember you're far from a failure. As a person, as a friend, as an officer." I say, walking ahead a bit, surprised when he flanks my right side immediately, body pressed slightly close as we turn.

"And you (Y/N) remember to walk beside me at all times. Not ahead, beside me." he stresses.

I smile.

"Yes sir." I sarcastically retort, rolling my eyes playfully at him.

And as we reach closer to home, walking together, sides brushing, I can't help but note with an internal sigh that once again his scent had changed. Fluctuated and dropped into a sharp almost pungent tone to that mint.

I hoped for his sake he opened up soon, whether or not that was to me, because it was wearing away at from the inside.

-----

I stretch out onto the sofa, waiting for Jin and Jungkook to return from changing into their pyjamas, looking forward to a lazy, relaxed end to the day, to be watching movies with them.

And as I wait, I sink and relax more into the sofa, feeling all loose and relaxed after showering, after putting on a loose pair of pyjamas, for once not one of Eunwoo's or Binnie's, still feeling the weight of their scenting on me, still feel it clinging to me, cocooning me with the familiar mingling scent of hazelnut and wood, rich and earthy slightly. And as I curl around a cushion, hugging it close to me, I find myself slipping more and more into a comfortable, content haze, distantly realising that it was probably the aftermath of being scented so much, but I couldn't bring myself to care, not when I felt all floaty, in a haze of my packmates' pheromones.

My eyes slowly trail over the living room, my lips stretching into a small smile as I see the personal knickknacks decorating the place, smiling when I spot the personal touches, the extensive gaming consoles that must be Jungkook's, the soft plushies that sit on the ends of sofas that seem like a Jin touch. And the blankets that were in the small cabinet under the corner tables. Comfy. Prepared for napping or cuddling I thought with a soft loose smile. Remembering how safe and protective and warm Jungkook had felt when he'd been hugging me, both as I'd scented and that time I'd broken down. Remembered the inexplicable feeling of safety I'd felt beside him, within his arms as he'd hugged me. Maybe it had something to do with the soft, gentle cottony scent he had; soothing, homey and light. Maybe it was because he was a prey hybrid, instincts gentle but his frame had been large, strong and protective. Maybe it was both.

And as I wait, from behind me my phone chimes, buzzes against the side table and without turning, without bothering to sit up to reach for it, I uncurl, cushion set aside as I stretch outwards for it, arm reaching out as I fumble, fingers grasping onto wood, blindly reaching for my phone. I sigh as I hear it buzz again, fingers stretching out, back arching up as I twist my head to see it, to reach for it, fingers triumphantly wrapping around it.

And huff, twisting back, feeling my shirt having ridden up slightly in my struggle to get the phone but as I'm turning, I sense a presence in the doorway, smiling and head tilting up to see either Jin or Jungkook finally ready for movies.

And get surprised when I see Jiminie standing in the doorway, posture slightly loose as it leans against the frame but eyes focused and intently staring.

Not at my face and it's with a start I realise my stomach is exposed, fingers curling into the hem to tug it down, cheeks warming at accidentally flashing him with the sight.

"Oh sorry...are you here to watch movies too Jiminie?" I ask, absently tugging the top down and wriggling to let the fabric loose from under me as I look at him. See the way his posture stiffens and how he straightens up from against the doorway, fingers that had been lightly curled around the frame now tight, knuckles white. See the way his eyes shine with flickering emotion, see the way that tension bleeds out as he slumps, curves inwards on in himself, blinking slowly.

And without answering he turns, spinning around as he rushes away, a quick haste in his pace as he vanishes from sight, the distant sound of a door being twisted open telling me he's moved into one of the other rooms.

I sigh, frowning at the empty doorway as I slump back down onto the sofa, lips twisted into a frown and wishing I knew what was bothering him. And to distract myself, fiddle with my phone, turning it on to see that it had been Binnie and Eunwoo who'd been messaging me, as well as a message from the hybrid centre about staff training coming up again.

I'm typing out replies to them when I distantly hear the sound of a door shutting, glancing up distractedly but see no one there, maybe the boys were wandering around doing something. And as I'm settling down to sink into the couch comfortably, tugging the cushion under my head to get more comfortable a light scuffling sound reaches my ears, a light, faint padding, almost silent but there. My ears catch on that light padding, flicking and zoning in on the sound, hear a small thunk, an almost slippery, quicker quality to the padding that grows closer and yet quieter and padded, muffled by something. And then something small and cold presses to the corner of my elbow, my head turning to fall to the ground, heart soaring and biting my lip at the sight.

Because peering up at me with wide shining dark eyes is an orange fox, gaze unblinking and yet so soft, so trusting and silently awaiting something, fluffy orange tail swishing quietly across the carpet, slow lazy drags as the tail moves back and forth, moves behind it's seated figure. My eyes trail over the fox, over the perked-up orange fluffy ears and the eyes that remain trained on me, at the soft glossy fur, an orange glow under the lighting of the living room.

Jiminie. In shifted form.

Is so unbelievably cute.

And as I watch him, keep my eyes on him, unable to tear away from the shining dark depths of them, I watch as he stands up to pad closer, to brush his little black nose to my elbow once more, silently touching, exploring, pressing to my skin. My other hand reaches over to brush over his soft fur, lightly trailing over the fur, barely sinking in as I lightly pet, enamoured with the way those wide, dark eyes flutter, blink and shut as I pet, head tilting into the touch, lightly pushing upwards towards my hand, chasing after more pets, chasing after a more present touch, more than the light ghosting of my fingers against his head.

"You're so sweet, do you want more?" I ask softly, head falling back on the cushion as I watch him tilt his head towards my fingers, as a deep rumbly chirp spills out into the quiet. Content and satisfied.

And yet it doesn't seem to be enough, the light touches aren't enough because his nose presses against my palm, pushes my hand away slightly and when I let it rise and fall away, silently awaiting to see what he does next, I get surprised, pleasantly so, when he hops up, lightly landing on my torso and comes to settle, facing me as he lies down, as he looks at me through small, narrowed slits, relaxed and content.

My hand brushes over his ears, lightly trail across the back of them as I pet, watch as he leans into the touches and relaxes on top of me, a soft comforting weight as he lies down, nuzzles and tilts into the touch, silently asking for more. Silence falls as I continue to pet him, fingers gently brushing through fur, lightly trailing to scratch the back of his ears and watching the way he continues to droop inwards to my hand, trust clear with how his eyes flutter shut.

I smile at the sight of those narrowed eyes blinking at me, at the way he chases each touch and yet my own instincts whilst rolling with satisfaction at petting him, sense something's off, something's missing rather. Something that is causing his tail to still lightly swish even if his head droops contentedly into the touches.

"Jiminie do you need something more?" I ask softly, watching as his head rises from where it had tilted to press firmly against my hand, eyes wide and looking as if he's been caught out. I smile, endeared at the sight.

"If you do Jiminie, go for it. Remember what I said? Any time for anything." I say softly.

He chirps, the sound itself is a bit uncertain and hesitant, a small trill as he looks intently at me.

I smile.

"Anything Jiminie. No take backs." I assure, laughing when he raises himself up, no longer drooped over me but the light tread of his paws as he scrabbles off my torso, to pad towards the bottom half of my body. My hand darts out in case he tumbles off the sofa, instinctively moving for it to hover restlessly in the air, but his paws pad securely and assuredly and when he turns it's to give me a small look, as if warning me silently that this is the last time to take it back.

But when I just stare down at his soft orange form, stare unblinkingly at him, he lowers his head to nose at the hem of my shirt, little black nose pushing at the loose fabric to brush it aside, to push it up as his little black nose presses against my stomach, cold and startling and coaxes out a giggle from me.

A sound that makes his tail swish because his nose continues to brush against the skin of my stomach, almost toying and testing and then there's a scrabble as he slides to burrow under my shirt, wriggling paws and furry fluffy warmth as Jiminie wriggles under my top, moving to clamber across my torso. It's ticklish and warm as he moves before he comes to settle, tail swishing and curling out from under my top, swaying contentedly, slow, lazy curling of his poofy tail, a constant warmth that settles on the low of my stomach , nosing at my throat, across my collarbones and as I peer down I see a black snout move almost searchingly, see as his face appears at the neckline of my shirt, pushing past the loose fabric as he blinks at me, mouth parting to reveal fangs that snap playfully at me, a happy chirp as his ears pop out from under my top too, fluffy and slightly mussed. My hands immediately go to straighten out the fur, to lightly rub at his ears as I fiddle, feeling all warm and fuzzy at the way he peers trustingly at me, slow, lazy blinks.

"You're such a cuddly fox Jiminie. It's sweet." I whisper to him. Whisper and watch as his ears flicker as he listens, feel the swish of his tail quicken, brushing against my stomach in quicker, slightly more hurried movements.

And he ducks his head down, nosing at my throat, near my scent gland almost shyly, exploratively pressing his nose in more firmly, more assuredly when it makes me relax, makes me wriggle and squirm before I sink further into the sofa.

My hand brushes across his bent head, lightly scratching at the back of his ears, slow drags of my fingers that sink slightly into the soft orange fur, smiling when I sense that burst of sweet mint from him as he scents, layering a bit of him, of his pheromones, now soothed and happy, onto me.

There's the lightest scrape of fangs, barely felt but still his tongue licks over it, brushes over the touch and his mouth nuzzles into my throat, at my gland and my heart leaps at the show of trust. At the fact that Jiminie's felt safe enough with me, comfortable to be around me in his shifted form, when he's more instinctually heightened than at any point when he's not in fox form.

And it's instinctive that I lean in to press a quick peck to his fur, between his ears, smiling against the soft feel of it, hand lightly going to settle on the fox-shaped lump under my top and head falling back with a giggle when he chirps against my skin, a muffled happy chirp as he wriggles.

My head falls onto the cushion, hand gently just holding him close as he settles against me, content to watch his nose drag across skin, to see the way his tail swishes, the sensation slightly ticklish against my navel, the scent of mint finally clearing, finally becoming sweet and gentle.

And I realise this is what he'd needed, this is what Jiminie had needed after a day of ups and downs, of fluctuations in his scent.

This helped.

Shifting.

Cuddling perhaps.

And I was more than glad he'd come to me.

Glad of it as I felt his head duck down under my top once more, hiding as he slides out of sight, only his tail visible, puffy orange tipped with white.

He felt safe enough to burrow and relax against me, felt safe to seek out cuddles and scents and safe enough to hide out of sight under my top, my lips stretching wide at the small chirps that come from under the fabric.

Because actions spoke louder than words, spoke louder than the chirps as he curled against my stomach.

And Jiminie's actions showed that he trusted me as an officer, as a friend and as a fox.

He trusted me even at his most vulnerable, instinctual state.

And I wouldn't forget that.

Couldn't.

(DEEP BREATH...IT'S DONE. I DID IT. Midiiplier  MY LOVELY FIRST BERRY, PLEASE TELL ME IF I DID IT RIGHT, IF I DID THOSE MONTHS OF WAITING JUSTICE, IF I DIDN'T...THEN I AM ASHAMED AT MYSELF AND TIS A SIN I'VE COMMITTED THAT CAN'T EVER BE FORGIVEN...I SHALL TAKE MY LEAVE LOVELY IF IT'S NOT PERFECT FOR YOU. AND!! EVERYONE!! LET ME KNOW HOW YOU FOUND IT! FOUND MINNIE'S PERSPECTIVE AND HOW YOU FOUND HIS TUMMY SNUGS AT THE END! AHHH! THIS IS SOMETHING I'VE BEEN DYING TO WRITE, SO SO IMPATIENTLY SO PLEASE...LET ME KNOW IF YOU LIKED SNUGGLY MINNIE GETTING TUMMY CUDDLES! AND THE MISUNDERSTANDING!! IS GONE! SHE'S NOT MATED AND THEY KNOW THAT! AND...JUST GENERAL COMMENTS? REACTIONS? PLEASE, PLEASE DO SHARE!! TAKE CARE, STAY SAFE AND ENJOY! AND AGAIN....AHHHHHHHHH! WE FINALLY GOT THERE, I'VE BEEN LOOKING FORWARD TO AND ANTICIPATING THIS FOR SO LONG IT'S UNBELIEVEABLE!! WHEW...NEEDED TO GET THAT OUT! ENJOY!)

QUESTION...SOMETHING THAT MADE YOU SMILE TODAY?

MINE IS...I saw my mum just dressing up with me because why not?? But then when my dad entered through the door, she sat down next to him and kept tugging him to up properly so she could take photos with him, telling him to not make her waste all this effort if he didn't smile properly. And most of the photos just came out of them looking at each other and laughing.

Borahae! 💜💜💜

PurpleQueenie <3