JOON POV:

(Y/N) re-enters the living room, hair damp and beginning to curl slightly as it dries, fidgeting with the sleeves of the too-large jumper she wears, clearly made for a much broader frame, as she pads in, ears flicking and twitching, rumpled slightly.

Yoongi hyung and Tae were yet to appear, not yet finished with showering. But given how many delighted deep giggles I could hear seeping out from one of the bathrooms when we'd entered; I knew they were going to be some time.

My eyes drift to her, settle on her and watch. Oddly drawn to the look of pink tinting her cheeks, to the way her eyes fluttered as she took a deep breath. Scrunching shut for an instant.

There's a look of focus and concentration on her face when they open, brows scrunched as she steps in, scanning and searching for something. And then the look on her face changes.

Turns at once soft and eager and excited. Warm and gentle.

Jin hyung turns at the sight of her stepping close, lips stretched into a wide smile and his wings flutter. Black obsidian feathers that stretch out and the sound of flapping, body twisting from where he was perched on the armchair that Kookie was all tucked up on.

"Hey sweetheart...oh!" he begins, cut off by her suddenly darting in, brushing against his wing as she ducks close. His face is pleasantly surprised, melting into a look of tenderness when she wraps her arms around him, pressing a kiss to his cheek.

Jin hyung twists so he can face her properly, arms wrapping around her, eyes lighting up. Hyung's hands reach out for her, legs parting to draw her between them, knees touching on either side of hers as he brings her closer to him. His wings flap and rustle, extending out to their full wing span before they're curving inwards, folding around (Y/N) and hiding her from sight. Cocooned within black wings and tucked away.

And Jin hyung looks delighted, peering down between the little cocoon his wings make and smiling, the sound of a soft giggle appearing when his head ducks to press a smatter of kisses to her temple.

"What a lovely surprise." He beams.

And when she emerges from his winged embrace, his wings flap and settle behind him, tucked up once more, even if his gaze looks longing, looks as if he wants to drag her between his arms and curve his wings around her once more. His hands that had been cupping her cheeks fall away, beaming and radiant, hands resting on her arms where he'd tugged her forward.

But she doesn't flush or linger, unhesitant or shy, she just easily slips away with a small smile to make a beeline for the armchair, Kookie's ears perking upright when he looks at her. I watch Kookie wriggle from under the blanket, arms impatiently pushing themselves free as he reaches for her, smiling at the smatter of kisses she presses to his temple, to his cheeks and one to the tip of his nose. He scrunches it, nose twitching slightly and toothy grin spreading across his lips but when she moves to hug him, his arms wind around her and tug her close. Her head ducks under to settle under him when he brings her close, hooking his chin over the crown of her head and nuzzling, rubbing his chin over her, eager drags as he scents.

Chining.

That's what Jin hyung had called the nuzzling whenever Kookie had hooked over Jin hyung to rest his head on top, dragging his chin over hyung's head and scenting. A happy bunny chined.

That meant Kookie was extremely happy, instinctually too as he nuzzled and chined. Rubbing his scent over her.

And there was this ease about the way he folded her close, a familiarity and comfortability in the way she leant in and rest her head against his neck. Something so sweet and gentle and soothing about the sight of trust and intimacy between them. Bodies pressed close in a sweet embrace. Mutually giving and taking comfort.

He doesn't question why she's giving the comfort, he's not surprised by it. He eagerly reaches for it. Presses a soft kiss to her forehead before letting go.

So does the kit packmate that reaches for her eagerly, ears twirling as he whisks her away, drawing her away from the nuzzling bun to draw into his own arms, twirling her around so she's facing him instead.

(Y/N)'s face lights up at the eagerness his face radiates, ears perking up and straightening. Body easily tugged towards Hobi, smiling when he dips his head to lightly but his forehead against hers, coaxing her smile out wider. Her hands curl around his neck, sinking into auburn strands and reaching to pet the back of his ears, his head tilting forward to grant more access. There's pure understanding and knowingness in their gaze for each other and their noses brush against each other. Tender and gentle.

"My sweet dear girl~" he coos, head dipping to press a quick kiss to her cheek before leaning in to whisper something.

It feels intrusive to be looking in on these soft gestures, these sweet moments of affection but then he's swaying with (Y/N) in his arms, humming happily as he nuzzles at her cheek to scent-mark, drawing her close, her face tilted to his.

But then her gaze drifts over his shoulder to see me, where I'd been stepping out of the kitchen, eyes crinkling as she smiles.

Something teasing and furtive in them.

Whispers something to Hobi who's head dips to press a kiss to her jaw and twirls her around, his chest pressed against her back as his hands come to settle on her hips.

Beaming at me as his ears curl.

"Go show Joon then." He murmurs.

And with each step she takes forward, the anticipation mounts, my tail swishes, cutting through air as it wags quickly with her purposeful, approaching stride.

My ears perk up when she comes to stand in front of me, a layer of merging scents lying on her skin, trails of sweet nutty caramel, light vanilla and cotton. She smells like my packmates, she smells like home.

I look at her quizzically as she steps close.

But her eyes sparkle. Dazzling and bright.

And when her own scent, sweet anise pulses out from under the layers, winding around me, it's my arms that reach for her first. Tugging her close.

A deep rumbly growl builds in my throat as she easily leans in, arms winding around my waist to tuck herself close, tail wagging quicker at her scent turning soft and happy. Her hands rub up and down my back as I hug her, resting my head on top of hers. It slips out when she tilts her head up to press a kiss to my jaw, lips warm and the feeling of them coming to settle even as she ducks under to just hug me.

My tail thumps against the doorway, a solid think that has my cheeks warming but the small giggle muffled against my chest has me smiling, nosing at her head when it rises to peek at me, to scent at her soft skin, nose brushing against the top of her ears and feeling another rumble build when they flicker at the touch.

There's nothing but pleased, happy pheromones rolling off her, seeping out to merge with the layers of scent she carries at the moment. And the thought alone of having a happy fawn bundled up in my arms has me winding my arms around her to tug her closer, wanting to whine with happiness at the soothing, reassuring feeling of her hands rubbing my back.

Gentle and grounding.

Rewarding.

"Where's Minnie?" she whispers, voice curling around the side of my neck, warmth teasing and toying at my skin.

"Kitchen..." I murmur.

He'd gone to get something for Kookie, had noticed the gnawing habit when he'd been drawing his bottom lip between his teeth and unconsciously nibbling at it. Had murmured quietly about finding some snack for him whilst the others finished up, so we could sit down to eat dinner together.

But he'd not appeared yet.

She makes a small humming sound.

"His scent went off when we got into the car...I don't think he liked Jinyoungie oppa and Gyeomie's scent on me." she muses as she leans back.

My nostrils flare, drawing in a deep breath to try scent the remains of the two dog hybrids on her, unable to find any lingering traces.

The thought of that makes my instincts soothed and pleased in a way that's slightly bewildering.

And it's as she's saying it that I become consciously aware that only my pack's scents remain.

"He can be a jealous fox. Especially when he's fussy protective over a sweet fawn." I whisper.

Watch that heat in her cheeks deepen and her ears twitch as she steps away.

"They're just being fussy protective too. They might be pseudo-pack but their claims feel wholly like proper pack." She muses, more to herself, as she peers around me, trying to see through the doorway to the kitchen.

Her gaze fixes on something.

Someone rather.

Eyes alighting.

But her words linger.

Proper pack claims.

The thought has a whine and growl building at the same time in my throat. So put-out by the idea. So aware that Jinyoung was from a pack of dog hybrids. Knew just how protective and fussy those instincts could be. How protective those instincts exactly were.

And the wolf part of my mind howls unhappily at the thought, distracted by the sight of her ducking away to step past me through the doorway.

My body twists, turning to lean against it as I watch her try to tiptoe quietly towards Jiminie, supposedly unsuspecting as he rustles through cupboards. And just as her hands reach out to surprise him, inching towards his waist, he whirls on her, fluffy orange tail brushing against her before he twists, gaze pure fox as he captures her hands, fangs poking at his full bottom lip as he looks at her.

"Trying to catch me off guard?" he asks with raised brows.

A quick shake of her head, her tail flicks up once.

"Not at all Officer~ is there something you can't quite find?" she asks

Teasing and playful.

His eyes glitter, shining brown that burn with warmth and delight.

"Found it." He breathes.

And then his hands are dropping to her waist, settling on the dip of her body where her hips flare and quickly plucks her up, twisting to set her down onto the very counter he'd been leaning against mere seconds ago, a quick flurry of movement that has her lips parting in shock and breath turning the tiniest bit ragged.

Hands curled into fists at his shoulders where they'd latched on at the sudden twist. He leans into her, bullying his way easily between her parted legs and crowding against her, peering up at her. Dragging his nose lazily across her cheek as he breathes her scent in, turning his head to rub the tips of his ears and cheek against hers.

"I was looking for a snack for Kookie but... I'm more than happy with what I've got." He whispers as he looks up at her.

The air feels electric and charged as his hands remain settled on her hips, gripping her from either side and scent thick and heavy. A layer of mint that crowds into the air, jostles to take over the neutral scent of the kitchen.

"Good day at work Minnie?" she asks, voice light and slightly breathy. Eyes caught by his. Fingers petting at his ears, rubbing at the back of them. So practiced and at ease.

He nods, mint softening into something sweeter and gentle.

"Better than how yours went. I'm sorry I couldn't pick up." he murmurs. His head dipping to nose along her jaw, nuzzling at the soft curve of it as he scents.

She shakes her head.

"Joon came instead, it's fine." She soothes, fingers brushing across the back of his ears and I watch as his head dips, pressing a chaste kiss to her jaw before lowering it over her neck.

I watch curiously even as the air pulses with anise and mint intertwining. Tilting my head as I stare at the sight of them.

"You missed out Jiminie." I say softly.

See him still from where he'd been nosing at her throat, her head falling back to allow for the more intimate scent marking. Her eyes flutter open, head straightening to face me.

There's something I want to confirm. Watch as he continues to quietly scent.

"I met her heat partner today."

That's all that's said.

But his hands tighten on her hips and his head stills, resting against her collarbone.

"How was he?" Jiminie asks, voice slightly muffled.

Tail swishing behind him, the white tip of it poofy and seeming to bristle.

"He cares for her. He'll look after her." I say. Certain with that knowledge. With that casual familiar intimacy that was blatant between them, a tether of connection in the way his hands had perfectly settled on her; looking for all as if they'd belonged there.

"I'm glad." He mumbles.

And then he doesn't speak as he goes back to scenting, directly layering the mint over her scent glands, to those prominent raised bumps on her neck. I watch as (Y/N)'s eyelids flutter shut, body loosening at the scenting, turning lax in his hold. Watch as Jiminie continues to nose directly at her scent gland, watch as he presses a smatter of soft kisses to her gland and (Y/N)'s shuddery exhale.

And then watch as her body goes taut and straightens when he nips at her gland, fangs scraping at the sensitive skin, anise rolling off her thick and sweet, her knuckles whitening.

It's a small nip and the kiss he presses to it is apologetic and yet not. Light even if his scent has taken a slightly sharper tinge to it.

"Minnie...you..." voice sounding a mixture of bemused and surprised even as her body leans into the touch, head falling forward as she takes a deep breath.

"I...didn't like those scents on you because I couldn't smell you. And now...now all I can sense is you."

And then he's giving a teasing nip that has her breath catching, scent seeping out as he draws her close to the edge of the counter, lifting her off it.

Her legs wobble, shaky as they try to gain balance and Minnie's hand slides around her back to hold her steady against him.

"You okay there?" voice a teasing lilting drawl.

He gets a whack to the chest for that, pushing at it even if her pupils look dilated and hazy, slightly foggy with the flux of scent winding around her that's solely minty fox.

But the look on his face is far too smug as he helps her out of the kitchen, using the opportunity to plaster himself across her back, hands slung low as they slowly walk out. He brushes past me with a bright smile on his face, mint coming to curl around me and tug me behind them.

But when they come to a standstill in the centre, it's a few beats of silence before she silently extracts herself from Minnie, who'd plucked a snack at some point and bounds over to give it to Kookie, plopping down onto him; stilling the restless fidget.

Slow, careful wobbly steps as she makes her way to Yoongi hyung, who's tail curls and sways as he watches. Gaze focused solely on her.

A pinkness to his cheeks that seems to grow, seeping out across pale skin. And when she finally reaches him, he reaches out with his hands, head ducking a bit. Her hands slide into his, endearingly shy as she is drawn onto his lap. Legs draping over his knees as she rests her head against his shoulder, settling there after pressing a kiss to either cheek.

There's something so soft and tentative and new about the way the two of them lean in, even if they sport matching flushes. I see Hobi gesture to me, hand held out excitedly as he tilts his head to the space beside him for me to sit into.

Crowding against me when I do. Head resting on my shoulder as he nips my ear.

"I want puppy time too Joon." He whispers before he settles against me, hand coming to rest on my thigh. Watching with sparkling eyes at the scene unfolding before all of us.

Yoongi hyung's head dips forward towards hers, curving close to say something quietly to her. It's inaudible even with heightened hearing but it has her teeth tugging at her bottom lip and her legs fidgeting from where they're draped on one side of his lap, eyes ducking low.

Her head droops against his shoulder, fingers still intertwined with his and Yoongi hyung's gaze- warm and soothing settle on her, bending his head closer. Her hazy gaze is on their hands and she slowly lifts them, silently bringing them in front of her face before her lips brush tender kisses across his knuckles.

The stillness of hyung's curling black tail is fascinating. Suddenly pausing in motion but when their joined hands fall onto her lap, the same black tail curls up to wind around her waist. Holding her there as he breathes her in.

Light and soft affection.

I know it's not only me smitten by the sight, know that Hobi's scent sweetens, molten caramel, because of how endearing the sight is.

And whilst it's something so fragile and beautiful and shared between them unspoken, there's one who doesn't like the wait or preamble.

Giving them a few minutes of being curled up together when a stripey tail swats at Yoongi hyung's thigh.

The only warning he gets before a pair of hands reach for (Y/N).

"My turn! I've waited long enough. Tail off hyung, (Y/N)'s mine!"

And unwillingly and painfully slow the black tail begins to uncurl, falling away from its hold around her waist and coming to settle, almost disgruntledly, on the sofa.

And Tae's hands are eager as they tug (Y/N) close, drawing her onto his own lap between parted legs that fold around her, an enthusiastic nuzzle to her cheek in greeting.

"You're mine now fawn fairy. Everyone else can get in line." He promises, stripey fluffy ears perked up and stripey tail coming to settle across her lap, banding her in against him where she's been tugged to settle against his chest.

And though she's aware of everyone's gaze on her, she doesn't mind. She doesn't shy away.

Settling in more securely against him as her fingers hover before Tae guides them down to his tail, it gives a flick against her fingers before setting down across her waist.

Anchoring her to a very satisfied, sweet scent tiger.

Whose scent blooms, sweet and ripe berry when he scents along the side of her head and the back of her ears; flickering under his enthusiastic ministrations.

Looking for all the world as if the sight of the two of them belong.

(Y/N) POV:

Tae suddenly stops his enthusiastic, thorough scenting of my neck, head having dipped low and nudging my own to bend with a light encouraging press of his fingers, lips stilling from where they'd been leaving tiny pecks across my nape.

The warmth of them, as suddenly as they'd come, suddenly stop. The slightly foggy haze that all the layers of pheromones were bringing were, clouding my mind in a pleasant haze recedes.

And Tae's voice when he speaks is uncharacteristically serious and low. A deep reverberating timbre that I feel pressed against my back.

"(Y/N) is everything okay?"

I turn my head to face him, blinking slowly.

The low hum of their voices hush. Quieten.

"Yes...why?" I ask, confused.

He shakes his head quickly, fluffy ears twitching.

"Not that I don't love this." He says, tail and arms tightening around me.

"But...is there a reason for all this? Are you feeling unsettled? Is there something you need?" voice worried and quiet.

It makes the silence grow louder.

And I feel my heart ache, so fond by his concern even though he'd easily tugged me close and latched on, curving around my body with a small, pleased chuff that made his chest vibrate.

"Ahhhh....well, Joon's been nagging me for something. And this is it, this is his answer." I say with a smile. Gaze drifting to meet his, watch as surprise crosses his features before his dimples pop out. The deep charming grooves on either side of his lips as his ears perk up and tail thumps against Hobi.

"This is post-heat thanks?" he echoes sounding delighted, eyes lighting up.

I nod, cheeks warming when their gazes catch mine when my eyes drift across the room. Across a pleased, happy black swan, Jin's wings rustling and puffing up slightly. To the sight of Minnie where he was perched on a slightly fidgety bun, a smile curving plump lips and a toothy grin on the other.

See the sight of twirly ears and a beaming heart-shaped smile before my gaze stops, falters at the look of rawness in Yoongi's eyes, something warm and heavy and molten in the tenderness that his dark eyes watch me with.

The sheer intensity that he silently looks at me with has my heart skipping a beat, a slight tremble to my legs with just how much the sight of him makes a deep part of me yearn and want.

"Well in that case, even if you don't need to ever thank us, I'll take it all." Tae says with a tone of finality, beaming when my eyes drift to him, slowly tearing away from Yoongi's, and he leans in to nuzzle against my temple and cheek- a slow thorough drag of skin against skin that leaves the scent of berries, rich and sweet, to flutter and seep into my skin.

"Did I worry you?" I ask quietly.

He gives a small tilting gesture with his head.

Eyes sincere and warm.

"I was just wishing it wasn't a bad instinctual need to feel safe. That you weren't unsettled." He murmurs.

"Sticky note no. 11- a big hug for our fretty fawn." He explains with a proud satisfied grin that he'd remembered.

Referring to the pile of sticky notes he'd taken to examine, returning them carefully placed together as they had been and a swishy stripey tail as I'd taken them back.

I smile at him. Patting the arms around me.

"Not fretty...thankful." I correct.

He nods.

"I promised to take care remember. To do what your packmates weren't able to at the moment. And if that means taking all the cuddles and kisses you have to give, then I'm already ready." Tae says, seriousness giving way to eager promise.

And when his head drops to nose at my shoulder, scenting along the skin and nudging the shirt aside slightly, the fog returns, stronger and thicker, merging with the heavy mint I can still feel burrowed into me.

Can still feel the light brush of lips against my ears that Yoongi had softly left, the ghost of his touch still lingering. It made my ears flicker then when another pair of lips grazed across the back of them, fingers coming to rub at the base. It makes my head droop forward, a small exhale at how his fingers apply both pressure and yet remain gentle, hands curling around his forearms, brushing against the soft fur of his tail that tightens around me.

"I love your scent. It reminds me of open fields." He whispers to me even as he continues to rub my ears, his head dropping to come to settle on my shoulder. Curling around me.

"Your scent smells sweet too." I murmur, voice sounding distant and muffled with how heavily the layers of scents come to settle on me, how deeply satiated my instincts are in that moment.

And the more Tae scents, the harder it becomes to keep my eyes open for longer, sinking further down against him, fingers absently brushing against orange and black fur. Smiling when it twitches before his tail uncurls slightly to brush against my hand.

His arms slide away from around me to rub up and down the side of my legs, long fingers rubbing circles, the heat of the pads of his fingertips burning through the fabric of my pyjamas. A constant running of fingers up and down as they rub soothingly, hands curling into fists to knead at my thighs. My head drops back at the feeling of my body loosening, uncurling and turning lax as he continues his ministrations. Fingers going slack around Tae's tail, stopping their light petting.

His chest, firmly pressed to my back vibrates. Deep, rumbly sounds that seem to sink into my bones, so when the flutter of wings filter through to my ears and a gentle hand tilts my chin up, I blink up to see Jin's face hovering in my vision.

His wings, deep inky black, spread out, splayed wide as he peers down at me.

It isn't just his wings that are pretty I think, focusing on the curve of his lips as he smiles and the way his eyes are a soft enticing brown.

"Sleepy sweetheart?" he asks softly.

I shake my head, straightening up slowly but the movement is slow and sluggish and the way Jin's lips quirk fondly I don't think I've gotten away with it.

"I'll leave dinner for you to have if you wake up then." He says quietly, lips brushing across my temple.

The touch of hands kneading the side of my calves still, sliding back to curl around my torso.

"Does that mean time for bed?" Tae asks.

Jin laughs, a small huff of sound as he nods.

"Definitely time for bed." He echoes.

And as I straighten up, moving to get up, I don't expect the hands around me to tighten, nor do I expect them to twist my body, arms suddenly sliding down to curl around the back of my thighs and back. My ears flicking up and head jerking with alarm when I'm airborne all of a sudden, scooped up against Tae's chest as he stands.

My eyes shoot open, see a bright boxy fangy smile as he looks down at me.

"Bed time it is then!" he says.

I nod, patting his shoulder.

"Let me go then Tae." I say.

But my legs feel loose and disconnected, my body feels light and lax and my mind is a blurred haze.

His grip tightens around me.

A petulant pout as his fangs poke his bottom lip.

"I'll take you. Night hyungs, night Minnie, night Koo! Don't wait up!" and then he's walking out of the living room, tail curling and swishing behind him.

Leaving behind the sound of voices and protests behind.

"Don't worry Jiminie, I'm sure I'll be a better cuddler than you. Don't wait for me Yoongi hyung, you'll have to hold Hobi hyung tonight." He calls over his shoulder.

Tae's arms are firm and unrelenting as he carries me across to the other side of the partition, tail curling up to twist the door open before he's stepping in.

There's something that's pure joy and elation on his face when he steps in and closes the door, ears perking up as he takes visible sniffs, gulping down the air that's purely my scent.

"I could roll around in your room forever." Tae breathes, sounding awed and excited.

He's careful as he sets me down onto the bed, eyes scanning around, observing and taking it in. his stripey tail swishes and curls behind him as his eyes brighten at the spread of cushions and blankets splayed all across the bed.

A veritable nest ready to be made.

"Are you going to sleep like that?" he asks, gaze drawn to the jumper I'm wearing, one of Eunwoo's older ones.

I pluck at the fabric.

Is there something wrong with it.

He just walks over, tugging at the hem of it until I'm following his guided movement to raise my arms up. The jumper is drawn over my head, rumpling my hair as Tae's hands draws it off me, discarding it to the side quickly.

But his gaze isn't on me, it's lower down my body and when I drop my gaze to track his, I see it's stilled on the slither of stomach exposed by the thin cami riding up.

"Minnie might not say it out loud...but everyone knows how smug and preeny he gets after cuddling with you." he finally says, tearing his gaze away to shoot me a rueful look, before his own hands are tugging at his hoodie, drawing it off his lithe frame.

His hair is rumpled, a mess of riotous curls and fur sticking up and ruffled but his grin is infectious and his torso is utterly bare.

Honeyed warm skin, lithe and toned and when he steps forward bearing the discarded hoodie in his hands, my breath hitches at the sudden closeness when he leans in, drawing the hoodie over my neck and threading my arms through it. Carefully and slow, eyes burning with satisfaction when he stands over me, pyjamas slung low on his hips and chest bare, looking at me, dressed in his hoodie and drenched in the smell of sweet berries, bursting with its scent of ripeness.

"Now you're all ready to cuddle." He says with a look of decisiveness.

Unhesitant to clamber on and roll over to splay on the space beside me, tugging me down to him.

"Your hoodie is...big." I say as I lie down, twisting to face him even if his hand falls on my waist, drawing me around to look at him.

He beams, cheek smooshed against one of the pillows.

"Isn't it? I like hiding Hobi hyung in it sometimes...but Yoongi hyung always finds out anyways." He says despondently.

I can't quite hide the smile at how put out he looks at the thought, making his features soft out even more with that prominent jut of his bottom lip when he pouts.

"I think I could hide Minnie in here and no-one would notice..." I muse.

The hand on my waist tightens.

"You could...one day. The hyungs get all the time with you and hog you but tonight you're all for me. And I have no intention of sharing."

So when we end up curled together, bodies facing each other, there's a mixture of mischief and knowledge when his hand snakes down to curl around the side of my thigh, fingers rubbing circles, pressure felt through the thin fabric.

My body relaxes, sagging into the mattress and his head comes to settle near mine, nose brushing against my temple.

"Sweet girl...it's not hard to see why hyung loves the name." voice a sleepy murmur.

And if he feels the way my legs jolt at that, tensing against his fingers before loosening, he doesn't say. Just presses a kiss to my shut eyelids and wriggles closer.

------

I wake to a head burrowed against my throat, tucked close on my shoulder and nose pressed to my scent gland. To hands curved around my stomach, under the fabric of the borrowed hoodie and, hands splayed across skin and leg slung over my hip, pinning me to the mattress. His hold is tight, curled around me as close as he can get, pressed against my back. Different to how we'd fallen asleep. It feels soothing, settling to wake to deep rumbles as Tae's body reverberated against mine, chest against my back.

The heat from his body curls around me, seeps through my skin where his hands splay across my abdomen, keeping me tugged close to him, and the weight of his head tucked onto my shoulder and pressed to my neck is comforting.

What's distracting is the way his breath puffs against my skin; the sensitive gland feeling swollen with how much he must've scented in his sleep, feel my pheromones mix with his. I can taste the scent of anise and berries clinging to the air, feel it settle skin-deep. It feels like my skin tingles, electric where his pheromones constantly seep out to brush against me, to coax my own out.

What's distracting is the way his leg is firm and solid, pinning me down, body entirely flush with mine, tail curved around my calf.

And what's distracting and makes me freeze, entirely conscious and painfully aware that this isn't right, that this isn't meant for me is the way his lips unconsciously part, breath warm as it closes around my gland, tonguing at it in small kitten licks that has my body going stiff even as my insides turn molten and soft, loosening at the intimate scenting. At the direct layering of his scent on my gland.

What's distracting is the way my body reacts to his touch, to the brush of his tongue to my gland, to the way the slow purposeful drag of it triggers a gush of anise to pulse out. And then his mouth closes, humming as he swallows the taste of my scent, unconsciously bucking forward, hips rutting against me.

It's shame that a thin thread of arousal pulses inside me at the feeling of his hips grounding against mine, rutting back and forth in slow drags, fingers pressing tighter to skin. Shame and the beginning embers of heat has my body warming, going stiff in his hold even if the touch coaxes out an entirely different need and response. A bodily need, rearing its lustful head, that hadn't been satisfied during my heat, thin trails of it that threaten to wound around my abdomen in a knot.

My eyes clench shut at the sleepy trail of kisses his lips press to my skin, nosing at my shoulder, nudging aside the fabric of his hoodie as he sleepily winds closer.

"Tae...Tae wake up." I whisper, trying to tug his hands free.

This wasn't right.

He was unaware of what he was doing. Unaware that it wasn't his mates he was touching. Unaware that this sleepy tactile touch that had veered into dangerous territory wasn't for me.

I needed to get away.

I gasp when his hands wind around my stomach, settling on my waist, a criss cross of arms banding across firmly against me when I try to tug myself free, trying to move free.

Feel fangs scrape.

"Stop moving...'s too early kit." He mumbles.

I freeze. This was definitely not meant to be happening. This wasn't meant for me.

This was for Hobi or Yoongi. This was an intimacy for them, for his mates.

And I was receiving it.

Whilst he remained unaware.

"Tae let go...Tae I need to get up." I insist, trying to shake myself free but so painfully aware that his hips were flush with mine and I didn't want to ground back on them.

Didn't need to be in a stickier mess.

Not with his scent, berries turning sticky sweet, curling and enticing to my own.

Chasing after floral syrupy tones.

"Just stay....feels good." He mumbles.

My cheeks burn.

I don't have time to stay and decipher his words, to wonder whether he's still disoriented.

Whether he's even aware of what he's doing or saying.

"Tae I need to go...I'll be late." I say, prying and tugging at the arms, trying to get them to loosen.

"Please...please Tae." I whisper.

But it's long moments before his grip loosens, enough so that I'm able to tug myself free, breath harried and ragged.

Twist to see his eyes blinking sleepily at me, a hand pushing back the curls before he's rubbing at his eyes. A hand flying to hide the fangy yawn as his eyes scrunch. Eyes drift to sharp collarbones and the smooth expanse of honeyed skin. Snap my eyes back up.

"You're awake...morning." He mumbles.

Face droopy with sleep and lined with fatigue.

Straightening as he lifts his head off the pillow to peer down at me.

I can't quite meet his eyes as I push myself upright, scrabbling off the bed to put a distance between us. To put distance there so he can't smell the change in my scent. That he doesn't realise just how my body had reacted to his touch.

I stumble as I get out of bed, legs trembling slightly and that knot around my stomach still taut, his scent still teases at me. My head ducks away, teeth biting down on my lip to silence the whimper that wants to escape.

"Are you okay (Y/N)?" voice sounding more alert, rough and deep with sleep still lacing it but there's the sound of rustling as he straightens.

I nod. But the movement's shaky and jilted.

Rushed.

And I rush to get clothes, flitting across the room, snatching up articles of clothing to my chest, head dipped low as I move. Trying to ignore the weight of the gaze I feel tracking me, making me feel pinned. Trying to ignore how his scent has seeped into the room, mingling with my own.

I hear a soft sigh and a small, muffled thump. Dart a glance to the bed to see Tae's splayed out, having fallen back, stretched out languidly across the sheets.

Body a starfish as he lies back down.

Head turning to nose at a pillow beside him, a small hum leaving his lips.

"I could live here forever. Your scent...is just so...perfect." He sighs.

And I rush to the door, a part of me softening, warming at his words.

But the need to get away before he catches my scent is stronger.

So when his voice calls out my name, rough and low, I still. Tail flicking and ears straightening at how close the call is to a growl. It sends a shiver to dance down the curve of my spine, body stilling with my hand still curled around the door handle.

I turn. Eyes wide as I meet his sleepy slant.

Watch his head tilt out.

"My hoodie please." Voice soft and gentle.

The scrabble I make to tug it off me and set it down is frantic, and when I step out of the room, dishevelled and heated, top askew.

It's with one concrete realisation.

I was feeling touch starved. Craving closeness and intimacy.

The second thing I realised was I rushed to the bathroom, clothes clutched like a shield to my chest, was that running could only get you so far.

And when I ran dab-smack into Jungkook, colliding with a firm chest, I saw the way his ears perked up and his nose twitched, a toothy grin in greeting, I knew that there was no way he didn't know. Couldn't tell.

And that running from a tiger.

Had just caused me to be caught by a bunny instead.

TAE POV:

I groan as I stretch out across (Y/N)'s bed, sighing with contentment at the fog of anise and berries that hover over me. Fingers brushing against her sheets as my head rises, albeit slowly and unwillingly, off the pillow.

Smiling when I see my hoodie draped over the back of a chair where she'd left it before she'd bolted.

Though why that was I couldn't figure out...was she really running as late as she said?

Then why couldn't she meet my eyes and as I straighten up, head turning to see where she'd lain beside me.

Her scent was strong, rich and potent as it clung to the inside of her room, settling across her belongings and sinking into fabric, rich floral tones of her scent- unrestrained and bursting out.

It made my mouth water.

And it felt like the taste of her was thick on my tongue, syrupy sweetness that coated the inside of my mouth. It felt like the shape of her body had moulded against mine, she'd fit perfectly. It felt like I could still feel her warmth, seeping into my fingers, could feel her body flush with mine, soft and so, so easy to press against to and curve around.

I wanted nothing more than to sink into the sheets, to burrow myself in that scent, eyeing the untouched blankets with wistfulness, knowing all I had to do was stretch out and reach for them. To be able to nest in this veritable flower field, bursting with fully bloomed buds.

But instead I drag myself upright, clambering off her bed and pad over to the chair.

Scoop up the hoodie.

She'd looked perfect in it. Swallowed up in the excess fabric and peeking out from the gaping neckline. My fingers curl around the neck of it, smiling.

Yoongi hyung likes the easy access it gives.

And with the image of a sleepy panther in mind, I slip out of her room, lungs full of her scent merging with mine, bearing the hoodie in my arms.

I pad out, smiling when I catch sight of Kookie, tail swishing and curling as I approach, silent padding steps to try and sneak up to surprise him.

But he's turning, a small twitch of his tail, and his doe eyes creased with slight confusion light up.

"Tae hyung! Why aren't you wearing the hoodie?" he asks, quizzical as he peers at the bundle in my hands, eyes darting to my chest.

There's a sweet shyness with how his gaze lingers and then flits to my face. Focusing there.

Sweet bun. Shy bun.

He could stare all he wanted. I would be more than happy to be on the receiving end.

"Ahh...(Y/N) was wearing it. She took it off before she went to shower." I say easily.

His brows furrow, eyes flashing with memory before he nods.

"Did something happen? She looked...hurried." He hedges.

I sigh.

"She said she was going to be late...I didn't even get to have cuddles." I bemoan.

Remembering wisps of warmth, of her body curving to mine, of her scent turning sweeter, slightly thicker. Experimentally my tongue swipes out across my lips, trying to see if her taste lingers, addicted to that headiness of it.

"She was covered in your scent though hyung...you must've latched on all night." Kookie teases, ears perking up as he looks at me.

I shrug my shoulders.

"She's comfy...I don't regret a second." I say easily and then suddenly dart in to press a kiss to his cheek, cupping the side of his face with one hand.

Smiling when he flusters, ears flopping- his hands going to tug at them as he hides.

"Hyung!" he protests.

I laugh.

Leaning to press a kiss to the other cheek.

"Like I said...no regrets. Life's too short to not want to kiss those cheeks." I say.

Tail flicking teasingly at the side of his leg before I continue walking, mind imprinted with the image of startled eyes, droopy brown ears and a smile frozen in place.

Kookie was too adorable.

Made me want to wrap him up with my tail and latch on.

But maybe I'll save that for another day, for another ambush.

Right now I had a mission.

I throw open our bedroom door, a wide grin on my face as I step through, laughing at how it startles both Yoongi hyung and Hobi hyung, their tails stilling and eyes going wide. Scents sharpening with surprise before they sag. Shooting me sharp looks though they're much too soft to mean anything, there's too much fondness in them for it to be anything but exasperated.

But then Yoongi hyung's gaze sharpens.

And the blankets he'd been folding fall from his grip.

"Why are you shirtless Tae? Did you go to sleep like that? Cub you know that stripping isn't the first thing to do..." he begins, voice exasperated and tinged with panic.

Alarmed as he realises what being shirtless means.

Worried that it's in some way made (Y/N) uncomfortable. He needn't worry.

Not when I could smell how settled she'd been as she'd fallen asleep in my arms. When I'd seen her eyes flutter shut and her body relax. When her scent had remained soft and gentle as she'd slept.

When her scent had sweetened as I'd woken up, when I remembered how soft and giving her body was, when it had spiked and turned thicker at the scent marking. Gland swollen and pulsing out pheromones.

Not when my body had been tugged to hers, when her body had been so sweetly enticing to my own, had made me want to wriggle closer.

But he cuts off because I wave the hoodie, dangle it.

"Won't you ask why?" I tease.

He raises his brows, ears twitching and tail swishing silently. Dangerously.

"Why cub?" he asks.

"Because a soft fawn was wearing it all night. Because now...it smells like the sweetest flowers." I tease.

He stills. Eyes narrow onto the sight, a predator honing in on prey.

Target locked.

But before he can move, I'm tossing it.

Watch as he catches it easily.

Hand curling around the fabric

But even if he pretends to be nonchalant, there's no hiding the way his ears perk and tail curls, swishing quicker. Or the way something fond flickers in his eyes and his gummy smile threatens to peek out.

Hobi hyung smiles, eyeing it and makes a mad swipe for it.

Laughing delightedly when it elicits a sudden hiss, a narrowing of eyes and his hand yanking it protectively towards his chest.

"Just teasing hyung. I won't steal your sweet girl~" he says with a wide smile.

"She's not my sweet girl! Well she is but she..." he protests.

I smile fondly at the look of panic and defensiveness, mingling with fierce protectiveness for her.

"She's so much more. She's more than a crush isn't she?" I finish.

It had been both a surprise and not to find out that (Y/N) was the same commentor that hyung had been crushing on for years. That she was the same sweet person who'd helped hyung, had supported him with her words.

That she was the same girl he was flustering over.

And at the same time I felt just as sheepish as hyung had.

How could we not have figured it out by her commenting id? How did we not figure it out?

Flower Bambi.

That was what she commented by.

And coincidentially we knew a fawn with a floral scent, it was a glaring sign.

It felt stupid that we'd overlooked it. Especially when we'd found out that she liked listening to his show. That she was a fan of Suga.

The look of tentativeness, hope and something both afraid and emboldened.

And he nods.

Spots of colour on his pale cheeks, a soft rosiness to them.

"She is. Thank you cub." Voice gentle and soft as he clutches the hoodie, lips stretching into a smile at the rich anise that seeps out to him.

His ears stiffen then. Tail pausing mid-swish as his glance turns to me, something slightly uncertain about it even as his pupils dilate.

"Tae...are you sure you did just cuddling?" sounding wary and slightly afraid of my answer.

My smile stills.

Hobi hyung's gaze turns dark and predatory. Lips flashing with mischief.

He walks over, discarding the blanket to the bed to move to me.

Hands meeting my hips and tugging me close.

His nose brushes against my gland, nipping at it.

His fangs scrape, a teasing unrushed motion that my scent spiking.

"Sure kit? Because you smell like you want taking care of. You smell like you need something." He whispers, slotting his leg between mine, nudging my thighs apart as he grips my waist.

His hands are purposeful as they guide my hips forward, urging me to rut, hips bucking up at the arousal and pleasure that darts up my spine, has me groaning as I clutch at his shoulders.

"This? This what you need?" he asks, lips brushing against my shoulder, slotting his mouth over the curve of my arm to make a mark.

Lips only parting when my hips jerk, eyes fluttering shut, tongue flicking against slick skin.

"Whiny cub. Sure you didn't wake (Y/N) up with your needs?" he asks.

I shake my head.

"Didn't...didn't do that. Hyung please..." I breathe, pleading. Pleading even if my words fall on deaf ears, sound hollow even to me.

Had I woken her because of it? Had she run because she disliked it?

But every thought is banished when a thumb comes to rub circles to my scent gland. The touch different, the touch belonging to Yoongi hyung because Hobi hyung's hands continue to grip me and tug me close.

"Don't be mean Hoseok-ah. Cub gave such a sweet present. He deserves everything he wants." Yoongi hyung croons, a smatter of soft kisses to my shoulder as he loops behind me, slotting himself against my back, nosing at my nape even as he teasingly loops his fingers into my shorts.

"Listen to hyung." I whisper, voice shaky.

"Listen to hyung Hob-ah. And maybe I'll tussle with you after breakfast." He echoes, sensual promise in his words.

Hobi hyung stills in front of me, hands bruising as they stop my hips from bucking to chase pleasure.

"I'll pounce if you try sneak away." Hobi hyung warns.

There's a huff of laugher as Yoongi hyung presses a final kiss to my shoulder before stepping away.

Nudging me forward.

"Have fun cubs. And Tae...I'll thank you myself later." He promises.

And then leaves me to the waves of pleasure that slam into me.

Leaves me to the feeling and hold of Hobi hyung, of sweet molten caramel thick in my lungs with each shuddery gasp I take.

-------

The shirt is foregone. Very proudly too as I amble into the kitchen on shaky legs. Ignoring the way Yoongi hyung's lips quirk in a smirk, face ducking out of sight as he rummages in the fridge.

"Morning~" Hobi hyung trills as he bounds in, active and eager as he rounds the table, dropping kisses on each head as he passes, winding his arms around Jin hyung's shoulders as he peers at his plate; wondering if there's anything worth swiping.

Eyes shining when Jin hyung's hand goes over his shoulder to nudge at Hobi hyung's lips, pressing a cube of melon to his mouth. Laughing when he gets a nibble too.

"You're worse than Kookie!" he laughs, gaze so sweet and fond when it turns to the protesting bun, silencing him with a small peck to his lips, nudging his plate towards him.

Over Jin hyung's shoulder, Kookie's gaze meets mine, flushes slightly when he sees the mark on my shoulder, teeth nibbling at his bottom lip. I smile at him, winking conspiratorially before I quietly stalk over to where Joon hyung and Jiminie sit.

"Morning alpha hyung." I say, arms sliding around him to nuzzle against his head in greeting.

Hear the thump of a tail as it quickens and see soft eyes turning to face me. A dimpled grin as he sees me.

"Morning cub."

And then Jiminie's turning, smile freezing on his face as he looks at me.

Eyes dropping to the darkening mark on my shoulder, taking in my lack of clothing.

"Lost your hoodie?" he asks with a smile.

I shake my head.

"Misplaced it onto a soft curvy fawn. You've been hogging her Minnie." I say, leaning over him to nuzzle at his cheek, body curving around him.

He leans into the scenting, nosing at my jaw and cheek.

Stilling as he takes in a deep lungful of scent.

"You smell like..." he begins.

"Like (Y/N)! I would gladly drown in that scent." I enthuse.

He breathes me in, hand settling low on my hip.

I don't think I've misheard the soft murmur of 'same' against my arm.

"Like the kitty hyungs!" Kookie exclaims, adding it on as he scrunches his nose to take a deliberate exaggerated whiff.

Giggling at the sight of Hobi hyung's ears twirling.

"Kitty?" Yoongi hyung asks, setting down milk.

"Yes! You, Hobi hyung and Tae hyung are all kitties! Do you guys make cuddle piles?" Kookie asks with interest, eyes shining.

I know every gaze in the room turns soft. Gooey and fond at his wriggly excitement.

Shifting on his seat as he looks at us expectantly.

"The best ones." Yoongi hyung confides seriously even as his eyes twinkle.

His lips form a silent oh. Ears perked up with excitement.

Joon hyung lets out a small whine, a snippet of sound that fades quickly, hidden under the gushing of Hobi hyung cooing over Kookie, brushing fingers carefully across the back of his ears.

Looks like I wasn't the only one crushing on a bunny.

Looks like I wasn't the only one melting.

Looks like I wasn't the only one with (Y/N)'s scent lingering like a phantom, curling around my instincts.

But whilst everyone settles for breakfast, a fawn never reappears in my sight. She never enters for breakfast.

And the eighth chair at the table remains empty.

Waits between Kookie and Yoongi hyung, glaringly obvious.

My tail wilts at the thought that I might've actually scared her off, that she'd bolted from me and because of me.

Had I really been too much?

I poke at my cup with a finger, not cheered up by the smell of the hot chocolate, not quite as happy now.

"Is (Y/N) not joining us for breakfast?" Joon hyung asks, eyes curious.

The silence that settles is heavy, something unspoken in the way Hobi hyung and Yoongi hyung look to me; searching for anything, something. The silence as Jiminie fiddles with his food is worrying and the almost anxious glance Kookie shoots to me, as he shifts in his chair, is knowing.

But then the silence is shattered.

A clutter of sound. And a loud call that resonates down the corridor. Loud and bright and cheery.

Not hurt.

She darts a glance to the kitchen as she peeks through and her gaze when it drifts to me isn't wary or hurt or scared.

The relief that slams into me has me exhaling loudly, tail sagging and a smile tugging at my lips.

Her eyes settle on me in silent communication, flitting to the fox beside me as a small mischievous smile tugs at her lips.

"Have a good day~ I've got to leave now, we start training sessions." She says.

Body curving away and head only turning back when Jin hyung calls for her.

"But breakfast? You haven't eaten...at least let me pack something..." he begins, rising from his seat as his wings flap.

She shakes her head quickly.

"No time Jinnie, work calls. Stay seated and eat up!" she encourages, smiling at all of us before she's twisting away, ducking out of sight as she moves away.

"(Y/N) wait! I still need to get my stuff, I haven't even...Tae I need to get through." Jiminie says, harried as he stands, trying to disentangle from where our ankles had been hooked together and where my tail had wound around his leg.

Frantic eyes shooting glances to the doorway she's vanished to, to where her footsteps grow distant.

"Too slow Officer! I might need to change you at this rate." She calls behind her.

Voice full of laughter.

I understand what that look had been then.

Play decoy.

Luckily for (Y/N) I was a great decoy. And a great friend.

She picked well.

And so when my tail unconsciously tightens around him and I lean against him, blinking at him wide-eyed, I know I'm buying her time.

Jiminie's tail bristles, poofy orange that swishes behind him even as his ears perk up, catching the sound of her retreating footsteps.

"Tae baby I love you but I need to go...(Y/N)'s not meant to be out without protection!" he says, hurriedly disentangling himself from me.

His words has me stilling, tail going lax as it unravels from around him.

A chuff building in my chest and slipping out, full force, at his words. My chest rumbles and my heart skips a beat.

He loves me.

I'm so lost in his words that I catch the sight of an orange fluffy tail curving away around the doorway too late. I hear his yells for (Y/N) to hold up as he rushes after her.

Whoops.

A good friend, a good decoy. But a smitten packmate.

Sorry (Y/N).

I'll be a better decoy next time I promise.

(A NEAR 10K CHAPTER AS A BIRTHDAY GIFT FOR MY FIRST BERRY OF SPRING Midiiplier ~ HOPE YOU ENJOY IT AND THAT IT'S THAT "HELLUVA CHAPTER" YOU WERE LOOKING FORWARD TO! YOU DESERVE THE WORLD BUT FOR NOW THIS IS ALL I'M ABLE TO OFFER FOR NOW! I DON'T EVER THINK I'VE SAT SO STILL AND WRITTEN WITH SO MUCH FOCUS BEFORE! HAD LOTS TO GET WRITTEN AFTER ALL! I SWITCHED UP THE UPDATE DATES A BIT JUST FOR THIS SO HERE'S A CLAWS UPDATE LOVELIES! I HOPE YOU ENJOY IT! AND I HOPE IT MAKES YOUR DAY EVEN A TEENSIET BIT BETTER! WELL WELL! WE HAD LOTS GOING ON THIS CHAPTER! POST-HEAT THANKS = SMOOCHIES!! FOR ALL OF THE PACK! AND USUALLY IT'S BINNIE AND EUWNOO WHO GET THEM BUT THIS TIME IT WAS A LUCKY 7! AND YES. I SPENT OVER 3K WORDS WRITING JUST HUGS AND SMOOCHES BUT NO REGRETS! HOPE YOU ALL LIKED POST-HEAT SMOOCHES~ AND WHAT ELSE!! AHHH! WE HAD TAE POUNCING FOR THOSE CUDDLES AND AN...*AHEM* SITUATION WHEN THEY WOKE UP! BUT I WANT TO SLOWLY BEGIN INTRODUCING PHYSICAL INTIMACY AND THIS IS NOT MEANT TO BE A SLOWBURN SO! AMPING IT UP! BE PREPARED! WONDER WHAT'LL HAPPEN NEXT CHAPTER! AND WONDER WHETHER JIMINIE WILL CATCH A RUNAWAY FAWN OR NOT!! LET ME KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS AND I HOPE THIS CHAPTER MADE YOU SMILE! TAKE CARE AND STAY SAFE LOVELIES!)

QUESTION...A PERSONAL GOAL YOU'VE SET FOR YOURSELF RECENTLY? WITH WHAT TARGET OR DEADLINE IN MIND?

Mine is... I want to get healthy! I've slacked off with finals and now it's time to amp it up! I want to cut down on junk food and I want to get thicker, healthier hair too! End goal is to be a healthier happier version of me! And deadline is this summer!

Borahae! 💜💜💜

PurpleQueenie <3