JIMIN POV:

I freeze. Staring at the sight in front of my eyes, throat tight as my body trembles even in its tightly coiled position.

Lips parting slightly.

Eyes holding the dark unblinking ones staring back, realising even from this distance that the pupils are dilated; pushing the irises to turn into a thin ring of green.

Take in the unfamiliar figure.

Eyes raking over them.

Trying to process how... when... mind a jumbled mess of emotions and thoughts, ears perked and fully alert and tail swishing side to side anxiously.

A slump as my hand lowers the gun, exhaustion and relief making my hands tremble as I holster the gun once more.

Eyes raking over the tired, sharp face under the hood.

So familiar yet entirely unfamiliar... a stranger yet one whose every feature I know, immediately recognise and place.

My feet hurry forward, rushing towards the figure curled in the corner of the bed.

Unused save for now.

Watch her eyes track me as I rush towards them, heart unclenching and thudding with relief when I see the familiar bundle of fur curled up and cradled in her arms, a bottle held to her mouth, KitKat eagerly suckling as she paws at the bottle, eyes wide with enamoured adoration as she peers upwards.

That's why she hadn't been meowling or making noise or purring. Silenced around the teat of the bottle as she feeds from it, tail swishing and ears flickering under the fingers gently brushing over them, big eyes fluttering as they trail down between her eyes and across her nose bridge.

"Amina..." her name slips past my lips quiet and hushed.

Disbelieving as I look at her.

See the difference to the same figure in a photo in a paper file.

MIA.

Not anymore.

Found you.

Of all the places... I found you here.

Of all the places I searched for you high and low you ended up being one of the people I grew to be most protective over in this case.

You're alive.

See her lips curve up at the corners, peering at me from under the hood; finally placing it as one of my own, ears folded as she watches me still.

Slightly struck and frozen, fingers trembling as I reach to brush my fingers across KitKat's ears, smiling when her mouth slips away from the bottle's teat and she yowls, a milky greeting for me as her paws wriggle, flapping as she tries to catch my hand between them, snuffling when I let her tongue lap at fingers, fangs scraping as she gives a small grooming nuzzle.

"It feels like forever since I've heard that." She admits.

Voice hoarse and strained, rough as it trembles, forcing words out, figuring out how to speak once again, the sentence slowly pronounced as if the sensation of her tongue moving to form words is a foreign sensation. Hands cradling KitKat to her and lips trembling as they tilt at the corners.

It feels like we've been looking for you forever.

It feels like forever since Jangmi's world came crashing down.

Her ears are drooped and flickering as she holds her gaze steadfastly to mine, a large shuddery breath exhaled as I look at her, hand curving around her shoulders, feeling how small she seems before I draw her close.

Relieved and overwhelmed because she's well and truly here.

She's alive. She's a fighter and a survivor.

And she's here.

Little pup was Amina all along.

"You... you are a hard woman to find Amina... but thank god... " I mutter, head tucking over hers, a fierce sting at the corner of my eyes as I draw the hooded figure towards me.

Relief making my body tremble, gratitude, respect, admiration and fierce, fierce kinship for the fellow fox, a tension dropping off my spine, feel as she leans in, slumping forward tiredly; the exhaustion clear in the curve of her spine, in the flickered folded state of her ears and the fatigue etched deep into her features. The relief that makes my body thrum with giddiness brings with it a shakiness, overwhelmed as I hold her to me.

Breathing in the sharp tang of her scent; strong and overpowering and burning but my lungs shudder with it, constrict and expand with exuberance because finally... finally she's been found. No longer missing. No longer in danger. No longer at risk. She's safe.

And she cradles KitKat and leans further into the embrace. Ears flickering against me, hood hiding away long blonde curls and her tired face. Hides momentarily the shadows and faint scratches and matted fur. Hides briefly as she seeks out the comfort, the ability to be able to reach out for a hug, for closeness, to be able to speak. The tremble not disguised even under the hoodie as she lets out soft breaths.

"You... you don't know long I've been... we've been looking for you. You are a very in demand fox Amina."

The shaky breath is wavery as she murmurs.

Voice hoarse, aching with the effort it takes to speak.

"Nice to finally meet you officer." Voice trying to go for light but there's no mistaking the trembling nature of it. Swamped under the slam of emotions and sensations and processing everything much more tangibly... no longer suppressed or dampened by the protective barrier shifted provided.

Who knew how long she'd been trying to shift back? Who knew how many pleas and words and desperation had been in every chirp?

And when I draw back, eyes raking over her, it's to take her in.

Because my mind can't quite process that someone who've we've been searching for constantly, for someone who we were scrabbling to find clues about her last known whereabouts... trying to track and figure out where she'd gone missing from... we'd been searching for a ghost and she was here in the flesh.

She was here.

I wonder whether she knows just how long she's been gone.

How much her packmate's been searching and hurting.

"You've been a phantom we've searched everywhere for... and all along... all along you were already here. You're safe."

Mind reeling from the profound relief that for over a fortnight she's been safe, stomach twisting into vicious relentless knots when I pit it against everything her medical history's revealed. That when I look at her, wan and tired... worn thinner and carved sharper not just because of malnutrition but the endurance of the extreme torture and conditioning she's been put through.

That the shadowed eyes come from as much as sleepless nights protecting KitKat and herself as much as it does from countless nights she wasn't allowed to sleep, had drugs pumped into her system and was kept in a state of delirium for who knows how long.

I look at Amina.

There in the flesh.

And I see a survivor.

A fierce, fierce survivor.

"That's thanks to you." voice quiet and rough with disuse but still getting the words out.

And the quiet of the room, the silent examination as I feel her alert eyes observe is it broken by the way her head snaps to the side.

Eyes lighting up and ears flickering under the hood, perking slightly.

"(Y/N)..."

My head turns, ears perking upright when I spot her in the doorway, expression disbelieving and a glossy sheen to her eyes before she hurries forward at the rough murmur. Ears flickering and registering her name and doe eyes bright with giddiness and overwhelmed relief.

Hand smoothening over the hood before hesitating; watching and waiting carefully, lips curving into a smile when Amina's hand reaches out first, a shaky smile on her lips as she nudges her head against her torso, leaning in.

And (Y/N)'s hands curl around her, resting lightly on her back as her eyes blink back happy tears, head turning to mine, gratitude shining in her doe eyes as she mouths a thank you, breath shaky as she peers at the bundled kit in Amina's hands.

Let's the truth sink in for her.

That Amina's found.

Amina's no longer missing.

Amina's here.

And she holds her... cradles her with that gentleness, fingers reaching for KitKat and after smoothening over the fur is grasped by Amina who peers back up at her.

"Oh Amina... you were little pup. I'm so sorry... I'm sorry I didn't know... I'm so sorry." She murmurs.

She clutches at her loosely, fingers curled into the jumper.

"No...no don't... I was just begging...waiting to shift back. Every day since..." her voice cracks, struggling to keep speaking, struggling to get the words out.

And immediately (Y/N) smoothens her hand over her hood, slowly disentangling to go get her some water.

And my eyes track the silent impatience I can see bubbling under her skin, see the way she cradles KitKat but her eyes track (Y/N), follow her moving about the room.

Eyes filled with hundreds of unspoken questions and answers, with mysteries and undeciphered messages.

"Jangmi... Jangmi is going to be so relieved... you..." I murmur.

See her eyes widen, big, flopped ears perk as she peers startled and relieved all in one.

"Jangmi... how is she... is she okay... is she safe?"

I nod, watching as (Y/N) coaxes a glass of water towards her, body gravitating close but veering on an unconscious boundary; a limit, a line of personal space she doesn't cross.

Not when Amina for the fortnight we'd known her had been cautious and wary. That she might not want that closeness but the gravitational tug towards her, tilting closer as she holds out KitKat... Amina doesn't need space, she wants familiarity, she wants safety, she wants pack and friends.

She closes that distance herself.

Cradling her kit close who yowls in soft greeting to (Y/N), paws wriggling as she squirms, restlessly pawing at the bottle; eyes bright as she looks upwards.

"I'll call Jangmi..."

"She's... she's going to hate me." Amina whispers shakily.

Flickering doe ears still and her eyes are wide and promising, shaking her head.

"Oh pup... she's dying to see you... she's waited for even the slightest whisper of news..." she soothes, holding her friend close, hands delicate but firm, head resting over hers and smoothening her fingers over the hood.

And as she retreats to the corner slightly, her eyes flicker to me in silent request, I smell her scent; pulse out from under scentblockers she'd already been in the process of removing. Smell the sour tinge of sorrow and worry as she looks at her friend.

I look at her swamped in the hoodie; one that KitKat had been unwilling to part from. Had become part of their nest. The one that KitKat is tucked against, suckling at the bottle as her ears flicker and rub against the soft fabric.

Clothes.

She needed clothes.

And I can see from her eyes, from the silently confused expression that maybe... maybe Amina doesn't realise how long she's been missing. She doesn't realise how much time has passed.

And knowing... knowing that she's been drugged, sedated... knowing she's been conditioned and tormented with the aim that she wasn't meant to survive... I don't doubt that her sense of time is disoriented. Confused. Muddled.

But she needs to know.

She should know.

"Do you know how long you've been missing? You were more than an old cold case... you vanished."

Her face shutters with confusion and a hardness.

"Strong enemies do that... but... but it can't have been more than weeks, I was following leads..." voice hazy and rough, shaking with disuse and tangible fear that makes her scent tart, sharp with a frazzled defensiveness.

"And there will be time for that... there's all the time to unpack what's happened but your health, your recovery... you come first. And you need time. To be with your packmate, to rest, to heal."

Her scent's sharp enough to make my eyes sting and there's a steeliness entangled with hurt and grief, trying to piece together what's happened, trying and failing to.

I tilt my head to KitKat, face softening immediately at the wide eyes peering at me. gently booping her nose with the tip of my finger.

(Y/N), eyes turning fond, lingering on her swaying as she silently coos at KitKat whilst the call connects.

"So... what's KitKat's name?"

"I... I... I don't know...she was a kitten who couldn't shift... she needed to be saved before they tried putting her down."

Her answer is anguished.

Raw and the rough hoarse tone of her voice makes my skin itch restlessly, agonised that they'd both gone through so much... both had to endure so much.

That KitKat was going to be harmed... killed because she couldn't shift back... because she held no purpose, no value for them if she couldn't be used.

And that's when Amina found her.

Grateful that their paths crossed, that their bond was formed, that KitKat survived because of Amina.

But when I see her, face wan and sharper, eyes haunted and plagued and lost in the blurry fog of months... I can see that though they failed in their ultimate goal. To end her.

They succeeded to an extent in torturing her; because right now, swamped in the large hoodie... she looks at me with the painful knowledge that her world has shattered; has fissures and cracks in it greater and deeper and larger than she realised.

"Jangmi's on her way... I'll call home and let the others know we'll be late." (Y/N)'s voice is quiet and gentle but her eyes are assessing and astute, the glossy relief in doe eyes crumpling to pain when Amina just sinks.

Curls small as she lets her fingers sink into her hair, gripping tightly as she shakes her head.

Silent and noiseless agony that spills part parted lips and unbelieving eyes.

Retreating into herself.

And trying to process how she'd shifted back to realise... to realise the nightmare was greater than the one she'd lived.

And I... I can't even begin to help the agony she's going through.

----------

"Amina..." her name is a broken shaky whisper that shatters the weighted quiet, that silences the soft rumbled purrs as Amina cradles KitKat; wrapped in a blanket, hand stilling where her fingers were giving her kit small tummy rubs.

Her ears pop upright, perking immediately, causing the hood to fall back slightly to reveal the large blonde, slightly matted, fur ears, lips parting as her head turns to the doorway.

Eyes briefly flickering and glancing over SJ and (Y/N) who both remain there whilst Jangmi rushes forward, the scent of honey sharp and cloying whilst entangled with the pulsing thread of sweetness. The impossibility of seeing her packmate after months has her stilling.

Pausing a few steps before her, eyes desperately drinking her in; dark brown eyes unblinking behind her glasses, dark shadows marring her skin like bruises permanently staining the under of her eyes.

"Amina... Mina you're..." voice trembling.

One step forward. Then another.

Shaky as she closes the few steps between them, fingers moving to brush the hood off her head carefully, eyes only for her as she peers at her packmate.

Tears filling in her eyes as she looks at her.

Moves forward, hand trembling as she reaches out for her and curls close, clutching Amina close and breaths ragged as she clings to her. Wraps her up in a fierce hug, tight and unrelenting and crumpling forward as she sobs her name out.

Over and over.

Uttered by trembling lips that clench tight, tears streaming down flushed cheeks and ears drooped as she holds Amina, see as her hand fists into her jumper to tug her forward, clinging back just as tightly. Just as fiercely, breath shuddery as she inhales the scent of sharp honey; clashing and entangling fiercely with the salt that scours and burns my lungs as I draw back.

Eyes stinging as I watch the two burrow closer; Jangmi desperate to erase the distance of months, of a lifetime without her fox as she curls closer, cradling her to her, hiding her away.

Whispering shakily.

Tears streaking down her cheeks.

Because for her... she was trapped in the reality that it'd been months... half a year without Amina. And Amina... she had no clue.

She didn't realise how much time had passed.

See the misery and grief and loss etched deep into soft features as she looks at her packmate, fingers careful and gentle. As if Amina will fade and vanish from sight should she press too hard, lest she should try grasp onto the mirage with anything more than a fragile touch.

"You're finally here... and late." She whispers, voice shaking, raw with an agony, with screams silent and suppressed and cocooned in the blanketed escape of sleep.

Even now her body sways, an exhaustion making her limbs slump, makes SJ nervously watch, holding (Y/N) to him with similar expressions of relief and pain as they cling to each other; hands entangled and anise and peach merging together.

Even now it's clear to see Jangmi doesn't quite believe it.

Doesn't know whether she's dreaming or seeing the reality.

Doesn't know whether she's awake or daring to dream something that makes her scent pulse with hope.

Despair and the proof of mourning for months clinging to the tired curve of her body as she peers down at glistening eyes; green holding brown as she reaches for her panda's hand.

"Sorry... Mi I'm so sorry... better late than never." She murmurs.

And she shatters. Shaking her head as she tries to hide how deep the pain's scoured and gnawed away at her. How defeated months alone have made her, eyes swimming with pain but hope.

Disbelieving hope.

Her scent plunges into a heaviness as she tries to hide just how hard months have been when she's trying to be strong... stronger for her hurt packmate, ears flickering and folding as Amina's scent follows suit; curling around her packmate's with a fierce protectiveness even as large eyes gleam, search for the distress.

"Months late Amina... you're months late than your promise."

But she clings desperately to her as Amina does the same.

Refusing to believe the horrific truth, face stunted with shock and a numbness, voice quiet and trembling.

Rough from disuse, from crying, from the internalised agony of not speaking for months.

"Mi... I'm so, so sorry... I... m sorry panda bear." Voice imploring and raw.

Gentle fingers brush against her cheek, thumb at trickling tears as Jangmi shakes her head quickly, the tip of her nose red as she sniffles.

"No... no... thank you... that even if overdue... you kept your promise. And you made it back to me alive..."

Voice quiet and that flickering numb edge of it taken away, thawed... softened by the sight of her fox.

Guilt swimming in dark eyes.

"But I should've done more... I should've published every file... shouldn't have let you go that day... should've done more... should've done anything to make my pack come back..."

My ears flicker, picking up the quiet patter of two sets of feet, arm immediately curling around my mate when she leans in; anise corded through with the salty tang of tears, flanked by cloying, decayed peach.

Both of their scents turned decayed with sorrow, tears of both relief and joy as they watch.

Feel lips shaky press to my jaw, my cheek and her hands wind around me as she tucks herself against me.

"Finally... we get the beginning of a happy ending."

My head turns to take her in.

Thumb brushing under her eyes where tears mar skin, lips pressing to her temple, trailing down to her lips damp with relief. Soft and gentle against hers.

"She never gave up hope." (Y/N) murmurs.

"And Amina never gave up fighting and surviving. They both made their way back. Pack is deeper than family."

And they found theirs again.

And in the midst of them, KitKat twists, soft yowls to both console Amina and to curl closer, paws fumbling at the blankets as she peers up at the panda bear who with shaking fingers and teary eyes peers at her, smoothens over ears and lets her snuffle and identify her scent.

"I can stay... I am staying but if you want sweetheart, you and Jimin can go back to yours. You worked a ten hour shift. Rest. You're drooping sweets." SJ offers, voice quiet and sincere and radiating with protectiveness and strength. Affection clear in his voice and alert as he scans her. A fond smile curving across his face.

My hand squeezes (Y/N)'s hip, draw her closer, heart aching and yearning for the comfort of our pack too. Restless and grateful in equal measures because our pack was safe and together.

And yet this...

This was a reminder that there was still the ever-present threat against countless packs and families. That countless had already been torn apart just like Jangmi and Amina had been. This was a reminder and glaring fact that countless hybrids were taken.

That countless hybrids like Amina were being tortured, conditioned, hurt.

And I'd protect my pack from getting further entangled in this.

And bring an end to this.

At whatever cost... at every cost.

"If (Y/N) stays I stay." I murmur without complaint. Even if everything in me screams to get her back home, steadying her tired sways against me. Noting the tired flicker of her ears as she tilts against me. Sinks against my side. But if she stays... then she's certainly not being packless.

Fingers smoothening over her jumper.

"I know we should give them time. Give them space. I know they're safe here...but..."

"But it feels like we'll wake and Jangmi will still be suffering and Amina will still be missing." SJ finishes.

His hand is gentle as he slowly turns (Y/N) to face him, eyes soft.

"I'll stay with them. You go home."

"You'll call if anything... anything happens. Or you need anything or..."

Lips pressing to her temple quieten her, antlers nuzzling against her in gentle scent.

"I know my way around the centre and you forget... I've trained just as extensively if not more as your officer mates. I'll be fine in being guard."

Dark eyes flitting to me, silent request in them.

Take care of her.

Always take care of her.

And as if sensing something, knowing somehow... he tilts his head to her.

"No late nights little doe."

As if realising her night will be just as sleepless or restless as the reunited pack's.

And that's what the request was for.

Don't let her be prey to her own thoughts. Make sure she rests.

And my hands tuck her closer to me in silent answer.

Head nudging against hers.

Always.

I'll always look after my mate.

And the image of Jangmi and Amina clinging to each other; tears streaming down their cheeks and eyes glassy and disbelieving; refusing to let go of the other in case they should vanish... burns itself into memory. And remains there even when we leave, coaxing (Y/N) back so the two can have time together. Can let their instincts after months slowly begin the delicate, fragile painstaking process of knowing they're not alone anymore.

They found their way back.

----------

True to SJ's words... (Y/N) doesn't sleep. Not immediately. Not straight away. Not when everyone begins the sleepy shuffles to whatever room they've decided to sleep in for the night. But she's calm, content now that there's only pack scents and not the countless hundreds that saturate the centre; overlapped layers of visitors, children and the in-patients. Glands pulsing out soft anise.

She stays awake, eyes alert despite the late hour and fingers tapping restlessly against the sofa's arm, drifting to trace shapes onto a pillow she's tilted her head against.

Ears flickering and eyes following everyone as they leave and whilst there's no sad tinge to the anise, nothing consciously making her fret; Joon had snuffled and scented and whined low in his throat at her stillness, had drawn her close to nose against her gland, her body slumping with a relaxed tilt. Had clung to her the moment she'd stepped forward; all cosy and snug in a swiped hoodie. Padding sleepily to him. Easily folded and tucked against him; his nose burrowed against her to soothe the day away.

But now... now her eyes have lost that tiredness for some reason. Have slowly flickered back to silent alertness. Something feels... off.

Off in the sense that finding Amina was nothing but good news. It was nothing short of a miracle. And of all places it was in one of the most securely protected spaces in the entirety of Seoul... and Jangmi had finally gotten her packmate back.

But there's a silent thoughtfulness that has her eyes drifting to stare aimlessly at the wall, the shelves, the now black screen of the TV, fallen quiet to the goodnights pressed to her hair, cheeks and lips, nuzzled softly against skin.

A silent pondering, reflexiveness that brings with it a lack of sleep in her eyes.

Gaze slowly drifting to mine when I crouch down in front of her, fingers trailing down her arm and circling around the wrist slowly moving as her fingers continue to trace shapes, ears flickering as she smiles.

"Not going to bed pup?"

I smile at her, lean close to brush my lips against her cheek.

"Not going to bed little doe?" I echo.

Her smile widens.

"In a bit... don't feel sleepy at the moment... go to bed. I know Joonie gets extra whiney when he needs hugs and there's no-one to give them." She says softly, voice tender and eyes bright.

"What's on your mind sweetheart? Usually Koo's already scooped and stolen you away to nest with."

Her scent softens at that, pulsing sweetly.

"Apart from you? The pack... thinking how I'll miss out when Amina finally goes home. I won't get to be part of that herd reunion." A wistful longing that smoothens out with the quirk of her lips, peering at me and reaching out to draw our hands together. Entangled fingers that press tightly, her head dipping to nose at our intertwined fingers, nosing at my knuckles before letting her lips brush across them.

Sweet, gentle affection.

"But... everything is worth it. I found a pack, I found seven mates and... well. I'm sure I'll find something to occupy my time and mind." She teases playfully.

"And... what else." I prod carefully. Knowing... sensing that there's something else.

Hidden behind the playful smiles and inviting eyes.

She dithers.

I know the fidgets like the back of my hand. Know the silent fret in her eyes and know the antsy jolts of her leg jogging up and down from where it's curled up. Know it from that silent debate in her eyes that should I say before instinct, comfort and trust wins her over.

"Just... it really sunk in for me. That the same pup I knew to be too alert, too cautious, too anxious was Amina. I cared for the pup and kit... they're... they're survivors but... but when I saw Amina... and I know what was done to her, I know that my friend was drugged and tortured for months... it just. Minnie it's... what she went through are horror stories I heard about. But it's my friend. And I can't help vanish the pain." Voice trembling slightly.

Overwhelmed as she peers at me anxiously.

My eyes flicker to her gland.

Ever since mating her... not that I wasn't already so attuned to everything about her... the mating amplified it in the hundreds. Every subtle pheromone, every tiny shift, everything that impacted her was immediately detectable by her scent.

And for the first time since coming home, since being surrounded by pack, since being content does her scent pulse with a flickering uncertainty. An insecurity in her eyes as she looks at me.

The pleading question and implore in her doe eyes.

How do I make it better? How do I make it go away? How do I unwind time to before she got caught?

And I have not a single answer.

Not a single consolation except one I know with fierce unwavering certainty.

"Helping Amina is not your weight alone to try to bear baby. Amina will get better... I've never heard of a tougher, younger lieutenant than her. And I don't know her but I know... I can promise that she won't let this get her down. And the mental strength is half the recovery in itself."

She nods, fingers winding tighter around mine to draw me close; seeking me out, drawing me closer to her, closing the physical distance between us.

"You're right... when did my foxy get so wise?" she murmurs.

"When my fawn let herself see that her problems aren't just her own to shoulder. And she's got a pack full of mates willing and ready to help her."

Lips ghosting along her jaw, slowly trailing to the corner of her lips. Cupping her cheek to tilt her face to me.

"Thank you... love you." she says quietly, tilting closer to me.

Hand slipping to wind around my nape and draw me to her, body surging up from where I crouch to crowd against her, lips immediately seeking hers, a soft exhale when they meet. When she kisses me with the slow burning want that'll never die out but just fans hotter and heavier and more dangerously. Head tilted down to mine and fingers slipping to brush through my hair, anchoring me to her, to the soft presses of her lips slotting against mine over and over, lingering more and more each time, lips pliant and sweet and soft; bringing with each kiss the soft pulse of her scent. Bodies tugged to each other with an irresistible reeling connection, feeling, sensing every shift in her pheromones as they steadily sweeten and soften with vulnerability and trust.

Love you too my lips graze against hers over and over, coaxing her closer, lips parting and tongue flicking against the soft plushness, flicking against the dip of her lips, the curved lilt, the seam of her mouth which parts when I chase entrance, tongue curling against my own.

Unhurried, slow presses of her fingers winding into my hair, body tilted to mine and the scent of her contentment entangling with my mint, a deep rumble bubbling up at my mate, sweet and all soft warmth and curves pressing forward even whilst she tugs me closer.

Bracketing her under me as I surge upwards, arms trapping her between them, hands on either side as I chase the flick of her tongue, the teasing curl as she leans back, smiling against me, evading the chase of my mouth and tongue hungering to meld with hers.

"Tease." I huff against her lips, groaning when her fingers tug lightly at my hair, drifting up to draw my lips firmer against hers; silencing and swallowing every worry and concern. Soothed away by the grounding touch of each other.

"Me? Never."

And the silent fretting is eased away entirely, lost in the hazy, slow press of our lips chasing each other. Quietened by the soothed instincts and the soft sighs exhaled against each other and the rustle of clothing. And finally... finally she lets me lead her to bed, bodies still gravitated close and arms wound around me.

Slowly drawing her out of the living room, walking backwards to lead her down the hallways, down towards her bedroom, knowing that someone was already going to be tucked against Joon, eyes already adjusted to the dim lighting, knowing the layout of the apartment better than the back of my hand. Smiling when her eyes hold mine, ears flickering and a loose relief making her limbs drag slowly, content with the unrushed pace.

Drawing me with her towards her bed when she lets go of one of my hands to draw the room door open, left ajar as she clambers under the sheets and tugs me with her.

Nose brushing against mine when we lie down in her bed, nudging against mine in an eskimo kiss before drawing the blankets over the two of us.

"Night night minty." Voice a quiet whisper, lips brushing against mine before her hand curls around my waist, settles against skin.

Even in the darkness I can see every feature of her face clearly. See the delicate flutter of her lashes as she peers at me through lidded eyes.

"Night flower."

AMINA POV:

Discomfort. The weird foreign sensation of being in a body bigger than the one I'd grown accustomed to for what felt like forever is what I wake to.

Eyes forcing themselves open, skin feeling as if it was stretched taut over bones and flesh, moving and flinching violently when a hand enters my vision and not a paw.

A hand.

Not a paw.

Fingers trembling as I slowly stretch them out, unfurl them before trying to curl them, try to establish the fact the hand I'm seeing is... my own.

Feel the cold, cold press of the floor and the warmth of blankets, body shivering and shuddering as I try to remember how to move in a body that doesn't feel like my own... alienated even within myself, cheek pressed to soft plushness and the ticklish sensation of fur burrowed against my neck. Accompanied with small sleepy puffs of breath, quiet barely audible purrs rumbling against my gland and a folded tiny kit bundled against skin, settled against the crook of my neck.

Little kit.

I remembered little kit, remembered her with a fierce aching sharpness to protect and keep her safe, head slowly turning; neck stiff and fingers shaking as I seek out the multi-coloured fur, skimming across patches of different coloured fur, against the small unbelievably delicate form. Somehow even more vulnerable and fragile now that I've shifted back.

Every limb protests, spine locked with a stiffness of being compressed, contained in my shifted form because it was the only way... it was the only way of survival. And even then survival was a gambled game of chance we'd played daily; hidden away and tucked away and trying... trying to escape the hellhole I'd found her in.

My fingers are gentle but clumsy. Fumbling with incoordination and disuse, trying to remember how limbs worked, how my hands were meant to scoop, fingers having the dexterity paws didn't have as I scoop her to me.

Feel the small wriggle under my touch, the tiny paws pressing to skin and the heavier droop of the small stirs settling immediately. Even somehow detecting that it's still me. Knowing even as she's asleep that even as I'm unshifted... I'm still the same figure she'd chosen. The same kit I'd seen and nurtured and protected and guarded as my own.

The sensation of holding her, of being able to is entirely new. A first time experience and I watch with an aching heart as she settles in cupped palms, head resting against my wrist, slowly struggling to move and draw my legs up, to get up.

To get warm and to cover myself; body entirely bare, flinching at the fading scratches and the sickly pale pallor to my skin, the weakness I feel in trying to push myself upright, to draw myself up on legs that tremble violently with movement, with disuse, with pain as I remember how to coordinate my body that suddenly feels all too large, all too foreign in comparison to the small size I'd grown accustomed to. Flinch at the gash on my calf; remembering blistering burning pain and a feverish heat making my fur seem thick and confining. Remember the strangled howl muffled, fangs sinking onto my tongue to bite back the cry. Remember the sting of agony grow stronger as I dragged myself off, leg strained and useless.

Move slowly, fingers brushing over the blankets as I tug the hoodie up, the only fabric able to cover me properly, carrying the faint scent of mint, earthy dew and anise in it. There's none of that agony now, none of the blistering pain and the accompanying terror. Just a dull throb; staring down at the gash; knowing full well it'll scar.

One of the scents is entirely unfamiliar; though it triggers a ghost of a memory in the back of my mind.

A low voice I can't give a name to and the jolting scent of blood and sweat entangled with it.

And anise. Floral and sweet and light, almost swallowed whole by the largely mintiness of the officer's scent.

Of the officer with the careful hands and perked ears and sharp eyes.

The one KitKat had taken to so easily, so wonderfully, so happily; yowling so giddily and paws all fumbly and desperate to grab at him, slipping and clambering to get closer, exploring him as a nest just as much as the pawed and shaped blankets were.

Safe.

He seemed safe.

Safe after an infinity of threat and danger and constant fear that had made everything a potential risk I couldn't gamble.

He seemed safe but in the emptiness of the room, it was just me.

Just me and the small bundle of kit I scoop up once I've threaded the hoodie over my body; gratefully sinking into the protective warmth of the fabric, drawing myself up to slowly stagger towards the bed. Milk bottle clutched in my hold to feed the slowly stirring baby.

For the first time... for the first time since I'd known these four walls I sink onto it, smoothening over flickering ears, fingers gently rubbing against her nose bridge; lips strained as they twitch and curl into a smile.

Quietly remain content to just hold her in my arms; growing accustomed to how different it is to hold her without the fumble of paws in the way, without scooping her to tuck her under me and blanketing her to both hide her and keep her warm. To keep her sleeping as much as to be the first line of protection for her.

And slowly she begins to stir, slowly fussing when she realises it's fingers and not paws cradling her, when I have to settle for rubbing my knuckles across fur and can't immediately nuzzle into her with my nose and fangs, lips curved softly.

"...hi... hi little KitKat." I murmur.

Voice hoarse and rough and words are hard to form, to remember how to turn my tongue to speak, how to make sound. Wincing at the harsh quality to my words; to how my throat aches to speak. But my first words are for her. For my kit.

See her yowl softly in response, trying to communicate too, the bodily wriggle excited and startled in equal measure by my voice. By speech.

It feels different and new and terrifying and exhilarating all at once.

See sleepy eyes blink open with quiet fussy meows, startling for all but one instant before her tiny fangs peek out and her paws grasp onto my fingers to snuffle against them, settling when she twists and noses at my wrist; scents me and realises who I am.

Realises I'm the same fox she's been curled against, had trembled against the first time I'd found her.

Burrowing into matted fur to try hide when I'd first scooped her away from the hell she was being threatened and harmed in.

Wide eyes startled and curious as she peers up at me.

And when I lean forward, paws excitedly at strands of hair that fall forward, tugging at curls and yowling louder with delight, wriggling as she tries to fumble her way upwards, try to clamber closer.

To explore. To see.

To reacquaint herself.

There's delight and giddiness in the soft meowls, tugging at my hair, pawing at the fabric with apparent recognition of who it belongs to; nose burrowing against it, against the crook of my arm.

But she's still sluggish with sleep, still drowsy and hungry because her yowls turn hungrier; snuffling for the bottle and rolling tummy up as she settles; peering expectantly.

Pawing at my fingers as I draw the bottle close with a quiet smile.

Watch as her mouth closes around the teat with an eager suckle, falling silent as she sucks, feeding from the bottle quietly, eyes blinking up at me; trusting me, remembering me, committing this form and face to memory too.

A silent, comforting haze settles.

A newer, tentative bond forming, eyes unable to drift away from her curled contentedly.

She's got sharp instincts for someone so young, a baby kit but she knows how to ascertain people by scent, knew to check and confirm before she settled. Explored in curiosity...

She's going to grow to be a strong kit.

And with every breath, with every scar and moment of fear... it's all been worth it. To have saved her, it was all worth it. And every instance of fear looking over my head for an impeding threat that was only a matter of when.

"Put your hands where I can see them."

The voice is startling. Comes out of nowhere. Breaks through a reverie that blindsided me to the sound of the door opening. Makes me realize maybe... maybe my instincts aren't as piqued as I thought.

The growled command shouldn't make me balk at all... because I know the voice, I know who it belongs to... and yet I bodily suppress a flinch, stilling where I'm holding KitKat to me, controlling the sharp pulse of scent, the hammering accelerated pulse of my heartbeat wildly thrumming against my sternum. Bite back the harsh, feral growl that resounds in the depth of my chest, hand only tightening fractionally against the bottle, dampening any sharp burst of scent and frazzled instinct that would unsettle the little kit in my arms.

It takes far too long.

Too long to stifle a feral unhinged defensiveness that quietens when the scent, the scent coaxes me to calm despite its sharp intensity. Mint.

I knew mint.

I knew the voice.

And when it repeats itself, when the growl deepens with the command it doesn't make hackles rise.

Instead I turn. Turn towards the voice, towards the figure I know the mint belongs to.

See stiff pinned back ears and a swishing tail, see the biological threatened tells as my eyes drift over the gun he aims towards me. Stance balanced and poised to attack.

But an odd thing happens.

Comprehension, recognition and realization dawns on his sharp features. Turns them slack as he stares at me. Incredulous and disbelieving. As if he knows who I am. As if he's seen a ghost.

See the hardened clench of his jaw go lax as his lips part slightly, ears flickering as the tension drains from his face and instead he looks thunderstruck.

A confusing mix of emotions I don't know how to decipher as I stare back at him, fingers still carefully keeping the bottle in place as my kit suckles from it, eyes unwavering from his.

His hands unfurl, lowering the gun and holsters it, safely puts it out of the way before he rushes forward. A sudden jolt of movement that briefly startles me as I watch him approach. See the harried and relieved and overwhelming myriad of emotions, thoughts and feelings flicker across his face.

Breathless and hoarse when he speaks.

"Amina..."

The mere sound of my name... being uttered after an eternity shifted, forcefully compelled to stay in that form... to hear it said aloud... to hear it is enough to have my throat tightening.

I'd almost forgotten how it sounded to be recognized, to have someone know you... to have someone look as he does as he stares at me. Relieved and happy to see me. Stunned and giddy.

"It feels like forever since I've heard that." I admit.

Voice strained and hoarse, rough as I articulate the words, remembering how it feels to speak , to talk to someone. Still cradling KitKat, smiling down at her, a fierce aching sting at the corner of my eyes.

Still disoriented and confused, still trying to make sense of finally shifting back.

The panic and desperation and nausea of being trapped still clinging to me; terrified at the thought of being trapped again, of this being a fever-dream and waking to being stuck unable to say the hundreds of things I needed to.

My eyes hold his, peering upwards, feel his arm band protectively across my shoulders as he draws me close, keeps me tucked against him; a trembling relief wracking his body just as fiercely as it does mine. Sinking against him because finally safe, finally able to speak... sink against him because it aches to finally have someone hold me too.

I was exhausted from holding myself together.

And all I wanted was to let go. To let someone else keep the pieces together from crumbling.

How long has it been since I've talked to someone... even seen them in a body that's not considerably smaller... how much time has passed?

And when his arms curl around me, clutch at me with a desperation and a frazzled instinct finally... finally being satiated I lean forward without even processing it. Because this... this closeness, this... comfort and safety that comes with being held, just human touch is something I know I hunger for. Know that I'm starved for it as I feel his hand curl around my shoulders, feel his mint soften entirely, sweet and gentle and fresh, something light that curls in my lungs and chases the sharp poisoned bitter tinge of my own. Bats and nudges it away and makes it easier to breathe, easier to find the noose my own scent had become loosen and ease up. No longer strangling and suffocating me under the weight of my own despair ever since I'd been trapped knowing full well the next day could be my last... no the next moment could've been... that every second was an impeding threat I couldn't prepare for. That maybe... maybe I didn't have the strength to survive anymore.

"You... you are a hard woman to find Amina... but thank god... " he mutters, head tucked over mine.

Leaning tiredly against him, finding safety and refuge and respite and reprieve in his arms as he tucks me against him. Hands still keeping KitKat cradled against me. Reaching out to keep him close to. Because I needed this... needed this closeness and this comfort.

"You... you don't know long I've been... we've been looking for you. You are a very in demand fox Amina."

That consolation, reaffirmation that I'm not alone or forgotten. That I'm not nameless.

"Nice to finally meet you officer."

My voice wavers as I speak, confirming his identity too. And when he leans back his eyes examine me, take me in. As if it's just as much as startling, just as much of an amazement to him as it is to me. Processing this.

Giving me hope that this... this isn't a fever-dream, this is real. And startling. But real.

"You've been a phantom we've searched everywhere for... and all along... all along you were already here. You're safe."

Because of you.

Because bloodied and rushing, you still found us.

And took us away from there.

And brought us here.

Gave us safety.

"That's thanks to you." voice quiet and trembling.

And the safety... that's thanks to the quiet, weak pulse of anise that has my head turning, ears perking slightly at the sight of her, the aching gnawing pain mounting as my lips tremble. Her name quietly uttered. See the disbelief and wonder in doe eyes... it's been a while. Been a while since I saw her too.

And she looks... settled. Settled despite the tremble to her legs and the shininess to her eyes as she hurries forward, a different internal calm that keeps her as the grounding presence for both of us; eyes flickering to Jimin, watching him with something weighted and unspoken as she clutches me. Draws me into an embrace; shaky whispered apologies and eyes shiny with guilt and remorse.

Her scent settles because it's one I know... have known for a long, long time. Her scent settles and her words make my scent spike when she says she'll call Jangmi, eyes peering up at her with hope and overwhelming waves of anticipation and nerves.

Jangmi.

How was she? Was she safe? Did she listen to everything I warned her about? Was she okay?

The restlessness builds even as KitKat paws back for the bottle; hungry and yowling softly for attention, settling when my eyes hold hers again even as my ears droop and I try to keep the stinging pain of not having Jangmi here gnaw away at me from the inside.

And yet.

Yet when I hear her, hear my name spilled from her lips it comes with agony.

It comes with a blistering pain that I can't even begin to soothe over but all I can see and note in that moment is that she's here.

Looking so far changed from the panda bear I left that day.

What had happened in such a short amount of time?

What happened to her?

"Amina... Mina you're..." her voice trembles, wrung out and drained, shaky.

Watch her rush over and stop.

A few steps away, watching. Daring and yet not daring to believe the sight in front of her eyes.

Ears flickering as she takes me in, shaking as she closes those final few steps, hand trembling violently as she moves to brush the hood off my head, eyes holding mine.

The world stills for a moment and then comes crumbling down as she wraps her arms tight around me, fierce and unrelenting as she clutches me close, curled against me as her arms tremble.

Sobs my name out against my temple, against skin, against my hair as she tucks me against her, against the soft jumper and the pulsing weight of honey turned bitter and stale. Nose buried against the slither of skin, breaths shuddered and uneven as I cling back to her, heart shattering into tinier fragments with every sob, with every whispered murmur of name drowning in agony.

With every cry my heart clenches tighter, tormented by the scent of her sorrow, by the tears I can feel against skin, damp cheeks where she tucks herself over me, pressed as close as she physically can. Curled protectively as her fingers clutch the hoodie tightly.

Her tears trickle down, damp stains over flushed cheeks that are far, far less rounder and softer than I'd last seen them, losing their natural shape. Breathing my scent in with a desperation, with an agony that sears and lances her body mercilessly. And I cling back just as tightly. Cling to her, to the soured scent of honey even as it burns my lungs; coats them with her pain.

Cradles me to her, hides me away with a fierce, relenting protectiveness. Holding me tightly with the refusal to let go clear. And I hold back just as tightly, burrowing against her jumper, against her to be held. Knowing... knowing that more than anyone in the world... Jangmi can put the pieces back together, that should I fall apart before she can keep me from breaking... then she can help build me back up.

My panda bear.

"You're finally here... and late." Her voice shakes, raw and pained and her eyes are deeply shadowed, anguished and hazed behind her glasses, body curved close with a weary exhaustion that relentlessly clings to her.

Sways as she looks at me, her scent sputtering out in sad pulses, pheromones overwhelmed and distressed.

She looks exhausted, run down into the ground, swallowed up in the jumper with a fragility I haven't seen before. And despite holding herself above me, holding me to her, there's a defeated slump to her spine.

"Sorry... Mi I'm so sorry... better late than never." I murmur, aching to hear those same words ring back to me now with a despairing note to them, clinging to her tightly.

I'm thankful I made it back alive and not a body bag Mi. I'm so sorry it took me so long... long enough that you've gone through hell for it.

Reach for her hand, cling to the soft warmth with my own, fingers wrapping around hers, pleading and imploring to erase that agony and hollowness in her eyes.

This emptiness that scares me to see in the depths of her dark eyes; as if she's seeing me but doesn't trust her eyes to show her the reality and not a distorted figment of her mind.

See her face crumple as she shakes her head; a broken sound in the back of her throat, raw and torn out. Visceral agony that shreds at her from the inside. Hurts her.

Scent swamped with a heaviness. With a weighted despair I can't understand. Can't figure out why. Can't figure out the true source and depth of it until she speaks.

"Months late Amina... you're months late than your promise."

The pain is because of me.

The pain is become somehow... somehow months have passed even if the impossibility of it rings loud and clear in my head.

It can't have been that long. It can't be that I've been missing, gone for so long. It can't be that I broke my promise and in turn broke Jangmi. Broke my panda bear.

It... it just can't be.

Her voice is raw with the agony of stifling cries for months, of bearing the silence for just as long.

I did that to her.

When I didn't come back... I did that.

"Mi... I'm so, so sorry... I... m sorry panda bear." Even if sorry isn't enough, isn't enough to even begin with erasing the grief etched deep into soft features hardened with her sorrow. But she shakes her head, dispelling that as she clings back tightly to me.

And even now... even now I can read her face so easily.

See the unspoken agony in her eyes, see the tip of her nose turn pink as she sniffles, ears flickering as she ducks her head, hiding the torment from me. Sparing me from its intensity.

"No... no... thank you... that even if overdue... you kept your promise. And you made it back to me alive..."

I'm sorry Mi.

But for some reason, anguish and blame and guilt and self-resentment swims in her eyes, pools over in thick tears that trickle over and streak down her cheeks, lips trembling as she shudders, clings to my hands just as tightly and sobs for what she could've done.

"But I should've done more... I should've published every file... shouldn't have let you go that day... should've done more... should've done anything to make my pack come back..."

But she hadn't.

An unconscious weight lightens because even in the haze, in the desperation, in the agony... even in the disorientation there was the relief, this uncoiled pressure that she hadn't.

Despite the agony... she hadn't.

But it hurts to see her face grief struck, scoured deep with misery as her shoulders slump downwards.

Her pack.

I was her pack.

And I'd been gone. I hadn't been able to make it back to her.

And I tug her back.

Tug her closer, burrowing against her.

Trying to say what words just couldn't in this moment.

That... finally... finally I felt entirely safe.

Finally I felt like after an eternity, I was home.

I'm so sorry Mi.

I'm sorry.

I'm here.

I'm sorry.

Silencing and muffling the pain against her shoulder, tears soaking her jumper and feeling the salty tang of her pain burn a line down my throat, compelled to confront that me not being there did that. Hurt her.

Feel her press close because nothing can bear to separate her from me, nothing can separate her from me.

Feel a restless kit yowl. Wanting introductions as she paws at the blankets (Y/N) had swaddled her in, that lies settled over my lap, pawing upwards to explore the soft jumper her mouth opens to yowl at. Peering curiously at my panda bear.

See and feel Jangmi draw back as her body shudders, fingers trembling as she reaches out to smoothen her fur, hitched breaths as the gesture has KitKat clinging on with paws to snuffle at her. To identify the scent, to acquaint herself with it.

Feel the brush of anise; gentle and tentative, her fingers drifting up to wipe Jangmi's tears; voice a quiet murmur as she leans in for a hug.

Arms wrapping around both of us, cradling us close before nuzzling gently at teary cheeks.

"When I come back tomorrow we'll get you checked up properly but today... be pack." She murmurs, fingers smoothening over my hair.

My fingers wrap around her wrist; nudging against it with my nose gently.

"Be back tomorrow?" I confirm.

She nods.

Eyes flickering to Jangmi, something worried and unspoken as her hand smoothens over the curve of her pack.

"I will, the bed's big enough for the two of you, try rest. Even if you don't sleep... rest." She coaxes quietly.

I nod.

"Honey bear I'll be back early tomorrow but SJ's staying."

Her glassy eyes turn from me, unwillingly tearing away to take in the tall buck, lips wavering as she tries to smile, nods as she tries to brush trickling tears from her cheeks, eyes fluttering and body swaying.

Something nervous and anxious blooms in the pit of my stomach.

A swooping, sickening sensation as I look at him approach; the scent of peach cloying and sharp, lips curving in a small smile as he finally gets close enough to look at me, fingers brushing over my ears.

"Scared us all pup."

I give him a weak smile, fingers looped around Jangmi's wrist, see his eyes flicker as he unconsciously flanks the two of us, the added height of his antlers making him tower over her, his hand grounding on the low of her back as he tries to coax her to sit.

"If you two want to sleep, I'm here. If you don't... still here." Voice soft and quiet.

Low and gentle.

But it's me who she moves to steer towards lying down, carefully, fretfully reaching her hand out to steady me, to draw the blankets upwards.

A ghost of a fatigued smile on her face when KitKat shuffles upwards, pawing and popping out rumpled, yowling as she paws at the new blankets.

"Can... can you get a blanket from the nest? It'll help her sleep better." I ask, voice hoarse and rasping, throat clenching and closing around nothing, the effort to form the words makes my throat grate. Wincing at the painful quality of it.

And she's already unbottling water, absently drawing a sip before she holds it out.

Eyes unknowing as she holds my own.

And though I take the bottle... though I silently draw a sip, I don't miss how the unconscious tic is mine.

Is the same likeliness of how (Y/N) and Jimin tasted the food before they fed KitKat or coaxed it to me. Checking to assure it's fine to eat. And she does it without realising. Checking it before handing it over.

And SJ's hands are careful as he forms a small pseudo-nest, a tiny bundle of folded blanket right beside me that the little kit yowls and fumbles towards; clambering off me and pawing as she wriggles down into it.

At least kit's happy. And safe.

At least her world is soothed so easily, so calmly.

Wishing that I too could erase the blips and creases and the gap of months.

"...Mi not going to sleep? You... you're exhausted." Frowning at the small tilt of her body, trying to coax her closer.

"....not yet. Sleep Amina... I'm not going anywhere. Pinky promise." a faint glimmer shines in her eyes as she holds hers out, watches me as mine wraps around hers to seal the deal.

But a restless ache still pulses as I lie down, body turned to face KitKat, feel the brief squeeze at my hand before Jangmi lets go to round the bed.

Careful and tentative as she peers at my kit, at her yowling in greeting, rolling about the blanket to lather her scent into it.

And though there's an aching agony at seeing Jangmi's eyes shadowed behind her glasses; peering at me with the fear of me vanishing, slipping away in the next instant if she so much as blinks... there's a different peace that settles when I look at her.

When I look at her I don't have the same fear, I feel... reassured, comforted by the sight of her, by her scent. Because finally... finally the nightmare comes to an end. Finally the nightmare ends because I have Jangmi, because I know she'll be here for me.

I want to be here for you too Jangmi and though I can't even begin to decipher the weight in her eyes, I reach my hand out across the nest to draw her closer, to tug her to lie down at least.

"Be here when I wake?" I ask, voice rough and strangled and imploring.

Exhausted, weighed down by shifting back, by being awake. By processing everything with a sharper clarity than I'd had for... months it appeared.

I wanted to be awake but my eyes were growing heavy, and the last thing I wanted was to close them and to open them to my panda gone.

"Mi stay..."

Her fingers lean over to brush through my hair gently, drawing it away from my face.

"Never leaving Mina... sleep."

My fingers tighten, trying to draw her closer.

"Sleep too?" voice slightly sluggish, frowning at the dark circles lining her eyes.

"....rest. I'll try sleep too."

My eyes sink shut at the coaxing murmur, at the brush of fingers against my wrist in light scent and fingers still entangled with mine.

Stay. She's staying.

Home. I'm home.

And home isn't leaving... isn't going anywhere.

Home is right here. Holding my hand and refusing to let go.

And I slowly let go... slowly let my body sink down under the blankets and relax. Slowly let my instincts calm and quieten from their thrashing, slowly unwind and let my limbs loosen.

Slowly let my ears droop and fold, coming to rest, feel the brush of fur tickling skin and coming to burrow against the crook of my neck, burying against skin and my gland and making a new permanent space for her there. Quiet purrs against skin and paws shuffling before KitKat curls small, tucks against me; deciding ultimately I'm the better nest than the blankets.

Feel my head droop more heavily against the pillows; body relaxing the final coil of tension at the quiet purrs and nudges against skin; the soft sleepy grooms before KitKat stills too, the fingers still holding mine a loose, light hold. Finally able to fall asleep and rest knowing Jangmi's here.

And I'm safe.

(Y/N) POV:

The stench of sweat and grime and countless bodies presses in from each side, slams into my nose mercilessly even as I burrow closer to his scent, cling tighter to him, refusing to let go. Not that his arms unravel either, they cling back tighter with a fierce unwavering promise as his hand draws my head towards his scent gland. Trembling fingers and a thin body cradles me close, keeps me tucked against him as he shakes. Shakes and muffles tears against my head, breaths wavering and uneven as we hide in the darkened corner. Hide to press back from the sound of agony, the yells, the sharp overwhelming scent of terror.

"Shhh... shhh little fawn shhh.... Need to be quiet... need to be quiet. We're safe here... shhh."

I bite down hard on my lips, burrowing further against him, nose chasing his scent, trying to find respite in the salty tang entangled with his scent, sweat and fear makes his pheromones prickle as I breathe them in.

Swallowing down cries, broken gasps as I cling to him, tugging him closer, fisting into thin fabric to anchor myself to him, nodding against his throat.

And when his fingers accidentally drop to my nape, skimming barely across it accidentally my body flinches; before immediately surrendering; going loose and lax against him. Feel his breath shudder and his hand immediately retreat, scent sharp with fear as he tries to coax me to peer up.

"No no... no you can't... look at me, I'm not them, no don't..." voice harried and urgent and agonised.

Tormented by the lax response as my body sinks against his, limbs pliant and uncooperative. Futile as I try to hold onto him more securely, try to draw myself up, eyes swimming with a triggered haze of the weak, newly forming scent of decayed flowers.

My lungs burn and my nose recoils from my own scent, peering up at terrified eyes and a face carved thinner, all sharp angles and bones but home... the only thing... the only person I could call home.

"...s fine. I'll be..." I mumble, voice sounding grating and horrifyingly loud to my ears, flickering and turning to detect any sound, hyperconscious of even the shaky breaths shared between us, scent souring because I did something wrong, I can tell by his scent as it sharpens with distress, arms tightening around me as he tries to tuck me smaller.

"Keep focusing on me... you're fine, you're so..."

"Mine. You're mine and no-one else's... I won't let them hurt you." he vows against my temple, quiet but firm even as his voice shakes. Trembles with a terror and shared agony that every night together could very well be the last.

That tomorrow we might wake only to lose each other.

Or to witness the other go through agony and pain and be helpless, be forcibly held back and told to watch, to learn, to be better.

My fingers are slow as I let them rest against his chest, feeling the erratic uneven wild hammering of his pulse under my palm; soothed and terrified and relating to the rapid uncertainty of not knowing when the last time it'd beat would be.

Feel him flinch and recoil when his back presses back tighter against the wall, against the tiny alcove of space we'd found; hissing between his teeth, muffling the groan against my shoulder as he clings tighter, tears damp against my shoulder. Whimpering in pain and trying to stifle the sounds as much as he can even though I know what his back looks like.

Covered in bruised, slowly healing red welts, hit hard enough to hurt and teach a lesson but don't damage the goods. To cause pain and keep him suffering, learning from what the wrong words, the wrong action could lead to... to teach him not to interfere with another lesson.

"Get off her! Stop it, you're hurting her... can't you see she can't breathe... she's not an animal so stop collaring her... you monsters!" sobbed and yelled and voice raw and pitched with alarm, hate and venom. Hands shaking as he tried to scrabble to loosen the hold of leather around my neck, fisted by a hand keeping my throat arched, keeping me from breathing, from bending my head forward; lips lax as I tried to draw in breath that wouldn't... couldn't go past my throat.

The broken breaths are laboured and my vision darkens, spots of black swimming as my surroundings blur, aware of the sharp yells, the weaker fingers trying to tug the leather off and away from my throat, a tiny thin frame just as young and vulnerable trying to shield mine, voice anguished and yelling as he tries to put space between me and the person collaring my throat.

Keeping me from breathing... teaching with a vicious pride to stay upright and presented. To bare my throat to my owner... to whoever holds the leash.

And then the pressure disappears. Relinquishes. But not out of mercy and never out of pity or compassion. It's to push the boy down instead, foot colliding with his back to send him sprawling with a cry. But his head dips with an obedience, a knowledge of being aware of what comes next.

Of knowing that if not me then him.

Except he isn't wrangled back with a belt looping around his throat and yanking. It comes in a lashing, leather striking against pale skin still healing from being pinned and taught submission.

Submission is what you need to learn. To bend over and take a good breeding like the whores who made you.

My lungs shudder, burn with the difficulty of suddenly not knowing how to swallow down the air mercifully given but thrown in my face as a gift that came with repercussions. Came with the sharp cries of a boy broken for being my protector, back arching and body writhing... small limbs convulsing under every snap of leather leaving bright red welts on skin.

"Never ever stop a lesson. You two don't make it easy for yourself do you... when will you learn to shut up and take it?"

Maybe now, maybe this moment is enough to teach the small boy in front of me that helping me did him no favours, but instead I can't help but try shield him from the lashes, crying out when the leather strikes against my skin instead, the clothes do nothing to shelter me, to soften the blow, the flamed heat that sears from the lash radiates through my body.

"Please stop... please, please... Please let him go. Don't... don't hurt him." I sob, begging as I curl against him, drawing his writhing body under the protection of my swaying one. Voice strangled and hoarse, agonising to form the pleas, to shudder them out against my buck's nape. A hand fists into my hair and yanks me back, forcefully arches my throat as pain blooms where the hand tugs.

"How about you learn how to submit? And he gets the fight beaten out of him. Or how about we cut our losses and make your bodies an example. Want us to end this? End the pain once and for all?"

Do you want to die?

Dying seems foreign, seems a gift, an escape beyond the hell we're in but my eyes blur as I look back, struggling to focus on the face as I'm shaken by the hand entangled in hair.

Why would they give us mercy? Why would they gift us?

"Yes. Yes please... please... want to end the pain... please..."

Never turn down a mercy. No matter whichever evil it comes from.

Death. Please. Please gift us with it.

But the mocking laugh is derisive. Has my heart sinking as the hand shoves me, my hands fumbling to grip the boy under me and cling tightly, shielding his wounds.

"Too bad. You'll fetch quite the price."

And just like that a mercy is snatched before being dangled before us.

And the cycle repeats.

And we hide. But though hiding gives us the reprieve of night, of being held by each other than dragged away to yank out the same cries that ring in our ears now. And the scary thing of hide and seek is hiding is a blessing. Being found is a curse.

--------

There's gentle hands cupping my cheeks, brushing against the tears staining my face, lungs aching and raw as I thrash, twisting away from the constraint of the blankets entangled against my legs, shaking and trembling as the breath rushes out of my lungs.

"(Y/N)... baby wake up... it's just a nightmare, sweetheart wake up." coaxing and pleading, the scent of citrus and mint cool against feverish skin, body arching off the sheets, pained whimpers slipping past my lips. Eyes flashing open, mind still burned with images I can't filter through; streaming one after the other in an undecipherable mess.

Trying to place the figure, the sobbing boy clinging to me; still feeling the pressure of thin arms encircling me.

"Sweetheart... look at me... focus on my voice." A deep voice thrumming with plea coaxes, pleads. Urges me to focus.

But all I can hear... all I can focus on and feel my ears flicker and try shut away are screams. Screams and cries and pleas.

Please end it. Please. Please gift me death.

But I don't want to die.

And the girl's sob for it, her begging cries make my body convulse and tremble, sobbing as I twist; unrecognising the hands on my arms until coherency slowly slips in between the sharp, relentless grip of the nightmare still holding on.

"(Y/N)... baby you're okay.... You're okay. I've got you...got my mate. My mate..." and my blurry eyes search desperately for the voices, throat raw as if the screams and cries have been torn out my throat even now, as if I've writhed and thrashed in the bed.

Eyes blinking slowly, struggling to focus on the two faces in front of me and hands trembling as I reach out to cling... to hold on, breaths shaky and imploring as I tilt forward.

See dark eyes come into focus, lips pressed tight with worry and ears pinned back and flickering; alert despite the sleepy rumple of their clothes.

I've woken them.

"...Yoon... Yoonie... Mimi..." their names shudder past my lips and I watch as one curls closer and the other moves to brush gentle lips against tearstained cheeks, the quiet discontent rumble as a hand rubs up and down my bowed spine.

"We're here sweet girl... it's okay. Whatever the nightmare was... it's okay, you're safe remember?"

My body trembles, clinging tighter to the arms around me, eyes wide and breathing uneven.

Drifting eyes that desperately scour the dark room for lingering remnants of a nightmare I can't place; the terror lancing through my body with the anguish of hurt for the little girl familiar yet not.

Not sure why I was dreaming of such horrible terrors when they hadn't happened.

And why... why on earth was the boy so striking familiar.

"Okay? Baby talk to me..." Mimi coaxes, voice a low rasp, alarm and distress pushing through the grogginess.

"...I..."

"..."

"...Nightmare. I had a nightmare."

He nods, leaning forward to rest his forehead against mine.

"Want to talk about it?"

I shake my head.

"Want to forget about it."

Lips brush against my cheek, nosing at tears, fingers loosely curled around me.

"Want to lie down?"

I dither, fingers moving to drift over entangled blankets.

Nod slowly, skin feeling clammy as hands coax me to lie down, the press of a firm body against my side; accompanied by the lightest curl of orange blossoms.

"We don't have to talk about it... but don't bottle it up if you can't forget it." his voice murmurs against my nape, brushing a gentle kiss against my gland, the light touch makes my body tilt closer, feel the blankets still loosely entangled around our waists as Mimi curls against my other side.

I don't think I'll ever forget it, not when these nightmares have kept me up years. Not when they were what first drove me to find solace in your voice Yoongi.

I don't think I can forget... I can try survive nights to move on with the days instead.

---------

"You didn't sleep. Not... properly at least." A voice muses, nose scrunching against the strong brew of coffee set in the middle of the breakfast table.

I eye it contemplatively.

Wondering whether to reach out for it or not.

The decision is made for me when a hand nudges it back, drawing my hand between his hands, swallowing it whole between his, and peers at me with wide, brown anxious eyes.

"Long day. Tough night." I mumble.

He leans forward, tail wrapped around my calf and tugs the chair forward so his body can bracket mine; arms winding around me to hug me from behind, holding me as his head settles on my shoulders.

"Thought you found your friend?" he murmurs.

I nod, head tilting back to rest against his.

Feel him wriggle closer before he tires of the momentary barrier between us of the small back of the stools and tugs me off and onto his lap, a happier rumble pressed against my back, nose nudging against my cheek in a gentle scent.

"I have... I think the cases have just been playing on my mind a lot. Made me have a nightmare." I admit quietly.

His next rumble is louder and deeper; as if trying to soothe the restless night away, to calm me and to growl at the nightmares, to scare them off.

Protective tiger.

"Tip 11: a tired fawn is a sad fawn. Grab her when you can for a nap! Just swipe!" he narrates, eyes watchful and voice soft.

The echoed tip makes my lips quirk.

It seemed like eons ago Tae was shuffling through the notes and collecting the sticky notes to commit the 'tips' to heart and memory.

I stare at him.

"You memorised them stripes?" see his lips quirk at the nickname, fangs peeking out. Nodding proudly.

"Of course I did! I'm even considering stopping by the bakery for lunch or a pit-stop one of these days to get more tips directly from the source." He confides.

But the hushed admission makes my heart fond, clenching tightly as it skips a beat for the sweet affectionate tiger looking at me.

"I think... I know Binnie would love that. He's very... huffy he hasn't gotten to meet most of you yet." I admit, body sinking back against his chest, feel his arms tighten in protective cocooning embrace.

Feel my eyes flutter as I turn to rest my head against his shoulder, tucked against the crook of his neck; berry scent sweet and sluggish and slow. Scent awakening alongside him.

"I'm huffy too... tonight you're mine to swipe and sleep with, greedy foxy won't share. Where's honour amongst oranges? Lost?" he grumbles, settling for nuzzling against my cheek, slow drags of skin against skin, gentle exhaled puffs of breath that make me squirm, his lips ghosting along my cheek, jaw and gland.

"Maybe... maybe he's a thief and not an officer. A modern day bandit." I laugh, instincts soothed and nuzzled and comforted by his scent brushing against mine; thorough scents that he knows will wear off, will be wiped off but he indulges regardless. Wishing to slather his berry sweetness across skin for the time window he has.

"Tip 1: she won't always say it but curvy love loves kisses." He narrates, voice quiet and low and brushing against my gland. My eyes flutter open, head turning slightly to peer at him.

Wracking my mind.

"That's not one of their tips!" I laugh.

He hums in agreement, the sound rumbles against my back, deeper and emanating from his chest.

"It's one of mine."

Lips tilting up to brush against mine, hand cupping my cheek; slender long fingers curled against skin as he draws me close, unhurried as he lets the small distance between us hover, stretch out before smiling against my mouth. Soft brushes of him tracing the shape of my lips with his own, learning, relearning, acquainting, reacquainting, teasing and gifting, withholding and sharing the teasing slant of his mouth slotted over mine. Sharing unspoken secrets and truths with the way he cradles me close; promises and protection in the gentle curve of his lips chasing mine, pressing closer, deeper. Pressing more firmly as his thumb brushes over my cheek, his lips surging up more wanting, hungering as he groans softly against me, a soft exhale but a rough sound- both settles my instincts and has my ears flickering, head tilting down to his. My fingers curl around his nape, sink into his curls; entangle into the soft silk brush of his hair wound around my fingers, nose brushing against his and drawing him closer, smiling against him.

"I never say it enough... but I love your kisses tiger mine." I murmur against his lips, smile at the scrape of fangs against my bottom lip, sinking in slightly, a chuff exhaled and muffled against my lips, accompanied with the teasing slip of his tongue flicking across the seam.

His chuff grows louder, rumbles against me with approval and pride and satisfaction. Draws back to peer at me with dark, gleaming eyes; playful and predatory.

"Just my kisses? Now I feel used." He laughs.

I tilt forward to peck his lips.

"And your stripes and your big, big cuddly form and my big, sweet berry. You. I love you. My sweet, needy, pretty kitten." I murmur, cupping his nape and tugging him closer to peck his lips again.

"Happy?"

"I'm not sure I am..." a new voice interrupts.

And the two of us turn to see Jinnie enter, wings flapping and a mixture of restless unease in his eyes and a teasing grin curving his lips; a contradiction that comes with lingering kisses against my lips then Tae's, fingers carefully brushing under my eyes and frowning.

"I could've made you milk or stayed up with you." he murmurs.

My fingers loop around his wrist loosely.

Tug him forward so he's bracketing the two of us against the stool, looming over us and reach out to brush my fingers over his jumper.

"I'm fine Jinnie... had Yoonie and Minnie there. I wasn't alone." I soothe.

Reach out a hand to smoothen out the furrow between his brows.

Smile when his lips brush against the inside of my wrist, keep it cradled as he pecks gently at my gland.

"But even so... my wings keep the nightmares away." he promises with a warm tender look in his eyes, wings flaring in response as they curve to pin and bracket and shield us away, pressed against the counter as he leans forward.

He might not be a biological predator.

But there's no denying that Jin holds an authority, a power that transcends biological power dynamics of predator and prey. He is on the top of the pack dynamic.

And his worry and concern is gentle and warming; protective with how his arms encircle and draw us close.

Lips brushing against my temple.

"I know Amina's been found... I also know by magic... that my curvy darling might just get her herd reunion today." he whispers against a flickering ear.

Sees my eyes widen and his lips curve in response.

Grinning as he winks at me furtively, looks at my wide eyed expression.

"Who told you? Woo? Junie? Binnie?" eager and excited.

Tilt towards him even as hands wind around my waist tighter, chest pressing against my back.

"A swan doesn't reveal his secrets little love~"

"But they're all going? To meet Amina? The whole herd?" I ask, eager and giddy, heart aching with the thought that I'll finally get to meet my pack, my herd. I get to see Binnie and Woo again.

And something restless is soothed at the thought, aching to see them again, especially with the weight of the nightmare still silently hovering over me, banished by the comforting cocoon of two of my mates.

"That's what I know~ so how about you let me make you breakfast and drive you over? My sweetheart's gone too long without her pack scents. And I know a certain squirrel and buck who've been denied my pretty little love too long."

Eyes bright and feathers rustling as he looks at me.

Earnest and sweet.

And I know this closeness is just as much courting as it is soothing that fret of not being there last time.

"Make that us making breakfast and a swan hug before I go for work?" I bargain.

His hands curling around my waist; coaxing me forward and lips brushing mine is answer enough.

Always.

BINNIE POV:

"Binnie... sweetheart wake up. Wake up squirrel baby..." a voice coaxes, excited and alert and thrumming with a coherency unusual... unheard of given that when my eyes open, it's dark.

The curtains are still drawn and the alarm is yet to go off, eyes sluggishly focusing on my buck hovering over me, antlers and body a clear silhouette my eyes adjust to, head tilting to peer at the alarm clock; red numbers blurry as I squint at them.

"Hyung... what is it? Is something wrong?" even if my mind's already filtering through his tone, knowing nothing can't be... not if his scent is pulsing the sweet mixture of happy-sweet and his eyes are bright and alert. But needing to ask regardless.

"No baby far from it... come on Bin-ah... they found Amina. Amina's okay... she's at the centre with Jangmi and SJ." He coaxes, voice a low hushed whisper that stirs me from the bundled drape of heavy thick blankets, body tilting up to his voice, to the giddy reassurance in them and the relief palpable in shiny eyes; seeing through groggy eyes as I sit up that there's dried tearstains still fresh on his cheeks.

"Amina? Really? She's safe? They found her?" questions stream past my lips as I push back the blankets, stumbling to get out of bed.

His hand steadies me as I fumble, smoothening over messy hair and my sleepily flickering ears.

"Don't trip sweetheart... she's at the centre, (Y/N)'s going to be there too." Voice warm and giddy and thrilled with an exhilaration; liberated and unburdened.

I haven't heard his voice so light in quite some time.

"Noona too?" my voice spikes with giddiness.

He nods, laughing as he draws me close for a tight embrace; wrapping me up in his arms; pheromones pulsing out in sweet giddiness, voice shaky and arms winding tight as he holds me to him.

"Amina's safe. She's safe. And (Y/N)... I haven't seen her in forever. I've missed my bokki and our spitfire fox."

I lean closer, nosing gently at his jaw.

"All safe. But why'd you wait so long to wake me? And why did you cry without me?" I tease, voice shaking slightly as I cup his cheek, fingers trailing across dried tears; lips brushing softly against one cheek then the other.

"It's not been long since SJ called... I didn't cry." He refutes even as his eyes are still damp with a teary sheen, lined with red and his head ducks to burrow against me as he wraps his arms tightly around me.

Relief palpable in the slump of his spine, tension unravelled.

My hand brushes up and down his back.

"You can cry hyung... just make sure you've got a squirrel the next time you do." I whisper.

Giddiness makes every breath come out easier as I hold him to me with the same exultation making my instincts quieten from their thrashing and anxiousness.

Safe.

And the entire herd.

My whole pack too.

"Go get ready, I've cried up as much as I was going to now..." he brushes off with a small smile.

But I know... I know that the moment he sees his herd; as the eldest out of our small cluster.

There was nothing to prevent the settled buck herd instincts.

Nothing to stop the happy tears and scenting.

And true to word; hand entangled with mine I tug him towards the private wards, spotting a familiar figure. That for once doesn't stir up anxiousness at the sight of him; flickering orange ears perking up as he spots the two of us. A smile curving across his face.

The effect is disconcerting; it softens the officer role I'd only ever really known Jimin in, smiling back with a tentativeness disarmed by his laugh and a flash of fangs peeking out.

Similar to Amina in that sense; all fangy laughs and grins.

"I don't bite Moonbin... I'm glad to be finally meeting under much, much better news." He says, nodding towards the guards as we step into a secluded hallway; considerably quieter; the air neutral and scentless.

I smile at him, head ducking slightly.

"Sorry... we've never really met or talked since the whole case. But... I'd like to know noona's mate more." I say quietly.

See his lips curve wider, the gentle sweet pulse of mint as he peers back at us, nodding eagerly.

"I've heard so much about you four as a pack that it feels like we're missing out on seeing that, on getting to see the most important people to (Y/N)." voice gentle as he leads the way down the hallway; turning down a partly disclosed corridor that I hadn't seen when we'd entered this part of the centre.

It's disorienting in how seamlessly the corridors and hallways flow together.

Feel my ears flicker as I pick up his question and only partly register it; eyes drifting around curiously before my head turns back.

"And her family too one day... I can't believe we're mated and I haven't met them yet." He mumbles half to himself as he finally comes to a still, pressing the keypad numbers in before pushing the door open; a fluid stream of actions so naturally falling together before he steps aside with a wide smile.

Uncaring that no-one's answered.

Even if my lips curve in a grin.

That was one meeting I wanted to be there for. Maybe I'd try get Eunwoo to make sure it was a pack thing too.

But every thought is swept aside when I cautiously peer in and I feel the air rush out of my lungs.

Relieved at the bundled sight of Amina sitting up in bed; worn down, tired and exhausted but smiling, head craning to see us and eyes lighting up when she spots me.

"Binnie! Eunwoo... come in." voice inviting but there's a rough, unused quality to it; hoarse with disuse and when I slowly move forward; I see that on her lap, on her drawn up legs there's a bundle of blankets; settled contentedly in it is a small kit getting tummy rubs.

Pressed against her side, eyes fluttering slowly is Jangmi, head resting lightly on her packmate's shoulder.

Finally.

Finally Jangmi has her foxy back.

And we have our friend back.

"You..." I start, incredulous and scolding as I wrap my arms around her, body tilting to curve over her, head resting on top of hers as I tuck her against me.

"Me..." she mumbles, head resting against my sternum, large ears perked up and flickering, encased in my arms as she watches hyung approach, one hand drawing away to silently take his.

"Aged the herd years. Had to pick a risky field officer job didn't you?"

Feel the weak smile before I peer down to confirm it, feel her fingers draw Eunwoo closer; smiling as she sinks against me, peering at me with beguiling eyes.

But they don't have the same affect.

Not when something haunted and lost still swims in them. Not when it comes with a hardened, sharper face and the weariness of months burdening her.

Seeing Amina in the flesh, seeing the same wide eyes and big ears and messy curls, there... there and alive... harmed but alive makes my lungs constrict painfully before expanding; shuddering with relief that physically makes my body tremble. She's here. She's alive.

But she's been through hell. There's no denying that.

There's shadows marring her face and a dangerous thinness that indicates malnutrition, indicates how physically trying on her just as emotionally draining it's been for Jangmi. And there's an exhaustion that makes the usually strong undefeated assuredness in this moment fall weak. Vulnerable.

She's been through hell and back and she's here.

But there's no telling just how deep she's been hurt, just how many scars and wounds lie under the surface, lie hidden away as she's bundled in bed.

There's no telling what she'd endured and suffered through for months on end without pause; what's broken her in the same way her disappearance broke Jangmi.

And the two are curled close.

Refusing to part that distance, a tired panda sheltering her weak fox; insisting on staying awake because sleep takes away coherency, takes away conscious awareness... and I can see as I look at Jangmi, look at how Amina tilts to her... unconsciously chases out that dependency for the support of her packmate that she needs this time, this space to heal. But she also needs her pack, her herd. Needs us.

Her eyes are fatigued, weary and hazed. Still lost with an uncertainty that I can't begin to decipher, can't begin to figure out why she's so disoriented, so unaware of the four walls she's in despite her posture indicating that she trusts the environment she's found herself in.

The terror that we'd come so close to losing her... to Jangmi never seeing her packmate again makes nausea and terror well up inside, makes me cling tighter; arms wrapped protectively around her. Desperate to hold onto her, to not let go... because the last time I had, the last time I'd let go—the last time I'd been too wrapped up in losing noona, in not being near her... Amina had gone MIA.

She's gone missing for months... long enough that even if Jangmi didn't say it... she'd begun trying to deal with the loss, with the absence as something permanent... as something she was trying to learn to overcome. Something she was struggling to cope with.

Fearing if I let go... if I let go what if Amina vanishes; slips away like sand between fingers and we'd be left trying to pick up pieces; fragmented hearts and lives torn apart by the aching gap, the absence of Amina... terrified that this was a fleeting, torturous dream. And any moment I'd wake.

And this scene would plunge into darkness.

"Where were you?" Woo hyung murmurs, voice low and quiet and pained.

She peers down at the kit on her lap. Drawing my eyes down to her, to the soft bundle of fur splayed comfortably in the tiny nest.

"As of a fortnight stuck in shifted form at the centre... I've been here since... since the raid. But..."

"But she has no idea of months gone. She..." Jangmi's voice shakes; scent sharpening at the words that spill past her lips as she draws back a bit, trying to stave her scent from crossing and permeating the comfortable cocoon the tiny kit is settled in.

Breathing wavery.

Eyes glistening before she lets them veer away, unable to say.

Her distress makes Amina's face shadowed, twist with pain as she reaches out to tug her packmate back.

"She was drugged. Over and over for months. It's caused gaps in her memory and it's why she has no idea how long it's been. Why it'll take time for memories to either return or stay that way... blanks." Jimin's voice is quiet but firm, his fur bristles and stands on edge, a sharp, predatory glint in his eyes despite the gentleness of his scent and tone.

Another officer who silently vows without needing to say that this... this is something he'll avenge. That the loss and hurt wrought to their small pack, to us is something he'll make sure the people responsible for will pay.

Eunwoo hyung flinches. Visceral as he recoils from the words; scent pressing thicker, a barrier of pheromones and his body as he unconsciously brackets her; antlers poised and face hardened.

"She's safe Eunwoo. Her survival, her safety isn't something we're going to broadcast across. It stays as a strictly need-to-know intel." He reassures.

My eyes drift around the room; drifting over SJ hyung's body curled in an armchair; dragged closer to the bed, posture loose but eyes alert, smiling as he meets my gaze.

Drift across the bed, eyes worryingly drifting over Jangmi's exhaustion.

Despite finding Amina... the exhaustion clings heavier.

As if the news... the knowledge of what her packmate had endured for months on end refuses to let her rest, to still, to feel soothed despite seeing her in the flesh, tucked close.

But someone's missing.

"Where's noona?" I ask, arms slowly unfurling from Amina, fingers absently brushing over her ears, scratching gently as I peer around the room. But still hovering close, eyes anxiously flitting back to her over and over; confirming she's still there.

Eunwoo hyung sinks down on another chair, eyes also alert and bright with a hopeful eagerness.

"She's just setting up Min Junie with Hobi, he's got a check-up."

My ears flicker.

The baby bear noona always mentioned.

"Is he okay?"

Jimin nods, disarming the worry immediately.

His scent pulses light and sweet and crisp through the room, a scent the kit's clearly accustomed to because she yowls softly, wriggling and trying to paw as she fumbles about in her nest.

The small endearing disturbance from the question has everyone's postures lightening, smiling.

"Just a regular check-up for his supplements and a psych eval."

The honey scent pulses sweeter.

My eyes widen slightly, eyes drifting to the panda bear, see the unconscious smile on her face, her eyes settled on Jimin; focusing on his words even as she remains leaning against Amina slightly.

Lips curving up at her scent being sweet; losing some of that hardened cloying edge immediately at the mention of the bear.

It doesn't go unnoticed by anyone.

And something sweet and knowing gleams in Jimin's eyes as his smile widens.

"He's a big witness to the case and he's recovering very successfully. Besides... I've never seen a toddler just tug at so many people so easily. He steals hearts that one." fond and affectionate.

Now I wanna see him.

Amina's eyes sharpen.

"Has he given any new information? Or leads?"

"Amina you just shifted back. Give yourself time to breathe. And besides you're MIA; I'm not exactly giving your badge and gun back until it's safe to."

The salty tang of her scent sharpens; crashing waves and a tumultuous sea with how thick her scent grows but he's unfazed; eyes both sharp and warning and tender and coaxing.

Rest.

Be with your pack.

And let others take the lead whilst you heal.

"But..."

"But this time you're working under our charge Amina if... if you're to work the case at all, and that too under wraps post the doctor clearing you fit and healthy to go home and Jangmi is ready for that step too. It's a decision that affects several people Amina..."

She sinks against the pillows, disgruntled as her ears fold, chagrined as she stares at the rest of us, before sighing. Nods, fingers continuing to pet at the little kit's ears and stomach, carding through fur gently; soothed by the constant stream of purrs.

The quiet content of the herd is soothed by the gentle pulses of scents; the sharp salty tang receding in response to the kit's quiet rumbles and yowls; Jangmi's eyes drained but fighting the lull of sleep, eyes fluttering open and shut, her drooping figure monitored by the sharp weight of SJ hyung's eyes; peaches scent taking an unconscious sharper tinge.

"Why's it so quiet? Has everyone made a herd pile and napped without me?" voice quiet but warm.

Teasing and fond.

My ears perk upright.

Head twisting to fall onto the figure in the doorway; eyes bright despite the slightly pinched appearance to the corner of her wide doe gaze, smiling wider when she spots me.

Her presence lights up the room; sparks a sweetened pulse of mint entangled with watchful eyes as his tail swishes; body unconsciously moving to gravitate to her but she's already rushing in.

Hurried and eager as she reaches for the person closest to her.

Immediately tucking herself against me when my arms tug her close; wrapping her firmly against me, breath rushing out as I hug noona tightly.

Arms wound tight as I burrow against her as much as I can, nosing along her ears, lips brushing against her temple, her cheeks, nuzzling against her.

"Noona... fawn noona..."

Her arms wind around me, keep me bracketing her as she tilts her face to brush a kiss across my cheek, tugging me closer; the shaky breaths indicating she's teary, nose nudging against my jaw and letting it dip to graze across my gland. Scenting me slowly, carefully.

"My sweet squirrel baby. Missed you." she mumbles.

The gentle endearment, the soft nuzzles and scents, the feel of her encased in my arms; curves slotting against me, arms wound in a tight embrace make my eyes prickle as I clutch at her tighter.

"Miss you lots noona. Doesn't feel like home without you."

Her breath trembles against my collar.

"...I miss you too. So, so much." She whispers; a tremble in her voice, wrought with emotion and when my head ducks, frantically desperate to nuzzle my scent into every inch of proffered skin, she jolts when my nose grazes against her gland.

It has me immediately drawing away to peer carefully; apologetic as my fingers graze carefully, circling slowly; featherlight brushes.

"More than me?" Woo hyung's voice is soft and low.

Quiet but yearning and dark wide eyes peer at our huddle when we draw apart in the slightest; her eyes shiny as she shakes her head quickly, holding a hand out for him.

Startling before giving a shaky laugh when he tugs her to him; draws her onto his lap and immediately burrows against her throat, nuzzling with a sad, painful heartache of their separation, hand reaching out to tug me forward close to him too as he tucks her against him. Eyes shiny and glassy as the tears he'd bravely kept at bay since seeing Amina, since seeing her okay and anxiously fretting for the last of his herd and the first of his herd as he now cradles her close. A tight anxiousness in the rigid lines of his body; her name spilling constantly from his lips, brushing over her tearstained cheeks, his own damp with pain, trickling down silently as he rests his forehead against hers.

Cups the back of her neck as he holds noona, the other hand entangled with mine, tugging me close until we're both near him. His mate and his fawn close.

Hear the quiet murmur of her voice as she winds her arms around his neck and burrows against his gland; spilling pain and the ache of being away against his gland that secretes the pine wood scent in abundance, trying to soothe and calm her distress.

The mint swells and grows thicker with worry but doesn't broach; not entirely.

But it gravitates closer, fingers carding through her hair and a hand tentatively reaches to settle on my back; eyes warm and gentle and protective.

Jimin hyung's gaze drifts everywhere; trying to soothe every hurt, to assess everyone and to make things as better as he can for each life entangled with bonds beyond verbal explanation. Bonds that words won't ever describe... not properly. Not accurately.

His lips brush against a tearstained cheek, his head dips to let his antlers rub gently against her.

"What's wrong bokki? I'm fine. I'm right here..."

She shakes her head and dips her head, wide eyes searching anxiously, head tilting to rest against his shoulder, peers at me; sees her mate behind me.

A wobbly smile on her face.

"It's... it's nothing... it's... it's just my world's complete again." Soothed by Eunwoo who tilts his head against hers.

Her eyes drift to the bed; face softening, breaths shaky as she speaks.

"A whole herd... took us too long for this." Voice quiet.

Woo hyung's head rests against hers, nuzzling gently, cradling her close.

"Too long."

And yet... how much longer would it go? How much more would our worlds and lives be torn apart? And "too long" was how it felt it'd take to veer our lives back to normal.

If normal still existed then.

But it was something I'd fight tooth and nail for, it was something I would pay any price for.

For normal.

For a world where my packmates, my friends, my own weren't at constant threat.

For a life where every meeting with my own pack wasn't fleeting, stolen or hidden away.

(Y/N) was mine. But why was I having to hide it? Why was she having to hide that we were hers too?

Why was her life dragged into this mess?

And why was she being punished and targeted for trying to help a child's life better?

Why was Amina hurt for the same reason? For the kit she cradles so tenderly to her?

And what did those children ever do to be dragged into these hells that refused to let go of them?

(AND WHOO! WOW! CHAPTER DONE! AND BIGGEST SECRET I'VE HID @MIDIIPLIER AND I AM THE MOST SATISFIED, PREENING PERSON ATM COS THIS TIME... I WAS SNEAKY AND LET YOU THINK YOU WERE~ ANYWHOOOO.... HOPE THIS CHAPTER JUST GIVES SO MANY INSIGHTS, SO MUCH TO COME, SO MUCH HAPPENING AND GAHHHH! THE NERVOUSNESS I GOT WHEN PEOPLE STARTED GETTING CLUED IN!! IT MADE ME JUST THAT MUCH MORE EAGER AND HARRIED TO GET THE CHAPTER OUT BEFORE TOO MANY DOTS WERE CONNECTED!! SHARP, SHARP EYED YOU ALL ARE... AND I WONDER WHETHER MY WRITING STYLE HAS MADE ME PREDICATABLE!! GAHH—I SHALL TRY HARDER! LET ME KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS~ TAKE CARE!!)

QUESTION... favourite current habit or thing you usually do as part of a schedule or something?

Mine is... watching shows between my classes over breakfast!

Borahae! 💜💜💜

PurpleQueenie <3