"I'm going to get out now," Taehyung said with a wink. "If you want to close your eyes."

Jimin buried his face in his knees, aware of the splashing as Taehyung exited the water. A gentle hand came down on his shoulder. Glancing up, he was treated to a view of Taehyung dripping... everywhere. The ends of his hair, droplets glistening on his skin like diamonds. He offered another toothy grin then began to head back toward the cottage.

They rinsed their feet outside before entering. Despite the perpetual nerves, Jimin's stomach growled with hunger. He also wanted another cup of coffee. Taehyung seemed likewise ravenous, but waited patiently while Jimin sliced two scones and slathered them with butter.

"You should eat first," Taehyung said as Jimin slid the plate toward him.

"No, you," Jimin replied. "You're the guest."

"How about we each have one?" Taehyung said. "We'll both take a bite on the count of three. One... two...!"

Somehow the scone tasted even better than any time prior. Jimin wasn't sure why. Questioning anything went out the window several hours before. It might simply have been the fact that they'd made the scones together. That he was sitting eating with someone and feeling... happy, but also more.

More. More was dangerous. More could lead to getting his heart broken. But more could also be exciting. More could be freeing.

"Delicious," Taehyung said. He'd finished the first scone and gone for a second while Jimin was lost in his thoughts. "Thank you for making them and teaching me too. I don't do a lot of cooking, but I am glad to have learned."

"You're welcome," Jimin said. He took a deep breath. "I realized I actually do have plans."

"Oh?" Taehyung's head tilted. "What are they?"

Jimin noted the slight disappointment, and pressed forward, wanting to be rewarded with one more smile. "I'd like to spend the day with you."

End 4

: Waves and Words

Chapter Text

​​"So," Taehyung said. "What did you have in mind?"

They were sitting on the couch again, occupying space at opposite ends. After they'd finished eating, Jimin went to get dressed. He returned with a loose pair of shorts and a shirt for Taehyung, letting the other know he wasn't expecting him to wear them, but wanted options in case they went somewhere more public. In the end, he was pleased when Taehyung put on the shorts.

"I didn't," Jimin said. "I thought perhaps you might have some suggestions."

"Hm," Taehyung let out a hum. Jimin couldn't tell if he was really thinking or just pretending to. He sincerely hoped that when he answered, it wouldn't be something vulgar. "I imagine you've already done most things there are to do here, if not all of them. Perhaps multiple times over."

"Jin has been rather thorough in his hosting," Jimin agreed. "Actually, I was meaning to check on him. He wasn't home yesterday. I also couldn't reach him by phone. I know the service can be spotty out here at times, but then with the storm..."

"Ah," Taehyung said. "Sometimes Jin takes the ferry to the mainland. He'll spend a few days there and then come back. Those of us who find a place and settle on the island don't leave for too long. I'm sure he'll return soon."

"Oh," Jimin said. "I didn't know. He mentioned he didn't always live here; I wonder if he's got family nearby."

"No," Taehyung shook his head. "Jin isn't from around here either. I shouldn't gossip, but he came here a few years back... with someone else."

"Really?" Jimin was surprised. "He never mentioned that."

"I don't imagine he would," Taehyung said.

"What happened to them?"

"The person left," Taehyung said. "And... Jin did not."

"Oh," Jimin said. "That's sad."

"Indeed," Taehyung nodded.

Jimin turned the information over in his mind. It was not a revelation he'd expected at all. Somehow, he found it even more surprising than the fact that Jin wasn't fully human either. Perhaps the last several hours had really adjusted his perception of reality. "Did they know that he was a hybrid? I would imagine they'd have to, right?"

Taehyung nodded again. "I believe it was a factor that led to the decision."

"That seems a bit unfair," Jimin said. "Jin's great. Is it that difficult to be with a hybrid?"

"For some people, yes," Taehyung shrugged. "For others, they might think it's something they are comfortable with. Then the thrill wears off. We are not so different from humans, really, but there can be certain... wild tendencies. Especially for those of us whose counterpart is not a traditionally domestic animal."

Jimin nodded. "Have you ever had a human partner?"

He didn't know why he asked, but curiosity gnawed at him. It wasn't any of his business, and it shouldn't matter. Didn't matter. Still, the idea had a dark swirl of envy brew in the pit of his stomach all the same. Once more, he wondered if every emotion was able to be sensed by the hybrid. After all, most animals could smell fear.

"A few, though they weren't permanent in any sense," Taehyung raised a brow. "Why? Are you jealous?"

"No," Jimin answered too quickly.

Taehyung didn't wheedle. "We should talk about more pleasant and interesting things. Like, what are your books about?"

Jimin was surprised at the abrupt change in topic. He didn't really want to talk about his books, but it was one of the most interesting things about him. "Fantasy mostly, perhaps a bit of mild horror. I like creatures. Sprawling lands and epic battles. Magic."

"You write about magic, but don't believe in it," Taehyung sounded amused. "I say it in past tense because there's no way you don't know now."

"This place is apparently magic," Jimin said, gesturing to the cottage around them. "A barkeep at the hotel I stay at in Glasgow said so."

"Ah," Taehyung laughed. "Well, yes it does have a bit of a history I suppose."

"Are you responsible for that?" Jimin asked.

"No," Taehyung shook his head. "There's... other things that have existed here. Some long before anyone in recent times was born. But the energy is still there, buried in the soil and the sea."

"That's beautiful," Jimin said.

"It is," Taehyung said. "There's glimpses of it every so often, if you know where to look."

Jimin, if he were bolder, might have said that he could see the magic and the beauty right in front of him. Already, he'd stepped outside his comfort zone in admitting he wanted to spend the day with the hybrid. The words, even as he thought them, sounded cheesy in his head. Despite this, he could not think of a truer statement to describe Taehyung.

The other man's eyes flicked to meet his gaze. "Let me show you."

Jimin nodded because he wanted to know what Taehyung had in mind. Was curious and perhaps more than a little desperate. There were things Taehyung offered, dangled with intention before him, and yet he was hesitant to reach out and take them. Jimin, who was normally tireless in the pursuit of the things he wanted, was a bit afraid. Perhaps because Taehyung was something natural and uncontrollable.

It wasn't the same as submitting a manuscript he knew was well-crafted. One that his agent, the editor, the readers were certain to love. It wasn't the same as agreeing to a tour to promote the latest book, one that covered multiple cities, allowing him the opportunity to connect with more fans of his works. It wasn't the same as finding other writers to befriend, the joy of sharing progress and brainstorming. Being there when things got rocky, offering comfort and support, the latter of which he'd often taken rather than given.

He couldn't control what happened with Taehyung. Just as he couldn't actually control what people thought of a particular book. Or with more entitled or delusional fans at stops along the tour. He couldn't control how his friends responded when he seemed to have more bad days than good, when he was both proud of his writing and critical of his achievements. It was too much for some, and deep down he didn't entirely blame them for walking away.

Taehyung though. Jimin didn't want to control him. He wanted the hybrid to be exactly who he was, no more and no less. It made him sad to think Jin had been left by someone important to him. And though they'd just met face to face, he and Taehyung had interacted every day in the little over a month since Jimin arrived on the island. The other man was playful and confident and more than a little mysterious as well. Jimin indeed wanted to get to know him better.

So, it began. He accepted Taehyung's offer and didn't look back. They left the cottage and Jimin found himself experiencing the island all over again. Except now it was through another lens, one where Taehyung was beside him.

Despite having seemingly endless energy in the water, he found Taehyung was a bit more low-key than Jin on land. They didn't go racing around in the sun and wind on bikes. Instead, Taehyung led him on a leisurely walk, taking his time as he picked along the way. Later, they returned to the cottage sweaty and tired, but happy. Starving once again.

Jimin realized he hadn't gone to the store, but made a simple dinner of eggs and beans on toast which Taehyung ate with gusto. Jimin offered to let Taehyung use the shower, which the hybrid accepted. Unsurprisingly, he took a long time, no doubt enjoying every moment beneath the water. Jimin sat in the armchair, attempting to write in his notebook, and tried not to think about Taehyung being nude mere feet away.

"Your shampoo is nice," Taehyung said when he reentered the living room, still toweling his hair.

"It's unscented," Jimin said, brows knitting. "A lot of smells bother me."

"Oh," Taehyung said. "I see."

It didn't seem right to have him put on the pajama pants from earlier, so Jimin had given Taehyung a pair of sweats. He wondered if the hybrid were going to end up sharing his wardrobe. Watching as the other man curled up on the couch, tucking his slender legs in tight.

"Do you have any of your books with you?" Taehyung asked.

"Um," Jimin asked. He thought back to the stack of novels he'd thrown in his luggage and not opened since arrival. "I actually might have a couple. Why?"

"I want to read them, silly," Taehyung said. "Don't worry, I won't do it when you're around. But just so I have something to do while you're sleeping. Otters are often active at night."

"I used to be a night owl," Jimin said. "Doing said writing. Then it was staying awake because I couldn't sleep. I don't— I wouldn't mind."

"Ah," Taehyung laughed. "Well, I'd still like to read. If you'll let me, of course."

Jimin stood and went to his room. He considered the options. It wasn't unusual for him to pack a couple of his own books. Sometimes he'd take them out, skimming different passages, using the old as inspiration for the new. Reminding himself of his progress, or attempting to harness the joy of creating once more. The latter had now eluded him for far too long.

"Here," Jimin said when he returned, holding out a slender volume. "You can start with this one."

Taehyung took the tome, running his fingers over the embossed cover. "The Golden Hare."

"It was my first," Jimin nodded. "I hope you like it."

"I am sure I will," Taehyung said.

Jimin sat back down in the chair and opened his notebook again. Now instead of deep personal thoughts, he realized he'd written a list of attributes he found attractive about Taehyung. Blushing, he flipped to a fresh page. A moment later, Taehyung settled and Jimin heard the crack of a spine and the rustling of pages.

They stayed that way for a while. Jimin was acutely aware of Taehyung's presence, ears pricked for the sound of another page being turned. The hybrid seemed to be a quick reader, the tell-tale swish bringing him further on the journey and closer to the end. Jimin resisted the urge to interrupt, to ask what part he was at. Wondering if he would dare ask Taehyung for his opinion when he finished.

Eventually, fatigue came to call. Instead of fighting it, he sat up, tilting his head to work the kinks from his neck, then rose from the chair. His muscles were still sore, worked up again from the trek Taehyung had taken him on.

The other man glanced up. Jimin noted he was more than halfway through the book. "Going to bed?"

Jimin nodded. "You can stay up if you want."

"I will," Taehyung said. "I have to know what happens next. This is really good."

"Thank you," Jimin said, a fountain of happiness shooting off inside his chest. He tried not to seem too pleased, but the smile that worked its way onto his face refused to be hidden. Taehyung gave him one back. It carried him all the way to bed and filled his dreams, so much so that he found himself in a bit of a predicament the next morning.

For the next few days, they slipped into a similar pattern. After breakfast, they'd go to the beach. Taehyung played in the water while Jimin watched from the sand or the rocks. During the day they explored the nearby features of the island at an unhurried pace. They traveled to the shop and stocked up on supplies. Jimin insisted Taehyung pick a few things he liked, which resulted in various kinds of seafood and more scone ingredients. In the evenings, they'd often return to the shore and watch the sunset or in their respective seating arrangements, reading or writing. Sometimes, Jimin turned on the television. They'd watched a couple of the DVDs from the stash.

Eventually, when it grew late, they parted. Jimin went up to his room and Taehyung stayed on the couch. Though he seemed fine, and the wounds sustained from the storm were already healing, the hybrid remained. He didn't seem in a hurry to return to the sea and wherever he'd lived before. Jimin, if he were honest with himself, wasn't ready for him to go either.

Taehyung's head popped above the water early one morning a week later. He lifted a hand and waved. "You should come in."

"It's really cold," Jimin pointed out. "I've dipped my feet in before."

"You get used to it," Taehyung said. He bit his lip in a feeble attempt to keep from grinning. "I'm beginning to think you can't swim."

"I can swim," Jimin said, setting his notebook to the side, pen tucked between its pages.

Before he could question himself, he stepped forward into the surf. He knew he could have removed his clothing; it was uncomfortable when the wet fabric stuck to his skin and weighed him down. But Taehyung had dragged him out before breakfast still in their pajamas. He wasn't wearing any underwear and had very much doubted he'd be where swim trunks were necessary and therefore hadn't packed any.

Jimin forced himself on through the chilly water as it came up to his knees, then his waist, then just under his pecs and a bit further. Taehyung swam up to him. The hybrid was definitely naked as usual. Jimin tried not to think about that fact as he came even closer.

"You made it," Taehyung said, giving Jimin a smile that was all teeth. "See? Not so bad."

"Easy for you to say," Jimin mumbled, trying not to shiver. "I bet even in that body you're adapted to it."

"Probably," Taehyung shrugged. "Still, I am glad you came."

"Was there something you wanted to show me out here?" Jimin asked.

"My home, I guess," Taehyung said. "Well, part of it anyway. I spend a lot of time in the water. It's in my blood, you know?"

"Sure," Jimin said. His teeth were on the verge of chattering. It had been a bad idea.

"Okay, you weren't kidding," Taehyung said, brows knitting in sudden concern. "Here."

Jimin watched the distance narrow between them. Though his initial instinct was to back away, he remained in place, waiting to see what was going to happen next. Taehyung halted just shy of touching him. "What?"

"Is this okay?" Taehyung asked. A hand appeared above the water and held it in his direction.

Jimin eyed the slender fingers. "Okay."

Taehyung smiled and shifted closer. Jimin could sense the heat of his body beneath the surface. It drew him in, the same way the hand beckoned. He was freezing, toes going numb. Nearer and nearer. The movement caused water to lap against his body, each wave sending a new ripple of ice along his skin. Then Taehyung was there, so close. So very close. The other hand emerged from the water. Jimin let out a shuddering breath. Taehyung's arms wrapped around his neck.

The change was instant, warmth flooding from Taehyung into him. Jimin felt as though he'd slipped into a hot bath. It was so effective, so complete, Jimin knew the effect must be another sort of magic. Free from the distraction of shivers and chattering teeth, he realized Taehyung's face was mere inches from his own.

Jimin met his gaze, then looked away. He didn't think they'd ever been so close before, except the night of the storm, which didn't count because he'd been in his animal form. There was a mole under one of his eyes, on his cheek, the tip of his nose, at the side of his bottom lip... Jimin felt heat rush through him that had nothing to do with whatever thermal power Taehyung possessed.

Taehyung pulled one of his arms back. His hand hovered at the side of Jimin's head for a moment before sinking into his hair. It brushed it back from his face, fingers combing through the strands. Jimin leaned into the touch.

The sea was quiet, the beach deserted. No one was around except them, but to Jimin there were many times on the island he'd felt like the only person in the world. Now they were the only two people. A human and a hybrid. The water was cold, but he was warm and Taehyung's hands felt good. For the first time in months, Jimin was happy.

Taehyung's fingers slipped to the back of his neck again, nails gently scratching at the nape. The action drew a soft whine. Jimin blushed but Taehyung smiled, leaned in, and murmured, "Is this, okay?"

Jimin nodded, knowing what Taehyung was asking for even without words. Their lips brushed, then pressed together a moment later. The fire intensified both inside and out. As though Taehyung's body were also experiencing a heatwave. Closing his eyes, he focused on the hybrid's mouth, drinking him in. He responded to the tongue that swept over his bottom lip, opening to allow access. Taehyung licked past his teeth, curling it with Jimin's own.

When they broke apart, Taehyung kept hold of him, not allowing him to drift far. Their faces remained close, foreheads together, noses brushing. Jimin's skin was buzzing. He barely felt the water, his soaked clothing, or the substrate between his toes. All he could concentrate on was Taehyung's breath on his face.

The hybrid drew back, as though inspecting him, then leaned to press a kiss to his cheek. First one and then the other. "Gods," Taehyung whispered. "You're so fucking... cute!"

Jimin wanted to respond, but Taehyung started kissing his cheeks again. There seemed to be no rhyme or reason to the action. Sometimes he did one at a time, others he pressed several to the right side before repeating the same on the left. The kisses started off gentle, but became more frenzied until Taehyung was actually nibbling at the skin. Not hard enough to break, but the press of teeth was evident.

"You're eating me," Jimin murmured.

"It's your fault for having such irresistible cheeks," Taehyung whispered. He moved to nip at one of Jimin's earlobes, then captured his lips again, continuing to purr between kisses. "I'm not eating you though. Not yet. I'd love to. Put my marks on you. But not quite yet."

Jimin sucked in a breath. "Why not?"

Taehyung's eyes glittered. "Are you asking for it?"

"I," Jimin didn't know why he'd said anything. The question rose unbidden to his lips before he could snatch it away. As though his subconscious were calling the shots instead. "I'm not sure. I've never been with a hybrid before."

"It's not much different than a human," Taehyung said. "Though there might be some things that align with the more... primitive instincts. Though, some humans are quite rough when it comes to such matters as well."

"That's true I suppose," Jimin nodded, though he possessed zero about otter mating habits or rituals. He leaned close again to whisper in Taehyung's ear. "I want more."

The hybrid sprang into action. He grabbed Jimin's hand, tugging him toward the shore. Jimin didn't know what he was expecting, but allowed himself to be pulled along. They splashed onto the beach, sand spraying in all directions. Taehyung bowled him over and pinned him to the ground.

Jimin stared up at the other man. The stark differences in their appearance became evident at once. Taehyung was fully naked and he still had clothes on. Sodden and now becoming encrusted with sand, but still clothing. Taehyung was naked.

Of course, he'd known that. If the hybrid had his way, he'd probably always be nude. And his body was breathtaking, the glimpses Jimin had seen of it anyway. He was trying very hard not to look too far south, despite the arousal gathering between his own legs. Curiosity won out in the end and he glanced down, gaze traveling from the dark patch of hair at the base. Taehyung's cock was long and not overly thick. It looked like it would be filling with just the right amount of stretch and bobbed proudly in the air as the hybrid moved.

"You're rather shy," Taehyung said. One of his hands slid under the hem of Jimin's shirt.

"Am not," Jimin said, body arching as the tips of Taehyung's fingers stroked along his abdomen.

"Yes, you are," Taehyung said. "You're always blushing. It could be the sun making your cheeks all pink, but I don't think so. You like this, though. When I touch here?"

Taehyung's hand coasted higher, brushing over a nipple. Grinning at the answering whimper when he pinched at it, he bunched the shirt up until Jimin's chest was exposed. Jimin considered whether he should sit up, remove it completely. Any coherent thoughts faded from his mind as the other man began to tease.

Taehyung's teeth closed on the bud; the hold gentle but firm. The tip of his tongue lapped over the peaked flesh, each kitten lick sending small buzzes of electricity south. Jimin let out a moan, hoping the sound wouldn't travel too far. His nearest neighbor was Jin, but it had been days since he'd seen or heard from the other man. Even if they were discovered, he found the possibility a hard one to care about at the moment.

"Responsive," Taehyung murmured, letting go before biting at the nipple again, a bit harder. His other hand came up to grip the other pec and squeezed. Jimin moaned again.

He couldn't even find it in him to be embarrassed. Jimin's nipples had always been one of the places he was most sensitive. The majority partners never noticed, not keen on engaging in too much foreplay. Those that did might entertain for a bit if they were generous, or ignore if they weren't. He couldn't remember anyone taking time the way Taehyung now was. Licking and biting and pinching until his body was a live wire.

"Feels good?" Taehyung asked coming up for air before he pressed a kiss to Jimin's lips.

"Yeah," Jimin managed. The flesh was a little sore, he could see teeth prints and red marks littered along his skin, but it didn't matter. Taehyung's mouth was heaven. He wondered what it might feel like other places.

Sitting up, he tugged his shirt over his head. It landed with a wet flop on the sand. The sun was getting brighter overhead, the air warmer. A breeze whispered past and he shivered. Taehyung slithered closer. One long leg arched across his body, the movement the same as he would mount his bike. Before Jimin knew it, Taehyung straddled his lap and wrapped his arms around his neck again. He could feel the hard press of the other's cock on his own.

Their mouths met again. Taehyung managed somehow to kiss both rough and soft at once. His hands tangled in Jimin's hair, tugging at the strands to keep him in place. The hybrid ground his hips down. Jimin gasped at the friction.

It was intense, or perhaps it felt that way because it had been so long. It was ages since his last hookup, since someone had been interested beyond a basic human want. Taehyung bore down again. Jimin grabbed the other man's waist, rocking against him so his clothed cock rubbed against Taehyung's bare one.

"Want more, huh?" Taehyung murmured, letting out his own hum of pleasure when Jimin' repeated the action.

"Please," Jimin said.

Taehyung nodded, sliding off of him again. Jimin wondered what he was going to do next and was surprised when Taehyung stood and offered his hand. Jimin reached for it without hesitation, allowing himself to be pulled to his feet. Sand stuck to them everywhere. Taehyung began to lead him in the direction of the cottage. He still bounced when he walked, glancing at Jimin, giggling and flashing dazzling smiles as they made their way along the path.

The hybrid's fingers were warm and not pruned despite having been in the water for so long. Jimin spared a fleeting thought for the clothes left behind on the beach before he wondered what they were going to do when they reached their destination. He wasn't ready for sex quite yet. Even if the idea appealed to him, it felt too soon.

Taehyung pushed open the door to the cottage and strode inside as though it were his residence. Jimin followed after, shutting it carefully behind them. He turned, and the other man was there, pressing him against it, hands traveling eagerly over his exposed flesh. Tiny sparks exploded where the tips of Taehyung's fingers landed.

Pressing kisses to the space below his ear, Taehyung let out another soft chuckle. "You seem a little taken aback."

"I didn't expect us to leave," Jimin answered honestly. "You seemed comfortable."

"I was," Taehyung said. He drew back, letting his hand trace the planes of Jimin's torso. It dipped lower, pausing at the waistband of his pajama pants. The damp fabric did little to conceal hardness beneath. "Believe me, as fun as it would be to take you out there, in front of everyone, I want my first glimpse of your body for my eyes only."

A shiver rippled over Jimin's body at the words, the implications. He swallowed, mouth at once a bit dry. The hybrid's fingers teased at the waistband again. Jimin's cock twitched at the closeness. "Where do you want me?"

"The shower," Taehyung replied, a slight roughness to his voice that wasn't present a moment prior. "I perform best when there's water involved."

Jimin knew he was teasing, but also that there were probably grains of truth in the words. Taehyung took his hand again and tugged him toward the bathroom, leaving sandy footprints in their wake. Taehyung switched on the water and turned toward him. Jimin was almost vibrating with need.

"Alright," Taehyung said, reaching toward his pajama bottoms. "You've now kept these on for far too long."

Jimin wanted to point out that Taehyung hadn't made any serious attempts to remove them either, but he didn't. The hybrid's fingers undid the tie at the front and began to slide them over his hips. He kept still as the fabric skated down his legs, the coolness of the air hitting his bare skin.

After he stepped out of the pants, Taehyung remained crouched for a moment. Jimin looked down. He saw that hybrid's eyes land on his cock, gaze flicking over it. What if Taehyung got on his knees and took him into his mouth right then? The image of the other man in such a position made Jimin's cock throb. He bit the inside of his cheek, stuffing back the needy sounds threatening to break free. Then Taehyung met his gaze. A mischievous smile ghosted his lips and he stood, pulling Jimin under the spray.

The water was warm, a welcome shift from the frigid temperature of the sea. It cascaded over their bodies in a gentle spray. Jimin's back slid against the tiles. Taehyung's lips met his. The hybrid's mouth was hot, kisses messy and wild. His hands ran through Jimin's hair then slid down, along his neck and shoulders, before gripping his arms and spinning him toward the wall.

Jimin rotated willingly, letting out a groan when Taehyung's teeth nibbled at the place where his neck sloped into his shoulder, gently at first, then harder. Kisses pressed messily between his shoulder blades. The hybrid's tongue flicked out, tracing a steady line down the curve of his spine. Lower and lower. Taehyung grasped a handful of Jimin's ass and squeezed. The appreciative growl was enough indication he liked what he saw.

Jimin's hands braced the wall, staring at the droplets on the tile, running away in rivulets. Taehyung was so far down again, almost on his knees. He pressed a kiss at the very base of his spine, kneading the other cheek.

"You're quite stunning," Taehyung murmured as he straightened once more, nipping at Jimin's earlobe. "I don't know if anyone's told you that."

"Not lately," Jimin said, "and not that specific word."

"Ah," Taehyung's voice was excited. "A waste. Though... I am selfishly a bit glad."

"Why?" Jimin rested his head against the tile and squeezed his eyes shut, fighting the urge to touch himself or turn around.

"Because," Taehyung replied. "Why would I want anyone else to tell you such things? Another trait I relate on with my wild counterpart is I do not wish to share a mate with others."

Mate. Jimin hadn't considered that. Did hybrids mate for life? He supposed some must. Many humans did as well. He'd never really given much thought toward those aspects in his plans, whether he'd be interested in settling down, getting married or starting a family. The focus was always on his career. Writing and enjoying the fruits of his labor. Partners had drifted in and out of his life but it was like Taehyung mentioned earlier... none of them had been permanent.

Taehyung guided Jimin around to face him. He looped an arm around his waist, drawing him closer until their bodies were flush. Jimin made a choked sound as their cocks brushed, head tipping back as Taehyung rolled his hips, rubbing them against each other. Then the hybrid's mouth latched onto his and any subsequent noises were lost, emerging in snaps and flashes.

Taehyung's hand reached between them. Slender fingers wrapped around him. Jimin bucked into the touch, desperately chasing the friction. The fingers squeezed, then began to stroke, slow and steady. His thumb brushed over the tip with each upstroke, wrist flicking as he moved down toward the base. It was a perfect rhythm. Perfect pressure.

The hybrid began to suck a mark to his collarbone. Jimin was being pulled in different directions by the sensations. Between the soft sensual touch of the hand between his legs and the sharp bite of teeth gazing his skin, body was burning with arousal. It was hard to know where to focus his attention.

"That was a bit forward of me," Taehyung murmured. "I don't expect you to be a willing mate so soon. Truthfully, there may not be one in my future. As mentioned, it is difficult for hybrids to find partners, let alone feral ones. And you are not from here, you'll have to go eventually."

Jimin's heart gave a funny squeeze. "Not yet."

"True," Taehyung whispered, drawing back to look at him. "Not yet."

Taehyung was still caressing Jimin's erection, ignoring his own entirely. Jimin gnawed at his lip, breath coming in short gasps, hips thrusting into the other's fist. "Why don't you touch yourself too?"

"Is that what you want?" Taehyung asked, gaze flicking upward again.

Jimin wasn't sure how to answer. Encounters were usually fast, there was little time spent on talking or planning, but he nodded, trying to regain a bit of composure. "Yeah, I want you to."

Taehyung let out a hum and adjusted so his hand was wrapped around both their cocks. His slender fingers easily allowed for the added girth. Seconds later, he resumed his stroking, increasing the pace as he did so. Jimin met the movements easily, chasing the ebb and flow of pleasure.

The hybrid was the one doing all the work. Though at times he felt on the verge of sinking to the floor of the shower in exhaustion, Jimin refocused, deciding he would explore Taehyung's body a bit as well. His hands roamed boldly over the other man's form, touching every bit of exposed skin. The expanse golden like the sand and fresh honey and the ancient bronze coins that had sometimes appeared at his doorstep.

"You're handsome too," Jimin whispered. His index finger ran lightly down the almost healed cut on Taehyung's arm.

"Thank you," Taehyung replied. "I want you to know though, I didn't only approach you because of how you look."

"Oh?" Jimin asked.

"A story for another time," Taehyung winked. "Something tells me you're a bit distracted."

Jimin wanted to know how it was possible for him to not be distracted, but the squeezing at the apex of his thighs made him swear. He leaned forward, aware that the water had been running a very long time and they'd not made a single move toward actually washing up. There were granules of sand everywhere and the briny tang of the ocean swirled with the steam.

"Are you close?" Taehyung asked.

Jimin could only nod, resting his forehead against Taehyung's shoulder. There was tightness in his stomach, the knots tied there shaking with the effort to remain in place. It was a losing battle, one that Jimin was happy to wave a white flag in surrender. He'd do it over again if Taehyung could make him feel so good with just his hands and words.

Taehyung increased his pace, spreading the wetness already leaking down the shafts. It mixed with the water, slippery and wet. Jimin sensed the knots come undone, a wave of heat racing along his body from the inside out. He came, cum spurting into the air. Some of it landed on Taehyung's stomach but most swirled down the drain. Taehyung kept pace, stroking them both through their orgasms, slowing down as the aftershocks subsided.

He whined when Taehyung let go. The other man shifted, adjusting positions until they stood fully beneath the stream of water and grabbed for the shampoo bottle. It was nice, the gentle scratching of Taehyung's nails as they massaged his scalp almost lulling him to sleep.

Jimin caught the faint aroma of citrus when the cap opened on his body wash. Taehyung ran a soapy sponge down his arms and legs, along his torso. He closed his eyes, allowing himself to be washed. No doubt this was another hybrid trait, grooming a partner.

Once they toweled off, Jimin was unsure of the next steps. Though, he reasoned, he'd not been anticipating the ones just taken either. Despite the early hour, he was already tired, the refractory period setting in.

"Did you want to get some clothes?" Taehyung asked.

Jimin glanced over and shook his head. "No, I'm good for now. Did— did you want to lay down?"

Taehyung's eyes lit up and he all but squealed, "Yes."

They ended up in bed, the only soft space inside the cottage where they could both comfortably sprawl out. Jimin collapsed first and Taehyung crawled after him. They curled together in the center of the mattress. Quiet, lost in thought. He thought he might be a bit more self-conscious despite what they'd just done, but instead all he felt was contentment.

"You express yourself the same way I imagine you would in otter form," Jimin commented.

His voice felt slow, the words drawn out like bubbles, stretched from a wand and drifting through the air. They mirrored the heaviness of his eyelids, the wet cement sensation of his limbs. Every part of his body seemed hellbent on dragging him back to slumber. But he didn't want to go, not yet.

"You get excited," He continued. "All giggly, sometimes make these high-pitched noises. Well, I suppose high for you anyway. Your voice is like those chocolate bars I love — with the nuts and raisins. Mostly smooth but with some rough bits."

"I don't know if I've ever heard it describedthat way," Taehyung hummed. "But I like it. Thank you."

"I like it too," Jimin said.

sorrrrrrrrryyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy (for the late update)

date- 5th oct 24

words- 6120