The Beyond || Taekook
In a land where warriors must be buried with their mate for the journey to the afterlife, Taehyung plots to spare his sister's life after the death of her mate, Jeongguk. Taking her place, he prepares to enter The Beyond.
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In a land where warriors must be buried with their mate for the journey to the afterlife, Taehyung plots to spare his sister's life after the death of her mate, Jeongguk. Taking her place, he prepares to enter The Beyond.
Tags ⬇️
#taekook #taekookau #vkook #vkookau
♡ TW// mcd, murder, animal death/murder
♡ A/B/O, enemies to lovers, hurt/comfort, historical, angst
♡ TW// mcd, murder, animal death/murder
♡ A/B/O, enemies to lovers, hurt/comfort, historical, angst
- starting this on Monday 🎃
Updates will be regular, and it will be posted in full on ao3 when complete
Let me know what you think? 👉👈🥺
curiouscat.me/HereForTannies
Updates will be regular, and it will be posted in full on ao3 when complete
Let me know what you think? 👉👈🥺
curiouscat.me/HereForTannies
🗡 Taekook visuals 🗡
🗡 🗡 🗡 🗡 🗡
Drums sounded from across the moors, the voices of children rising as they fell into step behind Taehyung and the horse he rode on. The horse wasn't his, staggering upon the uneven ground with the unfamiliar weight on its back.
2)
It was upset by the volume of the song around it, too loud, as the children came to flank its sides.
Namjoon muttered a line of comfort beneath his breath, hands on the reins, grip close to the horse's chin. His words meant nothing though, not when his sword clanked against
It was upset by the volume of the song around it, too loud, as the children came to flank its sides.
Namjoon muttered a line of comfort beneath his breath, hands on the reins, grip close to the horse's chin. His words meant nothing though, not when his sword clanked against
3)
the rim of his long boots, feet squelching in the wet ground to annoy the horse further.
Namjoon’s steps were as uneven as the horse's as the mist of the moors poured around them, hands pulling the reins this way and that until Taehyung was gasping out in fear.
the rim of his long boots, feet squelching in the wet ground to annoy the horse further.
Namjoon’s steps were as uneven as the horse's as the mist of the moors poured around them, hands pulling the reins this way and that until Taehyung was gasping out in fear.
4)
Falling should be the least of his worries. Perhaps it would be a blessing. Perhaps it would be merciful.
They rode on to where the townspeople were gathered. Bodies turned towards them with shivering shoulders as they huddled into woollen cloaks, fingers rubbing together
Falling should be the least of his worries. Perhaps it would be a blessing. Perhaps it would be merciful.
They rode on to where the townspeople were gathered. Bodies turned towards them with shivering shoulders as they huddled into woollen cloaks, fingers rubbing together
5)
beneath the openings to fight off the chill that lingered stronger here than within the town's walls.
Taehyung longed for their warmth as he sat tall in embroidered linens, underclothes forgotten, cloaks unnecessary when his journey was to end in a place without winter.
beneath the openings to fight off the chill that lingered stronger here than within the town's walls.
Taehyung longed for their warmth as he sat tall in embroidered linens, underclothes forgotten, cloaks unnecessary when his journey was to end in a place without winter.
6)
"Jeon Jeongguk. First of his name." The chieftain called the name, eyes downcast as he swayed a vial of liquid across the sides of a hole in the ground.
A grave.
#taekookau #taekook #vkook #vkookau
"Jeon Jeongguk. First of his name." The chieftain called the name, eyes downcast as he swayed a vial of liquid across the sides of a hole in the ground.
A grave.
#taekookau #taekook #vkook #vkookau
7)
"A warrior, slain by the hand of fate. We thank her for the merciful death, and call upon her to bless him with the grace of The Beyond. We offer to her our prayer."
The horse walked on, forwards, until the bustle of the crowd had it sidestepping until its shoulder
"A warrior, slain by the hand of fate. We thank her for the merciful death, and call upon her to bless him with the grace of The Beyond. We offer to her our prayer."
The horse walked on, forwards, until the bustle of the crowd had it sidestepping until its shoulder
8)
was colliding with Namjoon’s.
A few children squeaked, jumping out of the way before righting themselves into their ceremonial formation. Their song grew in the aftermath of the interruption, out of tune as the horse was tugged on by a few men who rushed to help Namjoon with
was colliding with Namjoon’s.
A few children squeaked, jumping out of the way before righting themselves into their ceremonial formation. Their song grew in the aftermath of the interruption, out of tune as the horse was tugged on by a few men who rushed to help Namjoon with
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the reins.
The crowd parted, faces wary as the creature sensed the unease and the grief falling around them. It made to rear, Taehyung clinging on as the men pulled the horse to stand.
By the graveside, the chieftain hurried his words.
"We lay Jeongguk with his faithful
the reins.
The crowd parted, faces wary as the creature sensed the unease and the grief falling around them. It made to rear, Taehyung clinging on as the men pulled the horse to stand.
By the graveside, the chieftain hurried his words.
"We lay Jeongguk with his faithful
10) TW// animal death / murder
steed; Bam."
A dagger was pulled from its sheath, flashing as silver as moonlight through the mist around them. There was a cry as it cut flesh, a pained neigh, before the blood of the horse soaked to the soil below.
steed; Bam."
A dagger was pulled from its sheath, flashing as silver as moonlight through the mist around them. There was a cry as it cut flesh, a pained neigh, before the blood of the horse soaked to the soil below.
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Still, they walked on, stumbling with only a few more steps to go.
"We gift Jeongguk his mate's cat." Unnamed, only a kitten a few weeks old. Slain by the same dagger
The horse stumbled to one knee as the cat was lowered to the grave, falling forward, legs completely giving
Still, they walked on, stumbling with only a few more steps to go.
"We gift Jeongguk his mate's cat." Unnamed, only a kitten a few weeks old. Slain by the same dagger
The horse stumbled to one knee as the cat was lowered to the grave, falling forward, legs completely giving
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out as its throat bled. It brought Taehyung’s toes crashing to the soil, feet bare, cold. Hands reached for him, rough as they pulled him from the saddle to trip towards the grave.
"We gift Jeongguk his mate; Sana."
Sana.
This was for her. All for her.
#taekookau #vkook
out as its throat bled. It brought Taehyung’s toes crashing to the soil, feet bare, cold. Hands reached for him, rough as they pulled him from the saddle to trip towards the grave.
"We gift Jeongguk his mate; Sana."
Sana.
This was for her. All for her.
#taekookau #vkook
13)
"We gift Jeongguk these things for his journey to the afterlife. We gift him our gratitude for his protection and loyalty. We gift him the light of the moon and stars, the warmth of the sun. The blood of this soil."
The words faded, replaced by silence, the mist falling to
"We gift Jeongguk these things for his journey to the afterlife. We gift him our gratitude for his protection and loyalty. We gift him the light of the moon and stars, the warmth of the sun. The blood of this soil."
The words faded, replaced by silence, the mist falling to
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Taehyung’s veiled cheeks until he could see nothing but the soil, the grave only a few strides away.
Eyes stung, but he refused to cry
"We wish Jeongguk well."
A push had Taehyung's balance tipping, knees hitting the soil with enough impact to loosen the side of the grave
Taehyung’s veiled cheeks until he could see nothing but the soil, the grave only a few strides away.
Eyes stung, but he refused to cry
"We wish Jeongguk well."
A push had Taehyung's balance tipping, knees hitting the soil with enough impact to loosen the side of the grave
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and send dirt scattering inside. Bam gave a last pained groan as the blood ran out, the only sound as Taehyung’s fingers clawed at the soil for leverage, eyes falling on the bodies lying below.
The kitten. Jeongguk.
He was dressed in his armour, cloth washed of mud and
and send dirt scattering inside. Bam gave a last pained groan as the blood ran out, the only sound as Taehyung’s fingers clawed at the soil for leverage, eyes falling on the bodies lying below.
The kitten. Jeongguk.
He was dressed in his armour, cloth washed of mud and
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blood, hair combed, eyes closed over and serene.
He should have lived.
He was supposed to have lived.
One more push, and Taehyung fell deep into the grave to lay with him. He fell to die.
#taekook #taekookau #vkook #vkookau taekook au
blood, hair combed, eyes closed over and serene.
He should have lived.
He was supposed to have lived.
One more push, and Taehyung fell deep into the grave to lay with him. He fell to die.
#taekook #taekookau #vkook #vkookau taekook au
🗡 🗡 🗡 🗡 🗡
An: that's all for today lads 🥺 I hope the thread didn't break again, & I hope you're enjoying this so far.
It would mean so much if you let me know your thoughts by RT or sending me a CC
curiouscat.me/HereForTannies
It would mean so much if you let me know your thoughts by RT or sending me a CC
curiouscat.me/HereForTannies
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17)
Grit fell to Jeongguk's cheek, dry against the wet mud already there. He could feel it fall to his ear, dirt smearing over the skin washed clean from the battlefield. He could feel it, but it was almost not there, as though a layer had been placed between flesh and mind that
Grit fell to Jeongguk's cheek, dry against the wet mud already there. He could feel it fall to his ear, dirt smearing over the skin washed clean from the battlefield. He could feel it, but it was almost not there, as though a layer had been placed between flesh and mind that
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diluted it all.
There was a weight across his knees, pinning him down, another against his chest that whimpered and cried as though in pain.
Jeongguk reached for it, hands moving through the air even if limbs didn't break from beneath the weights.
#taekook #taekookau
diluted it all.
There was a weight across his knees, pinning him down, another against his chest that whimpered and cried as though in pain.
Jeongguk reached for it, hands moving through the air even if limbs didn't break from beneath the weights.
#taekook #taekookau
19)
The crying weight flinched, more dirt hitting Jeongguk's face. His lids were heavy as it clung to lashes, sticky when he tried to force them open only to be met with a square of dusk clouds above, and a man, welding a shovel as he threw down another shovelful of soil.
The crying weight flinched, more dirt hitting Jeongguk's face. His lids were heavy as it clung to lashes, sticky when he tried to force them open only to be met with a square of dusk clouds above, and a man, welding a shovel as he threw down another shovelful of soil.
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Soil.
Was Jeongguk being buried alive?
He leaped up, body shooting right through his skin to hover awkwardly by the weeping figure. A person.
Sana.
She cried with hands tucked beneath her armpits, dressed in the white linens Jeongguk knew only too well.
Soil.
Was Jeongguk being buried alive?
He leaped up, body shooting right through his skin to hover awkwardly by the weeping figure. A person.
Sana.
She cried with hands tucked beneath her armpits, dressed in the white linens Jeongguk knew only too well.
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They were special, embroidered with the motifs of death. Every stitch wishing them well with their journey into the afterlife.
Jeongguk was dead, and on his chest, on his right arm, his mate was being buried alive.
"Sana! Sana, run if you can. Tell them the truth!
They were special, embroidered with the motifs of death. Every stitch wishing them well with their journey into the afterlife.
Jeongguk was dead, and on his chest, on his right arm, his mate was being buried alive.
"Sana! Sana, run if you can. Tell them the truth!
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Tell them-" Her sobs drowned out Jeongguk's voice, weak, not unlike a whisper in the wind, stolen by the mist descending into their grave.
"Sana." She was so young. Too young. Too young for the marriage forced on them. Too young for death. "Sana can you hear me? See me?"
Tell them-" Her sobs drowned out Jeongguk's voice, weak, not unlike a whisper in the wind, stolen by the mist descending into their grave.
"Sana." She was so young. Too young. Too young for the marriage forced on them. Too young for death. "Sana can you hear me? See me?"
23)
The body beneath her wasn't moving, cold, still. This version of Jeongguk that hovered was one he doubted she knew of at all.
Reaching out, Jeongguk tried to lift her veil, fingers slipping through the fabric before disappearing through a cold, wet nose.
The body beneath her wasn't moving, cold, still. This version of Jeongguk that hovered was one he doubted she knew of at all.
Reaching out, Jeongguk tried to lift her veil, fingers slipping through the fabric before disappearing through a cold, wet nose.
24)
Her breath was starting to choke her as more dirt rained down, the shovelfuls growing in speed as the mist thickened, the man above cursing it as he mumbled something about the journey home.
He was going to leave them here.
He was going to leave Sana.
She was going to die.
Her breath was starting to choke her as more dirt rained down, the shovelfuls growing in speed as the mist thickened, the man above cursing it as he mumbled something about the journey home.
He was going to leave them here.
He was going to leave Sana.
She was going to die.
25)
Jeongguk didn't know why there was a surprise that came with that, when his clan had buried a warrior's possessions with them for years. He was dead, he knew it, and when Sana was his mate, his grave was where she belonged.
#taekook #taekookau taekook au
Jeongguk didn't know why there was a surprise that came with that, when his clan had buried a warrior's possessions with them for years. He was dead, he knew it, and when Sana was his mate, his grave was where she belonged.
#taekook #taekookau taekook au
26)
She didn't though, she shouldn't, but as the soil fell, Jeongguk's hopes fell with it.
Her legs were crushed beneath a mass of brown. Bam. They were probably broken, trapping her as much as they did him.
She didn't though, she shouldn't, but as the soil fell, Jeongguk's hopes fell with it.
Her legs were crushed beneath a mass of brown. Bam. They were probably broken, trapping her as much as they did him.
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Her veil was being pulled to his chest with the dirt upon it, air growing less as mud swallowed access to it. She wouldn't make it out, she wouldn't. Jeongguk still had to try though, pulling at her shoulders and at Bam's stomach, shouting her name until his hovering form
Her veil was being pulled to his chest with the dirt upon it, air growing less as mud swallowed access to it. She wouldn't make it out, she wouldn't. Jeongguk still had to try though, pulling at her shoulders and at Bam's stomach, shouting her name until his hovering form
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could taste the dirt spread over his solid form's lips. He couldn’t help her, but doing his best to clutch her to him, Jeongguk could at least be there for her, with her.
could taste the dirt spread over his solid form's lips. He couldn’t help her, but doing his best to clutch her to him, Jeongguk could at least be there for her, with her.
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He watched as the man faded from view, the night sky with him. The grave was filled, and Sana's cries soon turned to the rattles of death.
"I'm sorry, Sana. I'm sorry."
He watched as the man faded from view, the night sky with him. The grave was filled, and Sana's cries soon turned to the rattles of death.
"I'm sorry, Sana. I'm sorry."
30)
The black turned blacker, Jeongguk's hovering form sinking back into the solid as an eternal sleep finally claimed them both.
The black turned blacker, Jeongguk's hovering form sinking back into the solid as an eternal sleep finally claimed them both.
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AN: ghosty koo 😭
Thank you for all the love this wee fic has been getting so far lads. Please qt or send me a CC to let me know your thoughts!!
curiouscat.me/HereForTannies
Thank you for all the love this wee fic has been getting so far lads. Please qt or send me a CC to let me know your thoughts!!
curiouscat.me/HereForTannies
🗡 🗡 🗡 🗡 🗡
31)
When Jeongguk next woke, it was to a trembling on his chest, a coughing, gasping mess that sobbed out a curse he couldn’t quite catch.
Eyes opened, blinking, blinking, before Jeongguk clenched them firmly shut.
#taekookau #taekook taekook au #vkook #vkookau
When Jeongguk next woke, it was to a trembling on his chest, a coughing, gasping mess that sobbed out a curse he couldn’t quite catch.
Eyes opened, blinking, blinking, before Jeongguk clenched them firmly shut.
#taekookau #taekook taekook au #vkook #vkookau
32)
"Sana?" It was dark, hard to see, but the muddy veil had been lifted, and it was not the face of his mate that Jeongguk had just looked in the eye.
"Her name is not Sana. It never was." It was a hiss, sharp and as cruel as the finger that stabbed at Jeongguk's chest.
"Sana?" It was dark, hard to see, but the muddy veil had been lifted, and it was not the face of his mate that Jeongguk had just looked in the eye.
"Her name is not Sana. It never was." It was a hiss, sharp and as cruel as the finger that stabbed at Jeongguk's chest.
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"Taehyung." Her brother, a man whose name hadn't changed when he'd arrived from his homeland to Jeongguk's. No one had cared enough to make him change it. They'd cared about his sister though, cared about her a lot as they'd thrown her into Jeongguk's arms with cheers that
"Taehyung." Her brother, a man whose name hadn't changed when he'd arrived from his homeland to Jeongguk's. No one had cared enough to make him change it. They'd cared about his sister though, cared about her a lot as they'd thrown her into Jeongguk's arms with cheers that
34)
the hero of the battle must win the prettiest mate.
"She never told me her old name."
"Sania. A beautiful name, with a beautiful meaning you never deserved to know."
the hero of the battle must win the prettiest mate.
"She never told me her old name."
"Sania. A beautiful name, with a beautiful meaning you never deserved to know."
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"Yet you're here with me now." Seemingly in her place, here as Jeongguk's mate to live an infinite afterlife together. He must have deserved something. He must have been worth /something/.
"Shut up!" Taehyung pushed a sound past gritted teeth, Jeongguk's eyes finally opening
"Yet you're here with me now." Seemingly in her place, here as Jeongguk's mate to live an infinite afterlife together. He must have deserved something. He must have been worth /something/.
"Shut up!" Taehyung pushed a sound past gritted teeth, Jeongguk's eyes finally opening
36)
to watch as he struggled to lift off Jeongguk's body, legs still trapped beneath the horse yet to wake.
Jeongguk was aware of it though, as was Taehyung. "Are we here; in the afterlife?"
"Do I look like I know?" The words were spat, a groan following as Taehyung tried
to watch as he struggled to lift off Jeongguk's body, legs still trapped beneath the horse yet to wake.
Jeongguk was aware of it though, as was Taehyung. "Are we here; in the afterlife?"
"Do I look like I know?" The words were spat, a groan following as Taehyung tried
37)
to kick free. His hands were loose as they slapped at Jeongguk's chest, as though he had four rather than two, the lines blurring until Jeongguk lost count. Taehyung's solid form wasn't so solid, and cupping the small of his back with a grunt of exhaustion, Jeongguk tried to
to kick free. His hands were loose as they slapped at Jeongguk's chest, as though he had four rather than two, the lines blurring until Jeongguk lost count. Taehyung's solid form wasn't so solid, and cupping the small of his back with a grunt of exhaustion, Jeongguk tried to
38)
calm him.
"We're nearly there."
The words had Taehyung stilling, a moment passing, two, before fat tears fell from grubby cheeks to soak the fabric of Jeongguk's quilted armour. All Jeongguk could do was hold him how he had tried to before, palm rubbing up and down his back
calm him.
"We're nearly there."
The words had Taehyung stilling, a moment passing, two, before fat tears fell from grubby cheeks to soak the fabric of Jeongguk's quilted armour. All Jeongguk could do was hold him how he had tried to before, palm rubbing up and down his back
39)
as Taehyung collapsed to cry what little tears he had left. He grew looser as he did so, Jeongguk feeling the tug as he too started to pull from his body as though his hovering form from before was now a twin of the one left to decay on the ground.
as Taehyung collapsed to cry what little tears he had left. He grew looser as he did so, Jeongguk feeling the tug as he too started to pull from his body as though his hovering form from before was now a twin of the one left to decay on the ground.
40)
He hated the thought of it, hated the thought of Taehyung going through that when he shouldn't even be here.
He didn’t seem to recognise the changes as he sobbed, tears doubling, body lifting, lowering, like a heartbeat his chest could no longer feel.
He hated the thought of it, hated the thought of Taehyung going through that when he shouldn't even be here.
He didn’t seem to recognise the changes as he sobbed, tears doubling, body lifting, lowering, like a heartbeat his chest could no longer feel.
41)
Jeongguk moved with him, forms unsettled as the emotions fell deep.
"It’s okay to cry." Later, Jeongguk would too, but now, he could only take Taehyung’s hand as a snap tore through him, the two forms ending their fight to leave bodies on the soil, spirits climbing to knees
Jeongguk moved with him, forms unsettled as the emotions fell deep.
"It’s okay to cry." Later, Jeongguk would too, but now, he could only take Taehyung’s hand as a snap tore through him, the two forms ending their fight to leave bodies on the soil, spirits climbing to knees
42)
to rise within a chamber where the filled grave was no more.
A moment later, the kitten rose with them, the horse Jeongguk had named after the tree he had been birthed under. They stood together, eyes all-seeing in the dark as a moonlight called from beneath a stone door.
to rise within a chamber where the filled grave was no more.
A moment later, the kitten rose with them, the horse Jeongguk had named after the tree he had been birthed under. They stood together, eyes all-seeing in the dark as a moonlight called from beneath a stone door.
43)
Jeongguk reached for it, not looking back as he left their bodies in the crypt-like room that was to be their final resting place.
Jeongguk reached for it, not looking back as he left their bodies in the crypt-like room that was to be their final resting place.
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A/N: ahh they've woken up!
I'm actually in the mood to post an extra scene tonight 🤭 but I'm curious about how many of you are reading this so uh vote for what colour the kitten should be?
Also name suggestions are more than welcome!
#taekook #taekookau #vkook taekook au
I'm actually in the mood to post an extra scene tonight 🤭 but I'm curious about how many of you are reading this so uh vote for what colour the kitten should be?
Also name suggestions are more than welcome!
#taekook #taekookau #vkook taekook au
🗡 🗡 🗡 🗡 🗡
44)
"So, why did you do it?" They walked along a moonlit path, where the beams glistened like water between trees too dense. They didn't know where they were going, but when The Beyond was eternal, did it matter?
"Sania was going to die. She was going to die, just for being
"So, why did you do it?" They walked along a moonlit path, where the beams glistened like water between trees too dense. They didn't know where they were going, but when The Beyond was eternal, did it matter?
"Sania was going to die. She was going to die, just for being
45)
your mate. What kind of fucked-up land buries a man with his mate anyway?"
Though Jeongguk had never dared voice it, he'd often wondered the same, watching too many lives vanish to the soil, watching too many children grow without a single parent at all.
#taekook taekook au
your mate. What kind of fucked-up land buries a man with his mate anyway?"
Though Jeongguk had never dared voice it, he'd often wondered the same, watching too many lives vanish to the soil, watching too many children grow without a single parent at all.
#taekook taekook au
46)
"She could have lied." A whisper, but it was true. "If she told them that she was with child, she would have been spared."
"For how long?" Taehyung’s tone was cold, his body looking even colder with nothing but the embroidered linens on his frame.
"She could have lied." A whisper, but it was true. "If she told them that she was with child, she would have been spared."
"For how long?" Taehyung’s tone was cold, his body looking even colder with nothing but the embroidered linens on his frame.
47)
They were clean now, clean enough for the moon to cast through until Jeongguk could see every dip and curve. He looked away, to the kitten that Taehyung clutched to his chest, to the horse that walked a length before them with a curious nose to the fauna.
They were clean now, clean enough for the moon to cast through until Jeongguk could see every dip and curve. He looked away, to the kitten that Taehyung clutched to his chest, to the horse that walked a length before them with a curious nose to the fauna.
48)
"A baby needs its mother. They wouldn't have dug me up to bury her after all that time; I'd already have gone to the afterlife."
"So this belief of your clan's isn't some 'you need your mate to enter' situation?"
"A baby needs its mother. They wouldn't have dug me up to bury her after all that time; I'd already have gone to the afterlife."
"So this belief of your clan's isn't some 'you need your mate to enter' situation?"
49)
"No, not when so many children die before they're old enough to wield a sword."
Taehyung only huffed.
"She could have told them the truth, too." Jeongguk paused, licking his lips, eyes now locked on Bam as he rustled one hoof around in a vibrant purple bush. "We didn't...
"No, not when so many children die before they're old enough to wield a sword."
Taehyung only huffed.
"She could have told them the truth, too." Jeongguk paused, licking his lips, eyes now locked on Bam as he rustled one hoof around in a vibrant purple bush. "We didn't...
50)
...consummate our mating."
"But you bit her."
"I had to. It wasn't a mating bite though, just a…a nip."
Taehyung shook his head, eyes downcast and so terribly sad. "They'd still have killed her. We both know that."
"Where is she now?"
...consummate our mating."
"But you bit her."
"I had to. It wasn't a mating bite though, just a…a nip."
Taehyung shook his head, eyes downcast and so terribly sad. "They'd still have killed her. We both know that."
"Where is she now?"
51)
"Enroute to Harsgard. She thought a big town would lead to a wagon far from here - there, I mean."
Jeongguk could only nod, prayers on his tongue that Sania would make it.
"I tried to heal you, you know."
"Enroute to Harsgard. She thought a big town would lead to a wagon far from here - there, I mean."
Jeongguk could only nod, prayers on his tongue that Sania would make it.
"I tried to heal you, you know."
52)
"I know. I remember you there in the hut." Jeongguk may have been unconscious for most of his suffering, but the scent of the balms and ointments had mixed with Taehyung’s own, winter berries turning sour with his distress.
Jeongguk thought it best not to mention how free
"I know. I remember you there in the hut." Jeongguk may have been unconscious for most of his suffering, but the scent of the balms and ointments had mixed with Taehyung’s own, winter berries turning sour with his distress.
Jeongguk thought it best not to mention how free
53)
Taehyung’s scent had been, or how the musk of the attracted alpha's where what had caused one of Jeongguk's final coughing fits.
"How did you do it? How did you trick them all?" Taehyung was taller than Sania, with broader shoulders, shorter hair.
"Namjoon."
Taehyung’s scent had been, or how the musk of the attracted alpha's where what had caused one of Jeongguk's final coughing fits.
"How did you do it? How did you trick them all?" Taehyung was taller than Sania, with broader shoulders, shorter hair.
"Namjoon."
54)
Taehyung bit his lip, glancing at Jeongguk with the side of his eye. "I lied. I told him that it was me you loved, me you spent your nights with, me who was the mate the Moon Goddess wished for you. Sania pinched my ribs until the skin almost broke, in case I had to feign
Taehyung bit his lip, glancing at Jeongguk with the side of his eye. "I lied. I told him that it was me you loved, me you spent your nights with, me who was the mate the Moon Goddess wished for you. Sania pinched my ribs until the skin almost broke, in case I had to feign
55)
a bite - but Namjoon didn't ask."
"He just believed you?" Jeongguk didn't know what to say.
Taehyung nodded. "I may have told him that he had been the holder of your first affection, when he confessed not knowing that your tastes were for men."
a bite - but Namjoon didn't ask."
"He just believed you?" Jeongguk didn't know what to say.
Taehyung nodded. "I may have told him that he had been the holder of your first affection, when he confessed not knowing that your tastes were for men."
56)
At that, Jeongguk could only groan "Do you know how embarrassing that is? What must he think of me now?"
Taehyung shrugged, the kitten jolting, meowing in protest. "He said how you had always admired him. He didn’t seem surprised. He was almost…touched?"
"I had just died."
At that, Jeongguk could only groan "Do you know how embarrassing that is? What must he think of me now?"
Taehyung shrugged, the kitten jolting, meowing in protest. "He said how you had always admired him. He didn’t seem surprised. He was almost…touched?"
"I had just died."
57)
It was the truth, but hearing it aloud in the air felt odd, surreal.
Jeongguk was dead.
Dead.
He was currently walking through the paths of the afterlife.
It was the truth, but hearing it aloud in the air felt odd, surreal.
Jeongguk was dead.
Dead.
He was currently walking through the paths of the afterlife.
58)
"How did you fool the others?"
"The linens were given to Sania. She made sure to go alone to your hut to dress, and passed them to me there. Namjoon collected the loose horse tail-hair from the brushes, and I braided it, before securing it to my hair with a ribbon."
"How did you fool the others?"
"The linens were given to Sania. She made sure to go alone to your hut to dress, and passed them to me there. Namjoon collected the loose horse tail-hair from the brushes, and I braided it, before securing it to my hair with a ribbon."
59)
The head covering that the veil was attached to hid it.
"It all seems too easy." How had Taehyung gotten away with it? How had Namjoon said yes?
Taehyung only shrugged, the kitten shooting him a glare. "No one cared, Jeongguk. What was one omega from another?"
The head covering that the veil was attached to hid it.
"It all seems too easy." How had Taehyung gotten away with it? How had Namjoon said yes?
Taehyung only shrugged, the kitten shooting him a glare. "No one cared, Jeongguk. What was one omega from another?"
60)
The words were both a question and a final statement, and Jeongguk couldn’t deny how the final vocal rise lingered in his mind until the path was falling away to welcome them into a large clearing.
The words were both a question and a final statement, and Jeongguk couldn’t deny how the final vocal rise lingered in his mind until the path was falling away to welcome them into a large clearing.
61)
"Are you tired? Maybe we should rest here for the night." It wasn't cold, even if the moon was high and bright, a trickle of water filling the silence from somewhere as Taehyung pondered over his answer.
"There's no tiredness in The Beyond, is there?"
"Are you tired? Maybe we should rest here for the night." It wasn't cold, even if the moon was high and bright, a trickle of water filling the silence from somewhere as Taehyung pondered over his answer.
"There's no tiredness in The Beyond, is there?"
62)
No. Not according to the teachings Jeongguk had grown up with. He said as much.
Taehyung sighed out, bare feet coming to a stop on a patch of grass so soft that Jeongguk had to squint to see if it was moss.
"What are we to do then? We don't need to eat or sleep here."
No. Not according to the teachings Jeongguk had grown up with. He said as much.
Taehyung sighed out, bare feet coming to a stop on a patch of grass so soft that Jeongguk had to squint to see if it was moss.
"What are we to do then? We don't need to eat or sleep here."
63)
"I think we can though." Why else would there be tales of banquets and orchards that curved for miles?
"This place is to fashion after your fantasy, right?" Jeongguk nodded. Taehyung gave another sigh. "I suppose it's possible then, should you wish it to be.
"I think we can though." Why else would there be tales of banquets and orchards that curved for miles?
"This place is to fashion after your fantasy, right?" Jeongguk nodded. Taehyung gave another sigh. "I suppose it's possible then, should you wish it to be.
64)
Taehyung turned, hitching the kitten further up his chest as he rounded a bush as tall as Jeongguk, as wide as a horse, before coming to a harsh stop with a loud gasp.
"What is it?"
Taehyung didn’t answer, spurring Jeongguk's steps forward until he was arriving by his side.
Taehyung turned, hitching the kitten further up his chest as he rounded a bush as tall as Jeongguk, as wide as a horse, before coming to a harsh stop with a loud gasp.
"What is it?"
Taehyung didn’t answer, spurring Jeongguk's steps forward until he was arriving by his side.
65)
Taehyung spun to him, brows furrowed, kitten annoyed at how tight Taehyung’s grip had grown. Jeongguk paid him no mind, gaze locked on the cottage that stood within a wildflower lawn, surrounded by tall trees, the river running high to its right.
"This is your desire?"
Taehyung spun to him, brows furrowed, kitten annoyed at how tight Taehyung’s grip had grown. Jeongguk paid him no mind, gaze locked on the cottage that stood within a wildflower lawn, surrounded by tall trees, the river running high to its right.
"This is your desire?"
66)
It sounded accusing. It was.
Jeongguk could only stare, no answer coming, no explanation.
"It’s not conscious."
"But it's your desire. /My/ home, from /my/ land - a land you invaded. It's your desire, and it's here."
It sounded accusing. It was.
Jeongguk could only stare, no answer coming, no explanation.
"It’s not conscious."
"But it's your desire. /My/ home, from /my/ land - a land you invaded. It's your desire, and it's here."
67)
It was. It was here in the afterlife, and deep in Jeongguk's chest, the squeeze of his heart confirmed that it was what his subconscious had wanted.
"It’s a nice house, Taehyung."
Taehyung scoffed, turning to weave paths through the flowers, marching to the front door.
It was. It was here in the afterlife, and deep in Jeongguk's chest, the squeeze of his heart confirmed that it was what his subconscious had wanted.
"It’s a nice house, Taehyung."
Taehyung scoffed, turning to weave paths through the flowers, marching to the front door.
68)
When he doubted that the interior posed a threat, Jeongguk hovered outside, knowing Taehyung would appreciate the time alone when the day had been his absolute worst.
He had died today. He had died to save his sister, yet he had died for nothing.
When he doubted that the interior posed a threat, Jeongguk hovered outside, knowing Taehyung would appreciate the time alone when the day had been his absolute worst.
He had died today. He had died to save his sister, yet he had died for nothing.
69)
No matter what Taehyung believed, Jeongguk knew that with the right words, Taehyung could have lived, Sania too.
It was too late though, the deeds were done, and now only The Beyond would accept him.
No matter what Taehyung believed, Jeongguk knew that with the right words, Taehyung could have lived, Sania too.
It was too late though, the deeds were done, and now only The Beyond would accept him.
70)
He was trapped here for eternity, and rounding the cottage to tuck between the dense trees behind it, Jeongguk gathered what firewood he could, knowing that all he could do now was to gift Taehyung what little comfort possible.
He was trapped here for eternity, and rounding the cottage to tuck between the dense trees behind it, Jeongguk gathered what firewood he could, knowing that all he could do now was to gift Taehyung what little comfort possible.
🗡 🗡 🗡 🗡 🗡
A/n: another update yay
Make sure to let me know your thoughts by QT or cc!!
curiouscat.me/HereForTannies
Make sure to let me know your thoughts by QT or cc!!
curiouscat.me/HereForTannies
🗡 🗡 🗡 🗡 🗡
71)
The moon had disappeared behind the trees by the time Jeongguk dared to approach the cottage. He had spent the time trying and failing to right the wildflowers Taehyung had trampled down, only to give up when Bam started eating them,
#taekookau #taekook #vkook taekook au
The moon had disappeared behind the trees by the time Jeongguk dared to approach the cottage. He had spent the time trying and failing to right the wildflowers Taehyung had trampled down, only to give up when Bam started eating them,
#taekookau #taekook #vkook taekook au
72)
choosing to gather them as a gift for Taehyung instead. Along with the firewood, Jeongguk had placed them by the cottage door, before scanning the area to insure that Bam was safe to be left wandering.
There didn't seem to be much around but the trees and the river.
choosing to gather them as a gift for Taehyung instead. Along with the firewood, Jeongguk had placed them by the cottage door, before scanning the area to insure that Bam was safe to be left wandering.
There didn't seem to be much around but the trees and the river.
73)
The air was unnaturally still, unusual when the night always brought forth the nocturnal critters who burrowed through the damp leaves and dew-drop grasses. This wasn't Jeongguk's homeland though, nor any of the earthly lands he'd fought in.
The air was unnaturally still, unusual when the night always brought forth the nocturnal critters who burrowed through the damp leaves and dew-drop grasses. This wasn't Jeongguk's homeland though, nor any of the earthly lands he'd fought in.
74)
The Beyond was different, and he was yet to learn how so.
With Bam safe and content, Jeongguk had no more reason to stall. He had no reason to stay staring at the stone walls and timber frames of the cottage, the thatched roof, the latticed windows - all from his seat on a
The Beyond was different, and he was yet to learn how so.
With Bam safe and content, Jeongguk had no more reason to stall. He had no reason to stay staring at the stone walls and timber frames of the cottage, the thatched roof, the latticed windows - all from his seat on a
75)
rock nestled by the short path to the river.
It was time to go inside.
The cottage door opened easily, albeit with a squeak, stone slab floor taking the smears from Jeongguk's boots as he took in the shades of brown that welcomed him.
rock nestled by the short path to the river.
It was time to go inside.
The cottage door opened easily, albeit with a squeak, stone slab floor taking the smears from Jeongguk's boots as he took in the shades of brown that welcomed him.
76)
He was in some sort of entrance hallway, only a square large enough for one person, with wooden walls and wooden doors that disappeared into them. Jeongguk tried the one to the left, nose poking into what looked to be a relaxing-room if the storage dressers and cushioned
He was in some sort of entrance hallway, only a square large enough for one person, with wooden walls and wooden doors that disappeared into them. Jeongguk tried the one to the left, nose poking into what looked to be a relaxing-room if the storage dressers and cushioned
77)
chairs and stools were anything to go by, along with the thick bearskin dropped across the floor. There were tapestries on the walls, drapes on the window, and painted vases on almost every surface along with candle sticks and shimmering ornaments Jeongguk didn't know the
chairs and stools were anything to go by, along with the thick bearskin dropped across the floor. There were tapestries on the walls, drapes on the window, and painted vases on almost every surface along with candle sticks and shimmering ornaments Jeongguk didn't know the
78)
uses for.
He quickly grabbed one of the vases for the wildflowers he'd picked, darting out of the room before the dirt from his boots could mar anything.
Next, Jeongguk tried the door opposite, eyes scanning the much more modest decor of fireplaces, plain stools and kitchen
uses for.
He quickly grabbed one of the vases for the wildflowers he'd picked, darting out of the room before the dirt from his boots could mar anything.
Next, Jeongguk tried the door opposite, eyes scanning the much more modest decor of fireplaces, plain stools and kitchen
79)
tables, before landing on Taehyung as he stretched to grab something from a heavily stocked dresser.
"We've got food?"
Taehyung turned, something not unlike a smile on his lips before he pulled it away. "Thankfully. We may not need to eat, but food sure helps when trying to
tables, before landing on Taehyung as he stretched to grab something from a heavily stocked dresser.
"We've got food?"
Taehyung turned, something not unlike a smile on his lips before he pulled it away. "Thankfully. We may not need to eat, but food sure helps when trying to
80)
bond with a kitten."
With a bounce of his toes, Taehyung finally got whatever he had been looking for, dropping to his knees to show it off to the kitten that was currently sniffing out the strings of an apron dangling from a hook by the far window.
bond with a kitten."
With a bounce of his toes, Taehyung finally got whatever he had been looking for, dropping to his knees to show it off to the kitten that was currently sniffing out the strings of an apron dangling from a hook by the far window.
81)
Jeongguk hovered in the doorway as he watched them, not yet invited inside, and not wanting to invite himself when this cottage had been Taehyung’s home, Taehyung’s comfort. It might be his desire, but Jeongguk wasn't quite comfortable with it.
Jeongguk hovered in the doorway as he watched them, not yet invited inside, and not wanting to invite himself when this cottage had been Taehyung’s home, Taehyung’s comfort. It might be his desire, but Jeongguk wasn't quite comfortable with it.
82)
"I brought you flowers. They're a little bent and misshapen but I tried to cut them as best I could."
Taehyung only hummed, mood lifted as he coaxed the kitten towards what Jeongguk could now see was flaked fish on his fingers.
"I brought you flowers. They're a little bent and misshapen but I tried to cut them as best I could."
Taehyung only hummed, mood lifted as he coaxed the kitten towards what Jeongguk could now see was flaked fish on his fingers.
83)
It took him a moment to respond properly, glancing back only to frown when he spotted the vase Jeongguk was holding.
"Put it back! Carefully. You're not to touch /anything/ in this home." The command was clear, firm, not unlike the tones of the army leaders Jeongguk
It took him a moment to respond properly, glancing back only to frown when he spotted the vase Jeongguk was holding.
"Put it back! Carefully. You're not to touch /anything/ in this home." The command was clear, firm, not unlike the tones of the army leaders Jeongguk
84)
had grown up with.
"I'm sorry."
"You should be." A glare, and Taehyung was turning back to pet the kitten.
"Do you want to keep the flowers?"
Taehyung sighed, shoulders tensing up before he seemed to force them to drop.
"Fine, but I'll care for them alone. This place…
had grown up with.
"I'm sorry."
"You should be." A glare, and Taehyung was turning back to pet the kitten.
"Do you want to keep the flowers?"
Taehyung sighed, shoulders tensing up before he seemed to force them to drop.
"Fine, but I'll care for them alone. This place…
85)
I don't want it ruined. Again."
Again.
Jeongguk had stood and watched as it was ruined before, Taehyung and his sister grabbed from where they had been hiding inside, dragged out as torches hit the thatch to burn it all to ash.
I don't want it ruined. Again."
Again.
Jeongguk had stood and watched as it was ruined before, Taehyung and his sister grabbed from where they had been hiding inside, dragged out as torches hit the thatch to burn it all to ash.
86)
Had this vase burnt with it? The bear rug? The tapestries? The apron? Had the white walls inside this room turned black with smoke, the fire suffocated by new flames?
Jeongguk had watched it all crumble with a heavy heart, but watching Taehyung as he pushed away those same
Had this vase burnt with it? The bear rug? The tapestries? The apron? Had the white walls inside this room turned black with smoke, the fire suffocated by new flames?
Jeongguk had watched it all crumble with a heavy heart, but watching Taehyung as he pushed away those same
87)
memories with the curl of the kitten's tail between his fingers, it felt just as heavy now.
Turning, Jeongguk did as told, closing the door to the relaxing-room behind him as though it was a room of collections never to be lived within again.
memories with the curl of the kitten's tail between his fingers, it felt just as heavy now.
Turning, Jeongguk did as told, closing the door to the relaxing-room behind him as though it was a room of collections never to be lived within again.
88)
"I brought you some firewood too." This time, Jeongguk would wait for permission before passing it over.
Taehyung turned, sliding on his butt on the cold floor with the kitten now kneading his lap. "Shall we light a fire then? I didn’t expect The Beyond to be this cold."
"I brought you some firewood too." This time, Jeongguk would wait for permission before passing it over.
Taehyung turned, sliding on his butt on the cold floor with the kitten now kneading his lap. "Shall we light a fire then? I didn’t expect The Beyond to be this cold."
89)
Jeongguk couldn’t feel it, but he was dressed in his armour, all quilted tunics and gilets with woollen trousers beneath. Taehyung was still in the thin linens.
"Do you think your old clothes would be here?" Perhaps he should change.
Taehyung hummed, shrugging.
Jeongguk couldn’t feel it, but he was dressed in his armour, all quilted tunics and gilets with woollen trousers beneath. Taehyung was still in the thin linens.
"Do you think your old clothes would be here?" Perhaps he should change.
Taehyung hummed, shrugging.
90)
"Half of the belongings here are muddled. I think your assumptions are mixing with my memories."
"Your desires have formed here too?"
Another shrug. "I don't know, I don't know anything when I'm just an omega and The Beyond is an alpha's world."
"Half of the belongings here are muddled. I think your assumptions are mixing with my memories."
"Your desires have formed here too?"
Another shrug. "I don't know, I don't know anything when I'm just an omega and The Beyond is an alpha's world."
91)
"But an alpha needs his mate." And a mate needed the things that brought them comfort and happiness.
Jeongguk had always imagined his parents in The Beyond, his mother sewing with all she needed, all she /knew/ she needed, and not just what his father dreamed of.
"But an alpha needs his mate." And a mate needed the things that brought them comfort and happiness.
Jeongguk had always imagined his parents in The Beyond, his mother sewing with all she needed, all she /knew/ she needed, and not just what his father dreamed of.
92)
Surely his own version of the afterlife would work the same way. Surely Sania would have had her cooking pots that she loved to clean, and the fish she gutted with such quick hands. Taehyung…Jeongguk barely knew Taehyung, but surely he would have his comforts too.
Surely his own version of the afterlife would work the same way. Surely Sania would have had her cooking pots that she loved to clean, and the fish she gutted with such quick hands. Taehyung…Jeongguk barely knew Taehyung, but surely he would have his comforts too.
93)
"Well, I'm not your mate, Jeongguk." It was a sneer through clenched teeth, one Jeongguk didn't react to.
"But you're here as one."
"To save a life."
Was that what he had done though? Had Taehyung really saved a life when his own had been taken in exchange for it?
"Well, I'm not your mate, Jeongguk." It was a sneer through clenched teeth, one Jeongguk didn't react to.
"But you're here as one."
"To save a life."
Was that what he had done though? Had Taehyung really saved a life when his own had been taken in exchange for it?
94)
"In life, I would have taken care of her, you know. Sania."
Taehyung’s head shot up, gaze disbelieving. "She was eighteen. A girl. A mere girl. She was too young for mating. Did you 'take care' of her when you said yes?"
"I took care of her by giving her all I could,
"In life, I would have taken care of her, you know. Sania."
Taehyung’s head shot up, gaze disbelieving. "She was eighteen. A girl. A mere girl. She was too young for mating. Did you 'take care' of her when you said yes?"
"I took care of her by giving her all I could,
95)
all but that bite."
"What use was your lousy hut where the smoke could never quite get away? That was all you had. Did you know that there was a draft by the mattresses, and a rat's nest?"
"I…I didn’t know." Sania had never mentioned any issues.
all but that bite."
"What use was your lousy hut where the smoke could never quite get away? That was all you had. Did you know that there was a draft by the mattresses, and a rat's nest?"
"I…I didn’t know." Sania had never mentioned any issues.
96)
She hadn't said much at all about anything though, cowering from anyone and everyone no matter how comfortable Jeongguk tried to make her feel.
"She hated it. Hated the food, the cold wind, the scratchy clothes, the sound of your wretched accent."
She hadn't said much at all about anything though, cowering from anyone and everyone no matter how comfortable Jeongguk tried to make her feel.
"She hated it. Hated the food, the cold wind, the scratchy clothes, the sound of your wretched accent."
97)
Taehyung turned, shoulders sinking as though struggling to calm himself down. "The only mercy she had was that you didn't hurt her."
"I would never!" Never. It hurt that such a thing, the bare minimum, was considered Jeongguk's saviour.
"We were happy here, you know."
Taehyung turned, shoulders sinking as though struggling to calm himself down. "The only mercy she had was that you didn't hurt her."
"I would never!" Never. It hurt that such a thing, the bare minimum, was considered Jeongguk's saviour.
"We were happy here, you know."
98)
As Taehyung glanced up at the beams running across the ceiling, Jeongguk caught the building water in his eyes.
"I'm sorry." Jeongguk hadn't been the one to order the battle on their lands, the conquering of prizes whether it be jewel, man or beast.
As Taehyung glanced up at the beams running across the ceiling, Jeongguk caught the building water in his eyes.
"I'm sorry." Jeongguk hadn't been the one to order the battle on their lands, the conquering of prizes whether it be jewel, man or beast.
99)
He had been there though, dressed in his land's colours, bearing the weapons handed to him to ignite fear.
'Sorry' wasn't enough. Watching as Taehyung tried and failed to subtly wipe the tears, Jeongguk knew that nothing would ever be.
He had been there though, dressed in his land's colours, bearing the weapons handed to him to ignite fear.
'Sorry' wasn't enough. Watching as Taehyung tried and failed to subtly wipe the tears, Jeongguk knew that nothing would ever be.
🗡 🗡 🗡 🗡 🗡
A/n: I come with a cottage!!
Sorry that tonight's updates were so late lads 😔 I hope you enjoyed nonetheless. Next time we get to learn more about tae's past & family oohh
Don't forget to let me know your thoughts!!
Sorry that tonight's updates were so late lads 😔 I hope you enjoyed nonetheless. Next time we get to learn more about tae's past & family oohh
Don't forget to let me know your thoughts!!
🗡 🗡 🗡 🗡 🗡
100)
"This cottage belonged to my husband." Taehyung whispered the words, unfolding a woollen blanket draped over a chair, shaking it out, before taking a seat by the fire and laying it across his lap.
#taekook #taekookau taekook au #vkook #vkookau
"This cottage belonged to my husband." Taehyung whispered the words, unfolding a woollen blanket draped over a chair, shaking it out, before taking a seat by the fire and laying it across his lap.
#taekook #taekookau taekook au #vkook #vkookau
101)
The night was still strong, the sky black, the moon high, yet lowering as the dawning hours crept closer. The hours had passed with a relative silence as Jeongguk started a fire, Taehyung exploring the cottage alone before venturing outside to fetch cups of water from a well
The night was still strong, the sky black, the moon high, yet lowering as the dawning hours crept closer. The hours had passed with a relative silence as Jeongguk started a fire, Taehyung exploring the cottage alone before venturing outside to fetch cups of water from a well
102)
out back.
"I didn’t know that you had a mate."
Taehyung shook his head, eyes down, fingers tracing the decorative lines of yarn. "He wasn't my mate. We had a ceremony with food, dancing, with colourful scarves wound around joined hands, and we made vows to care
out back.
"I didn’t know that you had a mate."
Taehyung shook his head, eyes down, fingers tracing the decorative lines of yarn. "He wasn't my mate. We had a ceremony with food, dancing, with colourful scarves wound around joined hands, and we made vows to care
103)
for each other; but he wasn't my mate."
"May I ask why?" The look in Taehyung’s eye was fond. If he had loved his husband, why hadn't they mated with the bite, or even with words like Jeongguk and Sania?
Taehyung shrugged. "We did things differently in my lands, is all.
for each other; but he wasn't my mate."
"May I ask why?" The look in Taehyung’s eye was fond. If he had loved his husband, why hadn't they mated with the bite, or even with words like Jeongguk and Sania?
Taehyung shrugged. "We did things differently in my lands, is all.
104)
We often married for companionship, for shared resources, for convenience."
How did that differ from Jeongguk's mating to Sania?
Glancing up, Taehyung must have caught the questions in Jeongguk’s eyes.
"He was a healer. I trained under his guidance, and well, he offered
We often married for companionship, for shared resources, for convenience."
How did that differ from Jeongguk's mating to Sania?
Glancing up, Taehyung must have caught the questions in Jeongguk’s eyes.
"He was a healer. I trained under his guidance, and well, he offered
105)
me good things, and I offered him the same in exchange. It worked. We were happy."
But Sania hadn't been happy with Jeongguk.
"He died?" The past tense gave it away, the burnt lands that Jeongguk had sailed away from adding to the assumption.
me good things, and I offered him the same in exchange. It worked. We were happy."
But Sania hadn't been happy with Jeongguk.
"He died?" The past tense gave it away, the burnt lands that Jeongguk had sailed away from adding to the assumption.
106)
"Yes. He had a son. A sickly boy. Clyne. He died, and my husband died of heartbreak a year later." Taehyung bit his lip, voice still low and soft as though this story was from the depths of his heart and not his tongue. "He made me promise to always stay by Clyne's side.
"Yes. He had a son. A sickly boy. Clyne. He died, and my husband died of heartbreak a year later." Taehyung bit his lip, voice still low and soft as though this story was from the depths of his heart and not his tongue. "He made me promise to always stay by Clyne's side.
107)
To never stray far, and to bring him flowers and stories so that he wouldn't be lonely."
Jeongguk's people had taken Taehyung away though. The boy's grave left charred and alone, the air around it filled with nothing but the tales of ghosts.
To never stray far, and to bring him flowers and stories so that he wouldn't be lonely."
Jeongguk's people had taken Taehyung away though. The boy's grave left charred and alone, the air around it filled with nothing but the tales of ghosts.
108)
"I'm sorry."
Words, but they weren't enough.
They'd never be enough.
"I'm sorry."
Words, but they weren't enough.
They'd never be enough.
🗡 🗡 🗡 🗡 🗡
109)
The dawning had broken when the hushed conversations came to an end, whispers chasing the breeze as Taehyung rose for sleep, his blanket awkwardly held between hands as he looked from it to Jeongguk.
"Will you sleep here this evening?"
The dawning had broken when the hushed conversations came to an end, whispers chasing the breeze as Taehyung rose for sleep, his blanket awkwardly held between hands as he looked from it to Jeongguk.
"Will you sleep here this evening?"
110)
By the fire, in a sturdy chair Jeongguk had already taken a liking to.
"Not if it makes you uncomfortable."
Taehyung only blinked, hesitating as his cheeks burned gold in the reflection of the flames. He licked over his lips, another blink, another, before he was closing
By the fire, in a sturdy chair Jeongguk had already taken a liking to.
"Not if it makes you uncomfortable."
Taehyung only blinked, hesitating as his cheeks burned gold in the reflection of the flames. He licked over his lips, another blink, another, before he was closing
111)
the space between them to lay the blanket across Jeongguk's chest and shoulders.
"I'll leave you here then."
He turned, making for the staircase hidden behind a door no larger than that of a cupboard, nestled into the far wall.
the space between them to lay the blanket across Jeongguk's chest and shoulders.
"I'll leave you here then."
He turned, making for the staircase hidden behind a door no larger than that of a cupboard, nestled into the far wall.
112)
Jeongguk didn't wish him a good rest, or any words at all, knowing Taehyung needed this peace, this normality where his home was his own, Jeongguk nothing more than a guest passing by.
Jeongguk didn't wish him a good rest, or any words at all, knowing Taehyung needed this peace, this normality where his home was his own, Jeongguk nothing more than a guest passing by.
🗡 🗡 🗡 🗡 🗡
A/n: two short scenes today! I was thinking of adding another but I think the next one is a wee bit longer & uh...I've only 3 scenes left 😬 I need to hurry up & write more so send any questions/ideas/inspo my way to poke the old brain
curiouscat.me/HereForTannies
curiouscat.me/HereForTannies
🗡 🗡 🗡 🗡 🗡
113)
Morning met Jeongguk with a warmth he wasn't used to. The fire had burned low in the hearth, the air crisp with frost, but the temperature stayed comfortable. Unnatural. Lips opened to comment on it when Taehyung came downstairs, closing at the sight of red-rimmed eyes that
Morning met Jeongguk with a warmth he wasn't used to. The fire had burned low in the hearth, the air crisp with frost, but the temperature stayed comfortable. Unnatural. Lips opened to comment on it when Taehyung came downstairs, closing at the sight of red-rimmed eyes that
114)
sleep hadn't healed.
The sight had Jeongguk choosing to spend the rest of the morning outside, gathering more firewood and apples from a circle of fruit trees by the well.
When he delivered them to Taehyung, he made sure to keep his eyes down, voice small.
sleep hadn't healed.
The sight had Jeongguk choosing to spend the rest of the morning outside, gathering more firewood and apples from a circle of fruit trees by the well.
When he delivered them to Taehyung, he made sure to keep his eyes down, voice small.
115)
He didn’t want to hurt him any more, but reality was starting to settle in, and hurt was all Jeongguk could see. It was painted across every tile slab on the kitchen floor, every pane in the window that Taehyung stared through as though waiting for the visiting ghosts they
He didn’t want to hurt him any more, but reality was starting to settle in, and hurt was all Jeongguk could see. It was painted across every tile slab on the kitchen floor, every pane in the window that Taehyung stared through as though waiting for the visiting ghosts they
116)
both knew would never come.
As much as Jeongguk believed that a mate could alter an alpha's desire within The Beyond -the contents of Taehyung’s cottage evidence of it- he doubted that extended to people Jeongguk had never met before.
both knew would never come.
As much as Jeongguk believed that a mate could alter an alpha's desire within The Beyond -the contents of Taehyung’s cottage evidence of it- he doubted that extended to people Jeongguk had never met before.
117)
Taehyung’s husband and son had their own section of The Beyond. It was them Taehyung should be with. It was them he loved.
It was them that -because of Jeongguk- Taehyung would never see again.
Taehyung’s husband and son had their own section of The Beyond. It was them Taehyung should be with. It was them he loved.
It was them that -because of Jeongguk- Taehyung would never see again.
118)
Emotions kept him outside as morning turned to afternoon, guilt and regret mixing, questions of 'what if' coming too as Jeongguk reflected every move on the battlefield that had led him to injury, and then death.
Emotions kept him outside as morning turned to afternoon, guilt and regret mixing, questions of 'what if' coming too as Jeongguk reflected every move on the battlefield that had led him to injury, and then death.
119)
If he had trained harder would he have been stronger, would he have been spared? If he'd fought to wake from the days and nights of weary sleep, would Jeongguk still be alive, Taehyung with him?
If he had trained harder would he have been stronger, would he have been spared? If he'd fought to wake from the days and nights of weary sleep, would Jeongguk still be alive, Taehyung with him?
120)
Taehyung had been there with him by his sick bed, nothing but a hazy figure urging Jeongguk to drink, to eat, wiping his brow and changing his dressings as, beside him, the women had prayed.
Taehyung had been there with him by his sick bed, nothing but a hazy figure urging Jeongguk to drink, to eat, wiping his brow and changing his dressings as, beside him, the women had prayed.
121)
Later, when Taehyung called him inside for supper, Jeongguk went with a question on whether he had heard him correctly; but sitting by the fire with a bowl of hot stew between his palms, Jeongguk thanked him. He thanked him for the food, he thanked him for the care.
Later, when Taehyung called him inside for supper, Jeongguk went with a question on whether he had heard him correctly; but sitting by the fire with a bowl of hot stew between his palms, Jeongguk thanked him. He thanked him for the food, he thanked him for the care.
122)
"I'm a healer. It was my job."
"In your lands, perhaps." But not in Jeongguk’s.
He had helped though, and it meant a lot.
Taehyung’s spoon slowed as it lifted to his mouth, eyes flicking to Jeongguk's, away, before he went back to his food with a shrug. "You still died.
"I'm a healer. It was my job."
"In your lands, perhaps." But not in Jeongguk’s.
He had helped though, and it meant a lot.
Taehyung’s spoon slowed as it lifted to his mouth, eyes flicking to Jeongguk's, away, before he went back to his food with a shrug. "You still died.
123)
You weren’t supposed to die."
"I'm sorry."
Taehyung shook his head, but for the rest of their meal, he didn't once turn his gaze back to Jeongguk's.
You weren’t supposed to die."
"I'm sorry."
Taehyung shook his head, but for the rest of their meal, he didn't once turn his gaze back to Jeongguk's.
124)
That night, Jeongguk chose to sleep under the stars, even if sleep didn't come, and even if he missed Taehyung’s blanket around his shoulders, the warm embers by his toes.
He couldn’t bear to be around Taehyung to hurt him anymore.
That night, Jeongguk chose to sleep under the stars, even if sleep didn't come, and even if he missed Taehyung’s blanket around his shoulders, the warm embers by his toes.
He couldn’t bear to be around Taehyung to hurt him anymore.
125)
The cottage was his, as was everything in it and the memories attached to it all.
This was Jeongguk’s desire, but he didn't belong here, and he wasn't happy how the people of his land had surely prayed for him to be.
The cottage was his, as was everything in it and the memories attached to it all.
This was Jeongguk’s desire, but he didn't belong here, and he wasn't happy how the people of his land had surely prayed for him to be.
126)
There was only one thing that he could do, so at first light, Jeongguk set off into the depths of the trees, determined to give Taehyung the distance he deserved.
#taekook #taekookau #vkook taekook au #vkookau
There was only one thing that he could do, so at first light, Jeongguk set off into the depths of the trees, determined to give Taehyung the distance he deserved.
#taekook #taekookau #vkook taekook au #vkookau
🗡 🗡 🗡 🗡 🗡
127)
The forest behind the cottage was dense when it wished to be, cold, dark, turning sunny and bright when the air around decided upon it. Today it wanted to stay damp and dreary though, a reflection of Jeongguk’s mood as he gathered branches beneath his arm long enough to act
The forest behind the cottage was dense when it wished to be, cold, dark, turning sunny and bright when the air around decided upon it. Today it wanted to stay damp and dreary though, a reflection of Jeongguk’s mood as he gathered branches beneath his arm long enough to act
128)
as upright supports for the wall he was soon to weave.
He’d worked hard gathering finer branches for it, with thick leaves to drape over as a temporary rain cover, even if the elders had always told him that it never rained where hearts could no longer beat.
as upright supports for the wall he was soon to weave.
He’d worked hard gathering finer branches for it, with thick leaves to drape over as a temporary rain cover, even if the elders had always told him that it never rained where hearts could no longer beat.
129)
His boots felt damp though, water leaking in from somewhere as he trodded through the trunks for more supplies.
He’d chosen a small clearing to build his new hut, the structure itself to be positioned between two sturdy trees with low hanging branches perfect for
His boots felt damp though, water leaking in from somewhere as he trodded through the trunks for more supplies.
He’d chosen a small clearing to build his new hut, the structure itself to be positioned between two sturdy trees with low hanging branches perfect for
130)
incorporating into the design. The design itself was to be simple, small, a shelter for the cooler nights if nothing else, and perhaps somewhere for Bam too should he get bored of roaming around with nowhere to call home.
incorporating into the design. The design itself was to be simple, small, a shelter for the cooler nights if nothing else, and perhaps somewhere for Bam too should he get bored of roaming around with nowhere to call home.
131)
Jeongguk had nowhere to call home. Hopefully, by sundown, he would though, and finally, Taehyung could live without the annoyance that his actions had left him burdened with.
Jeongguk had nowhere to call home. Hopefully, by sundown, he would though, and finally, Taehyung could live without the annoyance that his actions had left him burdened with.
132)
Carrying his branches back to the building site, it was to find Taehyung standing right there, arms crossed, frown in place as he glared at the supporting branches Jungkook had already pushed into place.
“You didn’t come home last night.”
Carrying his branches back to the building site, it was to find Taehyung standing right there, arms crossed, frown in place as he glared at the supporting branches Jungkook had already pushed into place.
“You didn’t come home last night.”
133)
Home.
The cottage wasn’t Jeongguk’s home.
“You knew?”
“I came downstairs for water and you weren’t there. You were outside crushing the wildflowers and turning your eyes square staring at the moon.” There was an edge to his voice, not shifting, not planning to.
Home.
The cottage wasn’t Jeongguk’s home.
“You knew?”
“I came downstairs for water and you weren’t there. You were outside crushing the wildflowers and turning your eyes square staring at the moon.” There was an edge to his voice, not shifting, not planning to.
134)
“It’s unkind to be an uninvited guest in someone’s home, Taehyung.” Jeongguk turned away, dropping his branches with the others, dipping down to pick up the first before Taehyung shot forward to grab his bicep and pull the motion to a pause.
“It’s unkind to be an uninvited guest in someone’s home, Taehyung.” Jeongguk turned away, dropping his branches with the others, dipping down to pick up the first before Taehyung shot forward to grab his bicep and pull the motion to a pause.
135)
“What’s that supposed to mean? It’s /my/ home.”
“I know.” Jeongguk couldn’t hold back the grit in his voice, the heat as he met Taehyung’s eye.
“So it was some kind of favour to me? Payment for when you were an uninvited guest who raided my lands and took me captive, hm?"
“What’s that supposed to mean? It’s /my/ home.”
“I know.” Jeongguk couldn’t hold back the grit in his voice, the heat as he met Taehyung’s eye.
“So it was some kind of favour to me? Payment for when you were an uninvited guest who raided my lands and took me captive, hm?"
136)
“It’s your home.”
“But you loitered outside of it and crushed my flowers instead of staying inside?” Taehyung’s voice lifted, but Jeongguk didn’t know him well enough to know if it was from exasperation or a growing anger.
“I’m sorry.”
“It’s your home.”
“But you loitered outside of it and crushed my flowers instead of staying inside?” Taehyung’s voice lifted, but Jeongguk didn’t know him well enough to know if it was from exasperation or a growing anger.
“I’m sorry.”
137)
“Stop saying that! Stop apologising! Stop- stop leaving me alone when I’m fucking scared, Jeongguk!”
Jeongguk froze, finally turning more than just his head to meet Taehyung head on, only to watch as his chin dipped to his chest, the sniffles loud as the tears caught in his
“Stop saying that! Stop apologising! Stop- stop leaving me alone when I’m fucking scared, Jeongguk!”
Jeongguk froze, finally turning more than just his head to meet Taehyung head on, only to watch as his chin dipped to his chest, the sniffles loud as the tears caught in his
138)
eyes.
“You’re scared?”
He nodded, so pitiful that if he was the kitten yet to be named, Jeongguk would have picked him up in his arms.
“They buried me alive… It was cold and dark and- I don’t like being alone anymore. I was left alone. I died alone.
eyes.
“You’re scared?”
He nodded, so pitiful that if he was the kitten yet to be named, Jeongguk would have picked him up in his arms.
“They buried me alive… It was cold and dark and- I don’t like being alone anymore. I was left alone. I died alone.
139)
I know it won’t happen again, not here, but-”
“I was there. You weren’t alone.”
“You were a corpse.”
Jeongguk shook his head, shaking Taehyung’s hand from his arm in the process before reaching to tentatively cup Taehyung’s elbow to keep him close.
I know it won’t happen again, not here, but-”
“I was there. You weren’t alone.”
“You were a corpse.”
Jeongguk shook his head, shaking Taehyung’s hand from his arm in the process before reaching to tentatively cup Taehyung’s elbow to keep him close.
140)
“I woke up in some kind of floating form, the same one we technically are now. I saw you, I saw the man filling in the grave. I tried to save you. I held you when I realised that you couldn’t hear me and that how, already, in a matter of minutes, you were too far gone.
“I woke up in some kind of floating form, the same one we technically are now. I saw you, I saw the man filling in the grave. I tried to save you. I held you when I realised that you couldn’t hear me and that how, already, in a matter of minutes, you were too far gone.
141)
I’m sorry.”
Taehyung hummed, head not lifting, but his feet shuffled forward, and Jeongguk felt the weight of his head as it fell to Jeongguk’s collarbone as though his neck was no longer capable of holding it up.
I’m sorry.”
Taehyung hummed, head not lifting, but his feet shuffled forward, and Jeongguk felt the weight of his head as it fell to Jeongguk’s collarbone as though his neck was no longer capable of holding it up.
142)
“Just come home. And stop apologising. You tried, and for that, for this, it’s enough.”
“Just come home. And stop apologising. You tried, and for that, for this, it’s enough.”
143)
They walked back to the cottage with arms full of branches, lips speaking plans to come back later to gather the rest, and to start tomorrow in building Bam a home.
Now, Jeongguk seemed to have a home of his own, and ushering him inside that night for supper and sleep,
They walked back to the cottage with arms full of branches, lips speaking plans to come back later to gather the rest, and to start tomorrow in building Bam a home.
Now, Jeongguk seemed to have a home of his own, and ushering him inside that night for supper and sleep,
144)
Taehyung made sure he knew it as he directed Jeongguk to /Jeongguk's/ chair, passing Jeongguk /Jeongguk's/ blanket that night as he joined him in curling up by the fire.
"Wouldn't you be more comfortable upstairs in a bed?"
Taehyung made sure he knew it as he directed Jeongguk to /Jeongguk's/ chair, passing Jeongguk /Jeongguk's/ blanket that night as he joined him in curling up by the fire.
"Wouldn't you be more comfortable upstairs in a bed?"
145)
Jeongguk whispered it across the length of the hearth, adding as much reassurance as he could in an afterthought. "I'll stay here. I promise."
Taehyung shook his head, sleepy with lidded eyes and fluffy hair, curled up like the kitten by his feet.
Jeongguk whispered it across the length of the hearth, adding as much reassurance as he could in an afterthought. "I'll stay here. I promise."
Taehyung shook his head, sleepy with lidded eyes and fluffy hair, curled up like the kitten by his feet.
146)
"I feel safer here. It's brighter too. Warmer. You're here."
Jeongguk wasn't sure if that was a blessing or a curse, but Taehyung’s gaze seemed thankful tonight.
"I feel safer here. It's brighter too. Warmer. You're here."
Jeongguk wasn't sure if that was a blessing or a curse, but Taehyung’s gaze seemed thankful tonight.
147)
It was the last thing Jeongguk saw before he let himself rest, heart and mind with it as he tried to let go of the day's depression.
He'd always be here, but from now, he'd make sure it was right by Taehyung’s side where he needed him most.
#taekookau #taekook taekook au
It was the last thing Jeongguk saw before he let himself rest, heart and mind with it as he tried to let go of the day's depression.
He'd always be here, but from now, he'd make sure it was right by Taehyung’s side where he needed him most.
#taekookau #taekook taekook au
🗡 🗡 🗡 🗡 🗡
A/n: ahh they're starting to grow closer...kind of 🤭 I hope you're all still enjoying this & not minding the nights with shorter updates.
Also, pls forgive me, the ao3 version will be edited! 😭
Don't forget to qt our thoughts or send me a cc!!
curiouscat.me/HereForTannies
Also, pls forgive me, the ao3 version will be edited! 😭
Don't forget to qt our thoughts or send me a cc!!
curiouscat.me/HereForTannies
🗡 🗡 🗡 🗡 🗡
148)
It was hard to tell the seasons in The Beyond. The air never fully chilled, but the days spent here had certainly felt like cooler ones compared to a morning like this where the sun stood high, the air sweet with fruits Jeongguk couldn’t find.
It was hard to tell the seasons in The Beyond. The air never fully chilled, but the days spent here had certainly felt like cooler ones compared to a morning like this where the sun stood high, the air sweet with fruits Jeongguk couldn’t find.
149)
He could smell cut grass and drying hay, the sweat of working horses and the oil of the carts. It smelt like summer, like home, like /life/. It smelt like childhood when Jeongguk's biggest worry was the hole in his shoe.
He could smell cut grass and drying hay, the sweat of working horses and the oil of the carts. It smelt like summer, like home, like /life/. It smelt like childhood when Jeongguk's biggest worry was the hole in his shoe.
150)
Amongst it, Taehyung’s winter berries were misplaced, yet oddly fitting, fragrant in the breeze as he hung laundry across low branches by the river side.
Bam was beside him, creeping closer with his nose to the water's edge as he sought a drink.
Amongst it, Taehyung’s winter berries were misplaced, yet oddly fitting, fragrant in the breeze as he hung laundry across low branches by the river side.
Bam was beside him, creeping closer with his nose to the water's edge as he sought a drink.
151)
It didn’t come before a few splashes of his front left hoof, water rising to hit both himself and Taehyung.
Taehyung didn’t seem to mind though, laughter carrying across the river to where Jeongguk had swam.
It didn’t come before a few splashes of his front left hoof,
It didn’t come before a few splashes of his front left hoof, water rising to hit both himself and Taehyung.
Taehyung didn’t seem to mind though, laughter carrying across the river to where Jeongguk had swam.
It didn’t come before a few splashes of his front left hoof,
152)
water rising to hit both himself and Taehyung
Taehyung didnt seem to mind though, laughter carrying across the river to where Jeongguk had swam.
It was nice to see him laughing, nice to see cheeks rounding, eyes turning to crescent moons as lips stretched into a pretty box
water rising to hit both himself and Taehyung
Taehyung didnt seem to mind though, laughter carrying across the river to where Jeongguk had swam.
It was nice to see him laughing, nice to see cheeks rounding, eyes turning to crescent moons as lips stretched into a pretty box
153)
Pretty.
Jeongguk turned away from the sight, away from fluffy hair pushed back by a lavender ribbon tied to create a band, away from the emerald tunic Taehyung had thrown on this morning with nothing but an apron on top.
Pretty.
Jeongguk turned away from the sight, away from fluffy hair pushed back by a lavender ribbon tied to create a band, away from the emerald tunic Taehyung had thrown on this morning with nothing but an apron on top.
154)
It was a short tunic, barely below the knee, legs bare, skin scuffed from hours of hard work and play in a world they no longer belonged to.
Something about Taehyung seemed boyish today, like Jeongguk was glancing through a window into a life he had never been a part of,
It was a short tunic, barely below the knee, legs bare, skin scuffed from hours of hard work and play in a world they no longer belonged to.
Something about Taehyung seemed boyish today, like Jeongguk was glancing through a window into a life he had never been a part of,
155)
back when Taehyung had been happy. He seemed a little happier this morning, more comfortable and content, but it wasn’t something Jeongguk was used to, his insides unsteady every time Taehyung’s smile turned his way.
back when Taehyung had been happy. He seemed a little happier this morning, more comfortable and content, but it wasn’t something Jeongguk was used to, his insides unsteady every time Taehyung’s smile turned his way.
156)
"What are you doing? You've been standing there like a wet dog refusing to leave the water for ages now!"
Taehyung’s voice carried, and for some, it may be too loud, too brash. It sounded fine to Jeongguk though, just right, just perfect for the painting he was a part of,
"What are you doing? You've been standing there like a wet dog refusing to leave the water for ages now!"
Taehyung’s voice carried, and for some, it may be too loud, too brash. It sounded fine to Jeongguk though, just right, just perfect for the painting he was a part of,
157)
framed in Jeongguk’s unwavering stare
"Oh. Im just enjoying the warmth"
Taehyung smiled, satisfied with the answer, & Jeongguk watched as he moved his laundry basket to where the kitten napped on Jeongguk's favourite sitting-rock, before untying the apron to toss it inside.
framed in Jeongguk’s unwavering stare
"Oh. Im just enjoying the warmth"
Taehyung smiled, satisfied with the answer, & Jeongguk watched as he moved his laundry basket to where the kitten napped on Jeongguk's favourite sitting-rock, before untying the apron to toss it inside.
158)
The tunic came next, Jeongguk's mind not catching up to the fact that Taehyung was stripping bare until the thighs were on show, thick and creamy compared to the lower legs he had grown used to.
He spun, hands splashing through the water to cover his eyes,
The tunic came next, Jeongguk's mind not catching up to the fact that Taehyung was stripping bare until the thighs were on show, thick and creamy compared to the lower legs he had grown used to.
He spun, hands splashing through the water to cover his eyes,
159)
toes slipping on the rocks below before scrambling to avoid a fall.
"You're an omega!" It was inappropriate to undress in front of an alpha like that, and the unshaken image of those thighs in Jeongguk’s mind was proof of why.
toes slipping on the rocks below before scrambling to avoid a fall.
"You're an omega!" It was inappropriate to undress in front of an alpha like that, and the unshaken image of those thighs in Jeongguk’s mind was proof of why.
160)
Taehyung didn’t answer, but he didn't need to when Jeongguk could hear him jumping into the water, swimming towards him. He stayed firm with his eyes covered, faced away until Taehyung was stopping to stand up and forcefully turn him.
Taehyung didn’t answer, but he didn't need to when Jeongguk could hear him jumping into the water, swimming towards him. He stayed firm with his eyes covered, faced away until Taehyung was stopping to stand up and forcefully turn him.
161)
"You're a pup. I heard how they talked about you; their strong warrior pup. You were always the runt of the clan's army and that won't change now. Besides, I'm here as your mate, so seeing me naked isn't going to shock any deities, is it?"
"You're a pup. I heard how they talked about you; their strong warrior pup. You were always the runt of the clan's army and that won't change now. Besides, I'm here as your mate, so seeing me naked isn't going to shock any deities, is it?"
162)
Jeongguk wasn't so sure, not when those thighs were still in his mind's eye.
He hadn’t time to question why that was though, not when Taehyung was tugging on the hands still covering Jeongguk's eyes until he had no choice but to finally meet his gaze.
Jeongguk wasn't so sure, not when those thighs were still in his mind's eye.
He hadn’t time to question why that was though, not when Taehyung was tugging on the hands still covering Jeongguk's eyes until he had no choice but to finally meet his gaze.
163)
"You're pouting, Jeongguk; why?"
"I'm not a pup."
The corner of Taehyung’s lips lifted.
"Yes, you are. Now make yourself useful and pass the wash rag."
Jeongguk did as told, leaving Taehyung to it as he swam back to the river bank to push Bam's nose out of Taehyung’s
"You're pouting, Jeongguk; why?"
"I'm not a pup."
The corner of Taehyung’s lips lifted.
"Yes, you are. Now make yourself useful and pass the wash rag."
Jeongguk did as told, leaving Taehyung to it as he swam back to the river bank to push Bam's nose out of Taehyung’s
164)
laundry basket. A moment later, and he heard Taehyung swimming up behind him.
"Are you avoiding me again?" The question was light, joking, but Jeongguk could hear the flicker of fear behind the words.
"No. Im just trying to save your clothes from being trampled in the mud"
laundry basket. A moment later, and he heard Taehyung swimming up behind him.
"Are you avoiding me again?" The question was light, joking, but Jeongguk could hear the flicker of fear behind the words.
"No. Im just trying to save your clothes from being trampled in the mud"
165)
Taehyung hummed, staying in the water until Jeongguk had rescued the basket, before pacing back as he reentered the refreshing waters.
"A part of me feels like I should apologise." Taehyung wrung his hands by his chest, elbows dipping into the water.
Taehyung hummed, staying in the water until Jeongguk had rescued the basket, before pacing back as he reentered the refreshing waters.
"A part of me feels like I should apologise." Taehyung wrung his hands by his chest, elbows dipping into the water.
166)
Jeongguk shook his head, the droplets falling from his hair to send Taehyung’s eyes closed. "You've nothing to apologise for. I'll stay close, and help you to feel safe and comfortable until the day you don't need me anymore."
Jeongguk shook his head, the droplets falling from his hair to send Taehyung’s eyes closed. "You've nothing to apologise for. I'll stay close, and help you to feel safe and comfortable until the day you don't need me anymore."
167)
Taehyung didn’t have to apologise for Jeongguk to give him that.
"Thank you. I'm sorry I was brash though."
"Apology not accepted." It wasn't needed, not when Jeongguk was the reason for every recent misfortune Taehyung had had. Jeongguk said as such.
Taehyung didn’t have to apologise for Jeongguk to give him that.
"Thank you. I'm sorry I was brash though."
"Apology not accepted." It wasn't needed, not when Jeongguk was the reason for every recent misfortune Taehyung had had. Jeongguk said as such.
168)
"Can we swim then? We can swim and let our disagreements and hurts be washed by the waters?" It was through lidded eyes that Taehyung asked, teeth nibbling on a soft lower lip. "I'm tired of not being friends, Jeongguk. I need a friend right now."
"Can we swim then? We can swim and let our disagreements and hurts be washed by the waters?" It was through lidded eyes that Taehyung asked, teeth nibbling on a soft lower lip. "I'm tired of not being friends, Jeongguk. I need a friend right now."
169)
Friends felt like more than what Jeongguk deserved, but he nodded, waiting until Taehyung turned to sink into his first swimming stroke, before following.
Friends felt like more than what Jeongguk deserved, but he nodded, waiting until Taehyung turned to sink into his first swimming stroke, before following.
170)
They swam until the sun lowered, the waters cooling. They swam until Bam and the kitten grew bored and wandered off, only for Taehyung to chase through the river after them with a squeal.
They swam until the sun lowered, the waters cooling. They swam until Bam and the kitten grew bored and wandered off, only for Taehyung to chase through the river after them with a squeal.
171)
A rather red Jeongguk followed, hands over his eyes as Taehyung rushed up the bank and towards the cottage with clothes long forgotten, his skin on show for all who dared look.
They dried off by the fire, huddled in blankets with hot cocoa cupped between wizened palms.
A rather red Jeongguk followed, hands over his eyes as Taehyung rushed up the bank and towards the cottage with clothes long forgotten, his skin on show for all who dared look.
They dried off by the fire, huddled in blankets with hot cocoa cupped between wizened palms.
172)
There was still a smile on Taehyung’s lips, small, soft, but there.
As the sun finally fell away to the moon, Jeongguk vowed to make it a permanent feature on his new friend's lips.
#taekook
#vkook #vkookau #taekookau taekook au
There was still a smile on Taehyung’s lips, small, soft, but there.
As the sun finally fell away to the moon, Jeongguk vowed to make it a permanent feature on his new friend's lips.
#taekook
#vkook #vkookau #taekookau taekook au
🗡 🗡 🗡 🗡 🗡
A/n: fweends 🥺🥺 but no, it's nice to see them getting along & finding a truce
I hope you're enjoying! Don't forget to let me know your thoughts!
curiouscat.me/HereForTannies
I hope you're enjoying! Don't forget to let me know your thoughts!
curiouscat.me/HereForTannies
🗡 🗡 🗡 🗡 🗡
173)
"Did you expect for chores to be a thing in The Beyond?" Taehyung grunted out the question, a thick needle between his teeth as he waxed the thread needed to repair his slippers.
"No. I perhaps expected more…decorative chores, if any."
"Did you expect for chores to be a thing in The Beyond?" Taehyung grunted out the question, a thick needle between his teeth as he waxed the thread needed to repair his slippers.
"No. I perhaps expected more…decorative chores, if any."
174)
"Such as?" Taehyung’s eyes flicked up, alive with frustration and the firelight that shone extra bright against the dismal rainy day.
There was no reason for the rain, no excuse, but it had come with the late afternoon when the needed hours of sun were over.
"Such as?" Taehyung’s eyes flicked up, alive with frustration and the firelight that shone extra bright against the dismal rainy day.
There was no reason for the rain, no excuse, but it had come with the late afternoon when the needed hours of sun were over.
175)
The Beyond was odd that way.
"Gardening. Saddling a horse, or brushing its back. Decorating for Yule, or feast days. Maybe making pretty tapestries like the ones in your relaxing-room." They hadn't talked about that room, but Taehyung didn’t seem averted to talking about it
The Beyond was odd that way.
"Gardening. Saddling a horse, or brushing its back. Decorating for Yule, or feast days. Maybe making pretty tapestries like the ones in your relaxing-room." They hadn't talked about that room, but Taehyung didn’t seem averted to talking about it
176)
now, not when he finally fitted his waxed thread through the stubborn eye of the needle.
"Those were gifts from patients. In my land, the sick would sew to keep their minds and spirits high."
"They sewed such beautiful pieces though." Why?
now, not when he finally fitted his waxed thread through the stubborn eye of the needle.
"Those were gifts from patients. In my land, the sick would sew to keep their minds and spirits high."
"They sewed such beautiful pieces though." Why?
177)
Why hadn't they been taken advantage of by the clan that way? In Jeongguk’s land, he was sure that they would have been.
Tae shrugged. "It was morbid, but I suppose it was believed that those of ill health could weave the last of their stories & spirits into their stitches.
Why hadn't they been taken advantage of by the clan that way? In Jeongguk’s land, he was sure that they would have been.
Tae shrugged. "It was morbid, but I suppose it was believed that those of ill health could weave the last of their stories & spirits into their stitches.
178)
Their work was to be memorial pieces, cherished by their families. It made sense for the tapestries to be attractive."
"The tapestries in the relaxing-room; did the creators all die?"
"No. Some did though, giving their last works to us as they had no one else.
Their work was to be memorial pieces, cherished by their families. It made sense for the tapestries to be attractive."
"The tapestries in the relaxing-room; did the creators all die?"
"No. Some did though, giving their last works to us as they had no one else.
179)
Most recovered and gifted them as thanks for our care."
"I see." It was interesting how their cultures had differed, as fascinating to hear as what Taehyung’s hand was to watch as he quickly mended the toe of his slipper. "Would you like me to make you a new pair?
Most recovered and gifted them as thanks for our care."
"I see." It was interesting how their cultures had differed, as fascinating to hear as what Taehyung’s hand was to watch as he quickly mended the toe of his slipper. "Would you like me to make you a new pair?
180)
I'm good at making the soles suitable for outside."
Taehyung’s chin flew up. "How?"
"There's a few ways, but I can make you sturdy soles from a dried wood paste, made from tree bark and saw chippings. I can make leather ones too, but I doubt we have leather here."
I'm good at making the soles suitable for outside."
Taehyung’s chin flew up. "How?"
"There's a few ways, but I can make you sturdy soles from a dried wood paste, made from tree bark and saw chippings. I can make leather ones too, but I doubt we have leather here."
181)
"No, but, you'd really do that for me?"
"Of course." It wasn't fair that Taehyung had to struggle on with cloth slippers, especially not with the mud of the river bank and the woods behind the cottage. "I'll start tomorrow, if you've got any fabric I could use?"
"No, but, you'd really do that for me?"
"Of course." It wasn't fair that Taehyung had to struggle on with cloth slippers, especially not with the mud of the river bank and the woods behind the cottage. "I'll start tomorrow, if you've got any fabric I could use?"
182)
"I've some scraps upstairs that should be enough, but we'll need to harvest the nettles soon, Jeongguk. I've no idea what season it is here, but we'll need cloth, and they'll have to do. We'll need some way of spinning the fibres too."
"We'll make it work."
"I've some scraps upstairs that should be enough, but we'll need to harvest the nettles soon, Jeongguk. I've no idea what season it is here, but we'll need cloth, and they'll have to do. We'll need some way of spinning the fibres too."
"We'll make it work."
183)
The powers of The Beyond would help them, that, Jeongguk could be sure of.
"We'll need to name this little one too." Placing down his needle, Taehyung looked to the kitten napping by the hearth.
"I got him for Sania." It was her place to name him.
The powers of The Beyond would help them, that, Jeongguk could be sure of.
"We'll need to name this little one too." Placing down his needle, Taehyung looked to the kitten napping by the hearth.
"I got him for Sania." It was her place to name him.
184)
She wasn't here though, and the look in Taehyung’s eyes told that wherever she was, he was wishing her well. "You can name him on her behalf, Taehyung. You're here as my mate, and in my clan, an alpha gifts a kitten to his omega upon marriage. As my omega, you can name him"
She wasn't here though, and the look in Taehyung’s eyes told that wherever she was, he was wishing her well. "You can name him on her behalf, Taehyung. You're here as my mate, and in my clan, an alpha gifts a kitten to his omega upon marriage. As my omega, you can name him"
185)
Perhaps it was a trick of the firelight, or a building frustration as the waxed thread slipped from the needle, but slowly, Taehyung’s cheeks turned pink, the colour lingering long after the conversation.
"I want to name him after the moon."
It was fitting for a white cat.
Perhaps it was a trick of the firelight, or a building frustration as the waxed thread slipped from the needle, but slowly, Taehyung’s cheeks turned pink, the colour lingering long after the conversation.
"I want to name him after the moon."
It was fitting for a white cat.
186)
Jeongguk hummed his agreement.
"Dalie."
Jeongguk smiled, and if possible, Taehyung turned an even deeper shade of pink.
"I've a horrid imagination, alright?"
Jeongguk's smile grew. "I like Dal. Dalie sounds cute. As does Dal-ah."
Moon.
It was simple, but it fit.
Jeongguk hummed his agreement.
"Dalie."
Jeongguk smiled, and if possible, Taehyung turned an even deeper shade of pink.
"I've a horrid imagination, alright?"
Jeongguk's smile grew. "I like Dal. Dalie sounds cute. As does Dal-ah."
Moon.
It was simple, but it fit.
187)
Somehow, as simple as moments like this were, they seemed to fit too, Jeongguk and Taehyung in them.
Maybe like this, Jeongguk and Taehyung could forge a new life together. Maybe like this, the peace that The Beyond promised could be found.
Somehow, as simple as moments like this were, they seemed to fit too, Jeongguk and Taehyung in them.
Maybe like this, Jeongguk and Taehyung could forge a new life together. Maybe like this, the peace that The Beyond promised could be found.
🗡 🗡 🗡 🗡 🗡
A/n: don't worry tae, your author has a terrible imagination too 😭
But ah, I've grown fond of wee Dalie, even if all he does is nap..
But yep, sorry for the late update lads, it seems so short now it's posted too. I hope you're all still enjoying this 💜
curiouscat.me/HereForTannies
But ah, I've grown fond of wee Dalie, even if all he does is nap..
But yep, sorry for the late update lads, it seems so short now it's posted too. I hope you're all still enjoying this 💜
curiouscat.me/HereForTannies
🗡 🗡 🗡 🗡 🗡
188)
After Taehyung’s first night in the bedroom upstairs, he had taken to sleeping with Jeongguk and Dal by the fire in the kitchen. Two chairs had been pulled up, covered in blankets and soft cushions, cosy when bodies tucked into them to nap the dark hours away.
#taekookau
After Taehyung’s first night in the bedroom upstairs, he had taken to sleeping with Jeongguk and Dal by the fire in the kitchen. Two chairs had been pulled up, covered in blankets and soft cushions, cosy when bodies tucked into them to nap the dark hours away.
#taekookau
189)
Though they no longer needed to sleep how they had in life, both Jeongguk and Taehyung had been reluctant to give it up. It was an excuse for rest after all, for a chance to curl up and be lazy without needing a lie to explain why.
#taekook #vkook #vkookau
Though they no longer needed to sleep how they had in life, both Jeongguk and Taehyung had been reluctant to give it up. It was an excuse for rest after all, for a chance to curl up and be lazy without needing a lie to explain why.
#taekook #vkook #vkookau
190)
Theyd grown used to it, lulled into a normality w how quiet Bam became in the moonlight, & how Dal loved nothing more than cuddling up with them. Perhaps that was why their hearts leapt from their chests when one night, with the moon behind a cloud, the cottage door knocked
Theyd grown used to it, lulled into a normality w how quiet Bam became in the moonlight, & how Dal loved nothing more than cuddling up with them. Perhaps that was why their hearts leapt from their chests when one night, with the moon behind a cloud, the cottage door knocked
191)
Immediately, Jeongguk stiffened in his chair, eyes shooting to the shelves, to the space beneath the table, the door to the staircase, wishing he could remember where he'd left the dagger they'd buried him with. Did Taehyung have it?
Immediately, Jeongguk stiffened in his chair, eyes shooting to the shelves, to the space beneath the table, the door to the staircase, wishing he could remember where he'd left the dagger they'd buried him with. Did Taehyung have it?
192)
Taehyung /did/ have kitchen knives and scissors in his sewing chest. They were dainty little things made for clipping threads, but nodding to where the chest sat beneath Taehyung’s chair, Jeongguk knew they'd have to do.
Taehyung /did/ have kitchen knives and scissors in his sewing chest. They were dainty little things made for clipping threads, but nodding to where the chest sat beneath Taehyung’s chair, Jeongguk knew they'd have to do.
193)
With flashing eyes alone, Taehyung seemed to get the message to grab them, one fist clutching his blanket as he pawed beneath the chair for the chest's latch.
"Where’s Bam?"
"I last saw him out back." Making his way towards the woods to dig through whatever crispy leaves
With flashing eyes alone, Taehyung seemed to get the message to grab them, one fist clutching his blanket as he pawed beneath the chair for the chest's latch.
"Where’s Bam?"
"I last saw him out back." Making his way towards the woods to dig through whatever crispy leaves
194)
he could find. "I don't think Bam can knock doors though."
Taehyung shot Jeongguk a glare, as though asking if Jeongguk was being serious with such a question. Neither got a chance to say anything though, not when another knock came,
he could find. "I don't think Bam can knock doors though."
Taehyung shot Jeongguk a glare, as though asking if Jeongguk was being serious with such a question. Neither got a chance to say anything though, not when another knock came,
195)
before the shuffling of feet as the visitor got ready to explore.
"Jeongguk, go! No, don't go! Wait!" Taehyung scrambled from his seat, body keeping low to the ground as he wielded his scissors like a sword.
"Take this."
before the shuffling of feet as the visitor got ready to explore.
"Jeongguk, go! No, don't go! Wait!" Taehyung scrambled from his seat, body keeping low to the ground as he wielded his scissors like a sword.
"Take this."
196)
The fire poker was passed over, the point of it first pressed into the flames until it almost coloured the black red.
"Taehyung! I'm not going to burn whoever is there! If they're a rogue, the Moon Goddess wouldn't have allowed them into the afterlife, right?"
The fire poker was passed over, the point of it first pressed into the flames until it almost coloured the black red.
"Taehyung! I'm not going to burn whoever is there! If they're a rogue, the Moon Goddess wouldn't have allowed them into the afterlife, right?"
197)
Taehyung faltered, but his hand didn’t move to take back the poker. "We need to be armed. You know it too, or you wouldn't have asked me to fetch my scissors."
He had a point, even if Jeongguk's mind was continuing to remind him of his teachings that The Beyond was a place
Taehyung faltered, but his hand didn’t move to take back the poker. "We need to be armed. You know it too, or you wouldn't have asked me to fetch my scissors."
He had a point, even if Jeongguk's mind was continuing to remind him of his teachings that The Beyond was a place
198)
of good.
Another knock, another. A hand on the door handle as though prepared to try it.
Jeongguk shot from his chair, the poker in front of him, Taehyung leaping into position behind his back with one hand clutching his outstretched scissors, the other tangled in the
of good.
Another knock, another. A hand on the door handle as though prepared to try it.
Jeongguk shot from his chair, the poker in front of him, Taehyung leaping into position behind his back with one hand clutching his outstretched scissors, the other tangled in the
199)
cloth of Jeongguk's tunic.
They moved as one, swinging the door open wildly once behind it.
"Jimin?" Jeongguk froze, the arm holding the poker lowering. Now pressed tight to his back, Taehyung lifted his scissors higher.
cloth of Jeongguk's tunic.
They moved as one, swinging the door open wildly once behind it.
"Jimin?" Jeongguk froze, the arm holding the poker lowering. Now pressed tight to his back, Taehyung lifted his scissors higher.
200)
"I came to visit you, pup. I'm sorry to hear of your death, I hoped there would be a few more years yet before we'd meet again here."
Jeongguk had to agree, but lips parted for no more than a shaky breath as he took in the sight of his best friend.
"Jimin. It's you."
"I came to visit you, pup. I'm sorry to hear of your death, I hoped there would be a few more years yet before we'd meet again here."
Jeongguk had to agree, but lips parted for no more than a shaky breath as he took in the sight of his best friend.
"Jimin. It's you."
201)
He smiled, lips wide, eyes disappearing.
He looked good. He looked healthy, whole.
"Your arm."
Jimin lifted it, giving it a wiggle. "It’s all good. It's back where it should be."
The last time Jeongguk had seen him, it had been a very different sight.
He smiled, lips wide, eyes disappearing.
He looked good. He looked healthy, whole.
"Your arm."
Jimin lifted it, giving it a wiggle. "It’s all good. It's back where it should be."
The last time Jeongguk had seen him, it had been a very different sight.
202)
He didn’t want to think about it though. He didn’t want to do anything but run into Jimin’s arms to feel that he was as real as he looked.
Dropping the poker, Jeongguk did just that.
Jimin caught him, arms tugging him close, small palms patting his back.
He didn’t want to think about it though. He didn’t want to do anything but run into Jimin’s arms to feel that he was as real as he looked.
Dropping the poker, Jeongguk did just that.
Jimin caught him, arms tugging him close, small palms patting his back.
203)
"Who's this, pup?" A nod against the side of Jeongguk's head was the only inclination as to who or what Jimin was referring to.
"Taehyung. He's my-"
"Mate. I'm his mate. His omega."
He…he was?
"Who's this, pup?" A nod against the side of Jeongguk's head was the only inclination as to who or what Jimin was referring to.
"Taehyung. He's my-"
"Mate. I'm his mate. His omega."
He…he was?
204)
"Oh!" Jimin’s arms dropped from around Jeongguk’s shoulders, before they rose again to give him a harsh squeeze. "Jeongguk, you lucky wolf. I always hoped you'd find a mate, I never thought you'd find an omega so beautiful though. It's so nice to meet you, Taehyung."
"Oh!" Jimin’s arms dropped from around Jeongguk’s shoulders, before they rose again to give him a harsh squeeze. "Jeongguk, you lucky wolf. I always hoped you'd find a mate, I never thought you'd find an omega so beautiful though. It's so nice to meet you, Taehyung."
205)
The words were practically a whisper with how in awe Jimin seemed to be, eyes locked on Taehyung as Jeongguk's looked out towards the trees fencing the river, dazed.
"Oh. Thank you, Sir."
"Call me Jimin. I'm a friend of Jeongguk's.
The words were practically a whisper with how in awe Jimin seemed to be, eyes locked on Taehyung as Jeongguk's looked out towards the trees fencing the river, dazed.
"Oh. Thank you, Sir."
"Call me Jimin. I'm a friend of Jeongguk's.
206)
A friend that took far too long trying to find where this troublemaker had set up camp in this place. I see now that he had you to keep him busy though, hm, Taehyung?"
Jimin's tease didn't go over Jeongguk's head, shooting him out of his sluggish thoughts to stumble out of
A friend that took far too long trying to find where this troublemaker had set up camp in this place. I see now that he had you to keep him busy though, hm, Taehyung?"
Jimin's tease didn't go over Jeongguk's head, shooting him out of his sluggish thoughts to stumble out of
207)
Jimin’s hold and back towards Taehyung.
"You should come inside."
Jimin smiled, sweet, like he hadn’t just insinuated that Jeongguk had spent his days in The Beyond in the throws of passion with an omega he was now pretending was his own.
"I'd love to."
Jimin’s hold and back towards Taehyung.
"You should come inside."
Jimin smiled, sweet, like he hadn’t just insinuated that Jeongguk had spent his days in The Beyond in the throws of passion with an omega he was now pretending was his own.
"I'd love to."
208)
Back inside the cottage, Jimin took Jeongguk's chair by the fire, leaving Jeongguk to hover awkwardly before Taehyung swatted him towards his own chair with a grumble that he would spill the kettle of water on him if he didn't move.
Back inside the cottage, Jimin took Jeongguk's chair by the fire, leaving Jeongguk to hover awkwardly before Taehyung swatted him towards his own chair with a grumble that he would spill the kettle of water on him if he didn't move.
209)
Taehyung seemed to enjoy bustling around making tea and laying out bread and apple butter on pretty little plates along with lavender shortbreads
Jeongguk could tell that Jimin was impressed, eyes never leaving Taehyung as he darted from the table to the fire and back again
Taehyung seemed to enjoy bustling around making tea and laying out bread and apple butter on pretty little plates along with lavender shortbreads
Jeongguk could tell that Jimin was impressed, eyes never leaving Taehyung as he darted from the table to the fire and back again
210)
"How did you both meet? I don't remember seeing you in any of our neighbouring towns before, Taehyung."
Jeongguk swallowed, lifting the bread to his lips to give himself time to find an answer.
"How did you both meet? I don't remember seeing you in any of our neighbouring towns before, Taehyung."
Jeongguk swallowed, lifting the bread to his lips to give himself time to find an answer.
211)
"Through my sister." Taehyung kept the answer short, but certain, attention on the tea he was dropping into the little pot.
Jeongguk hummed, glad that he was given time to swallow before speaking. "They were healers. Recently moved. We were considered a good match."
"Through my sister." Taehyung kept the answer short, but certain, attention on the tea he was dropping into the little pot.
Jeongguk hummed, glad that he was given time to swallow before speaking. "They were healers. Recently moved. We were considered a good match."
212)
From the side of his eye, Taehyung glanced over, judging, but when he finally served the tea, it was with fingers that brushed and lingered. It was with honest eyes.
"From what I observed, he seemed like a kind man, a gentle one.
From the side of his eye, Taehyung glanced over, judging, but when he finally served the tea, it was with fingers that brushed and lingered. It was with honest eyes.
"From what I observed, he seemed like a kind man, a gentle one.
213)
I wasn't used to seeing that in his clan's alphas, but I liked it. He was handsome too." Taehyung’s cheeks flushed, chin dipping to his chest before he quickly darted away to serve himself a final cup.
Jimin laughed. "Our Jeongguk has grown up to be so handsome, yes.
I wasn't used to seeing that in his clan's alphas, but I liked it. He was handsome too." Taehyung’s cheeks flushed, chin dipping to his chest before he quickly darted away to serve himself a final cup.
Jimin laughed. "Our Jeongguk has grown up to be so handsome, yes.
214)
He used to be so small when we were young, even if he was tall and unbelievably strong. He loved nothing more than picking up us older alphas to carry us around and show off."
Jeongguk smiled at the memories, chin flying up when he caught the sound of Taehyung’s laughter
He used to be so small when we were young, even if he was tall and unbelievably strong. He loved nothing more than picking up us older alphas to carry us around and show off."
Jeongguk smiled at the memories, chin flying up when he caught the sound of Taehyung’s laughter
215)
joining Jimin’s.
"Are you mated, Jimin?" The question was pointed, that little edge to Taehyung’s voice slipping through beneath the soft tone as he moved to awkwardly hover by Jeongguk's elbow.
joining Jimin’s.
"Are you mated, Jimin?" The question was pointed, that little edge to Taehyung’s voice slipping through beneath the soft tone as he moved to awkwardly hover by Jeongguk's elbow.
216)
"Yes! I mated not long before the winter took me." He smiled, sad, the room's atmosphere shifting with him. "Yoongi and I set up our home not far from here. Have either of you re-entered your crypt?"
Jeongguk shook his head.
"Yes! I mated not long before the winter took me." He smiled, sad, the room's atmosphere shifting with him. "Yoongi and I set up our home not far from here. Have either of you re-entered your crypt?"
Jeongguk shook his head.
217)
"When you do, you'll find a door that leads into a hallway. There, you'll find the door to our world. It has my name engraved into it."
"Can we just walk inside?" It seemed too simple.
"When you do, you'll find a door that leads into a hallway. There, you'll find the door to our world. It has my name engraved into it."
"Can we just walk inside?" It seemed too simple.
218)
"Yes, but the heart of the alpha must call for visitors first. I sense that I'm your first guest?" Jimin glanced around, eyes falling to the scissors Taehyung had left on the mantle. "When did you die, Jeongguk?
"Yes, but the heart of the alpha must call for visitors first. I sense that I'm your first guest?" Jimin glanced around, eyes falling to the scissors Taehyung had left on the mantle. "When did you die, Jeongguk?
219)
It must not have been long ago, for it seems your heart has only just opened. You've only just found your place here, or at least starting to."
"A few days ago. Perhaps a few days longer than a moon phase." It was Taehyung who answered, feet moving closer to Jeongguk's
It must not have been long ago, for it seems your heart has only just opened. You've only just found your place here, or at least starting to."
"A few days ago. Perhaps a few days longer than a moon phase." It was Taehyung who answered, feet moving closer to Jeongguk's
220)
chair before one hip slipped onto the arm of it.
Jeongguk tried not to react, but where his arm brushed Taehyung’s, it burned as hot as his tea.
"Ah, you'll probably have more visitors in the days to come then."
"How did you know I was here?"
chair before one hip slipped onto the arm of it.
Jeongguk tried not to react, but where his arm brushed Taehyung’s, it burned as hot as his tea.
"Ah, you'll probably have more visitors in the days to come then."
"How did you know I was here?"
221)
Jimin hummed, sipping his tea. "New doors appear close to my own."
"Can only alpha's enter the crypt and the hallway?" Taehyung’s voice was small, hopeful. It hurt Jeongguk's heart.
"Of course not! My Yoongi is a beta and he goes to visit my cousins all the time!"
Jimin hummed, sipping his tea. "New doors appear close to my own."
"Can only alpha's enter the crypt and the hallway?" Taehyung’s voice was small, hopeful. It hurt Jeongguk's heart.
"Of course not! My Yoongi is a beta and he goes to visit my cousins all the time!"
222)
"A beta?" Taehyung perked up "He was a scribe?"
"A what?" Yoongi had been a regular soldier, just like Jeongguk and Jimin
"A scribe" Taehyung turned to Jeongguk with a confused frown. "You know, someone who works with books. Beta's are especially good at finding mistakes
"A beta?" Taehyung perked up "He was a scribe?"
"A what?" Yoongi had been a regular soldier, just like Jeongguk and Jimin
"A scribe" Taehyung turned to Jeongguk with a confused frown. "You know, someone who works with books. Beta's are especially good at finding mistakes
223)
The old used to say it was because omegas held their thoughts in their hearts, alpha's held theirs in their…nether regions, but betas held their thoughts and wisdom in their mind. Your mate must be very intelligent, Jimin."
The old used to say it was because omegas held their thoughts in their hearts, alpha's held theirs in their…nether regions, but betas held their thoughts and wisdom in their mind. Your mate must be very intelligent, Jimin."
224)
Jimin could only nod, teeth biting back a smirk that still pulled at the corners of his mouth.
"You seem very intelligent too, Taehyung. I can see why our Jeonggukkie loves you."
Jimin could only nod, teeth biting back a smirk that still pulled at the corners of his mouth.
"You seem very intelligent too, Taehyung. I can see why our Jeonggukkie loves you."
225)
Love. It was a large word with few letters, but it had Taehyung's cheeks turning pink, Jeongguk's eyes flashing to his teacup, to the fire, anywhere but at the amused stare Jimin was turning his way.
Love. It was a large word with few letters, but it had Taehyung's cheeks turning pink, Jeongguk's eyes flashing to his teacup, to the fire, anywhere but at the amused stare Jimin was turning his way.
226)
"Though perhaps Jeonggukkie should learn to love you with more than just his nether regions. Try gifting the boy some flowers, pup."
Over his teacup, Jeongguk shot Jimin a glare. "I did."
The flowers were surprisingly still alive, bright as they filled the back window.
"Though perhaps Jeonggukkie should learn to love you with more than just his nether regions. Try gifting the boy some flowers, pup."
Over his teacup, Jeongguk shot Jimin a glare. "I did."
The flowers were surprisingly still alive, bright as they filled the back window.
227)
"I'm glad to hear it." Another smirk, before Jimin was draining his tea before moving to stand. "Thank you both for your hospitality. I'll take the bread with me, if you don't mind, and I'll be back soon. Come see me first though, yes? Yoongi will be so excited to see you."
"I'm glad to hear it." Another smirk, before Jimin was draining his tea before moving to stand. "Thank you both for your hospitality. I'll take the bread with me, if you don't mind, and I'll be back soon. Come see me first though, yes? Yoongi will be so excited to see you."
228)
Jeongguk and Taehyung could only nod along, rising to follow Jimin out and wish him their most sincere goodnights.
They stood together by the door to watch him leave, Jimin's figure following the path between the wildflowers until the trees swallowed him whole.
Jeongguk and Taehyung could only nod along, rising to follow Jimin out and wish him their most sincere goodnights.
They stood together by the door to watch him leave, Jimin's figure following the path between the wildflowers until the trees swallowed him whole.
229)
"Let's go tomorrow to the crypt. We'll look for your husband." It was the least Jeongguk could do, even if he knew the man wouldn't be found.
Taehyung sighed, a soft sound like his breath was nothing but a feather in the breeze.
"Let's go tomorrow to the crypt. We'll look for your husband." It was the least Jeongguk could do, even if he knew the man wouldn't be found.
Taehyung sighed, a soft sound like his breath was nothing but a feather in the breeze.
230)
Jeongguk felt him leaning into him though, body hot even through the layers of clothing, soft like only flesh could be.
"Thank you. Thank you, Jeongguk."
Jeongguk felt him leaning into him though, body hot even through the layers of clothing, soft like only flesh could be.
"Thank you. Thank you, Jeongguk."
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A/n: Jimin!!
Tonight's update feels longer than usual hm but ooh what do you think of Taetae calling himself Koo's mate? 🤭
Out of curiosity, how many of you are reading? 👀
Tonight's update feels longer than usual hm but ooh what do you think of Taetae calling himself Koo's mate? 🤭
Out of curiosity, how many of you are reading? 👀
🗡 🗡 🗡 🗡 🗡
231)
"Jeongguk?"
"Hm?"
There was a pause, a hesitance, before Taehyung spat the words as one. "Did you love Sania?"
Love.
The word was back, seemingly on Taehyung’s mind as much as Jeongguk's after Jimin had spoken it the night before.
"In my own way, I suppose so."
"Jeongguk?"
"Hm?"
There was a pause, a hesitance, before Taehyung spat the words as one. "Did you love Sania?"
Love.
The word was back, seemingly on Taehyung’s mind as much as Jeongguk's after Jimin had spoken it the night before.
"In my own way, I suppose so."
232)
"So that's a no." It was hard to tell if it was the answer Taehyung had been hoping for.
"We weren't mated for long before I grew ill. And when healthy, I spent most of my time training to prepare for the battle. I never knew her well, I'm sorry.
"So that's a no." It was hard to tell if it was the answer Taehyung had been hoping for.
"We weren't mated for long before I grew ill. And when healthy, I spent most of my time training to prepare for the battle. I never knew her well, I'm sorry.
233)
But from what I did know, she was a good mate, a good person."
Taehyung nodded. "She was the best. Had you lived -and stopped going away to fight so many wars- you'd have learnt to love her very much."
But from what I did know, she was a good mate, a good person."
Taehyung nodded. "She was the best. Had you lived -and stopped going away to fight so many wars- you'd have learnt to love her very much."
234)
Jeongguk wasn't so sure about that, not when, pretty and sweet as she was, Sania had never made his heart race.
"Do you think she could have loved me in return?"
It took Taehyung a moment to answer, attention turned to the soil he was preparing for the seeds he had found
Jeongguk wasn't so sure about that, not when, pretty and sweet as she was, Sania had never made his heart race.
"Do you think she could have loved me in return?"
It took Taehyung a moment to answer, attention turned to the soil he was preparing for the seeds he had found
235)
in a kitchen drawer, marked and labelled with the respective vegetables they were to become
"I think so. She thought you kind -for a brutish alpha- but she thought you terribly handsome too. She also liked your scent; said that it reminded her of childhood when we'd squeeze
in a kitchen drawer, marked and labelled with the respective vegetables they were to become
"I think so. She thought you kind -for a brutish alpha- but she thought you terribly handsome too. She also liked your scent; said that it reminded her of childhood when we'd squeeze
236)
beneath cotton sheets together, fresh from the washing line, and wriggle our noses as a fresh log was placed on the stove, the wind blowing the scent of the pine trees between the gaps in the walls and roof."
beneath cotton sheets together, fresh from the washing line, and wriggle our noses as a fresh log was placed on the stove, the wind blowing the scent of the pine trees between the gaps in the walls and roof."
237)
It was descriptive, more descriptive than what Jeongguk had ever heard abt his scent before
"She could smell all those things?"
"Um, most of it. As well as horse & mud & dust, yes. So can I"
"All I can smell is winter berries with you. Perhaps a hint of falling snow too"
It was descriptive, more descriptive than what Jeongguk had ever heard abt his scent before
"She could smell all those things?"
"Um, most of it. As well as horse & mud & dust, yes. So can I"
"All I can smell is winter berries with you. Perhaps a hint of falling snow too"
238)
Taehyung shrugged, sitting back on his heels to dust his hands across his apron. "Is it bad?"
"No. I like it." Taehyung’s chin dropped, bottom lip between his teeth, cheeks pink. "I keep wanting to go looking for berries though."
Taehyung shrugged, sitting back on his heels to dust his hands across his apron. "Is it bad?"
"No. I like it." Taehyung’s chin dropped, bottom lip between his teeth, cheeks pink. "I keep wanting to go looking for berries though."
239)
That had Taehyung laughing, body falling to the side until his hip was on the soil, hands outstretched to call Jeongguk from their new log chopping area to join him.
"Once these little seeds grow, you can have all the berries you wish."
That had Taehyung laughing, body falling to the side until his hip was on the soil, hands outstretched to call Jeongguk from their new log chopping area to join him.
"Once these little seeds grow, you can have all the berries you wish."
240)
Until then, Taehyung’s sweet scent would have to do, but breathing it in, Jeongguk didn't mind. Catching the little shy smile in response, Taehyung didn’t seem like he minded either.
Until then, Taehyung’s sweet scent would have to do, but breathing it in, Jeongguk didn't mind. Catching the little shy smile in response, Taehyung didn’t seem like he minded either.
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241)
"So, why did you tell Jimin that you were my mate?" Jeongguk had his back to Taehyung as he asked, and he was glad, nerves quick to rise as he pushed the carrots from the chopping board into the pot beside it.
"So, why did you tell Jimin that you were my mate?" Jeongguk had his back to Taehyung as he asked, and he was glad, nerves quick to rise as he pushed the carrots from the chopping board into the pot beside it.
242)
Jeongguk had insisted on taking charge of supper this evening, a task only fair when Taehyung was curled up in his chair mending a hole in Jeongguk’s stocking.
"Am I not?" The answer was bold, but the too-much-volume gave Taehyung’s uncertainty away. "I'm here as your mate"
Jeongguk had insisted on taking charge of supper this evening, a task only fair when Taehyung was curled up in his chair mending a hole in Jeongguk’s stocking.
"Am I not?" The answer was bold, but the too-much-volume gave Taehyung’s uncertainty away. "I'm here as your mate"
243)
"Hm. But you're not mine how you were your husband's, or how Sania was with me. You and I had no ceremony, no words or vows."
Taehyung paused, hands as still as his breath as he seemed to search for an answer. "Is that what you want? A proper mate?"
"Hm. But you're not mine how you were your husband's, or how Sania was with me. You and I had no ceremony, no words or vows."
Taehyung paused, hands as still as his breath as he seemed to search for an answer. "Is that what you want? A proper mate?"
244)
Jeongguk wasn't sure how to answer. "I don't want you to feel like you have to pretend."
"There's many ways to pretend…" Taehyung paused, as though waiting for Jeongguk to figure out what he meant before deciding to share anyway.
Jeongguk wasn't sure how to answer. "I don't want you to feel like you have to pretend."
"There's many ways to pretend…" Taehyung paused, as though waiting for Jeongguk to figure out what he meant before deciding to share anyway.
245)
"You didn’t bite Sania. My husband didn't bite me. Some would say that the mates we've had were no less of a pretence than this between you and me."
That had Jeongguk pausing, onions forgotten on the chopping board as the knife hung limp in the air.
"You didn’t bite Sania. My husband didn't bite me. Some would say that the mates we've had were no less of a pretence than this between you and me."
That had Jeongguk pausing, onions forgotten on the chopping board as the knife hung limp in the air.
246)
"You…you see me like as much of a mate as your husband?"
Taehyung didn’t answer, but Jeongguk could hear his sewing being placed down, body rising from the chair to cross to the table Jeongguk was working at.
"Do you think the Moon Goddess would approve?"
"You…you see me like as much of a mate as your husband?"
Taehyung didn’t answer, but Jeongguk could hear his sewing being placed down, body rising from the chair to cross to the table Jeongguk was working at.
"Do you think the Moon Goddess would approve?"
247)
The knife fell from Jeongguk's hand, the clatter of it loud before Taehyung was suddenly rushing forward to backtrack his words. "I mean, would she be angry? Of me telling Jimin, I mean? I didn’t mean that-"
The knife fell from Jeongguk's hand, the clatter of it loud before Taehyung was suddenly rushing forward to backtrack his words. "I mean, would she be angry? Of me telling Jimin, I mean? I didn’t mean that-"
248)
"No, no, I understand." It didn’t help Jeongguk's heart to slow though, not when the idea of asking the Moon Goddess for a blessing for a new mate was still echoing in his mind. "I don't think she'll be angered."
"No, no, I understand." It didn’t help Jeongguk's heart to slow though, not when the idea of asking the Moon Goddess for a blessing for a new mate was still echoing in his mind. "I don't think she'll be angered."
249)
"Oh. Good." Jeongguk didn't need to look at Taehyung to know that that lower lip was back between his teeth. "There's no harm in calling me your mate then, right?"
"I guess not." At least according to Taehyung’s logic. It was one Jeongguk was yet to fully catch up with.
"Oh. Good." Jeongguk didn't need to look at Taehyung to know that that lower lip was back between his teeth. "There's no harm in calling me your mate then, right?"
"I guess not." At least according to Taehyung’s logic. It was one Jeongguk was yet to fully catch up with.
250)
Taehyung hummed his response, feet moving forward, closer, before a lone finger reached up to rub his own nose, before it then traced down the side of Jeongguk's neck.
Taehyung hummed his response, feet moving forward, closer, before a lone finger reached up to rub his own nose, before it then traced down the side of Jeongguk's neck.
251)
Jeongguk didn't realise what Taehyung was doing until he felt the contentment wash over him in a diluted wave, the scent of berries turning crisp beneath his nose.
Taehyung had scented him.
He'd scented him, and deep inside, Jeongguk's alpha wolf was waking to run wild.
Jeongguk didn't realise what Taehyung was doing until he felt the contentment wash over him in a diluted wave, the scent of berries turning crisp beneath his nose.
Taehyung had scented him.
He'd scented him, and deep inside, Jeongguk's alpha wolf was waking to run wild.
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A/N: hmm I wonder what Taehyung wants 🤔🤭 he's so fun to write.
But ahh I finished writing the rest of this today & I can now tell you we only have 5 more scenes, some of which are a tad more mature, but not explicit so be warned!
ko-fi.com/herefortannies
But ahh I finished writing the rest of this today & I can now tell you we only have 5 more scenes, some of which are a tad more mature, but not explicit so be warned!
ko-fi.com/herefortannies
🗡 🗡 🗡 🗡 🗡
252)
"Don't you think Dalie should have grown a little by now?" Taehyung pouted, wide eyes looking right Jeongguk's way as they carried a fresh basket of sticks and branches from the woods back to the cottage.
"I'd say so, but don't you live as you die in The Beyond?"
"Don't you think Dalie should have grown a little by now?" Taehyung pouted, wide eyes looking right Jeongguk's way as they carried a fresh basket of sticks and branches from the woods back to the cottage.
"I'd say so, but don't you live as you die in The Beyond?"
253)
Taehyung hummed, pout still present. "He'll forever be a kitten then?"
"I think so? We should ask Jimin when we go to visit." It was something they'd yet to find time for, along with the promised trip to the crypt to search for Taehyung’s husband and step-son.
Taehyung hummed, pout still present. "He'll forever be a kitten then?"
"I think so? We should ask Jimin when we go to visit." It was something they'd yet to find time for, along with the promised trip to the crypt to search for Taehyung’s husband and step-son.
254)
Taehyung hadn't brought it up, but Jeongguk doubted that he'd forgotten about it. He felt bad that across the past few days, at times, /he/ had.
"Should we bring Jimin a gift?"
Taehyung hadn't brought it up, but Jeongguk doubted that he'd forgotten about it. He felt bad that across the past few days, at times, /he/ had.
"Should we bring Jimin a gift?"
255)
"If you like. He didn’t bring us one though." Jeongguk grinned the sort of smile that had always earned him a few cheek pinches and a fond mutter of how he was more pup than wolf. Glancing Taehyung’s way, it was to find him staring. "Do you want to bring something for your
"If you like. He didn’t bring us one though." Jeongguk grinned the sort of smile that had always earned him a few cheek pinches and a fond mutter of how he was more pup than wolf. Glancing Taehyung’s way, it was to find him staring. "Do you want to bring something for your
256)
husband too, just in case we find him?"
"Hm, we could at least bring some wildflowers, or apples."
Jeongguk nodded. It sounded good. "What do you think he'd…think about me?"
Now that the man was on his mind, Jeongguk couldn’t shake such questions off.
husband too, just in case we find him?"
"Hm, we could at least bring some wildflowers, or apples."
Jeongguk nodded. It sounded good. "What do you think he'd…think about me?"
Now that the man was on his mind, Jeongguk couldn’t shake such questions off.
257)
"I'm not sure. If I…loved you, if you loved me, then I think he'd be happy. He was always a romantic who missed his wife dearly. I think he always hoped that he and I could love how they had, but the Moon Goddess only blesses us once, does she not?"
"I'm not sure. If I…loved you, if you loved me, then I think he'd be happy. He was always a romantic who missed his wife dearly. I think he always hoped that he and I could love how they had, but the Moon Goddess only blesses us once, does she not?"
258)
"He was mated to his wife?" The mention of the Goddess made it sound that way.
"I don't think so, but I think if fated-mates were to be true, she'd have been his."
"He was mated to his wife?" The mention of the Goddess made it sound that way.
"I don't think so, but I think if fated-mates were to be true, she'd have been his."
259)
Inside, Jeongguk's wolf purred at the thought of having a fated-mate of his own, nose twitching in search of the winter berries that now lingered in the corners of his mind like the taste of cocoa on the tongue.
Inside, Jeongguk's wolf purred at the thought of having a fated-mate of his own, nose twitching in search of the winter berries that now lingered in the corners of his mind like the taste of cocoa on the tongue.
260)
Since Taehyung had scented him, Jeongguk's wolf had been addicted. Sania had never scented him, her sweet florals nothing but that of a passerby where his wolf was concerned. Taehyung was different though, Taehyung had pressed his scent to Jeongguk's throat like a parent to
Since Taehyung had scented him, Jeongguk's wolf had been addicted. Sania had never scented him, her sweet florals nothing but that of a passerby where his wolf was concerned. Taehyung was different though, Taehyung had pressed his scent to Jeongguk's throat like a parent to
261)
a child, like a lover to a mate. It had been confusing, but sweet, so sweet that Jeongguk had almost choked on the taste.
He hurried to bury the howl of his wolf away.
"What about you?"
a child, like a lover to a mate. It had been confusing, but sweet, so sweet that Jeongguk had almost choked on the taste.
He hurried to bury the howl of his wolf away.
"What about you?"
262)
"Me?" Taehyung’s steps slowed, his side of the basket tipping as the weight of it wore him down.
To give him a much needed rest, Jeongguk gently eased it to the ground.
"What about your fated mate?"
"Oh." The pink to those cheeks was back.
"Me?" Taehyung’s steps slowed, his side of the basket tipping as the weight of it wore him down.
To give him a much needed rest, Jeongguk gently eased it to the ground.
"What about your fated mate?"
"Oh." The pink to those cheeks was back.
263)
"I never really believed in fated mates."
"Me neither."
"You'd be mine though, right? I mean, maybe not /fated/, but certainly /forever/."
It wasn't the same thing, but Jeongguk's wolf wouldn't let him argue, not when those berries smelt so sweet, and not when Taehyung’s
"I never really believed in fated mates."
"Me neither."
"You'd be mine though, right? I mean, maybe not /fated/, but certainly /forever/."
It wasn't the same thing, but Jeongguk's wolf wouldn't let him argue, not when those berries smelt so sweet, and not when Taehyung’s
264)
cheeks were still flushed such a pretty shade.
"Are you sure that you're comfortable calling yourself my mate?"
Taehyung rolled his eyes, making a quick recovery from his blush. "Yes, we're stuck here forever after all, and…well, you're not the worst alpha in the world.
cheeks were still flushed such a pretty shade.
"Are you sure that you're comfortable calling yourself my mate?"
Taehyung rolled his eyes, making a quick recovery from his blush. "Yes, we're stuck here forever after all, and…well, you're not the worst alpha in the world.
265)
You can be rather kind when you want to be."
"Hey, I'm always kind!" Or at least Jeongguk tried to be.
"Hm, were you kind this morning when you farted through my rendition of 'The Moon and The Harp'?"
You can be rather kind when you want to be."
"Hey, I'm always kind!" Or at least Jeongguk tried to be.
"Hm, were you kind this morning when you farted through my rendition of 'The Moon and The Harp'?"
266)
Jeongguk felt his face redden. "I didn’t fart! I told you, it was the chair!"
"Uh-huh." Taehyung didn’t look convinced, but did it matter when his eyes were bright, happy, his smile wide and slow to disappear?
Jeongguk felt his face redden. "I didn’t fart! I told you, it was the chair!"
"Uh-huh." Taehyung didn’t look convinced, but did it matter when his eyes were bright, happy, his smile wide and slow to disappear?
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A/n: stopping here for tonight lads as the next 2 scenes are best posted together (tomorrow)
Remember to send me a cc or qt your thoughts! 💜💜
curiouscat.me/HereForTannies
Remember to send me a cc or qt your thoughts! 💜💜
curiouscat.me/HereForTannies
🗡 🗡 🗡 🗡 🗡
267)
Walking along the path to the crypt, Taehyung started to take
Jeongguk's mate duties very seriously.
"You should offer me your arm, Jeongguk."
Jeongguk didn't know why. He did as suggested though, Taehyung’s slim fingers settling on Jeongguk's forearm as they jumped a
Walking along the path to the crypt, Taehyung started to take
Jeongguk's mate duties very seriously.
"You should offer me your arm, Jeongguk."
Jeongguk didn't know why. He did as suggested though, Taehyung’s slim fingers settling on Jeongguk's forearm as they jumped a
268)
small puddle.
"You should scent me too."
"/Scent/ you?" Jeongguk had never scented a soul in his life before, at least not after his parents had died, and that had been so long ago that the memories of them were few.
small puddle.
"You should scent me too."
"/Scent/ you?" Jeongguk had never scented a soul in his life before, at least not after his parents had died, and that had been so long ago that the memories of them were few.
269)
"Yes, of course. My husband died many years ago and he'll be awfully upset to know that I was alone for so long. Well, I'd Sania, of course - but you know what I mean! I want him to see that I'm happy."
"And smelling of me would make you happy?"
"Yes, of course. My husband died many years ago and he'll be awfully upset to know that I was alone for so long. Well, I'd Sania, of course - but you know what I mean! I want him to see that I'm happy."
"And smelling of me would make you happy?"
270)
That blush was back, no answer coming as Taehyung turned to gaze into the trees as though there were paintings on the bark
"I just dont want him to worry about me" Tae's voice was small, & Jeongguk wanted nothing more than to draw him closer to give what comfort he could
That blush was back, no answer coming as Taehyung turned to gaze into the trees as though there were paintings on the bark
"I just dont want him to worry about me" Tae's voice was small, & Jeongguk wanted nothing more than to draw him closer to give what comfort he could
271)
"I'll show him that you're in good care."
Taehyung hummed, chin dipping as he thought over words Jeongguk waited for him to say.
"What if we can't find him, Jeongguk?"
It was likely, but Jeongguk's tongue couldn't quite curl enough to admit that.
"I'll show him that you're in good care."
Taehyung hummed, chin dipping as he thought over words Jeongguk waited for him to say.
"What if we can't find him, Jeongguk?"
It was likely, but Jeongguk's tongue couldn't quite curl enough to admit that.
272)
"Then we'll wait and see if you can further influence my world here, just how your knowledge of the cottage mixed with my dreams. Maybe in time, we'll find him."
"Alright. But if we /do/ find him today, will you scent me?"
"Then we'll wait and see if you can further influence my world here, just how your knowledge of the cottage mixed with my dreams. Maybe in time, we'll find him."
"Alright. But if we /do/ find him today, will you scent me?"
273)
Jeongguk stumbled over his own toes at the return of the request, dragging Taehyung with him until they were kicking stones into the next puddle.
"What's wrong?" Taehyung frowned, voice high and almost annoyed.
Jeongguk stumbled over his own toes at the return of the request, dragging Taehyung with him until they were kicking stones into the next puddle.
"What's wrong?" Taehyung frowned, voice high and almost annoyed.
274)
"I've never scented anyone before." It was a mumble beneath Jeongguk's breath, shy.
"Why not? Didn’t you scent Sania?"
"No. No way. Not even when I gave her that fake bite." Jeongguk hadn't dared, not when scenting was such an intimate thing.
"I've never scented anyone before." It was a mumble beneath Jeongguk's breath, shy.
"Why not? Didn’t you scent Sania?"
"No. No way. Not even when I gave her that fake bite." Jeongguk hadn't dared, not when scenting was such an intimate thing.
275)
"Well, come here & scent me" Glancing towards the crypt upheld, Taehyung gave Jeongguk's arm a tug
"Taehyung, I can't!" It was too much, even if Tae was taking his role as Sania's stand-in pretty seriously lately, & even if Jeongguk's alpha wolf clawed at his chest in want
"Well, come here & scent me" Glancing towards the crypt upheld, Taehyung gave Jeongguk's arm a tug
"Taehyung, I can't!" It was too much, even if Tae was taking his role as Sania's stand-in pretty seriously lately, & even if Jeongguk's alpha wolf clawed at his chest in want
276)
"Why not?" Taehyung pouted, eyes round and curious
"Because it's…it's intimate"
A wrinkle appeared between Tae’s brows. "No it's not, I mean, it's not /that/ intimate. I'd never scent a stranger, but I'd maybe scent someone like your friend Jimin in time. He seemed nice"
"Why not?" Taehyung pouted, eyes round and curious
"Because it's…it's intimate"
A wrinkle appeared between Tae’s brows. "No it's not, I mean, it's not /that/ intimate. I'd never scent a stranger, but I'd maybe scent someone like your friend Jimin in time. He seemed nice"
277)
"Jimin?" Jeongguk staggered back, before he leapt forward to take a firm yet careful hold of Taehyung’s elbow. "You are not scenting Jimin. No way. He's a mated alpha."
"And?"
"/And/?" Could Taehyung hear himself right now? Was he feeling well?
"Jimin?" Jeongguk staggered back, before he leapt forward to take a firm yet careful hold of Taehyung’s elbow. "You are not scenting Jimin. No way. He's a mated alpha."
"And?"
"/And/?" Could Taehyung hear himself right now? Was he feeling well?
278)
"Taehyung, scenting is like /kissing/. You wouldn’t kiss another wolf, would you?"
"Well, no." Taehyung had the decency to look away. "Scenting isn't as intimate as kissing though."
"It is- was in my clan."
"Taehyung, scenting is like /kissing/. You wouldn’t kiss another wolf, would you?"
"Well, no." Taehyung had the decency to look away. "Scenting isn't as intimate as kissing though."
"It is- was in my clan."
279)
"So we're to play by the rules of your clan?" Taehyung didn’t seem all that pleased about that.
"No, but we need to remember that Jimin & his poor mate, Yoongi, grew up with the rules of my clan.
"So we're to play by the rules of your clan?" Taehyung didn’t seem all that pleased about that.
"No, but we need to remember that Jimin & his poor mate, Yoongi, grew up with the rules of my clan.
280)
Yoongi is a kind man, but I wouldn't want to see his wrath if a pretty omega started rubbing noses with his alpha."
"You…you think I'm pretty?" Taehyung glanced up through thick lashes, eyes eager for praise, lip tortured between those teeth.
Yoongi is a kind man, but I wouldn't want to see his wrath if a pretty omega started rubbing noses with his alpha."
"You…you think I'm pretty?" Taehyung glanced up through thick lashes, eyes eager for praise, lip tortured between those teeth.
281)
"The prettiest." The words were out before Jeongguk could catch them to hold them back. They had Taehyung smiling though, pretty and wide and /beautiful/ how Jeongguk had never seen a smile before. "You can't scent Jimin though."
"The prettiest." The words were out before Jeongguk could catch them to hold them back. They had Taehyung smiling though, pretty and wide and /beautiful/ how Jeongguk had never seen a smile before. "You can't scent Jimin though."
282)
"But /you/ could still scent me. Do it how I did with you. Rub your nose with your finger then rub the scent on me. That'll work, right?"
Jeongguk didn't know how to say no, but he didn't want to. "Fine, but you'll have to scent me again too."
"But /you/ could still scent me. Do it how I did with you. Rub your nose with your finger then rub the scent on me. That'll work, right?"
Jeongguk didn't know how to say no, but he didn't want to. "Fine, but you'll have to scent me again too."
283)
"Deal!" Tae hopped on the balls of his feet, grip tightening on Jeongguks arm before he tugged him in close, fingers already raised to transfer scents
"I didnt know that scenting could be done like this until you did it" Jeongguk had only ever heard of the more direct ways
"Deal!" Tae hopped on the balls of his feet, grip tightening on Jeongguks arm before he tugged him in close, fingers already raised to transfer scents
"I didnt know that scenting could be done like this until you did it" Jeongguk had only ever heard of the more direct ways
284)
"Hm, it's a cute way, but it's obviously not as strong as the traditional way."
Jeongguk could only nod, head tilting to let Taehyung’s fingers brush down his neck before they gave a little scrub as though he was a mother cleaning her mucky pup with spit.
"Your turn."
"Hm, it's a cute way, but it's obviously not as strong as the traditional way."
Jeongguk could only nod, head tilting to let Taehyung’s fingers brush down his neck before they gave a little scrub as though he was a mother cleaning her mucky pup with spit.
"Your turn."
285)
Jeongguk lifted his fingers, following Taehyung’s example as he rubbed two over the tip of his nose before pressing them to the column of Taehyung’s throat.
His skin was warm, soft, head falling to the side on impact.
Jeongguk lifted his fingers, following Taehyung’s example as he rubbed two over the tip of his nose before pressing them to the column of Taehyung’s throat.
His skin was warm, soft, head falling to the side on impact.
286)
Jeongguk couldn’t look away as Taehyung’s eyes lidded over, dazed, but attentive as they watched Jeongguk's every move with a trust Jeongguk wasn't used to. Lips were parted, the scent of those berries so sweet that Jeongguk had to hold himself back from chasing them.
Jeongguk couldn’t look away as Taehyung’s eyes lidded over, dazed, but attentive as they watched Jeongguk's every move with a trust Jeongguk wasn't used to. Lips were parted, the scent of those berries so sweet that Jeongguk had to hold himself back from chasing them.
287)
"Do you like my scent that much, Taehyung?" He was acting like he did, Jeongguk's inner alpha preening at how Taehyung leaned into the touch with a little nose twitch as though welcoming more.
"You…you smell clean - for a soggy pup, I mean."
"Do you like my scent that much, Taehyung?" He was acting like he did, Jeongguk's inner alpha preening at how Taehyung leaned into the touch with a little nose twitch as though welcoming more.
"You…you smell clean - for a soggy pup, I mean."
288)
"Sure." Jeongguk could only laugh, stepping back to slide fingers from Taehyung’s arm to his hand, palms warm as they slotted together.
They turned for the crypt, hearts heavy yet light as the door came into view, Jeongguk's name engraved into the stone.
"Sure." Jeongguk could only laugh, stepping back to slide fingers from Taehyung’s arm to his hand, palms warm as they slotted together.
They turned for the crypt, hearts heavy yet light as the door came into view, Jeongguk's name engraved into the stone.
289)
"Jeongguk?" Taehyung’s steps slowed, before they stopped completely.
"Hm?"
"What if I can't bear to go back inside there? It's where we woke after death and-" And Taehyung’s death had been cruel one.
"Jeongguk?" Taehyung’s steps slowed, before they stopped completely.
"Hm?"
"What if I can't bear to go back inside there? It's where we woke after death and-" And Taehyung’s death had been cruel one.
290)
"Then you can stay right here. I'll run inside to find your husband, or I'll stay right here with you. Whatever you want, whatever you're comfortable with. I promise"
"Thank you" The hand in Jeongguk’s gave a little squeeze, bodies swaying until shoulders bumped & lingered
"Then you can stay right here. I'll run inside to find your husband, or I'll stay right here with you. Whatever you want, whatever you're comfortable with. I promise"
"Thank you" The hand in Jeongguk’s gave a little squeeze, bodies swaying until shoulders bumped & lingered
291)
"You're a good alpha, you know. A good mate."
For Taehyung, Jeongguk was trying his best to be. For Taehyung, it was worth it.
"You're a good alpha, you know. A good mate."
For Taehyung, Jeongguk was trying his best to be. For Taehyung, it was worth it.
🗡 🗡 🗡 🗡 🗡
A/n: I'll post the crypt scene later lads!! I'm grabbing some tea & apple crumble first 😌
🗡 🗡 🗡 🗡 🗡
292)
The closer they got to the crypt, the more Taehyung held back, steps slowing, chatter turning to the birds and the leaves as though desperately trying to ignore the only thing he could think of.
The closer they got to the crypt, the more Taehyung held back, steps slowing, chatter turning to the birds and the leaves as though desperately trying to ignore the only thing he could think of.
293)
Jeongguk could do nothing but hold his hand, thumb rubbing over the backs of knuckles as they finally came to a stop outside the crypt door.
Jeongguk could do nothing but hold his hand, thumb rubbing over the backs of knuckles as they finally came to a stop outside the crypt door.
294)
"I can't do it, Jeongguk." All he /could/ do was peer inside, the room damp and cold, dark. It was too much like the grave he had been buried alive in.
Jeongguk took a step back, moving them into a ray of sunlight pushing between the trees. It was warm there, bright.
"I can't do it, Jeongguk." All he /could/ do was peer inside, the room damp and cold, dark. It was too much like the grave he had been buried alive in.
Jeongguk took a step back, moving them into a ray of sunlight pushing between the trees. It was warm there, bright.
295)
"Do you want me to go?"
Taehyung hesitated, lip worried between teeth as he peered back towards the crypt door.
"Can you sing whilst in there? I need to hear that you're alright."
It sounded fair, if a little embarrassing.
"What should I sing?"
"Do you want me to go?"
Taehyung hesitated, lip worried between teeth as he peered back towards the crypt door.
"Can you sing whilst in there? I need to hear that you're alright."
It sounded fair, if a little embarrassing.
"What should I sing?"
296)
"Mmm, 'The Lament of the Fifth Prince' was always a favourite of mine."
It was a song about forbidden lovers, two men with tangled hearts who fought to see each other by the moon's light.
"Mmm, 'The Lament of the Fifth Prince' was always a favourite of mine."
It was a song about forbidden lovers, two men with tangled hearts who fought to see each other by the moon's light.
297)
Jeongguk had always thought it a beautiful song, one of longing and love, like that he had never thought his own heart capable of. Did Taehyung long for a passionate love too? Had the song always awoken those same questions and curiosities?
Jeongguk had always thought it a beautiful song, one of longing and love, like that he had never thought his own heart capable of. Did Taehyung long for a passionate love too? Had the song always awoken those same questions and curiosities?
298)
Jeongguk had no time to ask, not when Taehyung was turning Jeongguk towards him before tugging him into a tight hug.
"Be safe, and sing loud for me!"
Jeongguk had no time to ask, not when Taehyung was turning Jeongguk towards him before tugging him into a tight hug.
"Be safe, and sing loud for me!"
299)
"I'll try." It was all he could do, especially when his heart was beating hard against Taehyung’s chest, hands clammy as they rose to cup Taehyung’s waist and return his hug.
"I'll try." It was all he could do, especially when his heart was beating hard against Taehyung’s chest, hands clammy as they rose to cup Taehyung’s waist and return his hug.
300)
Honestly, Jeongguk was feeling a little breathless with Tae hugging him like this, even if the arms around his shoulders weren't that tight
In a bid to bring a little air back to his lungs, Jeongguk backed out of the hug, giving Tae a firm nod before turning for the crypt
Honestly, Jeongguk was feeling a little breathless with Tae hugging him like this, even if the arms around his shoulders weren't that tight
In a bid to bring a little air back to his lungs, Jeongguk backed out of the hug, giving Tae a firm nod before turning for the crypt
301)
Upon entering, Jeongguk was met with the darkness, the scent of damp earth so strong that it drowned out the linger of Taehyung’s berries against the front of his tunic. Jeongguk kept the door open, but the light did little to illuminate the crypt as hands pawed at the walls
Upon entering, Jeongguk was met with the darkness, the scent of damp earth so strong that it drowned out the linger of Taehyung’s berries against the front of his tunic. Jeongguk kept the door open, but the light did little to illuminate the crypt as hands pawed at the walls
302)
for the promised door.
Eventually, Jeongguk found it, nestled in the darkest corner with a handle so stiff that one might think it had been waiting to be turned since the beginning of time.
for the promised door.
Eventually, Jeongguk found it, nestled in the darkest corner with a handle so stiff that one might think it had been waiting to be turned since the beginning of time.
303)
Jeongguk pushed it open, steps silent as he entered into the promised hallway. It was as dark as the crypt, even with the two torches on the walls, burning at either side of Jeongguk's door.
Jeongguk pushed it open, steps silent as he entered into the promised hallway. It was as dark as the crypt, even with the two torches on the walls, burning at either side of Jeongguk's door.
304)
He lifted one, using it as his guide as he passed the light over the door opposite, Jimin's, before on to the next where his father's name was engraved in the stone.
He lifted one, using it as his guide as he passed the light over the door opposite, Jimin's, before on to the next where his father's name was engraved in the stone.
305)
Soon, Jeongguk would visit his parents. He'd wait until Taehyung was with him though, or finally comfortable to be left alone at the cottage with Bam and Dal.
Soon, Jeongguk would visit his parents. He'd wait until Taehyung was with him though, or finally comfortable to be left alone at the cottage with Bam and Dal.
306)
The next few doors held the names of old friends, his cousin, Seokjin, his aunt, his first sword trainer. Jeongguk ignored them all, eyes searching for Taehyung’s husband until he had no choice but to turn back with the song still on his breath to give Taehyung the news.
The next few doors held the names of old friends, his cousin, Seokjin, his aunt, his first sword trainer. Jeongguk ignored them all, eyes searching for Taehyung’s husband until he had no choice but to turn back with the song still on his breath to give Taehyung the news.
307)
"I'm sorry."
"Don't be." Taehyung’s eyes were down, mood visibly dampened, but his hand still slid into Jeongguk's, even if it had no reason to.
They walked back to the cottage in silence, thoughts heavy as the sun set around them, leaves turning gold in the light.
"I'm sorry."
"Don't be." Taehyung’s eyes were down, mood visibly dampened, but his hand still slid into Jeongguk's, even if it had no reason to.
They walked back to the cottage in silence, thoughts heavy as the sun set around them, leaves turning gold in the light.
308)
Jeongguk had one foot inside the cottage when Taehyung stopped him, hand tugging him back where hands carefully turned him, body leaning in until Jeongguk felt the warmth of Taehyung’s kiss on his cheek.
"Thank you for looking. Thank you for being there for me."
Jeongguk had one foot inside the cottage when Taehyung stopped him, hand tugging him back where hands carefully turned him, body leaning in until Jeongguk felt the warmth of Taehyung’s kiss on his cheek.
"Thank you for looking. Thank you for being there for me."
309)
Catching Taehyung’s eye, Jeongguk felt any response fade away. Taehyung’s gaze was a hard one to be torn from, intense with the sharp angles, yet soft with all that swam in that brown.
Catching Taehyung’s eye, Jeongguk felt any response fade away. Taehyung’s gaze was a hard one to be torn from, intense with the sharp angles, yet soft with all that swam in that brown.
310)
He had beautiful eyes, beautiful skin, beautiful soft hair that fingers twitched with the need to touch, beautiful lips that had Jeongguk's own curious.
He had beautiful eyes, beautiful skin, beautiful soft hair that fingers twitched with the need to touch, beautiful lips that had Jeongguk's own curious.
311)
He couldn’t give in to such thoughts though, couldn’t give in to the desire to kiss those soft cheeks in return, not when the mark Taehyung had kissed was still on fire.
He couldn’t give in to such thoughts though, couldn’t give in to the desire to kiss those soft cheeks in return, not when the mark Taehyung had kissed was still on fire.
312)
Jeongguk couldn’t look away though, didn't want to when Taehyung was taking a step closer to brush a finger beneath his chin as though calling for the gap to close between them.
"What are you thinking of?" A whisper, answered with an internal chant of Taehyung’s name.
Jeongguk couldn’t look away though, didn't want to when Taehyung was taking a step closer to brush a finger beneath his chin as though calling for the gap to close between them.
"What are you thinking of?" A whisper, answered with an internal chant of Taehyung’s name.
313)
"Things."
Taehyung smiled, knowing. His finger dropped, body moving away, and as he squeezed past Jeongguk to enter the cottage, Jeongguk followed after like a putty in his hands.
"Things."
Taehyung smiled, knowing. His finger dropped, body moving away, and as he squeezed past Jeongguk to enter the cottage, Jeongguk followed after like a putty in his hands.
🗡 🗡 🗡 🗡 🗡
A/n: ahhh they're getting close, & affectionate, & all cute & lovey dovey 💞💓💖💗💝
Who do you think will confess first??
Who do you think will confess first??
🗡 🗡 🗡 🗡 🗡
314)
It hadn't gone unnoticed by Jeongguk that something had changed between him and Taehyung. The discussions on mates had been a start, followed by how much his inner wolf had preened at the thought of calling such a pretty omega his own.
#taekook #taekookau
It hadn't gone unnoticed by Jeongguk that something had changed between him and Taehyung. The discussions on mates had been a start, followed by how much his inner wolf had preened at the thought of calling such a pretty omega his own.
#taekook #taekookau
315)
He hadn't seen Taehyung as a true mate though, still didn't, but only a fool could say that things hadn't started to spread beyond innocent talk when gazes now searched for each other only to linger, hands reaching out to touch when there was no reason to.
He hadn't seen Taehyung as a true mate though, still didn't, but only a fool could say that things hadn't started to spread beyond innocent talk when gazes now searched for each other only to linger, hands reaching out to touch when there was no reason to.
316)
Things were changing, and Jeongguk didn't know what to do.
Things were changing, and Jeongguk didn't know what to do.
317)
A part of him wondered if he should raise the conversation with Taehyung, but what would he say? What would he ask when words turned to mush inside his mind, nevermind his mouth?
A part of him wondered if he should raise the conversation with Taehyung, but what would he say? What would he ask when words turned to mush inside his mind, nevermind his mouth?
318)
It wasn't as simple as "I want to hold your hand", even if that was all Jeongguk could think of through their daily chores and cosy conversations by the fire.
Sometimes, it seemed as though Taehyung wanted to hold his hand too.
It wasn't as simple as "I want to hold your hand", even if that was all Jeongguk could think of through their daily chores and cosy conversations by the fire.
Sometimes, it seemed as though Taehyung wanted to hold his hand too.
319)
It was hard to tell though when there were no more cheek kisses, & no more little lines that had Jeongguk thinking twice
He was thinking twice now though, humming along to Taes echoes to mind his head on the door frame as they carried a dismantled bed downstairs to the fire
It was hard to tell though when there were no more cheek kisses, & no more little lines that had Jeongguk thinking twice
He was thinking twice now though, humming along to Taes echoes to mind his head on the door frame as they carried a dismantled bed downstairs to the fire
320)
"It’s not ideal, I know, but I can put up a curtain and stack cushions along the back during the day to make it more couch-like."
Perhaps, but Taehyung had still to address how it was one bed -a small one at that- and they were two people.
"It’s not ideal, I know, but I can put up a curtain and stack cushions along the back during the day to make it more couch-like."
Perhaps, but Taehyung had still to address how it was one bed -a small one at that- and they were two people.
321)
Judging by his pleas to convince Jeongguk this morning, he was expecting the bed to be for them both.
"I could build tall bedposts if you wanted. For the curtains."
Judging by his pleas to convince Jeongguk this morning, he was expecting the bed to be for them both.
"I could build tall bedposts if you wanted. For the curtains."
322)
Taehyung flashed a smile over his shoulder at that, and it was enough to make lumbering the heavy wood downstairs worth it.
Taehyung flashed a smile over his shoulder at that, and it was enough to make lumbering the heavy wood downstairs worth it.
323)
They spent the afternoon rearranging furniture until the table was closer to the door, the chairs huddled closer to the fire, the bed to the right side of it along the wall.
They spent the afternoon rearranging furniture until the table was closer to the door, the chairs huddled closer to the fire, the bed to the right side of it along the wall.
324)
It didn’t take Taehyung long to cover it in sheets and warm quilts, the sight so inviting that Jeongguk started to hope that it really was meant for two. He couldn’t be sure though, not until night fell and the jaws fell faster in a hundred yawns.
It didn’t take Taehyung long to cover it in sheets and warm quilts, the sight so inviting that Jeongguk started to hope that it really was meant for two. He couldn’t be sure though, not until night fell and the jaws fell faster in a hundred yawns.
325)
Taehyung was first to approach the bed, tunic ripped from over his head to reveal a shorter linen one beneath. He crawled beneath the quilts, plumping up pillows and wriggling around to make sure things were just so, before a satisfied sigh broke the silence.
Taehyung was first to approach the bed, tunic ripped from over his head to reveal a shorter linen one beneath. He crawled beneath the quilts, plumping up pillows and wriggling around to make sure things were just so, before a satisfied sigh broke the silence.
326)
"Won't you join me, Jeongguk?"
"Um, do you want me to?" Jeongguk needed the permission, needed the consent in words.
Taehyung nodded. "It’s comfortable and warm. Here." He shifted over next to the wall, making room for Jeongguk and patting the now empty space beside him.
"Won't you join me, Jeongguk?"
"Um, do you want me to?" Jeongguk needed the permission, needed the consent in words.
Taehyung nodded. "It’s comfortable and warm. Here." He shifted over next to the wall, making room for Jeongguk and patting the now empty space beside him.
327)
With only a moment of hesitation, Jeongguk stripped off his over-tunic to climb onto the bed.
"Won't you lie down?"
"What if I roll over and squash you?"
"I'm not a garden pea."
"What if I sweat in the night and it gets all over you?"
With only a moment of hesitation, Jeongguk stripped off his over-tunic to climb onto the bed.
"Won't you lie down?"
"What if I roll over and squash you?"
"I'm not a garden pea."
"What if I sweat in the night and it gets all over you?"
328)
"Ew. But I'm not a scarf of wool; I wash off easily."
"What if I…fart?"
A beat of silence passed, before Taehyung was bursting into a laughter so great that the mattress shook beneath them.
"Ew. But I'm not a scarf of wool; I wash off easily."
"What if I…fart?"
A beat of silence passed, before Taehyung was bursting into a laughter so great that the mattress shook beneath them.
329)
"Lie down, Jeongguk. I don't care about those things. If you dont want to sleep here, that's alright, but if you do, lie down before I tackle you to the pillow"
Jeongguk didn't know if that was a meaningless threat or a promise, but his pause was enough of an answer for Tae
"Lie down, Jeongguk. I don't care about those things. If you dont want to sleep here, that's alright, but if you do, lie down before I tackle you to the pillow"
Jeongguk didn't know if that was a meaningless threat or a promise, but his pause was enough of an answer for Tae
330)
Arms spread out, one looping around the back of Jeongguk’s neck whilst the other went straight to his chest to push it down.
Jeongguk fell easily, Taehyung on top of him as the giggles grew to a volume that had Jeongguk laughing along.
Arms spread out, one looping around the back of Jeongguk’s neck whilst the other went straight to his chest to push it down.
Jeongguk fell easily, Taehyung on top of him as the giggles grew to a volume that had Jeongguk laughing along.
331)
His hands came to rest on Taehyung’s waist, not wanting him to move away when his chest was pressed to Jeongguk's heart, body warm through the thin layers between them.
"Jeongguk?"
His hands came to rest on Taehyung’s waist, not wanting him to move away when his chest was pressed to Jeongguk's heart, body warm through the thin layers between them.
"Jeongguk?"
332)
"Hm?" The laughter faded away, smiles staying. "You…you said I was the prettiest, a few days ago by the crypt."
"I remember." He did, for he'd spoken nothing but the truth, and Taehyung had looked so darling in response to it.
"Hm?" The laughter faded away, smiles staying. "You…you said I was the prettiest, a few days ago by the crypt."
"I remember." He did, for he'd spoken nothing but the truth, and Taehyung had looked so darling in response to it.
333)
"Did you know that you're the prettiest too?" Taehyung’s cheeks heated, but he didn't turn from Jeongguk's gaze, eyes steady as they locked to let a thousand emotions run wild. Hands followed as Taehyung reached to trace a single fingertip across the old scar on Jeongguk's
"Did you know that you're the prettiest too?" Taehyung’s cheeks heated, but he didn't turn from Jeongguk's gaze, eyes steady as they locked to let a thousand emotions run wild. Hands followed as Taehyung reached to trace a single fingertip across the old scar on Jeongguk's
334)
cheek. "You're the prettiest, Jeongguk. You've such beautiful big eyes with a whole sky of stars inside them. You've such a pokeable nose, all round and cute, and I love how the corners of your lips are turned up.
cheek. "You're the prettiest, Jeongguk. You've such beautiful big eyes with a whole sky of stars inside them. You've such a pokeable nose, all round and cute, and I love how the corners of your lips are turned up.
335)
You've such a pretty cupid's bow too, and your smile is like the moonlight on the darkest night."
"You speak like a poet." A whisper, scared to break whatever dream Taehyung was pulling Jeongguk into.
You've such a pretty cupid's bow too, and your smile is like the moonlight on the darkest night."
"You speak like a poet." A whisper, scared to break whatever dream Taehyung was pulling Jeongguk into.
336)
"Maybe I could become one. For you. If you want me to?" The finger fell away, settling by Jeongguk's collarbone.
Jeongguk could only nod.
"What would that mean?" He was confused. So confused.
"Maybe I could become one. For you. If you want me to?" The finger fell away, settling by Jeongguk's collarbone.
Jeongguk could only nod.
"What would that mean?" He was confused. So confused.
337)
"Whatever you want it to." The gaze broke, Taehyung looking down to the hand on Jeongguk's chest as though the confidence inside was slipping.
Reaching out, Jeongguk tipped his chin up, eyes back to where he could drown.
"Whatever you want it to." The gaze broke, Taehyung looking down to the hand on Jeongguk's chest as though the confidence inside was slipping.
Reaching out, Jeongguk tipped his chin up, eyes back to where he could drown.
338)
"Have you ever thought of kissing me again?" Was that what Taehyung wanted? Was that what he meant?
Taehyung’s mouth parted, closed, throat working around a swallow before he was shutting his eyes tight to lean in and bump his forehead against Jeongguk’s cheek.
"Have you ever thought of kissing me again?" Was that what Taehyung wanted? Was that what he meant?
Taehyung’s mouth parted, closed, throat working around a swallow before he was shutting his eyes tight to lean in and bump his forehead against Jeongguk’s cheek.
339)
"What if I thought about more than just cheek kisses?"
"Then I'd like it if you told me. I don't know what this is, or what you're comfortable with, what I'm comfortable with, and-"
"What if I thought about more than just cheek kisses?"
"Then I'd like it if you told me. I don't know what this is, or what you're comfortable with, what I'm comfortable with, and-"
340)
"Should we take it slowly? We could pretend that we just met, and I caught your scent on the breeze and /really/ want you to give me a courting gift."
Jeongguk laughed, unable to stop himself when Taehyung was breathing out his request for presents.
"Should we take it slowly? We could pretend that we just met, and I caught your scent on the breeze and /really/ want you to give me a courting gift."
Jeongguk laughed, unable to stop himself when Taehyung was breathing out his request for presents.
341)
"Fine. We'll ignore the flowers I got you, and the new shoes I made, the home I built for our horse."
Our.
These days, Jeongguk had come to see all he owned as shared.
Taehyung laughed through a hum. "Were those courting gifts?"
"No. Can't we count them though?"
"Fine. We'll ignore the flowers I got you, and the new shoes I made, the home I built for our horse."
Our.
These days, Jeongguk had come to see all he owned as shared.
Taehyung laughed through a hum. "Were those courting gifts?"
"No. Can't we count them though?"
342)
Playfully, Taehyung swatted at Jeongguk's chest, face rising up. "No, you cheap alpha! Court me properly!"
"I can't hunt for you though! I've yet to see any animals here, and I'm not going to make you a coat from the plucked feathers of garden birds or the scales of fish."
Playfully, Taehyung swatted at Jeongguk's chest, face rising up. "No, you cheap alpha! Court me properly!"
"I can't hunt for you though! I've yet to see any animals here, and I'm not going to make you a coat from the plucked feathers of garden birds or the scales of fish."
343)
"You'll think of something, pup." Leaning in, Tae smacked a noisy kiss against Jeongguk’s cheek, following it with something much softer that lingered closer to the corner of Jeongguk's lips. "I'll be happy no matter what you give me, Jeongguk. I'm…I've grown fond of you."
"You'll think of something, pup." Leaning in, Tae smacked a noisy kiss against Jeongguk’s cheek, following it with something much softer that lingered closer to the corner of Jeongguk's lips. "I'll be happy no matter what you give me, Jeongguk. I'm…I've grown fond of you."
344)
"I'm fond of you too."
"We'll court then, slowly?"
"Yes. And if it's too fast or too slow, just tell me."
Taehyung nodded. "You too."
"I'm fond of you too."
"We'll court then, slowly?"
"Yes. And if it's too fast or too slow, just tell me."
Taehyung nodded. "You too."
345)
That night, they fell asleep beneath warm quilts by a warm fire, but clasped hands burned hotter, tangled toes and cheeks on shoulders, hearts flushed in fluttering chests.
That night, they fell asleep beneath warm quilts by a warm fire, but clasped hands burned hotter, tangled toes and cheeks on shoulders, hearts flushed in fluttering chests.
346)
The next morning, Jeongguk presented Taehyung with fresh flowers and caught fish. A new stool for the garden came next, before he was fashioning wooden bracelets and gifting nuts in waxed bags.
The next morning, Jeongguk presented Taehyung with fresh flowers and caught fish. A new stool for the garden came next, before he was fashioning wooden bracelets and gifting nuts in waxed bags.
347)
It didn’t take long until hand holding became a regular thing, cheek kisses a daily occurrence, before lips were finally meeting each other in a long-awaited kiss.
It didn’t take long until hand holding became a regular thing, cheek kisses a daily occurrence, before lips were finally meeting each other in a long-awaited kiss.
🗡 🗡 🗡 🗡 🗡
A/n: ahhhhh they're courting!!! My babies 🥺 I can't believe tomorrow's update will be the last lads I'm so sad
Don't forget to qt or send me a CC!
curiouscat.me/HereForTannies
Don't forget to qt or send me a CC!
curiouscat.me/HereForTannies
🗡 🗡 🗡 🗡 🗡
348)
"I want you to bite me." The words came amidst the night, bodies flushed from love, sweat-soaked and naked as they laid on the bed.
"What?" Through their laboured breaths, Jeongguk wasn't sure if he'd heard correctly.
"I want to be yours, Jeongguk."
#taekookau #taekook
"I want you to bite me." The words came amidst the night, bodies flushed from love, sweat-soaked and naked as they laid on the bed.
"What?" Through their laboured breaths, Jeongguk wasn't sure if he'd heard correctly.
"I want to be yours, Jeongguk."
#taekookau #taekook
349)
"Taehyung, in my heart, you already are." He had been for a while now, even before they'd decided to court all those months ago.
"Yeah, but I want to be yours in every way I can be. No more 'placeholder mate' or-"
"Taehyung, in my heart, you already are." He had been for a while now, even before they'd decided to court all those months ago.
"Yeah, but I want to be yours in every way I can be. No more 'placeholder mate' or-"
350)
"Hey! You stopped being that the moment we stepped out of that crypt together." With a sigh, Jeongguk rolled over, hand settling on the soft swell of Taehyung’s lower stomach.
"Hey! You stopped being that the moment we stepped out of that crypt together." With a sigh, Jeongguk rolled over, hand settling on the soft swell of Taehyung’s lower stomach.
351)
"The Beyond accepted you as my mate. I accepted you. Sure, we started using such terms before our hearts joined, but-"
"I want us to join. Properly. Bite me, Jeongguk." Taehyung blinked, long and slow with lashes thick and lips kiss-swollen.
"The Beyond accepted you as my mate. I accepted you. Sure, we started using such terms before our hearts joined, but-"
"I want us to join. Properly. Bite me, Jeongguk." Taehyung blinked, long and slow with lashes thick and lips kiss-swollen.
352)
Dipping down, Jeongguk kissed them again.
"You want to be my mate forever?"
Jeongguk should have expected Taehyung’s eye-roll. "Yes, you soggy pup. I've been yours 'forever' since we came here."
Dipping down, Jeongguk kissed them again.
"You want to be my mate forever?"
Jeongguk should have expected Taehyung’s eye-roll. "Yes, you soggy pup. I've been yours 'forever' since we came here."
353)
"I'm only soggy because of your-"
Taehyung’s kiss cut him off, hands greedy as they tugged Jeongguk closer until Taehyung’s mess was sticking to both of their stomachs.
"Just say yes. Or just tell me that you need more time, or that you don't want to bite me at all."
"I'm only soggy because of your-"
Taehyung’s kiss cut him off, hands greedy as they tugged Jeongguk closer until Taehyung’s mess was sticking to both of their stomachs.
"Just say yes. Or just tell me that you need more time, or that you don't want to bite me at all."
354)
"I do." Leaning in, Jeongguk let Taehyung kiss his pout away. "I want you to be sure though."
"I'm sure. I love you, and I'm ready to take that last step with you."
"I do." Leaning in, Jeongguk let Taehyung kiss his pout away. "I want you to be sure though."
"I'm sure. I love you, and I'm ready to take that last step with you."
355)
Outside of bed where thoughts could flow as clear as the river -not clouded by lust or exhaustion, or the play of candlelight over flushed skin- they decided to hold a ceremony too.
Outside of bed where thoughts could flow as clear as the river -not clouded by lust or exhaustion, or the play of candlelight over flushed skin- they decided to hold a ceremony too.
356)
It was a small event, with only Bam and Dal in attendance as Taehyung and Jeongguk wore their best tunics, giggling through a combination of both their culture's vows, with toes dangling in the warmth of the river.
It was a small event, with only Bam and Dal in attendance as Taehyung and Jeongguk wore their best tunics, giggling through a combination of both their culture's vows, with toes dangling in the warmth of the river.
357)
Hands were tied with scarves as in the fashion of Taehyung’s land, and they danced and sang, giddy, like that of Jeongguk's.
They ate and drank, picnicking amongst the wildflowers before falling to them with deep kisses witnessed only by the moon.
Hands were tied with scarves as in the fashion of Taehyung’s land, and they danced and sang, giddy, like that of Jeongguk's.
They ate and drank, picnicking amongst the wildflowers before falling to them with deep kisses witnessed only by the moon.
358)
That night, Jeongguk bit Taehyung. Taehyung bit him back, bodies and hearts joining as the connection flooded its way through them.
That night, Jeongguk bit Taehyung. Taehyung bit him back, bodies and hearts joining as the connection flooded its way through them.
🗡 🗡 🗡 🗡 🗡
359)
"Do you ever think about life, and death?"
Taehyung hummed from where he lay naked on the river bank, Jeongguk still lazing between his thighs after their playful tackling after a swim.
"Sometimes. I know that I've never been as happy as I am now though."
"Do you ever think about life, and death?"
Taehyung hummed from where he lay naked on the river bank, Jeongguk still lazing between his thighs after their playful tackling after a swim.
"Sometimes. I know that I've never been as happy as I am now though."
360)
"Me too." Here like this, with Taehyung, Jeongguk was in paradise.
He told him so, whispers against kissed lips, a full heart against an equally full one. This was happiness, love, and Jeongguk vowed to never let a day pass where Taehyung wasn't reminded of it.
"Me too." Here like this, with Taehyung, Jeongguk was in paradise.
He told him so, whispers against kissed lips, a full heart against an equally full one. This was happiness, love, and Jeongguk vowed to never let a day pass where Taehyung wasn't reminded of it.
🗡 🗡 🗡 🗡 🗡
A/N: crying ugly tears rn because this is the end & I'll miss these two so much. Thank you for all the support lads, I really appreciate it 🥺💜🫂
I'm looking forward to hearing your final thoughts 💜
PS: it'll be up on ao3 soon!!
ko-fi.com/herefortannies
I'm looking forward to hearing your final thoughts 💜
PS: it'll be up on ao3 soon!!
ko-fi.com/herefortannies
Start of thread
#taekook #taekookau taekook au
#taekook #taekookau taekook au
https://twitter.com/HereForTannies/status/1586471487518969856?t=UHwjh1Rzp9MhCcGfQSEzEA&s=19
If you liked The Beyond, you may like this...
#taekookau #taekook
#taekookau #taekook
https://twitter.com/HereForTannies/status/1562838624172851200?t=UHwjh1Rzp9MhCcGfQSEzEA&s=19
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