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Masked Miracles

BTS Ot7 x Reader

Chapter 1

Two updates in one day? Aren't y'all so lucky 🥰😂

Deep breaths. No one ever got anywhere panicking.

I strained my ears to listen for anything that could maybe tell me where we were or where we were going through the bag that had been thrown over my head. My hands numb from laying on them for the past hour where they were duct taped behind me. Every once in a while I could hear raucous laughter from the front of the car. The once cool steel of the butter knife I had managed to stash in the waistband of my jeans before they took me had slid down, the end of it wet from my sweat and digging into my inner thigh.

Whether it would be sharp enough to cut through the tape was questionable, but I would’ve been willing to try had it been within reach. Calm. I needed to remain calm. The mantra was on loop, playing a little louder every time the driver would take a turn a little too tightly, throwing me into the side of the car. I groaned as I hit my head on the frame for what felt like the hundredth time since I’d been stuffed in the back of this tiny ass car. Someone banged on top of the trunk. I stopped squirming trying to listen for anything that could help me figure out where I was or what was happening.

The trunk popped open, the sudden burst of light making me squint even with a bag over my head. I felt a hand wrap around my bicep, hauling me up and out of the car. I struggled to get my feet under me, whoever having ahold of me unaffected by my struggling as they dragged me across the ground. As if my luck wasn’t shit enough, a sharp pain shot through my ankle as I twisted it. Making it that much harder to keep up with whoever was tossing me around like I weighed nothing. I didn’t know what was scarier, not being able to see or how unearthly quiet everything seemed. A sudden burst of AC sent goosebumps skittering across my flesh and a host of things flooded my senses.

Wherever we were now was loud. I could hear the air conditioning rattling, shouting, laughter, even some howling somewhere distantly. The place smelled awful. A mixture of powerful chemicals too strong for anyone to be breathing in. Despite my mouth being duct taped, I could still taste it on the back of my tongue. I prayed to God I was in the right place and didn’t end up somewhere worse than where I was supposed to be. My body was shoved unceremoniously into a chair, the duct tape ripped off my wrists before they were strapped to the chair arms within the next second. I kicked, trying to fight off whoever had me, but another person joined in, strapping my ankles to the legs. The restraint made the pain in my ankle so much worse, but I grit my teeth to bear it.

Completely immobilized, I strained my ears again. Listening to the shuffling of the other people in the room. Oddly enough, none of them said a word. And apart from their movements and the clinking of whatever they were doing, I had nothing to go on. I grunted in annoyance, pulling on my restraints. Fuck I hope this damn tracker Min gave me works. A door banged open, making me jump in my seat, my head whipping towards the noise. Loud laughter sent chills down my spine as I recognized who had just walked in.

“Nari, so nice to see you again!”

The bag over my eyes was ripped away. I blinked several times, trying to adjust my vision only to be disappointed when my eyes confirmed who I thought it was. Lee Jongsu. Big wig hybrid dealer that my unit had been after for years. But the man was as slippery as the snake he was. Hardly ever dealing in his own trades or underground businesses directly. Until me, that is. He stepped forward, fingers gripping my chin tightly as he lifted my face. I glared at him, hating that I couldn’t do much else. He tsked tapping the tape over my mouth.

“Just as beautiful as the last time I saw you. Perfect for our polar bear. Wouldn’t you agree boys?” He chuckled, pushing my face away.

I spat profanities into the tape. Wishing it wasn’t there so he knew just how colorfully I thought of him. Polar bear? They were going to give me to a fucking polar bear?

“Don’t worry darling. He’s a good-looking kid. You’ll like him.”

I didn’t really care what he looked like. As long as he stayed the hell away from me. I yanked on my bindings again, eyes scanning the room for anything useful. It was bare. A single door and one table in front of me with several medical supplies stocked on it. Not even a window or any furniture beyond that and the chair they had me in.

“Get whatever samples you want doctor. The sooner you’re finished, the sooner I can get her to my hybrids.”

“Sir, I don’t really recommend putting her with any of the hybrids until we get our tests-“

“I don’t give a fuck what you recommend. The quicker she’s with them, the sooner she’s pregnant, and I get my money. Stop wasting my time.” Jongsu snapped.

The doctor nodded, bowing his head and apologizing before scurrying over to me. I wasn’t sure what all his tests entailed, but I was relieved that it was only things he needed my blood for. He filled three tubes before withdrawing the needle and bandaging my arm. He had barely finished with me before two of Jongsu’s lackeys were working on unstrapping my arms and legs again. My glare meeting Jongsu’s again as they dragged me past him.

“Do your job well Nari. I’m counting on you.”

They didn’t bother covering my head this time. I supposed they didn’t have to since wherever we were didn’t have anything marking it to let me know what this place was or where we were going. I was hauled down hallway after hallway, passing door after door with nothing more than I tiny slit in them allowing a peek inside. Or outside, I supposed. The cacophony of noise returned, slamming doors, crying, yelling. My stomach twisting the further in we went, unsure of what to expect.

Other than a polar bear.

The butter knife was starting to chafe the poor skin of my thigh. Despite the discomfort, it was my saving grace. The one thing I had as a line of defense for myself should I need it. My heartrate spiked as we came to a stop in front of a door. Keys clanging together as they unlocked it. My protests were muffled against the tape as I threw my body backwards to keep them from pulling me in. My efforts were in vain as both men were a lot stronger than me. They dragged me inside, slamming the outside door behind me before dropping me on the floor. I groaned with the impact, casting a quick look around to see we were in a vestibule of some sort. There were only two doors, the one we came through and another on the opposite wall. One of the men ripped the tape off my face, the sting blooming across my lips and cheeks.

“Get her over here. I don’t want to risk that fucking cat charging the door again when I open it.”

Wait? Cat? I was bear hugged into a set of arms again as one of them lifted me. Blood rushing through my ears as I tried to wrap my head around why they were tossing me in with a cat when Jongsu had specifically said it was a polar bear. I planted my feet on the doorframe, one leg kicking at the other man with my bum ankle as he tried to grab my feet. He cursed under his breath; face set in annoyance as he took a handful of my hair instead. He jerked on it hard, pain blossoming across my scalp making me cry out.

“My job’s hard enough as it is without you making it worse you bitch.” He spat, dragging me forward by my hair.

He shoved me in, the momentum didn’t allow me to catch myself as I fell forward. I hissed when I hit the floor. I was definitely going to be feeling that in a few short hours. My ankle screamed in pain as I hauled myself up. Trying to reach the door before it was slammed in my face and I was resigned to my fate. No dice it seemed as I wasn’t quick enough. I reached for the handle, yanking on it to no avail.

“Let me out! Don’t you dare fucking leave me here!” I screamed, pounding at the metal uselessly.

I got no answer. No one opened the door. No one came back to help me. I threw my weight into it even though I knew it wouldn’t do anything and quickly regretted it when the burn in my ankle reminded me how badly injured it was. I bit my lip, leaning into the door feeling the fight drain out of me. A pitiful whimper escaped me as I slid down, my fingers reaching to pull up the leg of my jeans to see just how bad it really was.

“Shit.” I muttered seeing how swollen it was already. “Way to fucking go Y/N.”

Shuffling from somewhere in the room had me on high alert. My hands instantly digging through my pants for the knife I had stashed, brandishing it towards the direction of the noise as I scrambled to my feet. I bit back my cry as my ankle protested, throwing myself back into the nearest wall partially as a means of getting further away from who or whatever it was as well as to support some of my weight off my foot.

“Where are you?” I shouted, eyes flitting around the room desperately.

There weren’t a ton of places to hide, but the room was large. Several chairs, a table, empty shelves in the opposite corner of the room. Two doorways led into other rooms that I couldn’t make out and a large pile of blankets and pillows sprawled out on the floor between them. The room was a mixture of greys and creamy whites. The entire aesthetic reminding me more of a posh sort of hotel room rather than a prison. Either way, I still didn’t want to be here. Movement from around the doorway caught my eye. I held my knife out in that direction as a person emerged from it. He was fucking huge. Easily much larger than the two men who had brought me here and I didn’t stand a chance against them. I gulped, trying to keep my hand from shaking as I glared at him. He held his hands out in surrender, palms facing me as he slowly walked closer.

“Hey. You’re okay, we won’t hurt you.”

“We?” I shot back, glancing over his shoulder briefly, wondering just how many more resided behind those walls.

The ears on his head rotated behind him at the audible shuffling of more bodies, the light brown round appendages belonging to just about anything, until it was accompanied by the flick of his tail behind him. Lion. He was a lion hybrid.

I don’t want to risk that fucking cat charging the door again when I open it.

I slid over to the nearest corner, hating that I literally had nowhere else to go. He shook his head, ears laying flat as his eyes turned sad.

“You don’t have to be scared. My name’s Namjoon.”

My fear skyrocketed as more hybrids filed out from behind him. My heart pounding under my rib cage as they kept appearing. Way more than I ever banked on being thrown to. This was not the way this was supposed to go. One or two hybrids, sure, I could probably hold my own against, but seven? Predators at that as I scanned the room, taking in the host of large cats particularly. I pressed myself further into the wall, absorbing the small amount of comfort I got from having the concrete against my back. Not that it did much to ease my nerves as my eyes flickered between each of them warily. I gripped the knife tightly, it wasn’t a glamorous weapon by any means, but it would have to do.

To make matters worse, my ankle was beginning to throb like a bitch. No doubt it was even more swollen now in my sad excuse of a shoe. But at least it was a shoe, my other foot was completely bare now, having lost my other sneaker sometime during the struggle. Movement from the middle of the group had me standing up straighter, gritting my teeth against the pain as I forced my hurt ankle to take some of my weight. There was no way I was letting my guard down around them. No matter how injured I may be.

“Look, we’re not here to hurt you.” The lion, no, Namjoon he had introduced himself as, tried to console me, putting his hands out in front of him further, palms out in an attempt to keep me calm.

“No. I know exactly what you’re here for and that’s not fucking happening. So stay the hell away from me.” I growled, holding the butter knife higher, threateningly.

Most of the others stood stock still, ears pinned back as they watched the interaction between me and Namjoon carefully. All except one who couldn’t have looked more bored if he tried. One glance at him determined he was also a large cat, but hell if I knew what he was exactly. If I actually cared, I would have become a fucking zoologist or some shit. Perhaps that would have been the safer bet in life if I had chosen something other than what currently had me stuck in this situation now.

“Not…that either. If you could just put the knife down and talk with us. It’s obvious you’re hurt. You need someone to look at that foot.”

“It won’t be you. I don’t need your help. Just leave me the fuck alone until I find my way out of here.”

My words must have been the last straw for the other cat. His ears laid flat outwards in opposite directions and his tail flipped as if it had a mind of its own as he whirled on me.

“You’re not the only one stuck down here you ungrateful brat. At least we’re trying to be nice. Newsflash, you could’ve been thrown in any other one of these enclosures and God knows what would have happened to you. Lucky for you, you got us.” His eyes were sharp and cold as they burned holes into me. “Allow me to let you in on a little secret. We’ve been trapped here for months. Wanna know how many females they’ve brought us in that time? Too fucking many to count. Wanna know how many of those were humans? Zero. Guess what that tells me sweetheart, that you’re a nobody. No one even knows you’re gone; no one will report you, no one will miss you, no one will fucking look for you. And if you want to get out of here alive, I suggest you play nice.”

“Yoongi.” One of the others chided him, albeit softly.

His glare never left me even as Namjoon laid a hand on his shoulder. The tension in the room was thick as both of us refused to back down. In the back of my mind, the urge to submit was strong. I’m sure there was some kind of rule among the animal kingdom stating that one shouldn’t stare directly into the eyes of a predator, but I’d be damned if I looked away now. I was stuck in a room full of them. If I let one have the upper hand then the rest of them wouldn’t hesitate to walk all over me.

Being a human put me at a disadvantage. I was the weakest being in the room as much as I hated to admit it. Despite that knowledge, and the fact that any of them could very quickly and easily overpower me, none of them did. They all kept their distance, choosing to try to keep me calm and explain things. All of them besides the cat that I was still locked in a staring contest with. I could tell the hostility between us was starting to make everyone else antsy. I was positive that if it came between him or me they would side with him. My hunch proved to be correct as one of the others with white, fluffy, pointed ears sidled closer to Yoongi.

The smug smirk that quirked one corner of the cat’s mouth had me wanting to wipe it off his face personally. My fist itched with the need to show him exactly who he was messing with. His tail flicked behind him as if it wasn’t enough for his face to taunt me, his animal counterpart needed in on the action.

“So, what’s it gonna be sweetheart?”

Chapter 2》

Taglist:

@dvalitaes @btscentralforever @ldysmfrst @loveforred @strawberry-moonpies @hadesnewpersephone @breadedloafs @singukieee @oreoqueen @dreamamubarak @sousydive @comingupwithacoolnameishard @danielle143 @mgthecat @plexcaffeinate @yu-justme @min-jianhyung

Masked Miracles Masterlist

It wasn't supposed to happen this way. A quick in and out. Infiltrate and bring down a hybrid trafficking ring. Saving lives while we're at it. But things hardly ever go to plan. And being locked in with seven hybrids that meant more to me than victims forced into a life they didn't deserve was definitely not according to the plan.

Status: Ongoing

Word count: TBD

Prologue 👇

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Masked Miracles

BTS Ot7 x Reader Prologue Written because I needed to get the creative juices going and posted because I can. Not sorry lol. Will admit t

Chapter 1 ● Chapter 2 ● Chapter 3 ●

Chapter 4 ● Chapter 5 ● Chapter 6 ●

Chapter 7 ● Chapter 8 ● Chapter 9 ●

Chapter 10 ●

Masked Miracles

BTS Ot7 x Reader

Prologue

Written because I needed to get the creative juices going and posted because I can. Not sorry lol. Will admit that part of this prologue will have potentially triggering content. This fic has a dark storyline associated with it and is not meant to be consumed lightly. Read with caution please.

Yoongi POV:

I paced the length of the enclosure. Just as I always did. Sometimes out of anxiousness and others as a means to get more information of where we were and whether we could escape or not. This place was hell. And the sooner I could help my pack get out of here, the better. But it had been months. Maybe even years and we’ve been no closer to getting out than we had started. People came and went. It was obvious within the first several days of what they used this place for and why we were here. Sickening really. How lucrative the rare hybrid exchange became.

Much like illegal trafficking of animals, hybrids became just as sought after. Even more so considering our human halves provided more benefits than animals themselves did. Rare breeds left and right would be picked up off the streets and hardly anyone noticed or even cared. Shoved into enclosures like these and told they would either be sold or used for breeding as a more long-term cash grab. That route wasn’t always profitable though. The bad thing about rare hybrid breeds was that it was hard enough to find one species, let alone two of the opposite sex who could reproduce.

For the longest time, that hindered the illegal trade of cubs and other young. It wasn’t until hybrids and humans began to intermingle and romantic relationships between the two flourished becoming more common that people found out human females were capable of conceiving and bearing hybrid offspring. In fact, more often than not those children were hybrids themselves. Hybrid genetics were believed to be more dominant, meaning that 9 times out of 10, any babies born between hybrid-human couples where the female was human ended up with hybrid traits.

Unfortunately, the same couldn’t be said for human males. Human sperm wasn’t compatible with most hybrid females. There were rare instances, where hybrid females could conceive with a human male, but that was a gamble in and of itself and a lot more trouble than what it was worth according to the trafficking business. That didn’t mean men didn’t try though. While it was hard on my pack being here, we were lucky enough to be an all-male pack. Especially when I catch brief conversations in the halls outside the enclosure where some of the “attendants” as they preferred to be called would sneak into the females’ enclosures.

As if I didn’t already hate them enough. I stopped pacing long enough to look towards the back of the room where quiet shuffling had caught my attention. Two white ears popped out from under the blankets, soft grunts leaving him as he untangled himself from the embrace of the tiger wrapped around him. Apart from a couple of quick flicks of his tail, Taehyung didn’t rouse, seemingly unbothered by the man having to force his way out of the pile. Jimin finally pulled himself away, eyes tired as he surveyed the room, presumably for me. His dark eyes landed on me, body relaxing once he realized I was only performing my usual morning task.

“You’re up early.” He yawned, shuffling out of the pallet.

“I’m always up early.”

“True.” He nodded sleepily, padding over to me. “Any news?”

“No. The night attendants haven’t even been by yet.”

Just as I said so, the faint chatter of who I’d been waiting on echoed down the halls outside. My round ears twisted towards the noise, Jimin’s perking up higher to get a better listen as they approached.

“I wish they’d get rid of that damn bird already. He’s a pain in the ass to deal with.” One of them grumbled.

“Yeah right. After the hassle it was to get him here in the first place?” The other chuckled.

“He got you good tonight though.”

It was times like these where I wished there was more than just a small slit in the door serving as a window. In some cases, it was a blessing. Like when we could count on our privacy, but in others, like now when I needed to see more than just the wall across the hall from our room, it was a nuisance. I waited for the two to pass by their voices getting louder the closer they got.

“Did you hear? Rumor is that there’s a human woman that boss has his eyes on. Apparently got herself in a bind and took a money offer from him and she can’t afford to pay him back.”

“I heard someone talking about collecting later today. Maybe she’s the one they were talking about?”

Collecting. That was the term I’d come to know meant they’d be making a run for hybrids. Or, in this case, a woman. The news was surprising. As far as I knew, it’d been months since the last time a human female was here. They weren’t exactly easy to come by. Mostly women who needed money or those that were in bad situations and couldn’t get themselves out of it. Ones similar to what it sounded like this next female had in store. But it wasn’t as if they could just pluck her off the streets and no one would think twice. Hybrids yes, humans… not so much. People were more likely to investigate the disappearance of women, especially in areas where trafficking is prevalent.

If they were talking about kidnapping her, that meant whoever she was, no one would look for her. The thought made me frown. As upset that made me, I couldn’t afford to dwell on it. I had a pack of my own to look after. I could feel Jimin fidgeting behind me. The pallet making noise again as someone else rustled in the blankets. I didn’t look to see who it was. My focus riveted to the two men as they came closer.

“Maybe…” The other hummed. “Where do you think he’ll place her?”

“Where else?” A loud bang on our door made Jimin jump, and my ears flatten against my hair as a loud laugh followed. “It’s no secret boss has been itching to use these ones. Especially that bear. They’ve been making good money these days on cubs, so I’m sure he’ll bank on him taking a liking to her.”

My eye twitched. A low growl rumbling from my chest as a verbal cue of my annoyance. Turning my attention from the door and the men’s conversation as they continued down the hall, I looked to Jimin. His eyes were sad, ears down as he reflected on the same conversation I had heard. Remembering I had heard someone else getting around earlier, I cast a look over to our makeshift bed to find the very hybrid they’d been speaking of sitting up with the blankets still wrapped around his lower half. His small, white, round ears barely peeking through his pale pink hair. Jin slowly lifted his eyes to meet mine. The worry in his speaking volumes as he swept his gaze between Jimin and I.

“What are we going to do?” He asked quietly, hoping not to wake the rest of the members.

Jimin looked to me. The two of them deferring to my authority in cases like these when Namjoon wasn’t available. The lion was still asleep. None the wiser as he curled around our resident red panda.

“The same thing we’ve been doing.” I sighed. “Find a way out.”

Chapter 1 》

Taglist:

@dvalitaes @allamericanuniverse @ldysmfrst

Exceptions

Genre: smut, pwp if you squint, sub Soyeon, dom Reader

Pairing: Soyeon/Female Reader, side of Yuqi/Reader

Warnings: 18+ (please do not read this if under 18), mommy kink, use of a strap on, voyeurism (consensual), exhibitionism, cunnilingus, mentions of blowjobs, nipple piercings

Synopsis: You’ve wanted Soyeon from the moment you saw her. But after seeing her hook up with guy after useless guy, you’d given up on ever getting to have Soyeon yourself. That is, until she asks to watch you with another lady.

Note: I guess I’m doing female Kpop idol imagines now? Idk lol just got weird inspiration for this one and wrote it out as quickly as I could. I may do more of these. I probably won’t take requests at this time, but do let me know if there’s an idol you’d like me to do.

You had Soyeon right where you wanted her. On her back, her schoolgirl skirt falling between her open thighs and her shirt pushed up to reveal her tits. They were pierced with perfect little silver balls on each side. You let your tongue run over one, eliciting an appreciative mewl.

Ever since you met her, you knew you wanted her. You first met Soyeon has a friend of a friend when you all went out to the club together.

You watched as she shook her ass for a guy way below her league. The next morning you had to hear about how he took her into the bathroom and stuffed her throat with his cock and came all over her face. It only made you think about riding her face and leaving her a mess afterward.

There was no indication that Soyeon was interested in you—or girls even—until about a month later at another trip to the club. You’d finally given up on Soyeon ever having any sapphic realizations and decided to find a girl for the night.

Within an hour you spotted a cute girl with a bob hair cut and hearts painted under her eyes. You started dancing and only learned her name was Yuqi after your hands had wandered to her ass.

Soon, the two of you were on one of the couches in the back. Yuqi straddled one of your thighs as you made out, and you could feel her clothes cunt clenching when you stuck your hand up her shirt.

As Yuqi kissed your neck, you caught a pair of eyes watching you. Soyeon sat at a table a few feet away, a drink in her hand. She didn’t have disdain or disgust in her eyes, but rather something you recognized as curiosity. It must have been what led her to walk over to you.

“Yuqi,” you said, getting the girl to pause. “Let’s take this to a hotel.” Yuqi nodded and was able to climb off you when she noticed Soyeon.

“Hey Soyeon,” you said. “What can I help you with?” You looked over at Yuqi who looked slightly annoyed by the interruption and the hold up.

“C-Can I watch?”

“You want to watch me fuck her?” The light thump of music filled the silence. After a few beats, you looked down at Yuqi. “I don’t care. Do you?”

Yuqi shook her head.

***

You weren’t sure if it was because you wanted to put on a show for Soyeon or because Yuqi was the type of sub that demanded it, but you ended up tying her to the bed. Like you had imagined doing to Soyeon all those weeks ago, you rode Yuqi’s face until you came.

You hummed and pulled off, smoothing down her hair and admiring the painted hearts that had since smeared.

“Mm, such a good girl for mommy aren’t we?” You hand dove down to where her panties were already drenched. She squirmed and let out little whines, begging you to take her further.

It was when you got out the strap on that Soyeon’s eyes went wide. While her interest has been waning after you came, the appearance of such a toy suddenly cause her to perk up.

Yuqi, too, seemed anxious. As you strapped on the dildo and lined yourself up, you watched Yuqi fall apart beneath you.

You looked up and saw the front of Soyeon’s jeans open, her hand forced down the fabric of her panties which you could just barely make out the color of: red.

You went harder.

***

“How did you first find out you liked girls?” Soyeon asked about an hour later after Yuqi cleaned herself up and left.

“I don’t know. I never really had to. From day one I sort of just found myself more into girls. Then I made out with a girl at summer camp once and it sorta just solidified it.” You took a sip of the beer the two of you sipped. “Why? You thinking you might be into girls?”

Soyeon shifted. “I mean, I definitely like guys, but—“ She glances back towards the bed. “That was one of the hottest things I’ve ever seen.”

You chuckled and finished off your drink, satisfied for the night. “Well, if you’re ever interested—“ You stand up to get ready to leave and look back, pointing at the bed. “I can always do that you, you know?”

***

Soyeon was on a mission that night. At first, you thought nothing of the way she bumped against you while dancing, her curves seemingly accidentally sliding against your own.

You had noticed the lacy black crop top that offered little more coverage than a bra, paired with a school girl style skirt that just barely covered the curve of her ass. Paired with boots, an industrial looking belt, and her flowing dyed blonde hair, she looked sexy as hell.

Through the top you could see the ball ends of her nipple piercings which wetted your panties with just a look. If she was your girlfriend, you’d take her into the nearest dark corner and punish her for that.

After a while, Soyeon lost herself in the music and didn’t notice the way her skirt came up when she danced sometimes. Allowing you a brief look at her almost bare ass, save for the small red strip of fabric of her thing.

You had to dive into the bathroom and rub one out after that. Trying to be quick and quiet, you froze as you heard someone enter the bathroom.

“Y/N? You in here?” Soyeon’s voice asked.

You almost didn’t say anything, but found yourself answering her anyway. You were working on getting yourself cleaned up, disappointed that you didn’t get to your release.

“Will you let me in?”

You don’t know what possesses you to let her in before you’ve fully pulled up your jeans, but when she sees you, she smirks.

“Looks like you’ve got yourself into trouble,” she said, chuckling. It almost enraged you the way she took over the conversation, but it also made you quiver with the need for your release even more.

“Yeah, with no thanks to you.”

Soyeon gets on her knees then, her hands coming to your hips and the the top of your jeans. She goes to pull them down, but you stop her.

“You’re drunk.”

“Mm, no,” she said. “Perfectly sober. I just know what I want now.”

“And, what do you want?”

“To do what I do best.” This caused you to raise an eyebrow as she looked up at you. “Give oral in dirty club bathrooms.”

She pulled down your jeans so they rested around your knees and slowly went for your panties. With little hesitation, she brought her lips to your clit and sucked on it.

For never having gone down on a pussy before, Soyeon was a natural. It took a bit longer than usual, but you found yourself coming against her lips with your hand in your hair.

“Fuck,” you said. “We’re leaving. Now.”

***

You’d waited what felt like years for this. Seeing Soyeon as she was now, all spread out just for you.

Unlike most hookups, you actually brought her back to your place. You weren’t one to develop feelings so quickly, but something about Soyeon made you want to keep this moment as private as possible.

“Mm, you’ve been so bad today, baby girl. Finally deciding on what you want and thinking you can just take it.”

Your hands roamed across her body. Her shirt—once pushed against her neck—now laid on the other side of the bed. The belt too was thrown somewhere.

Reaching up her skirt, you wrap a finger through the waistband of her panties. You feel her tense as you slowly begin to ease them down her thighs. You stop just before they lose contact with her core, peeling them ever so slowly from her soaked pussy.

“Mm, you get this wet for that guy you went down on?”

She shook her head and you had her panties down to her knees now. “Use your words, baby girl.”

“No,” she said. “I don’t think I’ve ever been this wet.”

You bring her thong down to her ankles and promptly toss them aside. She started to sit up to unzip her skirt, but you placed a hand in the center of her waist.

“Keep it on,” you said, reaching down fo breach the hem of the skirt and touch her wet cunt. You start her off with two fingers, curling them and keeping a steady pace.

Occasionally, you allowed you tongue to graze over her nipple or her clit. Always earning you appreciative moans that you wish you could play back later.

Soyeon cums soon after you add a third finger. You make a show of pulling out your hand, slick with cum and sweat. You put two fingers in your mouth and lick them dry, letting Soyeon watch as you reveled in her orgasm.

Discarding your own clothes, you go to the closet to retrieve your strap on. You knew it was what she wanted since the moment you saw her wide eyes when you used it on Yuqi.

“This what you wanted, baby girl?”

Soyeon nodded almost frantically and sits up on her knees in anticipation. “Yes.”

You hum in disapproval as you step into the straps and bring them up to your hips. Fastening it, you eye her.

“Yes, what?”

Soyeon blushes. Though, you could tell she loved it by the way a spark seemed to go through her body at your reprimands.

“Yes, Mommy.”

You give an approving sigh as you approach the bed. If this were one of your normal hook ups, this is where you would press her back on the bed, either face down or face up, and rail her until she came.

With Soyeon, you wanted to prove to her that this could be just as good, if not better than anything she’d ever done with a man.

“How do you like it? Missionary? Doggy?”

Soyeon’s gaze flit from you to the bed and back to the dildo strapped to your hips. She seems to understand the control she has in the moment and points to the couch along the wall.

“I wanna ride you.”

You comply and sit down, positioning the dildo just right so that she could sink down on it. You imagined how many others had this view before you and how there was no way they fully appreciated it.

Soyeon kisses you as she straddles your thighs first before eventually aligning herself with the dildo. You watch as she sinks down and begins to bounce.

You’re absolutely enraptured by the way her tits bounce perfectly to the rhythm she’s established. Her hair falls just in front of them, the edges collecting the sweat that forms along her face.

She’s gorgeous and you’re the luckiest woman in the world.

You don’t make her do all the work. After she set the pace, you thrust up into her and reach down to massage her clit. This seems to be just what she needed as she lets out a moan and her head falls back.

“Come on, baby girl. You’re so close. Cum for Mommy.”

With just a few more deep thrusts, Soyeon’s over the edge again. Her body shakes and rattles and she reaches out to hold you as she comes down.

You don’t normally find yourself the cuddling type after sex. Normally, you help your lady clean up, make sure she has a safe way home, and see her out. But, like how Soyeon is an exception to almost every rule, you find her wrapped around you in the afterglow.

“I didn’t you off for a second time though.” She pouts and is reaching for your pussy under the covers.

You chuckle and grab her hand, bringing it up to your lips where you leave a sweet kiss.

“It’s all right, baby girl. I didn’t want to move to fast for you. I know you probably have some things to learn.”

Soyeon chuckles and wraps her arms around your waist, her chin coming to rest in the crook of your collarbone.

“I’m a good student though. I’m sure I’ll pick it up quickly.”

“Yes,” you said. “I’m sure.”

Stray Kids Masterlist

One Shots:

Felix:

Fancy Dress: CEO AU, smut

Series:

Amadeus | b.ch Werewolf AU, slight Fantasy AU, Musician!Reader Rating: M Warnings: language, violence, adult themes, eventual smut, the characters are adults so

Chan belongs to the Order of Amadeus who work to keep the kingdom safe from the lycanthropy plague spreading among the populace. You can only hunt so long before you become what you hunt.

Y/N is a violinist in a traveling music troupe-one of the few left in the kingdom. One morning when she is practicing in the woods, a man emerges from among the trees and changes her life forever.

Down a member, the Order of Amadeus continues their mission to end the lycanthropy plague, but their missing member remains in the back of their mind as they narrow in on the worst wolf of them all.

Reactions:

Stray Kids As Your Plus One At A Wedding Stray Kids As Your College Boyfriend Stray Kids Reaction To Having A Plus Size Partner Stray Kids Comforting You After A Bad Day At Work Stray Kids When They Have A Crush On You But You Like Another Member Stray Kids Reaction To You Surprising Them With Lingerie But They’re Unexpectedly With Another Member Stray Kids Reaction To You Getting Too Drunk At A Party Stray Kids Reaction To You Having Bunny Teeth Husband!SKZ Reaction To You Saying You Want A Divorce During An Argument Stray Kids Reaction To You Skipping A Stray Kids Song As A Prank Stray Kids Reaction To You Asking Them To Move In With You Stray Kids Reaction To Painting Each Other's Nails Stray Kids Reaction To Forgetting Their S/O's Birthday Stray Kids Reaction To You Being Afraid Of Sex Because Of An Ex [Hyung Line] Stray Kids Reaction To You Being A Metalhead Stray Kids Reaction To You Having Curly Hair Stray Kids Reaction To Getting You Flowers, But You're Allergic Stray Kids Reaction To Being Caught Making Out Stray Kids Reaction To Seeing Surgery Scars On Their S/O

MTL:

MTL To Fall For Their Online Friend MTL To Date Their Complete Opposite MTL Kiss On The First Date MTL Break Down When You Almost Break Up MTL Enjoy Giving Oral MTL Fall In Love At First Sight MTL Date A Capricorn MTL Date An Aquarius MTL Date A Pisces

Skz forgetting their s/o bday!

+ I enjoy your writing and felt like letting you know that you’re appreciated! Thank you!!

SKZ Reaction To Forgetting Their S/O's Birthday

Genre: light angst, fluff

Warnings: none

A/N: Thanks for the request!

Chan:

To be honest, I think it's unlikely that Chan forgets your birthday at all. He's good about those sorts of things and would set a calendar reminder just to make sure. If he did forget your birthday, it would likely be due to his schedule or overwork. Instead of making a huge gesture to beg your forgiveness, he'll simply show up with flowers, an apology, and your gift. It's so sincere that it's enough.

Minho:

He would think Felix was joking at first when he mentioned it was your birthday. When he realized that it wasn't a joke, he would immediately drop whatever he was doing to go get a last minute gift and come to your side. I think he would pretend like he remembered at first, but if you call him out on it, he'll admit it and apologize profusely. Ultimately, you'd get an extra cuddly and affectionate Minho which was rare, so it made up for it.

Changbin:

This poor man would absolutely hate himself. At first, he would isolate to collect himself and his thoughts. Early the next morning you'd wake up to dozens of flowers, a copious amount of your favorite snacks, and an apologetic Changbin. You'd spend the rest of the day watching movies and eating snacks. From then on, he'd set a reminder in his phone to ensure this never happened again.

Hyunjin:

Hyunjin would rely on you to remind him because he is hopeless at remembering birthdays other than his own and Kkami's. If he did end up forgetting it, depending on how much importance his partner puts on their birthday, he would sacrifice sleep to take them to dinner. If his partner didn't care too much for birthdays, he would give them their gift a few days late and apologize for missing it on the day.

Jisung:

Similar to Changbin, this man will beat himself up. He'll probably shyly apologize and practically beg with his eyes for you not to be mad. He would spend the next two to three days making it up to you. This may include bringing you your favorite boba, letting you pick takeout every night, and taking you for walks along the Han River. After letting him stew for a bit, you'd tell him that it really wasn't a big deal.

Felix:

Honestly, Felix would be surprised if he forgets his birthday. It would likely only happen if they were preparing for comeback or if he thought it was on a different day. Luckily, he ordered your gifts well in advance and so he is able to give them to you with an apologetic look that makes it impossible to be mad at him. Expect a soft Felix for a few days with lots of forehead kisses, playing with your fingers, and the sharing of a playlist of songs he wrote for you.

Seungmin:

He may not see it as a big deal at first because if you forgot his, he wouldn't care too much. However, if his nonchalance causes a fight, he would realize just how much your birthday meant to you. He'd take you out to a nice restaurant and take you shopping after to pick out anything you wanted. Back hugs, soft and shy compliments, and later he'd send a large text about how he's sorry and how much he loves you.

Jeongin:

Similar to Minho, he may try to joke about it, but for him, this is an awkward deflection tactic as he figures out what exactly he's going to do. When he realizes you're mad mad he'd leave to pick up some of your favorite things as well as the present he had actually gotten you months ago in preparation for your birthday. Still, he knew gifts couldn't totally make up for it, so he'd make sure to be extra gentle and eventually talk about it.

SKZ MTL Date A Capricorn

Genre: fluff, astrology

Warnings: none

A/N: Since the members' rising signs are not publicly known, I am basing this off of the rest of their charts.

Most

Jisung Seungmin Hyunjin Felix Minho Chan Changbin Jeongin

Least

Jisung's chart is pretty well aligned with having a partner that is a Capricorn sun. His Virgo sun complements a Capricorn sun as does his Pisces moon. I would not be surprised if his rising is water/earth as well. Plus, when Jisung is more subdued or anxious, the right Capricorn partner will be strong-willed and when a Capricorn steels themself to reality, Jisung's more sensitive moon can help them feel comfortable in vulnerability.

Also, a Virgo sun, Seungmin, and a Capricorn partner are likely to have similar goals in life and senses of humor. His Cancer moon complements a Capricorn sun but adds a bit more spice than other water signs since they are directly opposed cardinal signs. This is not necessarily bad (though it could be depending on the rest of the partner's chart, etc.) and could account for sarcastic exchanges that no one else can quite understand.

Hyunjin has a Pisces sun paired with a Virgo moon. This makes him a good match for a potential Capricorn sun partner. Similar to Jisung, their strengths and weaknesses would work well together. Hyunjin also has a couple of Taurus placements which bode well for a relationship with a Capricorn. I think the relationship would be a fairly content one with an expected, but not unmanageable amount of strife.

Out of the Virgos, Felix is least likely to seek out or vibe with a Capricorn partner. That's not to say the right one couldn't charm him, but with his Aries moon and a couple of Aquarius placements, he and a Capricorn partner both can be rather dominant personalities. While Felix is kind and sensitive, he has his ways and doesn't like deviating from them. A Capricorn can be a little more chaotic in some ways that would not vibe with the Aries brand of chaos.

Minho has a very Scorpio heavy chart which--as a complementary water sign--can work well with Capricorns. However, I've ranked him a bit lower since Capricorn and Scorpio are both very headstrong and determined. Their life goals may clash, but they are more likely to have a strong emotional connection and understanding for one another. If this emotional bond is strong enough, Minho and a Capricorn sun partner may work out beautifully. Though, it is a delicate balance and could easily tip the other way depending on the partner's chart.

Chan and Changbin both have medium to low overall compatibility with Capricorn suns. Out of the two, Chan is more compatible with a couple of water placements, and his Libra is somewhat hit or miss based on the individual Capricorn. Despite a couple of Taurus and other water sign placements, I ultimately think Changbin's Leo sun AND moon clash too much with a Capricorn sun. Essentially, they could be too much for one another. However, in rare circumstances, depending on the Capricorn's chart and Changbin's rising sign, there is a chance it could work out.

Jeongin's Aquarius sun and Leo moon simply make him a less-than-ideal match for most Capricorn suns. Of course, there are exceptions to every rule, but unless Jeongin's rising sign is a strong Virgo, Capricorn, or Pisces, I do not see him ever having a successful long term romantic relationship with a Capricorn. There would be too much strife between them and likely an emotional disconnect necessary for a close romantic relationship.

Skz reaction to you having curly hair?

Stray Kids Reaction To Their SO Having Curly Hair

Genre: fluff

Warnings: slight suggestiveness

A/N: As a wavy-haired girl myself, this is def is a tad self-indulgent.

Chan:

Chan will love your curly hair and it just might help him embrace his own curls. Ngl, he'll be a little amazed at your hair care routine and all it takes to keep your curls from frizzing or tangling. Whenever his hands end up in your hair, he'll be extremely careful because he knows how easy it is for things to get tangled in it, but running his hands through your hair during a kiss always makes him weak in the knees.

Minho:

Honestly, I feel like this man doesn't have much of a preference on his SO's hair. Of course, he loves it because it's yours, but its not something that he immediately notices. During your relationship though, he'll love to gather your hair into a ponytail just to see your face better. Whenever you think your hair looks awful or it just won't cooperate, he's always there to reassure you that it looks fine and that it doesn't matter cause it will get messed up later.

Changbin:

Changbin LOVES your curly hair, especially when you wear it long. His hands are constantly playing with the ends of them whenever his arm is around your shoulders or when you lay your head on his lap. He'll love putting his caps on your head just to see how your hair looks in it. He's a sucker for you in a backward baseball cap. Changbin will also keep a list of your hair care products on his phone so he always gets the right one.

Hyunjin:

The two of you absolutely share hair accessories. One day you'll come home to find him using one of your headbands to keep his hair out of his eyes as he paints. Another day he'll find you using his clips while you style your hair. Truthfully, neither of you mind. Hyunjin rarely comments on your hair specifically, but he always goes out of his way to leave kisses in your hair.

Jisung:

Playing with your hair is a pastime for Jisung. It never gets old for him and he's constantly gathering it into a ponytail and letting it fall loose again just to repeat the process. He never explicitly says anything about your hair, but you can tell how much he loves it by how much attention he gives it. Something about curly hair will absolutely get worked into one of his sad love songs.

Felix:

Felix is all for words of affirmation and never ceases to tell you how beautiful you are, including how much he loves your hair. Like Jisung, he always finds himself playing with it, but it's in a more absentminded way. No matter when you ask him if your hair looks all right, he will always say yes, even if you've just woken up. Will one day curl his hair so you two can "match."

Seungmin:

Seungmin rarely says things explicitly. That doesn't mean that he doesn't say you look beautiful or that he loves you, it's just that he cannot fathom identifying one feature in particular when he loves all of you. Of course, your curly hair is part of that. However, if you got hold of his diary, you'd see just how much he thinks about your hair and that it is often one of the first things he notices about you.

Jeongin:

He shows his love for you (and your hair) with teasing. It's mostly harmless and he knows when to be serious. If you've done something new with your hair or gotten all just up, this man will be speechless, and any thoughts of teasing you go out the window. I mean, he can't even form words. While he may not care about hair texture one way or another, he loves your hair because it's yours.

Rebound | m.yg

Genre: College AU, Basketball Captain!Yoongi, Basketball Captain!Reader, Idiots to Lovers, slight Rivals to Lovers, Hurt/Comfort

Pairing: Yoongi/Reader

Rating: M

Warnings: cheating (once and not on OC), alcohol consumption, smut, sexual assault (one instance by a third party) (additional warnings at the beginning of each chapter)

Synopsis: You and Yoongi always catch each other on the rebound.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11

Notes: This was originally written and completed on Wattpad in 2018.

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Rebound | Chapter One: Cherry Picking

Genre: College AU, Basketball Captain!Yoongi, Basketball Captain!Reader, Idiots to Lovers, slight Rivals to Lovers, Hurt/Comfort

Pairing: Yoongi/Reader

Rating: M

Chapter Warnings: break up, implied cheating, cursing/sexual language

Synopsis: You and Yoongi always catch each other on the rebound. Notes: The first chapter! Enjoy x

Series Masterlist | Next

vVv

You hated the days where the girl's basketball team was forced to practice with the boys. It meant that you'd have to deal with the smell of boy sweat, being blatantly checked out, and many of the guys making fools of themselves as they tried to show off. Not to mention, you didn't like giving away your plays to the boy's team. Sure, you all played for the same university, but with an even amount of championship wins, this year, the competition was between the boys and the girls and who would be able to bring home another title that year.

And, you'd caught the boy's captain, Min Yoongi watching you as you ran through plays with your team. However, it wasn't the glances like you were used to from the rest of his team, the ones that lingered over your body and left you feeling like you needed a shower. No, Yoongi was watching each step of your foot, each time you faked a pass, or threw a basket. He was learning from you, and that was completely unacceptable.

You and Yoongi has been playing together since you were in high school. Now, as seniors in college, it was both of yours last chance to earn a championship for your respective teams. You both had previous championship wins, but the boys and girls never won a championship in the same year. And, this year, it was going to be yours.

"Yah, Min Yoongi! Why don't you come down here and show off your own strategy instead of stealing mine?!"

"I wasn't stealing," he said. "I was admiring." A smirk crossed his face quickly, fading so quickly you weren't sure it had even been there at all. "But, fine. Come on boys, let's play some defense."

Yoongi called over his team and instructed his starters to get into their respective defensive positions. His eyebrow arched as he got into position in front of you, his stance low and his arms out. Yoongi was known for his defense, in fact, it had turned many games. If your offense could beat Min Yoongi, it could beat anybody.

"Captain on Captain," he said, his momentary smirk returning. "Let's make this interesting. Whoever loses has to stay and clean up. Both locker rooms."

You shrugged, you often stayed for hours after practice anyway, but the thought of having to clean the boy's locker room made you want to throw up. However, you agreed—not willing to back down—and waited for the coach to blow the whistle, signaling for you to begin.

You began dribbling the ball and headed towards the basket. Yoongi was right there with you, his chest less than an inch from you. You stopped and passed the ball to a teammate before booking it over to the side of the basket where she passed it back to you.

It was a fairly simple play--the ball only being passed between you two--unless for some reason either of you was otherwise occupied. It depended on your teammates moving around to keep their defenders busy while the two of you used the free space to your advantage.

Yoongi attempted to catch the pass, his fingertips connecting with the ball, but you managed to catch it and throw it up at the basket before he could get a grip. The ball bounced off the basket and rebounded in your direction.

Yoongi managed to catch the rebound and started dribbling down the court. You defended him, but he was faster than he looked. You managed to get in his face just as he shot the ball up towards the basket, but it didn't faze him and the ball sunk into the basket.

You cursed under your breath. You turned--attempting to retrieve the ball--and your ass rubbed against Yoongi's thigh and you could practically hear the smirk break out across his face.

The game continued fairly uneventfully. The boys were two points ahead due to a lucky three point shot. It was the last half of the final quarter and you had to do something. You carefully signaled to your team to do a play that involved passing the ball excessively before one of your teammates finally passes it back to you and you go for the three point shot. You could think of nothing sweeter than winning by one point.

The play went smoothly with the ball coming back to you. Yoongi had only left your side for a moment in an attempt to catch the pass back to you, but as he quickly discovered what you were planning, he lunged towards you. Attempting to stop the ball from its ascent, he had too much momentum and smacked right into you. The ball's ascent becoming much sharper and landing far short of the basket.

You--on the other hand--had fallen straight backwards. Luckily, your butt broke your fall and you rolled onto your side and curled into a ball, out of breath from the shock. You heard the whistle blown--indicating that Yoongi fouled you--and it brought you back to reality.

Everyone seemed to be asking if you were okay, in a flurry of questions that only made you feel dizzy. You simply offered a quick nod and made your way to the free throw line. You easily made the two free shots, tying up the game.

The whistle sounded. "Games over," the coach said. "Looks like the teams are pretty evenly matched." He nodded at you and Yoongi. He dismissed practice and you turned to look at Yoongi.

"So, I guess the bet's off? Since we tied? We'll each just clean our own?"

Yoongi shrugged. "I don't mind doing both. I didn't mean to hurt you."

You laughed. "I'm fine, Yoongi. You've seen me take worse falls."

"I know, it's just--I caused this one--"

"Well, if you really want to clean the girl's locker room, it's fine. Just text me first or something so I can make sure everyone's out."

vVv

You didn't register Yoongi's text as you sat underneath your office desk. Your legs pulled into your chest as you tried to steady your breaths. He had to have known you were in your office by now. He'd been at practice and was probably changing when he sent the simple text.

"I'm breaking up with you, Y/N."

You knew your now--ex-boyfriend had probably left already--probably already had another date lined up. God, you hoped it wasn't with one of the other girls on your team. Partially because of the awkwardness, but also, because every girl on your team deserved better than a boy who would break up through text.

You heard a hesitant knock on the door. You huddled down closer underneath your desk, hoping that if you could keep your sobs quiet enough, whoever it was would just go away.

"Anyone still in here?" you heard Yoongi ask, as he peeked into the empty locker in room. Your office was connected to the locker room, but the blinds on your window were closed and your door was closed. You pulled your legs as close as they could possibly get to your body and pressed your head into your knees, hoping Yoongi would clean and leave thinking simply that you'd left already.

You heard as he shuffled around the locker room picking up half drank water bottles and making sure all the locks were secure. Your sobs were building up in your chest and you feared you couldn't hold them back. You inhaled sharply, but the exhale came out shaky. You whimpered, trying to hold the tears back.

The nearly completely concrete room carried sound better than some music rooms and it was only a moment later the shuffling paused.

"Y/N?"

You stayed quiet, even forgetting to breath for a few moments. You weren't sure how he immediately knew it was you. Maybe it was because you were always known to stay after practice and do your homework or work on strategy, often not leaving until it was dark. Or, maybe you two had simply played long enough together he could tell you from the others on the team.

You phone vibrated, somehow reverberating off the walls. It was simply reminding you of Yoongi's unread text and you muttered a silent curse as you heard the shuffling stop once again.

"Y/N?" he asked again, this time approaching the door to your office.

You closed your eyes and tried not to notice how the light was suddenly blinding you, even with your eyes shut.

"Y/N, what are you doing down there?" he asked. "Wait, what happened?"

You opened your eyes and looked up at the boy who was crouched down in front of your desk and examining you with his frustratingly puppy like eyes.

"It's nothing," you said, crawling out from underneath your desk and leaning against it and crossing your arms. Yoongi followed you, standing up, but not leaving the room.

"It's not nothing," he said. "I haven't seen you cry this much since you broke your wrist at championships Freshman year."

"At least I made the shot though," you said, smiling for half a second before it faded.

"I-I didn't hurt you earlier, did I?"

You shook your head. "No, really, Yoongi, I'm fine. It's stupid."

Yoongi stood in silence, waiting for you to explain. He wasn't going to leave without an explanation or a fight, and you were too exhausted to argue with the boy. Normally, when you were grumpy, he was the first person you picked a fight with, but you hated him seeing you in your weakened state. And, you knew he would see through your attempts at trying to argue for what they were--trying to annoy him into leaving.

"Isn't Ji-yoo waiting for you?" you asked, your attempt at stalling causing him to sigh and release the tension in his shoulders. You knew mentioning his girlfriend was a sure fire way to piss him off, but the girl was sweet and a decent player. You honestly didn't want her to have to wait on your problems.

"Y/N, just tell me what happened. We've known each long enough. I'm not gonna tell any of the boys about this."

Your eyes shifted away from him and your hands gripped the desk, your knuckles turning white. You held back another sob that has built up during the conversation, feeling more pathetic than ever.

"Chan-woo broke up with me," you said. "He texted me a little before you did." The sob came out and you hid your face in your hands.

You felt Yoongi's body envelope yours. You immediately fell into his warmth, your face hiding in his black T-shirt. You could still smell his body wash and a small hint of a musky cologne. He'd obviously showered just after practice and you couldn't be more thankful as you took in his scent and you felt yourself relax against him and the desk.

"I'm sorry," he said, his voice soft and deep. It was the voice he used when he pitied you. His arm tightened around your back and you propped your chin on the center of his chest. He looked down at you, his free hand coming up to carefully brush some of your still damp hair from your face. "I know we're not really friends, but I don't like to see you upset. What happened to the Y/N from high school? You were the one breaking hearts then."

You scoffed and rolled your eyes playfully. "Like yours? Remember when you asked me to homecoming and I said no?" You dragged your fingertip over his chest and felt his gaze harden. Not maliciously, but enough to make you pause.

Your body tensed again under his gaze. His dark eyes looking at you in a way you couldn't describe. His gaze felt warm, but it was like sitting too close to a fire, the sparks began to burn.

"Yes," he said. "Yes, I do remember. I also remember driving you home after you got stood up that night."

You pulled away, losing his warmth was nearly painful, but you wiped your eyes, the tears having stopped spilling. The sobs were no longer in your throat, but you could still feel where they sat.

"Oh yeah," you said. "I, uh, forgot about that."

"I know you're upset, but you deserve better. You know that, right?"

"No, its okay. I know. He was a jerk, anyway, and I really should've seen this coming. I always saw the way he looked at the other girls on the team. I don't really know why I'm so upset about it. I know I shouldn't be cause he was probably cheating on me anyway, but--"

Yoongi's lips cut yours off. It caught you off guard, but your hands seemed to naturally gravitate towards his freshly washed and still half damp hair and your legs spread allowing him to come closer. His hands anchored to the desk on either side of your hips. The kiss was short, but heated, and when he pulled away you felt yourself yearning for him to come back.

"Stop talking about him," Yoongi said. "It'll make you feel worse."

"Yoongi, what was that?"

"You were rambling."

You couldn't help but let out a girlish giggle at his excuse. Yoongi's eyes seemed to soften when you laughed, but his posture was still tense, his hands still resting on either side of you, and his body still so much closer than you two got outside of the court.

"I never liked the way he talked about you in the locker room," he said, his head lowering slightly. His gaze falling from yours.

"Mmm, is that right? How'd he talk about me?"

Yoongi seemed surprised at your response, but his gaze shot back to yours. It had darkened though, from a look of concern to one of need.

"All the things he wanted to do to you," he said, his voice becoming raspy and breathless. You noticed his gaze slipping downward, although you had no idea where.

"Like what?"

Yoongi's right hand moved from the desk and onto your thigh, pushing up your basketball shorts slightly. His fingertips brushed the edge of your panties, but he didn't attempt to go any further.

"He wanted to fuck you on the court. Right at half court."

"Is that all?"

"Well, he was more specific, but I'll spare you the details."

Yoongi's face was dangerously close to your own, your foreheads nearly colliding.

"Don't guys talk about that stuff all the time?"

"Yeah, but it was different."

"Why?"

Yoongi knew you were baiting him, but as his fingers began to slowly massage the skin of your thigh, he seemed to care less.

"Cause it was about you."

"What makes me so different, Min Yoongi?"

He didn't answer the hair on his forehead tickling your skin.

"Is it cause you've known me so long I've become like a sister to you?"

"No," he said.

"Is it cause you have your own fantasies about me?"

Again, he didn't say anything, but he bit his lip and let out a shallow grunt that seemed to be in affirmation. "Just cause your glances are subtle, Yoongi, doesn't mean I don't notice."

His glance was less than subtle coming to rest at your lips and finally meeting your eyes full of something primal.

"What do you want to do to me, Yoongi?"

His lips brushed against the skin on your neck—testing the waters—and when your neck lulled back allowing him full access. He was eager and immediately his tongue came into contact with your skin and made you shiver.

"I want to fuck you on this desk," he said.

"Then, do it." One of your hands returned to his hair, while the other played with the hem of his T-shirt. "And, don't spare me any of the details."

Taglist:

@limiworld @wobblewobble822 @wmyoons @sarcasticsweetlara

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Rebound | Chapter Two: Offensive Foul

Genre: College AU, Basketball Captain!Yoongi, Basketball Captain!Reader, Idiots to Lovers, slight Rivals to Lovers, Hurt/Comfort

Pairing: Yoongi/Reader

Rating: M

Chapter Warnings: short chapter lol, public sex, discussed cheating, smut

Synopsis: You and Yoongi always catch each other on the rebound.

Previous | Series Masterlist | Next

Yoongi kicked the door shut and reached over to lock it in one swift motion. You managed to reach into your desk drawer where you kept a box of condoms. Normally, you gave them out to the girls on the team when they headed out on dates after practice, rarely did they ever come in handy for your own escapades.

"Yoongi..." you said, breathlessly, bunching up the bottom of his shirt in your hand, exposing the very slightest of his toned stomach. If you hadn't been sitting, you were sure your knees would've gone weak beneath you. "What about Ji-yoo?"

"What about her?" he asked, his mouth moving from your neck. He took off his shirt and tossed it aside. You nearly lost all the breath in your lungs as he made quick work of your shirt next, pulling it over your head and throwing it out of your sight. You were wearing just a plain sports bra, but Yoongi didn't seem to care, his lips attaching to your chest.

"Sh-She's probably waiting for you and she's your girlfriend." Despite your reservations, you slipped off your shorts and wrapped your legs around Yoongi's hips, feeling him against you. At this point, you needed him and even if you were betraying someone on your team, you weren't sure anything or anyone could stop you.

"She already left," he said. The words were all you needed to press your lips to his and grind against him. The friction was driving you crazy and you knew Yoongi was also eager to satiate the need.

It wasn't long before the rest of your clothes were on the ground and Yoongi was fucking you on your desk. You bit your lip trying to hold back the moans that threatened to spill from your lips. The top of your head brushed against the closed blinds and your hands roamed from Yoongi's hair and down his bare chest.

"Did you think about this a lot?" you asked, the tension building up in your stomach.

"All the fucking time," Yoongi said, his voice just more than a grunt. "You feel just like I imagined."

That sent you over the edge and you felt your orgasm pass through your body. Yoongi reached his just after and you fell against his chest, sweaty and out of breath.

Yoongi's hand came to rest momentarily behind your head before he pulled away and began collecting the clothes thrown around the room.

He handed you yours as he pulled on his boxers and shorts. You dressed, not saying a word, a wave of guilt suddenly washing over you. Yoongi had a girlfriend. A girlfriend who played on your team. You had no idea how you were going to face the girl the next day at practice.

"Yoongi," you said, trying to hide the fact you wanted to cry again. Normally, you weren't a crier, but something about the boy getting dressed in front of you made you let the barriers. "Ji-yoo is..."

"Not going to find out about this," he said.

You sighed and got off the desk and pulled on your clothes. Once you were both dressed, you glanced up at him and his face was oddly calm, his eyes studying you. You looked away quickly and crossed your arms.

He sighed and walked towards you, placing his hands on your shoulders. "Hey, don't start feeling guilty on me now. We've already taken this too far. I've already cheated."

The word sounded so harsh it sent a pang through your chest. You felt tears prick at your eyes, knowing this was partially your fault. You'd been upset and even if you didn't admit it, you were looking for comfort.

"I'll break up with her if you want," he said quietly. His right hand left your shoulder and intertwined itself with yours, but you quickly pulled away.

"No," you said. "I don't want you to hurt her. She's a sweet girl and she doesn't deserve this." The tears began to pour even though it was the last thing you wanted.

"Don't worry about Ji-yoo," Yoongi said, pulling you into a hug. "She's my problem. You didn't do anything wrong, Y/N."

"I gave you consent, Yoongi. I-I wanted it."

"Shhh," he said, pushing your hair back and kissing your hairline softly. The kiss was so chaste you hardly believed this was the same man you'd just had sex with. "Did you drive today?"

You shook your head. You hardly drove to practice anymore since you lived just a short bus ride away. Your roommates always told you it was dangerous to take the bus home by yourself so late, but you sometimes enjoyed the dark and quiet bus ride, allowing you to collect your thoughts.

"Come on, I'll drive you home."

You didn't argue knowing—this time—that it would be pointless. You gathered your things and followed Yoongi out to his car.

The drive was short, but the exhaustion hit you almost immediately. Your eyelids drooped as you listened to Yoongi hum along to some random rap album.

"Y/N," Yoongi whispered, softly rubbing his thumb over your knuckles. "We're here."

You opened your eyes and nodded. You muttered a quick thanks and opened the car door and grabbed your duffel bag.

"Wait, Y/N," Yoongi said. "Don't worry too much about today, I don't expect anything from you. We can pretend it never happened if you want—"

"Yoongi, it's okay. We don't need to discuss this. Just go home, okay?"

Yoongi swallowed and nodded. "Goodnight Y/N."

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Add yourself to the taglist

I Choose You [M]

Genre: Smut, Office AU, Multiple Partners, Fluff, Angst, M/F

Pairing: Jaehyun x Johnny x Original Character

Warnings: Oral sex, Sub/Dom dynamics, bodily fluids, masturbation, vulgar language, choking, rough sex, multiple partners, unprotected sex 

Word Count 2.5k

Summary:  Carmella requested a transfer within her company and moved to the other side of the world. She soon realizes she bit off more than she can chew once she starts working at the home branch...

A/N: This update is full of smut. I think I'm entering my Johnny era next because what the hell? HE HAS ME SO FERAL. But um yeah I am struggling to stick to the original plot with him because I just want so much more for him ;__ ; his character is truly something else.  But please enjoy this and hopefully it doesn’t make y’all too feral ;/

Chapter 3

Mela sat on her couch in silence. It had been a week since she revealed to Jaehyun that she was seeing someone new. Judging by the consistent silent treatment, Mela gathered that Jaehyun was not taking it well. But she really didn’t know what else to do, rather than continue to live her life. She didn’t feel as though she was at fault.

“He is treating me like I killed his pet or something.” She later spoke to her friend on Facetime.

“My goodness. Men are so dramatic. Has he at least been greeting you like usual?” Mela’s friend, Kay said through the screen.

“Greeting? I wish. He doesn’t even personally put the daily folder on my desk anymore. He sends Joo to do it!”

“Wow. Well, I mean it could be worse… He could’ve just fired you. I honestly don’t think he’s that mad. He just needs some time. After all, he did just lose his little kitten. Or whatever he calls you.” Kayla said stifling her laughter.

“Oh, he’s very sick. That’s the most family friendly thing he’s ever called me.” Mela said, putting a hand over her mouth.

“Family friendly?!”

“Yes, in comparison to cockslut!” Mela threw her head back in pure embarrassment.

“Wow y’all must’ve been having mind-blowing sex. A cockslut?! Have you taken a pregnancy test? There are certain things that men only say when they are fucking raw.” Kay chimed from the other end.

“I don’t think I’m pregnant because it’s been a few months and he- you know….he was also cumming in other places..” Mela trailed off.

“Girl, you swallowing his kids?!” Her friend stared at her with her mouth wide open. “No wonder he’s acting this way. This man is in love with you. You can’t just swallow his kids and then move on to someone else, Melz.”

“If he really loved me, he would’ve made me his girlfriend and made it clear to all those other women that he wasn’t a single man. But he didn’t.”

“I don’t know. I get the feeling you and him are endgame.”

“Here you go prophesizing again.”

“Prophecies sometimes come true.” Kay shrugged.

“Anyways..I wish I could chat longer but I invited Johnny over for a movie night,” Mela stood up and showed her friend her lace and satin get up. A cami and extremely short shorts.

“Ass cheeks hanging out and everything. You’re actually insane.” Kay raised an eyebrow while smirking and nodding her head.

“I’m horny.” Mela pouted.

“Call Jaehyun.” Kay shot back, this time her smile showing teeth.

“Bitch.” Mela stuck up her middle finger and then hung up as Kay started to laugh.

*

She was just barely filling up her bowl of ice cream when Mela heard her doorbell ring.

She walked over to the door and opened it with a huge scoop of ice cream still on her spoon.

“Looks like you were getting the party started without me.” Johnny said, stepping inside and pulling Mela into a warm embrace. “Are these pajamas? You didn’t mention anything about a sleepover.” He took a step back to analyze Mela’s set.

Johnny was wearing gray sweats and a white t-shirt, but Mela thought his outfit was perfect for the occasion.

“I think you look fine, plus you don’t have to sleep over if you aren’t prepared.” Mela assured Johnny.

“Oh, it doesn’t matter for me. I sleep naked.” He said, not breaking eye contact.

“Oh,” Mela said, unsure of what to say next.

“Would that be alright with you?” Johnny asked, stepping closer.

Feeling flustered, Mela was only able to let out a simple “Yeah! Of course.” And she stuck the spoon full of ice cream into her mouth and rushed back to the kitchen to continue filling up her bowl.

Johnny smiled as he watched her run off, her butt peeking from the bottom of her shorts. She was so interesting. Not only a week ago, they were making out in a dim room, but now she was acting shy over some minor piece of information.

“Do you want a bowl?” Mela called from the kitchen.

“Yes, please!” Johhny replied, as he took off his coat and shoes.

Her place was cozy.  It was clean, very new, and extremely large.  Johnny wondered how she was able to afford it on a secretary/assistant salary. The interior design looked as though it was straight out of a magazine. She had an eye for design. Johnny walked around the spacious living room, in awe.

“I’m assuming you like what I’ve done with the place.” Mela came back balancing two bowls full of vanilla ice cream with chocolate chips sprinkled on top.

Johnny turned to look at her and immediately smiled. “You are so cute.” He said, before walking over and grabbing both bowls from her hand.

They sat and Mela turned on the movie after they were settled.

Johnny finished his ice cream before Mela and pulled her onto his lap.

He hadn’t been paying much attention to the movie. It was just too hard to concentrate. Johnny knew he only agreed to this night because he wanted an excuse to see Mela. It sounded silly but she was so busy that he didn’t see her as often as he would’ve liked.

They had been seeing each other for about a month and she seemed to always be working. And if she wasn’t working, she was tired. They had gone on a few dates, but their time together seemed to always have a time limit. Mela worked hard and Johnny knew it wasn’t his place to complain.  

He watched her as she sat, fixated on the screen. She slowly licked the ice cream as she relaxed into Johnny’s chest. Johnny closed his eyes as he took in Mela’s scent. He finally hugged her, and she quietly moaned, in satisfaction and as a response.

“This is…nice.” Mela sighed. With the way her last few months at the company played out, the feeling of relaxation had become foreign to her. She couldn’t remember the last time she had been like this with Jaehyun.

Jaehyun.

Why was she thinking about him?

Mela didn’t have much more time to think about it, as Johnny’s hand started to roam.

“I think I am going to be spending the night.” Johnny said, before kissing Mela on her temple.

“Hm?” Mela put her spoon back in her bowl and set it in on the table.

Johnny didn’t respond. Instead, he turned Mela’s face toward his own and gave her a gentle but reassuring kiss. He then followed with another kiss, powered by a little more force. Johnny, wanting nothing more than to feel the warmth from her lips, let the kiss linger a bit longer than usual before opening his eyes. Mela opened her eyes at the same time, and the synchronization transitioned into something electric between her and Johnny.

Next, they were kissing frantically as Johnny hurried to rid Mela of the minimal clothing she was wearing. He only took off her top, when he suddenly stood up, while still holding Mela and she naturally locked her legs around his waist.

“Which way to your room?” He asked in between kisses.

“Up the stairs, to the right, door at the end of hallway.”  Mela responded, out of breath.

Johnny shook his head. “Too far. We’re fucking here- ”

He pressed his lips onto Mela’s once more and inserted his tongue when she moaned, immediately asserting dominance. Instead of sitting back on the couch, he held Mela against the wall, squeezing her ass as he felt wetness on his lower abs.  He let her drop slightly so she could be aligned with his boner.

He pressed himself into her and she gasped and wrapped her arms around him tighter. “Please stop teasing. Fuck!”

Johnny only chuckled and continued, enjoying the sound of Mela’s ragged breathing. He walked over to the couch and laid her down gently. Once she was fully off his body, Johnny tugged the bottom of his shirt upwards and pulled it all the way over his head and off completely.

Mela mindlessly reached for his abs and ran her fingers down, feeling the hard ridges along the way. Johnny grabbed her hand to stop her before she reached his sweats.

“Not yet.” He shook his head and started to remove Mela’s shorts.

“No underwear? You planned for this to happen, you naughty girl.” Johnny smirked before reaching out and grabbing one of Mela’s breasts. “I’ve never been much of a titty guy but yours just look so delicious. Do you mind if I taste?” By the end of his sentence, Johnny was circling his lover’s nipple with his tongue as she bit her lip and nodded rapidly.

“I think you meant to shake your head, but I can’t blame you. I’m sure you’re having a hard time…. you know…. concentrating.” He said while his free hand reached into his sweats as he leaned back in and took Mela’s whole nipple into his mouth, once again.

Her back instantly arched as Johnny heard her gasp, her breathing becoming more intense as she tried to stifle a moan. Mela was caught off guard, waiting for Johnny to reveal his rock-hard cock from underneath his sweats. But it seemed he wasn’t going to pull it out anytime soon.

“Johnny..” Mela softly whimpered.

“I’m not done yet.” He said moving to the other breast. He then pulled his hand out of his sweats. Mela was hit with confusion because she felt his hand move when pulled it out, but she didn’t feel his hand anywhere on her body until….

“Oh my!” She cried out. Her legs began to shake as Johnny’s two fingers slide deeper into her warmth. Johnny simply ignored her and started to slowly pump his fingers in and out. He smirked to himself as Mela’s chest rose and dipped. Johnny was a pleaser and damn proud of it. He found joy in seeing his partners come undone under his touch. Having the upper hand whenever he pleased…If he could make her squirt just one time, he’d be satisfied.  They had all night, and he was going to take advantage of the fact.  

Johnny finally unlatched from Mela’s slightly swollen nipple and looked at them both, satisfied with his work. Maybe he was a titty guy, after all. Just maybe.

“Johnny, please.” Mela mustered out, finally floating back to reality.

“Please, what?” He asked, mocking concern.

“Johnny…”

“You must not want it bad enough, if you can’t even ask for it.”  

“I do! I want you inside me. PLEASE!” Mela desperately tried to remove his sweatpants. Johnny intercepted and stopped her before she could succeed.

“I stand corrected. But I’m the one in control right now. Okay, princess?”

Mela gulped and nodded. She was finally able to concentrate long enough to take in his body in all its glory, not just his abs. His skin was smooth, with a healthy glow and his abs became more defined at each inhale. His eyes were glazed over and his lips looked chewed, as if they were given a lot of attention. He looked like a sculpture, overall.

Her thoughts were interrupted as Johnny took both her hands and held them above her head with one hand. He leaned in close to her ear and spoke.

“I’m going to finally give you what you want. But your hands need to stay up here.” He gave her a quick peck on the cheek and lifted himself back up until he was standing. He then pulled his sweats down, along with his boxers, and stepped out of them both.

“Oh.” Mela said as his cock springed out and slightly bounced. It was much larger than she expected. And yet, she was still eager to go on. More wetness immediately emerged from her as she tried her best to not let the feeling overcome her. She spotted two veins protruding on each side of his member and reached out, but Johnny stopped her.

“What did I just tell you?” He placed her hand back above her head and warned, “Next time, I won’t be so nice.”

He then positioned himself back in between Mela’s thighs and pushed her thighs forward so her knees were slightly touching her shoulders. He dragged his throbbing cock along her slippery folds as she started to squirm.

“Such a pretty and inviting pussy you have.” His eyes fluttered shut and he bit his bottom lip and with a groan, he pushed himself into Mela’s opening.

“OH my God!” Mela grabbed onto the end of the couch, to try to take away from the searing feeling of being torn open. This only motivated Johnny. He placed a hand on each side of the younger woman’s head and started to thrust. Hard. If he couldn’t make her squirt with his fingers, he would make sure his dick made it happen. He watched Mela as Mela’s lips formed an “O” and more of her fluids continued to coat Johnny’s eager cock. Her welcoming heat, paired with the friction was causing the familiar sensation in his dick. He was close, but not before…

He reached for where his body met with Mela’s and found her clit. Mela cried out as soon as he started rubbing her sensitive bud. He could tell by her sudden breath intake that this ending was going to be very messy. His eyes wandered to the bulge that appeared in her lower belly with each thrust and he just watched while in a daze. He was momentarily distracted from his nearing explosion but broke out of his trance with Mela screaming.

“Johnny, baby please!” She started gyrated uncontrollably as a string of inaudible words came out of her mouth. Soon after, Johnny saw a fountain of liquid spraying from her as she left his dick completely, soiling the couch and hitting Johnny’s abs.

“Shit.” He looked Mela, chest heaving and legs shaking. “Are you okay if I finish?” He asked, his question laced with concern.

Mela looked at him, through half closed eyes and nodded. He then slowly slipped back in with a low growl. He immediately sped up, frantically chasing his release. His heart racing as the sound of his balls hitting Mela’s skin filled his ears. This time around, Mela wrapped her arms around Johnny’s neck as he dipped for a kiss. It was urgent, needy, and passionate. She moaned into her mouth as he went in deeper. The familiar sensation had returned.

Mela felt Johnny twitch while inside of her and he suddenly broke the kiss and groaned. “Fuck!” Mela felt her insides being sprayed with his warm cum before he collapsed next to her.

All Mela could think about was how her new couch had been ruined. She turned to look at Johnny and he seemed to have already fallen asleep. She mustered up enough energy to grab a blanket from the wooden basket near the couch. She covered them both and laid next to Johnny, ignoring the wet spot she had created earlier.

She had to arrange for a new one, first thing in the morning.

Johnny wrapped his arms around Mela’s waist as he made a noise of approval, still asleep.

She saw Johnny’s phone light up as he received what seemed to be a long string of text messages, but her eyes shut, and she fell asleep before she could question it any further. 

Chapter 1  Chapter 4

Silver Stardust

Pairing: Draas!Jimin x Human!(f)reader

Rating: 18+

Genre: Fantasy, Alien, Angst, Fluff, Smut, One-Shot

WC: 17.1k

Warnings/Tags: explicit sexual content, language, unprotected sex, fingering, oral (m and f receiving), kind of/sort of public sex, this turned soft, fluff galore, tiny bit of angst

Thank you so much for the request @ldysmfrst 🥰 Happy (super) late birthday gift, and I'm sorry it took me so long to finish it! I was glad to have the opportunity to write something like this, seeing as how I was thinking about dabbling in a little bit of an alien AU eventually! Hope you enjoy!

“Here.”

The small stack of cash was shoved into my hands. Even without counting it, I knew it was much less than what we had initially agreed upon when I offered to help him clean his store. Just to be sure though, I quickly added it up.

“This isn’t even half of what you told me you’d give me.”

“It’s more than I should be giving away already. Sorry lady, we’re all struggling to get by around here. I got my own family to feed.”

The man waved me off, clearly fed up with my presence and just wanting me out. Part of me wanted to argue, the colorful words I had for him on the tip of my tongue until the bell above the front door chimed announcing someone’s arrival. He turned his attention from me, greeting the customer warmly and rounding the counter intent on securing a sale as he appealed to the older couple slowly making their way towards me. Sighing defeatedly, I opted to cut my losses, stowing the meager pay I’d accumulated into my pocket.

The store owner and couple hardly paid me any mind as I skirted past them, donning the hood of my coat to semi-protect myself from the rain. Another gloomy day to serve as a direct representation of how I felt on the inside. Not that there was much to bring happiness these days anyway. The world was going to shit, hardly anyone could afford to live, the lack of money forced people to take out more loans they were unable to pay, and our planet was dying. What a time to be alive.

I was simply one of millions just trying to survive. My only concern being how to get by day to day. My eyes scanned a sheet of paper that had been plastered to one of dozens of storefronts as I passed by. The key to our salvation lies with them, it read. I shook my head, pushing my fists a little deeper into my pockets. The number of people who spent their days printing and handing out those fliers always baffled me. I didn’t have time to waste on other’s problems, let alone how to save this wretched world. It was a wonder so many other people thought differently.

“Rejoice! For they have brought with them a solution!” I jumped at the sudden shout.

The woman in front of me smiled as if she were truly happy to have run into me. Completely unperturbed by the torrential downpour around us as she had taken shelter under a nearby awning I was passing. One arm filled with the same fliers pasted all over the street, the other urging me to take one of them for myself.

“God has forsaken us, and they have taken it upon themselves to answer our desperate plea for help in His stead. The Draas are our future now and we should repay them accordingly.”

I tried to hide my grimace at the implications of her words. The Draas were a dying race of extraterrestrials. Supposedly one of many out there. The day we came to know of their existence, they had offered to help us in restoring our planet. Bring it back from the brink of destruction. And in a way, they have. At least for those who could afford it. In the beginning, most of the world was looking forward to all our problems being solved quickly. Famine, lack of clean and available water, shelter. The Draas had an affinity for the elements. Their very ancestors having claimed to be derived from nature itself.

While they were more than capable of healing a dying world, doing so also took a toll on them. Apparently reviving a planet as tainted as ours has been a bigger hurdle than anyone expected. Them included. The process a long and arduous one that made progress slow. Especially with how few of them there were. And the longer it took, the more a significant portion of humanity lost hope. I was one of them.

I had pretty much come to terms with the idea that I wouldn’t see the world returned to its former glory in my lifetime. But she was referring to their counteroffer. The Draas had asked for a favor in return for saving Earth. They wished to live alongside us and save their race. Some groups against the Draas entirely believed their reasoning for coming here was to exploit human women. Use them as a means to bring their population up again. Which I suppose wasn’t too far a stretch considering they had indirectly hinted at that in a way.

Despite that request though, none of them seemed particularly interested in taking just any woman. There were no snatching women off the streets or coercing them into serving them solely for the purpose of procreation. Rather, women went willingly. If a Draas would take them, that is. For a dying race, they were notably picky. But I guess they could afford to be. Especially after women caught wind of the Draas searching for life partners and the unearthly pleasures some women have claimed to experience at their hands, there was no shortage of them to choose from.

Clinics had opened under the orders of Draas officials to accommodate the influx of human women willing to sign an agreement stating they would take one of them as a life partner should they be deemed fit for it. Another ploy for them to get one step closer to their goal of repopulating under the guise of providing income for many impoverished people. Another impatient urge of paper in front of my face reminded me of the woman blocking my path. I attempted a half-hearted smile, trying to politely decline the sheet she offered. But she didn’t accept it.

“Take it my dear. It could be the end of your needless suffering and the beginning of a new life.”

I decided to take it from her, albeit unwillingly, but my hope was that she would leave me alone if I did so. Not bothering to read it, I shoved it into a pocket like I had with the sad excuse for a payday I harbored. I yanked the hood of my coat further down on my head praying it would stave off the wind that whipped the pellets of rain with it. In the back of my mind, I thought about the leak in the roof of my bathroom back home. I couldn’t remember whether I had replaced the bucket I kept under it or not. Surely if I made it home quickly there wouldn’t be too much to clean up if I hadn’t.

With that thought, I hastened my pace. Barely stopping long enough for the crosswalk lights to switch. I found myself urging one of them to change impatiently, my eyes flickering between the stoplight for the oncoming traffic and the crosswalk sign across the road from me. That was where I found myself when my eyes landed on him. He wore a beige long coat, the ends of it brushing the tops of his calves. Legs clad in a pair of black slacks that were indistinguishable from the hem of his black turtleneck. All it took was a glance to know that he was not a human amidst the crowd of them waiting on the light like I was.

And I wasn’t just saying that because of the lack of an umbrella, although that would have been the most obvious giveaway. The rain poured down around him, and yet, he remained untouched. His bubblegum pink hair fluffy, recalling the picture I’d seen once of cotton candy. It was like he had an invisible shield around him that repelled the water intent on drenching the rest of us.

I was so caught up in watching him that I didn’t notice the lights change. Not even when he started moving, coming closer. The final nail in the coffin determining he wasn’t human being the way he glowed under the streetlights. That iridescent skin common among the Draas that appealed to their beauty even more. The kaleidoscope of translucent colors over the skin of his cheeks was mesmerizing. What I could see of them anyway with the black shades perched on his nose. I watched transfixed as he strolled through the downpour without a care.

His gait smooth and confident amongst the people that rushed past him. He strode across the road in no hurry. In a way that made it seem as if the world was waiting on him versus the ever-ticking countdown of the clock we humans tended to abide by.

A rough shoulder check from behind me shook me from my stupor. The impact sending me directly into a puddle on my hands and knees with the man responsible barely turning long enough to emit a rushed apology, sprinting across the street before the crosswalk timer made it to zero. I inspected my scraped palms to see the damage, a bit peeved for how this entire day was turning out. Not only was I skimped on payment and facing the possibility of coming home to a flooded bathroom floor, but I was also soaked to the bone.

The water seeped through my pants, practically bathing my knees and down, socks and all. I sighed, rubbing the soreness out of my palms while trying to keep my emotions in check. What a shitty day.

“You should really back away from the road before you end up worse off.”

The hand that was proffered had thin, shapely fingers, a smooth palm and on the backs of them I could trace the veins up until they disappeared beneath the sleeve of a beige coat. His skin was pale except for where the light caught the faint iridescence. My eyes trailed up the arm of the person offering to help me, catching the sliver of a black turtleneck before the color clashed with pink. Both from the shimmer of his skin and his hair that nearly matched it.

He still wore those black shades, but his eyes were the last thing I could have imagined having to split my attention between as a slow, soft smile formed on his plump lips. Pink. Just like the rest of him. It took me another good fifteen seconds or so to realize he meant me. Snapping myself out of it, I took his hand with a quiet thanks letting him help me up out of the puddle I still knelt in.

“Are you alright?” His voice was light, melodic even, as he asked about my wellbeing.

“Other than a couple of scrapes and feeling like a drowned rat, I’m fine.” I laughed under my breath.

I hadn’t realized I still had ahold of his hand until he flipped the one in his grasp over to observe my injury. He hummed in thought before a slight pout tugged at his bottom lip.

“I’m afraid I can’t help with those. It’s a bit out of my scope of ability, but I can make you feel not so much like a ‘drowned rat’.” He chuckled at the last bit.

Even in his somewhat broken tone while speaking my language, I understood him. It was clear he wasn’t used to it. Like how it sounds when a lot of people pick up a second or third language and haven’t mastered it to fluency yet. But he was well-versed enough to get by and his pronunciation decent for me to understand with little difficulty. I found it peculiar. He wasn’t the only Draas to know human language, but it wasn’t terribly common for them to have put as much effort into it as he seemed to have.

“Oh, um, don’t worry about it. I was bound to be in a similar state by the time I made it home anyway.”

The reminder of the rain that still cascaded around us came as an afterthought. The realization that I wasn’t being pelted with it sinking in slowly. Somehow, the bubble he appeared to be shrouded in that made him untouchable extending to me with our proximity. Outside of it, everyone else hurried past us, umbrellas in hand and hoods over their heads to fend off the seemingly endless torrent. Fascinated, I reached out to where it looked as if the invisible shelter above us gave way to rain once more. My fingertips breaching that wall only to be met with the deluge.

“Sometimes I forget you humans find such wonder in things we consider mundane.”

I turned my attention back to him, finding the inquisitive tilt to his head rather endearing in an unanticipated way.

“I don’t typically interact with your kind.” I mumbled, extracting my hand from his grip, and letting both drop to my side. “I suppose it’s to be expected when I don’t often associate with people who can do such things.”

“Then your decision to participate in partner matching is a relatively recent one?”

“What?”

His eyes flicked down to my pockets, nodding towards it. I looked down, noticing the flyer the lady from earlier had beseeched me to take. Quickly, I shoved it back out of sight.

“Oh, no. I’m not interested in… that.”

Even through the impenetrable lenses of his sunglasses, I could feel his eyes searching mine. The bubble around us not only warded off the weather, but also the rest of the world to a degree. Outside conversation and the noises of the city itself sort of muffled. It felt like we were truly in a world of our own. So close to the outside, but not quite part of it.

“How unfortunate.” He finally broke the awkwardness that had manifested within our bubble. “You’re not like them. It would have been a nice change.”

I didn’t know how to respond to that, so I kept quiet. A small smile spread over his lips, his hands lifting and reaching out towards my face. My much smaller frame froze, unsure what he was doing until he pulled the hood of my jacket back into place.

“Be careful, alright?”

His movements were gentle. Double checking that it was secure before letting me go and bidding me one last smile to continue on his way. Part of me was still reeling from our interaction. I had never spent that amount of time in such close conjunction with a Draas. The sudden heavy weight of rain atop my shoulders again pulled me back to where I was and what I had been doing. The reminder of the way it poured down on me making everything within the last couple of minutes feel like a dream. Tugging on my hood, I glanced at the crosswalk light, happy to see it green and despite the low-end of the countdown. I sprinted across the street quickly. I didn’t know if it was the brief reprieve during my encounter with the pink haired Draas, but it felt like the rain around me was coming down harder.

I didn’t let up my pace the rest of the way to my house. The squelching in my shoes serving as a better motivator to get out of the rain and inside than the downpour itself. The first glimpse of my dilapidated porch brought a sense of relief. I slipped under the caving roof, glad that for as rough condition it was in, it was enough to protect me at least a little. Pushing the hood off my head, the first thing that caught my attention was the red paper taped to my front door. My relief was dashed just as I ripped it off.

Eviction Notice

“Fuck.” I groaned, noticing the date on it was this upcoming Friday.

Crumpling the sheet in my hand, I darted back out into the rain. Running the half-block further down the street to where I knew my landlord lived. I didn’t even care that I hadn’t bothered to pull my hood back on. I was already wet for the most part anyway. I ducked under her small awning, reaching the door in record time.

“Mrs. Tran!” My knocking was probably a bit more frantic than was necessary, but I chalked it up to making sure she’d be able to hear me over the rain and whatever sit com she probably had playing on her television.

It took a minute, but the shifting of the curtains next to the door revealed the older lady in question checking to see who was at her stoop. I waved politely, barely catching the small frown before she let the curtains fall back into place and I heard the deadbolt slide back. She pulled the door open just enough to glance at me through the crack.

“What are you doing out in this weather? You’re soaked to the bone.” She fretted, looking me over.

“Mrs. Tran, I need to talk to you.” I told her, holding up the notice.

Her eyes dropped to it, quickly reading it over before sighing softly and opening the door a bit more. She pulled her robe a bit tighter around her to fend off the chill the rain and wind brought with it.

“So, they finally served it.” She mumbled, shaking her head. “I’m sorry dear, you haven’t paid in months. You’re behind at least six months’ worth of payments. I just can’t afford to take what you can get here and there anymore.”

“I can pay!” I interjected quickly. “If I can get the money, will you let me stay?”

She sighed again, looking over my shoulder to the rain-soaked streets behind me.

“If you can pay me everything you owe plus court costs, I’ll let you stay. But I need it by the end of the week.” She relented, grabbing the notice from me.

I watched as she scribbled across the bottom of it. Totaling the amount I owed her, and what she wanted before the week’s end.

“I like you, Y/N, I really do. But I’m struggling like everyone else, and I can’t let you squeak by anymore.” She handed the paper back to me.

“I know, Mrs. Tran. I appreciate what you’ve let me have this far. I’ll get your money to you, I promise.”

She nodded, waving me off. “Get home and dry yourself off before you get sick.”

“Thank you!” I managed to slip in before she closed the door.

Tucking the notice under my jacket, I ran back into the rain. Trying my best to keep the paper from getting wet as I sprinted back to my house. It really wasn’t much, but it was livable. Which was more than enough nowadays when many people found themselves in much worse situations than me. At least I had a roof over my head (as patchy as it was) and a comfortable place to sleep. Quickly sliding my key into the deadbolt and unlocking it, I slammed the door behind me making sure to turn the lock back.

I swiped my wet hair out of my face, kicking my drenched shoes off wanting nothing more than to shower and hide away the rest of the day. But I knew that wouldn’t happen. Tugging the red paper out of my jacket, I looked down at the figure I owed. Feeling disheartened at the large number, I leaned into the door tiredly. I knew it was a shot in the dark offering to begin with, considering I was struggling to find odd jobs let alone a steady paycheck, but it was either that or lose the only home I have. I let the paper drop onto the table nearby, already trying to come up with some way to make that amount of money in less than a week as I shrugged out of my jacket. Remembering the money I had made earlier, I reached into my pockets, figuring it was as a good a start as any, I found not just the cash, but also the flier I had been handed.

The name of one of the Draas clinics in bright bold lettering took up the top of the page. Followed by several photos of proud clinicians and satisfied female customers, information plastered all over it about the mission of the organization and the services they provided. Mostly tailored to Draas and human women relationships. But that wasn’t what was important. At the bottom of the page, the recruitment ad caught my eye. The italicized bit requesting human women who would be willing to potentially be matched to a Draas to schedule an appointment. The guarantee of a hefty amount of money if you passed a physical exam and some additional tests more than enticing. I ran my eyes over the number several times, but it was still there. Five thousand. That’s what they were promising. Not enough for me to pay Mrs. Tran back in full, but it would cut down a significant portion.

I chewed on my bottom lip, unsure. It wasn’t like I had anything against them personally. My limited interactions with the Draas were never unpleasant, but I also didn’t get many chances to get to know them either. In all transparency, they were an alien race that I didn’t know much about besides what I’d heard through the news channels and supporters off the streets.

And here I am considering signing my life away for money.

It was a well-known fact that once a Draas chose a partner, that was it. They spent the rest of their lives with the person they choose, and they took it very seriously. While I had never heard about those few “lucky” women ever complaining, that didn’t mean the weight of being involved with one of them was any less terrifying.

However, my options were limited. Either I bite the bullet and secure a way to make some good money with the possibility of being partnered with a Draas or risk not being able to make anything by the time I need to and being thrown out on the street. As much as I hated it, the choice was blaringly obvious, but the benefits far outweighed the cons in the first option. Besides, there were hundreds, maybe even thousands of women who have already signed up. The chances of me getting picked were incredibly slim.

Satisfied with my logic, I grabbed my phone to schedule an appointment.

For as simple as the decision seemed, my anxiety since I stepped foot in this place hasn’t ebbed. It didn’t matter that I had been here for a good hour and a half, the longer I was here, the worse it got. Though I should have expected as much, the lobby was packed when I first arrived. Some women who I assumed were probably there for much the same reason I was, although I didn’t know if their motives matched mine, and others who looked to be couples. Women with their Draas partners, who looked absolutely thrilled together.

One in particular caught my attention. The Draas fawning over his partner who was noticeably pregnant. If I were being honest, the sight of the two of them spiked my nerves through the roof. Surely on the off chance I was chosen, that wasn’t to be my fate, right? Now that the seed was planted, I couldn’t keep my mind from coming up with frightening scenarios about being stuck with a Draas who would choose me simply for the purpose of procreation. I mean, I guess that was part of the reason that these clinics were brought in existence in the first place. And I supposed most women signed up with the thought that they would eventually have a family with a Draas, but, again, my motives were not the same as most human females that walked through that door. Just as I made to change my mind and get the hell out of there, my name was called, and I was led to a room down the hall where my vitals were written down, photo taken, and I was asked to wait for the doctor to conclude my physical.

Being made to wait in a room, alone, made me even antsier. My leg bouncing before I realized the action and forced myself to stop. I was really beginning to second guess myself now. To anyone paying attention it was obvious I didn’t belong here. Even more so after seeing all the happy couples and excited single women in the lobby. I needed the money, but the more time I had to sit with my own thoughts, the less pertinent that amount of cash seemed. I was even beginning to con myself into thinking I’d be able to make the money some other way.

That thought was what finally pushed me off the exam table and across the room. Double checking I had my belongings, I pushed the door open, peeking around it to see if anyone was there. A lone nurse stood at the end of the hall, deep in conversation with whoever was sat at the nurses’ station. More than confident I could get out of here without being spotted, I slipped through the gap I made, and headed in the opposite direction. I tried to be as quick as possible while still being silent, the quiet tapping of my feet feeling too loud even though the sounds of the clinic around me were much louder. My paranoia kept having me cast looks over my shoulder, making sure the nurse was still locked in conversation and she didn’t see me.

What I should have been paying attention to though was my front. The closer I came to the corner of the hall where I had been led through to get back here in the first place, the quicker my pace became, anxious to get around it and out of sight. Looking behind me once more, I could feel my pulse racing with the thought that I had gotten out of here without being caught. Except, I didn’t.

Someone else walked around the corner at the same moment I sprinted for it, my body colliding with theirs harshly. Whoever it was, it had effectively caught them off guard, their compromised balance coupled with my body weight had the both of us falling into the nearby wall, with my chest against theirs. The sudden collision caught both of us by surprise. Hands came up to my shoulders, pushing me away just enough to look down at me. I first noticed the white coat wrapped around his torso, then the stethoscope around his neck before my eyes met his. The shock still evident in those lavender orbs as his brows furrowed in concern.

"Are you alright?" The tone of his voice was deep and rich, a sound I wasn't used to hearing, but it was pleasant.

The subtle iridescence of his skin shimmered a purple in almost the exact same shade as his eyes under the bright artificial hospital lights. Draas. Quickly backpedaling, I fought the blush trying to surface and apologized.

"Yes, I'm fine! I'm sorry, I wasn't paying attention to where I was going."

At my reassurance, his gaze softened, a slow smile taking the place of his worry. The appearance bringing a set of deep dimples with it.

"It's okay. Accidents happen sometimes."

His eyes dropped to the plastic bracelet that had been handed to me upon arrival. Filled with all the information I had previously supplied when completing paperwork in the lobby.

"You're a patient?"

"Um..."

The smile shifted into more of a knowing smirk.

"You don't happen to be Y/N, do you?"

"I... am." I agreed slowly.

The man lifted his arm, holding out a hand for me to shake. Hesitantly, I accepted.

"I'm Dr. Kim Namjoon. I was actually on my way to retrieve you."

"Right... actually I wanted to talk ab-"

"It's not often we have females chosen so quickly in our systems. I'd say it's rare. You must have made an impression somehow." He continued happily.

"Wait, what?"

"I came to bring you to your match. He's already showed an interest in you."

The color drained from my face. My match? There's no way. Matching never happens this quickly. Everything I read had explained it to be a rather tedious process. Your files and test results would have to be reviewed, the Draas would sort through candidates that met their qualifications, and if a female was chosen, she would be given the opportunity to meet them if she wanted.

The fact that all of this was happening within a few hours of me being here is unheard of. Dr. Kim placed a hand high on my back, the other sweeping out in front of me invitingly.

"Shall we?"

"Wait, right now?"

He hummed, nudging me gently to get me moving in the direction he had come from.

"He's just down this hallway, waiting for you. He's actually a good friend of mine, I'm sure you won't be disappointed."

That wasn't really my concern. It didn't matter to me who he was really, I didn't think I was ready to meet anyone so soon after making a decision I was currently heavily regretting. Everything I had promised myself wouldn't happen, was happening. I was registered and one of the Draas insisted on meeting me already.

I chewed on my lip, every step further down the hall forcing the urge to tell Dr. Kim I had changed my mind higher up my throat. Perhaps I'd be able to convince the Draas himself that it was a mistake. Surely he would understand the circumstances that brought me here in the first place and take pity on me. A door down the hall several feet in front of us swung open, another Draas dressed in the black armor that was typical among highly ranked officials responsible for the rebirth of our planet so to speak.

Only those with considerable strength and abilities wore the black plated chest pieces and bodysuits. I froze upon seeing him. It was the first time I had ever seen one like him in person. Surely that's not who I was being brought to meet. The only skin visible was his face where he had removed his helmet. Flesh shimmering under the bright lights much like Dr. Kim's as he turned to face us. I was struck with how beautiful he was. Blonde hair swept over his forehead, full lips, and high cheekbones. The real kicker were his eyes, though. They were a rich gold, reminiscent of liquid sun droplets as he greeted Dr. Kim with a subtle incline of his head.

"Commander Kim, I haven't seen you in a while."

"Well, you know me, I don't usually inhabit places like these." He mumbled, eyes finally meeting mine. "This is her?"

"Y/N L/N." Dr. Kim nodded. "Have you finished speaking with Commander Park?"

The other man grunted. "If you can call it that. He's in one of his moods."

Moods? My eyes flicked to the doorway Commander Kim had emerged from. Commander Park, that's how Dr. Kim referred to him. So, that meant he was a ranked official too. Another gentle nudge from Dr. Kim guided me towards the door.

"Well, I'm sure he'll be glad to see Ms. L/N regardless. I'll come find you after I've gotten her settled in."

I glanced at the doctor over my shoulder. This whole situation just kept getting stranger. Commander Kim shook his head, turning on his heel and sauntering off down the hall.

"Don't bother. I'm not interested in you meddling in my love life." He tossed over his shoulder.

"If anyone would benefit, I'd say it would be you."

The new voice startled me. I whipped my head in the direction it came from, surprised to see someone vaguely familiar. Out of the corner of my eye, I hardly registered Commander Kim waving off the statement, not even bothering to turn around. My gaze was trained on the man, er, Draas, in front of me with the same bubblegum pink hair he had been sporting the last time I had encountered him.

"Commander Park, this is Ms. Y/N L/N. Ms. L/N, this is Commander Park Jimin, your match."

My eyes widened with the realization. He looked different from the last time we had met. No longer donned in casual clothing, but his black plated armor, the brightness of his hair a stark contrast against the bleak color. What really caught my attention though were his eyes. The thick black sunglasses he had been wearing having obscured the endless pools of silver that almost appeared to shimmer just like the iridescence of his skin.

Amusement danced within them as he watched me slowly connect the dots. Lean body stepping aside enough to allow me entry to the room he occupied.

"Please, come in."

Forcing myself from my stupor, I silently obeyed, crossing the threshold.

"Thank you Namjoon."

"Sure. Take your time. I'll go hunt down Seokjin."

I was still trying to process everything as the door shut. The click of the lock much too similar to a bell toll signaling a sense of finality. As if I was leaving behind the world I knew and entering a new one. In a way, I suppose I was. Jimin's careful observation of me continued, silver orbs tracking every minuscule movement of mine as he leaned against the only exit. Clearing my throat, I moved further into the room, just wanting to put a bit of distance between us.

"I'll be honest, you're the last person I expected to see today." I admitted.

He smirked, amusement glowing brighter as his head tilted to one side.

"Imagine mine seeing you in the system under review. I thought you weren't interested?"

"I'm not." I answered a little too quickly. "I mean, I wasn't. Some things have come up and I made an appointment... a-anyway it doesn't really matter now, I changed my mind."

"Changed your mind?"

"Yes. I was going to ask Dr. Kim to pull my information."

Jimin's gaze was heavy as he slowly looked me over, arms crossing over his chest.

"I can pull your information. It wouldn't be hard considering you weren't even approved yet."

I frowned; confusion evident on my features.

"Wait, if I hadn't even been on the list of candidates, then how did you file for a match already?"

"Someone did her research." Jimin grinned, pushing himself off the door.

"Well, I wanted to know at least a little about what I was getting myself into."

"And yet, here you are changing your mind." He chuckled, dropping his arms as he moved towards me.

I noticed it that day in the rain, how graceful his movements were, but seeing it again with him dressed in his uniform, it was like witnessing the grace and elegance for the first time all over again. He moved silently, coming to a stop right in front of me.

"To answer your question, I have access to files under review as well as the officially released list of candidates. I simply recognized you and requested a match."

I tried to nonchalantly keep the distance between us. Going toe to toe with a human was one thing, but I'd be lying if I claimed being in such close proximity in closed quarters with a Draas wasn't making me nervous.

"But why? If I haven't been appropriately reviewed to be certain I'd make a good match for a Draas, what would drive you to request a match with me?"

"Because I find you interesting."

I narrowed my eyes at him. "We've met once. Not even really met, you helped me out of the street."

"And? I like to think I have a pretty good sense for people. Besides, I'm sure you have your own preconceived notions of me."

I eyed him for another few seconds before relenting. Shrugging as I turned my head from him.

"Touché."

One gloved hand lifted towards my face, a single finger curling under my chin and dragging my gaze back to his. Once again, I found myself sucked into those silver swirls. The color appearing to absorb the shades they took in. Blues, pinks, even a stormier gray flickered within those depths as they searched mine.

"I'll make sure you're pulled from candidacy, but only because I plan to keep you for myself."

"What?" I sputtered dumbly, mind still buffering even though I knew I didn't mishear him.

He released my chin, that same finger tapping my nose playfully.

"I don't like sharing."

The smile tugging at his lips mirrored the same playfulness. I might have been a little annoyed at seeing it if I wasn't still reeling with how nonchalantly he had claimed me. He turned on his heel, sauntering back towards the door until my hold on his arm abruptly stopped him.

"Wait. Jimin, was it?"

He nodded, those bubblegum locks falling into his line of sight as he cocked his head at me.

"When I asked for my name to be taken off the list, I meant so I wouldn't be picked at all."

"I'm aware."

My confusion doubled, completely at a loss for words. I opened my mouth, hardly a noise leaving me while I tried to figure out exactly what the hell was happening.

"Okay, well that includes you. I don't want to be matched with any Draas."

He hummed, that amused grin tugging at those perfectly plush pink lips again.

"That's too bad because I've already made up my mind."

He made to walk off again; except I tugged him back.

"That's too bad..." I parroted, moving in front of him. "...because I made up my mind too and it doesn't involve going with you."

The flash in his silver orbs was something I hadn't seen yet. There was still a flicker of amusement in them, but another emotion was more prominent. Excitement. The heel of his boot clicked against the linoleum as he took a step closer.

"I'm curious little dove, if you knew there was a possibility you'd back out of registering, why did you go through it in the first place?"

I folded my arms, taking a step back while making sure I still stood between him and the door.

"I told you, my situation changed."

Another tilt of his head. I wondered if it was a common habit among Draas or just him. Coupled with the curiousness in his expression, it was hard to tell if he did it because he was trying to figure me out or understand me. Although for someone with human tongue as their second language, he was doing remarkably well. He pondered exactly what my reasoning meant until it suddenly clicked.

"Your situation changed financially, yes?"

I scrunched my nose in distaste. I didn't really like talking about how I was struggling, but if it would get me out of here quicker I was willing to.

"To put it bluntly." I nodded.

He looked satisfied to have guessed correctly, spine straightening while he smiled widely. It was impossible not to be smitten with how attractive he was smiling. His cheeks lifted, exposing perfectly straight, porcelain teeth and his eyes crinkled. The lights overhead captured the baby blue glow from his skin adding another element of ethereal beauty to him.

"That's no cause for concern. Where do your debts lie? I'd be more than happy to take care of them for you as your partner."

The way he immediately agreed to pay what I owed made my head spin. Perhaps even more than how fast all of this was moving in the first place. I shook my head, realizing that I really was in over my head here. Maybe I wasn't articulating well enough, and he wasn't understanding correctly.

"No, Jimin, I didn't mean for you to pay for me."

"Same difference though. If not me, it would have fallen to another Draas you took as your partner."

"No." I firmly denied, starting to get frustrated. "I wouldn't have taken money from someone else either."

Jimin's smile disappeared. Expression falling into one akin to sadness and I would imagine that if Draas had tails, his would have been tucked between his legs at this point. His bottom lip pushed out just a tad as he pouted.

"Is it me? Is there something about me that doesn't suit you?" His head cocked to the side again, feet carrying him closer as he approached me. "Is it the language barrier? I know I still struggle on occasion, but I promise I'll keep working at it. Or maybe the way I look? I can change that too. Dye my hair if you don't like pink. I picked it because pink is my favorite color, but I wouldn't mind wearing your favorite color if it made you happy. Or-"

I threw my hands out to make him stop. He was spiraling and, to be honest, the words coming from him were more upsetting than anything else he had mentioned to me thus far. Were all Draas so fixated on their partners that they were willing to go so far? This desperation I sensed from Jimin wasn't something I was equipped to handle. I felt bad that he thought the reason I was rejecting him was because he wasn't meeting my standards.

"Jimin, there's nothing wrong with the way you look, and I'm not concerned about the language barrier."

My words only served to puzzle him further. A huff of exasperation leaving him.

"Then what is it? If it’s something I can change, I'm more than willing to do so."

"You can't change it. It has nothing to do with you. I just don't want a partner."

His brows furrowed, that utter confusion returning as he stared hard at me. Feeling a bit uncomfortable, I averted my eyes. That was the wrong thing to do though apparently. Jimin took another step into me, large hands coming up to cup my face. The abrupt contact had me stumbling backwards into the door, Jimin following me without letting go.

He tilted my head up, forcing me to meet his silvery stare again. The look in them was indiscernible. It left me with no hint as to what he might have been thinking. Left with only my assumptions, it felt like I was being swept away in those silver pools and the further it pulled me in, the more I was losing my resolve.

"Because I'm Draas?"

I blinked, attempting to drag myself out of those oceans before his words penetrated my brain.

"Draas?"

"You would prefer a human partner?"

Oh. I shook my head the little I could with his palms covering my cheeks.

"I don't want a partner at all. Human or otherwise."

Finally, some piece of emotion broke through once more as he struggled with what I was suggesting. Although maybe it would have been better if he had remained impassive as I took note of the pity with which he looked down at me with. The thumb of his right hand brushed over the swell of my cheek. The contact gentle, but made my heart pound violently, nonetheless.

"You would prefer to be alone?"

Alone. The mundane word left me with an ache in my chest. I had spent most of my life on my own. Having lost both my parents at a relatively young age and being forced to fend for myself, I was used to it. A relationship wasn't something I had really considered for myself being so occupied with taking care of me first and foremost.

Although, having it brought to my attention like this made me question my future. Honestly, I never thought about it. Surviving day to day was hard enough, I didn't need to be daydreaming about things that may never come to fruition on top of it. Prior to becoming like this though, I did have a family and we loved each other dearly. Losing them was the hardest thing I'd ever experienced. Even more than the life I struggled in now.

One day, I would hope to have even a sliver of that back. Eventually. Hopefully.

"For now, yes."

"For now? What does that mean? What must change between now and then?"

"My life." I muttered under my breath.

Jimin's fingers pressed into my cheeks a little harder, expression falling into melancholy.

"Let me change it then."

"Why? You don't even know me. I'm not interested in partnering with you, I haven't even been screened properly. Why are you pushing this matter?"

"I've told you before. I find you fascinating."

I sighed heavily. "That's not an answer. Especially when I know there's a host of human women more than happy to take you up on your offer. Why do you want me? What can I possibly offer you that another woman can't?"

That pensiveness was back. Jimin falling into contemplation that left me unable to determine his thoughts. The silver that threatened to drown me before morphing into a solid state. I was stuck. Body immobile like I had stepped into wet concrete and let it harden around me. Jimin caressed my cheek softly.

"Companionship." He answered. "I want someone I can open up to and be accepted by without me having to hide who I am."

I smiled wryly, reaching up to pull his hand off my face.

"I'm sorry to burst your idealistic bubble, but we've established I came here because I was guaranteed money just for registering."

He chuckled, turning his hand in mine to intertwine our fingers.

"True that you have ulterior motives. However, yours are still very different from most women. Many of them sign up for the status they believe it gets them. The title and privilege of being able to say they've partnered with a Draas. They look at us as separate beings." He squeezed my hand in his, eyes twinkling again. "I want an equal. Someone who sees me as they see themselves. Not better, not less. A woman who sees me and not what I can sustain her with."

"So, then, earlier when you went on that rant of begging me to accept you..."

"An act." He shrugged. "I wanted to know how you would react to such a proposal. Now that I have my answer, I'm not above begging for real this time."

He smiled widely, my heart palpitations betraying the logical side of me that still refused to cave under his charm. Although it wasn't enough to keep a smile of my own from meeting his.

"Commander Park, you're quite the convincing actor." I admitted, laughing under my breath.

He chuckled with me, bringing my hand to his face to leave a kiss against the back of my palm. The gesture didn't help my heart calm down any, the flood of red to my cheeks indicative of just how much it affected me.

"Let me help you. In return, all I ask for is a friend. We'll have to complete the registration as partners unless you want other Draas to come knocking at your door, but I promise I won't ask more from you than what you're willing to give."

"This arrangement doesn’t seem all that fair for you."

He hummed, letting his hands drop.

"Don't worry about that. You're giving me exactly what I want if you accept."

He allowed me a bit of space, filling the gap he created with one hand out between us.

"What do you say Ms. L/N? Partners, in the most platonic sense of the word?"

I pondered for a moment. In actuality, this was the best-case scenario for a decision I had made in a moment of desperation. Jimin was offering me a way out and all he wanted in return was someone he could confide in essentially. I didn't know for sure what all he dealt with daily that made him feel he had to hide himself, but I suppose I would find that out eventually if I chose to accept. Besides, it was obvious that it would either be him or a different Draas. And who's to say I would get this lucky twice?

"Alright Commander Park, you have yourself a deal." I answered, taking his hand.

Spending time with Jimin wasn't all that bad. Being around so many Draas at any given time took some getting used to. I quickly came to realize that Jimin was not only a highly ranked official by my standards, but also by the Draas as there were several younger (at least according to Jimin) males that looked up to him as their leader. Several months into our new arrangement, after moving in with Jimin because apparently staying a part from one another after agreeing to become partners was throwing up some red flags, I became aware of how much leverage Jimin held among the ranks of Draas living on Earth.

It wasn't just him either. I had run into Commander Kim a few more times on the occasions he came to visit Jimin and discuss matters related to the revival of the planet we all inhabited. He was another Draas that held power rivaling Jimin's, although whereas I knew Jimin influenced water as his element (which made a lot of sense thinking back on when we met), Commander Kim, or Seokjin, as Jimin referred to him when the older man wasn't paying attention, was able to conjure the many different states water was in such as ice and vapor on top of its liquid form.

Jimin respected him as a superior and teacher and, in return, Seokjin treated Jimin much like he would a younger sibling. The other Draas that I've kept contact with more than I expected was Dr. Kim. Although he was aware of Jimin and I's agreement as nothing more than friends to one another, we still had to schedule regular appointments to check up on us. Partially as hospital protocol and in part to sate the curiosity of Dr. Kim. I guess it's unusual for a Draas and human female to be together as not romantically involved partners. Other than the two of them, I've met some of Jimin's other closest comrades. Commanders and the like who hold ranks within their respective fields of abilities.

The short time with Jimin has taught me a lot. Much like Earth, Draas have a hierarchy among their people. Split between those who share certain abilities and their partners. Most of whom don't associate with one another much outside of the matching program unless they were diplomats. Sort of like Jimin and Seokjin.

Apparently the friendship he shared with the other faction leaders was a special one. Because apart from them, I hardly ever saw Draas of different abilities mingling. Another interesting tidbit I managed to pick up on was the lengths in which most Draas went to avoid humans. Those who weren't partnered and weren't looking, hardly spared a glance to any of us. Jimin had explained to me that even among the Draas, there were those who weren't exactly keen on the idea of sharing the planet with us, let alone the only option for partnering being human females. I tried my best to avoid Draas who shared those views. Easier said than done however, as I shortly found out that one of Jimin's comrades that he shared such a connection with was one of them.

Yoongi had never outrightly been rude towards me, but it was clear he'd rather not associate with me if Jimin wasn't there. Jimin had written it off, saying it had more to do with his affinity for fire than the man himself. Which I would have been inclined to believe if Jungkook hadn't shared the same affinity and yet remained the polar opposite of his teacher.

Jungkook was a force to be reckoned with. He was a bright and fearless personality, one that I had wondered in many instances how Yoongi managed to keep up with him. If I were comparing them with their penchant for fire capabilities, Yoongi would be the floating embers ready to ignite at any moment while Jungkook was the raging flames on the verge of swallowing everything around him.

Opposites they were, they understood each other without much difficulty. Sometimes it felt like they could fathom one another better than Jimin and Seokjin could. As curious as it was, I didn't want to inquire too much about it lest I incur the wrath of Yoongi or whatever. Besides, Jimin had enough mystery around him and his abilities to keep me occupied.

"So, is that why you live so far out here? Because of the lake?"

Jimin nodded, the same black shades pushed up his nose as he let his legs hang off the dock, bare feet in the water.

"More or less. Living next to a pond or even a stream probably would have sufficed, but I like it out here. It's quieter and the water is less tainted."

I had to agree. Living in the city all my life, I hadn't ever seen a place so beautiful. Nature ruled the land here. The trees and grass lively unlike what were in the city.

"Being in close connection with our element restores us. The energy it takes to bring back your planet is significant. I guess you could call it a double-edged sword or a constant sphere of transfer. The Earth needs energy to come back to life and we need that energy to sustain it. There are very few places left on your planet capable of providing excess energy for us to use, this is one of them."

"So, you're saying you and water share the same lifeforce?"

"I am water and water is me. Same for Seokjin. Just like fire is Jungkook and Yoongi and vice versa, so on and so forth."

It was a complicated notion for me to wrap my head around. I guess because I lived off the Earth in a different way than he did. In the end though, I suppose it was still giving life.

"Your home planet... is it the same there?"

Jimin lifted one foot out of the water, wiggling his toes as he let it drip from his heel. He watched it for a second before letting it drop back in and falling onto his back to look up at the sky above us.

"Similar to Earth? Yes and no. It's not tainted like it is here for one."

Choosing to join him, I pulled my shoes off before scooting closer to the edge of the dock. I dipped a toe in, happy to find that it was a relatively warm temperature and let both my feet sink into it.

"Can I ask why you left? It sounds a lot better than here."

"Well, you know the primary reason. It's not exactly something we are proud to admit, but repopulation is necessary and there aren't enough Draas women capable of procreating left after our war with a nearby planet. But that's not why I left. Seokjin was the one who recruited me. After discovering how bad off your planet really was, word got back that they'd need more help to revive it if we had any chance of being able to partner with humans. That's how I found myself here."

"Then, you weren't planning on taking a partner for yourself?"

"Not really. Don't get me wrong, it would be nice to share something like that, and the older I get the more I crave that closeness with a partner, but if I had to, I could live without it. Besides, if I did have a partner, the decision to leave would have been a harder one. I was more curious than anything to meet humans. See what they were like." He smiled, rolling his head towards me. "I haven't been exceptionally impressed by anyone until you."

I tried to wave off his attempt at flattery. Living with him, I noticed his flirty nature. A lot of those comments directed towards me the more comfortable we became with one another. I hadn't seen him interact with enough women to know whether that was just him, or if it was more because it was me. Either way, I tried not to let it get under my skin. Other than a few innuendos here and there, Jimin was a gentleman. He never pushed my boundaries and respected our agreement. Our friendship was just that. Friendship.

The wind picked up around us. Ripples stretching across the lake in front of us and tree branches swaying in the sudden gust. I tamped down my hair, turning to where it came from, pleasantly surprised to see the smiling face waving to us as he headed down towards the water.

"Hoseok's here." I warned Jimin, pulling my feet out of the water to greet the man.

"Great." Jimin mumbled under his breath, sighing as he forced himself up.

I was a bit curious about Jimin's lack of enthusiasm. Usually, he was happy about having Hoseok visit, maybe even more than Seokjin some days, but lately it felt as if he was losing his excitement for the man's company. However, out of all the Draas that visited, Hoseok was the one I got along with most easily.

He was kind and considerate. Always making sure to include me in the conversation, or striking one up between the two of us when it was apparent that I was lost in a lot of the lingo when Jimin talked shop, or worse, when they spoke in their native tongue. Luckily for me, Hoseok visited quite often. Jimin told me it was because he usually bounced between the houses of the other guys. Hoseok was one who preferred company rather than being on his own, and if the others wouldn't take the time to visit him, he would be the one to show up without warning.

"How's my favorite human?"

I laughed, accepting the incoming hug. That was another thing I quickly learned about Hoseok; he was adamant on outward affection.

"Hobi, I'm the only human you associate with."

"I can still play favorites."

"It's a little earlier in the week than we normally see you." Jimin noted, pushing the sunglasses up his face to settle in his pink waves.

"I skipped visiting Yoongi and Kook, I just missed Y/N too much." Hoseok beamed, keeping an arm around my shoulders while answering Jimin.

"Yoongi won't be happy to know that."

"He'll live. Y/N's the only one who will entertain my whims, it's a no-brainer why I would rather spend time with her versus someone who spends all his free time napping."

Jimin rolled his eyes, face set in a grimace as he pushed past the two of us.

"Well, she didn't miss you." He shot at Hobi as he passed.

"I- That's not true." I placated Hoseok who started to pout.

"Has he been this mean to you too Y/N?"

"Of course I haven't." Jimin scoffed, continuing towards the house.

Hoseok looked to me as if he didn't believe Jimin's words. I offered him a smile.

"It's been busy around here the last few days. Maybe he's just tired."

Hoseok hummed, turning from his friend walking away, to me.

"I brought some fruits that Namjoon got from a patient of his. He mentioned something about a fruit salad that you humans put together and was wondering if you would help me."

"Sure. It's about time for dinner anyway, I can make us something to go with it."

That was another key difference between humans and Draas. Whereas we needed food to survive, I discovered that the energy they derive from the planet was enough to fuel normally bodily functions. Eating was more of a kind of past time for them. Hoseok was more than fascinated with the different dishes we could make, Seokjin too from what I'd been told, but Jimin was hit or miss.

Every once in a while he would partake in whatever I managed to make, but he was incredibly picky and unless it looked and smelled appealing, he wouldn't touch it. Hoseok was excited now, his arm looping around mine to pull me along.

"What even goes into a fruit salad anyway?"

"Well, it depends on what you brought."

I knocked quietly on Jimin's door, waiting for him to grant me permission before pushing it open. I peeked around the door to find him stationed at his desk shoved into the far side of his room. The same one that had been in the guest room I now stayed in.

"Hoseok and I finished dinner, would you like to join us?"

"No."

I figured as much, but the dismissal felt more brusque than usual. I hesitated in the doorway, opting whether it was worth it to mention it now or if I should let it be. I liked to think I knew Jimin relatively well having lived with him the last few months. Good enough to at least know some of his habits and how he was when it was just the two of us and even when in company.

And his behavior, particularly when Hoseok stopped by, seemed to sour beyond him just dealing with our guest. Especially when that guest was a close friend of his. My lingering in the doorway didn't go unnoticed, Jimin's eyes flickering up from whatever he was working on to my form in his threshold.

"Did you need something else?"

Figuring if he was going to give me an opportunity to bring it up, I stepped inside.

"Jimin, is there something wrong? You've been... off."

"I'm fine, just tired and I didn't expect to have guests over today."

"It's not just today. You've been off the last couple of times we've had guests."

He frowned, shaking his head. "Things with work have just been stressful."

I chewed on my lip, casting a look over my shoulder before deciding to outrightly ask him.

"It's worse when Hoseok is here. Did something happen between the two of you?"

Jimin stiffened, his motions turning awkward as he fiddled with the pen in his hand. His eyes dropped down to the paper in front of him, his pink hair that is a bit longer than when I moved in hid his eyes from me.

"Has he said something to you?"

Jimin's voice was rough. Highly unusual for him when I was so used to it being soft and lilting. Then again, I haven't seen him mad before and the tension that arose between us suggested that was how he felt. My vision dropped to where he held the pen tight within his fist. The knuckles turning white with the strength, and I wondered if it was on the verge of crumbling in his grasp.

"No. Hoseok hadn't said anything to me." I responded, crossing my arms over my chest. "But I'm right, aren't I? Something happened between you two."

Another quick shake of his head. "No, it didn't."

"Jimin," I sighed. "Clearly there is-"

"I said there's not!" He snapped, rising from his chair.

Those silver orbs were like molten steel. The heat behind them threatened to burn me and I was taken aback. He stood there, letting the animosity fizzle out before sighing heavily. He turned his head, refusing to look at me.

"I have a lot I need to get done. Enjoy your dinner with Hoseok." He mumbled, dismissing me.

Rather than leaving, I moved closer to him. Silver stare flicking up at me again warily.

"Y/N..." He spoke my name exasperatedly.

I reached out for the papers he was sifting through, moving them out of sight. His mouth opened to scold me for interrupting, but I shushed him.

"Explain it to me."

"Explain what?"

"Whatever is bothering you. I'm not leaving until I hear it and you're not working until you talk, so talk."

He was starting to get annoyed, but I could care less how annoyed he was with me. He moved to retrieve his papers, but I stepped in front of him.

"Jimin." I warned, leveling a glare of mine to meet his. "Companionship. That's what you wanted, right? Part of that means sharing our burdens."

"Sharing our burdens? This coming from the woman who still refuses to tell me exactly why she chose to register herself in the first place."

"Maybe because it doesn't matter anymore."

"That's not the point." Jimin bit out, invading my personal space. "The point is that it does matter to me. I want to know more about you, even the things you think don't matter. I share my stories, my experiences, my life with you and yet, you still don't trust me enough to do the same."

He ran his hand through his hair frustratedly.

"But that's not the way it is with Hoseok, is it? The two of you share a connection I haven't been able to establish even though we're partnered."

The revelation would have been surprising if it didn't make so much sense. Jimin went quiet after that, although it was clear he was still upset. I didn't know what to say, or if anything I might have said would make a difference to him. In the meantime...

I wrapped my arms around his shoulders, pulling him into me for a hug. He stumbled into the embrace, my strength catching him off guard. I held him tightly, unwilling to let him pull away, not that he was trying to. His arms looped around my waist, pulling me firmly into his chest while he buried his face into my hair.

"Jimin." I called to him softly. "Hoseok doesn't know any more about me than you do. Honestly, he probably knows even less. I'm sorry I haven't been as transparent with you. I'm not used to having someone around willing to listen or want to know about me. I'm... acclimating."

"It's more than that." He murmured. "I thought when I agreed to remain platonic partners with you that it would be easy. That all I really craved was having someone else around that I could talk to and be myself with. Someone that would make me feel less lonely."

He sighed, lifting his head to place his chin on top of mine, tucking me into his chest.

"But I'm not any less lonely. Sometimes it even feels like I'm lonelier than I was before because I have you here and, yet, I don't have you in the way I want us to be."

"What do you mean? How do you want us to be?"

A gentle knock at the door interrupted us. Jimin was quick to let me go, silver gaze turned to the door as Hoseok made his presence known.

"Just thought I'd make sure everything is okay. Dinner is getting cold."

The stiffness in Jimin's posture wasn't as prominent as it had been earlier, but I could tell he still had his reservations when it came to Hoseok. I laid a hand on his arm, hoping it served to reiterate my earlier assurances before answering Hoseok.

"We're okay. Jimin was just finishing up, so you can head back. We'll be right behind you."

He nodded, radiant smile in place before moseying his way back to the dining room.

"I don't remember agreeing to join you for dinner."

"You didn't." I told him, gathering the papers I had stolen from him to slide them in one of his desk drawers. "I made the decision for you."

Jimin was taken aback. Not that I could blame him really if I lived as a unit Commander and was used to people doing my bidding and not second-guessing my orders, but I wasn't and I didn't serve under him. He wanted us to be equals, then this was me treating him as an equal. I reached up, placing my hands on top of his shoulders.

"Join us. You can eat and it's also not fair for you to be acting this way towards Hoseok when the man isn't deserving of it. Plus, he was really looking forward to you trying the fruit salad he made."

I could almost pinpoint the moment in which Jimin caved. That tension melted out of him, and his silvery orbs softened at the mention of his best friend having made a meal just for him.

"Okay." He whispered.

"Good. We can continue this conversation when we're not entertaining guests."

Thankfully, dinner with the three of us had no trace of the animosity from before. The atmosphere and comradery between Jimin and Hoseok resumed much like it had in the weeks prior to Jimin's funky mood. I was able to navigate the conversation a bit better now that I understood Jimin's stance and could pay more attention to what I said and how I interacted, with Hoseok especially. I even attempted to share a bit more about my past. Without saying as much, I could tell Jimin appreciated it. It was like he soaked up every bit of information that he could even if I thought it to be mundane.

Retrospectively, I guess it's not entirely correct for me to claim that it's unimportant for me to share things about myself I didn't think were necessary. For Jimin, the stories he's shared about himself could have been uninteresting to him, but I hung onto every word. His world and his life were fascinating to me. All because it was so different from mine. I could understand Jimin taking the same stance when it came to humans. If I were being truly honest with myself though, I couldn't accurately say whether I found his life interesting because he was a completely different species from a completely different world, or if it's because it's Jimin. That thought lingered all throughout dinner until the answer revealed itself as if it shouldn't have been a question at all. My life before Jimin wasn't anything special. I struggled to get by and hadn't cared for anyone or anything other than myself. I knew about the Draas long before meeting Jimin and never thought twice about learning who they were or where they came from and why.

But Jimin was different. I actively sought to know more about him. Who he was and what he liked, his friends and family, and the affinity for water he wielded. I wanted to know everything I could and more. I had gotten so wrapped up in knowing him that I neglected asking myself why it meant so much to me. And I could kick myself for not picking up on how that oversight made Jimin feel.

"You know, we'd be more than happy to put you up for the night. It's a little late to be heading home." I offered to Hoseok as he put his shoes on.

"Nah, it's not that far to Yoongi's. Jimin was probably right to assume he'd be upset that I skipped over him. He may not seem like it, but he's a softie. Besides, I'd be right to assume you and Jimin have some things to talk about?"

He phrased it as a question, but he sounded sure of himself.

"You're rather insightful." I grinned, handing him the rest of the fruit salad he had worked so hard on.

"Not really. You two are just obvious." He chuckled, accepting it.

I laughed, shaking my head. Having it so blatantly laid out between us was a little embarrassing, but maybe not all that surprising. After all, Hoseok has known Jimin a lot longer than I have, so it would be only natural for him to notice something was amiss faster than I could.

"Just, promise me you'll bring it up? Jimin's notorious for hiding the way he feels. He'll sooner sacrifice his own happiness and peace of mind for someone else and I can tell he likes you."

"I would hope so. It would be a little awkward to have to keep living with someone you only tolerated." I teased.

"I'm serious." He laughed. "He may not have admitted it to himself yet, whether because of the arrangement you two have or for some other reason, but it's more than just platonic for him now. Or maybe it always has been. I never would have pegged Jimin as the type to partner with a human, but I should have known from the moment he told me about you."

"Told you about me?" I asked surprised.

Hoseok's eyes darted behind me past the entryway leading to the rest of the house. I wondered if he was looking for Jimin, but the younger Draas had elected to head back down the dock despite the late hour.

"He went back to the lake."

Hoseok nodded before continuing.

"I probably shouldn't be telling you this, but I consider it for his own good. I'm not going to say he lied to you because I believe it began with good intentions, but I'm not sure it was ever about friendship for him. I don't know if Jimin was even aware of his feelings yet, but I can tell you that even if he was he wouldn't have said anything to jeopardize his chance of helping you out of the situation you were in. Even if that meant keeping his feelings to himself to make you feel more comfortable."

Hoseok's words reminded me of that day in the hospital. How desperate Jimin seemed at the time seeking my agreeance only to backtrack after realizing I was shying away from his advances.

It was an act.

Hoseok placed a hand on my shoulder, squeezing gently.

"Like I said, he's good at hiding what he wants to. Now that you know, don't let him get away with it. I think the two of you were made for one another in that regard."

"What do you mean?"

He grinned, tucking the bowl of fruit salad under his arm.

"Neither of you are very keen on expressing your feelings. I wondered how long it would take or who would break first. Seems like Jimin is more susceptible to jealousy than I imagined."

"So, you knew."

"Sometimes all it takes is someone on the outside looking in. Thanks for dinner. I'll leave the two of you to it while I force Yoongi into trying my newest creation." He stated proudly, hugging his bowl a little tighter.

Even though Yoongi was still an enigma to me, moments like these where I knew he shared a softer side with his friends made him less intimidating.

"Tell him and Jungkook I said hi."

"I will. Let Jimin know I'll be back later this week, yeah?"

"Okay." I agreed, giving him a farewell smile before waving him through the door.

It always struck me how much quieter it seemed when Hoseok left. His presence was lively enough to fill the entire house. A place that was usually quiet and comforting when it was just Jimin and I by ourselves. Not that it was boring, rather I enjoyed how neither of us really had to feel like entertaining the other. We were more than happy sitting in silence, only talking when conversation arose naturally. This would have to be one of those times where we would have to share a conversation whether we wanted to or not. 

I sighed, kicking off my indoor shoes for my sandals. Better to have it sooner than later. The night was cool, a testament to how close summer was as I walked the familiar path down to the dock Jimin frequented. The fairy lights he had lining the path were bright enough to watch my steps, ensuring I didn't trip, something he had installed after realizing how much of a struggle it was for me to navigate in the dark unlike him. The moon's crescent glow reflected off the water and, not for the first time, I found myself stopping to look up at it. Jimin's stories made me curious about what it was like up there. How it would feel to be among the stars or what it would be like living on a planet that wasn't dying. Things I never would have been bothered to think about before him. 

Light splashing broke my daydreaming, my eyes gravitating towards the lake where I could barely make out a head poking out of the water. I continued my walk, reaching the edge of the dock where I found Jimin's shirt discarded, hanging over the edge of the wooden platform, nearly ready to take a dip itself. I stopped, looking for him again. He stood a good several yards from the end of the dock, bare shoulders peeking out of the dark water with his back turned to me. The sliver of moon above barely illuminated the hidden colors of his skin. The iridescence pale except when his subtle shifting turned it silver. Much like the color of his eyes. That paleness swept the expanse of his back until it reached the line of tattoos down his spine I had only heard about, never seen. I knew Jimin came down here to swim most evenings, he preferred to be in the water rather than just his feet like he often did when I joined him. Reflecting on Hoseok's words, I wondered if that was another sacrifice on his behalf that he made for me so I wouldn't be uncomfortable. 

In those instances, I neglected to come down here at night. I didn't want to bother him if that were to be the case, but now I wondered if I should have made the choice to come sooner. Although I knew he had to have heard me on approach, he didn't react. He kept his back turned, eyes cast up at the same moon mine had been and even though I couldn't make out his expression, something about him seemed melancholic. Before I could convince myself otherwise, I reached for the bottom of my shirt. I tossed it with his, working on the button of my shorts next as I made my way to the end of dock. I shucked my sandals, letting my pants drop over them. I was too afraid to dive in headfirst, and a little less than gracefully, I dropped myself off the edge of the dock and into the water. I sucked in a breath, the chilly water a shock to my system I didn't anticipate. While the night was comfortable, the lake had dropped slightly in temperature with the departed sun. I waded in Jimin's direction, hoping a bit of movement would help me acclimate faster. His head turned when I was a few feet from him, that tender smile threatening to melt me as he took me in. 

"You didn't have to come in. I would have joined you inside before too long." 

Water dripped from his chin as he spoke. Those bubblegum pink locks swept back from his face, and I couldn't help but think about how much water clinging to him suited him. 

"Meeting you halfway." I chattered, offering him a smile. "That's what we agreed on, right?" 

"Not if it ends with you freezing to death." He chuckled, fingers finding mine under the water's surface. 

He threaded them through mine, pulling me into him. I didn't let the closeness bother me, in fact, I latched onto the warmth he provided, looping my arms around him, and pressing my cheek to his chest. He returned my embrace, holding me to him as we fell into a comfortable silence. I would have been happy staying like this, but the conversation that needed to be had lingered over our heads like a cloud. One that I wanted gone before it got much worse. Having Jimin holding me like this made it easier to start the discussion. As much as I loved his silvery gaze, I found it left me at a loss for words more than anything else and I needed my words right now. 

"I'm sorry." I murmured.

He sighed; the sound hardly audible as his chin rested on my head. 

"I should be the one who's sorry. Acting the way I did about your friendship with Hoseok was... childish. I'm usually not so affected by things like that." 

Hoseok might have given away Jimin's reluctance to come to terms with his feelings for me, but I still wanted to hear them from the man himself. And not only because Hoseok had me promise I would. 

"Then why were you?" 

Jimin was quiet. The only sounds being his breathing and the soft lapping of water around us. I wondered if he would even answer, but I also knew it wasn't like Jimin to leave a question of mine unanswered. 

"I'm finding myself incapable of making decisions when it comes to you lately. I question every word, every action, worried that it's beyond the realm of what you humans would consider friendly. It's hard for me to draw that line when it's not what I want anymore." 

"Hoseok told me you have a penchant for withholding your emotions." 

He pulled back to look at me, a wry grin tugging at his lips. 

"He's not wrong. Hoseok would know best. I've known him the longest."

"Then be honest with me Jimin. What are you holding back? What is it you want?" 

His smile dropped. The seriousness that flooded those silver orbs was one that always attempted to drag me down with it, but I was determined to meet it head on this time. If I was going to convince him that I was here for him and willing to hear what he had to tell me, I couldn't run away anymore. I couldn't lie to myself that all I felt towards him was how one would feel about a friend. I knew what that was like. I shared it with Hoseok and Jungkook. And while a sliver of that same feeling was present when I was with Jimin, there was more. A much stronger connection that pulled me in and drew me to him. A part of myself that actively sought him out, to be with him and learn about him. 

I held my eyes to his, not so much as blinking even as his hand lifted to cup my cheek. 

"You." He whispered. "I want you as more than just a friend. More than someone who's around simply for company or to ease my loneliness. I want you as a partner. In every sense of the word. Both in your language and mine." 

I held his wrist, hiding my smile in his palm and admiring the flashes of color across his skin. 

"I want that too." 

He seemed surprised, expression flickering between the shock and happiness and finally, uncertainty as he pulled back. 

"Are you sure? If this is because you're worried I'll put you out or I forced my feelings onto you, I'd ra-" 

I laid a kiss on his hand, his words catching in his throat at the gesture. I could feel the slight tremble of his fingertips as I slid into his embrace again. 

"Don't you believe me capable of making my own decisions?" 

"In my defense, all the decisions I've known you to make have led to you regretting them later." 

"Touché." I laughed, wrapping my arms around his shoulders. "But I'm confident I won't regret this one." 

I tilted my face to his, happy to know that it appeared to be a universal sign when it came to silently begging for a kiss as he leaned down. He paused a hair's breadth away, hesitating, or maybe wanting me to make that ultimate leap so he knew I meant every word I'd spoken to him thus far. Assuming the latter, I took the plunge, connecting my mouth with his. His plush lips melded with mine perfectly, the kiss itself charged, building in intensity as Jimin deepened it. My lips tingled under his, the feeling euphoric and unlike anything I had ever experienced. My breaths came out harsher, fingers finding their way into his damp hair, letting the pink strands tangle around my fingers. 

My body burned against his, every bit of me keening under his touch and begging for more. Almost like it had been waiting for this moment and surrendered to whatever he was willing to give me. His fingers traced my skin, those same tingles leaving me feeling as if I were floating, even the water around me caressed me like a lover. Like an extension of Jimin himself. Every sensation an aphrodisiac that I craved more of unconsciously as I arched into him. 

I needed him. The soft touches and gentle fingers weren't enough. I wanted him to want me as desperately as I did him. A whimper left me unexpectedly, the sound enough to pull Jimin from me, the question of what's wrong on the tip of his tongue until I cut him off. 

"There's something I'm curious about." 

"What is it?" He asked, the slight pick-up of pace in the rise and fall of his chest the only outward sign he was affected like I was. 

"The human women who partnered with Draas. I've heard it's unlike anything they've experienced before." 

He looked confused, brows furrowing as he cocked his head to the side. 

"What do you mean?" 

I bit my lip, riding on the high from earlier to power through any embarrassment I might find in divulging my thoughts. 

"Sex." 

"You want me to explain what sex is like with us?" He asked confused. 

"No." I shook my head, stifling my laughter. 

That just made him even more puzzled, that tilt getting steeper as he slowly shook his head. 

"I don't under-" 

"I want you to show me." 

His fingers dug into my hips, expression turning eerily impassive. Those eyes burning into me, his tongue darting out to wet his bottom lip, a quiet exhale escaping from between them. 

"Y/N, if we go that far, there's no going back for me. I'll bind myself to you." 

"Is that not what you want?" 

"No. Yes- I mean, that is what I want. I just need you to understand what you're committing to here. My species, copulation is the ultimate betrothal. We only have sex when we intend to partner with someone for life." 

"Aaand you're worried I'll regret it later." 

He frowned, shaking his head. 

"No, I just want you to be absol-" 

I laid my thumb over his lips.

"I am." I promised him, soothing the swollen flesh with gentle caresses. "Bind me." 

Jimin's breath left him in a shudder, his hand gripping my wrist tightly to pull it from his face before smashing his lips to mine. He kissed me with more fervor, his body turning to push mine back towards the dock. In our haste, the motions were awkward. Both of us fumbling to let go of each other long enough to get out of the water. 

"The house has never felt so far away." He grumbled, helping me onto the dock. 

I gripped his hand to keep him here as he turned towards the house. 

"Not the house. Here." 

I didn't know if he agreed, nor did I really care as I pulled him to me again. His mouth slot against mine perfectly, like he had been made for me. Or maybe I, him. Either way we were two pieces of an unsolved puzzle finally coming together. The lanterns along the dock cast a hearty glow across the both of us, Jimin's skin glittering with hints of orange and red, his hair two shades darker under the tawny light. His fingers slipped under the latch of my bra, toying with it while his other hand slid under the waistband of my underwear. His palms trailed the water droplets coating my skin, rendering them hot like molten lava. The heat was enough to fend off the chill it should have brought this late into the night. 

This was Jimin though, his affinity for water ran much deeper than simply influencing its temperature. His lips parted from mine, moving further down to catch a few beads of water with his tongue, to my neck. He groaned lowly, sucking on my tender skin, and leaving me desperately clenching around nothing as he fed my desire. He made quick work of my bra, tugging it off me and dropping to his knees. His lips found my breast, wrapping around my nipple, nearly sending me crumbling to my knees as well. His name left my lips on a breathless moan, my chest arching into him in a bid for more. Gently, he wrapped both hands around my thighs, guiding me down with him into his lap. I settled over his cock, his underwear and mine being the only barrier between him and my opening, but I could still feel every thick inch of him pressed against my center. Without much convincing on his part, he urged my hips into a slow grind, groaning his appreciation as I took over. He gripped my ass, keeping me close while he found my lonely breast, rolling my nipple between his fingers. I cursed, gripping his shoulders tightly, already feeling that tightness low in my abdomen. I could have cried with the lack of friction I needed, my hips rutting against his frantically for release only to be disappointed when he stopped me. His mouth found mine again, shushing any complaints as he rolled me under him. Any wish to continue grinding on him was dashed the second his hands rid me of my underwear. I tilted my hips up to him impatiently, sighing in pleasure as his fingers parted my folds. He curled one finger in, penetrating me and waiting for my signs of pleasure before introducing a second. 

"You know the belief that human women were compatible with us sexually wasn't a far-fetched one to begin with. In fact, your anatomy coincides with the females of our planet rather remarkably with one exception." He licked his lips, silver gaze finding mine. 

He pulled his fingers out, dragging them through my lower lips deliciously, seeking his target. The jolt that ran through me the second he found my clit let him know his hunt was successful, my hips thrusting against his hand helplessly when he started rubbing slow circles around it. 

"Here." He almost purred, delighting in the way I writhed under his touch. "I spent a lot of time studying how I would bring you pleasure. There are lots of ways, but I found this one the most fascinating." 

He dropped his head, tongue replacing his fingers as he spread my thighs wide to accommodate him. I fell helpless to Jimin, my hands gripping those beautifully pink locks as he experimented with my pleasure. Lips leaving petal soft kisses against my flesh, tongue delving into my opening to coax more of my cream from me before licking a drawn-out stripe up to my clit, laving the same attention to it. He paid expert attention to the way I responded, teasing me to the cusp of breaking and backing down before I hit it to drive my attention elsewhere. His hands hooked over the tops of my thighs, holding me in place while he buried his face in my pussy. His name was a symphony leaving me on gasps and moans and choked whimpers. It felt like I was delirious on the pleasure he gave me only to retreat and leave me dangling on that fine line between pain and euphoria. 

"Please." I whimpered, feeling the tears overflowing as he pulled back again, denying my orgasm. "Jimin." 

"You taste so good." He murmured, swirling silver meeting my eyes. "How am I supposed to stop?" 

My chest rose and fell rapidly, my body feeling like it was sweltering under my skin. I reached for him, melding my lips to his. 

"Make me yours." I begged him, kissing him again only to repeat those three words like I lived by them. 

He matched my fervor, kissing me hungrily. He rid himself of his underwear and I found myself pulling away from him to observe him in all his glory. I traced the shimmering patterns the light cast over his bare flesh, basked in the flush coloring his cheeks, the swollen and plump perfection of his pink lips. My hands navigating the expanse of his chest, lean muscles of his arms and hands where they supported his weight beside my head and watched the way his abdomen flexed with every movement between my thighs as he settled himself between them. 

It was no wonder women signed themselves over. Jimin was beautiful. A sight that artists would try recreating to no avail, and photographers would spend their lives catching the perfect angle of, and here he was, with me. I wrapped my legs around his waist, a wordless invitation for him to take me as his. 

His lips captured mine, delivering a kiss that laid his emotions bare for me to see. The happiness, the longing, the desperation. All the things Jimin kept hidden. I moved against his lips with that same amount of passion, letting him know he wasn't alone in his feelings. That I wanted him just as much. A hand trailed its way between us, down my chest and midriff, his touch as smooth a caress as if water itself lapped at my skin. Soothing the fire raging inside and promising to quench my thirst thoroughly. 

"You're sure?" He whispered against me, kissing me again before allowing me to answer. 

"I'm yours." I swore to him, tracing the curve of his jaw and meeting his eyes. 

Those eyes of silver stardust, captivating in their intensity and heart wrenching in their expressiveness. I could see the emotion swimming in them, their color matching the moon above us as its glow rained down on him. Bathing him in the silvery shade that seemed to be crafted for him alone. 

I knew in that moment he was made to be among the stars. He belonged in that vastness of space. A testament that it was designed for him as much as he it, and I was being graced with only a sliver of it. But it was a piece I would happily take, whatever parts of him he was willing to give me. His fingers gripped the meat of my thigh tightly, spreading me open further for him. I barely caught the change in his breathing, rate increasing until he bit his bottom lip to stifle it and pressed forward. 

I sucked in a sharp breath, relishing in the way he slowly filled me. My nails dug into his shoulders, digging in harder the deeper he went, my body stretching around the length of his cock snugly. His eyes squeezed shut, head dropping slightly to leave the ends of his fiery bubblegum pink hair to brush across my cheek. He sheathed himself fully, body trembling as a quivering breath escaped him. 

"Tell me again." He begged; voice hoarse as his nose nudged my jaw. "That you're mine. That you want me." 

I released the talon-like hold I had on his shoulders, cupping his cheek to turn his face to me so I could kiss him again. 

"I want this... you. I'm yours. Make love to me under the stars we share." 

He obliged, hips retreating only to dive deep once more. He rained kisses down my neck, groaning in delight when I arched beneath him, begging for more. My fingers found the wrist of his hand pressed against the wooden dock beside my head, using it to ground me as I surrendered myself to him. It was all too much and not enough at the same time. His presence above me, inside me, overwhelmed me, but I sobbed with every retreat, wanting him to fill me again until he did, and I felt like drowning under him all over again. 

"Jimin." 

My voice sounded foreign to me. How wrecked it was, the breathlessness, how I begged for him even though I wasn't sure what exactly I was asking of him. 

"My star." He purred, hips snapping into mine. "I've spent my life among the ones up there, but none of them quite feel like home like you do." 

That tension in my lower abdomen pulled tighter. My moans filling the quiet night, not caring if anyone were to hear. Jimin's low groans and harsh breaths coupled with mine, his cock splitting me open, lower body pounding into mine. My core clenched on him, ripping a curse from his lips as he drove into me harder. 

"Fuck." He swore through clenched teeth. 

I stifled my cries enough to hear him. Basking in the soft noises he let loose despite trying so hard to keep them in. Not only that, but the squelching between my thighs every time he thrust inside my walls. I was soaked, drenching him in my essence as if I wanted to be the water he coveted. Underneath me, I could feel the force of waves hitting the dock. The wood vibrating with the power behind them. It took me only a second to realize they lapped against the land in time with Jimin's thrusts. His affinity leeching into the very source itself, the water he wielded responding to him. 

I wondered if he was even aware of it. His focus was directed between us, watching his cock disappear within me, the creaminess gathering at the base of it and coating my thighs. 

"Beautiful." He groaned, fingertips finding that same spot from earlier expertly. 

My body shook under his touch. That knot within me going taut, threatening to snap. I whined, body leaping out of rationality to grind against those fingers. Lips moving to implore Jimin to go harder, faster. The movements of his fingers over my clit were gentle, small circles that I was ready to let shred me apart. Completely at odds with the feral pace of his hips. I marveled at the sight of him above me, the flex of lean muscle, graceful drive of his hips, expression pinched in the same pleasure he inflicted, pink strands sticking to the sweat covering the iridescence of his skin. Sweat that caught the subtle glow of pinks and blues and purples over his flesh like diamonds before dripping onto my exposed and overheated body. 

He dropped his head, wrapping his plush lips around my nipple, flicking it with the tip of his tongue. I crashed under it all, my cries echoing off the turbulent water, back arching off the dock into Jimin who helped me ride through the crippling wave of pleasure. 

"So fucking beautiful." He growled, pushing himself past that breaking point to join me. 

I anticipated the warmth that would escape him and fill me. And I would be lying if I claimed I wasn't disappointed when he pulled out. His fingers made one last swipe through my folds, gathering more of my slick before wrapping those same fingers around himself. He groaned, the sounds rising in pitch as he pumped his cock like he was still fucking me. He squeezed, breath catching as he pushed himself over. He came hard, thick ropes of it coating my thighs and his hand, milking him of everything he had to give. The sight was something I never thought I would find so arousing. The fire inside me flaring again watching him. 

I pushed against his side, urging him to lay against the dock like I had. His questioning gaze going unanswered while I kneeled between his legs. There wasn't so much as a warning before my tongue was on him. Another sharp curse rushing out of him, and his cock twitched while I cleaned him. His head fell back against the wood with a loud thunk, soft moans more of pleasure slipping past his lips, his hands gripping my hair. He didn't do anything beyond holding it, just let me worship him and bring his cock back to life so he could experience pleasure at my expense this time. 

I slid my lips over the head, moaning at the taste of him. He choked on my name, his breathing coming out harsh and irregular. I reveled in it. My eyes trained on the rise and fall of his chest, the veins in his neck as he exposed it, the colors of his skin and hair, and just how fucking perfect he was coming undone for me. I took as much of him as I could, engulfing him in warmth as he came again. I did my best to swallow what I could, some of it overflowing and leaving me to have to lick up my mess. 

Jimin looked utterly fucked, thighs trembling as he pulled me off him. He stared at my lips, his tongue darting out to lick his own as a devilish smile lifted them. One I wasn't used to seeing on him. 

"Sit on my face." 

I looked at him surprised, unable to stop the blush from coloring my cheeks at his forwardness. 

"What?" I asked dumbly, wondering if maybe I had misheard him. 

He chuckled, arms wrapping around my torso to pull me up his body. I bit my lip, a little nervous as he settled my thighs on either side of his head. 

"Did you learn this too, or is it common among Draas men to ask someone to sit on their face?" 

He hummed, hands finding purchase over the tops of my thighs to pull me down to him. 

"My research for you was extensive." He purred, starting with the mess covering my thighs. 

His licks were slow, deliberate, as he purposefully drove me crazy. 

"I'd argue it's only fair I return the favor and clean you up to seeing as I'm responsible for half the mess." 

He pulled me lower, my breath hitching as his breath ghosted across my center. 

"Maybe make you cum again too." 

I could already feel my thighs trembling, Jimin's words and the hint of his lips coaxing me into letting go and smothering him beneath me. 

"I'm really just a selfish bastard who wants to taste you again." He sighed, the first swipe of his tongue threatening to break me. "I'll spend the rest of my life between your legs if you'll let me." 

I laughed breathlessly, one that turned into a shuddering moan as he licked me again. 

"I might just let you." I murmured, whimpering under his teasing mouth. 

"Let's not waste any time then." He grinned, pulling me down to him.

Taglist:

@ldysmfrst @missbangtangirl @bratty-tingz @i-like-puppy-mg @skyys-universe @atinymonbebestay

I had the pleasure of reading this wonderful written art by @remedyx! Please take the time to read it yourself. You will not be disappointed. The writer has a way with words that just leaves me yearning for more but still breathless with what they gifted to their readers. 💜💜💜

Silver Stardust

Pairing: Draas!Jimin x Human!(f)reader

Rating: 18+

Genre: Fantasy, Alien, Angst, Fluff, Smut, One-Shot

WC: 17.1k

Warnings/Tags: explicit sexual content, language, unprotected sex, fingering, oral (m and f receiving), kind of/sort of public sex, this turned soft, fluff galore, tiny bit of angst

Thank you so much for the request @ldysmfrst 🥰 Happy (super) late birthday gift, and I'm sorry it took me so long to finish it! I was glad to have the opportunity to write something like this, seeing as how I was thinking about dabbling in a little bit of an alien AU eventually! Hope you enjoy!

“Here.”

The small stack of cash was shoved into my hands. Even without counting it, I knew it was much less than what we had initially agreed upon when I offered to help him clean his store. Just to be sure though, I quickly added it up.

“This isn’t even half of what you told me you’d give me.”

“It’s more than I should be giving away already. Sorry lady, we’re all struggling to get by around here. I got my own family to feed.”

The man waved me off, clearly fed up with my presence and just wanting me out. Part of me wanted to argue, the colorful words I had for him on the tip of my tongue until the bell above the front door chimed announcing someone’s arrival. He turned his attention from me, greeting the customer warmly and rounding the counter intent on securing a sale as he appealed to the older couple slowly making their way towards me. Sighing defeatedly, I opted to cut my losses, stowing the meager pay I’d accumulated into my pocket.

The store owner and couple hardly paid me any mind as I skirted past them, donning the hood of my coat to semi-protect myself from the rain. Another gloomy day to serve as a direct representation of how I felt on the inside. Not that there was much to bring happiness these days anyway. The world was going to shit, hardly anyone could afford to live, the lack of money forced people to take out more loans they were unable to pay, and our planet was dying. What a time to be alive.

I was simply one of millions just trying to survive. My only concern being how to get by day to day. My eyes scanned a sheet of paper that had been plastered to one of dozens of storefronts as I passed by. The key to our salvation lies with them, it read. I shook my head, pushing my fists a little deeper into my pockets. The number of people who spent their days printing and handing out those fliers always baffled me. I didn’t have time to waste on other’s problems, let alone how to save this wretched world. It was a wonder so many other people thought differently.

“Rejoice! For they have brought with them a solution!” I jumped at the sudden shout.

The woman in front of me smiled as if she were truly happy to have run into me. Completely unperturbed by the torrential downpour around us as she had taken shelter under a nearby awning I was passing. One arm filled with the same fliers pasted all over the street, the other urging me to take one of them for myself.

“God has forsaken us, and they have taken it upon themselves to answer our desperate plea for help in His stead. The Draas are our future now and we should repay them accordingly.”

I tried to hide my grimace at the implications of her words. The Draas were a dying race of extraterrestrials. Supposedly one of many out there. The day we came to know of their existence, they had offered to help us in restoring our planet. Bring it back from the brink of destruction. And in a way, they have. At least for those who could afford it. In the beginning, most of the world was looking forward to all our problems being solved quickly. Famine, lack of clean and available water, shelter. The Draas had an affinity for the elements. Their very ancestors having claimed to be derived from nature itself.

While they were more than capable of healing a dying world, doing so also took a toll on them. Apparently reviving a planet as tainted as ours has been a bigger hurdle than anyone expected. Them included. The process a long and arduous one that made progress slow. Especially with how few of them there were. And the longer it took, the more a significant portion of humanity lost hope. I was one of them.

I had pretty much come to terms with the idea that I wouldn’t see the world returned to its former glory in my lifetime. But she was referring to their counteroffer. The Draas had asked for a favor in return for saving Earth. They wished to live alongside us and save their race. Some groups against the Draas entirely believed their reasoning for coming here was to exploit human women. Use them as a means to bring their population up again. Which I suppose wasn’t too far a stretch considering they had indirectly hinted at that in a way.

Despite that request though, none of them seemed particularly interested in taking just any woman. There were no snatching women off the streets or coercing them into serving them solely for the purpose of procreation. Rather, women went willingly. If a Draas would take them, that is. For a dying race, they were notably picky. But I guess they could afford to be. Especially after women caught wind of the Draas searching for life partners and the unearthly pleasures some women have claimed to experience at their hands, there was no shortage of them to choose from.

Clinics had opened under the orders of Draas officials to accommodate the influx of human women willing to sign an agreement stating they would take one of them as a life partner should they be deemed fit for it. Another ploy for them to get one step closer to their goal of repopulating under the guise of providing income for many impoverished people. Another impatient urge of paper in front of my face reminded me of the woman blocking my path. I attempted a half-hearted smile, trying to politely decline the sheet she offered. But she didn’t accept it.

“Take it my dear. It could be the end of your needless suffering and the beginning of a new life.”

I decided to take it from her, albeit unwillingly, but my hope was that she would leave me alone if I did so. Not bothering to read it, I shoved it into a pocket like I had with the sad excuse for a payday I harbored. I yanked the hood of my coat further down on my head praying it would stave off the wind that whipped the pellets of rain with it. In the back of my mind, I thought about the leak in the roof of my bathroom back home. I couldn’t remember whether I had replaced the bucket I kept under it or not. Surely if I made it home quickly there wouldn’t be too much to clean up if I hadn’t.

With that thought, I hastened my pace. Barely stopping long enough for the crosswalk lights to switch. I found myself urging one of them to change impatiently, my eyes flickering between the stoplight for the oncoming traffic and the crosswalk sign across the road from me. That was where I found myself when my eyes landed on him. He wore a beige long coat, the ends of it brushing the tops of his calves. Legs clad in a pair of black slacks that were indistinguishable from the hem of his black turtleneck. All it took was a glance to know that he was not a human amidst the crowd of them waiting on the light like I was.

And I wasn’t just saying that because of the lack of an umbrella, although that would have been the most obvious giveaway. The rain poured down around him, and yet, he remained untouched. His bubblegum pink hair fluffy, recalling the picture I’d seen once of cotton candy. It was like he had an invisible shield around him that repelled the water intent on drenching the rest of us.

I was so caught up in watching him that I didn’t notice the lights change. Not even when he started moving, coming closer. The final nail in the coffin determining he wasn’t human being the way he glowed under the streetlights. That iridescent skin common among the Draas that appealed to their beauty even more. The kaleidoscope of translucent colors over the skin of his cheeks was mesmerizing. What I could see of them anyway with the black shades perched on his nose. I watched transfixed as he strolled through the downpour without a care.

His gait smooth and confident amongst the people that rushed past him. He strode across the road in no hurry. In a way that made it seem as if the world was waiting on him versus the ever-ticking countdown of the clock we humans tended to abide by.

A rough shoulder check from behind me shook me from my stupor. The impact sending me directly into a puddle on my hands and knees with the man responsible barely turning long enough to emit a rushed apology, sprinting across the street before the crosswalk timer made it to zero. I inspected my scraped palms to see the damage, a bit peeved for how this entire day was turning out. Not only was I skimped on payment and facing the possibility of coming home to a flooded bathroom floor, but I was also soaked to the bone.

The water seeped through my pants, practically bathing my knees and down, socks and all. I sighed, rubbing the soreness out of my palms while trying to keep my emotions in check. What a shitty day.

“You should really back away from the road before you end up worse off.”

The hand that was proffered had thin, shapely fingers, a smooth palm and on the backs of them I could trace the veins up until they disappeared beneath the sleeve of a beige coat. His skin was pale except for where the light caught the faint iridescence. My eyes trailed up the arm of the person offering to help me, catching the sliver of a black turtleneck before the color clashed with pink. Both from the shimmer of his skin and his hair that nearly matched it.

He still wore those black shades, but his eyes were the last thing I could have imagined having to split my attention between as a slow, soft smile formed on his plump lips. Pink. Just like the rest of him. It took me another good fifteen seconds or so to realize he meant me. Snapping myself out of it, I took his hand with a quiet thanks letting him help me up out of the puddle I still knelt in.

“Are you alright?” His voice was light, melodic even, as he asked about my wellbeing.

“Other than a couple of scrapes and feeling like a drowned rat, I’m fine.” I laughed under my breath.

I hadn’t realized I still had ahold of his hand until he flipped the one in his grasp over to observe my injury. He hummed in thought before a slight pout tugged at his bottom lip.

“I’m afraid I can’t help with those. It’s a bit out of my scope of ability, but I can make you feel not so much like a ‘drowned rat’.” He chuckled at the last bit.

Even in his somewhat broken tone while speaking my language, I understood him. It was clear he wasn’t used to it. Like how it sounds when a lot of people pick up a second or third language and haven’t mastered it to fluency yet. But he was well-versed enough to get by and his pronunciation decent for me to understand with little difficulty. I found it peculiar. He wasn’t the only Draas to know human language, but it wasn’t terribly common for them to have put as much effort into it as he seemed to have.

“Oh, um, don’t worry about it. I was bound to be in a similar state by the time I made it home anyway.”

The reminder of the rain that still cascaded around us came as an afterthought. The realization that I wasn’t being pelted with it sinking in slowly. Somehow, the bubble he appeared to be shrouded in that made him untouchable extending to me with our proximity. Outside of it, everyone else hurried past us, umbrellas in hand and hoods over their heads to fend off the seemingly endless torrent. Fascinated, I reached out to where it looked as if the invisible shelter above us gave way to rain once more. My fingertips breaching that wall only to be met with the deluge.

“Sometimes I forget you humans find such wonder in things we consider mundane.”

I turned my attention back to him, finding the inquisitive tilt to his head rather endearing in an unanticipated way.

“I don’t typically interact with your kind.” I mumbled, extracting my hand from his grip, and letting both drop to my side. “I suppose it’s to be expected when I don’t often associate with people who can do such things.”

“Then your decision to participate in partner matching is a relatively recent one?”

“What?”

His eyes flicked down to my pockets, nodding towards it. I looked down, noticing the flyer the lady from earlier had beseeched me to take. Quickly, I shoved it back out of sight.

“Oh, no. I’m not interested in… that.”

Even through the impenetrable lenses of his sunglasses, I could feel his eyes searching mine. The bubble around us not only warded off the weather, but also the rest of the world to a degree. Outside conversation and the noises of the city itself sort of muffled. It felt like we were truly in a world of our own. So close to the outside, but not quite part of it.

“How unfortunate.” He finally broke the awkwardness that had manifested within our bubble. “You’re not like them. It would have been a nice change.”

I didn’t know how to respond to that, so I kept quiet. A small smile spread over his lips, his hands lifting and reaching out towards my face. My much smaller frame froze, unsure what he was doing until he pulled the hood of my jacket back into place.

“Be careful, alright?”

His movements were gentle. Double checking that it was secure before letting me go and bidding me one last smile to continue on his way. Part of me was still reeling from our interaction. I had never spent that amount of time in such close conjunction with a Draas. The sudden heavy weight of rain atop my shoulders again pulled me back to where I was and what I had been doing. The reminder of the way it poured down on me making everything within the last couple of minutes feel like a dream. Tugging on my hood, I glanced at the crosswalk light, happy to see it green and despite the low-end of the countdown. I sprinted across the street quickly. I didn’t know if it was the brief reprieve during my encounter with the pink haired Draas, but it felt like the rain around me was coming down harder.

I didn’t let up my pace the rest of the way to my house. The squelching in my shoes serving as a better motivator to get out of the rain and inside than the downpour itself. The first glimpse of my dilapidated porch brought a sense of relief. I slipped under the caving roof, glad that for as rough condition it was in, it was enough to protect me at least a little. Pushing the hood off my head, the first thing that caught my attention was the red paper taped to my front door. My relief was dashed just as I ripped it off.

Eviction Notice

“Fuck.” I groaned, noticing the date on it was this upcoming Friday.

Crumpling the sheet in my hand, I darted back out into the rain. Running the half-block further down the street to where I knew my landlord lived. I didn’t even care that I hadn’t bothered to pull my hood back on. I was already wet for the most part anyway. I ducked under her small awning, reaching the door in record time.

“Mrs. Tran!” My knocking was probably a bit more frantic than was necessary, but I chalked it up to making sure she’d be able to hear me over the rain and whatever sit com she probably had playing on her television.

It took a minute, but the shifting of the curtains next to the door revealed the older lady in question checking to see who was at her stoop. I waved politely, barely catching the small frown before she let the curtains fall back into place and I heard the deadbolt slide back. She pulled the door open just enough to glance at me through the crack.

“What are you doing out in this weather? You’re soaked to the bone.” She fretted, looking me over.

“Mrs. Tran, I need to talk to you.” I told her, holding up the notice.

Her eyes dropped to it, quickly reading it over before sighing softly and opening the door a bit more. She pulled her robe a bit tighter around her to fend off the chill the rain and wind brought with it.

“So, they finally served it.” She mumbled, shaking her head. “I’m sorry dear, you haven’t paid in months. You’re behind at least six months’ worth of payments. I just can’t afford to take what you can get here and there anymore.”

“I can pay!” I interjected quickly. “If I can get the money, will you let me stay?”

She sighed again, looking over my shoulder to the rain-soaked streets behind me.

“If you can pay me everything you owe plus court costs, I’ll let you stay. But I need it by the end of the week.” She relented, grabbing the notice from me.

I watched as she scribbled across the bottom of it. Totaling the amount I owed her, and what she wanted before the week’s end.

“I like you, Y/N, I really do. But I’m struggling like everyone else, and I can’t let you squeak by anymore.” She handed the paper back to me.

“I know, Mrs. Tran. I appreciate what you’ve let me have this far. I’ll get your money to you, I promise.”

She nodded, waving me off. “Get home and dry yourself off before you get sick.”

“Thank you!” I managed to slip in before she closed the door.

Tucking the notice under my jacket, I ran back into the rain. Trying my best to keep the paper from getting wet as I sprinted back to my house. It really wasn’t much, but it was livable. Which was more than enough nowadays when many people found themselves in much worse situations than me. At least I had a roof over my head (as patchy as it was) and a comfortable place to sleep. Quickly sliding my key into the deadbolt and unlocking it, I slammed the door behind me making sure to turn the lock back.

I swiped my wet hair out of my face, kicking my drenched shoes off wanting nothing more than to shower and hide away the rest of the day. But I knew that wouldn’t happen. Tugging the red paper out of my jacket, I looked down at the figure I owed. Feeling disheartened at the large number, I leaned into the door tiredly. I knew it was a shot in the dark offering to begin with, considering I was struggling to find odd jobs let alone a steady paycheck, but it was either that or lose the only home I have. I let the paper drop onto the table nearby, already trying to come up with some way to make that amount of money in less than a week as I shrugged out of my jacket. Remembering the money I had made earlier, I reached into my pockets, figuring it was as a good a start as any, I found not just the cash, but also the flier I had been handed.

The name of one of the Draas clinics in bright bold lettering took up the top of the page. Followed by several photos of proud clinicians and satisfied female customers, information plastered all over it about the mission of the organization and the services they provided. Mostly tailored to Draas and human women relationships. But that wasn’t what was important. At the bottom of the page, the recruitment ad caught my eye. The italicized bit requesting human women who would be willing to potentially be matched to a Draas to schedule an appointment. The guarantee of a hefty amount of money if you passed a physical exam and some additional tests more than enticing. I ran my eyes over the number several times, but it was still there. Five thousand. That’s what they were promising. Not enough for me to pay Mrs. Tran back in full, but it would cut down a significant portion.

I chewed on my bottom lip, unsure. It wasn’t like I had anything against them personally. My limited interactions with the Draas were never unpleasant, but I also didn’t get many chances to get to know them either. In all transparency, they were an alien race that I didn’t know much about besides what I’d heard through the news channels and supporters off the streets.

And here I am considering signing my life away for money.

It was a well-known fact that once a Draas chose a partner, that was it. They spent the rest of their lives with the person they choose, and they took it very seriously. While I had never heard about those few “lucky” women ever complaining, that didn’t mean the weight of being involved with one of them was any less terrifying.

However, my options were limited. Either I bite the bullet and secure a way to make some good money with the possibility of being partnered with a Draas or risk not being able to make anything by the time I need to and being thrown out on the street. As much as I hated it, the choice was blaringly obvious, but the benefits far outweighed the cons in the first option. Besides, there were hundreds, maybe even thousands of women who have already signed up. The chances of me getting picked were incredibly slim.

Satisfied with my logic, I grabbed my phone to schedule an appointment.

For as simple as the decision seemed, my anxiety since I stepped foot in this place hasn’t ebbed. It didn’t matter that I had been here for a good hour and a half, the longer I was here, the worse it got. Though I should have expected as much, the lobby was packed when I first arrived. Some women who I assumed were probably there for much the same reason I was, although I didn’t know if their motives matched mine, and others who looked to be couples. Women with their Draas partners, who looked absolutely thrilled together.

One in particular caught my attention. The Draas fawning over his partner who was noticeably pregnant. If I were being honest, the sight of the two of them spiked my nerves through the roof. Surely on the off chance I was chosen, that wasn’t to be my fate, right? Now that the seed was planted, I couldn’t keep my mind from coming up with frightening scenarios about being stuck with a Draas who would choose me simply for the purpose of procreation. I mean, I guess that was part of the reason that these clinics were brought in existence in the first place. And I supposed most women signed up with the thought that they would eventually have a family with a Draas, but, again, my motives were not the same as most human females that walked through that door. Just as I made to change my mind and get the hell out of there, my name was called, and I was led to a room down the hall where my vitals were written down, photo taken, and I was asked to wait for the doctor to conclude my physical.

Being made to wait in a room, alone, made me even antsier. My leg bouncing before I realized the action and forced myself to stop. I was really beginning to second guess myself now. To anyone paying attention it was obvious I didn’t belong here. Even more so after seeing all the happy couples and excited single women in the lobby. I needed the money, but the more time I had to sit with my own thoughts, the less pertinent that amount of cash seemed. I was even beginning to con myself into thinking I’d be able to make the money some other way.

That thought was what finally pushed me off the exam table and across the room. Double checking I had my belongings, I pushed the door open, peeking around it to see if anyone was there. A lone nurse stood at the end of the hall, deep in conversation with whoever was sat at the nurses’ station. More than confident I could get out of here without being spotted, I slipped through the gap I made, and headed in the opposite direction. I tried to be as quick as possible while still being silent, the quiet tapping of my feet feeling too loud even though the sounds of the clinic around me were much louder. My paranoia kept having me cast looks over my shoulder, making sure the nurse was still locked in conversation and she didn’t see me.

What I should have been paying attention to though was my front. The closer I came to the corner of the hall where I had been led through to get back here in the first place, the quicker my pace became, anxious to get around it and out of sight. Looking behind me once more, I could feel my pulse racing with the thought that I had gotten out of here without being caught. Except, I didn’t.

Someone else walked around the corner at the same moment I sprinted for it, my body colliding with theirs harshly. Whoever it was, it had effectively caught them off guard, their compromised balance coupled with my body weight had the both of us falling into the nearby wall, with my chest against theirs. The sudden collision caught both of us by surprise. Hands came up to my shoulders, pushing me away just enough to look down at me. I first noticed the white coat wrapped around his torso, then the stethoscope around his neck before my eyes met his. The shock still evident in those lavender orbs as his brows furrowed in concern.

"Are you alright?" The tone of his voice was deep and rich, a sound I wasn't used to hearing, but it was pleasant.

The subtle iridescence of his skin shimmered a purple in almost the exact same shade as his eyes under the bright artificial hospital lights. Draas. Quickly backpedaling, I fought the blush trying to surface and apologized.

"Yes, I'm fine! I'm sorry, I wasn't paying attention to where I was going."

At my reassurance, his gaze softened, a slow smile taking the place of his worry. The appearance bringing a set of deep dimples with it.

"It's okay. Accidents happen sometimes."

His eyes dropped to the plastic bracelet that had been handed to me upon arrival. Filled with all the information I had previously supplied when completing paperwork in the lobby.

"You're a patient?"

"Um..."

The smile shifted into more of a knowing smirk.

"You don't happen to be Y/N, do you?"

"I... am." I agreed slowly.

The man lifted his arm, holding out a hand for me to shake. Hesitantly, I accepted.

"I'm Dr. Kim Namjoon. I was actually on my way to retrieve you."

"Right... actually I wanted to talk ab-"

"It's not often we have females chosen so quickly in our systems. I'd say it's rare. You must have made an impression somehow." He continued happily.

"Wait, what?"

"I came to bring you to your match. He's already showed an interest in you."

The color drained from my face. My match? There's no way. Matching never happens this quickly. Everything I read had explained it to be a rather tedious process. Your files and test results would have to be reviewed, the Draas would sort through candidates that met their qualifications, and if a female was chosen, she would be given the opportunity to meet them if she wanted.

The fact that all of this was happening within a few hours of me being here is unheard of. Dr. Kim placed a hand high on my back, the other sweeping out in front of me invitingly.

"Shall we?"

"Wait, right now?"

He hummed, nudging me gently to get me moving in the direction he had come from.

"He's just down this hallway, waiting for you. He's actually a good friend of mine, I'm sure you won't be disappointed."

That wasn't really my concern. It didn't matter to me who he was really, I didn't think I was ready to meet anyone so soon after making a decision I was currently heavily regretting. Everything I had promised myself wouldn't happen, was happening. I was registered and one of the Draas insisted on meeting me already.

I chewed on my lip, every step further down the hall forcing the urge to tell Dr. Kim I had changed my mind higher up my throat. Perhaps I'd be able to convince the Draas himself that it was a mistake. Surely he would understand the circumstances that brought me here in the first place and take pity on me. A door down the hall several feet in front of us swung open, another Draas dressed in the black armor that was typical among highly ranked officials responsible for the rebirth of our planet so to speak.

Only those with considerable strength and abilities wore the black plated chest pieces and bodysuits. I froze upon seeing him. It was the first time I had ever seen one like him in person. Surely that's not who I was being brought to meet. The only skin visible was his face where he had removed his helmet. Flesh shimmering under the bright lights much like Dr. Kim's as he turned to face us. I was struck with how beautiful he was. Blonde hair swept over his forehead, full lips, and high cheekbones. The real kicker were his eyes, though. They were a rich gold, reminiscent of liquid sun droplets as he greeted Dr. Kim with a subtle incline of his head.

"Commander Kim, I haven't seen you in a while."

"Well, you know me, I don't usually inhabit places like these." He mumbled, eyes finally meeting mine. "This is her?"

"Y/N L/N." Dr. Kim nodded. "Have you finished speaking with Commander Park?"

The other man grunted. "If you can call it that. He's in one of his moods."

Moods? My eyes flicked to the doorway Commander Kim had emerged from. Commander Park, that's how Dr. Kim referred to him. So, that meant he was a ranked official too. Another gentle nudge from Dr. Kim guided me towards the door.

"Well, I'm sure he'll be glad to see Ms. L/N regardless. I'll come find you after I've gotten her settled in."

I glanced at the doctor over my shoulder. This whole situation just kept getting stranger. Commander Kim shook his head, turning on his heel and sauntering off down the hall.

"Don't bother. I'm not interested in you meddling in my love life." He tossed over his shoulder.

"If anyone would benefit, I'd say it would be you."

The new voice startled me. I whipped my head in the direction it came from, surprised to see someone vaguely familiar. Out of the corner of my eye, I hardly registered Commander Kim waving off the statement, not even bothering to turn around. My gaze was trained on the man, er, Draas, in front of me with the same bubblegum pink hair he had been sporting the last time I had encountered him.

"Commander Park, this is Ms. Y/N L/N. Ms. L/N, this is Commander Park Jimin, your match."

My eyes widened with the realization. He looked different from the last time we had met. No longer donned in casual clothing, but his black plated armor, the brightness of his hair a stark contrast against the bleak color. What really caught my attention though were his eyes. The thick black sunglasses he had been wearing having obscured the endless pools of silver that almost appeared to shimmer just like the iridescence of his skin.

Amusement danced within them as he watched me slowly connect the dots. Lean body stepping aside enough to allow me entry to the room he occupied.

"Please, come in."

Forcing myself from my stupor, I silently obeyed, crossing the threshold.

"Thank you Namjoon."

"Sure. Take your time. I'll go hunt down Seokjin."

I was still trying to process everything as the door shut. The click of the lock much too similar to a bell toll signaling a sense of finality. As if I was leaving behind the world I knew and entering a new one. In a way, I suppose I was. Jimin's careful observation of me continued, silver orbs tracking every minuscule movement of mine as he leaned against the only exit. Clearing my throat, I moved further into the room, just wanting to put a bit of distance between us.

"I'll be honest, you're the last person I expected to see today." I admitted.

He smirked, amusement glowing brighter as his head tilted to one side.

"Imagine mine seeing you in the system under review. I thought you weren't interested?"

"I'm not." I answered a little too quickly. "I mean, I wasn't. Some things have come up and I made an appointment... a-anyway it doesn't really matter now, I changed my mind."

"Changed your mind?"

"Yes. I was going to ask Dr. Kim to pull my information."

Jimin's gaze was heavy as he slowly looked me over, arms crossing over his chest.

"I can pull your information. It wouldn't be hard considering you weren't even approved yet."

I frowned; confusion evident on my features.

"Wait, if I hadn't even been on the list of candidates, then how did you file for a match already?"

"Someone did her research." Jimin grinned, pushing himself off the door.

"Well, I wanted to know at least a little about what I was getting myself into."

"And yet, here you are changing your mind." He chuckled, dropping his arms as he moved towards me.

I noticed it that day in the rain, how graceful his movements were, but seeing it again with him dressed in his uniform, it was like witnessing the grace and elegance for the first time all over again. He moved silently, coming to a stop right in front of me.

"To answer your question, I have access to files under review as well as the officially released list of candidates. I simply recognized you and requested a match."

I tried to nonchalantly keep the distance between us. Going toe to toe with a human was one thing, but I'd be lying if I claimed being in such close proximity in closed quarters with a Draas wasn't making me nervous.

"But why? If I haven't been appropriately reviewed to be certain I'd make a good match for a Draas, what would drive you to request a match with me?"

"Because I find you interesting."

I narrowed my eyes at him. "We've met once. Not even really met, you helped me out of the street."

"And? I like to think I have a pretty good sense for people. Besides, I'm sure you have your own preconceived notions of me."

I eyed him for another few seconds before relenting. Shrugging as I turned my head from him.

"Touché."

One gloved hand lifted towards my face, a single finger curling under my chin and dragging my gaze back to his. Once again, I found myself sucked into those silver swirls. The color appearing to absorb the shades they took in. Blues, pinks, even a stormier gray flickered within those depths as they searched mine.

"I'll make sure you're pulled from candidacy, but only because I plan to keep you for myself."

"What?" I sputtered dumbly, mind still buffering even though I knew I didn't mishear him.

He released my chin, that same finger tapping my nose playfully.

"I don't like sharing."

The smile tugging at his lips mirrored the same playfulness. I might have been a little annoyed at seeing it if I wasn't still reeling with how nonchalantly he had claimed me. He turned on his heel, sauntering back towards the door until my hold on his arm abruptly stopped him.

"Wait. Jimin, was it?"

He nodded, those bubblegum locks falling into his line of sight as he cocked his head at me.

"When I asked for my name to be taken off the list, I meant so I wouldn't be picked at all."

"I'm aware."

My confusion doubled, completely at a loss for words. I opened my mouth, hardly a noise leaving me while I tried to figure out exactly what the hell was happening.

"Okay, well that includes you. I don't want to be matched with any Draas."

He hummed, that amused grin tugging at those perfectly plush pink lips again.

"That's too bad because I've already made up my mind."

He made to walk off again; except I tugged him back.

"That's too bad..." I parroted, moving in front of him. "...because I made up my mind too and it doesn't involve going with you."

The flash in his silver orbs was something I hadn't seen yet. There was still a flicker of amusement in them, but another emotion was more prominent. Excitement. The heel of his boot clicked against the linoleum as he took a step closer.

"I'm curious little dove, if you knew there was a possibility you'd back out of registering, why did you go through it in the first place?"

I folded my arms, taking a step back while making sure I still stood between him and the door.

"I told you, my situation changed."

Another tilt of his head. I wondered if it was a common habit among Draas or just him. Coupled with the curiousness in his expression, it was hard to tell if he did it because he was trying to figure me out or understand me. Although for someone with human tongue as their second language, he was doing remarkably well. He pondered exactly what my reasoning meant until it suddenly clicked.

"Your situation changed financially, yes?"

I scrunched my nose in distaste. I didn't really like talking about how I was struggling, but if it would get me out of here quicker I was willing to.

"To put it bluntly." I nodded.

He looked satisfied to have guessed correctly, spine straightening while he smiled widely. It was impossible not to be smitten with how attractive he was smiling. His cheeks lifted, exposing perfectly straight, porcelain teeth and his eyes crinkled. The lights overhead captured the baby blue glow from his skin adding another element of ethereal beauty to him.

"That's no cause for concern. Where do your debts lie? I'd be more than happy to take care of them for you as your partner."

The way he immediately agreed to pay what I owed made my head spin. Perhaps even more than how fast all of this was moving in the first place. I shook my head, realizing that I really was in over my head here. Maybe I wasn't articulating well enough, and he wasn't understanding correctly.

"No, Jimin, I didn't mean for you to pay for me."

"Same difference though. If not me, it would have fallen to another Draas you took as your partner."

"No." I firmly denied, starting to get frustrated. "I wouldn't have taken money from someone else either."

Jimin's smile disappeared. Expression falling into one akin to sadness and I would imagine that if Draas had tails, his would have been tucked between his legs at this point. His bottom lip pushed out just a tad as he pouted.

"Is it me? Is there something about me that doesn't suit you?" His head cocked to the side again, feet carrying him closer as he approached me. "Is it the language barrier? I know I still struggle on occasion, but I promise I'll keep working at it. Or maybe the way I look? I can change that too. Dye my hair if you don't like pink. I picked it because pink is my favorite color, but I wouldn't mind wearing your favorite color if it made you happy. Or-"

I threw my hands out to make him stop. He was spiraling and, to be honest, the words coming from him were more upsetting than anything else he had mentioned to me thus far. Were all Draas so fixated on their partners that they were willing to go so far? This desperation I sensed from Jimin wasn't something I was equipped to handle. I felt bad that he thought the reason I was rejecting him was because he wasn't meeting my standards.

"Jimin, there's nothing wrong with the way you look, and I'm not concerned about the language barrier."

My words only served to puzzle him further. A huff of exasperation leaving him.

"Then what is it? If it’s something I can change, I'm more than willing to do so."

"You can't change it. It has nothing to do with you. I just don't want a partner."

His brows furrowed, that utter confusion returning as he stared hard at me. Feeling a bit uncomfortable, I averted my eyes. That was the wrong thing to do though apparently. Jimin took another step into me, large hands coming up to cup my face. The abrupt contact had me stumbling backwards into the door, Jimin following me without letting go.

He tilted my head up, forcing me to meet his silvery stare again. The look in them was indiscernible. It left me with no hint as to what he might have been thinking. Left with only my assumptions, it felt like I was being swept away in those silver pools and the further it pulled me in, the more I was losing my resolve.

"Because I'm Draas?"

I blinked, attempting to drag myself out of those oceans before his words penetrated my brain.

"Draas?"

"You would prefer a human partner?"

Oh. I shook my head the little I could with his palms covering my cheeks.

"I don't want a partner at all. Human or otherwise."

Finally, some piece of emotion broke through once more as he struggled with what I was suggesting. Although maybe it would have been better if he had remained impassive as I took note of the pity with which he looked down at me with. The thumb of his right hand brushed over the swell of my cheek. The contact gentle, but made my heart pound violently, nonetheless.

"You would prefer to be alone?"

Alone. The mundane word left me with an ache in my chest. I had spent most of my life on my own. Having lost both my parents at a relatively young age and being forced to fend for myself, I was used to it. A relationship wasn't something I had really considered for myself being so occupied with taking care of me first and foremost.

Although, having it brought to my attention like this made me question my future. Honestly, I never thought about it. Surviving day to day was hard enough, I didn't need to be daydreaming about things that may never come to fruition on top of it. Prior to becoming like this though, I did have a family and we loved each other dearly. Losing them was the hardest thing I'd ever experienced. Even more than the life I struggled in now.

One day, I would hope to have even a sliver of that back. Eventually. Hopefully.

"For now, yes."

"For now? What does that mean? What must change between now and then?"

"My life." I muttered under my breath.

Jimin's fingers pressed into my cheeks a little harder, expression falling into melancholy.

"Let me change it then."

"Why? You don't even know me. I'm not interested in partnering with you, I haven't even been screened properly. Why are you pushing this matter?"

"I've told you before. I find you fascinating."

I sighed heavily. "That's not an answer. Especially when I know there's a host of human women more than happy to take you up on your offer. Why do you want me? What can I possibly offer you that another woman can't?"

That pensiveness was back. Jimin falling into contemplation that left me unable to determine his thoughts. The silver that threatened to drown me before morphing into a solid state. I was stuck. Body immobile like I had stepped into wet concrete and let it harden around me. Jimin caressed my cheek softly.

"Companionship." He answered. "I want someone I can open up to and be accepted by without me having to hide who I am."

I smiled wryly, reaching up to pull his hand off my face.

"I'm sorry to burst your idealistic bubble, but we've established I came here because I was guaranteed money just for registering."

He chuckled, turning his hand in mine to intertwine our fingers.

"True that you have ulterior motives. However, yours are still very different from most women. Many of them sign up for the status they believe it gets them. The title and privilege of being able to say they've partnered with a Draas. They look at us as separate beings." He squeezed my hand in his, eyes twinkling again. "I want an equal. Someone who sees me as they see themselves. Not better, not less. A woman who sees me and not what I can sustain her with."

"So, then, earlier when you went on that rant of begging me to accept you..."

"An act." He shrugged. "I wanted to know how you would react to such a proposal. Now that I have my answer, I'm not above begging for real this time."

He smiled widely, my heart palpitations betraying the logical side of me that still refused to cave under his charm. Although it wasn't enough to keep a smile of my own from meeting his.

"Commander Park, you're quite the convincing actor." I admitted, laughing under my breath.

He chuckled with me, bringing my hand to his face to leave a kiss against the back of my palm. The gesture didn't help my heart calm down any, the flood of red to my cheeks indicative of just how much it affected me.

"Let me help you. In return, all I ask for is a friend. We'll have to complete the registration as partners unless you want other Draas to come knocking at your door, but I promise I won't ask more from you than what you're willing to give."

"This arrangement doesn’t seem all that fair for you."

He hummed, letting his hands drop.

"Don't worry about that. You're giving me exactly what I want if you accept."

He allowed me a bit of space, filling the gap he created with one hand out between us.

"What do you say Ms. L/N? Partners, in the most platonic sense of the word?"

I pondered for a moment. In actuality, this was the best-case scenario for a decision I had made in a moment of desperation. Jimin was offering me a way out and all he wanted in return was someone he could confide in essentially. I didn't know for sure what all he dealt with daily that made him feel he had to hide himself, but I suppose I would find that out eventually if I chose to accept. Besides, it was obvious that it would either be him or a different Draas. And who's to say I would get this lucky twice?

"Alright Commander Park, you have yourself a deal." I answered, taking his hand.

Spending time with Jimin wasn't all that bad. Being around so many Draas at any given time took some getting used to. I quickly came to realize that Jimin was not only a highly ranked official by my standards, but also by the Draas as there were several younger (at least according to Jimin) males that looked up to him as their leader. Several months into our new arrangement, after moving in with Jimin because apparently staying a part from one another after agreeing to become partners was throwing up some red flags, I became aware of how much leverage Jimin held among the ranks of Draas living on Earth.

It wasn't just him either. I had run into Commander Kim a few more times on the occasions he came to visit Jimin and discuss matters related to the revival of the planet we all inhabited. He was another Draas that held power rivaling Jimin's, although whereas I knew Jimin influenced water as his element (which made a lot of sense thinking back on when we met), Commander Kim, or Seokjin, as Jimin referred to him when the older man wasn't paying attention, was able to conjure the many different states water was in such as ice and vapor on top of its liquid form.

Jimin respected him as a superior and teacher and, in return, Seokjin treated Jimin much like he would a younger sibling. The other Draas that I've kept contact with more than I expected was Dr. Kim. Although he was aware of Jimin and I's agreement as nothing more than friends to one another, we still had to schedule regular appointments to check up on us. Partially as hospital protocol and in part to sate the curiosity of Dr. Kim. I guess it's unusual for a Draas and human female to be together as not romantically involved partners. Other than the two of them, I've met some of Jimin's other closest comrades. Commanders and the like who hold ranks within their respective fields of abilities.

The short time with Jimin has taught me a lot. Much like Earth, Draas have a hierarchy among their people. Split between those who share certain abilities and their partners. Most of whom don't associate with one another much outside of the matching program unless they were diplomats. Sort of like Jimin and Seokjin.

Apparently the friendship he shared with the other faction leaders was a special one. Because apart from them, I hardly ever saw Draas of different abilities mingling. Another interesting tidbit I managed to pick up on was the lengths in which most Draas went to avoid humans. Those who weren't partnered and weren't looking, hardly spared a glance to any of us. Jimin had explained to me that even among the Draas, there were those who weren't exactly keen on the idea of sharing the planet with us, let alone the only option for partnering being human females. I tried my best to avoid Draas who shared those views. Easier said than done however, as I shortly found out that one of Jimin's comrades that he shared such a connection with was one of them.

Yoongi had never outrightly been rude towards me, but it was clear he'd rather not associate with me if Jimin wasn't there. Jimin had written it off, saying it had more to do with his affinity for fire than the man himself. Which I would have been inclined to believe if Jungkook hadn't shared the same affinity and yet remained the polar opposite of his teacher.

Jungkook was a force to be reckoned with. He was a bright and fearless personality, one that I had wondered in many instances how Yoongi managed to keep up with him. If I were comparing them with their penchant for fire capabilities, Yoongi would be the floating embers ready to ignite at any moment while Jungkook was the raging flames on the verge of swallowing everything around him.

Opposites they were, they understood each other without much difficulty. Sometimes it felt like they could fathom one another better than Jimin and Seokjin could. As curious as it was, I didn't want to inquire too much about it lest I incur the wrath of Yoongi or whatever. Besides, Jimin had enough mystery around him and his abilities to keep me occupied.

"So, is that why you live so far out here? Because of the lake?"

Jimin nodded, the same black shades pushed up his nose as he let his legs hang off the dock, bare feet in the water.

"More or less. Living next to a pond or even a stream probably would have sufficed, but I like it out here. It's quieter and the water is less tainted."

I had to agree. Living in the city all my life, I hadn't ever seen a place so beautiful. Nature ruled the land here. The trees and grass lively unlike what were in the city.

"Being in close connection with our element restores us. The energy it takes to bring back your planet is significant. I guess you could call it a double-edged sword or a constant sphere of transfer. The Earth needs energy to come back to life and we need that energy to sustain it. There are very few places left on your planet capable of providing excess energy for us to use, this is one of them."

"So, you're saying you and water share the same lifeforce?"

"I am water and water is me. Same for Seokjin. Just like fire is Jungkook and Yoongi and vice versa, so on and so forth."

It was a complicated notion for me to wrap my head around. I guess because I lived off the Earth in a different way than he did. In the end though, I suppose it was still giving life.

"Your home planet... is it the same there?"

Jimin lifted one foot out of the water, wiggling his toes as he let it drip from his heel. He watched it for a second before letting it drop back in and falling onto his back to look up at the sky above us.

"Similar to Earth? Yes and no. It's not tainted like it is here for one."

Choosing to join him, I pulled my shoes off before scooting closer to the edge of the dock. I dipped a toe in, happy to find that it was a relatively warm temperature and let both my feet sink into it.

"Can I ask why you left? It sounds a lot better than here."

"Well, you know the primary reason. It's not exactly something we are proud to admit, but repopulation is necessary and there aren't enough Draas women capable of procreating left after our war with a nearby planet. But that's not why I left. Seokjin was the one who recruited me. After discovering how bad off your planet really was, word got back that they'd need more help to revive it if we had any chance of being able to partner with humans. That's how I found myself here."

"Then, you weren't planning on taking a partner for yourself?"

"Not really. Don't get me wrong, it would be nice to share something like that, and the older I get the more I crave that closeness with a partner, but if I had to, I could live without it. Besides, if I did have a partner, the decision to leave would have been a harder one. I was more curious than anything to meet humans. See what they were like." He smiled, rolling his head towards me. "I haven't been exceptionally impressed by anyone until you."

I tried to wave off his attempt at flattery. Living with him, I noticed his flirty nature. A lot of those comments directed towards me the more comfortable we became with one another. I hadn't seen him interact with enough women to know whether that was just him, or if it was more because it was me. Either way, I tried not to let it get under my skin. Other than a few innuendos here and there, Jimin was a gentleman. He never pushed my boundaries and respected our agreement. Our friendship was just that. Friendship.

The wind picked up around us. Ripples stretching across the lake in front of us and tree branches swaying in the sudden gust. I tamped down my hair, turning to where it came from, pleasantly surprised to see the smiling face waving to us as he headed down towards the water.

"Hoseok's here." I warned Jimin, pulling my feet out of the water to greet the man.

"Great." Jimin mumbled under his breath, sighing as he forced himself up.

I was a bit curious about Jimin's lack of enthusiasm. Usually, he was happy about having Hoseok visit, maybe even more than Seokjin some days, but lately it felt as if he was losing his excitement for the man's company. However, out of all the Draas that visited, Hoseok was the one I got along with most easily.

He was kind and considerate. Always making sure to include me in the conversation, or striking one up between the two of us when it was apparent that I was lost in a lot of the lingo when Jimin talked shop, or worse, when they spoke in their native tongue. Luckily for me, Hoseok visited quite often. Jimin told me it was because he usually bounced between the houses of the other guys. Hoseok was one who preferred company rather than being on his own, and if the others wouldn't take the time to visit him, he would be the one to show up without warning.

"How's my favorite human?"

I laughed, accepting the incoming hug. That was another thing I quickly learned about Hoseok; he was adamant on outward affection.

"Hobi, I'm the only human you associate with."

"I can still play favorites."

"It's a little earlier in the week than we normally see you." Jimin noted, pushing the sunglasses up his face to settle in his pink waves.

"I skipped visiting Yoongi and Kook, I just missed Y/N too much." Hoseok beamed, keeping an arm around my shoulders while answering Jimin.

"Yoongi won't be happy to know that."

"He'll live. Y/N's the only one who will entertain my whims, it's a no-brainer why I would rather spend time with her versus someone who spends all his free time napping."

Jimin rolled his eyes, face set in a grimace as he pushed past the two of us.

"Well, she didn't miss you." He shot at Hobi as he passed.

"I- That's not true." I placated Hoseok who started to pout.

"Has he been this mean to you too Y/N?"

"Of course I haven't." Jimin scoffed, continuing towards the house.

Hoseok looked to me as if he didn't believe Jimin's words. I offered him a smile.

"It's been busy around here the last few days. Maybe he's just tired."

Hoseok hummed, turning from his friend walking away, to me.

"I brought some fruits that Namjoon got from a patient of his. He mentioned something about a fruit salad that you humans put together and was wondering if you would help me."

"Sure. It's about time for dinner anyway, I can make us something to go with it."

That was another key difference between humans and Draas. Whereas we needed food to survive, I discovered that the energy they derive from the planet was enough to fuel normally bodily functions. Eating was more of a kind of past time for them. Hoseok was more than fascinated with the different dishes we could make, Seokjin too from what I'd been told, but Jimin was hit or miss.

Every once in a while he would partake in whatever I managed to make, but he was incredibly picky and unless it looked and smelled appealing, he wouldn't touch it. Hoseok was excited now, his arm looping around mine to pull me along.

"What even goes into a fruit salad anyway?"

"Well, it depends on what you brought."

I knocked quietly on Jimin's door, waiting for him to grant me permission before pushing it open. I peeked around the door to find him stationed at his desk shoved into the far side of his room. The same one that had been in the guest room I now stayed in.

"Hoseok and I finished dinner, would you like to join us?"

"No."

I figured as much, but the dismissal felt more brusque than usual. I hesitated in the doorway, opting whether it was worth it to mention it now or if I should let it be. I liked to think I knew Jimin relatively well having lived with him the last few months. Good enough to at least know some of his habits and how he was when it was just the two of us and even when in company.

And his behavior, particularly when Hoseok stopped by, seemed to sour beyond him just dealing with our guest. Especially when that guest was a close friend of his. My lingering in the doorway didn't go unnoticed, Jimin's eyes flickering up from whatever he was working on to my form in his threshold.

"Did you need something else?"

Figuring if he was going to give me an opportunity to bring it up, I stepped inside.

"Jimin, is there something wrong? You've been... off."

"I'm fine, just tired and I didn't expect to have guests over today."

"It's not just today. You've been off the last couple of times we've had guests."

He frowned, shaking his head. "Things with work have just been stressful."

I chewed on my lip, casting a look over my shoulder before deciding to outrightly ask him.

"It's worse when Hoseok is here. Did something happen between the two of you?"

Jimin stiffened, his motions turning awkward as he fiddled with the pen in his hand. His eyes dropped down to the paper in front of him, his pink hair that is a bit longer than when I moved in hid his eyes from me.

"Has he said something to you?"

Jimin's voice was rough. Highly unusual for him when I was so used to it being soft and lilting. Then again, I haven't seen him mad before and the tension that arose between us suggested that was how he felt. My vision dropped to where he held the pen tight within his fist. The knuckles turning white with the strength, and I wondered if it was on the verge of crumbling in his grasp.

"No. Hoseok hadn't said anything to me." I responded, crossing my arms over my chest. "But I'm right, aren't I? Something happened between you two."

Another quick shake of his head. "No, it didn't."

"Jimin," I sighed. "Clearly there is-"

"I said there's not!" He snapped, rising from his chair.

Those silver orbs were like molten steel. The heat behind them threatened to burn me and I was taken aback. He stood there, letting the animosity fizzle out before sighing heavily. He turned his head, refusing to look at me.

"I have a lot I need to get done. Enjoy your dinner with Hoseok." He mumbled, dismissing me.

Rather than leaving, I moved closer to him. Silver stare flicking up at me again warily.

"Y/N..." He spoke my name exasperatedly.

I reached out for the papers he was sifting through, moving them out of sight. His mouth opened to scold me for interrupting, but I shushed him.

"Explain it to me."

"Explain what?"

"Whatever is bothering you. I'm not leaving until I hear it and you're not working until you talk, so talk."

He was starting to get annoyed, but I could care less how annoyed he was with me. He moved to retrieve his papers, but I stepped in front of him.

"Jimin." I warned, leveling a glare of mine to meet his. "Companionship. That's what you wanted, right? Part of that means sharing our burdens."

"Sharing our burdens? This coming from the woman who still refuses to tell me exactly why she chose to register herself in the first place."

"Maybe because it doesn't matter anymore."

"That's not the point." Jimin bit out, invading my personal space. "The point is that it does matter to me. I want to know more about you, even the things you think don't matter. I share my stories, my experiences, my life with you and yet, you still don't trust me enough to do the same."

He ran his hand through his hair frustratedly.

"But that's not the way it is with Hoseok, is it? The two of you share a connection I haven't been able to establish even though we're partnered."

The revelation would have been surprising if it didn't make so much sense. Jimin went quiet after that, although it was clear he was still upset. I didn't know what to say, or if anything I might have said would make a difference to him. In the meantime...

I wrapped my arms around his shoulders, pulling him into me for a hug. He stumbled into the embrace, my strength catching him off guard. I held him tightly, unwilling to let him pull away, not that he was trying to. His arms looped around my waist, pulling me firmly into his chest while he buried his face into my hair.

"Jimin." I called to him softly. "Hoseok doesn't know any more about me than you do. Honestly, he probably knows even less. I'm sorry I haven't been as transparent with you. I'm not used to having someone around willing to listen or want to know about me. I'm... acclimating."

"It's more than that." He murmured. "I thought when I agreed to remain platonic partners with you that it would be easy. That all I really craved was having someone else around that I could talk to and be myself with. Someone that would make me feel less lonely."

He sighed, lifting his head to place his chin on top of mine, tucking me into his chest.

"But I'm not any less lonely. Sometimes it even feels like I'm lonelier than I was before because I have you here and, yet, I don't have you in the way I want us to be."

"What do you mean? How do you want us to be?"

A gentle knock at the door interrupted us. Jimin was quick to let me go, silver gaze turned to the door as Hoseok made his presence known.

"Just thought I'd make sure everything is okay. Dinner is getting cold."

The stiffness in Jimin's posture wasn't as prominent as it had been earlier, but I could tell he still had his reservations when it came to Hoseok. I laid a hand on his arm, hoping it served to reiterate my earlier assurances before answering Hoseok.

"We're okay. Jimin was just finishing up, so you can head back. We'll be right behind you."

He nodded, radiant smile in place before moseying his way back to the dining room.

"I don't remember agreeing to join you for dinner."

"You didn't." I told him, gathering the papers I had stolen from him to slide them in one of his desk drawers. "I made the decision for you."

Jimin was taken aback. Not that I could blame him really if I lived as a unit Commander and was used to people doing my bidding and not second-guessing my orders, but I wasn't and I didn't serve under him. He wanted us to be equals, then this was me treating him as an equal. I reached up, placing my hands on top of his shoulders.

"Join us. You can eat and it's also not fair for you to be acting this way towards Hoseok when the man isn't deserving of it. Plus, he was really looking forward to you trying the fruit salad he made."

I could almost pinpoint the moment in which Jimin caved. That tension melted out of him, and his silvery orbs softened at the mention of his best friend having made a meal just for him.

"Okay." He whispered.

"Good. We can continue this conversation when we're not entertaining guests."

Thankfully, dinner with the three of us had no trace of the animosity from before. The atmosphere and comradery between Jimin and Hoseok resumed much like it had in the weeks prior to Jimin's funky mood. I was able to navigate the conversation a bit better now that I understood Jimin's stance and could pay more attention to what I said and how I interacted, with Hoseok especially. I even attempted to share a bit more about my past. Without saying as much, I could tell Jimin appreciated it. It was like he soaked up every bit of information that he could even if I thought it to be mundane.

Retrospectively, I guess it's not entirely correct for me to claim that it's unimportant for me to share things about myself I didn't think were necessary. For Jimin, the stories he's shared about himself could have been uninteresting to him, but I hung onto every word. His world and his life were fascinating to me. All because it was so different from mine. I could understand Jimin taking the same stance when it came to humans. If I were being truly honest with myself though, I couldn't accurately say whether I found his life interesting because he was a completely different species from a completely different world, or if it's because it's Jimin. That thought lingered all throughout dinner until the answer revealed itself as if it shouldn't have been a question at all. My life before Jimin wasn't anything special. I struggled to get by and hadn't cared for anyone or anything other than myself. I knew about the Draas long before meeting Jimin and never thought twice about learning who they were or where they came from and why.

But Jimin was different. I actively sought to know more about him. Who he was and what he liked, his friends and family, and the affinity for water he wielded. I wanted to know everything I could and more. I had gotten so wrapped up in knowing him that I neglected asking myself why it meant so much to me. And I could kick myself for not picking up on how that oversight made Jimin feel.

"You know, we'd be more than happy to put you up for the night. It's a little late to be heading home." I offered to Hoseok as he put his shoes on.

"Nah, it's not that far to Yoongi's. Jimin was probably right to assume he'd be upset that I skipped over him. He may not seem like it, but he's a softie. Besides, I'd be right to assume you and Jimin have some things to talk about?"

He phrased it as a question, but he sounded sure of himself.

"You're rather insightful." I grinned, handing him the rest of the fruit salad he had worked so hard on.

"Not really. You two are just obvious." He chuckled, accepting it.

I laughed, shaking my head. Having it so blatantly laid out between us was a little embarrassing, but maybe not all that surprising. After all, Hoseok has known Jimin a lot longer than I have, so it would be only natural for him to notice something was amiss faster than I could.

"Just, promise me you'll bring it up? Jimin's notorious for hiding the way he feels. He'll sooner sacrifice his own happiness and peace of mind for someone else and I can tell he likes you."

"I would hope so. It would be a little awkward to have to keep living with someone you only tolerated." I teased.

"I'm serious." He laughed. "He may not have admitted it to himself yet, whether because of the arrangement you two have or for some other reason, but it's more than just platonic for him now. Or maybe it always has been. I never would have pegged Jimin as the type to partner with a human, but I should have known from the moment he told me about you."

"Told you about me?" I asked surprised.

Hoseok's eyes darted behind me past the entryway leading to the rest of the house. I wondered if he was looking for Jimin, but the younger Draas had elected to head back down the dock despite the late hour.

"He went back to the lake."

Hoseok nodded before continuing.

"I probably shouldn't be telling you this, but I consider it for his own good. I'm not going to say he lied to you because I believe it began with good intentions, but I'm not sure it was ever about friendship for him. I don't know if Jimin was even aware of his feelings yet, but I can tell you that even if he was he wouldn't have said anything to jeopardize his chance of helping you out of the situation you were in. Even if that meant keeping his feelings to himself to make you feel more comfortable."

Hoseok's words reminded me of that day in the hospital. How desperate Jimin seemed at the time seeking my agreeance only to backtrack after realizing I was shying away from his advances.

It was an act.

Hoseok placed a hand on my shoulder, squeezing gently.

"Like I said, he's good at hiding what he wants to. Now that you know, don't let him get away with it. I think the two of you were made for one another in that regard."

"What do you mean?"

He grinned, tucking the bowl of fruit salad under his arm.

"Neither of you are very keen on expressing your feelings. I wondered how long it would take or who would break first. Seems like Jimin is more susceptible to jealousy than I imagined."

"So, you knew."

"Sometimes all it takes is someone on the outside looking in. Thanks for dinner. I'll leave the two of you to it while I force Yoongi into trying my newest creation." He stated proudly, hugging his bowl a little tighter.

Even though Yoongi was still an enigma to me, moments like these where I knew he shared a softer side with his friends made him less intimidating.

"Tell him and Jungkook I said hi."

"I will. Let Jimin know I'll be back later this week, yeah?"

"Okay." I agreed, giving him a farewell smile before waving him through the door.

It always struck me how much quieter it seemed when Hoseok left. His presence was lively enough to fill the entire house. A place that was usually quiet and comforting when it was just Jimin and I by ourselves. Not that it was boring, rather I enjoyed how neither of us really had to feel like entertaining the other. We were more than happy sitting in silence, only talking when conversation arose naturally. This would have to be one of those times where we would have to share a conversation whether we wanted to or not. 

I sighed, kicking off my indoor shoes for my sandals. Better to have it sooner than later. The night was cool, a testament to how close summer was as I walked the familiar path down to the dock Jimin frequented. The fairy lights he had lining the path were bright enough to watch my steps, ensuring I didn't trip, something he had installed after realizing how much of a struggle it was for me to navigate in the dark unlike him. The moon's crescent glow reflected off the water and, not for the first time, I found myself stopping to look up at it. Jimin's stories made me curious about what it was like up there. How it would feel to be among the stars or what it would be like living on a planet that wasn't dying. Things I never would have been bothered to think about before him. 

Light splashing broke my daydreaming, my eyes gravitating towards the lake where I could barely make out a head poking out of the water. I continued my walk, reaching the edge of the dock where I found Jimin's shirt discarded, hanging over the edge of the wooden platform, nearly ready to take a dip itself. I stopped, looking for him again. He stood a good several yards from the end of the dock, bare shoulders peeking out of the dark water with his back turned to me. The sliver of moon above barely illuminated the hidden colors of his skin. The iridescence pale except when his subtle shifting turned it silver. Much like the color of his eyes. That paleness swept the expanse of his back until it reached the line of tattoos down his spine I had only heard about, never seen. I knew Jimin came down here to swim most evenings, he preferred to be in the water rather than just his feet like he often did when I joined him. Reflecting on Hoseok's words, I wondered if that was another sacrifice on his behalf that he made for me so I wouldn't be uncomfortable. 

In those instances, I neglected to come down here at night. I didn't want to bother him if that were to be the case, but now I wondered if I should have made the choice to come sooner. Although I knew he had to have heard me on approach, he didn't react. He kept his back turned, eyes cast up at the same moon mine had been and even though I couldn't make out his expression, something about him seemed melancholic. Before I could convince myself otherwise, I reached for the bottom of my shirt. I tossed it with his, working on the button of my shorts next as I made my way to the end of dock. I shucked my sandals, letting my pants drop over them. I was too afraid to dive in headfirst, and a little less than gracefully, I dropped myself off the edge of the dock and into the water. I sucked in a breath, the chilly water a shock to my system I didn't anticipate. While the night was comfortable, the lake had dropped slightly in temperature with the departed sun. I waded in Jimin's direction, hoping a bit of movement would help me acclimate faster. His head turned when I was a few feet from him, that tender smile threatening to melt me as he took me in. 

"You didn't have to come in. I would have joined you inside before too long." 

Water dripped from his chin as he spoke. Those bubblegum pink locks swept back from his face, and I couldn't help but think about how much water clinging to him suited him. 

"Meeting you halfway." I chattered, offering him a smile. "That's what we agreed on, right?" 

"Not if it ends with you freezing to death." He chuckled, fingers finding mine under the water's surface. 

He threaded them through mine, pulling me into him. I didn't let the closeness bother me, in fact, I latched onto the warmth he provided, looping my arms around him, and pressing my cheek to his chest. He returned my embrace, holding me to him as we fell into a comfortable silence. I would have been happy staying like this, but the conversation that needed to be had lingered over our heads like a cloud. One that I wanted gone before it got much worse. Having Jimin holding me like this made it easier to start the discussion. As much as I loved his silvery gaze, I found it left me at a loss for words more than anything else and I needed my words right now. 

"I'm sorry." I murmured.

He sighed; the sound hardly audible as his chin rested on my head. 

"I should be the one who's sorry. Acting the way I did about your friendship with Hoseok was... childish. I'm usually not so affected by things like that." 

Hoseok might have given away Jimin's reluctance to come to terms with his feelings for me, but I still wanted to hear them from the man himself. And not only because Hoseok had me promise I would. 

"Then why were you?" 

Jimin was quiet. The only sounds being his breathing and the soft lapping of water around us. I wondered if he would even answer, but I also knew it wasn't like Jimin to leave a question of mine unanswered. 

"I'm finding myself incapable of making decisions when it comes to you lately. I question every word, every action, worried that it's beyond the realm of what you humans would consider friendly. It's hard for me to draw that line when it's not what I want anymore." 

"Hoseok told me you have a penchant for withholding your emotions." 

He pulled back to look at me, a wry grin tugging at his lips. 

"He's not wrong. Hoseok would know best. I've known him the longest."

"Then be honest with me Jimin. What are you holding back? What is it you want?" 

His smile dropped. The seriousness that flooded those silver orbs was one that always attempted to drag me down with it, but I was determined to meet it head on this time. If I was going to convince him that I was here for him and willing to hear what he had to tell me, I couldn't run away anymore. I couldn't lie to myself that all I felt towards him was how one would feel about a friend. I knew what that was like. I shared it with Hoseok and Jungkook. And while a sliver of that same feeling was present when I was with Jimin, there was more. A much stronger connection that pulled me in and drew me to him. A part of myself that actively sought him out, to be with him and learn about him. 

I held my eyes to his, not so much as blinking even as his hand lifted to cup my cheek. 

"You." He whispered. "I want you as more than just a friend. More than someone who's around simply for company or to ease my loneliness. I want you as a partner. In every sense of the word. Both in your language and mine." 

I held his wrist, hiding my smile in his palm and admiring the flashes of color across his skin. 

"I want that too." 

He seemed surprised, expression flickering between the shock and happiness and finally, uncertainty as he pulled back. 

"Are you sure? If this is because you're worried I'll put you out or I forced my feelings onto you, I'd ra-" 

I laid a kiss on his hand, his words catching in his throat at the gesture. I could feel the slight tremble of his fingertips as I slid into his embrace again. 

"Don't you believe me capable of making my own decisions?" 

"In my defense, all the decisions I've known you to make have led to you regretting them later." 

"Touché." I laughed, wrapping my arms around his shoulders. "But I'm confident I won't regret this one." 

I tilted my face to his, happy to know that it appeared to be a universal sign when it came to silently begging for a kiss as he leaned down. He paused a hair's breadth away, hesitating, or maybe wanting me to make that ultimate leap so he knew I meant every word I'd spoken to him thus far. Assuming the latter, I took the plunge, connecting my mouth with his. His plush lips melded with mine perfectly, the kiss itself charged, building in intensity as Jimin deepened it. My lips tingled under his, the feeling euphoric and unlike anything I had ever experienced. My breaths came out harsher, fingers finding their way into his damp hair, letting the pink strands tangle around my fingers. 

My body burned against his, every bit of me keening under his touch and begging for more. Almost like it had been waiting for this moment and surrendered to whatever he was willing to give me. His fingers traced my skin, those same tingles leaving me feeling as if I were floating, even the water around me caressed me like a lover. Like an extension of Jimin himself. Every sensation an aphrodisiac that I craved more of unconsciously as I arched into him. 

I needed him. The soft touches and gentle fingers weren't enough. I wanted him to want me as desperately as I did him. A whimper left me unexpectedly, the sound enough to pull Jimin from me, the question of what's wrong on the tip of his tongue until I cut him off. 

"There's something I'm curious about." 

"What is it?" He asked, the slight pick-up of pace in the rise and fall of his chest the only outward sign he was affected like I was. 

"The human women who partnered with Draas. I've heard it's unlike anything they've experienced before." 

He looked confused, brows furrowing as he cocked his head to the side. 

"What do you mean?" 

I bit my lip, riding on the high from earlier to power through any embarrassment I might find in divulging my thoughts. 

"Sex." 

"You want me to explain what sex is like with us?" He asked confused. 

"No." I shook my head, stifling my laughter. 

That just made him even more puzzled, that tilt getting steeper as he slowly shook his head. 

"I don't under-" 

"I want you to show me." 

His fingers dug into my hips, expression turning eerily impassive. Those eyes burning into me, his tongue darting out to wet his bottom lip, a quiet exhale escaping from between them. 

"Y/N, if we go that far, there's no going back for me. I'll bind myself to you." 

"Is that not what you want?" 

"No. Yes- I mean, that is what I want. I just need you to understand what you're committing to here. My species, copulation is the ultimate betrothal. We only have sex when we intend to partner with someone for life." 

"Aaand you're worried I'll regret it later." 

He frowned, shaking his head. 

"No, I just want you to be absol-" 

I laid my thumb over his lips.

"I am." I promised him, soothing the swollen flesh with gentle caresses. "Bind me." 

Jimin's breath left him in a shudder, his hand gripping my wrist tightly to pull it from his face before smashing his lips to mine. He kissed me with more fervor, his body turning to push mine back towards the dock. In our haste, the motions were awkward. Both of us fumbling to let go of each other long enough to get out of the water. 

"The house has never felt so far away." He grumbled, helping me onto the dock. 

I gripped his hand to keep him here as he turned towards the house. 

"Not the house. Here." 

I didn't know if he agreed, nor did I really care as I pulled him to me again. His mouth slot against mine perfectly, like he had been made for me. Or maybe I, him. Either way we were two pieces of an unsolved puzzle finally coming together. The lanterns along the dock cast a hearty glow across the both of us, Jimin's skin glittering with hints of orange and red, his hair two shades darker under the tawny light. His fingers slipped under the latch of my bra, toying with it while his other hand slid under the waistband of my underwear. His palms trailed the water droplets coating my skin, rendering them hot like molten lava. The heat was enough to fend off the chill it should have brought this late into the night. 

This was Jimin though, his affinity for water ran much deeper than simply influencing its temperature. His lips parted from mine, moving further down to catch a few beads of water with his tongue, to my neck. He groaned lowly, sucking on my tender skin, and leaving me desperately clenching around nothing as he fed my desire. He made quick work of my bra, tugging it off me and dropping to his knees. His lips found my breast, wrapping around my nipple, nearly sending me crumbling to my knees as well. His name left my lips on a breathless moan, my chest arching into him in a bid for more. Gently, he wrapped both hands around my thighs, guiding me down with him into his lap. I settled over his cock, his underwear and mine being the only barrier between him and my opening, but I could still feel every thick inch of him pressed against my center. Without much convincing on his part, he urged my hips into a slow grind, groaning his appreciation as I took over. He gripped my ass, keeping me close while he found my lonely breast, rolling my nipple between his fingers. I cursed, gripping his shoulders tightly, already feeling that tightness low in my abdomen. I could have cried with the lack of friction I needed, my hips rutting against his frantically for release only to be disappointed when he stopped me. His mouth found mine again, shushing any complaints as he rolled me under him. Any wish to continue grinding on him was dashed the second his hands rid me of my underwear. I tilted my hips up to him impatiently, sighing in pleasure as his fingers parted my folds. He curled one finger in, penetrating me and waiting for my signs of pleasure before introducing a second. 

"You know the belief that human women were compatible with us sexually wasn't a far-fetched one to begin with. In fact, your anatomy coincides with the females of our planet rather remarkably with one exception." He licked his lips, silver gaze finding mine. 

He pulled his fingers out, dragging them through my lower lips deliciously, seeking his target. The jolt that ran through me the second he found my clit let him know his hunt was successful, my hips thrusting against his hand helplessly when he started rubbing slow circles around it. 

"Here." He almost purred, delighting in the way I writhed under his touch. "I spent a lot of time studying how I would bring you pleasure. There are lots of ways, but I found this one the most fascinating." 

He dropped his head, tongue replacing his fingers as he spread my thighs wide to accommodate him. I fell helpless to Jimin, my hands gripping those beautifully pink locks as he experimented with my pleasure. Lips leaving petal soft kisses against my flesh, tongue delving into my opening to coax more of my cream from me before licking a drawn-out stripe up to my clit, laving the same attention to it. He paid expert attention to the way I responded, teasing me to the cusp of breaking and backing down before I hit it to drive my attention elsewhere. His hands hooked over the tops of my thighs, holding me in place while he buried his face in my pussy. His name was a symphony leaving me on gasps and moans and choked whimpers. It felt like I was delirious on the pleasure he gave me only to retreat and leave me dangling on that fine line between pain and euphoria. 

"Please." I whimpered, feeling the tears overflowing as he pulled back again, denying my orgasm. "Jimin." 

"You taste so good." He murmured, swirling silver meeting my eyes. "How am I supposed to stop?" 

My chest rose and fell rapidly, my body feeling like it was sweltering under my skin. I reached for him, melding my lips to his. 

"Make me yours." I begged him, kissing him again only to repeat those three words like I lived by them. 

He matched my fervor, kissing me hungrily. He rid himself of his underwear and I found myself pulling away from him to observe him in all his glory. I traced the shimmering patterns the light cast over his bare flesh, basked in the flush coloring his cheeks, the swollen and plump perfection of his pink lips. My hands navigating the expanse of his chest, lean muscles of his arms and hands where they supported his weight beside my head and watched the way his abdomen flexed with every movement between my thighs as he settled himself between them. 

It was no wonder women signed themselves over. Jimin was beautiful. A sight that artists would try recreating to no avail, and photographers would spend their lives catching the perfect angle of, and here he was, with me. I wrapped my legs around his waist, a wordless invitation for him to take me as his. 

His lips captured mine, delivering a kiss that laid his emotions bare for me to see. The happiness, the longing, the desperation. All the things Jimin kept hidden. I moved against his lips with that same amount of passion, letting him know he wasn't alone in his feelings. That I wanted him just as much. A hand trailed its way between us, down my chest and midriff, his touch as smooth a caress as if water itself lapped at my skin. Soothing the fire raging inside and promising to quench my thirst thoroughly. 

"You're sure?" He whispered against me, kissing me again before allowing me to answer. 

"I'm yours." I swore to him, tracing the curve of his jaw and meeting his eyes. 

Those eyes of silver stardust, captivating in their intensity and heart wrenching in their expressiveness. I could see the emotion swimming in them, their color matching the moon above us as its glow rained down on him. Bathing him in the silvery shade that seemed to be crafted for him alone. 

I knew in that moment he was made to be among the stars. He belonged in that vastness of space. A testament that it was designed for him as much as he it, and I was being graced with only a sliver of it. But it was a piece I would happily take, whatever parts of him he was willing to give me. His fingers gripped the meat of my thigh tightly, spreading me open further for him. I barely caught the change in his breathing, rate increasing until he bit his bottom lip to stifle it and pressed forward. 

I sucked in a sharp breath, relishing in the way he slowly filled me. My nails dug into his shoulders, digging in harder the deeper he went, my body stretching around the length of his cock snugly. His eyes squeezed shut, head dropping slightly to leave the ends of his fiery bubblegum pink hair to brush across my cheek. He sheathed himself fully, body trembling as a quivering breath escaped him. 

"Tell me again." He begged; voice hoarse as his nose nudged my jaw. "That you're mine. That you want me." 

I released the talon-like hold I had on his shoulders, cupping his cheek to turn his face to me so I could kiss him again. 

"I want this... you. I'm yours. Make love to me under the stars we share." 

He obliged, hips retreating only to dive deep once more. He rained kisses down my neck, groaning in delight when I arched beneath him, begging for more. My fingers found the wrist of his hand pressed against the wooden dock beside my head, using it to ground me as I surrendered myself to him. It was all too much and not enough at the same time. His presence above me, inside me, overwhelmed me, but I sobbed with every retreat, wanting him to fill me again until he did, and I felt like drowning under him all over again. 

"Jimin." 

My voice sounded foreign to me. How wrecked it was, the breathlessness, how I begged for him even though I wasn't sure what exactly I was asking of him. 

"My star." He purred, hips snapping into mine. "I've spent my life among the ones up there, but none of them quite feel like home like you do." 

That tension in my lower abdomen pulled tighter. My moans filling the quiet night, not caring if anyone were to hear. Jimin's low groans and harsh breaths coupled with mine, his cock splitting me open, lower body pounding into mine. My core clenched on him, ripping a curse from his lips as he drove into me harder. 

"Fuck." He swore through clenched teeth. 

I stifled my cries enough to hear him. Basking in the soft noises he let loose despite trying so hard to keep them in. Not only that, but the squelching between my thighs every time he thrust inside my walls. I was soaked, drenching him in my essence as if I wanted to be the water he coveted. Underneath me, I could feel the force of waves hitting the dock. The wood vibrating with the power behind them. It took me only a second to realize they lapped against the land in time with Jimin's thrusts. His affinity leeching into the very source itself, the water he wielded responding to him. 

I wondered if he was even aware of it. His focus was directed between us, watching his cock disappear within me, the creaminess gathering at the base of it and coating my thighs. 

"Beautiful." He groaned, fingertips finding that same spot from earlier expertly. 

My body shook under his touch. That knot within me going taut, threatening to snap. I whined, body leaping out of rationality to grind against those fingers. Lips moving to implore Jimin to go harder, faster. The movements of his fingers over my clit were gentle, small circles that I was ready to let shred me apart. Completely at odds with the feral pace of his hips. I marveled at the sight of him above me, the flex of lean muscle, graceful drive of his hips, expression pinched in the same pleasure he inflicted, pink strands sticking to the sweat covering the iridescence of his skin. Sweat that caught the subtle glow of pinks and blues and purples over his flesh like diamonds before dripping onto my exposed and overheated body. 

He dropped his head, wrapping his plush lips around my nipple, flicking it with the tip of his tongue. I crashed under it all, my cries echoing off the turbulent water, back arching off the dock into Jimin who helped me ride through the crippling wave of pleasure. 

"So fucking beautiful." He growled, pushing himself past that breaking point to join me. 

I anticipated the warmth that would escape him and fill me. And I would be lying if I claimed I wasn't disappointed when he pulled out. His fingers made one last swipe through my folds, gathering more of my slick before wrapping those same fingers around himself. He groaned, the sounds rising in pitch as he pumped his cock like he was still fucking me. He squeezed, breath catching as he pushed himself over. He came hard, thick ropes of it coating my thighs and his hand, milking him of everything he had to give. The sight was something I never thought I would find so arousing. The fire inside me flaring again watching him. 

I pushed against his side, urging him to lay against the dock like I had. His questioning gaze going unanswered while I kneeled between his legs. There wasn't so much as a warning before my tongue was on him. Another sharp curse rushing out of him, and his cock twitched while I cleaned him. His head fell back against the wood with a loud thunk, soft moans more of pleasure slipping past his lips, his hands gripping my hair. He didn't do anything beyond holding it, just let me worship him and bring his cock back to life so he could experience pleasure at my expense this time. 

I slid my lips over the head, moaning at the taste of him. He choked on my name, his breathing coming out harsh and irregular. I reveled in it. My eyes trained on the rise and fall of his chest, the veins in his neck as he exposed it, the colors of his skin and hair, and just how fucking perfect he was coming undone for me. I took as much of him as I could, engulfing him in warmth as he came again. I did my best to swallow what I could, some of it overflowing and leaving me to have to lick up my mess. 

Jimin looked utterly fucked, thighs trembling as he pulled me off him. He stared at my lips, his tongue darting out to lick his own as a devilish smile lifted them. One I wasn't used to seeing on him. 

"Sit on my face." 

I looked at him surprised, unable to stop the blush from coloring my cheeks at his forwardness. 

"What?" I asked dumbly, wondering if maybe I had misheard him. 

He chuckled, arms wrapping around my torso to pull me up his body. I bit my lip, a little nervous as he settled my thighs on either side of his head. 

"Did you learn this too, or is it common among Draas men to ask someone to sit on their face?" 

He hummed, hands finding purchase over the tops of my thighs to pull me down to him. 

"My research for you was extensive." He purred, starting with the mess covering my thighs. 

His licks were slow, deliberate, as he purposefully drove me crazy. 

"I'd argue it's only fair I return the favor and clean you up to seeing as I'm responsible for half the mess." 

He pulled me lower, my breath hitching as his breath ghosted across my center. 

"Maybe make you cum again too." 

I could already feel my thighs trembling, Jimin's words and the hint of his lips coaxing me into letting go and smothering him beneath me. 

"I'm really just a selfish bastard who wants to taste you again." He sighed, the first swipe of his tongue threatening to break me. "I'll spend the rest of my life between your legs if you'll let me." 

I laughed breathlessly, one that turned into a shuddering moan as he licked me again. 

"I might just let you." I murmured, whimpering under his teasing mouth. 

"Let's not waste any time then." He grinned, pulling me down to him.

Taglist:

@ldysmfrst @missbangtangirl @bratty-tingz @i-like-puppy-mg @skyys-universe @atinymonbebestay

American Mate - (1)

Two Weeks Early

Paring: Hybrid!BTS Ot7 x Plus-sized Human FemReader

Status: Ongoing series

Chapter number: 1 of unknown

Word count for Chapter: 4416

Word count for Story: 4416

Genre: Hybrid Playmate Au inspired by works created by @yoongiofmine

Warnings: (I am not good at this, but I will try. Let me know if I missed anything!!) NOT BETA READ!! This story will have a bit of angst, fluff, smut, f/m, m/m, and m/f/m. This chapter does have Anxiety, Panic attacks, and Cultural differences.

Story Summary: The Hybrid K-pop group BTS is on tour in America; of course, things don't start out the way they should, but after an encounter with Y/n, things change but will everyone follow Fate?

BTS HYBRID ANIMAL TYPES: Seokjin - Roan Ferret, Yoongi - Black Jaguar, Hoseok - Marten, Namjoon - Alaskan Timber Wolf, Jimin - Red Panda, Taehyung - White Southwest African Tiger, Jungkook - Flemish Giant Rabbit

AMERICAN MATE MASTER LIST / LDYSMFRST MASTER LIST

((Hey everyone!! This is my first time writing a FanFic like this and publishing it on Tumblr first! I also made the banner and breaks myself :) Please, any advice would be awesome. I will also eventually be posting it on my AO3. My life is really crazy, and I have massive anxiety in posting this. Please realize that I will post when my demons are under some form of control. So, without further ado... here we go.💜💜💜))

Sex workers have always had their realm throughout history and in every culture. Amsterdam has historically been known for sex workers selling themselves on the corners, in windows, and in offices to provide their services without having any legal ramifications. Even Kings, Queens, and Emperors had concubines or mistresses recognized within the culture. More recently, prostitution in America has been legalized, even if they still work corners like they're doing something illicit and non-professional. Many countries and cultures find it offensive still to have sexual relations with someone who is not a significant other, but slowly, things are changing, and sexual relations are showing to be positive attributes to mental and physical health.  It was unsurprising how business skyrocketed after hybrids became more common. Hybrids have always had higher sexual drives during certain parts of the month or year, depending on the breed.  These times are known as heats for Omegas or ruts for Alphas and Betas. While hybrids were sought after and considered desirable by the masses, only socialites could afford to keep them. However, those not owned by the rich worked in the modeling, music, and film industries due to their superior looks and abilities. 

With the new laws in effect around the world, the sex trade became a more prevalent workforce. The most recent development that has come to fruition with these new laws in mind is the venture of Playmates. One of the first countries to jump on this bandwagon was America. Suppose they didn't see much difference from what the Playboy bunnies were doing for that old guy they used to work for. More recently, South Korea has decided that it is a better venture for their Hybrid Idols to have a playmate than having them sneaking around with people not vetted properly or fully understanding what they agreed to with heats and ruts. Lawsuits and bad tabloids swayed the entertainment industry in South Korea to accept the playmate idea swiftly due to the recent articles regarding how demanding the idol schedules were and how they weren't allowed to have normal relationships or even constant companionship.  Most hybrids are social individuals and gather into different groups. They need companionship, pack bonding, scenting, and support from those close to them. It is pretty much required for the hybrid to be considered healthy.  Any hybrid that isolated themselves became feral and violent, so there was an upheaval regarding the strenuous schedule of K-pop, C-Pop, J-pop, and T-pop idols. 

Companies such as JYP, Big Hit, Wake One, and others have decided to allow their Idol groups, hybrid or not, to branch into having a playmate. Most groups were allowed to pick a playmate or two to share between them all as a confidant, with no sexual relations required in the contract. They were also allowed to pick a playmate individually or as a group to have sexually allowable clauses to assist with those drives, which are either due to just being a living being or because they had instincts of their Hybrid to follow.

All interested parties, legal representatives, and medical professionals attend meetings and discussions in order to agree on boundaries, interests, pay rates, living expenses, etc., which would be drawn and signed by the Idols, their management company, the playmate(s), and their management company. Most contracts also had a 90-day grace period, during which either Playmate(s) or Idol(s) could terminate the contracts without stating a reason. It was not uncommon to have multiple contacts within a group consisting of companion and partner contracts, especially with groups of hybrids needing assistance during their heat or ruts. Each Playmate-based company had a standard contract they would follow, and conditions were added to the contract in case of emergency modifications. These were mainly for the playmates to expand their repertoire or bring a new angle into their services if the Idol or group they were working with decided they wanted more or something different than the current in the contract. All participants would be required to maintain confidentiality, and safety was of the utmost concern. 

Your name is Y/n, and you are not a playmate but a secretary at the new United States branch of PlayMate Services Incorporated, or PMS for short. You figured this would be one of the best ways to work through college, but soon, you realized you weren't very much for academics. So now you are the secretary for the idol division at PMS USA.  You were lucky enough to work in the Idol division because you have an affinity for languages and a high level of respect for hybrids. Your primary language is English because you were born and raised in Colorado. You had learned American Sign Language in high school after your family moved you to California. Shortly after graduation, you learned Spanish and recently became conversationally appropriate for Korean and Thai. Continuing your obsession with languages, you hope that over this next summer, you can learn a little bit of Chinese, both Mandarin and Cantonese and enough Japanese so you don’t get lost if you ever win the lotto and visit. 

In any country, playmates are required to be humans. Most have very modelesque features: tiny waists, full hips, and big breasts. They typically wear a size 0 to a size 4. These regulations for playmates are the exact reason why you are not one of them. You are also not very experienced in having many friends or sexual relations, and you love to call yourself the Extroverted Introvert.  While at work, you have a bright smile. You treat everyone as VIPs, but the minute you are out of the office, you can slink around anywhere without anyone knowing you have been near them. Your best friend Evie, a munchkin cat hybrid, always swore you could walk into a room and only let them know you were there if you wanted to. She joked that if it wasn't for your lack of hybrid features, you could be a Tiger Hybrid with how light-footed and graceful you are.  Many people tend to underestimate the level of your sneakiness. It is one of the main things that allows you to be such a good secretary. You know when to be present and noticeable and when to be quiet, discerning, and invisible. 

Well, this doesn't seem very impressive to many, but when you're taller and heavier than most women and wear glasses, you can see how hard it is to miss such a significant presence in a room. You do not fit any of the pretty standards of the modern-day woman. Your hair is a standard brown, which right now is kind of red because of a failed dye job, and your eyes change color depending on what you wear or the mood you are in, but other than that, they're insignificantly brown. Due to your Italian blood, you have freckles and moles with olive skin. You look like an All-American Girl who overeats, and that's what you have been told my entire life. Hence why, you have few social interactions, and you are practically a virgin again. Doesn’t something like three years make you gain a V-card again? Anyway,  you have pretty much just given up, which is your choice. Still, you have a loving heart full of romance and an understanding that others don't have the option to find that connection on their own because of their work, and at least here at PMS, I can help them find something to make their day a little bit better.

Today was supposed to be a typical day checking in with the current Playmates working and following up on some of the Playmates who have STD testing coming up. A couple of temporary contracts are supposed to be coming in. This is a typical day for me, ensuring everything is up and up and answering phones. We are still a tiny branch, but that is okay. We typically only service American pop bands; however, some Korean or Chinese pop bands have used our services while on tour here in America. The other Asian countries have not entirely jumped on this bandwagon with full force, but we do our best to serve their needs as much as possible. You have to start somewhere, and as we grow, things will get better, and you can move up in the ranks. 

You answered emails and took very few phone calls when everything changed. The doors to our 4th-floor office open as a distinguished-looking Asian gentleman walks in a lovely suit and a briefcase with a stern look. “Hello,” he says, coming to a stop with a slight bow at the waist. This is Playmate USA, right?”

“Hello,” standing to reciprocate the respectful bow, “You are correct, sir. This is Playmate Service United States, Idol department. My name is Y/n. How can I help you today?”

“There seems to have been an error in the dates given to this division for a significant Idol group. I'm here to find a quick solution before they grow impatient, hopefully. It wasn't until after my plane had landed I noticed that our meeting was still set for two weeks from now. The boys will land tomorrow and expect to be greeted with their new playmate while in the US. Though not all of them are on board with the idea of having a playmate, some members still hope to find a friend while here.”

“Oh, I see. That does not leave us with much time now, does it? May I have your name? So that I can look up your file and see what I can do?” You smile, sit at your computer, and pull up the calendar. 

“Ah yes, I am Manager Sejin, with Big Hit from Korea.” When he says his name, you quickly type up the information. As the screen populates the file, he continues, “I am the head manager for the K-Pop group Bangtan Sonyeondan.”

“You manage BTS.” You take a small breath, looking over the file while trying not to show your panic on the outside. “All the paperwork has been completed, and a series of potential playmates have been emailed to you for review.” Looking back at the man with confusion, you ask, “Did you receive the profiles, Sir? I do not have a Potential Playmate Response or PPR showing any of them selected, or did you perhaps not receive them?”

“The list was received and should have been sent yesterday afternoon.” 

“Oh, that makes sense, Sir. Due to the time difference, our contracting office would have been closed for the weekend. Even today, you caught us with a low staff. Let me contact that department and see if they are in today and able to meet with you.” Standing from your desk, you wait for the man to follow you to a smaller conference room. “Please wait here while I contact them. In the meantime, would you like some coffee or tea?”

“Oh, tea would be fine. Thank you. The boys like America and decided to come over early to settle in before their upcoming performances, but I guess this portion of the trip planning got left behind. Playmates are still a new concept for Big Hit as BTS is our only hybrid group, Unlike JYP with Stray Kids, Twice, and GOT7.”

“Not a problem, Manager Sejin. We have handled many last-moment assignments in the past, and there is always the 90-day grace period that will allow for any changes to keep your idols comfortable and cared for.” You say as you fix a cup of jasmine green tea at the small kitchenette in the corner and place it on the table for him. “If you excuse me, I will go speak with the contacting department.” You bow respectfully before leaving. Lucky for you, PMS is only on one floor, and the contracting department is two doors down. Knocking on the door and quickly walking in without waiting for a response, you spot your second best friend, Derek, sitting at his desk typing away. “We have an emergency!”

“Y/n, why do you smell like a whirlwind? Are you having an emergency? Are you excited? Are you nervous? Your scent is everywhere.” Derek is a Fennec Fox and one of two hybrids that work with you. It was a brilliant move to have the company hire him since he would clearly understand what is needed for hybrids in general when it came to having their contracts.

Giggling strictly from nerves, you push him aside and search his emails. Finding what you were looking for, you opened the email, “Aha ha! Here it is. Well, that would make sense. Our biggest potential contact just walked in the door two weeks early. They need a playmate by tomorrow, and you have not yet input their PPRs in their file.” Moving out of the way, you look expectantly at Derek as he reads the email. His face fell into shock with confusion, then panic. “So, who has a whirlwind of scents now? Huh?” You sass back to the hybrid knowing from his expression that it would be just as haywire as yours if you could smell it..

“No. Nonononono, Y/n. You do not get it! This is huge! This is a disaster. This was supposed to be handled by my boss, but he is out for the next week camping, God knows where. You said they are here now? They did not like any of the PPRs. So what do we do now?” He looks at you with worry in every feature and starts to stroke his tail slowly in a self-soothing manner. You look at him in shock, not expecting to hear that. Reading the email yourself, you see he is not lying; this is a disaster. They had at least one or more problems with each of the playmate profiles that were sent. Ummm.. ummm… think!

“Okay. Our best bet is to talk to Manager Sejin. Maybe learn more about what the idols want for their playmate. We can also offer them the opportunity to come here and meet with some of them in person to pick their match.  I mean, that is how we do it with American Idols, right?” You nod to yourself and look over at Derek. “Since there is such a skeleton crew today, we are closing early. Why don’t we close now and take Manager Sejin to lunch?” Glancing at your watch, you notice you were set to close in half an hour. He cut it close; you think, “It will be on us, and we can discuss it there. Make it more personable and without a time restraint?”

“Yeah! See, this is why you are known as Miss Fix-it. You always know how to smooth things over. You really should be someone other than the front desk assistant.” He stands, puts on his suit jacket, and heads to the door with a smile. Following him out the door and then leading him to the small conference room. You knock on the door and enter with a slight bow, Derek following your lead and bowing. “Manager Sejin, thank you for waiting. This is Derek, he is with our contracting department. We would like to treat you to lunch and review some options for your idols.” 

Derek steps forward, offering a handshake, “Hello, Sir, as y/n said. I am Derek, a fox hybrid and one of the members of the contracting department. It would be an honor to offer you lunch to discuss contracts and playmates for your group. A local Italian restaurant caters to hybrids and humans alike with private rooms for confidential meetings we can attend. Playmate Services has a permanent room there for occasions such as this. So if you follow me, we can take a company car.” The gentleman smiles and agrees to the meeting. 

It is a simple Italian restaurant with a professional-grade air purifying system to keep the rooms as scent-free as possible and private. The food is very descriptive, with symbols marking which foods are gluten-free, vegan, and hybrid-safe. After some small talk and finishing our respective meals, coffee was served, and the business side of the luncheon started. You pull out your notepad and pen to account for anything that needs to be remembered or discussed. Derek starts off the conversation directly. “Sir, we did receive your PPRs.” He glances at you briefly, and you smile reassuringly. “It seems that your idols did not accept the profiles we sent. We at Playmate Services understand that not everything will be a match and that specifications are requested to be met to the best of our ability. I apologize for not meeting those expectations, but I humbly request that you share some additional information about why they were all rejected so we can find better matches.”

“It is not a simple explanation. As I informed Miss y/n, only some of the group want a playmate while on tour in the US. I believe that it was one of the older members who rejected them all. You see, the boys had a permanent companion, a Playmate from the Korean division, but she fell for a human and ended up leaving the boys with broken hearts. One of the older members took it very hard because that Playmate had said some hateful things about the boys, and he took it personally.” 

As he explained the situation, you could not help but feel disappointed in the Korean division for this to have happened, but you also understood love is love. However, “Hateful things? She fell for a human… she didn’t speak hatefully or discriminate against the idols for being hybrids, did she?” Your mouth spoke from your heart before your brain filter could stop you. You did not even realize that you had said anything until the room got quiet, and a small flick of a tail on your leg got you to look up from your notepad. “Oh! Oh.” standing, you bow respectfully, ”Sorry, Manager Sejin, you do not have to answer that. I spoke before thinking. I just support hybrid equality, and it pains me to think this happened.”

“Miss Y/n, please retake your seat.” You do, and after a calming breath, you look up at him only to have your jaw drop. Ears. He has two small fluffy ears that you now notice as they have wiggled out from under his hair. A hybrid! He was also a hybrid! “I apologize for not telling you earlier, but I am Sejin, a hamster hybrid. I thank you for your support of our kind,” nodding to include Derek in his statement. “I wish there were more of you in the world. Playmate Services Korea will not work with me because they already know I am a hybrid and think the boys should have a human manager, but with the current situation. I had to chance that you did not know and hide my features. Your care and respect for our kind have already informed me this is a good choice for the boys. However, you can relax more around me. I can scent that you are very upset for the boys, whom you do not even know unless you are Army, and this meeting was entirely my fault for improper planning.” Looking at Derek, “does she always have this strong reaction to events?”

Derek nods, laughing out loud as if this is the funniest thing in the world. You huff slightly at Derek because you are sure that he knew the man was a hybrid from the get-go and didn't even try to warn you. “She is very passionate about everything she does. However, because of her friendship with an emotional munchkin hybrid and working with two hybrids, she has learned to cut her scent off if she is trying to hide something, which, as you know, just lets us know that something is going on even more than if she were just to calm her scent down. She is a lovely but fascinating human.” 

You sit there bouncing between disappointment that you didn’t recognize he was a hybrid, irritation at Derek for not telling you, and embarrassment that your scent is giving you away again. Giving yourself a second to collect yourself while finding the notepad even more interesting than life, you will your blushing to stop as you clear your throat and glare, albeit playfully, at Derek, “I think it would be wise to propose our idea about setting up meetings, Mr. Gulley.” 

“Okay, Okay. Don’t sour your scent on me.” Derek gently scolded me as he returned his attention to the client. “Y/n, came up with a good idea. We typically have meetings between our free playmates and potential clients when the clients are USA-based. I know the idols, or some of them, hope to have a playmate waiting for them, but maybe this would be a better idea. Then, if they pick any, we can draft the individual contracts and those uncomfortable with playmates do not have to interact with anyone and can still observe. Since we are a newer branch, we do not have many playmates.”

Manager Sejin seems to think about the offer while sipping his coffee, looking between you and Derek. He takes out his phone, types a few things, and then looks up directly at you, “Miss y/n, do you believe this is the best option, or are you at a loss as to what to do and are just scrambling?”

Looking at him wide-eyed for a moment and cursing at Derek in your mind for throwing you under the bus, you sip the last of your iced coffee and, with hopefully a calm scent, you say, “Manager Sejin, I may be human, but hybrids are also allowed and deserve the same respect and rights to comfort and care. I know that I suggested this option to Derek before hearing about the recent incident with Playmate Korea.” You take a breath and look him in the eyes, “However, I do believe in it even more now. The meeting would be in our hybrid-friendly conference room with a one-way mirror and shared circulation. This setup will allow the members who are interested in a playmate to meet while allowing the guarded packmates the ability to scent and see the humans as well as the reactions of their pack. We do not intend to cause any complications between the pack and force them all to accept whomever we deem ‘worthy enough’ because it will not bode well for anyone. I am sure the Alpha of the pack is just as concerned with their packmates being comfortable in a foreign country as he is with protecting them in that same country. If they do not agree on any playmates at the end of the meetings, then it will be with no stone unturned, and it will be the best thing for the pack. While I know this is a business, and your idols leaving without a playmate would be a potential loss for our company. I will not allow any further actions from any department within Playmate Services Incorporated to cause issues with this or other idol groups to the best of my ability during their visit to the United States.” Unknown to you, your scent has turned into a burning but not unpleasant version of itself. Showing both hybrids how serious and determined you are to have the idols taken care of properly and how upset you are at the Korean division. 

“Manager Sejin,” a voice comes from the phone he placed on the table. Both you and Derek’s eyes widen in shock at hearing the voice and zero in on the phone. “We land at 1:30 pm tomorrow and will immediately meet you, Mr. Derek, and Miss y/n at Playmate Services. I will let the rest of Bangtan Pack know, and do not worry about Yoongi. I will speak with him before we land. Miss Y/n, I hope you are as honest and trustworthy as you sound.”

“Understood Namjoon-ssi. Thank you for taking this call. We will see you all tomorrow.” The phone beeps into silence as the call ends. 

Did you blab this long rant while THE RM listened? While THE Alpha of BTS was listening? Yes, you did, but you must keep calm and smile professionally at the manager. “Miss y/n. Mr. Kim cannot scent you as I can. I apologize for not informing you that he was on the line, but I could not be more surprised by you and your recommendation. I knew he would have to hear it from your voice before agreeing. As he is the Prime Alpha of BTS, his concerns are just as you said. I will see myself out and to my hotel for the night. I will see you tomorrow, Miss y/n. Mr. Derek.” With a bow that you both quickly reciprocated, he left. 

You slowly take your seat and look at your currently blank notepad. You wrote nothing. Your brain could remember nothing but that you just ranted while RM listened. Alpha Rm… Wait… Prime Alpha??? That means that there is more than one Alpha in BTS. You jump at the feeling of fur along your hands as you look down to see that you have blood on them because you started to pick at your nail beds while you were spiraling. 

“Y/n. Are you okay? You did it. You got them to agree. Y/n, breathe with me, please. Your scent is disappearing. You didn’t do anything wrong. I am so proud of you.” Derek tries to push out his calming scent, which, strangely enough, has helped you in the past, along with the feeling of his tail. He knows you are a K-pop fan with a tattoo memorializing the passing of Moonbin from Astro. Still, he thinks that the whole concept that this is the biggest K-pop group in the world depends on your idea working, along with the expectation now from not just an Alpha but a Prime Alpha, has you, his little human hybrid-supporter, lost as to what to do or how to react. 

Taking a deep breath, you slowly pull your hands from under the fox’s tail and look at Derek, “I didn’t  just blow the whole contract by ranting to the Prime Alpha of BTS?”

Next

Tag list - CLOSED

American Mate - (2)

The Playmate Meeting

Paring: Hybrid!BTS Ot7 x Plus-sized Human FemReader

Status: Ongoing series

Chapter number: 2 of unknown

Word count for Chapter: 3725

Work count for Story: 8141

Genre: Hybrid Playmate Au inspired by works created by @yoongiofmine

Warnings: (I am not good at this, but I will try. Let me know if I missed anything!!) NOT BETA READ!! This story will have a bit of angst, fluff, smut, f/m, m/m, and m/f/m. This chapter does have Bullying, Anxiety, Panic attacks, and Cultural differences.

Story Summary: The Hybrid K-pop group BTS is on tour in America; of course, things don't start out the way they should, but after an encounter with Y/n, things change but will everyone follow Fate?

BTS HYBRID ANIMAL TYPES: Seokjin - Roan Ferret, Yoongi - Black Jaguar, Hoseok - Marten, Namjoon - Alaskan Timber Wolf, Jimin - Red Panda, Taehyung - White Southwest African Tiger, Jungkook - Flemish Giant Rabbit

AMERICAN MATE MASTER LIST / LDYSMFRST MASTER LIST

Sleep was not your friend last night. It was filled with nightmares of the meeting going wrong, a pack of world-famous idols hunting you down, and worse of all, you losing your job, causing you to move back home. Looking at the time, you see that it is barely 5 am. You usually get up at 7 am, so technically, it is not super early, but you are sure you may have had about 3 hours of sleep even after Derek and Evie tried to comfort you yesterday. Getting out of bed, start your morning meditations with your room lit by the Holiday Cookie scented candle you got from your mother last Christmas. You take a pampered shower by spending extra time shaving and using your hybrid-friendly, scent-blocking shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. You take forever to pick out what to wear today because you want to be able to maintain professionalism. At the same time, the nightmare has ingrained in your brain that you would need to be ready to run away if something terrible happened. You gotta love how anxiety can control you like that over something that may never happen, yet the reality of feral hybrids makes it an actual thing that could happen. This possibility caused you to pick high-waisted black pants that belled after the knee (a.k.a. Professional looking get the fuck out of here running pants),  with a deep purple peasant lace top, a black under-tank top, and a half-sleeve black sports coat. Usually, you wore some kind of slight heel in the name of professionalism and gender conformity. Still, today, you decided that your black slight platform combat boots, which made you feel like a badass, would give you a confidence boost and make it easier to run, or so you hoped. Forgoing your typical breakfast, due to nerves, you just drink a vanilla java energy drink and catch the train to work. 

You arrive at work with about 10 minutes to spare, giving you time to boot up the computers in all the offices and make a coffee in the breakroom for everyone. Idle hands are the Devil's work or Anxiety’s playground in your case.  Derek arrives right on time with his best friend Lily, who is also a Fox hybrid and works in the IT department. Both speed walk to the breakroom, taking advantage of the hot coffee before returning to your desk, smelling the air slightly. “Ah... Derek, I can smell the fresh coffee and you, but I do not smell y/n.” Lily states while looking you over from head to toe as you stand at your desk putting out sign-in sheets and additional pens. “Missy, what's with the scent? Are you okay?”

“Yeah, missy. What is going on? Are you still worried about today? Your raccoon eyes are worse than Stephen’s, and he is a raccoon hybrid! You didn’t sleep, did you?” Derek rambles, pulling you to stop what you are doing and making you look at him, his tail resting on your leg in concern.

“Good morning to you both, too. I did not sleep well but showered today with hybrid-friendly, scent-blocking products. I did not want to interfere with the matching process this afternoon since, after yesterday’s meeting, it is clear that I am expected to be here. We all know I have difficulty keeping my scent in check, and with how uncontrolled it was yesterday, I figured today would not be much better. I plan on putting on makeup before the clients arrive so I don’t look like I was part of Stephen’s collective when they arrive. Thank you very much.” You huff out while trying to find any way to keep your mind busy.

“Oh my. They must have you on edge. Maybe it is a good idea you smell like nothing. Are you wearing your ass-kickers today too? Though I will say, you look hot in that. It's kind of professional and boss-bitch all rolled into one. Yeah. Hot.” You giggle at Lily’s comments. Lily has always been the one out of the group of friendly coworkers that does not have a filter. Their life was not an easy one before their emancipation. The owner trained them to be a pleasure fox for other clients. After a more brutal visit from a regular client, the urgent care hybrid doctor realized that Lily was born male but raised to think and act as if they were a female. Hybrid Protective Services took them away from the current owner that same day. Then, they were taken to a facility for a few years to receive therapy and care to understand what the former owner did was a felony and what their new life choices were, and they eventually found employment here at PMS. Lily has been through a lot but has deemed themselves to be non-binary.  After 17 years of being a girl, they are still more comfortable in feminine clothing. On rare occasions, they will also wear masculine clothing. So, to be respectful at the office, we observe what Lily is wearing that day to know how to address Lily comfortably. Today is a Miss Lily day.

“Thank you, Miss Lily. Yes, these are my ass-kickers. I needed the extra sass today to help me through. I appreciate your compliments.” Turning your attention to Derek, “I was able to send emails from home last night. Don’t start.” Putting up your hand because you know he was about to get on you for working from home again. “I could not sleep. Besides, this gave me something to focus on and not spiral as far. Anyway, I emailed all available Korean-speaking male and female playmates. As of about a half hour ago, I have five confirmations of attendance and one denial, which included a resignation because their family figured out what they did for work and did not want them working as a playmate anymore.”

“That is not too bad. It sucks that we are losing one, but we all understand that family comes first, and though this work is legal, there are still some old-time sticklers who believe otherwise. The ones that are good to go are all set to come in at 2:30 pm, then? Neutral clothing, natural scents only, and have eaten prior?” Derek asks, morphing into his work mode. 

“I have them coming here at 11 am to go over their NDA again with lunch provided. This is potentially our biggest high-end client contract, and I wanted to ensure they remember ALL the policies and consequences. I will also utilize the locker room to keep all electronics and personal items away from the conference rooms as an extra safety net.” Taking a deep breath, you level your sight at Derek and Lily, “this could be the best or worst thing for the US Branch. I will not let it go south because of someone turning into a sasaeng or freaking out about meeting some of the members of BTS today.” 

“BTS!?!” Lily exclaims with their tail fluffing out, eyes bouncing between you and Derek while their ears stand tall. “No Way! JK and Agust D will be here today?!?!”

“Lily… you are banned from the area if you act like this, but yes, they should both be here. However, if yesterday's meeting was any indication, Mr. Min does not want anything to do with this. So please calm down. Keep your scent in check, or hide in your IT closet for the rest of the day. If you don’t think you can do this, go home. “You say, standing and taking Lily’s hands in yours. “I know you love them and mean well, but I cannot have this go any further sideways than it already is.”

Rolling their eyes but smiling, “Harsh Y/n. It's understandable but harsh. I guess I will lock myself in the IT closet for the day.”  Giggling under their breath, Derek and Lily make their way to their respective offices, and your day starts.

The meeting with the playmates went well. All points were covered, new NDAs were signed, everything electronic was locked away, and lunch was served. Derek happily chats with some of the playmates and shares some of BigHit's requests, and a slightly nervous energy starts to fill the room, as it always does before any playmate/client meeting. However, it may be higher this time because everyone knows who they will meet. You trust them all to remain professional. 

Again, you avoid eating anything for fear of vomiting all over the idols when they come. Making your way out of the room, you excuse yourself to fix your makeup and sit at your desk, waiting for the clients to arrive. Deep breathing exercises and some calm music help settle you down before you hear the ding of the elevator doors and the multiple footsteps falling on the floor announcing their arrival before the office doors open. Opening your eyes and smiling brightly, your professional persona takes over like always.

“Hello and welcome to Playmate Service Incorporated USA Idol division. My name is y/n,” you say in Korean, standing and bowing at the waist. After a beat, you hear silence as BTS stands there looking at you, shocked to be greeted so respectfully in their native language. They return the bow with their eyes still on you. The group is covered head to toe in designer clothes, hats, and facemasks, allowing you only to see their eyes. 

Looking over at Manager Sejin, who is dressed similarly to how he was yesterday, bowing again to him, you continue in Korean, “Manager Sejin, it is a pleasure to see you again. All arrangements have been made, and the conference room is waiting. If you will, please follow me.” Gesturing to follow you down the hall, you briefly look back to the group of hybrids. You catch the narrow eyes of one of the two shorter members, and your spine tingles. God, you hope the scent-blocking products are working. 

Switching back to English out of nerves and limited knowledge of the Korean language, you speak to the group, “The conference room where you will meet the potential playmates is specialized for hybrids. It has a one-way mirror with couches, tables, and shared air circulation. As a group, it will be up to you who will be allowed in the main room where the playmates will be and who will remain in the observation room. Since you are an established pack, no other hybrids will be allowed to enter either space and human contact will be limited to the playmates. Our fox hybrid, Mr. Gulley, will draw up the contact in a separate conference room if you choose a playmate today, and I, human, will remain out of the rooms but available should you need anything. We hold your bond with great respect.” Stopping in front of two side doors, you gesture to the one on the left, “this is the observation room. You may start there and discuss in private who will be moving to the main meeting room.” You point to the door to the right. “Please also discuss if you want to meet them one at a time or together. We only have four females and one male playmate, which are currently not contracted. Next week, we will have two more males you can meet if you do not find a compatible playmate today.” While you share the information, you see the members looking at each other and then back at you in glances and hushed but sharp tones of speaking murmur after you stop with your speech. Attempting to remain as calm as possible while wishing you had a hybrid hearing ability, you still feel like your nightmare of being hunted is going to come to life. 

Slowly and intentionally, one of the members stands to his full height, stepping forward and removing his mask; you see that the RM is now observing you with sharp eyes. “Miss Y/n, meeting you after hearing your opinion over the phone yesterday is a pleasure. I am Kim Namjoon, Prime Alpha and Alaskan Timber Wolf hybrid. I,” a low growl is heard from behind him, “We have a few questions for you.”

Glancing behind him to the group, which remains covered other than their eyes, you see variations of confusion, concern, caution, and maybe …is that hope? Glancing at Manager Sejin and back to the Prime Alpha before you. You smile politely and nod, not trusting your voice.

“Firstly, Manager Sejin warned… Well, he informed us of your strong scent and inability to control it as a human, but none of us can smell it. Are you hiding something from us?” He questions you with narrow eyes and shifts into a more protective stance, blocking you from seeing the rest of the pack as much as possible. 

The amount of energy pouring off of the hybrid is astonishing. No wonder their concerts are so much hype. Shaking your head gently and trying not to stutter, “No, Sir. Mr. Kim, I know of my inability to control my scent very well. Two of my colleagues and my best friend are hybrids. So, I have heard how strong my scent can get at times. Out of respect for your pack, I wanted to not interfere with the process of choosing a playmate and thought it would be best to use scent-blockering hygiene products by Earthwise today. I do not mean to hide anything from you or your pack.” Bowing at the waist at a full 90-degree angle in Korean, you say, “My apologies to you, Prime Alpha, and your pack. I mean no harm or disrespect. Please forgive me.” As you remain in your bow, you hear a higher-pitched whine from someone in the pack, causing you to look up and see a large, toothy grin on the Prime Alpha.

“Miss Y/n, please stand up. You have not caused some great offense. In fact, it is endearing to see someone be so considerate not only in hybrid culture but also in Korean culture. Where did you learn your Korean? You have a Busan tilt to your words, like Jungkook and Jimin.”

Standing and smoothing out your waistline, you nervously giggle and respond again in Korean, “My college roommate was from Busan. She taught me enough to hold short conversations. Actually, I think I learned more from her than I did from the university.” Smiling lightly, you change back to English, “Unfortunately, I am not fluent enough to do much good. However, the playmates some of you will be meeting have all passed and are current with our fluency licensing for being contacted with Korean Idols. So, there is not going to be a communication issue for any of the pack. I made sure of that.”

“Thank you for that, Miss Y/n. The pack spoke before coming here.  Seokjin, Jungkook, Teahyung, and Jimin are the ones who want a playmate for this trip. Hoseok, Yoongi, and myself will observe. Of course, as Prime Alpha, I will be included in any contracts, but Yoongi and Hoseok will be excluded from any may come about from your office.” Smiling to yourself, the Rap line does not want a playmate; interesting. Nodding your head, you open the door to the observation room, allowing Hoseok and Namjoon to walk in. Yoongi starts to walk in, then stops next to you briefly before continuing in. When closing the door, you look at the remaining members and open the meeting room doors for them.

“Miss y/n, I am Seokjin, Alpha Roan Ferret hybrid. Namjoon said you can bring all the playmates at once, but please excuse the male one, as he will not be accepted due to territory issues.”

“Mr. Kim, pleasure. I understand and will bring them over in a moment. Please get settled; bottles of water and fruits are on the table for your enjoyment.” Bowing slightly, you watch his feet enter the room before standing and starting the meeting process.

“Minnie! Jinnie! Did you see her? She is so pretty! Why is she not a playmate? Can’t we take her? I bet she smells so nice.” Jungkook rambles excitedly to Jimin while tugging on his arm and removing his mask, following the lead of his hyungs.

“Yah! That’s my arm you are trying to rip off Muscle Bunny. But you are right, she is gorgeous. She did seem rather nervous though. You could feel her nervous energy rolling off her and whenever her eyes seemed to show her overthinking, she looked like she was trying not to shake from it all.” Taking a seat next to Taehyung and Seokjin. “Hyung, what do you think of Miss Y/n?”

“I think you both are right, but she is not a playmate, so stop focusing on who you cannot have and pay attention to who you can when they come in.” Looking at the one-way mirror, he says, “Unless there is something that Joonie can do to make it happen, it would be a big request.”

In the other room, Yoongi had taken a seat in the far corner, removing his mask but keeping his eyes pinned at the office door, black jaguar tail tip flicking back and forth with agitation. Namjoon and Hoesek, also having removed their masks, observe him cautiously. “Yoongi, are you okay with being here? Manager Sejin can take you back to the hotel?” Namjoon asks, worried that he is too much into his hybrid mindset at the moment. When they met with Miss Y/n, his scent had changed to something that none of the pack had expected to smell for a long time: fascination. 

All the ears in both rooms twitch to the sound of the conference room door opening and the potential playmates entering. They are all beautiful and could easily walk the runways in New York Fashion Week. Blonde, auburn, and two black-haired women introduce themselves in proper Korean. Their conversational skills are on par as expected, and the energy seems to flow easily. You can tell they are professionals. However, it is not the playmates that have Namjoon concerned as the smell of burning wood starts to fill the observation room and flow into the other, drawing the attention of the rest of the pack. Seokjin, Jimin, and Jungkook continue to speak with the playmates but their hybrid ears are listening to the other office. Namjoon and Hoseok turn again to look at Yoongi, “Hyung, are you okay?”

“I don’t like any of them. I don’t want any of them around the pack. The blonde is a fake. The redhead has a stick up her ass. The black-haired women are too cocky. These are not good for the pack, Namjoon.” Yoongi states, glaring at the one-way mirror and then up at Namjoon. “Do what you can to fulfill our bun’s request. If it will help the pack, Hoesek and I will join the contract, too.”

“What? I will? I wasn’t going to have a play…” Turning to face Yoongi and getting a leveling glare from the jaguar stops Hoesek's complaint. “Umm… yeah, I will join a pack-companion contract.”

Yoongi is restless. He has not felt anything like this before. It worries him because you are not expected, and if it is what he thinks it is, then he is concerned about why the rest of the pack does not seem to respond the same way. BTS is a bonded pack, so they all were mates, and if another mate were to join them, each of them should feel the connection. The only one who seemed to show any major additional interest was Jungkook, and he was a Flemish Giant Rabbit, so liking someone was not uncommon due to his hybrid half. He took a liking to almost any living thing. He was also a very young Alpha Buck, and even when he joined the BTS pack, he took some convincing that he was also a mate and not just a pack member they needed for the K-pop group. 

Unable to keep still without wanting to claw at the furniture, Yoongi stands, walks out of the office, running right into you. Knocking you off balance, you fall. Instinctively, you reach out to catch yourself with most of your weight on your right hand because you land awkwardly.  Glancing down, next to your left hand is another left hand with very prominent veins running under the skin. You find your waist circled in a short-haired black tail and an arm around your chest like you are being hugged from behind. While your right wrist stings a little, you are relatively unscathed. Hearing a bit of commotion behind you and a jumble of English and Korean versions of ‘Are you okay? What happened?” you hear sniffing just below your left ear, followed by a faint growl you feel through your back from the chest pressed against you. “Sweet peas. So that is what Miss Y/n’s scent is.”  At that, your heart races as you quickly gain your wits. You attempt to stand while fixing your hair, not as gracefully as you would have wanted while trying not to wince at the pain in your right wrist. You are sure your face is fire engine red and your breath is uneven. You turn around to face the whole pack and half the office, all while trying to avoid the eyes of the owner of the black tail standing right next to you. Your gaze stops when you see the smirks on the playmates' faces. 

“Y/n, what are you doing, throwing your weight around like that? You are going to hurt the clients. Maybe you should have stayed at your desk and not paced the hall,” one of the playmates scoffs, followed by a round of chuckles from the rest and some underbreath comments of looking like a little piggy with how red your face is. Looking at the ground, you mumble an apology in a mix of English and Korean, bow, then bolt out of the hall into the farthest corner of the breakroom. Hiding your face from the world as the tears of embarrassment, of disgust with yourself, and of pain take over your being.

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Tag list - CLOSED

American Mate - (3)

Following Instincts

Paring: Hybrid!BTS Ot7 x Plus-sized Human FemReader

Status: Ongoing series

Chapter number: 3 of unknown

Word count for Chapter: 3970

Work count for Story: 12111

Genre: Hybrid Playmate Au inspired by works created by @yoongiofmine

Warnings: (I am not good at this, but I will try. Let me know if I missed anything!!) NOT BETA READ!! This story will have a bit of angst, fluff, smut, f/m, m/m, and m/f/m. This chapter does have Injury, Anxiety, Panic attacks, comfort, and Cultural differences.

BTS HYBRID ANIMAL TYPES: Seokjin - Roan Ferret, Yoongi - Black Jaguar, Hoseok - Marten, Namjoon - Alaskan Timber Wolf, Jimin - Red Panda, Taehyung - White Southwest African Tiger, Jungkook - Flemish Giant Rabbit

AMERICAN MATE MASTER LIST / LDYSMFRST MASTER LIST

Outside the break room, Yoongi is in Alpha space, catching your scent of sweet peas as it changes into a moldy pea soup smell after the comment from the redheaded playmate. Turning with a low and threatening growl, Yoongi’s eyes have gone to his hybrid's bright golden-yellow cat eyes as he blocks you from their sight. Zeroing in on the playmates, tail raised and puffed out, tip twitching back and forth with a snap of irritation, making them all step back and quiet down. Hearing you murmur something in his native tongue and then the frantic footsteps, Yoongi snaps his head to watch your fleeing form disappear into a room down the hall. Taking a quick look back at the playmates, office staff, and then his pack, Yoongi huffs and quickly follows you, unable to fight his Alpha instincts.

The rest of the BTS packmates follow their bonded one closely behind as they feel his need to protect you from the others in the office. Namjoon catches Yoongi by the shoulder, stopping him from attempting to enter the room where you sought refuge. The rest of the pack forms a barricade around their Prime Alpha and packmate, who has entered Alpha space. They all are standing on guard, facing the rest of the people in the office, watching closely for any danger, and keeping the rude humans away. 

“Yoongi, you need to give her space. Remember, she is human and might get scared of your Alpha. What is happening? I need you to get enough control to explain what is happening?” Namjoon calmly speaks to his older packmate. Pushing out calming scents, trying to bring him out of his Alpha space with soothing strokes along his shoulder and back. “Can you come back and explain why you are protecting Miss Y/n?”

Barreling into the front of the group of observers with his tail bushed out and scent-smelling concerned, Derek comes up to the defensive line of BTS, “You have to let me get to her. You have to let me help calm down Y/n. Can’t you scent her distress? She is not doing okay by herself. You can even smell her over the scent-blockers!  I am the closest thing she has to a family. Please let me in to make sure she is okay. Please.”

 One of Yoongi’s black jaguar ears twitch back, hearing the urgency in Derek’s voice. He looks at Namjoon, takes a deep breath, and closes his eyes. After a few seconds, he turns to Derek with normal dark eyes, taking in his shifty behaviors and now partly distressed scent. 

Shaking his head slowly to Namjoon, Yoongi steps between his packmates and face-to-face Derek. “You are the closest thing to her family?”

“Yes, She and I were hired together when they decided to start this branch. We work together and spend time together at my den or her apartment. I do my best to protect her from situations like this because of her past. I normally try to keep her away from the playmates in general so things like this do not happen."

"She is only here today because we could not convince her otherwise since in the meeting yesterday with your Manager and what was said on the phone. She was bullied a lot before, and while it is not something that is okay, unfortunately, it still happens to this day. I really tried but I couldn’t do anything to keep her away. She had to be here even with little to no sleep and nightmares."

Bowing slightly but keeping an eye on the pack, Derek demandingly pleads, "Now, please, Mr. Min, please let me pass. Everyone can smell that something has happened. I think she is hurt in more ways than one.”  

The last comment got the attention of the whole pack on him, and everyone looked concerned. Several eyes flashed as their hybrid halves showed their displeasure with the news. Yoongi continued to fight his Alpha instincts with a deep growl and even breaths.

“How can you tell?” Namjoon asks from next to the door. He can smell something, but it tells him nothing since he has never smelt Y/n.

“That moldy smell. Like veggies gone bad?” The hybrids start sniffing, searching for the smell, and scrunching their noses once it hits. “That is why I know something is not right. Y/n, her scent turns like that when she is hurt. I am not sure if it is just emotional but it could be physical too. I can’t tell how bad it is because the scent-blocking measures she took for your arrival are still dulling it down.  Now again. Let me in to help my friend. I may be a Beta but she is like a pack member to me and I protect her like it.”

“Fine, but I am going in with you. I was the one who knocked into her and failed to keep her from falling. My Alpha instincts have gone haywire and I have the need to protect her,” his eyes glaring back at the playmates, “ from certain people here while ensuring she is okay and make amends for my mistake.” Yoongi states without room for argument, moving to the side, nodding to his packmates to make room for them. Once the two are through, the pack retakes their defensive stance, keeping everyone else out. 

Knocking on the door, Derek calls out softly as he opens it, entering and looking around the room to spot your shaking frame in the farthest and darkest corner. Namjoon shuts the door for privacy and protection while he stands guard just outside, with one ear listening to what is happening inside the room and one ear on the rest of the office. His mind racing from the powerful wave of rotten scent that has built up in the room.

The scent is much more robust in this room. The scent-blocking measures no longer mask your distress and pain. This causes Derek and Yoongi to whine at the smell and quickly move to your side. Derek pulled you into a tight embrace, pushing his scent out and over you and scenting the top of your head while murmuring soft, reassuring words. Yoongi comforts you with his own calming scents, pushing down the desire to pry you out of Derek’s hold to take you into his own. Much to their relief, your tears slow, and your breathing calms after what feels like hours.

“Derek, my nightmares, they came true. I ruined everything. I should have stayed away. I should have been looking where I was going. Reina was right. The one with the black tail, did I hurt him? He... He tried catching me. Me! I weigh a ton.” 

At that last comment, a deep growl resounds from behind you. It takes half a second to realize it is not from the hybrid holding you. Catching your breath and snapping your mouth shut, you cautiously peek through your hair to look behind you to see none other than Mr. Min Yoongi, who turns out to be the owner of said black tail, now snapping to and fro with irritation. 

“Shit,” you mumble under your breath, your mind racing to figure out a way to get out of this situation without causing any further damage and how best to word your resignation letter.

“Miss Y/n, let us address a few things. Firstly, you do NOT weigh a ton, nor will you ever refer to yourself in that manner again. Secondly, I am not injured, nor could you injure me, as I AM an Alpha in my own right and am stronger than I look, even if I am not the Prime Alpha of the Bangtan Pack.” Yoongi’s eyes flashed a different color.

You shrink down to try to make yourself smaller. Seeing your reaction and realizing that his Alphal is trying to be in control again, he takes another deep breath to calm himself, looking between you and Derek.

 “Lastly, would you be so kind as to allow my Alpha to inspect you for injuries? I came out of the observation room door unannounced and ran into you. I tried to prevent you from falling, but we are close in height, and I could not do much other than take what I hoped was the brunt of the fall.”

Turning more towards him but still staying in the safety of Derek’s hold, you look at him with confusion. “Your Alpha? Like your hybrid-side is not yourself?” Looking over your shoulder at Derek, you see him with a smirk and a chuckle on his lips.

“Missy here,” Derek looks at Yoongi, “has never met an Alpha male before. I am a beta, and her best friend is an omega.” Turning his attention back to you, “Unlike Evie and I, an Alpha has an inner animal that they can change into fully at will and it allows them to go into Alpha space to assist in protecting, hunting, and mating.”

You look at Yoongi with wide eyes, “You turn into a black cat?” 

“I am not a black cat,” he huffs in annoyance, eyes flashing a different color briefly. “I am a Black Jaguar hybrid, and I am trying my best to keep him at bay because he can sense that your emotions have calmed down, but you are still in pain.” 

His eyes roam over your figure, stopping when he notices you are cradling your right wrist. Standing up and motioning to a nearby chair, he asks,  “Please, can I inspect you for injuries? I can see you are being careful with your right hand.”

With a gentle push from behind you, you move to the chair Yoongi gestured to. Derek also stands up but keeps his distance, watching how the two of you interact. Yoongi kneels before you, “I have to let my Alpha see for himself. I promise he will not harm you. Mr. Gulley can attest to that at this point, my Alpha would have much rather hurt himself than you.” 

Glancing at Derek, he nods with a knowing smile while taking a seat a few tables over. Taking a moment to collect yourself, running your good hand through your hair and fixing your shirt, you look down at the hybrid. With a slight smirk, he looks at you with kind eyes,  “Miss Y/n, please allow me to check for injuries. You have no reason to be nervous. You look perfect as you are.” 

Blushing slightly at his words, you nod and tuck your hair behind your ear. You watch him closely as his dark brown eyes slowly change into a stunning golden-yellow color, with the pupil elongating into a pointed oval. His ears and tail moved this way and that, never quite settling in one position for very long. Your scent turns slightly back to sweet peas as the sight makes you smile softly. 

Cautiously, Yoongi kneels closer to you to become within reaching distance. Taking your left ankle gently in his hand, he rotates it, bends your leg at the knee, and sniffs at each joint. He repeats the process with the other side as well. Finding that nothing in your legs seems to be hurting, he looks at your face again with a short, pleased chirping sound. 

Scooting a little closer, he reaches out to your left hand, bends your elbow, feels along your fingers one by one, then rotates your wrist and again seems to sniff along the joints. 

You fidget in your seat, knowing what comes next will hurt, but you don't know how the hybrid in front of you will react. Noticing your movements and the slight change in your scent, Yoongi wraps his tail around your ankle to offer support. A slight sense of pride fills him when your scent calms down at his gesture of comfort, even if you do not realize it. 

Taking your right hand, he follows the same steps, pausing slightly before he rotates your wrist. You let out a yelp of pain and bite your bottom lip as you try to pull your hand out of his grip, which only causes him to hold it just a little bit tighter with one hand while the other quickly reaches to the nape of your neck to bring you into an awkward hug. Your head is now resting on his shoulder with your nose breathing against his neck, your good hand going to his side and gripping his shirt. 

Once the pain has dulled, you realize you smell the rain, not like fresh rain but like petrichor or the earth after a good downpour. It is comforting and relaxes you even more until you hear a soft chuffing noise and remember who you are smelling. 

Pulling away, you shyly look back at Yoongi, still observing you with golden-yellow eyes and holding your wrist firm but gently. “Umm... I think I just landed on it wrong. Just some ice and pain meds should be okay. I will be good as new tomorrow,” you say with a false smile, trying to play it off as no big deal.

However, Yoongi’s ears flatten, and his feline eyes narrow at you while nodding down to your wrist. Following his line of sight, you now see that your wrist is slightly swollen and is covered with a lovely purple color. “Okay, maybe I won’t be as good as new tomorrow.”

Derek stands up and approaches the two of you to see the damage done. Taking a sharp breath, he looked at Yoongi and froze, noting that the Alpha was sternly watching his every move. 

“Mr. Min, please remember I am like family, a pack, as you could say, with Y/n. I am also not a mate, nor am I looking to make her one. Will you allow me to get your Prime Alpha and Manager so we can decide how to move forward?”

Outside the breakroom, Mr. Johnson, the director of PMS USA, was informed there was an incident and is now standing with Manager Sejin outside the BTS barrier. He had ordered Reina and the other playmates to be escorted back into the conference room by some other staff. 

Mr. Johnson had hand-picked you to be the friendly first face of PMS because you light up any room you walk into and are always willing to put in the extra time to help make things perfect on or off the clock. 

“Hello, I am the director, I really should go in there and make sure my employee is okay, Manager Sejin,” Mr. Johnson states, glancing at the members of BTS as they continue to block the door and growl at anyone who walks near them. 

“Why are they not letting anyone near the door? I am sorry. I know about hybrids from the symposiums and conferences but rarely interact with many. I typically leave that up to my staff.” Glancing over at the hamster hybrid.

“Namjoon-ssi, do you want me to answer that, or would you like to?” Manager Sejin asks while watching Mr. Johnson. Namjoon redirects his attention from the breakroom to the seemingly incompetent human before him.

Taking a few slow steps forward, Hoseok takes over guarding the break room door. Namjoon comes to stand with his pack, but nearer to Mr. Johnson and Manager Sejin, he says, “Mr. Johnson, we are a pack. More so, we are a pack of Alpha hybrids. Ranging from prey to predator types. We are a bonded pack on top of that, which means it’s all or none. We all are protective of something or someone if one of us feels the need. When one of us is hurt, we are all hurting with them.”

Looking at each of his packmates, Namjoon is filled with a sense of pride. Though they don’t know the extent of what has happened, they still support their mate to the best of their ability in a foreign country without question.

“Yoongi is feeling protective of Miss Y/n because of a few things. Y/n is injured because of an accident caused by Yoongi. She is not in a good emotional state because of your Playmates’ behavior due to the same accident.” He looks back at the Director, trying to maintain a more neutral expression to hide his disdain for the women now in some office somewhere.

“As an Alpha, our animals require us to hold ourselves to a higher standard than others. We like to try and ensure those around us are happy. With a very select few, we want to make sure they are also healthy and protected, among other things. In Yoongi’s Alpha space, he has failed to meet these standards when it comes to Y/n. It is now beyond his control, so to speak, to do anything other than fix his mistakes and ensure Y/n’s safety, recovery, and happiness. This means the Bangtan Pack is now responsible for the same.”

“Oh well. Um. I see. I can reassure you that Playmate Services has a good doctor who can tend to her if she needs one, and of course, she can have the rest of today and even tomorrow off. No need to make a fuss.”

A deep growl rips from behind Namjoon, causing everyone to look and see that Taehyung's eyes have gone crystal blue. His scent of burning ebony wood crashed over the pack. “You seem to be in over your head, Mr. Johnson. You have more than one hybrid working for you, yet you know nothing. Your company's incompetence is allowing bullying. From what one of your staff says, it has been happening for quite some time and yet you do nothing about it. Did you not hear our Prime Alpha tell you that she is ours now. We will take her to get treated by our medical professionals. We will take care of her to ensure she heals properly and regains a better state of mind. Not you.”

“Hyung, it’s okay. Calm down, please. We don’t need two of you in Alpha space right now. It will not help Miss Y/n or Yoongi-hyung.” Jungkook steps up next to Taehyung, scenting his neck gently as his snickerdoodle scent pushes out, causing the blue to flicker back to his natural dark brown. 

With a last glare and a mumbled, “Pathetic, oblivious human.” He moves closer to Hoseok and, in turn, you. Jungkook quickly follows in an attempt to keep the high-tempered White Southwest African Tiger calm and get closer to you as well. 

“You may have misunderstood me, gentlemen. I have tried to deal with the playmates and their disrespectful actions towards Y/n and some of the other staff. Sadly, Reina is a top pick and brings in a lot of money. Since we are the newest and smallest branch, the corporate office wants to refrain from taking any disciplinary actions for fear that she will quit. They think that any of the office staff are replaceable, whereas reliable Playmates are harder to find.”

“Mr. Johnson, while that may be the case prior to today, their bullying has gone too far. Manager Sejin,” Namjoon says, “I believe it would be wise if the director took care of the bullying by the playmates and joined them for the time being. We need a few moments without interruptions to assess what is happening and how the Pack will move forward with this office, if at all.” 

Dismissing the director to be dealt with by Manager Sejin, Namjoon walks back to the door, which is now being guarded by Hoseok, Taehyung, and Jungkook. The scent of snickerdoodle, ebony wood, and lilac mix together with the pack scent of vanilla underneath.

“... can’t tell?”

“Can’t tell what?” Namjoon asks the small group.

“Hobi can’t tell,” replies Jungkook while Taehyung nods in agreement. 

“The boys say that their Alphas are reacting to Y/n but I can’t tell if mine does or not. You spoke to her, stood right in front of her. Namjoon, can you tell?”

“Oh? Hmm, I guess I haven’t really paid attention. After what happened with… you know who… I guess I have been pushing my Alpha to the back as much as I could. I have been focusing on taking care of you guys, my mates, first and I couldn’t do that with him pacing in my head so much. She really tore Yoongi, Join, and Hobi apart inside with what she said. ” 

Namjoon started thinking back to hearing your voice, full of determination and strength, over the phone yesterday. Your care, intention, and respect for the pack that you have shown today. It would be simple to say that his Alpha was comfortable around you, and from how the pack’s scents have been, he wasn’t the only one who was.

“My Alpha is comfortable with y/n, but I wouldn’t say that he is reacting in any particular way.”

A soft whine leaves Jungkook. “Why do the older mates always walk with blinders on? Huh! You need to really let your Alpha look at her. My Alpha hasn’t wanted to look away from her since we walked into the office.”

“Joon, I am with Kookie on this one. While I wasn’t drawn in right away, I trust Yoongi's Alpha not to react this way with just anyone. So when he ran after her, I was the closest one to the door and before the pack’s scent took over, I could smell vanilla with something rotten. At first, I thought it was a candle or something, but I looked around. There are no candles.”

Taehyung’s comment on smelling vanilla caught the attention of Jimin and Seokjin. Turning to join the conversation while still trying to maintain the barrier, Jimin speaks up.

“So it wasn’t just me. When Yoongi and that man went in, I smelled vanilla with almost a compost-like smell. After that, my Alpha wanted nothing but to keep everyone, human or hybrid, away from this door. He is really fighting to be at the front.”

“I figured that our muscle bunny was just leaning into his instincts of being a bunny when he was speaking about Y/n in the conference room. Yet it didn’t explain to me why my Alpha felt awkward at her bowing to me when I spoke to her before going into the room.” Seokjin commented with a stern but thoughtful look. 

“Wait, wait, wait!” Hoseok moves away from the door slightly, his expression confused and frustrated. “Are you telling me that you have all had some kind of reaction from your Alphas for the human lady behind the door? Some of you smelled vanilla, too?”

They all look at Hoseok and then at Namjoon, waiting for them to come to the same conclusion. After a few tense moments had passed, it was like a lightbulb went off over Hoseok's head as his lilac scent burst with a bit more hints of rose and vanilla. Everyone now focuses on Namjoon.

Namjoon’s head is racing over every moment that has happened since walking in the door. As Prime Alpha, his responsibilities for the pack are more significant than others, and with what the boys are hinting at, the next few moments will change so much. 

“Her reactions were top-notch with our pack, and her showing an exceeding amount of respect to the packmates could be just her professionalism.” More whines and a few soft growls are heard. Looking up, Namjoon makes eye contact with each of his mates standing before him. 

“However, only the vanilla scent can mean one thing which won’t be easy for the human woman.” Taking a deep breath, the pack turned their attention to the door.

“We have an American Mate.”

Previous / Next

Taglist - CLOSED

@braveangel777 @bethanysnow @smileykiddie08 @kayways @danielle143 @nenefix-on @im-gemmy @fluffy-canada-pancakes @juju-227592 @levislifeline @carolinexkpop

American Mate - (4)

First Case of Alpha Space

Paring: Hybrid!BTS Ot7 x Plus-sized Human FemReader

Status: Ongoing series

Chapter number: 4 of unknown

Word count for Chapter: 4132

Work count for Story: 16,244

Genre: Hybrid Playmate Au inspired by works created by @yoongiofmine

A little about the author: I am a mother of two beautiful children. One of which is special needs, and on 3/28, they lost 75% of their vision. I have had to take time off work to accommodate many MANY doctor appointments. I started a Ko-fi if you feel the heart to donate towards helping with the medical costs of appointments, medication, and modifications to the house, which insurance doesn't cover.

Warnings: (I am not good at this, but I will try. Let me know if I missed anything!!) NOT BETA READ!! This story will have a bit of angst, fluff, smut, f/m, m/m, and m/f/m. This chapter does have Injury, Anxiety, Panic attacks, comfort, Alpha Space, and Cultural differences.

BTS HYBRID ANIMAL TYPES: Seokjin - Roan Ferret, Yoongi - Black Jaguar, Hoseok - Marten, Namjoon - Alaskan Timber Wolf, Jimin - Red Panda, Taehyung - White Southwest African Tiger, Jungkook - Flemish Giant Rabbit

AMERICAN MATE MASTER LIST / LDYSMFRST MASTER LIST

Is it really that big of a deal that you got hurt? My god, you were 35 already. You have never lived a sheltered life. You have had your fair share of broken bones, twisted ankles, scrapes, and bruises. 

You are always going on adventures, riding horses, and climbing things you probably should not be climbing. The external scars you bear are associated with stories that are good conversation starters when you feel like showing them. 

Things would be difficult for a while because you are right-handed. You have a few days of sick time saved up that you can use to start with. Hopefully, this will help you gain some kind of compliance from your award left hand. 

Work, however, is going to be the hard part. Luckily, your work is typically done on electronics, meaning nothing has to be handwritten. Even if you tried to write left-handed, no one could read it. You would bet money doctors had better writing than you did. Dictation software to save the day!

Hearing Derek’s voice broke you out of your thoughts regarding your near future. Watching him act cautiously while interacting with the other hybrid was interesting. There is clearly a difference in how he acts with Yoongi than Evie. Giggling to yourself at the mention of being a mate with Derek gains the attention of both. 

“Oh, sorry. The thought of being a mate, much less to Derek, was amusing, I guess.” 

You missed the slight frown that briefly graced both men’s faces. Derek thought you were implying he wasn’t mate material, and Yoongi thought you believed you were not worthy of being a mate.                  

“Thanks Y/n. I let you know that I am a catch despite being a Beta. Besides, this isn’t about me right now. We need to get the leadership involved with what to do moving forward. Are you okay if we bring in the others?”

“Yes, please. I need to speak with Director Johnson, fill out an incident report… um or dictate an incident report, and then get to a doctor.” Attempting to stand up, you are blocked by the golden-yellow eyes that have not stopped watching your every move.

”Mr. Min, I need to get some things done and take care of my wrist.”

Yoongi’s eyes narrow, and a soft growl pours through the room, causing your eyes to widen. You look over your shoulder at Derek with a ‘what-the-F-did-I-do’ expression, only to be met with a smirk.

“Y/n, I don’t think you understand what is going on. You haven’t dealt with a situation like this before. You may love hybrids but you still have limited interactions with our culture and this dynamic.”

Walking backward toward the door, Derek continues, “With the state of mind that Mr. Min is in, it might be best if a packmate explains.”

Derek opens the break room door to face Hoseok, Teahyung, Namjoon, and Jungkook, who are all staring. “Oh, Hi there.”

Then, as if someone had turned the mute off, they all started talking simultaneously. 

“Is Yoongi-hyung dropped yet?”

“그 사람 괜찮아요?”

“Why does she still smell hurt?”

“Wait, wait, wait, please,” Derek puts his hands up, motioning to stop.

“I do not know Korean for one and for two Mr. Min has gone into full non-verbal Alpha Space and I  am not sure he will be coming out of it anytime soon. However, one of you should go in to handle the situation  and she needs to talk with Director Johnson.”

At the mention of the director, a low growl came from Taehyung, causing Derek to take a step back and lower his eyes in an automatic response to a displeased Alpha.

The scent of calming leather gently flows over the group at the door as Namjoon steps forward. His mind is still reeling a million miles a second with you being their mate and you being injured. To top it off, Yoongi is on a deep level of Alpha Space.

“Sorry about that. I can come in, but the director is busy at the moment dealing with the playmates, corporate office, and Manager Sejin,” Namjoon apologizes as he enters the room.

He follows Derek to where his packmate and Y/n are situated at a table. Taehyung and Jungkook follow quickly.

They both kneel respectfully behind Yoongi. Their Alphas recognize that Yoongi is currently in charge of you, and it would be unwise to display anything that could be considered a threat by approaching you too quickly.

They both need to be close to you, and their instincts to be with their injured mate drive their actions. Looking you over for injuries, their eyes resting on your wrist with furrowed brows and set jaws. 

Taehyung’s eyes change to crystal blue as his tail flickers almost in time with Yoongi’s as he slips into Alpha Space. 

“Namjoon-hyung, Y/n is hurt. She needs a hospital, I think,” Jungkook says, his ears standing straight up on his head, one-pointedly focused on you and the other twitching between his Prime Alpha and the door. 

“It is not that big of an issue, Mr. Jeon, Mr. Min, and Mr. Kim.” Looking up from the trio in front of you and addressing the Prime Alpha, “Sir, I have specific protocols to follow due to company procedure. I have to talk with the Director.” 

A growl from one of the men in front of you freezes your words, unsure of what you did to cause their reactions. Internally, you groan because it seems all you get from them are growls, as if you vex them more than you humanly possible. 

“Miss Y/n, we have already talked to Director Johnson,” Namjoon says with a look of distaste. 

“He has been informed that you are now under the care of Bangtan Pack following hybrid customs.  It would be wise to refrain from talking about him at the moment, he did not leave a good impression with the pack.”

Your brows scrunch in confusion, making the hybrids want to coo at your cute face. Clearing his throat (aka his mind), Namjoon continues, “We have more pressing matters to attend to besides paperwork.” 

“You are injured, and we have to get you to a doctor. Manager Sejin is currently contacting one of our personal physicians that we normally use while on tour to have you treated.”

“What? Why would I use your doctor? I can just go to the local clinic.” Your scent spikes almost like a heavy perfume with anxiety with the flashbacks of your nightmare. 

“Please, I have taken up much of your time, and caused enough problems as it is. I can take care of myself. I don’t want to be a bother.”

At your words, you are surrounded by multiple growls and watched by now golden-yellow, crystal blue, and smokey gray eyes. Scooting back in the chair, you nervously ask, “Derek, what did I do?”

“Y/n, you really don’t get it do you? For as smart as you are, sometimes you can be oblivious.” He smiles and shakes his head, stepping back from the group and heading towards the door.

“Mr. Kim, as Prime Alpha, you might want to explain what is happening and what she should be expecting. Mind you, she has been fiercely independent for the last 15 years of her life.”

“I wish you the best with her. It won’t be easy, trust me, I know. Good Luck.” Derek bows slightly to Namjoon once he reaches the break room door.

Looking at you again, this time with a smile filled with adoration for his best friend and what he thinks your future may hold, Derek says, “Relax and have fun.” Then he turns and leaves the room. 

As Derek leaves the room, he smiles at the remaining pack guarding the door. “Mr. Kim, Mr. Jung, and Mr.Park, I think your human does not understand what is happening.”

“Our human? So you know?” Seokjin questions with wide, cautious eyes.

Derek looks over his shoulder at the closed break room door. “At first, I thought it was just a typical Alpha reaction with him being the cause of Y/n getting injured, but his care and gentleness seemed to come from somewhere deeper. Add on the fact that your other two are fighting Alpha space. It would be hard to miss.”

“The other two?” someone asks.

Shaking his head, Derek looks back at the remaining three. “Yes, the younger Mr. Kim and Mr. Jeon’s Alphas surfaced just before I left. Your Prime Alpha is going to try to sort things out, but he may need some back up.”

“Meanwhile I am going to find our boss and see what needs to be done before you all run  away with her.” Derek leaves the pack to mull over the new information.

“Tae has never been one to control his Alpha well when one of us is hurt. I am not surprised if he slipped once near her. Kook always runs on instinct too, so it makes sense he slipped as well,” Seokjin contemplates. 

“Should we stay out here? Miss y/n’s pack member said it would be better to go in and help Namjoon? Three of us in Alpha space with an injured mate is not going to be easy,” Hoseok adds. 

Nibbling on his lower lip, Jimin thinks of ways to handle the situation. Even though he is one of the younger packmates, keeping the pack calm is his gift. 

He just doesn’t know how to handle you yet, especially since you don’t know what you mean to the pack.

“Good, at least three of you are here, and I assume the rest have made their way into the room with Miss Y/n,” Manager Sejin says while walking up to the group. 

“I have spoken with Big Hit, the Director at Playmate Service Incorporated, and Dr. Blackwell. Everyone is onboard and the doctor is ready to go.”

“Thank you,” Seokjin says, feeling relief that no one seems to be fighting this. “Namjoon is in with the rest of the pack and Miss Y/n, we should go in. From what Mr. Gulley says, Miss y/n does not seem to understand the situation to the fullest. I just hope that Namjoon can clear some things up.”

“Relax and have fun? What does he mean by that?” You mumble as you glare at the now-closed door that one of your best friends just shut. 

He willingly left you with four Alpha male idols. 

Three of them are kneeling on the floor with non-human eyes, and the Prime Alpha, looking around the room like the way to explain what's happening is painted on the walls.

Taking a breath, you say, “Mr. Kim, Prime Alpha… Sir. Derek is right. I have no actual experience with Alphas. I can tell that there must be some kind of instinctual drive going on, and there are trigger words or actions.”

“I don’t want to cause any more trouble than I already have. What do I do to make it easier for your pack?”

At your words, the kneeling Alphas gave a multitude of pleasant chirps. You looked at the three of them, a little confused. They seemingly smiled and made almost the same sound at what you said.

Okay, so they can growl and chirp. Your curiosity spikes when you think of what other animal-like sounds they can make as hybrids.

Drawing your attention back to him, Namjoon finds the words to explain what is happening, “Miss Y/n, you have done so much to help the Bangtan Pack feel welcome today.”

With a gentle smile, he continues, “So please relax, you have not caused any trouble, and we highly doubt that you will.” 

Thinking to himself, ‘At least, not in the way you seem to be thinking.’

“Alpha’s run with a higher level of instinct than your Beta packmember. As an Alpha, Yoongi instinctually feels responsible for your injury. In order to calm that instinct, a few things will most likely need to happen.” 

Watching as you seem to sit up with interest, he continues, “First things first, he and his Alpha need to get at least your injury treated.”

“He has to be the one to take me to get it treated? I can’t have him go with me to the clinic! There are fans and sasaengs and the media! What about your schedule? You always hear about the tight schedules Idols have and you have already spent all afternoon here over this.”

You start panicking about the hordes of people you hear about following the band around. God, the amount of bad publicity that would come from catching you and THE Suga of BTS at a clinic. You can’t imagine what nonsense they would come up with?

Your scent goes into an even heavier version; it takes on an almost alcoholic aspect. The kneeling Alphas instinctually send out calming pheromones while moving closer. 

Yoongi’s tail, still wrapped around your ankle, tightens while he gently rubs the back of your injured hand, which he is cradling protectively. 

Taehyung starts to purr softly, hoping that the sound will comfort you. 

Jungkook, on instinct alone, scoots up to your left side, nudges his head under your left hand, and rests on your leg.

The feeling of Jungkook’s head on your leg snaps you out of your thoughts and brings you back into the room. You hold still as you start to recognize similar comforting behaviors the Alphas are doing with those that Evie always does, allowing you to take a deep breath.

“Sorry. I was raised to take care of myself and not impose on others.”

“Miss Y/n, you are not imposing. Again, Yoogni ran into you while rushing out of the room, and it's his responsibility to make amends. Actually, as a bonded pack, it is our responsibility, too.”

“The pack? Like all of you? Is this why they are all like this, with their eyes and stuff?” 

Absent-mindedly, you run your fingers through Jungkook’s hair, softly scratching his scalp, soothing not only yourself but also the youngest Alpha. 

A soft chuckle escapes Namjoons as he watches your instinctual interactions with the youngest mate. “Yes, that is the best way to explain the eyes and stuff, as you put it.”

“Jungkook and Taehyung will find it easier to leave their Alpha Space since they are not the ones responsible for the injury but trying to be supportive to both of you.” 

Hearing a knock on the door, he calls, “Who is it?”

“Namjoon-ssi, it's Manager Sejin. I have some updates and a few questions. Can I enter?” The door opens slightly to reveal it’s him. 

At Namjoon's nod, he enters. The door remains open as the scents in the room are constricting in their density. He is followed by the rest of the pack, who take up guarding now from inside.

“Did you contact everyone?”

“Big Hit and the Corporate Director are on the same page and will follow the hybrid protocol, but details must be discussed once Miss Y/n has met with the doctor,” Manager Sejin reports to the Prime Alpha.

Moving to look at you, he continues, “I contacted Dr. Blackwell, thinking you may be more comfortable with a female doctor.” 

Glancing at the boys surrounding you closely, his scent changes with curiosity. He raises an eyebrow, looking at Namjoon. With a subtle nod, he confirms that something more is happening but does not move to explain.

Looking back at you, he gently smiles, “With the situation at hand, it may be best to limit other males around you until everyone is out of Alpha space. They tend to get territorial. Dr. Blackwell is on standby, ready to assess and treat you once we know where you will be.”

“Why wouldn’t she just come here, or I go to her?”

“Miss Y/n, Dr. Blackwell is a traveling physician. She doesn’t have a permanent office to use but she is well respected in both the human and hybrid communities.”

“Oh, I see. Well, umm…” you look at Namjoon and ask, “What option would be best for your pack?”

Namjoon’s chest puffs slightly at your show of respect to him as the Pack Prime Alpha despite the situation and your pain level. “Not to make you uncomfortable, Miss Y/n, but I think meeting Dr. Blackwell at our AirBnB would be best.”

You take a moment to think, your hand pulsing with pain. They cannot all fit in your flat; it's a mess after you tore through your closet to find the right clothes for today.

They don’t seem to like being here. Instinctually, even Derek and Evie prefer being in their dens when one of the three of you is hurt or sick. 

“Okay. If it is best for the pack, then I will go with you to the AirBnB and see Dr. Blackwell.” 

It’s almost as if a weight is lifted out of the room, allowing the pack to take a breath. 

“Yoon, Kook, and Tae. Can you give Miss Y/n some room? We have to take her to the pack house to see a doctor,” Namjoon says with a firm voice, gaining smiles from the men kneeling on the floor. 

Jungkook stands and curls into the Prime Alpha, his eyes returning to their natural color.

Taehyung rocks back on his heels but remains near. His body is more relaxed and his eyes are still crystal blue, shifting between Yoongi and you in wait.

After watching the two younger Alphas move around, your attention turns to the Jaguar kneeling with expectant but questioning eyes. 

 “Mr. Min, if I promise that you can stay with me, will you let me go get my things and then you can take me to the pack house?”

Yoongi’s face lights up with a gummy smile as he nods. Your breath hitches at the sight. How can the devastatingly handsome rapper look so adorable?

He stands up, his tail unwrapping from your leg. He softly takes both of your hands while he assists you in standing. You smile and mumble a small thanks as you step forward to leave.

“Prime Alpha, do you think I can talk with Derek briefly to let him know what is happening? This way he can talk to the direc… Boss. Talk to the boss and let him know that I am leaving for the day?”

“Yes, talking to him will be fine. He has been established as part of your familial pack and won’t be considered a threat to the pack if he comes around you now,” Namjoon answers, moving out of your way and motioning for the rest to let you pass.

Bowing slightly, “Thank you, Prime Alpha.”

Making it to your desk is more complicated than one would think. 

Yoongi won’t leave your right side, while Taehyung won’t leave your left. Both act like it's code red and someone is trying to assassinate you. Then you have the rest of BTS trailing behind like some kind of posse. 

You keep your head down to avoid any strange looks or glares from whomever you pass. To your relief, you find Derek waiting at your desk with his head resting on his palms and a mischievous smile. 

“I see you are taking things in stride,” glancing at your plethora of bodyguards. “Did the Prime Alpha explain everything to you?”

Speaking up from the back of the group, Namjoon answers for you, “She is aware that we are responsible for her at this time and she will be treated at our temporary pack house by our doctor.”

You don’t miss Derek's look of concern as he tilts his head with curiosity at Namjoon. “I see, of course. You are just responsible for getting her treated.”

“Derek, can you please let the big boss know that I will be leaving with Bangtan Pack to seek medical care and once I have more updates I will let you both know?” 

Glancing at Yoongi and still seeing his lovely golden-yellow eyes, you try to ignore the slight flutter in your stomach, “I don’t think it would be good for me to talk with him myself still.”

Derek nods in response, “Manager Sejin has already given the boss a rough time frame for the near future. I suppose his managing skills came in handy. Don’t worry about us here. We can handle it while you heal.”

Standing up, Derek passes you your purse, which Taehyung takes. You try to grab it again, but only to have a black and white tail wrap around your arm and bring it back down to your side.

“No carry. Keep safe.” Taehyung almost grunts out in a deeper-than-deep voice, which short-circuits your brain.

Glancing at Derek out of the side of your eye, you see him briefly nod and smile encouragingly while he whispers, “It’s an Alpha Space thing. Best acknowledge his help.”

“Umm… Th-tha-hank you, Alpha,” you stammer out, willing the heat creeping up your neck to stop as your words pull a boxy grin from the Tiger.

“I think that is it,” you announce to nobody in particular. You smile awkwardly at Derek as he slowly approaches you.

“Y/n, you have been through so much. Not just today but in your life. You have always been the one to take the blame for others, working harder or longer than anyone else and caring for those who never return the favor.”

His eyes glance at the men surrounding you as he sees nods of understanding and looks of concern from them.

As a soft smile blooms on his face, he holds onto your good hand, “Take time for yourself and let this pack of Alphas take care of you. You deserve it more than anyone else I know.”

He pulls you into a hug. You briefly stiffen, waiting for the growling and pulling to start, but to your surprise, it doesn't. Relaxing into his hug, you take his words to heart.

A soft whisper in your ear, “You know you will always have Evie and me as your family pack, but right now, be open to the pack around you,” with one last squeeze, Derek steps back and returns to your desk.

“Now, shoo! Off you go. The boss said I’ll get to man the front desk for now.”

With a nod, you wave goodbye and face the hybrids behind you. After not finding Manager Sejin and a few others missing,  your eyes settle automatically on Namjoon, waiting for a clue as to what to do next. 

“Manager Sejin went down to get the cars. Seokjin-hyung, Hoseok-hyung, and Jimin also went down because we won’t all fit in the elevator.”

“Oh,” you feel a slight tightening in your chest after realizing you didn’t even notice they had gone.

“Miss Y/n, let's take you to get looked at,” Junkook says while inching towards the office doors.

“Yeah, sure. Sorry, I have everything. Lead the way.” 

You follow the bunny and wolf hybrid while still sandwiched between the tiger and jaguar. Walking through the halls, you gain some attention from the people you pass. 

You’re a mere human surrounded by some of the hottest Idols in the world right now. So why wouldn’t they?

Not willing to look up, you keep your eyes cast down to the feet in front of you as you try to avoid what you are a gazillion percent sure are looks of disgust and hate towards you.

Once the elevator doors open, the tiger lets out a low growl. Glancing up, you see two fellow PMS employees quickly scamper out of the elevator and down the hall. 

That added to the embarrassment for now and when you return to work.

Namjoon and Jungkook take the back corners. Looking at the men by your sides, they motion for you into the elevator next. 

However, when you go to stand in another corner, you are quickly ushered back into the middle with Yoongi and Taehyung in front of you. 

The energy calms down as the doors close. The four Alphas relax now that they surround you and will start taking care of you. 

Even if your trust in them starts with an injury, they know this is their chance to show you what it means to be taken care of, acknowledged as precious, and loved endlessly by the seven of them. 

As the doors part, you're greeted by the remaining packmates waiting for you, smiles warm and welcoming. They're surrounded by more men in black, whom you assume are bodyguards. 

Turning to look at you, Yoongi speaks for the first time since he entered Alpha Space,  “Take home. Keep safe.”

Previous / Next

Taglist - CLOSED

@braveangel777 @bethanysnow @smileykiddie08 @kayways @danielle143 @nenefix-on @im-gemmy @fluffy-canada-pancakes @staytinyville @juju-227592 @levislifeline @carolinexkpop @m00njinnie @drenix004 @singukieee @avadakadabra93 @dazzlingjade @sehun096rainbow @sunshinecallie

It's been months since @remedyx wrote this for my birthday. I keep coming back to it.

I recently wrote a reader request and I can see why many writers don't take them. It was an honor to write mine, don't get me wrong.

It just gives me an even greater appreciation for receiving this amazing work.

💜💜💜

Silver Stardust

Pairing: Draas!Jimin x Human!(f)reader

Rating: 18+

Genre: Fantasy, Alien, Angst, Fluff, Smut, One-Shot

WC: 17.1k

Warnings/Tags: explicit sexual content, language, unprotected sex, fingering, oral (m and f receiving), kind of/sort of public sex, this turned soft, fluff galore, tiny bit of angst

Thank you so much for the request @ldysmfrst 🥰 Happy (super) late birthday gift, and I'm sorry it took me so long to finish it! I was glad to have the opportunity to write something like this, seeing as how I was thinking about dabbling in a little bit of an alien AU eventually! Hope you enjoy!

“Here.”

The small stack of cash was shoved into my hands. Even without counting it, I knew it was much less than what we had initially agreed upon when I offered to help him clean his store. Just to be sure though, I quickly added it up.

“This isn’t even half of what you told me you’d give me.”

“It’s more than I should be giving away already. Sorry lady, we’re all struggling to get by around here. I got my own family to feed.”

The man waved me off, clearly fed up with my presence and just wanting me out. Part of me wanted to argue, the colorful words I had for him on the tip of my tongue until the bell above the front door chimed announcing someone’s arrival. He turned his attention from me, greeting the customer warmly and rounding the counter intent on securing a sale as he appealed to the older couple slowly making their way towards me. Sighing defeatedly, I opted to cut my losses, stowing the meager pay I’d accumulated into my pocket.

The store owner and couple hardly paid me any mind as I skirted past them, donning the hood of my coat to semi-protect myself from the rain. Another gloomy day to serve as a direct representation of how I felt on the inside. Not that there was much to bring happiness these days anyway. The world was going to shit, hardly anyone could afford to live, the lack of money forced people to take out more loans they were unable to pay, and our planet was dying. What a time to be alive.

I was simply one of millions just trying to survive. My only concern being how to get by day to day. My eyes scanned a sheet of paper that had been plastered to one of dozens of storefronts as I passed by. The key to our salvation lies with them, it read. I shook my head, pushing my fists a little deeper into my pockets. The number of people who spent their days printing and handing out those fliers always baffled me. I didn’t have time to waste on other’s problems, let alone how to save this wretched world. It was a wonder so many other people thought differently.

“Rejoice! For they have brought with them a solution!” I jumped at the sudden shout.

The woman in front of me smiled as if she were truly happy to have run into me. Completely unperturbed by the torrential downpour around us as she had taken shelter under a nearby awning I was passing. One arm filled with the same fliers pasted all over the street, the other urging me to take one of them for myself.

“God has forsaken us, and they have taken it upon themselves to answer our desperate plea for help in His stead. The Draas are our future now and we should repay them accordingly.”

I tried to hide my grimace at the implications of her words. The Draas were a dying race of extraterrestrials. Supposedly one of many out there. The day we came to know of their existence, they had offered to help us in restoring our planet. Bring it back from the brink of destruction. And in a way, they have. At least for those who could afford it. In the beginning, most of the world was looking forward to all our problems being solved quickly. Famine, lack of clean and available water, shelter. The Draas had an affinity for the elements. Their very ancestors having claimed to be derived from nature itself.

While they were more than capable of healing a dying world, doing so also took a toll on them. Apparently reviving a planet as tainted as ours has been a bigger hurdle than anyone expected. Them included. The process a long and arduous one that made progress slow. Especially with how few of them there were. And the longer it took, the more a significant portion of humanity lost hope. I was one of them.

I had pretty much come to terms with the idea that I wouldn’t see the world returned to its former glory in my lifetime. But she was referring to their counteroffer. The Draas had asked for a favor in return for saving Earth. They wished to live alongside us and save their race. Some groups against the Draas entirely believed their reasoning for coming here was to exploit human women. Use them as a means to bring their population up again. Which I suppose wasn’t too far a stretch considering they had indirectly hinted at that in a way.

Despite that request though, none of them seemed particularly interested in taking just any woman. There were no snatching women off the streets or coercing them into serving them solely for the purpose of procreation. Rather, women went willingly. If a Draas would take them, that is. For a dying race, they were notably picky. But I guess they could afford to be. Especially after women caught wind of the Draas searching for life partners and the unearthly pleasures some women have claimed to experience at their hands, there was no shortage of them to choose from.

Clinics had opened under the orders of Draas officials to accommodate the influx of human women willing to sign an agreement stating they would take one of them as a life partner should they be deemed fit for it. Another ploy for them to get one step closer to their goal of repopulating under the guise of providing income for many impoverished people. Another impatient urge of paper in front of my face reminded me of the woman blocking my path. I attempted a half-hearted smile, trying to politely decline the sheet she offered. But she didn’t accept it.

“Take it my dear. It could be the end of your needless suffering and the beginning of a new life.”

I decided to take it from her, albeit unwillingly, but my hope was that she would leave me alone if I did so. Not bothering to read it, I shoved it into a pocket like I had with the sad excuse for a payday I harbored. I yanked the hood of my coat further down on my head praying it would stave off the wind that whipped the pellets of rain with it. In the back of my mind, I thought about the leak in the roof of my bathroom back home. I couldn’t remember whether I had replaced the bucket I kept under it or not. Surely if I made it home quickly there wouldn’t be too much to clean up if I hadn’t.

With that thought, I hastened my pace. Barely stopping long enough for the crosswalk lights to switch. I found myself urging one of them to change impatiently, my eyes flickering between the stoplight for the oncoming traffic and the crosswalk sign across the road from me. That was where I found myself when my eyes landed on him. He wore a beige long coat, the ends of it brushing the tops of his calves. Legs clad in a pair of black slacks that were indistinguishable from the hem of his black turtleneck. All it took was a glance to know that he was not a human amidst the crowd of them waiting on the light like I was.

And I wasn’t just saying that because of the lack of an umbrella, although that would have been the most obvious giveaway. The rain poured down around him, and yet, he remained untouched. His bubblegum pink hair fluffy, recalling the picture I’d seen once of cotton candy. It was like he had an invisible shield around him that repelled the water intent on drenching the rest of us.

I was so caught up in watching him that I didn’t notice the lights change. Not even when he started moving, coming closer. The final nail in the coffin determining he wasn’t human being the way he glowed under the streetlights. That iridescent skin common among the Draas that appealed to their beauty even more. The kaleidoscope of translucent colors over the skin of his cheeks was mesmerizing. What I could see of them anyway with the black shades perched on his nose. I watched transfixed as he strolled through the downpour without a care.

His gait smooth and confident amongst the people that rushed past him. He strode across the road in no hurry. In a way that made it seem as if the world was waiting on him versus the ever-ticking countdown of the clock we humans tended to abide by.

A rough shoulder check from behind me shook me from my stupor. The impact sending me directly into a puddle on my hands and knees with the man responsible barely turning long enough to emit a rushed apology, sprinting across the street before the crosswalk timer made it to zero. I inspected my scraped palms to see the damage, a bit peeved for how this entire day was turning out. Not only was I skimped on payment and facing the possibility of coming home to a flooded bathroom floor, but I was also soaked to the bone.

The water seeped through my pants, practically bathing my knees and down, socks and all. I sighed, rubbing the soreness out of my palms while trying to keep my emotions in check. What a shitty day.

“You should really back away from the road before you end up worse off.”

The hand that was proffered had thin, shapely fingers, a smooth palm and on the backs of them I could trace the veins up until they disappeared beneath the sleeve of a beige coat. His skin was pale except for where the light caught the faint iridescence. My eyes trailed up the arm of the person offering to help me, catching the sliver of a black turtleneck before the color clashed with pink. Both from the shimmer of his skin and his hair that nearly matched it.

He still wore those black shades, but his eyes were the last thing I could have imagined having to split my attention between as a slow, soft smile formed on his plump lips. Pink. Just like the rest of him. It took me another good fifteen seconds or so to realize he meant me. Snapping myself out of it, I took his hand with a quiet thanks letting him help me up out of the puddle I still knelt in.

“Are you alright?” His voice was light, melodic even, as he asked about my wellbeing.

“Other than a couple of scrapes and feeling like a drowned rat, I’m fine.” I laughed under my breath.

I hadn’t realized I still had ahold of his hand until he flipped the one in his grasp over to observe my injury. He hummed in thought before a slight pout tugged at his bottom lip.

“I’m afraid I can’t help with those. It’s a bit out of my scope of ability, but I can make you feel not so much like a ‘drowned rat’.” He chuckled at the last bit.

Even in his somewhat broken tone while speaking my language, I understood him. It was clear he wasn’t used to it. Like how it sounds when a lot of people pick up a second or third language and haven’t mastered it to fluency yet. But he was well-versed enough to get by and his pronunciation decent for me to understand with little difficulty. I found it peculiar. He wasn’t the only Draas to know human language, but it wasn’t terribly common for them to have put as much effort into it as he seemed to have.

“Oh, um, don’t worry about it. I was bound to be in a similar state by the time I made it home anyway.”

The reminder of the rain that still cascaded around us came as an afterthought. The realization that I wasn’t being pelted with it sinking in slowly. Somehow, the bubble he appeared to be shrouded in that made him untouchable extending to me with our proximity. Outside of it, everyone else hurried past us, umbrellas in hand and hoods over their heads to fend off the seemingly endless torrent. Fascinated, I reached out to where it looked as if the invisible shelter above us gave way to rain once more. My fingertips breaching that wall only to be met with the deluge.

“Sometimes I forget you humans find such wonder in things we consider mundane.”

I turned my attention back to him, finding the inquisitive tilt to his head rather endearing in an unanticipated way.

“I don’t typically interact with your kind.” I mumbled, extracting my hand from his grip, and letting both drop to my side. “I suppose it’s to be expected when I don’t often associate with people who can do such things.”

“Then your decision to participate in partner matching is a relatively recent one?”

“What?”

His eyes flicked down to my pockets, nodding towards it. I looked down, noticing the flyer the lady from earlier had beseeched me to take. Quickly, I shoved it back out of sight.

“Oh, no. I’m not interested in… that.”

Even through the impenetrable lenses of his sunglasses, I could feel his eyes searching mine. The bubble around us not only warded off the weather, but also the rest of the world to a degree. Outside conversation and the noises of the city itself sort of muffled. It felt like we were truly in a world of our own. So close to the outside, but not quite part of it.

“How unfortunate.” He finally broke the awkwardness that had manifested within our bubble. “You’re not like them. It would have been a nice change.”

I didn’t know how to respond to that, so I kept quiet. A small smile spread over his lips, his hands lifting and reaching out towards my face. My much smaller frame froze, unsure what he was doing until he pulled the hood of my jacket back into place.

“Be careful, alright?”

His movements were gentle. Double checking that it was secure before letting me go and bidding me one last smile to continue on his way. Part of me was still reeling from our interaction. I had never spent that amount of time in such close conjunction with a Draas. The sudden heavy weight of rain atop my shoulders again pulled me back to where I was and what I had been doing. The reminder of the way it poured down on me making everything within the last couple of minutes feel like a dream. Tugging on my hood, I glanced at the crosswalk light, happy to see it green and despite the low-end of the countdown. I sprinted across the street quickly. I didn’t know if it was the brief reprieve during my encounter with the pink haired Draas, but it felt like the rain around me was coming down harder.

I didn’t let up my pace the rest of the way to my house. The squelching in my shoes serving as a better motivator to get out of the rain and inside than the downpour itself. The first glimpse of my dilapidated porch brought a sense of relief. I slipped under the caving roof, glad that for as rough condition it was in, it was enough to protect me at least a little. Pushing the hood off my head, the first thing that caught my attention was the red paper taped to my front door. My relief was dashed just as I ripped it off.

Eviction Notice

“Fuck.” I groaned, noticing the date on it was this upcoming Friday.

Crumpling the sheet in my hand, I darted back out into the rain. Running the half-block further down the street to where I knew my landlord lived. I didn’t even care that I hadn’t bothered to pull my hood back on. I was already wet for the most part anyway. I ducked under her small awning, reaching the door in record time.

“Mrs. Tran!” My knocking was probably a bit more frantic than was necessary, but I chalked it up to making sure she’d be able to hear me over the rain and whatever sit com she probably had playing on her television.

It took a minute, but the shifting of the curtains next to the door revealed the older lady in question checking to see who was at her stoop. I waved politely, barely catching the small frown before she let the curtains fall back into place and I heard the deadbolt slide back. She pulled the door open just enough to glance at me through the crack.

“What are you doing out in this weather? You’re soaked to the bone.” She fretted, looking me over.

“Mrs. Tran, I need to talk to you.” I told her, holding up the notice.

Her eyes dropped to it, quickly reading it over before sighing softly and opening the door a bit more. She pulled her robe a bit tighter around her to fend off the chill the rain and wind brought with it.

“So, they finally served it.” She mumbled, shaking her head. “I’m sorry dear, you haven’t paid in months. You’re behind at least six months’ worth of payments. I just can’t afford to take what you can get here and there anymore.”

“I can pay!” I interjected quickly. “If I can get the money, will you let me stay?”

She sighed again, looking over my shoulder to the rain-soaked streets behind me.

“If you can pay me everything you owe plus court costs, I’ll let you stay. But I need it by the end of the week.” She relented, grabbing the notice from me.

I watched as she scribbled across the bottom of it. Totaling the amount I owed her, and what she wanted before the week’s end.

“I like you, Y/N, I really do. But I’m struggling like everyone else, and I can’t let you squeak by anymore.” She handed the paper back to me.

“I know, Mrs. Tran. I appreciate what you’ve let me have this far. I’ll get your money to you, I promise.”

She nodded, waving me off. “Get home and dry yourself off before you get sick.”

“Thank you!” I managed to slip in before she closed the door.

Tucking the notice under my jacket, I ran back into the rain. Trying my best to keep the paper from getting wet as I sprinted back to my house. It really wasn’t much, but it was livable. Which was more than enough nowadays when many people found themselves in much worse situations than me. At least I had a roof over my head (as patchy as it was) and a comfortable place to sleep. Quickly sliding my key into the deadbolt and unlocking it, I slammed the door behind me making sure to turn the lock back.

I swiped my wet hair out of my face, kicking my drenched shoes off wanting nothing more than to shower and hide away the rest of the day. But I knew that wouldn’t happen. Tugging the red paper out of my jacket, I looked down at the figure I owed. Feeling disheartened at the large number, I leaned into the door tiredly. I knew it was a shot in the dark offering to begin with, considering I was struggling to find odd jobs let alone a steady paycheck, but it was either that or lose the only home I have. I let the paper drop onto the table nearby, already trying to come up with some way to make that amount of money in less than a week as I shrugged out of my jacket. Remembering the money I had made earlier, I reached into my pockets, figuring it was as a good a start as any, I found not just the cash, but also the flier I had been handed.

The name of one of the Draas clinics in bright bold lettering took up the top of the page. Followed by several photos of proud clinicians and satisfied female customers, information plastered all over it about the mission of the organization and the services they provided. Mostly tailored to Draas and human women relationships. But that wasn’t what was important. At the bottom of the page, the recruitment ad caught my eye. The italicized bit requesting human women who would be willing to potentially be matched to a Draas to schedule an appointment. The guarantee of a hefty amount of money if you passed a physical exam and some additional tests more than enticing. I ran my eyes over the number several times, but it was still there. Five thousand. That’s what they were promising. Not enough for me to pay Mrs. Tran back in full, but it would cut down a significant portion.

I chewed on my bottom lip, unsure. It wasn’t like I had anything against them personally. My limited interactions with the Draas were never unpleasant, but I also didn’t get many chances to get to know them either. In all transparency, they were an alien race that I didn’t know much about besides what I’d heard through the news channels and supporters off the streets.

And here I am considering signing my life away for money.

It was a well-known fact that once a Draas chose a partner, that was it. They spent the rest of their lives with the person they choose, and they took it very seriously. While I had never heard about those few “lucky” women ever complaining, that didn’t mean the weight of being involved with one of them was any less terrifying.

However, my options were limited. Either I bite the bullet and secure a way to make some good money with the possibility of being partnered with a Draas or risk not being able to make anything by the time I need to and being thrown out on the street. As much as I hated it, the choice was blaringly obvious, but the benefits far outweighed the cons in the first option. Besides, there were hundreds, maybe even thousands of women who have already signed up. The chances of me getting picked were incredibly slim.

Satisfied with my logic, I grabbed my phone to schedule an appointment.

For as simple as the decision seemed, my anxiety since I stepped foot in this place hasn’t ebbed. It didn’t matter that I had been here for a good hour and a half, the longer I was here, the worse it got. Though I should have expected as much, the lobby was packed when I first arrived. Some women who I assumed were probably there for much the same reason I was, although I didn’t know if their motives matched mine, and others who looked to be couples. Women with their Draas partners, who looked absolutely thrilled together.

One in particular caught my attention. The Draas fawning over his partner who was noticeably pregnant. If I were being honest, the sight of the two of them spiked my nerves through the roof. Surely on the off chance I was chosen, that wasn’t to be my fate, right? Now that the seed was planted, I couldn’t keep my mind from coming up with frightening scenarios about being stuck with a Draas who would choose me simply for the purpose of procreation. I mean, I guess that was part of the reason that these clinics were brought in existence in the first place. And I supposed most women signed up with the thought that they would eventually have a family with a Draas, but, again, my motives were not the same as most human females that walked through that door. Just as I made to change my mind and get the hell out of there, my name was called, and I was led to a room down the hall where my vitals were written down, photo taken, and I was asked to wait for the doctor to conclude my physical.

Being made to wait in a room, alone, made me even antsier. My leg bouncing before I realized the action and forced myself to stop. I was really beginning to second guess myself now. To anyone paying attention it was obvious I didn’t belong here. Even more so after seeing all the happy couples and excited single women in the lobby. I needed the money, but the more time I had to sit with my own thoughts, the less pertinent that amount of cash seemed. I was even beginning to con myself into thinking I’d be able to make the money some other way.

That thought was what finally pushed me off the exam table and across the room. Double checking I had my belongings, I pushed the door open, peeking around it to see if anyone was there. A lone nurse stood at the end of the hall, deep in conversation with whoever was sat at the nurses’ station. More than confident I could get out of here without being spotted, I slipped through the gap I made, and headed in the opposite direction. I tried to be as quick as possible while still being silent, the quiet tapping of my feet feeling too loud even though the sounds of the clinic around me were much louder. My paranoia kept having me cast looks over my shoulder, making sure the nurse was still locked in conversation and she didn’t see me.

What I should have been paying attention to though was my front. The closer I came to the corner of the hall where I had been led through to get back here in the first place, the quicker my pace became, anxious to get around it and out of sight. Looking behind me once more, I could feel my pulse racing with the thought that I had gotten out of here without being caught. Except, I didn’t.

Someone else walked around the corner at the same moment I sprinted for it, my body colliding with theirs harshly. Whoever it was, it had effectively caught them off guard, their compromised balance coupled with my body weight had the both of us falling into the nearby wall, with my chest against theirs. The sudden collision caught both of us by surprise. Hands came up to my shoulders, pushing me away just enough to look down at me. I first noticed the white coat wrapped around his torso, then the stethoscope around his neck before my eyes met his. The shock still evident in those lavender orbs as his brows furrowed in concern.

"Are you alright?" The tone of his voice was deep and rich, a sound I wasn't used to hearing, but it was pleasant.

The subtle iridescence of his skin shimmered a purple in almost the exact same shade as his eyes under the bright artificial hospital lights. Draas. Quickly backpedaling, I fought the blush trying to surface and apologized.

"Yes, I'm fine! I'm sorry, I wasn't paying attention to where I was going."

At my reassurance, his gaze softened, a slow smile taking the place of his worry. The appearance bringing a set of deep dimples with it.

"It's okay. Accidents happen sometimes."

His eyes dropped to the plastic bracelet that had been handed to me upon arrival. Filled with all the information I had previously supplied when completing paperwork in the lobby.

"You're a patient?"

"Um..."

The smile shifted into more of a knowing smirk.

"You don't happen to be Y/N, do you?"

"I... am." I agreed slowly.

The man lifted his arm, holding out a hand for me to shake. Hesitantly, I accepted.

"I'm Dr. Kim Namjoon. I was actually on my way to retrieve you."

"Right... actually I wanted to talk ab-"

"It's not often we have females chosen so quickly in our systems. I'd say it's rare. You must have made an impression somehow." He continued happily.

"Wait, what?"

"I came to bring you to your match. He's already showed an interest in you."

The color drained from my face. My match? There's no way. Matching never happens this quickly. Everything I read had explained it to be a rather tedious process. Your files and test results would have to be reviewed, the Draas would sort through candidates that met their qualifications, and if a female was chosen, she would be given the opportunity to meet them if she wanted.

The fact that all of this was happening within a few hours of me being here is unheard of. Dr. Kim placed a hand high on my back, the other sweeping out in front of me invitingly.

"Shall we?"

"Wait, right now?"

He hummed, nudging me gently to get me moving in the direction he had come from.

"He's just down this hallway, waiting for you. He's actually a good friend of mine, I'm sure you won't be disappointed."

That wasn't really my concern. It didn't matter to me who he was really, I didn't think I was ready to meet anyone so soon after making a decision I was currently heavily regretting. Everything I had promised myself wouldn't happen, was happening. I was registered and one of the Draas insisted on meeting me already.

I chewed on my lip, every step further down the hall forcing the urge to tell Dr. Kim I had changed my mind higher up my throat. Perhaps I'd be able to convince the Draas himself that it was a mistake. Surely he would understand the circumstances that brought me here in the first place and take pity on me. A door down the hall several feet in front of us swung open, another Draas dressed in the black armor that was typical among highly ranked officials responsible for the rebirth of our planet so to speak.

Only those with considerable strength and abilities wore the black plated chest pieces and bodysuits. I froze upon seeing him. It was the first time I had ever seen one like him in person. Surely that's not who I was being brought to meet. The only skin visible was his face where he had removed his helmet. Flesh shimmering under the bright lights much like Dr. Kim's as he turned to face us. I was struck with how beautiful he was. Blonde hair swept over his forehead, full lips, and high cheekbones. The real kicker were his eyes, though. They were a rich gold, reminiscent of liquid sun droplets as he greeted Dr. Kim with a subtle incline of his head.

"Commander Kim, I haven't seen you in a while."

"Well, you know me, I don't usually inhabit places like these." He mumbled, eyes finally meeting mine. "This is her?"

"Y/N L/N." Dr. Kim nodded. "Have you finished speaking with Commander Park?"

The other man grunted. "If you can call it that. He's in one of his moods."

Moods? My eyes flicked to the doorway Commander Kim had emerged from. Commander Park, that's how Dr. Kim referred to him. So, that meant he was a ranked official too. Another gentle nudge from Dr. Kim guided me towards the door.

"Well, I'm sure he'll be glad to see Ms. L/N regardless. I'll come find you after I've gotten her settled in."

I glanced at the doctor over my shoulder. This whole situation just kept getting stranger. Commander Kim shook his head, turning on his heel and sauntering off down the hall.

"Don't bother. I'm not interested in you meddling in my love life." He tossed over his shoulder.

"If anyone would benefit, I'd say it would be you."

The new voice startled me. I whipped my head in the direction it came from, surprised to see someone vaguely familiar. Out of the corner of my eye, I hardly registered Commander Kim waving off the statement, not even bothering to turn around. My gaze was trained on the man, er, Draas, in front of me with the same bubblegum pink hair he had been sporting the last time I had encountered him.

"Commander Park, this is Ms. Y/N L/N. Ms. L/N, this is Commander Park Jimin, your match."

My eyes widened with the realization. He looked different from the last time we had met. No longer donned in casual clothing, but his black plated armor, the brightness of his hair a stark contrast against the bleak color. What really caught my attention though were his eyes. The thick black sunglasses he had been wearing having obscured the endless pools of silver that almost appeared to shimmer just like the iridescence of his skin.

Amusement danced within them as he watched me slowly connect the dots. Lean body stepping aside enough to allow me entry to the room he occupied.

"Please, come in."

Forcing myself from my stupor, I silently obeyed, crossing the threshold.

"Thank you Namjoon."

"Sure. Take your time. I'll go hunt down Seokjin."

I was still trying to process everything as the door shut. The click of the lock much too similar to a bell toll signaling a sense of finality. As if I was leaving behind the world I knew and entering a new one. In a way, I suppose I was. Jimin's careful observation of me continued, silver orbs tracking every minuscule movement of mine as he leaned against the only exit. Clearing my throat, I moved further into the room, just wanting to put a bit of distance between us.

"I'll be honest, you're the last person I expected to see today." I admitted.

He smirked, amusement glowing brighter as his head tilted to one side.

"Imagine mine seeing you in the system under review. I thought you weren't interested?"

"I'm not." I answered a little too quickly. "I mean, I wasn't. Some things have come up and I made an appointment... a-anyway it doesn't really matter now, I changed my mind."

"Changed your mind?"

"Yes. I was going to ask Dr. Kim to pull my information."

Jimin's gaze was heavy as he slowly looked me over, arms crossing over his chest.

"I can pull your information. It wouldn't be hard considering you weren't even approved yet."

I frowned; confusion evident on my features.

"Wait, if I hadn't even been on the list of candidates, then how did you file for a match already?"

"Someone did her research." Jimin grinned, pushing himself off the door.

"Well, I wanted to know at least a little about what I was getting myself into."

"And yet, here you are changing your mind." He chuckled, dropping his arms as he moved towards me.

I noticed it that day in the rain, how graceful his movements were, but seeing it again with him dressed in his uniform, it was like witnessing the grace and elegance for the first time all over again. He moved silently, coming to a stop right in front of me.

"To answer your question, I have access to files under review as well as the officially released list of candidates. I simply recognized you and requested a match."

I tried to nonchalantly keep the distance between us. Going toe to toe with a human was one thing, but I'd be lying if I claimed being in such close proximity in closed quarters with a Draas wasn't making me nervous.

"But why? If I haven't been appropriately reviewed to be certain I'd make a good match for a Draas, what would drive you to request a match with me?"

"Because I find you interesting."

I narrowed my eyes at him. "We've met once. Not even really met, you helped me out of the street."

"And? I like to think I have a pretty good sense for people. Besides, I'm sure you have your own preconceived notions of me."

I eyed him for another few seconds before relenting. Shrugging as I turned my head from him.

"Touché."

One gloved hand lifted towards my face, a single finger curling under my chin and dragging my gaze back to his. Once again, I found myself sucked into those silver swirls. The color appearing to absorb the shades they took in. Blues, pinks, even a stormier gray flickered within those depths as they searched mine.

"I'll make sure you're pulled from candidacy, but only because I plan to keep you for myself."

"What?" I sputtered dumbly, mind still buffering even though I knew I didn't mishear him.

He released my chin, that same finger tapping my nose playfully.

"I don't like sharing."

The smile tugging at his lips mirrored the same playfulness. I might have been a little annoyed at seeing it if I wasn't still reeling with how nonchalantly he had claimed me. He turned on his heel, sauntering back towards the door until my hold on his arm abruptly stopped him.

"Wait. Jimin, was it?"

He nodded, those bubblegum locks falling into his line of sight as he cocked his head at me.

"When I asked for my name to be taken off the list, I meant so I wouldn't be picked at all."

"I'm aware."

My confusion doubled, completely at a loss for words. I opened my mouth, hardly a noise leaving me while I tried to figure out exactly what the hell was happening.

"Okay, well that includes you. I don't want to be matched with any Draas."

He hummed, that amused grin tugging at those perfectly plush pink lips again.

"That's too bad because I've already made up my mind."

He made to walk off again; except I tugged him back.

"That's too bad..." I parroted, moving in front of him. "...because I made up my mind too and it doesn't involve going with you."

The flash in his silver orbs was something I hadn't seen yet. There was still a flicker of amusement in them, but another emotion was more prominent. Excitement. The heel of his boot clicked against the linoleum as he took a step closer.

"I'm curious little dove, if you knew there was a possibility you'd back out of registering, why did you go through it in the first place?"

I folded my arms, taking a step back while making sure I still stood between him and the door.

"I told you, my situation changed."

Another tilt of his head. I wondered if it was a common habit among Draas or just him. Coupled with the curiousness in his expression, it was hard to tell if he did it because he was trying to figure me out or understand me. Although for someone with human tongue as their second language, he was doing remarkably well. He pondered exactly what my reasoning meant until it suddenly clicked.

"Your situation changed financially, yes?"

I scrunched my nose in distaste. I didn't really like talking about how I was struggling, but if it would get me out of here quicker I was willing to.

"To put it bluntly." I nodded.

He looked satisfied to have guessed correctly, spine straightening while he smiled widely. It was impossible not to be smitten with how attractive he was smiling. His cheeks lifted, exposing perfectly straight, porcelain teeth and his eyes crinkled. The lights overhead captured the baby blue glow from his skin adding another element of ethereal beauty to him.

"That's no cause for concern. Where do your debts lie? I'd be more than happy to take care of them for you as your partner."

The way he immediately agreed to pay what I owed made my head spin. Perhaps even more than how fast all of this was moving in the first place. I shook my head, realizing that I really was in over my head here. Maybe I wasn't articulating well enough, and he wasn't understanding correctly.

"No, Jimin, I didn't mean for you to pay for me."

"Same difference though. If not me, it would have fallen to another Draas you took as your partner."

"No." I firmly denied, starting to get frustrated. "I wouldn't have taken money from someone else either."

Jimin's smile disappeared. Expression falling into one akin to sadness and I would imagine that if Draas had tails, his would have been tucked between his legs at this point. His bottom lip pushed out just a tad as he pouted.

"Is it me? Is there something about me that doesn't suit you?" His head cocked to the side again, feet carrying him closer as he approached me. "Is it the language barrier? I know I still struggle on occasion, but I promise I'll keep working at it. Or maybe the way I look? I can change that too. Dye my hair if you don't like pink. I picked it because pink is my favorite color, but I wouldn't mind wearing your favorite color if it made you happy. Or-"

I threw my hands out to make him stop. He was spiraling and, to be honest, the words coming from him were more upsetting than anything else he had mentioned to me thus far. Were all Draas so fixated on their partners that they were willing to go so far? This desperation I sensed from Jimin wasn't something I was equipped to handle. I felt bad that he thought the reason I was rejecting him was because he wasn't meeting my standards.

"Jimin, there's nothing wrong with the way you look, and I'm not concerned about the language barrier."

My words only served to puzzle him further. A huff of exasperation leaving him.

"Then what is it? If it’s something I can change, I'm more than willing to do so."

"You can't change it. It has nothing to do with you. I just don't want a partner."

His brows furrowed, that utter confusion returning as he stared hard at me. Feeling a bit uncomfortable, I averted my eyes. That was the wrong thing to do though apparently. Jimin took another step into me, large hands coming up to cup my face. The abrupt contact had me stumbling backwards into the door, Jimin following me without letting go.

He tilted my head up, forcing me to meet his silvery stare again. The look in them was indiscernible. It left me with no hint as to what he might have been thinking. Left with only my assumptions, it felt like I was being swept away in those silver pools and the further it pulled me in, the more I was losing my resolve.

"Because I'm Draas?"

I blinked, attempting to drag myself out of those oceans before his words penetrated my brain.

"Draas?"

"You would prefer a human partner?"

Oh. I shook my head the little I could with his palms covering my cheeks.

"I don't want a partner at all. Human or otherwise."

Finally, some piece of emotion broke through once more as he struggled with what I was suggesting. Although maybe it would have been better if he had remained impassive as I took note of the pity with which he looked down at me with. The thumb of his right hand brushed over the swell of my cheek. The contact gentle, but made my heart pound violently, nonetheless.

"You would prefer to be alone?"

Alone. The mundane word left me with an ache in my chest. I had spent most of my life on my own. Having lost both my parents at a relatively young age and being forced to fend for myself, I was used to it. A relationship wasn't something I had really considered for myself being so occupied with taking care of me first and foremost.

Although, having it brought to my attention like this made me question my future. Honestly, I never thought about it. Surviving day to day was hard enough, I didn't need to be daydreaming about things that may never come to fruition on top of it. Prior to becoming like this though, I did have a family and we loved each other dearly. Losing them was the hardest thing I'd ever experienced. Even more than the life I struggled in now.

One day, I would hope to have even a sliver of that back. Eventually. Hopefully.

"For now, yes."

"For now? What does that mean? What must change between now and then?"

"My life." I muttered under my breath.

Jimin's fingers pressed into my cheeks a little harder, expression falling into melancholy.

"Let me change it then."

"Why? You don't even know me. I'm not interested in partnering with you, I haven't even been screened properly. Why are you pushing this matter?"

"I've told you before. I find you fascinating."

I sighed heavily. "That's not an answer. Especially when I know there's a host of human women more than happy to take you up on your offer. Why do you want me? What can I possibly offer you that another woman can't?"

That pensiveness was back. Jimin falling into contemplation that left me unable to determine his thoughts. The silver that threatened to drown me before morphing into a solid state. I was stuck. Body immobile like I had stepped into wet concrete and let it harden around me. Jimin caressed my cheek softly.

"Companionship." He answered. "I want someone I can open up to and be accepted by without me having to hide who I am."

I smiled wryly, reaching up to pull his hand off my face.

"I'm sorry to burst your idealistic bubble, but we've established I came here because I was guaranteed money just for registering."

He chuckled, turning his hand in mine to intertwine our fingers.

"True that you have ulterior motives. However, yours are still very different from most women. Many of them sign up for the status they believe it gets them. The title and privilege of being able to say they've partnered with a Draas. They look at us as separate beings." He squeezed my hand in his, eyes twinkling again. "I want an equal. Someone who sees me as they see themselves. Not better, not less. A woman who sees me and not what I can sustain her with."

"So, then, earlier when you went on that rant of begging me to accept you..."

"An act." He shrugged. "I wanted to know how you would react to such a proposal. Now that I have my answer, I'm not above begging for real this time."

He smiled widely, my heart palpitations betraying the logical side of me that still refused to cave under his charm. Although it wasn't enough to keep a smile of my own from meeting his.

"Commander Park, you're quite the convincing actor." I admitted, laughing under my breath.

He chuckled with me, bringing my hand to his face to leave a kiss against the back of my palm. The gesture didn't help my heart calm down any, the flood of red to my cheeks indicative of just how much it affected me.

"Let me help you. In return, all I ask for is a friend. We'll have to complete the registration as partners unless you want other Draas to come knocking at your door, but I promise I won't ask more from you than what you're willing to give."

"This arrangement doesn’t seem all that fair for you."

He hummed, letting his hands drop.

"Don't worry about that. You're giving me exactly what I want if you accept."

He allowed me a bit of space, filling the gap he created with one hand out between us.

"What do you say Ms. L/N? Partners, in the most platonic sense of the word?"

I pondered for a moment. In actuality, this was the best-case scenario for a decision I had made in a moment of desperation. Jimin was offering me a way out and all he wanted in return was someone he could confide in essentially. I didn't know for sure what all he dealt with daily that made him feel he had to hide himself, but I suppose I would find that out eventually if I chose to accept. Besides, it was obvious that it would either be him or a different Draas. And who's to say I would get this lucky twice?

"Alright Commander Park, you have yourself a deal." I answered, taking his hand.

Spending time with Jimin wasn't all that bad. Being around so many Draas at any given time took some getting used to. I quickly came to realize that Jimin was not only a highly ranked official by my standards, but also by the Draas as there were several younger (at least according to Jimin) males that looked up to him as their leader. Several months into our new arrangement, after moving in with Jimin because apparently staying a part from one another after agreeing to become partners was throwing up some red flags, I became aware of how much leverage Jimin held among the ranks of Draas living on Earth.

It wasn't just him either. I had run into Commander Kim a few more times on the occasions he came to visit Jimin and discuss matters related to the revival of the planet we all inhabited. He was another Draas that held power rivaling Jimin's, although whereas I knew Jimin influenced water as his element (which made a lot of sense thinking back on when we met), Commander Kim, or Seokjin, as Jimin referred to him when the older man wasn't paying attention, was able to conjure the many different states water was in such as ice and vapor on top of its liquid form.

Jimin respected him as a superior and teacher and, in return, Seokjin treated Jimin much like he would a younger sibling. The other Draas that I've kept contact with more than I expected was Dr. Kim. Although he was aware of Jimin and I's agreement as nothing more than friends to one another, we still had to schedule regular appointments to check up on us. Partially as hospital protocol and in part to sate the curiosity of Dr. Kim. I guess it's unusual for a Draas and human female to be together as not romantically involved partners. Other than the two of them, I've met some of Jimin's other closest comrades. Commanders and the like who hold ranks within their respective fields of abilities.

The short time with Jimin has taught me a lot. Much like Earth, Draas have a hierarchy among their people. Split between those who share certain abilities and their partners. Most of whom don't associate with one another much outside of the matching program unless they were diplomats. Sort of like Jimin and Seokjin.

Apparently the friendship he shared with the other faction leaders was a special one. Because apart from them, I hardly ever saw Draas of different abilities mingling. Another interesting tidbit I managed to pick up on was the lengths in which most Draas went to avoid humans. Those who weren't partnered and weren't looking, hardly spared a glance to any of us. Jimin had explained to me that even among the Draas, there were those who weren't exactly keen on the idea of sharing the planet with us, let alone the only option for partnering being human females. I tried my best to avoid Draas who shared those views. Easier said than done however, as I shortly found out that one of Jimin's comrades that he shared such a connection with was one of them.

Yoongi had never outrightly been rude towards me, but it was clear he'd rather not associate with me if Jimin wasn't there. Jimin had written it off, saying it had more to do with his affinity for fire than the man himself. Which I would have been inclined to believe if Jungkook hadn't shared the same affinity and yet remained the polar opposite of his teacher.

Jungkook was a force to be reckoned with. He was a bright and fearless personality, one that I had wondered in many instances how Yoongi managed to keep up with him. If I were comparing them with their penchant for fire capabilities, Yoongi would be the floating embers ready to ignite at any moment while Jungkook was the raging flames on the verge of swallowing everything around him.

Opposites they were, they understood each other without much difficulty. Sometimes it felt like they could fathom one another better than Jimin and Seokjin could. As curious as it was, I didn't want to inquire too much about it lest I incur the wrath of Yoongi or whatever. Besides, Jimin had enough mystery around him and his abilities to keep me occupied.

"So, is that why you live so far out here? Because of the lake?"

Jimin nodded, the same black shades pushed up his nose as he let his legs hang off the dock, bare feet in the water.

"More or less. Living next to a pond or even a stream probably would have sufficed, but I like it out here. It's quieter and the water is less tainted."

I had to agree. Living in the city all my life, I hadn't ever seen a place so beautiful. Nature ruled the land here. The trees and grass lively unlike what were in the city.

"Being in close connection with our element restores us. The energy it takes to bring back your planet is significant. I guess you could call it a double-edged sword or a constant sphere of transfer. The Earth needs energy to come back to life and we need that energy to sustain it. There are very few places left on your planet capable of providing excess energy for us to use, this is one of them."

"So, you're saying you and water share the same lifeforce?"

"I am water and water is me. Same for Seokjin. Just like fire is Jungkook and Yoongi and vice versa, so on and so forth."

It was a complicated notion for me to wrap my head around. I guess because I lived off the Earth in a different way than he did. In the end though, I suppose it was still giving life.

"Your home planet... is it the same there?"

Jimin lifted one foot out of the water, wiggling his toes as he let it drip from his heel. He watched it for a second before letting it drop back in and falling onto his back to look up at the sky above us.

"Similar to Earth? Yes and no. It's not tainted like it is here for one."

Choosing to join him, I pulled my shoes off before scooting closer to the edge of the dock. I dipped a toe in, happy to find that it was a relatively warm temperature and let both my feet sink into it.

"Can I ask why you left? It sounds a lot better than here."

"Well, you know the primary reason. It's not exactly something we are proud to admit, but repopulation is necessary and there aren't enough Draas women capable of procreating left after our war with a nearby planet. But that's not why I left. Seokjin was the one who recruited me. After discovering how bad off your planet really was, word got back that they'd need more help to revive it if we had any chance of being able to partner with humans. That's how I found myself here."

"Then, you weren't planning on taking a partner for yourself?"

"Not really. Don't get me wrong, it would be nice to share something like that, and the older I get the more I crave that closeness with a partner, but if I had to, I could live without it. Besides, if I did have a partner, the decision to leave would have been a harder one. I was more curious than anything to meet humans. See what they were like." He smiled, rolling his head towards me. "I haven't been exceptionally impressed by anyone until you."

I tried to wave off his attempt at flattery. Living with him, I noticed his flirty nature. A lot of those comments directed towards me the more comfortable we became with one another. I hadn't seen him interact with enough women to know whether that was just him, or if it was more because it was me. Either way, I tried not to let it get under my skin. Other than a few innuendos here and there, Jimin was a gentleman. He never pushed my boundaries and respected our agreement. Our friendship was just that. Friendship.

The wind picked up around us. Ripples stretching across the lake in front of us and tree branches swaying in the sudden gust. I tamped down my hair, turning to where it came from, pleasantly surprised to see the smiling face waving to us as he headed down towards the water.

"Hoseok's here." I warned Jimin, pulling my feet out of the water to greet the man.

"Great." Jimin mumbled under his breath, sighing as he forced himself up.

I was a bit curious about Jimin's lack of enthusiasm. Usually, he was happy about having Hoseok visit, maybe even more than Seokjin some days, but lately it felt as if he was losing his excitement for the man's company. However, out of all the Draas that visited, Hoseok was the one I got along with most easily.

He was kind and considerate. Always making sure to include me in the conversation, or striking one up between the two of us when it was apparent that I was lost in a lot of the lingo when Jimin talked shop, or worse, when they spoke in their native tongue. Luckily for me, Hoseok visited quite often. Jimin told me it was because he usually bounced between the houses of the other guys. Hoseok was one who preferred company rather than being on his own, and if the others wouldn't take the time to visit him, he would be the one to show up without warning.

"How's my favorite human?"

I laughed, accepting the incoming hug. That was another thing I quickly learned about Hoseok; he was adamant on outward affection.

"Hobi, I'm the only human you associate with."

"I can still play favorites."

"It's a little earlier in the week than we normally see you." Jimin noted, pushing the sunglasses up his face to settle in his pink waves.

"I skipped visiting Yoongi and Kook, I just missed Y/N too much." Hoseok beamed, keeping an arm around my shoulders while answering Jimin.

"Yoongi won't be happy to know that."

"He'll live. Y/N's the only one who will entertain my whims, it's a no-brainer why I would rather spend time with her versus someone who spends all his free time napping."

Jimin rolled his eyes, face set in a grimace as he pushed past the two of us.

"Well, she didn't miss you." He shot at Hobi as he passed.

"I- That's not true." I placated Hoseok who started to pout.

"Has he been this mean to you too Y/N?"

"Of course I haven't." Jimin scoffed, continuing towards the house.

Hoseok looked to me as if he didn't believe Jimin's words. I offered him a smile.

"It's been busy around here the last few days. Maybe he's just tired."

Hoseok hummed, turning from his friend walking away, to me.

"I brought some fruits that Namjoon got from a patient of his. He mentioned something about a fruit salad that you humans put together and was wondering if you would help me."

"Sure. It's about time for dinner anyway, I can make us something to go with it."

That was another key difference between humans and Draas. Whereas we needed food to survive, I discovered that the energy they derive from the planet was enough to fuel normally bodily functions. Eating was more of a kind of past time for them. Hoseok was more than fascinated with the different dishes we could make, Seokjin too from what I'd been told, but Jimin was hit or miss.

Every once in a while he would partake in whatever I managed to make, but he was incredibly picky and unless it looked and smelled appealing, he wouldn't touch it. Hoseok was excited now, his arm looping around mine to pull me along.

"What even goes into a fruit salad anyway?"

"Well, it depends on what you brought."

I knocked quietly on Jimin's door, waiting for him to grant me permission before pushing it open. I peeked around the door to find him stationed at his desk shoved into the far side of his room. The same one that had been in the guest room I now stayed in.

"Hoseok and I finished dinner, would you like to join us?"

"No."

I figured as much, but the dismissal felt more brusque than usual. I hesitated in the doorway, opting whether it was worth it to mention it now or if I should let it be. I liked to think I knew Jimin relatively well having lived with him the last few months. Good enough to at least know some of his habits and how he was when it was just the two of us and even when in company.

And his behavior, particularly when Hoseok stopped by, seemed to sour beyond him just dealing with our guest. Especially when that guest was a close friend of his. My lingering in the doorway didn't go unnoticed, Jimin's eyes flickering up from whatever he was working on to my form in his threshold.

"Did you need something else?"

Figuring if he was going to give me an opportunity to bring it up, I stepped inside.

"Jimin, is there something wrong? You've been... off."

"I'm fine, just tired and I didn't expect to have guests over today."

"It's not just today. You've been off the last couple of times we've had guests."

He frowned, shaking his head. "Things with work have just been stressful."

I chewed on my lip, casting a look over my shoulder before deciding to outrightly ask him.

"It's worse when Hoseok is here. Did something happen between the two of you?"

Jimin stiffened, his motions turning awkward as he fiddled with the pen in his hand. His eyes dropped down to the paper in front of him, his pink hair that is a bit longer than when I moved in hid his eyes from me.

"Has he said something to you?"

Jimin's voice was rough. Highly unusual for him when I was so used to it being soft and lilting. Then again, I haven't seen him mad before and the tension that arose between us suggested that was how he felt. My vision dropped to where he held the pen tight within his fist. The knuckles turning white with the strength, and I wondered if it was on the verge of crumbling in his grasp.

"No. Hoseok hadn't said anything to me." I responded, crossing my arms over my chest. "But I'm right, aren't I? Something happened between you two."

Another quick shake of his head. "No, it didn't."

"Jimin," I sighed. "Clearly there is-"

"I said there's not!" He snapped, rising from his chair.

Those silver orbs were like molten steel. The heat behind them threatened to burn me and I was taken aback. He stood there, letting the animosity fizzle out before sighing heavily. He turned his head, refusing to look at me.

"I have a lot I need to get done. Enjoy your dinner with Hoseok." He mumbled, dismissing me.

Rather than leaving, I moved closer to him. Silver stare flicking up at me again warily.

"Y/N..." He spoke my name exasperatedly.

I reached out for the papers he was sifting through, moving them out of sight. His mouth opened to scold me for interrupting, but I shushed him.

"Explain it to me."

"Explain what?"

"Whatever is bothering you. I'm not leaving until I hear it and you're not working until you talk, so talk."

He was starting to get annoyed, but I could care less how annoyed he was with me. He moved to retrieve his papers, but I stepped in front of him.

"Jimin." I warned, leveling a glare of mine to meet his. "Companionship. That's what you wanted, right? Part of that means sharing our burdens."

"Sharing our burdens? This coming from the woman who still refuses to tell me exactly why she chose to register herself in the first place."

"Maybe because it doesn't matter anymore."

"That's not the point." Jimin bit out, invading my personal space. "The point is that it does matter to me. I want to know more about you, even the things you think don't matter. I share my stories, my experiences, my life with you and yet, you still don't trust me enough to do the same."

He ran his hand through his hair frustratedly.

"But that's not the way it is with Hoseok, is it? The two of you share a connection I haven't been able to establish even though we're partnered."

The revelation would have been surprising if it didn't make so much sense. Jimin went quiet after that, although it was clear he was still upset. I didn't know what to say, or if anything I might have said would make a difference to him. In the meantime...

I wrapped my arms around his shoulders, pulling him into me for a hug. He stumbled into the embrace, my strength catching him off guard. I held him tightly, unwilling to let him pull away, not that he was trying to. His arms looped around my waist, pulling me firmly into his chest while he buried his face into my hair.

"Jimin." I called to him softly. "Hoseok doesn't know any more about me than you do. Honestly, he probably knows even less. I'm sorry I haven't been as transparent with you. I'm not used to having someone around willing to listen or want to know about me. I'm... acclimating."

"It's more than that." He murmured. "I thought when I agreed to remain platonic partners with you that it would be easy. That all I really craved was having someone else around that I could talk to and be myself with. Someone that would make me feel less lonely."

He sighed, lifting his head to place his chin on top of mine, tucking me into his chest.

"But I'm not any less lonely. Sometimes it even feels like I'm lonelier than I was before because I have you here and, yet, I don't have you in the way I want us to be."

"What do you mean? How do you want us to be?"

A gentle knock at the door interrupted us. Jimin was quick to let me go, silver gaze turned to the door as Hoseok made his presence known.

"Just thought I'd make sure everything is okay. Dinner is getting cold."

The stiffness in Jimin's posture wasn't as prominent as it had been earlier, but I could tell he still had his reservations when it came to Hoseok. I laid a hand on his arm, hoping it served to reiterate my earlier assurances before answering Hoseok.

"We're okay. Jimin was just finishing up, so you can head back. We'll be right behind you."

He nodded, radiant smile in place before moseying his way back to the dining room.

"I don't remember agreeing to join you for dinner."

"You didn't." I told him, gathering the papers I had stolen from him to slide them in one of his desk drawers. "I made the decision for you."

Jimin was taken aback. Not that I could blame him really if I lived as a unit Commander and was used to people doing my bidding and not second-guessing my orders, but I wasn't and I didn't serve under him. He wanted us to be equals, then this was me treating him as an equal. I reached up, placing my hands on top of his shoulders.

"Join us. You can eat and it's also not fair for you to be acting this way towards Hoseok when the man isn't deserving of it. Plus, he was really looking forward to you trying the fruit salad he made."

I could almost pinpoint the moment in which Jimin caved. That tension melted out of him, and his silvery orbs softened at the mention of his best friend having made a meal just for him.

"Okay." He whispered.

"Good. We can continue this conversation when we're not entertaining guests."

Thankfully, dinner with the three of us had no trace of the animosity from before. The atmosphere and comradery between Jimin and Hoseok resumed much like it had in the weeks prior to Jimin's funky mood. I was able to navigate the conversation a bit better now that I understood Jimin's stance and could pay more attention to what I said and how I interacted, with Hoseok especially. I even attempted to share a bit more about my past. Without saying as much, I could tell Jimin appreciated it. It was like he soaked up every bit of information that he could even if I thought it to be mundane.

Retrospectively, I guess it's not entirely correct for me to claim that it's unimportant for me to share things about myself I didn't think were necessary. For Jimin, the stories he's shared about himself could have been uninteresting to him, but I hung onto every word. His world and his life were fascinating to me. All because it was so different from mine. I could understand Jimin taking the same stance when it came to humans. If I were being truly honest with myself though, I couldn't accurately say whether I found his life interesting because he was a completely different species from a completely different world, or if it's because it's Jimin. That thought lingered all throughout dinner until the answer revealed itself as if it shouldn't have been a question at all. My life before Jimin wasn't anything special. I struggled to get by and hadn't cared for anyone or anything other than myself. I knew about the Draas long before meeting Jimin and never thought twice about learning who they were or where they came from and why.

But Jimin was different. I actively sought to know more about him. Who he was and what he liked, his friends and family, and the affinity for water he wielded. I wanted to know everything I could and more. I had gotten so wrapped up in knowing him that I neglected asking myself why it meant so much to me. And I could kick myself for not picking up on how that oversight made Jimin feel.

"You know, we'd be more than happy to put you up for the night. It's a little late to be heading home." I offered to Hoseok as he put his shoes on.

"Nah, it's not that far to Yoongi's. Jimin was probably right to assume he'd be upset that I skipped over him. He may not seem like it, but he's a softie. Besides, I'd be right to assume you and Jimin have some things to talk about?"

He phrased it as a question, but he sounded sure of himself.

"You're rather insightful." I grinned, handing him the rest of the fruit salad he had worked so hard on.

"Not really. You two are just obvious." He chuckled, accepting it.

I laughed, shaking my head. Having it so blatantly laid out between us was a little embarrassing, but maybe not all that surprising. After all, Hoseok has known Jimin a lot longer than I have, so it would be only natural for him to notice something was amiss faster than I could.

"Just, promise me you'll bring it up? Jimin's notorious for hiding the way he feels. He'll sooner sacrifice his own happiness and peace of mind for someone else and I can tell he likes you."

"I would hope so. It would be a little awkward to have to keep living with someone you only tolerated." I teased.

"I'm serious." He laughed. "He may not have admitted it to himself yet, whether because of the arrangement you two have or for some other reason, but it's more than just platonic for him now. Or maybe it always has been. I never would have pegged Jimin as the type to partner with a human, but I should have known from the moment he told me about you."

"Told you about me?" I asked surprised.

Hoseok's eyes darted behind me past the entryway leading to the rest of the house. I wondered if he was looking for Jimin, but the younger Draas had elected to head back down the dock despite the late hour.

"He went back to the lake."

Hoseok nodded before continuing.

"I probably shouldn't be telling you this, but I consider it for his own good. I'm not going to say he lied to you because I believe it began with good intentions, but I'm not sure it was ever about friendship for him. I don't know if Jimin was even aware of his feelings yet, but I can tell you that even if he was he wouldn't have said anything to jeopardize his chance of helping you out of the situation you were in. Even if that meant keeping his feelings to himself to make you feel more comfortable."

Hoseok's words reminded me of that day in the hospital. How desperate Jimin seemed at the time seeking my agreeance only to backtrack after realizing I was shying away from his advances.

It was an act.

Hoseok placed a hand on my shoulder, squeezing gently.

"Like I said, he's good at hiding what he wants to. Now that you know, don't let him get away with it. I think the two of you were made for one another in that regard."

"What do you mean?"

He grinned, tucking the bowl of fruit salad under his arm.

"Neither of you are very keen on expressing your feelings. I wondered how long it would take or who would break first. Seems like Jimin is more susceptible to jealousy than I imagined."

"So, you knew."

"Sometimes all it takes is someone on the outside looking in. Thanks for dinner. I'll leave the two of you to it while I force Yoongi into trying my newest creation." He stated proudly, hugging his bowl a little tighter.

Even though Yoongi was still an enigma to me, moments like these where I knew he shared a softer side with his friends made him less intimidating.

"Tell him and Jungkook I said hi."

"I will. Let Jimin know I'll be back later this week, yeah?"

"Okay." I agreed, giving him a farewell smile before waving him through the door.

It always struck me how much quieter it seemed when Hoseok left. His presence was lively enough to fill the entire house. A place that was usually quiet and comforting when it was just Jimin and I by ourselves. Not that it was boring, rather I enjoyed how neither of us really had to feel like entertaining the other. We were more than happy sitting in silence, only talking when conversation arose naturally. This would have to be one of those times where we would have to share a conversation whether we wanted to or not. 

I sighed, kicking off my indoor shoes for my sandals. Better to have it sooner than later. The night was cool, a testament to how close summer was as I walked the familiar path down to the dock Jimin frequented. The fairy lights he had lining the path were bright enough to watch my steps, ensuring I didn't trip, something he had installed after realizing how much of a struggle it was for me to navigate in the dark unlike him. The moon's crescent glow reflected off the water and, not for the first time, I found myself stopping to look up at it. Jimin's stories made me curious about what it was like up there. How it would feel to be among the stars or what it would be like living on a planet that wasn't dying. Things I never would have been bothered to think about before him. 

Light splashing broke my daydreaming, my eyes gravitating towards the lake where I could barely make out a head poking out of the water. I continued my walk, reaching the edge of the dock where I found Jimin's shirt discarded, hanging over the edge of the wooden platform, nearly ready to take a dip itself. I stopped, looking for him again. He stood a good several yards from the end of the dock, bare shoulders peeking out of the dark water with his back turned to me. The sliver of moon above barely illuminated the hidden colors of his skin. The iridescence pale except when his subtle shifting turned it silver. Much like the color of his eyes. That paleness swept the expanse of his back until it reached the line of tattoos down his spine I had only heard about, never seen. I knew Jimin came down here to swim most evenings, he preferred to be in the water rather than just his feet like he often did when I joined him. Reflecting on Hoseok's words, I wondered if that was another sacrifice on his behalf that he made for me so I wouldn't be uncomfortable. 

In those instances, I neglected to come down here at night. I didn't want to bother him if that were to be the case, but now I wondered if I should have made the choice to come sooner. Although I knew he had to have heard me on approach, he didn't react. He kept his back turned, eyes cast up at the same moon mine had been and even though I couldn't make out his expression, something about him seemed melancholic. Before I could convince myself otherwise, I reached for the bottom of my shirt. I tossed it with his, working on the button of my shorts next as I made my way to the end of dock. I shucked my sandals, letting my pants drop over them. I was too afraid to dive in headfirst, and a little less than gracefully, I dropped myself off the edge of the dock and into the water. I sucked in a breath, the chilly water a shock to my system I didn't anticipate. While the night was comfortable, the lake had dropped slightly in temperature with the departed sun. I waded in Jimin's direction, hoping a bit of movement would help me acclimate faster. His head turned when I was a few feet from him, that tender smile threatening to melt me as he took me in. 

"You didn't have to come in. I would have joined you inside before too long." 

Water dripped from his chin as he spoke. Those bubblegum pink locks swept back from his face, and I couldn't help but think about how much water clinging to him suited him. 

"Meeting you halfway." I chattered, offering him a smile. "That's what we agreed on, right?" 

"Not if it ends with you freezing to death." He chuckled, fingers finding mine under the water's surface. 

He threaded them through mine, pulling me into him. I didn't let the closeness bother me, in fact, I latched onto the warmth he provided, looping my arms around him, and pressing my cheek to his chest. He returned my embrace, holding me to him as we fell into a comfortable silence. I would have been happy staying like this, but the conversation that needed to be had lingered over our heads like a cloud. One that I wanted gone before it got much worse. Having Jimin holding me like this made it easier to start the discussion. As much as I loved his silvery gaze, I found it left me at a loss for words more than anything else and I needed my words right now. 

"I'm sorry." I murmured.

He sighed; the sound hardly audible as his chin rested on my head. 

"I should be the one who's sorry. Acting the way I did about your friendship with Hoseok was... childish. I'm usually not so affected by things like that." 

Hoseok might have given away Jimin's reluctance to come to terms with his feelings for me, but I still wanted to hear them from the man himself. And not only because Hoseok had me promise I would. 

"Then why were you?" 

Jimin was quiet. The only sounds being his breathing and the soft lapping of water around us. I wondered if he would even answer, but I also knew it wasn't like Jimin to leave a question of mine unanswered. 

"I'm finding myself incapable of making decisions when it comes to you lately. I question every word, every action, worried that it's beyond the realm of what you humans would consider friendly. It's hard for me to draw that line when it's not what I want anymore." 

"Hoseok told me you have a penchant for withholding your emotions." 

He pulled back to look at me, a wry grin tugging at his lips. 

"He's not wrong. Hoseok would know best. I've known him the longest."

"Then be honest with me Jimin. What are you holding back? What is it you want?" 

His smile dropped. The seriousness that flooded those silver orbs was one that always attempted to drag me down with it, but I was determined to meet it head on this time. If I was going to convince him that I was here for him and willing to hear what he had to tell me, I couldn't run away anymore. I couldn't lie to myself that all I felt towards him was how one would feel about a friend. I knew what that was like. I shared it with Hoseok and Jungkook. And while a sliver of that same feeling was present when I was with Jimin, there was more. A much stronger connection that pulled me in and drew me to him. A part of myself that actively sought him out, to be with him and learn about him. 

I held my eyes to his, not so much as blinking even as his hand lifted to cup my cheek. 

"You." He whispered. "I want you as more than just a friend. More than someone who's around simply for company or to ease my loneliness. I want you as a partner. In every sense of the word. Both in your language and mine." 

I held his wrist, hiding my smile in his palm and admiring the flashes of color across his skin. 

"I want that too." 

He seemed surprised, expression flickering between the shock and happiness and finally, uncertainty as he pulled back. 

"Are you sure? If this is because you're worried I'll put you out or I forced my feelings onto you, I'd ra-" 

I laid a kiss on his hand, his words catching in his throat at the gesture. I could feel the slight tremble of his fingertips as I slid into his embrace again. 

"Don't you believe me capable of making my own decisions?" 

"In my defense, all the decisions I've known you to make have led to you regretting them later." 

"Touché." I laughed, wrapping my arms around his shoulders. "But I'm confident I won't regret this one." 

I tilted my face to his, happy to know that it appeared to be a universal sign when it came to silently begging for a kiss as he leaned down. He paused a hair's breadth away, hesitating, or maybe wanting me to make that ultimate leap so he knew I meant every word I'd spoken to him thus far. Assuming the latter, I took the plunge, connecting my mouth with his. His plush lips melded with mine perfectly, the kiss itself charged, building in intensity as Jimin deepened it. My lips tingled under his, the feeling euphoric and unlike anything I had ever experienced. My breaths came out harsher, fingers finding their way into his damp hair, letting the pink strands tangle around my fingers. 

My body burned against his, every bit of me keening under his touch and begging for more. Almost like it had been waiting for this moment and surrendered to whatever he was willing to give me. His fingers traced my skin, those same tingles leaving me feeling as if I were floating, even the water around me caressed me like a lover. Like an extension of Jimin himself. Every sensation an aphrodisiac that I craved more of unconsciously as I arched into him. 

I needed him. The soft touches and gentle fingers weren't enough. I wanted him to want me as desperately as I did him. A whimper left me unexpectedly, the sound enough to pull Jimin from me, the question of what's wrong on the tip of his tongue until I cut him off. 

"There's something I'm curious about." 

"What is it?" He asked, the slight pick-up of pace in the rise and fall of his chest the only outward sign he was affected like I was. 

"The human women who partnered with Draas. I've heard it's unlike anything they've experienced before." 

He looked confused, brows furrowing as he cocked his head to the side. 

"What do you mean?" 

I bit my lip, riding on the high from earlier to power through any embarrassment I might find in divulging my thoughts. 

"Sex." 

"You want me to explain what sex is like with us?" He asked confused. 

"No." I shook my head, stifling my laughter. 

That just made him even more puzzled, that tilt getting steeper as he slowly shook his head. 

"I don't under-" 

"I want you to show me." 

His fingers dug into my hips, expression turning eerily impassive. Those eyes burning into me, his tongue darting out to wet his bottom lip, a quiet exhale escaping from between them. 

"Y/N, if we go that far, there's no going back for me. I'll bind myself to you." 

"Is that not what you want?" 

"No. Yes- I mean, that is what I want. I just need you to understand what you're committing to here. My species, copulation is the ultimate betrothal. We only have sex when we intend to partner with someone for life." 

"Aaand you're worried I'll regret it later." 

He frowned, shaking his head. 

"No, I just want you to be absol-" 

I laid my thumb over his lips.

"I am." I promised him, soothing the swollen flesh with gentle caresses. "Bind me." 

Jimin's breath left him in a shudder, his hand gripping my wrist tightly to pull it from his face before smashing his lips to mine. He kissed me with more fervor, his body turning to push mine back towards the dock. In our haste, the motions were awkward. Both of us fumbling to let go of each other long enough to get out of the water. 

"The house has never felt so far away." He grumbled, helping me onto the dock. 

I gripped his hand to keep him here as he turned towards the house. 

"Not the house. Here." 

I didn't know if he agreed, nor did I really care as I pulled him to me again. His mouth slot against mine perfectly, like he had been made for me. Or maybe I, him. Either way we were two pieces of an unsolved puzzle finally coming together. The lanterns along the dock cast a hearty glow across the both of us, Jimin's skin glittering with hints of orange and red, his hair two shades darker under the tawny light. His fingers slipped under the latch of my bra, toying with it while his other hand slid under the waistband of my underwear. His palms trailed the water droplets coating my skin, rendering them hot like molten lava. The heat was enough to fend off the chill it should have brought this late into the night. 

This was Jimin though, his affinity for water ran much deeper than simply influencing its temperature. His lips parted from mine, moving further down to catch a few beads of water with his tongue, to my neck. He groaned lowly, sucking on my tender skin, and leaving me desperately clenching around nothing as he fed my desire. He made quick work of my bra, tugging it off me and dropping to his knees. His lips found my breast, wrapping around my nipple, nearly sending me crumbling to my knees as well. His name left my lips on a breathless moan, my chest arching into him in a bid for more. Gently, he wrapped both hands around my thighs, guiding me down with him into his lap. I settled over his cock, his underwear and mine being the only barrier between him and my opening, but I could still feel every thick inch of him pressed against my center. Without much convincing on his part, he urged my hips into a slow grind, groaning his appreciation as I took over. He gripped my ass, keeping me close while he found my lonely breast, rolling my nipple between his fingers. I cursed, gripping his shoulders tightly, already feeling that tightness low in my abdomen. I could have cried with the lack of friction I needed, my hips rutting against his frantically for release only to be disappointed when he stopped me. His mouth found mine again, shushing any complaints as he rolled me under him. Any wish to continue grinding on him was dashed the second his hands rid me of my underwear. I tilted my hips up to him impatiently, sighing in pleasure as his fingers parted my folds. He curled one finger in, penetrating me and waiting for my signs of pleasure before introducing a second. 

"You know the belief that human women were compatible with us sexually wasn't a far-fetched one to begin with. In fact, your anatomy coincides with the females of our planet rather remarkably with one exception." He licked his lips, silver gaze finding mine. 

He pulled his fingers out, dragging them through my lower lips deliciously, seeking his target. The jolt that ran through me the second he found my clit let him know his hunt was successful, my hips thrusting against his hand helplessly when he started rubbing slow circles around it. 

"Here." He almost purred, delighting in the way I writhed under his touch. "I spent a lot of time studying how I would bring you pleasure. There are lots of ways, but I found this one the most fascinating." 

He dropped his head, tongue replacing his fingers as he spread my thighs wide to accommodate him. I fell helpless to Jimin, my hands gripping those beautifully pink locks as he experimented with my pleasure. Lips leaving petal soft kisses against my flesh, tongue delving into my opening to coax more of my cream from me before licking a drawn-out stripe up to my clit, laving the same attention to it. He paid expert attention to the way I responded, teasing me to the cusp of breaking and backing down before I hit it to drive my attention elsewhere. His hands hooked over the tops of my thighs, holding me in place while he buried his face in my pussy. His name was a symphony leaving me on gasps and moans and choked whimpers. It felt like I was delirious on the pleasure he gave me only to retreat and leave me dangling on that fine line between pain and euphoria. 

"Please." I whimpered, feeling the tears overflowing as he pulled back again, denying my orgasm. "Jimin." 

"You taste so good." He murmured, swirling silver meeting my eyes. "How am I supposed to stop?" 

My chest rose and fell rapidly, my body feeling like it was sweltering under my skin. I reached for him, melding my lips to his. 

"Make me yours." I begged him, kissing him again only to repeat those three words like I lived by them. 

He matched my fervor, kissing me hungrily. He rid himself of his underwear and I found myself pulling away from him to observe him in all his glory. I traced the shimmering patterns the light cast over his bare flesh, basked in the flush coloring his cheeks, the swollen and plump perfection of his pink lips. My hands navigating the expanse of his chest, lean muscles of his arms and hands where they supported his weight beside my head and watched the way his abdomen flexed with every movement between my thighs as he settled himself between them. 

It was no wonder women signed themselves over. Jimin was beautiful. A sight that artists would try recreating to no avail, and photographers would spend their lives catching the perfect angle of, and here he was, with me. I wrapped my legs around his waist, a wordless invitation for him to take me as his. 

His lips captured mine, delivering a kiss that laid his emotions bare for me to see. The happiness, the longing, the desperation. All the things Jimin kept hidden. I moved against his lips with that same amount of passion, letting him know he wasn't alone in his feelings. That I wanted him just as much. A hand trailed its way between us, down my chest and midriff, his touch as smooth a caress as if water itself lapped at my skin. Soothing the fire raging inside and promising to quench my thirst thoroughly. 

"You're sure?" He whispered against me, kissing me again before allowing me to answer. 

"I'm yours." I swore to him, tracing the curve of his jaw and meeting his eyes. 

Those eyes of silver stardust, captivating in their intensity and heart wrenching in their expressiveness. I could see the emotion swimming in them, their color matching the moon above us as its glow rained down on him. Bathing him in the silvery shade that seemed to be crafted for him alone. 

I knew in that moment he was made to be among the stars. He belonged in that vastness of space. A testament that it was designed for him as much as he it, and I was being graced with only a sliver of it. But it was a piece I would happily take, whatever parts of him he was willing to give me. His fingers gripped the meat of my thigh tightly, spreading me open further for him. I barely caught the change in his breathing, rate increasing until he bit his bottom lip to stifle it and pressed forward. 

I sucked in a sharp breath, relishing in the way he slowly filled me. My nails dug into his shoulders, digging in harder the deeper he went, my body stretching around the length of his cock snugly. His eyes squeezed shut, head dropping slightly to leave the ends of his fiery bubblegum pink hair to brush across my cheek. He sheathed himself fully, body trembling as a quivering breath escaped him. 

"Tell me again." He begged; voice hoarse as his nose nudged my jaw. "That you're mine. That you want me." 

I released the talon-like hold I had on his shoulders, cupping his cheek to turn his face to me so I could kiss him again. 

"I want this... you. I'm yours. Make love to me under the stars we share." 

He obliged, hips retreating only to dive deep once more. He rained kisses down my neck, groaning in delight when I arched beneath him, begging for more. My fingers found the wrist of his hand pressed against the wooden dock beside my head, using it to ground me as I surrendered myself to him. It was all too much and not enough at the same time. His presence above me, inside me, overwhelmed me, but I sobbed with every retreat, wanting him to fill me again until he did, and I felt like drowning under him all over again. 

"Jimin." 

My voice sounded foreign to me. How wrecked it was, the breathlessness, how I begged for him even though I wasn't sure what exactly I was asking of him. 

"My star." He purred, hips snapping into mine. "I've spent my life among the ones up there, but none of them quite feel like home like you do." 

That tension in my lower abdomen pulled tighter. My moans filling the quiet night, not caring if anyone were to hear. Jimin's low groans and harsh breaths coupled with mine, his cock splitting me open, lower body pounding into mine. My core clenched on him, ripping a curse from his lips as he drove into me harder. 

"Fuck." He swore through clenched teeth. 

I stifled my cries enough to hear him. Basking in the soft noises he let loose despite trying so hard to keep them in. Not only that, but the squelching between my thighs every time he thrust inside my walls. I was soaked, drenching him in my essence as if I wanted to be the water he coveted. Underneath me, I could feel the force of waves hitting the dock. The wood vibrating with the power behind them. It took me only a second to realize they lapped against the land in time with Jimin's thrusts. His affinity leeching into the very source itself, the water he wielded responding to him. 

I wondered if he was even aware of it. His focus was directed between us, watching his cock disappear within me, the creaminess gathering at the base of it and coating my thighs. 

"Beautiful." He groaned, fingertips finding that same spot from earlier expertly. 

My body shook under his touch. That knot within me going taut, threatening to snap. I whined, body leaping out of rationality to grind against those fingers. Lips moving to implore Jimin to go harder, faster. The movements of his fingers over my clit were gentle, small circles that I was ready to let shred me apart. Completely at odds with the feral pace of his hips. I marveled at the sight of him above me, the flex of lean muscle, graceful drive of his hips, expression pinched in the same pleasure he inflicted, pink strands sticking to the sweat covering the iridescence of his skin. Sweat that caught the subtle glow of pinks and blues and purples over his flesh like diamonds before dripping onto my exposed and overheated body. 

He dropped his head, wrapping his plush lips around my nipple, flicking it with the tip of his tongue. I crashed under it all, my cries echoing off the turbulent water, back arching off the dock into Jimin who helped me ride through the crippling wave of pleasure. 

"So fucking beautiful." He growled, pushing himself past that breaking point to join me. 

I anticipated the warmth that would escape him and fill me. And I would be lying if I claimed I wasn't disappointed when he pulled out. His fingers made one last swipe through my folds, gathering more of my slick before wrapping those same fingers around himself. He groaned, the sounds rising in pitch as he pumped his cock like he was still fucking me. He squeezed, breath catching as he pushed himself over. He came hard, thick ropes of it coating my thighs and his hand, milking him of everything he had to give. The sight was something I never thought I would find so arousing. The fire inside me flaring again watching him. 

I pushed against his side, urging him to lay against the dock like I had. His questioning gaze going unanswered while I kneeled between his legs. There wasn't so much as a warning before my tongue was on him. Another sharp curse rushing out of him, and his cock twitched while I cleaned him. His head fell back against the wood with a loud thunk, soft moans more of pleasure slipping past his lips, his hands gripping my hair. He didn't do anything beyond holding it, just let me worship him and bring his cock back to life so he could experience pleasure at my expense this time. 

I slid my lips over the head, moaning at the taste of him. He choked on my name, his breathing coming out harsh and irregular. I reveled in it. My eyes trained on the rise and fall of his chest, the veins in his neck as he exposed it, the colors of his skin and hair, and just how fucking perfect he was coming undone for me. I took as much of him as I could, engulfing him in warmth as he came again. I did my best to swallow what I could, some of it overflowing and leaving me to have to lick up my mess. 

Jimin looked utterly fucked, thighs trembling as he pulled me off him. He stared at my lips, his tongue darting out to lick his own as a devilish smile lifted them. One I wasn't used to seeing on him. 

"Sit on my face." 

I looked at him surprised, unable to stop the blush from coloring my cheeks at his forwardness. 

"What?" I asked dumbly, wondering if maybe I had misheard him. 

He chuckled, arms wrapping around my torso to pull me up his body. I bit my lip, a little nervous as he settled my thighs on either side of his head. 

"Did you learn this too, or is it common among Draas men to ask someone to sit on their face?" 

He hummed, hands finding purchase over the tops of my thighs to pull me down to him. 

"My research for you was extensive." He purred, starting with the mess covering my thighs. 

His licks were slow, deliberate, as he purposefully drove me crazy. 

"I'd argue it's only fair I return the favor and clean you up to seeing as I'm responsible for half the mess." 

He pulled me lower, my breath hitching as his breath ghosted across my center. 

"Maybe make you cum again too." 

I could already feel my thighs trembling, Jimin's words and the hint of his lips coaxing me into letting go and smothering him beneath me. 

"I'm really just a selfish bastard who wants to taste you again." He sighed, the first swipe of his tongue threatening to break me. "I'll spend the rest of my life between your legs if you'll let me." 

I laughed breathlessly, one that turned into a shuddering moan as he licked me again. 

"I might just let you." I murmured, whimpering under his teasing mouth. 

"Let's not waste any time then." He grinned, pulling me down to him.

Taglist:

@ldysmfrst @missbangtangirl @bratty-tingz @i-like-puppy-mg @skyys-universe @atinymonbebestay

Omg this is so true! I have a StrayKids Alien AU with this one and it keeps staring at me because 2am me thought it sounded awesome but 2pm me thinks it’s close to trash. lol 💜💜💜