Archive of Our Own ^beta

⋆⁺₊❅⋆ ⁺₊❆⋆

Jeongguk drops the bulk of his mail on the counter in his small studio apartment, where it joins a growing stack that is several days old at this point. It’s frustrating, since Jeongguk anticipates it will only get taller in the days or weeks to come.

He hates going through mail. Hates having to remember to pick up the mail. Hates having to sort through the mail. It’s just one of those annoying little chores he has to do for himself now that he doesn’t have a pack. And truthfully, it’s a waste of paper.

The environment is suffering because of the mail!

And okay, maybe grumbling about having to pick up his own mail in a lobby that is kind of smelly and a little outdated is extremely silly and stubborn for the alpha, but he can't help it.

When Jeongguk was part of his ex-pack, he didn't have to worry about things like getting his stupid mail. Because one of the pack omegas would take care of it–they’d keep everything organized and helped the alphas out with these little tasks, whether that was mail or making sure their house smelled fresh, completing general chores and things like that.

It was nice.

But Jeongguk isn’t with that pack anymore, and now that he has to get his own mail, he feels...stupid. Stubborn.

Like, why was he letting the omega get his mail for him in the first place. That's....weird, right? What, was he so worthless of an alpha that he couldn’t walk downstairs and grab mail from the box on his own??

Oh no, he’s feeling another dramatic existential crisis of who he is and how he’s supposed to act as an alpha coming on over the freaking mail. Granted, it wouldn’t be the first he’s had in the last two months that he’s been alone and packless, completely on his own away from even his immediate family. They often come at times like this, where he’s contemplating life, not wanting to regret leaving his pack and family to begin with.

And they’ve slowed down to having maybe three a week versus one every day, at least. That’s a win, right?

In these awful moments of reflection, Jeongguk will allow himself be sad about the loss of his pack life, allow himself to be confused at what he’s supposed to do now that he is truly alone and unwanted, and try to re-convince himself that he made the right choice in leaving that unsupportive pack.

With a very eccentric motion of throwing back his neck, Jeongguk groans loudly into the air with childish frustration. Though, no one else is here to hear it. This isn’t a beautiful pack home built in the woods several long hours away, surrounded in trees with the smell of pine and a large crystal lake just down a hill where he and his ex-packmates would go fishing and swimming in the summer.

Now, Jeongguk is living in a tiny studio apartment in the middle of the smallest town he’s ever seen–a place he hadn’t even known the name of before he moved here. He’s completely alone without the pack and his family, and no one is going to come comfort him through his distress.

Especially in an isolated town that looks like it was plucked out of a Hallmark movie.

He can groan all he wants here inside this space that is just his. So that's exactly what he does.

Like the stubborn alpha he is, Jeongguk groans through unpacking the bag of groceries he had picked up earlier, complains about having to wipe off the counter a million times a day since the space is so small and he has no where to bake, grumbles about cooking a meal for one instead of ten, pouts while eating the meal alone on his couch, then softly cries while washing the dishes…

Rinse and repeat.

Jeongguk sighs afterwards, his wet hands pressed against the sink at the counter. This outburst, among the many he’s had since leaving his pack, just means he’s healing, right? His emotions are showing so strongly they have to be forced out of him this way. Especially since he no longer smells any of them–their scents having long faded from items that he brought with him. If he had enough money to have confidently thrown away all his clothes and linens then he would have in a heartbeat. And the physical mark on his neck from their bond is almost completely gone now, too.

He has to accept this constant feeling of being alone right now and allow himself to react to that loneliness as being part of his healing journey.

Right?

Jeongguk runs his hands down his face, quite literally shaking his head into his palms and groaning loudly again. He doesn’t want to keep feeling like this today.

So in rebellion of himself, the alpha stands straight up and stretches upwards to feel his bones crack, then valiantly picks up the stack of mail, determined to go through it. He needs to not be bad mood anymore, especially during the holidays.

Oh, right…because it’s also Christmas time and he has no one to spend it with! Icing on the stubborn cake.

Jeongguk flips through the mail unceremoniously, glancing out the window to see that it has started to flurry. It’s still easy to be sad about all this, and Jeongguk still thinks that he has every right to be. Spending Christmas alone–a white Christmas it seems like it will be in this town–in a place he barely remembers the name of, in a small space that is cramped and crowed for the wrong reasons and doesn't feel like home yet, makes him continue to pout.

The alpha eventually glances down at the mail, stopping when he notices a small folded piece of paper that isn’t in an envelope. There is a green wreath sticker holding it together, looking like someone had just slipped this inside mail boxes instead of mailing them out officially with the post office.

Curiously, Jeongguk abandons the other pieces of mail and opens this one. He peels off the pretty sticker to reveal a flyer for one of the towns three local schools that are hosting several bake sales leading up to the holiday weekend at the end of the month.

Since Jeongguk had just moved to his little town about six or seven weeks ago, he's not yet familiar with anything around here really when it comes to events and things to do. Other than figuring out the prices of groceries at the local market for his new, individualized budget, and making sure he had access to coffee every morning, the alpha has been laying low, just trying to regulate his emotions while grieving the loss of his pack and family. He hasn't had the mental energy to go out to the local bar or even attempt to make friends, especially since he’s working remotely and doesn’t have an actual excuse to leave his new place yet.

The alpha had forced himself to move this far away so there wouldn't be even a single chance of him running into any members of his ex-pack.

That would be...devastating.

There’s a natural instinct inside of him that has been wanting to make try to make friends or at least find a few new people to hang out with sometimes, because Jungkook doesn't want to be packless for a long time. He just...can't. Not yet. Not while he’s still healing.

But it’s scary. How can he find friends–let alone an entirely new pack–that will accept Jeongguk for who he is? And who he…likes? Especially when his old pack didn’t.

Jeongguk rolls his eyes at himself, since it’s very obvious in that moment following a small breakdown about opening his own mail that he's still not quite healed from all of that discrimination just yet.

Okay, enough of this today.

A charity bake sale does allow for his interest to sway towards something more healthy then continuing to wallow about his ex-pack. The alpha cleans up the kitchen and takes a shower, then slides into bed with his phone. He checks out the schools on social media, then pulls up a registry form. There's still a few spots left!

Jeongguk works his jaw, finally contemplating if he should actually commit to this or not. He loves baking Christmas cookies, and it's not like he has anything truly planned for the rest of the month outside of work…

Not like he has a pack to commit all of his free time to this season, either...

With his mind made up, Jeongguk registers to be a vendor and actually smiles while snuggling into his pillow. The first day of the bake sale is this upcoming weekend, and he's already conjuring up a bunch of different cookie ideas for charity.

This is good for him. He needs this.

⋆⁺₊❅⋆ ⁺₊❆⋆

The Christmas Baking Charity is something that Jimin has always looked forward to, ever since he was a pup in school and started baking confections for his family and neighbors.

His mother and grandmother own a popular restaurant together in this little town, and Jimin was always able to help out there as a kid. Eventually, he started making cupcakes to sell as dessert on the menu, appreciating that his family had given him the space at the restaurant to practice his new craft.

His younger years were filled with joyful memories like that–baking and finding excitement in making peoples day just by offering a tasty handmade treat. It offered Jimin the opportunity to truly understand the meaning of community, of pack, and to relish in that feeling of giving back.

Although nowadays, baking is definitely more of a once-a-year hobby rather than something he did as a teenager to make some tip money. And what better holiday to indulge in the excitement of baked confections then Christmas?

So every year in the month of December, he uses the space in his family restaurant to make boatloads of Christmas confections for the school charity. After all, he’s also a home economics teacher there too, and their town is very big into community events like this to support each other.

Some might say the entire town is like a pack of their own, although Jimin does already have a pack, technically.

Jimin is a soft alpha, with a kind heart and a desire to give back. But as an alpha, he is also competitive, and he secretly enjoys trying to outdo the other confection bakers at the charity every year, especially if they are alphas like him.

It’s all in good fun, of course. Yet this year is no different.

Since Jimin's family restaurant is a staple in this little town and pretty much everyone knows who Jimin is, his confections are always a hit at the charity. The members of the town will specifically come year after year to purchase Jimin’s confections at this tent. It’s an honor, really, something that he is prideful in. It fuels an instinct he has to provide and look after others as an alpha. Not to be a caretaker, necessarily, but to ensure that his pack is surviving the best way they can.

“Hi!” he chirps at one of the locals, leaning over the table to give the older woman a hug. “It’s so good to see you!”

“Oh, Jimin,” she gives him a fragile squeeze. “You’ve outdone yourself this year.”

He takes the compliment, not even bothering to argue since he is definitely quite proud of his work for the first weekend of the charity.

“Please take as much or as little as you want.” Jimin hands her a reusable bag, bowing generously to her.

“Tell your mother I said hello. And that I’m sorry I haven’t been able to get to the restaurant in some time. Bad hip and all.” She smiles weakly at him, and Jimin offers a comforting smile.

“Your presence here is more than enough. Thank you so much.”

He takes the money when she offers, and he bows again. It’s definitely not a lot of money, but this is for charity, after all, and anything is better then nothing. It’s the thought that counts.

A few of his little cousins have also come to help out with the sales since his tent is always so busy. He loves spending time with his family, and he’s excited to go home and see his pack later this evening. Though, Jimin has to hide at least one of the strawberry cupcakes for Taehyung or else the omega will throw a silly fit.

At some point, it starts flurrying again, which is common weather for this time of year. A snowstorm, or maybe even a blizzard, will come full force in a few weeks, usually around Christmas. The flurries today add to the adorable holiday ambiance of the charity event, where other vendors are set up to sell their cute baked goods to give back to the school as well.

Jimin feels a vibration in his pocket from his phone, pulling it out to see Namjoon facetiming him. He accepts the call, holding the phone up so his face is in full view on the screen–silver hair that is long for the upcoming cold weather, framing around his face in a cute way that shows off his charm, and his cheeks that have become a little rosey from the chilly breeze.

“Hi, alpha,” Jimin says to their pack alpha, offering a little wave with his fingers.

“Jiminie, hello.” Namjoon smiles at him, before scolding, “Wait, where are your earmuffs?? Did Hoseokie forget to give them to you? I heard it started snowing already.”

“It’s just a light dusting, nothing too crazy,” Jimin responds, ruffling the head of his cousin as he walks by.

“If it gets too cold please put them on.”

“Yes, I will.”

“Promise?”

“Yes, yes.”

“Alright.”

Jimin appreciates their pack alpha looking out for him like that.

“Can I see the stand? You didn’t send photos,” Namjoon then says, always supporting what Jimin is doing and how he is spending his time.

“I’ll send some later. It’s already getting a little busy, Namjoonie.” Jimin navigates holding up the phone and putting some extra bags on the table so his cousin can reach them easier. “Are you coming down today?”

“No, not today. Seokjin and I are about to go look at trees at the farm. Taehyungie wants to decorate early this year.”

At the sound of Taehyung’s name being spoken, Jimin sees a tuff of blonde shaggy hair in the background of the pack house. And then, the sweet omega’s face comes into view on the screen.

“Hi, Jiminie!” Taehyung hooks a chin on Namjoon’s shoulder from behind the alpha. “Miss you!”

“You just saw me like an hour ago,” Jimin giggles, his heart warming at the sight of one of their pack omegas being clingy.

“I know, but Namjoon and Jinnie are leaving me today and you won’t be here until later so what am I supposed to do?” Taehyung fake pouts. But truth be told, that pout often gets him whatever he wants.

“Sweet boy,” Jimin responds with admiration. “Where’s Yoongi and Hoseok? They were both home when I left.”

“They’re still sleeping.” Taehyung nonchalantly rubs his cheek over Namjoon’s shoulder, scenting him.

It makes sense, since Yoongi just found out he’s with a pup, and he’s been more tired then normal. Though, Jimin likes to think it just gives the omega an excuse to sleep in a bit more than usual.

But these types of things don’t really bother Jimin at all–they all support each other as pack. It’s been like this since Jimin’s last year of grade school several years ago, when the six of them had become so closely intertwined after they presented that the pack formed naturally, like fate had predicted it and brought them all together in some amazing way.

“I’ll be home a little later,” Jimin eventually says back, trying to pay attention to his pack on the call but also needing to get back to the busy table of customers.

“Okay! Don’t forget to bring me my–”

“Strawberry cupcake. You know I would never forget.”

Taehyung beams, kissing Namjoon on the cheek before vanishing from view. The pack alpha smiles at Jimin through the screen. “We’re decorating the tree tonight. Don’t forget that, either.”

“I won’t.”

“Have a wonderful day, Jimin. Love you.”

“Love you all.”

He disconnects the call, pocketing his phone into his washed out jeans that flare at the bottom, before giving a customer attention with all alpha charm.

It goes like this for another hour or so. Needless to say, Jimin is all smiles and holiday cheer right now at being able to give back like this for his school. And knowing that he’ll be able to spend quality time with his pack later tonight decorating the tree and munching on leftover confections from today’s charity event makes it even better.

But there is also another reason for Jimin's continuous smile on this chilly winter day.

Because right across from his tent is an alpha he’s never seen before. His hair is dark and choppy underneath an eccentric headband with two antlers attached to them, both with little bells that Jimin has been listening to for at least two hours now, ringing as he moves around his tent. He’s wearing an adorable holiday sweater, and even from across the pathway, Jimin can tell that his cheeks are getting red and rosy from the cold. But also because he seems a bit flustered.

He’s handing out small bags of Christmas cookies completely alone, and his tent is busy.

Jimin actually laughs at one point, seeing the cute alpha trying to juggle sales and customers and bagging cookies at the same time. He is clearly new to this area, because events like these are always extremely popular and Jimin has never seen him before.

Plus, it’s mostly a young crowd here, more progressive in nature as many young alphas and omegas have flocked here over the years to escape the everyday hustle and bustle of city life. And even with the cute antlers and holiday sweater, the alpha doesn’t look like he completely fits in.

Yet.

Jimin smiles again to himself, watching as the alpha is keeping up his composure well–a brilliant, gorgeous smile on his own face, pearly white teeth, an expression that shows that he’s trying his best and happy to be doing so. And Jimin can’t help but keep watching him, thinking that maybe if he is a good person–a good alpha–then he could fit in here quite well.

After a few hours and many baked goods sold at the charity event, the crowd naturally starts to die down. Jimin has already told one of his cousins to head home, and the other is currently packing up any leftovers into the bins.

He spares another glance across to the alpha's table. Now that the crowd is much less, he notices it really is just a cheap table, probably something he picked up at the local hardware store on a whim. There isn’t a company logo on the plain white tablecloth or anything like that, no branding, nothing–just the alpha selling cookies in his cute headband.

Jimin’s chest tightens in curiosity, and he bites down on his lip. He really wants to talk to him, or at least say hi. So he puts one of his left-over confections together in a little box, then walks over to the alpha’s tent, his heart fluttering in his chest a little bit.

His scent is strong, woodsy and calming, classic in such an alpha way that reflects Jimin’s own.

The alpha looks up from where he is locking the box full of cash from his sales, and a shy smile appears on his face.

Oh. Wow.

"Hi," Jimin breathes out, holding out the confection box. "You look like you could enjoy anything other than cookies right now." He smiles back in his attempt at an innocent ice breaker.

"Ah, yeah. It was crazy! There were so many people. I definitely did not expect this type of turnout." He laughs lightly in return, like he’s finally able to catch his breath.

Fuck, he has a beautiful laugh.

“Yes, we definitely take charity events seriously in this town,” Jimin affirms the alpha’s experience.

"Thank you. This is so nice of you." The opposing alpha takes the box with a little bow at Jimin. Then, he glances around at his tent, laughing again. "Honestly, I'd give you something in return but literally I have no cookies left."

Jimin's brows raise up. "Really? Wow. That's pretty amazing that you sold everything! You did really well for this being your first time."

The alpha looks down at the box sheepishly. "You could tell, huh?"

"Oh, definitely."

"I got the flyer in the mail earlier this week and thought I'd try it out, since I like to bake," the alpha tells Jimin, looking up at him to hold eye-contact in a friendly way, and Jimin forces himself to keep it. Though, gods, it's difficult when the alpha is so, so attractive. “I just moved here a few weeks ago."

Jimin nods, having to blink himself out of staring at the alpha like he's the real charity prize here. "Got it. Yeah, that’s cool. I hope you like it here so far."

"Yeah, so far so good."

There’s a growing moment of quiet between them, and Jimin knows he has stars in his eyes. Their scents envelop each other in a natural way, the woodsy aromas of their alphas instinctually fighting for some type of dominance in their interaction. Which is silly, considering both of them are still smiling shyly like schoolboys with a new crush, barely able to get anything else out.

Jimin clears his throat, forcing himself to look away. He motions behind him at his tent to see his cousin still packing up, and one more customer looking for a last minute sale. "I should, you know–"

"Yeah, okay."

"I hope you like my treat,” Jimin then says, “and maybe I'll see you next weekend?"

It’s hopeful, considering the charity event happens every weekend leading up to Christmas. Jimin will be here for every one of them, continuing to raise money for the school.

The other alpha nods a few times. "Yeah! Yeah. I'll be here. Same time, same place."

He clears his throat, and Jimin smiles again. His chest is going crazy with butterflies right now watching the alpha also become flustered for no reason in this simple conversation.

What the actual hell is this?

"I'm Jeongguk, by the way,” the alpha then says to him before Jimin can scurry off, holding out his hand to shake properly.

Jimin takes it, noting the slight size difference, the tattoos on his knuckles…and he gulps.

"Jeongguk, nice to meet you. I'm Jimin."

"Jimin."

"Yeah."

"Jimin.”

“You said that already,” Jimin giggles cutely.

Jeongguk drops his hand, moving it to the back of his neck again. “Y-Yeah, heh. Sorry.”

Jimin has to turn as quickly as he can or else the blush that creeps on his neck will be too obvious, and he can’t imagine his scent won’t give him away to whatever nerves have suddenly appeared at speaking normal words to the cookie making alpha.

He darts back to his tent, putting his hands on his cheeks, positive that they're blazing red.

Sparing a glance back over his shoulder a few seconds later, Jimin catches the way Jeongguk peers into his confection box with a curious expression. Then, he also glances up to see Jimin looking at him. He immediately smiles, offering a little wave, and Jimin's heart literally flutters right out of his damn chest.

Needless to say, he can't wait until next weekend.

⋆⁺₊❅⋆ ⁺₊❆⋆

Jeongguk is incredibly excited for this weekend, for obvious reasons.

He hasn’t stopped thinking about the beautiful silver-haired alpha selling cupcakes at the charity event, and yes it would be absolutely ridiculous and dramatic to say that the cupcake was quite literally the best thing he had ever eaten in his entire life.

Jimin. His name is Jimin.

Jeongguk likes the way it sounds coming out of his own mouth, likes the way it settles in a part of his brain that isn’t common for alphas when it comes to who and what they are “supposed” to be attracted to. That place is usually reserved for an omega–their natural instinct that wants to breed and mate an omega instead of another alpha.

Jeongguk frowns at that thought as he finishes packing up the last few bags of his Christmas cookies for the weekend. He’s been working on these cookies since yesterday and had even took a day off work today to finish up without interruptions. He learned a lot about the potential chaos of charity bake sales last weekend, and he feels confident about tomorrow this time around, at least.

But still, the thrill of the weekend unfortunately doesn’t stop these typical demeaning thoughts to creep in. Especially in times like this, where he’s excited about something but he’s not able to express it to anyone in his life that would actually care.

And truthfully, Jeongguk doesn’t mean to be so down about those thoughts when it comes to his alpha instincts and his lonliness–it’s just simply true and difficult to ignore.

Jeongguk doesn’t have family to rely on anymore either. He sometimes gets a few likes on his Instagram posts from a few people from work. Though since his job is remote, he doesn’t really feel that it’s entirely genuine with them. And of course, since he’s blocked everyone and anyone related to his ex-pack, Jeongguk definitely doesn't expect or want them to know what he’s up to. He even made his profile private just incase.

He sighs through these thoughts, tying a ribbon on the last bag of chocolate chip cookies to perfection, and humming quietly to the holiday music he had put on in the background while he finished baking. He forces himself to stop thinking about his ex-pack, the lack of family and friends, or even his expectation of mating an omega.

Instead, Jeongguk thinks of Jimin–the alpha who gave him a cupcake, the alpha who was kind to him when he didn’t have to be, who smiled so beautifully at him that it made Jeongguk’s entire body both tense and relax at the same time.

He gets to see him again tomorrow! That’s enough for Jeongguk to smile to himself while he finishes packing up the cookie containers with pride in his work.

And maybe he even puts together a special cookie bag for the alpha, too.

Later that evening, Jeongguk makes a cup of hot chocolate and sits by the one window in this little studio apartment that looks over the town. The houses and buildings are starting to become lined with strings of holiday lights, and there is a slight dusting of snow that had coated the ground earlier that day, along with a group of carolers singing on the sidewalk walking by his building.

And the next morning, Jeongguk wakes up early to get ready for the charity event.

He lugs his containers and bins of cookies to the same tent he had been assigned to last weekend, his chest already littered in nerves as he notices that Jimin is already at his own tent, setting up with the same younger kids that had helped him out before. The four of them are all wearing matching elf hats this time. One of them is hanging up some red and green lights around the tent, and the others are placing all the various confection boxes out on the table in a neat way.

And Jimin…wow.

He’s wearing a tighter sweater today that outlines his figure, with tights instead of jeans, and black boots that ride up his calf to just under his knee. Jeongguk can’t take his eyes off Jimin as he walks up the pathway with the containers in his arms, not really looking where he’s going, not even hearing anything around him–he just sees Jimin, the most beautiful and alluring alpha he’s ever laid eyes on, and feels drawn to him.

And then, when Jimin naturally catches Jeongguk’s eye and smiles in his direction, Jeongguk trips.

The cookie containers go flying out of his arms, and Jeongguk lands with a hard thump on his side, his knee scraping against the concrete on the ground in the process.

Oh fuck. Oh god. This is embarrassing!

He starts to scramble, noticing that one of the containers had popped open from the fall and his cookie bags have scattered out on the sidewalk.

“Jeongguk!!” Jimin’s voice calls out for him in worry, and he hears pairs of feet pattering towards him. Jeongguk spares a shy glance upward to see Jimin and one of the younger kids at his tent rushing over to him, and his cheeks blush red.

“Are you okay?” Jimin leans down and touches his shoulder, and Jeongguk nods.

”I’m good, I’m okay. Thanks.”

Jeongguk pushes himself to his feet, bowing at the younger kid who has started to pick up all the cookie bags for him.

“Are you sure? That was quite the fall,” Jimin asks with concern, brushing a hand down Jeongguk’s arm and back to rid it of the dusting of snow. The motion comes naturally, like Jimin doesn’t even realize he’s doing it.

He stutters out, “A-Ah, well. Yeah, I-I’m okay.”

Jimin must have noticed what he was doing and stops, adjusting the elf hat on his head instead and clearing his throat. Their scents consume the space around them again, strong alpha smells that naturally clash against each other, especially since they aren’t part of the same pack.

Yet Jeongguk doesn’t feel threatened by it at all. Rather, he feels…comforted. Soothed.

Safe.

“That’s good. It’s good to see you,” Jimin says to him.

“You too. Looks like you’ve got everything set up.” Jeongguk nods towards the tent, where Jimin’s confection boxes are lined up in a pretty way. It’s so very evident that he’s done this before and has a routine.

“Yes, well,” Jimin leans down to pick up one of the bins, and Jeongguk does the same, mumbling a thank you in the process, “I like to get here early. I’m a bit of a perfectionist.”

“Good idea. Maybe I’ll try that next weekend.”

Jimin smiles, and then speaks to the younger kid with him, “Minho, don’t forget that one–” He nods towards one of the cookie bags that had scattered a little further than the others.

And that’s when Jeongguk’s eyes go wide in realization, and he blurts out, “Oh! Oh, no. Here, I’ll get it.” He scoops it up before the kid can, but it’s unfortunately obvious that this cookie bag isn’t like the others.

It’s the one he made specifically for Jimin.

And he probably could have gotten away with it just being a special or different bag if he hadn’t written Jimin’s name on the front of it on a pretty label and also in the absolute best hand-writing he could muster up.

Needless to say, it’s very visible and very obvious what this is.

“Is that for me?” Jimin gently asks with his sweet voice. The younger kid has since taken the other two bins to Jeongguk’s tent for him.

Jeongguk scratches the back of his neck, his cheeks flushing a deep shade of red as his scent shifts into something vulnerable.

“Ah, y-yeah. I just, you know, wanted to make you something special since you gave me a cupcake last weekend. Here, oh…” He hands it out to Jimin to take, but he’s also still holding one of the heavier containers that had fallen. “Let me…”

They try to navigate around each other at the same time, with Jeongguk holding the bag in one hand and Jimin trying to transfer the container of cookies with one arm to Jeongguk. They both giggle slightly, finally exchanging items successfully.

“Thank you, Jeongguk. This is so sweet of you,” Jimin says as he admires the package, his eyes sparkling in the light snowfall.

Jeongguk is mesmerized. “S-Sure, it’s no problem. I hope you like them.”

Another few seconds go by with Jimin holding his cookie bag, and Jeongguk holding the container. They smile shyly at each other, before they both speak over each other at the same time:

“I should–”

“Let me–”

They both pause, laughing, before trying again.

“You first–”

“You can–”

They do it again, both stopping and giggling like silly kids. Jimin fiddles cutely with the homemade cookie bag, before just bowing to Jeongguk and heading to his tent across from his own.

Jeongguk exhales a deep breath, relishing in their pheromones that are still lingering in the small space on the sidewalk. Jimin’s scent is also now sticking to his jacket where he had touched him, and it’s enough for the alpha to blush again, internally scolding himself for being clumsy, but glad that it happened since now he can spend the charity event consumed in Jimin’s scent.

Which is…crazy. This is crazy. Jimin probably doesn’t like him like that, right? Alphas aren’t supposed to fall in love with each other, unless they’re part of a pack where scenting and mating are more common among those with a shared bond.

But as Jeongguk finally gets himself together and starts to unpack the cookies and the new tablecloth he had bought for the event, he can’t help but wonder if there is the slightest chance that Jimin might be interested in something a little less traditional.

It would be nice. It would be perfect, since Jeongguk’s ex-pack was unfortunately not accepting when it came to Jeongguk’s preferences for wanting to be attracted to alphas over omegas.

But he also shouldn't get his hopes up, right? Jimin is just being nice to him, regardless of how incredible their scents mix together, regardless if–in Jeongguk’s eyes–exchanging confections is practically a mutual courting gift.

The crowd appears and there isn’t much time to think about it anymore. Jeongguk had tried his best to prepare and make everything go much smoother this weekend, even though it’s still just him in the tent while everyone else has multiple people working alongside them. He doesn’t have anyone to ask to help, and unfortunately, it does eventually get overwhelming for him again trying to navigate everything on his own.

He’s just so surprised that people are willing to spend this type of money on baked confections for charity. He’s not used to this type of mindset. His ex-pack didn’t really participate in community things like this or even encourage this type of behavior among them. And Jeongguk always felt so alone and different because of it.

Among other things.

“I’ll be right with you,” Jeongguk says to a small crowd that has appeared all at once, turning around to try and guzzle down some water to keep hydrated.

He wishes he had another coffee, and about ten minutes after setting up he realized he forgot his gloves, so his hands are a bit red and cold. He rubs them together, then blows into them to try to get them warm. His ears are cold, too, and he wishes he had brought a scarf or hat.

The alpha frowns, because he’s honestly not used to taking care of himself like this. The pack omegas always got his things together, did his laundry, made sure he was keeping warm in the winter and things like that. Jeongguk wasn’t hopeless or anything, and he’s not a lazy alpha. But sometimes these things didn’t come naturally to him when it comes to remembering what he might need before he leaves the house.

It’s just an adjustment period, that’s all.

When Jeongguk turns back around to face the customers, he’s suddenly struck with Jimin’s scent again–pinecones and fern, mossy and wet like a smell after a good rain. He smiles, because Jimin is actually right there behind the table next to him.

“Oh, hey!” He chirps, also smiling at the customers who are collecting the cookies they want to purchase.

“Hi, Jeongguk. I just wanted to check on you. How’s it going?” Jimin fidgets with some of the bags of cookies on the table, organizing them and making them slightly more presentable.

“Yeah, I’m doing okay.” He accepts some cash from one of the women. “It’s pretty busy again. And I’m honestly still in shock about that.”

“Your cookies are definitely the talk of the town, Jeongguk.”

“What an honor, that’s so cool.” Jeongguk does feel a swell of pride in his chest at that comment, because it’s been a while since he’s felt this way. “It’s also a little chilly today. So I’m also a bit underprepared for the weather.”

“I figured. Here.”

Then, before Jeongguk can react, Jimin is reaching towards him and wrapping a scarf around his neck. The alpha stands there, eyes wide, still as a statue, just watching the way Jimin’s forehead crinkles cutely while he ties the scarf perfectly. He adjusts it against Jeongguk’s chest, then flattens it down. He looks at Jeongguk, with his hands lingering.

Sweetly, he breathes out, “There you go.”

Jeongguk is temporarily speechless. Once again, while staring into Jimin’s eyes, the entire world just…stops.

Wow, the way Jimin effects him isn’t like anything he’s ever felt before. He doesn’t even know this alpha, doesn’t know a damn thing about him. Yet it doesn’t seem to matter since Jeongguk is absolutely covered in Jimin’s scent now, the pheromones completely soaking into his clothes, his skin, invading his nostrils…

And further down.

Jeongguk quickly clears his throat, smiling shyly, and taking a gentle step back. “T-Thank you, so much. You’re, um, being really kind to me, Jimin.”

He hopes his own scent doesn’t give away the fact that he was about to get aroused in the middle of a charity event just from wearing another alpha’s scarf.

Jimin drops his hands, fidgeting his gloved fingers together. “Yes, I know. It’s just good to see you, I guess. You’re doing good work here for our community, and I hope that this is a nice welcome into the neighborhood.”

“It is, really,” Jeongguk responds right away.

“I’m glad.” Jimin beams. “Have you been here long?” He then asks.

“Only about two months now, maybe? So no, not long.”

“Where did you move from?”

“About four or so hours away. I lived by the mountains, right outside the city. It’s still pretty congested out that way, though.”

“I bet. I don’t really go out that way too much.”

“No?” Jeongguk asks, perfectly content with wanting to talk more, because Jimin’s voice is so, so sweet and he could listen to it all day if he had the chance. “Are you a homebody?”

Jimin giggles, curling a piece of silver hair behind his ear under the elf hat. “I think you could say that. I love it here, I love my town. There’s not really a reason to leave.” Jimin glances around, motioning towards the many people walking through the charity event. “We do good work here. We support each other. We take care of each other no matter what. That’s enough to want to stay and settle down.” Jimin looks back at Jeongguk, his eyes sparkling. “Don’t you think so?”

Jeongguk hasn’t looked away for a second. He nods. “Yeah, it is. Well, it should be, I guess.”

“Why, um,” Jimin pulls his hands into his sweater, “why did you move here? I just ask because, well, it is pretty common for people to show up from elsewhere. Our community is known to be welcoming, so there’s always a reason. No one moves here just for the cozy vibes.”

Jeongguk bites on his lip ring, twirling it in debate. It’s actually interesting to hear that others move here like he did, perhaps for similar reasons. Truth be told, he doesn’t know much about the background of this town. He just needed to get away and this was the first apartment he found that was within his budget.

Though, Jeongguk’s pause is enough for Jimin to waver, apologizing, “Sorry, I shouldn’t pry–”

“No, it’s okay,” Jeongguk assures him. And maybe it’s just the fact that Jimin’s scent is literally covering his body right now that makes him feel safe to try to open up as much as he can, that he continues, “I sort of left my pack recently, so…” Jeongguk catches the immediate look of concern in Jimin’s face, and the little oh that follows. “I just wanted to get away from them.” He swallows. “Far away.”

Jimin reaches out to touch his arm. “Jeongguk, I’m sorry–”

“Hi, four bags please!” Someone at the table interrupts, an omega with her alpha and two pups, who are jumping around and acting hyper from all the sugar.

Jeongguk smiles generously at her, quickly shifting into customer service mode. He picks up four sets of cookies, reaches for a bag and realizes that Jimin already has one opened for him, easily assisting with the sale. He mumbles a quick thanks, both to the other alpha and the customers, before turning back to Jimin.

“Thanks for–”

“Jimin!” One of the younger kids from Jimin’s tent calls for him, yet again interrupting their conversation. “We’re out of strawberry again!”

Jimin smiles and Jeongguk’s heart flutters at how beautiful it is. “I should go.”

“Yeah, of course.”

“Maybe after, if you want, we could–”

“Jimin!”

The alpha noticeably gives up, but Jeongguk understands. Jimin scurries away, crossing the pathway of people and disappearing into his tent. Before Jeongguk can catch his eyes again, more customers have already come up to his table.

The rest of the shift goes well, probably because Jeongguk is completely covered in Jimin’s scent still and it’s…wow. He hasn’t felt this calm in so long. It allows him to focus, both on Jimin, of course, but also the task at hand, like it’s guiding him even though Jimin isn’t right next to him anymore.

So that’s why, once the last of his bags of cookies are officially gone, Jeongguk discretely scents the scarf back, gently covering Jimin’s with his own. He gathers his courage and jogs back over to Jimin’s tent.

“Hey,” he calls for him, and Jimin smiles at the greeting.

“Hi. How’d you make out?” he asks.

“Good. Yeah, all the cookies are gone again. Crazy.”

“That’s great, Jeongguk.”

“How about you?”

Jimin turns and motions towards a few boxes still left. “I can’t mange to sell them all today, but that’s okay. We’ll take them to the homeless shelter after this before I take my little cousins back to my mother’s.”

Jeongguk blinks a few times at that statement, because of course Jimin is the type of alpha to do something like that.

“Oh, that’s great. I wish I had something to offer.” He glances back to his tent, frowning. “Maybe I can save a few bags next weekend, and we could go together, too?”

“Yeah, that sounds really nice.” Jimin smiles again, biting down on his mouth as they stand close to each other.

“Do you live with your mother? Or…?” Jeongguk then asks, wanting to keep up their conversation from earlier that was interrupted.

“Oh, no. I live with my pack,” Jimin responds, and Jeongguk notices the way his fingers naturally touch the left side of his neck. It’s covered by his own scarf, but the alpha imagines that’s where his bond mark is located.

“Gotcha. That’s nice.”

“Yeah, they’re really great.”

Jeongguk couldn’t imagine they would be anything less, considering what he knows about Jimin and this community they’ve managed to build in this cute little town. It doesn’t make him jealous or anything–plenty of alphas and omegas are bonded in a pack, following that natural instinct to be a part of one even in this day and age. But Jeongguk wonders if the scent that has been on his body all day from Jimin’s scarf is actually Jimin’s or that of his pack.

And that’s…confusing.

Even if that’s the case, Jeongguk pushes any thoughts or doubts away. He clears his throat, then says, “Here.” Jeongguk goes to unwrap the scarf around his neck. “Thanks for letting me wear it today. I’ll come more prepared for the weather next time.”

“Keep it.”

Jeongguk pauses. “What?”

“Keep it. It’ll be colder next weekend for sure.” Jimin reaches to keep the scarf in place, hands overlapping with Jeongguk’s on the material.

“But–”

“But what? You want to freeze next weekend, alpha?” Jimin says this with a little bite to his voice, like he’s giving a light demand. Jeongguk swallows at him being called alpha in any capacity by Jimin. “I have plenty of scarfs. So keep it.”

“Well, I was actually going to say…” Jeongguk looks at Jimin as their hands still brush together on the material, “your scent it’s really nice. And it helped me focus today so, I thought you should have it back, you know. And maybe mine will do the same for you.”

Jimin’s mouth opens again to a little oh, his eyes glittering in the cold weather. Jeongguk can already detect the shift in his scent, obvious in the way it likes what Jeongguk is saying to him, with the realization that Jeongguk has scented the scarf that Jimin gave him today. And that he’s accepting of it.

And it’s then that Jeongguk knows he’s not imagining this–that Jimin really might like him, too.

Even if he is an alpha.

“Okay.”

Jimin takes the liberty of slowly unraveling the scarf from Jeongguk’s neck, a cute contradiction to the way he had bundled Jeongguk up with it earlier. He keeps eye-contact, offering a little smile. And Jeongguk can’t help but drop his eyes to his mouth, lips that are pink and plump, soft like a pillow.

Jimin notices, his tongue coming out to dart against them. Like he knows.

When the scarf is off Jeongguk’s neck, Jimin holds it in his hands. Jeongguk hopes that this is okay, and that he isn’t crossing any lines with giving Jimin something scented, too.

“Enjoy your cookies,” Jeongguk tells him, and Jimin just nods, flushed and cute to the point where Jeongguk might explode.

He can feel Jimin’s eyes on him as he walks away. He already misses Jimin’s scent, but knowing that the alpha might enjoy his own, and that he’ll see him again next weekend, is enough for Jeongguk to look forward to this life that he’s starting to build on his own.

⋆⁺₊❅⋆ ⁺₊❆⋆

Jimin thinks that Jeongguk’s scent is…perfect.

Maybe it’s weird. Maybe it’s borderline strange considering that he doesn’t know this alpha at all–except that he used to be in a pack, that he just moved here not long ago at all and likes to bake, and is so, so, so freaking cute when he’s chilly.

And maybe it’s not a good idea to be acting so incredibly head over heels inhaling a scent from a stranger like this…

But Jimin really can’t help it.

He spent days after the charity event laying on the scarf, trying to hold onto the smell of the woods–of Jeongguk–until it eventually faded from the material.

It probably faded so fast because Jeongguk had scented it too quickly and it didn’t stick around as long, or maybe because Jimin had nonchalantly scented it before giving the material to Jeongguk to begin with…but either way, it honestly started making Jimin reflect about what his motives are when it comes to the alpha right now.

And the others in his pack have definitely caught on to Jimin’s shift in behavior.

“You’re lucky we aren’t toxic or anything,” Taehyung pouts adorably into Jimin’s chest where his cheek is squished against it. His arms are curled under himself to burrito against Jimin’s body. Jimin is laying on his back on the couch and has his arms wrapped around Taehyung in a lazy and familiar way of being bonded.

He chuckles. “What do you mean?”

“You know what I mean.” Taehyung noses at his chest where the scarf would have sat.

Jimin does know what he’s referring to, of course, since Jeongguk’s scent definitely could be detected in their shared pack house for a few recent days.

“It’s not a terrible scent! I like it,” Hoseok chimes in. He’s laying on Taehyung too, with his cheek resting against the dip of Taehyung’s shoulders, sprawled out overtop of his back where they are all puppy-piled together after dinner.

“No, it’s not terrible at all,” Taehyung mumbles. “Just…different.”

“It’s new,” Hoseok affirms. “We haven’t had a new scent around the pack in a while.”

“Especially another alpha.”

Jimin stays quiet while the omegas chat, just listening to their tones, detecting their scents as well. His omegas in the pack are important to him, and although none of them have openly complained about Jeongguk’s scent since he wore the scarf home, he definitely wants to know their opinions on the matter and make sure they are feeling comfortable.

“Namjoon says it reminds him of where he grew up,” Hoseok continues to say, snuggling further into Taehyung’s back.

“Really?” Taehyung asks. “That’s good. He loved his hometown. He was such an active, outdoorsy alpha before he moved here.”

“Now he’s like an old grandpa with a bunch of hyper omegas.”

“And a very needy pregnant one.”

Jimin smiles at their back and forth, a warmth settling against their pack bond.

Hoseok then says, “I guess all that matters is what Jimin is feeling now.”

The two omegas look up at the same time with wide eyes where they’re laying on the alpha, and Jimin glances down to meet their gaze.

“O-Oh.” The alpha adjusts on the couch, his fingers starting to threat through Taehyung’s pretty blonde hair. “Well, I don’t know yet...”

“Is he hot??” Taehyung bluntly asks.

“Yeah. He’s…yeah.” Jimin bites down on his mouth, feeling shy again and unable to hide the blush that always creeps onto his cheeks whenever he thinks about Jeongguk. “He’s attractive. I’m…very attracted to him.”

Taehyung squeals into Jimin’s chest, and his scent matches Hoseok’s excitement as the two omegas start naturally complimenting each other in their bond.

“But I’m getting nervous about it all,” Jimin then admits to his packmates.

“Nervous about what?” Hoseok asks. “Because it’s been a while since you’ve dated?”

“Well, yes and no,” Jimin starts to try to explain, hoping that talking about it out loud will also help figure out what’s actually going on with all of this. “I mean, it has been some time since I’ve tried to date, but…I guess it’s because I don’t actually know if he even likes alphas like that. Exclusively, you know?” Jimin works his jaw in debate.

“He accepted the scarf you scented for him and gave it back after scenting it himself, Jimin,” Hoseok points out.

“And he gave you special cookies! Which I totally did not eat any of them at all,” Taehyung adds, and Jimin playfully rolls his eyes.

“I already know you ate a few,” Jimin chides.

“They were so good…” Taehyung trails off.

“And yes, I know that him scenting my clothes back is definitely a good sign.” Jimin plays with Taehyung’s hair. “But that doesn’t mean I’m not nervous about the potential outcome.” Jimin frowns. “I just don’t know him well enough yet.”

“Well I think you should find out!” Taehyung states the obvious, releasing some pheromones to help keep Jimin feeling safe. “Don’t you think you deserve that?”

“I do, I know I do.” Jimin doesn’t think badly of himself or anything like that. He just doesn’t know if he can try to date another alpha who isn’t all in only for him.

He doesn’t know if he can take that kind of heartbreak again.

“If you like him then we’ll like him too, Jiminie,” Hoseok assures, and Jimin feels safe.

The Christmas tree that the omegas decorated the previous weekend is twinkling in the corner, filled with all of their ornaments that they’ve collected throughout the years together in this packhouse. He stares lovingly at it while they continue to cuddle on the couch. Their support means everything to the alpha.

“Thanks you guys.” Jimin kisses the top of Taehyung’s hair, then finds Hoseok’s hand and squeezes it, not letting go. “I’ll keep you posted.”

“You better,” Taehyung tells him. “And if he maybe wants to bring me special cookies in the future I would definitely not say no to that at all.”

“Alright,” Jimin chuckles. “I’ll let him know that personalized Christmas cookies for Taehyung is the writ of passage into the packhouse.”

They cuddle for a while longer on the couch, until Yoongi is calling for them from the bedroom, casually demanding his own omega puppy pile. And Jimin lets them go, taking the time to stretch and debate if he wants to make at least one more batch of cupcakes tonight in preparation for tomorrow’s event.

He decides to first step out on the second-floor balcony of their packhouse in the neighborhood they had all moved to a few years ago. It’s very cold this evening, and he shivers while rubbing his hands together.

Yet even in the cold weather, Jimin truly loves it out here. His neighborhood in particular is one that prides itself with the expectation of going all out with Christmas lights and decorations, making the entire community a big spectacle of lightshows and fun events.

He had helped Namjoon and Seokjin set up all the lights around the packhouse last weekend, a yearly tradition that is important to them now. And this Friday evening is the first night that the entire town will start to venture to their neighborhood to enjoy all the Christmas festivities.

Jimin waves to a few kids down below, a small family pack that is taking photos out front of a large Snoopy set up that Namjoon had picked out this year. Down the road, he can hear some carolers about to start strolling through the area as well. It’ll get pretty busy in the next hour or so, with other packs coming to see the lights and the many families enjoying their time together.

He anticipates that his mother will bring his little cousins here over the weekend at some point, and while Yoongi isn’t up for going outside much right now, he knows that Taehyung and Hoseok will want to take a long walk around the neighborhood soon, too.

Christmas in this town has always been such a magical time. He feels lucky to be a part of it, to uphold these traditions with the ones he holds closest to him.

But his mind also can’t help but wonder to something a bit more sad.

Jimin isn’t a down person, necessarily, and he’s very proud to be an alpha. But he hasn’t been in a relationship in a while, and to say he has a hard time finding someone to actually be with is an understatement.

He’s grateful for his immediate family, who still lives in this town. He’s grateful for his pack–for the sweet omegas who keep him company on lonely nights, take his knot during his ruts, scent him when he needs to feel safe, cook for him and clean up his room in a way of showing their caregiving affection, and things like that.

He’s grateful for Namjoon and Seokjin who support him with anything and everything he does, from school to work to his hobbies and everything in between.

And because of this, and because of his lack of dating, there is a part of Jimin that has subtly convinced himself that he doesn’t really need anyone else.

But it also doesn’t feel fair sometimes, not wanting to mate an omega in a tradition way, to not want what alphas are supposed to want by societal means.

He’s strumming his fingers against the balcony railing, completely lost in thought. There are many different scents in the air now that the neighborhood is filling up. But suddenly, one in particular sticks out among the others.

Jeongguk.

Jimin’s alpha perks to attention and he stands straight up, immediately looking around. Everyone down below is bundled up with hats and big coats and scarfs, and it’s hard to see the features of anyone in particular. Yet Jeongguk’s scent–that woodsy earth that sticks out like he’s standing right next to him–is so obvious.

And he needs to see him.

Jimin darts inside, running down the main steps and ignoring the concerned calls from Namjoon and Seokjin from the kitchen asking what he’s doing. He rushes outside in his bare feet and no jacket, the ground ice cold underneath of him as he frantically looks around for Jeongguk, who has to be nearby.

And then he sees him just past the neighbors house. Jeongguk has stopped to watch some of the Christmas lights dance through a long line of red and white candy canes, the glow illuminating his handsome face, and Jimin’s breath hitches at the sight of him again.

He’s wearing a beanie that makes his black fringe fall into his eyes, along with a black leather jacket, dark jeans and black boots. Fingerless gloves are holding a small tumbler with a hot beverage inside. Even from almost two houses away, Jimin swears he can see the red of his cheeks and his eyes that are shimmering from the light display.

He’s alone, and Jimin’s chest swells with want.

It’s as if suddenly Jeongguk catches onto something, too. The alpha watches as in an instant of Jimin stepping out onto the sidewalk, Jeongguk’s head swivels around, looking, searching, and Jimin smiles too big for his face.

“Jeongguk!” He calls out, waving an arm in the air. Jeongguk easily spots him, beaming, and returns the wave. He starts a light jog towards him and Jimin’s heart flutters at the alpha approaching.

Yet as soon as Jeongguk gets close enough, he scolds, “Jimin, what the hell? Where are your shoes??”

Jimin doesn’t care. Jeongguk’s scent so close to him again is beautiful. Perfect.

“I just ran out.” Jimin points up to his house, where he then notices that Namjoon and Seokjin are at the door, looking out for Jimin to see where he had gone. “I live here.”

“Oh, wow. The lights look so pretty. You did a great job.” Jeongguk smiles, but is still concerned. “Your feet, Jimin.”

“I know, I know.” The alpha waves it off, since he wants to keep talking to Jeongguk. He’d stand here in the middle of a snowstorm just to talk to him again. “H-How are you?” His teeth betray him and they start to chatter.

“Fine. I’m fine. Okay, can you maybe put some shoes on?”

“Jimin!” Namjoon does end up calling for him, especially now that he sees the other alpha in close proximity.

“I’m okay!” Jimin calls back, then turns back to Jeongguk. “Gosh, they really worry about me. Um, are you going to walk around and s-see the l-lights?” Jimin asks, though it seems obvious what the answer is considering Jeongguk’s presence here with all the other packs and families.

“Yes, I thought maybe I would. I read on the community page that this was the best place to do that.”

“It is! It’s so beautiful here at night.”

“Yeah, it really is.”

Jeongguk looks right at Jimin when he says this, and Jimin smiles, looking shyly away.

“Jimin! Put a jacket on right now!” It’s Seokjin this time to scold from the door.

“O-Okay!” Jimin yells behind him again, teeth still chattering. “C-Can I walk you around? Is that alright? I know all the best h-houses to check out.”

“Really? You want to?”

“I do. I really do.”

“Okay, yeah! I’d love that. But,” he points down, “you need shoes first. And a jacket.”

“I-I know. Okay, c-come on.”

Jimin motions for Jeongguk to follow him up to the house, where they walk the path of pretty lights leading up to the large porch. He skips up the steps and shivers, accepting the jacket that Seokjin is already holding out for him.

“This is Jeongguk,” he introduces as Jeongguk makes his way gingerly up the steps as well.

“Hi, it’s so nice to meet you,” he says, holding out his hand for Namjoon to shake.

Jimin watches the interaction carefully, slipping an arm into the jacket.

“Jeongguk, hi. Jimin told us you met at the charity events these last few weekends,” Namjoon says back, shaking his hand without hesitation.

Jimin detects a shift in scents, as both alphas naturally release pheromones into the air. Though, Jimin can tell that Jeongguk’s is…different. Sated. Purposefully passive in the presence of what is clearly a pack alpha.

“Yes, the events have been really amazing here. I’m so impressed with all the community support,” Jeongguk responds kindly, his voice a little higher and more respectful, which makes Jimin beam to himself.

“Good, I’m glad to hear it. This is Seokjin,” Namjoon introduces his mate, who is busy dressing Jimin for cold weather by handing him a pair of socks.

“Nice to meet you,” Jeongguk says, bowing to the omega in an equally respectful way.

“Nice to meet you as well,” Seokjin responds, then turns back to Jimin. “Silly boy, running out here in the cold.” He dramatically zips Jimin up to the chin while Jimin steps into his boots.

Jeongguk just smiles, and Jimin smiles back while being dressed by the omega.

“Well, welcome to town,” Namjoon then says to Jeongguk.

“Thank you.” Jeongguk bows his head again.

“Maybe we’ll see you around a little more often, yeah?”

Jeongguk bows again. “Yes, I hope so.”

“Be safe.” Seokjin kisses Jimin’s red cheek, then gives him a little push towards the steps.

“Ready?” Jimin asks Jeongguk as they trot down, turning back to give a few waves to the mated couple, before starting down the sidewalk, properly bundled up this time. Jeongguk had left his tumbler behind, having finished whatever he was drinking.

Jimin sighs happily, thinking that the simple interaction between Jeongguk and his pack went as well as it could.

After a few moments of getting their bearings, Jimin starts up the conversation, “You’ve moved here at such a magical time.” He takes the lead down the sidewalk. “Our town really loves the holidays. Even the silly ones. We’ll literally look for any excuse to decorate and bake and celebrate.”

Jeongguk smiles next to Jimin, keeping pace and walking close enough so that their shoulders brush on occasion.

“I’m not used to it. I mean, I lived in this strange mix of a mountain town and went to school in the city, and of course we liked putting up lights, but…” Jeongguk trails off, and Jimin catches on, like he wants to open up but isn’t sure.

“What is it?” Jimin encourages, wanting Jeongguk to trust him.

“My pack, the one I left, they weren’t very, um, what’s the word…” Jeongguk contemplates for a moment, before stating, “Fun?”

Jimin smiles softly, though he imagines that’s not the word that Jeongguk really meant to say.

“They just didn’t like to do stuff like this,” Jeongguk clarifies. “I guess I’m more romantic at heart.”

“I get it,” Jimin affirms, both of them looking at the all the holiday lights as they go. “I think if that’s the case, if you want to be involved in a community and be a romantic, then you’ve found the perfect place to live, Jeongguk. I mean it.”

“Thanks for saying that,” Jeongguk responds. “I do like it here so far. It feels so welcoming, like everyone already knows me. Everyone already accepts me.”

“It’s great that you feel that way. It means that our community is thriving. We’re doing exactly what we set out to do.”

Jeongguk smiles again, the two of them unable to stop for a second in their presence.

It’s ridiculous.

“What do you do for work now? Are you out of school?” Jimin then asks, still wanting to get to know him more while they have this precious time.

“I finished school in the spring. With work, it’s nothing glamorous or too exciting, but I do like what I do. I’m on a web support team and basically just make sure everything stays up while I’m on shift.”

“I guess that’s another reason why you’re such a romantic outside of work, hm?”

“I think you could say that.” Jeongguk nods, rubbing his hands together. “Living in the mountains and going to school in the city…it clashed way too much. I didn’t get to enjoy these types of things since I had a long commute. I feel like I spent more time in my car driving to and from then I did enjoying anything else.”

“I’m sorry to hear that,” Jimin says to him. “Are you remote now?”

“Yeah, I am. It’s better this way,” Jeongguk says. “What about you? Do you sit around making adorable cupcakes all day at a bakery or something? Everyone seems to know you around here.”

“Ha, I wish,” Jimin laughs. “Though to be fair, I couldn’t even sell all my cupcakes last weekend, Jeongguk! You totally took the spotlight at the charity this year.”

“Ah, that’s so crazy.” Jeongguk humbly scratches the back of his neck. “I didn’t mean to. I just thought it’d be fun to try it out. I’ve never made so many cookies before in my life and we still have two more weekends to go.”

“You’ve done really well so far,” Jimin says to him, and he can detect Jeongguk’s change in his scent at the compliment and praise. “I do enjoy baking any type of confection, not just cupcakes. My mom and grandmother own that big restaurant right in the middle of town, and I make all my desserts for the charity there.”

“That’s nice. Though your packhouse is pretty big…” Jeongguk glances over his shoulder, though the house at this point is pretty far down the road and out of sight. “I’m sure the kitchen in there is to die for.”

“Oh, it is,” Jimin agrees, shivering a little from the cold. “But if I make any type of dessert at the packhouse then Taehyung will definitely eat it all. That omega has such a sweet tooth. There’s no trusting him!”

“That’s cute,” Jeongguk giggles.

“I actually teach at the school, though,” Jimin answers Jeongguk’s original question.

The alpha looks over at him, impressed. “Oh, really? That’s so cool. I like that you’re involved in the charity even more now. It’s gonna make me want to sell twice the amount of cookies tomorrow!”

Jimin’s chest becomes littered in butterflies again, constantly fluttering around his ribcage.

“That’s sweet of you to say. The kids are good. It’s interesting watching them grow up before presenting. If they present, that is. And kids can be so cruel, you know. They need good role models, they need a good community like ours to lean on.”

Jeongguk nods. “I definitely remember. I was actually one of the only alphas in my grade when I was seventeen. It was…tricky, you could say.”

Jimin hums in acknowledgement, pausing just to take in a few of the lights at the end of the sidewalk at a corner house, one with seagulls and surfboards in a beach holiday scene.

“I didn’t have that problem here in town, but I know that others experience that elsewhere. I’m sorry you had to go through that,” he says to Jeongguk.

“It’s okay.” Jeongguk admires the lights, and Jimin admires him. “I guess when I found my pack, I thought I’d feel better. Maybe I did for a little while, considering they put me through college, but…”

There it is again, that soft, reminiscent look in Jeongguk’s eye that Jimin is starting to catch onto–the same one from last Saturday when his pack was brought up. Jimin wishes he could take all that hurt away, whatever had happened, whatever they did or didn’t do to him, or for him.

“But what?” Jimin touches the alpha’s arm gently, causing Jeongguk to look at him again.

“But I wasn’t, um,” Jeongguk sighs, rubbing his hands together, “I guess I didn’t live up to their expectation? I wasn’t what they were looking for when it came to the needs of their pack.”

Jimin doesn’t want to try and pry again, but he also wants to know, if only to support Jeongguk and find a way to be closer to him somehow.

“What were they looking for, then?” He asks, daring to even release some of his own pheromones to help Jeongguk feel calm enough to tell him.

“I don’t want to mate an omega,” Jeongguk admits, and Jimin’s mouth opens at the reveal. “And I, um, I’m really only attracted to…other alphas.”

Jimin releases a breath, his chest threatening to burst in sudden happiness.

“Really?” He exhales in relief.

Jeongguk nods, fidgety with his hands. “I know it’s not completely uncommon, but my family, my friends, my pack, they weren’t accepting of it. So,” Jeongguk works his jaw, finally looking at Jimin with trust in his eyes, “I wanted to find somewhere that was, and that’s why I came here. To start over.” Jeongguk’s eyes move down to Jimin’s mouth. “To fall in love with whoever I want to fall in love with, no expectations.”

Jimin takes Jeongguk’s hands in his own gloved ones, smiling with reassurance at the alpha. “You can do that here, Jeongguk. You’re safe with me, okay?”

Jeongguk nods quietly, a tiny smile pulling on his lip. They move on instinct towards one another, mouths zeroing in on each other as the world stops around them, the heat of their breaths causing fog to grow between them.

Jimin’s body shivers with nerves when Jeongguk squeezes his hands, whispering out, “Jimin,” when they’re only inches from their lips.

Until suddenly, holiday music starts to blare from the speakers surrounding the house they’ve stopped in front of, making them both jump. The lights and beach-themed decorations around the property start to match the music in a fun show, and Jimin laughs, simply falling into Jeongguk’s chest instead of kissing him.

Jeongguk holds him, and they stay like that for a little longer, watching the light show with some of the other neighbors, cheering and clapping at the spectacle. They even take a selfie together in front of one of the set ups, just for fun.

Then they continue to walk down to the next block, this time hand in hand. They talk about their lives, their dreams, work and their hobbies, just opening up to one another and trusting each other with their stories.

Jimin learns that Jeongguk has always loved to make cookies but didn’t really have anyone to appreciate them. He also accepts a promise to be taught how to make the perfect chocolate chip cookie batch, since it’s apparently a secret recipe.

He tells Jeongguk about the last person he dated–an arrogant alpha who told him that he wanted to be exclusive, but left Jimin for an omega after deciding it wasn’t going to work out. That relationship hurt him deeply, and Jeongguk is kind about it, squeezing his hand in reassurance.

Jeongguk tells Jimin that he hopes to reconcile with his immediate family one day, but he wants to explore his own life first and find himself outside of that toxic environment. In response to that, Jimin tells Jeongguk that he would be perfectly content living and dying right here in this small town, surrounded in holiday cheer and support and community. Though, he does hope to do some traveling one day.

They talk for a long while until they end up in front of a large house selling hot chocolate for the kids and hot cider whiskey for adults. There’s a small party of sorts in the driveway for neighbors to play some games, dance to holiday music, and take photos with the exciting decorations.

While they pose for the photo together, Jimin looks up to see a string of mistletoe hanging overhead.

Jeongguk is blissfully unaware, smiling for the picture from the neighbor who offered to take it for them, while Jimin looks at Jeongguk, his chest racing in nerves. The moment the alpha turns towards him, Jimin traces a gloved thumb against his red cheek, down the slope of his jaw, then pulls him in for a proper kiss.

Their lips press together among the cold weather, emotions ignited under the mistletoe, and Jimin’s heart begins to melt in happiness.

He hears the shutter of a camera capturing the moment, and he smiles against the alphas mouth, pulling away to say, “Happy holidays, Jeongguk.”

The alpha smiles back, his arm curling tightly around Jimin’s waist.

“Happy holidays, Jimin.”

Together, they walk back to Jimin’s packhouse, still unable to contain their smiles. They exchange numbers, and it takes a moment for them to part, neither of them wanting to just yet.

“I want something of yours,” Jimin pouts, “to last me until tomorrow.”

Jeongguk takes off his beanie and fits it down onto Jimin’s silver hair. “Here you go.”

Jimin giggles, then takes off his gloves and puts them in Jeongguk’s coat pocket. “To hold you over, too.”

Jeongguk kisses him again in a respectful way, before trotting down the pathway to the sidewalk to head back to his car in a lot nearby. Jimin watches him go, the smile never fading and his heart fluttering.

He’ll see the alpha tomorrow morning, but he doesn’t know how he’ll sleep with all of the anticipation.

⋆⁺₊❅⋆ ⁺₊❆⋆

Jeongguk scoffs out loud. The audacity of this alpha to say such a thing to him!

Jeongguk can’t believe this! He looks down at the batches of cookies he already made this week sitting in airtight containers on the counter, then at the ingredients for the rest of them he was going to start tomorrow. He still has a lot of work to do.

And Jeongguk knows that Jimin is just teasing, in a way. But there is also another part of Jeongguk that knows Jimin is absolutely not kidding. Not when it comes to them being alphas, where competition is built into their genetics. Sometimes, it’s unavoidable.

Jeongguk giggles, setting the phone down so he can finish cleaning up. But then, he realizes that he actually doesn’t have a show to put on, per say. These last rounds of cookies he made weren’t any different then what he has already been baking the last three weekends–but he did pick up some other varieties just to mix things up for the final event.

Okay, it doesn’t matter. He has to beat his new boyfriend this weekend! And at just that thought of being able to call Jimin that, Jeongguk smiles, biting down on his mouth as he gets out a notebook and starts jotting down his ideas for what to do.

They’ve been spending a lot of time together over these last two weeks, ever since their cute confessions after walking around the neighborhood looking at the lights–going on cute dates, with Jimin taking him around town to his favorite bars and places to eat, even falling asleep together on the phone a few times, and just getting to know each other more.

Jeongguk even had dinner with Jimin’s pack the other night, and brought some of his cookies as gifts for the omegas. This went over very well with them, especially Yoongi, who he found out is pregnant with the packs first pup. His cravings are apparently no joke.

Jeongguk found the packhouse to be peaceful, even among the hyper omegas. It wasn’t stressful, didn’t give him anxiety about needing to act any differently. He could be himself, and it was more than Jeongguk could have asked for.

And, on top of all that, he knows that he and Jimin will have even more opportunities to spend time together, and he can’t wait for whatever is to come.

They’ve been respectful to each other physically too, at least for now–with just kissing and snuggling, sharing space, and exchanging scented clothing once they part ways for the day.

Though, maybe just yesterday, Jimin had taken Jeongguk to lunch and kissed him so hard, so desperately, that he wouldn’t let him go–held Jeongguk by the jaw and swiped his tongue inside his mouth until the alpha was moaning around it, equally desperate for more.

If they hadn’t been in public then Jeongguk would have finally let Jimin take him right there.

Either way, he’s excited to spend more time with Jimin, no matter what it looks like.

Jeongguk decides on his ultimate plan for the competition this weekend and places a grocery order to pick up first thing in the morning, when Jimin texts him again.

Jeongguk scoffs again, but he definitely doesn’t miss the way his cock twitches at just the thought of finally spending intimate time with Jimin in some capacity, lingerie or not.

They flirt a little more on the phone, until Jeongguk is kicking his feet in bed, embarrassed. Especially because Jimin’s messages aren’t exactly as sweet as his are…he believes he’s actually getting a very intriguing and sexy glimpse of how Jimin might actually be in bed.

And the next morning, after picking up his groceries and a few other things from the store, Jeongguk gets to work on his big thing for the charity event tomorrow.

He shows up to the bake sale pushing a small dollie filled with his many plastic bins up the pathway to his tent for the final weekend, and he easily spots Jimin with his little cousins already there and setting up. Though, it’s impossible to not notice what Jimin has brought to his tent today for their little competition.

He has literally hired Santa Clause, and the big man is sitting besides the tent in a red chair, ready to say hi to all the kids showing up for the bake sale.

“Oh, wow.” Jeongguk starts to laugh, meeting Jimin’s eye and waving to him.

A loud ho ho ho rings out over the crowd that is already starting to show up, and Jimin hops over to Jeongguk with pride, holding out his arm towards his tent to show it off.

“I’ve got Santa, brand new confections, and some personalized ornaments this time around.” Jimin puts his hands on his hips, proud of his new winter wonderland themed tent that he must have spent hours preparing this morning.

“It looks great!” Jeongguk leans forward to kiss him. Even though they’re technically competing today, Jeongguk wants to show his support. “You look great.” Jimin is wearing a blue snowflake elf outfit today as well to match the pretty theme of his tent.

“You too,” Jimin beams, though Jeongguk hasn’t opted in for an outfit and just his normal holiday sweater. “You always do.” Then Jimin glances down at the dollie, bursting into laughter. “Oh my god, Jeongguk! These cookies are huge!”

Jeongguk has quite literally made several large pizza-size cookies in all different types of Christmas colors, with dyes and decorations, pipping, the whole nine-yards.

“Wow.” Jimin admires them, clearly impressed. “These are actually so beautiful.”

“Thank you,” Jeongguk smiles at the praise. “I made my regular cookies, too. But these were so fun to make. It took me all night. I’m exhausted!”

Jimin leans against the alpha, wrapping his arm around Jeongguk’s waist, before sighing out dramatically, “If that’s the case, I’m gonna feel really awful beating you today, baby.”

Jeongguk scoffs. “Whatever!!” He gives Jimin a little push away in a playful manner.

Either way, the last day of the even is a total hit–with Santa saying hi to the kids and taking photos, and Jeongguk’s huge cookies making a profit for him, too.

They both keep their eyes on each other from across the pathway, and Jimin even sends one of his younger cousins to help Jeongguk with his tent this time. It warms Jeongguk’s heart, since even though they’re competing, Jimin is obviously still wanting to take care of the alpha.

And afterwards, once the customers are gone and the tents are cleaned up, Jimin slips his arms around Jeongguk’s waist from behind, nuzzling into his back.

“You won, didn’t you?”

Jeongguk cheekily grins. “Yup.”

Jimin hums into his shoulder. “Lucky me.”

“Oh, yeah?” Jeongguk asks, biting down on his lip.

“Yes, I’m so lucky.” Jimin turns him, brushing back Jeongguk’s hair lovingly. “I can’t wait to come over and see you tonight.” He kisses him softly, and Jeongguk’s alpha rumbles contently at the gesture. “Can’t wait to take care of you, alpha.”

Jeongguk melts in Jimin’s arms, never wanting to let him go. “I wanna take care of you, too.”

“You can, if you want.” They kiss again, lips shivering from the cold, but both of them feeling warm in their presence. “I’ll be ready for you.”

With nothing but anticipation and their scents shifting into an early exposure of arousal, they finish packing up and head back to their homes.

Later that night, Jeongguk stretches thoroughly in the shower, moaning loudly because oh god it’s been a really, really long time since he’s gotten fucked, let alone with a knot, and he’s nervous he won’t be able to take it the way he wants.

It’s hard not to be emotional about it while he continues to get ready, almost in disbelief that he’s finally able to spend time like this with another alpha again. He swipes his hand through wet locks of dark hair, changes the sheets to something clean so they can share their scents on them together, and lights up a few unscented candles for pretty ambiance in the small space.

And when Jimin knocks on his door a few moments later, Jeongguk releases a long, anticipated sigh through his exciting nerves, before opening it to reveal the alpha on the other side.

Wearing just a simple hoodie and jeans, with that striking silver hair fluffing out around his face to frame it, Jimin is there with a smile that is radiant. His scent makes Jeongguk openly yearn for him before the alpha can even come inside.

“Hi.” Jeongguk steps back as Jimin steps in, then shuts the door behind him. With the door closed, Jimin’s scent is even more potent, strong and musky, clearly wanting to dominate Jeongguk in his own space.

Jimin grovels out, “Come here,” and approaches him without waiting.

Jeongguk slips into Jimin’s arms as easy as it is coming home, their mouths slotting together in a kiss that makes his knees shake. He moans deeply into Jimin, cherishing this kiss like it was always supposed to be this way. Their scents intertwine alongside one another, as Jimin cards his fingers through Jeongguk’s wet hair, until they rest on the nape of his neck. He squeezes there, showing slight dominance, moaning into his mouth, and then whispers with a low, tantalizing voice, “My baby. Sweet alpha.”

Jeongguk preened again, suppressing his scent to allow Jimin’s to start taking over him.

“I’m so happy you moved here. I’m so happy I can come see you whenever I want, touch you whenever I want.” Jimin kisses him again, leading Jeongguk backwards to his bed that is against the far window on the other side of the studio.

Jeongguk goes without hesitation, letting the alpha guide him. His mouth is gaping slightly at Jimin now pushing his scent all over the room, claiming it.

Claiming him.

“Can I knot you tonight? Can I?” Jimin begs against his mouth. “Please?”

“Yes. Yes.”

Jimin hums in approval, his hands grazing under Jeongguk’s shirt to brush over his skin directly. Jeongguk’s body jolts at the touch, and he breathes out, “Fuck.”

“Have you been thinking about me?” Jimin asks and it sounds like a dream, dancing between the harsher pheromones that are now encompassing the space.

“Always. All day.”

“Have you been wanting this?”

“Yes. Ever since I first saw you at the charity event, I’ve wanted you,” Jeongguk admits, hands tugging at Jimin’s shirt, too. “I haven’t stopped thinking about you, Jimin.”

“Me too. Me too, Jeongguk.”

Jimin pulls off Jeongguk’s shirt, revealing hard muscle and tattoos that leaves Jimin breathless.

He traces his fingertips down the front of Jeongguk’s chest, dipping into the crease of his abs, then back up against his pectorals. Jeongguk’s breath stutters when Jimin drags them back down to the waistline of his pants, teasing. He leans forward to kiss his collarbone, mouthing upwards, wanting to keep claiming him the only way he knows how.

Before he can reach his scent gland, Jimin pulls back, his eyes fixated on the fading bonding mark on the side of Jeongguk’s neck. He’s done well to keep it hidden with his jackets and scarves, but tonight there is no avoiding it.

“Jeongguk…” Jimin’s voice is pained, filled with concern.

With gentle fingers, he grazes over it with care, and Jeongguk swallows.

“It’s almost gone,” he says softly, barely audible, but notices that Jimin is still concerned. “It’s okay, I promise,” Jeongguk assures, because it is okay.

It's finally okay.

Jimin kisses him, whispering, “You’re so brave.” Jeongguk slides his hands down to rest on Jimin’s backside, pulling them closer so they are flush together, like he wants to prove a point. The alpha presses his lips to Jeongguk’s scent gland at last, and he gasps when Jimin’s tongue darts out to coax out his scent.

“J-Jimin–”

“Mm. I love the way you say my name.”

Jimin starts to palm him over his pants, and Jeongguk moans. “Please.”

“Yeah. Let me see you, hm?” Jimin squeezes his crotch, making Jeongguk gasp. “Get on the bed for me?”

Jeongguk nods breathlessly, chest panting as he steps backwards out of Jimin’s arms, the lack of contact making both alphas whine.

Jimin peels off his shirt, and Jeongguk drops his pants so he’s in just his underwear, his cock hard and poking out of the top of the waistband. He hears Jimin curse under his breath as he works his belt, wanting to get quickly undressed.

Jeongguk steps out of his underwear and turns around, then presses his knees to the bed. He falls forward completely, his hands sliding seductively against his sheets as he arches his back, like he’s presenting.

Jimin’s pants hit the ground, then he’s stepping against the hardwood floor towards the alpha. His scent is overpowering the space still, overwhelming, overtaking Jeongguk’s own strong woodsy alpha scent.

Another curse leaves Jimin’s lips.

Then, Jeongguk feels his cock against his ass.

With trembling fingers, he reaches under the pillow to grab the bottle of lube before sliding it behind him. Jimin takes it, their fingers meeting on the bottle for a second, and they look at each other smiling and panting, so aroused and turned on. He can’t believe this is finally happening.

Jimin touches him, smaller hands sliding up and down Jeongguk’s backside, spreading his ass open and cursing again, “Jeongguk, fuck. You’re so beautiful. Are you really mine? Is this all mine now?” And Jeongguk nods into the mattress desperately, trying to arch more while flexing his muscles, because he wants to show them off for the alpha, too.

“Yes. I’m all yours. Take me.”

Jimin dribbles lube on his cock and spreads Jeongguk open as much as he can, before pressing the tip against his hole. Jeongguk sucks in a stream of air when Jimin pushes inside, then whimpers, “Oh…Jimin. J-Jimin–”

“Relax for me.”

“Oh fuck,” he groans when Jimin starts to push inside, inching himself deeper into the alpha. “Oh. Oh.”

His face scrunches in pain, and when he inhales his next breath, it’s just Jimin. Jimin’s scent, Jimin’s pheromones, Jimin’s everything, all consuming him until the alpha bottoms out and is flush against Jeongguk’s backside, fully sheathed inside of him, stretching him open on his cock.

Jimin squeezes his hips, his fingernails leaving crescents into Jeongguk’s slim waist, moaning out desperately, “You’re tight. You’re too tight.”

“Oh my god.”

“Oh fuck, you feel so good.”

Jimin pulls his cock out slowly, and Jeongguk literally screeches, fisting the sheets, trying to chase Jimin’s scent to guide him to relax.

“Jimin, please.”

“Too tight to knot. Fuck, Jeongguk.” Jimin spreads him open even more with his fingers, his rim slick with lube. “Oh shit, Jeongguk. How in the world am I supposed to knot this tight ass of yours? Hm, alpha?”

“I don’t know-ah!” Jimin thrusts and Jeongguk yelps.

“You’d think you’re a virgin by the way your desperately clenching around me.”

“Oh my god, Jimin. Ah, ah!” Jimin pulls out and thrusts again.

“Gonna have to–” Jimin keeps that pace, his hips meeting Jeongguk’s backside with a hard slap, “–keep fucking you every day, hm?” Another thrust and a squeeze of his hips to show dominance, and Jeongguk whimpers into the mattress. “Gonna have to–” Thrust. “Stick a plug in you whenever we wake up so I can fit my knot in this tight, tight ass of yours.”

Jimin rolls his hips hard, like he wants to be inside of him more, like there is no place else he’d rather be then fucking the alpha who was abandoned by his pack to make him feel like he’s safe, like he’s home now with Jimin.

“Jimin, Jimin–” Jeongguk whimpers.

“Yeah. Say my name like that, alpha. Call me your alpha.”

“Jimin. Jimin, please.”

Jimin fucks him harder, planting one foot up on the mattress. “Call me your alpha,” he demands again, pheramones harsher.

“Alpha. Alpha.”

Jimin angles himself perfectly and Jeongguk’s eyes roll back into their sockets, his cock knocking against his prostate over and over and over again.

“My alpha. M-My alpha.”

“Yeah, that’s right. You’re mine.”

Jeongguk becomes boneless as he starts to feel the knot inflating against the base of Jimin’s cock, his own cock leaking like a damn river onto the mattress. His entire body convulses, eyesight going white and his body heating up, his knot starting to grow. “Yours, yours. Please. I want it.”

Jimin leans over him, one hand slamming down on the back of Jeongguk’s neck to keep him down, the other trying to spread Jeongguk’s ass even further the best he can.

“Fuck, yeah. You’re mine. Your ass. Jeongguk, you’re so tight, baby.”

“I can take it. I can take it,” Jeongguk pleads and babbles into the mattress, drool escaping from the corner of his mouth.

“Are you sure?” Jimin provides a quick reasonable voice of worry among the filth, and Jeongguk frantically nods.

“Please, please.”

“Fuck, you’re still too tight.”

“Try, try!”

“Fuck.”

Jimin pushes more of his scent onto Jeongguk again, fucking him harder, the base of the knot slapping against his messy used hole, desperate to be inside of him. The alpha shrieks in pleasure, in pain, from everything.

Tears roll down Jeongguk’s cheeks as his thoughts are invaded with everything about this new life–the life he’s always wanted, the life he can have now with Jimin and his pack. And maybe one day they’ll let him join, let him be a part of their family while he stands at Jimin’s side, proud to be his.

He wants that. He wants it all, to the point where he’s chanting out loud, “I want it. I want. I want it.”

Not just for the knot, but for Jimin.

With a final cry and desperate shout, Jimin shoves his knot inside of Jeongguk’s ass, spilling into him and cursing. Jeongguk cries underneath of him, his body writhing in pleasure, his own cock spilling into the sheets as he orgasms alongside the alpha.

Jimin falls overtop of Jeongguk’s strong back, his muscles twitching, pushing his scent onto Jeongguk’s skin like he wants it to live there permanently. He bites his shoulder, panting into him, cursing into Jeongguk’s skin, “Gonna fucking mate you one day.”

And Jeongguk sobs, nodding pathetically into the mattress. “Yes. Yes.”

He’s so full and borderline delirious when Jimin wraps his arm around him to take his cock in his hand, squeezing around Jeongguk’s knot that is still inflated even after his orgasm, now twitching in Jimin’s hand at being properly touched.

Overstimulation takes control of Jeongguk when both his own knot and Jimin’s twitch and pulse at the same time. Oh fuck, he loves this, and he whimpers when Jimin continues to push himself inside of Jeongguk like he can’t get enough, squeezing his knot, coaxing him with a sinful voice, “Come on, my alpha. Come one more time for me, baby. That’s right.”

It doesn’t take long at all, and Jeongguk twitches and cries out as he comes on demand.

He passes out for a few seconds at least, his ears ringing and his body exhausted. Jimin moves him in the process, straddling behind him with Jeongguk on his stomach.

Then Jimin starts to scent him properly, kissing him, biting him, leaving dark hickeys on his shoulders and neck, continuing to slowly roll his hips in and out of Jeongguk’s hole. The knot is still there, fitting snugly inside of him, and Jeongguk whines with salt on his cheeks, where Jimin swipes them away with his tongue.

They stay like that for a while longer, relishing in the glow of their orgasms, whispering sweet filth to each other. Jimin continues to scent him to the point where Jeongguk isn’t sure he’ll ever properly smell himself again, and he smiles in complete content into the pillow at that thought.

They intertwined their fingers, and eventually, Jeongguk cheekily mumbles, “I like winning against you.”

Jimin hums into the back of his shoulderblade, lips ghosting over his pretty tattoo. “I went easy on you.”

“Sure you did.”

Jimin kisses the back of his neck, growling slightly but not defending himself like he normally would, and it makes Jeongguk’s alpha instincts satisfied with the win.

Eventually, Jimin starts to slide out of him, and Jeongguk whimpers again. “Shhh,” Jimin whispers into his ear, “stay here.”

The alpha turns his head to watch Jimin pad over to the bathroom, closing the door behind him for a moment or two. He reaches behind him, feeling the come leaking out of his hole. Jimin’s come. His rim is sensitive and he whines. But he feels good. He feels like this is exactly where he’s supposed to be.

His chest is heavy with want and happiness, a feeling he hasn’t had in so long. Maybe it’s just the afterglow of his orgasm, but Jeongguk can’t help but believe it to be true.

When Jimin comes back out completely bare in all his glory, he curses again at the sight of Jeongguk still naked in his messy bed.

“You look unbelieveable.” Jimin takes a towel and starts to wipe him off. “You okay?” He then asks sweetly, rubbing a hand up and down Jeongguk’s spine.

Jeongguk nods, still feeling boneless. “I’m okay.”

Jimin smiles with content, then crawls into bed with the other alpha. Jeongguk holds out his arm, rolling onto his side, and Jimin slides in against him to satisfy Jeongguk’s desire to hold the alpha after being knotted.

“Stay the night with me?” Jeongguk asks innocently.

“Okay.” Jimin finds Jeongguk’s lips to kiss him in the aftermath.

Jeongguk pulls the blanket over them up to their shoulders, the glow of the candles illuminating their features in a romantic ambiance.

They let their bodies begin to rest while staring right at each other, like they’re both in shock. Jimin traces Jeongguk’s jaw with his thumb lovingly, before speaking more vulnerably, “I know we were in the heat of the moment but…did you mean it? When you said I was your alpha?”

Jeongguk nods. “I think so. Yes.”

“You think so?” Jimin asks innocently, adjusting on his side so they can intertwine their bodies more.

“Honestly, I’m not really used to that yet. But it felt right when I said it to you.”

“With your old pack, did you call the pack alpha your alpha?” Jimin asks with curiosity in his tone, still wanting to know more about Jeongguk and the dynamics that he left behind. He wants to respect them.

“Yes and no,” Jeongguk responds. “I called him alpha because he was our alpha and he bonded with me, but I don’t think I ever it meant in the way that I wanted it to mean? I don’t know if that makes sense.”

“I think it does, because I believe I feel the same way,” Jimin tells him, opening up as well. “I love Namjoon so much. We’re all so close, and we’re all bonded together. I wouldn’t change that for anything.”

Jeongguk nods, gently grazing his fingers over Jimin’s mark like Jimin did to his own fading one, secretly wishing that he’ll share it one day.

“But the others call him alpha because they love him differently than the way I do. I want…” Jimin touches Jeongguk’s chin, “I want my own alpha. To love, to mate.” He kisses him. “To knot.”

Jeongguk exhales dreamily against his lips. “I love your knot, Jimin.”

The alpha grins victoriously, kissing him again. “And my, my, did you take it so well.”

“It hurt a little.”

“I know. I’m sorry.” Jimin kisses him again before settling back onto the pillow.

“Is it weird? Being in a pack with the others but still having your immediate family around?” Jeongguk asks, wanting to know only because sometimes dynamics are different when it comes to pack expectation. Jeongguk’s immediate family didn’t live anywhere near him and his pack once he moved in with them.

“No, but I understand why you’re asking that,” Jimin affirms. “Taehyung, Hoseokie and the others…they don’t have family here either. Like it was for you,” Jimin explains. “I feel lucky and grateful to have my mom and grandmother and my little cousins still around, that they didn’t abandon me. And the pack,” Jimin’s eyes suddenly start to water, and Jeongguk can detect the shift in his scent to become incredibly vulnerable, more so then anytime before.

“Jimin–”

“And now I have you, too. I feel…” Jimin sniffles, and Jeongguk wraps his arm around his waist to bring him closer, wanting to give him comfort. “I feel like my life is complete. Is that scary for you? Is it too soon to tell you that?”

Jeongguk shakes his head against the pillow. “No, it’s not. I think I’ve been waiting my entire life for someone to feel this way towards me, for someone to actually express it to me like this.” Jeongguk shares his scent with the alpha, both of them finding ways to comfort each other. “I want to see this through, whatever it is. I really like you so much.”

“I like you, too. So much.”

Their lips find one another's again, emotion pouring through their souls as they kiss.

“Thank you for saying that,” Jimin whispers against his mouth. “Thank you for being here. For letting me kiss you, and touch you.” He squeezes Jeongguk’s hip. “Letting me fuck you.”

“Will you still feel that way even when I win whatever our next competition is going to be?”

Jimin barks out a cute laugh at Jeongguk’s sudden switch up. “Oh? You still think this is going to be an everyday thing with you winning?”

“Yep, I do.” Jeongguk kisses him again, then swiftly pulls Jimin onto his lap so he’s straddling his waist. Their chests meet when Jimin leans down to kiss the alpha, and Jeongguk moans up into him.

“And what do you want your next prize to be when you win, alpha?” Jimin slithers against his mouth, rendering Jeongguk speechless for a second, especially when he ruts back against Jeongguk’s cock that is getting hard again, implying exactly what the prize could be.

“A new pair of shoes,” Jeongguk says cheekily instead.

Jimin laughs darkly. “No way.”

“Okay.” Jeongguk’s hands travel down to Jimin’s ass, adjusting him with his strength so his backside is more accessible. He pokes his hole, rubbing the pads of two fingers against it, and Jimin breathes out in anticipated pleasure. “How about a new mixer?”

“Yeah.” Jimin’s mouth drops open when Jeongguk pushes those fingers inside of him,. “Fuck, whatever you want.”

“That’s what I like to hear.”

They smile breathlessly at each other while Jimin pats around trying to find the lube they had abandoned. When he finds it, he reaches back to slick up Jeongguk’s cock. Then he sits straight up on his lap, raises one knee to brace a foot onto the mattress to hover over the alpha, and Jeongguk could come at just this sinful sight.

“Watch me take this big cock of yours, Jeongguk.”

Jimin starts to slide down, and Jeongguk can’t look away even if he tried, watching as his cock disappears into Jimin’s ass, before moving his eyes to Jimin’s face. His expression is locked tight on Jeongguk’s in complete pleasure, before that same pleasure takes over him and he throws his head neck back and moans, finally plopping all the way down on Jeongguk’s lap.

Fuck, Jimin feels so good wrapped around him. He squeezes Jeongguk’s chest, rolling his hips to feel more.

Jeongguk grabs Jimin’s meaty thighs and wants to bite them. He settles for kissing Jimin instead when he ducks down to find his mouth, both of them starting to move together in sync, finding a good rhythm to learn more about each other.

“Like that?” Jeongguk rolls his hips upwards and Jimin frantically nods, riding him and moaning loudly.

“Yeah, just like that. Fuck, scent me.”

Jeongguk releases his pheromones into the air around them, and he’s in awe at the way they tussle with Jimin’s own. Jimin plants his hands on Jeongguk’s chest, fucking himself backwards, both of them staring at each other like they can’t believe this.

“You’re beautiful,” Jimin tells him. “God, Jeongguk. You feel so good inside me. You feel perfect.”

Jeongguk’s eyes start to water again, his orgasm appearing out of no where, driven by his emotions when it comes to Jimin saying things like this to him.

“Want to knot you so bad.” Jeongguk sniffles, and Jimin’s expression both softens and goes dark at the same time in excitement.

“Yeah, I want that too.” Jimin catches another tear on his cheek and swipes it away. “Sweet alpha. Slide down the bed a bit. Lemme take care of you.”

They move further down the mattress, and the shift in position allows Jimin to go to town. He fucks himself down on Jeongguk’s cock and rides him even harder, completing taking over the motion of his body, guided by Jeongguk’s whimpering, those beautiful desperate sounds and reactions that ignite like fuel in Jimin’s soul.

“Oh fuck.” Jeongguk whines, moaning loudly at the way Jimin takes his cock. He throws his head back against the mattress, continuing to chant, “Oh god. M-My knot, my knot!” Jeongguk cries out, his knot starting to inflate again, ready to be inside of Jimin.

“Yeah, fuck I feel it. Oh god, okay. Gimme the lube.” Jimin starts to lightly scramble, like he’s realizing he might not be able to take it like this. But he’s also so evidently desperate for it the same way Jeongguk was.

“I-I’m gonna come–”

“Not yet. Hold on, baby.”

Jimin is still moving and riding him while maneuvering the lube in his hand, then reaches behind him to grab Jeongguk’s cock to make it more wet. Their scents clash beautifully again as Jimin strokes him, then sinks back down as quickly as he can.

“Okay, okay, come here.” Jimin takes Jeongguk’s large hands in his own smaller ones, his muscles flexing when their fingers interlock, and they hold on tight. He’s breathing heavy and uses the leverage of holding onto Jeongguk like this to start moving his hips again. “When I tell you to thrust up then do it, okay?”

Jeongguk nods with tears on his cheeks, raising his legs and planting his feet on the bed. They both watch each other again, staying connected through their pleasure and wanting to learn, wanting this to work.

The knot swells while Jimin rides him like that, and Jeongguk chants, “Oh god, oh god–”

“Yeah, like that. Like that.”

“Jimin, my knot! I’m coming, I’m coming–”

“Now, baby.”

Jeongguk thrusts up hard, using his core strength to punch upwards into Jimin’s tight heat–alpha heat that isn’t meant for taking knots, but it takes Jeongguk’s like it was always supposed to be there. Lube squelches between them and Jimin screeches into the heavens like something out of a dream. He comes again all over Jeongguk’s chest at the same time as the knot locks them together.

Jeongguk is crying from emotion again, unable to help himself, hiccuping underneath Jimin, and the alpha finds his mouth, trembling against his own.

“B-Baby, oh my god.” Jimin kisses him, his body shuttering in pain and pleasure. “It’s okay.”

“Are you h-hurt?” Jeongguk sniffles. “Did I hurt you?”

Jimin shakes his head lovingly. “No. No, I’m not, you didn’t hurt me. You feel perfect.”

They kiss deeper, tongues sliding against each others with passion, moaning from the afterglow of orgasms. They soothe one another with their pheromones, scenting the other, unable to stop and never wanting to again.

Eventually, Jimin lays down on Jeongguk’s chest like that, with Jeongguk’s arms around his waist as they stay locked together. They both turn their heads, smiling when Jimin says, “It’s snowing.”

It’s becoming a heavy snow tonight–not the flurries that Jeongguk had seen on and off throughout the last couple weeks. The snowflakes twinkle in the light from lampposts outside, falling from a dark grey clouds overhead to blanket the ground.

“I might get snowed in.” Jimin nuzzles into Jeongguk’s cheek, continuing to scent him.

“I’m okay with that.” Jeongguk kisses his temple, running his fingers through silver hair. “Want to know why?”

“Because you’re falling in love with me and you’ll get to knot for a few days in a row?”

“Well, yes,” Jeongguk giggles, “but because I still have all my baking supplies for making more cookies and you got nothing.”

Jimin playfully gasps, sitting up to slap down on his chest. Jeongguk moans from the shift of the knot when Jimin moves, cursing under his breath.

“Cheeky alpha.” Jimin grinds softly on his lap.

“Jimin, don’t–”

“So what’s the new competition then? I’m still trying to have you in sexy santa lingerie before the end of the year, at least.” Jimin strokes his own cock again to get himself hard. Jeongguk gulps. “Do I need to prove that I can make better cookies than you now?”

“You wish.” Jeongguk digs his thumbs into Jimin’s hips, trying not to act like his knot isn’t twitching inside of Jimin, threatening to spill again.

“Fine. Maybe the alpha with the most orgasms tonight wins.”

Jeongguk shudders at the thought, though he isn’t going to back down from that type of competition, either.

He pushes his hips upward into Jimin, relishing in the way Jimin’s mouth drops open at the pressure of the knot inside of him. “You’re on, alpha.”

They laugh at themselves for being silly and competitive, but end up fucking for hours that night–loving each other and pulling orgasm after orgasm out of one another, until they’re both utterly exhausted and messy, sated and feeling so alive. They end up curling by the window to watch the snow gather on the ground. Jeongguk couldn’t be happier.

And when it comes to the winner tonight? It’s a tie.

⋆⁺₊❅⋆ ⁺₊❆⋆

Needless to say, because of the snow–which ended up being a decently small blizzard–the alphas spend the next few days holed up together in Jeongguk’s little studio. Winter break at the school comes early for Jimin, too, which is the perfect excuse for them to make hot chocolate and listen to holiday music while watching silly movies, snuggling and fucking, and everything in between.

Jimin feels warm even in the middle of a snowstorm.

It’s the day before Christmas Eve, and Jimin steps out of the bathroom wearing a pair of Jeongguk’s grey sweats, shirtless, with a towel rubbing through his shaggy silver hair to dry it. He’s scrolling through his phone with the other hand, smiling at some social media updates from the school and his cousins that have been enjoying the weather.

Then, he clicks on the group chat for his pack:

Jimin smiles at the screen, reacting to the messages with emojis to make his presence known. He hasn’t been avoiding them or anything, but Jimin has tried to give his attention to Jeongguk mostly.

He’s about to send a reply to the group chat when Namjoon and Seokjin text him on the side:

Jimin’s eyes go wide, mouth opening slightly in surprise.

“Everything alright?” Jeongguk suddenly asks, clearly noticing Jimin’s change in expression. He’s sitting on his small couch that is only big enough to fit two and looking extra cozy.

“Yeah, just checking in on the pack,” Jimin tells him.

“You look fucking great like this.”

Jimin smirks, throwing the towel over his bare shoulder. “You don’t look too bad yourself.”

Jeongguk is wearing his glasses today with his hair fluffed out like a puppy. He has his computer on his lap and a notebook next to him, where he’s trying to finish up some work. But honestly, he looks more like a college kid studying for exams and not some twenty-six year old he’s currently falling head over heels in love with.

“I’m almost done,” Jeongguk tells him, raising his brows, “so don’t get any ideas yet.”

Jimin leans back against the kitchen island, his torso long and sweatpants hanging low. “Me get ideas? You started it.”

Jeongguk pokes his tongue into his cheek, huffing, “I have to finish this.”

“Finish, then.”

“I can’t with you standing there looking like that. Come on.”

Jimin cutely rolls his eyes, grabbing one of Jeongguk’s zip-up hoodies on the nearby chair and slips it on. He starts to clean up the dishes from breakfast this morning, wiping off the counters, and generally straightening up.

It’s been nice and easy to keep this place tidy, since it’s definitely not as big as the packhouse with five bedrooms and more sitting rooms then he even uses. And now with Yoongi’s pregnancy, the house is starting to fill up with tons of pup stuff in all the rooms, too.

Though, it’s not like he really had to clean up much to begin with, considering the omegas usually took care of those types of things. But he also knows, after spending this type of precious time with Jeongguk, that the alpha had trouble keeping up with his chores here.

So it feels nice to help out. They can do things like this together, now.

While he continues to straighten up, Jimin can’t help but ruminate on the texts that Namjoon and Seokjin sent just now, about inviting Jeongguk to spend Christmas with them. Jimin has never done anything like that before in a relationship, and being with Jeongguk really is so new...it literally just started.

He doesn’t mean to think about his ex because of it, but unfortunately, that alpha was the first person Jimin thought he’d get to be able to share these types of experiences with–the holidays, the exclusivity, and connecting with his pack. Parts of Jimin never thought he’d even have an opportunity at this again.

And he definitely doesn’t want to assume that Jeongguk isn’t serious about their relationship, regardless if it’s new.

Jimin sighs. So what is it that is making him so worried? Is it the perfect sex that he’s been wishing to have for so long? Is it a connection that is built from basically being the only alphas in this town that are attracted to each other? Will the excitement from it all die down eventually?

Maybe Jimin won’t be good enough for him, maybe this wont work…

Maybe it’s too soon…

Jeongguk wraps his arms around his waist from behind at the counter. He nuzzles into the crook fo Jimin’s neck, nosing Jimin’s scent gland, and inhales him. “Hi.”

Jimin smiles softly. “Hi.”

“You’re stinking up the place.”

That’s not surprising to Jimin at all. He’s used to suppressing or managing his scent when he needs to around Namjoon, and being respectful to the omegas in the house when he’s in a particular mood, or when they’re near their heats. But with Jeongguk, Jimin has been feeling like he doesn’t have to do any of that at all.

He wants Jeongguk to know exactly he’s feeling, that way they can manage their scents together.

Jeongguk gives him a little squeeze, asking, “Anything wrong?”

“Not wrong, necessarily,” Jimin responds, leaning back into Jeongguk’s strong body and turning his chin enough to talk to him and stay close.

“Is the pack okay? Did something happen earlier?”

Jimin hums in acknowledgement. “Yes, they’re good, nothing bad happened. Just complaining about the weather and not having any chocolate.”

“I have a few bars leftover. Maybe we can take a walk later and bring them some?”

“That’s okay. Namjoon and Seokjin are going grocery shopping tomorrow. They’ll survive until then.” Jimin kisses his cheek, liking that Jeongguk has an instinct to want to take care of the pack, too. “But thank you for offering. You're sweet.”

“You’re welcome.”

It’s quiet for a moment, with Jeongguk just holding Jimin and scenting him lightly, waiting for him to keep opening up. Jimin knows this is what Jeongguk is doing, and he’s comfortable in his scent, allowing it to temporarily relax him from his anxious mood.

“Jeongguk?” He eventually says, and alpha hums in response. Jimin bites on his lip, still a bit nervous about what he is trying to say. “I don’t know if we’re moving too quickly or not. Maybe we should slow down?”

“Okay.” Jeongguk responds right away, kissing his temple. “That’s fine.”

“It is?”

“Yeah, of course. Want to go home for a bit?”

Jimin turns his chin more, pouting. “You want me to go?”

“No, no way.” Jeongguk nuzzles into him even more. “But I want you to be comfortable, and it’s not like I won’t see you ever again. Takes me all but ten minutes to walk to the packhouse from here.”

Jimin’s chest warms in a familiar way that only Jeongguk is able to make him feel, especially at his supportive response. “How many steps is it?”

“Like…at least a thousand if I go at a moderate pace.”

Jimin leans back into him more, smiling with amusement. “You’re so adorable.”

“You still haven’t told me what’s really wrong yet.”

“There’s nothing wrong, I promise.”

“Then what’s going on?” Jeongguk gently pries. “Are you also sad about not having any chocolate? Want me to hand feed you some?”

“Are you just gonna keep guessing everytime you ask me?”

Jeongguk playfully nips his ear. “Sorry, go ahead.”

Jimin still doesn’t respond right away, though, and Jeongguk doesn’t push him. Jeongguk is patient and just keeps holding him, and Jimin has never felt so safe.

Until eventually, he takes in a deep breath, finding his courage, and asks, “Do you want to spend Christmas Day with the pack?” Jimin looks at him, his expression sparkling with trust. “With…me?”

Jeongguk’s eyes go wide. He makes a little sound, like a hiccup in surprise. “Really?” It sounds hopeful and high-pitched, like he wants to be sure he’s hearing Jimin correctly.

“Namjoon and Seokjin invited you to the packhouse. They really care about you, Jeongguk. And I know they don’t want you to be alone that day. It would break their heart.” Jimin bites down on his mouth with nerves, following the guidance from his heart to keep opening up to Jeongguk. “And well, I’m nervous that it’s too fast for us. We just met, but…” Jimin touches his chin, admiring the alpha in this moment.

“But what?” Jeongguk’s voice is soft and curious.

“But I care for you, too. I've loved spending this time with you. And honestly,” Jimin shrugs in an attempt to be nonchalant among the growing emotion, “why not, right?”

Jeongguk barks out a laugh. “Why not?” He mocks Jimin’s shrug. “Why not?”

Jimin rolls his eyes, blushing. “You know what I mean.”

“I think I want to hear you say it.”

Jimin sucks on his teeth, unable to hide his smile and Jeongguk’s scent that taste so sweet on his tongue. He turns fully in his arms and locks his hands behind Jeongguk’s neck, feeling so comfortable with Jeongguk’s own on his waist.

“I’m saying that I would really, really love for you to spend Christmas day with me and my pack, Jeongguk. Even when you were with them at dinner, it was amazing, and it made me feel so many lovely things. You fit in just right. And knowing how they already feel about you? Knowing how I feel about you...” Jimin looks at him lovingly, shoving all of his pride and competition aside. “I want to spend all my holidays with you, starting with this one. If you’re okay with it, that is.”

Jimin holds his breath for the answer, but he doesn’t have to wait for long. Jeongguk kisses him in response, smiling into his mouth. “Yeah, I’m okay with it. I want that too, Jimin.”

“Really?” Jimin mirrors hopefully.

“Really! It’s not too fast. It’s not. And,” Jeongguk pulls him even closer against his body, “whatever else you want from me, I want that, too.”

“I want you to meet my mother and grandmother,” Jimin blurts out automatically, not wanting to hold anything back. “I want to move in here, maybe. I want to mate you one day. I want–” Jeongguk kisses him again and again, both of them breathing each other in. “I want everything, Jeongguk.”

“Okay.” Jeongguk keeps kissing him, pressing Jimin against the counter so he can consume him in safety, their bodies flush and growing hot. “Okay, alpha. Whatever you want, my alpha.”

“Your alpha.” Jimin feels dizzy.

“Yes,” Jeongguk breathes into him, trying to kiss him deeper, wanting to prove that he wants this, too. “I told you I’m yours. And I meant it. Every word.”

They kiss again, passionately and filled with want, with longing, with hope for a future. Jeongguk is accepting of it too, wanting this, and that’s all Jimin has ever desired–to be loved and feel loved, to grow something together alongside an alpha that feels the same way he does.

They kiss and start to undress right there in the kitchen, because Jimin needs to do something about all this emotion revolving around their future, and truthfully, he cannot deal with Jeongguk in these glasses anymore.

Jimin makes him keep them on while Jeongguk drops to his knees, watches in awe as Jeongguk wraps his lips around his cock and milks his knot with his fist, skillful and seductive with his motions to make Jimin come. And when he does, Jimin spills all over his face, on his glasses, watching as it drips down the frames.

And Jimin swears he falls in love.

They clean up, giggling and shy like they have crushes on each other again, and spend the next two days snuggled up together in the apartment. Until it’s finally Christmas morning.

Walking through the snow hand in hand to the pack house and carrying a bag of cookies that Jeongguk and Jimin made together this time, along with a few other treats they had picked up at the store, they can’t help but play around a little bit, too. Throwing snowballs at one another, chasing each other down the road until they’re huffing and puffing, out of breath.

At the packhouse, they drop playfully into the yard first, making snow angels together against the ground, before Jimin leans over to press his lips against the alphas.

“Your nose is cold.” He rubs them together, smiling through the chilly weather.

“We’ve been playing in the snow for hours,” Jeongguk giggles. “It’d be weird if it wasn’t cold.”

“That’s true. You look so cute.”

They kiss and laugh together, until Jeongguk says, “I’m surprised Seokjin hasn’t come out here yet and scolded us.”

“Wait for it…”

Jimin and Jeongguk stifle their giggles, counting out loud, 3, 2, 1, when the door to the house bursts open.

“You two!” Seokjin is honestly no better, stepping out onto the porch in just his slippers and shorts, as if a whole snowstorm didn’t just burst through town. He’s holding a coffeepot in one hand and the other is on his hip. “Get out of the snow!”

They listen to instruction, gathering their bags and brushing the snow from their jackets, before heading inside the packhouse to celebrate Christmas.

Jimin hasn’t been here for a few days, and the scent of his pack completely consumes him. His body relaxes differently, especially when Namjoon turns the corner to greet them. He’s wearing a matching holiday sweater with Seokjin and has a coffee in his hand, the morning rays of the sun bursting in from the window framing his figure in a way that makes Jimin’s alpha settle to the point where he has tears in his eyes.

“Hi, Jiminie. Come here, my love.” Namjoon sets the coffee down on a nearby table and holds open his arms, and Jimin falls into him easily. He inhales the pack alpha like his life depends on it.

“Missed you.” Jimin sniffles, squeezing his back, not wanting to let go.

“Oh, I missed you, too, angel.”

Namjoon strokes the back of Jimin’s head, and Jimin’s pack bond thrums at their connection.

Jeongguk is still hovering around the door with Seokjin taking his jacket and instructing him to put his gloves and belongings on the sidetable, the ends of his fringe a little wet with snow from where they were rolling around in it. He looks adorable and respectful, like he’s still settling in this space but easily becoming comfortable in Seokjin and Namjoon’s presence.

“Hi, Namjoon.” Jeongguk deeply bows, and Namjoon shakes that away.

“None of that. You come here, too.”

He embraces Jeongguk like a father would his son, and Jimin’s eyes spill over at the precious sight. Seokjin notices, and pulls Jimin against him by his waist, while Jeongguk ducks his head into Namjoon’s shoulder, suppressing his scent for the pack alpha to encompass him in his instead.

Knowing how much this means to Jeongguk–to have a pack alpha looking after him, caring for him, accepting him for exactly who he is, makes Jimin’s heart swell with hope of their future together.

“Merry Christmas, Namjoon. Thank you for having me,” Jeongguk mumbles cutely into his shoulder, and Namjoon squeezes him.

“You’re always welcome here, Jeongguk. For now and forever, you understand?"

“Yes, I do.”

“Good.” Namjoon pulls away, and Jeongguk beams at Jimin with tears in his eyes, too. Seokjin takes his turn as well to give Jeongguk love and attention, before Namjoon says, “Now, I heard something about you bringing more of those cookies–”

“Oh, here!” Jeongguk holds up the bag with pride. “Jimin and I spent all night making them. And I brought chocolate–”

“Chocolate??”

Taehyung’s voice squeaks out from the hallway, and the omega comes barreling down it in holiday socks and a pajamas.

“And cookies.” Jimin grabs him around the waist before Taehyung can rush passed him, and the omega fidgets in his arms, reaching for the goodie bag.

“Come on! Yoongi and I have been dying from sugar cravings for two days now!”

“You’d think you’re pregnant too, then, if that’s the case.” Jimin teases, holding him tight. “Gimme a kiss.”

“Jiminie.” Taehyung whines and continues to fidget. “You’re embarrassing me in front of Jeongguk!”

But he reluctantly gives in, letting Jimin dote over him for a moment, before scurrying to Namjoon holding the confection bag. Together, they trot to the kitchen out of sight, easily falling back into the rhythm of day to day living in the packhouse. Jimin smiles at Jeongguk, the two of them migrating towards one another naturally, while Seokjin says, “We’ll be in the kitchen for breakfast.”

They’re alone for just another moment, wrapping their arms around each other, and sighing out in content.

“Wow.” Jeongguk’s eyes are still wet, and Jimin brushes his thumbs under them.

“You okay?” He asks sweetly.

“Yeah, I am. I feel great."

“I’m so happy you’re here.” Jimin kisses him. “I love the way your scent fits in the house. It’s perfect, Jeongguk.”

“Me too. I love it so much.”

“Are you hungry?” Jimin asks, and Jeongguk nods.

“Starving.”

“Okay, let’s go and say hi to the rest of the pack.”

Hand in hand, they head into the kitchen, greeting Hoseok and Yoongi as well, and settling in for a delicious breakfast prepared by the omegas. They drink eggnog and laugh together, eat until their waistlines are bursting at the seams. They open presents, with Jeongguk emotional again when the pack alpha and omega reveal they bought Jeongguk a new mixer for Christmas, something that Jimin had told them he wanted.

They spend this precious time together, relishing in the bond of the pack and in each other, and forming a new bond unlike any other.

Then later, they visit Jimin’s mother’s house, have evening coffee and dessert with his grandmother, watch a silly holiday movie with Jimin’s little cousins. It’s unexplainable the way Jeongguk fits in to this life with him.

And when it’s all said and done, they go back to Jeongguk’s apartment together, with Jimin having packed a bag of his clothes and a few personal belongings, fully prepared to stay there and start their entire lives together inside that space.

Christmas this year is the best one that either of them has ever had. They feel safe, expressing exactly who they are, accepting each other for everything they can be.

They can’t wait to share this holiday and many more.