1 01

Walking back homes isn't exactly a fun activity, that too at night.

It was dark, the tensed air making him uncertain whether he should go ahead or bolt the fuck out of this area. He kept feeling that urgency as if he should do something-"WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT NOISE" freezing on the spot, he whisper to himself. Not one movement, not even wind, everything was still.

Eyes scanning the area wildly, only to notice a pool of red on the ground at the side of the road. He was about to give into his instincts and call the police while running away but the pained whimper he heard made him changed his mind. His feet moving on their own accord to help whoever injured.

Jungkook was shocked to see a tiger laying behind the dumpster, fighting itself to keep the eyes open and as if he sensed movement a low growl left his mouth. And if the big cat wasn't injured, Jungkook would have kept the fuck away from it as he values his life more than anything but the sight was gorey. He couldn't leave anyone who was this badly injured.

Raising his hands while crouching in a distance to the wild cat, "I am not going to hurt you, please you need to be tended to-" a shiver ran down his spine when he made eye contact w the tiger, "-I can't even run two miles without feeling like I am gonna die, I am not even dangerous. Just plain unfit right now-"

The tiger seemed to be contemplating,  still wary of him. "please let me tend your wounds?"

There was still a big chance the tiger wouldn't let him get close without putting a fight so Jungkook decided to scan his body while explaining, "I am a medical student, I can surely help you right now and by the looks of the cut on you leg you will bleed to death in an hour or two. I promise I am no harm to you I dont even know why I am here in this position right now talking to such a dangerous predatory species when-"

Taking another deep breath Jungkook tried to move further close to the injured foot only to halt again and huff a breath while pouting at the animal, "I dont care if you eat my hand, I am going to take you to my apartment and patch you up."

He took off his jacket and t-shirt, looking over at the foot and back at the clothing item deeming it as okay; he lightly lifted the injured leg and wrapped it up using his t-shirt, glad that he didn't go to gym before because then the t-shirt would have been sweaty and wet.

Another shiver ran down his body, suddenly reminded of how much skin he has exposed in the month of November. Quickly wearing his jacket while eyeing the tiger, "You know you barring your fangs at me isn't helping my nerves and you would definitely not want your doctor to be /this/ nervous while working on you."

This seemed to have irked the cat even more, tiger seemingly more calm right now let out a low growl as if warning him. Jungkook was still very terrified of the situation but yolo i guess?

Scooping tiger in his arms after tying the wound with his t-shirt to slow down the blood loss, still very unsure of everything or if he will have his head intact in a while or not. He decided to not look at the animal as he was very fucking scared now, his heart-rate going crazy with fear. "I would be glad if you dont bite my head or hands off... please?"

Jungkook moved swiftly across the streets hoping no one would see him right now. What will he even say to them? sorry found a tiger laying on road thought I should bring him home? He was thankful for the fact that it was ass crack of dawn and not a single person in his apartment building would be out to witness him carrying such huge animal to his place.

Gently placing the animal on his bed as his apartment lacked any big cushioned platform to accommodate the tiger's size, he quickly moved to the drawer where he kept his first aid kit. His hands were still aching very badly but he hopes he can manage. He shook his arms, flexing them a bit to check if he sprained any muscle on the way as he was sure the tiger weighed the same as him. He quite impressed by himself.

"I am going to stitch the wound" he looked at it again, sure of himself that the wound looked way too deep a moment ago. "It looks like you will only need two or three stitches!!" Jungkook tried to smile while scanning the injury for another second.

He may be a med student but he still wasn't a big fan of blood, he grimaced while cleaning the wound. "The cut is so fucking deep what the hell- how much blood did you even loose-" rudely interrupted by the tiger's tail slapping him across the face.

"This is the first time a patient slapped me because I AM HELPING THEM, YOU UNGRATEFUL CAT"

The apartment was very spacious and some would even say its empty but Jungkook likes that. His place was somewhat plain with a few touches of him here and there. It seemed like the tiger was intrigued by that, Jungkook took that chance to quickly stitch the skin while the tiger scanned the surroundings. He was still grumbling while tending to the wound.

"I live alone, you wouldn't need to worry about someone else walking in through that door anytime soon." Jungkook cleaned the leg while smiling at the tiger, holding onto the animal firmly he tried to move it a bit further onto the bed so the bandaged leg doesn't hang off the mattress.

Now that all was set, he quickly brought the extra pillows he had in the apartment and made sure to set them all around the animal, not wanting it to be even a bit uncomfortable there. "so... I will be out on the couch" no response other than a small huff.

Jungkook was on the kitchen counter drinking his usual juice while still feeling very unsettled, he was sure the cut on the leg was very fucking deep when he first saw it. Gasping as the realisation hit him, 'Is there a chance I brought a damn stray shapeshifter to my home!?' but shapeshifters were a rarity in the area, they usually lived in the expensive side of the city.

He was scared of the tiger but as soon as he heard a whimper from his room he jumped off quickly to get there.

The animal seemed to have drifted into a drowsy state, trying to turn around but failing because of the pain it causes to the leg, Jungkook lightly lifted it while shooting a worried look.

"I keep getting reminded of how I shouldn't leave a rescued animal alone or they might get anxious. But I am still very scared of you" frowning deeply while looking around his room, "I want to ask you many questions but I dont know if I would like the answers, if there was any way for you to answer at all."

He decided to sit at the foot of bed while softly caressing the other leg of tiger, "I might be scared of you but I am more scared of the fact that someone like you-someone who can defend themselves was hurt THIS badly in my neighbourhood"

The tiger seemed to be drifting back to sleep while Jungkook kept caressing and petting the big cat who looked pleased with it. He felt its tail wrapping around his hand and he halted his movements looking up to meet the strong stare the tiger seems to always have.

"Do you not like it? was this wrong of me to do? I will not do it then okay-AAGHH" he was cut off by the strong tug on his hand, he was quickly pulled towards the center of the bed and even if he tried to he failed to school his expression.

He was still very stressed over how much blood he saw on the pavement, sure of the fact that the injury was caused because of malicious intent instead of it being an accident.

It didn't take him long to fall asleep as the warmth and comfort of his bed seemed to have doubled right now. Snuggling closer to the source of warmth, he smiled when he found a comfortable position while being so close to drifting into unconsciousness.

It should have nerved him that he was in bed, cuddling with a predatory wild cat but surprisingly he wasn't nervous. He found himself waking up to a very naked man snuggled around him resting his head on his chest. There was a sudden kick in of instincts as he tried he jump off the bed but was trapped between limbs.

With his rising heart-rate, Jungkook decided it would be better to calm down first then wake the man up from his deep slumber, "Take deep breaths, jungkook. Take deep breathes it will be okay it will be fine this may be a dream-no fuck fuck this isn't a dream what the hell-... oh you are awake?"

His mumbling came of a pause when he saw the man look at him with sleepy eyes and a pout, shaking his head and still holding onto Jungkook while grumbling something like "umph-yegh, why are you movinghh, stowp."

Jungkook froze, not knowing who this man-oh? oh. Remembering how quick the wound healed and the tiger seemed to have a good understanding of him, 'oh I am so dead' he shook his head cursing himself for not realising he took in a fucking tiger hybrid. The stranger was starting wake up and still grumbling about something.

'Okay... lets try again?' Jungkook tried to move again, keyword being tried. The man seemed to hold him in an even firmer hold now, nuzzling into his neck- 'one bite and I am dead meat. awesome. This isn't scary at all.'

It only took him few minutes to relax in the stranger's hold, as soon as he slumped he felt him smile on his skin. A shiver ran down his spine, neck was already a sensitive spot for him and having someone breathing and constantly grazing there had him squirm a bit in his place.

"Are you completely awake now? um.. you had quite an injury last night so I really suggest letting me change the bandages if the wound is still un-healed-" he let out a squeaky noise when he felt the him nuzzling even closer while humming a "yes"

That was all Jungkook needed to get up and look at the man's foot, starting unwrap the bandages hoping the wound healed itself as it is what usually happens for supernatual beings. Quick healing, but the gash was still yet to close "It still hasn't naturally healed" Jungkook frowned while looking at those brown eyes which were fixated on him for quite a long time.

He forgot about the nakedness but it all came crashing on him when his eyes trailed down to his chest where a few scars rested, quickly averting his eyes while getting up. "OH! lemme just grab something for you to wear while i change the bandages."

The tiger man hummed again while looking amused, "I will bring something to eat too just wait right there-.. what the fuck am I even doing right now getting flustered by bare minimum." Jungkook walked away quickly while mumbling the last part quietly to himself. Not sure if the supernaturals had sensitive hearing- who is he kidding predatory ones have even better hearing than the usuals, he is very thoroughly fucked.

Having given the man a simple t-shirt and shorts which were quite loose and baggy on his frame, Jungkook walked towards the mattress to put down the first-aid kit, 'damn, I have more muscles than a fucking tiger hybrid' quickly averting his eyes from his frame.

He was back to his old position, sitting on the foot of bed while having the injured limb in-front of him. The man hadn't said anything yet, nothing more. Staring intently while Jungkook takes out the antiseptics and new bandages, "I don't have much bandages as I usually don't get hurt but I think this will suffice but to be sure I will go buy another bunch after breakfast-"

"-why?" the deep voice startling him as he quite literally jumped in his place, proceeding to glare at the man for causing it. "what do you mean 'why'? You like having to use dirty bandages?" to which the only reply he got was "hmpf" as the stranger folded his arms pouting.

Quickly cleaning the skin around the wound and wrapping it up, "The gash is still somewhat deep but I think in a day or two it will heal completely if I take note of the speed it did with till now-"

"Okay, okay, explain what you meant I can't have you looking at me like I kicked you." He sighed while positioning his body as such he is now facing the upset stranger completely now,

"You need to talk.. I am very bad at communication myself- I know its important, I try to not leave any misunderstanding. Take you time but don't worry about me not understanding or wanting to understand-"

He was cut off by a pair of arms wrapping around his shoulders, "Thank you, I- thank you, you didn't need to help me but you did. I know I look scary but you still did.. you are the best human I have ever met- Thank you." Jungkook hugged him back, how could he not when the person was being so honest and shaking.

"Don't thank me this much, if I hadn't done anything my conscious would have eaten me alive-" he rocked him back and forth to calm him down while rubbing his back. "-And yeah, thank you for not biting my head off yesterday I was scared shitless."

At that they both laughed, "Hey! I wouldn't have bit you, you looked like you were two seconds away from crying-" yelping as Jungkook smacked his arms, still laughing.

"Okay Mr. Scary, we need to eat something to help you heal quick-" "Taehyung"

"hmm?"

"My name."

"Didn't anyone teach you to not give your name to strangers?" Jungkook smiled at him while getting up from the bed, "Come on- wait you are injured... oh god I forgot you can not walk I am so horrible- DON'T LAUGH!!!" he bent down to pick Taehyung up bridal style as he shook his head still laughing.

Placing him on the stool near the kitchen counter he started making some fried egg rice while also cutting veggies for salad.

"You are pretty strong for a human"

"You are quite lanky for a tiger."

And, thats how you have a shapeshifter throw the nearest bowl at you.

It was easy, surprisingly easy. Making breakfast while Taehyung busied himself with asking about each and everything present in the apartment, it was lively.

It was easy, very easy. Smiling and laughing along with him or at him, lightly smacking away Taehyung's hands whenever he would try to tickle him when in reach.

It was easy, quite easy. Forgetting about how he had to go out to fetch some medical supplies along with study materials or forgetting how deadly the attack and injuries on this, now smiling, man was just few hours ago.

If Jungkook wanted to hug him again, no he doesn't.

It was easy, scarily easy. Not wanting to disturb the light atmosphere they both had going on, hoping he wouldn't be needed to confront Taehyung about last night. He can only hope that he will be safe and well, now that they are in his apartment, he hopes they both will be safe.

"I will be out for a few hours, will you be okay by yourself?" Jungkook asked while picking up his wallet and bag, glancing towards Taehyung to be sure if he is listening only to be greeted with an adorable sight of him pouting while playing with the thread hanging off of those shorts.

"Taehyung?" he called softly while walking towards him, "Is it important?" Jungkook just blinked, unable to understand what to make of that question "What is?"

"Going out.. for so long" he tried to look at his face but Taehyung wouldn't look up, head hanging while he fiddled with the clothes.

Jungkook cupped his cheek, gently urging him to look up. The hold he had was delicate, like he was terrified if he got any firm Taehyung would try to push him away. The moment he looked at those teary and terrified eyes, he felt something break in him. Not understanding what is causing him the pain but he very desperately wants to fix it.

"Its okay, I can ask someone else to pick up the things I need. I won't need to go out at all if you want." he smiled at Taehyung's now wide eyes, "wha- but? oh that would be a hassle right?... I am causing inconvenience right? oh my god this is so bad-"

"-you are not."

"how are you so sure about that?"

"because... I would definitely know if /you/ are being an inconvenience to /me/?"

Taehyung sighed, slightly nuzzling into his touch. Jungkook didn't want to let go of his face, "Do you want to watch a movie? read a book? or just sit and listen to music? anything?"

"Anything"

"Lets paint?" Jungkook had paint supplies lying around somewhere and thats one of the few activities that calms him down, hoping the same for Taehyung.

Jungkook knew how much distressed any type of animal feels after being rescued, he had no idea about shifters but he can always count on his knowledge about animals right? ... no

'they are like part animals too? shouldn't it be the same science? I regret not paying attention to the lecture about them'

Quickly shooting a text to Yoongi asking him to bring back his study materials along with medical supplies, he moved around the apartment to find extra apron and canvas stand for Taehyung.

Yoongi : did u get into a fucking fistfight last night or what, the hell you need THIS much bandages for? omw to urs, u better wish u didn't get into any shady shit.

Jungkook snorted while replying with a simple "I'm perfectly fine" along with "dickhead, why would you assume i get into fights."

It wasn't long till he had the area set up properly, picking up his spare apron while walking towards Taehyung who was very busy examining his shelf. "Did you find anything interesting?"

"Its all pretty bland but in a good way."

Jungkook chuckled while motions him to come closer and unsurprisingly so he got a quizzical look back, putting on the apron for him Jungkook walked around to tie the band on the waist in a loose knot.

"Look at you, all ready to have an artistic experience in my bland apartment."

Taehyung snorted while looking at the paint supplies and brushes in awe, "You have so many!!" "I like painting, its very therapeutic."

It should be this easy, so easy to fall into a rhythmic cycle with a stranger around. The fact that Jungkook was able to actually calm down and sketch in Taehyung's presence scared him. He hopes this isn't a bad thing.

Who is he kidding? he knows getting so comfortable around anyone new was not normal, he should be scared shitless right now but he was feeling happy and light. It wasn't everyday he had a simple company around his free time at home.

They were focused on each of their's canvases that they didn't even notice the knocks, only when Taehyung visible tensed and flinched looking at him with wide eyes "Somebody is outside" with such alarm that for a solid second Jungkook forgot about yoongi visiting.

"Don't worry, thats my friend. He is bringing bandages for you." he said while patting Taehyung's shoulder hoping the tension in them would disappear soon.

"I have been here for so long open the damn door, Jungkook-" Yoongi was cut off mid yell when the door opened, "I knocked for like an hour. What were you even doing?"

"Tried painting today after a long time, did you bring everything?"

"Of course I did, the shopkeeper looked at me weirdly for buying this much shit. Had to tell him that I study medicine to avoid suspicions. Pretty sure he would have called cops on me otherwise."

"Who told you to go there in you bad boy fuck boy outfit?" to which Yoongi scoffed, it was usual for him to get judged based on his dressing sense every now and then.

Yoongi put the bags and papers on the couch, freezing midway when he heard a noise "You have someone over?" Jungkook was so immersed in checking if he brought everything that the only response he could give was "Yea, the injured supernatural I helped yesterday."

"YOU TOOK IN A FUCKING SUPERNATUAL?? THAT TOO AT NIGHT?? YOU COULD HAVE BEEN DEAD BY MORNING OH MY GOD WHY ARE YOU SO RECKLESS, ASSHOLE-" Jungkook hugged Yoongi to calm him down, it works every time even if Yoongi disagrees.

"He was injured very badly, I couldn't leave him out there." to which Yoongi made noise that could be deciphered as him wanting to disagree. "Don't even try to say you wouldn't have done the same." setting him with a pointed look, Jungkook squeezed him one last time.

"He was in his animal form so I couldn't figure out sooner."

"Okay- um, how long will he take to heal? Looking at the amount of shit you had me buy it isnt any time sooner."

Jungkook rubbed his chin with his hand wondering about it, the wound may heal in a day or might take week too seeing how the shifter couldn't heal himself yesterday "I don't really know, he should have somewhat boosted immune and healing system as he is like a tiger hybrid-"

"WHA- tiger hybrid!? Are you fucking serious? If he was one of the rogues shapeshifters he would have murdered you on that damned spot." Yoongi hissed while grabbing his arm to have him bend a bit. Yoongi understood how much helping was important but being reckless enough to endanger your own life in uncertainty was plain foolishness too.

"I am sorry" Jungkook mumbled while looking down, he knew it was very dumb move by him and could have had him dead in that ditch. Yoongi sighed while patting his back, "Please look out for yourself first from the next time. Can't have you dying, you still owe me fuck ton of money."

They smiled, moving ahead to arrange everything in its designated spot. "Can you put the papers on my desk? I'll check up on Taehyung." Jungkook walked away without waiting for an answer which he knew wouldn't have come as Yoongi is so used to just grunting in response to yes or no questions.

"Taehyung, come meet hyung- what happened?" Jungkook was startled when he was met with the hiss teary eyes instead, he stifled while wiping his face. "I am sorry"

"For what are you feeling sorry? If its about the bandages or paint supplies, please don't worry about the cost or anything." to which Taehyung scoffed, "Oh my god, you actually are so dumb. I am sorry for endangering your life last night." and that left Jungkook even more confused,

Because if Taehyung was referring to what Yoongi yelled at him for it wouldn't make sense as Yoongi yelled at him for being reckless and risking an encounter with a rogue shapeshifter. It took him a solid second to realise, "who attacked you last night before I found you?"

Taehyung visibly flinched while inhaling, "shapeshifters are rare and that automatically means we have way too high prices on our heads." Jungkook knew where it was headed and he hated that ending, "I am sorry you have to face this shit."

Jungkook was not the best with words but at least he knows how to hug and comfort someone? That counts right? Jungkook hoped it would. Wrapping his arms around the shifter, he rubbed the back and smiled in relief when he felt his head rest against his shoulder. Taehyung put one arm around his neck while the other rested on his chest.

Steadily breathing, Jungkook felt Taehyung heave a small huff "What was that about?"

"I am starting to wonder which one of us is a weretiger because you sure as hell give me a strong competition in opting for physical touch."

His cheeks reddened, "hEeyy! I might be the best at most things but- okay, dont scoff at me! You will see I am good at nearly everything." Jungkook lightly smacked Taehyung's arm, continuing, "I just suck at words."

Taehyung smiled at his adorable pout when the only thing he could think of was how beautiful and warm his smile actually is.

There was some noise again in the living room bringing them both back from their little bubble, still wrapped around each other they looked towards the door and then made eye contact, Taehyung widened his eyes as if to urge him to either go check who's there or explain whats going on.

"OHH, its Yoongi hyung in the living room. I asked him to bring your bandages. Come lets meet him?"

It was quite concerning how quickly Yoongi befriended Taehyung, taking how hard it is for the other to trust anyone new. One moment it was Taehyung shyly bowing to him and introducing himself and the next was him gushing over how pretty and cat-like his hyung was.

"Oh my god.. you are so much like a cat !!! I am serious, If I didn't know better I'd have taken in your feline features and grace as an indicator for you being one of us."

And Jungkook was feeling this sour feeling grow in him, seeing how much Taehyung was enticed by his friend. 'It has not even been a whole day with him here why am I feeling this way.'

He heard them both laugh at something while looking towards him, he led out a small annoyed "what" while pouring orange juice in the glasses. Which resulted in another set of laughter which was even more loud.

Great. Absolutely fine. Now he has his best friend bonding with Taehyung and hoarding his time.

With Yoongi and Taehyung busy with each other Jungkook was left with going through his study materials he just right now. It was tiring to the core but if he doesn't study he would be stuck in this hell hole.

It took him nearly an hour to completely read thoroughly through these bunch of worksheets and when he looked up he was greeted with a sight so endearing that he forgot how much annoying they actually were. Both Yoongi and Taehyung tangled with each other, snoring lightly.

It was a sweet sight and that intimidated Jungkook; it was getting way too easy to feel comfortable around Taehyung.