Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“I can’t believe we’re fucking doing this,” Wooyoung mutters disdainfully as he slings a pack over his shoulder.

Yeosang lets out a dry chuckle, his breath fogging in front of him. In spite of the looming threat of global warming, winter’s bite seems to creep up all the same. Summer’s last vestiges faded weeks ago in their forsaken corner of the midwest. The unfortunate and inevitable chill is perpetually regarded as premature. All too soon, summer’s vividity is gone and with it goes everybody’s will to exist beyond the four walls of their house. Well, almost everybody’s. 

The sky fades from azure to black quickly. There isn’t a cloud in sight which makes for ideal conditions. Even though the lack of insulation makes it cold, the clear, unmitigated moonlight will assure their mark is sure to stir. Most trees have finished their annual leaf purge at this point - a disadvantageous circumstance for Yeosang and Wooyoung.

“This is gonna be insane,” Yeosang responds quietly.

“You’re fucking insane,” Wooyoung says. Normally, he’d be saying something like that with a smile. It’s apparent he’s trying to keep it lighthearted. Of course, having known the guy for six years, Yeosang can all too easily discern the strain in the other’s tone.

Wooyoung had been against the idea from the moment he heard about it.

“Trust me, once we have genuine proof of werewolf activity, it’ll all be worth it.”

“Activity, huh? Seriously, I-” Wooyoung lets out an exasperated sigh. He’s tried talking Yeosang out of it dozens of times. Though he’s normally pretty adamant, at this point, he’s given up. “Just- Equipment check.”

“I just-”

“Please?”

“Right. Fine.” Yeosang obliges the other and starts patting down his parka. It’s outfitted with dozens of pockets inside and out, some with zippers, some with snaps and buttons. It’s got a removable hood, too. He opted to keep that in the car, switching it out for a beanie. It wouldn’t do to get snagged by it. Yeo runs down his list again, making sure to touch everything as he speaks.

“Um, okay, phone. Walkie-”

“You’ve got your earpiece in already?”

“Yeah, I’ve got my earpiece in.”

“The mic clipped?”

“On the collar of my shirt- the one I’m wearing under.”

“Right. Okay- Sorry. Walkie…”

“Walkie- check. Got my little nest pack. Pepper spray. Shocky - aka stun gun. Flare. Lighter. Little spray paint.Uh- Um, I’ve got the pheremone. Silver knife. Compass. Flashlight. Ziplocs. Tweezers. Um- Got my little bottles in here. Um-” Yeosang pats his shoulder, “-cam.”

“You’ve got your first aid kit?”

“Yeah it’s- here. Inner breast pocket. Phone location’s on.”

“Okay…” Wooyoung heaves a sigh. “Are you sure you wanna do this?”

“Yes. Yes, I’m sure, like I was sure ten minutes ago, an hour ago, and every other time you’ve asked that. Are you sure you wanna do this? Because if you don’t-”

“Like hell am I backing out.” Wooyoung slings a hand around the other’s shoulder. “You already said about twenty times that you’d do this without me, anyway.”

The two start ambling towards the woods, leaving the worn nineties range rover they’d pitched in for behind. It may very well be the only thing left of them if Yeosang’s plan goes south. 

Five weeks earlier.

“It’s a mating call,” Yeosang said.

“What?” Wooyoung lifted his gaze from his laptop to regard Yeosang.

“The howling. Aggressive territorial markings. What if it’s a mating call? Establishing dominance and then… And then trying to attract a mate?”

“I’m sorry- What?”

The other’s confusion didn’t surprise Yeosang very much. They’d been at it since Wooyoung got home from work at eleven. They always kept the blinds drawn, but Yeosang is pretty sure he can see daylight sneak through the cracks in the plastic. Empty ramen cups and protein bar wrappers litter the table, integrated almost seamlessly with the mess of their annotated maps and handwritten notes.

So goes the life of a cryptozoologist, they figured.

The two had known each other for six years, been in “business” together for about two. If one could call chasing around supposed specters, poltergeists, and cryptids business. Yeosang can only imagine the disappointment his parents felt when his gap year added an “s” to the end. Wooyoung didn’t have to imagine since his mom called at least once a week to unsubtly nudge him toward university or, at the very least, steady employment.

It’s a calling, though. One that, somehow, the two ended up sharing passion for. They made ends meet with part-time jobs, temp work, supernatural consultancy and more recently remote work. The pair followed their leads, setting down roots anywhere with cheap, short-term leases and good wifi. That’s how they ended up in the middle of rural Pennsylvania, huddled around a wobbly IKEA table in a one-bedroom AirBNB.

A string of disappearances is, unfortunately, not enough to warrant much interest from people in their vocation. People disappear everywhere. It’s a tragedy, yes, but not necessarily indicative of supernatural activity. It’s the state in which those missing are found - that is the tip off. A few mangled corpses, some anecdotes and grainy pictures, these are the things that constitute a lead. Though to most people, they meant nothing, to Yeosang and Wooyoung, they served as the foundation of a paranormal investigation.

“Think about it. Wolves don’t howl for fun. It’s a mode of communication,” Yeosang elaborated.

“Yeah. Duh. But who is our werewolf calling out to? The area’s way too quiet for there to be a pack.”

“Exactly. I don’t think there is a pack.”

“Okay, so…? They like the sound of their own voice?”

Yeosang rolled his eyes, “No, idiot. They’re trying to find a pack.”

“Yeah, but, but-” Wooyoung rifled through the pile of papers next to his laptop for a second. He pulled one out and skimmed it, nodding before continuing, “-it could just be a territorial thing, too. You know - ‘stay the hell away from me’?”

“It could be… Or it could not. The territory - if it’s similar to the one we’ve drawn up - is pretty fucking big and pretty fucking barren. It’s far from camp grounds and dangerous. There’s no way any comparable threat is encroaching on that. If there was another one, we’d be able to tell. The numbers just don’t add up.”

“Okay fine. I mean- It’s not unreasonable, really. So our wolfie wants a companion? Wait- You said mating, though. By mating do you mean…?”

“How else can a lone wolf start a pack?”

Wooyoung snorted, “Horny.”

“What?”

“Nothing. I didn’t say anything.”

Yeosang’s cheeks burned, “I think you did.” He threw a pen at the other’s head. It missed, surprising neither of them, but it was about sending a message, anyway.

“Just saying maybe our werewolf isn’t the only lonely beast stalking the night.” Wooyoung giggled.

“Shut the fuck up,” Yeosang laughed. Even after years of being on the road, the other still managed to catch him off guard. One would think that, after all that time travelling with his best friend, things would get easier. 

But they never did.

“I think you’re onto something, though,” The other responded. “But what do we do with that information?”

“I…” The gears in Yeosang’s head started turning, and from his contemplation arose a plot. It was, objectively, awful. Perhaps the most half-assed, ill-advised plot in the history of plots. However, in the wee hours of the morning fueled by the fumes of diner food he’d had the day before, he thought nothing of consequences or even worst-case scenarios. No. He only thought of data. Valuable data that could be collected via close encounters with the lycanthropic kind. “I’ve got an idea.”

“Go over the plan again?” Wooyoung urges the other as they advance into the woods. He already knows the plan. He knows it damn well, expressed his disapproval fervently, too. But the air is quickly starting to get tense; Yeosang’s got a feeling Woo doesn’t want to listen to the crunching of leaves for their entire trek inward.

“Quarter mile in, you set up. I go a mile in. By then the moon should be just right. If our intel is right, we… We may hear howling. I find a good spot, douse myself, play the recording and wait.”

“I still don’t see why we can’t set up a decoy.”

“Decoys can’t collect DNA samples. Anyway, if we make contact…” The mere thought electrifies Yeosang. He gets a rush from imagining it. Close contact with a werewolf? A genuine monster - not just decrypting vague messages from spirit boxes or studying tracks. Real, genuine contact. It’s any cryptozoologist’s dream. At least, in some capacity. There are many supernatural creatures that one would loathe to encounter, but Yeosang is fairly confident he can make it out unscathed.

Wooyoung, typically upbeat, sounds resigned as he continues, “Whatever. Worst-case scenarios. It tries to attack, what are you going for?”

“Shocky.” Yeosang pats his right pocket.

“What if it succeeds? Claws draw blood?”

“Shocky. Get to a safe space. First aid. Slash the clothing with my knife if I have to. Prioritize preventing infection.”

“What if the stun gun falls out of your hands? What if its voltage isn’t enough?”

“Pepper spray. Left pocket. Like hell can any living thing get pepper-sprayed and not back off. Of course, you’ll be watching and listening to all of it, won't you?”

“Obviously. What if it goes straight for the jugular?”

Yeosang halts abruptly. That’s a grisly thought, to say the least.

“Then I’m dead. You run. Don’t come back for me. Sell my shit and maybe go to school or something.”

Wooyoung doesn’t answer.

Yeosang can still hear the other’s footsteps shuffling the leaves behind him. The other is encumbered with a big pack and can’t move as fast. He’ll be watching on a laptop with their mobile wireless setup which includes bulkier equipment than Yeosang’s.

“Christ, I was kidding Yeosang.”

He wasn’t. Not really.

“You asked. I answered. Don’t worry, I’m prepared for pretty much anything that this thing could throw at us.”

“What if it takes you back to its cave and wants you to be its mate.”

“Like I said, I prepared for various situations.”

It’s Wooyoung’s turn to stop. Yeosang smirks, knowing damn well the other’s mind is reeling.

“You don’t mean- you did not.”

“I said anything .”

“Fucking nasty . I- Did- Did you? Did you really?”

“I work from home, you work long hours. I get bored.”

“You’re joking. You’re- You’re fucking joking.”

Yeosang is glad he can hear some life return to the other’s voice. He withdraws the little bottle of spraypaint from his coat and starts marking their trail as Wooyoung shuffles to his side.

“Do I sound like I’m joking?”

“I can’t believe we’re about to film your werewolf sex tape.”

“We’ll see what happens, but… Well, it adds up, doesn’t it?”

“Yeah. I mean- We established the theory is sound. But, I just- You don’t seriously think...”

“It’s a primal need. An appetite. If it’s sated, we may even be able to make the monster docile. Perhaps the gratification of an urge could even impact the transformation.”

“I’m a beacon of sin for enabling this.”

“Calm down. It’s just one of the many possibilities here. It is one, however, that requires more thorough preparation.”

“Wait, you’re serious?”

“It’s for science.”

Wooyoung heaves a sigh of defeat. They’ve been attached at the hip pretty much since meeting, but even so, Woo still struggles to discern sarcasm upon occasion. The mental image of Yeosang strenuously prepping himself to get ready for a massive werewolf cock-

No. He refuses to let that distract him.

The worrying reality is that he may bear witness to that in a matter of hours.

“God, Yeosang,” Wooyoung mutters. “Glad one of us can joke about this.”

“I’m not joking.”

“I- F- Nevermind let’s just- we’re almost at our campsite.”

“Okay. Okay. Hey, Woo-”

“ What ?”

“Whoa- Sorry. Shit, are you alright?”

“Just fucking fine, Yeosang. Can’t wait to watch you offer yourself up to a werewolf.”

“Woo, it’ll be fine, okay. This is gonna work.”

“How are you so confident?”

“Just- Just trust me on this, okay? I have a good feeling about this. You trust me, right? I mean- do you?”

“Yes. Yes, Yeosang. Yes, I trust you. You’re a fucking genius. I don’t trust a fucking werewolf, though.”

“We worked on this together. I have you, and I have shocky.”

“Yeah. It’s fine.” Wooyoung concedes. He knows Yeosang is, if nothing else, adamant. When he latches onto an idea he won’t let it go. Wooyoung is certain Yeosang would do the damn thing himself if it came to it.

And that’s exactly why he’s there.

“Everything alright out there?” Wooyoung’s voice filters through Yeosang’s earpiece, voice slightly tinny and distorted. It’s old tech, their walkies, but they’re reliable, good for remote places with no cell service.

“Yeah, it’s fine. I’m good,” Yeosang eyes his handiwork beneath the base of an overturned oak. As planned, he set up a mile inward from Wooyoung’s position. He ought to be just breaching the werewolf’s territory.

The plan was fairly straightforward. Yeosang would present himself as an alien wolf and make a show of submission. The distinction between human intellect and wolf instincts is a mucky one at best - at least, as far as he knows. It’s not well understood given the limited data cryptozoologists have on the creatures. In spite of the presence of a human mind and form, they are (unsurprisingly) not eager to spill their secrets.

Wolves and humans do have something in common, though: they are pack animals. Both thrive in communes; and, if one is alone in a vast wooded territory with naught but some squirrels for company, they may find themself inclined to seek out companionship.

It is that primal need for community that Yeosang’s theory hinges on. Community and, well, some other more primal aspects that may or may not come into play.

It isn’t that Yeosang has a strong desire to get fucked by a werewolf, per se. It’s just that he figures it is the most likely scenario. For most animals the passing of kin is a much more powerful motivation than fellowship. 

Yeosang knows he ought to be afraid right about now. He should be shaking like a leaf or sprinting back to Wooyoung, begging the other not to tease him with “I told you so”s. But he’s not. Weirdly enough, he’s calm.

He looks over the makeshift nest he built. It’s a dry day, thankfully. That made his life easier. He laid down a tarp and gathered nearby brush until the surface was what he considers relatively insulated. Atop that he put down a cheap fleece blanket. The massive roots of the huge oak make for a decent den-like structure without restricting his movement too much. He doubts he’ll make it if he has to run, but there’s space to do so if it comes to that.

Everything is in place. The stage is set. It’s hardly candlelight and rose petals, but he hopes it’s inviting enough for the beast to feel welcome.

“Okay. I’m gonna douse myself,” Yeosang whispers. His heart pounds with anticipation.

“I’m right here. If you need to tap out at any time, please just- just do it. I promise I won’t make fun of you. We’ve still got time before peak moonlight.”

“Wouldn’t fault you if you did. But I’m not, so. Just stay where you’re at. Okay.” Yeosang heaves a sigh. He feels as if his body is buzzing beneath his skin, scarcely contained. Leaves crunch beneath his weight as he seats himself. 

The pheromones are pungent. The odor practically knocks Yeosang onto his back as he hacks and coughs. It quickly permeates his nostrils, sinking into the fibers of his coat and beanie. His eyes water and he gags around the all-consuming smell. 

“Are you okay?” Wooyoung asks worriedly.

“Y-Yeah, I’m fine-” Yeosang coughs, “-just- just the smell.” He sniffles, blinking the tears out of his eyes. “Shit.”

“What did you expect wolf spunk to smell like? Flowers?”

“Fuck off,” Yeosang responds. “Don’t come at me with logic.” He leans back against the base of the tree, finding a relatively comfortable spot between some thick roots.

“Yeah, well, you did the damn thing, so, now we wait - right?”

“Yeah.”

“Is shocky accessible?”

“Ugh- Yes, mom.”

“Thatta boy.”

“Whatever. It’ll be fine. Just you wait.”

“Yeah, well-”

“-ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo-”

The howl echoes across the woods loudly, silencing the two immediately.

Wooyoung gasps, “Shit- That- That was-” 

“It sounded far, right? Holy fuck.” A shudder runs down Yeosang’s spine. 

This is happening.

This is really happening.

Pheremones or no, the thing will be able to smell Yeosang in his territory. It will come for him. The outcome of that is to be determined. Yeo prays that it’s good.

“Should I turn the bodycam on?” Yeosang whispers.

“Wait for it. We don’t even know if it’ll find you. The second it does, turn it on. And Yeosang, I’m serious, if it-”

“I have a hand on shocky, Woo. It’s fine, it’ll be-”

The sound of something shuffling immediately catches his attention. It could very well have been some leaves in the wind, or myriad other woodland critters. Regardless, it puts Yeosang on alert.

“What? What is it?” Wooyoung asks, voice strained.

“I- I dunno-”

“Was it the-”

“I don’t know ,” Yeosang whispers. “Hush and let me listen, okay? And before you say anything, yes, I’ll tell you if anything happens. If it’s fucked I’ll use the stun gun and run. So- So just be quiet, okay? D-don’t answer that.”

The staticky crackle in Yeosang’s earpiece fizzles out into silence. Good, he thinks.

He strains his ears, focusing on listening to every minute sound he can possibly hear. There is the slightest breeze, though it’s scarcely enough to jostle the bald trees of the woods. He doesn’t hear any bugs - it’s too cold anymore. There’s the occasional distant clink of metal. It’s just barely there, the result of the powerlines cutting between the hills probably contracting in the cold temperature.

Yeosang almost gets lulled into a false sense of security, but then he hears it again. The shifting of brush. It sounds closer. The cryptozoologist tenses. He strains, waiting to hear that noise again.

The snap of a twig almost sends him flying. Then he hears it again, dry leaves crunching, branches whipping around, cutting air after being pulled back. There’s a rhythm to it. The soft sound of something hitting the ground, one after the other.

“I think that’s it,” Yeosang whispers as quietly as he can.

The noises approach, hastier and hastier by the second. Yeosang steels himself, steadying his breath and focusing on the noise. It’s coming from straight toward him. 

“Bodycam,” Wooyoung says quietly, making Yeosang gasp.

“R-Right, yeah.” He responds, pressing the record button with shaky fingers.

The creature’s footsteps grow closer, and shadows begin to shift. The moon sits high in the sky, beaming silver light between the barren branches of the trees. A collage of shadows forms beneath the canopy, and among them one stands out. The murky form grows larger and larger, approaching in tandem with the sound.

Yeosang nearly chokes on air. “It’s here- through the trees- it’s-”

“The cam, Yeosang. See if you can get an angle with the cam.”

“Right, right.” Yeosang stands straight up, facing the sound. “You see anything?”

“Huh.” Wooyoung tuts. “I don’t see anything. Just a bunch of shadows.”

“Yeah, me nei-mm-” Yeosang clamps his mouth shut instantly upon spotting a movement. “Did you-”

“Fuck. Stand still, Yeosang. Stand still…”

“Quiet, please,” Yeosang whispers back. He fixates on the point between the trees ahead of him. His heartbeat picks up as the noises resume, this time louder. Closer.

Moonlight gradually reveals more and more of the stalking shadow as it approaches. It begins taking shape, transforming from something vague to a figure. Something broad. Yeosang’s guts toil, a mix of anticipation, nerves and awe.

“Holy shit,” Yeosang blurts out, breathy. It steps forward, and Yeosang can start discerning more details. Long fur, bipedal posture, broad, muscled shoulders. “It’s here.”

His jaw drops, and his anxiety becomes awash with wonder.

This is it.

The culmination of their research, their effort, their calling . It’s a rush of validation-fueled adrenaline surging through his veins. It’s real. They knew it was real, sure, felt damn sure of it. But knowing and believing and researching and exchanging tips on private servers is different than encountering a creature . He imagines this is what it’s like for the faithful to have a “come to Jesus moment”. 

Yet there it stands at that very moment, not even fifty yards away. Their mark. Their object of fascination, obsession, muse, work. Their werewolf.

“Oh, wow,” Wooyoung blurts out, equally as astonished. “Yeosang, it’s big.”

Yeosang wants to respond, but his mind is too clouded, distracted by the massive beast fast approaching. The closer it gets, the more he can discern. There’s always been questions regarding the appearance of werewolves, debates. Where on the spectrum of beast and man do they fall, really?

Its fur is long, but thin - relative to the coat of a wolf, anyway. It covers the body which, beneath the neck, is very human-esque. Yeosang can make out the shape of long limbs, muscle easily distinguishable even beneath the dark fur. There are dark ears, tall, consistent with common theory and wolf anatomy.

The creature picks up it’s walking pace, and Yeosang immediately sobers up.

That creature, the incredible, awe-inspiring creature, is fast approaching.

“Shit,” Yeosang mutters under his breath, so quiet his mic doesn’t even pick it up.

It goes so quickly, as a matter of fact, that it hunches over and begins trotting with a quadripedal gait.

“ Shit .” He whispers.

It occurs to Yeosang that maybe this was not the best idea. He isn’t sure what exactly he imagined the situation to be like. Sure, he may have imagined different scenarios and, yes, he did prepare himself mentally. Or so he thought. The truth is, actually being in the sights of a werewolf they know is responsible for multiple disappearances - well, that’s a coming to Jesus moment of a different kind. Or, perhaps it’s more apt to say, it’s a coming to sanity moment.

“Yeosang, is everything okay?” Wooyoung asks.

“I- It’s- it’s fine.” Yeosang murmurs. Something keeps him rooted in place. Maybe it’s stubbornness. Maybe it’s fear, like a deer caught in the headlights. Maybe it’s pride or even stupidity, some part of him still believing things can go to plan.

“Yeosang-”

“It’s fine.” He hisses. “Just- Just wait, let me- let me-”

“Yeosang it’s there, the wolf-”

“I know. I know it’s coming I know it’s-” Yeosang chokes on his last syllable as the creature halts just a few yards away. He can hear it panting and see its breath fog up beneath the moonlight. It can see and hear him . Yeosang wonders if the wolf can hear his heart beating against his sternum or the way his breath shudders. They do say that animals can smell fear. There’s no doubt in Yeo’s mind a werewolf would have the capability, too.

The werewolf casts its gaze on the human, smothering what little nerve Yeosang had remaining. He’s in deep now. There’s a muffled sound, Wooyoung hushedly droning about the stun gun, the pepper spray. Run away.

No, Yeosang thinks. He doesn’t dare run. That will only instigate something far worse than this cursory posturing. He can hear the thing sniff and make out the gentle bobbing of it’s snout - it does have a snout. It has the face of a wolf, actually. All but the eyes, anyway. There’s something undeniably human about them. They’re dark, darker than any wolf’s eyes Yeosang has seen.

His heart lurches when their gazes lock. It sends rippling pain across his torso. 

Then he hears the growling.

Deep from the chest, the sound rumbles out from the massive creature and slowly, it begins to rise. Lifting off of it’s forelimbs, the werewolf stretches high, high, high toward the sky. It’s massive. Tall and hulking and suddenly offended. Yeosang watches with a wide-eyed gaze as it stands upright until finally straightening out into a tower of intimidating, irate muscle.

Up close, Yeosang can see its lips draw back, revealing a set of large, sharp teeth. They could easily tear into him, maybe even take off a minor appendage. No - they could definitely take off a minor appendage. Yeo’s legs begin to shake violently, threatening to bring him stumbling to the ground.

Use the stun gun, Wooyoung insists. Run.

Yeosang takes a step back, and the werewolf takes one - a large one - toward him.

Fuck.

He did not think this through.

He did not think this through at all.

And now he’s paying for it. Making Wooyoung pay for it. They’ll get valuable data - a visual, a genuine visual. But at what cost? Yeosang wonders if he can make it out with at least one arm. His desperate, nervous brain begins frantically searching for some answer. He concedes that maybe the stun gun is the way to go, but the second his arm so much as twitches, the thing takes another step toward him.

How is he gonna get out of this?

How the fuck is he going to get out of this?

Probably not unharmed, he thinks. It doesn’t make sense to him, though. In spite of his desperate state, the logical part of him still wants to rationalize the werewolf’s behavior. Is it truly such a territorial, solitary creature that another “wolf” on his territory is so upsetting? If it thinks of Yeosang as prey, why has it not leapt yet? It must still be assessing him, he figures, trying to size him up. For what? Why is its gaze boring straight into his eyes-

His eyes.

The light in Yeosang’s foggy brain finally lights up.

The werewolf is sizing him up because he’s standing upright, looking him head on. He sees Yeosang as another “wolf” and, per wolf behavior, Yeosang is acting like he’s trying to contend with the dominant in some way. Yeosang immediately averts his gaze and shies away. He knows it’s dangerous to take his eyes off the creature, but this is the best chance he’s got.

The human tries to make his body smaller without making any sudden movements. He bows his head and slowly gets into a crouching position. The werewolf’s demeanor doesn’t seem to change. It remains steadfast, standing tall and growling, the picture of intimidation. Yeosang slowly gets onto his back, leaving his stomach exposed and vulnerable. A gesture of submission.

The werewolf remains stuck in place for a few more moments until the growling diminishes. Yeosang doesn't dare move. His mind reels with possibilities as to the creature’s next move.

“Yeosang, I can’t see,” Wooyoung’s voice finally manages to pierce the haze in Yeosang’s mind. “The camera, I can’t- are you okay?”

“I’m submitting,” He whispers. The werewolf can obviously hear it, but it doesn’t appear agitated by Yeosang’s speaking. “It’s okay, I’m submitting.”

Heavy footsteps approach, and in moments, the moon’s light is eclipsed by broad shoulders. Yeosang doesn’t dare make eye contact. Instead, he gets a look at the creature - as good a look as he can in the dark, anyway. Up close, he can see even more defined musculature. Something he didn’t notice prior was the creature’s proportions. Its waist is tiny, small even by human standards. Its hands are more human-like with opposable thumbs; however, they are tipped with long, sharp claws. The feet are, as expected, more canine-like - something Yeosang can see all too well given that it’s standing right at his feet.

The werewolf leans down, and Yeosang has to suppress his urge to yelp. He bites his lip, eyes squeezing shut as the creature bears over him. It starts to smell him. Yeosang can feel the heat radiating off of the thing, can feel the way its breath bounces off of his thick parka. 

Wooyoung stutters,“Y-Yeosang, fuck- it’s-”

“Just sniffing,” Yeosang whispers. “It’s just- ffh-aheh-ah-” In spite of his caution, Yeosang finds himself unable to stop his body from convulsing as the werewolf’s wet nose bumps his neck. The thing sniffs, apparently enamored with the other’s scent.

“Fuck-!”

“It’s- ‘sokay- just tickles.”

The werewolf lets out a low groan of sorts. It’s not unlike the sound a dog makes when it tries “talking”. It doesn’t sound angry. Given the canine facial features, Yeosang imagines the creature isn’t capable of vocalizing or communicating with spoken language in its wolf form. He wonders if that bothers it. It must feel like trying to talk to someone who doesn’t understand the language you’re speaking. Of course, that’s under the assumption that there is still some human will during the time of transformation. The level of consciousness during the transformation is a hotly debated topic. And, while Yeosang usually loves to contemplate such things, in the present moment he has much more pressing concerns. Literally.

The werewolf’s snout moves down, sniffing incessantly all over the human’s body. Yeosang does his best not to squirm at the prodding sensation. He feels slightly more at ease, but he isn’t sure what exactly the verdict is going to be. The werewolf lets out another sound - something communicative. He wonders if talking to it would help his case. For some reason, he feels inclined to do so.

“I’m a friend,” Yeosang says in a voice he hopes sounds soothing.

“Seriously?” Wooyoung huffs.

“That’s right. Smell all you want and ignore the voice coming through the earpiece.”

The werewolf’s snout makes its way back over to Yeosang’s exposed neck, digging in determinedly between layers of fabric. The wet sensation makes Yeo tingle, and he lets out another involuntary laugh. He very nearly feels relief, but it’s abruptly halted when the creature parts its muzzle.

Yeosang freezes as teeth graze the base of his neck.

“Yeosang.” Wooyoung chokes out. “Yeosang, please. The stun gun, the fucking stun gun.”

Yeosang worriedly tries to wiggle his arm toward his pocket when teeth press against flesh.

Fuck.

Yeo braces himself for skin breaking, for searing pain and hot blood gushing out of his neck. Teeth press against his skin almost as if sampling, just barely putting pressure.

Then they leave.

The werewolf licks the spot, shocking Yeosang more than an actual bite would have. Yeo’s eyes open wide, and in his peripheral, he manages to spot something waving behind the wolf.

“I- I think it was a play bite,” Yeosang mutters. “His tail it’s-”

“Oh my god, Yeosang. O-Oh my god.” Wooyoung’s voice seeps with relief.

“Yeah- Yeah that’s- you’re playing aren’t you?” Yeosang refers to the wolf. It lets out a sound Yeo swears sounds pleased. “Yeah just playing with- with- ah-” He swallows those words - something that seems to be happening a lot.

The werewolf begins nosing at his crotch insistently. He can hear the werewolf’s breaths - rhythmic and fast. The sensation makes Yeosang lurch. He assumed the werewolf would lose interest, but after two solid minutes of it nudging and smelling, attempting to burrow between layers of clothes, he realizes it’s something else. One would think he’d stashed meat in his crotch with how interested the damn thing is.

Then, yet again, another light bulb flickers on.

“Yeosang, what’s it doing?” Woo asks. The sound of ripping fabric sounds like thunder in the quiet of the night. The noise rips through the clearing, echoing across the wood. “What the fuck was that? Can you, like, prop yourself up to see?”

A shiver runs down Yeosang’s spine as the cool night air hits his bare ass. The thing managed to tear through three layers of clothing like it was nothing. Once again the cold, wet nose jabs against skin. It’s a lot more sensitive down there, though, and Yeosang has to grip his improvised “nest” in a vice to avoid jerking too much.

Per Wooyoung’s request (and to satisfy his own curiosity) he moves slowly to prop himself up on his elbows. The werewolf’s tail still wags as it drives home, snout brushing across his inner thighs.

“Oh my god it’s giving you head,” Wooyoung jokes.

Yeosang would tell the other to fuck off if not for the strange sensation ballooning in his abdomen.

“It’s, it’s just exploring-ng-” A long tongue swipes between his legs, followed by another one of those sounds.

“Yeosang- Visual-”

“I’m-” Yeosang tries to sit further upright, and something catches his eye. “Fuck.”

“Yeosang get out of there,” Wooyoung says, mirth gone from his voice.

“N-No, it’s fine.”

“Yeosang get the fuck out of there.”

“It’s- it’s okay, it’s okay-”

“Yeosang-”

“It’s fine.”

“Yeosang, you said you were joking-”

“This is what we came here for.”

“Yeah, but that- It- I can’t watch you-”

“Then don’t.”

“ What ?!”

“Don’t watch. Cut the feed.”

“I’m not gonna do that.”

“Then you’re gonna wanna mute the mic,” Yeosang murmurs. He swallows down the lump in his throat. “Cause it’s lonely out here, isn’t it?”

The werewolf lifts its head at that, actually acknowledges what’s being said for the first time. There’s no explicit indication of understanding but, for some reason - maybe wishful thinking - Yeosang believes that there is comprehension. The werewolf moves up again, lapping at Yeosang’s neck. This time, however, Yeo can feel the other’s member against his leg. In proportion to the creature, the thing is probably the size of his forearm. It’s flushed, engorged and pulsing with intention. There is no mistake for whom it is intended.

Yeosang wasn’t joking when he said he had prepared for this.

It’s not like he’s lubed up and ready to go in that precise moment, but at the very least the thing won’t rip him in half. At least he hopes it won’t. He exposes more of his neck for the nosy beast.

Unsurprisingly, with a creature such as this, there is no ceremony or foreplay. Once it’s ascertained the location of its target, it sees no need to hesitate. Yeosang can feel the werewolf’s member rub against his thighs. It’s hot and slick, sending another set of chills down Yeosang’s spine. Suddenly, he feels about ten degrees hotter. He tries not to fuss too much and focuses on relaxing instead. Yeosang can hear his heartbeat pound loudly in his ears. He imagines the beast can hear it too (assuming it’s got enhanced hearing like a canine). 

This is, in essence, what he signed up for. He will be able to say he had close contact with a werewolf - much, much closer than anyone else in the field (that he knows of) has had! Once he gets past the shame, it would make quite the drinking story. It’s not as if anyone can fault him in the circumstances, anyway. What options does he really have when a massive werewolf with gnarly canines and rippling muscles twice his size is hulking over him?

It takes the monster a few tries to line itself up. The werewolf thrusts blindly, more interested with the scent of Yeosang’s nape than anything else. It makes a few more clumsy attempts before aligning properly. Yeosang swallows down a gasp at the sensation of the searing head making contact with his entrance. A wave of heat washes over his body as the beast hastily breaches him.

The human’s head lolls back into the “nest”, and he spreads his legs reflexively to take the werewolf’s girth. He focuses on breathing to mitigate the sting of it. Being stretched with naught but a werewolf’s prejac isn’t exactly what he’d call ideal. Thankfully, it hurts less than it could have. Overall he thinks of the sensation as invasive, almost probing. The werewolf’s throbbing member seems to stretch on forever as it sinks in. Yeosang lets out a breath of relief when the thing finally bottoms out, long fur brushing against the man’s sensitive skin.

“-eosang are you okay?” Wooyoung asks.

Yeosang answers strainedly, “I’m- ‘s fine.” His face scrunches and contorts as he rides out the overwhelming sensation of the werewolf shifting around inside him. It’s too much too quick, and it takes all of his concentration not to dwell on the dull pain burning inside of him. Normally, he wouldn’t mind the comforting voice of his best friend to help distract him. However, given the particular circumstances, the sound of the other’s voice just makes things worse.

“I- I should go over ther-”

“It’ll smell you and get territorial. D-Don’t.”

Yeosang hopes the other can understand his voice since it’s more breath than speech. The other doesn’t respond to his remark, which he takes as a silent concession. In the silence following their back and forth, Yeo is left with little else to think about than the creature mounting him (not that he’d forgotten or anything). 

The werewolf’s breath and body are hot against his skin. Suddenly, the layers of clothing he’d worn to protect himself feel stifling, suffocating. Yeosang almost wishes the creature would rip them off. It’s getting difficult for him to breathe. Of course, that may very well be due to the werewolf’s massive cock impaling him.

Teeth close around Yeosang’s shoulder yet again, making the human’s heart rate hasten. The beast’s grip is more firm this time - not quite playful, but not intent on harm either. Perhaps it’s to hold the human in place, Yeosang muses. He vaguely remembers something similar being common among canines. It indicates that the werewolf state makes the mind more feral than not.

The werewolf’s movement - much like every other aspect of the coupling - is abrupt. Yeosang bites his fist and throws his head back as the werewolf takes on a steady rhythm. It’s not nearly as frenzied or forceful as Yeosang expected. That isn’t to say taking the thing is a walk in the park, though. Yeosang wills himself to relax, shutting his eyes and trying to steady his breathing. Every thrust threatens to rob his lungs of air. The sting of the stretch begins to feter off slowly (something that definitely validates his preparation). It could definitely hurt more, not that it’s pleasant.

Above him, the beast occasionally lets out low hums. The sounds are barely audible. Even so, Yeosang swears he can discern something pleased sounding in them.  Of course, that might be projection - the manifestation of his hopeful optimism or, even worse, the culmination of his (not-so) subconscious thirst surfacing. There are other things going on, though. So many sensations that he can’t really lend credence to whatever it is he’s projecting onto the literal monster mounting him. So much for the distraction.

Yeosang’s eyes water as the werewolf uses him to its content. The beast starts getting sloppier, slipping out, rutting against his thighs as it pants against his neck. The werewolf’s throbbing cock drools more than its mouth, precome oozing out of the tapered cockhead. It coats Yeosang’s abdomen and thighs, the liquid almost searing as it runs down his groin.

When the monster manages to drive home again, a grunt actually slips out of Yeosang. It feels different - still huge, yes, and an effort to take, too, but now it’s wet, too, spilling precome inside as the mess it’d made between his legs gushes out of his hole. Yeosang hopes to god Wooyoung had listened to his request to cut the feed. Not only is the noise he made humiliating; the wet squelch of the werewolf fucking him without abandon is downright vile. It’s loud, too, almost deafening in contrast to the silence of the woods. He knows he’ll sure as hell be sore after this ordeal - both his body and pride.

He doesn’t realize how weak it’s making him until he tries to move. The human reaches with shaky arms to hook his hands under his knees. He’s not super flexible, but he tries his hardest to open up as much as possible. The werewolf’s presence is searing, throbbing member molten inside him, radiating warmth. Yeosang can hear it start panting from exertion as it gets faster, sloppier. He grits his teeth in a futile attempt to stop noises from leaving his mouth. Instead, he sort of sounds like he’s choking on a frog or something, the strained sounds punching out from his throat. Strangely enough, he starts getting used to it, in a way. Acclimated in such a way that his brain starts getting scrambled, too, along with his insides.

The realization that he’s being mounted by a werewolf is, in a way, awe-inspiring. It’s far from the prestigious, moving experience one may assign to, say, making alien contact for the first time. But he’s still there, making contact - meaningful contact - with a creature many think is nothing but myth. He’s making a connection, validating his research, even conducting it, during his brief lapses into lucidity. All he has to do is turn his head to see the true magnificence of the form on top of him. The beast’s claws are massive, two to three inches long, sharp and gnarly. Even beneath the long fur, Yeosang can make out bulging muscles. The thing is so ripped it’s almost like it’s bursting at the seams. Like one errant move will make muscle burst through skin. The teeth lovingly nudging at his nape could easily pierce the skin and rip out a hunk of the human’s body.

But… For some reason, because of some half-cooked theory, it isn’t.

It’s just… Mating. Fulfilling a primal urge that drives many mammals. One that Yeosang has neglected too long, apparently. That’s the only explanation he’s willing to supply for why he’s rock hard at this point. It’s just loneliness, he rationalizes. The pent up tension he’s been carrying around for too many years taking opportunity in one of his few outlets. It’s got nothing to do with the way the ache of stretching is subsiding, how he can’t stop watching the werewolf’s massive cock disappearing inside of him, how knowing the thing can eviscerate him but is choosing not to affects him, or even the not-so-subconscious awareness that maybe Wooyoung is listening - none of that! Nope!

It’s just physical stimulation!

Physical stimulation that’s making it harder for Yeosang to stay neat and unfussy. The human starts squirming, body lurching, toes curling. He refuses to allow himself any sudden movements, terrified it’ll alarm the werewolf and set it off. Still, it gets harder to ignore the pressure ballooning in his gut. It’s genuinely been a while since he’s gotten his insides so thoroughly rearranged, he reminds himself. And it’s safe to say it’s never been like this. He’s not a size snob or anything, and even his worst partners were never quite so… Wild. A hand of his flinches - a reflex, a want to grab, to satisfy the pressure slowly burning in the pit of his gut. Everything feels so hot and uncomfortable. His bangs stick to his brow, and his clothes cling to his sweaty skin. He just wants to rip them all off and surrender to everything; his dignity, his safety, he’d give anything to quell the increasingly urgent itch.

The werewolf isn’t trying, really. There’s no indication of conscious effort toward skill or, well, anything other than a means to an end. In spite of that, it brushes the right spot, pulling a pathetic gasp out of the human. It’s loud, shamefully so, and for the first time, the wolf actually takes pause.

Yeosang freezes, terrified he’d pissed the beast off. 

The werewolf relinquishes its weak hold on Yeosang’s neck and lifts itself up slightly. It’s still fully sheathed inside the human, of course, but at the very least it stops. It gives Yeosang a chance to catch his breath at least somewhat (not that it’s easy to breathe with that inside of him). Despite his muddied brain, Yeosang is cognizant enough to remember he shouldn’t make eye contact. The werewolf, however, has free reign to look where it pleases. Yeo can feel the creature’s gaze on him. The beast almost appears to be observing him. Appraising the tiny person beneath it, wondering where the sound came from.

In the absence of their lewd coupling, everything is quiet. Yeosang can hear his heartbeat pounding in his ears. He can practically hear his blood gushing through his veins, rushing to his face, ears, and groin. His hips ache from holding himself open for so long, and his body starts to go slack without intention. With his head turned to the side, Yeosang can see the creature’s hands flex, claws sinking further into the makeshift “nest”. The human swallows down a lump of fear. He prays over and over: please don’t be pissed, please don’t be pissed, please don’t be pissed.

The werewolf bears down on him. It leans in so close Yeosang can feel the beast’s breath bounce off of his cheek. He can hear the other sniff again. Why? Has the pheromone started wearing off? The werewolf just quietly sniff, sniff, sniffs, wet nose occasionally grazing the human’s clammy skin, making him wince.

Then, the unexpected. A tongue swipes the human’s cheek. Yeosang startles slightly at the surprise. Then comes another. And another. The creature lets out a sound of sorts. It’s quiet, almost like a whisper, just a soft whine, then licks him one more time. Yeosang can hardly let out a sigh of relief because just as abruptly as it’d stopped, the werewolf is moving. 

“A-ah-” The human can’t hold back the noise this time.

The werewolf brushes his prostate again, tapered cockhead hitting the spot just right. It sends a shock through Yeosang’s entire body. The jolt of pleasure runs up his spine and radiates to the tips of his fingers and his toes. He releases one of his legs, using the hand to cover his mouth instead. Wooyoung joked about the whole werewolf sex tape thing, but, in a sick twist of irony, it’s starting to become true. Yeosang bites into the plush sleeve of his parka to smother his groans. His eyes screw shut as he tried to weather the sensations assailing him. The soreness of his body pales in comparison to the mounting pressure in his gut.

Yeosang has to remind himself to breathe through it when he starts feeling lightheaded. Her can all too easily see a reality in which he passes out. He’d go limp beneath the beast, truly turning into nothing but a cocksleeve with a face. He tries not to fixate on that mental image too much. The werewolf’s ministrations make it easy. The beast picks up in speed, almost urgent, feverish and panting. Yeosang bites down on his sleeve harder, drool seeping into the fabric, staining it. He imagines he’ll walk out of this with a lot of stains, especially since his hard-on is still confined in his (ripped) pants. Of course, the idea of walking out seems a bit optimistic, all things considered. Maybe he’ll limp out. If he’s lucky.

It’s gotta be close, he thinks.

His suspicions are quickly confirmed when the beast jerkily stops. It bottoms out, thrusting in roughly before halting abruptly. For a few seconds, the beast just sulks over him, heavily panting as if catching its breath. Yeosang doesn’t feel anything at first, and he’s confused. It isn’t making any move to pull out - or, well, do anything, really. The broad beast just looms over the human for a few moments quietly. The silence in the wake of the profane, wet slapping of flesh is almost deafening. It nearly unsettles Yeosang, but his attention quickly gets snatched away.

He starts to feel a pressure.

Something pushes against his insides. He can feel it balloon inside of him, just beyond his sloppy, slick entrance. It connects a dot that he’d been tentative about drawing in regards to anatomy. Given the werewolf’s other traits, it made sense. Still, even though a ghost of a thought may have crossed his mind in the past, he wasn’t prepared to get knotted. Sure, with how much he’d been fucked at that point, it doesn’t necessarily hurt too bad. It’s a minor sting, easily drowned out by the twelve-thousand other things and sensations running through Yeosang’s mind. 

But it’s not about the physical sensation. There’s something weirdly psychological about it. It tickles his brain in a funny way. Something about being knotted, just straight up plugged by a fucking werewolf, there’s a finality to it. And it becomes impossible to deny the facts that, firstly: Yeosang’s theory actually had some credence to it and, secondly: he’s about to get bred. This werewolf has made him its bitch and is about to make good on that carnal promise to pass its genetic material on. Not only did Yeosang let it, he invited it to do just that. Now he’s on the receiving end of consequence for his glib theorycrafting, and he’s not sure how he feels about it. He thinks maybe he’ll reflect on it. One day.

However, he’s a bit busy at the moment.

Yeosang reflexively clenches around the knot. He shifts and wiggles, in hopes of relieving some of the pressure that’s brewing in his abdomen. Somehow, like a snared mouse, the struggle makes the other lodge more deeply inside of him. At least, it feels like it does. His sweaty hand slides down the one leg he’d managed to keep propped up, and his entire body shakes. His muscles shudder like they would right before giving up during a hard workout. What little control he has over his body starts to slip away, and he loses it completely once the beast moves again.

They’re not feverish, wild movements like before. No, it’s just a few rough thrusts, a couple to drive the werewolf’s cock in deep, lodge it in there before it finally comes. The liquid is molten as it floods Yeosang’s insides. He swears, he swears , he can feel it actually sitting in his stomach, hot and leaden and sticky, like warm syrup. Yeosang lets out possibly the most pathetic sound he’s ever made. He actually tears up from the sensation. He’s so hot and full, the beast’s cock and all the fluid just inundating him.  

“Oh- ‘mm-mmgod-” He whimpers as an orgasm crashes over him like a tidal wave. He gasps for air, chest heaving and body writhing as he spends himself inside his torn pants. The werewolf’s cock throbs, twitching as it comes for what feels like a fucking year. Drool runs down Yeosang’s chin as he gasps and his body starts convulsing. He’s spent, but the werewolf is still there, still hard still coming, and he doesn’t know if he can take it. He knew there was always a risk of death with the idea, but he never thought it’d be like this.

His body moves like one of a man possessed. It’s all lurching and jerking, throwing his head back and twisting his neck, mouth flapping open and closed, grasping for air as guttural whines trickle out. His vision goes white, splotches of fuzzy color blurring out the beast, the trees and the moon silhouetting all of them in its silver light. Even the palms of his hands feel tickly and funny. His fingers twitch as do his toes. Not a single inch of his body is left unfettered.

He eventually gets roused by a tongue lapping at his cheek. Though his breathing is more ragged, he feels as if he’s over the bulk of whatever that was. To call it an orgasm didn’t seem apt. He’s fairly certain he whited out for a second. All from the uncouth humping of a literal monster. He really does need to get out more after this. (Assuming he survives the ordeal.)

Yeosang sluggishly props himself up on an elbow, inadvertently bumping the werewolf’s snout in doing so. He wanted to get a look in truth. He needed to assess the damage done. Even though he feels like he got run over by a pleasure truck, he’s lucid enough to remember how he found himself in the position. 

Science.

He needs to do science.

Samples.

Pushing aside how gross it sounded to him, he genuinely hoped he wasn’t gaping too much. Even slightly contaminated, werewolf come is a hell of a score. There are vials waiting in his pocket. He plans on reaching for them once his fingers stop tingling. No doubt in their rigorous activity, the thing has left behind other markers, too. The saliva will probably be too dry, but he might have luck with a swab. Plus any shed fur. As Yeosang appraises his condition, he notices that the werewolf’s tail is wagging. Nice.

A crackle of static gives Yeosang a start. He completely forgot that he’d been wearing an earpiece. An earpiece connected to his walkie, connected to the private frequency used by him and Wooyoung.

Fuck.

Wooyoung.

“You okay?” The other’s voice comes in crackly and strained. 

That was probably not easy or pleasant to hear. Though Yeosang begged him to cut the feed, he knows Wooyoung. The guy’s a curious shit, and his worry is definitely genuine. Fuck. Fuck . A fresh set of tears stings Yeosang’s eyes, this time out of shame. Wooyoung heard that. Probably saw that. Probably both. Wooyoung saw him like that - pathetic, whimpering, braindead and pliant for a literal fucking monster. 

Yeosang had no idea how they’d look each other in the eye like this. This isn’t like the time(s) Yeosang walked in on Wooyoung hooking up or when Wooyoung found one of Yeosang’s vibrators. 

Yeo tries to steady himself, taking a few breaths. His body cam probably didn’t capture much given where it’s placed. He tries to soothe his nerves and tell himself that it’s fine, that his friend doesn’t think of him as some wretched degenerate, isn’t judging him too hard, isn’t going to feel awkward- fuck, of course he’ll feel awkward.

Science.

That’s what they’re there to do, right?

Science.

That is why Yeosang went out there… Right?

Science?

“Yeah,” Yeosang squeaks out. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just waiting for… For it to be done.”

“Okay.”

“Once it’s dismounted I’ll collect the samples.” Yeo tries to throw a sciency sounding bandaid over the situation. He hopes the other doesn’t note how breathy and fucked out his voice sounds. His insides are still swimming, cock stirring with interest despite everything.

“Are you hurt? Can you walk?”

“I… I might need help walking, I’m not gonna lie. But other than that, the injury is mostly to my pride. My clothes are a bit ripped, too.”

“We’ve got extra in the pack. Along with wipes. I’ll bring everything so you don’t have to wallow in that shit on the ride home.”

“Thanks.”

Yeosang heaves a sigh, looking up at the werewolf who is, once again, sniffing at his nape. He silently thanks it, too, for not fucking killing him. He may never feel satisfied by another orgasm in his life after that one, but that’s beside the point. He’ll be able to forget it eventually. After its knot goes down and it leaves, bored and sated.

Which is due to happen any minute now. Yeosang recalls reading that sometimes knots do last for a while. They’ll stay stuffed inside a mate for several minutes to assure fertilization. Yeosang is suddenly extremely glad his vaccines are up to date. He hadn’t even thought of that before - of course, hindsight is twenty-twenty. There are a lot of things he hadn’t thought of before going with this plan.

Yeosang lays back, content to let the beast love on him. The werewolf sniffs and licks in a way that the other perceives as content. It even lets out a few little groaning “talking” sounds. The mess in his pants starts to become a nuisance, as did that coating his inner thighs and running down his ass crack. He tries his damndest to find some semblance of comfort, slumping against his cushioned nest.

Any minute now.

The human desperately wants to try petting the werewolf. It is quite furry, and he’s curious how the fur would feel between his fingers. Coarse, probably. Hopefully not like human hair, though. That would be weird. So, so weird. 

The werewolf backs off and watches Yeosang with its dark eyes. It makes him shudder. They’re so, so human. It’s a harrowing reminder that, beneath it all, there is - or was - a person. There are different running theories about a werewolf’s transformation. Some say it’s permanent, others say it’s only during the time of the full moon. Some believe it can be controlled while others theorize that it can be manipulated with simulated moonlight. While a few theorize that werewolves live among humans as normal people, many find it hard to believe. If they do, they’re elusive and secretive as hell. Not one has come forward to represent their kind, not one has been discovered. It’s eerie, actually.

Yeosang doesn’t know this werewolf’s story, but he can tell that someone’s in there. To him, that’s the scariest thing. It freaks him out more than the giant claws or huge fangs. Even more than the sharp skeleton wrapped in muscle or the long fur covering its body.

There’s someone in there.

And while he does often dwell on such contemplations for longer, this time he finds it rather difficult, because there’s also someone in him. Literally. Still.

“Wooyoung how long has it been?” Yeosang asks.

“What?”

“How long has it been since I… Since it, um- since you contacted me?”

“What, like a few minutes ago?”

“Yeah. Like, how long.”

“Wha- I dunno, like-” There’s a pause, probably Woo glancing at a clock. “-like ten, actually.”

Ten minutes.

That seems like a long time.

“Why?” Wooyoung asks.

“Um, it still, it- it isn’t done.”

“...Huh?”

“I- You know, just- never mind.” Yeosang shifts around carefully. He winces at the sensation of the knot pulling at his rim. Even the beast’s cock is still hard, firmly locked inside of him, immoving.

“Just give me the signal when it’s done, yeah?”

“Yeah.”

“Any chance you can stick it with a tracker?”

“Not… Not gonna risk it, I don’t think.”

“Fair.”

“Yeah um- uh-uhmm-” Yeosang clamps his mouth shut.

“What?”

It’s moving again.

Fuck.

Yeosang’s entire body seizes up as the werewolf starts moving its hips yet again. 

What the fuck?

The werewolf appears completely unbothered, nosing at Yeosang’s nape, nipping delicately. It’s completely nonplussed as it picks up again. Apparently, the thing was just taking a breather, and it’s time for round two.

Fuck.

What makes this devastating - aside from the catastrophic, apocalyptic orgasm Yeosang had hearlier - is that, in addition to the massive, veiny, throbbing cock and the bulbous knot impaling him, the thing is sloshing around what feels like a gallon of fucking come inside of him. Yeosang thought the sound was gross before but, fuck, was he wrong. It sounds wet and so thoroughly wrong.

“It’s- It’s not done-” Yeosang mutters breathlessly.

“What?! But I thought-”

“Not done, Woo. Just- I’ll let you know, ‘kay?”

“...Yeosang, I’m serious, if you need me to go down there-”

“It’s fine. Do not.” Yeosang’s voice is clipped. He’s proud of himself for getting that out, because having his insides rearranged (again) is a hell of an ordeal. Even moreso when he feels his insides bubbling, warming with the sickeningly familiar sensation of buildup he had shortly before.

The wolf picks up into it’s wild, careless pace again, panting as it presses its muzzle against the human’s neck. Yeosang just takes it this time. His body goes slack. He just lets himself drown in the sensation. He’s powerless to fight it, anyway. And, though he’ll never admit it, he doesn’t really want to.

It feels good.

His mind turns to soup. 

The werewolf is… virile. It must be a triumphant hunter to have such energy and endurance. Yeosang lets the beast use him to its content - which is quite a lot, actually. His second orgasm is dry, a wave of heat bursting through him only to leave him shuddering in his own old mess. He sneaks a hand down to palm himself after that. The friction is more gross than anything, smearing around the mess beneath; but he’s so far gone it makes him shiver.

He gets turned over at some point, after round two, he thinks. His torso slumps limply on the ground as he props his ass up. As a degenerate reading hentai, he never really got the whole ahegao, fucked stupid thing. Until now, anyway. He’s pretty sure that, a couple times, Wooyoung checks on him. Yeosang’s responses come out as grunts that maybe, somewhat resemble syllables of words. He can’t be sure. The werewolf’s dick might as well be in his skull at this point.

After the third time, he actually starts to feel bloated which would be embarrassing if not for, well, the entire night. He literally pissed himself at some point, so being a posterboy for come inflation is hardly a trifle. 

After the fourth time, the wolf slows again, cock throbbing as it pants. Yeosang wonders if this’ll be the last time, but he doesn’t hold his hopes out. He’s hot, sticky and spent, and there are so many questions running through his head, just hidden by the curtain of haze covering his thoughts.

The werewolf lets out a sigh and lowers itself - actually lowers itself - on top of Yeosang. The human thinks it strange, but despite how sweaty he is, it feels nice. Like a fuzzy blanket. He supposes that thought is indicative of how far gone he is. But he isn’t able to really process much beyond that. The night’s physical exertions went far beyond anything he ever anticipated, and the moon is starting to dip low into the sky. In his half-conscious state, Yeosang perceives the creature shifting above him, changing position slightly again. It’s almost laying half on top of the human, but not all of its weight is on him, thankfully. All that muscle and height could probably crush him with ease.

The last thing Yeosang really registers before passing out is the slight tug of the beast’s knot against his abused entrance. Enveloped in the creature’s warmth, he all too easily succumbs to the wiles of sleep.

Sunlight burns through Yeosang’s eyelids, bright, orange, distorted. 

The cryptozoologist grimaces, face contorting from the disruption.

“Oh, fuck,” Yeosang whispers to himself.

It hurts.

Everything hurts.

His muscles are sore like he’d had a rough day at the gym. His legs and hips are sore from being held in weird positions, his throat is sore and scratchy, dry from dehydration. And his ass? Fuck. He’s so fucked up that he can still feel the other inside of him, like a ghost limb or some shit. Yeosang doesn’t want to even entertain the idea of sitting down. The previous night’s events are all too clear to Yeosang, and the wreckage around him indicates that it wasn’t some gnarly wet dream he had. He is, however, wet. Very, very wet. His torn pants are soaked through with bodily fluids, some of which have sort of dried while others yet remain uncomfortably slick. Ew.

He needs water. He needs water, a bath, maybe an exorcism (though he’s not religious). But, first and foremost, he needs Wooyoung. Where is he, anyway? Yeosang woke up in the same bedraggled nest he’d passed out in. It’s not like the werewolf took him back to some cave.

“Wooyoung?” Yeosang calls out weakly. Their walkies have decent battery life, he should be able to pick up. “Wooyoung?” He tries again.

“Wh-Hm- Ye-Yeo! ‘M awake!” The other’s crackly voice comes through the earpiece, flooding Yeosang with both dread and awake. “Mmfuck. Fuck, ‘re you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. I just…” Yeosang tries to sit up, but something keeps him down. His own body - at least he thinks so at first. He assumes it’s his own weariness weighing him down, but, no it isn’t. It isn’t his body at all.

It takes a few moments for the sight to process. There’s an arm slung over Yeosang’s waist, casual and heavy. Yeosang’s gaze dazedly traces the limb, finding an elbow, bicep, shoulder…

A human.

A human?

“Oh, fuck!” Yeosang gasps.

“Shit- What is it? Is- Is it still there? Shit.” Wooyoung panics. Yeo can hear the sound of things shuffling in the background.

“Wooyoung, there’s it’s- it’s-”

“I don’t give a shit anymore, I’m going, werewolf or no-”

“No, Wooyoung, look at the- the- the feed-”

“The wha- oh- oh… Oh . Holy shit.”

“Holy shit…” Yeosang echoes the other with a murmur. 

All he can do is stare over his shoulder, slack-jawed and wide-eyed. Glancing over, he finds himself face to face with a human. The man looks no older than Yeosang or Wooyoung. Hell, he could be younger - or maybe that’s just how he looks when he’s asleep. Soft. Sweet, even.

The person stirs only slightly, just to cuddle closer to Yeosang. It’s then that Yeosang notices he’s not feeling a “phantom limb” inside of him but a real one. Apparently, he’d cockwarmed the stranger all night.

And now, their werewolf isn’t a werewolf anymore.

Chapter Text

“Well, we can’t just leave him there.”

Those were the words that sealed the deal for Yeosang and Wooyoung. It was those words that made their trek back to their old SUV about twenty times harder and a hundred-fifty pounds heavier, give or take. When they got back to camp, Wooyoung kicked the massive pack in Yeosang’s direction, imploring the other to clean up. He reeked, apparently. Judging by the sun, they didn’t actually get in the car until eleven or so. The two hoisted the werewolf’s unconscious body into the back and wrapped him in a blanket like a burrito. Wooyoung had to help the hobbling Yeosang into the passenger seat, and the poor, foolhardy bastard groaned when his ass hit the old leather.

Their ride back to their flat is quiet.

Wooyoung turns on the radio, blasting some local rock station to keep himself awake. He briefly apologizes for passing out. Yeosang can tell that the other feels guiltier than he wants to let on. Neither of them planned for an all-nighter, after all. Seems like the only one between them who slept well is the one snoozing in the backseat. Yeosang checks on the stranger every few minutes - makes sure he’s still breathing, still unconscious, hasn’t slid into the gap between the bench and the front.

“I’ll get him out.” Wooyoung volunteers himself as they approach their rental. The charming seventy’s bungalow is nestled deep in the woods, off of a rural road that sees little traffic outside the residents and the mail trucks. It’s their home - for now. Came furnished with dishes, appliances and not one, but one and a half bathrooms. Gravel crunches beneath the tires of their old land rover when he turns in. Even that, along with the slight jostle of the car as it goes from pavement to uneven ground, doesn’t do anything to disturb the werewolf’s slumber.

“I can help,” Yeosang insists.

“No, you’re, like, fucked up right now.” Woo asserts. He doesn’t look Yeosang in the eye. Hasn’t, really, since they reunited that morning. Yeosang could feel the awkwardness rolling in between them like a thick fog. It was… A lot. For both of them. He’s confident they can get through it, at least. It just might take a bit longer than some of their other uncomfortable moments. That’s all.

“It’s not like I broke something. Seriously, I can help.”

“You also still seriously smell like- well, a lot. Just go in and take a shower.”

“What about our new friend?” Yeosang nods to the passed out werewolf in the back. 

The creature - now human - looks so different wrapped up in a blanket, snoozing away as if they’ve got no care in the world. Even so, there are clear signs of its lifestyle evident at a glance. Dirt is clearly caked under their overgrown fingernails, and grime covers their skin. Their long hair is in a state of disarray, tangled with leaves, twigs, and full of knots. 

Wooyoung rolls his eyes, “How long d’you think they’ll be out? Pretty sure a shower will wake them up. Then, there’s no telling what they’re gonna do.”

“Whoever they are.”

“Look, why don’t you just shower first. We’ll put ‘em on the couch and figure it out, okay?”

“Can we at least cover it with a tarp, first?” Yeosang eyes the other warily. They really are a mess.

“Ugh- We can lay them on the floor, then. If they’re used to slumming it up in the woods, it’ll be an upgrade, anyway.”

“I’ll be fast. Then I can give them a bath. Not like I haven’t seen them naked already.” Yeosang sighs.

“Whoa- Hey, you don’t have to do it. I’ll do it. Assuming they’re still unconscious.”

“Fuck’s sake, I’m not debilitated, Woo.”

“So you say now. Wait until you have to take a shit.”

“Fucking- Gross, man!” Yeosang weakly smacks the other’s shoulder. It’s nice to hear the other make such a crass joke; it’s like seeing color in someone’s face after they’d been sick. The other just giggles and puts the car in park.

They go back and forth for a while longer arguing about the shower thing. It ends with them splitting the difference and cooperating. After Yeo’s finished, he and Woo drag the still unconscious werewolf into the tub and use the shower wand to hose them off. It’s not unlike bathing a dog that’d rolled around in mud. Layer after layer of dirt washes off into the shower, staining the white tub a dingy brown. Yeosang mutters curses under his breath as he attempts to make sense of the creature’s hair. Despite their utter and complete exhaustion (or maybe because of it), the two get way too damn involved, going so far as to scrubbing under their nails and using a rough sponge to slough off dead skin. Not once does the werewolf open even a single eye. Occasionally they flinch, snore or reposition themselves, but even as they’re being patted dry and manhandled into clothing, they don’t budge.

“You think the transformation takes a lot out of a person?” Yeosang asks with a yawn. His lack of sleep is starting to catch up with him, and judging by Wooyoung’s dark circles and nodding head, the other’s faring no better.

“I… I guess so. They haven’t fucking moved and it’s, what, almost two o'clock?”

“Mmn-yeah, guess so. Could be a nocturnal schedule though.”

“You think?”

“I dunno.  I mean, they’re up all night hunting, right?”

“Hm… Maybe. You know who else is nocturnal, though?”

“Hm?”

“Us.”

“Oh. Yeah. Us.”

Wooyoung nods to the queen-sized bed in the single bedroom of the house. The two usually switch off, alternating between the bedroom and the pullout couch. A foam mattress top and some pillows of their own do enough to make the springy pullout adequate. It’s a fair, economical arrangement that works for them. There’s not much privacy, but they don’t often need it, anyway. But now there’s a third person in the mix, and they’re curled up comfortably on the one real bed in the place.

“You should sleep with ‘em.” Wooyoung says.

“I- What?” Yeosang’s eyes widen. He figured they’d share the pullout. “Why?”

“I don’t want them to wake up alone. If they wake up next to you, they might recognize you.”

“I guess.” Yeosang pouts. His stomach toils with an ill, anxious feeling. What if he isn’t remembered by the other? What if Wooyoung is really just disgusted with Yeosang and doesn’t want to be near him? The lack of sleep exacerbates his natural paranoia, and soon his brain is making up awful stories to rationalize the other’s suggestion.

“Leave the door open. If any crazy shit goes down, I’ll hear it. We can work on identifying our roomie here when we wake up.” Wooyoung reassures the other. He seems more tired than anything else. Not disgusted. Not annoyed.

“Kay. G’night, man.” Yeosang responds in concession. He plops onto the bed and, damn does that feel fucking good. 

“Night-niiiight~” Wooyoung singsongs as he leaves the room. His exit is quickly followed by the telltale squeaking sounds of the pullout couch doing it’s not-so-magical transformation into a bed.

Yeosang heaves a sigh and gets ready to pass the fuck out. He shuts the blinds and sets an alarm on his phone so he’s not out until midnight. Sure, he can work remotely at any time, but it’s a real pain in the ass being a night owl when everything in the country closes at nine.

As soon as he hits the mattress, it’s lights out. Not even the dull, throbbing pain knocking on his backside is enough to keep him up.

Yeosang wakes up when he can no longer stand sleeping in the sweltering heat. He knows it’s cold out, but fuck. Did Wooyoung seriously crank it up that high? It’s dark in the room, but Yeosang’s eyes acclimate fairly quickly. He moves to roll off of the bed and immediately flinches. Shit. Still hurts. Still. Fucking. Hurts. Something else is stopping him from getting off of the bed, though. A familiar weight wrapped around his waist - and the source of the heat, it turns out, too.

“You…?” Yeo murmurs, turning onto his side. Lo and behold, during his slumber, their mysterious werewolf huddled up close. They still look soft as ever - even moreso, now that they’re nice and clean, soft hair still damp and curling at the ends.

There’s someone in there.

It’s interesting to think about, how the other is cuddly both transformed and not. Yeosang has so many questions, but he knows none of them will be answered by sweaty snuggling. Even if it is kind of nice. He and Wooyoung cuddled sometimes. When they got tipsy or just felt like sharing the “big kid bed”, as they deemed it. It’s been a while, though. When he thinks about it more, it really has been a while. Months?

Yeosang wrings a hand down his face and tries to wake up. Reflecting on long-lost cuddles really didn’t do anything to further his cause. Yeo unlatches himself from the other’s sweet, sweaty embrace and stumbles out into the living room. He hisses upon emerging from the warm, dark cocoon into a room full of light.

Their little one-story had a very forward-thinking open concept. Of course, Yeo supposes in a house so small, there’s really no other choice. He steps out into the living room and just fifteen feet beyond that is the kitchen-dining-room combo. Wooyoung’s already hard at work, tapping away at his laptop at the dining room table (which also doubles as their workspace, a cooking prep space, and occasional pillow). His brows are knit together, face the picture of focus. The thick-rimmed glasses sliding down his nose make him look deceptively studious. Yeosang supposes he is studious, at least when it comes to stuff he’s really passionate about.

“Oh, shit, you’re up,” Wooyoung’s brows raised with surprise.

“Uh, I could say the same for you. D’you get a shower?” Yeosang responds, joining the other. His laptop is already sitting there from the previous night’s pre-work. He opens it up by reflex, mostly. He doesn’t even have a plan on how to find the identity of their mystery werewolf. Not yet, anyway.

“Yup. Nice and clean. We should get something to eat.”

“What time is it?”

“Uh, six? Why.”

“Six?” Yeosang glances out the window. It’s almost dark already. Fucking winter, he curses. “When’d we head out last night?”

“Fuck, uh… Past nine.”

“D’you think the transformation starts when the moon initially comes out? Like, you know how even when the sun’s just setting, you can see the moon?”

“Uh, yeah. Why you asking me? You can ask our roomie when they wake up.”

“I guess I’m just wondering how long they’ll be out. I’m guessing close to twenty-four hours.”

“Seems sound. One day to sleep off the bodily transformation hangover. I… I wonder how it feels, you know? You think it hurts?”

“I dunno, but, maybe we can find out once they’re awake.”

“What if they, like, have a family and just step out during the full moon? Did we just abduct someone?”

Yeosang snorts, “I fucking hope not. I mean, we’ll give ‘em back if that’s the case. That’s not consistent with our tracking, though.”

“You’re right. All the markings, the animals… Hm. Well, I haven’t gotten too far in my search, but since you’re up, I kinda wanna make something to eat.”

“Wooyoung, you don’t have to. We can just order in.”

“Nah. I wanna. Delivery options in the area blow, anyway, and I really don’t feel like picking shit up.”

“Ugh. You’re right about delivery in this area.”

“Seriously. Fucking culinary desert, this place,” Wooyoung hoists himself out of the chair and strides into the galley kitchen adjacent the dining “room”. He rifles through the cabinets noisily as he talks. “Told you, we should’ve stayed closer to Pittsburgh. Not like we had to be on site often.”

“Bullshit. That place is three hours away. Shit, Buffalo’s closer than that.”

“Yeah, but then we’d live in fucking Buffalo.” The two chuckle at that. 

Unsurprisingly, urban areas aren’t exactly hotbeds for cryptid activity. Something about high, dense human populations put the beasts off, shockingly. Sure, there are always ghosts, but ghosts aren’t really their thing. They are, after all, cryptozoologists first and foremost. The paranormal investigation is just one of many tangential side hustles.

As a consequence of their calling, the two have ventured a long way from the valley out west from whence they came. They’ve passed through more than their fair share of shitty little towns. Kinda like the types people would see on Diners, Drive-Ins, And Dives - but completely devoid of the charm. They’d heard about the boonies, sure, seen it in movies like Deliverance or even Get Out in more recent times. Living in it proved to be a hell of a lot different. Seemed like wherever they went, eyes followed. It always irked Yeosang, but Wooyoung’s presence was always a comfort.

“We’re probably the only two Asian people in the tri-state area,” He would joke under his breath. 

He always had some little comment to cheer Yeosang up. It made things easier, but they both held onto the hope that one day a lead would take them somewhere like Miami or Honolulu. Hell, they’d even take fucking Ann Arbor at this point. Civilization would be nice. While they’re not so lucky as to be posted close to a real city, they found something so much better.

Someone so much better.

“Kimchi fried rice okay?” Wooyoung asks.

“ Fuck yes. We haven’t had Korean food in so fucking long.” Yeosang smiles at just the thought of it. Woo’s mom would send them kimchi once every blue moon, and they’d hoard the stuff - take it from house to house in a cooler, guarding it with their lives like it was a briefcase full of cash.

“Figured we could use some comfort after our long ass day yesterday… Yesternight.” The other laughs.

Yeosang’s relieved to see the other isn’t too tense after everything. It seems inevitable that their operation is going to have to come up in conversation eventually. They can’t write up their findings telepathically; plus, going over the footage could help them make observations on stuff they’d missed. The idea of it irks Yeosang, but he’s not about to let all of their efforts go to waste.

“Sounds good, I’ll get to going on our, uh, mysterious roommate,” Yeosang replies, firing up his laptop. It takes a while to fully boot with the myriad security protocols that initiate with startup. They take their line of work very seriously, and any leaks could compromise them severely. Especially considering that some of their preferred partners for certain operations procure information and materials through means that are… Arguably legal, one could say. When his screen finally wakes up, Yeosang opens his browser of choice and pulls up his dossier on the subject. Part of him feels tempted to take a headshot of the sleeping werewolf. It’d do good for the file. However, he can’t bring himself to do it. Picturing the other curled up in the blankets, fast asleep - it feels kind of creepy to him to snap a pic. Almost like he’s violating the other. Along with digital note-taking, they both keep hard-copies, too. Soon, the table is covered in them. 

Yeosang and Wooyoung quickly lapse into a comfortable, familiar silence. There’s no fuss or conversation, just the soft tapping of fingers on a keyboard and the sizzling of veggies hitting an oiled pan. Yeosang gets to work tracing their steps. He starts with what they know about their new friend.

The first disappearances in the area can be traced back about two years. A couple of hikers were discovered in the southern Allegheny forest. They’d been gone for days, but once the search started, it didn’t take long for the dogs to track them. Their bodies were discovered, brutalized, and dumped by a creek without ceremony. Due to the state of their remains, authorities ruled it a freak animal attack. Bears, they said. Bears had been migrating from West Virginia, apparently. It gave the cops and the press an easy out, a neat explanation that allowed people to prepare and feel safe. Just a freak accident.

Then, about a month later, a park ranger disappeared. 

The pattern continued for a while. Every month or so, someone would take a hike in the woods or go camping or, in one person’s case, their car would break down in the vicinity. Then they would never be seen again.

Yeosang pulls out up one of their scatter maps, eyeing the points of data. Every little dot marked a disappearance in the area. Red ones were confirmed - ones where the bodies were found; blue dots were never recovered. The points skew north over time. No telling why the werewolf decided to venture that way. It’s closer to the river, Yeosang figures. That’s sound motive enough, in his opinion. The tracking is all well and good, but it doesn’t really do much to help, Yeosang realizes. It follows the movements of the werewolf, but what about the person?

As Yeosang leans back to contemplate, the spicy fragrance of kimchi drifts into his nose. It tickles his nostrils and makes his mouth water. His stomach rumbles, suddenly reminding him that it has been over twenty-four hours since he last ate. He wonders what their werewolf liked to eat, once upon a time.

“The wolf’s gotta be from this state, right?” Yeosang posits. His fingers drum on the cheap particleboard table.

“Hm?” Woo grunts, lifting his gaze from the stove to regard the other.

“Like, they can’t have traveled that far on foot. Not like werewolves are gonna hitchhike cross-country.”

“Maybe they drove.” Woo half-jokes. “I dunno. It’s hard to tell, like, psychologically where they were at. In theory- I mean, if we’re just shooting shit, those first few transformations are kinda hazy, no?”

“Yeah, maybe.”

“But who knows. They could be lucid enough to get around between transformations.”

“Yeah, but then why here of all places?”

“I dunno. Miles and miles of uninhabited woods? Healthy deer population, here, too. It’s definitely a smart move.”

“I guess… It’s pretty logical. I just- I dunno if I trust our werewolf to make a logical move. It’s pretty young. Maybe, like, our age.”

“Yeah? I guess you’re right.” Wooyoung approaches the table with two bowls of steaming fried rice. “Wait- They’re just a kid, right? Like- Maybe like us?”

“Yeah?” Yeosang takes a bowl graciously. As absorbed as he is in his work, food immediately jumps to the front of the line in terms of his priority list. “Mmm-” The noise of appreciation trickles out from his lips as he savors the spicy, homey taste of the fried rice. It’s so satisfying and warm in his belly, he could almost curl up and fall asleep again.

Wooyoung elaborates, “So, a kid gets turned into a werewolf. Two, maybe a few more years ago. What happens?”

“Mm- Is this the part where I respond with the rhetorical: I don’t know, tell me, oh wise Wooyoung, what happens?”

The other chuckles, “Damn straight I’m wise. Seriously, though, obviously this kid- this werewolf is still running around. But, also obviously, nobody knows about it.”

Yeosang nods along, too busy stuffing his face to really give meaningful response. Wooyoung, as he so often does, takes the other’s quiet as an invitation to continue.

“So you’ve got this feral kid running around god knows fucking where in the woods. What are the parents gonna do? Obviously, they’re, like, beside themselves with grief or whatever. They’re wondering where the hell their kid is. They’re gonna report that shit.”

“You think they filed a missing person report, then?” That piques Yeosang’s interest. He even puts his spoon down. How could he be so obtuse? Of course, there’ll be a missing person’s report out for the werewolf. Someone that young going MIA? Even in the case of negligent parents, surely whatever school they attended would notice.

“I think so, yeah… Okay- Okay, so- so this is good. This is really, good. We just- We can search the missing person database with a few parameters. Um, yeah- shit we can just- the years, his approximate age. Narrow it down to the state, I guess. Shit, the advanced search alone is pretty good. We might get a hit. Wh- What are we waiting for?!” Wooyoung immediately jumps into the seat next to Yeosang, leaning in close and grabbing his laptop.

“Oh my- Okay then,” Yeosang laughs. He’s content to let the other manically type while he sits aside. 

The missing persons database has a pretty comprehensive inbuilt search tool. It’s cool to not have to jump through hoops for the sake of efficiency for once. Usually Yeosang has to code shit to get what they need quickly. Instead, they can just check boxes. They have no name to go by, obviously. They punch in an approximate age range. Sex, race, approximate date range - they can even go off of physical description if they want to. They put in basic things: hair color, eye color. Their werewolf doesn’t have any apparent distinguishing features. Well, none outside the obvious (being a fucking werewolf). 

The parameters they put in are broad, so they’ve got a healthy hunk of results to pore over. They put the search engine on gallery view and scroll through all the pictures, hoping to find their werewolf. Yeosang even steps into the bedroom for a second to get a good look at their wolf’s face. Mental image refreshed, he rushes back to Woo’s side as they continue scrolling, scrolling, scrolling.

They’re on a treasure hunt, adrenaline pumping even though they’re both stationary at the kitchen table. The two scroll fast, poring over the images. They don’t even speak. Not a word. They just search, eyes boring into every headshot that pops up on the screen.

Yeosang’s eyes widen, and he jumps up, “There-! There! Shit- You scrolled past it! Scroll up, scroll up!”

Wooyoung frantically obliges Yeosang’s direction until he finally lands on the picture.

“There- there- that’s it! That’s our wolf!” Yeosang bounces up and down as he points.

There it is, in technicolor, displayed next to a card with some basic information. That’s it. That’s their werewolf.

Their werewolf looks a little different, though. The hair is shorter, for starters, and they’re wearing glasses. Even though the school portrait is kind of grainy, it’s undeniable - the jawline, the lips, the monolid eyes. 

“Song-comma-Mingi,” Yeosang mutters the name out loud. His heart does a flip in his chest. He’s not sure how to feel about it. That werewolf, the creature that practically wrested his spirit from his body, the person wrapped around him sweetly in bed, the one sleeping soundly in the bedroom right now - they have a name and that name is Song Mingi.

The puzzle comes together quickly after that.

Song Mingi is from the Philadelphia area, originally. He disappeared about two and a half years ago. Had was attending his first semester of college at some private university for dance. He visited home for fall break and was never seen again. Plugging his name into a search engine brought up long-abandoned social media accounts and old news articles.

PHILADELPHIA COUPLE FOUND MURDERED IN THEIR HOME

FAMILY OF THREE FALLS VICTIM TO PREDATOR ATTACK

THIS COUPLE’S MURDER SHOWS THE TRUE DANGER OF BEAR MIGRATION

It was bears - or so they all allege. Though the wording is different, they pretty much all say the same thing. Two bodies were found in the Song residence after a concerned family friend stopped by after they missed an appointment. The corpses were so mangled they had to resort to dental records in order to distinguish who was who. Their son was never found, but evidence found at the scene point to signs of a large predator - most likely a bear - having dragged the boy out of the home. Some searches were conducted, but due to the state of the parents’ bodies, they didn’t seem all too committed. All the press and police involved - hell, even the relatives - seemed content to write it off as a bear attack.

“That’s our wolf…” Wooyoung mutters after closing the sixth article on the subject. “Song Mingi, huh?” He opens another tab with one of Mingi’s social media accounts. It feels almost wrong, perverse. Like e-stalking a dead person to dig up dirt. Except, that person is very much alive, curled up like a burrito in their bedroom.

@minkypinky

• he/him 👯♂️
• electronic music @ cmu 🎵
• twitch affiliate 🕹️
• music pd streams tue&thur @ 8 🎼

 

It’s alarming to see someone’s posts just suddenly stop. Especially Mingi’s. He was… Normal. So very, shockingly, excruciatingly normal . He spammed selfies with filters and posted teasers of his music. He made nihilistic jokes and went out with classmates. Mingi Song lived perhaps the most idyllic, dreamy university life a person could ever wish for - at least on the surface he did. Even if he did have troubles - everyone does, after all - there certainly seemed to be a lot going for the guy.

Until there wasn’t.

Something went wrong. A bite, perhaps. That’s their best working theory as to how lycanthropy is passed on, though there are other theories. The how doesn’t really matter. The end result is all the same:

A loss of life.

Sure, he’s alive, but that person - “minkypinky”, the student with a bright future ahead of him - he’s gone. Who’s to say what’s left of him.

“So, what do we do now?” Yeosang tries to shake the sad thoughts away. Now is not the time to cry for someone he doesn’t even really know. “Where do we go from here?”

“We wait for him to wake up, I think,” Wooyoung suggests. “D’you think we should… I dunno, maybe call someone?”

“No. No, I… I think that’ll compromise him too much. Even if we DM a friend or something, I feel like if we tell anybody we don’t trust, it’ll just turn into a thing. Police will get involved. Feds, maybe. How’s he supposed to explain that his parents got murdered while he got away with a few scratches? Him being gone for years is suspicious as fuck.”

“You’re right, you’re right. Shit. I just- Look at this.” Wooyoung waves to the Instagram feed they pulled up. “He- he still has family out there and friends and- and people who care about him. Look at the comments, Yeo. Shit .”

“Don’t. We can’t think like that. Look, he- he’s human at least- at least for some… Some amount of time. Right? Oh my god, what if he’s only human when he’s asleep.” The idea just throws itself at Yeosang, and he’s too wired to ignore it.

“Okay let’s- let’s just both- both calm down, okay?” Wooyoung is typically not the one recommending they calm things down; so that’s how Yeosang knows that he really should do just that. The two take a few breaths, letting their discovery wash over them.

He thought getting railed by the werewolf was getting in over his head, but learning who he really was before all of it? That makes his heart wrench in a different way. It’s an emotional, mental weight he has to live with as opposed to a physical one. Soreness goes away. Living with the knowledge that a once brilliant boy turned into a werewolf and had to live out his days in isolation? That’s gutting.

“At least we know how to call him.” Yeosang supplies the weak condolences. “We can try talking to him and going from there. We have to remember he is a person. It’s his choice how to proceed. If he even wants to. Hell, we can drop him back off.”

“What’s that gonna do about the disappearances, though?” Wooyoung purses his lips.

“Well…” Yeosang feels his face flush. Nobody went missing last night. He almost says it, but bringing it up as the two are starting to thaw strikes him as a bad idea. “I dunno.”

“Why don’t we read up more on werewolves in general. Maybe we can find something that didn’t stick out to us before? Now that we have a sort of point of comparison to work with. We can weed out what’s reliable and what’s not.”

“Yeah, okay. Sounds like a good idea. But first, let’s actually sit down and eat our dinner like normal people.”

“Oh yeah! Food! That’s a thing, huh?”

“Yup.”

Yeosang claps the other on the back and watches fondly as he finally digs in to enjoy the fruits of his labor.

Yeosang’s sleep cycle is, unsurprisingly, fucked up. 

It’s always been nebulous, but the whole napping and waking up in the evening thing didn’t help. He’s not looking forward to the day he has to realign it into something that resembles mainstream normalcy. After going back and forth with Wooyoung, discussing research, and re-checking their sources, the soreness and fatigue set back in. Yeo manages to coax himself back to sleep around four in the morning for a sort of nap. He and Woo agreed that it’s still best for him to sleep in the room with Mingi.

The werewolf is still sound asleep when Yeosang cautiously pads into the room. The sky is just barely starting to show color again when he strips and lowers himself into the bed. He lays down what he considers a respectable distance from the other. Yeosang has no idea what to expect when the other wakes up. Will he freak out? Will he make a break for it? Yeosang just hopes with all his heart that the other doesn’t disappear for good. Even if he leaves, as long as he leaves some trace, they can probably track him. Maybe. Hopefully.

They just want answers. 

And, though Yeosang hasn’t said it out loud, he has his own hope for the other, too. He wants Mingi to know that he’s not alone. At least, he doesn’t have to be.

Yeosang winces as he hits the bed, reminded of all the not-so-phantom pains still thrumming through his body. In spite of that, he falls asleep pretty quick. It’s just a void of black. No dreams. He doesn’t even get up to take a leak. Just pure, abyssal, glorious nothingness.

He feels surprisingly refreshed when he wakes up. It’s like he finally accumulated enough sleep to function as a semi-normal human again. He rolls over to check the time on his phone and, in a moment of deja vu, his body struggles against a weight.

It’s Mingi.

He’s still there.

Yeosang didn’t budge a single inch overnight, but Mingi sure as hell did. The werewolf closed the gap between them and cuddled up close. Just as he had every time before (not that there are a lot of “every time”s - it’s just a bit quirky, really, that it’s happened three times at this point). It certainly supports the theory that a person’s temperament can persist through the transformation (at least to some extent). Furry or not, this person is cuddly, so it seems.

The werewolf stirs slightly.

Oh, shit. He might wake up soon. Yeosang is pretty sure the other’s been out for over twenty-four hours. There’s no way he’ll be out that long. Yeo regards the sleeping werewolf for a few minutes, wondering how heavy a sleeper he is. His gaze drifts over to his phone, just barely out of reach. He should be able to just, just barely get it.

Yeosang reaches out as far as he can. His fingertips graze the edge of his phone, only to send it sliding further across the bedside table. He mutters a curse and starts wiggling toward the table.

Turns out that Mingi isn’t that heavy a sleeper. Just as Yeosang manages to scoot away, close enough to the table to grab his phone, the other moves behind him. A large hand finds the human’s waist and tugs him. His body lurches back into the other’s, and he’s back at square one. Mingi nuzzles Yeosang’s nape as if to drive home the point that he’s right where he belongs. The tickle of the werewolf’s breath on his neck sends a shudder down Yeosang’s spine.

He tries again, effort easily foiled by the werewolf’s weight. 

“I’m sorry,” Yeosang mutters - not like the other is gonna respond. “I just- Let me get- let me get my…” He stretches out again, laboriously lifting his sore body to reach out to his phone.

“M-Mhn…” The werewolf lets out a groan, and Yeosang freezes.

He looks over his shoulder and, sure enough, the other is starting to move. Mingi grimaces and makes little sounds as he comes to. Yeosang’s heart starts racing as he watches the other wake up in slow motion. Mingi props himself up on an elbow sluggishly, long hair mussed and falling over most of his face. At first, it’s clear that he doesn’t notice anything is different. He just blinks slowly, yawns and stretches ever so slightly.

It’s when he notices his arm hanging on Yeosang’s waist that Mingi starts to really wake up. The werewolf’s gaze follows the line of his long, lanky arm and it’s as if that’s when he finally notices: it’s wrapped around someone. Mingi’s eyes lock with Yeosang’s, and for an instant, Yeo feels his heart stop.

It’s like being a deer in the headlights. Except they’re both the deer.

Mingi’s nostrils flare, and Yeosang can see the signs of an incoming freakout. He doesn’t blame the other. He did wake up somewhere unfamiliar after a werewolf transformation. The werewolf’s eyes widen, and his head starts whipping around, long hair wild and breath starting to hasten.

“Hey,” Yeosang murmurs. He scoots away on the bed to give the other some space. “Hi, do you remember me?”

Mingi glances at Yeosang again, but it’s clear he’s too panicked to really process. The werewolf backs away frantically, hastily putting as much distance between himself and the human as possible. In his frenzy, he’s clumsy, swiping pillows off the bed and tangling his long limbs in the sheets. By impulse, Yeosang reaches out toward the other to help him, but he’s too late.

The werewolf launches himself off of the bed. His flailing manages to knock everything off of the bedside table, but he ultimately fails to catch himself, ass hitting the floor with a loud thud.

“Hey, hey, hey- it’s okay.” Yeosang tries to soothe the other. He hops off of the bed and approaches the other slowly. Mingi immediately cowers, backing into the table behind him. His chest visibly heaves, and Yeosang can hear his breathing pick up into something dangerously fast. “Oh- No- no, no, no- hey, it’s okay. You- Do you remember me?”

Mingi’s lip quivers, but he doesn’t make a peep. Instead, he’s all strained breath and sniffles. His entire body shakes, and he looks like he’s on the verge of tears.

So, safe to say he doesn’t exactly remember. Yeosang would feel affronted if not utterly distressed by the other’s state. The way Mingi’s chest is heaving, he might actually pass out. Yeosang wracks his brain for a better way to calm the other. But how? What can he do? He vaguely remembers some stuff he’d read about helping people with anxiety. Some people say it’s best to, like, talk to people. Help them get their bearings. Something like that. But will the ramblings of a stranger really help? Not that they’re entirely strangers. They did spend an entire night fucking, not to mention the hours they spent spooning at while they slept. So what if they don’t know each other. They’re not strangers.

They’re not.

An idea suddenly pops up in Yeosang’s sleep-addled mind.

When they first “met”, Mingi didn’t really seem to pay much attention to  Yeosang’s appearance. He only heard a few actual, legible bits of speech from the human, so voice recognition is an obscure hope at best. Scent, however, the other has to remember. He spent the majority of the night with his muzzle buried in Yeosang’s sweaty nape.

Yeosang reaches into the hamper in the corner of the room and grabs whatever’s sitting on top. (For once, he’s actually grateful they’d procrastinated the laundry.) It happens to be the t-shirt he wore on that day (and sweated profusely in). He throws it around his neck and steps toward the other again, this time even more slowly.

“H-Hey, hey.” He speaks in a tone he hopes sounds kind and disarming. When he tries to get a smidge closer, the other shrinks back more. The werewolf’s eyes fall to Yeosang’s feet, no longer able to maintain eye contact, apparently. “It’s alright. You’re safe here. I’m a friend, remember?”

Yeo holds up the shirt he’d thrown around his neck and reiterates: “Do you remember? Mingi?”

Mingi’s fingers fidget and twitch in his lap. His pupils scuttle around nervously, never once meeting Yeosang’s. It’s like he’s playing the part of submissive wolf now, making himself smaller and averting his gaze. His lips part, only to let out a low choking noise. Fuck.

“Mingi- Mingi- Breathe. Breathe, it’s me, Yeosang.” Starting to feel anxious himself, Yeosang accidentally steps closer to the other. The wolf winces, entire body retreating as far back as it possibly can. He wraps himself up tight - hugging his knees and whimpering.

“Okay,” Yeosang nods. He tries to fend off his own nerves and gives the other space. “Right, sorry. I- You need some space. I’ll just, let me just- just back off.” The human steps back slowly, taking a seat on the floor a few feet away. 

He watches concernedly as the other shivers and cries. It’s a far, far departure from the fearsome beast that had been looming over him not even two days ago. Yeosang never imagined that that werewolf could look like this. Pitiful and cowering, a sad, lost mess. Despite the situation, there’s no fight in him, none at all. He doesn’t even make a break for it. He just sits there and cries.

A couple of minutes go by, and the little bit of space between them seems to actually help. Mingi’s whimpering subsides, and his breathing starts to sound closer to normal. There’s still a sort of staccato quality to it - a bit like he’s not getting enough air with each breath. When the werewolf lifts his head, Yeosang realizes, he’s not experiencing breathing issues. 

He’s smelling something.

Mingi’s nostrils flare, his look of panic swapped out for one of contemplation. His eyes are still wet when they meet Yeosang’s, but they’re infinitely calmer. Something beneath the other’s teary eyes glimmers, like a light turned on.  He leans forward and sniffs the air again.

There’s recognition.

That’s what’s brewing behind the werewolf’s puffy, red eyes. Recognition. The smell.

“Yeah, now you know,” Yeosang isn’t sure why he’s speaking. The other certainly isn’t responding, but something about it feels right. He ventures giving the other a tiny grin - something he hopes comes across as kind and not creepy or awkward. “You remember, right? You do, don’t you.”

Mingi crawls forward on the floor, eyes fixed on Yeosang’s. They’re practically boring into the human, digging deep and penetrating straight to his heart. It makes his chest ache, for some reason. The werewolf’s gaze, his expression, the shudder of his plush lip, there’s something almost wistful about it.

“H-hi,” Yeosang says timidly. “Hi, Mingi. It’s nice to meet you.”

Mingi’s lips shudder, and Yeosang watches, rapt, waiting to hear what the werewolf has to say.

Instead of speaking, the werewolf moves. He rushes forward, yanking Yeosang close by the shirt hanging around his neck. Mingi smashes his nose against Yeosang’s skin and scents the other almost feverishly. The smell is pungent and ripe to Yeosang, but the remnants of the pheromone and their coupling remain are apparently enthralling to the other. Yeosang holds back a laugh at the ticklish sensation of the other’s breath on his neck. Relief washes over him gradually dissolving the built-up anxiety.

Mingi recognizes him. At the very least, he remembers the smell, and Yeosang prays that he can make the association quickly. Mingi smells Yeosang like he’d just taken a set of sheets out of the dryer. He basks in the other’s scent, mirth almost dripping off of him. 

“It’s so nice to meet you,” Yeosang says, heaving a sigh of relief. The werewolf’s apprehension melts away rapidly. He quickly transitions from a ball of nerves to aggressively cuddly in a matter of seconds. He wraps his arms around Yeosang and pulls him close. It’s endearing to the human. Happiness looks good on the werewolf (at least on the bits that Yeo can see; most of his face is buried in Yeosang’s nape).

Mingi weighs a lot, and Yeosang finds himself crumbling beneath the other’s affections. He ends up getting wrangled into the little spoon position again. Despite the scratchy texture and questionable cleanliness of the carpet beneath them, he doesn’t really mind all that much. He’s made another breakthrough. This time, it’s trust, the start of a fellowship. Recognition that can turn to rapport.

A bond.

The werewolf finally calms down a few minutes later. His affections settle into something slower and more tender - lazily nuzzling at Yeosang’s nape, gently caressing the human’s arms in a repetitive, soothing motion. A tingling warmth enters Yeosang’s bloodstream. It’s so cozy . The other is like a living, breathing weighted blanket draped over him. A blanket with lush lips that brush against his skin and a lithe, muscled body.

Yeosang mentally smacks himself for thinking that.

He turns onto his other side so he can look at the werewolf. The person he’s face to face with is completely different than the one from minutes earlier. There’s color back in Mingi’s face - a happy, warm flush, and he even has a whisper of a smile on his lips. It’s a good look on him. A really good look on him.

“You’re safe here,” Yeo murmurs. He’s dangerously close to falling asleep again. Mingi is also on the cusp of dozing, eyes lolling closed. It’d be way too easy for the both of them to pass the fuck out, right there on the floor. Yeosang decides to be the grown-up in the situation instead. “Mnn-nope. Nope.” The human wrests himself from the other’s affectionate grasp and uses hoists his body off of the ground. He’s so bleary that he has to use the bed beside him for assistance.

“Come on,” Yeosang says, reaching a hand out toward the other. The werewolf lets out a soft, betrayed sounding grunt, and he pouts - actually pouts - at Yeosang. 

“No. You’re getting up. You haven’t eaten in over a day,” He insists. There’s some leftover fried rice in the fridge. He figures he can crack an egg over it and toss it on the stove. He’s no Wooyoung - actually, he’s very much the opposite of Woo in that regard, he’s a disaster in the kitchen - nonetheless, he feels like he can manage rice and eggs. 

Funny thing is, Wooyoung used to be a disaster, too. After months of living together and being pretty much transient, they both got sick of shitty convenience store food. Neither of them could even scramble an egg without a disaster. Wooyoung always liked to watch cooking videos - Tasty, Bon Appetite, the guy who only shows his hands that Yeosang can’t remember, and, after setting off a fire alarm and having to evacuate a motel room in subzero weather, Wooyoung felt inspired. He finally pursued his interest and cooking, and though he’s far from perfect, Yeosang is grateful for it. Woo saved their stomachs and their wallets.

Mingi comprehends immediately. Sure, he’s a bit slothful - perhaps hungover from over twenty-four hours of sleep. Also that whole bodily transformation thing. In spite of that, he follows the instruction well, taking Yeosang’s hand and going about the laborious task of getting up. Yeosang flashes the other a genial smile, hoping to make him feel as secure as possible. The man woke up in a strange bed, wrapped around a strange person, and just barely fended off a panic attack. Even though he still hasn’t said anything, he must be reeling.

When he finally gets onto his two feet, the werewolf stumbles slightly. Yeosang is afraid he’ll have to catch the other, but thankfully Mingi manages to right himself. He doesn’t really resemble a wolf as a human - well, save for the long hair and stubble on his face. Sure, there are a few other features one can point out like the muscles, the long nails. However, the way he is now, toddling around like a newborn giraffe, it amazes Yeosang that the other can turn into something so feral and fierce.

Just how severely does the werewolf transformation warp the mind?

After finding his footing, the werewolf begins to check out the space. Good. That mean’s he’s fairly cognizant. He isn’t panicking, but he’s assessing things, getting a grasp of his surroundings.

“Oh, um, you can look around.” Yeosang gestures to the bedroom. His ears flush pink when he realizes they’re still holding hands. He lets go and flashes the other an awkward smile as he looks around.

There isn’t much to it, really. There’s the queen size in the middle flanked by old side tables. The bed sits opposite the door out, and beside that sits a tall chest drawer. There’s a closet on the other side of the drawer and beyond that is the door into the one full bath in the place. It’s really not enough, but it’s enough to capture the werewolf’s undivided attention for the moment. Yeosang is alright taking that concession.

Mingi runs his fingers along the sheets and just plays with them for a moment. His fingers flex atop the cotton, just idly bunching it up for a bit. He runs his hand along the dark walnut of the old bedrame and tangles his toes with the plush pile of the carpet. He even touches the wall - just lays his palm flat against the dated, splattery texture. There’s something pensive about his expression. At first, Yeosang what would ever prompt someone to be so reflective in the dull little bedroom. However, he quickly realizes that the other had been living in isolation for somewhere around two years. 

When was the last time Mingi was in a normal house? A bed, a room with four walls, furniture, light fixtures, air conditioning, wifi, all of it. Yeosang’s inference could be wrong, but the other certainly doesn’t give off signs of someone who’s integrated with society since being turned. This is probably a lot for him to process - on many levels. Yeo almost wants to reach out, to reassure the other, encourage him, even.

Mingi spies the door to the bathroom, and Yeosang wonders if the other has any recollection whatsoever of his bath. Yeosang follows after the other as he goes into the bathroom, but the door suddenly shuts with a jarring slam. Yeo’s eyes widen with confused alarm as he wonders if he’s going to have to talk the other out of another bout of anxiety. His fears are quickly quelled by the telltale sound of piss hitting the basin.

“Oh-” Yeosang grunts dumbly to himself. It’s probably been a while since Mingi did that, too. It comes as a relief to the human that the other isn’t trying to mark him with it. That’s nice. 

Good to know he’s still house-trained.

As melodic as the sound of someone taking a really long piss is, Yeosang opts to leave the other to it.

Wooyoung is already awake when Yeosang emerges from the bedroom. He glances up from his phone and regards his roommate with raised brows. The couch is already back to normal which means Woo’s probably been up for at least half an hour. 

“He’s up,” Yeosang cuts to the chase.

Wooyoung immediately startles, jumping out of his seat (and nearly throwing his phone in the process), “Oh, fuck. Is he- is he okay? How- how is he? What is he doing? Is he in there right now?” He watches the bedroom door like the other’s going to go full wolf and burst through at any second.

“He’s taking a piss.”

“Oh. In the toilet?”

“No, on the bed.”

“Oh, fuck-”

“I’m kidding. Yes, in the toilet. He’s a werewolf, not an actual wolf.”

“Well- I don’t know. I mean, shit. Who knows how far gone he is with the whole...” Wooyoung makes a claw gesture with his hands. “I mean, how is he? Is he… Is he okay? Did he seem to suffer amnesia? Did he tell you anything?”

Yeosang grimaces, “First of all, it’s too early-”

“Sang it’s like three-”

“ Too early for that line of questioning. Second of all, he- he’s okay. I think. Like, at first he totally freaked out, but, um, I calmed him down. I think he… He remembered my scent.”

“You serious?”

“Yeah. He, like, smelled.” Yeosang decides to omit the part about the other manhandling him. Wooyoung would probably react more worriedly than amusedly, and Yeosang isn’t awake enough to talk another person down from a freakout.

“Oh. Wow. So… So we can infer that, even shifted, werewolves retain an enhanced sense of smell. Maybe.”

“Maybe?” Yeo shrugs.

“Holy shit. Holy shit. He’s- he’s actually- he’s okay? And everything?”

“I guess. He seemed okay. You know, all things considering. Let’s get some food in him and we can ask him about it later. Whatever we choose to do, I don’t wanna open up with an interrogation. Who knows, he might have something to say.”

“Right. Okay, I just, um- I can start on breakfast.”

“Don’t worry about it.” Yeosang starts heading to the kitchen.

“I can at least put coffee on.” Wooyoung posits. He follows after the other, and they start milling about in comfortable silence. The kitchen fills with the soft burbling of the coffee maker and the sizzle of the pan. Yeosang zones out as he watches steam come up from the fried rice in the skillet.

He and Wooyoung are both in the same boat. They’re both trying to play it cool while dying on the inside. Mingi is right there. Their muse, their obsession, their werewolf . He is living and breathing and real and alive and taking a leak in their fucking bathroom. Yeosang would love nothing more than to shake the other down and ask him his life story. But he’s not some coldhearted monster. Mingi isn’t an animal or sideshow attraction. He doesn’t owe them anything. Especially not a recountence of his traumas or the intimate workings of his body. (Though, of course, Yeosang did experience some of those workings firsthand.)

“Smells good,” Woo comments, sidling up to Yeosang and throwing an arm around his shoulders.

“Yeah, well, you made it.” Yeo lifts his head to make some other snide comment, but the other’s close. Very close. So close their noses could bump. It’s not like shit like this never happens. Actually, it’s pretty regular. But, despite years of this, sometimes…

Sometimes Yeosang forgets himself.

“You’re right. You’re goddamn right, I did,” Wooyoung smirks, and he leans in so close that Yeosang can feel the other’s breath bounce off of his face. “Gordon Ramsay is shaking in his- his…” His gaze drifts from Yeosang toward their bedroom door. Yeo follows the other’s eyes, and his stomach flips. 

“Oh, fuck,” Wooyoung murmurs. 

“Hi, Mingi,” Yeosang greets the other with a smile he hopes appears easy and not nervous.

The werewolf looms in the door, tall body practically taking up the door frame. For the first time, he’s standing up straight, proper, and his height takes both of them by surprise. He’s slender but broad, wide shoulders practically filling the doorway. Despite his relatively disheveled state, Mingi is undeniably imposing. He looks like the type of guy a person would eye warily as they pass him on the street. Sure, the unkempt parts of his appearance probably contribute to that, but his body is shockingly similar to how it is when he’s shifted.

Mingi’s gaze sweeps across the open living area, taking it all in. His lips twitch slightly when his eyes fall on Yeosang. Maybe it’s the start of a smile, maybe he wants to say something. Whatever it is, the gesture immediately freezes over. The werewolf notices Wooyoung draped over the human, and his expression immediately darkens.

“H-hi?” Wooyoung ventures greeting the other. He tenses slightly under the other’s discernment. Yeosang doesn’t blame him. He would, too. Hell, he still kind of is, even though it’s established that the other has some kind of affinity for him. (More likely than not due to their full moon fuckfest.)

It doesn’t take Mingi long to cross the living room. His abrupt rush alarms both of the humans, making them flinch. In the blink of an eye, Mingi is bearing over both of them, dark eyes boring into Wooyoung, brows furrowed. He looks angry.

“Uh, Mingi, what’s the matter?” Yeosang asks, trying to keep his tone light. Worry stews in his gut. Why is he so mad all of a sudden?

Mingi ignores Yeosang completely and continues staring Wooyoung down. Woo returns the other’s leer with his own wide-eyed, confused look. The werewolf takes a step forward, prompting Wooyoung to take a step back. He unravels himself from the other and backs away slowly, utterly stupefied. With the newly granted space, Mingi actually inserts himself between Yeosang and Wooyoung. In utter contrast to the shaky, crying mess he was earlier, Mingi bears over Wooyoung, the picture of tall, broad, lean-muscled intimidation.

“M...Mingi?” Wooyoung tries to sound friendly. “Glad to see you awake.”

The werewolf doesn’t say anything. Instead, he just grabs Yeosang around the waist and yanks him close in a manner that’s almost possessive. Unless…

Unless he is being possessive.

“Hey, it’s okay,” Yeosang softly asserts. He tries to steal away the other’s attention, but he doesn’t really succeed. The werewolf is completely distracted, more focused on the person - or perhaps, in his mind, the “wolf” - in front of him.

“Wha…?” Wooyoung’s eyes dart stressedly from Mingi to Yeosang, silently asking: What the hell did I do? The answer is: nothing out of the ordinary for two humans who’d been friends for half a decade. From a wolf’s perspective, things might look different. Mingi essentially staked his claim on Yeosang in their coupling. Wooyoung, however, is a stranger; a stranger who could be perceived as scenting the alpha’s mate. Or something like that.

Mingi’s posturing could very well be a holdover from the wolfish instincts, a part of the transformation that bleeds into his human consciousness.

“Mingi,” Yeosang speaks to the other insistently. He ventures placing a hand on the werewolf’s arm, hoping it’s not taken as an affront. “Mingi it’s fine- it’s fine, he’s a friend.”

“Wha- what’s going on?” Wooyoung mumbles to Yeosang. 

“Mingi doesn’t- he doesn’t know you and he’s just being protective, right?” Yeosang steps around the werewolf so he’s between the other two. “ Right ?”

The werewolf looks at Yeosang bemusedly.

“Wooyoung is a good friend, you can trust him.” The human continues. “I trust him. So, just lay off, okay?”

Mingi appears more vexed than anything else.

“Okay?” Yeosang repeats himself, making sure to look the other straight in the eye (even though he is slightly terrified when pissed. “You wanna cuddle with me, you gotta accept him, too. We’re a package deal.”

Wooyoung chuckles, “Awww, Sangie~”

Yeosang glares at the other before regarding the werewolf again. Mingi definitely seems a bit prickly about it, but he’s not staring daggers at Wooyoung anymore. That counts as a win in Yeosang’s book. Or, at least it did for about two seconds until he realized the mental celebration was premature. One fire was put out, and another started immediately.

Well, not so much a full-on fire. More like burning.

Their breakfast is burning.

The unmistakable, sulfuric smell of overcooked eggs starts to fill the room like a noxious fog.

“Shit-!” Yeosang lunges toward the burner in hopes of salvaging their meal. Wooyoung rushes to help, no longer fazed by the intimidating werewolf (or, perhaps more affected by the idea that their breakfast might be ruined).

After some awkward stumbling and hasty recovery, their breakfast (and their “morning”) is saved. Yeosang manages to talk Mingi down some more, and the werewolf finally takes a seat at the table, gaze raking across every nook, cranny, and crevice it can perceive. It’s probably a lot to take in, but Yeo thinks he’s doing fairly well so far. Save for their almost-altercation. And the little (understandable) freakout in the morning. He’s doing great.

“Sorry,” Yeosang whispers to Wooyoung while he’s helping clean up. He hopes Mingi doesn’t have enhanced hearing, too. That would be problematic. Doesn’t help that their place is shy of eight-hundred square feet, either.

Wooyoung heaves a sigh. Yeosang can tell the other is more shaken up than he lets on. It’s a strange situation to say the least. Plus, Wooyoung is used to being liked. He has this wonderful, addictive, magnetic personality that enables him to befriend anyone. Even in the most intolerant, shithole places they’ve been to, people fall for him. He’s like sunshine in human skin, the warm, gentle kind that people want nothing more than to bask in. For someone to regard him with scorn is probably more upsetting than he wants to let on.

“You don’t have to apologize,” Wooyoung mutters back, hands busy plating portions. “It’s- why- what did I do?”

“You’re just a stranger. I’m not. This entire thing is spooky when you think about it. Dude woke up in some random fucking house. He knows me but doesn’t know you.”

“I- I guess. Still, I would think it’s a safe inference that I’m, like, cool.”

“Give him a day and he’ll be, like, obsessed with you.”

“Please-”

“It’s what always happens.”

“Really? ‘Cause I’ve known you for six years. Are you obsessed with me?” Wooyoung smirks. The bastard.

Yeosang’s cheeks swelter with the rush of heat to his face, “I’m immune.”

“Hm. Whatever you say.”

“Look, just- just don’t go touching him, okay? I know that’s who you are, but, he isn’t- he’s been alone for a while.”

“I won’t! I- I wasn’t gonna.”

“Uh-huh.”

“What? Why don’t you believe me?”

“Because I’ve known you for six years.”

“I- Fair. Fair.” Wooyoung chuckles. “Here.” He hands the other two bowls full of the rice they managed to salvage. The entire bottom layer is burnt onto the pan, but thankfully the top managed to survive while only smelling minorly burnt.

Yeosang joins Mingi at the dining table which manages to rouse the werewolf’s attention. He raises his brows curiously at the food presented before him and sniffs at it. It wouldn’t surprise Yeosang if the burned smell put him off of the dish. Surely he remembers prepared food smelling a lot better than what’s sitting in front of him now. Thankfully, the other doesn’t appear offended at the plate. Instead, he looks to Yeosang, as if asking for permission to indulge.

“Yeah, go ahead,” Yeosang insists warmly. “It’s for you. Eat up! You must be starving after everything. Especially considering that you didn’t hunt.” Since you were busy fucking the everliving shit out of me - the thought crosses Yeosang’s mind.

Mingi’s gaze returns to the food in front of him, and he licks his lips. His hand flinches, reaching for the bowl at first, fingers grazing the cheap ceramic. He stops himself, though, hand flinching away. Shakily, he reaches for the spoon nearby. Yeosang watches, utterly fascinated as the werewolf handles the utensil. He forgets about his food for a few minutes, caught up in observing the way Mingi’s long fingers wrap awkwardly around the utensil.

When’s the last time he’s used one of those?

Mingi’s hand shakes as he adjusts his grip - grasping it in his fist, then holding it between fingers like a pencil before finally settling into something resembling normality. The spoon wavers with the shudder of his hand as he lifts it to his lips.

One might think Mingi just ate the most beautiful food he’d tasted in his life if they looked at his face. His features scrunch into an almost pained looking expression of ecstasy. He takes a sharp breath and pulls the spoon out slowly, as if savoring even the miniscule bits of flavor clung to the metal. He chews surprisingly slowly, drawing the single bite out to last seconds. That single spoonful feels like eons to Yeosang, not that he minds it. He’s glad to see that the other is satisfied with the food.  He’s glad to see the other eating.

“Ah- Wait, let me get you a cup of water,” Yeosang says. He hops out of his seat and gets the other a glass quickly. No doubt he’s thirsty as hell, too. Sure, he’s built in a way, but even under his loose, borrowed clothes, it’s apparent the other is little more than bone and muscle. He could use any bit of nourishment he can get, and Yeosang is happy to provide it.

Even though it took Yeosang maybe thirty seconds to grab a drink, that was long enough for Mingi’s mood to change completely. He went from enjoying his meal to staring down at the bowl, frown on his lips and eyes glimmering with tears. Fuck. The sight makes Yeosang’s heart drop to his stomach. 

“Wh-What’s the matter? Does it taste bad?” Yeosang asks.

Mingi sniffs loudly and shakes his head.

“Oh. Um. Did you burn your tongue?”

The werewolf shakes his head again.

“I… What is it, Mingi? You- you know if you talk to me…”

Mingi just shakes his head again, and a tear falls down his cheek. He scoops up another spoonful of rice and shovels it into his mouth. Then another. And another. Yeosang watches, almost as confused as he is enthralled. Despite his tears, he actually appears to be enjoying the meal.

“Mingi, what is it?” Yeosang tries again.

The other is pretty adamant about staying silent. Or maybe his speech abilities got fucked up by his transformation. At first, Yeosang thought it was exhaustion or timidity, but now he isn’t sure. All he can do is sit back and observe while the other downs the burnt rice with almost worrying speed.

“Don’t wanna talk about it, Mingi? Mingi… Mingi…” Yeo mutters the name to himself a couple of his times.

Mingi Song.

Song Mingi.

Yeosang’s pretty sure he remembers his ethnicity being mentioned on the missing persons report. He’s Korean, like them. Hell of a coincidence. Figures, all three Koreans in northern Pennsylvania manage to link up. Nothing can stop them, not even one of them being a literal cryptid.

Jokes aside, it’s safe to assume that at least once in his life, maybe, just maybe, Mingi has eaten kimchi fried rice before. Maybe…

Maybe it reminds him of home.

It’s definitely a comforting dish. There’s nothing special about it, but that’s what is so special about it. It’s common and homey, comfort on a plate. Everyone’s got their own version of it. Hell, maybe it’s just having a homecooked meal at all - even one that’s burnt and butchered like theirs. Theoretically, he’s been living off of raw meat for two years (somehow). Eating something hot and fresh and prepared for him could definitely elicit some tears. Hell, even Yeosang gets misty-eyed sometimes when Wooyoung’s mom sends stuff their way.

“I’m glad you like it,” Yeosang says. He can already hear Mingi’s spoon scrape the bottom of the bowl. Without a word, the human slides his bowl over to the other.

Mingi pauses for the first time since picking his spoon up. He gives Yeosang a confused look as if to ask “what’s this?”.

“For you. Take it.”

The werewolf’s eyes dart between the bowl and Yeosang. After a few more encouraging nods, he finally buys that Yeosang is cool with giving over his food. Because he is, genuinely. He can deal with cooking himself something else (or, the more likely scenario, settling for a protein shake). The little twinkle in Mingi’s eyes is well worth a bowl of rice.

Mingi digs in. Even though he’s still sniffling and teary, it’s clear the other is happier. After swallowing another mouthful of rice, Mingi pauses again. Yeosang wonders if the other is about to cry fresh tears, but instead, the werewolf leans over. Without prelude, Mingi presses a chaste kiss on Yeosang’s cheek. The werewolf is so damn warm, the heat coming off of him almost searing.

Yeosang freezes, shocked by the saccharine affection. It’s just rice, after all. What’s with the kiss? Maybe Mingi is the touchy type, like Wooyoung. Fuck. Wooyoung . He probably saw that, Yeo realizes. The other guy is standing right there in the kitchen. It’s not like there are walls. Yeosang’s entire face burns, and his stomach toils with a weird combination of feelings he’s too tired and hungry to sort out.

Despite himself, Yeo glances over his shoulder toward the other. He doesn’t know why he does this, but he just does. Unsurprisingly, the other is, in fact, paying attention to the only two other people in the damn place. Wooyoung simply raises his eyebrows, almost inquisitive. For a second - really, not even that long, maybe a fraction of a second - the expression on his face is strange. Unreadable. It’s probably a trick of the light, though, because after that brief flash of weirdness, an amused smile blossoms on his face. That’s more like it; that’s the fun-loving, sweet Wooyoung that Yeosang knows.

“You gonna eat, too?” Yeosang says. He banks on aggressively ignoring the little smooch to keep his sanity.

“I wouldn’t want to interrupt,” Wooyoung teases with a smirk.

“ Ha-ha . Just come and sit. How else are you gonna get to know our new friend?”

“What about you? What are you eating?”

“I dunno,” Yeosang shrugs. “I’ll figure it out.”

“I can make you something. Just whip up a few eggs.”

“Don’t do that. Honestly, I’m not super hungry, anyway. It’s fine.”

Wooyoung frowns, “Suit yourself.” His eyes shift back to Mingi, and Yeosang’s gaze follows.

He slowed down, thank god. It wouldn’t do for him to gorge himself and get sick. Now he’s back to savoring the meal. Sitting there at the table, one hand twiddling with his spoon while he rests his head in the other. Even though all he’s done so far is eat some rice, his head is already nodding with drowsiness. Something about him almost comes across as innocent. Yeosang can’t help but remember the image of the starry-eyed student posing for selfies on Instagram.

“Hey, Mingi!” Yeosang calls the other. The werewolf rouses from his haze, blinking at the human bemusedly. “Careful. You’re getting hair in your rice.”

The werewolf glances down and nods, leaning away from the food. Lucidity. Comprehension. Understanding. No verbal response, but there is a response. He’s a curious case, Mingi. Yeosang has so many questions, but he starts to wonder if he’ll ever get answers. 

The biggest question is: what happens next?

Mingi passed out shortly after his meal. Like. Minutes after. He practically faceplanted into his last few granules of rice. Yeosang managed to rescue him before he dove into his bowl, gently guiding him back to bed. 

He’s been out ever since.

After making sure that he was asleep, Yeosang and Woo set up on the kitchen table again. It feels different now that they know Mingi (or at least he does). Before it was like unearthing the life of a stranger, putting together the pieces of a mystery. Now, it feels a little more perverse, like they’re opening up his underwear drawer or something. 

“Nobody’s looking for him,” Wooyoung mumbles, frowning at his laptop.

“Wha-?” Yeosang murmurs, still half-skimming the old werewolf article he’d pulled up. They still had a lot of old sources to pore through and compare.

“Our werewolf- Mingi. Nobody’s looking for him.”

“Oh. I- I guess not.”

“I mean, it’s been two years. You always have a few who hold out hope in these missing persons cases, but…” Yeo shrugs. “It seems like the police were pretty adamant about the whole ‘mangled by a bear’ thing. It sounded pretty cut-and-dried in the papers.”

“Yeah, ‘cause that’s the easy way out.”

“No shit. Law enforcement and giving a fuck aren’t exactly things that go hand in hand.”

“Right. I know, I just- I mean- where do you think Mingi is staying? How has he survived up to this point?”

“I don’t know. I could-”

“He doesn’t talk.”

“What?”

“He doesn’t talk, Yeosang. I don’t think just asking him is gonna work.”

“You don’t know that. Even if he is nonverbal, we can just use speech aids. He went to college, he can at least read and write. Though maybe all that shit is buried under… Wolf stuff.”

“I- That’s not my point.” Wooyoung’s serious expression breaks into a chuckle. “You’re so funny.”

“What?” Yeosang flushes. The other finds ways to tease him over the most mundane shit. It’s simultaneously irritating and endearing.

“It’s just that- the way you, like, think and overthink stuff.”

“Well, I have to compensate. Since you don’t think at all.”

“Wow. Alright. Walked right into that one, huh?”

“Yup. What- what was your point, anyway? What were we talking about?”

“I was just gonna say that, I… Maybe Mingi can… If- if he wants to, maybe he can stay with us for a while.” Wooyoung presses his lips together. “If that’s cool with you. If not that-”

“Of course he can. If he wants to… Thanks.”

“For what?”

“For suggesting it. That’s really sweet of you.”

“Gross, don’t get all soft on me.” Wooyoung’s giddy expression completely contradicts his words.

“Would you prefer that I get hard on you?” The idiotic remark leaves Yeosang’s lips before he can stop it. He hopes the other doesn’t think much of it.

“I- You- B-bad Yeosang!” Wooyoung titters, throwing a balled up napkin at the other. “Christ. The fuck is wrong with you?” 

“Is that a no?”

“Keep reading! Pervert.”

“That wasn’t an answer.”

“Yeah, because I am not dignifying that with an answer.” Wooyoung laughs.

“Whatever. I’m gonna continue reading up on our possibly-new-temp-roommate. Or, well, more general shit, anyway. Funnily enough, it’s, like, pre-seventies texts that seem way more accurate. You’d think modern technology would mean better information.”

“Eh. Shit got sensational in the mid-century. Just a lot more bullshit to wade through. We… We’ll figure it out.”

“Yeah. Yeah, I guess so. I- We should tell him, shouldn’t we?”

“Tell him what?” Wooyoung quirks an eyebrow inquisitively.

“That we’re studying him. Now that I’ve seen him all awake and conscious and shit, this feels kind of wrong. Even letting him stay with us, like- he’s a person.”

“He is.” Woo nods in agreement with the matter-of-fact statement.

“I just- He’s not an idiot, you know. If we treat him like some experiment or subject of study, he’s gonna know. And I’ll wager a guess that he won’t like it. I mean, it’s not fair to him, anyway. He doesn’t deserve to be treated like some fucking zoo animal.” Yeosang heaves a sigh and wrings a hand through his hair. 

This is a new stressor he didn’t anticipate. He honestly thought he’d get some kind of a werewolf one-night-stand - a hump and dump situation in which they got out with some DNA samples and footage. Instead, they took the entire fucking werewolf home. He is utterly, completely, overwhelmingly fascinated and curious. There’s a part of him that would love nothing more than to poke and prod, test for responses to stimuli, and observe the other from afar. But that’s weird, and now that he has a bit of a better sense of Mingi, he realizes how wrong it is. He isn’t some endangered animal or sideshow attraction. He isn’t even just “Werewolf A” anymore. 

He’s Mingi.

“I mean, he is kind of the subject of our study…” Wooyoung responds hesitantly. “But I get what you’re saying. I think- well, let’s let him adjust first. I bet he’s wondering how we found him, too, you know? If he somehow poses the question, we can be honest with him. Otherwise, I don’t want him to go batshit. But, in time - not a lot. I mean, like, maybe days - let’s tell him. We treat him like the person that he is. Maybe then we can… Cooperate?”

“That’d be nice. But if he says no- well, then we say fuck it, I guess. As is, we have some pretty good insight.”

“Yeah.” Woo frowns. “I guess.”

“We’ll figure it out,” Yeosang says with finality. There’s only so much they can figure out without Mingi in the picture. 

Yeosang agrees it’s best to let him adjust for a few days. They can see how he handles everything, see if it’s even realistic or feasible to cohabitate with him at all. Sure, he’s sleepy now, but what if he turns out to be a nightmare? What if he doesn’t stick around at all? It’s not like they can monitor him all hours of the day (nor do they want to).

They still have jobs to deal with, after all. In spite of the insistence of their parents, the two of them do work real jobs. (Yeosang has had to defend Wooyoung’s temp gigs more times than he’d like.) They’ve got jobs, notes to write up, reading to do, a few of their crytozoologist peers to get back to, and now, possibly a new roommate.

It’s fine, though. It’ll be fine. Yeosang is optimistic about it, genuinely so. He and Wooyoung have managed so far with little more than their will and their wit. This will be the same, whatever comes of it. Even if they get into tiffs every now and then, the two always make it through challenges together. And, so far, Mingi is hardly a challenge at all.

Hopefully, he stays that way.

Chapter Text

Yeosang’s body feels heavy when he wakes up. His limbs are hot and leaden with sleep. Even though he physically feels unready to wake up, the light on in his brain refuses to extinguish. The springs of the pullout mattress groan as he stretches in an attempt to alleviate the heaviness weighing him down. That’s when he realizes that it isn’t just his body that’s keeping him pressed against the bed.

He has company.

Per their typical agreement, Yeosang and Wooyoung swapped beds. Unbothered by the creaking of the pullout couch’s mattress, Mingi followed Yeosang into bed that “night” (it was closer to four in the morning at the time). The werewolf pulled his favorite human close, and it was lights out. In their short time together, Yeosang has noticed that the other sleeps a lot. It’s probably just a practical habit for him, an adaptation to life in the woods alone. Sleeping conserves energy. That’s the straightforward, logical explanation. Yeosang can’t help pondering the human element of it, too. How else could a person possibly stave off boredom in isolation? And what would such a condition do to one’s mental health?

How much did he want to be awake, really?

It’s probably easiest for him to be asleep. Yeosang still has so many questions about what reality has looked like for Mingi over the past two years. He can only guess what a werewolf’s day to day is. All he does know is that nobody’s seen him for two years; so it’s pretty safe to assume that he’s been alone the entire time.

Yeosang shuffles to the side, reaching out to grab his phone on the side table. The time reads “12:14PM”. Not bad. Stuff is still open, and even with it being autumn he still gets a few hours of daylight. He’s so used to having a nocturnal schedule himself, and the all-nighter with Mingi sure as shit didn’t help his flipped rhythm.

Sometimes Yeosang misses the light. It’s mostly the convenience of it - things being open, being able to contact other people and get quick response times. He still often watches the sunrise, he’s just sort of on the other side of it now. As a self-titled code monkey, he pretty much never has to maintain schedules for work. All they care about is deadlines. Have this component done by this day, test this code, make a mockup for this client. Save for the occasional meeting, he’s free to float in the liminal space between one and five in the morning. He’s gotten used to it at this point. That’s who he is now.

Yeosang contemplates giving in to the warmth cocooning around him and falling back asleep. His alarm is set for four. He could snooze for a few more hours and still have plenty of time to work. Yeo tries to recall what Wooyoung’s hours for the day are. He typically works nights at the bar, but he’ll get thrown some days early in the week - because fuck employees maintaining normal schedules, apparently. Yeosang does prefer to be awake when Wooyoung is up and about. It’s like the one thing that motivates him to get up at certain times. Otherwise, his schedule would probably be more amorphous than pudding.

The pullout bed groans loudly with the shifting of weight beside Yeosang. Apparently, he’d gone too far to check the time, and Mingi wants to correct that. He adjusts his grip, using his big hand to pull the human closer with ease. The werewolf is… Attentive, to say the least. Yeosang supposes he can’t blame the other for hovering a bit. He’s the only real human connection Mingi has known in probably years, and that was his doing. It’s only been maybe three days since they took the werewolf home, anyway. He’ll probably become more independent as he acclimates. There’s still a lot of unknowns and questions regarding the trajectory of their living arrangement. In the meanwhile… Well, Yeosang definitely doesn’t mind it.

He’s not fucking blind. Even with two years’ worth of awkward hair growth and stubble and scars and bones poking out every which way, Mingi’s attractive. He’s attractive and he’s very into Yeosang - even if it’s in some peculiar, confusing, supernatural werewolf-like way. It’s a stark contrast to the awkward dynamic he’s had in the past, juggling small quarters with app hookups and tiptoeing around his friend who people often mistake for his partner. There’s no weirdness or uncertainty. Mingi adores him transparently and unapologetically. It’s something Yeosang didn’t think he wanted until having it. Part of him feels guilty about liking the attention so much, but Mingi seems so glad to lavish it on the other - is it really that bad?

As if sensing he’s being thought about, Mingi snuggles up closer. He lets out a soft sigh, and the breath tickles the back of Yeosang’s neck. A little shiver runs down the human’s spine. This is nice - the warmth, the closeness, the soft sheets surrounding them like a pillowy cave. It feels nice. Yes. Nice.

Yeo curses internally, burying his face in the pillow. His brain isn’t the only part of him up now, and what makes it more frustrating is that the only place he can realistically take care of it is the powder room. The more he thinks about it, the worse it gets. It almost starts to sting in his abdomen. He contemplates throwing himself out of bed and just splashing his face with water. Before any drastic action can happen, the mattress squeaks again with movement.

The werewolf sidles up to Yeosang, flush. Yeo nearly chokes on his breath as searing hot flesh presses against him. Even through the loaner shirt and shorts, he can feel the heat radiating off of the werewolf. He can also feel the firm contours of muscle pressing against his back and - most prominently - the massive hard-on pressing against his ass. Yeosang’s brain short-circuits for a minute. The first and most prevailing idea that manages to surface in his half-asleep, desperate brain is that he needs it. Now. He needs it yesterday. He wants nothing more than to spread his legs and let the werewolf fuck him dry and raw. He never thought of himself as a big size guy, but the mere thought of taking him has Yeosang dribbling in his boxers. Mingi is just so big, even in his human form, and he could easily take Yeosang out. To know he chooses to use that raw power instead to just love on him makes something urgent and needy light up in Yeosang’s brain. He just wants to give himself over to Mingi. The need is almost cloying.

Thankfully for Yeosang’s sore ass, he is a logical person, and once the initial thrill at the prospect of getting fucked through the mattress simmers down, he remembers his situation. First of all, he has not recovered from getting bred by an eight foot werewolf a few nights ago. Secondly, actually getting fucked would be thunderously noisy between the rusty mattress springs and his own tendency to get squeaky. Though talking himself off of the fuck cliff saves his ass, it still doesn’t solve the pressing issue.

Mingi adjusts himself, dragging his clothed cock between Yeosang’s ass cheeks in doing so. The human suppresses a groan as flames lick at his insides. Fuck. He wants. Venturing a cheeky response, Yeosang moves as well. It’s just a little wiggle motion. He pushes his hips back into the other and relishes in the implication of the motion. It isn’t a committal motion or anything. Mingi can write it off as an errant movement if he wants to. Yeosang is fine with that. He wants to get off, sure, but he doesn’t want to be pushy. Mingi is affectionate, sure, but does he really want Yeosang like that?

The werewolf moves again as if to answer the question. He noses at Yeosang’s nape while his hips jerk up. So maybe he does want the human. Yeosang, half-asleep, weak and horny as he is, melts into the motion. He leans back against the other and shifts his hips just enough to give him more friction. Mingi takes a deep breath, his exhalation tickling Yeosang’s ears. The sensation shoots straight into Yeo’s bloodstream, heating his belly and running down to his hard cock. He squirms a bit, legs opening and closing slightly, body wriggling in hopes of catching just a bit of contact to emulate friction. 

Mingi grinds against the human again. Even the objectively inconsequential contact is enough to start unravelling Yeosang. The human’s breathing grows ragged as the werewolf behind him settles into a lazy pace. Yeo meets the other with feverish enthusiasm. He doesn’t give a shit that they’re just laying there, frotting like schoolboys. It doesn’t even matter that Mingi’s lazy, half asleep and chasing a high. It’s working for him, and he’s passed the threshold of horny where shame gets thrown out the window.

Yeosang brings a hand down to cup his hard-on. His underwear feels damp beneath his palm as he rocks into it. Despite himself, Yeo lets out a shaky sigh. His entire body is on strings, pulled tight. He wants so, so badly to just completely unravel, but he doesn’t know how much he can handle while staying quiet. All the while, Mingi seems completely content, lazily grinding against the human. He seems to be enjoying it, savoring it even. There’s no urgency. How Yeosang wishes he could say the same. 

A thread of restraint snaps, and he stuffs his hand down his boxers. A shaky sigh of relief wrests itself from his throat when he finally starts tugging at his leaking cock. It’s then that Mingi finally seems to take notice of how fucked Yeosang is. Plush lips press soft kisses at the back of the human’s neck. Yeosang wiggles awkwardly, wanting to open himself up to the other, but not knowing how in their strange position.

The two end up doing a rather uncouth, desperate dance. At least, Yeosang is desperate. The pressure in his abdomen begins to mount quickly. His boxer’s elastic waistband becomes an annoyance. As he succumbs more to the sheer need to get off, what few shreds of shame he has wither away. Annoyed, the human fumbles beneath the blankets to slide them down. He hastily shucks the article of clothing down to his knees, hand quickly returning its attention to his needy cock.

A satisfied sounding hum leaves Mingi’s lips. The low sound goes right into Yeosang ear and into his bloodstream. The werewolf shifts behind him. Yeo doesn’t know what he’s doing at first. He’s too afraid to look, fearful that turning over and facing the other will break the spell. Yeosang lets out a soft gasp when he feels the other behind him again. The sensation of hot, bare flesh against his own makes him shudder.

Mingi resumes his rhythm, slightly faster this time. He presses kisses on the back of Yeosang’s neck and shoulders. Yeosang’s heart hammers in his chest. Each drag of the other’s cock between his ass cheeks gives him a jolt of thrill despite his lingering soreness. How easily the other’s slick cockhead could just catch on his entrance and tease.

Yeosang smothers the little whines bubbling up his throat with the pillow. He can feel his entrance twitch with each pass. He struggles to keep quiet with how much he’s squirming. His heart leaps into his throat when Mingi pauses, his cockhead poised at the human’s entrance. He should probably say no, logically speaking, but he doesn’t want to. He doesn’t dare initiate it. Still, the thought of the other pushing inside makes his head swim - so much so that he lifts one knee ever so slightly, just to give the other allowance. Mingi hesitates before sliding his slick cockhead down between Yeosang’s ass cheeks and settling between his thighs.

Alright then, Yeosang muses. Message received. Years of living in the woods didn’t diminish the werewolf’s perverse quirks, apparently. Not by a longshot. Yeosang lowers his knee slowly, thighs clenching of their own accord around the member between them. Between his own precome and the werewolf’s, it starts feeling slippery fast. Mingi scoots closer to the other. More inane murmurs leave his lips. There aren’t words, but Yeosang can hear the contentment in the other’s low, husky tone.

Mingi buries his head in Yeosang’s shoulder and starts thrusting. His pace is steady, agonizing even. Unhurried is a good way to put it. Unlike Yeosang, who’s on the brink of madness with his desire to come, Mingi is perfectly happy with his languid pace. Yeosang clamps around the other, hoping it feels at least someone satisfying. He’s never thigh-fucked someone (or been thigh-fucked, either), so he doesn’t know the etiquette or execution. It feels sort of funny, and it’s kind of effortful to keep his legs active - but it’s not bad. Mingi is so big that his cockhead manages to poke out from between Yeosang’s thighs, brushing his balls and drooling all over the human’s legs. Yeo can only hope the other’s constant pace is an indication that he’s doing well by the werewolf.

Yeosang experiments with moving a bit. He wiggles and squirms in an attempt to meet the other’s hips. Mingi lets out a low, almost inaudible groan at that. His grip tightens around Yeosang’s bicep, and he starts going slightly faster. Yeosang commends himself for holding on as long as he has, but he’s just about had it. The fuse in his stomach has been lit. No doubt the fireworks will go off any second. He desperately tugs his cock, chasing that explosion of ecstasy. His breathing gets erratic, and his body starts flinching and twitching. His toes curl and he squeezes his eyes shut, almost there. Almost. Fucking. There.

The sound of a door opening brings that all to an abrupt halt. Yeosang’s eyes blow wide open, shooting to the bedroom door. Out steps a half-asleep, messy-haired Wooyoung, casual as can be. He strolls across the living room like he lives there - because he fucking does. One would think seeing a roomie waltz into an intimate situation would kill a person’s boner. But no, Yeosang isn’t that lucky. Instead he’s just left there, hanging by a single, taut thread. His heart hammers, and, in a panic, he plays dead. It’d be easy enough to fake sleep, except for one thing.

While Yeosang immediately stopped at the sight of Wooyoung, Mingi didn’t.

The werewolf continues, carefree, completely focused on Yeosang as he pushes his cock between the other’s now slick legs. Yeo’s heart pounds, nervousness somehow only compounding the fire sweltering in his gut. He eyes the duvet, wondering if the other can see. There is, undeniably, a slight movement visible beneath the plush blanket. Someone would have to be looking for it, Yeo thinks. And they’d have to know. Otherwise one could easily mistake it for simple tossing and turning, restless legs or twitching limbs. A half-asleep onlooker would likely be none the wiser at what was really going on under the blankets.

“G’mornin,” Wooyoung murmurs from the kitchen.

Yeosang contemplates death. The other must have noticed him checking the duvet.

“Morn…” He responds, his voice breathier than usual. He hopes the other can write it off as sleepiness. “You work soon?”

“Mhm. Gonna get ready in a bit. You want anything to eat? I was thinking of-”

“No.” Yeosang cuts the other off bluntly. Mingi starts going rougher, thrusts more forceful. A shiver runs down Yeosang’s spine that he tries desperately to ignore. It’s as if the other is asking, no, demanding that he ignore the other human and pay attention to him. Or maybe it’s a challenge - like he’s daring Yeosang to carry on with Wooyoung and see what he can handle.

“Oh. You sure?”

“I wanna sleep mm-more.”

Wooyoung narrows his eyes at Yeosang bemusedly for a second. Paranoia seizes the other, making him freeze up beneath the other’s discernment. Can Wooyoung hear the soft sound of flesh slapping beneath the blanket? Does he smell the prejac oozing into the sheets? Can he tell how utterly wrecked his best friend is?

“You okay?” Wooyoung asks, tilting his head.

“Mm- fine. Sleepy.”

“You sure? Does your throat hurt or somethin’? You sound kinda funny.”

“Nnn-nope. Gonna pass out again though.”  Yeosang’s legs flinch. He squeezes the tip of his cock, begging himself not to come in the middle of a conversation with Woo. He’s that close. He can imagine it all too easily: Wooyoung telling him to have a good day then - bam!  Come everywhere! It’s telling that the idea of such humiliation hasn’t made him soft - but Yeosang can hardly think straight, let alone unpack that.

It doesn’t help that Mingi seems to be actively sabotaging his efforts at remaining calm. The werewolf’s grip on Yeo’s arm tightens. The slight dig of his long nails into the skin stings in a titillating way. It just adds to the overall thrill of it. His own ministrations start getting erratic and callous, like he’s close. Yeosang’s entire body shudders as he tries to hold everything in.

“Kay.” Wooyoung nods. He takes his bounty - a cup of water - and waddles toward the bedroom sleepily.

Yeosang had never been so glad to see Wooyoung go back to bed in his fucking life. He swears the other is walking extra slow on fucking purpose. To add insult to injury, he stops right as he’s reaching his hand out to the door handle.

“Yeo, you good?” Wooyoung asks over his shoulder, levelling his bleary-eyed gaze with the bed.

A litany of curses runs through Yeosang’s head like a stock market ticker. Mingi’s moving like he’s t-minus sixty seconds from spurting hot come all over Yeosang’s thighs, and the human knows that it’s game over for him at that point. He practically wants to shout at Wooyoung to go the fuck to bed, but that’d be suspicious.

“Yeah. Just- just tired.”

“I mean like-” Woo nods toward Mingi who appears completely docile from the neck up, “-with that?”

“Yeah. It's fine. He’s fine.”

“...Okay. You sure-”

“Yeah. I am.”

Wooyoung pauses and just fucking stares. It’s only seconds, but every second feels like a damn year. Yeosang wants to scream. He wants to bury his head in the pillow and moan and stroke himself to completion but he can’t. He refuses to. Not when Wooyoung is right there, an innocent bystander.

“Kay. If you wanna talk… Later… We can. Jus’ sayin’. Sorry for waking you~” Wooyoung singsongs the last bit before finally - fucking finally - disappearing back into the bedroom.

Yeosang sinks his teeth into his lower lip. He knows he’ll make too many noises otherwise. He tugs on his throbbing cock once, twice, and he’s done for. All the pressure mounting inside of him bursts. He comes so hard his vision goes white, and his entire body seizes up. He bites the pillow, burying the scream that so badly wants to jump out of his throat in the cushion. The involuntary quivering of his legs must make nice friction for Mingi, because the werewolf finishes quickly after that. His come feels molten as he unloads, hot, sticky liquid coating the insides of Yeosang’s thighs and ass cheeks.

It takes Yeosang a few minutes to come down from the high of orgasm. For some first-time thigh-fucking and jacking off, it sure was intense. As reality sets in, Yeosang realizes that he’s bathing in come, and the only bath is through a door where Wooyoung is. Shit. There’s also the matter of laundry which he wants to sort out ASAP. That’ll require going into the affectionately nicknamed Horror Basement. However, if Woo notices, he’ll probably question that, too. They had just put fresh sheets down, after all. Why would they need washing after a single night?

Yeosang heaves a sigh. 

Even his pillow isn’t safe. It’s damp from drool after he’d spent the past half hour or so biting on it. Yeo resigns himself to being stuck there, glued to Mingi by their drying come until Wooyoung gets the hell out of the house. Yeosang winces with disgust at the thought. Mingi, however, seems unbothered. The werewolf simply hums happily against Yeosang’s nape, pressing a kiss just beneath his ear. 

“You’re lucky you’re cute or I’d make you clean this up,” Yeosang whispers.

The soft exhalation the other lets out almost sounds like a laugh.

Yeosang takes the steps up from the Horror Basement two at a time. The old washer and dryer make scary clattering noises that boom across the concrete and brick dungeon loudly. Even when he shuts the door, the noise of belts churning to toss linens echoes into the living room. Mingi’s finishing his eggs when the human surfaces. Yeosang finds himself pausing at the top of the stairs, leaning against the doorframe.

His first thought is that he really ought to find something to tie Mingi’s hair back. It’s shoulder-grazing, and every time he leans down to get a bite, the dark hair drags through his eggs. Yeosang supposes that the werewolf has probably eaten furrier meals. Still, that doesn’t mean that Yeo wants him to suffer the inconvenience - especially when it has such an easy fix.

The second thought that crosses Yeosang’s mind is wow, he’s so… Human like this. The person in front of him appears completely ordinary. One would never guess the guy poking his scrambled eggs with a spoon is a cryptid. Mingi is, shockingly, a rather slow eater. After his first couple of meals, his appetite seemed to stabilize. He takes his time and chews slowly. Even though the food the humans serve him is far from gourmet or special, he always looks like he’s contemplatively savoring it. Yeosang can only wonder about his sustenance prior to them finding him. Clearly, he ate something. Or, well- Yeosang tries not to think about what it is the other ate. Did he eat frequently? Yeosang ponders. Mingi certainly doesn’t look like he’s eaten much at all. He appears just a tad underweight for his size - at least per Yeosang’s visual assessment. However, he’s far from emaciated. If his virility on the full moon indicates anything, whatever he’s eaten has been adequate at least.

Mingi eventually notices he’s being watched. At first he pauses which is kind of funny. He acts more like a prey animal than a predator, freezing in hopes of eluding notice. Obviously, for someone of his size, it doesn’t really work. After realizing this, the werewolf’s eyes timidly lift from his plate to the human leaning against the wall nearby.

It’s so immensely strange that the other is so shy in such mundane situations. He sure as hell wasn’t shy when they woke up. He’s peculiar, that’s for sure. Yeosang definitely doesn’t blame him, but he did wish that Mingi was easier to understand. He wouldn’t describe the werewolf as difficult, per se. There’s just so much that Yeosang doesn’t know. He so badly wants to pry, use a crowbar and get under the hood of the car, as they say. But he doesn’t know how. Even if he did, he’s not sure how he’d go about approaching the other. They still haven’t exactly broken the news that they study creatures like him. 

Mingi may be quiet, fumbling, and awkward - but he isn’t stupid. Obviously, he knows something is up. People don’t just show up in the woods covered in wolf spunk on the full moon. They definitely don’t open their legs up for wolf beasts, and only a complete nutjob would take one home after that. Or, well, nutjobs - plural. Yeosang tries not to stare as he ruminates on the situation. The other can get skittish about it. It’s immensely peculiar considering he has moments where he’s incredibly clingy. He’ll wrap himself around Yeosang while he’s standing in the kitchen or nuzzle him in bed. Then there’s times like this where his gaze flees that of the human and he tries to look small.

Thinking about it more, it’s pretty shocking that Mingi hasn’t run off already. He doesn’t know anything about Yeosang or Wooyoung. For all he knows, they could be traffickers or something. They could sell him to some freak show or turn him into the police - he has no idea. Yeo wonders if those thoughts have crossed the other’s mind. If they have, why is he still around? Did the full moon bonding instill some ill-founded sense of trust? Or is he that confident that he could overpower them if need be? Maybe he’s just so excited at the prospect of human companionship, he doesn’t care if he gets used. That thought makes Yeosang really sad, and he ends up crossing over toward the other and hugging him.

Mingi melts into the affection easily, leaning back into the human standing beside him. He is… A good boy. A good boy who deserves more than two years of roaming the woods aimlessly. Yeosang just wishes he knew how to fit into the equation of giving Mingi something better. Taking him in helps, but he acknowledges that it’s not necessarily the most sustainable solution. Wooyoung and Yeosang aren’t exactly swimming in cash. It’s enough to get by and put some away at the end of the month, but factoring in a third mouth to feed, a third body to clothe and, of course, the utilities that come with it - it adds up. Not that Yeosang wants to kick the other out. On the contrary, he’s wracking his brain for good ways to assure the other can stay. Money aside, there’s also the strangeness of their emerging interpersonal dynamic. It’s only been a few days, so Yeosang is still optimistic things will improve, but, well, Mingi can be a bit standoffish toward Wooyoung. 

Aloof is a good way to put it.

Mingi gently unwraps Yeosang’s arms from around him. He boldly flashes the human a hesitant grin before retreating to his timidity. Yeosang gives the other space to push his chair back. He’s made a habit of washing his own dishes. Yeosang doesn’t get the impression that the other is a particularly neat person. It seems to be more out of consideration - contributing to the household in his own little way. Yeosang isn’t sure why or how he knows. Maybe it’s wishful thinking, but he just gets the feeling. It feels corny, but he swears he can see it in the other’s eyes. He can see it in the way the other’s fingers fumble with the slippery soap bottle as he tries his best to handle the dishes with care in his large hands. He sees it in the way the other gently perches the dishes atop the drying towel before wiping the excess water away. He handles their crappy dishes with more care than either of the humans in the house.

By the time Mingi’s done with his kitchen cleanup, Yeosang’s got his kitchen set up. He’s been slacking on a login component he’d been contracted to work on. The advantage of his line of work is that he worries more about deadlines than punching in hours; the detriment is that he can easily fall behind due to procrastination. What with Mingi being… Mingi, well, he’s found himself distracted.

Mingi begins shuffling off once he’s done tidying up. He tends to nap a lot. Yeosang imagines it’s a holdover from being in the woods. He has so many questions about that, but it still doesn’t seem like the right time to ask him. So he lets the werewolf rest. He’ll curl up on the couch or sometimes on top of the blankets in the big kid bed.

Yeo watches as the werewolf assumes his position. He stretches out on the couch, his feet just sticking out over the edge of it. The werewolf doesn’t appear to mind in the least. His eyes shut, and his chest falls into a calm rhythm. The human feels kind of bad. That’s all he does: sleep. But what else is there for him to do? Yeosang has to work sometime, and it feels weird to set him up with one of their Switches or something. It makes Yeosang think of giving a kid a tablet to play with - it’s like kindly telling them to fuck off. He doesn’t want to tell Mingi to fuck off. He’s terrified that if he comes across as dismissive, the other will feel unwelcome and leave, and Yeosang doesn’t want that. 

His gaze lingers on the other for a little bit longer before he finally gets to work. His fingers move faster than his mind when he transitions into work mode. Time sort of gets away from him. It isn’t until almost hours later that something meaningful rouses his attention. Yeosang peels his eyes off of his screen to see the front door.

“Hey!” Wooyoung calls out with a grin. He’s toting a couple of overstuffed plastic bags in one hand which means he’s brought back goodies.

Mingi startles slightly at the other’s sudden entry. His eyes go a tad wide and he curls into himself - something Yeo picks up out of the corner of his eye.

“Welcome back,” Yeosang says with a smile.

“I come bearing gifts.” Wooyoung beams as he walks into the kitchen.

“What’s on the menu today?”

“Today’s special, chicken dinner.”

“Oh, we’re winners.”

“Ugh- Corny!” Wooyoung’s nose scrunches. He makes a noncommittal move to kick the other but misses by a longshot. “Oh- Hi, Mingi!” Woo waves in the werewolf’s direction. The werewolf responds with a look of disdain, like he’s upset at being woken up. His menacing expression chills the entire room, making even Wooyoung’s relentless mirth dull momentarily.

They’re still not used to one another.

At least, that’s what Yeosang tells himself to make himself feel a bit better about the strangeness of it all.

Woo coughs awkwardly, “Right, um- so, roasted chicken, salad, little bit of mashed potatoes, gravy. You know, very, uh, dinnery.”

“What’s important is that it’s very free. Chef’s is good at the grill, anyway. Thank you. I- We appreciate you.” Yeosang doesn’t want to put words in Mingi’s mouth, but whether he likes it or not, he is grateful for Wooyoung to some extent. His tips help feed him and pay rent for the place. Wooyoung eyes the werewolf hunched on the couch wearily but nods anyway.

“Yeah, well, um, I also made another stop, too.” Woo hoists the other plastic bag onto the counter, and a bunch of books spill out.

“Whoa. You got books. Like. Physical ones with paper and everything.” Yeosang chuckles.

“Yeah, well I figured, um-” Wooyoung timidly glances toward the werewolf. His voice quietens, “He must be bored, right?”

Yeosang’s heart melts. Despite Mingi’s coldness, Wooyoung is still so thoughtful. It’s one of his many endearing traits. Wooyoung doesn’t just act friendly. He has the heart of gold to back it up. He wears his heart on his sleeve and he’ll pluck it off and hand it to someone else in need without hesitation.

Woo mumbles, “I- I dunno, maybe it was a stupid idea-”

“Shut up. It’s awesome.” Yeosang interjects to reassure the other. He gets out of his chair and joins the other’s side to see what he brought home. Eragon, Percy Jackson, some Sherlock Holmes type of story, Warrior Cats- Warrior Cats? “Seriously, Woo?”

“What? Warrior Cats is fuckin’ awesome.”

“How old are you?”

“Uh- Old enough to still enjoy the things I liked when I was younger.” Woo scoffs, jokingly offended. “Anyway, it’s like- cozy, familiar, classic stuff. Well, and this one with the bees. That just looked cool. I’m not about to throw him into the Game of Thrones.That shit is traumatizing. Guy’s had a rough enough time, figured he could use a little bit of escapism.”

“Yeah. Yeah. I- I’m sure he’ll love Warrior Cats.” Yeosang chuckles despite himself. “Thank you.”

“The food’s free anyway. They love me, so-”

“I meant the book. And the- the thoughtfulness.”

“Oh. Well. I just- I want- I want everyone to be comfortable and happy.”

“I know.” For a second, Yeosang is afraid he’ll actually disintegrate; like the sheer warmth of Woo’s kindness will set him aflame and burn him until he’s nothing but embers dancing in the sky. His insides cook as the other gives him a kind smile.

“Um- So- The chicken should still be warm.” Wooyoung pushes off of the counter and grabs one of the takeout containers. “Let me get some plates out. We can do a quick dinner break. You’re working, right?”

“Um, yeah.”

“Yeah. We can just eat fast. Knowing you, you haven’t even gotten up since starting.”

“I- I mean I haven’t. But it’s not like it’s been that long.”

“Mm. It kinda has, though. Assuming you started shortly after I left, that was like an entire shift of work.”

“I-” Yeosang replays his day in his head. The memory of his morning immediately sets his cheeks ablaze. His mental replay ends up getting stuck at that point, like a video that’s buffering. Even though Woo is no mind reader - he knows this - part of him is still paranoid that the other can somehow perceive the image of Mingi slotting his slick cock between his thighs.

If he can, he doesn’t show it. He just watches Yeosang patiently, probably assuming the other is tired and not trying to fend off the emergence of a hard-on.

“Um- I guess.” Yeosang concedes. He throws out the whole “think about the day in hindsight” thing, unable to get past the beginning of it. “Yeah, I should probably take a break.”

“Uh, yeah.”

Yeo shuts his laptop and scoots it over, making room for their meals. He has to personally coax Mingi off of the couch to eat. The werewolf keeps his head down at the table. He eats slowly. In spite of his distaste toward Wooyoung, he seems appreciative nonetheless. He even takes Wooyoung’s plate when he’s done with it. Wooyoung thanks the werewolf graciously as the plate gets yanked out of his hand roughly.

Mingi’s eyes drift toward the couch after he finishes wiping up. Yeosang considers offering one of Wooyoung’s purchases. Maybe Warrior Cats will do him some good. Yeo can swear the werewolf’s expression is almost crestfallen - like he doesn’t necessarily want to sleep but doesn’t know what to do.

“Hey, Mingi,” Yeosang joins the other by the sink. He remembers his reservations about coming across as dismissive and tries to be thoughtful in approach. “Can you help me pick one?” He fans out the books that were left on the counter. Mingi tilts his head curiously as he scans the titles. “I haven’t read an actual book in a second. Thought it’d be nice. You should pick one, too. We can have, like, a book club. He was going for nostalgia, I guess.”

Mingi lets out a sniff that could almost be a laugh. A hesitant grin plays at the edges of his plush lips, and he grazes his fingers across the lightly-loved paperbacks. Yeosang watches the other, rapt. There’s something enthralling about the way the other contemplates his selection. He skims the covers before lifting each one up one at a time. Much like the way he eats, he savors each word on the back - be it a rave review or part of the synopsis. He picks up a couple of them and presses his thumb to the corner. The pages let out the faint buzz that they do as they’re flipped rapidly. He opens another up to the first page and starts to actually read. Even though he tries to huff and puff to keep his hair out of his face, his long bangs persistently flop forward, covering his eyes.

“Looks like you’ve found your winner,” Yeosang remarks. He leans over to get a peek at the chosen book. Warriors: Into The Wild . Figures that one would win. Yeosang chuckles, “Good taste.”

Mingi raises his brows at the human.

“I had my eyes on that one, too. They’re all pretty good, though. I mean, I haven’t read this Sherlock Holmes one, but it seems alright, too.”

The werewolf lifts the book toward Yeosang, asking without words: Do you want it?

“Keep it. We can all take turns. You’ll be done with it in no time, anyway. I think I’ll go with Percy Jackson.”

Mingi nods, a fond smile spreading across his lips. Yeosang’s heart skips a beat at the sight. It’s like seeing just a tiny bit of sunlight through the clouds on a sunny day. Sure, it’s not that unrelenting brilliance that a full-blown, ear-to-ear, toothy smile gives, but it’s still special to Yeosang. 

The werewolf doesn’t hesitate when given the go-ahead. He leans over the counter and immediately resumes his reading. The possibility of Mingi burning through the book overnight occurs to Yeosang. He doesn’t know how fast a reader Mingi is, but he supposes he’s about to find out. It’s endearing to see the other absorbed in a book. His expression is peaceful, but his eyes are alight with a focus that Yeosang has never seen before. The human laments not texting his friend about picking up hair ties. Judging by the way the werewolf sways his head and huffs, it’s starting to get in the way. Without really thinking, Yeosang reaches out and tucks a long strand behind Mingi’s ear.

Mingi immediately halts, gaze shifting to blink bemusedly at the human. Yeosang’s cheeks sting with embarrassment. The boundaries they have are weird and, frankly, not completely clear to Yeosang. Mingi doesn’t seem really bothered with touch in general, but that doesn’t mean Yeo feels comfortable just touching him unsolicited. The human watches with wide eyes, waiting to see what the werewolf will do. Despite Mingi’s mellow nature, part of Yeosang still worries that the other will snap with little warning. Thankfully, reality differs greatly from his anxious imagination.

The werewolf takes Yeosang’s hand in his own and squeezes it gently. It’s a small gesture, but it takes Yeosang’s breath away regardless. To make matters more devastating, Mingi brings Yeo’s hand up to his lips and presses the softest, most delicate kiss in the middle of Yeosang’s palm. The human doesn’t know if he’s ever been handled with such delicacy. It’s such a contrast to how the other performs in bed - all sloppy, rough, and wanting. Mingi guides Yeosang’s hand to his own cheek and holds it there. His thumb idly strokes the top of Yeosang’s hand lovingly. His brown eyes teem with admiration, and they bore into Yeosang’s own as if daring him not to fall head over heels.

Yeosang feels like prey again, caught in the predator’s snare. Except the predator is really nice and his pretty hands and muscles and a cute smile and gorgeous lips not to mention a massive dick and - yeah, he’s trapped. Any doubts about it are quickly quelled by another kiss on his hand. It’s all too easy to remember the way those lips feel at his nape, or the glorious scrape of his sharp canines against his skin. 

“Hey! Warrior Cats!” Wooyoung’s voice cuts through the moment. It’s like an alarm clock - jarring, loud, wresting Yeosang’s brain out of some haze. 

Yeosang sheepishly withdraws his hand as the other human approaches. Wooyoung - either oblivious or pretending to be - gives Mingi a big smile.

“I fucking love those books. Let me know when you’re done, we can get more.”

Mingi’s expression sours in an instant. He maintains eye contact with Wooyoung just long enough to glare at him before retreating down to his own hands. Awkwardness fills the air fast, and Yeosang reaches for the first solution he can think of to abscond.

“Um, I should get back to work,” Yeosang says. He knows his ears are red.

“Uh- Right,” Wooyoung responds, his friendly smile faltering into something fake. Mingi’s eyes flit between the two humans for a second before he makes his way toward the couch. It’s uncomfortable, but Yeosang is grateful he didn’t have to physically separate them this time.

He decides: the house dynamic will definitely need work.

The little clock on Yeosang’s screen reads “4:11AM” when his yawns become too long and loud to ignore. He checks the living area to assess the situation. Mingi had already retired to the bedroom, and Wooyoung set up the pullout (with its freshly laundered sheets). Though he already snuggled up, Woo is still awake, scrolling his phone in his pajamas. 

“I think that’s it for me,” Yeosang says, stretching as he gets out of his chair.

“Yeah, it’s late. You should get rest,” Wooyoung replies. 

“Mmyup. Gonna do that. G’night.”

“Wait.” Wooyoung’s quiet request stops Yeosang in his tracks. “Yeo, can we talk about something really quick?”

Yeosang blinks confusedly. He wonders if there’s something they meant to talk about that he’d forgotten. He’s pretty tired and wouldn’t put it past himself to do so. Wooyoung scoots over a bit, giving Yeosang room on the edge of the bed to perch.

“What’s up?” He asks, scooting close to his best friend. He leans over, and without missing a beat, Wooyoung slings an arm around Yeosang’s shoulders. It’s nice, and Wooyoung is already so warm from being under the blankets. It’s a dangerous position to be in for various reasons. The foremost concern of Yeosang’s is passing out in the other’s arms, though. How he would love to do just that - sleep tangled in Wooyoung’s embrace, like they used to; but they haven’t done that in a long time. He’s got a feeling that Wooyoung didn’t call him over to cuddle, either.

“Um, fuck- this is gonna make me sound like a jerk.”

“Say it.”

“I… I don’t know how to- how to ask-”

“Just say it. Use the words that you think best describe it. Even if it makes zero sense, I’ll decode it. I speak Wooyoung.”

The other lets out a soft chuckle, “Okay. Well, I just- Look, Yeo, it’s about Mingi.”

“What about him?” The mention of the werewolf gets Yeosang’s attention. It’s natural Wooyoung would want to discuss the werewolf while he’s passed out, but Yeosang isn’t sure why he’s pulling him aside so late.

“He… You… You two are- what’s with the- the- touchiness?”

“The touchiness?” For a moment, panic seizes Yeosang, making him feel very much awake. 

Does Wooyoung know about what happened that morning?

Had he been sitting on it this entire time?

Is he disgusted? Upset?

Of course he’s upset, Yeo thinks. If the roles were swapped, he’d definitely be pissed.

“Like- Like how today, you- he- I dunno, he keeps kissing you and stuff.”

“Kissing?” 

Just kissing? Yeosang wonders.

“Yeosang, I’m not blind. I saw him giving you eyes and kissing up on your hand after dinner.”

Oh thank fuck.

“Oh. That.”

“It’s not- it’s not just that, though. This entire time he’s kinda like velcro. I- shit, I feel bad calling it out. Like- I know he- he craves human contact, but I mean- are you- you’re really okay with it?”

“I… Didn’t you ask me that earlier?”

“Yeah, but I-”

“Wooyoung, it’s fine.”

“Yeosang-”

“Seriously, it’s fine.”

Woo heaves a sigh, shifting slightly so he can meet Yeosang eye to eye, “Yeosang, I know you. You are, like, the nicest, purest person ever. I just want to remind you that you can say no. You don’t have to accept all of his affections just because of his circumstances. And I get that we can’t begin to understand what the transformation does to him, really, but surely he doesn’t need to act like you’re his- his mate. We’re not wolves.”

“Wha…?” It takes Yeosang’s drowsy mind a minute to process. “You think I just feel bad for him?”

“Well, don’t you? I mean, I get it. But I just- It’s not fair to you or him, you know? You don’t have to lead him on.”

Part of Yeosang so badly wants to mention that Mingi also happens to be sweet, charming, and hot as hell. Sure, he does feel bad about Mingi’s situation. He thinks about a lot - more than he ought to, really. He reflects on his best friend’s words. They sound ridiculous to him at first, but he acknowledges that the other does have a point. Especially as an outsider, it does seem a bit outrageous that Yeosang would reciprocate whatever feelings Mingi has.

“I know that.” Yeosang says. He’s too tired to really have this conversation. He just hopes he can quell the other’s line of questioning.

“Okay, good. I just- I don’t want this situation to get more fucked up, and I don’t like seeing you put up with that treatment.”

“Treatment?”

“Yeah. You know. Him being all clingy and possessive and lovey-dovey.”

But what if I like it?

The question makes it to the tip of Yeosang’s tongue before he tactfully bites it back.

But what if I like it?

Wooyoung’s skepticism and concern brings about Yeosang’s realization: he does like it. He likes it a lot. He likes the way Mingi makes him feel wanted. He likes the way Mingi looks, how sweet he is, how he looks at their mundane world with stars in his eyes - he likes all of it. Why is that so hard for Wooyoung to believe?

“Look, I’m sorry he’s still weird with you, but I can deal with shit myself,” Yeosang says.

“I’m not saying you can’t, I’m just saying that-”

“What? What exactly are you saying? Because if I recall, you did, like, all the same shit to me when we met.”

“That was different.”

“You bit my arm like the third time we met. You hug people and kiss people- you’ve literally kissed me on the mouth. Why is it a problem when someone else does it?”

“I- Wait- He’s kissed you on the mouth?”

“Is that seriously your fuckin’ takeaway right now? Woo, I’m tired. Go to sleep. I mean me- I wanna go to sleep.”

Wooyoung sighs and gives Yeosang a squeeze, “You’re right. I’m sorry. I just-”

“You worry, I know. Look. I- I won’t do anything I don’t want to, okay?”

“...Okay.”

“And don’t worry about Mingi too much. He’ll come around.”

“Okay.”

Yeosang wiggles out of the other’s embrace and scoots off of the mattress. The pullout couch makes a loud squeaking noise with his departure.

“Good night, Woo.” He says, his words coming out more as a yawn than anything else.

“Night, Yeosangie. I love you~” Wooyoung singsongs.

Yeosang ambles over to the bedroom, shutting the door quietly behind him. He heaves a sigh and leans against the door, letting the weirdness of the night wash over him for a second.

“I love you, too,” Yeosang whispers in the darkness.

Chapter Text

Mingi burns through every book in two days. Yeosang ends up scrambling to find something decent on a grocery run. Most of the titles at the local big box store have pictures of shirtless men with open shirts and flowing locks, but he manages to find another Percy Jackson book and a random Stephen King novel (along with some hair ties). He doubts it’ll last long, but he figures throwing books will make the transition to a tablet a little easier, maybe a little less patronizing.

Speaking of patronizing, they still haven’t breached the “studying” topic yet.

It’s been just about a week of cohabitation, and the three of them are just awkwardly orbiting one another. Mingi always stays close to Yeosang while poor Wooyoung is left doing a strange dance around the pair. He’s affectionate by nature, but his desire for closeness is at odds with Mingi’s territorial nature. 

Yeosang tries his best to get between it, but the best he’s gotten is curiosity out of the werewolf. Mingi will eye the other upon occasion, quietly judging. Yeosang wishes he could just ask the werewolf what’s going through his mind. Things aren’t that simple, though, and they can’t go forever as they are.

Something has to give.

Wooyoung can tell something is off the second he returns from his evening shift. He raises his brows at Yeosang, watching the other pace bemusedly.

“Uh- What’s up?” Woo asks, setting his bag down on the counter.

It takes Yeosang a few moments to notice the other’s presence. He feels like he’s being woken up from a nap when he does. 

“Oh- Hey. How was work?”

“It was fine. It was work. Taco Tuesday’s a real fucking hit. Where’s wonderboy?”

“Mingi? Oh- He’s asleep. Napping. He, um, finished another Percy Jackson today.”

“Damn. He’s smart.”

“Smart. Fast. Bored as hell, maybe… Woo- We’ve gotta tell him.”

The other frowns. It’s an awkward topic - one they’ve been deliberately avoiding. Neither of them know how Mingi will react.

“I know.”

“Like- We should have told him already.”

“I know.”

“I’m just saying, like, we- this whole thing started for a reason, and I just- I don’t want us to lose sight of that. But I also need him to be treated humanly-”

“I know, Yeo, I know. I just-” Wooyoung sighs. “He’s not my biggest fan. So maybe you should be the one to talk about it?”

“What? Come on, we’re both in on this.”

“I just don’t know how he’ll take it if I’m involved?”

“Look- I- I don’t know either-”

“I mean what if his- his werewolf wrath kicks in?”

“What?! He’s gentler than a lamb.”

“Yeah. To you.”

“Okay, well- look, we’re not doing anyone favors by sugarcoating shit. He’s not a kid.”

“He isn’t human, either.”

“Werewolf or human he is a person, and he deserves to hear this from both of us. Why are you so threatened by him?”

“I- He’s a werewolf . You know, giant, hulking muscles, huge claws, flesh-shredding teeth, I- why do I even have to explain this?”

“He’s more than just some fucking monster.” Yeosang feels his cheeks heating. It’s upsetting to him that Wooyoung would reduce Mingi to that - after the time spent together, after seeing how vulnerable he is, how even the smallest gestures move him. What’s even more upsetting than that is the fact that Wooyoung isn’t like this. He isn’t insensitive, he isn’t afraid of the unknown.

He’s normally the one charging in, asking questions, and seeking out the truth. Wooyoung is kind, understanding, sympathetic - he’s not scared of monsters or what if’s. So what the hell is going on? Yeosang had spent the entire day bothered by the prospect of talking to Mingi, but now he’s wondering if Wooyoung had an even shittier day.

“Did you have a rude customer or something?” Yeosang asks frankly.

“What?”

“You’re in a mood.”

“Because I’m worried about what a werewolf can do to us when he’s pissed?”

“Wh- See? You’re being confrontational.”

“I’m not. I’m- I disagree with you. That’s not confrontation.”

“You were on board with this a few days ago. Now suddenly I have to do it alone?”

“I just- I don’t think he’ll be happy with the idea of me studying him.”

“So what. It’s both of us or nothing. He’s gonna have to accept that.” Yeosang replies bluntly.

Wooyoung’s mouth flaps open and closed momentarily, but his expression ultimately softens. For a second, there appears to be a question at the tip of his tongue. Yeosang raises his brows inquisitively, but ultimately the other swallows it.

“Fine. Sorry, I just- I worry.”

“Well don’t. We’re in this together.”

“I know. I just…”

“What?” Yeosang frowns.

“Nothing. Nothing. Just worried, that’s all. Let’s tell him. Tonight.”

“I- Tonight? I mean- Yes. Yeah. Okay. Wooyoung, I-” Yeosang decides to stop tripping over his words, instead showing his feelings in a way Woo would better understand. He wraps his arms around the other, holding him close. Wooyoung melts into the affection quickly. It’s his thing - embracing, nuzzling, cuddling, hugs and kisses. That’s how he shows care and understands it best. Standing there, draped over his best friend’s body, Yeosang realizes they haven’t really done that in a while. 

Maybe that’s why he’s upset.

“Sorry.” Wooyoung murmurs.

“For what?”

“For being confrontational.”

Yeo chuckles, “You weren’t. You were just disagreeing.”

“Wh- Oh I see how it is.” Wooyoung laughs. “You’re lucky you’re cute. I let you get away with too much.”

Yeosang’s cheeks heat more, but he opts to ignore it. The whole “ignoring” thing has worked out well historically. If it’s not broke, don’t fix it - right? Luckily, Yeosang doesn’t need to distract himself for long. He can hear the bedroom door creak open.

The two humans remain entangled as they turn toward the sound, staring dumbly at the tall werewolf. Yeosang can read Mingi’s face: “What’s going on here?”

“Hey! Um- Hungry for dinner?” Yeo hastily parts from the other, flashing the werewolf a smile. He can hear Wooyoung letting out a little huff but - once again - decides to ignore it.

Dinner is quiet, but it’s not excruciating like a few of their meals. Mingi eats slowly, savoring the stir fry like it’s a michelin meal. Yeosang loves that about him. He takes nothing for granted. He always oozes appreciation. Corny as it is, it makes Yeosang sit back and think about all he has to be grateful for. He can’t imagine what Mingi’s been through in his years of loneliness. Yeosang can barely stand more than a few hours without food or caffeine. Two years? He sure as hell would be grateful for just about anything, too.

Unfortunately, their contentment has to come to an end. Once dinner is done and their plates are cleared, Mingi makes a move to take his post on the couch. He likes to curl up into a small ball and spend his evenings reading. He’ll sit there quietly and just get lost in literature for hours. He makes the loveliest company while Yeosang codes into the wee hours of the morning.

However, tonight they need to have a conversation.

“Mingi, wait,” Yeosang says softly, taking hold of the werewolf’s wrist. The other blinks confusedly at the human before obliging the prompt to sit down. Yeosang takes a place across the table, and Woo takes his side. Wooyoung is the embodiment of tensity next to Yeosang. Stress practically radiates off of him.

The werewolf eyes the two expectantly, obviously understanding that there’s something to be said. His fingers fidget and his lips turn down into a frown. Before the werewolf can concoct doom scenarios, Yeosang decides to breach the topic.

“Sorry, um- this probably seems so formal. Um- Mingi, I- We- I want to talk about the night we met.”

Mingi nods with understanding.

“You’re probably wondering why we were there? Why- well, why a lot of things-”

The werewolf nods again, more fervently this time. His gaze is more alert now. He’s interested and curious. He’s probably wanted to ask questions, too.

“I guess, I’ll- Um, okay. How to… Sorry, I’m not avoiding this on purpose I swear. I just- I guess I’ll, well- Okay.” Yeosang heaves a sigh before ripping off the band-aid. He just has to tell things exactly as they are. Thankfully, that happens to be a strong suit of his.

“Wooyoung and I are cryptozoologists. It is the study of creatures whose existence is disputed. Such as werewolves, like yourself. Mingi, we… We’ve been tracking your movements for some time now. Our timeline goes as far back as two years. We moved here more recently, though. A few months. After getting an idea of your territory, we wanted to try making contact. Of course, we had no idea how to do that safely. So we came up with a theory.”

“His theory.” Wooyoung chimes in. “It was his theory.”

Yeosang rolls his eyes, “I was right- I mean- Anyway. I, um, well I essentially theorized that your calls may be more than just an intimidation tactic. I wanted to present myself as another wolf. A… A prospective mate or submissive. And- Well, you know how that went. I passed out, and when I woke up you were with me. It’s cold, so I just… We took you with us. And now we’re here.”

Mingi nods, his expression looking glum. Yeosang wishes he could reach into the werewolf’s brain and find whatever bad thoughts are rattling around in there. He can see the hurt in the man’s eyes. What’s Mingi supposed to think? 

We wanted to take pictures of your freakish monster form, so I played nice and pitied you so we took you home.

Yeosang never realized how it sounded until saying it out loud.

He wants to apologize, but he feels like an apology will probably make it worse. The last thing Mingi needs right now is more pity.

“The truth is, we want to learn about you. We have so many questions, and I would love to just ask you every detail about your life for the past two years. But we care about you, too. Please know that. And I mean not just you the werewolf, but Mingi the person. The person who loves kimchi fried rice and devours books.”

Wooyoung nods along, content to let Yeosang bear the heavy lifting. It’s a paradigm shift given that, normally, things are the other way around. Yeo tries to pick his next words carefully. He just wants to get the frown off of the other’s face. He wants to see Mingi happy.

“Mingi, you can stay with us as long as you like. And, I- I promise you we are not going to be studying or probing you without your consent.”

“We just want you to be comfy.” Wooyoung adds. It’s genuine, but Yeosang can tell the other is nervous. Mingi doesn’t look Wooyoung in the eye. Hell he barely meets Yeosang’s gaze.

“I’m sorry if this has caused you any inconvenience. I’m sorry for sitting you down like you’re in trouble. I’m sorry if we ever come across as patronizing, I just- Shit- I wasn’t supposed to apologize.” Yeosang’s face ignites - as if it wasn’t hot enough before. He feels like a parent that’d been tasked with giving their kid The Talk. It’s just hard, and knowing that he can’t talk it out makes things harder. He’s learning more about Mingi’s quirks and expressions every day, but that’s the thing: he’s still learning. He doesn’t know how to go about conflict resolution without knowing what another person is feeling.

“So, um- Yeah. That’s- that’s what we wanted you to say. We just wanted to be honest.” Yeosang says with finality. Both he and Wooyoung look to Mingi for some type of answer. The werewolf’s lips twitch, and for a second it looks like he’s ready to speak. Both Yeosang and Wooyoung wait at the edge of their seats, breath bated in anticipation.

Words never come, though. After struggling with speech, Mingi just opts to answer with a nod and a broken smile. It’s sort of an “I’m disappointed but not surprised” smile. He grabs the book he’s been reading and dismisses himself with a nod. He heads back toward the bedroom despite the fact that he’d just barely woken from a nap. The two humans silently watch the werewolf leave their presence yet again. In his wake, Mingi leaves a cloud of discomfort hanging over the kitchen.

“That...” Wooyoung breaks the silence softly. “That went well?”

“Did it?”

“What’s important is that we were honest. He didn’t seem angry.”

“No. Just sad, which is even worse.”

“What are we supposed to do?”

“I- I don’t know. Maybe I should talk to him-” The chair squeaks against the floor as Yeosang stands up hastily. He’s already walking toward the bedroom when Wooyoung’s replying.

“You mean talk at him? He doesn’t exactly respond- Hey- maybe he needs alone time.”

“No, I just-” Yeo swings the door open with more force than intended, and a chill comes over him.

Literally, it’s cold.

The room is dark, the only light being the dim moonlight in the sky. Yeosang can see the night sky, the stars, the brown lawn and the treeline from the bedroom window. He can see them all too well since it’s open. Cold air wafts in, chilling the human to the bone. He shivers, panic throbbing in his chest.

“No, no, no-” Yeosang mumbles, crossing over to the window. He sticks his head out to search for any sign of Mingi but, fuck, he’s already gone. Tears well up in the human’s eyes. He sniffles while slamming the window shut and begins a desperate search for warm clothes. In minutes he’s dressed and heading toward the back door.

“What the- where are you going?!” Wooyoung’s eyes widen and he bursts out of his seat.

“He’s gone.”

“What?”

“Mingi is gone. He just left.”

“Wh- How?”

“The window.”

“Shit. What are you doing?”

“I’m going after him.”

“What?! Yeosang, he’s an adult person who can make his own choices. We can’t keep him here.”

“I know, I just- I feel like it’s because of what we said.”

“What? The truth?”

“I mean, yeah it was, but I just- I need to hear him out.”

“He doesn’t speak.” Wooyoung replies. He rushes to Yeosang’s side, grabbing his friend by the arm. “Yeosang, let him go.”

“No.”

“Why not? This is his choice. Our research isn’t that important. We have plenty go off of-”

“Research?” The other’s words make Yeo finally take pause. His racing thoughts screech to a halt, irritation joining his frenzy. “You think this is about research?”

“Well, I don’t know-”

“Wooyoung, I like having him around. I want him to stay. I don’t want him to be alone.”

“Yeosang, it’s not our choice.”

“I just- I need him to know. I should’ve said that- why didn’t I just tell him I like having him around?” Yeosang groans, frustrated with Wooyoung, himself, the world.

“It’s cold-”

“I’m wearing layers.”

“Yeo, it could be dangerous.” Despite his lack of layers, Woo starts following Yeosang out the back door. “Please think before going into the woods with a werewolf.”

“He’s a fucking person, Wooyoung.”

“ And a werewolf. A massive beast that could tear you limb from limb.”

“Yes, I’m fucking aware.”

“Are you? Because you treat him like a-”

“Like a what? A person with their own thoughts and feelings?”

“Yeosang, I just want you to think before doing for once-”

“I thought. I am now doing. You, on the otherhand, are barefoot, so-”

Wooyoung heaves a sigh, defeated, “Be safe.” He says through gritted teeth before storming back to the house like a tantruming teenager. Yeosang feels a bit bad for being so dismissive, but seriously, Wooyoung is being overly protective. Yes, Mingi is a werewolf, but Yeo is starting to find it weird how fixated Wooyoung is on that fact. One second he’ll be completely kind and considerate, the next he’s trying to rob Mingi of personhood and reduce him to a monster. It’s upsetting, and Yeosang can already see the starts of a rift forming between them because of it. Normally, he’d try to tackle the issue head on. However, he has higher priorities at the moment.

He just needs to know Mingi is okay, and he needs Mingi to know that - come or go - he will always have a place with them.

“Mingi!” Yeosang calls the other as he approaches the treeline.

There’s no telling where he went or how far he’s gone. The woods just happened to be Yeosang’s first guess. Going along the road - even a sleepy one like theirs - would be risky. The neighbors aren’t necessarily close, but they’d probably notice a tall, gangly form tromping through their backyard. And most of them are armed - so going through backyards isn’t a good idea, either. 

The woods are familiar to Mingi. They’re safe, easy to get lost in and - most importantly - easy to lose someone else in. If he truly wants to leave and never return, he can just venture inward. Without proper tools or preparation, the trail would go cold quickly. Yeosang started mentally preparing for this outcome. The portion of his brain that isn’t overcome with worry and remorse is already coming up with tracking strategies. He figures that - worst case scenario - they could try and make contact on the next full moon.

It doesn’t have to come to that, though. Not even five yards past the treeline, Yeosang spots a hunched form at the base of an oak tree. Barefoot and shivering, Mingi sits at the base of the tree, hugging his knees with his head buried. Yeosang heaves a sigh of relief. He extinguishes his phone torch and approaches the other slowly.

“There you are,” The human’s words come out slightly winded due to his frantic chase. (Well, “chase” - it was more like him sprinting toward a stationary target.)

Mingi lifts his head just enough to make eye contact with Yeosang. Even in the low moonlight, Yeosang can see the tears threatening to fall. Another ache of pain knocks on his chest. Seeing the other hurt is awful, and he hates it. He’d do anything to replace the other’s expression with a smile.

“Hey.” Yeosang sinks onto the ground next to the other. Mingi just watches, sniffing quietly and waiting. “Mingi, can I ask you something?”

The werewolf nods weakly. Yes .

“Mingi, do you want to leave? It’s okay, you can be honest.”

Mingi levels his gaze with Yeosang’s, calculating. The question hangs there for a few moments. After a prolonged moment of contemplation, Mingi shakes his head slowly.

No.

“Then why did you?”

The werewolf’s gaze retreats toward the ground. Yeosang wishes he could read minds, but he can’t, so he settles with what he can do - ask questions. He wagers he’ll make a guess:

“Are you afraid you’ll be a burden?”

After another pause, Mingi nods again. Yes . His eyes don’t leave the tangle of roots and dead leaves beneath them.

“Well you’re not, and even if you don’t believe it, I’m gonna say it. If you don’t want to leave, then don’t.”

Yeosang’s words don’t really stir much of a reaction in Mingi. He still just sort of appears… Depressed. Resigned, even. Resigned to a lonely monster’s existence. Like hell is Yeosang going to allow that.

“Mingi,” Yeosang ventures leaning in closer. He reaches out timidly, allowing his fingers to just barely brush the other’s cheeks. The light touch wakes the werewolf up a bit. His eyes shoot straight to the human’s, still wet but somehow less sad. Yeosang continues, abiding by his own determination to just tell the truth.

“If you want to leave, you will always have a place with us, but I- I don’t want you to leave, Mingi. You’re not a burden. I like your company. I love sitting in silence with you. I love tucking your hair behind your ear and seeing you smile at whatever book you’re reading and-” Warmth licks at Yeosang’s fingertips - tears, he realizes. Mingi is crying. The human takes the liberty to cup the werewolf’s face, swiping a tear away with his thumb.

“I guess what I’m asking you is to just- please don’t go because I- I- I guess this is selfish, huh? But Mingi I… I like you.” Yeosang’s face burns. The warmth trickles down his neck to his chest and radiates all the way to his fingertips. It dawns on him that he just confessed. He actually told Mingi his honest feelings. The realization makes his head spin. He definitely didn’t plan on being that truthful. Hell, he hasn’t even properly sorted through his crush on the werewolf. But there it is, out in the open, spoken plainly. He can’t take it back now - and even if he could, he’s not sure he’d want to.

“So, please don’t go. We’re- we’re mates now, aren’t we?”

Something ignites in the werewolf’s eyes. He brings a hand up to cup Yeosang’s face, and the human keens. Despite the bone-chilling midwestern cold, the other feels warm and heavy and present in a way that he craves. He brings his forehead to the other’s, and the two just bask in one another’s presence for a moment. Yeosang appreciates the tickle of the other’s breath against his skin and how he smells like the forest after it rains. There’s a desperation in Mingi’s breathing; it’s frenetic and urgent, a nonverbal question Yeosang all too eagerly answers.

When their lips meet this time, it’s different than before - better, somehow. There’s a sliver of desperation in there. The fact that they almost went their separate ways makes it crystal clear just how much they long for one another. There’s an intensity and abruptness to it. The yearning seeps from their kiss - their franticness, the whimpers, the force. Yeosang is well aware that this seems, well, sudden. His propensity for logic wants so badly to poke holes in their budding relationship. It wants to point out how everything is too fast, too much, too soon and too lovely.

But Mingi’s a fucking werewolf.

And that’s a beautiful thing, really, because logic, reason, established norms and advisable practices all get thrown out the window. Knowing that there are aspects of Mingi that may never make sense is weirdly freeing to Yeosang. Mingi’s existence doesn’t align with known fact or logic - so why does their relationship have to? Why does it need to be neat and easy to comprehend?

By the time Yeosang surfaces for breath, he’s in Mingi’s lap. He’s warm as can be despite the frigid autumn night air. He could even sleep with how at-home he feels in the other’s lap. Yeosang wonders how long he’s been outside. No doubt Wooyoung is beside himself with worry at this point.

That thought turns out to be a sobering one.

Thinking about Wooyoung bursts Yeosang’s little lovesick bubble. He dismounts his werewolf lover sheepishly, extending a hand and inviting the other to join him on the walk back.

They take it slow, letting what happened wash over them a bit. Yeosang’s head feels fuzzy in an exhilarating way. All of the other kisses they shared before had been a bit… different. There were pecks or nips at the nape, sleepy gestures that they sort of fumbled into. But this last one? There was no questioning the meaning behind the gesture. It’s as clear as anything is with Mingi. 

“I like you. You like me. We’re mates.”

“Hey,” Wooyoung immediately stands up when the two arrive. Yeosang can see the tension coiled around him tight. The air of anxiety surrounding him is almost stifling. “Glad to see you two alright. I, um- Is everything okay?”

Yeo can just tell the other is begging for a “yes” in response. Mingi nods, and Yeosang gives him the verbal answer.

“Yeah. Um- Mingi’s going to be staying for a while.”

“Good. I- I’m glad.” Despite his apprehension toward the other, Wooyoung seems relieved. Yeosang can tell that Wooyoung doesn’t actually dislike the other. On the contrary, Yeosang thinks he likes Mingi a lot - the problem lies with how Mingi feels about him. Woo isn’t used to having to win someone over. More unsettling: Woo isn’t sure if he can win Mingi over. Yeosang likes to think that he’ll come around, but the only person who can really answer their questions is the silent werewolf. For now, they’ll have to remain as they are - suspended in uncertainty.

Yeosang raises his brows at the stack of books Wooyoung drops onto the kitchen.

“He’s burned through everything we have. I figured something a bit more engaging would be better, y’know? I mean- I- I dunno I mean. Not reading or writing for two years. Sure, it’s kinda like riding a bike, but I imagine it’s not good for the brain.”

Yeosang eyed the pile: crosswords, nonograms, sudoku - plus a couple of adult coloring books. They’ll certainly stimulate brain activity.

“Nice. You’re a sweetheart, you know that?”

“I do,” Wooyoung beams. “How’s your, uh, thingy going? Your reaction?”

“Uh- The library is just called React, but it’s going well, thank you. I mean- I’m still getting errors, but I’m getting different errors.”

“Ooh. Progress.”

“Hell yeah!”

“What’s Mingi up to? He’s usually up at this time.”

“Oh, I dunno, he stepped into the bedroom. Taking a nap. Or a leak.”

“You wanna let sleeping beauty know dinner will be up soon?”

“Wh- No, you don’t have to make dinner. You just got off of your shift.”

“Please. I want to. Slicing veggies is therapeutic. Go get him!” Wooyoung waved toward the bedroom. “God knows I’d get my head chewed off if I tried.”

“Thank you,” Yeosang gave the other a gracious smile. Wooyoung’s kindness never fails to move him. It’s not as if Mingi’s attitude has drastically changed toward the other. 

He’s still every bit as cold as ever. The werewolf has toned down the overt possessiveness, at least. Even so, he still occasionally stares daggers at the other. In spite of that, Wooyoung treats him so, so graciously. Yeosang had never seen the other confronted with such harsh behavior before. He didn’t know what to expect, but he’s glad the other is taking it well. It makes Yeosang’s heart ache in a funny way.

Wooyoung is just so, so good. It astounds Yeosang that sunlight incarnate befriended someone like him. He hopes that one day Wooyoung and Mingi can get along well. They’d like each other, Yeosang knows they would.

Yeosang raps on the bedroom door lightly before stepping in. He can’t help but smile at the sight that greets him. Mingi lays curled up on one side of the bed, reading by the light of a small lamp. The soft incandescent light fills the room with the perfect amount of warmth and shadow. It’s entirely too inviting, and Yeosang isn’t strong enough to withstand the gravitational pull of the bed. The bed squeaks loudly as he flops down next to the werewolf.

“Percy Jackson again?”

Mingi shrugs with a smile.

“Eh, I don’t blame you. It’s a good ass series.”

The werewolf sets the book down and gives Yeosang another fond smile. He reaches out and cups the human’s face in his hand. Yeosang keens, melting under the gentle affection. It’s been a few days since their little confession, and ever since he surrendered to his feelings, it’s been such a relief. Yeosang had never felt so free in his life. Sure, he still tries to exercise some level of tact when Wooyoung is home. Other than that, he has complete free reign to just adore his werewolf boyfriend.

Yeosang never realized how much he craved that until now. He never thought of himself as the affectionate type, but he wonders if maybe that’s because he’d always been repressed. He isn’t the type who gives affection out as readily as, say, Wooyoung. That isn’t to say he dislikes it, though! He’s simply selective. It’s just that, for the past six years, his heart’s selection has been… Complicated.

Mingi, for all of the complexities he has, one thing about him is exceedingly simple: he adores Yeosang. He wants to give Yeosang affection. And Yeosang wants to give it back. 

That’s why when Mingi leans forward to kiss him, Yeosang isn’t just ready but eager . He lets out a happy hum against the werewolf’s plush lips as they meet his own. He knew he shouldn’t have gotten into bed, but he already made that mistake. How could he not indulge the other?

Mingi grabs Yeosang by the waist and pulls him close. Yeosang lets Mingi lead, luxuriating in the sensation of his plush lips against his own.  It’s so easy to forget everything when he’s in the other’s grasp. It’s strong, warm and secure. The way the werewolf kisses is searing and deliberate. Though he fumbled initially - probably a bit rusty on it - whatever prowess he presumably had came flooding back. Those lips alone are enough to leave Yeosang breathless. When they part the human is already chasing them, a silent plea for more.

Mingi is many things, and among them, he is indulgent - at least when it comes to affection. He crumbles easily to Yeosang’s whims, giving him more. Yeosang can feel the arousal trickling to his gut as their lips move and their bodies slot together. He grabs the werewolf’s wrist and guides his hand down further. Mingi smiles against Yeosang’s lips as he squeezes his ass appreciatively. It’s another aspect of their relationship’s development - invitations and forthrightness. They no longer feel the need to hide from one another, and neither of them feel the need to play coy. They’re attracted to one another in many ways. Physical is just one of them. And it just happens to be the most pressing at the moment - literally.

Yeosang’s heart races when he feels the other’s arousal grinding against his own. Fire flickers in his stomach, the flame gradually growing into something needy. His own hands grow a little feverish and start wondering - grasping a bicep, groping a pec, taking in all of that impossibly lithe muscle. Mingi’s grip on Yeosang’s ass tightens, and his hips cant into the human’s. Yeosang’s cock twitches beneath his sweats with need. At this point he knows it’s not ‘half’ anything. It’s full blown, throbbing and probably leaking at the head. It feels like Mingi is there, too.

The friction is equal parts delightful and frustrating. Each stroke sends toe-curling tingles of pleasure straight to Yeosang’s cock. His hand slides down the other’s chest, resting on his lower abdomen. He fingers at the trail of hair leading beneath the other’s waistband - a quiet question. One day, he’ll make proper love to Mingi. Hell, Yeosang would settle for giving him some good head. Preferably when Wooyoung isn’t home with only a thin wall separating him from the couple (and the noise of the squeaky mattress). 

They still haven’t properly fucked. Yeosang’s pretty sure the other is being restrained due to their moonlight reverie. He can sense the other’s hesitence, every new move a wordless question as if to ask “Can I?”. Yeosang doesn’t mind guiding the other along - and he’s happy with anything Mingi will give him. But, fuck, the more they do this, the more he wants. It’s not like he wants to get borderline incapacitated like he’d been on the full moon. Getting fucked into the mattress would be perfectly adequate!

That’s not to say he’s unhappy, though.

Yeosang drags Mingi’s hand across his hip and beneath his sweatpants. When those long fingers start caressing his cock, he forgets all about getting fucked (and just about everything else). Yeosang moans against the other’s lips, to which the other responds with a pleased hum. He mirrors the other’s gesture, and soon they’re frantically jerking one another off. Their kisses devolve into suppressed moans and gasps. Occasionally Yeosang works in a little peck or nip. Mingi’s lips are so, so biteable. How can he not?

With his spare hand and some squirming, Yeosang manages to pull his pants down to his knees. He keens at the relative freedom. Without the awkward contention of fabric, Mingi’s able to pick up the pace and move more freely. Yeosang’s hips jerk, and another pang of heady pleasure stabs him in the gut. He realizes that must’ve been more wound up than he thought. His toes are curling, and his cock is already twitching. Wanting to give the other the same pleasure, Yeosang clumsily tugs Mingi’s waistband down.

The werewolf’s massive erection springs free, and Yeosang parts from the other to shamelessly ogle it. It’s nice. Nobody would blame him, he swears. It is a gorgeous, massive, veiny thing of beauty, and Yeosang can think of about a hundred things he’d love to do with it off the top of his head. His brain sort of empties itself for a second. Conscious thought gets replaced by pure want. Yeosang gets an itch in the back of his brain - the urge to just roll onto his back and spread himself open like he did the night they met. He just wants to submit, to satisfy Mingi to the fullest, to open himself up and take everything, to get marked, possessed, bred and-

“Yeosang!” Wooyoung’s voice echoed in through the thin walls.

Finish. Yeosang wants to finish. He needs to - or else he’s going to spend their dinner so frustratingly blueballed he might actually keel over. He can’t imagine Mingi would fare much better. Plus, there sure as hell isn’t hiding that thing between his legs. Even when it’s not fully erect, his dick isn’t exactly hidden underneath the tight loaner sweatpants. Yeosang makes a mental note that he needs to man up and just buy the werewolf proper underwear, but that thought gets swiftly swept away when Mingi takes his lips again.

The werewolf moves more hungrily, smashing their bodies together. Without the barrier of their pants, it feels so fucking good, it sends static electricity through Yeosang’s body. The shock is enough to pull him back into the moment, and soon Wooyoung, dinner, and the entire rest of the world recedes into nothing. The two grind against one another without restraint, little moans and groans trickling out from between their lips.

Mingi reaches between them and starts jerking them both off. Yeosang smothers a gasp against the werewolf’s lips. His entire body shudders, white-hot sparks of pleasure shooting through his veins. The precome dripping between their cocks is enough to make it nice and slick. Too nice, really. Yeosang can feel his body slipping - his fingers twitch and his toes curl. His hips rock wantonly into the werewolf’s touch. Sensing the human’s urgency, Mingi speeds up.

Yeosang’s brows knit together as he feels the undertow of impending orgasm start to pull him in. Normally, he’d try to prolong things, but now is not the time. He buries his face in Mingi’s shoulder and grasps his mate’s shirt in a vice as he approaches climax.

Though the human quells his noises fairly well, the orgasm doesn’t feel quiet. It rocks through his entire body, a wave of napalm beneath his skin, bursting out through his cock. Mingi kisses him on the shoulder as he strokes him through it. Yeosang’s hips rock into the other’s rhythm until it feels like needles. He whimpers when he’s done, his body slumping boneless against the other’s. Even though his head still spun, Yeosang did his best to reciprocate.

Mingi’s cock was slippery, covered in precome and Yeosang’s own come. Yeo appreciated the werewolf’s girth as he jerked him off. He could feel the werewolf’s big body stutter and flinch. The werewolf’s fingers flex against the human’s abdomen, his long nails scratching the flushed skin idly. It doesn’t hurt Yeosang. It’s just a little reminder that Mingi’s still a touch feral. Long hair, long nails, no words only erratic breath and soft groans. That’s how Yeosang knows the other is close.

Mingi seizes up and lets out groan. He immediately clamps his mouth shut, conscious of being noisy. All the while, he thrusts into Yeosang’s hand, spilling come all over the human’s fingers and the sheets under them. Yeosang captures the werewolf’s lips in another kiss as the two come down off of cloud nine.

It isn’t until the come covering his fingers cools that Yeosang realizes just how messy they are. Yeo leans back a bit, appraising the situation with his post-orgasm clarity. He raises his brows in surprise. Though the two had had their fair share of intimate moments such as this, it never fails to surprise him just how much Mingi is. Yeosang internally tuts. It seems like such a waste for all of that come to coat the sheets instead of being inside of him- Yeo bats that perverse thought away. Now is not the time.

The realization that they’ll have to clean the sheets (again) makes Yeosang heave a sigh. Now that he’s back on planet earth, he’s trying to remember how he ended up in bed in the first place.

Didn’t this conversation start with Percy Jackson?

“Did you change?” Wooyoung asks, brows raised.

“Huh? No.” Yeosang answers. He doesn’t bother looking up from his plate

“Wha- I swear you were not wearing that shirt when I came in.”

“Well you swear wrong. Maybe you should wear your glasses.”

“I’m not that blind. C’mon, back me up on this!” Wooyoung pleas jokingly with Mingi.

Mingi doesn’t answer verbally of course. He just grins.

“See, he agrees!” Woo says with a smile. “Ah~ It’s nice to see you in a good mood, Mingi. Did you rest well?”

Mingi’s grin widens into something Yeosang had never seen from the other before: a smirk. There’s a mischievous glint in the werewolf’s eye when he nods in agreement.

“I’m so glad! I can tell you slept well, you’re, like, glowing. We got more books if you want.” Wooyoung replies, oblivious. Clearly, he interpreted Mingi’s smile as an affirmative response. And that’s okay! Yeosang is perfectly fine with Wooyoung reading things that way. He definitely doesn’t need to know the real reason why Mingi is so radiant.

Not yet. Maybe not ever. Yeosang hasn’t figured that part of the equation out yet. He’s just relieved that today is not the day he has to break it to his best friend. He dreads when that day may come.

“U-Um, Mingi,” Yeosang speaks up (mostly to distract himself, but also for legitimate reason), “I was wondering if we… If we could maybe breach the topic of research again? Just a yes or a no, I mean. I want you to stay- we want you to stay either way-”

“Yes! We do!” Wooyoung nods emphatically.

“-but, yeah, if we can do anything. If you want to. I’d love to, um, get started. Like- only if it is okay with you. If not, we can drop it. We just never got a clear answer.”

Mingi starts nodding.

Yeosang tilts his head curiously, “Wait- Are you saying- what are you saying that it is-“

Mingi continues to nod.

“-that it is okay?”

The werewolf lets out a chuckle, smiling at Yeosang softly and nodding again.

“It’s okay? For us to study you, I mean.”

Yes . Mingi doesn’t say it. Not with words, anyway, but Yeosang understands it easily with his body language. He’s getting good at interpreting the other’s cues.

“Really?” Wooyoung smiles.

Mingi nods again.

Yeosang tries not to smile like a mad scientist who’d just made a breakthrough - he sure as hell feels like one, though, “O-Okay. Well, then, we can start. Um- Tomorrow. We’ll uh-“

“We can talk about it later.” Woo almost bounces out of his seat. He’s so cute when he’s giddy, and Yeosang can tell the other is trying to play it cool, too.

“Y-Yes. Yeah. Okay. Cool. Thank you Mingi. I- We really appreciate it. All of it.”

Mingi gives Yeosang a soft smile as if to say “No problem”. With that taken care of, the werewolf gets back to his food, savoring each bite as he did on his first night.

Wooyoung kicks Yeosang under the table, prompting the other to narrow his eyes at him. The younger one just mouths out “oh my god”, excitement radiating off of him like rays of sunlight. Yeosang’s heart leaps with excitement.

At the research prospect, of course.

Chapter Text

Yeosang drums his fingers against the kitchen table anxiously. Wooyoung occupies himself with their laptop. He keeps switching around between the programs - audio recording software, the webcam program, a notes app. He goes from window to window like it’ll cosmically disperse his anxiety. The scene is set with the webcam pointed at the empty chair across from them and a spread of tools for nonverbal communication. “Tools” being improvised props to indicate different answers - some sheets of paper labelled “YES”, “NO”, and “PASS”, a tablet, and a whiteboard - just in case. It’s obvious Mingi hasn’t lost any of his intellect to the transformation. However, he’s yet to take any initiative in using words to communicate.

Wooyoung mumbles,“Can you uh-”

“Yeah.” Yeosang finishes the other’s thought. Though Mingi agreed to be interviewed, it’s clear to both of them that Yeosang’s best suited to be the wolf’s primary handler. 

Things between Mingi and Wooyoung have yet to thaw, putting Yeo in the position of buffer. He’s still waiting for them to get more comfortable around one another. It’ll happen. He knows it’ll happen. He just doesn’t know when. But surely it has to! Wooyoung has an irresistible charm. It’s just a matter of time before Mingi falls for it. Until then, Yeosang’s stuck with the strangely imposing duty of collecting the other.

In a way, they’ve been waiting for this day for a long, long time. Years even. At first, finding Mingi felt like a culmination. Then, contact did. Bringing him home, even, felt like a milestone. And now they’re here. It feels like a conclusion, a culmination, but also a beginning. In reality, their work has just begun.

Yeosang raps on the door lightly before letting himself in. It’s not like the werewolf’s going to give him a verbal invite. Yeo waits politely at the threshold until the other acknowledges him. Mingi greets him with a soft smile, setting down the copy of Frankenstein he’d been tearing through. He looks extraordinarily devastating with his hair half up, face sleep-soft and flushed from the warmth of the blankets. Fuck . The temptation to toss work aside is real. It would be so, so easy to just slide under the covers and cuddle up, say fuck research, fuck interviews. Fuck Mingi, maybe.

“You ready to do the thing?” Yeosang asks softly.

Mingi heaves a deep sigh before nodding. He disentangles himself from the sheets and follows Yeosang out the door, taking a seat across from Wooyoung. He eyes the implements set out before him. It’s not much, but it’s what Yeosang and Woo could put together on such short notice. They decided to go with a sound based response, downloading a free piano app onto Yeosang’s tablet to substitute verbal responses. High pitches for yes, low for no. Just in case, they left him the notebook and pen for good measure. The werewolf has yet to use actual words with them, but they figured they ought to at least provide the option.

Yeo can’t help but be curious what thoughts are running through his head. Sure, the human’s pretty happy with how their communication is progressing, but he still finds himself wanting more. Mingi talks with expressions and gestures, but once upon a time he lived a normal life among humans. He wrote songs and even streamed which indicates that, at some point in time, he actually liked communicating with words.

But what are words to a werewolf who’s been in isolation for years?

Do they mean anything to him anymore?

Yeosang tosses his distracted musings aside and doubles down on his efforts to focus. Wooyoung casts him a sideward glance, silently prompting him to start the interview. Out of his peripheral, Yeo sees Wooyoung firing up the recording software.

“Uh, you’re familiar with music, aren’t you?” Yeosang starts. He feels more nervous than he has any right to. It’s not like he’s the one being questioned.

Mingi nods, eyeing the tablet on the table conspicuously.

“Cool. I mean, I figured with- well, nevermind. Can you do me a favor and test the app? Start by just picking a high pitch and playing it.”

Mingi tilts his head curiously, one of his brows raising ever so slightly. He takes a prolonged pause before obliging the request. A high note rings out from the device. 

“And can you play a low pitch? Any one will do.”

Once again the werewolf obliges. The low midi of the piano rings out through the room, feeling louder than it actually sounds.

“Thank you,” Yeosang continues. “We’re going to be conducting an oral interview now. The majority of the questions have been formatted to be yes or no questions. The audio will be recorded while we’re doing so. To indicate your response, please play a high pitch to indicate an affirmative ‘yes’ response or a low pitch to indicate a negative ‘no’ response. Alternatively you may hold up the paper signs. If you wish to pass or don’t want to answer, simply stay silent. Do you understand?”

Mingi’s fingers fidget above the tablet momentarily. For a second, Yeosang is afraid the other will just turn tail and walk away right then. He isn’t sure why, but there’s something palpable about the tensity of their situation. It’s unnatural and awkward - and, sure, he and Wooyoung typically love unnatural shit. But this is different. It’s not unnatural in the charming, extraordinary way Mothman is. It feels forced and formal - two things that Mingi is just not.

Regardless, the werewolf taps out a high note.

Yes.

“Okay. As I said before, we’ll ask a variety of questions and record your answers on video. This will not be released to the public. If you do not want to answer a question, you can pass at any time. We can stop this interview at any time as well. Do you understand and consent to this interview?”

Another high pitch. Yes .

“Do you have any questions before we proceed?”

Mingi hesitates over the tablet keyboard, almost pressing the high key again before playing out a low pitch.

“Okay. Thank you.” Yeo tries flashing him a reassuring smile. “We’ll start with a basic physical examination.” Wooyoung starts the little camera, and Yeosang proceeds with the easy part of the process. He instructs Mingi to stand up and measures his height before instructing he stand on a scale. He’s definitely larger than average - he even appears larger than he had in his old photos in spite of how lean he is. After that, they invite Mingi to sit down again. Now for the hard part.

Anticipating that things would be difficult, Yeosang and Wooyoung front loaded their interview with milder questions to ease him into things. Yeosang begins.

“Your name is Mingi, correct?”

Mingi nods. Yes.

Even the name question appears to stress him out - not the greatest of signs. His fingers fidget, and his gaze wanders to the tools laid out on the table.

“You were born in 1999 - right?” Yeosang asks. Another nod in response. “And what is your gender identity?”

Mingi considers it for a moment before picking up the writing implement nearby. He grips the dry-erase marker strangely at first, and it’s in that moment that it occurs to Yeosang that Mingi probably hasn’t written in years. Both he and Wooyoung observe in silence as the werewolf turns the marker over in his hand. Yeosang has half a mind to intervene, but Wooyoung grabs his wrist, effectively halting his attempt.

After a few excruciating moments, the werewolf seems to find his bearings. He takes the cap off and finally writes something down. He holds up the dry-erase board with a blank expression.

“BOY” - it reads in shaky letters.

The cryptozoologists nod, notating the answer.

“Now we’re going to transition into some questions regarding your background to set a foundation. Okay?”

Mingi nods for an instant before reaching for the tablet and triggering the high pitch.

Yes.

“Good,” Yeosang says. “Some of these questions may sound basic or matter of fact, but we ask that you answer them regardless. Our first question is: have you been a werewolf all of your life?”

Mingi presses out a low pitch. No.

Yeosang nods, and Wooyoung notates the answers in a transcript while the other continues.

“Alright. It has been a while, though, hasn’t it?”

Yes , Mingi responds.

“Did you spend the majority of your life as a human, then?”

Yes , a high note rings out.

“How many years would you say you spent as an ordinary human? Please give us the most accurate answer you can, to the best of your ability. You can take your time to think.”

Mingi looks down in contemplation, grabbing the dry-erase marker again. He nibbles on his lip, writing for a surprising while until finally lifting the board. There’s a mass of scribbled math on there. The answer is circled in big, bold letters.

20 years, 1 month, 3 days.

Yeosang and Wooyoung exchange impressed expressions.

“This answer implies you remember the exact date you were turned. Is that correct?” Yeosang asks.

Mingi hesitates a bit before nodding - and playing out a high pitch in turn. Yes .

“May I ask what that day is.”

Mingi swallows nervously, wiping his palms in his lap before swiping his arm across the whiteboard.

September 13, 2019.

Yeosang tries not to let the tingle of thrill he feels show. This could be big. Just how much does Mingi remember?

“You have a good memory.” Yeosang says. “I’d like to ask you a bit about that day, but I would prefer to set up some context prior. Is that okay?”

Mingi nods and plays a note. Yes .

“Thank you. Now, prior to that day… You were a university student, yes?”

Yes.

“You studied music production, isn’t that right?”

Yes , again. Mingi nods more emphatically. 

“You liked what you did?”

Yes .

“That’s good. Did you engage in any extracurricular activities?”

Mingi tilts his head confusedly. Without hearing a word, Yeosang knows he needs to explain.

“Clubs? Sports? Part-time jobs? Groups you were in that would have drawn you away from routine campus life?”

Mingi nods and writes on the board again.

Streaming. B-boy. Waiter at diner.

“Oh, you danced?”

Mingi nods, a tiny grin playing at the edge of his lips as he plucks out the high note.

“And you worked as well?”

Yes.

“Seems like you were busy. I’m sure you met a lot of people with all of those activities. Anyone strange ever stick out to you?”

Mingi shrugs, which is fair. It’s more of an open-ended question than the others. He probably met a lot of weirdos working closing at the diner or even just walking around campus. They’re going to have to do better than that.

“Okay, fair. Let me ask this: in your time at university, prior to turning, did you ever have any reason to believe you were watched? Stalked perhaps? By a predator?”

Mingi’s gaze falls as he ruminates on the answer. His head tilts a bit, and his pupils dance between the tablet and the dry erase board. He finally settles on the board, writing something down.

Not sure.

“You’re not sure? That’s not a definitive no. Can you recall any time during which you felt watched? Any specific time - maybe an encounter or even just a feeling that lingered with you?”

Mingi thinks about it again. After a prolonged pause, he shakes his head and plays out a note.

No.

“Okay. Let’s talk about the time leading up to September thirteenth. The start of fall. Would you say things were fairly normal at this time?”

Yes , a high note plays. That’s fair, though Yeosang makes a mental note to study Mingi’s university around that time period. There could have been disappearances or other anomalies that fell under the radar back then.

“Did you meet anyone new around this time? Anyone who might have taken a sudden interest in you?”

Mingi bites down on his lip and shrugs. He reaches for the dry-erase board again.

I went to parties sometimes. Lots of new people.

“I see. Yeah, I- I guess you would meet a lot of people that way. And I suppose nobody stuck out to you as being suspicious?”

No. Mingi plays the low tone, shaking his head. He shrugs again.

Initially, Wooyoung and Yeosang suspected that a werewolf - a sire of sorts - had been tracking Mingi. A being that can turn others while exercising enough control not to reveal themselves. It seems totally random that Mingi, of all people, became a werewolf. From all of their investigations, they couldn’t find any indication that there’d been any other werewolves originating from that area. There is nothing supporting the notion that there are any other werewolves in Pennsylvania at all, actually - and that conclusion isn’t born from lack of research.

It just seems so random, but perhaps the theory of a sire isn’t an apt fit at all. Still, could it have been truly been so random?

Why him?

“Alright. What about that day, then? September 13, 2019? Do you remember that day?”

Mingi presses his lips together. He stares at the tablet keyboard, and after a couple of minutes, taps out a note.

Yes.

“Good. Let’s start with that morning. What did you do? Was it like any other day?”

Mingi nods - though this time, his eyes aren’t meeting Yeosang’s. Yes , he plays.

“Did you have classes that day?”

Yes.

“Did you have any other activities such as clubs or work?”

Mingi’s finger hovers over the tablet before playing a hesitant, Yes . He then scribbles something down on the dry-erase board.

A party.

Yeosang and Wooyoung exchange glances. After six years of friendship, neither needs to speak to communicate with one another. This could be something - that’s what they’re thinking. Yeosang gives Woo an inquisitive look, and the other nods. He’s going off script for now. The other human poises his fingers over the keyboard.

“Sounds fun. Was it a big party or a smaller gathering? Please play a low note for big, high note for small.”

Mingi nods, tapping out: Big .

“Did you know a lot of people in attendance well?”

No . The werewolf plays out another low pitch.

“Alright. So it was mostly new folks. Now, I’m just going to remind you these questions aren’t going to be released publicly. This is part of our research. That being said: did you drink alcohol at this party?”

Yes . That answer comes quick.

“Did you smoke tobacco?”

No .

“How about marijuana?”

Mingi hesitates before tapping out, yes .

“Did you use any other mind altering substances?”

The werewolf’s hand hovers over the tablet, wavering between the two ends of the virtual keyboard. Finally, he opts to grab the board and write out:

I don’t remember it all. Maybe.

“Now, at the end of this party, did you go home?”

Mingi raises his hand to tap out a pitch, but he pauses. Yeosang and Wooyoung assume that it’s like before - he just needs some time remembering. But as the clock ticks onward and two minutes have passed without a single movement, the cryptozoologists start to get worried. Yeosang clears his throat, asking again.

“Mingi, on September 13, 2019, do you remember going home that night? Falling asleep in your bed?”

Another minute or so stretches on in strained silence, and Yeosang tries once more, gently.

“Let me rephrase this: Mingi, do you remember leaving the party that night?”

Mingi wrings his free hand roughly through his hair, leaving the other hovering over the tablet strangely.

“Mingi…? Are you okay?” Yeosang asks, sensing something off.

His hand suddenly comes down onto the tablet, fingers smashing the keys of the midi board, fanning across the left half. A cacophony of low pitches rings out from the speaker, causing the two humans to wince. Yeosang recognizes the implication of the pitch immediately.

No.

“Mingi, tell us what’s going on. You can talk about it, okay?”

The werewolf’s eyes dart around worriedly - he glances between the computer screen, the tablet, the humans, and his own hand. He begins blinking rapidly, tears welling up in his eyes.

“Mingi- Mingi, it’s okay. You’re safe here. We are here to listen, or- or just be there for you. Why don’t we take a breather and just-”

Mingi lifts his hand off of the tablet in a sudden, jerky motion and snatches the marker. He shakily scribbles something on the dry erase board. Yeosang can see the pressure he’s putting into the drawing. Black ink gushes from the felt tip of the marker, oozing everywhere, running 

“Okay, I- I think that’s enough,” Wooyoung says, speaking for the first time since they began. His words manage to stir Mingi; however, he hardly seems lucid when he glances up at the human. Instead he appears manic, eyes wide and wet while his hand still moves with undue force. He grips the marker so strongly that its plastic shell cracks. Blank ink seeps from within, over his knuckles and down his fingertips. Even then, he doesn’t stop.

For some reason, his hand won’t stop.

Yeosang gets more nervous by the second. He can see Mingi’s body shaking, his chest beginning to rise and fall erratically. He reaches out in an attempt to soothe the other.

“Mingi, it’s okay. Let’s just stop, alright?” Yeosang carefully steps around the table toward Mingi’s side. Slowly, he reaches toward the werewolf’s blackened, inky hand,“Why don’t we just put the marker down and…?”

The second Yeosang’s fingertips make contact, Mingi snaps. He lets out a choked gasp, and his skin starts to turn red. The werewolf bursts out of his seat in a flurry of panic. He’s still got the marker in a vice, and at this point the material is beginning to splinter, sharp points jutting dangerously out.

“Mingi, you need to let go of the marker. It’s going to hurt you,” Yeosang says, the picture of composure even though he’s dying with worry on the inside.

“Yeosang,” Wooyoung says lowly behind him. “Yeosang just- just give him space-”

“I don’t want Mingi to get hurt. Please, Mingi, let me help you, let me just-” He reaches out again, hoping to get through to him.

But he can’t.

Mingi whips around, and his flailing limbs catch Yeosang. The sudden force sends an unready Yeosang crashing into the wall. He groans as a shock of pain strikes his spine, radiating throughout his body. It’s quick and fierce, but the sensation dulls quickly.

“Holy fuck- Yeosang!” Wooyoung cries. He rushes toward his best friend but suddenly pivots, tone dropping as he regards Mingi. “You-!”

Mingi’s hands are already cover his face, and his eyes are wide. His chest heaves even more than before. Yeosang can just tell by the rasping sound that it’s painful . The werewolf starts folding in on himself, expression contorting into one of agony. He wheezes as he hurries to the bedroom, door slamming loudly behind him. Yeosang slides down the wall he’d slammed into, still processing.

They sent Mingi into a full on panic .

Crushing guilt wrests his heart in a vice as reality washes over him. Though the situation concluded, he can still hear muffled echoes, wheezing breaths.

“-Yeosang, please!” Wooyoung’s exclamation finally pierces the fuzz in his head.

“H-Hm?” Yeosang asks. He adjusts his posture, wincing as another thud of dull pain runes across his body.

“Oh my god- oh my god- are you okay? Where does it hurt? Wait, lemme get you ice-”

“Wha-? No I- ‘m fine. Mingi-”

“Mingi- what about him?”

“I- I’m gonna check on him.”

“What?! Yeosang, he just slammed you into the wall.”

“It wasn’t intentional.”

“Yeosang- no! Wait- Give him, like, a second!”

“But- But- He-!”

“For fuck’s sake. Both of you need to calm down right now. Just- just take a breather, okay?”

Yeosang frowns, wanting to protest, but he decides to concede. His nerves are very nearly shot. This isn’t a fight he wants to have right now. Not when his entire mind, heart, and soul are fixated on Mingi. Yeosang and Wooyoung both take a few deep breaths, letting situation just settle between them. Wooyoung parts briefly to grab a few things while Yeo dazedly stares off into space. He’s so worried about Mingi that he hadn’t even considered their findings. At least, not until Wooyoung sits down next to him and passes something his way.

“Mn?” Yeosang grunts, brows knit. He takes the offering bemusedly, scanning it briefly. “This is…?”

“The whiteboard.”

“Oh. Right. Duh.” Yeosang replies numbly. And what about it? He wants to ask. It’s a mess, the majority of it covered in tortured, scratchy lines and agonized drips. All of it is covered in the chaotic, almost unsettling scribbling - except for the middle. 

“It’s a circle.” He says.

“Yeah, it’s pretty weird when you first look at it. All this crazy darkness and an impressively perfect circle in the middle of it. Pure white, negative space.”

“Since when are you an art critic?” Yeosang asks in a feeble attempt at levity.

Wooyoung lets out a wry laugh, “Yeah, right. No, I thought it was weird, but… Think about it. We ask him to think about the night he was turned. He freaks out and the only thing we get is this.” Wooyoung waves to the board.

“A circle?”

“No- think about it, Yeosang. He’s a werewolf ? Fuck’s sake.”

It takes Yeosang a prolonged few minutes to connect the dots. He sits up a bit straighter and glances at the dry-erase board once more.

“The moon.”

“Ding, ding, ding. It- it isn’t much but it’s something. Sorry, I- maybe it’s insensitive. Can’t turn scientist brain off sometimes, though. Whatever the nature of his transformation is - whatever turned him - it’s gotta be more closely tied to the moon than we thought.”

Part of Yeosang loves this about Wooyoung - loves how gloriously distractable he can be, how he can go off on brilliant tangents and discover new things. But… Not now. He can’t handle it now. His brain is overfull, teeming with worry for Mingi.

“We can talk about it later,” Yeosang mutters, hoisting himself up. He turns toward the door.

“Wait- You’re not about to go in there, are you?”

“I have to make sure he’s okay,” Yeosang says, striding toward the door, heart racing. He has no idea what he’s about to walk into, but he adamantly charges forward - even as Wooyoung protests at his back.

Yeosang steps through stubbornly, and his frenzied state dies down once he crosses the threshold. It’s like the room is an entirely different world - a quiet, dark place, like a den. The bedroom is dark, and it isn’t until Yeosang’s eyes adjust that he can make out the slumped figure sitting on the floor. Yeosang carefully crosses to the bedside table and turns on a single lamp. It’s dim enough to be inoffensive while allowing them to see one another. The warm golden light accentuates Mingi’s angular features - as does it reveal his downtrodden mood.

Yeosang takes a deep breath to steady himself a bit before approaching. He pads over quietly and sits down a considerate distance away. Mingi regards him with a look, and his hands start fidgeting. He and Yeosang remain locked in silence for a few minutes. Mingi’s lips twitch - almost as if with the intent to speak. Yeosang’s breath hitches, and he very nearly anticipates it. The werewolf’s lip quivers, and his pupils dance more and more. They part momentarily.

But nothing comes out.

He casts his gaze to his lap, looking defeated. It’s almost like his mouth won’t cooperate with him. Does it still work? Is he capable of speech? Has he said a word since first transforming? All those questions - ones that had been left yet unasked - float in his head.

Mingi meets Yeosang’s eyes again, and he gets onto his knees. Yeosang watches with fascination as the werewolf slowly moves. He gets onto his knees and lowers himself down slowly, until his forehead is resting atop his hands on the carpet. Yeo watches, completely baffled, until something clicks.

“You’re sorry.” Yeosang says frankly, shocked at the traditional gesture. Mingi stays there until Yeosang softly dismisses him. “It’s okay. You can get up.”

Mingi slowly rises to his knees, nodding to confirm Yeosang’s words: Yes, I’m sorry . His eyes are puffy, red, and still wet with tears.

“It’s okay,” Yeosang says. It was a mistake. He leans forward and timidly brushes his fingers along the werewolf’s cheek. It’s ruddy and slightly damp from crying.

“It’s okay, Mingi,” Yeosang repeats kindly. “It was a mistake. If anything, I should be the one apologizing. We pushed you. We… We didn’t think.”

Mingi shakes his head insistently in protest, wearing an expression of remorse.

“Mingi, I forgive you, okay? It was really just an accident. Listen. You belong here. We belong together. I’m not throwing you out for a simple mistake. Okay?”

The werewolf’s eyes well up again. Yeosang reaches up and swipes a thumb over Mingi’s cheek, swiping away the tear. He shifts a bit closer and wraps his arms around the werewolf’s shoulders. They stay like that for a while, wrapped up in one another. Even though Mingi is so tall and broad and muscular, he feels so little in that moment.

“He’s fine,” Yeosang says glumly after emerging from the room. “A bit shaken, but fine.”

Wooyoung is tense, posture coiled into something tight and uncharacteristic of him. He’s hunched over, arms crossed in front of his body and brows knit. Whatever is going through is head occupies him so much that he doesn’t even initially acknowledge Yeosang.

“Mm.” Is all he grunts in response.

“Hey, you okay?”

Wooyoung’s eyes widen as if he’d just woken with a start. He clamors to Yeosang’s side, grabbing his hands, turning them over in his own.

“That’s what I should be asking you - I can’t believe you ran in there after him!”

“What? What are you talking about? He was panicked! Of course I was going to check on him.”

“Yeosang, he lashed out!”

“What? No- He was just panicked is all.”

Wooyoung shakes his head, “It’s not worth it.”

“What?!”

“This- this isn’t worth it.”

“This is our life’s work, Wooyoung. Our passion! At least, I thought it was.”

“It- it is, but- but not like this, Yeosang. Not if you’re going to get hurt.”

“I didn’t get hurt, Wooyoung. You’re overreacting.”

“I saw your body fly-”

“It did not fly. You’re overexaggerating.”

“Yeah, well, maybe you’re- you’re underexaggerating! You need to stop making excuses for him.”

“Wooyoung, it’s fine.”

“No. No it is not. If your safety is on the line-”

“Yeah, well why don’t you let me worry about that? I’m a big boy, I can handle myself.”

“You keep saying that, but it’s not you I’m worried about. It’s him. He’s unpredictable.”

“That’s why we’re studying him.”

“No. No, that’s not- that’s not the point. Yeosang-” Wooyoung lowers his voice, “-Yeosang I’m worried about him. I think he needs help. Help that we can’t give.”

“You know we can’t do that, Wooyoung.”

“Look, I don’t want to either-”

“Then why suggest it?! If anyone finds out he’s alive, he’ll get dragged to an institution- if he’s lucky. There’s no telling what’ll happen during the full moon. We’re not just endangering him at that point- we’re endangering everyone.”

“We can reach out to the network-”

“Fuck the network, Woo. They don’t know shit, and you’re well aware of that. We’re the only members who’ve recorded contact. Get a grip. We knew this wasn’t going to be easy.”

“I’m not talking about easy. I’m talking about safe.”

“It’s fine-”

Wooyoung’s voice raises, “Stop-!” He takes a deep breath, lowering it deliberately again, “Stop saying that. Stop it.”

“So, what, you’re willing to throw it all away because of one bump in the road? You’re willing to give up on our dream? On him? After one try?” Yeosang shakes his head in disbelief.

“One try? I’m thinking about you! My best friend! There is only one Yeosang. One! And I am not willing to put that in jeopardy for- for anything! Not for a werewolf, a wendigo, or fucking big foot!”

Yeosang can feel the intensity radiating off of his best friend. Wooyoung almost never gets worked up like this, but beneath his easygoing demeanor lays burning passion. It’s hot and intense, like sunlight. Mild as he can be, even Wooyoung has those times where the clouds disperse, leaving all in his presence to burn beneath his relentless irradiation. Yeosang kind of feels like that now. He feels cornered, but he’s not willing to compromise, either. At odds, he considers the other’s words.

“Not even for a chupacabra?” Yeosang asks timidly.

“...Wha- what?” Wooyoung’s stern expression falters a bit.

“You said you wouldn’t put our friendship in jeopardy for a werewolf or wendigo… But what about el chupacabra?” Yeosang chuckles. “Don’t you remember? New Mexico? One of our first hunts.”

“That- that has nothing to do with…”

“Remember staking out the scene and hiding behind a cactus? We were so determined. It was our first real leads, and the motion sensors had gotten tripped. We nearly died of dehydration as is, but then you had to take a leak.”

“Oh my god,” Wooyoung huffs. His stressed exterior cracks the slightest bit.

“You insisted on going alone even though I was freaking out. But you said ‘no, no, I got this, trust me’- so I did. And you know what happened?”

“I- I was there, Yeosang.” The other says, fighting a smile.

“We found our mark! I mean- you also got knocked over by a pissed cryptid and got your ass stuck in a cactus- but we found it!”

“Yeah- not sure that’s a shining example of our, uh, prowess. That thing was satanic. It took a bite out of me!”

“Yeah, but you survived! We had a story, and we had gotten what we came for: evidence. Even after you got knocked on your ass, we knew we had something, so we pursued it! We tagged it for fuck’s sake! We did that, together!” Yeosang takes the other’s hands in his own, squeezing. He holds on tightly - moreso than he intended, like he’s afraid the other will leave if he lets go.

“Okay, well- well a little chupacabra is a bit different than a giant werewolf.”

“And we’re a little bit wiser, aren’t we?” Yeosang strokes the tops of Woo’s hands with his thumbs. “A little bit more experienced?” Yeosang can see his best friend’s hard facade let up bit by bit. He knows that Wooyoung’s scared - and he understands why, but he’s also confident they can face it.

But he won’t do it alone.

“Wooyoung, please. Don’t- don’t make me choose. Between this and- and him and you. I want to do this so badly, but I don’t want to do it alone. Please don’t leave me.”

“Yeosang I would never-” The dam breaks, and he yanks Yeosang forward, pulling him into his arms.

Yeosang stops breathing for a second. Maybe it’s the stress, maybe it's something else - he’s not sure, but something has emotion rolling through his entire body and welling up in his eyes.

They haven’t hugged like this in a long time, and it’s nice. So nice. Yeosang’s eyes flutter shut, and he allows himself the weakness of succumbing to it. Just for an instant. Yeosang shuts his eyes and squeezes him back. His heart beats so hard it almost jumps into his throat and chokes him, but he doesn’t give a shit.

It’s a just a moment.

Just as quickly as it’d come, it passes, and Wooyoung steps away to give Yeosang space. 

“Fuck, I’m sorry. Sang, I just- you’re my best friend.”

“You’re mine, too-”

“-and I don’t wanna lose you.” Wooyoung says, gaze adamant and heavy.

His words strike something in Yeosang’s heart - something twangy and painful. He can’t fully understand it, but he knows it makes him feel bad. Yeosang frowns.

“Wooyoung, you’re not going to lose me. You are never going to lose me.”

“Well don’t-” Woo lowers his voice and leans in, “-don’t make promises that you can’t keep.”

“Wh- You act like I could die at any instant.”

“Well, you- you could.”

Normally Yeo would give the other shit for being so hyperbolic, but Wooyoung’s wet-eyed honestly dissuades him. He’s being serious. Giggly, effervescent, happy-go-lucky Wooyoung is dead serious. He is genuinely afraid he’s going to lose his best friend.

Yeosang hesitantly takes the other’s hands and gives them a squeeze. Holding the other’s gaze, he speaks calmly:

“Wooyoung, I am not going anywhere, do you hear me? I promise.”

The younger man seems sort of spellstruck by that for some reason. His plush lips part, but nothing comes out for a while. He nods absently as if he’d heard but not truly listened. After a minute of awkward, heavy silence, Yeosang realizes the other isn’t going to respond - whether his silence is intentional or the result of anxiety, Yeosang isn’t sure.

He takes the initiative to break the spell himself.

“You have to go to work soon, right?”

“Uh, yeah.” Wooyoung snaps out of his reverie and nods. He pulls his hands away with uncharacteristic haste. The quickness of the gesture drives the thorns in the slightest bit deeper. Yeosang’s palms are left tingling in the wake of the contact. His whole body is, actually. He endeavors to ignore the warm hum running through his body - to remember what he’s doing, where they are, what’s going on.

“D’you need me to get your clothes from the bedroom since he… You know-”

“No, no, that’s fine. I’ve got some in the dryer actually. I’m just gonna go and…” Woo waves in the direction of the basement door and dismisses himself.

Yeosang finds himself powerless to do anything other than watch his best friend disappear down the stairs. His heart’s beating fast, and static fuzz fills his brain.

That happened.

That… Happened.

Yeosang sees Wooyoung off when he leaves for work. Apparently, his short getting-ready time served adequate to renew his upbeat demeanor. When he emerged from the basement, laundry basket in hand, he was whistling to some tune. He waves an enthusiastic goodbye, promising to drive safe per his roommate’s goading.

Once Wooyoung is gone, the house goes quiet.

Yeo decides to set himself up to accomplish some work of his own at the kitchen table. As far as he’s aware, the werewolf is still sleeping off his anxiety attack. He could be reading, too - either way, it’s not of much importance to Yeosang. Mingi knows where to find him, and Yeosang knows that he’s safe. That’s all that matters.

The freelancer starts plugging away at a React component mindlessly. Time runs through his fingers like water, and before he knows it, the sun is down. Yeo briefly contemplates taking a break - maybe getting some water, talking a walk. He’s halfway through a stretch, yawning loudly when a tall figure emerges from the bedroom.

Yeosang simply raises his brows in a silent hello . Weirdly enough, he’s gotten so used to Mingi’s quiet that he’s adopted it a bit. Mingi flashes Yeosang a faltering smile. He’s definitely in better condition than he’d been earlier, but he doesn’t exactly look thrilled. Yeo nods to the book in his hands with a smile.

How’s the book?

Mingi’s grin widens, and he holds it up so Yeosang can see the title. It’s a trashy YA title about vampires. The werewolf shrugs with a light chuckle. It’s something.

“Hey, you feeling better?” Yeosang asks, smiling warmly.

Mingi looks so cute when he’s just woken up - all sleep-soft and ruffled. The long-haired werewolf nods with a grin. He crosses the room and drapes himself over the programmer’s shoulders, hanging there for a while. Yeosang plods over to his computer, contemplating coding while wearing a Mingi-scarf. He decides that it would be way too distracting and reaches for the other’s sides.

The werewolf squirms at the ticklish sensation, letting out sharp breath. Despite the tickling his grip remains strong. His large body jerks around which results in Yeosang getting thrown around, too. The two stumble - Yeo tickling Mingi while Mingi attempts to somehow avoid him while holding on. It’s a counterintuitive, clumsy dance; one that, unsurprisingly, doesn’t work out well. They nearly wipe out. No doubt they’d have crashed into the floor if not for Mingi’s impossibly long limbs managing to grab hold of the couch last-second.

The werewolf drags a struggling Yeosang to the couch. He plops down, forcing Yeosang to join him, and exacts his revenge. The human is no match for Mingi’s strength and agility. All he can do is giggle as the other mercilessly tickles him back. Yeosang writhes and struggles, but nothing breaks the werewolf’s strong grip. After a few minutes of struggling, Mingi apparently tires of it, ceasing his torture.

He brings his hands to a rest at Yeosang’s waist and scoots closer. Yeo didn’t even know how close they’d gotten. Without realizing it, he’s already halfway in Mingi’s lap, legs slung over the other’s. Warmth licks up his insides, coating his stomach, chest, and throat in something syrupy and sweet. Mingi leans in closer, a fond smile on his lips.

Yeosang chuckles softly, his breath bouncing off of Mingi’s skin. Mingi’s body envelops his own with ease which prompts him to cuddle up closer. The werewolf slings his arms around the human loosely, nuzzling the top of his head and pressing a few soft kisses. Warmth surrounds Yeosang like a gauzy veil, slightly obscuring the world around him. The modest rental fades into the background, leaving only Mingi in focus.

“I’m so sorry,” Yeosang whispers against Mingi’s lips before closing the space between them. He brings a hand up to cup the larger man’s face, tilting his head to deepen the kiss. It’s warm and languid initially. Yeosang basks in the slow burn of soft, lazy lips. 

Mingi presses him closer and fans his large hands over the human’s waist. He licks the smaller man’s lips - a silent request. Yeosang has no choice but to oblige him. A happy sigh escapes his mouth before its covered with the werewolf’s. Mingi’s plush lips feel like heaven, juxtaposed by his eager, probing tongue. Yeosang gleefully opens himself up for the other.

For some reason, it’s so easy.

Mingi’s hands wander, dipping beneath the hem of Yeosang’s t-shirt. His touch stokes the embers beneath Yeosang’s skin. The human keens, moaning around the werewolf’s tongue as he greedily explores bare skin. Mingi backs away momentarily and starts pressing kisses along Yeosang’s jawline. Yeosang folds easily to the nonverbal request, tilting his head to allow the other easier access. All the while, the human’s own hands get antsy, fingertips dancing atop the sliver of exposed skin beneath Mingi’s navel. The werewolf runs hot, and that warmth runs straight through the pads of Yeosang’s fingers to his belly.

Yeosang gasps when thumbs pass over his nipples, back arching into the touch. Keening at the reaction, Mingi fixates on the area, sucking at Yeosang’s neck while he teases his nipples. It’s torture - delicious, gratifying torture - so much yet so not enough at the same time. Yeosang wants to fire back. He needs to. He needs contact, needs heat, needs skin . His desire ramps up into something cloying that has his stomach tangling into knots.

The human backs away slightly. Though no verbal protest comes, he can sense Mingi’s disappointment. Yeosang can’t help chuckling at the other’s neediness while he repositions himself. The human dismounts the other and slides up his shirt. He scoots back to give himself space before leaning forward and pressing a kiss atop the werewolf’s torso. Mingi hums with satisfaction, fingers threading through the human’s dark hair as he lavishes warm skin with loving.

Yeosang ventures upward first, trailing his lips toward Mingi’s pecs, sucking at the lean muscle and teasing his nipples with a flick of the tongue. Mingi’s breath hitches, his grip tightening to spur the other on. Yeosang smiles against the other’s skin, gratification boiling his insides. Just Mingi’s reactions - his desire - is enough to have Yeosang tenting in his pants. While he mentally acknowledges the pang of need hanging heavy between his legs, he’s much more interested in pleasuring the person in front of him. Yeosang continues nipping and licking at Mingi’s skin.

The werewolf lets out a contented sigh and appreciatively scratches at the human’s scalp. He throws his head back and turns to putty beneath Yeosang’s touch - something that delights the human. And while Yeosang would love to think about that more, he finds himself distracted by more pressing matters. As the human ventures down Mingi’s chest, licking between his lean abdomen, his tongue catches on a trail of coarse hair.

Before thinking, Yeosang lifts his head to marvel at it. How something so simple could be so fucking hot he does not know. All he knows is that he wants to trace that trail with his tongue. Nothing is stopping him, he realizes. No one is stopping him. On the contrary, Mingi’s looking at him as if to dare him. Do it . He raises a single brow. Yeosang smirks in response to the challenge. He dives back down, greedily laving at the exposed skin as he tugs down the waistband of Mingi’s tented shorts.

This escalated.

In the back of his mind he knows he really shouldn’t be doing this right now. Once upon a time he was working; but those reservations get pushed far, far away the moment Mingi’s hard-on springs free of its confines. Yeosang’s never been this close before. Sure, he’s rutted up against it, felt the weight of it in his hand, on his thigh. Those things don’t compare to being up so close he can feel the warmth radiating off of it - can see the way it throbs and flushes red, almost angry with want. Yeosang licks his lips, eyes darting up to meet Mingi’s - to ask for permission.

The werewolf bites down on his lower lip and gently pushes Yeosang’s head down. So that’s a yes. Absolutely alight with arousal, Yeosang dives in. His eyes flutter shut as he tastes Mingi for the first time. Even though he’s not the one being touched, his toes curl. He starts off carefully. Mingi’s big after all - easily the biggest he’s had. Maybe the biggest he’s seen.

Yeosang takes his time just familiarizing himself with that part of Mingi. He kitten licks the beads of precome off of his slit before sinking down just the slightest bit. Though he’s literally just taken in the tip, he can already feel the stretch straining the edge of his lips. He runs his tongue along the bottom of his member before pulling off and moving lower. Mingi’s scent makes the human feel drunk - soap, sweat, and an earthy musk that’s so distinctly him. Yeosang’s head spins with intoxication. He kisses the base of the werewolf’s cock before drawing a thick line up with his tongue and taking him once more.

The human tries to acclimate himself gradually. He works on taking more and more, just bit by bit. Not even halfway down he can feel the werewolf’s cockhead brush the roof of his mouth. He makes a feeble attempt at going further, but Mingi’s releasing his grip on his hair, tapping his chin before he can make progress. Yeosang pulls off, a trail of drool connecting his lips and the other’s cock.

Mingi shifts and maneuvers the other until he’s sitting upright and Yeosang’s kneeling on the ground between his legs. The werewolf scoots forward until his cock is perfectly lined up with Yeosang’s face. He gives the human a fond smile and a little scratch of the head - an encouraging go on gesture. Yeosang smiles at him, kissing him on the knee, then inside his thigh. The human blazes a trail of wet kisses inward until he’s suckling on the werewolf’s balls, making the larger man gasp and groan. Mingi’s grip tightens, making a sweet, vindicating sting tingle in Yeosang’s scalp. The human obliges the wordless demand and mouths at the other’s cock.

From this angle it’s a bit easier for Yeo to handle. That isn’t to say it’s easy - because it’s not. Even so, Yeosang finds he does have a bit of a better angle from the ground, and he redoubles his efforts in earnest. He wills himself to take more and more each time. The tang of precome coats his tongue as he drags his head back at an agonizing pace. He can tell Mingi’s coming undone. The werewolf’s muscles are shaking, and his grip tightens in Yeosang’s hair.

Emboldened by Mingi’s reaction, Yeosang tries to take more. He pushes himself as far as he can go, forcing the werewolf’s cock into his throat by sheer willpower. Tears dot his eyes, but he stubbornly blinks them away. He very nearly does it - so, so very close to taking him in his entirety. Yeosang hollows out his cheeks, dragging his tongue along one of the bulging veins running up his shaft. Apparently, Mingi likes that, because his hips buck suddenly.

Yeosang’s eyes tear up before squeezing shut out of reflex. His throat convulses around the thick member jabbing the back of his throat. Even though the noise he lets out borders dire, he refuses to back off. He can’t really rationalize why - it’s not like he’s a size queen, and he’s never had any particular affinity for giving head. It’s just something about Mingi, he supposes. The werewolf just does that to him. “That” being: turns him into a sappy, wanton mess.

The human wills himself to relax. He lets out a strained sniffle before stubbornly continuing to move. Lewd, wet noises fill the bungalow. The werewolf lets out a loud sigh, legs spreading and head dropping back into the couch. It occurs to Yeosang that there’s probably going to be a gnarly stain on the couch when all is said and done. Drool drips from the edge of his lips down his chin, and a fair amount of it runs down Mingi’s shaft, between his legs and straight into the couch below.

Oops.

Whatever regard Yeosang had for that thought quickly disintegrates. He’s not sure what he did or if he’d even done anything at all, but something makes Mingi jerk. The werewolf’s hips flinch, spearing the human on cock and damn near choking him in the process. Yeosang sputters around the werewolf’s throbbing member. The distinct tang of precome coats his tongue, and though he doesn’t know Mingi’s tells, he has a feeling the werewolf is close. As if to validate his suspicion, Mingi lets out a low hum.

The noise sparks something inside of Yeosang.

It’s a far, far cry from speech, but the sound is downright tonal. It’s something. While Yeosang is content to communicate however Mingi prefers it, the idea that he can get through to him with speech - that they can speak - excites him almost as much as the cock does. Yeosang squeezes his eyes shut and doubles down on his efforts. His toes curl as a hand threads through his hair roughly. He grabs Mingi’s knees to brace himself, ignoring the tears, snot, and drool all over his face to give the werewolf the best head of his damn life.

Mingi groans, and it’s like lightning down Yeosang’s spine. The mere sound of the werewolf’s pleasure inspires him to give more (though there’s barely “more” to give). He moans around the werewolf’s thick cock and starts rutting his own hard-on between his thighs. Mingi forces his head down, damn near suffocating the smaller human on cock and hair. Yeosang’s eyes roll back as the other starts to use him as he pleases. He feels like Mingi’s unlocked something in him - a side of himself he never even knew. There’s something unexplainably heady and pleasant about being so utterly used - like a favorite toy, that stuffed animal that’s loved so harshly that it’s button eyes pop out and it strains at the seams.

Yeosang’s jaw and throat ache from the exertion. He can feel the waterfall of bodily fluids running down his chin and seeping into the collar of his shirt. Tears blur his vision, and he can barely breathe. It’s wet and gross and glorious, and he could not give two fucks about the mess they’re making. Being loved like that is something Yeosang didn’t even know he craved, but now that he’s got it, deep inside he knows that there’s no going back.

Mingi lets out another tonal groan which inturn makes Yeosang whine. The two fill the space with the echoes of their lewd coupling. Fire consumes the human’s insides, and though he hasn’t even touched himself he feels dangerously close to the precipice. His head starts feeling funny and fuzzy, and he belatedly realized it’s because he’s not breathing all that well; which should be a concern. Except it’s not. Instead it just makes his him feel like yay hazy horny brain .

In an instant, everything comes crashing down - but not in the wonderful way Yeosang would’ve hoped.

“Get away from him!” A loud voice bellows across the living room.

Suddenly there’s another body in the mix, Yeosang’s getting yanked off of the werewolf, and Mingi’s growling. There’s a flurry of shouts and scrambling movement. When Yeosang manages to come to, horny haze all but dissipated, Wooyoung’s holding him with a firm grip, and Mingi’s tucking himself into his pants, face rit with anxiety and ire.

“Yeosang, are you okay? Oh my god- And- and you-!” Woo turns to Mingi again.

The werewolf glares at him as he pushes off of the couch.

What the fuck?

“How- how fucking dare you?” Wooyoung says darkly.

“Wha-? Wooyoung, no.” Yeosang chokes out, voice still hoarse.

“You’ve got a lot of nerve taking advantage-“

“-no, Wooyoung, it’s fine-“

“-of him like that. He’s so kind, and you- you-“

“-it’s fine.” Yeosang asserts more loudly.

“-fucking sick monster-“

“-Wooyoung it’s fine-“

“-just because you’re not human doesn’t-“

“-Wooyoung-“

“-give you an excuse to-“

“Wooyoung!” Yeosang shouts. He winces at the scratch of his throat. Thankfully, the exertion isn’t for naught.

Wooyoung turns to Yeosang with wide, manic eyes. His pupils dance around his best friend’s face and body, not quite sure where to settle. Yeosang doesn’t miss the way Woo’s nose scrunches ever so slightly - like he smelled something bad, and then he realizes it’s because he probably did. Yeosang is sloppy and debauched, covered in bodily fluids (only portion of which are his own). Objectively, it’s kind of gross. Even so, it doesn’t stop Yeosang’s stomach from turning when faced with Wooyoung’s discernment. Sheepishness and shame tint his cheeks a warm shade of pink. Mingi takes the opportunity to bolt into the bedroom in the meanwhile.

“What?! Yeosang you can’t just let him-“

“It’s consensual.”

“Wh- What? Bullshit. Yeosang you don’t have to lie to m-“

“It was. Consensual.”

“But-“ Wooyoung’s eyes widen, and he sputters, “But- but- wha- Yeosang, you don’t have to-“

“I am not lying.” Yeosang says more insistently. He wipes some of the drool off of his face and straightens up his posture in hopes of being taken more seriously. 

“What? What are you talking about?” Wooyoung asks. He’s looking at Yeosang like the question had been delivered in a foreign language.

“I wanted to.”

“You were choking.”

Shame stakes Yeosang in the chest, and he coughs while trying to recover, “Yeah- Well, I- that’s-“

“Look, Yeosang, you don’t have to do anything just because he’s had a hard time or he’s strong or big or- or whatever!” He reaches out - a gesture that irritated, painfully blue-balled Yeosang does not appreciate. He swats his friend’s hand away with a scowl.

“What part of ‘it was consensual’ did you not understand?”

“I dunno, maybe the part where one person kind of has a power dynamic situation going on- y’know what with the fucking big ass werewolf being able to maul you-“

“Enough!” Yeosang shouts louder than he’d intended. “You need to stop doing that.”

“Doing what? Giving a shit-“

“You do not give a shit! If you gave a shit you wouldn’t insist on- on pushing this monster narrative. Mingi is not some fucking animal. He’s a person who thinks and feels, same as us. He may communicate differently, but he’s not inferior for it! I mean, we just talked about this.”

“Okay, but that was different. He just- you were-“

“Going down on him? Yeah, I know. I was there.”

Finally, it’s Wooyoung’s turn to blush. Red swathes over him, rising from his neck to the tips of his ears. He backs away slightly as if just realizing that he walked in on his best friend having sex. Yeosang attempts to salvage the awkwardness a bit, wiping his face off on his shirt (and making a mental note to throw it in the wash immediately following the converesation).

“Okay, so you… You and him, like…?” 

“We… We like each other.”

“Yeah?” Wooyoung asks, voice tiny for some reason.

“Mhm. I just- there’s chemistry, I guess. I dunno, but we- we have something.”

“Is that something like… Casual or…?”

“I- I don’t know. I’m not sure, but I- I really like him, Woo.” 

“Oh.”

“Sorry you, um, had to find out like this though.”

Wooyoung frowns, “No, that’s okay. I, um, I just- I had no idea, Sang. I mean, I guess- maybe, I dunno. Just- why didn’t you tell me?”

“Really?” Yeosang scoffs.

“Wh- Okay, listen. I- I know I can come across as a bit… Judgemental, but I really do just care, okay? Also, I’m sorry, I- I never would’ve talked about him like that if- if I knew.”

“It’s fine. I mean, I get where you’re coming from, but- if anyone you owe him an apology. You called him a monster.”

“You’re right. Sorry, I just- I thought he was attacking you. In a not-consensual way. But it’s fine. I’ll, um, maybe I’ll wait for him to cool off before I, uh, apologize to him, though.”

“Yeah, that’s probably a good idea.”

“Right… So, how long…?”

“Um- Not very. It kind of, um, I guess it was sort of like a little crush thing at first but it, um, it escalated.” For some reason, explaining the romantic aspect is even more devastating than getting caught. His nerves twist and turn inside his gut.

“So, like, it’s been like this since we met?”

“Uh, yeah. Pretty much.”

“Wow. Okay.”

Something about Wooyoung’s tone sends Yeosang internally spiralling. He sounds irritated - as if Yeosang keeping things to himself inconvenienced him in some way. He attempts to rationalize it with the sexual aspect - after all, the three of them share a place. Who wouldn’t be a bit peeved upon finding out their couple-roomates have been doing nasty things in their shared spaces? However, the rhetorical explanation does little to soothe Yeosang’s nerves. Instead he just feels even worse. Maybe he should have told Wooyoung. But then why? They’re best friends, sure. They never used to hide things, true. But it isn’t as if Wooyoung is entitled to his every thought, feeling, and life detail! Anxious ruminations swirl around in Yeosang’s head, and the silence between them stretches into something suffocatingly awkward.

“I, um, I think I left something at work actually,” Wooyoung says suddenly, tone clipped.

“Oh. Um, okay.”

“Yeah, I’m gonna go grab it. I’ll be back. Um- Please don’t-”

“Yeah, no we won’t- I, um, I promise.”

“Yeah, thanks. And just, um, text me from now on? If you’re gonna…?”

“Mhm. Yup. Yeah.”

“Cool. Um- Yeah, I’ll be back.”

Wooyoung turns on his heel abruptly and bounds toward the door. One would think the floor is lava given the haste he’s moving with.

“Wooyoung, wait!” Yeo calls after the other.

“Hm?” Wooyoung has one foot out the door already. He quirks a brow at Yeosang inquisitively.

“Are you mad at me?”

It’s a pretty pitiful thing to ask, really. Logically, Yeosang knows it’s a catch-22 - damned if you do, damned if you don’t. Wooyoung could very justifiably lay into him for doing dirty things on the furniture, but they both know damn well that isn’t what it’s about. Tension hangs in the air between them, heavy like thick smog.

Wooyoung lets out a laugh that’s a touch too dry to sound genuine.

“No, ‘Sangie, I’m not mad. I just gotta go, okay?”

“Okay.”

“I’ll be right back.”

With that, Wooyoung’s out the door. He shuts it behind him before Yeosang can even finish saying goodbye.

Yeosang stands there, stupefied and unmoving. He remains for seconds that turn into minutes. All the while he can’t help feeling as if he’s the bad guy, like he did something wrong. He can’t properly articulate why. Maybe it’s guilt - though that doesn’t seem adequate to paint the entire picture. Is it just annoyance? He was blue-balled after all.

Or maybe it’s something else.

Yeosang slaps his cheeks a few times to wake himself up. He knows that stewing in doubt isn’t going to do him any good - so he forces himself to move forward. Yeosang starts by throwing off his shirt and heading downstairs toward the laundry room. The rest of the fallout - the strange feelings, Mingi’s state of mind, the prickly discomfort of it all - isn’t something he can handle right now.

Washing a shirt?

That he can do.

Chapter Text

Yeosang sweats a lot.

It never used to be a thing, not when he was younger. But over time - with age and the pursuit of fitness - he’s developed the strange quality of sweating a lot. He supposes that he should be thankful for the testament to his active BMR. It’s a sign of health, supposedly, of vitality and being alive. He should be grateful.

However, it’s hard to embrace his body’s aforementioned vigor when he’s doused in it.

Yeosang can’t tell if Mingi runs hot because Mingi runs hot or if werewolves run hot. All he’s certain of is that he’s woken up in the clutches of a lava bed (or at least it feels that way). Mingi’s breath brushes Yeosang’s ear in a soft, steady cadence that would be soothing if not for the fact that he was boiling alive . It’s made all the more difficult by the werewolf’s weighty arm slung around his waist and the long leg draped over his thigh. The human is thoroughly pinned down, practically glued to the sheets with sweat.

Despite the unpleasant sensation, Yeosang can’t bring himself to do much about it. Mingi is heavy, and part of him feels guilty for even thinking of disturbing the other. The human starts wiggling slightly in hopes of abating the overwhelming heat in some way; however, the werewolf quickly quells Yeosang’s efforts by snuggling up closer.

Yeosang sighs, contemplating his options. He fears suffocation should he remain in the clutches of his werewolf lover much longer. However, the task of disentangling himself is daunting, to say the least. Mingi is so peaceful and content, and something about robbing him of that serenity feels criminal to Yeosang.

The human tries again, this time wriggling a little bit more. Perhaps he can make smaller movements without disturbing the other - that's the human's rationale. Yeosang tries to squirm out from under the werewolf, but an issue quickly presents itself. Mingi is so thoroughly wrapped around him that every time he moves, Mingi moves. Like a bug caught in a spider's web, he somehow finds himself more entrapped than he had been minutes ago. Yeosang gives the escape another attempt. Except, this time, his thoughts of escape get abruptly cut off.

In his struggle, Yeosang unintentionally ruts against the werewolf. He's suddenly made acutely aware of the outline of Mingi's cock pressing against his backside. The werewolf is only half-hard - if even that, but his member feels no less impressive rutting against the human's back. Before he can think better of it, Yeosang repeats his motion. A jolt of thrill shoots through him as he feels the outline of Mingi's cock rub against him again.

Mingi lets out a soft groan in response to the friction. He clumsily bucks into Yeosang, rocking the human’s body with the jerky motion. A small part of Yeosang feels inclined to grant the other grace. He can easily let it slip and allow the other a peaceful sleep. Can . But the little devil perched upon his shoulder says otherwise. A tinge of heat coils in his belly, and the temptation presenting itself becomes more enticing by the second.

He nestles himself further into the werewolf’s clutches, purposefully grinding against the other’s burgeoning hard-on. Mingi lets out another groan, and his body yet again chases the sensation of their bodies slotting together. The werewolf wakes up little by little. Quick on the uptake, he starts meeting Yeosang, matching his rhythm until the two have worked up a steady cadence.

Yeosang bites down on his lip, warmth bubbling in his stomach. He slides a hand down to palm himself above his boxers; his other reaches back to pull the werewolf closer. Mingi responds by sliding his hand down to Yeosang’s hip. He grips the human firmly, large hands fanning out. Fingertips toy with the hem of Yeosang’s sleeping shirt and boxers. Occasionally they dip beneath, teasing bare skin, and in doing so, sends threads of warmth swimming to Yeosang’s abdomen.

“Ah-” The human lets out an audible gasp when Mingi grabs his cock over his boxers. The werewolf uses it as an anchor to hold Yeosang steady as he frots into him like they’re fucking for real. Yeosang’s cock fills out quickly, tenting his boxers beneath the werewolf’s clutch. Plush lips graze the human’s ear and trail kisses along his neck.

Yeosang’s legs clench as pleasure mounts. Moisture stains his boxers the more he gets worked up. Soon the friction transitions from gratifying to frustrating. He needs more - more contact, more heat, more of Mingi. Yeosang grabs the werewolf’s wrist and guides his hands beneath his boxers. Mingi, clever werewolf he is, takes the unsubtle hint in stride. He takes things a step further, grasping the waistband of Yeosang’s boxer-briefs and sliding them down his thighs.

Yeosang hisses when his cock bounces free, face flushing in embarrassment. He logically knows that Mingi doesn’t give a shit. The werewolf has seen him in far more compromising positions. Still, it strikes him as a tad shameful just how much all this dry, over-the-clothes contact can do to him. He concedes he may be more touch starved than he really realized. Before he can go too far down the mental rabbit hole of self-reflection, Mingi grabs his cock. The touch swiftly silences Yeosang’s inner dialogue, and all thoughts tunnel on the warm grip wrapping around his girth.

It feels a bit unfair to the human that he’s the one exposed, and he makes this known by pawing at Mingi’s own waistband. It’s a bit awkward reaching behind himself in their spooning position, but he manages to get it halfway past the werewolf’s ass. Mingi squeezes Yeosang’s cock before helping the human finish the job. He also does Yeosang the courtesy of completely removing his underwear as well, leaving them both exposed from the waist down. Yeosang’s stomach flips with excitement as Mingi’s now hard and leaking cock slots between his ass cheeks. He’s brought back to their coupling a few nights prior - his first time getting thigh-fucked. In a way, that feels so long ago, but the impression left is everlasting.

Mingi ruts his hips lazily against Yeosang’s, once again taking hold of the human’s cock to stroke him at a leisurely pace. Yeosang’s head melts into the pillow beneath him, allowing the tingles and warmth to sink into him. He meets Mingi’s hips with his own and fantasizes about the idea of spreading himself open for the other, taking every last inch of his throbbing girth and just surrendering. 

“Fuck,” Yeosang murmurs, barely above a whisper. “Want you inside me.”

The werewolf replies by laying a wet kiss on the human’s neck. He nibbles at the skin, making it sting the slightest bit before soothing the bruise with his tongue. His hips move with more force, and Yeosang can feel the werewolf’s precome wetting his low back and ass cheeks. He shudders with anticipation, egged on by the werewolf’s enthusiasm. Yeosang’s cock throbs at the realization that his fantasy could damn well be a reality.

“Shit- Mingi- Un-under the bed,” Yeosang says. The werewolf pauses, confusion somehow apparent. Yeo props himself up on an elbow to finally look the other in the eye. It’s the first time he’s done so all morning, and Mingi looks ravishing - sleep-soft with his plush lips hanging open, eyes the slightest bit dark. “There’s a, like, cloth basket. With stuff inside.”

The werewolf tilts his head in acknowledgment, quirking his brow in interest. With haste, he obliges Yeosang’s request, grabbing the aforementioned “stuff” without any further instruction. Mingi tosses the bottle of lube onto the bed and slots himself behind Yeosang. He props himself up on an elbow to kiss the human while his hands busy themselves. Yeosang’s heart skips at the sound of the lube bottle opening.

Mingi backs off, and Yeosang hikes his knee up, exposing his hole for the werewolf. A twinge of pride surges in him at the sound Mingi’s stuttered breath. The werewolf licks his lips and wets his fingers with a generous drizzle of lube. Yeosang gasps when a long finger grazes his hole. Mingi starts off gently, massaging circles around the ring of tight, pink muscle. Though his motions denote experience, Yeosang notices a slight quiver in his hands. Mingi’s eyes flit between Yeosang’s face and his entrance. He’s focused, concerned, maybe - or perhaps nervous because it’s been a while since he’s done this the human way.

Yeosang wiggles his hips in quiet encouragement. The werewolf’s teasing has him teetering on the edge of madness, and he’s not sure how much more he can take. Motivated, Mingi indulges Yeosang’s desire. He dips down to kiss the human and simultaneously drives his index finger inside of him. Mingi swallows Yeosang’s gasp as he begins opening the human up, rooting around inside of him.

Yeosang’s toes curl at the intrusion. Though it’s just one finger, it’s Mingi’s finger - and it’s long and curious and not his own, and that’s goddamn earth-shattering in the moment. Yeosang groans against Mingi’s lips, pushing his leg up further to accommodate more. He squeezes his cock to help fend off the torturous need clawing at his guts. Mingi fingers him slow and steady. He’s so gradual, so gentle, that eventually that single finger almost feels like nothing. Yeosang has to break their kiss to plead with the other:

“More,” he utters, uncaring of how pathetic he looks. “I can take more.”

Mingi blinks owlishly at him, his own cock twitching as he rushes to oblige. Now two shaky fingers breach inside of him. Yeosang throws his head back, onto Mingi’s chest, as he weathers the strain of the new stretch. Fuck, it’s good. Hot and probing with the slightest, satisfying sting. Mingi moves more quickly this time, fucking into him with a rhythmic pace.

“Ah- Fuh-” Yeosang gasps when fingertips graze his prostate. Mingi repeats his motion, rooting around for that sensitive spot, and without even seeing him, Yeosang can feel the other’s satisfaction when he makes the human shake. “Fuck- Yeah, there. Shit.”

Feeling neglectful, Yeosang reaches around to tug on the werewolf’s cock in return. Mingi’s brows knit together, and he lets out a muted groan. The pair work in tandem, Yeosang jerking the werewolf’s girthy cock, spreading precome up and down the shaft while Mingi opens Yeosang up, stretching him and teasing at his prostate when he feels so inclined. Two fingers turn to three, and erelong Yeosang finds himself too taken with the stretch to properly reciprocate. Their kisses have devolved into brushes of the lips and breathing on each other. Mingi unconsciously cants his hips, and the brush of his cock between his asscheeks makes Yeosang keen. He wants it inside of him now . His patience has been stretched more than his insides, and the image of Mingi spearing him on his cock becomes all-consuming.

Yeosang grabs the werewolf’s wrist, halting his rhythmic motion.

“I’m ready,” he mutters.

Mingi swallows nervously. He withdraws his fingers and massages the cleft of Yeosang’s ass. He kneads at the human’s hip and gives him a wide-eyed look.

“Are you sure?” He asks silently. Yeosang nods to reassure him, grasping the werewolf’s cock and bringing it close by to emphasize his point. With that, the werewolf’s hesitation dissolves.

Mingi hooks a hand underneath Yeosang's knee and hoists his leg up. Yeosang groans when the werewolf's fat cockhead breaches his entrance, too enthralled to mind his volume. He throws his head back, craning his neck in hopes of catching the other's lips. Mingi responds enthusiastically. Tired as he'd been earlier, it appears he's fully woken up, completely absorbed in the act of overtaking Yeosang's senses. He laps at Yeosang's lips before dipping his tongue between them. Yeosang moans into it, body shakier by the second as sensations assault him. He shudders at the adjustment of Mingi's full girth inside of him, and he can barely breathe - much less think - with how he's being kissed.

Perhaps if he were more lucid, he would contemplate that this is their first time fucking like this since their fateful night together. Maybe someone could extrapolate something poetic or circular about how it's come back to this - how far their relationship has come in such a brief time. The human knows himself and knows that he'll probably be dwelling on these things once clarity sets back in. Presently, however, Yeosang finds himself all too occupied with the cloying heat scratching at his insides, begging for release.

“Mn- move,” Yeosang breathes against Mingi's lips between kisses. He squirms in hopes of finding a rhythm. Mingi quickly takes over.

The werewolf's nails dig into Yeosang's skin as he grips him more tightly. Obliging the human, Mingi rocks his hips back, nearly unlinking them completely. He pushes back in, force firm and fast, leaving Yeosang breathless. The human scrabbles to take hold of the sheets beneath him as Mingi works up a rhythm. Despite the brief waiting window, every thrust is still accompanied by the slightest strain - a reminder of how massive the werewolf is. Yeosang groans, body going lax as he opens up more and more. He's so focused on adjusting to Mingi's girth that he's utterly unprepared when his prostate gets hit. A loud moan forces its way out of Yeosang's lips, and stars dance across his eyes. His cock throbs, precome beading at the tip and dripping onto his stomach.

Clearly spurred on, the werewolf does his damndest to hit that spot again. Mingi works up to a cadence to elicit as many pathetic sounds from Yeosang as he can possibly muster. Knowing how thin the walls are, Yeosang presses his lips together stubbornly. Yet, despite his best efforts, whimpers persistently leak out.

The state of their bodies is, objectively, gross - both of them covered in sweat, precome, drool, and lube sliding between their bodies, sloppy kisses, and spread legs. Deep grunts and slapping flesh and whines all echo across the room (and no doubt through the walls). A scene like this would normally scandalize Yeosang - yet, as he has so many times, Mingi somehow manages to help Yeosang break down those barriers. Yeosang is all too happy to let go of his reservations, of his shame, and give himself over.

Mingi's lips move from Yeosang’s own, making a trip down his neck and settling at his shoulder. The werewolf mouths at the tender junction of Yeosang’s neck and shoulder. The sensation sends another vein of heat swimming to Yeosang’s abdomen, and he unintentionally squeezes around the werewolf’s throbbing member. Mingi hums against Yeosang’s skin with satisfaction. His hips cant into a faster rhythm, and Yeosang’s eyes roll into the back of his head. Fuck. He can’t remember the last time he’s gotten a dicking down like this.

Has he ever?

Mingi fucks Yeosang, sincere and sloppy, uncaring and unapologetic of the mess he’s making. Yeosang has to cover his mouth to stop his cries from permeating the paper-thin walls blocking them from Wooyoung.

Shit. Wooyoung. The thought passes through Yeosang’s mind like a car speeding by. He has the faintest impression that the other exists, that he’s there, that maybe he can hear, and a breeze of remorse passes over him in the wake of that realization; however, the thought fades quickly as it came. It speeds off into the distance, quickly indiscernible among the muck of other sensations surrounding the human getting railed within an inch of his life. The thought wanders so far that Yeosang’s jaw drops, and he lets out a loud cry.

Clumsily, the older man trails a hand down his abdomen and grabs his cock. It twitches in his grip. His precome and sweat make for a smooth glide as he tugs himself toward orgasm. Pressure mounts in his abdomen rapidly. It stings him, molten heat coating his insides and funneling toward his cock.

Yeosang’s body seizes, toes curling and his eyes squeeze shut as climax strikes him. It crashes down on him like thunder, sending shockwaves across his body. He shudders with a moan while come coats his stomach and the sheets beneath him. Mingi fucks him through it, courteously slowing his pace as the human convulses. All the while, Yeosang writhes in the werewolf’s firm grip, body bucking involuntarily as pleasure pours out of him.

His body goes lax in the wake of ecstasy, final droplets of come dribbling out of his flushed cockhead. His orgasm leaves him prickly - even so, he appreciates Mingi’s needs and weathers the prickly sensation of the werewolf’s cock against his walls. 

“F-fuck,” Yeosang breathes out, voice husky. “Fuh- Mingi- shit-” He buries his face in the pillow to smother the sounds threatening to come out. His body toes the line between pleasure and pain, all the while Mingi’s pace grows erratic.

Mingi drops Yeosang’s leg - apparently done with their spooning position - and gently pushes the human onto his stomach. The action causes come to glue the sheets to Yeosang’s body, but he can hardly acknowledge how gross it feels. Before he can fuss, Mingi’s picking up his pace, flattening himself against the human and fucking Yeosang into the mattress. Yeosang cries out, and the briefest thought of, he will be the death of me, crosses his laggard brain.

Yeosang half-wonders if the other will knot him again. The reminder of their first encounter makes his stomach flip, but for better or for worse, his cock is too spent to harden up so quickly after coming. He tries to do his part to pleasure the werewolf, instead, meeting the other’s hips to the best of his abilities. 

Mingi lets out a low growl, the deep sound reverberating across the bedroom. He grips the sheets beside Yeosang in a vice and buries his face in the human’s nape. Teeth graze sweaty skin, but they never penetrate. Instead, all Yeosang feels is hot, shaky breath tickling his neck. The werewolf gasps against the human’s skin, and he drives his hips in deep.

Yeosang whimpers at the sensation of hot liquid pouring into him. Another drive-by thought of I’ve never done this raw races through his brain, another contemplation to be filed away for later mortification. Even more humiliating is the following idea of I never want to go back (but, once again, that’s embarrassment for latertimes). Mingi fucks his load into Yeosang until he’s got nothing left to give.

He presses gentle kisses across Yeosang’s shoulders and atop his sweaty head before finally pulling out. The sound is wet and gross, but not nearly as gross as the feeling of come dripping down his thighs in the aftermath.

The room cools down far too quickly for Yeosang’s liking, and he starts feeling gross after a few more minutes of wallowing in bodily fluids.

“Mingi…” Yeosang groans, body leaden with sex and remnants of sleep. “Mingi, I need you to get offa me.”

The werewolf responds by nuzzling him, burrowing down, and kissing his cheek.

“Mingi~” Yeosang tries again. He makes a clumsy attempt to turn onto his back, grimacing at the sensation of come smearing across the sheets. He’ll have to clean those up ASAP. Mingi huffs in quiet protest, but after some fumbling, Yeosang manages to peel the massive werewolf off of him. His backside is already starting to feel sore, and he suspects that sitting down is going to suck for the coming days. He’d scold the werewolf if not for the fact that he was the instigator. He quite literally asked for it.

With substantial effort, Yeosang manages to extract himself from the bed. He gestures toward Mingi and - without speaking - the werewolf obliges his silent request. The two stumble into the en suite to wash off their escapades.

Yeosang feels like a chewed up dog toy as he lumbers out of the bedroom. He frowns at the sight of their uncharacteristically immaculate couch. Wooyoung must have left for work early again. He’s been scarce like that ever since their incident on the couch. Yeosang supposes it makes sense - the other is probably fearful of encountering another lewd scene. He shoots his best friend a text - a quick “have a good day at work” - before getting started with his own.

The familiar tide of work sweeps over Yeosang, coaxing him into a haze of typing and testing. Mingi steps out sometime later, book in hand, looking refreshed after their shower. The two cohabitate in pleasant silence for the majority of the afternoon, and the peace stretches out for the remainder of the day. After a few too many hours in shrimp-posture, Yeosang finally decides to stretch. A yawn wracks through his body as he rises. Early sunset and overcast skies mean it’s already dark early in the evening.

“Where’s Wooyoung?” Yeosang asks more to himself than to Mingi. Mingi glances up in acknowledgment, silently shrugging in response. Yeo checks his phone and frowns.

“Closing tonight, be back laters” the text came in about forty minutes prior.

“Hmmm. When do you wanna eat?” Yeosang asks. He’s hit a decent stopping point in his code and can spare some time for meal prep. Mingi looks up in thought momentarily before responding. He tilts his head and raises his brows in a quiet gesture that Yeosang interprets.

“Like now?” The human asks to confirm. Mingi nods, pleased he was understood.

“Yeah, that’s probably a good call. Let’s see what we’ve got. I’m no Wooyoung, but it’ll be, like, edible…” Yeosang murmurs. Mingi pushes off of the couch to join Yeosang in the kitchen. The werewolf eyes their pantry while Yeo tries to search for quick, lazy recipes.

He fatfingers into his weather app instead. He reflexively swipes his finger to close it, but something catches his eye before he can leave the app completely. Bemused, Yeosang taps back into the weather app skimming over the cause of his perplexion.

Yeosang furrows his brow at the moon phase display on the weather dashboard.

He glares at the chart as if it'll change the passage of time. He counts and recounts their time together - the full moon when they found him, then he slept for about a day, and now it's a waning crescent. Given that there are an average of twenty-nine to thirty days between full moons, that gives them about... Three weeks. A tad less, if they're being persnickety.

Three weeks to figure this shit out before Mingi shifts again. If only Yeosang even knew what “this shit” really was. He's gained Mingi's trust - and much more - but in reality, neither he nor Wooyoung have gleaned much in way of technical information. Yeosang's stomach dips at the realization. He knows he ought to be excited - another shift means more research; however, the cloud of uncertainty hanging over them looms far too large, obscuring the optimism that would usually come. The human glances at the bedroom door. He ponders: What does Mingi think of all this? Is he aware of the time between the full moons? Does his body forewarn him in any way? Or is it an abrupt thing, like a sudden fit?

Yeosang taps out that line of questioning on a sticky note.

“Hey, um, do you mind if I, uh, ask you something really quick?” Yeosang wonders.

Mingi turns around and nods, setting down the box of pasta he’d idly grabbed in an attempt to acquire food. The tilt of his head communicates: “Sure”.

“Thanks, um- here-” Yeosang hands his phone to the werewolf and watches anxiously as Mingi skims the queries. The werewolf taps out a few answers. His face makes little expressions almost as if he’s trying to pick words to say, but he doesn’t utter a word. He passes the phone back over, notably more fretful than he’d been before. The werewolf answered in a single blurb as opposed to line by line answers.

“It is like I black out and am in a dream. Like it’s me but not me. It seems kind of sudden, not slow. It can be unpredictable.”

Yeosang reads and rereads the werewolf’s words carefully. It dawns on him that this is the first time Mingi has used legitimate written words to communicate. His heart swells with pride and appreciation for the other’s efforts. 

“Thank you,” he says distractedly, still parsing through the information. Mingi’s response bounces around in his brain as he takes the pasta box. Something bothers him about Mingi’s reply, and it isn’t until the water is bubbling that he realizes what it is.

“You say it’s unpredictable?” Yeosang asks.

Mingi (who’d been hovering nearby to keep Yeosang company) nods.

“Can you elaborate?”

The werewolf’s gaze draws upward in thought. After a moment, he shakes his head. No.

“Well, I guess I just- to confirm, you shift during the full moon, right? Have you gained a kind of… Sense of those cycles? Or any sensitivity?”

Mingi holds up his hand and makes a tilting motion. Not exactly.

Yeosang’s brows knit together, “So you don’t have any sort of sense of moon cycle timing or…?”

Mingi tilts his hand momentarily; however, he swiftly abandons the gesture in favor of grabbing Yeosang’s phone. Yeosang unlocks it, opening the notepad app again. He waits with bated breath as Mingi taps out another response.

“It coincides with the moon but also not. It doesn’t always have to be a full moon. Sometimes it just happens.”

Yeosang’s eyes widen.

This is huge .

“Wait- wait- wait- so- so just to confirm, you can shift even when it’s not a full moon?”

Mingi nods.

“What?!” Yeosang can’t stop himself. “Holy shit. Wait- Really?! For real?”

The werewolf nods again. It’s very apparent from his expression that his enthusiasm doesn’t match Yeosang’s. Yeosang tries to balance sensitivity and empathy with his fascination. It’s just so out of left field. It’s a huge game-changer. There’d always been battling theories in the community regarding that fact. Old lore and historical accounts always linked lycanthropy with the shifting phases of the moon, but more contemporary evidence indicated activity could occur out of those cycles; however, said contemporary evidence had always been highly disputed at best, nobody quite trusting or believing it. Werewolves in general are difficult to track and observe - they’re reclusive, intelligent predators that have a lot in common with other mammalian predators. A lot of false or mistaken evidence can (and has) muddied the waters.

But this?

Confirmation from an actual werewolf?

This is game-changing.

“Thank you for telling me,” Yeosang says after coming to his senses. He gives Mingi a peck and rubs the other’s arm soothingly. “So wait, does that mean you… You can shift at any time? What are triggers beside the full moon?”

Mingi shrugs with a wry smile.

“Sorry- I don’t want to overwhelm you. I just- curious is all.”

The werewolf nods in understanding. His laid back expression suddenly blooms into a wide-eyed gape, and he gestures emphatically to the stove.

“Huh- Oh, shit-!” Yeosang curses as bubbles spill out of the sides of the pasta pot.

Yeosang yawns, waking up with a languid stretch. He paws at the nightstand until he manages to find his phone. The screen beams into him, far brighter than he’d like first thing in the morning. His home screen digits read: 10:43 AM. The programmer grimaces, upset at the early start. Normally he likes to sleep in a bit later given that bedtime is typical four in the morning. He retraces the previous night, not quite recalling when he’d fallen asleep. He worked, took a dinner break, and worked more. Mingi turned in early after finishing an Edgar Allen Poe anthology. Yeosang decided to do some more research while waiting on Wooyoung.

He remembers his eyes growing heavy as he scrolled the forum boards in search of transformation triggers. He took a lot of information with many grains of salt, but he’d hoped that he would be able to find something similar to Mingi’s description. By three in the morning, his eyelids had gotten too heavy to bear. He toddled off to bed and fell asleep in mere minutes.

Wooyoung never came home.

Bars close at two-thirty - at least, they did in big cities. Yeosang wasn’t so sure about the nightlife of rural Pennsylvania, but he didn’t question it at the time. Now that it’s a new day, the first thing Yeosang does is stumble out of bed. He winces after shifting in bed, a sharp pain shooting up his spine - the consequences of his actions yesterday.

Yeosang grits his teeth, weathering the aches as he lumbers outside. To his relief, Wooyoung did make it home safe and sound. He quietly scrolls his phone, pullout bed already neatly folded into the sofa.

“G’morning,” Yeosang muttered. He plops onto the couch next to Wooyoung, fixing him with a prying look. “You didn’t come home last night?”

“Ah- Late night, then one of my coworkers invited us over for drinks. Thought I’d hang out. Give you guys a break,” Wooyoung replies without taking his eyes off of his phone.

“You should’ve texted me.”

“You didn’t text me, either, so I figured it was fine.”

Yeosang frowns. “I guess. Sorry, I should have. I thought about it, but I got distracted I guess. Okay day at work, at least?”

“Yeah, it was alright. Actually gotta get ready for another shift soon.” Wooyoung stands and stretches. The motion tugs his shirt up, revealing a strip of tan skin beneath his navel. Lately, he’s been letting the hair trailing from his navel beneath the beltline grow out, but it’s conspicuously bare. Yeosang wonders what would motivate him to shave it.

“Again?” He asks.

“Yeah. Covering hours for a buddy. Figure we could use the cash since we’re feeding an extra mouth.”

“Oh. Thank you… I-”

“You don’t need to apologize and, no , you don’t need to do extra to pull your own weight. I’m choosing to do this.” Wooyoung nips Yeosang’s reservations in the bud effortlessly. Yeosang barely has a second to think of his anxieties before Wooyoung is soothing them. It warms his heart.

“Thanks.”

The younger of the two smiles warmly. “That’s what best friends are for.”

Yeosang’s cheeks flush. He decides to gloss over Wooyoung’s sentimentality, resuming their smalltalk from before.

“Well, don’t work too hard.”

“Yeah, yeah. Oh- How was your day, anyway? What got you so distracted?”

“Oh- It was-” I got railed within an inch of my life and you probably heard me screaming like a bitch in heat . “-good. Not to bad work-wise. Made pasta. Oh- and I did some research. Kind of.”

“Without me?” Wooyoung pouts. He starts moving around the room, rifling through a pile of unfolded laundry by the couch. “What were you researching?” He shucks his shirt without a second thought, and another wave of embarrassment stings Yeosang’s face.

“Oh- Um- Just the shift. Werewolf shift, I mean.”

“Yeah?” Wooyoung settles on a dark shirt and begins rooting around for pants. “What about it?”

“Well, I know there won’t exactly be anecdotes, but I wanted to look into triggers for werewolf shifts. Or, well, anything that links to or denotes a werewolf shifting. See if anyone had like folklore or sightings outside of typical moon cycles.”

“Oh?” Wooyoung found a pair of dark distressed jeans. Not shy in the least, he changed his pants while conversing. “Find anything?”

“Not really. I’ll have to review my notes, though. I was like the walking dead for that last stretch. Just some sighting and trace evidence coinciding with moon cycles - claw marks on trees, foot impressions. You know- that shit.”

“Right. You check the archives for folklore books? We should review different lore. A lot of cultures have their own recollection of werewolves. I’d be curious to see if there’s something deviating from the popular moon-cycle theory.”

“I did think about folklore. Didn’t get that far, though.”

“No worries. I can definitely help on that front, too. Oh- Also, we should scour museum archives. A lot of recorded history is imagery, too. Might be able to see if any old illustrations depict extraordinary conditions.”

“Oh~ Good call.”

“Yeah. I should be home earlier tonight, so we can get on it.” Wooyoung grabs his keys off of the side table and swipes a hoodie off of his laundry pile. He pats himself down, nearly ready to step out the door.

“Are you sure? I don’t wanna make you work more after work.”

“Dude- I would fucking love to do more research. I feel like you’re hogging all the good shit what with your… One on one contact.”

“R-right.”

“What prompted you to look into that stuff, anyway?”

“Well, with the new information we have, I figured we need to look into other factors that trigger shifting- since it doesn’t need to be a full moon.”

“I’m sorry- wait… What?”

“Oh- I didn’t tell you? Mingi and I were talking last night- well, not verbally but we talked on notepad- anyway- he told me his shifting doesn’t always coincide with the full moon. It can happen at any time.”

Wooyoung froze in place. “...Are you fucking serious?”

“Yeah. Isn’t that sick? Not for him, but just- the discovery. I mean, people have been discussing this shit for years, and I… What’s with that look on your face?”

“Why didn’t you say anything?” Wooyoung asks, wide-eyed.

“Well, it-”

“You didn't think I'd wanna know?” Woo’s tone drips in acid.

“I was gonna tell you, but it's just-”

“When? And- and since when did you ever wait to tell me anything? I have a phone- fuck’s sake. We're in this together... Aren't we?“

Yeosang's stomach churned with anxiety. He wasn't used to conflict - much less between him and Wooyoung. He could barely cope with it in normal circumstances, but being at the receiving end of Wooyoung's wrath sent him to a different circle of hell. His mind reels in an attempt to grasp for words. Irritation and nerves bubble in his stomach, a fetid stew fueled by uncertainty. The part of him that wants to be reasonable and kind - the true, genuine part of him - becomes obscured by the second. Even so, he tries to reason with the other.

“We are in this together. I promise. I just- I wish you would trust me.“

”I- I do.“

”Really? Because you aren't acting like it. It seems like every time I bring up our research, you start nitpicking at all of the tiny, minute details. Like, anything I bring up turns into some sort of dispute- which is so fucking stupid. We're both fucking new to this shit. It's not like there's a- a precedent for any of this. But if I start talking about anything, you just get all weird about it.”

”What? I don't get weird.“

”You're being weird right now. So what if I- we didn't discuss one thing. I did tell you, okay? I told you about him shifting, so-”

“So you didn't think that maybe it was important? Okay- Look, it's not- I don't doubt you, Yeosang, but you fucking tell me that the-” Wooyoung lowers his voice. “The fucking werewolf in our house can shift outside of the full moon- and you expect me to- what? Be calm about it?”

Despite his affinity for harmony, Yeosang groans at that. It's been less than two weeks, yet he's already tired of the narrative Wooyoung seems insistent on pushing. It's so out of character for him, too. Wooyoung tends to be the open-minded, throw-caution-to-the-wind type between the two. Now the tables are turned, and Yeosang desperately wishes he could turn their upside-down world over like a spent hourglass. The man in front of him looks like his best friend, but he sure the hell isn't acting like him.

”There it is,“ Yeosang responds annoyedly.

”What are you talking about?“

”This is the part where you talk about how dangerous Mingi is, right?“

Wooyoung's eyes widen, and he throws his hands up. ”W- Yes. Yes, it is. Yes, it is because he is a fucking- I can't-“ He sucks air in through his teeth. ”I'm not explaining this again. You don't need an explanation. You're smarter than this.“

“The fuck do you even mean by that? Do you expect me to sit here and smile and nod, and act like he's a braindead monster who's gonna tear out my jugular? Is that what you want?“

”I just- I want you to exercise like, the slightest iota of fucking self-preservation. Okay? Just- Just a little bit. You're not the only other person in the house, by the way.”

“Wooyoung, he's not going to hurt me. I trust him, and you trust me. Or has six years of friendship just gone down the drain?“

”Oh my fuck- you're being so dramatic-“

”You're the one being dramatic! I don't know what's wrong with you. Any time research or Mingi comes up you're fucking- hyperventillating. What is your problem with him?“

”I. Have. Told. You. I don't have a personal problem with Mingi, but he is a werewolf - and we know very, very little about that. He knows very, very little about that. I'm just worried.“

”I don't believe you. You don't 'worry' about shit, Wooyoung. Usually I'm the one telling you to take a step back and-“

”Yeah. You usually are. But you've barely spoken to me in the past week-”

“Oh my f- a week?”

“-and when you do deign to speak to me, you take your sweet fucking time telling me important shit-”

“Okay, look, fine- I'm sorry. I didn't think it'd be so important to you-”

“How the fuck do you think I wouldn't care? That is a- a safety issue.”

“It's not, though, but you don't have to believe me, I guess. Because you know so much better, don't you?“

”That is not what I'm saying. Look- I am so, so glad that you have this gorgeous supernatural trust bond with Mingi, but I would love it if you would just think about someone other than yourself for one second.“

”What?!“ 

“You've been very, very distracted. Look, I'm so, so happy for your honeymoon bliss, but-”

“You're jealous.” Fire kicks swells in Yeosang's chest, a popping fire spitting searing embers up and out of his throat. Wooyoung's face falls. Two simple words are all it takes.

“What?” Wooyoung replies, deflated. His eyes go wide, and his lips part as if with the intention to say more. He doesn't, though. Instead his eyes flitter about, lost.

“Admit it. You are- probably for the first time in your fucking life - jealous.”

“ Why would I be-? That is- that’s just ridiculous!”

“Oh, bullshit. It’s okay to just admit it.”

Wooyoung frowns, eyes shifty. “I- I don’t-”

“You’re jealous because for the first time since- since ever, for fucking once you are not the fucking center of attention.”

The younger man’s jaw drops, a new fire igniting behind his eyes. “You- What?!”

“You’ve found the one person on planet earth you can’t magically win over and you’re having a crisis. For once in your fucking life, a person isn’t fawning over you. And, listen, I get it. I mean- I don’t, but- I’m sure it’s hard. That doesn’t mean you can take it out on me! Or him, for that matter.”

“That is not true.”

“Oh, come on .” Yeosang rolls his eyes. “Why else are you stomping around like a fucking toddler? You’re just using the whole ‘danger’ thing as an excuse. And that’s fine, you’re coping, but it would be easier for all of us if you admit it.”

“I- I have nothing to admit to,” Wooyoung retorts, face flushing. “You are actually insane. They say dick changes a man but- fucking hell, dude.”

“Oh, don’t bring it up-”

“You know what, I will fucking bring it up because- because you’re being unsafe- and at least one of us has to give a shit.”

“This is bullshit. If the roles were reversed, you’d be calling me out for how insane I sound - and rightfully so. Just- I- I don’t have to explain our bond to you-”

Wooyoung wheezes. “Your ‘bond’? Is that what you call it? He doesn’t know you, Yeosang. You’re a fucking fleshlight . ”

That one hurt. It stung more than Yeosang would ever have thought - way more than he’d been prepared for. Pitiful thoughts rise to the surface of his head, the most pervading one being a question.

Is it so hard to believe someone would love me because they love me?

“Sorry, I forgot you two have such great conversations, right?” Wooyoung says. His voice seeps vitriol, and its venomous sting sinks right into Yeosang’s heart.

Yeosang holds back the deluge of choice words flooding his mind. He knows that nothing he says in the next few minutes will be good. But he also knows Wooyoung - and he knows that his best friend is a shit-stirrer. He can see the cogs turning behind the other’s eyes, searching for the perfect way to instigate things. He’s good at that. Getting a reaction out of people - anger, lust, shock, whatever it is - is something he’s good at.

Yeo steels himself for something gnarly when the other parts his lips.

“Whatever. I’m going to work.” He turns on his heel and strides off, leaving with one final, cutting remark. “Enjoy the silence!”

Yeosang stews in place for a while. He lets the heat of mortification wash over him. A persistent stabbing sensation throbs in his chest as he reflects on the heated exchange. It’s like a fist clenched around his heart, holding it in an unrelenting vice. Sure, he and Wooyoung have disagreed and argued. They’ve even gotten into shouting matches. That doesn’t make it hurt less. Especially with the nature of the conversation.

He and Wooyoung have argued about stupid shit. Roommate problems. Video games. Differences in temperament. They’ve even fought over crushes. But this?

It feels more personal to Yeosang. He supposes part of that is due to how much he’s imprinted on Mingi (or Mingi on him, he still hasn’t fully grasped their bond, in truth). Any attack on Mingi feels like an attack on him ; but it’s more than just that. It’s the fact that Yeosang has never seen Wooyoung like this - whatever “this” is.

Normally, Wooyoung is like a firecracker. His indignance explodes in a quick burst, and he cools off just as quickly as he ignites. This, however, is new for him - something so very obviously festering. Though he vented some of his frustrations, Yeosang can’t shake the notion that the other has so much left in him.

And that, he realizes, is terrifying. Because it’s different.

Because Wooyoung used to tell Yeosang everything.

Now, he’s holding something in, and whatever it is, it’s starting to escape in the form of hideous back-and-forths. There’s no telling how long this will go on. Days? Weeks? Months? Or will Wooyoung walk back in tonight and act like nothing happened? There’s no precedent for this. No prior reference or memories Yeosang can look back on, and that is so, so much worse.

A loud thudding sound tugs Yeosang out of his reverie. When he turns to the source, he sees Mingi grimacing and rubbing his knee. Yeosang would typically chuckle at the other’s clumsiness, but he’s not in the mood. When the werewolf collects himself, he clears his throat and stands up straighter. The walls are thin, and he has exceptional hearing.

Of course he knows.

“Mingi, I’m sorry,” Yeosang says. “He doesn’t- he didn’t mean those things…” Those awful things that Wooyoung said- why is he defending them? Yeosang questions. Despite his doubt, he can’t help himself. “He just- he doesn’t understand, and well- yeah, it was- it was out of line. I’ll talk to him, but you don’t need to worry.”

Mingi responds with a wet-eyed frown; and yet, Yeosang knows. That’s the thing Wooyoung doesn’t get. Yeosang can feel the other’s intention, the “I’m sorry” in his gaze. Yeosang shakes his head.

“It’s not your fault. He just… Doesn’t understand a lot of things… Here- I was gonna, um, make some tea. Want a cup?” 

Mingi nods and takes his place at the kitchen table. Yeosang busies himself with the routine of tea-making. A thick fog inhabits his brain as he goes through the motions. The sharp anguish subsides into something more dull and leaden. It weighs his body down, making even the simple task of tea-brewing way harder than necessary. After what feels like way too long, he manages to drag himself to the table with two mugs in tow.

He slides one over to Mingi before crumbling into the chair across from him. The two sit in comfortable silence as they wait for their tea to cool. Yeosang can feel the heft of Mingi’s expectant gaze pressing against him, but he pretends not to notice it, instead gazing out the window.

“I’m sorry,” Yeosang says again. “I want you to know, you’re not a burden. I hope our arguing doesn’t affect the environment too much. I just- I’m sorry. I know I said it, but he really doesn't understand. The truth is… I don’t, either. But I don’t care. I have feelings for you. Strong ones. Even if you… Suffocate me in your sleep with your hugs. Even if you run hotter than the surface of hades. Even if you don’t speak. I know you have your reasons…” The human sighs wistfully, taking another sip of his drink.

“It’s called selective mutism,” a deep voice answers.

Yeosang chokes as he spits out his tea.

Chapter Text

Yeosang stands firmly planted in the kitchen, petrified like a deer in the headlights. For a second, he doesn't quite register whether the world is moving. He's so still that it feels as if time has stopped. However, Mingi's ever-evolving facial expressions bring Yeosang back down to earth. Yeosang can see the face-journey in real time - Mingi shifting from surprised to sheepish, then anxious. Eventually, the werewolf lands on some sort of disbelief. Even he can't believe he said that. Yeosang tries to respond, but suddenly he's the one struggling with verbal communication. The silence stretches on, and Yeosang starts wondering if he actually hallucinated what he heard.

"I- I'm sorry." Mingi adds. His voice is deep and fried from misuse.

"No that's- that's okay," Yeosang replies. "You don't- you don't even have to if you don't want to..."

"But I do! Want to, I mean. I-" The werewolf starts wringing his hands. "I wanna communicate. I do. I-" He starts coughing from the scratchiness in his throat. Yeosang reflexively lunges, setting his tea down and crossing the room to reach the other. He guides Mingi to a chair and pats him back until the fit calms down.

"Let me get you some water. Tea, too- with honey." Yeosang moves without waiting for input. After a few minutes, he's sitting next to Mingi at the table. They've both got steaming mugs of tea in front of them, and Mingi has a glass of room temperature water.

The werewolf eyes the offerings, mind visibly churning with nerves. He ends up chugging the water in a minute before speaking again.

"Thank you. Thank you so much."

"Oh- You're welcome. Seemed like you could use a-"

"I mean for everything, Yeosang." Mingi timidly takes hold of Yeosang's hand and looks the human in the eye. 

It occurs to Yeosang that he'd never heard Mingi say his name before. It sounds nice on his lips - even if a bit hoarse from however long Mingi had gone without speaking. 

"Hap-happy to, Mingi." Yeosang squeezes the other's hand back, and his heart starts beating faster. Even though the two have stuck by one another's side since meeting, for some reason Yeosang feels like a switch has been flipped. Like something has changed - or it's going to change. He should be relieved, but worry itches at the back of his brain, subtle and annoying like a mosquito bite - not devastating but undeniably there. Verbal communication opens them up to a new host of possibilities, both good and bad.

"Are you... Are you mad at me?" Mingi asks, tone hushed.

"What? No-! No, not at all. I- It's fine. You had your reasons. You said, um, so- selective... Mutism? Is that it?"

The werewolf nods, "Mhm. Ever heard of it?"

"It... Kind of sounds familiar? But not really."

"Well, it's more common in young kids. Um, I had it- it's, like, an anxiety disorder. Basically you just- you can't talk. Your brain fires off these danger signals and it renders you incapable. It's not like I'm physically incapable, my brain just- I can't."

"Oh. What causes it? If you don't mind me asking."

"Anxiety disorders. Family history sometimes. I... I read somewhere once that it can be triggered by trauma, too, so. Dunno."

"Okay. You're... speaking now. Why is that? Are you- are you feeling better?"

Mingi nibbles on his lips, picking his words carefully before delivering more information, "It's not exactly like that. Basically, it's like- the common scenario with kids is that you talk freely around familiar... Safe people, but are incapable of speaking around strangers. I dunno we could probably google it."

"Yeah, we can if you want. You're speaking to me, though, so I guess I'm... sufficiently familiar?" Yeosang gives Mingi's hand another reassuring squeeze, voice hopeful.

Mingi's frown inverts into a tiny little grin. He nods, matching Yeosang's gaze.

"Yeah, yeah I think so."

"I mean, I'd hope so. You've been inside me." Yeosang jokes. Mingi snorts, his mouth widening into a full-on smile. His eyes turn to crescents, and smile lines mark his face. An abrupt onset of butterflies swarm Yeosang. His brain lags, utterly flustered by the gorgeous guy sitting next to him and the realization that they're together. Yeosang's cheeks heat, and he sheepishly flees the other's gaze.

"Well, I hope I don't disappoint you."

"What? How could you possibly disappoint me?!"

"I don't know. Maybe the way I talk won't appeal to you. What if I say something dumb?"

"I mean- you don't have to talk, Mingi. Just be comfortable. Be you. That's all I want."

"Okay... Okay. Thank you, though. Seriously. I- I don't even know how to express how... How grateful I am for you."

"You don't have to use words, you know."

Mingi takes the hint and plants a kiss on Yeosang's cheek. Then another. And another. He attacks Yeosang with an onslaught of cheek-kisses until the human is crumbling sideways in his chair, boneless. Gratitude expressed. Yeosang manages to playfully bat away the werewolf with concerted effort. His mind reels with the day's revelation. He doesn't want to push Mingi in any way, but the truth is - verbal communication would be a boon for them. Research would be so much easier with verbal interviews and open dialogue. Sure, they can have those things with nonverbal communication aids, but, truthfully, Yeosang longs to hear Mingi voice everything.

"I'm... Glad that you feel comfortable around me, Mingi," Yeosang says, genuine.

"I do. I... I dunno. When I was- before, I just- I thought I had so much to say to you. I thought about all the things I would say to you once I could physically do it. Now I'm just... My mind is blank."

"That's okay. It'll come to you."

Mingi heaves a sigh, slumping to put almost all of his weight onto Yeosang. Yeosang groans as he sinks down beneath the werewolf's impressive heft. Mingi's bones jut into Yeosang's backside, reminding the human just where Mingi had come from. The werewolf managed to sustain himself just enough to survive, but he was definitely on the lower side of weight. Save for his bony body, he seems to be fairly well off physically. Now that he can ask, though, Yeosang decides to take a step back and be serious for a moment. The subject change can be helpful, anyway. Even if Mingi is able to shrug off all that he'd heard, Yeosang can't. Wooyoung's vitriol clings to him like a wine stain. Sunken in, suffusing every fiber of his being, Yeosang stubbornly scrubs at it, but the lasting impression of red rage lingers.

"Hey, how are you feeling?" He asks.

Mingi stands upright at the question. He cages Yeosang against the counter but makes no move to advance further. Yeosang turns around and leans against the counter as so he can face the other. The werewolf glances up, contemplative, before answering.

"I'm fine."

"I mean, physically. Has the food been agreeing with you? Are you hurting? Sore?"

"Oh, I'm okay- really. Well..."

"Well what?"

"I mean, I'm sore."

Yeosang's eyes widen, "Ah- We have medicine! Is everything okay?" He moves to grab some aspirin, but Mingi remains rooted in place.

"It's fine. It just... It's a side effect of the transformation, you could say."

"Really?" Yeosang's researcher-brain immediately lights up, and he files that bit of information away for later.

"Yeah. Guess the, um, transformation it... It reforms my body, you know? I always end up sore afterward. Kind of makes sense, when you think about it."

"It does..."

"You can ask."

"Hm?"

Mingi smiles, "I can see the questions just- forming in your head. Go ahead. Ask them."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah."

"I- Well, I'd have hoped stuff like this would be recorded... And Wooyoung should be here." Yeosang's reflexes supplied that last bit. After their argument, Yeosang knows the last thing on his mind should be researching with his friend, but he can't help it. They do everything together. They always have. Even if they're having a bit of a tiff, Yeosang isn't interested in moving forward without Wooyoung. 

Mingi's smile falters at the mention of their roommate. Understandably so, considering how he talks about Mingi. Guilt yanks at Yeosang's heart. The human feels so utterly torn, his heart tangling into knots. It feels wrong to insist Wooyoung be around when the other human doesn't hesitate to disparage the werewolf whenever he gets a chance, but doing research without him would be an utter betrayal. They were supposed to go through everything together. This is their shared passion, after all.

And yet, things have become so complicated, so fast.

"I don't think I can talk to him."

Yeosang's face feels hot; he nods, understanding and accepting the other's point of view, "Right, um- sorry, I shouldn't have..."

"Please. Don't apologize. I don't mean it like- what I mean is I don't think I can... I don't think I can physically talk to him. I wouldn't... I don't think-" Right. Selective mutism.

"Don't worry about it. We have plenty of tools in our arsenal. I wouldn't put you in an uncomfortable position like that."

"I know." Mingi rasps out. he leans forward, chastely resting his forehead on Yeosang's.

"Good." And he means that. Knowing that Mingi feels safe... It's all Yeosang can ask for. If nothing else, if he can manage that, he'll feel that he's accomplished something with this entire escapade. The two linger there for a while, just sharing contact and quiet affection. Mingi was right - Yeosang's head is brimming with questions, but he has to sort what's research related versus what's personal. He wonders if he should even tell Wooyoung about this. Is it really his thing to tell at all?

Mingi heaves a shaky sigh before parting. He bites his lip, nerves visible from his expression.

"What is it?" Yeosang asks softly, finding the other's eyes.

"I just, um- kinda nervous I'll fuck this up." The werewolf admits readily.

"Why would you ever think that?"

"I dunno. It's, um- I just mean- before all my thoughts were inside, but now I'm afraid I'll say something stupid, I guess."

"Please. I say stupid shit all the time. Plus I've lived with Wooyoung for years. It'd have to be pretty wild for me to get upset."

Mingi nods, "Okay... Okay. Cool."

"You don't have to talk, either, though. Don't feel pressured or anything."

"I- I don't. I... I kinda want to, I think. It's been so long. I feel like I had all these things to say. Of course, now I... I can't seem to remember any of them."

Yeosang gives the other a warm, encouraging smile. He understands how frustrating it can be to lose a thought.

"Can I ask you a question, then?" 

Mingi tilts his head in a puppy-like way. Unconsciously, he responds without a word.

"Since you can talk and... Express your opinions, why don't we ease you in with something light?"

Mingi furrows his brow, confused, but he doesn't protest. Instead, he joins Yeosang at the kitchen table. The cryptozoologist opens his laptop and pulls up a search browser. He decides to start simple: last year's hot one-hundred pop chart. The werewolf raises his brows as Yeosang pulls up the first video on the list.

"A top forty chart?" Mingi asks.

Yeosang laughs, "Top one-hundred- also the point is, it's popular. Well, was, like, a year ago. I'd love to know your thoughts."

"On... Pop music?"

"Well, yeah. You like music, right? We, um, we saw your old accounts when we were researching you."

Mingi sits up a bit straighter. The mention of his past clearly shocks him a bit, but he appears moreso sober than upset. Woken up by the reminder that his previous life left a digital footprint. 

"Yeah. I wouldn't classify it as pop."

"I know, but, I thought... Maybe you missed out on this stuff. At least see how stuff has changed? I... I wanna hear your thoughts on it. Even if you're shitting on it- actually, that'd be pretty funny. Think of it as... An exercise to loosen your lips a little bit. If you want."

A timid smile spreads across the werewolf's plush lips, and he nods. Yeosang smiles back, queueing up the first video in their list.

It's easy to lose track of time with Mingi. He and Yeosang click video after video. Yeosang regales Mingi with stories about how certain songs dominated his social feeds for weeks, how he couldn't stand others, and the way that some of them wormed their way into his brain against his will. Mingi takes a liking to a few of them, impressed with new up and comers. He laments that his favorite bands haven't been as active in the mainstream which sets them on a new tangent of bringing up Mingi's old favorites.

The werewolf grins ear to ear when he listens to those songs. Yeosang wonders how long it's been since Mingi got to hear music. He can't imagine going years with only memories to go off of. Maybe, if he was lucky, he'd hear the occasional echo of someone's speaker across the forest. That's probably as much as he could have hoped for. The human tries not to dwell on it since it's, quite frankly, too fucking sad. He focuses on the happy until he absolutely direly has to get to work.

Yeosang has to laboriously peel Mingi off of him which is no small task. It isn't so much the werewolf's size as his will - that and the enticing way he likes to kiss at the human's neck. He's starting to learn Yeosang's favorite little spots which is a dangerous, dangerous thing. His productivity could be doomed forever if Mingi manages to solve that puzzle.

Right now, it seems like he's certainly trying. Yeosang barely types two lines before the other leans over him.

"Mingi," Yeosang groans when Mingi puts his entire weight on the smaller man, making him falter. "Mingi, I have to work."

"I know, I just..." Mingi squeezes Yeosang close and buries his face in the human's neck. Yeosang catches the faint sound of him sniffing - a werewolf holdover perhaps? He presses a delicate kiss onto Yeosang's neck, making the human's eyes flutter close. Damnit.

"You just what?" Yeosang asks, hands gone still over his keyboard.

"I really like you," Mingi replies. Hearing that low, husky voice right by his ear does things to Yeosang. A shiver runs down his spine, and his stomach begins to bubble. Damnit.

"I like you, too."

"You're just so... Perfect." The last word comes out as barely a whisper. Mingi gives Yeosang another gentle kiss.

Perfect.

He said perfect .

Yeosang knows he isn't perfect, but Mingi thinks he is - and that does things to the human's heart. It feels bittersweet. He feels like a conman. How can Mingi be so convinced of this fact? He's just some guy that let a werewolf fuck him. Okay, sure, he took the guy in, too, but that doesn't make him a saint. As much as he'd love to accept Mingi's words, Yeosang can't. There's a voice in the back of his head, nagging him that it's not true. That it'll never be true. He prepares to rebut the assertion when Mingi presses another kiss to his cheek, then one to the edge of his lips. Yeosang turns his head to meet Mingi, and the werewolf slides his hands down the front of Yeosang's torso.

Yeosang's hands go limp atop his keyboard as Mingi's large hands fan out over his body. The werewolf draws large trails straight down his chest toward his abdomen. Yeosang sighs, and his legs part unconsciously. Mingi's tongue begins to prod at the humans lips. Just as ever, Yeosang yields. It's so easy - it always has been. Even since the beginning, Yeosang has found it almost worryingly effortless to give in to Mingi. (Though, in his defense, their very first encounter contained a self-preservation element.)

Mingi's leans further down, draping over Yeosang like a protective blanket. His hands wander to the human's legs. Strong yet gentle, his grip braces Yeosang in place. The human is trapped beneath his werewolf mate's affection. (Not that he minds.) Yeosang willfully bats away his doubts. He uses every ounce of focus and determination in him to allow himself to be adored like this. Though doubts nag in the shadowy crevices of his mind, he defies his instinct to indulge those voices. The human reaches a hand up to cup the werewolf's face and deepen the kiss. Mingi hums contentedly. One of his hands slides between Yeosang's legs, and he starts pressing his palm over Yeosang's sweats.

"Mmm..." Yeosang lets out a happy hum as his cock jolts to life. He swears, he's gotten more sex in the past couple of weeks than he has in the past couple of years. He never really minded his relatively dry sex life, but now living with Mingi has turned him into some starved incubus. He cants his hips into the other's hand, shameless. 

Mingi smiles against Yeosang's lips and presses down harder. He gropes while his tongue roves across Yeosang's mouth. Yeosang decides to return Mingi's favor by reach out and pawing at his crotch. In his peripherals, he can see the impressive outline in the werewolf's sweats. He didn't think much of it when he picked clothes up for Mingi, but he pats himself on the back for picking up so many pairs of gray sweatpants. It's hell on his productivity but, fuck, the eye candy is worth it.

Mingi groans in response to the contact, and his cock fills out from the human's touch. The two fall into a rhythm - making out while they stroke each other over their clothes. Mingi's the first one to give into his urges fully, and he sticks his hand down Yeosang's pants. Yeosang's hips jerk up into the warmth of Mingi's hand, and he quickly follows suit. Fuck. Mingi's huge. One would think that Yeosang would be over that by now, but he's not. Definitely not. He's got decently big hands, but even so, Mingi's erect cock makes them look dainty in comparison. Yeosang swipes his thumb over the werewolf's cockhead, smearing precome across his tip. Mingi groans and his hand picks up pace.

Yeosang gasps into Mingi's mouth as the pace picks up. Feverish desperation takes over, and the two begin racing to make the other come first. The angle is awkward for both of them - Yeosang half turned around, Mingi leaning over him, but neither gives a shit. Hot pleasure scratches inside of Yeosang's gut like an animal wanting to be uncaged. Their kisses get sloppier, drool spilling out of their mouths and down their chins. Uncaring, they race toward their goal. Fuck, it feels so good for Yeosang - the way Mingi's hand engulfs his cock, his firm grip and the twist of his wrist. It's too good, and Yeosang starts seeing stars in minutes.

His body locks up, and he moans in Mingi's face. The mounting pressure inside of him bursts out. His hips roll and rock as his orgasm overtakes him. He's still on pins and needles when Mingi gasps. Yeosang's grip tightens as he strokes Mingi through his orgasm, hot come spilling all over his crotch, his pants, Yeosang's hand and the floor. When they're done, the two remain close, panting to catch up their breaths. Mingi leans his forehead against Yeosang's, and the relish in the mutual heat.

"We should... We should clean up," Yeosang murmurs, still a tad breathless. Mingi nods. Sluggishly, he unfurls his body to stand upright. Yeosang watches in awe as the werewolf stretches his long body. His cock is half hanging out, and his pants are stained beyond acceptability. Even so, the werewolf glows with contentment. Yeosang envies Mingi in that way - how the werewolf has so few fucks to give. Then again, why should he give a fuck? Yeosang accepts him in his shifted form. Can't get much sloppier than that.

"We should get changed, too," Yeosang remarks, looking down at his own stained crotch. He rubs his soiled hand resignedly on his sweatpants. Mingi nods in agreement, and the pair of them stumble toward the bedroom. Mingi tries to drag Yeosang back to bed - an offer Yeosang almost takes him up on. Alas, the siren call of capitalism rings out like the tolling of funeral bells. Feeding three mouths isn't cheap, after all. After a few more kisses, Yeosang slips out and goes back to his computer to work (for real this time). Mingi follows him out donning a fresh set of sweats (though Yeosang is ninety percent sure the werewolf didn't bother with underwear). Though the werewolf gives him a few more sweet kisses, Yeo shoos Mingi away sweetly and finally gets to work. 

He doesn't really notice the passage of time after that. The only indicator that much as gone by at all is the setting sun.

Mingi sits curled up reading some thriller that the homeowners left lying around while Yeosang taps away. Yeosang considers getting a card for the public library in the area. He'd have to look up the nearest one - it'd probably be a bit of a haul, but once they get a card, they can just get ebooks through the app. His internal rambling gets interrupted by the noise of his phone vibrating. Yeosang jumps, startled by the noise. 

He casts a cursory glance toward the screen, expecting to see some spam number. 

Jung Wooyoung lights up the screen.

Yeosang swallows, nervous. He'd done so well to distract himself that the argument felt like a distant memory, something that happened days ago. Now he doesn't have that luxury. But why is he calling him? Why not come in? The strange behavior worries Yeosang, and that's what ultimately drives him to pick up, despite his reservations.

"Hello?" He says quietly, not wanting to rouse Mingi from his reading.

"Can you come outside?" Wooyoung asks.

Yeosang's brow furrows with confusion. He glances out the window and gasps at the sight of headlights outside the window. His music must've blocked the sound of the car pulling in. Yeosang sighs, considering the other's request.

"Please?" Wooyoung adds. "I just... I want privacy. I mean- I guess we can go to the murder basement."

"What do we need privacy for?"

Wooyoung pauses for a moment before answering, "I need to apologize, to start."

"You can do that over the phone."

"Look- I'm sorry, I just- I want this conversation to be face to face. In private. Please."

Yeosang can hear the hurt in Wooyoung's voice. It feels a little bit unfair - he didn't say anything disparaging to Wooyoung, so why is the other acting so hurt about it? He's the one that called his best friend of six years a fleshlight! Yeo considers the idea of ignoring Wooyoung's demand, but even in his emotionally compromised state, he knows that would be wrong. There's no reason to draw this out due to spite.

"I'll go out," Yeosang complies. He looks over to Mingi and informs the other, "I'm gonna go out and talk to Wooyoung."

Mingi frowns, clearly remembering their spat from earlier, but he doesn't say anything about it. He simply nods, accepting Yeosang's choice.

Yeo bundles himself up before stepping out. The brisk Pennsylvania air stings his skin and makes his nostrils tingle - a warning of the winter to come. He clenches his fists in his pockets before entering their shared vehicle. The warmth from within fogs up the windows which diffuses the reflection of the headlights off of the façade. It casts the two of them in a gloomy brume, befitting the downtrodden atmosphere between them. Muffled music plays quietly through the vehicle, ever so slightly abating the awkwardness. Yeosang waits for Wooyoung to speak first.

"Did you have a good day?" Wooyoung asks, tone strained. He isn't at home in conflict. Yeosang is conflict-averse, but Wooyoung simply doesn't get into them in the first place. He's too loveable, too easygoing for that sort of thing. Though this isn't the first time they've argued, the territory is still fairly unfamiliar.

"It was fine," Yeosang answers curtly. "And you?"

"Kinda sucked to be honest."

"Oh."

"I spent the entire time thinking about what I said. It was fucked up, and I'm sorry."

"I appreciate the apology." Yeosang replies dryly. For some reason, it's not really hitting him the way he'd like it to. He has so much he wants to say - how Wooyoung should treat Mingi better, how unfair it is that the other is acting out, but try as he might, he can't whelm the will to speak.

Wooyoung - who'd been looking out the fogged windshield - finally musters the guts to turn toward Yeosang. His eyes catch the faint light, glimmering with remorse.

"I mean it, Yeosang. I just..."

"You just what?" Yeosang responds, irritation leaking into his voice. Instigating won't do them any good, but he can't help it if his mask of composure has cracks in it. 

Wooyoung lets out a shuddery breath, and his fists tense in his lap.

"I just... I worry about you, okay?"

"You worry so much that you call me a fleshlight?"

"Yeosang- I- I didn't mean it like that. I don't see you like that."

"But you think Mingi does?"

"Well-"

"Is it so crazy to think he'd like me for who I am? Am I- Am I just so- so unlovable that- that nobody could possibly want me for anything else?" How quickly his fortitude crumbles. Yeosang's voice quivers as all of the morning's emotions flood him. His face stings with heat, tears welling up in his eyes, further obscuring his dim, hazy surroundings.

"What? Is- Is that what you think I... No! Yeosang, no! I- I didn't realize it sounded like that. Fuck. I'm so sorry."

"What exactly did you think it sounded like?"

"Well, I mean- I just-" Wooyoung's shoulders slump, "I really am worried, Yeosang."

"Fuck." Yeosang says (sniffling in hopes of holding his tears back). "This again."

"No! No- No, I'm not- I'm not gonna-" The other heaves a sigh. Yeosang can't see his face well, but it's evident from Wooyoung's body language that he's struggling to piece together his thoughts.

"I'm sorry," Wooyoung says again, sounding even more pitiful than the first.

"I don't get it. I don't... You're not like this , Wooyoung. Why are you being like this? What- What happened?"

"Seriously? You have no idea?"

"So you are jealous."

"I- It's not exactly... like that." Even Woo doesn't sound convinced.

"Shit, you can just admit it. We're best friends. If something's bothering you, just fucking say it. Don't act like a brat about it."

"I am not being a brat, Yeosang. That's not fair."

"No! You know what's not fair? You stomping around, all fucking huffy because we're doing what we agreed to do. You agreed to let him stay, you said it was okay- and now you're being an asshole because- because what? You're not the center of attention? Is it the bed? I mean- fuck-"

Wooyoung presses his lips together. Even in the dark, Yeosang can sense the fury igniting behind the other's eyes. They're on the precipice of another argument, he can feel it, the tension boiling between them. But then Wooyoung sighs. He unfurls his fists and tries to start over - this time, speaking softly.

"Yeosang, you're my best friend. The only one I have. And you're right I-" It clearly pains Woo to admit it, his voice thick with pain, "I'm jealous. And I'm scared- and it's not because of the reason you think it is. I just... I'm serious when I say it: I'm afraid to lose you. We've always been just... You and me. Us against the world. We do everything together, our lives are- are-" He interlaces his fingers to illustrate the twine of their existence. "-combined. Enmeshed- whatever you wanna call it. And there is nothing on this Earth - no beast or- or spirit - that scares me more than the thought of losing you. You're more than my best friend, you're everything."

Wooyoung may as well have driven a dagger through Yeosang's heart.

Everything Woo said was honest, vulnerable, and oh so kind. He should be happy with the admission and sincerity. Should be. The tears Yeosang tried so hard to hold back roll down his cheeks. Wooyoung's words knock the wind out of his lungs, and he's left to weather the whiplash in the passenger seat of the car, trapped.

Why now?

"I never thought about it like that," Yeosang mutters, tongue heavy and numb in his mouth.

Wooyoung frowns, "Oh, shit- I- I didn't mean to make you cry. I- I'm sorry. I can't stop fucking up-" His voice shakes.

Yeosang shakes his head, wiping his tears on the back of his head, "No- no, it's- you're fine. I just, um, I dunno, I guess I, um... We don't really have heart to hearts, do we?" He attempts levity.

Wooyoung smiles weakly (clearly reigning back his own tears) and nods, "I guess not. I feel like we used to talk about stuff all the time, but lately... I dunno. It's whatever." He quickly walks back the elephant in the room, concealing behind the proverbial curtain it'd been sticking out of. Though its presence remains undeniable, neither of them are interested to bring it into the light. Yeosang isn't sure if he could, if the elephant is even real or if it's this one-sided hallucination-slash-want on his side.

Yeosang adds, "Well, we are now. And we're crying so, um- thanks for the apology, by the way. I... I can forgive you for what was said, I guess. I see what you mean."

"It's kind of a shock when someone new barges into your life and just sweeps your best friend off their feet. Like- he's tall and handsome, and- and he's a fucking werewolf. How am I supposed to compete with that? Not that we're- not that we're in competition or anything- like, I mean- for your attention, you know?"

Yeosang's head spins. He nods along dumbly, not fully able to respond with the way his brain is going.

"Yeah. Right." He doesn't mention the dozens of time he's had to compete for Wooyoung's attention - all of his flings and situationships, the new friends whisking him away while Yeosang got left at home to be an introvert.

"I mean, as long as he treats you right, that's what matters." Wooyoung says. "I don't mind being the cautious one this time around. I know you haven't really dated a lot, so- you should- you should enjoy this. You deserve it."

"Thanks," Yeosang replies, though he can't whelm himself to feel very grateful. It's a perfectly servicable apology. He supposes he didn't have to accept it, but there's nothing wrong with it. The logical side of him understands his friend's reservations completely. He suspects that, even with time, he wouldn't really get much more out of it. So why draw it out?

"You know," Yeosang says, "I'm not the only one who needs an apology."

Wooyoung heaves a sigh and nods. "Right. Will he... Will he accept it? My apology?"

"I dunno. That's a question for him."

"Of course."

"Look- I- I want all of us to get along. He's really nice if you get to know him. He's not going to hurt us."

"How are you so sure, though?" Wooyoung sighs. "Sorry, I- Anyway. I'll apologize. Are we okay?"

Yeosang considers the question for a moment. Are they? He's fine accepting the other's apology, but there's this persistent weight dragging on his heart. He's not sure anything Wooyoung says can get rid of it. Still, he can't think of any reason they wouldn't be okay, either, so he nods.

"Yeah. It's fine. Just- just don't do that shit again. If you feel like you're at a boiling point, fucking talking to me, man."

"I just- I felt like you weren't listening. I tried. Do you know how frustrating it is when you just want to be heard, but the person won't hear you? Listen, I- I get it, though. The way I acted- that's not the way to be heard."

"Yeah, well, you're my best friend. I should be a better listener. So, let's just... Put this behind us, yeah?"

"Yeah." Wooyoung flashes a weak smile. It's little more than a sputtering firefly, a far cry from his usual bright smile, but Yeosang is relieved to see it nonetheless.

"So... Wanna go inside?"

"Oh- Yeah. We should-" Wooyoung turns the key in the ignition, shutting off the car. The two fend off shivers as they race the short distance between the car and the house. Mingi's sitting on the couch when they step in, nose buried in a book. He glances up and regards them with a nervous look.

"Hey, Mingi, can I, uh- can we talk?" Wooyoung rips the band-aid off. Yeosang has always appreciated the way the other operates - no beating around the bush for him.

The werewolf's eyes dart between Wooyoung and Yeosang. Yeosang nods reassuringly, prompting Mingi to stand up. Wooyoung visibly swallows with anxiety before leading the other toward the bedroom. Mingi flashes Yeosang one last uneasy look before following the other human. Yeosang doesn't listen in on purpose, but the walls are thin. His stomach drops at the realization of the noises he's made on the other side of that wall. What has Wooyoung heard?

He faintly makes out Wooyoung saying "I'm sorry", "you don't deserve...", and "judgment". Things get quiet for a minute - probably Mingi's contemplations. Wooyoung says something else, and a couple minutes later, they emerge. Yeosang tries to act like he wasn't trying to decipher their conversation. Mingi raises his brows at Yeosang - he looks lighter, glad, even. Wooyoung must have said the right things.

Yeosang's shoulders slump with relief.

They live to see another day.

He can't shake the feeling that things aren't really alright, but there's hardly anything he can do. Of the two of them, Yeosang is typically the one who struggles to express emotions. God knows he's unqualified to help someone else do it.

With their emotional fallout calmed, Yeosang can focus on other things. Namely: research. The clock is ticking, and before they know it they'll be at their next moon cycle. How are they going to handle it? Will Mingi be able to remember them? How will he behave? 

Will it hurt.

Questions float around in his brain, but the lingering worry about his housemates never quite disappears.

Chapter Text

"What did you weigh before turning?" Yeosang asks.

Yeosang was the one who proposed they make progress with their research. The days are counting down, and before they know it, the full moon will be upon them. The more qualitative stuff is far more intringuing to the cryptozoologist team; however, given how Mingi reacted to their last interview, the pair decided to go for more neutral inquiries. Since Mingi had settled in, they thought it would be a good opportunity to do a physical examination.

Mingi glances upright while he contemplates. Yeosang can see the other's lips twitch as if intent to speak, but the werewolf's pupils dart over to Wooyoung. He doesn't say anything. Instead, Mingi grabs the nearby whiteboard and writes it down.

Wooyoung grabs the offering and records the finding in his notes.

"Huh... You're pretty much the same, even now," Yeosang's brows lift. He's about one pound heavier which is even more confounding. Mingi is so lean in comparison to his soft looking instagram photos. Yeosang assumed that months alone in the woods with the barest of bare minimum nutritionally would make someone lose half their weight - if not emaciate them completely. He glances back up at Mingi and notes his physical appearance. Most of him can be described as... Sharp. His long nose and cut jaw, along with his muscles and tapered waist.

"It's probably all muscle," Wooyoung comments. "Or at least, a lot of it. Lean muscle is my guess."

Mingi shrugs, nonplussed by the line of questioning.

"We found records that your height prior to turning was about five foot ten - does that sound about right?" Yeosang asks.

The werewolf's brow furrows, and he holds up his hand making a "so-so" gesture with it. He nods his head and leans forward as if to imply that he was definitely taller. Yeosang suppresses a chuckle and nods.

"Five foot, eleven inches, got it," Yeosang remarks. He grabs measuring tape that they dug up from the scary basement and crosses over to get his current height. Mingi floats just above six feet now. Theoretically, young humans can take a while to be fully grown; however, Yeosang suspects Mingi had been done before getting turned. It's not just his height, either, but his appearance. Mingi just looks longer. Yeosang concedes that squatty webcams and phone cameras can distort the planes of a person's face and body. Still, there's something distinctly lanky about Mingi. He's just the slightest bit off, his limbs stretched just the slightest bit too far. If someone didn't know any better, they would attribute him with the body of a swimmer or basketball player - an extreme athlete with those proportions. But Yeosang does, and he knows Mingi never played a day of ball in his life.

"Six feet and... Like one-tenth inches," Yeosang tells Wooyoung. Wooyoung flashes him a grin and nods, tapping away on the laptop.

Wooyoung continues, "Also making a verbal note for the recording, no anomalous hair growth on places such as palms or bottoms of the feet... Correct?"

Yeosang snorts, "No, he's just- um, regular." He bats away his mental image of Mingi naked as he responds. "Though, um- Mingi, how would you say it compares to your body hair before turning."

Mingi's ears turn pink as he writes down his answer describing how it's "not crazy" but noticeably thicker.

"Cool. You can sit down now, if you want," Wooyoung says. Mingi's gaze shies away from the other, but he does follow the other's suggestion and takes a seat. "Next thing is the teeth. You cool with Yeosang getting some videos?"

Mingi's brows raise high on his head, and he glances at his human boyfriend. Yeosang flashes him a sheepish, apologetic grin. Photographic and video evidence are the best they can manage at the moment. Neither of them are dentists nor are they interested in taking a foray into the trade with an anxious werewolf. The researches decided that they could inspect for cosmetic comparisons to see what sticks out to them.

Yeosang grabs their probe camera off the table and gets to work. The device is intended to inspect pipes and crevices, but it's serviceable for their improvised use (and also cheap on Amazon). He also takes a couple of pictures on his phone, though nothing really sticks out to him. The researchers visually inspect their subject's nails and toes though, admittedly, neither are sure what they're looking for. On a superficial level, Mingi seems pretty normal. Lanky, yes, but otherwise unremarkable. Very human.

Maybe someone could reveal something interesting with more rigorous testing - what if his bones are more dense? Or his stomach acid is extra strong? Or something like that? They'll never be able to tell without access to equipment and services, but neither of them are willing to just subject Mingi to that unprompted. He's so new, Yeosang wonders how the other will cope with actual civilization.

He's considered bringing the other along on a brief shopping trip. Hell, even just a ride in the car. It's not as if Mingi has totally devolved into something feral, but with what Yeosang knows about his anxiety, he isn't sure plunging the other into civilization (at least, what scant civilization rural Pennsylvania has to offer) would fare.

"Thank you," Yeosang mutters, flashing a small smile at the taller man. Mingi's lips twitch into an almost-smile.

"How do you feel, physically?" Wooyoung asks the other a more qualitative question. "Do you have any regular or chronic pains that started when you first shifted?"

Mingi considers the other's inquiry and nods slowly. He grabs the whiteboard again, swiping his forearm over the existing text before writing down a response.

Muscle pain. Soreness.

"Got it," Wooyoung nods. "Makes sense, I think. I'd hurt, too, if my entire body stretched an extra two feet once a month. Anything else of note?"

Mingi shrugs, but something appears to dawn on him, and he adds an addendum:

Tooth aches and jaw pain. Callouses and blisters.

"Seems consistent- callouses and blisters from walking on all fours," Yeosang remarks. "I imagine growing a snout does a number on you, too. Actually, it's pretty fascinating how well your body bounces back. Maybe walking on all fours is the cause of those There's not really any visible indicators of trauma."

Wooyoung directs another question toward Mingi, "To confirm, you experience what you'd consider enhanced senses even as a human - correct?"

Mingi nods.

"Can you describe them in more detail?"

The werewolf gets to writing on the whiteboard, scribbling down the things he experiences. Yeosang watches the two of them, relieved to see them getting along. Wooyoung lacks his typical mirth, but at the very least he isn't staring daggers at the werewolf when he's not looking. Yeosang still gets the sense that Wooyoung is holding something back. Like there's something he's not telling Yeosang which is weird. It's not like they have a lot of secrets. Wooyoung's already said nasty things, anyway, how bad could the hypothetical hidden thought be?

Yeosang ponders it more. As he dwells on it, his mind goes back to that night. Maybe it has something to do with when they met Mingi. After a certain point, the event became a blur for Yeosang; however, Wooyoung had been presumably cognizant for most of the time. Yeosang recalls his friend having passed out, but he has no idea when that happened. He assumes Wooyoung fell asleep after assuring Yeosang's safety. At least... He hopes so.

Is that it? Does it have something to do with guilt?

That doesn't add up, though. Wooyoung seems to have reservations surrounding Mingi specifically. While he did lay them out a couple of nights prior, there might have been something left unsaid. Maybe Mingi did something outside of Yeosang's presence that irked Wooyoung.

"-Yeosang! Earth to Yeosang!" Wooyoung shakes Yeosang back to the present.

Yeosang gasps, sheepish from being pulled out of his thoughts. Spacing out is a bad habit of his. People will ask for his attention while his brain is in another world entirely.

"Eh? Sorry I was, um, zoning out, I guess."

"Yah- I know you were zoning out. You're so hopeless, I swear," Wooyoung chides him. He gives Yeosang's cheek a pinch for good measure.

Yeosang's face scrunches and he bats at the other weakly. Wooyoung simply giggles in response, using his free hand to poke his best friend, furthering his torment. Yeosang lets out a groan, wiggling in his chair without making any actual moves to escape. 

"Sorry- What is it?"

"I said, we should check for tapeta- tapetum lucidum. The glowy eyes."

"Oh, yeah- sorry," Yeosang nods sheepishly. He turns uses his phone flashlight and records video of Mingi's eyes. To his surprise, he sees a flash of green - something they quickly note down.

The afternoon passes by peacefully with the humans asking their werewolf subject a variety of questions. Mingi's a good sport about it, answering questions that are objectively invasive for the sake of their studies. Wooyoung types away on his keyboard, making notes of everything while Yeosang relays questions and takes visual evidence.

Time passes like water sliding between their fingers, and before they know it, the sky is painted with dusk's desaturated colors. Yeosang's heart throbs with appreciation for the afternoon. Though he doesn't dare verbalize his sappy thoughts, it's one of those days that reminds him why he does what he does. Unearthing truths about the unknown with his best friend - and his new partner - it's the life that he's always dreamed of. In the absence of conflict, the three work well together.

Yeosang hopes that Mingi and Wooyoung can become closer with days like this. Mingi still hasn't said a word in the presence of Wooyoung which indicates that the discomfort there lingers. Yeosang hardly blames him. He's not sure what Wooyoung said during his apology (and it's not really his business), but obviously one verbal apology can't make up for days of tension.

The trio parts ways after concluding their studies, each taking a corner of the bungalow. Yeosang taps away at some work on his laptop, Mingi reads a book on Yeosang's tablet, and Wooyoung plays League. Working is a struggle for Yeosang given the distraction of their afternoon. He still has so many burning questions about Mingi's body, but they lack the resources to answer them. Are there any medical professionals in the Network who could help them run more tests? Questions run through his mind as he half-heartedly attempts progress on the web component he'd been tasked with.

They bask in comfortable silence until the grumbling of their stomachs becomes too much to bear. Wooyoung volunteers himself to the cause and whips up tofu stew. After they're all done eating, he throws some anime on the screen which immediately snatches Mingi's attention. The werewolf doesn't say anything, of course, but it's easy to tell by his posture how invested he is. His dark eyes glimmer, practically unblinking with how thoroughly they focus on the screen.

Suddenly, Yeosang's brought back to the time he and Wooyoung looked into him. His Twitch channel, the pink hair, the glasses and regular streams. He faintly recalls some reference to an anime that would've been a hit at the time in one of the werewolf's posts. It's times like this that remind Yeosang of their reality. Just witnessing Mingi's attention makes it really sink in: the werewolf has been missing for years . How many shows have come out since Mingi's disappearance? Two years doesn't sound like a long time, but in two years hundreds of new shows release. Thousands of songs, trend cycles, and memes come and go in that time. The world turned and turned and turned - all without a spare thought for Mingi Song.

Yeosang doesn't know what time it is when he nods off. He doesn't realize that he dozed at all until being shaken awake by Mingi moving. A yawn wracks through his entire body. 

"You should go to bed," Wooyoung mutters. He curled up in the corner of the couch next to Yeosang. It's not a big sofa, but with the way Wooyoung has his feet up, it leaves a gap between him and Yeosang which the other finds kind of strange. He's not sure why his brain makes note of it, but once he notices it, he finds it almost comical. Mingi is the polar opposite - wrapped around Yeosang like a winding vine.

"Mmn. Maybe I should."

"You definitely should," Wooyoung insists. "It's, like, three in the morning."

"What? No it isn't."

"Yes it is, check your phone, dummy."

Yeosang pouts as he wiggles around, fishing for his phone and- oh. It is, in fact, three in the morning. Well, three-twelve, to be precise. After a bit more fussing, he finally peels himself off the couch.

"Good night, Wooyo," Yeosang mutters.

"Night night. Sleep well. You too, Mingi."

The werewolf glances at Wooyoung which is about as much acknowledgement as he can hope for. Wooyoung flashes the couple a half-hearted grin and a wave before they disappear through the door. The room is already dark which is lovely for Yeosang. He happily collapses into bed with a soft "umph", rolling around to accommodate the werewolf beside him. Mingi follows close after, shimmying up to Yeosang until he's deemed himself comfortable.

Yeosang's eyes drift closed, and his mind starts to wander; however, he doesn't drift off for long. His attention gets disturbed by the shifting of weight around him.

Mingi positions himself on top Yeosang, nuzzling at his nape and hair. He makes his intentions abundantly clear with the way his hands roam freely across the human's body. Warmth radiates across Yeosang's body in response to the affection. He opens up to the other like a flowerbud unfurling to meet the sun, happily accommodating Mingi's wandering hands and lips.

Their sweet kisses heat up quickly, going from saccharine pecks to furling tongues in minutes. Yeosang returns Mingi's eagerness with his own, roving his own hands across the werewolf's defined pecs and broad shoulders.

"Mn... You're so lovely," Mingi whispers against Yeosang's skin. Yeosang blushes, and his brain scrambles to find an appropriate response to the compliment. It's a simple one - even so, Yeosang struggles to find the right words. "You, too" or "thanks", perhaps? Mingi's lips migrate, and Yeosang's attention gets snatched away by the plush lips on his neck.

Mingi trails wet kisses down Yeosang's neck until he can't stretch the collar of Yeo's shirt any more. He presses a kiss on top of Yeosang's adam's apple before grabbing the hem of the human's shirt and tugging it up. Yeosang expected that Mingi was just going to expose some skin; however, he doesn't think twice about complying when the other pulls it over his head.

Without being told to, Yeosang arches his back, inviting more touch. Mingi takes the offering eagerly. He dives down and lavishes Yeosang's shoulders and chest with affection. Yeosang shudders at the dull sting of teeth sinking into his skin, and every time the pressure is released, Mingi soothes the pain with sweet, suckling kisses. Yeosang's hands scrabble to find purchase - one landing in the sheets while the other fists at Mingi's shirt.

He squirms beneath the other while being ravished like a meal, enjoying every second of it. Mingi sucks at one nipple while flicking the other until they're flushed, swollen and sensitive. Every little nibble and nip sends shockwaves of pleasure resonating into Yeosang's stomach. His cock stirs to life, stiffening beneath his clothes. His hips seek friction on their own, rocking in an attempt to chase the werewolf's body.

Yeosang can feel the bruises forming as Mingi marks his path down the human's torso. Sometimes, he wishes he could do something for Mingi, but it seems abundantly clear what the werewolf's preferences are in terms of who's providing. Mingi derails Yeosang's roaming thoughts when he teases at his waistband.

Mingi dips a finger beneath the branded band and tugs a couple of times. Yeosang gets the impression that he's asking for permission which is sweet. So, so sweet - but in that moment Yeosang's patience for sweetness is starting to wear thin. He props himself up on an elbow and nods enthusiastically (to a comical degree, really) in approval.

Mingi flashes the human a soft smile and nods. He uses both hands to grip the waistband of Yeosang's dark boxer-briefs and slides them down, freeing his half-hard cock. Yeosang sighs with relief as he's free. Feeling bold, he sits up to meet Mingi's lips again and decides to encourage the werewolf even further.

Yeosang tries to be deft and shuck Mingi's shirt, but his attempt ends up a tad more clumsy, tangling up around his wrists and Mingi's armpits. They break their kiss and chuckle as Mingi helps him actually take off his shirt. They laugh about it for another moment or two, but inevitably, their carnal desires quickly override them.

Mingi pushes Yeosang back onto the bed and picks up where he left off, charting a map down the human's torso with his mouth. Yeosang gasps when those gorgeous, plush lips graze his cock. His cock throbs as if in greeting, enticing the werewolf to take it between his lips. Yeosang isn't sure if his mind is playing tricks on him, or if Mingi's mouth somehow feels hotter and softer on that particular day.

Regardless of the "why", Yeosang can conclude it feels incredible. Even though Mingi is just teasing him, noncommittally slipping Yeosang's cockhead between his lips and suckling at it, lavishing it with kitten licks. Yeosang's hard-on throbs, oozing precome in response to the attention. Mingi moves down, mouthing at the human's shaft and balls. Yeosang melts into the mattress as warmth floods his bloodstream. He's pretty much putty when Mingi noses between his legs.

The werewolf licks a wet line right between the human's ass cheeks, waking him up from his daze.

Yeosang hisses, his entire body flinching. He brings a hand to his mouth and bites down to stifle his groan.

Shaky, Yeosang whispers, "M-Mingi, what are you-?"

"What?" The werewolf props himself up on an elbow. His eyes glimmer in the barely-there moonlight filtering in through the slatted blinds.

"You- Your tongue- you're-"

Mingi smirks and dips down, licking another fat stripe between Yeosang's cheeks. He teases the tip of it at Yeo's entrance, pressing against the ring of muscle with impending intent. The stimulation makes Yeosang's cock jump, and he covers his mouth to stop another moan from escaping. 

"What do you mean?" Mingi laughs quietly. "I'm eating you out."

"Yeah, but- but I-"

Mingi backs of for a moment, and his cheeky grin falls, "Is- is that okay? Sorry, I should've asked..."

"No, that's- I mean- yes, it's- it's fine, I just..." It takes Yeosang an embarrassing amount of time to formulate words. He has to willfully redirect blood flow from his cock to his brain again. "I've never... Never done it before. Or had it done to me. I, um, I dunno what that- what that, like, involves."

"It involves you spreading your legs and letting me make you feel good."

Yeosang's cheeks blaze, and his eyes flee the other's gaze. There's no sign of the anxious wreck they brought 

"You showered today, right?"

"Uh, yeah?"

"Then we're golden."

"But-"

"Pretty sure I ate dead shit in the woods all the time- you don't need to worry about my palette, if that's your concern." The werewolf smirks, making Yeosang's stomach turn with a mix of arousal and nerves. 

"Um, ok."

"Only if you're sure..." Mingi trails off, his confidence faltering.

"Yes, it's fine! Just- just do it. Please. Sorry, I, um, I've really never done this."

"Just tell me if you want me to stop," Mingi replies. Yeosang takes a deep breath and nods, giving the other his permission. He lets Mingi position him like a doll, making more space between his legs. He dips down again to press kisses on the tender skin of Yeosang's perineum. Yeosang's face scrunches, and he suppresses a moan as the stimulation sends warm pressure swimming through his veins. Mingi uses his thumbs to spread Yeo's ass cheeks and licks a wet stripe along the trail of exposed flesh.

His tongue teases at Yeosang's entrance, circling the pink muscle with enough pressure to make it twitch and flutter. The teasing alone works Yeosang up more than he ever expected. Anticipation pulls his body taut. His toes curl as the faint sheen of sweat collects on his nape. His fingers twitch atop his blanket, lacking in strength or conviction to grasp. Without realizing it, he's holding his breath, waiting. Yeosang can't tell if his sense of time is just fucked up, or if Mingi is purposely drawing things out.

Yeosang gasps, his body arching when Mingi plunges his tongue in without warning. Mingi presses a hand on Yeosang's abdomen in a steadying gesture to keep him from writhing too much. Yeosang would probably be grateful if not for the new sensations assaulting his senses. It isn't as if it's his first time being penetrated ever, but tongues... Tongues are weird. At first, it's just the tip - a subtle, warm intrusion, but Mingi is quick to work his way in. Yeosang's eyes cross as the other probes him, his tongue hot and gloriously wet. He can't help but imagine this is what those tentacle hentais must feel like - being stuck with something sentient and wriggling.

"O-Oh-" Yeosang moans on accident. He clamps a hand over his mouth, and his eyes well up as Mingi continues to work into him. Yeo blinks the water out of his vision to try and get a look. He's not sure what to expect, but the visual he's delivered hits him like a gut punch. Mingi's lashes fan out over his cheekbones, his eyes closed and his face slick with saliva. He goes down on Yeosang as if the human's ass is a delicacy he needs to savor. His long nose squishes against the tender skin of Yeosang's perineum as he works the human open. As if sensing Yeosang's gaze, Mingi's eyes open to meet the human's. Yeosang's heart skips a beat. For some reason, he feels pinned down in that moment, like he's fully at Mingi's mercy.

Mingi slides his arms under Yeosang's legs and yanks him closer, burying himself so deeply against the human's skin Yeosang fears he'll suffocate. His tongue probes in further, making lightning strike down Yeosang's spine. Yeosang's toes curl and his legs twitch hopelessly as pleasure begins to mount. Mingi starts just by pushing it in and out, opening Yeosang up little by little. As he gains confidence in the other's comfort, his tongue starts to move with more freedom, twisting and writhing around.

Yeosang gasps, his back arching as he unintentionally presses his lower half into Mingi's face. Yeosang sighs loudly, his body trembling from the unique stimulation. It's not like he's never been fucked before, but something about the slow burn of a tongue inside of him is making him unravel more than usual. His tolerance for deprivation weans quickly. Without restraint, he reaches down to stroke himself. A moan pushes out of his throat before he can think to suppress it. A faint part of him registers that as shameful, but he's too far gone to care.

The mere action of tugging on his cock makes him keen so much that it twitches in his grip. Mingi recognizes Yeosang's squirminess and simply uses more force to brace him down. The ease with which he does it sends another shiver down Yeosang's spine. 

"Fuck," Yeosang breathes out. "Fuck- Not gonna last long-" He intended to dissuade the other, to draw it out, but Mingi simply takes it as a challenge. A speedrunning challenge. He moves one of his arms out from under the human and bats away Yeosang's hand. Using his thumb, he smears the precome that's puddled and beaded at Yeosang's cockhead to smooth out the glide. Yeosang's fingers clasp at the sheets beneath with white knuckles as warm pressure swells in his stomach.

Mingi's tongue is long - not Venom long, but long enough to just faintly tease at the edge of Yeosang's prostate. It's enough to turn Yeosang to putty while the hand works his cock. Everything ramps up too quickly, and Yeosang can't do anything other than whimper when he's pulled over the edge. The sweet sensation of his prostate being teased combined with the twist of Mingi's wrist undoes him. He flinches and shudders, coming with a choked whimper. His legs clench as warm come pools on his belly.

Mingi squeezes every last drop of come out of Yeosang until he's a shuddering mess. Yeosang attempts to bat the other way, but his hands are so tingly he can barely make a fist. The werewolf finally shifts his attention from Yeosang's asshole and makes his way up, tracking a sopping wet trail from Yeo's crotch to his come-covered stomach. He presses a few wet kisses along the sweaty skin with zero regard for the heap of cooling semen smearing across his face. It's filthy- he's filthy, lapping up Yeosang's come like a dog drinking out of a bowl. Yeosang's eyes roll back just thinking about it, and his abdomen clenches with uncomfortable overstimulation.

"Ff-fuck," Yeosang stammers out weakly. "That was..."

Mingi finally props himself up on an elbow to face Yeosang directly. Even in the dark, Yeosang can make out the werewolf's lopsided smirk. He's clearly pleased with the mess he's made. Mingi climbs up the bed until he's caging Yeosang against the mattress. He dips down, making Yeosang flinch way.

"Wait- No, not on the mouth!" He snorts. Mingi teases him, nuzzling at his cheek and neck. He nibbles at the tender skin, and all the while, the threat of a post-eating-out kiss looms. Yeosang wriggles in an attempt to escape the other's grip which makes him brush against Mingi's clothed erection.

"Ah- W-wait, wait, wait-" Yeosang pleas. "What about you?"

Mingi pauses and props himself up again. He tilts his head inquisitively for a moment.

"Wanna make you feel good, too..." Yeosang elaborates.

A soft smile passes the werewolf's lips, and he nods. He dips forward to press another kiss on top of Yeo's collarbone before sitting up on his knees. Yeosang watches in half-dazed wonder as the werewolf lowers his sweats to reveal his massive cock. A pervy voice in the back of his mind reminds him that Mingi could've definitely made it as a porn star.

Mingi plants his hands next to Yeosang's prone body and shifts until his hips are pretty much above Yeosang's. Yeosang's brows furrow, his brain churning far too slowly in his attempt to formulate coherent thoughts. He begins to ask:

"Do you want me to..?"

He trails off when Mingi lowers his hips, sliding his hard-on along the human's wet, messy stomach. Mingi lets out a satisfied sigh and picks up a slow, grinding rhythm. Yeosang didn't think it was possible for the werewolf to shock him more - yet there he is. Gobsmacked. He watches with wide eyes and flushing cheeks as Mingi slots his cock into the valley of Yeosang's messy abdomen.

Mingi's cock twitches, spilling precome which adds to the mess. He bites down on his lip, barely suppressing a low groan from leaving his mouth. Yeosang's struggle to think or act persists, and he can do little more than watch the spectacle above him, his cock soft and useless between his legs despite his fervent desire to participate.

Without warning, Mingi takes one of his hands off of the bed and runs it down Yeosang's body. He cups his palm beneath Yeosang's abdomen and proceeds to scoop up the remnants of come. For a second, Yeosang considered it to be an ill-advised cleaning attempt, but the thought gets thrown out when Mingi wraps his sloppy hand around his hard-on. That's... gross? Is that gross? Yeosang can't tell. He feels like it is gross, but not bad-gross. It's good gross. It's hot werewolf boyfriend using his come as lube to jack off on top of him gross.

Fuck, Yeosang loves being gross.

The human's eyes roll back, and arousal gnaws at his belly. He can hear the slick sound of Mingi jacking himself off along with his shuddering breath.

"God- Fuck me, please," Yeosang whispers, desperate. Mingi sighs, and his hand slows down. He licks his lips while appraising the man beneath him. Yeosang can see the thoughts brewing behind the other's eyes - he's worried about hurting the human. Yeosang finds Mingi's care sweet. Sweet and comical, given how they met.

"You already ate me out. Don't make me beg," Yeo whines.

The werewolf crumbles quickly. He licks his lips and nods, murmuring a barely audible "okay". Yeosang almost tells him to hurry, but he manages to save that morsel of dignity (not that dignity's really a thing between them at this point). Mingi repositions himself and grabs Yeosang's hips. He pushes a couple of fingers past Yeosang's entrance, slipping them in with relative ease. Once he's assured Yeosang is relaxed enough, he lines himself up.

Yeosang keens at the sensation of the blunt cockhead pressing finally against his entrance. He wiggles his hips in an attempt to spur the other forward. Mingi chuckles softly before finally indulging his lover. The push is surprisingly smooth considering the lack of actual lube, and Yeosang moans when Mingi breaches his entrance. 

"Fuck," Mingi groans, so quiet it's nearly inaudible. His grip on Yeosang's hips tighten as he restrains himself from pushing everything in. The process of opening Yeosang up is agonizing and drawn out. At least, to Yeosang it is. He'd love for Mingi to selfishly bottom out; he'd love to feel the sting of being stretched and molded to the shape of his werewolf lover.

"You can... More..." Yeosang babbles, still not entirely coherent.

"So fucking tight," Mingi hisses, easing in. Yeosang's back arches, his body responding keenly to the coveted sensation of being stretched. Mingi holds out for a while longer, grinding his hips with shallow thrusts, until his last thread of patience snaps. Yeosang yelps when the other pushes in with abrupt speed. Stars dance across his eyes, and his toes curl.

"Yes, yes-" Yeosang begs. Mingi's grip tightens even more, flush bulging out from between his long fingers. The werewolf pulls out until his cockhead practically pops out; he drives back in swiftly until their hips come flush with a soft slapping sound. Yeosang writhes like a puppet pulled on strings, honeyed satisfaction pouring into him as Mingi overwhelms his senses. He doesn't even give a shit if there's dried drool and come on his stomach or that he's sweaty, or that he sounds like a squeaking mouse.

Judging by his fervor, Mingi doesn't care, either. The werewolf picks up the pace, his restraint eroding with each forceful thrust inside of his human lover. His breaths come out shaky as his hips roll in pursuit of his pleasure. All the while, Yeosang tries to remember to breathe as he's filled to the brim.

Mingi's restraint withers, and soon Every thrust leaves the tender skin of Yeosang's ass and inner-thighs red and stinging. The human has to brace himself to stop his body from sliding into the headboard. Mingi's breaths grow increasingly tonal and his pace erratic. Yeosang, voice ragged, beckons the other to indulge.

"Yes- Fuck- yes- feels so good- i-inside, please-"

Mingi lets out a sound that can only be described as a growl and drives his hips in hard. Hot come spills inside of Yeosang, making him whimper as he's filled to the brim. Mingi's chest heaves with shuddering breath as he empties himself inside of the other. He collapses down, just barely catching himself with an elbow before burying his face in Yeosang's neck. The werewolf presses sloppy, wet kisses along his neck while his hips roll - as if he can push his come further inside the man if he gets the right angle. 

Yeosang wraps his arm around the werewolf, pulling him closer. He's far past the point of giving a fuck about how gross they are. The two bask in one another's warmth exchanging idle kisses until the heat becomes too suffocating.

"We need to shower," Yeosang whispers.

"Mmnn..." Mingi grunts.

"Come on- you- you need to move. You haven't even pulled out."

"Hmph."

"Mingi~"

"Can't we just stay like this forever?" The werewolf whispers, his breath warm and ticklish against Yeosang's neck.

Yeosang sighs, "Wish we could... But I'm starting to actually feel gross. Come on-" He pulls off the band-aid, moving first. Mingi hesitantly follows his prompting, lumbering behind him to the bathroom so they can share the shower. Mingi kisses Yeosang so much that the human practically forgets what day it is. Though he doesn't say it out loud, Yeosang wonders, too.

Can't things just stay like this forever?

Fucking Mingi always leaves Yeosang feeling like a wrung out towel in the best way possible. The two drifted off to sleep but, after some amorphous stretch of time, Yeosang finds himself stirred awake by a parched throat. He dismounts the bed with as much care as his ragged body can muster and plods toward the door. The main room is dark when he emerges which isn't surprising considering the hour. He shuts the door behind him softly and steps toward the kitchen.

His heart jumps into his throat, and he clutches his heart, startled by the sight of something in the kitchen. It takes him an embarrassingly long time to figure out what he's looking at initially. Much to his relief, it's not some glowing alien or goblin that's taken up residence in their kitchen. It's just Wooyoung sitting in the dark. Typically, the man leaves a lamp or something on, but apparently he decided to go full gremlin-mode tonight for whatever reason. 

Wooyoung looks ghoulish in the greenish cast of his laptop screen. He rests his face in one hand, brow furrowed while his teeth dig into lips. Yeosang can barely make out the shape of Wooyoung's headphones in the dark. It's clear that he's in his own world, utterly transfixed by whatever he's studying. Yeosang approaches slowly out of consideration for the other's focus.

He approaches Wooyoung from across the table first and gives the other a wave. Nothing. Yeosang gives him a minute, but when it's clear his attention isn't budging, he steps around to Woo's side. Yeosang tries to remain courteous as he gently nudges his friend. He notices a video playing on the laptop, full screen.

"What are you watching-?" 

Wooyoung jumps, and his wide-eyed gaze darts over to Yeosang, "What th- Yeosang! What are you doing here?!"

"I've been here I- Is that.." Yeosang's stomach lurches at the grainy, green footage filling the screen. The camera capturing the footage is slightly blocked by leaves, but the low angle manages to catch the subjects in their entirety. He gets sucked into the footage, speechless as he watches Mingi - in shifted form - fold him into a mating press, his hips thrusting frantically while his tail wags. "S-Sorry, I, um- I see you're doing research it's just... So embarrassing. I could die. At least tell me you don't have the sound on."

"Uh- Yeah," Wooyoung nods, wide-eyed. He stares at Yeosang for a few beats too long before finally pressing the space bar to pause the video. He lowers his headphones onto his neck. "I was, um, reviewing the tape to see if I could catch anything..."

"What were you looking for?"

"Um, well- I was just kinda thinking. You know?"

Yeosang nods, pulling out the chair next to Wooyoung so he could join him properly. 

"Did something interesting come up?"

"I- Well- I- I was thinking that- like- about the- the mating."

"Right... What about it?" Yeosang asks, trying to push aside his humiliation to shift into researcher mode.

"Well, I mean, don't you think it's... Weird that a werewolf would want to mate?"

"Hm... How so? Like, why is it weird?"

"Um, well..." Wooyoung takes a second to articulate his thoughts. "Well- I guess, one theory is he was acting on, um, wolfish instincts. But... But- what if, in theory, what if- there were compatible werewolf mates? Like- I guess, there's so much in question, but what if there are... Are other prospects? Like- if two werewolves mated, would they create werewolf offspring? Is there an instinct to mate because it's part of their wolvish instincts? Or is it a werewolf thing?"

"Oh! Hmm... That's a good question," Yeosang responds. He never really thought about it. After spending a night as Mingi's chew toy, Yeosang had been content to look past the entire "mating" episode. He's been so focused on Mingi, but Wooyoung has a point - that night and their data from it has a wealth of information if only they'd review it. "Mingi says his transformations are like hazy dreams at best. He describes most of it like blacking out. So, asking him isn't really going to work."

"Right... Um- So, yeah I was just watching 'cause... Cause I thought of that. For research. I dunno, maybe we should find someone who can do DNA testing under the table. We've got a few samples in the freezer, after all. If there's an anomaly there, maybe it can indicate that the werewolf thing can pass on genetically."

"Which means that, in theory, werewolves could mate and produce werewolf offspring," Yeosang gasps. "That's- that would be an insane discovery if we could get it. Though, one sample may not be able to indicate much."

"Right, well- it's a start! And considering that we're the first to have such close contact with a werewolf, we have a leg up on the competition."

"Yeah. Hm... If it was somehow something genetic, then in theory it could be passed onto offspring even if the werewolf mated with a human."

Wooyoung nods, "That's true. And, if his DNA test just gives us nothing, maybe that can help us rule things out for our theory on the origin, anyway."

"Right. The major origins - ritual manifestation, curses, experimentation, extraterrestrials, or mutation."

"Mingi doesn't give off the vibe of someone who was heavily involved with the occult or into weird rituals, so that's unlikely. I'd hope he didn't piss off some witch to get cursed, either."

"Maybe we can use that for our next line of questioning - ask about involvement around that kind of stuff? Seems like the direct route just... freaks him out."

Yeosang frowns, "Yeah..." He hates the way Mingi freezes up when he's anxious, chest heaving while his eyes look lost. He remembers the way the dry erase marker pressed so hard against the whiteboard that trails of ink seeped from the tip, running down the smooth surface.

"Yeah. I work tomorrow night but, um, maybe we can set up another interview recording late? If he's not asleep?"

"Sounds good. Can we draft the questions ahead of time? I think if he's prepared, it'd go better. He could kind of prepare his answers- could make for better data."

"Yeah, that sounds legit," Wooyoung agrees. "Good idea... Ugh- Yeosang!"

"What?"

"You're so smart!" Wooyoung coos.

Yeosang blushes, recoiling a bit from the compliment, "It's just normal interview etiquette."

"Not for job interviews."

"Whatever. Um- Did you need help with anything?"

"Hm?"

"I mean- Usually we do research together."

"Oh-! Oh, um, no. It's fine. I just- it was kind of a... Like my brain was chasing a squirrel, you know?"

Yeosang chuckles, "Yeah, I get that. I know how you can be."

"What's that supposed to mean?!" Wooyoung pouts.

"I think you know."

"Do I, though? I think you should tell me."

"Figure it out," Yeosang sticks his tongue out. Wooyoung shoves him weakly with a whine.

"Jerk." He locks his laptop and shuts it, stretching in his chair with a yawn.

"Go to bed."

"Mmmm, but bed is so far."

"Come on," Yeosang grabs Wooyoung by the wrist and drags him out of the chair. Wooyoung groans but doesn't mount further protest. Yeosang drags him to the general area of the couch and helps him pull the bed out. He pushes Wooyoung into the mattress once everything's set, and Wooyoung lands with a soft "umph" sound.

"What? You're not gonna tuck me in like you used to?" Wooyoung asks.

Yeosang laughs, "What are you talking about? When have I ever tucked you in?"

"Wh- You make it sound so outrageous. You used to literally do it all the time! Or- At least, some of the time."

"Okay, yeah- when you were, like, drunk. Which did happen a lot in the past."

"Yeah, my party boy era was definitely iconic," Wooyoung says with a yawn. He clumsily slides underneath his blankets.

"Yeah. Lots of tucking in during that arc... Also when you cried." Yeosang recalls the streak of bad hookups Wooyoung would have. Every few months he'd make a connection, build them up into something they weren't, then get his heart broken. That was a tough time for both of them, in a way. Watching it happen killed Yeosang. He remembers walking around with a permanent knot in his stomach.

"Yeah... Is that what I have to do to get you to tuck me in? Do I need to cry more?"

"What?! No. Please."

"I'll do it. I'll do it right now, Yeosang, I swear."

"Can you even cry on command?"

"I dunno, but I'll try-"

"Okay! Fine, fine, you big baby." Yeosang rolls his eyes. Like always, he crumbles quickly when Wooyoung presses him - but it's not as if that's a bad thing. They're best friends, it's natural that he'd give in a lot.

Yeosang crosses over to Wooyoung's side, rolling his eyes when the other blinks up at him with a fox-like grin. Yeosang digs his hands in on each side, forming a tight blanket cocoon around the other.

"Wh- Hey! That's pretty- that's tucked."

"You said you wanted to be tucked in."

"I dunno if I can move my legs," Wooyoung laughs.

"Oh, so now it's not good enough?" Yeosang grabs the edge of the blanket and tugs it over Wooyoung's face. Woo fights back, wresting his arms from the tight tuck of the sheets and flapping them around. The two play-struggle with a fit of giggles like puppies playing.

Wooyoung manages to grab one of Yeosang's wrists and yanks it, nearly sending him crashing onto the bed. Yeosang stops himself by sticking an elbow by Wooyoung's head. The other titters from his triumph. Yeosang would usually roll his eyes at Wooyoung's antics, but he's suddenly hit with the realization of how close they are. Wooyoung's breaths feel warm and ticklish against Yeosang's skin. They're so close that Yeosang can see the birth mark on Wooyoung's lip, even in the low light.

It takes him a while to realize that things have gone quiet, and when he sheepishly tears his gaze away from the other's mouth, he notices Wooyoung staring, too. The two remain locked in silent confusion for a moment longer - though that moment stretches on to feel far too long. Wooyoung moves to sit up slightly, probably to adjust himself, and Yeosang's squirrely instincts take over. He cowers back, pulling his wrist from the other's grasp and standing upright.

"I- Sorry- it's- it's definitely time for bed!" Yeosang stutters out, his heart racing. Fuck. Why does it have to race like that?

"Right. Uh- good night," Wooyoung answers. He nods, his eyes drooping with sleepiness and tracks Yeosang as he crosses the bungalow toward the bedroom door. "Um, Yeosang-"

"What?" The older of the two glances over his shoulder, his hand on the doorknob.

"...Sweet dreams."

Yeosang flashes Wooyoung a grin and nods, "You, too. Night."

He slips into the bedroom with as much stealth and quiet as his nerves allow him to. To his relief, Mingi doesn't stir when he steps in. He thinks he's in the clear, happy to slide beneath the covers with his personal furnace. Its his presence in bed that causes the werewolf to perk up. Yeosang's eyes are still adjusting to the dark, but he can make out the slight tilt of his head. Mingi lifts his arm in a silent invitation for the human. Yeosang snuggles in, happy to let the werewolf drape over him like moss on bark.

Yeosang calms down gradually. He slows his breathing and blinks his eyes closed, willing sleep to pull him under. Mingi shifts slightly, nuzzling up to Yeosang until their bodies are flush. He rests his large hand over Yeosang's chest, and the steady weight calms helps further ground the human. He figured he was in the clear, but out of nowhere, Mingi whispers.

His voice is husky against his ear, "What's the matter?"

Yeosang's eyes shock open, "What?"

"What's the matter?"

"Oh- um, nothing's the matter."

Mingi pauses for a moment, fingers idly tracing circles atop Yeosang's skin, "Your heart's beating fast, and your breathing was unsteady. It's better now, mostly. But I can still feel this-" He pats Yeosang's chest.

"You can feel that through my shirt?"

"I heard it when you walked in."

Yeosang's eyes widen. His researcher brain files the fact away for later (it must make Mingi a great hunter, but the tradeoff would probably be severe overstimulation).

"Oh..."

"It's nothing."

"Yeosang... I know you probably think I'm delicate right now with how I was found, but you can talk to me. I want you to."

"It really is nothing."

It's nothing - same as ever. It has never been anything.

Probably never will be.

"...I understand. Just know that I will cherish you no matter what," Mingi reassures him. "You can tell me anything."

"I don't know... You shouldn't make promises you can't keep."

"You accept me for what I am knowing what that entails. It would be hypocritical of me not to do the same for you. Anyway-" Mingi pecks the top of his head, "-I know you can do no wrong. You're an angel."

Yeosang snorts and responds with sarcasm, "Yeah, absolutely."

"Mmm- it's true. I can feel your wings right here," Mingi traces his fingers over one of Yeosang's shoulder blades. Yeosang chuckles and snatches Mingi's hand back. He pulls it between his arms and hugs it like one would a stuffed animal. Mirth seeps into his skin through the warmth of their contact, dissolving the discomfort that'd been wreaking havoc inside him.

"Thank you..." Yeosang pulls Mingi's hand to his lips and presses a couple of kisses to it. Mingi mumbles something, snuggling up even more closely. His breathing steadies, and Yeosang finds himself dragged into a comfortable sleep.

Chapter Text

"Let's change it up," Wooyoung suggests early in the morning. Well, okay, it's not that early. It's early for them (ten thirty-four). Wooyoung's lounging on the couch, enjoying one of his odd days off - they'd been rare recently, of his own accord. He keeps picking up shifts for his coworkers.

"Uh, what do you mean?" Yeosang grunts, still half-dead to the world. He was never a morning person, but for some reason he found it impossible to go back to sleep after waking up around ten that morning. He pads over to the coffee maker, drawn by the fragrant aroma of whatever store-brand beans Wooyoung swiped for them.

"I mean, the interview research is great, but, well, what if we... Do something a little different?"

Yeosang turns to Wooyoung and quirks an eyebrow. He leans against the kitchen counter, letting the warmth seep from the mug into his hands. Wooyoung sets down his phone to address Yeosang more directly. His eyes sweep over the other's body, and a jolt of insecurity runs down Yeosang's spine. Are there hickeys or something he's missing? Fuck.

With the way Mingi shows affection, he's probably mottled with bruises. Yeosang pretends to ignore the other's discernment and nods, prompting the other to elaborate.

"Well, we've gotten some... data on how he behaves generally, but, like, what if we do it in a more controlled way."

"What do you mean?" Yeosang grunts, voice still hoarse from sleepiness.

"We can see how he responds to different stimuli. Sounds... prey?"

Yeosang furrows his brow, his laggard brain chewing on Wooyoung's words.

"Prey? You think if we get a rabbit drone he'll chase it?"

"Well, no, but also the point of it would be to find out."

"I... Don't know. Seems kind of dehumanizing."

"He's not- right. No, you're right, that's- never mind. Just a thought." Wooyoung sighs, slumping back into the couch.

Yeosang frowns. The idea of treating Mingi like an animal upsets him, but Wooyoung doesn't seem pleased at being shot down, either. He's barely cracked his eyes open yet he already finds himself torn between the two. It feels like a lose-lose.

Yeosang takes a seat next to the other, close enough that their thighs touch. Wooyoung seems surprised at the warmth, glancing down at where their legs touch versus at the man beside them.

"What?" Wooyoung asks.

"No, let's- let's figure it out. I agree the interview stuff is- it's useful but kind of mundane. Samey. What makes you want to test stuff like that?"

"Ah, well, I mean- for starters they do test how humans respond to stimuli all the time."

"I guess, it's just- there's not really a good control for that. We can't gather a bunch of participants to get a baseline to compare him against."

"I guess... I'm just curious like- would we notice anything different?"

"I dunno. He seems pretty present like this- in his human form."

"But the werewolf part, it does affect him, right?"

Yeosang thinks back to the way he sniffs, how sloppy and clumsy he is, his vein of possessiveness and how quick he was to imprint on the human.

"Yeah. Though... There are some physical signs, but I dunno if we can really pin down the less obvious stuff so easily."

"Mmm. I get you're right. It goes down to the fact that we can't really compare anything. Unless he starts pissing on trees and chasing traffic. Don't suppose he's been howling when I'm away?"

Yeosang chuckles, knocking into Wooyoung's shoulder, "No. Not..." Howling isn't the way Yeosang would describe those noises. He flushes, heat stinging his cheeks as lurid memories flood his brain.

Yeosang crosses his legs in hopes of hiding his thoughts, "Yeah hasn't done that."

"There's also the question of... Of the transformation outside of the full moon. What triggers that?" Wooyoung looks over to Yeosang, a hint of concern crossing his features.

Yeosang's heart sinks further. Here Wooyoung is, concerned for his best friend - meanwhile Yeosang's fighting off a halfie because he's picturing sex with his werewolf boyfriend.

"I... I don't know. He doesn't know, either, it seems. He described it like- like blacking out."

"Hm. He... He lived in the woods all that time?"

"Yeah."

"By himself?"

"Yeah. I mean, I don't think he had a roommate."

Wooyoung strokes his chin in thought for a bit. Yeosang feels warm, but he stubbornly lingers close to the other, sipping his coffee while watching Wooyoung parse his thoughts.

"That must be how he survived, right?"

"I... Yeah."

"He hunted for food he... Found water, presumably. Marked territory. Surely a single full moon's hunt couldn't sustain him that long. And, I mean- yeah, it's just not realistic, right?"

"Yeah. I mean- that much seems pretty straightforward."

"So, what if the transformation trigger is, like, something based on survival. Hunger. Fear. Thirst. I'm- I'm not saying we should- subject him, but it would be interesting. Like, if he didn't eat for a few days would he- would he turn?"

"I- I don't like thinking about that."

"I know. I promise, I don't mean-"

"I know. I just... Don't wanna think about that. He's safe now. He's with us."

"Yeah. Yeah he's in good hands now," Wooyoung says with a small grin. He bumps his knee against Yeosang's, another prickle of stimulation crawling over Yeo's skin.

"Hey, you're part of this household, too. You feed us. That's very important. Without your work we'd be dealing with, like, a reverse gremlin."

Wooyoung snorts.

"Mmm. Guess we're no closer to any new lines of inquiry, then, huh?" He says.

"Guess not... Well, there's that thing you mentioned last night, actually." Wooyoung gives him a questioning look. Yeosang adds, "The genetic aspect."

"Oh, that- yeah! What are you thinking?"

"Well, you mentioned it- we have samples. We need to find... Somewhere to send them."

"I can put lines out with the networks. Hmm... Witches are pretty diligent archivists with family lines and stuff, maybe I can reach out to a coven and they can link me up."

"Oh- let me know how that goes!"

"Mmm, I will," Wooyoung says with a yawn. He leans over and rests his head on Yeosang's shoulder. He does it so casually -- it is casual, after all, a typical gesture of affection from Wooyoung. Still, it takes Yeosang by surprise, and he finds himself stiffening a bit.

"So... Interview this afternoon?" Yeosang pipes up after realizing he didn't respond.

Wooyoung nods, "Yeah. We have... three weeks until the next full moon?"

"Just about, yeah, I..." Yeosang does some counting in his head, "I think like twenty-six days or something."

"Okay. We'll figure this thing out."

"Yeah. Yeah, we will." Yeosang nods. Wooyoung's cheek burns a brand into his shoulder, and his fingers fidget with the urge to bridge the gap between them. He can't bring himself to reach out, though. He never can.

Mingi squints at Yeosang's laptop screen, scrutinizing the article in front of him. Yeosang and Wooyoung watch as the werewolf parses through the journal entry. They decided to deviate from interview-style research for the day. Wooyoung came up with the idea of having Mingi review contemporary literature on werewolves.

With Mingi's firsthand experience, the cryptozoologists can easily vet the resources available. Werewolves have been, famously, elusive. There are very few reports, and the ones that do exist take on the tone of observation from a distance. Sure, there are plenty of folks who claim to be werewolves, but the lack of concrete proof makes it hard to parse who's legitimate versus who's roleplaying.

Sometimes, old folklore seems more helpful than modern work, but given the lack of tools they had in they had back in ancient Greece, it doesn't give them a great benchmark for comparison.

Yeosang points to the screen and writes something down in the notebook he'd been given.

This is accurate. A good point.

Yeosang nods and glances at the line Mingi had pointed out. The article is from another cryptozoologist, archived from a journal entry dated back to the nineties.

"Though werewolves hunt humans they do not typically eat them. There are many hypotheses as to why they do not choose to eat the humans they kill; however, in this entry I want to explore the theory of consciousness..."

It goes on to propose that werewolves are conscious and have control when shifted. It's an interesting theory. The way Mingi describes it makes it seem like a possibility, but not a sure thing. It's hard to tell with just one werewolf - there could be a variety of factors that play into whether a person has control of their werewolf form.

"To confirm," Wooyoung cuts in, "You mean the first part - about hunting humans but not eating them?"

Mingi nods in confirmation.

"What about the consciousness part?"

Mingi's face scrunches up as he tries to pick his words. He's told Yeosang a little bit before - that he's like a far away observer - but, save for that, he hasn't gotten much elaboration. After thinking it through, Mingi jots something down in his notebook.

It lapses in and out. It feels like a memory like something I look back on. Or a lucid dream.

"Interesting... Do you ever feel in control? Like you can affect what happens in the dream?"

Mingi takes a moment to consider the question. He nibbles on his lower lip.

For me it's like a mood or a vibe. I can affect it in that way, but not necessarily that I can take an action. That is if I am conscious of it.

"Got it... Thank you," Wooyoung types notes into his computer.

"There are some anecdotes of conscious werewolves," Yeosang remarks. "It could be bullshit, though. I wonder if there's a way to reach that level."

"Seems hard to say without knowing the source, though," Wooyoung says. "Like what is it that makes one turn? It seems safe to infer that the full moon will force a transformation, but we know that's not the only time he can be turned."

"Yeah. If we can pin down non-moon triggers, maybe it can lead to whether consciousness falls into it or why."

"Yeah. Well, I'm sure something will break and we- shit! I heard back!" Wooyoung exclaims.

Yeosang's eyes widen, "Wait- You mean on the-" He leans closer to get a look at Wooyoung's laptop.

"Yeah," Wooyoung nods emphatically. He eagerly types out a response.

Mingi's gaze darts between the two humans. Without saying it, he asks: What's going on here?

"The testing," Yeosang explains. "What did they say?"

"Okay. Okay. We have instructions, I- Sorry, we should probably, uh..."

"Yeah. Yeah-" Yeosang reaches over and stops the recording. He nods to Mingi, "We, um, we've got a hit for some more thorough testing. If, um, if you'd be okay with it, that is." Yeo straightens up in his seat, cheeks flushing with sheepishness. The prospect of doing further investigation excited him so much, he forgot to actually consult the person it impacts the most.

Mingi tilts his head inquisitively. Yeosang can practically hear the man's thoughts, What kind of tests?

"Yeah, to clarify, um- we found a partner in the network that could do genetic testing. We can send them samples of your DNA and blood to see if it differs from humans. It can help us nail down, well, a lot of things. If you want. We'd keep you anonymous, of course. Sorry, I didn't think of... We can talk about it later, if you like?"

Wooyoung's brow furrows, and he glances between the two of them. Right. He doesn't know Mingi talks, does he? Yeosang didn't exactly tell Wooyoung, either. He feels it's not his place to disclose that Mingi has an anxiety disorder that prevents him from speaking.

It's kind of funny, in a way, they've asked so many probing questions. Wooyoung knows the werewolf's height, weight, blood type, and how thick his fingernails are; yet, he lacks the insight to so much of Mingi's inner world. Hell, Yeosang does, too. He's just fortunate enough to have a genuine connection with the other.

Mingi considers it quietly, hands fidgeting. He nods after a couple of minutes.

"Are you sure?" Yeosang presses. "You don't have to do it to please me- us."

Mingi shrugs and nods. He nods again with more certainty. He reaches for his board to write down: "You will keep me anonymous, yes?"

"Wh- Of course."

Mingi erases his phrase and writes another: "I want to know."

Something in Yeosang's chest swells, and he nods.

"O- Okay, then. Okay-" He turns to Wooyoung, trying not to grin too hard. "Okay, contact them."

Wooyoung nods and taps out a response. Yeosang's heart skips with excitement. He turns to Mingi again and realizes that he forgot what they'd been doing. Mingi tilts his head, patiently waiting for his next prompt.

With a bit of fumbling, they get through the rest of their follow up questions. Anticipation persistently tickles the back of Yeosang's brain all the while.

Everyone is weird.

It's a belief Yeosang has always held. Everyone has their own, unique quirks. Nobody actually considers themselves normal because nobody is. If you ask anyone if they think they're strange, they'll undeniably come back with some anecdote to illustrate just how peculiar they really are. And if nobody's weird, everyone is weird.

Yeosang never thought of himself as extraordinarily strange because of that.

But this.

This is strange.

Like, objectively, his current situation, in both the immediate, literal sense, and the more zoomed-out, macro sense, is really fucking weird.

It strikes him as he sits in the passenger seat on the way to a doctor's office after nine o'clock. Late night visits to the doctor aren't inherently abnormal - people make late-night urgent care and ER visits all the time; however, Yeosang is pretty sure most people don't do it to draw werewolf blood. He's pretty sure he's earned the right to say that, genuinely, he's weird. This is weird. Everyone in the car is weird.

Wooyoung nods his head to the beat of whatever old rock song plays over the car radio while Mingi gazes out the window, watching the scenery go by. Yeosang asked Mingi if he was sure, really sure, about a dozen times, but the werewolf insisted upon it.

"It's been so long, and I don't know anything," He whispered the night before. "Even if it scares me... I feel like I should know."

Fast forward thirteen hours, and here they are: the lone car riding the wet roads of rural Pennsylvania. Their headlights are the only thing illuminating the path ahead. Apparently, their contact got in contact with one of their contacts who knows a phlebotomist in state. They aren't even too far, a mere hour-ish out, close to the border of New York.

Their contact provided them with barebones instructions. Go to the address, draw blood, keep it cold, deliver it to the test site. The last step remains a bit obscure - they don't know where the testing site is yet or how they're sending the samples. It's not like they can just stuff it into a padded envelope via USPS; of course, that's a later problem. Right now they're more focused on navigating the winding roads of state route 120.

Yeosang glances at the back seat to check on Mingi. The other is curled up slightly, leaning against the window. He shuts his eyes for long-ish stretches of time only for them to flutter open, restless. Yeosang reaches back and paws at Mingi's knee, silently asking for his hand. It takes the werewolf a moment to get the message, but he obliges once he realizes the intention. The tension pulling him taut relaxes a tiny bit, much to Yeosang's relief.

Thankfully, Yeosang only has to maintain the uncomfortable position for another fifteen minutes or so. Seemingly out of nowhere, traces of civilization crop up between the trees and the hills. Red brick buildings adorn the neat, gridded streets of the borough. Wooyoung reduces their speed as they approach what appears to be a main street. Historical buildings line the thoroughfare, relics of a prosperous past. Yeosang imagines that, once upon a time, the shops had been lively and the town brimming with life. Some of the storefronts are still occupied, but like every other town across the rust belt, there's an eerie, hollowed-out quality to it.

Wooyoung follows the prompting of his phone and pulls them into a cracked parking lot. Their only source of light is an amber street light a couple dozen yards away.

"You have arrived at your destination," The robotic phone voice announces. Wooyoung parks slowly and cuts the ignition. In the absence of the engine and, silence rolls in like a thick fog. They all sit there without a word.

"You're sure this is the place?" Wooyoung asks, finally breaking the silence.

Yeosang turns around, disentangling his fingers from Mingi's. He fishes his phone out of his pocket and double checks the secure message from their contact.

"This is the place," He confirms. "We, uh... They have a side door, according to the message you forwarded."

"Okay, well-" Wooyoung gestures toward the door. "Let's go, I guess."

Yeosang lets out a sigh and nods. He glances back at Mingi again, locking eyes to tell the other I'm with you before hopping out of the car. Cool autumn air blows over him as he exits the car. He hisses, clamoring for Mingi to sap some warmth. The werewolf, in contrast, seems totally undeterred by the bitter cold winds.

Wooyoung leads the trio toward the building's entrance. The wooden sign out front reads: Dr. A Parker, MD - a private practice, probably the only one within twenty miles. They heed their contact's advice about a side entrance, stepping off of the paved path to inspect for other points of egress. Yeosang's anxiety spikes, and he clings to Mingi more closely. The area is completely deserted; nothing but the howling wind and occasional scuttling critter seems to be awake right now. Still, the thought of getting caught makes his heartrate hasten.

They plod around, stepping between shrubs and ducking under short trees until finally finding the aforementioned side entrance.

"Oh." Yeosang grunts. The side entrance is off of the main parking lot, tucked away toward the back of the building. There are a few spaces reserved for employees which they definitely could have used instead of taking the extra long way around the landscaping. Oops.

Wooyoung chuckles, and even Mingi, ball of nerves he is, lets out a soft breath.

"We took the scenic route," Wooyoung replies. The three of them approach the side door, and Wooyoung checks his phone again. He taps out a response to their contact and raps on the door.

"Wait- How are they gonna know it's us?" Yeosang asks.

"Wh- We agreed to meet? Who else is gonna be here half-past ten. This town gives off strong 'bedtime at eight-thirty' vibes."

"Oh. Yeah, I guess. Right. And to get our story straight, I- we can trust the phlebotomist?"

"Yeah. I mean, I trust Lemon Drop. We've known him for years."

"I guess that's true. Funny we don't know their name, though."

"Eh-" Wooyoung shrugs, "-internet friendships. We don't have to tell our life stories... Or Mingi's name, even, for that matter. They know he's a werewolf- or suspected of being one. That's all that matters. You, uh, you still good?" He turns to the werewolf.

Mingi, who'd been standing stiffly at the door, nods. He remains tangled with Yeosang, their arms linked and bodies pressed together as if drawn by magnetism.

"If- if anything happens, just... Just let us know. You can tap out," Yeosang reminds him. Mingi nods, though Yeosang gets the impression he won't take them up on the offer. Mingi has this quiet, contemplative determination about him. He meant it when he said he wanted answers. Yeosang doesn't blame him - logically, it makes sense, but he wonders what's driving the werewolf's inquiry. What changed? Is it his new living situation? Or has his interest been piqued by the cryptozoologists' fervor for the subject?

While Yeosang zones out, Wooyoung knocks again. Mid-knock, the door opens, and a shadowy figure darkens the threshold. Being the dignified grown adults they are, the three of them jump in unison. Yeosang nearly crumbles under the weight of their spooked werewolf. The only light illuminating them is a bluish fluorescent bulb somewhere down the hall behind the person.

Through the faint lighting, Yeosang can make out scrubs, glasses, and a mask obscuring most of their features. They step out of the way and gesture toward the barren hallway.

"You can step right in," They say.

"Th-Thank you," Wooyoung murmurs. Yeosang mumbles a few syllables that also sound like thanks, leading Mingi in. The phlebotomist shuts the door behind them, sliding the lock shut and peering through the brittle plastic blinds to make sure they weren't followed.

"You can follow me," The phlebotomist prompts them. Wooyoung, apparently the bravest among them, leads the charge with Yeosang and then Mingi at his tail. The three of them walk through the dark hallway like it's the entrance of a Haunted House. It sure as fuck feels like one. The clinical setting devoid of all the buzz and activity while still retaining all of the sterility makes for an unsettling, liminal space.

"So, um, what did Lemon Drop tell you?" Wooyoung asks. They walk toward the cool-toned light and find themselves ushered into the sample collection room. The closet-sized room is equipped with the necessities - chair with a large arm rest, a metal cabinet full of drawers, trash cans and sharp disposal plus all of the accoutrements one would need to sanitize.

The phlebotomist steps in and, under the light, the group can finally see who'll be poking Mingi. They've got a short, curvy frame, and their arms are covered in tattoos. Their hair is cropped short, and the sun spots peeking beneath their tattoos indicate they're older. Somehow, their intimidating appearance puts Yeosang at ease. He trusts someone covered in tattoos will know how to handle a needle - or at least be empathetic with the person they're sticking.

"You're going to be running some tests on... This one, I reckon?" They nod toward Mingi, clocking him immediately.

"Uh- Yeah," Yeosang answers.

"Need some samples. Blood- You've collected DNA, is what I've been told."

"Yeah. Yes. Lemon Drop, he, um, he mentioned that you take cash or we can just, like use an app or something?"

The phlebotomist waves in a dismissive gesture, "Don't worry about it. I didn't join the Network for the cash. Sit-" They instruct Mingi. Mingi squeezes Yeosang's arm one last time before hesitantly parting. He obliges the phlebotomist's instructions, taking his seat and shedding his jacket.

"But- Your time," Yeosang responds, "-and the supplies, too. This- surely this can't be free."

"Don't worry about it. Needles 'break' all the time. Just cite me when you release your findings. Drop'll give you my info for citation."

Yeosang doesn't love the implication behind misappropriating needles, but he doesn't dare press the issue. Now is not the time to question ethics.

"Right, well, thank you again, really."

"Which arm?" The phlebotomist asks Mingi. Mingi looks at Yeosang first, as if hoping the human will answer for him. Yeosang shrugs. He's gotten pretty in-tune with Mingi's wants and needs, but it's not like he's a mind reader. Realizing that Yeosang won't bail him out, Mingi timidly gestures to his left arm.

"Good." The phlebotomist gets to work, preparing the tourniquet and sanitizing the site. "You might wanna look away. Talk to your buddies, it'll keep you distracted."

Mingi's eyes widen, and he once again looks to Yeosang for relief. Thankfully, Yeosang can talk. He doesn't consider himself good at it, but he can manage something. Probably.

"Uh- Well, we, um, town seems pretty cool," Yeosang attempts.

"I mean, it was dark. And deserted. But yeah," Wooyoung chuckles. He steps over to Mingi's side - the one opposite the arm that's being drawn from - to keep his eyes elsewhere. "It's got like a, um, Gilmore Girls kind of vibe to it. You ever see that show?" He directs his question to Mingi without using his name.

The werewolf looks down in contemplation.

"Alright, you'll feel a pinch," The phlebotomist cuts in.

Mingi hisses, his face scrunching with pain as the needle goes in. Yeosang watches deep red filling the tube tube. He quickly averts his gaze.

"Wait- Yeosang, have you even seen it?" Wooyoung asks.

"What? No. Since when are you a Gilmore Girls fan?"

"Wh- I mean I'm not, like, a fan, but I've seen some of it. C'mon the vibes are immaculate. Mingi you can back me up, right?"

The werewolf's gaze darts between the two humans, and he shakes his head. No. Sorry.

"Oh come on. You are so uncultured. Okay, we've got homework for later. It's perfect for fall. They live in this, like, little walkable town and there's, like, a town square or something. No dollar generals, just local book stores. Man."

"Wait- I'm sorry, I- I didn't know you fucked with Gilmore Girls like that, Woo. You serious?"

"I can't believe you don't."

"I've known you for six years and I never knew this?" Yeosang laughs.

"Maybe you would if you actually listened to me when I spoke!" Wooyoung retorts, feigning offense. "I swear I've talked about it before, but you're, like, on another planet half the time- no, eighty percent of the time when I talk... You're doing it right now!"

"What?"

"See!"

"I'm not!" Yeosang snickers. "I just- I zone out. You know this."

"Oh my god- what do I have to do to make you pay attention? Do I need to do a dance?"

"More of a soap cutting videos guy."

"Ugh. Shut up. I can't stand him- how do you stand him?" Wooyoung posits to Mingi.

Despite the objectively sketchy, anxiety-inducing circumstances, the werewolf's got a grin on his face. He does a half shrug and a smirk.

"He doesn't even know," Wooyoung teases.

"Wh- Hey. I am a pleasure."

"A pleasure that can't listen."

"I listen when it's important. Like I know you're a Sagittarius, you're an ESFJ and that one time you took that online quiz it said you were a black cat but you disagreed and said you gave more dog energy but then you redacted it later and were like 'actually it's right I am a black cat 'cause I'm low key kinda goth'. And then we argued about it because you're not goth."

"You remember that?" Wooyoung asks, voice softened a bit. "Wait- I said low key, though!"

"Wearing black doesn't make you goth, Wooyoung- we've had this conversation."

"Okay, well, yeah it's a whole subculture and it's about- about sensibilities-"

"And music. Wooyoung you don't like Depeche Mode, we've had this conversation before-"

"Oh- And see you think Depeche Mode is the only goth band in existence because you don't even know what you're talking about."

"Sorry, I didn't realize you were an expert. Name another one, then."

"Nine Inch Nails."

"They are not-"

"All done!" The phlebotomist chimes in.

"Oh-! Thank you!" Yeosang replies, focus completely yanked away from their joking tiff. He steps over to the werewolf to check on him. "Mingi, you okay?"

Mingi nods, the slightest bit wary and flushed from having his blood drawn. He smiles up at Yeosang in quiet assurance. I'm okay. Fondness wells up in Yeosang's chest. He's stricken with the thought that, damn, Mingi is so strong. He's handled so many new, strange, and high-stress situations in just a couple of weeks. Yet, he's handled them all so well, all things considering.

"Alright, you'll need to keep this cold. Your refrigerator should be able to keep it between two and eight degrees celsius, so... thirty-six to forty-six. Put it in the back of the fridge. Here, I've got some ice packs..." The phlebotomist sets the sample tube down delicately and crosses over to a mini-fridge next to the metal cabinet.

Yeosang nods, and Wooyoung starts tapping notes into his phone.

Yeosang asks, "Oh- Right. Um- Wait, then how do we...?"

"Here- I'll write the instructions down-" The phlebotomist hands him a small plastic bag stuffed with ice packs. "You'll need to deliver it to the lab. It's, um... somewhere around Cleveland. Out of Case Western."

"Case Western?" Yeosang's eyes widen.

"Cleveland?! Whoa..." Wooyoung exclaims.

"Well, it's around there, anyway. You can probably get in touch with our contact there. Maybe find a halfway point."

"That's... Like three hours away," Yeosang frowns.

"Well, not like we can send it to Quest," The phlebotomist shrugs.

"No, yeah, it's- it's okay, really. Thank you for everything."

"Don't sweat it." The phlebotomist eyes Mingi. "So... What are you going to do with your discovery?"

"Ah, w-well, we originally had plans to publish a paper," Yeosang answers sheepishly. "It'll be important to anonymize it while providing sufficient evidence, though."

"Well, I wish you the best of luck." The phlebotomist nods, gesturing toward their door.

Wooyoung, Yeosang, and Mingi say their own thank-you's (verbal or otherwise) and head out. All in all, the blood draw was a mere blip compared to the time it took them to drive. The three are quiet as they climb back into the car with their ice-pack filled bag.

"Wellp, time to head back," Wooyoung mutters.

"Here- I can drive," Yeosang offers. Wooyoung takes him up on it, and they pull back out onto the deserted main street. They set off, heading back into the dark, winding roads of rural Pennsylvania. The trees cover them like the walls of a tunnel. It feels like they're being swallowed up by the darkness as they head back home.

"What do you think they'll find?" Wooyoung asks.

"I dunno. Could just be normal shit. Maybe he has high cholesterol," Yeosang laughs.

"Maybe. If that's the case, though, we can rule out some possibilities."

"You think?"

"Yeah, I mean, it'd have to be supernatural at that point. No way it's a genetic mutation if everything comes back normal."

"I guess that's right. Though that begs the question, then, why the urge to breed?"

"Maybe he just thought you were cute," Wooyoung teases.

Yeosang scoffs, pretending the remark didn't make him blush.

"Is that what it was, Mingi? You can tell us, be honest." Wooyoung adds. Yeosang checks the rearview mirror, ready to apologize. Thankfully, Mingi's nodded off. Yeosang would punch Yeosang if his hands weren't occupied by the steering wheel.

"Don't disturb him. He's sleeping," Yeosang scolds the other.

"Aww, he's so cute when he sleeps."

"I know, right. He's so..." Yeosang ends up just making a pouty face, his vocabulary utterly insufficient to describe Mingi's cuteness.

"Ugh, lucky."

"Wh- Hey."

"Hey what? Don't worry, I still think you're the cutest when you sleep."

"That's not what I mean."

"I'm not trying to steal your man if that's what you're worried about. I'd, like, borrow him, though- hey!"

Yeosang does punch him for that. He laughs while willing away the intrusive image of Wooyoung "borrowing" his boyfriend.

"What? I have eyeballs." Wooyoung laughs, "For the record, I would never, like, actually do anything to fuck with your relationship."

"I know, I know."

"Okay, just- it's what you deserve, you know? I- You don't really, well, you know..."

"Yeah, I get what you mean."

"I guess, I just..."

"You just what?"

"I dunno, for a while, I thought, like- for a while, I didn't think you wanted something like that."

"I, um, I guess- I don't know. With the way we live, it didn't make sense to get too attached to anyone. I've been pretty happy, too, with just- just us. It's not like I planned for this, anyway."

"Yeah, that's true."

Wooyoung moves on from the topic quickly, thank god. The two lapse into on-and-off conversations. Sometimes they sit in silence, letting old rock music fill the silence between them. Conversation will crop up randomly - one of them recounting an old memory from their early days, a random thought gets blurted out.

The time passes surprisingly quickly, but there's one more thing they have to take care of before returning home.

"We should find a gas station or something," Yeosang says, glancing at the fuel monitor. "Plus we should get something to eat."

"Ohh- Sheetz run?"

"Sheetz run."

"*Fuck* yes. Oh my god I want curly fries."

"Hell yeah," The prospect of greasy, made-to-order gas station food excites him more than it really should. He grins ear to ear as he changes the route slightly, heading toward the Sheetz that's country-close to their place.

They can spot the gas station almost a mile away. The lights shine like a beacon in the night, a north star guiding them toward greasy food and oversized fountain drinks. Yeosang pulls up to a pump and shuts the car off. He procrastinates leaving the car, dreading the frigid autumn air.

"I'm gonna head in, is that okay?"

"Yeah, I'll meet you there when I'm done pumping."

Wooyoung gives him an approving grunt before hopping out of the SUV. Arctic air floods in through his open door, making Yeosang heave a sigh. He gets started, punching the proper buttons and sticking the pump into the car. He considers his next move carefully as the numbers tick upward on the pump's display.

The gas station is completely deserted. There's only two other cars there, parked off to the side - presumably belonging to employees. There aren't any cars coming or going on the road, either. Yeosang gets back into the driver's seat and turns toward the back seat.

"Mingi?" He says softly. He slowly reaches out toward the other, giving him a gentle shake. "Mingi? Hey."

The werewolf stirs, his face scrunching into an adorable pout. He slowly blinks his eyes open, and they dart around, slightly dazed.

"Hey, we're almost home. Needed to make a stop for gas. Figured we'd pick up food, too."

Mingi tilts his head, and his brow furrows in confusion.

"I was wondering, um, would you want to... Would you want to come in?"

The question doesn't hit Mingi right away. He's still half-asleep, it seems. Yeosang patiently waits for the other to comprehend what he's saying. The gas pump stops with a soft thud, and Yeosang finishes putting it away, pressing "No" when it prompts for a receipt. He leans into the car again, glancing at Mingi with raised brows.

"There's... Nobody here but us and the employees," He adds. "I, um, I know this'll be the first time you're actually, like, leaving the house. Maybe your first foray into society shouldn't be a Sheetz- I dunno. I just thought-"

"Click."

Mingi undoes his seatbelt and sits up. His eyes waver, shaking a bit, but he still manages to find Yeosang's gaze and nods.

I'll go.

"O-Okay. Awesome," Yeosang's heart soars. "Let me just move the car."

He does just that, parking their SUV right in front of the doors. Mingi slowly dismounts and, despite the cold, he just stands still for a minute, staring at the lit up Sheetz sign like he's a pilgrim who's just reached a sacred site.

"Come on-" Yeosang waves.

Mingi visibly swallows as he nods. He pulls his hood up and takes Yeosang's hand, uncaring of of the looks it could possibly draw. Yeosang gives Mingi's hand a reassuring squeeze. Just being close with him makes his heart swell.

Being wanted, being in a position to support someone... It makes him happier than he ever imagined. Between him and Wooyoung, he's often been the clumsier of the two - more naive, less worldly, bad with his hands. Yeosang often finds himself in the position to be taken care of. It's nice to reverse the roles for once, to feel capable and competent at caring for someone else.

Hand in hand, the two enter the large convenience store. They get hit with the familiar smell of fried food combined with chemical cleaner. Mingi squeezes Yeosang's hand more tightly, clearly venting his anxiety into his grip. He lets Mingi stand there for a moment and take it all in.

There's nothing remarkable to him- well, not especially so. Sheetz is a cut above the average convenience store, but it's not exactly anything to write home about. Still, judging by Mingi's expression, it's extraordinary to him. How long has it been since he stepped foot in a convenience store?

Yeosang strikes the thought from his head - thinking about it too much will make him sad.

"Oh- What are you gonna get?" Wooyoung asks, approaching them with a grin. He's already got chips and a drink tucked into his elbow along with a long receipt for his order.

"No idea." Yeosang turns to Mingi. "Wanna check out the made to order stuff or-?"

Mingi doesn't know where to look first. He glances from the wall of fridges to the made-to-order order kiosk. Yeosang gives him a wide berth, patiently giving the other time to make his decision. After a while, Mingi finally starts toward the beverage refrigerator.

He opens the door and grazes his fingers over the cool beverages. His eyes settle on cans as he presses fingers in, making fingerprints against the condensation. He plucks an iced tea off of the shelf then heads over toward the snacks. Yeosang walks beside him, completely absorbed in how the other interacts with the store.

Mingi touches a lot of stuff. His lips twitch into a smile as he picks up snacks, probably connecting them to fond memories. It's way longer than Yeosang would ever want to take in a convenience store, but he doesn't mind. He'd spend an hour in there if it made Mingi happy. He encourages the werewolf to get whatever the hell he wants, and after a slow perusal of the snack aisles, he leaves with two bags of chips and a bag of chocolate chip cookies.

They go to the kiosk next, and Wooyoung walks Mingi through the ample options (all with the letter Z tacked on the end for branding). Yeosang can see the confusion writ across Mingi's face as he browses the options. Quesadillas, cheese sticks, burgers, sandwiches, salads - pretty much any basic Americana dish one can imagine.

After a lot of back and forth, he decides on a meatball sandwich with a side of cheese sticks and adds on french toast sticks for good measure.

"Are you sure all the processed food isn't going to, like, kill you after so long?" Wooyoung laughs. Mingi shrugs with a grin. His shoulders sink down, and though he's still holding Yeosang's hand, his grip is no longer a sweaty vice. Yeosang orders his own meal - a spicy chicken sandwich with mac 'n cheese bites - and the trio finally heads to the register.

Wooyoung pays first, making nice with the cashier as he often does. Yeosang grabs his and Mingi's meal. The guy behind the register seems pretty checked out, but he does greet the two of them. He seems either oblivious or uncaring that they're together, which Yeosang counts as a win. He rings them up without a fuss, and they head out to meet Wooyoung at the car.

Yeosang shivers when they emerge into the crisp night air. It's then that he realizes how long it's been since he ate. He lets out a happy sigh, excited images of them gathered around the table. He leads Mingi by the hand toward the car.

"Mingi?"

Yeosang's blood runs cold.

He and Mingi both halt at the same time, frozen in place by utter shock. Yeosang doesn't recognize the voice calling Mingi's name - or the face, as he turns to look over his shoulder. A girl close to their age stands a few feet away. Her hair is up in a bun and she's wearing pajama pants - the classic middle of the night gas station uniform.

Yeosang glances at Mingi, and it looks like all the color has drained from the werewolf's face. Neither of them respond. They just stare at her, wide-eyed and sputtering, which makes things really awkward.

"Sorry," The girl steps closer, stuffing her hands into her jacket pockets. "I just- is that you, Mingi?"

Mingi doesn't answer. He just gives her a wide-eyed stare.

"Sorry, he, uh, he doesn't speak english," Yeosang cuts in, heartbeat racing.

"Oh. Are you, um, Korean?"

"Um- Yeah?"

"Yeah, just like- sorry, you look exactly like this guy I went to school with. Do you know him? Mingi Song? Are you, like related? No- Wait- I swear I know how that sounds, but you really look just like him!" She insists.

"Oh, um, that's funny. I think you're mistaken. Have a good night," Yeosang says.

"Oh, yeah, you too. You should look him up on Instagram, though. It's uncanny! I promise, I'm not being, like-"

"Yeah, no, we get you. Um- Bye."

The girl waves before stepping into the convenience store. Yeosang resists the urge to run to the car. It isn't until he reaches the driver's side that he realizes Mingi isn't with him. He's still standing there, by the entrance like a statue, his eyes glossy.

"M-Mingi, come on-" Yeosang runs to the werewolf's side and pulls him into the car. Mingi allows Yeosang to handle him like a doll, pushing him into the car and swinging his legs into the seat. He shuts the door for Mingi and jumps into the driver's seat like he's driving a heist getaway car. He peels out of the gas station and onto the road, his heart racing.

"Uh- What the hell happened?" Wooyoung asks, his mouth still half-full from the food he'd been shoving into his mouth. He swallows dryly and adds, "Who was that girl?"

"I- I don't know. She recognized Mingi."

"She- what?!" Wooyoung's eyes widen, and his head snaps back to look at Mingi.

"She said she went to school with him- I dunno."

"Well- What did you say?"

"I said she was mistaken."

"Okay, well, cool. It's fine, I'm sure. Nobody thinks he's alive, and there's no way anyone's gonna give much weight to someone's midnight munchie run. She was probably stoned, anyway. Mingi, did you know her?"

Yeosang checks the rearview, but Mingi doesn't respond in any way. His glassy gaze is fixed on his lap.

"Let's get home and get some food in us. That'll help," Wooyoung tries. Yeosang nods in agreement, speeding the rest of the way home.

Dinner is a somber affair. Wooyoung tries to keep things lighthearted, but Mingi's zombie-like countenance breaks both of their hearts. The werewolf barely picks at his food before dismissing himself to bed.

"Yeosang, what happened?" Wooyoung asks in a low voice once Mingi's gone.

"It's like I told you. He was- he was recognized."

"Do you think- did she say anything about, you know, his parents?"

"No, thank fuck. She mentioned she went to school with him, but she didn't say what school- whether it was college or high school. Maybe she didn't know..."

"Seems like it would've been a pretty big news story. Family of three slaughtered by animal, one missing with no traces found."

"Hey."

"Sorry- Right that's..."

"Woo, what if it gets out?"

"It won't. You're overthinking it."

"I- No, you're right. She'll probably forget she even saw him."

"Yeah, I am right."

"I just- I worry. He deserves a peaceful life, but it's like- it's like his youth was taken from him. I just want to give it back."

Wooyoung eyes the door to the bedroom. They haven't heard a peep since he disappeared behind it. "...Check on him."

"Huh?"

"I'll clean up here. I think... He needs you."

"Oh, um, I- okay." Yeosang glances at the spread of wrappers, silverware and napkins scattered across their table. He frowns but accepts the other's proposal. He'll make it up to him next time.

Yeosang opens the door slowly. The living room's light paints a strip inside the otherwise pitch room. It disappears the moment Yeosang closes the door behind him, leaving only the tiny strips of light around the doorframe.

"Mingi?" Yeosang calls out in a soft voice. He gets no response. "Mingi, are you asleep?"

Still nothing.

Yeosang steps toward the bed, still not quite adjusted to the darkness, and paws around. Typically Mingi sleeps on the right side, but he doesn't feel any werewolf shaped lumps under the sheets.

"Mingi?" Yeosang calls out again, concern staining his voice. A wheezing noise sounds out inside the room. "Mingi?"

The human follows the noise, crossing to the other side of the bed. He approaches the approximate location of the side table and stumbles over something.

"Fuck- Mingi?!"

Another shaky breath rattles out.

"Mingi!" Yeosang kneels down next to the other. His eyes start to acclimate, and in the darkness he can make out the werewolf hunched over, hugging his knees on the floor. Yeosang's heart splinters at the sight. He bites back a cry of his own. Seeing Mingi like this shatters him on the inside.

Though he knows it's not reasonable, he feels weirdly responsible. It's his job to protect Mingi, to take care of him and keep him safe. And now, he's fucked it up. Regrets scroll through Yeosang's head like a fucking slideshow - he shouldn't have insisted Mingi leave the car, he shouldn't have let them linger for so long, he should have just gotten something for Mingi and gotten home. Maybe if he had a backbone, he would've shut that woman down outright, told her to fuck off and mind her business; but he isn't that person and he has no backbone, so now Mingi has to bear the consequences of his actions.

Mingi sniffs loudly, and the sound of it pulls Yeosang from his spiral. This isn't about him. He needs to get over himself and comfort the person actually hurt right now.

Yeosang leans over and wraps his arms around Mingi, pulling him close.

"C'mon, let's get off the floor," He says in his kindest, most gentle tone. Mingi follows the prompting and joins Yeosang on the edge of the bed. Progress.

"Hey. Hey..." Yeosang murmurs. He rubs circles up and down his back. Mingi rocks idly, large hands gripping at Yeosang's clothes as if the man is keeping him tethered to earth. "It's okay."

Mingi just buries his face further into Yeosang's shoulder. He acts as if he can disappear in the human's arms, like he can slip into his skin and hide away forever, never to be perceived. Perhaps it's not a healthy existence, but, in that moment, Yeosang wishes he could grant the werewolf's wish. The idea is tempting - easy, even. He imagines sheltering Mingi away from the horrors of the human world - providing him sustenance, all the books, warmth, love, and stimulation he could ever need.

But he knows himself, and that's not realistic. Or healthy.

"Mingi- it's okay. It's gonna be alright, it's-" Yeosang can feel his own heart hastening, panic seeping into his veins. Mingi's body begins to shudder, and his choppy breaths hitch. The werewolf's grip tightens around Yeosang. He claws at the human's clothes and buries his face further into Yeosang's shoulder.

"Mingi?" Yeosang asks, swallowing down the bile rising in his throat. "It's okay. I- I'm here, I'm not going any- anywhere-"

Fuck.

Yeosang reels, grasping pitifully for some type of solution, some soothing balm or kind words. But he's got nothing. He freezes, arms calcified around the large werewolf as his chest heaves.

Fuck.

Mingi wheezes, and Yeosang's panic spikes, a dagger twisting in his throat.

What should he do? What should he say?

Why can't Wooyoung be here? Yeosang wonders. Wooyoung is so good at diffusing tense situations. He's so sweet and kind, he can always cheer someone up when they're down. He'd know exactly what to do in this situation, Yeosang just feels it. He shuts his eyes again and tries to picture the other there, coaching him through some type of resolution. His heart yearns for the other's comforting presence, but his imagined facsimile will have to do.

Wooyoung takes things in stride. Even if he's a bit off-kilter, he never shows it - not in situations like this. Yeosang tries his best to act calm, even if he's anything but.

"M-Mingi? Are you okay? Mingi- Mingi you've gotta breathe," He should follow his own advice. His chest throbs with anxiety. "Ah-!"

Yeosang gasps, body jolting with pain. Something sharp digs into his back. He grits his teeth to hold back a yelp - loud noises would only escalate things. Mingi lets out a pained groan. The sickly sound tears Yeosang's attention away from his own pain. He wrenches his eyes open to figure out what's going on.

It doesn't hit him at first. Mingi's body heaves with each breath he takes. His broad body envelopes Yeosang's own. Yeosang knew that Mingi had wide shoulders, but upon a second glance, Mingi's broad shoulders look...

Uncanny.

"Mingi?" Yeosang whispers.

Mingi pins Yeosang down and clutches him closer. His fingers dig in deeper, and sharp pain shocks his shoulder blades. Yeosang sucks air in through his teeth, holding back another sound.

"Mingi, you're-"

Yeosang's eyes dart down, and he notices the arms wrapped around him. Mingi's sleeve rides up and reveals his arms. Sinew and muscle bulges as if trying to push out of his skin. His body folds as if he's trying to hide himself, curl up inside Yeosang's grip.

He's turning.

Mingi is turning right now.

Shit.

The werewolf's growing body shudders, and the soft snap of straining seams rings across the room. Yeosang takes a deep breath and steels himself.

"Mingi- Mingi- listen to me, it's okay," Yeosang says, trying to level his voice. "I'm here. I've got you."

Mingi makes a vocalization of sorts, a choked groan of sorts that's neither human nor wolf.

"Just- just focus on my voice, okay?" Yeosang asks. "Focus on my voice and- and breathe with me. Breathe deep, okay? Breathe in..." He takes a long, exaggerated breath. In truth, it's complete improvisation. Hell, it's practically self-soothing. Yeosang isn't used to this.

Comforting people isn't a strong suit of his, really. Wooyoung is the people person. Yeosang has always been the blunt one, the one who speaks his mind without thinking much about it, the one who fails to react when a normal person should in the way a normal person would. Except, now, he has a hulking werewolf boyfriend mid-shift depending on him.

"Breathe out..." Yeosang exhales.

"Breathe- breath in... That's right now hold it for three, two, one- and breathe out, long breath." Yeosang repeats it like a mantra.

Breathe in.

Hold.

Breathe out...

Yeosang starts to feel his own nerves diminish. He opens his eyes, not even realizing that he'd shut them, and lets them adjust to the darkness again. Shapes start to pronounce themselves in the darkness - the shape of the headboard, the bedside table. Then, right in front of him, there's Mingi. Changed slightly, yes, but with renewed clarity, Yeosang remembers: it's just Mingi.

When their eyes meet, Yeosang's heart stops. Their gazes tangle, and the human finds himself utterly defenseless against those brown eyes. Mingi appears just as shaken, frozen in place as if doing so will make him fade into nothing. His quivering lip betrays his distress at being perceived like this, caught between monster and man. Yet he remains still as if braced in anticipation.

Yeosang can only speculate as to what the other expects; however, he has no interest in dwelling on that - or anything, really, not when the werewolf is so damn captivating. He reaches out without even realizing it.

He drinks in every ounce of Mingi's new appearance - his pointed ears, the strong brow and crinkled, protruding nose, sharp teeth that'd grown too large for his still humanoid mouth. Yeosang's knuckles grazed Mingi's cheek delicately. He touches the werewolf's warped skin like something delicate - in a way, it is delicate. At least, the fragile soul beneath it is.

That's when it occurs to him: words of comfort or encouragement have always confounded Yeosang. So why bother? Especially with Mingi of all people? Their bond wasn't forged from conversation. They connected based solely on feelings and touch.

Yeosang reaches out his other hand to gently grasp Mingi's face. The werewolf shudders slightly, but he doesn't move, equally spellbound by the human's presence. He strokes a thumb over Mingi's cheek, noting how the skin feels velvety unlike its almost coarse appearance.

The human leans in. Though the movement is slow, Mingi still flinches out of reflex. Yeosang rests his forehead on the werewolf's and his eyes shut. He takes deep, audible breaths, quietly cuing the other to follow along. After a minute, Mingi follows suit. His grip on Yeosang slackens as he lets out stuttered breaths.

Mingi's breath sounds strained and unnatural, almost tortured as it rises through his deformed throat and out his nose, but he quietly persists under Yeosang's wordless guidance.

That's all they do for a while. Yeosang isn't sure how much time passes like that - just the two of them wrapped around one another, breathing in sync. Mingi's hands slide down Yeosang's back, limp, and he slumps forward. Yeosang wraps his arms around to keep the other close, allowing the werewolf to rest his head on his shoulder.

He presses soft kisses on the side of Mingi's head, not really thinking about it much. It takes him a while to realize that the other's changed again - well, changed back. His body no longer looks as if it's trying to burst out of his skin, and the tips of his ears have rounded back out. Mingi puts more and more weight on Yeosang, probably without even realizing it. Succumbing to the pressure, Yeosang decides to lay down, bringing the other with him.

Mingi covers Yeosang like a weighted blanket - one of those electric ones that heats up. Yeosang actually appreciates the pressure. It helps ground him, reminds him that Mingi is real. That they are real. He wraps his arms around the werewolf and waits for his breaths to even out.

"How are you feeling?" Yeosang whispers.

Mingi shifts slightly, turning onto his side so he can face the other. It takes him a minute to muster a response, and when he does, his voice is husky from strain.

"Like shit."

"Yeah. Right- I figured. Shouldn't have asked."

"Mmn- 'sokay. Better now... Thank you... For putting up with it all."

"You don't need to thank me."

"...I hurt you, didn't I?"

Yeosang shifts on the bed. He'd been so distracted he nearly forgot about the pinprick sting on his back.

"It's okay."

"No it's not. It's not..."

"You didn't mean to. I know you didn't."

"I..." Mingi takes a shaky breath. He leans in and kisses Yeosang's cheek. When he parts, his eyes are wet with remorse. "I don't like that. I don't like that I did that to you."

Yeosang frowns, his heart sinking. He doesn't like that Mingi did it, either, but he knows the other wasn't coming from a place of malice. He was scared - terrified, actually, in the midst of a burgeoning panic attack and losing control. Mingi describes turning as blacking out, so it's hard to say how conscious he even was during the ordeal.

Yeosang turns on his side so he can face Mingi. He cups the werewolf's face with a hand, stroking little lines with his thumb. The truth is: he doesn't know what to say. Obviously, assuring the other that it's okay isn't working; and, the truth is, Yeosang kind of agrees. It's not okay, but it's not not okay, either? It's complicated. Mingi wasn't fully in control of himself. Thoughts spin around Yeosang's head as if pulled in by the ocean's current. His own dread mounts until he finally stumbles upon something coherent.

"I'm here," Yeosang says. "I'm not going anywhere, and I forgive you, okay?"

Mingi pouts, clearly hesitant to accept Yeosang's words. He caves, though, and nods.

"Okay," He responds with a sigh. "Sorry, I'm tired now."

"Then let's rest."

Mingi hums in response. He doesn't need any further prompting to snuggle into Yeosang's open arms. Yeosang's heart seizes up in his chest, the tightness bittersweet. As Mingi's breathing slows, he's assured that he at least said something right.

Yeosang dozes in and out for a while. He watches Mingi as he sleeps, traces his features with the tip of his finger. A pointed nose, cut jawline, plush lips with stubble poking out just above them - it's all so human, completely devoid of any visible sign of trauma or deformation. No one would know that his body had been stretched and scrunched and reformed countless times.

The more he thinks about it, the more Mingi's body astounds him. How is it so resilient? So easily able to warp and shift? Everything from his skin to his bones to his hair follicles transform, yet they revert so seamlessly. Perhaps they can record next time he turns- under better circumstances, of course.

Yeosang reaches out again, but a twinge of pain makes him wince.

Right. The scratches.

"I'm sorry," He whispers. He presses a soft kiss on Mingi's lips before slowly disentangling himself. Mingi lets out an unconscious huff of dissatisfaction as Yeosang climbs out of bed.

The air in the living room feels twenty degrees cooler than that of the bedroom. The space is dark save for some faint moonlight coming in through the windows. It's just enough for someone to navigate past the pull-out bed toward the kitchen. Yeosang has no idea what the damage is, but he can feel cuts straining every time he stretches. There's probably a bit of blood - or, at least, there might have been. Maybe it's scabbed over by now.

Yeosang muses about the state of his back as he rifles through the cupboards, trying to remember where they put the first aid kit. He gives the search an earnest five minutes or so before caving and opening up the microwave for a light source. It's not in the spice cabinet, not under the sink or above the plates - is it in the pantry?

By the time he finds what he's looking for, half of the upper cabinets are sitting open with a few drawers. Yeosang grabs their first aid kit from the pantry, grinning with triumph. He tugs his shirt up, letting it stay on his neck while he searches for the ointment.

"Yeosang?"

Yeosang practically jumps out of his skin, flinging the antibacterial ointment onto the floor by accident. Eyes wide and heart hammering, he turns to face a half-asleep Wooyoung.

"What are you doing?" He asks with a yawn. His eyes dart to the first aid kit on the counter and then to the floor. "Oh, d'you drop this?"

By reflex, Yeosang bends down, "Oh- you don't have to-" Wooyoung disregards him. They both reach for the ointment at the same time, their fingers brushing. As if shocked by static, Yeosang's hand flinches away for an instant. He reigns it back in, grabbing the tube when Wooyoung offers it to him.

"Here," He says. His brows furrow with confusion.

"Thanks, I..." Yeosang trails off as the situation dawns on him. He has the momentary thought: what am I going to tell him? The truth. He should tell Wooyoung the truth. Except, telling him the truth means contending with how he reacts. Yeosang contemplates his approach, but the quiet enveloping them brings his thinking to a pause.

Yeosang glances up and notices Wooyoung looking at him. He expected to see a confused or even irritated expression. He did wake the other up, after all. Instead, Wooyoung's gaze is focused slightly lower. Looking at his stomach which is weird. Or, at least, it's weird until Yeosang remembers he's shirtless.

"Um-"

"Sorry, I- Um- are you okay?" Wooyoung recovers quickly from his confusion, wetting his lips. Heat flushes Yeosang's face.

"Oh, yeah, I'm fine, I just needed some first aid stuff."

"For what. You look fine," Wooyoung resumes his search.

"Oh, just a, um, cut."

"Where? Is everything alright?" Woo steps closer.

"Fine! I'm fine!" Yeosang steps back. His panic response only escalates Wooyoung's concern. The younger man gets into his space, making Yeosang take another step back.

"Yeosang, you can tell me, you know. Why is your shirt hanging around your neck, anyway. Did you get hurt somewhere?"

"Yeah, it's just a scratch, so-" By reflex, Yeosang moves to scratch the nape of his neck - a nervous habit he's never thought much about. Something about the angle agitates one of his scratches, and before he can suppress it, he grimaces, a hiss escaping his lips.

Wooyoung hones in on the motion immediately and crowds Yeosang's space. At this point, Yeosang isn't sure if his heart can take much more. He'd just barely calmed down from the Mingi incident, and now Wooyoung is questioning him on something he hoped to keep hidden. When they said "no rest for the wicked", they really fucking meant it.

"Just show me," Wooyoung demands, more awake and alert. Yeosang tries to escape, but he bumps into the wall behind him - a total dead end. Wooyoung grabs him by the arm and turns him around. "Is it on your side somewhere or-?"

"It's really not that big of a deal, it's just-"

Wooyoung takes a sharp breath. The sound cuts straight through Yeosang's rambling, effectively shutting him up as Wooyoung begins to manhandle him. The quiet that follows is agonizing. Yeosang gazes at the other to see if he can get any indication of his headspace. Wooyoung certainly doesn't appear happy, but that's about as much as Yeosang can glean initially.

"Let me see," Wooyoung says softly, his voice little more than a whisper. He relaxes his grip on Yeosang's arm and places his other hand on Yeosang's waist. Goosebumps immediately spread across Yeosang's skin as Wooyoung turns him around.

"It's not-" Yeosang bites back his canned response. "How- how does it look? I can't see it for- for obvious reasons."

"...He did this?"

Yeosang's heart drops, "He didn't mean to. It's not what you think."

"Give me the ointment," Wooyoung responds, his tone clipped. Yeosang passes it to the other without protest. "Yeosang, I'm... I'm worried."

Of course he is.

"Wooyoung, it's fine. I told you-"

"I know, it's fine, you say it's fine, it's just..." He pauses, giving Yeosang's waist a squeeze before taking his hand off. Its impression remains on his skin like a searing brand, and Yeosang does everything in his power to ignore the feeling.

Wooyoung doesn't finish his thought. Instead, he focuses on helping Yeosang out. Yeosang watches over his shoulder as Wooyoung reaches for the first aid kit. He grabs a sealed alcohol wipe and rips it open. Even though Yeosang is literally watching Wooyoung, he's still wholly unprepared for the sting of alcohol on the scratches. He lets out a surprised gasp as the cool wipe spreads the prickly antiseptic across his back.

"What happened?" Wooyoung asks. "Please, just tell me what happened. I promise I- I won't even say a word if you just tell me what happened."

Yeosang frowns, "It's not that- I'm not trying to keep secrets, Woo."

"Right."

"Look, it- it was an accident."

"You have ten perfect little scratches down your back, and these- the scratches are whatever but there's these, like, points. They're kinda deep."

"Oh."

"So, an accident?"

Yeosang's commitment to honesty wavers. He could say it was a sex thing: they were lost in the throes of passion and Mingi got a bit scratchy. Wooyoung would drop the subject immediately - maybe he'd even apologize. It would be so easy, but it'd also be a blatant lie. Worse: it'd be a violation of Wooyoung's trust. The true root cause is too important to keep to himself. Yeosang goes silent for a minutes, putting off the inevitable until he finally gathers the will to admit it.

"Anxiety," Yeosang says.

"What?"

"Mingi has anxiety. Pretty severe anxiety."

"So- So he got anxious and clawed at you?"

"Not quite. Well- Sort of. He- let me start this over. Anxiety is a trigger."

"Isn't anxiety usually triggered by something?"

"No, it's- Wooyoung, what I mean is: anxiety is a trigger for the transformation. Mingi was- he was really shaken up after our run-in at the store. He started spiraling, got anxious, and then- and then he started to change."

"What?" Wooyoung's eyes widen. "You mean like-"

"Yeah. Yeah it was- I heard, like, bones crunching, and his face, it got longer. His limbs, too. The hair started to- to grow. He was so scared. He held onto me, and as his body was just- just changing right before our eyes, his claws came out. He didn't hurt me on purpose. He was just trying to hold me close. He just wanted to feel safe."

"Wait. So- So now is he-?"

"No. He calmed down and his body reverted."

"Shit... Shit. Holy shit."

"Yeah, I know. It's a lot. I'm sorry I should have lead with that. I just- I know how you worry, and..."

Wooyoung swallows nervously and nods.

"I'm glad you're okay," He replies. "Sorry, um- that's huge, really. I- I'd be more excited about the findings aspect, but..."

"Yeah, no. I don't expect you to be excited or feel any type of way. I just- yeah. That's what happened."

"Okay. Are you- were you scared?"

"...Yes," Yeosang confesses with hesitation. He didn't want to admit it, not to Mingi's face, but for an instant, he felt terrified - not just for Mingi's wellbeing but for his own. Yeosang doesn't question Mingi's heart. He knows that Mingi would never willingly, knowingly put him in harm's way, but for a second, Yeosang couldn't tell if Mingi was still in there.

"Hey, it's okay. You're fine," Wooyoung coos. Yeosang doesn't understand the response until body awareness returns to him. He's shaking, and his eyes are wet. "Let me finish fixing you up."

Yeosang nods. He cooperates while Wooyoung spreads ointment over the scratches and patches them up with some band-aids. Gentle hands run down his shoulder blades and around his sides, eliciting another shiver. Wooyoung connects his hands around Yeosang's waist and pulls him into a back hug.

He rests his chin on his best friend's shoulder, and the two remain like that, locked in silence for a few quiet moments, skin on skin. Though the house is silent, filled with nothing but the sound of the rattling radiator, everything feels loud inside of Yeosang's mind. Thoughts and logic conflict with feelings, the friction making thunder crash his brain.

Back hugs are simple. Hell, they're a Wooyoung staple. The man gives out hugs and kisses liberally - like he can't breathe without affection. This shouldn't feel so perilous to Yeosang, and yet he finds himself contemplating fight or flight. He could disengage, push the other away and make an excuse. My back hurts. I'm tired.

But he's a weak man.

His hands shake as he places them over Wooyoung's. Wooyoung's breath tickles Yeosang's ear, and his warmth envelops him like a blanket thrown over his shoulders.

"You're not alone, you know," Wooyoung whispers.

"I know." Yeosang replies, voice weak.

He turns his head which turns out to be a massive mistake. Wooyoung lifts his head off of Yeo's shoulder and meets his gaze. Their eyes lock, and Yeosang's mind gets assaulted with things he'd regret - exclamations, questions, impulsive actions. His breath is bouncing off of Wooyoung's skin, and even in the faint light he can fixate on that birthmark he's got on his lips.

Wooyoung moves first, and Yeosang braces himself. He doesn't fight it.

He couldn't if he wanted to. He's a weak man, and if he's a target, Wooyoung is the bullseye. He shuts his eyes and surrenders to Wooyoung's mercy.

Wooyoung leans forward and presses a chaste kiss on Yeosang's cheek. A shaky gasp leaves Yeosang's lips, a flash of heat igniting inside of him. Another one comes, higher this time, on Yeosang's temple. Yeosang can't think, nothing coherent runs through his mind. All it takes is that tender gesture to erode his consciousness. He's nothing more than a pile of flesh and bones and feeling.

The silence stretches on at an agonizing pace until, finally, Wooyoung is the brave one again. He breaks the silence with a murmur.

"You should go back to bed. Get some rest." He gives Yeosang one more squeeze before unraveling himself. The absence of Wooyuong's warmth makes Yeosang realize how cold the kitchen is. He shivers, wrapping his arms around himself in an attempt to retain some of the warmth he's losing.

"Yeah. Um- Thanks," Yeosang chokes out in response. He nods, his anxious gaze darting between Wooyoung's eyes and the floor.

"Always- um, any time. I'm... I'm always here."

"I know." Yeosang nods. He gives the other a curt nod before heading back to the bedroom. He can feel Wooyoung's eyes follow him until he finally crosses the threshold. Yeosang shuts the door more loudly than he should have and heaves a sigh, his back pressed against the door. Is Wooyoung still watching the door, pondering their interaction? Is he replaying it in his head, remembering the sensations, the tickle of his breath or the warmth of his skin?

Fuck.

His eyes adjust to the darkness as he heads toward the bed. Mingi sleeps peacefully, his long hair going every which way. His arm is still slung out as if something should be there. Something bittersweet squeezes in Yeosang's chest. He swallows down the weirdness and guilt and climbs into bed. He puts his shirt back on before sliding under Mingi's arm and snuggling up.

His heart is still racing from earlier, leaving him too wired to rest. It's like static build-up fizzling inside of him. He's afraid that getting too close will shock someone, but he can't stop himself.

Yeosang cuddles even closer - until their fronts are flush - and presses a kiss on Mingi's forehead. Then another. He nuzzles the werewolf's nose and inhales deeply, drinking in the faint smell of deodorant, sweat, and earth. Yeosang finds something intoxicating about the way Mingi smells. There's always this underlying note of musky petrichor, like the forest sank into his skin so thoroughly it's suffused him to the bone. It's a reminder that there's a part of him that is and will always be wild, untamable.

It's impossible to resist Mingi's lips. They're so plush, so kissable and so available, right there for the taking. Yeosang kisses them once, then twice. The third kiss has more feeling behind it, and he pulls away before he gets too carried away. Yeosang sighs and sinks his head into the pillow. Just as he shuts his eyes, a nose nuzzles his own, and lips connect with his.

Yeosang lets out a tiny gasp. Mingi takes advantage, his tongue dipping into Yeo's parted lips. The smolder that'd been stewing inside his gut ignites. Half-asleep and ragged, Yeosang doesn't pay any mind to decorum. He leans into it, reciprocating by swiping his own tongue against Mingi's.

Yeosang's toes curl, and his hips start unconsciously rocking as if hoping to somehow get even closer to the werewolf. The soft smack of lips and tangling tongues fills the bedroom, along with their shuddering breaths. Yeosang grabs Mingi by his hair and smashes their faces together. Desperation drives him to assert himself more than he ever normally would.

He grabs Mingi's wrist and guides his hand down his body until it's cupping his ass. Mingi gets with the program quickly and gives it a squeeze. Yeosang gasps, and the desire in his belly swells. He grinds his growing hard-on against Mingi without any regard for decorum or foreplay. Impulse and longing drive his actions, urging him to chase friction and heat.

Mingi groans against Yeosang's lips - an indication of fervent approval. Typically, Mingi's sluggish when he wakes up, but, apparently, that doesn't apply to being woken up like this. Mingi's hips buck forward, and his own erection brushes against Yeosang's. Yeosang's eyes roll back. Normally, he'd feel ashamed of how utterly pent up he is. How the hell is frotting getting him this worked up?

He's too tired to give a fuck, though. His cock twitches in his sweatpants, and that takes priority over self-reflection at the moment. Mingi nibbles on his lower lip, tugging as he backs away. The sweet sting makes Yeosang shudder. His lips pulse with soreness, flushed from the blistering force of their urgency.

Mingi moves to his neck and shoulder, kissing and nipping at any exposed skin he can reach. He kneads Yeosang's ass, using his leverage to guide the human's hips against his own. Yeosang's cock throbs in the confines of his sweats. Sticky warmth starts coating the inside which adds a slightly slick element to the weird, gratifying drag.

"Fuck-" Yeosang breathes out. Mingi's fully hard, and the outline of his erection serves as a stark reminder of their size difference. "Need you. Need- need more."

Mingi obliges Yeosang's wish without a word. He rucks up Yeosang's shirt, spreading his palm out over the human's abdomen. His massive hand practically covers Yeosang's stomach. The pressure of it heats him like a brand, and the tingling warmth runs straight to his crotch. The werewolf grinds into him faster and with more force. He thrusts into Yeosang like he's fucking him.

"Yes- yes-" Yeosang moans, breathy.

Without warning, Mingi yanks the waistband of Yeosang's sweats down to his knees. Yeosang gasps, relief flooding him as his dripping cock springs free. He feels responsible, having initiated things, but he can barely think much less act in the moment. Every neuron in his brain is firing off, echoing his singular desire to get off.

Mingi slides down his own sleeping shorts and brings their crotches together. The sweet sensation makes Yeosang hiss, his face scrunching up as a devastating pulse of pleasure works through him. Mingi wraps a hand around both of them, eliciting a pitiful mewl from his human partner. The sensation of Mingi stroking both of them, using their precome to ease the slide, makes Yeosang's eyes roll back. His toes curl, and his already feeble grasp on self-control starts slipping.

"Mm-mm- fuck. I- 'm close," Yeosang whispers between shaky breaths.

The werewolf leans forward, claiming the human's lips once more. Yeosang's heart and his groin battle for his attention. His heart glows with affection for the other. Even without words, half-asleep and half-naked, the other makes him feel so... So desired. So wanted. Yeosang doesn't have to question it. He doesn't need to ask or wonder if Mingi cares for him. The werewolf makes it known, unprompted. He wears his heart on his sleeve and teases it at the tip of his tongue.

Their kiss is sloppy - spit, teeth and lurid little sounds. The fuse inside of Yeosang's body has been lit, and when his body starts to tremble, he knows it's not long until ignition.

"I- 'm gonna-"

"Say my name." The werewolf says against his lips, his voice husky. He repeats it again, tone even more imposing. "Say my name."

"M-Mingi- I- I'm gonna- Fu-u-uck- Mingi!"

Yeosang's body seizes up, and his jaw drops, his lips forming a gasp that never manages to pass his lips. His hips jerk, and with each stilted movement, his cock shoots out spurt after spurt of come, spilling over their fingers. Mingi's grip remains steady as he milks out every last drop from Yeosang.

"Oh god- oh god- Mingi- it's-"

"Close, so close-"

Yeosang whimpers. Tears well up in his eyes as the prickly sensation of overstimulation assaults him. Mingi follows not long after. He moans, and his hips roll as he strokes himself through his own release. Yeosang gasps when a stream hits his chin and neck. He's painted like a Jackson Pollock by the time the werewolf comes down. The reminder of how fucking virile Ming is makes Yeosang want another round. Alas, the mind is willing, but the body is unable.

The two slump down onto the soiled sheets when all is said and done. Even though it feels kind of gross, they're content to share space with one another, panting as they bask in the afterglow.

"I... I'm sorry," Yeosang whispers to break the silence. "I didn't mean to wake you."

Mingi lets out a raspy chuckle, "You're apologizing? After that?"

"You were sleeping so peacefully, and I- I just wanted to kiss you. I- I don't know why, I... I just-"

"Yeosang. You can wake me up like that any time."

"Okay. I just..." Yeosang reaches out, stroking Mingi's face with his thumb, "Thank you."

"For...?" Mingi's confused expression breaks into a soft smile. "You're welcome, Yeosang."

For some reason, the other's acceptance of his gratitude makes something click inside of Yeosang. Yeosang, awestruck, blinks away the warmth stinging his eyes. It's like a puzzle piece has been slotted in. The puzzle isn't complete - there are still hundreds of pieces scattered around the edges, but, in that moment, he managed to connect just one to the bigger picture. The satisfaction detangles the tension that'd been knotted up inside of him.

A thick lump rises in Yeosang's throat, and wetness floods his eyes. It's pathetic, really. Yeosang has never been a big feelings guy. So why now? After a random midnight fuck of all things? In need of a distraction, Yeosang casts those questions aside.

"We're gross," He says, forcing levity.

"Oh. Yeah." Mingi lifts his hand, his nose scrunching. "Do we have to change the sheets? Right now?"

Yeosang heaves a sigh. The thought of changing out the sheets sounds fucking miserable. He shakes his head and replies.

"Well... We can put a towel down."