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“Jeno!” Mark called out to him as he ran over with a smile and a wave. Jeno stopped and turned to him to return the greeting with a warm hug, the sun lighting up Mark’s golden hair. 

“Good morning Mark.” 

“Is it that time again?” he asked, looking Jeno up and down with his hands on his shoulders.

“It is,” Jeno smiled, “do you want to accompany me?”

“Oh no, no, no,” he shook his head with a chuckle, “you know that path is not for me, you are braver than I.”

“Ah you always say that,” Jeno chuckled, “it is not as bad as everyone says, you know.”

“Rather you than me,” he replied, “but we will see you tomorrow?”

“As always.” Jeno nodded

“You will not forget our treats this time will you?” he teased, clapping Jeno on the shoulder.

“Promise.” 

Mark waved him off as he began to walk down the main road out of their village. Winter was on the way and the morning sun did not do much to ward off the cool crisp of sunrise. Thinking of where he was going and what he was going to do once he got there, Jeno happily hummed to himself as he walked, pulling his thick red cloak tighter around his shoulders, basket in hand. 

Despite its name, Shadowgrove was a peaceful village, quaint and warm, big enough to still have some privacy but not too big that no one knew you, it was a favourite overnight stop for merchants heading to the coast. Jeno had grown up there, he had never gone further than the outlying farmlands, but he was happy here. Most of the time anyway, but he had to admit that the older he grew, the itchier his feet became.

Walking along the main road, the dirt compacted and furrowed because of all the horse drawn carriages that made their way up and down between villages, he picked some flowers as he went, weaving it into a pretty crown as he whistled. There was nothing but wheat fields on either side, the yellow grass gently swishing to and fro in the cool breeze.

The road began to gradually grow steeper as it led up a hill, Jeno beginning to sweat from the exertion. But he did not take his bright red cloak off, he adored it far too much, and he would be in the shade again soon. Once he crested the hill, that bar of darkness appeared on the horizon, the sight lifting his heart. 

With happiness quickening his steps, he continued on until the road forked, the path to the left narrow and barely used as the main road sharply led away in the opposite direction. Excited, Jeno kept walking, already able to see the thick tree trunks and smell the wet earth. The closer he got to the forest, the quieter the world became. Not a single bird whistled, not a leaf stirred, it was eerily silent, but Jeno did not mind. On the contrary, the sight of the supposedly haunted forest was comforting to him more than anything else. 

The trees stretched high into the sky, the height of ten men, trunks and leaves so dense that the forest floor was in a state of perpetual twilight. As he has done countless times before, Jeno walked right into the darkness as if it were nothing. For him, it really was not, he would never be harmed here, not when the king of the woods watched over him. 

With the pretty flower crown done, Jeno put it in his basket as he walked, looking around as he went his way. The trees were so thick he would be able to wrap his arms around the trunks without his hands touching, the bark a dark grey colour that reminded him of ash. The air was cold, always smelling of moss and rain, the earth beneath his feet turning to mud. He has never seen an animal here before, not so much as a butterfly or a rabbit. He knew they were out there, he has just never come across one. 

Not that he had truly been paying attention until a few years ago. 

Jeno never knew his father, he had died when Jeno was young and he couldn't remember his face nor his voice. There had been a carriage accident, Jeno still carried a small scar on his forehead, but he didn't remember it at all even though that day claimed his father’s life and broke his mother’s heart. 

Since then it had just been the two of them, running the inn and living next door to it in a small house made of redwood. And every few weeks they would make the journey into the woods to take food and necessities to his grandmother. Back then Jeno absolutely  hated coming here. He had always been so cold and so scared, even as an adult he despised these visits. He could never understand why his grandmother did not just move in with them in the village. Horses would not even come near this place so they always had to walk too. Why she insisted on staying here alone in such a dark place was beyond him, but he never asked either, not having any particular attachment to the old lady. 

And then Jeno’s mother passed away from scarlet fever when he was but 11. 

Jeno loved her and he missed her, grieving her death had been devastating and as a child he couldn't understand her passing, the very concept of death difficult to accept. She had gotten sick so suddenly and then one day she was just gone, leaving him all alone. Jeno had struggled adjusting to life without her, he would wake up in the morning having forgotten, only to find her room empty. He could swear he heard her in the kitchen, or calling his name, but it was all just his imagination. 

That was almost 15 years ago now, and everything has changed since then.

While trying to keep their beloved inn open as a boy with the help of the villagers and his friends, he had terrible nightmares. It was his grandmother, the poor little woman being hunted by a terrible monster, calling out to Jeno for help. Only then did he remember she even existed, the world outside his grief had felt unreal. Variations of the same terrors haunted him for weeks, stealing the precious little sleep he managed to get. 

It took Jeno a while to muster up the courage to go alone, feeling somehow compelled to do as he and his mother had always done. Regardless of his apathy towards her, he didn't want to carry this feeling of somehow disappointing his mother.

Now a man of 25 he has grown and changed a lot since then, and now if Jeno had his way, he would stay here in the woods and Shadowhaven would never see him again. 

Smiling to himself, he had a spring in his step as he walked through the trees, thick roots bubbling over the narrow footpath. Rounding a massive tree as the path snaked to the right, he was ready to hop out of his skin, his heart racing with excitement. 

Jeno stopped in his tracks, freezing. 

There was no one there. 

His beast always sat on the same thick root waiting for Jeno. But he was not here. He has always been there, he has not missed a single day. He knew that he went out to eat mid-week, but that was a few days ago and there was no reason for him to still be roaming about, it suddenly made Jeno feel like his hunt had gone terribly wrong. Jeno walked over to the root, the bark gone and the wood bare from all the times he had hopped on to wait while Jeno was on his way. But nothing seemed out of the ordinary, which worried Jeno even more. 

Certain that something terrible happened, all of Jeno's elation melted away as he began to run. He did not have far to go, so he ran as fast as he could, basket bouncing at his side, red cloak whipping behind him. Dread and fear spurred him on, his boots thundering over the mud, splattered his clothes with dirt. 

Jeno stumbled and slipped as the path wound like a snake, until finally he caught sight of the cottage, the small building nestled in a small clearing, the wood as grey and eerie as the trees it was made from still stained with char. 

There was no light in the windows, no smoke curling from the chimney. 

Sweat darkening his clothes, lungs burning and heart hammering, Jeno kept running. Without slowing down, he tossed himself through the front door with a loud bang as he fell inside. His basket flew, he was on his hands and knees, scuffing his palms. 

“Jaemin??” he called, hopping back on his feet as he spun around, “Jaemin??” 

The place was dark and cold, deathly silent. Jeno could smell blood and sweat, which was not new, Jaemin had to eat after all. But this was old blood and dried dirt.

“Jaemin??” he rushed into the bedroom. 

Jaemin was on the floor, naked and pale. Unmoving. Pools of black stained the wooden floor around him.

Jeno’s heart leapt into his mouth, ice washing through his veins. 

He fell down on his knees by Jaemin’s side, unable to see what condition he was in from all the dirt smeared over his limbs. 

Jeno pressed his trembling fingers to Jaemin’s throat. He had a pulse. 

Not even feeling the tears that had begun running down his face, Jeno carefully rolled him over. Only then could he see his wounds, and he knew exactly what had happened to him, his last hunt had indeed ended badly. 

Jeno pulled his red cloak off, tossing it over Jaemin’s cold, naked body. As quickly as he could, trying to focus and not fall to pieces, he lit a fire in the hearth to warm the home, hooking a cauldron full of water above the flames to boil. 

Having done this too many times before, Jeno lit candles as he went, chasing away the dark and the cold as he rushed out of the room.

Hurtling through the bedroom door, he headed to a burnt down room that had never been repaired. Pulling his shirt over his mouth to ward off the stench, he grabbed the metal ring sunk into the wood and yanked with all his strength. He tossed it open with a deafening clang before rushing down the steep stairs, splintered and rotten. 

Jeno loathed coming down here, whenever he visited Jaemin he would pretend this room did not exist. His head swimming from lack of oxygen, his lungs screaming at him to breathe, he rummaged around in the dark, turning his back on the empty cage that still gave him nightmares, he finally found what he was looking for. 

With his ‘grandmother’s’ old satchel in hand, he clambered up and out, gulping for air the moment his head popped out. 

He unhooked the steaming cauldron, not even blinking as he burnt his hands in the process. Jeno threw himself down at Jaemin’s side again, holding his ear over Jaemin’s chapped lips, he could hear his shallow breathing. Checking his pulse again, he tossed out all the content of the satchel, those things that he hated to touch and see, so much so he refused to keep it above ground and would throw it back down the moment he didn't need it anymore. But there was nothing Jeno would not do for Jaemin, he would walk through the gates of hell if that meant his beast would be happy and safe. 

Without a single thought of the evil he now had in his hands, Jeno used the herbs to make a poultice, and with salt and black candles he recited the words he memorised. Strength left his body like wind stolen from a sail, Jeno nearly fainting on top of Jaemin’s still form. But Jeno refused to go under before he knew Jaemin was going to be alright.

So he sat with Jaemin’s head in his lap, trembling hands stroking his cheek as he waited for the incantation to take effect. Jeno knew this was going to work, it always did and he had faith in Jaemin’s will to live too. But that did not mean waiting ever got any easier, he couldn’t keep his racing thoughts at bay either. 

Jeno had a knife in his boot, if for some reason Jaemin did not come back to him this time, Jeno was following him into the dark. Luckily he didn’t have to wait long to see colour return to Jaemin’s skin, the horrible gashes on his torso and arms and legs slowly beginning to close. A new layer of scars was laid upon the pearly net already decorating Jaemin’s body. Unconsciousness began to seep into Jeno’s brain, his vision blurring, but he forced his mind to remain as he waited. 

Jaemin’s eyelashes trembled, his fingers twitching as he was brought back from the brink of death. The moment his bright blue eyes flashed open, Jeno blacked out.

It had been something from a nightmare the first time Jeno visited his grandmother alone after his mother’s death. It was so horrific it was branded into the inside of Jeno’s skull. But he could deal with the torturous memory and horrible dreams, because there was one light amongst the darkness, one good thing that came from such a hellish place: Jaemin. 

When Jeno and his mother came here, they would always just meet his grandmother by the door of her small home with baskets full of food and bread and flour, eggs and milk and water. They never went inside or stayed long, and Jeno never thought much of his grandmother. She was just a small old lady, like any other small old lady. Nothing remarkable or memorable about her, except for the fact that she lived in an arguably very haunted forest. 

As an adult, Jeno could now look back and realise that his mother had been afraid to go there too, and the more he thought about it, the stranger their trips seemed to him. He never understood why they were doing it, why his mother would put both of them through this just to take some food to someone who refused to leave such a place. But after he had been tormented with dreams of his grandmother being hunted and beaten and tortured, Jeno was compelled to go and he suspected that his mother had also been subjected to such things. 

When he arrived without his mother for the first time, freezing and afraid, he did not hesitate to accept when his grandmother had invited him inside for some tea. The feeling of eyes burning into his skin had dogged him the moment he stepped into the shadows, and he was so desperate to get away from the unsettling feeling. The home was also as plain and unremarkable as the old lady, except for the smell. Jeno would never forget the stench of death and rot that seemed to leak from every corner of the small home, the warm fire and yellow candlelight and old furniture uncannily juxtaposed with something so foul. 

Jeno said nothing of it, even when he gagged and his eyes began to water, he was a child of 12 and all he wanted was to go home. Because his grandmother did not seem to notice at all as she shuffled around the kitchen to make him tea, she talked to him about the inn and his life and how he has been doing without his mother. 

She did not seem particularly saddened by his mother’s death, which was odd and somewhat painful to Jeno. What was even odder was that he realised he did not actually know if his grandmother was from his mother’s or his father's side. Suddenly uncomfortable and afraid, Jeno could not put his finger on it, but this old lady scared him. 

She seemed to know a lot about his life, even though he has not seen her in almost a year. He wondered what she ate and did in between their visits and why she lived there in the first place. But Jeno was not willing to find out, so he tossed the bitter tea down his throat before leaving as quickly as he could, determined to never go back there again. 

But the nightmares did not end. They progressively got worse. Now the demons and the darkness would come for him. It ate him alive, jolting Jeno awake with a scream on his lips and his sheets drenched in sweat. 

His friends grew concerned for him as the nightly terrors and lack of sleep began making him ill. Finally, Jeno decided that he had to go back, his previous visit the only thing that seemed to tame his dreams. It made no sense to him, but before he knew it, he was back in that godforsaken forest, fearing for his life as he walked to her cottage. At least this time he was 13 and had a knife on his belt.

Jeno and his mother would only go twice a month, on nonae and idus, but this time he went on a different day without knowing that it would change his life forever. He rushed through the forest, looking over his shoulder as he ran, heart leaping out of his mouth at every corner, his red hood drawn low over his face to ward off the unnatural chill. He could hear growls and howls and the screech of crows in the distance, sure he was going to be eaten any second, the feeling of being stalked making shivers break out over his skin

He knocked on the door, knuckles rapping on the wood, praying that he could go home as soon as possible and that those terrible nightmares would now leave him alone for good. But his grandmother was not at home. Jeno peered into the windows and walked around the cottage, but she wasn’t there. Stunned, Jeno was unsure of what to do, it never had occurred to him that she would leave at any point in time. Where would she even have gone in a place like this? 

Not wanting his journey to be for naught, he pushed at the front door to see if it was open. Sure enough, it swung inward with a creak of hinges, letting him inside. Without the glow of candles and the smell of tea, the place looked like a scene from hell. The dark rooms were cold, that disgusting odour bubbling out of the house and up Jeno’s nose, making him want to throw up. 

As he hurried inside to leave the basket on the kitchen table, his foot caught on something, making him topple forward, the contents of his basket scattering over the floor. 

“Dammit.” 

He scrambled to pick everything up, praying to god that this would be the last time he needed to come here. Basket full again, he set it down when something caught his eye; the rug had been kicked aside as his foot got stuck on it, revealing what looked like a cellar door. 

What on earth…

Not knowing if he was losing all sense or if he had already gone mad, Jeno tugged at the metal handle. The door was unexpectedly unlocked, but as he lifted it, that horrible smell intensified. Shocked, he dropped it immediately, clapping a hand over his mouth and nose as he retched. 

Then he heard it. 

“Wait.” it was a small voice calling out, Jeno’s spine snapped straight as he whirled around, eyes shooting to every corner of the room looking for whoever spoke. Was it a ghost?

“Stay.” 

He had no idea what possessed him to open that door again, but he did, and he stuck his head inside, the corner of his red cloak pressed over his mouth and nose. He could not see anything, it was pitch black, just a cavern under the house. 

“Hello?” he asked, voice muffled. Somehow Jeno knew he was doing something wrong, that he would be in trouble if he was caught snooping. But he could not help but wonder what the holy hells the old woman had been doing here. 

“Hello?” a voice echoed back, startling Jeno so much he nearly dropped the door again. Scared out of his mind, all he wanted to do was run away and never look back. But he could not leave knowing that someone could be needing help. 

“Where are you?” Jeno whispered past the cloak covering his face, afraid to raise his voice. 

“Here.” It sounded like a child, and now Jeno was sure that someone was stuck down there in the dark. 

Cursing his own stupidity, he pulled the door all the way open and dropped it with a heavy thud, revealing a pair of steep rickety stairs. Shaking in his boots, Jeno climbed down into the hole, unable to see anything. 

Blinking in the dark until his eyes adjusted, he was not sure what the hell he was looking at. Jagged black patterns were painted on every wall and on the wooden planks above his head, twisted things carved into the stone under his feet. Black candles were on every surface, herbs and crystals and things he could not identify nailed to the walls.

Then his eyes found the source of that foul odour. 

Piled up in the corner was a heap of bones and rotting animals. He hoped it was only animals.

Bile rose in his throat, Jeno quickly turned away from the death and worms and milky eyeballs and chunks of fur and protruding bones, squeezing his eyes shut to prevent his terror from overcoming him. Trying not to faint, Jeno opened his eyes again and he was met with a sight worse than the animal corpses. 

It was a little boy in a cage. 

He had a shock of snow white hair and blue eyes that seemed to glow in the shadows. But that was not what made Jeno sick to his stomach. He was naked and emaciated, crouched down with his bony hands wrapped around the thick bars, the shackles around his wrists and ankles left the skin beneath raw and oozing. 

“Do you - was it you?”

The boy nodded, his eyes big in his gaunt face, fear evident in his features. 

Jeno looked at the cage, forgetting that there was a literal child locked up under his grandmother’s house in a fucking forest, all he could think about was getting the boy out of there and running for it. 

“Key.” the boy whispered in a voice ragged from disuse, pointing to something behind Jeno. Turning around, he could not make out what the boy was looking at. 

“Table.”

Jeno walked over to what appeared to be a desk drowning in 100 year’s worth of black candle wax. Sure enough, there was a large black key under some scattered herbs and pieces of bones that looked very much like human teeth. Jeno took it, trying not to scream as his hands brushed something wet and slimy. 

“Hurry.” 

Key in hand, Jeno unlocked the cage, the starved boy weakly struggling to his feet as the metal bars swung open, hands still clinging to the bars to keep himself upright . 

“Is this the only key?” Jeno whispered back, the boy nodding. Trying to be as quick as he could, Jeno used the same key to unlock the shackles around the boy's wrists and ankles, the sight of the horrible wounds making something in him twist painfully. 

“Let’s go.” Jeno said once the boy was free, but he did not follow him as Jeno began to walk away. 

“Come on.” Jeno urged in a whisper, but the boy just shook his head. Realising, Jeno rushed back to him, crouching down to allow the boy to get on his back. He weighed nearly nothing and smelled awful, but Jeno was determined to get the poor thing out of there. 

Jeno climbed out, the boy clinging to him. Cool, fresh air washed over them, allowing Jeno to breathe properly again. 

Finally he could -

“Oh, Jeno.” 

He spun around, there in the door stood his grandmother. She looked like she always did, a small smile on her face, her apron and ordinary dress nothing new. Except she had a knife in one hand, a dead rabbit in the other, blood dripping onto the floor. 

“It is nice to see you again, my boy.” 

Chills ran up Jeno’s spine at the sight, Jeno’s fear spiking into sheer terror as he began to shake, frightened of the woman in front of him. He did not even feel the boy slip off his back, all he knew was that he was sure he was going to die. 

Whatever happened next, Jeno would never fully remember. The world went dark, the smell of sulphur exploded around him, there was a scream like a dying dog, his grandmother’s face twisted into something deformed and horrendous with too many teeth and yellow eyes bugging from a skeletal face. There was a flash of white followed by a crunch of bone and a platter of blood, a snarl and a growl and the glint of a blade. 

Jeno ran. 

He ran so hard and so far, feeling like a monster was snapping at his heels and he was going to be eaten any second now. He ran all the way back to the village, driven by mania and blinding panic. The moment he was on the main road at the village gate he collapsed, unconscious before his body even hit the ground.

Jeno took ill after that, bedridden with a fever and night terrors for days on end. Mark and Renjun didn’t leave his side, taking care of him night and day. His mind had been so petrified that it took him weeks to recover even after his body began to strengthen. He couldn't understand what he had seen or experienced, he was sure he had hallucinated it all. Except for the fact that there were spots of black blood that clung to his red cloak and a chunk of white fur caught in his belt. 

It bothered him a great deal, terrorising him in fact, so much so that he struggled to maintain the inn and work as hard as he used to. Until one day he was driven to toss out his beloved red cloak, all the clothes he had been wearing that day actually, desperate to cleanse himself of the horrible memories. It was simply too much for his 13 year old self to bear.

But not even a day after that, Renjun inexplicably had shown up at his door with a brand new cloak. Brighter and thicker than his old one, soft and luxurious with a bigger hood. And as he slowly began to get better, he thought about the little boy more and more. He seemed quite a bit younger than Jeno, and he couldn't help but wonder what a child was supposed to do in the woods. If he had somehow managed to make his way out of a massive forest, where would he go? Shadowhaven was the closest town for miles, only farms and empty fields surrounding it. But still, the boy never wandered into his home. 

“This is a terrible idea.” Mark chastised, folding his arms over his chest where he sat with Jeno at the kitchen table. 

“I think it is a rather splendid idea.” Renjun mused over the rim of his cup, always seeming much older than his years, as if he had already lived a hundred lifetimes before. 

“The last time you went there, you came back screaming and ill, having nightmares for months.”

“I told you,” Jeno said awkwardly, not having told them what had happened for fear of seeming insane, “I just missed my mother, and the forest is not exactly an easy place to traverse.” 

“It has almost been half a year, and not to be insensitive but your grandmother has most likely moved away by now.”

“Could be,” Jeno replied, “but I still have a duty towards my mother.”

“What exactly is that duty?” Mark insisted, “do you even know what it was that made your mother do this?”

Jeno shook his head, “She never told me, and I honestly do not know the purpose either. But I will go.”

“You should.” Renjun interjected, seeming strangely more optimistic about it all than either of them. 

Jeno quickly changed the topic of conversation, not very determined to do it and not wanting to risk Mark talking him out of it. He had no idea what he was going to find, and this time he swore this was the last time. All in the name of getting closure and being free of this fear, Jeno gathered his things the next morning just as the sun began to rise. 

Renjun’s words from the previous night still weighed in his mind:

Take an extra set of clothes and a lot of water.

Jeno did as he said, not even questioning his friend, Renjun’s odd sense and insight having proven true over these years.

With his new cloak and a pack on his back with a basket in hand, he set off. The road felt even longer than it did before, or maybe he was just reluctant and walking too slow. But after a few hours he stood at the boundary of the forest again. 

He peered between the trees and into the darkness, trying to scrape his courage together. 

Something felt different, and Jeno couldn’t put his finger on it. Was the wood still creepy and cold? Yes. But it also seemed less oppressive, that unnatural presence was gone along with that feeling that he was being watched and followed. Did this mean the old woman was dead? Jeno suspected it, with what he could remember of that terrifying time, but he hadn't been sure that she was gone.

Slipping a knife from his belt with his free hand, Jeno stepped into the shadows. He slowly made his way down the narrow, bumpy path, head on a swivel as he looked around. Something has definitely changed, it was clear to him now. Could it be that the evil that lurked here had been that old woman? 

Jeno didn’t think he would ever get the answers to the questions that plagued him, making him wish his mother was still here so he could talk to her. Clearly she had been keeping deep, dark secrets and Jeno didn't know why. 

When Jeno stepped around a particularly large tree, he laid eyes on the cottage again. Or what was left of it. It seemed that the cottage had been set on fire, most of it burned down completely, only pieces of some of the walls left standing. But that wasn’t what drew his attention. 

Behind a fallen beam someone was watching him, his bright blue eyes shining even at this distance as he peered at him. The little boy saw Jeno see him, ducking back to hide. 

Jeno put his knife away, slowly approaching the ruin. 

“It’s me.” Jeno said quietly as he neared, not wanting to spook the child. The boy peeked at him again, his face dirty and his white hair knotted and shaggy. 

“I brought food.” 

He stepped forward to set the basket down, then backed away again. Jeno was confused and startled at this sudden turn of events. He honestly hadn't expected the boy to still be here, and now that he was here and found him again, Jeno’s heart bled with empathy for him. It must have been terrible to be here all alone for all this time, never mind the fact that he had to stay in these burnt down ruins where he had been held captive for god knows how long. 

The child looked around the fallen beam he was hiding behind, his nose scrunching as he sniffed the air. 

Understanding, Jeno set the pack down where he was standing, crouching down to open it. 

“I brought you some clothes. And water.” he said, showing him the contents. Curious, but hesitant, the boy looked like he wanted to come closer but was shy to do so. So Jeno took the pack and set it down by the basket, sliding it closer over the cracked wood of the porch so he could reach it without coming out. 

He retreated again, the boy snuck an arm out to grab hold of the basket and drag it towards him. He dropped behind the beam, Jeno unable to see him any longer but he could clearly hear the sound of someone eating with gusto, scarfing down the bread and dried meat. 

“Eat slowly,” Jeno gently cautioned, “you can make yourself sick.” 

But it seemed like his words fell on deaf ears. 

Not even a minute later, the entire basket empty apparently, another pale hand reached out to get the pack. Jeno heard the boy dig around in it before and then the audible gulping of water. He hasn't been here in a very long time, and wondered how the boy had survived this long. 

Jeno waited patiently until he saw that pair of eyes peep at him again. 

“Are you alright?” 

There came no reply, the boy just watching him.

“What is your name?”

He remained quiet.

“My name is Jeno,” he said, “and I am sorry I did not come sooner. I was afraid.”

The boy just blinked at him, Jeno not knowing if he could hear him or even understand. He did speak a handful of words to him when Jeno found him, but now maybe he had been left by himself for too long. 

“Do you want to leave? Come with me?” 

The boy quickly shook his head, ducking out of sight again. At least now Jeno knew he could understand him, but after that the boy didn’t come out again no matter what Jeno asked. 

“I will come back soon.” Jeno said, pulling his knife out again to set it down on the porch, “Here, use this to hunt if you can.” 

Jeno left after that, looking over his shoulder every few steps to see if the boy came out until he couldn't see the cottage anymore, leaving the boy behind. 

The way back was easier than he expected; he didn't run for his life, the forest didn’t seem so bad anymore and he was relieved to find that his grandmother was really gone. Well, Jeno was sure she was his grandmother at all, and maybe she had not even been a person at all. Deep in thought, he walked home as the sun dipped lower, burning gold and orange over the fields, a cold breeze stirring his hair. 

He wondered why the boy didn’t want to leave that place. He had been captive there after all, and Jeno thought he was most likely the one who had burned it down too. So why did he stay? 

Jeno didn’t know. But he was definitely going to go back to see him again, his terrible circumstance deeply moving Jeno to want to help. It was rather morbidly funny to him, that he was determined to cleanse himself of that place only to change his mind so easily just because of one little boy.

Jeno went back as often as he could. 

He knew the townspeople viewed anything slightly different as dangerous, and only the slightest spark of suspicion was needed to insight aggression. Many people living in this part of the world itched to destroy the woods. It had never worked in the past, the colossal trees refusing to catch fire, men who ventured there would vanish without a trace. But Jeno believed that with that evil presence gone, it was very possible for people to get their way. 

So he had to be careful. He couldn't raise any eyebrows with his little trips, or divulge too much, not telling anyone about the child he was now taking care of. He had heard too many stories of people being burned at the stake for the slightest hint of abnormality.

He could only go once every 7 moons, maybe once in 5 days if circumstances were favourable. And each time he took something else with him for the boy besides food. He took more clothes, blankets and a bedroll, some tools to make fire, a small pan and boots. He also brought him soap and a comb and a few books to read. 

Even though the boy responded favourably to food and drink and books, he didn't seem to care much for the rest. He also didn’t speak to him, just nodding or shaking his head when Jeno asked him things. 

Do you have a family? - No

Are you hurt? - No

Do you want to leave? - No

Are you hungry? - Yes 

He never showed himself either, just those ocean eyes and a nest of snowy hair visible. Jeno wondered where he slept, the child seeming to live like a wild little urchin out in the open forest. 

Jeno went back and forth like this for months, not making much progress with the boy but still happy he could be there for him. Not once did Jeno arrive without him waiting for him to come. 

But when Jeno made the long trek again a few weeks after his 14th birthday, he found the boy pink faced beneath all the dirt, sneezing wetly behind a piece of broken wall. 

“Are you sick?” Jeno asked, to which he nodded. 

“I have medicine.” he said, putting the basket down and digging in his satchel for the roll of herbs he always had on him. 

“But…” Jeno continued as he took the rolled up medicine out, “you’re going to need to clean up and rest if you want to get better.” 

He blinked his big eyes, just peering at him like he always does. Jeno wondered what he looked like, not for the first time. He had a lot of questions for him, but Jeno didn't think he could speak or would even be willing to answer. 

“I can help you, but then you need to come out.” 

His eyes widened just before he dropped out of sight, hiding. 

“I promise not to hurt you, I just want to help.” 

For the very first time, Jeno approached him. He walked over the splintered porch, wood creaking beneath his boots. 

“I will come to you, alright?” Jeno said cautiously, making sure he knew Jeno was there. With the medicine in hand, he walked around the fallen beam finding a large part of the cottage still somewhat intact, at least offering some shelter. There was a pile of blankets and fur in the farthest corner used for sleeping, piles of items neatly stacked around it. 

The boy was huddled atop his makeshift bed, legs drawn to his chest as he tightly held himself, watching Jeno over his folded arms. 

“May I come in?” he asked, standing by where a doorway used to be. He waited for the boy to give his permission before coming inside and walking towards him. 

“I am not going to hurt you.” Jeno said again, crouching down a few feet from him, “but I think you have a fever, and you need medicine and rest.” 

He didn’t react to Jeno’s words, just seeming so small and withdrawn. He must have suffered terribly at the hands of the old woman, his spirit broken beyond repair. Hopefully, Jeno could bring him at least some relief, care and company.

Looking around, Jeno spotted a pail of water next to a pile of very neatly folded clothes. 

“Is that water clean?” Jeno asked him, to which the boy nodded. Jeno picked it up and brought it closer, also taking a cloth and the bar of soap off of another pile. 

“You need to get washed,” Jeno said as he held the items out to him, “then I’ll get the medicine ready for you.” 

With hesitant hands, he slowly took it from Jeno. 

Turning his back to him, Jeno opened the medicinal roll to select the correct herbs from small pouches neatly arranged for him by Renjun. He heard a splash and a drip from behind him as he sprinkled a couple of different herbs into his water skin. Sniffing the mixture to make sure it was correct, he corked it again before he shook it. It wasn't ideal, boiling them in hot water would be better, but this was the best he could do for now.

“May I turn around?” Jeno asked, forgetting for a moment that he couldn't see him. Of course there was no answer, and he was unable to tell if the boy gave his permission. Uncertain, not wanting to overstep or push at him, Jeno asked again not expecting to get an answer. 

“Yes.” 

The single quiet word nearly made him fall on his ass, the raspy syllable shocking him. Cautious, water skin in hand, he turned around to find the boy slightly cleaner, sitting on his bed with his legs crossed, hands hiding his nakedness. It once again dawned on Jeno just how small and thin he was, but now that some of the mud had been wiped off, his pale skin and the ridges of countless scars were laid bare. 

“Here, drink this.” Jeno held out the water skin filled with the herbal mixture. Big eyes on Jeno’s hand, he took it from him, carefully pulling out the cork. He sniffed the water, grimacing at the sharp smell. 

“It will taste terrible,” Jeno said softly, watching his expression, “but you really need it.” 

As he brought the water skin to his lips to hesitantly sip at it, Jeno took the chance to study his face. Button nose and long lashes, he had an unexpected sweetness to his countenance, somewhat at odds with his apparently untamed nature. 

When he corked the skin again and set it aside, he seemed to pull back into himself, guarded again. 

“I will go,” Jeno said as he got to his feet, “but you need to finish drinking it, rest here and keep clean.” 

Looking down at him, wishing he could do more, Jeno said goodbye to him instead, feeling reluctant to leave. 

“Thank you, Jeno.” 

It felt like something changed after that day, and Jeno became more eager each time to go back, feeling like they were now friends. When he hurried back only a few days after the boy got sick, he was surprised to find him sitting outside waiting instead of hiding in the dark. He was a bit dusty instead of muddy, wearing a pair of Jeno’s old pants. 

He still seemed extremely shy, shifting where he sat as Jeno approached. 

“Hello.” Jeno greeted him with a small smile, setting down his pack and holding out the basket. The boy took it, lifting the cloth to look inside with a big smile of his own. His teeth were pearly white and sharp, lighting up his eyes. 

“How are you feeling?” Jeno asked, sitting down on the ground as the boy ripped a piece of bread in half to plough into it, stuffing his mouth until his cheeks were round. 

The boy just nodded as he continued to eat with gusto, he really did seem a lot better. Not just better, almost completely different, Jeno hoping that he had now won his trust and would consider Jeno his friend too. He emptied the basket impressively fast, wiping at his mouth with the back of his hand. 

“Good?” Jeno asked, hoping he could now finally talk to him. The boy nodded happily as he set the basket aside. 

“What is your favourite?” Jeno asked, studying his face. 

The boy thought for a moment, wiping his hands on his trousers, his bare feet flexing. 

“Meat.” he answered simply, offering nothing more. 

“I can bring you more meat then.” Jeno said, surprised that he liked meat the most when he had just devoured so much bread.

“It is alright.” he replied quietly, shaking his head. 

“How have you been?” Jeno asked, feeling oddly desperate to keep the boy talking and hear more from him. 

“I missed you.” his face suddenly flushed red as if he had let slip a big secret.

“I missed you too.” Jeno admitted, touched by the boy’s words, “I always miss you when I’m away.”

The boy looked down, seeming pleased by Jeno’s words. 

“What is your name?” 

“Jaemin.” 

“It’s a pretty name. Does it have a special meaning?”

“Gentle spring.” 

“It suits you.” Jeno replied honestly, knowing in his heart of hearts that it really did.

“I do not think so.” Jaemin added, voice low as he looked at his feet, sitting on his hands.

“How come?” 

“Does your name mean anything?” he asked instead, completely ignoring Jeno’s question.

“King,” he replied, “a little odd for a small town boy.”

“You could be a prince from a fairy tale.”

“Really?”

Jaemin nodded, “You are kind, like the heroes from books.”

“I am no hero, Jaemin. It is simply the right thing to do to help you.”

“You keep coming back.”

“Do you wait for me?” 

Jaemin nodded, shrinking back into himself. Jeno wanted to pat his messy head or take his hand, inexplicably moved to take him far away where he didn’t have to live this way.

“Do you want to come home with me?” Jeno asked, hoping Jaemin’s opinion has changed since he asked him to leave before. But he only shook his head again, Jeno not understanding why he would choose to stay here.

“Are you not lonely here?”

“A bit,” he replied softly, “but I have books and the animals are nice to me.”

He was odd to say the least, everything that had happened since the day Jeno got him out of that cage had been beyond strange, but somehow their interactions felt perfectly normal to Jeno. He even completely forgot to even ask Jaemin where his grandmother went.

It was soon time for Jeno to go back again, not wanting to be on the road at night. Jaemin waved at him as Jeno headed down the path, looking back over his shoulder until Jaemin was out of sight. 

He went about his week as per usual, running the inn and tavern, meeting his friends, going for rides on horseback and cooking and cleaning. But his thoughts were still with Jaemin, Jeno trying to puzzle everything together, wondering what else he could do to help his friend. 

Jeno was unable to go back for almost 10 days this time, but he remembered what Jaemin had said, so his basket was loaded with dried and preserved meats, his satchel filled with books. His burdens were heavy, and by the time he was in the shade of the woods he was sweating profusely, even taking off his red cloak to carry it over his arm. 

But when he reached the cottage, Jaemin wasn’t there. Really hoping he wasn't hiding from him again, or that maybe he had left on his own to never be seen again, Jeno called out to him. 

“Here,” came a small voice from the back.

“Are you alright?” Jeno asked, walking over the porch to look for him.

“Don’t come.” he quickly said, making Jeno stop in his tracks

“Is something wrong?” 

There was a moment of silence before Jaemin replied, “I have nothing to wear.” 

Jeno blinked in confusion, “What happened to all the clothes I brought you?”

“They ripped… I’m sorry it was an accident, I didn’t mean to.”

“Oh, that’s alright,” Jeno replied, looking around to find something that Jaemin could cover himself in so he could feel more at ease, “you can borrow my cloak.” 

Jaemin peeked out around the doorway that led to where he slept, Jeno holding out his thick red cloak.

“I will make it dirty.”

“Then I will wash it.” Jeno insisted, stepping closer for Jaemin to take it. 

He ended up taking it, vanishing into the shadows as Jeno hopped off the porch to sit down on the ground in his usual spot, unpacking the basket and bag. 

Jaemin emerged from the back of the cabin, Jeno’s red cloak swallowing his small body as he padded closer on bare feet. 

“Better?” he asked to which Jaemin nodded, sitting down on the rickety step.

“I brought you some new things to eat,” Jeno continued, Jaemin curiously eyeing the wrapped food Jeno held out to him. Jaemin took it, opening it with wide eyes. 

“Go on.” Jeno prompted him, seeing his reaction to the food. Jaemin didn’t need any more encouragement before he ripped into the meat with enthusiasm, sharp teeth pulling off chunks, swallowing pieces whole without chewing properly. 

Worried that he might choke, Jeno kept his eyes on him as he devoured every single piece of food Jeno had brought, unable to understand how his little frame could absorb so much. 

“Thank you, Jeno.” he said as he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. 

“You’re welcome…” Jeno replied, “Jaemin, may I ask you something?”

Jaemin nodded, drawing the red cloak tighter around himself as if he was cold.

“Do you not eat when I am not here?”

“No.” 

“Why? Can you not hunt? Or make a fire to cook?”

“I can, but I cannot hurt the animals here. They are my friends.” 

“Well, I am sure there are berries and mushrooms here you can eat too?”

Jaemin shook his head, “My body cannot tolerate those things, only bread and meat.”

“How come? Are you ill?”

“No,” Jaemin said again, teeth gnawing his chapped lips, “just different.”

It was obvious that Jaemin was being evasive, and Jeno wasn’t going to ask for more than Jaemin could give, so he changed the subject. 

“May I help you with your hair?” Jeno asked, sure that the shaggy mess must be uncomfortable. 

“Oh,” Jaemin’s eyes widened, “you do not mind? I know it’s rather… bad.” 

Jeno shook his head as he got to his feet, “Do you still have everything I gave you?”

Jaemin nodded, “It’s inside.” 

“I will get it.” Jeno said as he saw Jaemin trying to get to his feet.

He walked around the charred building to the back where Jaemin’s little room was. Like last time, he was surprised to find it very neat and clean, all of the things he has collected over time neatly arranged. Jeno also found the clothes he had given him; the shirts didn’t look worn at all and the pants were indeed badly ripped. 

He found the soap, a comb, the knife and a cloth, also taking the pail of clean water back outside to where Jaemin waited for him. 

“May I touch you?” Jeno asked, sitting down behind him, Jaemin looking over his shoulder with big blue eyes. 

Jaemin nodded, Jeno crossing his legs and picking up the knife first.

“I’m going to have to cut it,”  Jeno began, studying all the twigs and leaves stuck in his white locks, “please look ahead if that’s alright.”

Jaemin did as he asked, patiently waiting. 

Luckily the knife was still rather sharp and Jeno made quick work of cutting out the worst of the knots, Jaemin sitting quietly. A pair of scissors would have been better of course, but for now this would do. He trimmed Jaemin’s hair close to his scalp, the pure white of his hair unusual. Once he was surrounded with clumps of hair that had fallen to the ground, he washed Jaemin’s hair for him too until the pearly strands shone and shimmered beautifully. 

“How does it feel?” Jeno asked after he used the lock to dry his head and wipe off his neck and behind his ears. 

“Good.” Jaemin replied, touching his short hair. 

“I will help you trim it from time to time.” 

“Does that mean you will always come back?” he asked, looking over his shoulder at Jeno again, his countenance reminding Jeno of a cherub.

“I will.” he replied with a smile, patting Jaemin’s head. 

And Jeno did, for over a year he came back every seven days to see Jaemin. Some strange things happened in those months. 

The more meat Jeno brought him, the more he seemed to… grow? In those first few weeks he had thought Jaemin was quite a bit younger than him, simply because he was so shy and small. But the healthier he became, his cheeks and shoulders filled out, and as they talked Jeno realised they were actually the same age. 

Not only that, Jaemin became more and more comfortable with him, and Jeno found him to be funny and extremely bright, his mind sharp as a whip. He was also sweet and honest, and would often surprise Jeno with how charming he is. 

It was incredible to Jeno the type of person Jaemin is, maybe the old woman really hadn’t broken him, Jaemin proving to be extremely resilient.

He was curious and so quick to learn, asking Jeno for all kinds of books from fairy tales to historical records and even books on medicine on construction, so much so that their village ran out of books, Jeno purchasing every single one he could find. So it did not come as much of a shock when Jaemin had rebuilt most of the cottage in a manner that he felt comfortable with. He had devoured a book on carpentry, asking Jeno to bring him tools if he could. So of course he did, physically unable to say no to those big eyes and soft cheeks. And every time he came, Jaemin would have made astounding progress with his little projects, using tree trunks and branches and grass and all sorts of things from the forest to make himself a home. 

However, there was something that still hung over the cottage that neither of them wanted to address, it seemed; the cellar. 

Jaemin admitted that he had been the one to burn the house down, and no matter how many times he tried to set the cellar on fire too, it refused to be destroyed no matter what he did. So Jaemin boarded up the trap door, not rebuilding that room. 

Not long after Jeno’s sixteenth birthday, he had very carefully approached the subject of the day he met Jaemin. He stopped asking Jaemin to leave with him, his response never having changed, but Jeno couldn't connect the dots of what he knew and had seen. 

“Jaemin?” Jeno asked, looking up at him where he lay in Jaemin’s lap. As Jaemin’s hair began to grow out, it revealed soft waves like an angelic halo around his equally angelic face. And naturally Jaemin had also taught himself to sew, fixing his ripped clothes.

“Hm?”

“Would you tell me your story?” 

Jaemin cocked his head as he studied him, trying to decide what he should say. 

“It will scare you.” 

“I do not believe that.” 

“It still scares me.” Jaemin continued softly, sapphire eyes sad. 

Jeno sat up, to look him in the eyes, affectionately combing his fringe out of his face. 

“Then let me chase your ghosts away.” 

“Promise you won’t leave me,” Jaemin added, “or think less of me.” 

“I promise.” 

Jaemin took a deep breath, looking away from him as Jeno made himself comfortable by his side. They were in a small clearing, sunlight filtering down to the hollow of soft grass.

“The old woman was a witch, an ancient one.” 

Jeno had figured something like that was the case. Before this, he had not necessarily believed in magic, unable to comprehend that such cruelty could even exist in the world, but after coming to understand Jaemin more, he now knew better. 

“She traded with people, doing them favours in exchange for certain… fees. My parents had too many children, too many for them to take care of. And I think they resented all of us for the way they had to live because of us… so we were exchanged. For money, for luck… I am not sure what they asked for. I was too young to understand, only 6 or so, but my siblings were gone one by one until it was just me. It was my turn to pay the price, and I did. She locked me in the cellar, in that terrible place, I never saw any of my siblings again, I do not know where they went or what became of my parents.”

Jeno felt himself tear up even though Jaemin’s eyes remained dry and his face expressionless as he tried to distance himself from his memories so he could tell his story. 

“She practised evil magic… dark, dark things. Some of which she did to me. I was in that place for a long time, the witch making me do things… making me a monster.” 

Jeno reached for him to wrap his arms around Jaemin’s shoulders, his heart stirred by the sorrowful words. 

“It is not your fault.” Jeno replied quietly, stroking the top of his head, feeling such sorrow it made him wish he could go back in time and stab that evil creature himself. 

“I know it’s not, but it doesn’t change the way I feel.” 

Jeno pulled him closer, hugging him tightly, running his palms over his scarred back to soothe him. Jaemin returned the embrace, resting his cheek on Jeno’s shoulder as he sighed heavily. 

“Jeno…” he continued softly, “I’m sorry for eating your grandmother.”

“I hope she didn’t give you a tummy ache.”

He felt Jaemin smiled against his skin, prompting Jeno to press his face into Jaemin’s hair, breathing him in to comfort them both. They talked about other things after that, switching places so it was Jaemin with his head in Jeno's lap, Jeno playing with his hair like he so loved. 

When he walked home that afternoon he had a lot to think about. He weighed Jaemin’s  words about his ‘grandmother’ and why in all hells his mother knew her and insisted on going there like clockwork. Did his mother also make a deal with the witch? What did she want and what was the price? Was it Jeno? He didn’t think he would ever get the answers, he just needed to accept that this was how it was now. 

But his mind was also plagued with Jaemin’s suffering. Having grown up and lived in such agony, Jeno was determined to protect Jaemin from any and all hardship, willing to give his own life to make sure Jaemin would be safe and at peace for the rest of his life.

Jeno had a busy week those following days, some traders passing through that filled his entire inn, making him run around at all hours to get food and tend to their horses. But the days flew by and Jeno was soon on his way back to Jaemin again. However, when he arrived at the cottage, Jaemin wasn’t there.

“Jaemin?” he called out but there was no answer. Worried, Jeno walked around the house to Jaemin’s room. The door stood ajar and there was a smear of fresh blood over the wood. 

Jeno rushed inside immediately, but the moment he stepped past the door he froze in shock. Something was lying in Jaemin’s bed. Something massive and most definitely not human. With his heart galloping and his breath stolen, Jeno struggled to comprehend what he was looking at. After a moment of strain, his mind caught up. 

It was a wolf. 

Or it appeared to be one, but the sheer size of it and its unnatural white coat was unlike anything Jeno has ever seen before. It was as big as a horse, its claws and teeth could easily rip a man in two, swallowing them whole.

But it was also unconscious, breathing heavily, its tongue lolling past its sharp teeth as it whined in pain. Cautious, Jeno slowly moved closer, not making a sound. Then he saw a dark red stain in its pale fur, the smell of blood thick in the air. 

Unsure of what to do about it, or even where this beast had come from, Jeno considered just leaving it here and going to look for Jaemin instead. If this was one of the animals that lived in the woods, Jeno was surely going to force Jaemin to leave with him this time. But Jeno couldn't walk away, he didn't really know why, but he wasn't afraid of it, just shocked at the sight. 

Looking around, he tried to think, but he couldn't see anything out of the ordinary. The blood on the floor led directly to the sleeping pallet as if the wolf had known exactly where it was going. 

I am a monster.

She did things to me, made me do terrible things too. 

I’m sorry I ate her.

Jaemin’s words echoed in his mind. Surely it cannot be? 

Almost as if under a spell, Jeno walked even closer to the beast until he could peer down at his massive head. Peeking through the white fur was a series of scars over its head and snout, the placement far too familiar. 

Jeno knelt down, tentatively reaching for its cheek. He patted the thick fur, the stark white still strange to him. 

“Jaemin?” he asked hesitantly, “Is it you?” 

The wolf didn’t move, only a pained whine escaping it as if it was trying to respond to him. 

Well, this confirmed it. 

Jeno quickly hopped to his feet to search for herbs and water. He gathered everything he needed before crouching down by the wolf’s side to look for the source of the bleeding. As carefully as he could, he combed the thick fur out of the way, staining his hands with blood in the process. He found what appeared to be a stab wound, clearly made by a weapon. It ran deep and Jeno could see the muscle beneath the skin had been torn too. 

Having had his fair share of experience with injured cows and horses, Jeno knew more or less what to do, but the fact that this wounded animal was most likely Jaemin made his fingers tremble, afraid of making a mistake. Praying to god that he wouldn't wake up and accidentally snap at him, Jeno quickly trimmed the fur around the injury with a pair of scissors before thoroughly cleaning it. He didn't think he would be able to close the skin, afraid that it would just seal the damage beneath and not allow it to heal properly, maybe even shedding blood on the inside. So he did his best to sew the torn muscle together, certain that it didn’t seem like any organs were damaged. Once done, he made a poultice and packed the hole with wet herbs. The beast was so large and heavy, there was no way Jeno would be able to completely wrap a bandage around it, so he packed clean linen atop the herbs, hoping it would hold until it woke up. 

It seemed to already be doing better, laboured breathing having evened out. But Jeno was still worried, even though he knew how resilient Jaemin was. Maybe this really wasn't even his friend and he had just treated some random forest beast. But something in him knew it was him. Nothing left to do but wait, Jeno washed his hands and sat down by his sides with crossed legs, studying its colossal shape as he tried to piece the truth together. 

Trying to keep himself occupied and not have his mind wander to dark places, Jeno took Jaemin’s comb and gently began to brush out its fur, needing to keep his hands busy. The wolf’s pelt was unnaturally thick and soft, not the typical coarse hair one would expect from a canine. He avoided its side and gently combed around its face and over its fluffy ears, he also combed its legs and feet, washing its claws with a wet cloth. 

If any sane person had seen him doing this, they would either run for the hills or burn him at the stake for being a madman. But to Jeno this seemed like the right thing to do. 

The wolf was recovering unnaturally fast, each time Jeno checked on the wound it was looking better and better, getting smaller by the minute, even the cut fur seemed to be growing back. It was getting late and the sun was already beginning to set, but Jeno didn't want to go back. He couldn't actually, it had gotten too late and he would most likely have to walk in the pitch dark which was dangerous to say the least. He decided to go back at dawn the next day, already thinking of an excuse for his friends. 

Eventually night fell and Jeno was tired and cold, the wolf still asleep. The forest was rather eerie at night, the darkness cast by the trees that hid the moon making the air feel thick as he couldn't even see his own hand in front of his face. 

Jeno closed the door and locked them inside before lighting a single candle to cast the windowless room in yellow light. This way, Jeno could pretend they were in the village and Jaemin was by his side. Eventually unable to fight his fatigue anymore, Jeno lay down next to the wolf, wrapping an arm around its thick neck as he pressed his face into the soft fur. Either he wouldn't wake up, having been eaten, or he would wake up to Jaemin in good health again. Regardless, Jeno fell into dreamless sleep. 

Turns out it was the latter, the moment Jeno opened his eyes he was met with that startlingly blue gaze. He wasn't shocked or afraid at this unnatural phenomenon, he was just relieved to see Jaemin was alright. He was lying on his side with his arm still resting on Jaemin’s waist, the world slowly coming into focus as he fully woke. 

“Jeno -” Jaemin began quietly, a worried frown pulling at his brow

“So this is why you always rip your pants.” Jeno replied with a sleepy smile, rubbing sand from his eyes.

“Jeno, this isn’t funny.” Jaemin bemoaned, eyes shimmering with unshed tears as his bottom lip trembled. 

“Nothing has changed.” Jeno replied, smiling as he touched Jaemin’s cheek. 

“How could you say that?” 

Jeno didn't say anything, he just took Jaemin in his arms and brought him close until his white head was tucked under his chin. 

“You must have been so alone and afraid,” Jeno said, hands soothing up and down Jaemin’s back, “I am so sorry you were in so much pain.”

It must have been sheer agony to not only have been locked up from such a young age, but also tortured and cursed, so fearful of being hurt or hurting others, being hated and hunted. 

“I promise you will never be alone again,” Jaemin began to shake in his embrace as he quietly cried, clinging to Jeno, “I will always be here, and I will always protect you.” 

After that day, Jeno felt like he truly knew Jaemin, like he really understood him, his heart becoming even more infatuated than it already was. Jaemin was hesitant at first to tell Jeno everything, but he eventually did, and so many things made sense to him now. 

Jaemin didn’t need to see the moon to be a wolf, he could change shape however he wished. But some of those supernatural traits would always remain within him; how he would heal from an injury incredibly fast, see in the dark, have an excellent sense of smell and of course, needing to eat an extraordinary amount of food. 

Which is how he ended up getting hurt. Every now and then when he really needed to, he would venture out of the forest to find something to eat, taking the shape of the wolf to look for some deer or a stray sheep. This day in particular, he had been caught by an angry farmer who didn't think twice about attacking him with a pitchfork no matter how huge the wolf was. Jaemin being who he was, would never hurt a fly and immediately ran away as fast as he could, getting stabbed in the process. By the time he was back home, he had lost a lot of blood and was dehydrated and in pain, simply fainting without being able to change form before Jeno found him.

It tended to happen every now and then, when Jaemin was attacked while he was outside, Jeno always scolding him as he patched him up. But after that day, something truly beautiful began to bloom.

They spent years like this, and one thing inevitably led to another. Looks grew longer, hand reached for hand, hearts grew closer. A palm to a cheek led to a shy kiss and quiet confessions leading to reluctant goodbyes and talks late into the night. Then the older they grew side by side, never far from one another’s thoughts, touches were no longer curious and shy, but hungry and demanding. Whispers turned to moans and sweat slick limbs and cum smeared sheets, affirmations of love shared between each creak of the bed. 

It was this past that Jeno dreamed of until he was slowly woken by a hand to his forehead. He could smell Jaemin’s skin and feel his warmth before he even woke fully. Knowing he was with his lover again, he had a smile on his face as he reached for him. He found a narrow waist to hold on to and a thick chest to bury his face in, sighing happily as Jaemin held him. 

“How are you feeling?” Jaemin asked quietly, pressing kisses into Jeno’s hair.

“Perfect.” he replied, feeling Jaemin’s heart beat against his cheek. Jeno threw his leg over Jaemin’s hip, clinging to him like a little bear to a tree.

“Thank you, my love.” 

Jeno snuggled as close as he could, wishing he could sink into Jaemin’s skin and occupy his bones, never needing to be apart from him again. 

“Was it bad?”

“Bear trap.” Jaemin sighed, explaining the source of his terrible wounds. He gets hurt far too often, Jaemin could be very careless as a wolf. But it hasn't been this bad in a very long time, which made sense if he had stepped into a bear trap. He would essentially be stuck and at the mercy of violent humans until he managed to get free, these terrible attacks causing Jeno to open up that terrible hole in the ground to study the witch's dark ways to be able to save Jaemin.

“How far did you go?” 

“Two days.” 

“Never do that again.” Jeno muttered against the skin of Jaemin’s collarbone. Jaemin needed to venture further and further for food, the meat that Jeno was able to bring him was not enough. But whenever Jeno broached the possibility of leaving, or finding another way, Jaemin refused to entertain it. Jeno wouldn't tell if it was fear or worry that kept Jaemin here, but he wished he would change his mind so Jeno could take him far away.

“I’m sorry.” Jaemin said softly, deep voice low as his palm ran down Jeno’s side and over his hip and along his thigh.

“How are you feeling now?” Jeno asked instead, “what can I do for you?” 

“Just a kiss would do.” 

Jeno leaned back to look at him, finding his eyes filled with so innumerable heartfelt things.

“It is never just a kiss with you.” 

“That is entirely your fault.” Jaemin said, pulling Jeno closer to him so they could meld together.

“Me?” Jeno asked with feigned innocence, feeling how Jaemin’s body stirred at their proximity. 

“Yes,” Jaemin’s sharp teeth spread in a hungry smirk, “you are so beautiful after all.” 

Jaemin leaned in to nose at his cheek, nuzzling the soft skin to press a kiss to the corner of his mouth. Jeno hummed with warmth, loving Jaemin’s attention.

“Is that all?” 

“You are also rather delicious.” Jaemin nipped at his jawline, making Jeno squirm and smile. 

“Now before I am too distracted to speak,” Jeno continued, Jaemin lips making their way down his throat, hands kneading over his hip and ass, “I need to talk to you.”

“Hmm?” Jaemin’s rough hand snuck in beneath his shirt, calloused palm caressing up and down his spine.

“You need to be more careful, Jaemin.” Jeno said, biting back a moan under Jaemin’s hands as he tried very hard to be serious. 

“I am sorry for making you worry.” Jaemin replied, lips finding the hollow where his throat met his collarbone. 

“What if one day I’m too late?” Jeno asked, eyes fluttering closed.

“That will never happen,” Jaemin replied fiercely, sucking a bruise into Jeno’s throat, “I am never leaving your side, that I swear.” 

“Jaemin, I am being serious.”

“Mhmh.” he hummed, clearly very distracted.

Needing Jaemin to listen before both of them got carried away, Jeno shoved at his shoulder to push Jaemin onto his back. Straddling his hips, he planted his palms on the thickness of Jaemin’s chest to look down at him. 

“Jaemie, listen to me,” Jaemin’s hands settled on his thighs, the look in his eyes filled with so much love that Jeno’s bones nearly melted, “please, please be more careful. I cannot lose you, I can never live without you.” 

“I promised you, my love. We will be together, always.”

“Then… will you leave with me?” Jeno was so desperate for Jaemin to say yes, “Let’s go far away, where you don’t need to live in hiding… Where you can be safe.”

Jaemin paused, looking up at him with bright blue eyes as he studied his face, “It is not that I don’t want to, Jeno. But I cannot ignore what it would mean for you to be in the open with me… I can survive, I can get hurt and recover. But what about you? What will happen if you are persecuted just because of me?”

It was the first time that Jaemin had divulged this, and Jeno knew why he had kept quiet just like Jaemin already knew what he would say.

“You know I don’t care. I trust you to always protect me, and I refuse to live in fear and have worry for the future get in the way of the life you deserve.”

Jaemin smiled sweetly, pretty face alight with affection. 

“Promise me you will at least think about it, Jaemin. Please.” 

“I promise.” 

Jeno sighed softly, offering Jaemin a smile, knowing that Jaemin really would consider it like he said he would. 

“I love you.” Jeno said, leaning down to press a kiss to his lips. 

“I love you too, my sun and stars.” 

Jeno kissed him again, harder this time, so desperate to be with him after what just happened, the last remnants of fear still dragging over his heart. Jaemin kissed him back, hands squeezing Jeno’s thighs as his tongue slipped into his mouth. Jeno felt Jaemin harden beneath him, making shivers break out over his skin, thoughts vacating his skull as his body shimmered to life.

Jeno broke their kiss with a wet suck, Jaemin groaning in complaint. Jeno scooted back to sit on Jaemin’s thighs, unhappy to see he had put some pants on while he had been asleep. His ocean eyes were hot as he looked up at him, tongue finding the corner of his mouth as his spit-slick lips grinned hungrily, watching Jeno untie the breeches. 

“Fuck.” Jeno breathed, already wanting to cum just at the thought of what he was about to have. Jaemin lifted his hips so he could pull his pants down and over his hips, too impatient to even take it completely off. 

Jeno hummed in approval at how his tented underclothes were already spotted with moisture. Planting a hand by his head, Jeno bent down to kiss him again, Jaemin’s hands fisting in his hair. Jeno reached for Jaemin’s chest, dragging his rough palm down Jaemin’s quivering stomach before reaching lower.

Jaemin groaned against Jeno’s hungry lips as he palmed at him, squeezing and teasing. Jeno was always so demanding when it came to him, determined to pull Jaemin apart with hungry lips and naughty hands, leaving him in tatters. He made his way down Jaemin’s body, mouthing at his nipples, making shivers break out over his scarred skin. 

Jeno’s hands rested on his hips, as he bent down to mouth and nip at Jaemin’s bulge. Holding his eyes, he mouthed at his swollen length through his underclothes, moistening the already wet material, drawing a strangled moan from Jaemin. Finally he hooked a finger through the band of his underclothes to pull it down, Jaemin’s fingers digging into his hair. 

Pressing his thumbs into the cut of his v-line, Jeno intently licked his cock from base to tip. Hot and dripping wet, hungry and sure. Jaemin’s spine curved, head falling back, trembling like a leaf as he groaned deep and broken. 

With long, slow licks he wet every inch of Jaemin’s cock, lapping up each drop of pre-cum. His thumbs kept kneading at Jaemin’s flesh, making his dick twitch with each touch. Jeno took just the tip into his mouth, suckling as he swirled his tongue around the head. 

One moment he was working the slit with his tongue and the next Jaemin hit the back of his throat, not even working up to it before taking him as far as possible, loving the feeling of having him stuffed in his mouth. They haven’t been together in a week, which was a horrible tragedy in Jeno’s mind, unfathomable actually. Which is why he was so desperate for Jaemin’s cock, his own hanging thick and heavy between his legs as he sucked him off.

He worked Jaemin back and forth, sucking hard and hot, confidently taking Jaemin as deep as his throat would allow. Jaemin struggled to hold still, his hips begging to move as if of their own accord. 

He squeezed Jaemin’s thighs to give him permission, eyes fluttering closed as he held still, spit running down the swollen length. Jaemin tightened his grip on Jeno’s hair, holding his head still so he could fuck into his throat. Jeno eagerly took what he gave him, nails dragging down Jaemin’s thighs as he choked. Jaemin fucked into his mouth with increasingly sloppy thrusts, heels digging into the bed. 

“- Jen - ” He managed to moan past his gritted teeth, “ - close - “ he tried to tell him again, but he was made a pathetic mess of clumsy hips and filthy thoughts. 

“Mhmh.” This time he heard Jeno hum, feeling him squeeze his thighs. 

As if Jeno flipped a switch, Jaemin’s orgasm snapped like a bow drawn back too far - tearing through him. Joints locked, toes curled, eyes crossed, he came. Jeno gulped it all down, his throat tightening around Jaemin’s sensitive cock as he drank every last drop. Jaemin’s hands slipped out of his hair and his limbs fell flat, nothing left in him. 

Jeno swallowed it all until Jaemin was completely spent and empty, satisfied with his handiwork. Jaemin was breathing hard, sweat gleaming on his limbs, face pink as he panted.

“You’re so pretty like this.” Jeno hummed, wiping at his mouth with the back of his hand, crawling up Jaemin’s body to kiss him and make himself comfortable on his wide chest. 

“Enjoyable?” Jaemin asked, voice rough as he chuckled. 

“Very much.” he licked his lips, resting his chin on his folded arms.

“My turn?” Jaemin asked, eyes glittering with mischief. 

One very unexpected thing that Jeno had learned about Jaemin over these years, was the fact that not only could he recover from wounds unnaturally fast, but also recover in other ways. And Jeno felt it against his hip, his own body not satisfied in the least, feeling giddy in expectation.  

“Anything you want.”

“Anything?” Jaemin asked, hands sneaking under Jeno’s shirt. 

Jeno smiled in reply, loving the way Jaemin looked at him. 

Jaemin rolled them over, immediately kicking off his pants and pulling Jeno’s shirt off to toss it aside. He ran his tongue over his sharp teeth, gaze burning over Jeno’s bare torso. He swooped down to kiss Jeno again, deep and heated, Jeno whining against his lips. Jaemin sharply pulled away, rough hands tossing Jeno onto his stomach, Jeno elated at being manhandled. 

Jaemin yanked his pants down, Jeno shoving his face into a pillow to keep his broken moans at bay. With firm hands, Jaemin spread Jeno’s legs, settling between them. Tension pulled between Jeno’s shoulder blades, his breathing hitching as he anticipated Jaemin’s touch. He bit into his tongue, trying not to beg Jaemin to hurry up.  

But instead of Jaemin going right for where Jeno needed him the most, he leaned in and pressed his lips to the back of Jeno’s thighs. Jaemin kissed down his legs, giving the smooth skin the same devoted attention as Jeno’s back. Adoring the back of Jeno’s knees with his tongue, Jeno’s spine pulled painfully taut as his elbows dug into the bed. 

Even though Jeno was soon covered in blue crescents from head to toe, Jaemin was far from satisfied it seemed. 

His rough palms spread over Jeno’s ass, kneading the supple flesh. He pressed a kiss to Jeno’s tailbone, tongue lapping at the spot. He slid his tongue into the crevice, dripping wet to tease the skin right above what Jeno was really craving. 

Jeno groaned into the pillow he was clutching, spurring Jaemin on to get a better taste. Hands working his plump ass, Jaemin dragged a lazy tongue around Jeno’s rim, mercilessly playing with him. He drew figure eights with his tongue, lapped at the sensitive folds until Jeno was trembling like a leaf, trying his best not to clench his limbs or cry out.

Jeno loved how much Jaemin enjoyed him, how much he wanted him - taking it slow, determined and intent, focused on Jeno and the way he shook and moaned. But sometimes Jeno just wanted Jaemin to bend him in half and fuck him stupid. Not today though, Jeno soon drenched in sweat, his aching cock trapped against the bed, leaking pathetically.  

Only when the silky folds of Jeno’s rim were soaked and sensitive did Jaemin slip his tongue in. Nimble and taunting, he licked into Jeno, humming in satisfaction as if he had gotten his hand on the sweetest treat. Jaemin pulled out all the stops, working Jeno’s body, taking him higher and higher. Jeno moaned his name, muffled and broken against the pillow he stuffed his face into. Jaemin’s fingers joined his mouth, eagerly looking for that particular spot, making Jeno keen. 

He wished he could see Jaemin’s face, but his eyes were squeezed shut as he completely surrendered to his lover.

Jaemin moved back, using his fingers to drive Jeno over the edge, needing to drive him mad. His skin was flushed and damp, limbs quivering, toes curling as he whined, pushing back against his hand for more. Jaemin rolled his wrist, slipping his other hand between Jeno and the bed to rub at his perineum. 

Jaemin was able to push another finger inside, working his hands in and out. It didn’t take him long to clench down on Jaemin’s fingers, joints locking, shoulder blades snapping together. 

He came hard and fast, ribs heaving as he panted before completely dissolving on the bed, bones turned to water. Jaemin retrieved his hands to press smiling kisses up Jeno’s back, gently kneading his sides. 

Jeno pulled his face out of the pillow he had smushed into a ball to look over his shoulder at Jaemin. Pink faced, lips bitten and parted, his big eyes were heated and hungry.

“Jaem…” his voice was rough and broken, “more.” 

Jaemin leaned in to press a kiss to Jeno’s cheek, that teasing smirk playing over his plump lips. He pushed off to dig into the bedside drawer for some rose oil. Jaemin couldn’t stop touching and kissing him, leaving Jeno reeling. Even though he was naked and throbbing, Jaemin’s cock leaking again, he ran his hands down Jeno’s sides, pressing his lips along every inch of him. 

Jeno was nearly dissolving under his palms, eyes falling closed and hands fisted in the sheets, lips parted on shallow breaths. Wanting for more of Jaemin, so desperate to feel him, Jeno was ready to cry as Jaemin was finally on his knees behind him, uncorking the small vial. Jaemin didn’t even bother to warm the slippery liquid before slicking up his cock. Jeno felt like he couldn’t breathe, his chest constricting as his heart leaping into the sky. 

Jaemin moved closer, palm by Jeno’s hip, the other fisting his cock. Jeno felt him press against his waiting hole, forcing his joints not to lock down so Jaemin could slide into him. Jaemin growled deep in his chest as he pushed in, Jeno rocking his hips back to take him all the way in. 

Jaemin covered him with his own body as he settled deep inside him, chest to back as he slowly began to rock his hips. He buried his face in Jeno’s hair, grabbing his hands to tangle their fingers as he held onto him like the world was ending. They moved together, slow and deep, bodies rolling in sync. 

Jeno wanted this. He wanted this with Jaemin every single day, he never wanted to say goodbye again but just stay with him forever.  

Jaemin thrust deep and slow, Jeno rolling back in tandem. Ebbing and flowing, skin sliding and breaths breaking. Jeno’s eyes fell shut, he wanted to drown in the smell and feel of Jaemin moving in and out of him with slow, sharp thrusts. The way Jaemin gasped and he gripped his hands, and shook against Jeno’s back, Jeno couldn't hold on much longer as his second orgasm loomed. 

His release came upon him slowly, thick and heavy in his stomach as Jaemin fucked into him deeper and deeper, stealing the oxygen from his lungs. Jaemin held onto him, release washed over him as he moaned in Jeno’s hair. Jeno could feel Jaemin’s heart beat in his own chest, the rapid thrum settling behind his sternum. 

Jaemin picked up the pace, chasing his high as he snapped his hips harder and harder. Jeno clutched at Jaemin’s hands, biting into the pillow as he came, his hole clinging to Jaemin’s cock as he spilled onto the bed. Jaemin fasted his teeth in Jeno’s neck, leaving a bruise behind as his cock thickened and swole, spilling inside Jeno. He continued rolling his hips, pumping cum as deep as it could go until he was completely empty. 

Drenched in sweat, spots over his vision, Jaemin panting atop him, Jeno was ready to pass out from the adrenaline and blinding pleasure he always felt at Jaemin’s hands. 

As always, Jaemin thawed and calmed much quicker than Jeno did, and he could already feel him stir inside him.

“Jaemin, you’re crushing me.” Jeno managed to mumble into the spit wet pillow. Jaemin chuckled, kissing that sensitive spot behind Jeno’s ear. He carefully lifted off Jeno, gingerly pulling out of him, the tug making them both grimace. 

Jeno just had to lay there for a moment like a swatted moth, limbs numb and thoughts slow. Jaemin took a wet cloth and cleaned him up, wiping sweat and cum and oil off of his body as his breathing and heart finally evened out. 

Jeno rolled to his side once he had enough strength to do so, Jaemin lying down next to him. Jeno snuggled into his chest, Jaemin holding him tightly. 

“Is it morning yet?” 

“There are still a few hours left.” 

Jeno smiled against Jaemin’s skin, content and warm and so in love it was as if he had been bespelled. It didn’t take long for them to fall asleep, tangled together, both dreaming of a better future. 

The next morning, Jaemin walked him to the boundary of the forest, holding his hand as he walked with him, barefoot and shirtless. He greeted him with a sweet kiss and loving words, waiting there until Jeno crested the hill and couldn't see him anymore. He was so lost in thought he barely registered the pull in his body, drawing his red cloak tightly around him to hide the state of his neck and throat. 

Jeno couldn't stop thinking about what Jaemin had promised him: he would seriously consider leaving. It remained on Jeno’s mind as he counted down the seven days that kept them apart. 

But only two days after he saw Jaemin last, Jeno was woken from sleep by a strange scratching at his window in the middle of the night, Jeno rubbed at his crusty eyes to see what it was. Getting out of his bed, the midnight air chilled his skin as he padded over on bare feet. 

He saw something move on the other side of the milky glass, knowing immediately what it was. Jeno threw open the window, meeting a pair of bright blue eyes. 

“What are you doing here??” Jeno demanded in an angry whisper, glaring at Jaemin. The massive wolf just cocked his head as if he were a puppy and not the size of a buffalo.

“Come inside before someone sees you.” 

He hurried to his door as the wolf retreated. Plucking it open, Jeno was greeted by a very naked Jaemin with a wide grin on his face. 

“Foolish man, ” Jeno scolded him, grabbing him by the arm to yank him into his home. Closing and locking the door, Jeno rounded on him, “are you cra -”

His words were cut off as he was pulled into Jaemin’s chest, his thick arms winding around him in a crushing embrace. Jaemin held him tight, peppering Jeno’s face and neck with kisses.

“Jaemin!” Jeno scolded him, pushing at him as he tried to bite back his smile.

He pulled back just enough to meet Jeno’s gaze. His blue eyes were filled with stars, a pretty colour atop his cheeks and a beautiful smile on his face.  

Jeno sighed as he completely buckled, “You’re so silly, my love.”

“I missed you,” he replied, his deep voice sending shivers down Jeno’s spine, “I couldn't wait to see you again.”

“It’s dangerous, Jaemin.” Jeno said, hands weaving behind his head, fingers playing with the snowy hair in his neck.

“You are more important.” he pressed a rough kiss to Jeno’s lips like signing his name at the end of a love letter. 

“You shouldn't be out at night like this, you won’t be able to go back in time.”

“That was the plan” Jaemin smiled against Jeno’s skin as he nosed at his cheek and neck.

“You came this late just so you can stay the night, hm?”

“You know me so well.” 

“Fine, then get dressed so we can sleep.” Jeno chuckled, pecking a kiss to Jaemin’s cheek, “do not pout.” Jeno warned before Jaemin could pull a face.

“Alright, alright.” he huffed, letting Jeno go so he could rummage in his closet. 

Jeno returned to his bedroom, Jaemin close behind in nothing more than underclothes, his bare chest and long legs on display. Oh he was definitely doing this on purpose, knowing how weak Jeno was for him. 

They slid under the covers, Jaemin’s warm skin seeping into his bones as he lay down at his back, wrapping his arms around Jeno’s waist and burying his face in Jeno’s neck. 

He sighed with content, not happy that Jaemin took the risk to come here, but over the moon to see him again. He hated their time apart, and visiting him every seven days was the highlight of Jeno’s life.

“I love you Jaemin.” Jeno said as he began to drift off, “I’m glad you’re here.” he admitted, regardless of the terrible risk Jaemin took, he couldn't deny how happy he was to see him.

“I love you too, Jen.” he replied, pressing a kiss behind his ear, holding him tighter, “and I’m glad I came.” 

Jeno had a dreamless sleep, deep and restful. But when he woke up, he was alone and the bed was cold. Rubbing at his eyes, he rolled to his back to touch the empty space beside him, ready to sulk until he heard movement in the kitchen. 

Heart lifted once more, he yawned and stretched before swinging his legs over the edge and leaving his bedroom to look for his lover. Jaemin stood with his back to Jeno, kneading dough by the counter, jars and butter and wooden bowls spread out on the counter. As delicious as Jaemin’s food was, his method of cooking and baking was slightly chaotic. He had learned how to bake from one of the many books he had, fashioning a small oven and fire for himself in the cottage.

Jeno leaned against the door frame to take a moment to look at him, his broad back flexing as he worked, humming to himself. Jeno was always saddened when he saw all of Jaemin’s scars, the thick pearly bands slashed over his limbs and legs and face. He didn’t care what it looked like, Jaemin was the most beautiful man in the world and he was sure everyone with a pair of eyes would agree. But he would never forget the pain Jaemin has endured, at the hands of the witch or of people and other beasts, that was what truly pulled at his heart. Especially the injuries he had suffered because of Jeno. 

But the hidden guilt he carried would never hinder his love for him, Jeno would never allow anything to jeopardise what they had, not even himself. 

Detaching himself from the door jamb, he walked over to greet Jaemin with a warm hug and kiss to his shoulder. 

“Good morning, my love.” Jeno said, holding him tight, chest to back, his palm over Jaemin’s heart.

“Sleep well?” Jaemin asked, turning his head to press a loving kiss to his cheek.

“Mhmh,” Jeno hummed, peering over his shoulder to look at what he was doing, “you’re making my favourite?”

Wastel was more cake than bread, and no one made it like Jaemin.

“Well I do need to make up for coming unannounced.” 

“Jaemie, you know I love having you here,” Jeno assured as Jaemin rinsed his hands in the shallow bowl by his side, “I just worry.”

He turned in Jeno’s embrace to face him, his light blue eyes filled with a dozen galaxies as he smiled at Jeno. 

“Thank you for caring so much about me.” he said, palms settling on Jeno’s cheeks.

“You are my world Jaemin,” Jeno replied, “I love you more than I need to breathe, but I hate seeing you get hurt or be in danger.”

Jaemin fell silent for a moment, considering him, “I wanted to tell you something Jen,” he said, pivoting away from Jeno’s comment, “I want to leave. I want us to leave.”

“You?” Jeno’s eyes widened in surprise, he hadn’t expected Jaemin to have decided so quickly. 

“To go far away…” Jaemin seemed to hesitate, “...together.”

Jeno suddenly felt tears prick his eyes, the possibility of the two of them going out into the world to find a place for themselves where they can be together, where they can be safe, moving his heart. He understood how hard it was to hope, and how Jaemin worried about what it would mean for Jeno if someone saw them together, how people would come after him too. Jaemin would rather be alone and cold in that forest waiting for Jeno than put him in danger.

Jaemin looked away, nibbling on his lip, “You know the stories of the kingdom to the south, one full of magic and wondrous sights and creatures… I read about it…”

“Have you thought about it?”

“I promised you I would,” Jaemin replied, finding his eyes again, “I want to be with you forever Jeno, I want a home and a life with you… somewhere we do not have to hide, where I can love you fully, openly. Just like you said.”

He never wanted to force Jaemin to go, but now hope began to flicker to life behind his sternum. The things they dreamed about in those long, lonesome nights could be real, the pain of being apart could be a thing of the past.

“Then let us go,” Jeno nodded, “I will go wherever you go, and if this is what you want then I want it too.” 

“But… I am not sure if the stories are true.”

“There is only one way to find out.”

“I will always be a monster no matter where I go… what if it will be the same as anywhere else?”

“You are not,” Jeno said firmly, “terrible things happened to you at the hands of someone evil. That is not your fault, and that does not make you a monster.”

Jaemin did not say anything more, but his face told Jeno he was eased by his words. Jeno saw it as his life’s mission to make sure Jaemin knew how much he was loved and accepted, even if he needs to be reminded of that every day. 

“You know,” Jeno continued, running his hands up and down Jaemin’s back, “we have some time before breakfast.” 

“Oh?” Jaemin replied, cocking his head as his eyes began to warm, “For what?” 

“Some fun.”

Jeno pressed a smiling kiss to his lips, Jaemin’s hands sliding into his hair to fist the black strands. It only took the slightest brush of Jaemin’s lips to awaken Jeno’s body, every vessel, every organ so attuned to his touch. 

Jaemin deepened the kiss, angling his head to slip his tongue into Jeno’s mouth. Jeno willingly let himself go, he belonged to Jaemin since the day they met and he would not have it any other way. 

Jaemin’s lips trailed along his jaw and throat, lapping and sucking at the skin, Jeno tilting his head to offer more of himself. Jaemin’s rough hands slid down his sides, grabbing hold of his ass to lift him up. Jaemin dropped him down on the kitchen table with a hard bang, drawing a moan from Jeno at being manhandled. Jaemin pressed closer between Jeno’s legs to rub them together, Jeno wrapping his legs around Jaemin’s thighs and locking his ankles. 

Jaemin was insatiable when it came to Jeno, he could never get enough of his skin and the way he gasped and felt. Possessive and greedy, Jaemin tore at Jeno’s shirtfront to get his hands on him, chasing his lips for a searing kiss again, the sweet of their morning was quickly consumed by ravenous fire. Jeno fisted Jaemin’s hair, wining into his mouth as Jaemin’s fingers dug into his hips to lift them, the friction of their clothed cocks drawing a guttural growl from Jaemin’s chest.

knock-knock-knock-knock-knock-knock-knock-knock-knock

“Jeno!” 

Knock-knock-knock-knock-knock-knock-knock-knock-knock

“Ignore it.” Jaemin rumbled against Jeno’s throat.

“Jaem ~” he moaned as Jaemin’s hands slid around to knead at his ass, “he is not - he’s not going to leave -”

Knock-knock-knock-knock-knock-knock-knock-knock-knock

“Jeno! It is me!” 

“Just a second, Jaemin -'' Jeno panted, his vision already swimming just from kisses and curious hands alone. 

“No.” Jaemin replied gruffly, biting down particularly hard to leave a mark on Jeno’s pale skin. 

“Jaemin ~” he whined, needy and filled with blood boiling lust. But his best friend was knocking on his door, putting a damper on his lewd thoughts, “He has a key.”

Jaemin huffed in protest, very unhappy at the interruption, “Fine.” he grumbled, straightening as his lips and hands left Jeno, suddenly making him feel cold. 

Jeno pecked a quick kiss to Jaemin’s lips before hopping off the table, his hard body uncomfortable as he rushed to the door. 

Jaemin followed him, leaning against the wall behind the door as Jeno quickly unlocked it to peer outside where Mark waited for him.

“Morning Mark,” he greeted him, trying to hide the state of his bare chest, “I am not feeling great today.'' He quickly tried to make an excuse, feeling Jaemin’s eyes burn on his skin. 

“Gods you look terrible,” Mark exclaimed, “I think you have a fever.” He reached up to press the back of his hand to Jeno’s forehead, taking his red cheeks and sweaty face as a sign of illness instead of what it really was. 

“Do you want me to go get Renjun? He can -”

“No, no, no -” Jeno quickly interrupted, “I have everything I need, I will be quite alright.”

“Are you sure? Do you have any medicine?” He looked at him doubtfully.

“I have yes,” Jeno nodded, forcing a smile. Well he did have medicine for his current affliction, and said cure was behind the door glaring at Mark through the wood, “I will just stay in today.”

Mark hesitated for a moment, not fully placated. 

“Was there something you needed?” Jeno asked quickly, feeling Jaemin’s hand wander over his ass, tormenting him as he tried to keep a straight face. 

“No,” Mark looked worried, Jeno feeling how his face warmed, Jaemin playing with the band of his pants, “I just saw the inn isn’t open yet so I wanted to see if you were alright.”

“Oh, yes I am. Thank you, Mark.”

His friend was dawdling, Jeno wanting to close the door and give Jaemin a nice kick in the shin. 

“I just need some rest, I will stay in bed today I think.”

“There was another attack in Greenhollow, a farmer lost a few sheep. People are talking about the beast again.”

Jeno grit his teeth behind his forced sleep, Jaemin’s hand having snuck into his pants to squeeze at his bare ass. 

“I am sure it was probably just a rabid wolf. And we are safe here.”

“Well… I mean you got hurt before. Are you not afraid?” 

Jaemin suddenly retrieved his hand, Jeno feeling how he stiffened beside him. 

“No, it was an accident. And the injury healed well.”

“Jeno -”

“Mark, I really appreciate your concern and for coming by, but I need to rest.”

“Oh yes, of course.” Mark said quickly, suddenly seeming to realise why he was there, “Take care Jeno.” he continued as he began walking away, waving at him. 

“I will come by again tomorrow!” 

Jeno returned his wave, quickly closing the door so he could drop the smile and rest his aching cheeks. 

“Don’t you dare.” Jeno scolded Jaemin immediately before he could say anything. Jaemin looked down, his eyes sad as all traces of that heated appetite disappeared.

Jaemin was only a teen of 16 when he wandered into the village for the first time. He was of course wary of humans, but he did not think people would be that scared of him, or that they would react the way they did. The moment the large white wolf was spotted peeking out from behind a house, a crowd gathered and rushed at him with pitchforks and torches. Jaemin had been so afraid, the noise and the screams and the flames frightening him. 

Jeno had heard the commotion, but had no intention of going outside to see what it was until he heard that first pained howl. He had flown out of his home on bare feet to find the white wolf cornered behind the church, injured and afraid. Without thinking, Jeno had hurled himself between the mob and Jaemin, trying to stop them. Jaemin hadn't even been fighting back, he had been cowering and whining, not wanting to hurt anyone but not understanding why they were hurting him. 

Jeno covered Jaemin with his body, yelling at the people to stop. But they screamed back, trying to get Jeno out of the way, the fear of the monster warping to hate as they just spurred each other on to the point of violence. 

The people of his village would not hurt him, but the moment a torch came too close to his face, he heard Jaemin snap and growl behind him. 

Jeno knew what was going to happen if he did not interfere. He managed to stop Jaemin from lunging at the villagers and eating them, but in the process Jaemin accidentally bit him. 

Chaos broke out around him, people coming for Jaemin with weapons and rage. 

Jeno hadn’t even realised he had been hurt as he tried to push Jaemin away, to make him run and escape. 

Jaemin eventually managed to get out of the village, leaving near hysteria behind. People would talk about the ‘attack’ for days, congratulating the men and Jeno for ‘protecting’ them. Even though the bite mark on his arm was deep and painful, needing to be stitched up and treated, it didn’t bother Jeno at all. 

All he could think of was Jaemin and running to see him. He had been hurt, blood spotting his snowy pelt, and Jeno had no way of knowing if he was alright. Jeno waited for days until it was time to go to the forest again without seeming suspicious, and the minute it was safe to do so, Jeno had put on his red cloak and dashed to the woods. 

The road was long and difficult, but Jeno had gone as far as he could, stumbling and scraping his knees and palms along the way. 

By the time he reached the charred cottage, he was faint and unable to breathe. But he hammered on the door, spots appearing over his vision as he waited for Jaemin to open it. 

He eventually did, peeking past to look at him, his blue eyes glowing in the dark. 

“Are you - are you - alright?” he headache, hands on his knees

“Jeno?” Jaemin opened the door fully, immediately cupping his face to look at him, “what’s wrong?”

Jeno straightened as best he could, still unable to catch his breath, “ - you - are you -?”

“I am fine, Jeno. I am really fine. What happened to you?”

“ - ran -”

“You ran here? Are you mad?” Jaemin scolded him as he brought him inside. 

Jeno collapsed on the bed, falling on his back as he blinked rapidly, trying to dispel the inky spots bloomed over his sight. Jaemin quickly got him some water and a cloth to wipe his face with. Jeno chugged down the water, feeling nauseous as he finally managed to fill his lungs with air. 

Jaemin knelt in front of him, looking up at him with worried eyes. Jeno unfastened his cloak and pulled off his overcoat, wiping at his sweaty skin as he tried to gather himself. 

“Are you alright?” Jaemin asked him again, sharp teeth gnawing at his chapped lip.

“I’m fine -” Jeno breathed, voice hoarse as the stitch in his side finally began to fade.

“Why did you run all the way here?” Jaemin asked quietly, “you could have gotten hurt.”

“I had to see you.” he answered simply, still out of breath. 

Only then did his eyes focus on Jaemin’s face and his heart bled for him. There was a cut on his forehead, running from the tail of his brow and into his hair. Another deeper one clipping his chin. What appeared to be a deep stab wound looked dark and angry in his side, smaller cuts decorating his fingers and arms. 

“Oh Jaemie,” Jeno tried not to cry as he leaned down to touch his face, “why did you come?”

“I’m so sorry I hurt you.” Jaemin said instead, sapphire eyes sparkling with tears, “I really didn’t mean to - I am so sorry Jeno.”

“No, no, no, don’t cry.” Jeno slid off the bed to kneel in front of Jaemin on the floor, “it’s not your fault.” 

“I didn't mean to hurt you,” Jaemin said again, “I am so sorry, Jeno.”

Jeno cupped his face to catch a stray tear, feeling his own eyes sting, “I know you didn’t, Jaemie.”

“Please forgive me Jeno - please - I am so sorry.”

“There’s nothing to forgive Jaemin.” Jeno said firmly, wiping another tear away with his thumb.

“I just wanted to see you, I didn't mean to cause any trouble.”

Jeno took Jaemin into his arms, hugging him tightly as Jaemin buried his face in Jeno’s neck. Jeno soothed him with palms up and down his back, blinking rapidly so Jaemin did not see him cry. Life was so terribly unfair, how could the sweetest soul have suffered the most. 

Once Jeno felt more calm and Jaemin’s breathing evened out, Jeno pulled back to look at him and study his face. 

“Jaemie, please be careful,” Jeno said quietly, “I do not want you to get hurt because of me.”

“I am sorry,” he whispered back, rough palms circling Jeno’s wrists as he looked at him with sorrowful eyes, “I missed you… and…” but Jaemin shook his head to cut off his words, not wanting to say any more. 

But Jeno already knew what he was thinking. 

Jaemin gets lonely out here, he roamed the woods by himself, he needed to find food to eat, staying as a wolf for days on end simply because he had no one to talk to. Jeno wished he could do something to make it better, bring him into his home to live with him and always be with him. But it was impossible. Jaemin could not stay human indefinitely and needed to be a wolf often, and as a wolf he needed to eat far too much, roaming far and wide to catch some prey. 

But even if that was not the case, the shy little boy with the scarred body and shocking white hair and unnaturally blue eyes would be run out of town at best, or burned alive at worst. Jeno also could not visit him every single day, as much as he wanted to, he did not need to give anyone more reason to try and chop down or burn the forest than there already was, towns to the east have already started clearing some outcrops of trees to make way for farmland. And Jaemin had also made it clear he wasn’t going to move away from his cottage.

Jaemin would never say this out loud, regardless of what he felt, he never wanted to burden Jeno with his emotions or make him feel like he had to take care of him all the time. But Jeno would, he always would. 

They were only teenagers, but Jeno already knew what he felt. Even his young mind could recognize it: love.

Jaemin's eyes filled again as he looked at him, white hair falling over his brow. Jeno could not stand the thought of ever losing him, he would do anything for them to never have to part. Needing to make sure that Jaemin knew this too, Jeno leaned in and pressed a clumsy peck to his lips, startling Jaemin. 

He’s never kissed anyone before, not even all the pretty girls and boys in the village who liked him, his affection has always been here with Jaemin. 

Jaemin blinked at him in surprise, Jeno feeling his cheeks flare. 

“Jaem -”

But Jaemin cut him off as he leaned in this time, bumping his own attempt at a kiss to Jeno’s rough lips. 

Almost ten years after that day, the scar on Jeno’s wrist has almost completely faded, barely visible. But Jaemin never seemed to have been able to get over it, regretting hurting him the most. 

“Look at me,” Jeno stepped closer to him until their chests touched, cupping his face, “do not go there, darling. Stay here with me.”

The past could carry Jaemin away sometimes, terrible memories like ghosts behind his eyes, but Jeno would always bring him back. 

“Stay here.” Jeno repeated, seeing the fog clear from Jaemin’s gaze as he looked at him again. His hands carded through Jaemin’s hair, brushing over the shell of his ears as Jaemin thawed.

“I love you.” Jaemin eventually managed to say with a small smile, hands reaching for Jeno’s sides. 

“I love you too.” Jeno pressed a smiling kiss to his lips, Jaemin’s arms snaking around him to hold him close. 

“Thank you, Jeno.” he said sincerely, nosing at Jeno’s cheek, palms running up and down his back. 

“Are you done being jealous now?” Jeno teased, lifting Jaemin’s mood, wanting to spend the morning with him in happiness and not in pain. 

“He likes you.” Jaemin grumbled as he lifted his head, a sulky frown on his face, “I can smell it on him. He should take his misplaced affections somewhere else. Like to the bottom of a well.”

“And?” 

“And, you’re mine.”

“Am I really now?” Jeno jested, enjoying the way Jaemin bristled every time Mark came up in conversation, “I don’t think so.” 

He wanted a very specific reaction from Jaemin, and he got it. 

Jaemin grabbed hold of him, tossing him over his shoulder as if he weighed nothing, Jeno yelping in surprise, laughing breathlessly as Jaemin carted him off to his room. Excited at what he knew was coming, Jaemin tossed him down on the bed, making him sink into the linen, waiting for Jaemin to join him. 

Watching him with heated eyes, Jaemin pulled Jeno’s underclothes off and tossed the thin material aside before discarding his own clothes, leaving them both naked. 

The golden sun kissed Jaemin’s pale skin, highlighting his strength and beauty, Jeno holding out his hands to reach for him. Jaemin crawled over him, settling down atop Jeno, his weight pressing him further into the bed as he made himself comfortable between Jeno’s legs, naked skin dragging across naked skin.  

“Tell me you’re mine.” Jaemin said, kissing along Jeno’s jaw and throat, a palm gliding up and down his side. 

“Make me yours.” Jeno breathed, wrapping his arms around Jaemin’s broad back. 

“Are you not already?” Jaemin asked, nipping playfully at Jeno’s earlobe.

“Prove it.” 

Jaemin grabbed his jaw to turn his head, catching his lips in a bruising kiss, his tongue inside Jeno’s mouth as he licked and sucked, making Jeno’s head swim. Lava pumped through his veins as his heart thrummed in his ears, desperate to be possessed.

“Jaemin~” Jeno pleaded against his lips, arching against him to urge him to hurry the up. Their hearts raced in tandem, the golden rays of the morning sun painting the room like the fire they were both consumed by, the smell of sweat and skin and desire thick and debauched and filthy as it hung heavy in the air.

Jaemin was harsh and demanding, his teeth nipping at Jeno’s lips, Jeno’s nails digging into his back as he rubbed himself against Jaemin, driving him crazy.

Jaemin’s fingers and lips bruised Jeno’s skin, leaving red and blue butterflies in their wake. Jeno writhed and moaned beneath him, alive and electric. 

After licking along Jeno’s navel, his lips wandered further down. Jaemin bent Jeno’s legs, pressing his hands down on the insides of his thighs to splay him open, muscles running beneath his skin as he moved. Jeno’s rock hard cock throbbed and trembled against his stomach, dripping sticky beads. 

Jeno wanted him so badly he was sure he would fly off the edge of insanity any moment, and he made his displeasure known, whining and complaining as his nails left marks on Jaemin’s skin. 

“So needy.” Jaemin purred, eyes raking up and down Jeno’s quivering body, his legs spread, sweat beading on his chest and running down the lines of his stomach. 

“Because you are slow.” Jeno huffed, Jaemin’s rough palms kneading the tautness of his inner thighs, pressing down. 

“Am I not allowed to enjoy you?” 

“I haven’t had you in days, you can enjoy me all you want later.” 

“Promise?” His sharp teeth flashed as he smirked, crystal eyes glittering. 

“Jaemin ~” 

With a heated smirk Jaemin hiked Jeno’s legs over his shoulders, moving back so he could lean down, Jeno’s hands returning to his hair. Jaemin held his eyes as his tongue peeked out from between his swollen lips. Jeno gasped, his spine pulling into a bow as Jaemin tongued his hole, flicking the tip over the rim, the skilful wetness shooting bolts of pleasure right through Jeno’s brain. Jaemin licked around and over his hole, driving him crazy, his head falling back as his spine bowed. His vision went blurry, unable to see, all he could do was feel, Jaemin always loved having his mouth on Jeno.

They’ve only ever been with each other, learning and growing and playing together, knowing exactly how to set the other off. And Jaemin really knew him so well, playing his body like a lyre. Jaemin knew how much Jeno loved his hands, the strength of his rough palms, just like he knew Jaemin was withholding his fingers to torture Jeno even more.

Jaemin slid just the tip of his tongue inside, “Jaemin- Jaemin - I can’t -'' Jeno gasped, his thighs trembling, Jaemin’s white locks fisted in his hands.

“You can let go, my love.” Jaemin replied, his deep voice rumbling against Jeno’s throbbing hole. He wanted to be filled so badly, be close to the man he loved the most in all the world as if he hadn't had him inside him for ten years. Jeno’s whole body was alive and straining, like an itch deep within that only Jaemin could reach, never being sated, never having enough. 

With one last lick deep within Jeno’s fluttering hole, he came on a choked sob, sticky ropes of cum spilling over his chest as lighting burned through every cell. Jeno’s voice broke on a sob, all the air knocked from him as he came with such force he thought he would pass out. 

He had missed Jaemin so much, all the pent up longing from being apart ripping through him under Jaemin’s tongue, just two days away from enough to make him cry in his sleep. 

Jaemin lowered his legs, the thickness of his thighs trembling, muscles weak as his limbs fell down on the bed, boneless. Jaemin crawled over him, licking his lips, running his tongue over his sharp teeth. 

“Do you need a moment, sweetheart?” Jaemin planted his hands on either side of Jeno’s head, looking down at him, very pleased with his handiwork. 

“Do you know me so little?” Jeno tried to glare up at him, but it had little effect on Jaemin in his current state, Jaemin clearly finding his pout far too endearing. 

“May I have my fun now?” 

If Jeno had any strength left in his arms he would have slapped his shoulder, but all he could do was lay there like a bird who flew into a window. 

“May I?” Jaemin asked again eagerly, blue eyes big and excited. Jeno’s insides melted, turning warm and liquid. 

“You know all of me is yours and will always be - I will not deny you anything, love.”

Jeno could tell Jaemin’s tail was wagging in his mind, some life returning to his arms and legs as his galloping heart began to calm. But it wouldn’t stay that way for long as Jaemin lowered his head again to kiss and suck at Jeno’s throat, his hands finding Jaemin’s shoulders, eyes falling closed as he hummed in expectation. Jaemin kissed and lapped at his skin, his rough tongue making Jeno shiver, his cock filling again. Jaemin’s lips wandered further down as he indulged himself, curious tongue finding Jeno’s nipples. Jeno whined as he bit into his lip, reaching for Jaemin’s ears, thumbing at the lobes. Jaemin groaned against Jeno’s chest, Jeno knowing how to give as good as he got. 

He paid each of Jeno’s nipples the same attention, sucking and nipping until his chest was flushed and beaded with sweat, his hands growing more and more insistent as Jeno’s fingers moved through Jaemin’s hair and over his nape and ears. 

Jaemin continued down, slurping up the sticky cum until his stomach was clean and wet with saliva. Pressing his thumbs into Jeno’s hips, he left Jeno’s cock untouched to suck bruises along the insides of his thighs, making Jeno moan loudly, heels digging into the bed. His hands left Jaemin’s head as he continued down and down, forcing Jeno to twist the sheets in his fists, nearly ripping the linen. Jaemin left traces of his lips and teeth up and down Jeno’s legs, decorating every inch of him until he was satisfied. His hands followed his greedy mouth until he had Jeno by the ankles, getting onto his knees between Jeno’s legs to fold him in half, lifting his tailbone. 

With his eyes on Jeno, his white hair messy and his scarred skin flushed with colour, he stuck two fingers in his mouth, spit drooling along his hand. Biting his lip until he tasted blood, Jeno held back a curse, wanting to hurry Jaemin up. But his lover wanted to play with him first, so Jeno let him, knowing how much Jaemin adored him. 

Leaning down, pressing Jeno’s knees into his shoulders with his chest, his wet fingers finally reached for Jeno’s throbbing hole, his cock aching with strain as it curved neglected, dripping pathetically. He had always admired Jaemin’s restraint and stamina, but right now not so much. 

“Are you craving my fingers?” Jaemin asked, voice low as he teased him, his hand brushing over Jeno’s taint.

“Jaemin - I will stab you.” He complained, no threat in his voice as he whined brokenly.

“Is that a no?”

“Please give it to me.” 

“Are you sure?” 

“Jaemin ~ you’re going to make me cry.” Jeno whimpered, no bluster left as he was ready to beg.

“Oh we cannot have that, can we?” he smirked, his spit slick fingers finally padding at Jeno’s hole, his thick cock roughly rubbing against Jeno’s as he angled his wrist. 

He dragged over Jeno’s hole with a firm finger, teasing the folds until Jeno caught fire, at war with himself to not cum again until he had Jaemin inside him. 

Jeno dug his fingers into the thickness of Jaemin’s shoulder caps until he drew blood, ridges of old scars catching on his blunt nails. Jaemin pressed a little harder until just the tip of his finger slipped past Jeno’s rim. Slowly, Jaemin pushed his finger deeper, centimetre for agonising centimetre, the sting of the drag nearly pulling his eyes crossed. Drowning in Jaemin’s eyes, a wet, strangled gasp was yanked from his chest as he stuttered over Jaemin’s name.  

Finally, his middle finger was reaching deep within Jeno as he slid it inside all the way to the knuckle, curling it to pad at his walls. There were tears clinging to Jeno’s lashes as he begged for more, his entire body pleading, nonsense falling from his lips.

Jeno couldn’t think, he couldn’t breathe, reduced to animalistic lust, his one track mind locked onto Jaemin.

Jaemin’s fingers felt so good, the way he curled them deep inside his body to torture his prostate, the way he slowly worked him open. God, he wanted more. He could not get enough, he wanted Jaemin to fuck him so badly he could not think of anything else. It was primitive, carnal, lewd the way he wanted Jaemin to pound him into the mattress and paint his insides with cum. 

He clung to his beast, palms spread over Jaemin’s strong back, leaving fingertip bruises and red lines behind.

Finally, a third finger firmly pressed into him. The stretch was so familiar, something so intimate and loving he had never experienced before Jaemin. All Jeno knows and wants is Jaemin. It was a tight fit, Jeno’s body not giving easily as Jaemin stretched him open even further. 

He could see how Jaemin grit his teeth, his jaw flexing as he made sure Jeno’s hole could accommodate him, but clearly struggling to hold back. He always dotes on Jeno, spending so much time taking care of him, pleasing him in every way possible. But Jaemin knew he was so close to what he craved the most, Jaemin’s cock dripping onto his skin. 

“Ready?” Jaemin asked, his fingers leaving Jeno’s body. 

Jeno couldn’t say anything, moaning an assent. 

Jaemin spat in his hand before reaching for his cock, spreading saliva and precum up and down the length. He lined his cock up with Jeno’s trembling entrance, his eyes roaming his face to drink up every single one of his expressions. 

Jaemin pressed in, cockhead against Jeno’s entrance. His hole resisted the intrusion at first, but the thick tip suddenly pushed past his rim, Jeno crying out at the flare of pain, his nails digging into Jaemin’s back. 

“Fuck,” Jaemin swore under his breath, “fuck - Jeno -”

Bit by bit, he slid deeper, Jeno’s hole tight around his dick as it bloomed to accommodate his girth. The moment he bottomed out, Jeno came once more, sobbing into Jaemin’s shoulder, his cock twitching weakly as his orgasm eviscerated his insides. Jeno was so incredibly sensitive to pleasure, so receptive to Jaemin’s every touch; he surrendered every inch of himself into Jaemin’s hands a long time ago, and he trusted Jaemin to take him wherever he wanted to.

“Move.” was the only choked syllable that left Jeno’s lips. 

Jaemin rolled his hips in shallow thrusts, dropping his forehead to Jeno’s collarbone as he struggled to breathe, completely overcome and already wanting to spill. Jeno's fingers scratched down his back to dig into the flesh of Jaemin’s ass, pleading for him to move faster. With the smell of Jaemin’s skin flooding his lungs, Jeno rolled his hips with each of Jaemin’s measured thrusts, his heels digging into the back of Jaemin’s thighs to beg for more.

Jaemin began pulling out further and further, thrusting back harder and harder. Jeno babbled, incoherent and weeping as Jaemin fucked him faster and faster. Jeno’s hole now fully used to his girth, Jaemin’s elbows dug into the bed, his teeth bruising Jeno’s skin, he picked up the pace. Pounding into Jeno, he nailed him so hard the bed frame creaked with each snap of his hips, Jeno’s back shucking up and down on the sheets, rubbing his skin raw. 

Jeno's ability to speak was lost to him, his sanity far gone as Jaemin hammered into his hole exactly like he so desperately yearned for, his thick cock moving in and out of him at a burning pace, hitting his prostate every single time. Jaemin panting and groaning atop him, sweat beading on his back, the slap of skin on skin mingled with lewd gasps and moans. This immoral melody always occupies Jeno’s dreams.

“Jeno- Jeno-” Jaemin groaned against his skin, like a prayer or a curse or a spell, “-’m close - so close -” his gasps and words interrupted by the harsh momentum of his hips.

There was nothing but obliterating sensation, thrilling and swelling, and the sound of fabric on fabric and skin on fabric as their limbs slid restlessly across each other. The world was forgotten, caution and restraint non-existent as Jeno’s cries grew louder and louder. Anyone who passed his home would know exactly what was happening here. 

Pulses set ablaze, veins filled with molten gold, each touch and kiss and stroke making the earth shift beneath them. 

“Jaemin!” Jeno cried as he came again, having nothing left to spill, his cock completely spent, but he still felt that blinding release tear through him. 

Jaemin fastened one hand on Jeno’s hip, his fingers leaving pinpricks of blue behind as his thrusts grew faster, sloppier, his release within reach. The moment the first drop of cum left his cock, Jeno’s hands on his ass clutched at the soft flesh as he yanked Jaemin into him with all his strength to shove him deeper and deeper, his hips messy and uncoordinated, Jeno’s hands guiding him to keep going. 

With a broken growl, Jaemin finished, spilling inside him as he continued to fuck into him, shoving his cum deeper. Jeno grabbed Jaemin’s jaw to pull him in for a messy kiss, tangling of tongues. Jeno’s heart sang with satisfaction, soul soaring with love, so pleased feeling Jaemin lodged in him as he stilled, his cum painting Jeno’s insides. 

Before Jaemin could fall atop him, he took hold of Jeno and rolled over so Jeno could collapse on his chest, Jaemin’s arms banding around him. Jeno’s legs folded by Jaemin’s sides, his lover still inside him, his ear to Jaemin’s racing heart. They could have this every day, they would not have to spend any more time apart. Jaemin could live in the sun, he could have friends of his own, go where he wished. 

What if Jaemin put a ring on Jeno’s finger too? 

Jeno sighed contently, shifting his hips to make himself comfortable, ready to fall asleep again. Jaemin kissed the top of his head, nosing at the black strands to breathe him in. 

This morning was just too perfect for Jeno to want to let go, sated and content, Jaemin just so lovely. 

And to think he almost lost this, or he thought he did. 

Jeno had been 18 when war had broken out in their homeland. It had come as a shock to their whole village, because they had been completely unharmed even when news from neighbouring towns reached them, homes burned down and people murdered, women and food stolen. Refugees had been flocking to their village, word spreading about this one town that somehow stayed untouched. His inn had been filled to the brim, Jeno running around all hours of the day to make sure everything had food and warm clothes and medicine. 

It had been extremely bizarre, hearing how their country was fighting with some far off enemy who had been ravaging their lands, but none of them had seen so much as a single soldier. But then a farmer had found half a horse on his lands, and bits and pieces of a soldier not too far away. When the man had run into the town square, hysterically telling everyone of the horrific sight, Jeno already began to suspect what had been happening. 

Countryfolk began to find more and more chunks of man and horse strewn about in their lands around the perimeter of the village, and Jeno had become certain of who was protecting them. But the worry kept him awake at night, not a single glimpse of Jaemin or so much as a howl in the distance to let him know he was alright. It was pure torture not knowing where he was, no news and unable to visit him too. Their village head had ordered all the men to keep watch day and night, guarding their homes and lands, many people beginning to whisper about the white beast again as more and more news of the war began to trickle in. Shadowgrove was of little value, it was just in the way of the incoming enemy, but after more than a month of being guarded by an unknown protector, soldiers completely avoided this area, anyone who traversed these lands vanishing in the night. But even when the corpses stopped appearing, Jaemin was still nowhere to be found.

Refugees were slowly leaving as the war came to an end after only a few months, and Jeno was in tatters, the thought of losing Jaemin or his love being alone and hurt somewhere ripped him to pieces, the edges of his sanity frayed. The moment their town dropped the guard and people slept soundly again, Jeno set out. He borrowed (stole) a horse from Renjun and snuck out in the middle of the night, hefting himself into the saddle as soon as he was far enough away to kick the mount into a gallop. 

He never rode a horse to the woods before, the animals refusing to enter the forest and there was nowhere to tether them outside of it, but he did not have any time to waste. The night was dark, the clouds blotting out the moon as he drove the horse faster and after along the country road. 

The rocks and dirt beneath the horse’s hooves gave way easily, the threat of the horse breaking a leg and tossing Jeno very real. But he didn’t care, his thoughts focused on one thing only.

He saw the edge of the forest peek over the horizon, just a black smudge among the dark landscape. Jeno kicked his heels, the poor horse‘s coat already shining with exertion, it was breathing hard. Finally, he reached the treeline, vaulting off the horse without a care for the poor animal or himself. With his red cloak fastened at his throat he ran into the forest. 

Had he not known the path so well already, he would surely have gotten lost in the dark, unable to see more than a foot in front of him. The wood seemed quiet and sad as if missing its king, the forlorn air making Jeno feel like he took a knife to the heart. The ground beneath his boots began to even out, letting Jeno know he was close to the cottage. He hurled himself at the door, the wood flinging open with a loud bang that echoed into the trees. 

“Jaemin?” he ran through the home but there was nothing there, “Jaemin??”

Without thinking, Jeno pulled open the trapdoor and jumped down into its disgusting depths.

“Jaemin??” he saw the glint of the cage as the stench of death made his eyes water, but Jaemin was nowhere to be found.

He pulled himself out of the hole, not bothering to close the door as he left again. 

“Jaemin?!” he called into the dark, his voice bouncing off the trees, but there was no reply. 

Jeno ran around the cottage, looking in every direction, calling his name. Helpless, tears stinging his face, he ran down the path again, looking for another way through the trees to head deeper into the forest. 

Jeno heard a twig snap behind him. 

He whirled on his heel, eyes burning from strain as he tried to look into the dark.

Now any sane person would have been fearing for their life being alone in a notoriously haunted forest in the middle of the night, never mind making as much noise as Jeno was. A normal man would have run screaming home at the sight of two blue pinpricks winking in the pitch black night. 

“Jaemin!!” Jeno dashed towards the pair of glowing eyes, and before he could even see him, Jeno felt him in his bones already. Jeno launched himself into the air, colliding with a massive animal. His arms banded around the wolf’s neck as he clutched fistfuls of dusty fur, the snowy pelt stained and smelly. Jeno cried into the startled wolf’s coat, hanging onto his neck as his legs gave way. The wolf whined and shifted on its paws, seeming distressed. 

In Jeno’s arms its shape changed, fur giving way to smooth skin and claws to fingers, the massive beast getting smaller and smaller until Jeno was on his knees, clinging to Jaemin. 

“It is alright, Jeno.” he spoke softly, his voice low and rough as he returned Jeno’s embrace, “I am right here.”

“You scared m-me -” Jeno cried,  “wh-where were you?” 

Jaemin held him and eased him with gentle words and gentler hands stroking over his hair until he was finally unable to cry anymore, his heartache washed away with a wave of relief, the true depth of his fear having been laid bare. 

Jaemin picked him up and took him inside, gently setting him down on his bed so he could light a fire and warm the cold room. Once the fire was leaping to life, Jeno could get a look at Jaemin. His naked limbs were covered in mud and blood, leaves and twigs stuck in his hair and dirt smeared over his face and under his nails.

“What happened Jaemin?” Jeno asked as the air warmed. He held his hands out to Jaemin so he could sit with him, Jeno not caring how filthy he was. Jaemin took his hands, joining him on the bed, smiling gently as his blue eyes glowed from his grimy face. 

“I was craving horse.”

“This is not a joke Jaemin!” Jeno’s eyes filled with fresh tears, “I know it was you! Why would you do that? Why would you endanger yourself so? They could have caught you - or killed you!” 

“You know all I do is for you.” he replied sincerely, his smile still as beautiful as ever even in his dishevelled state. 

“Jaemin this is not a laughing matter! And the villagers could have seen you again!” 

“Jeno,” Jaemin began, suddenly serious as he held his gaze, “you and your heart will always be safe with me, there is nothing in the world I will protect as fiercely. Trust me, trust in us and what I feel for you.”

Overwhelmed, Jeno grabbed him again, arms around his neck so tightly Jaemin could not breathe. 

“I love you, Jeno.” Jaemin confessed, hugging him back, “I love you so much, my darling moon.” 

Jeno could not say it back, his voice gone as he choked on his sobs. Jaemin kissed his cheek and stroked his back, dirtying his clothes and face. 

Once Jeno calmed down, Jaemin wiping his tears away, he returned those precious words.

“I love you too, Jaemin. I cannot ever lose you - I refuse to.”

“I promised you forever, remember?”

“You better keep that promise.” Jeno held out his pinkie finger for Jaemin to hook his own through, sealing their vow. 

Jeno stayed with him for a while more, helping him clean up, wiping down his face and brushing the knots out of his hair. After Jaemin ate some leftover meat and drank water, Jeno was finally reassured that he was uninjured and happy. He did notice however that he had a few additional scars that weren’t there before; a thick jagged line over the meat of his thigh and a pearly nick through his upper lip. The wounds were already closing, but it always left its marks behind. He was still such a beautiful man, wild and free and magical and Jeno was sometimes in such awe of him that he was sure Jaemin had been made by the heavens and not by evil intentions.  

Jaemin kissed him goodbye as they reached the treeline, remaining there as Jeno began walking away. The poor horse had naturally run away, not willing to stay so close to the woods by itself without being tethered. Jeno felt a bit bad that he had basically stolen Renjun’s mount, and all he could do was hope the horse would wander back on its own. Jeno had to rush back, walking quickly until his thighs burned just so he could get home in time. 

That time still clung to Jeno, how afraid he had been. It was not the first time he had been so scared for Jaemin’s wellbeing, and he had gone looking for him more than once in the past, expecting the worst. And it was not the last time either, Jaemin’s safety always weighed on him. Jeno knew of course it was not like Jaemin could not take care of himself, and was far more capable than Jeno was, but as the years together went by, Jeno could not let go of Jaemin anymore even for a single day. 

Lying here in his home with him, made him wish for so much more. 

“What’s on your mind?” Jaemin asked him softly, his deep voice rumbling through Jeno’s bones where he was still comfortably resting on Jaemin’s chest. 

“Leaving.” Jeno replied, “I need to pack and get a few things in order, so it might take a few days.”

Jeno pushed himself up on Jaemin’s chest, shifting his hips to straddle him comfortably, Jaemin still inside him. 

“I will wait for you,” Jaemin replied, free hand resting on Jeno’s thigh, “however long you need.” 

“Five days.” Jeno said, quickly thinking about everything he needed to do, excitement beginning to bubble in his chest. He leaned down to kiss him, Jaemin’s palms running up and down his sides. 

Jeno could feel Jaemin harden again as he kissed him back, prompting him to roll his hips back ever so slightly, making Jaemin moan. 

They spent the rest of the day in bed, talking and loving and eating and laughing. When the sun set, it was dark enough for Jaemin to sneak out of the villages. 

Jeno said goodbye to him at his door, kissing him deeply. 

“This is the last time, my moon.” Jaemin said, cupping his face. 

It was as difficult as always to see him off, only able to watch as Jaemin slunk into the night. Closing his door, he faced his empty home, the scent of Jaemin’s skin still clinging to his body and his bed, the pillow still warm. 

But he could hang on, because everything would change soon. 

5 days was not a lot of time, but the next morning Jeno set out immediately. He needed to start with his friends first. Jeno was going to miss them so much, they were dear to him, but he made up his mind long ago and he knew he would never regret choosing Jaemin. 

“You’re leaving?” Mark asked, eyes wide in his pale face, “But - why? Are you not happy here? Did something happen?” 

“You know how much I love my home and the people here,” Jeno affirmed, the conversation making him feel sad, “but I cannot stay here forever.” 

Mark looked into the depths of his cup, tears gathering in the corner of his eyes. They were sitting at Mark’s kitchen table, birds chirping outside and sunlight flooding the room. Mark hadn’t gone to work yet when Jeno caught him, his friend obviously happy to see him. 

“I’ve always wanted to see the world,” Jeno continued, “and I think this year is the year. I will be 26 soon, and I do not want to wait any longer.”

Mark nodded slowly, swallowing heavily, “When are you going?”

“Four days.”

Mark’s head shot up, “So soon??”

“Yes, I want to travel as far as I can before winter breaks.” 

Mark gnawed at his lips, wanting to protest, “Is there anything I can do to make you stay?”

Jeno smiled at him, reaching over the table to take his hand, “No, I have made up my mind.”

“I am going to miss you so much, Jeno.” Mark said, voice wobbling as a tear escaped his eye.

“I am going to miss you too Mark.” Jeno was also feeling emotional, they have been friends their whole lives after all.

“I wish I could go with you.” Mark sighed, squeezing Jeno’s hand. If it was not for his three sisters he had to care for, his parents having passed away years ago, Jeno was sure Mark would follow him. 

“Maybe you’ll be back one day?”

Jeno shook his head, “I do not think I will.” He admitted, he did not want Mark to waste his life waiting for him. 

“I’m never seeing you again?” 

“I will write to you,” Jeno said, “and you can visit me wherever I end up.”

“Promise you will?” Mark asked, more tears running down his cheeks, “I cannot bear the thought of saying goodbye forever.”

“I promise.” 

There was not much more to say after that, Jeno giving Mark a tight hug before he left. He wouldn’t be opening his inn again, and considered giving the building to the Pastor to use for the church. Jeno grew up there, but he had to admit that after his mother passed away, he did not really consider it his home anymore but just somewhere he lived, so parting with it would be the easiest part. 

He went to Renjun’s apothecary next, and found his friend in the process of hanging up herbs to dry, humming softly to himself, his white clothing appearing angelic.

“Morning Renjun.” he greeted him, stepping inside the smell of freshly cut grass washing over him.

“Good morning to you Jeno.” he replied with a smile, stepping down from the short ladder, “I assume you’re here to tell me you’re leaving?” he asked, smiling warmly, his black hair neatly tied away from his face.

“Well, yes.” Jeno chuckled, Renjun’s insight never failing to amaze him. Jeno did not know how Renjun knew certain things, he never questioned it, Renjun reserved his observations for his closest friends alone, not wanting to incite any unrest.

“I am happy for you, Jeno.” he continued, “You deserve to be loved so deeply.”

Jeno blinked in surprise, this comment catching him off guard. 

“How -?”

“I can see it in you, how much you love him and how much he loves you.”

“You - you know about him?”

Renjun shook his head, “I do not, but I do know what you have is such a rare, beautiful thing.”

“So you know where we are going?”

“Yes, it was my home once after all.” Renjun laughed, the warm chime filling the room.

Renjun was not born in the village like most of them, but came here as a young boy with his parents. He was secretive, everyone knew that, but this was one secret Jeno wished he had known sooner.

“Is it safe for us?”

Renjun nodded, “You need not worry, you will have the life you want.” 

Shocked, Jeno was left reeling, “Why did you never tell me?”

Renjun just shrugged, “The time was never right.”

Well. 

“So then there is nothing more to say then.” Jeno eventually managed to say

“I would like to give you one of my horses.” Renjun said knowingly.

“Ah.” he rubbed the back of his head, still remembering how he had basically stolen his horse once upon a time, the poor thing returning home after a few days afraid and hungry. 

“I wish the best for you Jeno, and I may see you there again one day.” Renjun continued, taking his hands. 

Deeply moved, Jeno hugged him, feeling like he was going to cry again. Renjun eventually waved him off, Jeno on his way to their village head. 

No one was really surprised at his decision to leave, but many villagers were sad to see him go. He talked to the Pastor about the inn, making his rounds to also arrange for people to claim some of his belongings that he could not take with him. 

The days flew by as Jeno packed, so excited he barely slept, but he didn’t feel tired. At Renjun's behest, he had very shyly brought his bed sheets to the stable to toss over the horse’s back to have the animal get used to Jaemin’s scent so it would not be afraid of him. Their village head also gifted him a small covered wagon, Jeno somehow feeling great joy at packing it. 

He baked bread for days, wrapping them up in linen, books and bedding also went into the wagon. He also brought a small trunk with more items inside, mostly consisting of little gifts Jaemin had brought him over the years (Jeno never questioned where he got them however). Jeno purchased a lot of additional clothing too, boots and a coat for Jaemin, Jeno knowing he preferred to run around half naked. They would be travelling a lot however, and Jaemin may need them when they have to stop in a town. 

Finally, the day arrived and Jeno was at the village gate at sunrise with his red cloak wrapped around him, comfortable on the wagon. He said his last tearful goodbyes, Mark crying the hardest of them all in Renjun’s arms. Renjun simply smiled as he waved at him, promising to meet again. 

Jeno fleshed the reins so the horse would begin walking, leaving his hometown without looking back. The wagon was slow going over the uneven road, the sun climbing higher as he went. 

After a few hours he crested a hill, and there in the distance he saw the familiar tree line, a figure waiting for him where the road forked. Joy like he had never felt before blossoming in his very bones as he saw the figure beginning to run towards him. 

Waving with both hands, calling his name, Jaemin dashed over the rocks and sand, bare feet covered in mud. He only had a small satchel with him, the bag bouncing by his side as he ran. At least he was wearing a shirt. 

When Jaemin was close enough, Jeno halted the horse and hopped off the wagon just in time for Jaemin to toss himself at Jeno. Jaemin pulled him off his feet, pecking kisses all over his face as he whirled him around, making Jeno laugh happily. 

“I cannot believe we are really doing this.” Jaemin beamed as he sat him down again, hands on Jeno’s hips. 

“Are you happy?” Jeno asked, touching his face

“More than I could ever say.”

“Then let us go, the future awaits.” 

They got onto the wagon, the horse patiently waiting and not showing any reaction to Jaemin’s presence. Jeno began telling Jaemin all about his conversation with Renjun, his blue eyes lighting up with every word.

They travelled for many months, but it was not difficult or felt long at all. Whether they slept in an inn or in the wagon or underneath some trees, Jeno woke up to his beloved moon every single morning and nothing could compare. 

And when they eventually reached the city of Bearhook, the massive capital of the southern lands, it was all they dreamed it to be and even more. The large city was built along the side of a mountain from white and gold stone, bustling with locals and traders, a large river winding along the edge of the mountain range to lead into the sea. 

But what was the most spectacular was the magic of it all; people with horns and wings and strange hair occupied the streets, no one looked at Jaemin twice, the two of them walking around in wonder. 

They managed to sell the wagon and the horse (Jeno sad to let the animal go) to purchase a small home of their own. They did not have any furniture yet, so for the first few nights they slept in their bed rolls on the wooden floor. They did not explore the city right away, taking some much needed rest and settling in. 

Jaemin made sweet, sweet love to him there, the little house immediately feeling like home. Naked and tangled together they would talk late into the night of the future they could only dream about that had now become a reality. 

They made new friends, Jaemin finally having the community he deserved, surrounded by people just like him. Jaemin also got a job at a bakery and Jeno at the local inn, settling into their new lives. 

Jaemin put a ring on his finger, and they adopted a cat, spending their days in perfect happiness. 

And so, they lived happily ever after. 

🌙