Collision

Chapter 7

The succulent scent of honeysuckle during spring after a rain shower tangled in Jeongguk's senses.

Each shallow breath sent shocks of pain to travel over his body, trembling as bursts of cold stole his heat, despite the thick sheen of sweat that felt heavier than a winter coat.

He could feel heat from the orange flames that flickered in front of him, and cool, soft skin that brushed over his forehead.

Raspy, slurred words from a husky, graveled voice that broke through the fog, distant and filled with a tone that made Jeongguk's heart hurt.

His body was too heavy. Moving felt impossible, limbs leaded like rocks that made his homes.

The honeysuckle scent mixed with crisp rain was soothing, but he missed the saccharine orange, laced with the eucalyptus that stung his nose.

He wanted to smell gentle sunflowers during harsh summers, drifting like the wind and calmer than the dogwood that added a woodsy smell. He missed the feeling of their fur, dancing golden eyes, and playful nips to his ear.

"Gukkie!" Jimin laughed, his butt in the air and tail swinging rapidly to entice him to play. His lithe body and russet fur glinting in the afternoon sun that wiggled its way through the trees.

Taehyung, his form larger and hulking compared to his counterpart, was a rich, deep brown like dirt after a summer rain.

Long legs and broader chest did nothing to deter him to roll around in the grass like a pup.

Jeongguk snorted, shaking out his coat that was growing in for winter, touches of cool air like a caress through his fur. His paw pads soaked up the cool grass, delighting that the grass wasn't nearly as overbearing as before.

"Play with us!" Jimin called, bounding closer to the edge of the den.

Taehyung had his tongue hanging out of his mouth, eyes wide and eager as he hopped from paw to paw.

Jeongguk raised his head, glancing towards the large den nestled amongst the rocks on the far side of the mountain. He saw his father, scolding one of the younger pups, and the others distracted.

"Come on, Gukkie!" Taehyung called, leaping over and tugging at Jeongguk's ear.

Jeongguk snapped his teeth at him, more of warning than to hurt, and Taehyung whined.

"Your dad is going to be busy with the pups. Let's go while we can."

Jeongguk hesitated, but then pivoted on his paws and dashed right past the two wolves.

Jimin pounced with glee, tail swinging faster in delight as they dashed into the foliage.

And then they were gone again, chased by gleaming fangs dripping salvia and the sound of his father's howling.

Everything was twisted, and when he managed to peel open his eyes, all he saw was flickering flames and soft features.

He fell back under the waves, letting his mind be swept back under the current. He didn't bother to fight it. He felt too weak, too tired, and too hot. His mind kept him ensnared.

A raspy voice was what dragged him back from the depths. It was thick, slurred together, and yet alluring. It lured Jeongguk back from his mind, eager to catch snippets of the voice.

"... no, no, Joon-ah, I already told you," the man sighed, the sound of bare feet against wood trickled at his ears. Frustration soured the sweet honeysuckle scent that wafted from him. "I'm really okay. I'm getting a lot of work done, and I still have lots of food from Jin. Next weekend would be better, okay?"