V+O; in the Alternate Universe **Completed**

Chapter 31

A massive hollow tree stood before them, JungKook knocked on the outside once before stepping through the hole in its bark. Motioning for O and Bam to follow him. Bam went next then O, within was a few degrees cooler, the tree sheltering them from the morning heat. The wood was still thick and sturdy but the tree was very much dead. She was tempted to see if she could bring it back into the living but that thought passes as quickly as it came. Lenanne sat on a mushroom which grew from the border of the tree.

"I'm sorry to disturb you at such a time."

O nodded not having forgotten they had asked for payment and she was willing to pay. "How can I make us even?"

"We would like... a vile of your blood."

"Ah," O thought back, realizing nothing was registering to JK, this was a private conversation. "You can have it but on one condition. You must also fix or help restore JungKook's brother's abilities."

"We will accept but we also would then like to add three of your hairs in exchange."

"Done." O spoke back with her mind. "I would also like you to do the stitch for me."

Lenanne did not smile as she spoke; "It will not be free, but I knew you would come to me soon with this, we have prepared. I would like to do it at night, and in a place where you can fully relax."

"That's fine, you name the price and I'll see what I can do. Could we do it tonight?"

"Tomorrow night is better." Was all Lenanne said, she reached out her hand for O's who gave hers willingly. Lenanne poked a tiny needle into the back of O's hand and pulled the bloods. Feeling as its warmth left her body, it made all her senses tingle. Once the vile had been safely stored away, O reached up and plucked 3 of her pale brown blonde hairs out of her scalp and handed them over as well.

Next thing Lenanne did was whistle and a large white raven flew down the trunk, she gracefully jumped on its back mid flight. Sending one last thought to O, "Tomorrow night." With three big flaps of its beautiful snow coloured wings the raven disappeared, out the top of the hollow tree.

JungKook looked at her worried and confused at the same time. "It's okay I did what I had to and nothing more I swear." Omitting that she had plans to do the stitch in the coming night; suspecting he would convince her to wait at least a few more days, or at least insist to be there and she wasn't sure she wanted that either. It felt like something intimate, too intimate for their friendship.

"JungKook thanks for helping me get that sorted out."

"You know I've got your back."

"Still, thank you," he just smiled, it didn't quite reach his eyes, and stood. She followed. O wished he'd take the thank you. It was important to her to tell the people you cared about that what they did was appreciated and mattered.

"He's my brother and I hate feeling so backed into a corner... and right now it feels like we're just waiting, and praying for him to wake up. As if without him we can't really function." He paused, "It's not like we could ever leave him behind, we're not The 7 without him. I just, I hate this, I hate all of it." JungKook kicked the dirt as they walked. Reaching she grasped his forearm, giving it a squeeze. Not having the words to make things better but she did want to at least try to make him feel less alone.

"I'm with you, all of you, we'll figure this out together."

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Walking in silence, Bam trotting between them. O was vaguely aware that she wasn't having a single thought, she just sort of felt empty. Glancing at JungKook who on the other hand was in deep thought, a sort of blank expression on his face while the wheels in his eyes turned.