home at last

ii

"Namjoon-"

"How do you know my name??" The lion demanded, closing his fist tighter on her neck, blood streaming down her neck, staining her clothes and doctor's jacket immediately.

"Heiran told us. The panda hybrid." Naeun's voice wavered from pain, but she kept a calm look and tone to her voice. "A hybrid you were responsible for saving."

Namjoon was breathing heavily, ever since Naeun walked into this room. He was panicking. He was afraid.

"Namjoon." Naeun continued, Namjoon's eyes darting back to her. "I know you're afrai-"

"You know nothing!" He shouted, pressing her neck harder against the wall. "You're a human! Life is good for you!"

"I know this is all very scary and confusing, Namjoon." Naeun continued peacefully, keeping her eyes on the lion hybrid as he panted, his emotions getting the best of him. "You are hurt and you are angry. I won't hurt you and I know you don't want to hurt me."

"You don't know me." Namjoon whimpered, his eyes filling with surprise at his own voice. He continued to breathe heavily, his free hand going to his chest, slowly panicking himself with his state.

"I know you helped the humans that saved you tonight." Naeun slowly reached her hand up to his hand, to his claws that were still latched deeply in her neck. "I know you protected three other hybrids for as long as you could. They told me about your heroic efforts." Naeun laid her hand on his hand and Namjoon growled a warning at her, his eyes lighting now that he had something 'evil' to focus on. Naeun retracted her hand immediately and slowly lowered it back to her side.

"I'm not heroic." Namjoon shook his head, eyes on her hand until it was at her side. "I'm-"

"You are a lion hybrid." Naeun spoke up. "You are strong, resilient, pridefu-"

"Look at me!" Namjoon roared in her face, Naeun's eyes fluttering against his breath and spit. "I'm weak! I'm battered and broken and...! And... my hair..." Namjoon's free hand ran across his shaved head, his hand shaking. His mane, that lions took extreme pride in... was shaved.

"You are beautiful." Naeun whispered. "A beautiful head full of hair or not, your eyes hold power and wisdom. The events of last night told to me from my friend and the last several months told to me by your friends tell me otherwise. You are strong."

Namjoon still shook his head, his breathing becoming quick and uneven. "No."

"You don't have to be so strong anymore." Naeun laid her hand on his hand, Namjoon's hand relaxing slightly. Slightly, yes, but it was enough to retract his claws, releasing a lot of pressure from Naeun's neck. "Let me protect you. Let me heal you." Naeun spoke gently, holding his hand tightly, keeping her eyes on the terrified lion hybrid as he hyperventilated in front of her. "My name is Naeun."

Naeun took his other hand off of his heart and placed it on her own, proving she was real, proving she was here.

"You can rest now, Namjoon. I've got you."

"Hi, Wonshik." Naeun spoke calmly, holding out her hands to show she held no weapons, just a tablet. "My name is Naeun. I'm a doctor at this hospital."

Wonshik, the young lion hybrid, slowly got to his feet, keeping his back pressed against the wall, holding the scalpel out to her. "G-Get out! I want... I-I nee..." Wonshik ran a hand through his tangled hair, eyes widening as he saw Haeun, remembering what he accidentally did. "Oh god! I'm so sorry!" He put a hand over his mouth, looking up at the new woman, expecting to be met with rage.