First Impressions

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Cecily woke as the morning dew from the grass brushed against her bare leg. She had slept fairly well, the gentle lope of Jeongguk's canine gait lulling her into slumber after walking so long the afternoon before. He insisted on having her ride on his back as darkness fell, knowing he was capable of traveling all night without stopping if he was in his animal form. She sat up, stretching up high and then leaning forward to rest her head on her arms over the top of Jeongguk's head and scratch his ears.

He slowed as a large house came into view in a clearing in the forest. Lifting his head high, he forced Cecily to sit up so he could tilt his muzzle to the sky. With one long howl, he made the birds scatter from their rest in the trees above them, a shimmer appearing and then dissolving around the clearing. He walked forward again, but Cecily stayed upright, marveling at the expansive but quaint home set prettily in the midst of the woods. As they neared the house, a man opened the front door and rushed out, smiling as he waved.

"You're finally here!" he called out in an excited voice that was neither deep nor high, but also somehow both, his bright smile pushing his cheeks up to squint his eyes, "We've been waiting!"

Jeongguk stopped completely, letting the man hug his neck and kiss his muzzle before turning to look at Cecily with an inviting smile. He was still a bit taller than she was, with a firm but slender build and loose-fitting clothes that fluttered around his person ethereally. He was devastatingly beautiful, with plump lips and smooth honey-colored skin, even as he was excitedly hopping from one foot to the other as Cecily carefully dismounted from Jeongguk's enormous back. He took her hand as soon as her feet were steady on the ground, pulling her to the house as Jeongguk followed closely behind.

"I made tea as soon as I felt you were near," the man chattered, "I'm Jimin, by the way. The rest are waiting inside to meet you."

Cecily looked back to Jeongguk, who chucked his muzzle forward, encouraging her to go with Jimin. He came in behind them, the width of his animal form barely small enough to fit through the door, and immediately disappeared down a small hall to the right while Jimin led her to the left.

She was met with laughter and conversation, four men gathered in a common living area. They all stopped when she entered the room behind Jimin, making her nervous and uncomfortable as they looked at her curiously. Jimin turned and gave her a smile that comforted and encouraged her, leading her to a soft chair and helping her sit down.

"You've had a long journey," he said softly, patting her leg, "Let me make you some tea, and then we can find you something to wear so you can get cleaned up."

Cecily nodded sleepily, the softness of the seat enveloping her and reminding her of the weariness she felt down to her bones. Another pale man, roughly the same height as Jimin, stood and offered his help in the kitchen, while Jeongguk emerged dressed properly but looking tired. He sat near Cecily's legs, his head falling comfortably into her lap as she played with his hair. The other two men gave them a weird look, but eventually let it be and went back to their conversation.

After some time, Jimin and the other man returned, a tray full of steaming mugs and small pieces of bread and cheese on another. Everyone gathered drinks and bits of food as Jimin made introductions.

"You've met Jeongguk here," he started, with a pat to the larger man's head, "And you know I'm Jimin, of course." He pointed to the white-haired male that had helped him bring in refreshments, "This is Yoongi. He's not much for words, but he's really rather sweet and harmless, I assure you." Jimin then pointed to a wiry man with dark red hair and a brilliant smile, "That is Hoseok, who is as opposite to Yoongi as you can get regarding energy," he smiled at him, "But as warm as the sun, if a bit feisty." He finally gestured to a man with shaggy, curled hair who was wearing a soft white fur cloak over his shoulder, "And, of course, Taehyung. Our cuddly and protective winter bear."

Cecily greeted them all politely, Jeongguk's unwillingness to move preventing her from standing to meet them. They were trepidatious of Cecily, seeming to be more curious than paranoid, but kept their distance nonetheless, at least until another man emerged from the same direction Jeongguk had come from. He was tall and broad, with light skin and an ethereal look to him, his warm smile adding to the overall effect. He gave a short report of someone else who was 'good but still resting' and joined the others in the seating area to share in food and tea.

He sat close to Cecily, joining his hand into Jeongguk's hair and helping her soothe the bulky man while speaking softly to her, "My name is Jin," he greeted her, "It's nice to meet you. Your colors tell me that you are good...but troubled."

"That's probably correct," Cecily said sadly, calming her nerves by focusing on sifting her wolf-man's hair through her fingers, "Though I honestly wouldn't know if I'm good or what troubles me exactly. I can't remember, and it hurts every time I try too hard."

"Jimin can help you when you've had some rest," Jin nodded his head positively, "It will still hurt, but not as much, and you will be able to remember more quickly,"

Cecily nodded, making a note to talk to Jimin after she'd had a proper sleep, and felt herself drift in and out of consciousness as the others in the room talked and played amongst each other. She felt a strong sensation of safety, comfort, and hominess, mixed with the unfamiliar feeling of family and camaraderie. Unique personalities that complimented and balanced one another, the bond between the males strong and undeniable. All heads went silent and turned to the hallway at the same time, confusing her for a moment before another man emerged.

He was tall, broad, and built handsomely. His copper skin complimenting his dusky purple hair in fine flare, and his movements sleek and smooth, filled with confidence and swagger. He met eyes with each of the others, smiling and giving or accepting greetings, until his eyes landed on her own.

His smile dropped immediately, replaced by unbridled disgust and anger. He pointed to Cecily, long fingers trembling ever so slightly as he fought for balance and control.

"You," he growled, his eyes cold and dangerous.

Cecily's hand flew to her throat as it closed over and she began to choke.

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