Taekook Oneshots

Welcome To The Jungle

@Accio_Taekook asked for 'an au where jungkook's a shy nature nymph who got caught in a bear trap and is saved by werewolf Tae'

"Tae, where are you going?" My mother watches me with worried eyes, as I head through the kitchen to the back door. "It's gonna be night in a few hours, I don't want you to be in danger. You don't know what's out there."
"I'm just going to the forest, for a run," I respond, knowing better than to question her fears. "It's a perfect evening for that. I won't be long."

She sighs. "Okay. But stay safe. I know this place is ours, but that doesn't mean that we can take advantage of it: other packs could come from anywhere." I nod in understanding.
"Don't worry, Mum, I'll be careful. I just...I just need to run for a while, you know?" She chuckles lightly.
"Oh, trust me, honey. I know. I'll see you in a few hours. Keep an eye open, and link to one of the alphas if you need help."
"Will do," I return, pushing the door open and staring out into the world.

For a moment, I'm frozen in space, stuck watching our little community. This neighbourhood is special, in more ways than one. It's my childhood home, and the place where I feel safest, but it's also the home of ten other families. I can see some of the children messing around in the park, their parents laughing together as the world slowly changes from day to night.

This is my pack. This is my family. Some of us aren't related, but we might as well be. These people are like cousins, parents, aunts and uncles, siblings. They're supportive, they're loving, and they're part of my life. I never want that to change, no matter what the humans want from us. I don't even think they know what we really are.

Before I go to the forest, I stop by Namjoon's house. He's one of the alphas in the pack, and he's always been kind to me. He opens the door and lets me in without question. "Hey Tae, what's up? Is there any issue?"
"No issue, hyung. I wanted to let you know that I'm going on a run through the forest," I reply, lowering my head in respect. "I figured it was only polite if you knew what my plan was."

"Thank you for telling me. Obviously, keep in contact, and give me a shout if you need me, or anyone. Does your mum know you're going out?" I nod. "Alright then. Have fun, and try not to stay out too late. Even the forest can be dangerous if you're not careful," he tells me quietly, offering a friendly smile.
"Thank you, hyung. I'll let you know when I get home." He nods.
"I'd appreciate that."

And then I walk through the neighbourhood, waving when people call out greetings to me. At the very end of this group of houses, there's a public footpath, which leads directly into the forest. It's not massive, but it's the best place for us to feel the nature that runs through our veins. And it's my favourite thing about living here.

Once I'm out of sight of civilisation, I check for humans, and then shift to wolf form and take off running.

My wolf form is quite small, especially compared to those of the alphas, but that doesn't make me defenceless. Indeed, my appearance can be a protection sometimes, since nobody thinks to try and fight me. They think there wouldn't be a point, and they're not totally wrong. I'm not the best when it comes to combat, but that's not my role, so I don't mind. I have other strengths.

I love running through the forest on evenings like this. In the middle of summer, there's no hint of the snowy wonderland that arrives every winter, no hint of the biting cold that threatens frost bite (or just cold paws). The setting sun provides a gentle warmth that keeps me going throughout the run, as the air turns to wind in my fur due to the speed.

The trees are like silent guardians, tall and protective, their leaves sitting like crowns on the heads of age-old kings that will stand here long after I'm gone. The sun casts its fading light through the branches, turning the earth into a dappled display of gold, green and brown. There's a peace to this place, and I hope that never changes.