Got my claws in you

Chapter 11- pains of the present

KOOK POV:

Slowly our new home begins to feel like one, the merging and intertwining of everyone's scents as they layer onto objects, in rooms becoming an instinctually soothing presence, enough to have my shoulders drooping and relaxing once I step through to the other partition, when sometimes I don't even need to hide behind Jin hyung as he leads us over- crossing over every now and then by myself.

And though he doesn't say it, I see the flicker of pride, the slightest way his feathers flutter and wings flap, preening as Jin hyung enters through the door and already finds me there, sees me talking to one of the hyungs or curled up on the sofa watching a film.

And it's curled up on one couch with Jin hyung's hands petting my ears, a loose light scratching at the base of my ears that droop under his touch, fingers softly trailing through the fur, with Yoongi hyung curled up on the armchair- in the artificial darkness of the living room; curtains drawn and lights off, that he seems to sink and relax, tail curled around him and face soft that the movie plays on in the background. My attention taken by the way Jin hyung gives soft doting attention to my ears, fingers drifting to my slightly damp hair at the base and scratching at my scalp, aiding me in becoming more boneless in his arms- Yoongi hyung's scent becomes softer, as if he relaxes as his eyes flicker from the screen to focus on the two of us, a gentle curve to his lips.

It's one of the first times I feel at rest, perfectly at ease where my instincts aren't fidgety because of the closeness of a predator, where both my human and hybrid parts of my brain are in agreement that this is so relaxing, comforting- that the way the pack scent tickles my nose is in gentle reminder that this is pack, this is home.

But the sweet hazy air that's descended on the three of us, even as Yoongi hyung's eyes are sleepy narrowed slits as he observes the two of us and Jin hyung's breathing is calming and deep is shattered with the sound of the door opening. Because with it, it brings the scent of a scent spiked in distress and simmering fear, it's the sharp tartness to Hoseokie hyung's usually mellow and sweet citrusy scent that it has my nose scrunching at how acidic it seems in the moment.

It has Yoongi hyung unfurling from his posture and rising from his armchair, moving towards the doorway just as Hoseokie hyung enters it. Posture holding a slight stiffness despite the warm smile he shoots all of us and I note that his lips don't form the pretty heart shape they do when his smile is genuine- there's something bothering him and even if he doesn't physically express it, his scent betrays him.

"Hey hyungs, hey Jungkook-ah. Space for one more?" he asks, slightly morose and looking at us with wide eyes- that flicker with something shadowed, something that can't be deciphered in the guise of the dark but even so Jin hyung makes a small sound, hyung's eyes are the sharpest and most attentive out of all of us.

"Yoongi the lights please." Jin hyung asks, hand having stilled where it had over my ears and begins once more, no doubt having sensed my tenser posture and shifting slightly to press myself further into him even if he can't accurately sense my scent.

The lights turn on, slowly turned up to full brightness so it doesn't hurt our eyes all of a sudden, Yoongi hyung's pale hand still holding onto the small dial as he peers at Hoseokie hyung, a small frown on his lips and eyes flashing with concern, tail curling slowly in the air behind him.

"Hobi what's wrong?" Jin hyung asks, breaking the silent stare-off the two hyungs have standing in front of each other, eyes held captive by the other, head turned towards them even as he continues to calm me, to keep me relaxed and content even with the simmering bubbling hurt.

Hoseokie hyung droops slightly at the concern in hyung's tone, head bowing forward and looking vulnerable even as Yoongi hyung's hand settles on his nape, giving a soft squeeze before his hand trails down the side to briefly scent him. Hyung leans into Yoongi hyung, resting and allowing himself to be held, to be scooped into a light hug, Yoongi hyung's tail curling towards him- trying to soothe his distressed kit, as I'd heard him fondly call Hoseokie hyung and Taehyungie hyung numerous times, I want to help but don't know how. All I know is that the sunshine of our pack doesn't deserve to be sad, to look as if the light has dimmed and spluttered out slightly.