Archive of Our Own ^omega

𓇼🌙𓇼

Jimin was doomed from the start.

He jolts from sleep, body drenched in sweat and heart pumping a mile a minute. It takes him a moment, but once he manages to take in a few calming breaths he realizes he’s safe. He’s in his hut, in his room, in his nest and he’s safe. The light of the moon shines brilliantly giving him a sense of peace. It illuminates his room in a manner that reminds him of all the ways he’s been blessed even if most would say he’s unfortunate.

As the story goes, he’d been found hidden under many layers of animal furs deep in a burrow by his current pack leader Jihoon, who with his strong alpha senses was able to sniff out his parent’s scents, honeysuckle and petrichor—scents he can no longer recall. Scents he wishes he could have branded to memory.

From what he was told, his old pack had been attacked by rogues leaving whoever survived to run or fight. Jimin’s parents, fearing for their pup, had chosen to run. Little did they know, the worst snow blizzard to hit their region was coming in that night. Jimin was only four years old, not presented and unable to shift. His parents had to carry him so that the snow wouldn’t consume him, their own human forms struggling to move around in the knee high snow. The decision not to shift slowed them down and made them vulnerable to the elements.

Somehow they had found a small abandoned burrow, placing Jimin within its confines knowing it was only big enough for him. Unfortunately, they died due to lack of shelter and the cold, while he had been found miraculously.

He sometimes plays out the scene in his head, tries to rewrite the story hoping to find an alternative to the fate life handed him. He knows that his parents did everything they could to save him, but in the end they paid the price for it. Their sacrifice is the reason he is alive today and he lives with that guilt every day. Of course, the pack leader also never lets him forget.

He’s reminded of the debt he owes him constantly.

Jihoon had brought him into his pack after returning from their hunting expedition. The same expedition where they found Jimin. The new pup in the hunting group’s arms caused the entire pack to be curious, eager to know what had happened. The alpha leader told them about the rogue attacks and how they found Jimin’s parents dead not far off from where they had hidden their pup.

The alpha planned a meeting as soon as he arrived initiating a protection around the borders and made sure those attacks never reached their home. The pack had been successful thanks to the strength of their well-bred wolves. It was the pride of their pack. No wolf was useless.

No wolf except Jimin.

Before anyone knew of his impending flaw, he’d been passed on to the village healer—an omega who had chosen to be mateless. Her choice was eccentric and many criticized her for it, but Ok-ja never cared for the opinion of others. That is why she gladly took in Jimin to raise as her own, even giving him her surname—Lee.

And she had been an amazing parent to Jimin. Especially when Jimin never presented.

He noticed how his body showed signs of being more delicate and soft—rounded in all the ways typical for an omega, but his wolf’s subgender never made itself known. He expected he’d end up serving a purpose in the pack—to be mated and bred. He expected to give strong wolves and pay back all of the burden he’d placed on the pack for taking him in.

But all of that was stolen from him when he found out he was scentless. And not just that, but every type of instinct a wolf would need to survive using his sense of smell was completely and utterly non-existent. Ok-ja had diagnosed him and Jimin’s world crumbled before him. His wolf basically decided it didn’t want to be known, so Jimin was left never knowing his subgender.

Not only was he a burden, but now he was also weak and useless. Being scentless meant he couldn’t smell danger or other wolf’s intentions. Couldn’t scent a mate or connect with their emotions. There was no way to understand the wolves around him, no way to communicate his own emotions, and so he paid the price.

He was bullied. Cast out of groups and made to feel like an outlier.

Wolves that he once called friends at a young age, turned away from him and betrayed him when he never presented. Not only did he have to deal with all the complicated difficulties of adolescence, but he also had to deal with all the negative words thrown his way reminding him how he was flawed and considered a weakness by the entire pack.

And Jihoon’s pack was anything but weak.

Thankfully, Ok-ja dove in and saved him. She’d always been fiercely protective of him, pulling him from the pack’s school and teaching him herself. She kept him sheltered and away from malicious eyes and hateful words. She’d dealt with plenty of that in her time all due to her blatant disregard for traditional wolf customs, so there was nothing more that she thrived on than protecting Jimin.

She was a feisty omega, one Jimin would have loved to see in her prime. Some days Jimin wondered why she took him in. Everyone else made him feel useless, yet she loved him like her own. At eighteen, a bit more independent and able to defend himself, he continued to latch onto her, noting how her frail body was losing strength everyday. He knew her time would come soon, but he ignored it all the same, loving her in return and doing all he could to show his gratitude for her existence. He let her indulge in her natural instinct to protect her pup, something that made him snicker when his Ok-ja did nothing but rebel against gender roles. In truth she was a softie, but that didn’t stop her from standing up to anyone that tried to hurt Jimin.

And boy did Jimin love it when she did. Jimin always helped her with her healer obligations, especially when the alphas would come in after a successful hunt all scratched up and bruised. The pheromones never bothered him because he couldn’t smell them, but Ok-ja could, and she knew what they thought of Jimin. She didn’t like it one bit. She was never afraid, her omega status never inhibiting her from pushing back against the opposing alphas. They could intimidate all they wanted, she still got her revenge, discreetly tying the dressings a little tighter on their arms, making them hiss at the pain. She made it very clear she wouldn’t tolerate any comment under their breath about Jimin and because of her he lived a pretty peaceful life.

“Jimin-ah, you must always have your wits about you. Just because you are scentless doesn’t mean you are useless. You are more valuable than you know.”

“I know, Okji-ssi. I know.”

And he did know but that didn’t make it any better. Her words could never change his destiny—could never fix his damaged wolf.

Of course as Jimin’s life would have it, things only got worse. When Ok-ja passed away leaving him alone in the healer’s hut he called home for over twenty years, he had all the tools and knowledge he needed to survive on his own, but he didn’t have Ok-ja.

It took him several weeks to get himself together, the pressure from the pack being put on him for their healing needs overriding his own. Although he was useful at this point, the pack made sure to make him feel as unwanted as possible. The last thing he expected was to get a knock on his door from the pack leader himself.

“Jimin.”

“Alpha.” Jimin bowed, already irritated at the fact that he was addressed without care. Although the man before him had been the one to rescue him, Jimin felt no compulsion to honor him. “Please come in.”

“I know we have just lost a useful and quite unique omega healer not weeks ago, but you must realize our pack needs a strong healer that can keep up with the demands and meet the needs of our pack members. Because of your…issue, and age of twenty four winters, I have decided to assign you an assistant. You are to teach her everything you know and use her as a bridge to the wolf instincts you clearly do not possess. You are much too young to run things here, but I do hope Ok-ja left some useful knowledge in your hands. Our pack must remain healthy and strong. Do not fail us.”

Everything inside of Jimin wanted to scream at the alpha for being so crude in his time of mourning, but Jimin being Jimin still felt like he owed him. He felt like he owed the entire pack for having saved him and taken him in. He especially felt like he owed them because he was unable to play a part in the pack’s successes due to his affliction. So he kept his sorrow to himself.

“Yes, alpha. When should I expect her?”

The leader simply walked over to the door and opened it. There in the entryway stood an omega Jimin didn’t know. It wasn’t his fault he’d never met her. Most of the pack stayed away from him, thinking him contagious. The friends he had made as a child were now vague and distant memories. His entire life had been spent in the safety of Ok-ja’s hut, but the repercussions of limited socialization was rearing its ugly head. The scars of his trauma, however, were enough to keep him from being curious and wanting interaction.

Ok-ja was his safety, but now she was gone.

“This is Hyun. She is promised to my son, Jaewon. Some day she will take over your position, Jimin. So make sure to instruct her well. The success of the pack is relying on this. She will be the pack omega some day so keep that in the forefront of your mind. You cannot afford to make any mistakes.”

Jaewon. A name Jimin has learned to hate with every fiber of his being. The pack leader’s son who should’ve been an example and promising leader of the future did nothing but make Jimin’s life a living hell. He was the main reason everyone started calling him names and treating him like a disease. Half of the made up things that came from Jaewon’s mouth were the very reason the pack believed Jimin to be entirely useless. Even now as an adult he would harass Jimin, taking advantage when Ok-ja left to gather herbs in the nearby forest. Both Jaewon and his father have been the bane of Jimin’s existence.

Sometimes Jimin tries to remember that Jaewon’s mother, the pack omega, died during childbirth and that’s probably half the reason he’s so cruel. But then he remembers he also lost his parents as a pup and he’s never been mean like that to anyone. So there is no excuse for such vile behavior.

He feels sorry for the omega standing before him. Anyone that ends up with Jaewon was surely destined for a life of misery. He does his best to shake off the bad memories and trains his eyes on the omega before him. She’s pretty, soft brown hair and eyes that glitter. He can’t smell her scent, but he’s sure she smells lovely. Only perfect omegas like her were worthy to marry a pack leader’s son. He doesn’t envy her.

With a bow and a kind smile at Hyun, the alpha turns and leaves, choosing not to acknowledge Jimin in his departure. He’s barely recognized as a pack member in general and most certainly has never been recognized as any subgender. The pack had made their ignorant conclusions about him long ago. To them Jimin was basically worthless.

Now that they are alone, Jimin turns to Hyun and bows as well. “It is an honor for me to teach you all that I know. I hope to be useful to you.”

Hyun raises a brow. “Just show me what I need to know. You won’t be around for long.”

Jimin steps back and frowns. He doesn’t know what she means by this but he’s not going to bother asking. He’s used to hearing stupid comments like this quite frequently, so he simply bows once more and smiles sweetly.

“As you wish.”

The weeks that follow are complete and utter torture. Hyun is absolutely horrid. She takes everything Jimin says and writes it down but never asks any questions. She rushes him through all the steps and procedures for creating balms and healing creams. They never speak other than to discuss special plants and herbs. It’s complete misery when he guides her in the techniques for dressing a wound. He hates it.

And sure, he can’t sense her emotions or intentions because of his cursed disadvantage, but he isn’t stupid. He picks up cues and moods very well. And Hyun clearly dislikes him. She keeps her distance from him which makes the whole thing even more difficult. It’s evident she thinks she might contract whatever Jimin has, and he can’t help himself when on one particularly infuriating morning he sneezes in her direction.

“Oh…so sorry.” He pretends to care, smiling when she stands with her hands out looking like some invisible goo has covered her entire body. She’s grimacing, frozen in place and Jimin has to bite down on his lip to keep himself from falling over at the scene.

“Ughh! How…How dare you?!”

Anger is radiating off her body in waves and Jimin doesn’t need to take in her scent to know that Hyun is ready to scream at him. He backs away, hands in the air gesturing apologetically, but Hyun doesn’t let him get in another word.

“You’ll pay for this Lee Jimin!” She screeches and dashes out of the hut. The momentary humor he’d felt at his impulsive decision to act out on his frustration has now turned into worry. Now, he finds he’s going to have to deal with whatever repercussions may come with antagonizing the future pack omega.

It doesn’t take long. Within the hour there is a heavy pounding on his door. He has to give it to whoever it is for not blatantly knocking his door down. It seems this pack might hold a modicum of decorum after all.

He sighs heavily already preparing for the long lecture he’s sure to receive. It’s not like him to be so unruly, but with the death of Ok-ja, he’s finding it hard to keep himself under control.

Knowing he can no longer delay the inevitable, he opens the door, not expecting to see his least favorite person in the world.

“Defect.”

“Jaewon.” Jimin cringes. Jaewon is the only one that calls him such horrible names. The pack leader’s son doesn’t see Jimin as a real wolf. He’s made it clear since day one that Jimin is defective. Jimin returns the favor by refusing to acknowledge his alpha status. The clenching of the man’s jaw before him satisfies his traumatized wolf if only a little.

“I will ignore that little slip since I am here concerning more important matters.” He brushes past Jimin without being invited in.

“You are not allowed here unless you need healing.”

Jaewon turns with a wicked smirk and postures. “You would speak that way to your future pack leader?”

Jimin scoffs and crosses his arms, turning his head to the right, refusing to let this alpha pup puff out his chest like some adolescent rooster. But he doesn’t speak. He isn’t stupid. He has absolutely no power in the pack. He knows he’s in trouble for the little stunt he pulled with the future mate of the alpha standing before him.

But he can’t find it in himself to have any regrets about it.

Jaewon steps closer, a move Jimin was already expecting, but it still causes his skin to crawl. He takes a few more steps into Jimin’s space and circles him a few times, finally dipping down to hover near the space where Jimin knows his scent gland is—except that it doesn’t work.

“It’s too bad you’re so…broken. I bet you’d smell really fucking good if your wolf wasn’t ruined.” His breath brushes over the exposed skin of Jimin’s collarbone. Jimin shivers, but it’s not in response to the alpha’s attention—he can’t feel that—what he does feel is disgust. “Now that I look at you better, you’re pleasing to the eyes. Useless, but pleasing.”

Jimin doesn’t miss the implication of that sentence. This is the very reason Ok-ja kept alphas away. He knows he’s pretty, although diagnosed with a sickness no one ever heard of, he didn’t miss the way the alphas stared at him with something more than revulsion in their eyes.

“How may I help you?” Jimin tries. He knows he can’t say or do much if he doesn’t want to be severely punished. He also knows he needs to be respectful because even if Jaewon’s father saved him and currently tolerates him, that doesn’t mean that once Jaewon becomes pack leader he will extend the same courtesy.

The alpha leans back, huffing out a mocking laugh and continues to pace behind Jimin. “It would seem you’ve been nothing but rude to our future pack omega,” he starts and Jimin’s eyes grow large at the blatant lie. He fights everything within him to disagree and argue that the omega was the rude one, but he bites his tongue and listens.

“That sort of behavior will not be tolerated. She is my future mate and will be treated as such. Your job is to prepare her for her future role and nothing more. You are barely tolerated as it is, don’t make it worse.”

Jimin’s eyes close as he listens, body shaking in frustration and stress. He hates that every single moment of his life will now and forever be hanging perilously from a string. He cannot make any mistakes, cannot speak his mind, and must tolerate all abuse for the rest of his life.

He owes the pack. They saved his life. He is alive because of them.

“Is that clear, Jimin?”

This time Jimin nods and prepares himself to speak words he would never have if Ok-ja were here. He runs his fingers through his soft brown hair and breathes out a sigh. “Yes, alpha.”

𓇼🌙𓇼

The next day Hyun returns, but she isn’t alone.

“Can you believe this weirdo? I have to spend so much time here and I hate it.”

She’s talking to a friend by the front door that she’s purposely left open. It’s cold outside, the winter snow having come earlier than previous years. She hasn’t even fully entered the hut knowing for a fact that Jimin will be nearby because where else will he be? He does his best to ignore her, he’s done it many times with other wolves, but then Hyun says something that for the first time ever sparks a fury within him.

“I bet that crazy omega Ok-ja hated him too. She probably pretended to teach him stuff out of pity. I doubt Jimin even knows what he’s doing. All this talk about herbs and plants. He doesn’t know anything about them. I hate that I’m learning from someone who was taught by another freak. Save me from this.” She giggles and her friend joins in, but Jimin’s blood is already boiling.

He continues to mash the aloe and mallow together, pounding the pestle a bit too roughly against the mortar. His teeth grind along with the motions of his hand against the innocent dried herbs before him and he wonders if he’s even made to serve in a pack that dislikes him so immensely.

Hyun shuts the door a few moments later and Jimin pretends not to notice her. She stands behind him, her annoying presence hard to ignore, but Jimin continues his task, shivering a little from the cold air that now saturates the hut. The irony is that she’s the one that seems annoyed to be here.

“Well? What boring thing are we learning today? And make sure to keep your distance.”

Jimin does keep his distance. He gestures toward the table of supplies that need sorting and walks away. When Hyun comes looking for him again he simply tells her they are done for the day and the relieved sigh the omega releases makes him feel as pathetic as ever.

He was too angry to continue teaching the rest of the day. All he wanted to do was slap Hyun across the face for speaking so rudely about the previous pack healer. She deserves to be humbled and put in her place, but Jimin says nothing knowing that he’s already been commanded to endure whatever he has to in order to placate the future pack omega.

As the day turns to evening, Jimin remembers he’ll have to see Hyun tomorrow, no matter how much he doesn’t want to. He still has to prepare for whatever else that wretched omega isn’t even interested in learning. He glances over his fresh herbs, hand hovering over the ones that grow in winter and he realizes he’s low on some mint leaves. He likes using them in some of his salves knowing that the cooling sensation helps with aching bones and joints. He’ll need plenty with the frigid temperatures continually dropping. It’s snowing a little, but if he makes a quick run to the patch of growing herbs Ok-ja taught him about, he’ll be back before the night fully encompasses the sky.

He turns to grab his fur, tucking his head inside the hood and wrapping himself tightly. The rabbit boots Ok-ja made him have kept his feet nice and warm for three winters and he’s taken care of them diligently so that they last him as long as possible. These days the winter has gotten colder than he remembers, so one can never be too prepared.

He collects his basket and tiny knife and makes his way out. He likes going out when the sun is lowest in the sky. No one notices or sees him during this hour since most of the wolves are busy preparing their evening meals and returning to their own huts to keep warm for the night. He walks quickly, keeping his eyes focused on his environment, well aware that his senses do not function as they should to protect him from possible danger.

He finds the area quickly, his annoyance making a comeback when Hyun’s words return in full force. How dare she speak so ill of his Ok-ja and how could she possibly doubt Jimin’s abilities? If anyone is ignorant of such things it’s her! He continues to collect what he needs but is unable to calm his emotions. His basket is full but his heart is restless. The cold air feels good over his skin, calming him down a little and helping to remind him that this isn't the first time anyone has been mean to him.

“Jimin-ah, you must always have your wits about you. Just because you are scentless doesn’t mean you are useless. You are more valuable than you know.”

Ok-ja’s words echo in his mind as he walks back toward the path that leads him to his hut. But of course Jimin remembers them when it’s a little too late. His eyes had been averted, looking toward the ground and lost in thought—leaving him weak to his surroundings.

Before him are two wolves, large and menacing, clearly alphas. He doesn’t know who they are. Would not even know if they were from his own pack because he’s never seen any of them turn. Hell, he’s never turned himself, unable to tap into that primal side. He’s never been able to call upon his nature, which is detrimental to him now, as he stares into the eyes of the two predators that clearly have ill intentions.

So he reacts as a human would—he runs.

The basket he once held lies abandoned in the snow, flowers and herbs scattered, completely forgotten. He runs as fast as his legs can go knowing it’s of no use against the two beasts currently chasing him down. It’s funny how all this time he’s hated his wolf for making him useless and weak, but now in human form, he’s ten times weaker.

His lungs burn, the winter air stinging his chest with every breath he struggles to take. The wolves should have gained on him by now, jumped on him at least—knocked him to the ground. But they haven’t. They seem to be chasing without the complete desire to catch him. Perhaps they’re playing with him. It seems like something a predator would do with its prey before they kill it.

The night comes quickly and he’s unsure how long or how far he’s run. He can still hear the heavy thuds of the paws behind him hitting the snow as they chase just close enough to keep Jimin’s flight response on high alert. Just as he thinks he’s about to collapse, the wolves back off leaving Jimin confused and exhausted. He doesn’t trust this at all. He keeps running, though his legs are close to giving out, and he can barely make out what’s around him, his inability to see clearly at night leaving his eyes useless. Just like him.

Useless. Useless. Useless.

The snow falls heavily, but he keeps running. There is no way he’ll let himself die. He may be useless, but he’s no quitter. Ok-ja taught him that much. But eventually it becomes too much for his small body and he falls onto his knees, dropping forward and passing out right into the snow. He doesn’t know for sure whether the wolves have stopped chasing, but he can’t do anything about it now.

When he wakes, it’s still dark and the temperatures are even lower. The furs he wears do little to keep his body warm and while he was laying on the floor a layer of snow had built up on his back. He shakes off whatever he can and forces his weary body to stand.

He looks around for a moment, the realization that he has no idea where he is hitting him like a ton of bricks. There isn’t much from the environment he can use to guide him back home, and he’s never once strayed further than the areas Ok-ja showed him, too afraid of getting lost. If he had a sense of smell it would have helped him in this moment, but what’s the use in wallowing in things he’s never had when there are literally more pressing matters–like trying not to freeze to death.

Shelter, he needs shelter.

All the times he dreamt about his parent’s death, and every scenario he thought up that could have saved them, does nothing to help him now. He truly has no idea where to go. It’s now that he realizes how difficult it must’ve been for his parents and why they chose to save him instead.

He walks forward, the wind whipping his face, a blizzard clearly in the making. Tears threaten to fall, but he holds them back knowing they won’t make things better. This is what he deserves, what inevitably would’ve happened had he stayed in his pack. This is why they called him worthless and made him feel like a burden. He can’t even use his sense of smell to help him survive and his own lack of scent blends him into the environment—like a beautiful snowflake fluttering in the storm mixed in with the chaos of the blizzard.

It’s laughable that he almost died in a storm such as this once, saved by an alpha, only to be chased down by two unknown alphas back to his doom.

Just as he resigns himself to his fate, he makes out what he thinks might be a cave. The all consuming whiteness that hinders his vision makes it hard to confirm, but he still walks towards it, praying to whatever gods that he’s found actual shelter.

When he gets closer he almost cries out in relief.

It is a cave. Deep and dark and warm! He enters it, not caring whether or not it belongs to a bear or any other predator. Right now his life is what matters and the tiny knife he has strapped to his belt could be of use if he needed it. He walks further in, relaxing when he finds it empty. He hopes whoever used to live here doesn’t come back.

When he reaches the back of the cave, he settles into a worn out crevice and grips the small knife tightly in his fist. He probably should have used the knife to fight off the wolves earlier, but when he realizes how silly that sounds, he chuckles. What use would this tiny thing have been against two fast and large alphas? Running had been the best choice for the situation.

His mind doesn’t rest, constantly worried about the threat of something coming in and stealing his temporary home. But it doesn’t last long, his body winning over from the exhaustion he’s endured in the past hours. He falls asleep, warm and safe from the dangers of the world.

His eyes snap open hours later, the memory of being chased and lost in a foreign place hitting him full force. He jolts up, scans the cave and releases a sigh of relief when he sees nothing. The darkness within makes it hard to gauge the time so Jimin ventures out of the cave cautiously, eyes squinting at the brilliance of the sunlight reflecting off the many inches of snow.

He holds a hand up to shield them from the brightness and scans around. The area is gorgeous, everything untouched and silent save for the chirping of birds and the sounds of small woodland animals seeking their breakfast.

He made it. He actually survived. The problem now was staying as such.

This cave was a miracle that appeared to him when he needed it, but he still doesn’t know whether or not it’s abandoned, so he can’t stay in it forever. Not to mention he has to find his way back home. He should also probably think about food and resources. Right on cue his stomach growls. He never got to eat dinner the previous night having expected to return home after collecting herbs.

He walks out a little further, the snow at his calves, but he’s warm and dry. There are many things to take in, but his eyes are focused on seeking out whatever harvest he can find that survives the winter weather so he can gain the strength he needs for his journey home. He walks for what seems like ages, body about to give out from all the effort, but then he finds what looks like a small unkempt garden, probably left behind by some older packs that no longer live within the area. He doesn’t see anything nearby so he steps a little closer, smiling when he finds a few vegetables he can eat raw.

He tugs at a parsnip and grabs what looks to be carrots and takes big chunks out of them without a care to how puffed up his cheeks look. He hums at the feeling of food finally filling his belly, picking more and shoving some into his pockets for later. There is no certainty as to whether or not he’ll find his way back home, but he has to try. He has to prepare.

To the left he sees a tree and what he thinks might be apples. He can’t believe that all this precious food is growing out here in this forest left completely unattended. He finds a few hanging low enough to snap off and bites heartily into one of them. The juice is sweet, rolling down his chin, but Jimin ignores it. He’s much too delighted to be satiating his hunger.

This seems like a nice place or maybe it was once, so he continues walking around to see what else he can find. And then almost like a mirage he sees what appears to be a small cottage nestled into the outline of a small hill. It looks abandoned, no evidence of life, not even smoke billowing out of a chimney. He leans forward, his nose attempting to take in scents he already knows won’t register. He can’t help it, the curiosity of who might’ve lived here before consuming him. If there was someone, would they be willing to help him? Are they a friend to wolves? Are they out here for a reason? Is there anyone at all?

Jimin uses the benefit of being scentless to creep up closer. If there is someone nearby, they wouldn’t be able to smell him. He manages to get close enough to a small window, peeking in carefully to see if anyone is home. There is no one, no movement whatsoever. No shadows, no fires, no anything. He listens intently for any signs of life, but all he can hear is the sounds of life from the forest around him. The wooden door at the front of the home calls out for him to open and see what’s inside.

It’s incredibly tempting to declare this little haven for his own. If no one lives here, surely they won’t mind if Jimin claims it? It would be so much better to live out here alone without the hatred of a pack weighing heavily on his soul.

He pushes inside, strangely finding the door unlocked. Everything around him is silent. It’s completely cold and barren except for a few logs lying next to the fireplace and a bed in the corner. There is a small kitchen, but not much in the way of supplies. A pan here and there, a few spoons…some spices.

It’s evident someone used to live here, but it also has the air of being abandoned, unkempt. He can’t say for sure how long ago it was used since his sense of smell is non-existent, but he’s going to go with his human instincts and guess that this place is fully abandoned. He closes the door, locks it for good measure and then takes a closer look around.

The food he managed to pick out of the garden gets placed on the counter as he gathers some wood near the fireplace to light up the stove and start up a simple stew. There is plenty of snow to use for water and he stores some extra in a larger container he’s found. A look outside of the window shows him an outhouse and a path that leads into another area. He’ll have to check that out later. The living room is small, paired up with the small bed as one whole space and Jimin admires the efficiency of the fireplace keeping the entire place warm. Speaking of which, he lights it up and starts removing his furs to let the heat sink into his skin.

The feeling of it has him sighing out into the space around him. He arranges all the furs to his liking, trying to imitate his nest from home. It’s not the best, but it’ll do. He feels his eyes getting heavier and his body growing weaker. He had a hard day yesterday and now that his nervous system has had a chance to relax, everything feels heavy. The stew on the stove smells delicious thanks to some old spices he was able to find and the softness of the bed lined with his furs makes him slowly submit to his need for sleep.

Before he knows it he’s deep in slumber, the quiet bubbling of the stew on a low flame along with the warmth of the fire lulling him into a peaceful rest.

𓇼🌙𓇼

There’s a noise, and for a moment Jimin forgets he’s not in the comfort of his hut. His eyes shoot open when the front door unlocks and he scrambles onto the floor attempting to hide behind the bed. He listens intently unsure what threat could be lurking inside of the cottage. Not a breath nor a move is made by Jimin as he waits and watches. There is no sound coming from the other room for a few minutes but then quiet movements can be heard. It’s quite possible an animal got in somehow. But how could an animal open the door? He ducks lower, remembering the knife on the sheath attached to his chest. He grabs it tightly in his small fist when he hears a shuffle.

“Omega?”

Jimin’s breath hitches. He doesn’t dare speak, absolutely petrified at the male voice he hears. There is no possible way he has just been identified as an omega. The other has to be guessing. That’s the only explanation.

Although he is not within Jimin’s line of vision yet, due to the entrance facing the kitchen first, Jimin can see a large shadow slowly approaching. His entire body goes into defensive mode, mind already made up to go down fighting. He’s never had to protect himself like this before and he certainly can’t depend on his wolf for protection, so he’s just going to have to go for it and inflict some type of wound so he can run.

Although fear consumes him, he refuses to let another ill-willed stranger pin him down and hurt him. He hasn’t made it this long and come this far only to be cornered by some rogue wolf. It’s moments like these he wishes he could identify the other. It would make deciding how he’s going to defend himself so much easier.

“I know you’re here. I can smell you.”

Smell him? How can he smell him?! What is this?

If Jimin weren’t so scared, he’d probably jump out and demand to know how the other claims to smell him when he’s scentless, but the fright of encountering the unknown is much too daunting. Not to mention the fact that Jimin is probably in the wrong, having trespassed on their property without making absolutely sure it belonged to no one. But it’s not like Jimin could help it. He would have died had he succumbed to the elements.

Just as he’s about to make the decision to jump out and strike, knowing he’ll probably get nowhere fighting back, the other steps into view and Jimin gasps at what he sees.

Alpha.

From the tiny hidden space Jimin is cornered in, he sees what he’s sure is an alpha. There’s no mistaking it. The other is tall and strong, his presence making Jimin want to cower. His voice is authoritative and gruff. Just the simple words he’s saying, in the tone he’s using, is making Jimin want to do as he’s told. He can’t help it when his body comes out of hiding, sliding the knife back into the sheath carefully. If he could just tell the man what happened maybe he can move on and be allowed to leave.

“I—I— I didn’t know…” Jimin stumbles over his words, startling when the other whips his head in Jimin’s direction.

If Jimin could, he’d release calming pheromones hoping to appeal to the alpha’s nature, but that won’t work in this scenario.

The alpha seems to be staring intensely at him, eyes appearing dark from where Jimin stands and he can barely make out his face, but he still notices when the alpha flinches the moment he starts talking again. “I was lost… I mean… I got lost in the storm…from last night. I found this place and I was so cold and hungry… I’m sorry I can leave. I didn’t mean to impose. Please just let me go.”

Jimin tries to skirt around the wall slowly as he speaks hoping the alpha will have mercy and let him go. Clearly Jimin is no threat, but when he moves a bit further and bumps into the edge of the bed, the other’s head snaps in the same direction and Jimin freezes. Like a deer in headlights he doesn’t move, body tight and breathing labored. He feels so close to crying, but if he’s meant to die, he will do so with dignity.

“Why are you afraid?” The man questions softly.

“What?” Jimin doesn’t know how to respond. Why is this stranger asking the obvious? Why wouldn’t he be afraid? Clearly there is a disadvantage here and Jimin is no fool. If the other wanted to, he could rip Jimin apart before he made it out of the door.

“I can smell your fear. I won’t hurt you.”

Jimin is incredibly confused by the alpha’s words. Picking up any scent should be impossible, yet here he is repeatedly saying he can smell him. “I’m sorry but did you say you can… smell me?” He asks incredulously.

The alpha chuckles and runs a hand through his dark black hair. “Yes. It’s subtle… faint… but it’s…something familiar. Like…” His voice sounds gentle now as he tries to find the words, and the once imposing posture he started off with is now more subdued and relaxed.

The man before him doesn’t know of Jimin’s ailment, but something about the way he acts like he can smell him upsets him. “You must be confused about the scents you are picking up because I am known to have none. Once again I am truly sorry for trespassing, but if you could please let me go I would be forever in your debt.”

The alpha steps closer and Jimin’s back molds against the wall.

“I am not confused. My senses do not lie. You are free to go, omega, but the snow has started to fall again and I’m afraid another storm will be here before you make it to wherever it is you intend to go. You are welcome to stay here until it passes. Like I said before, I promise I won’t hurt you, but of course it is completely up to you.”

When the other speaks he looks right at Jimin but it’s almost like he’s looking right through him at the same time. Still, Jimin notes the way his jaw tightens and how his body tenses. Jimin has clearly annoyed him in some way, but how can he help himself when he’s literally being cornered by an alpha? If anyone should be annoyed, it’s Jimin. This alpha seems intent on playing a weird game of insistently identifying Jimin’s subgender when he clearly has none. Even still, Jimin doesn’t feel as threatened as he did at the start. This stranger seems nice if he’s still willing to offer shelter, and he hasn’t tried anything even though they’re alone.

“Why do you keep calling me omega?”

“I already told you.”

“That doesn’t answer my question. What if I think you are lying?”

“Think whatever you like, but the snow will continue to fall regardless.”

“How do I know you’ll keep your word?”

“My word to not hurt you?”

Jimin breathes out nervously. “Yeah.”

“I will not harm you, I promise.”

Something about the way the other says that feels honest. He weighs his options, nervously chewing on his bottom lip while he makes a decision. He doesn't really want to endure the storm again. It was hard the first time and Jimin has barely recovered from that event. He hasn’t even eaten yet.

“I don’t want to be a burden… I can try to find my pack but…maybe that’s not a good idea in this storm.” Nervously he picks at his nails, still standing only a few feet away. It’s a risk to stay, especially when he can’t pick-up any scent from the other, but for some reason he feels like the alpha is no threat. Perhaps allowing him to think he’s an omega could work in his favor.

He jolts when an unexpected rich and smooth chuckle reaches his ears.

“Please don’t say such things. I would feel awful if you got lost in the snow again. So tell me then, will you stay?”

Jimin nods but he gets no reaction from the alpha. He feels so awkward standing before the imposing figure so rigidly. It’s impossible not to feel nervous when the other is so intimidating. “Yeah. Yes. I will stay, but only until the snow clears. And only if you keep your promise.” He replies in a barely audible voice.

“Then it is settled. Welcome to my cottage. I am Jungkook and from what I can tell you have cooked a meal. I’ve traveled the entire day and am awfully hungry. Would you happen to have enough for one more?” He tips his nose up to sniff at the air and smiles.

It is so endearing that Jimin doesn’t know how to react. He doesn’t know Jungkook and he certainly doesn’t know if he can trust him. A little warning bell inside of his head tells him that this has to be fake and that no alpha could ever be this nice, but on the other hand what could Jungkook possibly gain by tricking him? They barely know each other and in the end Jungkook will probably reject him once he realizes Jimin’s flaw. In truth, Jimin has nothing to tempt him.

Besides, he doesn’t plan to stay very long.

“Of course you can have some. It is your food after all. I… I am sorry I used some of your spices and food from the garden. I had no idea anyone lived here. Let me prepare the meal.” He goes to move toward the kitchen and Jungkook slides back leaving room for Jimin to cross the small entryway into the kitchen.

There is only one other person Jimin wishes he could catch the scent of right now and it’s that of Ok-ja’s, but now he finds himself curious to know what the scent of this stranger is. It would be interesting to process the information of this individual. He is unlike any of the alphas Jimin has encountered and he is highly interested to know if the other’s intentions are innocent.

The alpha doesn’t move, happy to let Jimin walk into the kitchen, eyes averted but still smiling. It’s a little weird how initially Jungkook had seemed on edge but now he is completely calm and accepting. Jimin wonders why he’s let his guard down to someone he barely knows because even though Jungkook is being nice, Jimin doesn’t fully trust him.

“I didn’t really make it too hearty. There were only a few vegetables I…borrowed.” He pauses, choosing a word that doesn’t sound like stealing, which is exactly what he’s done, but of course he won’t admit that. The last thing he wants to do is incite some type of ire in this muscle of a man. At the moment Jimin is being cordial, but truth be told, he’s scared out of his mind and isn’t completely sure the next move he makes will bring him death. This is exactly why Jimin was of no use to his pack. He is clearly not made for the real world. Everything he’s done is a recipe for disaster and he’s not entirely sure why he’s still alive.

“That is fine. I would have been too hungry to focus on making anything substantial had I made the food.” Jungkook pauses and walks into the kitchen, hand out searching for a stool to sit on. Jimin notices but he doesn’t stare long enough to wonder why the alpha is acting so weird.

He serves the bowl and places it next to Jungkook but he makes no move to grab it. Jimin plates his own stew and waits. Still nothing. He clears his throat. “I placed the bowl down…”

He doesn’t get to finish speaking before Jungkook’s hand comes out in front of him to search around the surface table. He moves it a little more to the right and the back of his hand collides with the bowl which he corrects by grabbing the edge of it before it tips over.

Jimin watches fascinated and also extremely confused. Was Jungkook afraid of burning his hand? “It shouldn't be too hot. Maybe leave it off to the side for a bit,” he offers but only gets a grunt in response. Jungkook starts eating, having found the spoon with the same amount of trouble and Jimin has to wonder how tired the man before him really is.

“I really appreciate you letting me stay. I promise to be out of your hair as soon as the snow clears. I never meant to end up here. I was collecting herbs and the next thing I knew I was being chased down…”

Jungkook stops eating abruptly and looks up, but his eyes aren’t focused. He tilts his head and furrows his brows. “Chased?”

The way he says the word suggests he’s upset. Why would this random stranger be upset for him? “Yeah, but they eventually…stopped? I don’t know. What I do know is that I ran and ran and eventually found this cottage. So again, I’m sorry to have trespassed. I truly thought no one was here.”

Jimin goes on and on knowing that he’s babbling, but what’s mostly annoying him is that he can’t get the other to look at him directly. Who talks to someone without acknowledging them?

“Are…Why aren’t you looking at me? I know I’m in your personal space and I’ve already apologized. This isn’t something I would normally do and I get that you probably aren’t happy I’m here, but you did say I could stay so I'm really confused…”

“I’m blind.” Jungkook interrupts.

Jimin stops functioning completely.

The alpha puts his spoon down and lifts up his head, turning it slightly in the direction he’s deduced Jimin is standing in. It’s not a complete connection because he’s slightly looking at the stove, but Jimin can see what it is the other is attempting to show him.

“I–I’m sorry…” Jimin stutters out, unsure of what to say in this situation. Blind? Since when? He didn’t even notice such a thing? Jungkook seemed so attuned to his every move. This is all so …

“No need. It isn’t your fault I’m blind.”

Jimin just stares, knowing it’s rude, but he can’t help himself. There is a long scar, horizontal, along the skin of Jungkook’s eyes. It looks like it hurt once, but has long since healed. The tissue surrounding the line of skin that’s been blemished is harsh and somehow his eyelids and lashes are still intact. His eyes, though, make it evident something is terribly wrong. They still carry the dark brown color of what Jimin assumes might’ve been his original color, but there is a gray haze coating the lenses. How did he not notice before?

“I didn’t know…I…”

“It is fine, omega. You wouldn’t know. We’ve only just met. Which brings me to the next thing I’m curious about. What is your name?”

Jimin is a bit baffled at how Jungkook can just brush over the fact that he’s blind and an alpha. Those two things combined would challenge his status and make him weaker. Is this why he’s here alone in this cottage?

“Your name, omega?” Jungkook repeats, sounding humored.

“Oh…yes. I’m so sorry. My name is Jimin. Jimin Lee.” He decides not to fight him on the omega thing.

“Well, Jimin Lee. This is a very delicious stew. Thank you.”

Jimin nods and then chastises himself. He tries again, using his voice this time. “Thank you.” It’s more of a whisper but the alpha hears it regardless.

“You are very welcome.”

They eat in silence after that, a million questions floating through Jimin’s mind. This is so unheard of and surprising. Is that why the other didn’t initially attack him? How has Jungkook out traveling for so long without being able to see? How did he make it back alone? Does he have his own pack?

Endlessly he thinks as he tries to eat and crazily enough, Jungkook notices. “Are you not hungry?”

Jimin jolts from his thoughts, his spoon clattering on the bowl when he accidentally bumps it. “I…no, I just…this is very… as a healer I’ve never experienced this before.”

Jungkook perks up at this. He tilts his head to the left and bites his bottom lip in thought. Jimin suddenly realizes that this alpha is actually quite handsome. He didn’t get a chance to notice this before, not with the way he was fearing for his life.

“You say you’re a healer?”

“Yes, well…I’m not very experienced but I was raised by the pack’s healer and she taught me everything I know.”

“Taught, as in, is no longer teaching?”

Jimin’s face drops along with his mood. “She passed away recently. The thing is I have never encountered anyone that was blind and Ok-ja never taught me anything in regards to meeting the needs of someone like this so I am sorry if I am insensitive in any way. You’re an alpha and should be…”

“...should be strong and fearless. I know.” He pauses and tries to find Jimin again, this time succeeding since Jimin had been speaking for a bit. When his eyes glance over they hold an indecipherable emotion. “I am sorry you lost your healer.”

“Thank you.” Jimin whispers, not trusting his voice to keep from shaking.

When they finish eating Jimin grabs some of the melted snow that is now turned into water and washes up everything that he used. Jungkook has walked off to the other room and Jimin isn’t sure what he’s up to. When he finishes he decides to go out and grab more snow for later, but Jungkook stops him.

“Where are you going?”

Jimin stops in his tracks, looking over his shoulder curiously. “How did you know that I was leaving?”

Jungkook’s small chuckle is humored and even slightly endeared. It’s almost like no one has ever asked him such things. “Little omega, it’s no wonder you’re here and lost. Are you always so busy-bodied?”

“I am not busy-bodied, thank you very much.” Jimin huffs.

“The reason I know what you’re doing, when I am blind,” he emphasizes the word mockingly, “is because I have learned how to use my other senses more efficiently.”

“I see. So, you can hear what I’m doing?”

“Yes. I can also feel you, strangely enough…within the space moving around. I can tell you’re smaller, tiny even. Your steps are light, but not missed, and you seem to make hushed sounds with your mouth. Almost like a hum.”

All of this information makes Jimin blush, the feeling that he’s been entirely exposed to a stranger when they haven’t even known each other for more than a few hours making him self-conscious. “I will make sure to be more aware of my…sounds.” Jimin retorts, a bit too offended, but Jungkook’s laugh makes it worse.

The way the other behaves so comfortably with Jimin as if he knows him isn’t sitting right with him. No one knows him this well. No one except for Ok-ja knew all of Jimin’s little habits. He grabs the container in his hand tighter and walks out the door to scoop more snow inside.

With a few grunts he manages to drag the heavy container back to the front door where he’s met by a big chest blocking the way in. A large hand searches and then Jimin is being removed from his job. “I can take it from here, omega.” Jungkook taunts, grabbing the vessel like it weighs nothing.

Jimin doesn’t want to press his luck, so he bites his tongue, but he can’t stand the way the alpha parades around the place like a boisterous rooster calling him omega every chance he gets.

“I was fine on my own.”

“I know. I am sorry there is no well. Living out here alone has made me very resourceful. During winter, snow is all I have. When the weather is nice I go to the nearby river.”

Jimin doesn’t get a chance to say much else, watching as the alpha goes to and fro within the confines of the tiny home efficiently. It’s clear this is his space and that he knows it well. Jimin almost feels like he’s imposing when he moves back into the living room. He doesn’t want to bump into Jungkook accidentally, so he sits himself down on the bed and silently waits.

Jungkook appears moments later with more furs. “It can get very cold at night unless the fire is stoked, so you will need these.” He holds them out and Jimin grabs them already feeling bad that this blind alpha is doing so much for him when Jimin is perfectly capable.

“You don’t have to do all of this. I can help you. I can see—” He stops.

Jungkook has just turned when he too stops, body going rigid. There’s a deep intake of breath and then it’s blown out of his nose. “Omega, I am more than able to care for myself. I may not be able to see, but I have adapted.”

Jimin feels horrible for slipping out such careless words. He didn’t mean to say it that way. Of course Jungkook is capable. Jimin has seen it for himself, but he can’t help his nature. He is a helper, and maybe he feels bad for Jungkook….a little bit. He won’t say it though. Jungkook seems like a proud alpha regardless and maybe saying those types of things won’t help.

“I will sleep in the kitchen near the stove. I have plenty of furs to keep me comfortable there. You are safe here. In the morning we will figure out what to do for you.” He nods to himself and then moves forward. Jimin sits in awe at how easily finds his way around. If he didn’t know better, he’d think the alpha was perfectly fine.

As soon as he settles in, Jimin does his best to find sleep, but it eludes him. The environment is strange to him and the knowledge of a larger, more imposing being in the room nearest him doesn’t help matters. It’s not like Jimin sleeps well these days anyway. Images of Ok-ja come to mind as well as the wolves that chased him down.

At some point he must’ve drifted because he’s currently being shaken awake by a shadow. “Omega, wake up. You are having a nightmare.”

It takes a minute for Jimin to regain his faculties and remember where he is and why. “I…I didn’t mean to wake you.” He offers in a way of apology, voice groggy and laced with sleep.

Jungkook huffs, but he isn’t annoyed. It seems he too is still quite sleepy. “It is of no importance. Please sleep well.”

He turns to leave and sleep finds Jimin once more. Miraculously, he is the first to wake up. The silence of the cottage and the calm sounds of nature coming through the thin glass of the home give a false sense of comfort. Or perhaps this is a clear sign that the weather is all clear and it’s time for him to go.

The plan was for Jungkook to help come up with a plan for Jimin to find his way home, but Jimin isn’t as weak and useless as everyone thinks. He doesn’t know why, but he feels a sudden urge to want to prove himself. If his pack thought he was worthless then maybe he should find his way back on his own abilities to prove them wrong. A blind alpha has been able to live out on the wilderness alone apparently, yet Jimin was in the protection of a pack and managed to get lost and chased by wild alphas in the span of a few hours. Is it not time for Jimin to prove himself worthy?

Silently, he rises from the bed and runs a warm hand over his face. Sneaking into the kitchen, Jimin manages to slide the lock off the door and make it outside. He did his best to be silent and it paid off because now he’s outside and ready to face the day without anyone meddling. He decides to make one last stop at the tiny garden just in case, one never knows how the journey will go.

He has all his furs wrapped tightly around him and his head is hooded and protected. It’s a lovely day out, sun shining bright and warming his cheeks. He snags a few carrots, pockets them and also picks up a few apples. Needing to wake more fully, he grabs a bit of snow and rubs it over his face, washing the sleep from his eyes and then takes a deep breath.

He can do this. He just has to follow what he knows. He may not have a sense of smell or an instinctual pull toward his pack, but he has common sense. He knows the pack lies to the East a bit and that the sun rises on that end. Surely it can’t be that difficult.

After a few hours of endless walking and circling, Jimin is having major regrets. He’s sure the tree he’s passing again is one he’s seen several times now, but he leaves an apple core on top of it just to be sure. When he passes it again, with now a second apple eaten he realizes he’s made a grave mistake. How can he be so directionless? He grunts out a frustrated sigh and growls, shaking a fist to the heavens. Why did he have to be so fucking incapable?

He sees his tracks in the snow and starts in another direction hoping that this time he’s going in the right direction. He’s so busy pacing and working out the right way to go that he doesn’t notice he’s being followed. Of course he doesn’t. His sense of smell and instincts don’t exist and Jimin just trudges on stubbornly.

He sees a little rabbit and crouches down, already exhausted and needing a break. “Hello there, little bun. You know the way, don’t you? I wish you could talk so you could help me.”

“If you hadn’t been so stubborn I would’ve had you home already, omega.”

Jimin is so startled, he falls back onto his butt and screams.

Jungkook just stands there, arms crossed over his chest and a clear look of annoyance gracing his features. For someone with an impairment, he’s way too tapped into his wolf abilities. How he managed to find Jimin and sneak up on him is beyond his imagination.

“Ugh! That is terrible manners to creep up on someone like that! How did you even find me?”

Jungkook waits. Mouth twisting into what seems like a smirk. “I told you already. I can smell you.”

Jimin huffs. “Well, that’s impossible! I have no scent so I don’t know what you keep going on about.”

Jungkook seems alarmed and confused by Jimin’s proclamation. He starts to move forward and puts out a hand where he thinks Jimin is. He locates him perfectly.

Jimin glares at it, suddenly wishing Jungkook had sight so that he could see him roll his eyes. “I can get up on my own!” Jimin complains and then jumps to his feet and shakes the snow from his bottom. Jungkook pulls his hand back and stands there silently.

“What?!” Jimin can’t help but to huff. He isn’t being mean on purpose, he’s just a little flustered and probably on edge from having been scared half to death.

“Why do you keep speaking as if you do not have a scent? I can smell you clear as day. There is no mistaking it now…especially with how sour the scent is at present. You’re scared for some reason. I’ve already told you that there is no reason to be afraid. I made a promise. I have not hurt you and clearly do not have the intention to do so.”

Jimin pouts and hugs himself. The tough facade he had on moments ago falling away like the snow from his pants. “I…I am not afraid of you. I was just startled. You keep saying that you can smell me, but as I have said before, I am without scent. I have been scentless since forever. That is why I am still lost and unable to find my way home. So you can stop mocking me for this flaw that I cannot control.”

“But I am not mocking. I am the last person to mock someone else for something they cannot help.”

Jimin balks at this. Jungkook has a point.

“I just cannot fathom someone being able to smell anything. No one has ever identified a scent on me because I never even presented. My entire pack can’t even smell me…that is why I’m considered useless and …”

“Omega. Jimin. Please do not speak of yourself in this manner. I do not know why I can smell you and others can not, and I am sorry to hear that you’ve never presented, but I am not lying when I say that I can. How about we go back to the cottage and speak of this with clearer heads and food in our bellies?”

“Did you not eat?” Guilt eats away at Jimin.

“I had no time when I was out searching for a reckless omega who left without so much as a thank you.” Jungkook chuckles and Jimin feels his entire face go red.

“I am…sorry. I really am grateful.”

“Well then, let us go back and you can tell me all about it, hm?”

Jimin nods and then shakes his head at his stupidity. He needs to get used to this. “Yes, of course.” He says out loud so that the alpha hears him clearly. Jungkook hums and then leads the trek back to the house.

Once there Jungkook removes his own furs and gestures to Jimin to do the same. The smell of tea reaches Jimin’s nose and his belly rumbles. “Silly omega. You would have starved out there.”

“I would not have. I had plenty of fare within my pockets that were available in the gardens and I—” Jimin freezes from removing his boots, hunched over and caught in his admission to stealing once again.

“Hm. Reckless and a thief. I think those two alone would suffice in your endangerment than that of a lack of scent.” Jungkook speaks and it sounds to Jimin like he’s smiling, but he couldn’t be. That would be utterly rude.

“What else could I have done?” Jimin quips, removing his boots quickly and making his way towards the delicious smell of honey and chamomile. “Are those biscuits?” He asks, amazed. He hadn’t seen any biscuits when he first got here, which means that Jungkook must’ve brought them with him when he arrived yesterday.

“Yes. They are. Freshly made. I fetch supplies on occasion from the local pack.”

“Local pack?” Jimin questions, eyes bright and curious. If there’s a pack nearby then they’re saved.

“Yes, but that pack is at least a day’s walk away and you, little omega, have had enough adventures for the time being. First, we must talk. I fear there is more to you than you have shared.”

They continue eating their breakfast, partially lunch, and then Jungkook breaks the silence. “So, you say you were chased and ended up here. Where are you originally from if you don’t mind my asking?”

Jimin takes a sip of his tea and hums. “I am from the Kang pack, or at least, was adopted into it. The alpha of the pack found me in a snowstorm, along with my parents who died because of it. The alpha could not find my origin due to all the snow. I was only a pup when he offered me to the pack healer, Ok-ja, who took care of me for most of my life. She gave me her surname so I am Jimin Lee. She was the one that diagnosed my affliction. Basically, I am their healer now and I need to get back to them.”

Jungkook hums and runs a hand under his chin. “From what you said earlier…it doesn’t seem like they are very nice to you.”

The room feels like it’s getting hotter, but of course that’s just Jimin’s embarrassment. Had he said that much? “I make due. I had no qualms with anyone as a child, it is only when I didn’t present and lacked a scent that everyone began treating me…differently.”

“Doesn’t sound like a nice pack to be in. Are you sure you want to return to this Kang pack?”

Jimin stays quiet for a moment. Jungkook makes valid points but it’s not like Jimin has a choice in the matter. Where else can he go if not to the place he knows? That is where his home is.

“Jungkook. I know what you’re getting at, but trust me when I tell you, I have endured the worst of it and I have survived. They are my home and I have nowhere else to go.” He can’t help when his voice becomes emotional. Living with his pack is like a double-edged sword. Jimin has no other option but to endure the hardships he faces. That or be left out to fend for himself with a defective wolf.

The alpha just stands in the kitchen, one hip leaning against the counter and nose tipped up as if he’s gauging Jimin’s emotions by his scent and that is still something Jimin hasn’t quite accepted.

“Why can you smell my scent? Do you have a magical nose or something?”

Suddenly Jungkook is laughing so hard it echoes through the cottage and Jimin has to bite back his own lip to keep himself from smiling. He sounds like a dream, care-free and happy. Strangely Jimin feels a little proud of himself for making Jungkook laugh so hard. That in itself is a feat.

“No, little omega. I do not have a magical nose. What I do have is my wolf instinct and heightened senses. Since my sight is no longer available, the others became more hyper-focused and concentrated. That is the only thing I can think of since you claim to have no scent at all.”

“I do not claim it. It is true. Believe me, if I could have my scent I would value it like no other. My ailment comes with so many more debilitating effects…connections that I will never experience and I feel so…”

“Incongruous?”

“Yes! Exactly that!”

“I understand.”

Jimin looks up at that, heart clenching and stomach dropping to the floor. Of course Jungkook would understand this feeling. “How…how difficult is it for an alpha to be without his sight?”

Jungkook chuckles and straightens up. His body is so large Jimin forgets how big he is when they're speaking so intimately. Sometimes the man before him comes off so soft, and then Jimin is reminded he is designed to kill. “I have learned to cope with it. “ He doesn’t offer more, leaving Jimin feeling put-out. He shared most of his private struggles so why isn’t Jungkook sharing his own?

“I do not know of your Kang pack, but you are welcome to stay here until I can help you. I can ask at the local pack, but I do not have plans to travel there until three weeks from now. Trips can be exhaustive and the winter is only going to get worse.”

“Three weeks?! But…we barely know each other and…and what about food and…”

“I know we do not, but it is hardly awkward for wolves to unify when there is a need among them. I cannot do much now, but I promise you I will once I get more information. The question is whether you are willing to wait.”

Jimin is on his feet now, pacing back and forth. Ever since he came to this cottage it’s been nothing but offers about what can be done to help him and Jimin just hates it so much. Being unable to help himself…so useless…it’s the worst curse of all.

“I hate to be a burden. It’s something I always am and I’ve already caused you so much unnecessary inconvenience.”

“Jimin, where exactly do you plan to go? We don’t know the way. Any trace of your scent during the chase is surely wiped away by the snow. You clearly have no idea, what with you getting lost earlier…and…I’m not trying to mock you, but I do not want to be responsible for something terrible happening to you when I was more than able to prevent it. Please just accept my help. Stay.”

If Jimin could smell Jungkook, he’d think he smells like worry and frustration, if the expression on his face is anything to go by. He doesn’t know why, can’t even find the explanation within him—and he certainly can’t ask his wolf–- but he knows. Jungkook is a friend and he wants to help him.

“I guess I have no other choice.” Jimin stomps his foot and sighs out loud causing Jungkook to tip his head to the side and close his eyes as if he’s listening closely so that he can imagine the scene before him. There’s a small snicker and then Jungkook opens his eyes and goes back to his tea. Jimin wants to ask more questions, but he settles on the one he’s most curious about.

“What is your scent like?” He asks, boldly and loud so he’s sure Jungkook has heard him. The other stiffens a bit and then puts down his tea cup.

“If I describe it to you, would you know it?” He teases.

“I— just because I lack a sense of smell does not mean that I cannot…well…”

“What?” Jungkook probes, now more obvious about how funny he thinks Jimin’s question is.

Jimin doesn’t think this is funny at all. “You're quite a pretentious alpha, you know! I have an imagination and I’ve experienced life enough to be able to formulate what I think things might smell like. I can feel…I can adjust…”

Jungkook moves closer and stops once he hears Jimin’s intake of breath. “I know you are more than capable, omega. I am sorry to have seemed…critical. I just think it’s kind of funny how we both have incapacities and that somehow we’ve ended up together…”

Jimin huffs out a laugh at the coincidence and visibly relaxes. “I had not thought of that. What are the odds?”

“Indeed.”

Jimin snatches another biscuit hoping Jungkook can’t tell. He’s been hungry since yesterday and he’s not about to apologize.

“Cedarwood.”

“Hm?”

“My scent. It’s cedarwood.”