Chapter Text
When Namjoon’s phone rings, he’s just getting out of work and almost doesn’t even look at his phone, annoyed and tired and not in the mood for socializing. He’s had a horrible day, dealing with two different artists who have exhibitions coming up at the gallery where Namjoon works and an argument with a shipping company about how to safely and affordably transport a 500kg sculpture.
Still it could be Yoongi, or one of his other friends who needs his help, so he digs his phone out and then just stares at the screen for a moment in utter disbelief.
‘Hoseok’ the text on the screen claims, even though they haven’t really talked in five years, since they graduated university and Hoseok moved back to Gwangju.
“Hello?” Namjoon answers the phone, still thinking it might be a mistake or something. He’d kept moving all his contacts over from phone to phone and never had the heart to delete Hoseok’s number, but still how’s this happening?
“Namjoon? Is that you?” Hoseok asks and his voice floods back memories Namjoon had thought he’d forgotten long ago.
“Yeah, it’s me. Hoseok, it’s been ages, it’s so nice to hear from you. How are you?”
There’s a sound, like Hoseok is maybe crying, which alarms Namjoon instantly. Old instincts rise to the surface and suddenly his heart is beating double time and he feels a spike of adrenaline course through him.
“Hoseok, what’s wrong? Are you alright?”
Hoseok sniffles but answers and his voice sounds even. “I’m in Seoul, I was wondering if I could see you? I know it’s a lot to ask out of the blue like this, but I’m in trouble and I didn’t know who else to turn to.”
Namjoon glances at his wristwatch and takes notice of his surroundings. He’s walked towards the subway entrance out of habit, but now he stops, just in case he needs to go in a different direction. “Yes, of course we can meet and of course I’ll help. Where are you? I’ll come there.”
“Thank you, Namjoon. I really am sorry to bother you,” Hoseok replies and tells Namjoon he’s sitting in a café inside one of the biggest shopping malls in downtown Seoul.
“I’ll be there in 30 minutes, is that alright? Can you wait?” Namjoon asks and hurries to the subway.
“Yes, I’m fine here, just a bit embarrassed I cried. A nice lady already offered me a tissue,” Hoseok says and laughs, the sound a bit soggy with tears, but it eases some of Namjoon's anxiety.
“Can you tell me what’s happening, why you’re upset?” Namjoon asks and jogs down the escalator as fast as he can in the late afternoon throng.
Hoseok sighs and Namjoon can hear him shift in his seat as well as the background din from the busy shopping mall. It seems his senses are straining to keep tabs on Hoseok and normally that would make Namjoon feel a bit embarrassed, but now he’s just glad he can monitor how Hoseok’s doing a bit better.
“I’d rather wait until I see you in person. It feels… I don’t know. Can I just wait?” Hoseok asks and he sounds small and sad.
“Of course, anything you want Hoseokie,” Namjoon says and then cringes as the old familiar way of speaking slips out.
“Thanks, Namjoon,” Hoseok says and Namjoon’s pretty sure he’s smiling when he says that.
Namjoon keeps Hoseok on the phone for the whole subway ride, even though the reception cuts off a few times. He keeps the conversation light and mostly talks about his own job, as every question directed at Hoseok had been met with evasion or just Hoseok saying he didn’t want to talk about it.
Once Namjoon is out of the subway he jogs the rest of the way to the shopping mall. A few people jump out of his way in alarm and Namjoon supposes he smells like an agitated alpha right now. Usually he'd apologize, but he's in a hurry and so he just keeps running.
He has to stop at the directory to find where the cafe Hoseok is at, but a few minutes later he spots it and slows down to a walk, trying to calm his breathing before he comes face to face with Hoseok
The cafe is more on the sleek side to fit in with its surroundings and as it's not cluttered, he spots Hoseok easily, sitting at the back with a big cup of coffee and a muffin in front of him.
"Hoseok," Namjoon calls out when he's still a few tables away, wanting to make sure he doesn’t startle Hoseok too much.
Hoseok looks up from his phone, eyes widening as they meet his and Namjoon is hit with a wave of longing so strong he almost falters in his stride. How can Hoseok still affect him this strongly after all these years? It doesn't seem fair.
"Hi," Hoseok breathes out and offers him a quivering smile.
Namjoon walks up to the table and sits at the opposite side from Hoseok, drinking him in with his eyes. He breathes in, unconsciously and gets another shock, as Hoseok smells claimed, the absence of Hoseok’s familiar scent a shock to him. He doesn't smell like his alpha though, which is rather strange, but Namjoon has enough on his plate trying to reorient to the fact that Hoseok is taken.
"Hi, good to see you. You look great. I mean, you've been crying, but other than that..." Namjoon grimaces and forces himself to stop talking.
Hoseok smiles again and this time it looks more genuine, so at least his tomfoolery did some good.
"Sorry to keep pressing you, but can you tell me now what's the matter? I'm really worried," Namjoon asks and bites his tongue on all the questions he wants to ask about Hoseok's alpha and where they are, why Hoseok is here alone, why his alpha isn't here helping him with whatever the trouble is?
Hoseok looks down at the table, his fingers tearing off tiny pieces of the muffin and spreading the crumbs on the small plate. From the looks of things, Hoseok hasn't eaten any of the pastry in front of him.
"It's really embarrassing and, well, hard to say," Hoseok starts and looks around them, obviously trying to gauge if there are people close enough to eavesdrop on them. Namjoon does the same, but it seems clear. There's music playing in the cafe and nobody is sitting in the closest tables to them.
"Whatever it is, you know you can trust me. I'm not going to spread it, or think badly of you, or anything like that. I promised I'd help you and I intend to keep my word," Namjoon reassures Hoseok and fights the urge to reach over and touch Hoseok's hand, to stop his anxious movements. He can't. Hoseok's taken.
Hoseok meets his eyes for a second, before dropping his eyes again. It's weird, Hoseok never used to be the coy type omega. He was loud and outgoing and brash more than anything else. Seeing him so sad and timid makes Namjoon's heart ache.
"Thank you. I hoped you'd say that. That's why I called. I know you don't owe me anything and it's been years since we've seen each other, but I still feel like I can trust you," Hoseok says.
He draws a deep breath and seems to steal himself before he continues.
"I'm sure you can smell, I'm bonded. I've been bonded for two years. We met through work, the normal story, I won't bore you with it. Anyway, a few months ago, I got a job offer, here in Seoul, in the head office of the company where I work. It's a great opportunity, right?"
Namjoon nods, "Yeah, congratulations."
Hoseok smiles at that, a bit wistful and keeps going, "So I told Minchul and I thought he'd react like you did. I mean we'd talked about moving to Seoul a few times before. But he wasn't so keen about the whole thing. There were so many reasons why it was the wrong time, or could I really leave my parents and all sorts of things."
"I think he just didn't want me to get promoted. If I took the new job we'd have the same title. It's so petty, like what does it matter?" Hoseok asks, and seems honestly baffled.
Namjoon nods, encouraging him to continue, but doesn't comment on how common that sort of small mindedness is among alphas. He's sure Hoseok knows it too, he must just have thought his alpha wasn't one of them.
Now Hoseok pauses and his ears flush as he leans in closer and lowers his voice. Namjoon leans a bit closer to make sure he hears, as this will most likely be the trouble Hoseok's in.
"I had my heat a few weeks ago. I didn't think anything was different until the day before yesterday. I got a test done and I'm pregnant."
He stops there, biting his lip and Namjoon doesn't know what to say. He feels crushed if he's honest. He wants to leave, he doesn't want to keep listening to Hoseok say these things to him, but he promised. He's going to help Hoseok, no matter what this is about. So he just nods, hands gripping the chair's seat he's sitting on so tightly his fingers ache, but he's pretty sure his face looks neutral and open.
"He messed with my birth-control. I asked him, because it didn't make sense, like how could I be pregnant and he just admitted it. Said he wanted us to start a family and that he didn't want to wait anymore and it was time. Like it was his decision. Like it didn't matter what I wanted." Hoseok whispers the last few words and there are suddenly tears in his eyes again.
Namjoon offers him a napkin from the pile on the table, unsure what to do. He wants to go to Gwangju and fight this alpha he's never met. Smash his face in for doing that to Hoseok. He wants to go to Hoseok and gather him into his arms and console him. He wants a lot of things he can't have.
"I'm so sorry, Hoseok. I don't have words to express how... How can I help? I'm here for you, I promise," He says and hopes and fears that Hoseok will ask him to go fight his alpha for him, even though that sort of thing doesn't really happen these days and Namjoon's never been in a fight his whole life and is worried he'll get his ass kicked. Still, he realizes he'd do it if Hoseok asks him to.
Hoseok dabs his eyes with the napkin and blows his nose. "Ack, I wish I would stop crying! I think it's hormones probably? Well I don't really have a good plan. I have a few bad plans though and I haven't come up with anything better. Wanna hear?"
Namjoon nods his accent again, glad someone has a plan, even if it's a bad one. He's always been good at collaborative problem solving, so as long as he has a starting point he's sure they can figure something out.
"So Minchul had a business trip, he left yesterday. I packed most of my things and took them to my parents house and told them I've left him."
The assertion makes Namjoon's heart leap, a foolish hope springing to life just like that.
Hoseok starts shredding the napkin and Namjoon's pretty sure Hoseok's thinking about his alpha while he does it.
"So, I told my parents and they were shocked. They like Minchul, you know? But I said I was going to take the job in Seoul and I went to the company and signed the papers and I'm supposed to start here next week."
"I don't have a place to stay. So that was a favor I was hoping to ask you," Hoseok glances at him from under his eyelashes and Namjoon's about to agree and promise him anything but Hoseok continues before he's gotten the first word out.
"The second favor is a lot bigger to ask. I want you to go to a clinic with me, so I can get an abortion."
Namjoon almost swallows his tongue. "Uh, what?"
Hoseok hugs himself and he looks so small and frail and Namjoon knows he's going to say yes. There's no way he'd abandon Hoseok here and not help him.
"I can't get an abortion without the consent of my alpha because I'm bonded. So I was hoping you'd pretend to me my alpha," Hoseok looks at him again and he looks scared, but also determined. Namjoon admires his courage.
"I didn't know there was a rule like that. I mean of course I'll go with you. I'd go with you anyway. I mean that must be a scary thing to go through alone."
Hoseok slumps on his seat, relief evident on his face and Namjoon realizes Hoseok really thought there was a chance he'd say no.
"Thank you, Namjoon. I can't thank you enough," Hoseok says and reaches for his coffee, even though Namjoon's pretty sure the drink must be cold by now.
"Oh, uh. I do need to ask Yoongi about you staying with us. I promised you before considering that I live with someone." Namjoon says, brushing off the thanks as he doesn't want to admit that he'd agree to anything Hoseok was going to ask. Better to pretend he has some dignity.
Hoseok looks up, his eyes wide and surprised. "Oh my god, Namjoon. You can't do that. Is Yoongi-ssi your partner? Even if it's a housemate, you need to ask first."
Namjoon rubs the back of his neck with his left hand while digging out his phone with his right. "I know. I just got swept up. I'm sure he'll be fine with it. I'll just go make a call, why don't you wait here?"
Hoseok nods, but looks a bit iffy about Namjoon's plan. If he's honest Namjoon's a bit iffy on his plan as well. Yoongi's not the most welcoming person when it comes to strangers in general and to invite someone to stay for an unspecified time...
He walks out of the cafe and tries to find a bit calmer corner of the corridor before he presses the call button on Yoongi's contact.
It takes a while and Namjoon's getting worried Yoongi's too busy with work to notice him calling, but finally he answers.
"What?"
Namjoon smiles at the brusque hello.
"How pissed would you be if I said I invited an old friend of mine to stay with us for a bit? He got a job in Seoul and hasn't had time to look for a place yet," Namjoon asks and holds his breath as he waits for the answer.
"Really? Who? I thought I knew all your friends?" Yoongi asks.
Namjoon had talked about Hoseok to Yoongi when they first met back in university, as it had been pretty soon after Hoseok had moved away, but he's not sure he wants to bring that up right now.
"A friend back when I was in undergrad, we sort of lost touch. But he's really nice and he's a neat person, I'm sure he won't be a bother. I'll help him find a place to live too, so it shouldn't be for that long."
Namjoon can hear Yoongi sigh and something shifts on a desk and he figures his senses are still on high alert, now just monitoring Yoongi instead of Hoseok.
"Fine, I suppose. I would seem like an asshole if I said no. But you owe me big time for this," Yoongi says.
Namjoon smiles, "Sure thing. Ask for anything, I'll try to deliver. What time will you be home? I'll head over now with Hoseok."
Yoongi's chair creaks as he moves around before answering, "A couple of hours? I have a few things I'm working on that I want to finish."
"Okay. I'll pick up takeout on the way, so you don't need to worry about food when you get home," Namjoon promises and they end the call.
Back in the cafe, Hoseok looks nervous, so Namjoon smiles at him as widely as he can, "Yoongi was fine with it. He's a bit grumpy sometimes, but don't let it fool you. He's a real softy inside."
Hoseok smiles a bit weakly, but gets up and gathers his things. Namjoon insists on taking the big suitcase and leaves Hoseok with a duffel and a backpack.
They go back to the subway and transfer to a bus before they're in the neighborhood where Namjoon and Yoongi live.
"Let's stop here, I'll get dinner for all of us," Namjoon says as they come to the local restaurant Namjoon frequents a bit too often.
The lady greets him with a smile and asks if he wants the regular, making Namjoon flush with embarrassment. Hoseok just laughs a little and asks for recommendations, charming the owner instantly.
They don't have to wait that long for the food and pass the time catching up. It feels so weird listening to Hoseok talk about how hard it had been to move back home, how sick his mom had been that first year. How he'd settled down in his company and met Minchul. All these things that have happened to Hoseok that Namjoon had no idea about.
Takeout bags in hand, Namjoon walks them to the apartment building and into the elevator. "Sorry if it's a bit messy. This week's been a nightmare at work for both me and Yoongi. We planned to clean up this weekend. We're not usually this bad, I promise."
He opens the door and lets Hoseok go in first. He drags the luggage inside and sighs in relief setting it down and closes the door.
Hoseok's looking at him, face unreadable. "So Yoongi's your omega?"
Namjoon kicks his shoes off and shrugs. "I suppose. We've been living together since university. I mean obviously after you left, but yeah."
It's always hard to explain him and Yoongi to people and usually he just lets people draw their own conclusions, but Hoseok's different. Still he can't really spill Yoongi's secrets, not even to Hoseok.
"Now I feel even worse intruding like this. He must be really generous to have me over," Hoseok says and hangs his coat by the door.
Namjoon follows his lead and takes the takeout into the kitchen nook. The apartment isn't big, the kitchen and living room are in the same space and there's only one bedroom. They've talked about moving into something bigger once the contract's up in this place. They both make enough money now that it's a feasible plan, but that's still more than six months away and it's not like they were in a hurry anyway. This place has been home for three years and Namjoon can admit to himself that he thinks of this place as home.
"He is generous, just don't say that to his face, he'll get flustered. Come eat, while it's still warm. What do you want to drink?"
Hoseok helps him sort the food and they sit down again, the third table they're sharing today.
Namjoon's starving so it takes him a moment to notice Hoseok's mostly picking at his food and he looks miserable again.
"No appetite?" Namjoon asks gently and pushes the container of chicken closer to Hoseok.
Hoseok jumps a bit, he must have been deep in thought and takes a piece and bites into it. "Sorry, I guess I'm just sad? I really didn't think my life would end up like this."
"Makes sense. You've had a really rough few weeks. It's okay to be sad and angry, or whatever it is you're feeling," Namjoon assures him and goes back to eating, not wanting to seem like he’s hovering.
"I haven't told my sister yet. I think she'll be so angry and want to go kill Minchul if I do," Hoseok says and slurps down some noodles.
Namjoon chuckles, "I can imagine, she always had a temper."
They share a smile at that and Namjoon wonders if Hoseok's also remembering that summer vacation when Namjoon had gone to Gwangju with Hoseok to meet his family and how Hoseok's sister Dawon had been so cold and suspicious of him for most of the week before slowly thawing.
After they finish eating, Namjoon suggests Hoseok take a bath after the long day of travel.
"Sure, that would be nice," Hoseok agrees and digs out clean clothes and a towel from his duffel bag before disappearing into the bathroom.
Namjoon moves the leftovers into the fridge and goes to dig out the guest futon from the tiny walk in closet in the bedroom. They used to have more overnight guests before, when Jungkook was still in university, but that was years ago and the boy's in the army right now anyway. Namjoon reminds himself that he and Yoongi need to call him soon, to make sure he's doing well.
He sets the futon next to the bookcase and goes to find clean sheets and other bedclothes. Once he's done, Namjoon flops on the couch and opens the tv, just to have some life and sound in the apartment. He's tapping his foot nervously as he surfs from channel to channel mindlessly. It's so weird to have Hoseok here. He breathes in deeply but can't really smell anything of him. It feels wrong, as he can still clearly remember how Hoseok used to smell, how heady and amazing it had been.
Hoseok stays in the bathroom for ages and Namjoon tries not to listen. Eventually he can hear the tub draining and then the door opens for a crack, "I'm gonna call my parents, I thought I'd let you know so you won't think I've lost my marbles and am talking to myself here."
"Take your time," Namjoon says and doesn't look over, no need to torture himself with glimpses of bare skin he has no right to touch or even think about.
The door closes again and Namjoon continues his channel surfing and scrolls through his social media accounts with his other hand.
Before Hoseok comes out of the bathroom the front door opens and Yoongi walks in. He looks disheveled, like he's been running his hands through his hair all day and his cheeks are flushed from the cold outside.
"Hi," Namjoon greets him and goes to meet him at the door, helping him out of his coat.
"Where's the guest?" Yoongi asks, looking around, obviously curious even though he's trying not to show it. He's early too, from what he had said. Namjoon tries not to laugh at him.
"Making a call in the bathroom. Are you hungry, I can warm up the food for you?" Namjoon offers and wraps an arm around Yoongi's shoulders and scents his hair for a moment.
Yoongi grumbles about Namjoon scenting him like he almost always does, but they've adjusted to each other's quirks by now and Yoongi is a good sport about Namjoon's more basic instincts as long as he doesn't go overboard. Yoongi smells like the office where he works, like bitter cold brew coffee, but mostly like himself. Namjoon's always liked Yoongi's scent, it was obviously one of the first things he noticed about him, but it's not just about compatible scents or Namjoon just being a horny alpha. There's something about Yoongi's scent that makes Namjoon think about home and unhurried lazy afternoons spent reading a book. It had taken Namjoon a while to get to see that part of Yoongi's personality as he had been super prickly in university, especially towards alphas.
Namjoon takes the food out of the fridge and plates up the bits he knows Yoongi likes before putting the serving into the microwave. Yoongi's sitting at the table, on the seat where Hoseok had sat and Namjoon wonders if it's just a coincidence.
"You want a beer?" Namjoon asks, opening the fridge.
"Nah, just water. I already have a headache and I have to be at work by seven tomorrow. We're getting close to a deadline in the apartment complex project," Yoongi says and his eyes do look tired, the way they do when he's been staring at his drawing program all day without proper breaks.
When the microwave beeps, Namjoon serves the food to Yoongi and goes to stand behind him, gently massaging his shoulders while Yoongi eats.
"You're pampering me," Yoongi points out as he pauses with his chopsticks halfway to his mouth.
"You need it sometimes. You work too much. You need to stretch and rest your eyes once in a while, or you'll ruin your back and your eyes," Namjoon chides him and presses a quick kiss on the top of Yoongi's head before coming to sit with him.
Yoongi makes a face at him, but doesn't say anything, so Namjoon knows he agrees with him.
The door to the bathroom opens and Hoseok comes out, but pauses when he spots Yoongi.
"Hello, I'm sorry to disturb you. Thank you so much for letting me stay with you. I'll try to be as unobtrusive as possible," Hoseok says and bows to Yoongi.
Yoongi's face goes carefully blank and Namjoon swallows. Uh oh. Maybe Yoongi remembers Hoseok after all, even though he'd only ever seen a few photos of him and heard Namjoon bemoan the breakup for the first six months of their friendship. Namjoon hopes Yoongi won't tell Hoseok about that.
"It's okay. Any friend of Namjoon's is of course welcome here. I heard you got a new job and had to move quickly?" Yoongi asks and Namjoon's sure he sounds perfectly polite to anyone who doesn't know him well. He's not quite sure why Yoongi is angry, he'll need to ask once he's alone with Yoongi again.
Hoseok blushes and glances at Namjoon. "Oh, yeah that's part of it. I guess Namjoon wanted to make me sound less pathetic, but the truth is I left my alpha and I'm in all kinds of trouble. But I'll get through it, can't let this defeat me."
Hoseok's smile is bright and happy looking, but Namjoon can see how brittle the expression is. Poor Hoseok, he really didn't deserve something like this to happen to him. He’s the sweetest person Namjoon has ever met.
Yoongi looks openly angry now, "Why did you leave him? Was he abusing you? You know we can go to the police, they have to take this type of thing seriously these days. It's not like we don't have any rights in society."
Hoseok looks taken aback and glances at Namjoon again before he answers. "Well, he did betray my trust really badly and tried to manipulate me to not take this new job, that sort of thing, but I don't think the police can do anything about it. As long as he just leaves me alone, I'll be okay. I can't forgive him and I don't want to get back together with him."
"Alright, but if he does come around we'll take care of him. Don't try to stand up to him alone, alright?" Yoongi asks, or more accurately demands and Hoseok nods frantically, eyes wide open. Yoongi can have that effect on people.
They move to sit in the living room for the evening and it's awkward, Namjoon's the first to admit it, but they muddle through. They mostly just talk about light topics, like music and work and hobbies.
Uncharacteristically, Yoongi had come to sit right next to Namjoon, even though generally he liked to sit in the armchair. Namjoon wasn't going to complain though and as when it got later Yoongi started to droop and list even more against Namjoon's side, more than half asleep even though it was barely nine pm.
Hoseok yawns too and Namjoon follows suit. "Maybe we should all just call it a night. Yoongi has a really early morning tomorrow, sorry if he wakes you up, try to go back to sleep if you can. You can eat anything you find from the fridge and cupboards. Make yourself at home basically. We can start apartment hunting for you during the weekend."
Hoseok nods, "Thank you again for all your help, you've already been so kind to me. When I get my first paycheck from my new job I'm buying you two a really nice hotel room with some type of pampering service as thanks."
Namjoon laughs, which jostles Yoongi awake.
"I'll go wash up first," Yoongi says and shuffles into the bathroom.
As the door closes Hoseok turns to Namjoon. "Should I try to get the appointment at the clinic tomorrow? When can you go with me?"
Namjoon had almost forgotten that part. "Just get the earliest available time, I can say I have a doctor's appointment at work, it's sort of true anyway. If you can look for clinics as close to my work as possible that would help a lot."
Hoseok nods and writes down the address of Namjoon's gallery.
Yoongi comes out of the bathroom and asks: "Are you gonna stay up, Namjoon-ah?"
"No, no. I'll come to bed too," Namjoon says and gets up.
Hoseok follows his example and goes to dig around in his suitcase again. It feels wrong to leave him here alone. It feels wrong that he hasn't really been able to console Hoseok by touching him. It all feels wrong.
"Good night," He says, feeling lame and returns the smile Hoseok bravely sends his way.
~*~
Hoseok wakes up the next morning to the sound of Yoongi puttering around in the kitchen. For a moment he's tempted to just pretend to still be asleep, but that feels even weirder so he gets up and slinks into the bathroom.
He gets dressed and comes back into the living space to pack up his pyjamas in his suitcase. Hoseok rolls the guest futon back so it takes up less space and then timidly joins Yoongi in the kitchen.
"Morning," He says and hovers awkwardly by the table.
Yoongi's already dressed up in a suit, just his tie untied around his neck. He looks cool and professional and his eyes are assessing when they meet Hoseok's.
"You're Namjoon's ex, right? Back when he was in undergrad?" Yoongi asks finally.
Hoseok hopes Namjoon hasn't lied to Yoongi, or told some half truth, as he doesn't know how he's supposed to answer, so he just goes with the truth. "Yes."
Yoongi nods and pours another cup of coffee and passes it to Hoseok.
"I was pretty sure. I mean you look a bit different but I saw a few photos before Namjoon got rid of them."
Hoseok sips his coffee and tries to think of what to say. It seems Yoongi's jealous, or at least territorial, which is pretty common in a situation like this. After all his alpha did bring a strange omega into their home. Hoseok really doesn't want to mess things up for Namjoon. Last night he had looked so content and happy when Yoongi had come to snuggle with him on the couch, even though he hadn't noticed the meaningful looks Yoongi had shot Hoseok from under Namjoon's arm.
"Yoongi-ssi, I hope you believe me when I say that I don't want to come between you and your alpha. It's like I said, I'll try to find my own place as soon as possible. I just don't really know anyone else in Seoul I could have asked for a favor like this."
Yoongi scoffs, "I'm not worried about that. It's just weird to see you in person. Namjoon used to talk about you all the time when we'd just met, that's all."
"Oh, well," Hoseok says, as he couldn't think of anything else.
"I need to get to work, see you later," Yoongi says and gathers his satchel and goes to put on his coat and shoes.
After he's gone, a faint scent lingers in the kitchen, a mixture of Yoongi's and Namjoon's scents all intertwined together. He sniffs his own arm tentatively, but can't smell anything. He's washed himself too many times for any traces of Minchul's scent to linger and you can never smell your own scent anyway.
Hoseok busies himself by making a simple breakfast. Namjoon and Yoongi's kitchen isn't super well stocked, but he manages it easily enough. It feels a bit weird to cook for an alpha that isn't his and he worries he's stepping on Yoongi's toes again, but he's hungry and it would be even ruder not to prepare anything for Namjoon.
He's already eaten and done most of the dishes when Namjoon stumbles out of the bedroom and into the bathroom.
"Morning," Namjoon says when he joins Hoseok in the kitchen. He looks tired and he's still in just sweats and a t-shirt. There's an obvious love bite low on his neck.
"Morning. I made some breakfast if you have time to eat? I don't know what time you need to be at work."
"Thanks," Namjoon smiles and comes to take the dishes Hoseok had prepared.
Hoseok waits as Namjoon eats before bringing up yet another favor he needs.
"I realized I should smell like you when we go to the clinic. Could I borrow some of your clothes or something?"
Namjoon looks up, chopsticks halfway to his mouth and pauses there for a moment. "Uh, sure. I could give you the things I'm wearing now? Or do you need something you can go out in public in?"
"Those should work. I'll wear them here and change into my own clothes when I leave. I'll start calling clinics soon and I'll message you if I can get an appointment for today." Hoseok promises.
Namjoon nods and continues to eat. When he's finished he brings the dishes to the sink and turns to regard Hoseok seriously.
"I could try to scent you directly? I mean I really don't want to, you know instincts and all that, but I know it would work better that way. I hope you know that's the only reason I didn't hug you when you were crying yesterday. I felt so bad for not being able to touch you."
Hoseok feels his eyes get wide. "Oh, of course I get the instinct not to touch claimed omegas. I didn't take it as a slight. And anyway, it would be natural for you not to want to touch me even if I wasn't bonded. I mean I broke up with you back then."
Namjoon huffs a laugh, "I don't hold that against you, Hoseok. You needed to go back home and I wasn't willing to go with you. It was as much my fault as yours that we broke up."
"That's good to hear. I did worry you'd hate me forever, or something," Hoseok says and scuffs his toes on the floor, suddenly a bit too self conscious to meet Namjoon's eyes.
"I could never hate you Hoseokie," Namjoon says.
"You could try to hug me? That should transfer some scent, right?" Hoseok suggests and feels his heart beat increase nervously.
Namjoon comes to stand closer. It's weird. He's gotten bigger since Hoseok knew him back in university. His chest is wider and so are his arms.
"Ugh, this feels so wrong," Namjoon grumbles under his breath before he pulls Hoseok into his arms.
The embrace is short, Namjoon brushes his hands up and down Hoseok's arms and back, almost perfunctorily and then quickly brushes his cheek against Hoseok's. Hoseok mostly just clings to Namjoon's sides and tries not to swoon.
"Sorry, I think that's the best I can do," Namjoon says and pulls away, looking contrite and uncomfortable.
Hoseok offers him a bright smile, "That was more than I could have asked for. I'm sure that and the clothes will be enough that nobody bothers to ask any questions."
"I hope so. What if they do ask? What's our story going to be?" Namjoon asks and backs away to a respectful distance. Hoseok wonders what they'll do at the clinic if Namjoon can't really make himself stand close to him.
"I don't know. You could just say we're not ready for kids yet?" Hoseok suggests.
Namjoon nods, "That makes sense and is a simple explanation. I should have thought of that. Thanks Hoseok."
"No problem. I really don't want to ask this of you, but life still sucks for omegas in some things," Hoseok admits and goes to sit on the couch.
Namjoon comes by and obviously forces himself to rest a hand on Hoseok's shoulder for a moment. "I'm really sorry for what's going on right now, Hoseok. You're being so strong and brave right now, but I think this whole thing can't be easy for you. I'm just glad I can help, any way I can."
Hoseok swallows and blinks away tears. He's promised himself he's not going to cry anymore. The past is the past and he needs to just concentrate on the future he's going to build for himself here in Seoul.
"I mean, yeah. This isn't how I pictured things, but I'll be okay Namjoon. As long as I have friends like you, I can get through anything." Hoseok says and looks up at Namjoon's worried face.
"Okay, but remember you can talk to me, if things get too hard. You don't have to carry everything alone. But I do need to get ready for work. I'll leave these clothes in the bathroom for you, okay?"
Hoseok nods and pulls up his phone. He's blocked Minchul from his contacts but he wonders if he's tried to contact him yet. He's supposed to come back from his business trip today. There are a few messages from his parents as well and Hoseok reluctantly replies to their worried queries with vague reassurances.
That done, Hoseok pulls up naver to look up abortion clinics in Seoul. What a great way to start your day.
Namjoon apologises again as he's leaving, about having to leave Hoseok alone, but Hoseok shows his brave face some more and Namjoon is almost late anyway so there's not a lot of time to dither about.
As the door closes, Hoseok goes to the bathroom and puts Namjoon's clothes on. It's really strange to be covered in his scent again, after so many years. Hoseok closes his eyes for a moment and lets himself imagine for a second what it could be like, if he belonged here, if he and Namjoon were together. What if he'd never gone back home after graduating?
Hoseok sighs and opens his eyes, meeting his own eyes in the mirror. He makes a face at himself and ruffles his hair to make it settle more naturally. No point in thinking about things like that. Namjoon's happy with Yoongi and Hoseok will have to sort out the mess his life has become on his own.
Still, he can't lie to himself and say he hates having Namjoon's scent on him.
After calling three clinics and almost giving up on hope, he lucks out as the nurse at the other end of the line tells him they just got a cancellation and there's a free spot available at 1 pm. Hoseok gives his information and thanks the woman before hanging up.
He messages Namjoon the time and address and gets an 'ok, see you there.' back.
There's still a few hours to kill and Hoseok is curious, so he spends some time snooping around the apartment. The living space is an obvious mix of Namjoon's and Yoongi's things. There are shelves full of architecture books, artbooks, novels and quite the collection of LPs. Namjoon didn't collect records back when they were together so they might be Yoongi's. He pulls a few out of the shelf and finds that it's mostly American hip hop and RnB music.
That done, Hoseok sneaks down the short hallway and peeks into the bedroom, where he's hit with the mixed scents of Namjoon and Yoongi together. The bed's unmade and Hoseok wonders if they're both this messy or if it's because Namjoon was the last person up. There's a desk by the window, one of those fancy standing types and it seems to tilt as well. There's a huge drawing pad on top of it, so Hoseok guesses it's a home office for Yoongi.
There's a shopping bag in the corner with a sneaker box next to it and the closet door is slightly ajar. Hoseok itches to go clean everything up but he resists the urge and backs out of the space.
The bathroom is not dirty but there are a few stains on the mirror from toothpaste and shaving cream, there's dust on the faucet and behind the sink and the shower looks like it could do with some attention. Hoseok feels bad about mooching anyway and he's filled with nervous energy, so he looks around until he spots the cleaning supplies in the cupboard under the sink and gets to work.
When he's happy with how the bathroom looks it's time to get going.
Namjoon's waiting for him outside the building where the clinic is, bundled up in a long khaki colored coat and a dark blue scarf. He's wearing glasses and looks very smart and, well, handsome. Hoseok would be blind not to notice that.
"Hey, everything alright?" Namjoon asks him and smiles, making Hoseok feel all happy and tingly inside, a feeling he squashes ruthlessly, even as he returns the smile.
"Yeah, I'm ready. Let's get this over with."
Namjoon holds the door open for him and when they get inside, steps closer and rests his hand on Hoseok's hip, guiding him towards the elevators. It's so smooth, Hoseok feels silly for worrying about whether Namjoon would be able to pull this off.
They get off the elevator and walk to the clinic, take their coats off in the warm office and go to the counter together.
The receptionist smiles at them both and when Hoseok tells her he has an appointment she gives out a few forms for him to fill out. She's nice and doesn't mention the part where Namjoon has to sign the permission sheet separately.
They go sit in the waiting room and Hoseok fills in the paperwork, while Namjoon crowds into his space, his breath warm on Hoseok's cheek.
"Do I sign my own name?" He whispers into Hoseok's ear.
Hoseok hesitates. Technically only Minchul should sign papers like this, but he scans the form and it doesn't actually mention mate, it only says the 'sire' has to sign.
"I think it's okay? I mean I didn't check, but I doubt it's against the law or anything like that. Even if they somehow found out, I would be the one to get into trouble, not you," Hoseok says and offers the sheet to Namjoon.
"But I don't want you to get into trouble either," Namjoon says and they lock eyes for a moment.
Hoseok doesn't point out that he's already in trouble, just smiles and cards his fingers through the hair at the back of Namjoon's neck. He's sure they look all lovey dovey, like they should.
"I doubt I'll get into trouble, but if you have changed your mind about this it’s okay. I can figure something else out" he has to offer, even though he has no idea what he'll do if Namjoon actually backs down.
"No, I wouldn't do that to you," Namjoon says and signs his name on the dotted line.
He takes the forms back to the counter and gets pulled into a short conversation with the receptionist before coming back.
They sit side by side for five more minutes, before Hoseok gets called in by the doctor. Namjoon has to come in with Hoseok, which he feels is uncomfortable for both of them, but luckily the appointment itself is brief.
The doctor asks Hoseok about his medical history, when his last heat was, if he's had an abortion before, if he's allergic to any medication and takes his blood pressure.
He looks at Namjoon when he says, "The abortion is very safe this early in the pregnancy, it should have no effect on your mates ability to get pregnant again and carry to term.”
Hoseok tries not to bristle at being talked about like he's not in the room and feels a bit better because Namjoon looks awkward as well when he says.
"I, Um. As long as it's not dangerous to Hoseok's health. That's the most important thing to me."
The doctor nods approvingly, one alpha to another and Hoseok hides a grimace behind his hand.
"Alright, here is the medication. You’ll just need to take the pills here in the clinic, wait for two hours just in case you have an abnormal reaction and then you can go home and rest." the doctor says and gives two pills in their plastic and folio wrapping to Hoseok.
“Common symptoms omegas have afterwards is cramps, vomiting, general abdominal pain and residual bleeding. You can take normal pain killers for the pain, but if you still have pain or bleeding for more than three days make a new appointment. The bleeding should be mild enough that you can use a sanitary pad, if there’s more bleeding that’s continuous go to the emergency room. I’m not trying to scare you, these cases are very rare, but it’s good to know what is normal in the situation and what is not. You can also call the clinic and consult a nurse if you feel unsure.”
Hoseok feels a bit faint, but nods his head. Namjoon takes his hand and wraps his free hand around Hoseok’s shoulders, obviously trying to offer comfort. It does help, even though Namjoon’s not his alpha and Hoseok leans in a bit closer and scents Namjoon even though he feels a little weird about doing it.
“I have to go back to work, will you be alright here Hoseok? I can come back if you need help getting home?” Namjoon asks and noses the top of Hoseok’s head.
The doctor interrupts before Hoseok has a chance to speak. “He will be fine here, the nurse will check up on him. Most omegas are able to go home on their own, if the alpha is unable to stay, but I’d recommend getting a taxi for the convenience and to not exert the omega unduly.”
Namjoon nods and they both offer a small bow for the doctor who leaves them alone in the patient room.
“I can give you money for the taxi fair? And call me if you feel unwell and want me to come pick you up, okay? I’m sorry I can’t stay with you, but my boss would kill me.” Namjoon says and his face is a picture of worry.
Hoseok offers him a brave smile. “I’ll be okay, don’t worry. Go to work before you get into trouble. I’ll meet you back at your apartment later.”
Namjoon nods and gets to his feet. “Do you want me to message Yoongi, to tell him something?”
“No don’t bother him, I’ll be okay,” Hoseok says again.
“Okay, okay. I know I’m being overbearing, sorry. But message or call me if you need me. I promise I won’t mind at all, “Namjoon says and squeezes Hoseok’s shoulder gently before he leaves.
~*~
When Hoseok gets back from the clinic, he lays down on the couch, rests his hands on top of his lower stomach and wonders if the empty feeling is completely the figment of his imagination or not? The cramps definitely aren't, so Hoseok’s glad he took some of the painkillers they had given him at the clinic.
Should he cry? Hoseok's not sure if he wants to or not. Mostly he just feels sorry for himself and that doesn't feel like the right emotion to cry over. Instead he replies to the messages from his mother.
She's seen Minchul, he'd come by this morning worried and angry about where Hoseok was. She's told him, he's in Seoul, even though Hoseok told her not to.
Hoseok's pretty sure his mother thinks Hoseok should just forget this happened, come back home and back to Minchul. Even though she's always been supportive of him working and being independent, she's still an alpha and thinks certain things aren't appropriate. Like abandoning your alpha to run off to Seoul.
'I'm not coming back and I'm not getting back together with Minchul. He betrayed my trust, I can't forgive something like that. Tell him not to try to contact me.'
After arguing with his mother over more and more terse messages, Hoseok abandons his phone on the floor and curls up in a ball on the couch and falls asleep.
Hoseok wakes up to the noises of Yoongi coming back to the apartment. He's getting up from the couch when Yoongi says. "Don't get up, you can keep resting. Namjoon messaged me that you might not be feeling well. I got some soup from the corner restaurant, that should be easy on your stomach."
Hoseok sits back down, wrapped up in his favourite fleece blanket that he had refused to leave behind. He hadn't expected such kindness from Yoongi, who had seemed very brusque and unfriendly last night.
"Thank you so much, sorry for the trouble," Hoseok mutters.
Yoongi putters around in the kitchen and comes back to the living area with two bowls of soup, hands the other to Hoseok before sitting down in the arm chair.
"Well we all gotta eat anyway. I'm glad it's Saturday tomorrow, I have the weekend off, but Namjoon still has work tomorrow as the gallery is open. I know Namjoon said he'd help you start looking for an apartment this weekend, but maybe I can help too. What kind of place are you looking for?"
Hoseok sips his soup and realizes he actually is hungry, he had skipped lunch after all and it was almost six thirty now. The offer seems genuine, but Hoseok smiles a bit at the thought that there's surely an ulterior motive for Yoongi to want him to get his own place as soon as possible.
"Something as small as possible. I don't have a ton of savings and I don't have any furniture or anything to fill up a place right now. Convenient location for my new office. I think it might be hoping for too much but I'd love to live within a thirty minute commute." Hoseok lists and spoons more soup into his mouth.
Yoongi nods along with his explanation. "Makes sense. I also just thought of something else that might work, if you'd be interested? Me and Namjoon have this friend, he's an omega, who's flatmate is in the military right now. The room's empty for another 4 months until Jungkook finishes his service and I think Seokjin-hyung could do with some help with the rent while he's gone. It would give you more time to find a place you like, but also give you your own space. I don't know about you, but I'd hate to keep sleeping on the floor of someone's living room for an extended period of time."
And that would conveniently get him out of Yoongi's space, but Hoseok can see the appeal. "I mean that sounds good, maybe I could meet this friend of yours and see how we get along and how much he would want for rent."
"I'll ask him if he's free this weekend, he might not be, so it might still be a good idea for us to look at other places as a backup. There's a chance you'll hate hyung after all and wouldn't want to share a space with him," Yoongi says but his tone is teasing, obviously more directed at this friend than at Hoseok.
He finishes his soup and starts typing out a message. Hoseok takes both their bowls into the kitchen and washes them before making a pitstop in the bathroom. When he comes back Yoongi has the tv open, even though he seems to just be scrolling on something on his phone.
"Do you want to talk about what happened with your alpha, now that Namjoon's not here? Sometimes it's easier to say some things when it's between omegas, right?"
Hoseok snuggles back into his blanket and considers the offer. He's told Namjoon everything, but he knows some things an alpha just won't get, no matter how understanding they are.
"He wanted me to turn into a house omega, start a family, have me quit my job. I just didn't want that for myself. Kids might be okay one day, but I'm not ready. I want to focus on my career." he says, deciding not to mention the abortion thing. His stomach twinges again and Hoseok presses a hand against the skin.
Yoongi snorts, "Typical. I mean what alpha doesn't secretly dream about that. Alphas are such assholes."
Hoseok blinks at him dumbly. The silence catches Yoongi's attention and he looks up from his phone and meets Hoseok's eyes.
"What?"
"You're mated to Namjoon," Hoseok reminds him.
This time it's Yoongi who just blinks at him for a moment.
"I mean, sure, but it's not like that with Namjoon," Yoongi says and looks slightly uncomfortable with the admission.
Hoseok smiles and nods. "Right, Namjoon's one of the good ones. He makes you happy, right?"
~*~
Yoongi has to pause to think about the question from Hoseok. It's not like he's not happy with his life, but he's never really thought about it in relation to Namjoon. He guesses he's gotten complacent in their arrangement.
"Yeah, I'm happy," Yoongi says and goes back to messaging Seokjin.
'Just take him off my hands, hyung. You owe me for introducing you to Jungkook anyway. I'm calling that in.'
'lol are you really worried this omega's gonna steal your man?'
'...are you fifteen? No I'm not worried about that, but I don't want to live with Namjoon's ex either, it's weird and uncomfortable!'
'fine, I'll take a look at him. It would be convenient to have someone around the apartment. If he promises to take care of the dog when I'm out of town working this might work out really well'
Yoongi looks up from his phone. Hoseok's wrapped himself in an extremely ugly blanket that looks like an unicorn threw up on it. Yoongi's pretty sure he can see some glitter on it. He's watching the tv, his fine delicate profile turned towards Yoongi. It's annoying how pretty he is.
"Do you like dogs? Seokjin-hyung and Jungkook have one of those small yappy ones and hyung was asking if you'd be okay taking care of it when he's out of town for work."
The smile Hoseok beams at him makes Yoongi's heart skip a beat, it's so bright and lovely. The contrast to his previous expression is stark and Yoongi wonders how sickly Hoseok is really feeling.
"I love dogs. I could definitely look after it. I mean I have to work long hours, if that's a problem?"
"No, they take the dog to a day care anyway, it's more about the evenings I think," Yoongi explains and goes through his phone until he finds a photo of Dally and shows the screen to Hoseok.
"Oh they're so cute. I definitely wouldn't have anything against an arrangement like that," Hoseok says and smiles softly at the photo.
"Cool, I'll let him know," Yoongi says and he's glad to have an excuse to look away from Hoseok.
He's still messaging Seokjin when the door opens and Namjoon comes inside and almost stumbles over his own feet while wrangling an armful of poster tubes into the apartment before he manages to close the door.
The tubes clatter to the floor and Namjoon leaves them as he takes his outerwear and shoes off.
"Welcome home," Hoseok says and the greeting jerks Yoongi into motion.
He goes over and picks up all the parcels and deposits them by the wall, turning just in time for Namjoon's patented 'I'm finally home' scenting session and hug combo.
"Hi, Hoseok, glad to be back." Namjoon says over Yoongi's shoulder and Yoongi bites the meat on his shoulder.
"Ow. Have a good day Yoongi?" Namjoon asks and sniffs the skin behind Yoongi's ear, making him shiver slightly. Yoongi's pretty sure Namjoon doesn't even notice and thinks it's just unfair how he has this effect on Yoongi even after all these years.
"Not too bad, I'm glad it's the weekend though. There's soup in the fridge."
"Sounds good," Namjoon says, kisses Yoongi on the forehead and wanders off.
Yoongi goes back to his chair and gives Hoseok a look. Not that he's territorial or anything like that. He's not, but he wants to see how Hoseok's taking all of this. The other omega's not looking at him though. He's looking at Namjoon and there's this wistful expression on his face that makes Yoongi almost feel bad for him.
That night when they're getting into bed, Yoongi worms his way into Namjoon's arms, fighting off the embarrassment of seeking the contact. They sometimes fuck even outside of Yoongi's heats but neither of them are much for cuddling normally and just as expected, Namjoon asks.
"What's this? You feeling okay?"
Yoongi buries his nose into the crook of Namjoon's arm and tightens his hold on the arm he threw over Namjoon's wide chest. "Yeah, I just feel cold."
"Oh, okay," Namjoon says and shifts minutely to get more comfortable.
"It was a good idea to think about Seokjin-hyung, I should have thought of it too. I hope they get along. I sometimes worry about hyung living by himself now that Jungkook's not there."
Yoongi snorts, "I should tell Hyung you said that, he'll kick your ass."
"I don't mean that he can't take care of himself! It's just he's so stubborn and won't admit it even if he feels lonely. I mean when's the last time we all got together? It's been months. We get so wrapped up in our routines that we neglect our friends without meaning to," Namjoon says and yawns.
"I message him almost every day," Yoongi says in his defense but he knows Namjoon's right.
"Maybe we can all get together next weekend? Or soon anyway. It's been ages since we saw Taehyung and Jimin too," Namjoon suggests.
Yoongi's eyes are slumping closed already and he mutters out, "Sounds good to me," before falling asleep.
~*~
Yoongi wakes up slightly as Namjoon gets up in the morning. "Sorry, gotta go to work."
"Mmhm," Yoongi humms and wraps himself more tightly in the duvet.
He's mostly back asleep when Namjoon murmurs, "You're too cute like this."
When Yoongi wakes up again, it's bright out. He pulls his phone from the night stand to see it's almost eleven and groans as he sits up. He shuffles into the bathroom and takes care of his morning routine before walking into the living room.
Hoseok looks up from his phone and offers Yoongi a slight smile. "Morning."
"Morning," Yoongi replies and goes hunting for coffee.
When he has his cup full of coffee the second time, Yoongi feels more ready to face Hoseok again.
"So, anything you need to do this weekend?"
Hoseok shakes his head, "No not really. I feel better now, so I could just go window shopping or something, go walk in the park if you want to have some peace and quiet?"
Yoongi wants to say yes, but he also doesn't want to seem like a jerk. "Uh, you don't have to go if you don't want to. I actually have a few things I need to go buy, so if you're still feeling under the weather you can stay here?"
Hoseok offers him a hopeful smile. "Could I go with you?"
"I mean, sure? I'm just going to a bookstore and a stationary store though. It's not very exciting," Yoongi says, hoping Hoseok won't take him up on the offer but Hoseok's getting up already, beaming.
"Thanks, I'm not great being alone to be honest. I like people and right now I feel like I'll just start moping if I'm by myself."
"I guess we can go right away, let me just get changed. Do you mind if I ask some people if they want to meet up for a late lunch?" Yoongi asks, thinking that if he could get Jimin and Taehyung to join them things would be a lot less awkward for him.
"Sure, that sounds like fun," Hoseok says and goes to change in the bathroom.
Out on the streets Yoongi feels a bit more relaxed with Hoseok. They're on neutral ground and there's something about Hoseok that makes it hard not to like him. They chat about music and movies on the ride downtown.
Yoongi takes Hoseok to his favorite bookstore and while they're browsing he gets a message back from Jimin.
'Where do you want to meet? We're in Itaewon right now.'
Yoongi messages back the location of a nice barbecue place and goes to find Hoseok, who's browsing the magazines.
"I didn't find anything I want this time, any better luck?" Yoongi asks.
"Not really. I'm not much of a reader generally," Hoseok admits and puts the fashion magazine back into the rack.
They exit the store and Yoongi says. "My friends have time to meet up for lunch. How are your finances right now? I can treat you, if money's tight."
Hoseok flushes a bit and smiles at Yoongi, who tries not to be charmed. Hoseok's cute, sure, but a lot of people are cute. It's fine.
"I can afford a nice meal, but thanks for asking. We have separate accounts with Minchul, so I have some money saved up from my last job. Not enough to not get back to work asap, but I'm not gonna starve."
"That's good," Yoongi says and they head towards the restaurant.
Jimin and Taehyung are waiting for them outside, huddled together in the cold air. Yoongi waves at them and is about to scold them for not waiting inside, when Jimin and Hoseok both shriek and run into each other's arms, like long lost lovers.
"Uh..." Yoongi says and exchanges a look with Taehyung, who at least looks as confused as Yoongi feels.
"Jimin-ah, it's been ages! How are you?" Hoseok asks, while he and Jimin are still hanging off each other like limpets.
"Ah, hyung, I didn't even think that Yoongi-hyung's house guest could be you. This is so lucky!" Jimin says and the two finally pull apart.
They seem to notice how nonplussed both Yoongi and Taehyung are and exchange a look, which then devolves into a fit of giggles.
"Jiminie, you're being mean," Taehyung whines and Yoongi's glad someone said it out loud. Not that he's feeling left out or anything like that.
"Sorry, babe. This is Jung Hoseok. I used to know him in university. We were on the same dance team and used to hang out all the time. Then Hoseok graduated and moved away from Seoul without even letting me know. Hyung, you totally ghosted me!"
Hoseok shifts his weight from foot to foot, obviously ashamed or uncomfortable about what Jimin's saying and Yoongi feels a bit bad for him, so he intervenes.
"Lets go inside, it's too cold to hash out old history on the street and I'm hungry," Yoongi says and herds everyone inside.
There's a booth free and they pile inside, shedding winter clothes and chatting about the weather and what they want to eat. As soon as the waiter has taken their order, Jimin's back on the original topic, not that Yoongi thought he'd let it go. That wasn't Jimin's style at all.
"So what happened? Namjoon was a wreck after you moved and I guess I get it why you didn't want to keep in touch with him, but why did you cut me off as well?"
Hoseok avoids Jimin's eyes, shredding a napkin. "I'm sorry for doing that, I know it was a dick move. I guess I just thought that a clean break would be easier. I was kind of a mess after I moved anyway."
Jimin reaches over the table and stops Hoseok's nervous shredding. "I forgive you. I'm just glad you're here now. You need to give me your contact info though and if you ghost me again I'm not gonna be responsible for the consequences."
Hoseok laughs, but the sound is a bit soggy. They all ignore the way he wipes at his eyes, while putting his info into Jimin's phone.
Things get easier after that. Jimin and Hoseok catch up for most of the meal, so Yoongi uses the time grilling Taehyung about his upcoming exhibition that's coming up in a month.
Towards the end of the meal, Yoongi pushes his bowl away and clears his throat, which catches everyone's attention.
"So, I was thinking we should all get together next weekend. I've already started nagging Seokjin about it, so he's going to keep his schedule clear. Are you two free on Saturday?"
Jimin and Taehyung exchange a look, working their weird telepathy before they nod in unison. "Yeah, we can make time. It will be great to see hyung again. He's become such a shut in since Jungkook went into the army."
Taehyung nods, "He works too much. It'll be good for him to take the night off."
Yoongi nods, as he's in total agreement with them. "I'm hoping he'll hit it off with Hoseok, we were thinking they could become flatmates for a while, so Hoseok can look for an apartment without having to take the first available hovel that fits his budget."
"That's a great idea, hyung! Hoseok, you're gonna love Seokjin hyung, everyone does. Also their dog is adorable." Jimin says, grinning and digs out his phone to show more photos of Dally to Hoseok.
They finish the meal and linger for a few minutes outside the restaurant, reluctant to say goodbye, but finally the cold drives them on their way.
Hoseok sighs happily. "I'm so glad Jimin forgave me. I've been feeling bad about what I did to him for years."
"Jimin's a good one," Yoongi agrees and steps almost into Hoseok's space as he steps out of the way of an omega who's pushing a stroller towards them at speeds Yoongi envies a little.
Hoseok touches the small of his back as Yoongi slips a little on the wet pavement and Yoongi feels himself blush.
"Thanks," He mutters and takes a step away from Hoseok.
~*~
Yoongi shuts off the light in the bathroom and pads into the bedroom, closing the door behind himself. Namjoon has a book open on his chest, the small lamp on the bedside table the only light source in the room. He looks cosy and comfortable and Yoongi's chest aches all of a sudden.
He climbs into bed over Namjoon's legs but doesn't lay down quite yet. It takes a moment for Namjoon to notice, but he looks over his book, eyebrows raised. "What's up?"
Instead of answering, Yoongi plucks the book out of Namjoon's hands and sets it aside before climbing to sit on top of Namjoon.
"You wanna?"
Namjoon licks his lips and his hands come to rest on Yoongi's hips automatically.
"Of course, yeah," Namjoon answers and his voice is already low and a bit rough, which makes Yoongi shiver in delight.
"Like this?" Namjoon asks, even as he slides his hands under Yoongi's shirt, to pull it off of him.
Yoongi raises his arms to make it easier for Namjoon to undress him. "Yeah, I wanna ride you."
"Wow, yes, let's do it," Namjoon says and throws Yoongi's shirt on the floor.
"Oh god, you dressed up for me? Did I forget an anniversary or something?" Namjoon asks as he can now see the nice lace underwear Yoongi had smuggled into the bathroom with him.
Yoongi can't help but to laugh at the amazed expression on Namjoon's face. It's a great confidence booster definitely, but at the same time, his mate is a dumb idiot while horny.
"Why would I reward you for forgetting an anniversary? No, I just felt like it was fancy panties night," Yoongi says and raises his hips enough to pull off the covers on top of Namjoon.
Namjoon's not wearing a shirt and he's only in his boxers so it's quick work to get him naked. Yoongi sits back down on top of his now more than half hard cock, making Namjoon groan as the scratchy lace touches his sensitive skin.
"I love fancy panties nights," Namjoon groans under his breath and slides his fingers along the fabric, teasing Yoongi's cock.
Namjoon's scent is getting stronger with arousal and Yoongi breathes him in, eyes dropping half closed. It's been so long since he's slept with anyone else that this scent is what Yoongi associates with sex now, reacting to it automatically. He rolls his hips, feeling Namjoon's cock slide along his perineum and bump against his balls. Namjoon’s cock is thick and hard and suddenly the urge to tease evaporates and the only thing he can think of is how much he wants it inside him.
"Your scent, fuck, Yoongi," Namjoon says and pulls Yoongi down by the back of his neck, to scent him and press wet sloppy kisses along his neck and jaw.
"You like it?" Yoongi asks and tilts his head even further to the side to give Namjoon room.
"You drive me wild, you know you do. Fuck, can I?" Namjoon asks as his fingers ghost down Yoongi's back and come to rest on his ass, fingers dipping slightly between the cheeks, even though the tight fabric stops him from touching Yoongi where he really wants it.
Yoongi nods and pushes against Namjoon's fingers. He doesn't really get slick outside of heats, but he feels empty, needs Namjoon to fill him.
Namjoon pulls the panties down as far as they can go while Yoongi's still straddling Namjoon's lap. The fabric bunches up uncomfortably, trapping his cock, but that just adds to the frisson of lust coursing inside Yoongi.
"Come on, inside me already," Yoongi urges Namjoon and leans over his shoulder to get the lube from the bedside table.
He almost drops the tube, when Namjoon does what he's told and slides the tip of his index finger inside his hole. Even that shallow penetration makes Yoongi shudder and clench around the digit.
"Can you knot me?" he asks and pours lube on Namjoon's free hand.
Their eyes meet and lock for a moment. Namjoon's already breathing hard through his mouth, scenting the air and his eyes grow wide at the question.
"Yeah, I think so, but are you sure? Outside of a heat..."
Yoongi huffs impatiently and guides Namjoon's slick fingers to his hole and groans as the alpha takes the hint and pushes in fully with two fingers.
"I can take it, just do it. I want to feel your knot inside me."
Namjoon's hips jerk up at that and Yoongi sees a smear of precum against Namjoon's stomach. He grins at Namjoon and teases the tip with his fingers, before bringing his hand to his mouth and licks the fingers clean.
"You're trying to kill me," Namjoon groans and adds another finger.
They haven't fucked in a while, Yoongi's pretty sure it's been almost two months, so the stretch feels a bit uncomfortable. Still he swivels his hips, taking the fingers in deeper and moans as the sensitive rim of his hole is stimulated.
"Just add more lube and fuck me," Yoongi commands and pulls away from Namjoon's fingers and stands up. He needs to get out of these panties before the circulation to his cock is cut off.
"Yeah, good idea," Namjoon says nonsensically and lubes up his cock, holding it up as Yoongi climbs back to straddle him.
That first breach is always the best, Yoongi bites his lip and bears down, taking more and more of Namjoon inside himself, not stopping until he's seated again.
"Ah, you feel amazing," Namjoon whispers and his hips jerk up minutely, even though he's obviously trying to give Yoongi some time to adjust.
Namjoon's cock feels burning hot inside him, Namjoon's body temperature has always run hotter than Yoongi's and he swears he can always tell the difference when they fuck. The stretch of his fat cock inside his walls makes Yoongi clench automatically and a faint moan escapes from between his lips.
"Can I move? Yoongi, please?" Namjoon pants out, his fingers gripping Yoongi's hips in a way that's bound to leave bruises behind. Not that Yoongi minds in the slightest.
"No, stay still. I said I want to ride you," Yoongi commands Namjoon and pulls up a bit, revelling at the feeling of Namjoon's cock sliding against his walls.
"Right, fuck," Namjoon says and tries to be good for Yoongi, even though his hips keep jerking up minutely every time Yoongi moves his hips.
Yoongi knows he can't keep this up for very long, he doesn't have the stamina or the thigh and core muscles for this sort of thing, but he's going to get the best out of riding Namjoon while he can. He leans down a bit, braces his weight on Namjoon's pecks, marveling at the swell of muscle there. The angle is better for his legs and makes Namjoon's cock drag deliciously against all the sensitive spots.
"You're so amazing Yoongi, you look so good. Come on, please go faster," Namjoon babbles and it makes something tender spark inside Yoongi's chest, but he decides to ignore it, like he always does. Instead he leans in to kiss Namjoon, who returns it with such passion that Yoongi forgets to move his hips.
"Don't stop," Namjoon demands and moves Yoongi bodily by the hips, slamming him down on his cock and making Yoongi gasp. Namjoon uses the distraction to piston his hips up, pushing his cock deep, oh so deep inside and Yoongi forgets he wanted to set the speed, instead just hanging on for dear life as Namjoon pounds into him.
"Do you still want my knot?" Namjoon asks, panting the question into Yoongi's ear and making Yoongi moan at the thought of being even fuller, tied to Namjoon for a time.
"Yes, yeah I want it," He mumbles and licks a stripe along Namjoon's sweaty neck, tasting his pheromones on his skin and his head reels for a moment.
Namjoon groans and nips gently at Yoongi's shoulder, which makes him shudder. Namjoon's never really rough when they fuck, not even during Yoongi's heats, so Yoongi supposes he's gotten more sensitive to even the slightest dominance gesture, his body betraying him in this on how much he likes it.
"I'm gonna flip you," Namjoon says and pulls out, making Yoongi moan in protest, feeling himself pout. Namjoon flips him on his stomach easily, like Yoongi weighs nothing and mounts him from behind, making Yoongi whine deep in his throat.
Yoongi lifts his hips to meet Namjoon halfway and makes an embarrassing sound as Namjoon feeds his cock back inside. Sometimes even now he's surprised how easily he can accommodate Namjoon's girth and how good it all feels.
Namjoon pauses once he's balls deep, panting hot breaths down Yoongi's neck, his body completely enveloping Yoongi's, making him feel small and delicate. It's getting hard to think, the pleasure ratcheting up as Namjoon picks up his pace again, and Yoongi's going to blame his sex addled brain for what comes out of his mouth.
"Tell me I'm yours."
Namjoon's rhythm stutters, before he goes back to those slow deep thrusts he does before knotting. When Namjoon's lips press into the nape of Yoongi's neck before nipping with his teeth Yoongi almost comes right then and there.
"You're mine Yoongi. My mate," Namjoon whispers, his voice shot, growly and rough.
"Yeah?" Yoongi gasps out and clenches on Namjoon's cock, making the alpha growl and push Yoongi even further into the mattress.
"Mine," Namjoon repeats and Yoongi feels his breath hitch, as Namjoon starts to knot, pushing the growing bulb inside Yoongi, stretching him past his normal limit and there's nothing Yoongi can do but take it.
Yoongi always comes when he's knotted, he's pretty sure that's common, but it's still a lot. The intensity of it is different from other orgasms and he quakes as the waves of pleasure shoot through him. He's whining and usually that would be embarrassing, but right now he couldn't care less. He wriggles, panting and overstimulated as his orgasm peters down, but Namjoon gives a warning growl and blankets his body, holding him down as they get locked together.
They pant in unison, trying to calm down and this part is always a bit weird out of heat and Yoongi remembers why he generally doesn't like to do this. He shifts a little again and now Namjoon loosens his hold, allowing Yoongi to adjust his body so he's not laying directly in the wet spot he made while coming.
"You okay?" Namjoon murmurs into his ear and presses kisses behind it, tickling Yoongi and making him shiver.
"Yeah, I guess I forgot how awkward this part is," Yoongi admits and pulls a pillow to him to rest his head on it.
"Right, we don't have any towels either," Namjoon says and awkwardly reaches over to pick up Yoongi's shirt from the floor and uses it to wipe sweat off Yoongi's back and his own face and chest. Even though he's being careful the movement pulls on the knot, making Yoongi hiss at the twinge of pain mixed in with overstimulated pleasure.
"Sorry," Namjoon says and lies back down, pulling Yoongi more to his side, so he's not getting crushed under Namjoon's weight anymore. Yoongi tries not to be disappointed.
Namjoon wraps his arm around Yoongi's waist and humms contentedly into his neck, pressing kisses there while scenting him. Namjoon gets pretty loopy after knotting, overly affectionate and Yoongi remembers that's another reason why they don't generally do this.
"Can I ask you something?" Namjoon whispers.
"Can't really stop you right now," Yoongi says and tries not to tense up.
Namjoon sighs. "I'll ask, but you don't have to answer if you don't want to. Why did you ask me to say that stuff? You normally hate claiming talk."
Even though Yoongi had known what the question would be, it's still uncomfortable to hear. Mostly because that forces him to acknowledge that he'd actually asked for those things.
"Dunno, heat of the moment. It's not like that sort of thing isn't common. Did it bother you?" Yoongi asks, trying to divert the conversation away from himself, but also he hopes he didn't mess things up for Namjoon.
Namjoon stays quiet for a moment, only shifting slightly, testing his knot to see if it's gone down enough to pull out. It's not, but Yoongi can feel the slight give, so it's not going to be long anymore.
"It didn't bother me, I like that sort of thing in general, knowing you're my mate and having you acknowledge it as well. It feels good to me on a basic level, but at the same time, I know you don't usually enjoy that, so I just wanted to make sure we're okay."
Now it's Yoongi's turn to sigh. He laces his fingers with Namjoon's and plays with his fingers for a moment. "We're okay. We're good. I mean I don't want you to do any claiming behavior out of bed or anything like that. Or even in bed really, not unless I ask."
Namjoon nods, Yoongi can feel the gesture against his head and squeezes Yoongi's fingers gently. "That makes sense and I'm glad you felt comfortable asking me. I want to make you feel good, make you happy. I hope you know that?"
They're getting into dangerously mushy territory, so Yoongi yanks himself free of Namjoon's deflating knot, making them both gasp. It would have popped out naturally in a minute anyway, so it's not like Yoongi hurt himself, but suddenly he just wants to go get cleaned up.
"Thanks, I know you do and I do appreciate it, even though I don't show it enough. You're a good guy Namjoon-ah," Yoongi says and forces himself to meet Namjoon's eyes, to make sure Namjoon knows he's serious.
"I'm gonna go clean up," He says and retreats into the bathroom, where he avoids his own reflection, not ready to see sex mussed and well fucked expression. He's not avoiding anything, he's just gross and leaking come and needs to go to sleep. No need for self reflection right now. Things are fine. Normal. Nothing's changing.