Work Text:
The stare that Yoojin levels the single teacup can only be described as intense. The cup is old-fashioned in nature, white porcelain decorated with delicate flowers. The style is more European in nature, which fits very well with the taste of its owner. Likely, this single piece would be worth more than months of rent from before Yoojin regressed.
Slowly Yoojin turns his head towards the kitchen. The sound of cooking can be heard, oil sizzling and vegetables being cut. The smell is already drifting into the living room, Yoojin's nose sniffing hungrily at the delicious scent.
His eyes return to the teacup. He slowly reaches out and gives it the slightest nudge with his finger.
It barely tips. Only a tiny clink audible when Yoojin removes his hand. His eyes immediately dart back to the kitchen.
No pause in the noise coming from there.
Yoojin looks at the cup. Then back to the kitchen. Then back to the cup.
Sung Hyunjae should be more careful with the things he leaves unsupervised.
With no sign of interference, Yoojin becomes more bold. Once again he extends his hand, giving the teacup a more proper push. It still doesn't fall over, but it does get closer to the edge of the table. With a wiggle of his butt and ears on high alert, he prepares to give it a final slap, excitement swelling at the prospect of-
"Han Yoojin-gun, I would advise you to reconsider what you are about to do. That is quite a rare set and I would hate to have to go through the trouble of having to replace a piece of it," Sung Hyunjae's voice suddenly cut in, making Yoojin jump in his seat. He didn't hear Sung Hyunjae leave the kitchen at all and stares at the older man in shock, who is drying his hands with a small towel.
Getting over his surprise quickly, Yoojin glares at Sung Hyunjae. Slowly he pushes the teacup safely back until there is no danger of it falling over. His ears are laid back and tail swaying unhappily at being caught in the act like this. Giving the cup a final stinkeye, Yoojin gets out of his seat while muttering to himself mockingly:
"I would advise YOU to reconsider. Hard to replace, my ass."
Sung Hyunjae doesn't react to the mocking, only hums in answer before returning to the kitchen. With nothing else to do, Yoojin follows.
Pots are boiling while pans are sizzling and the smell is even better once inside. Yoojin watches as Sung Hyunjae masterfully takes care of each dish, moving around the space with ease. With his back to Yoojin, the F-class allows himself to openly sniff the air and his tail wags with excitement. He can feel his impatience growing, not wanting to wait for everything to finish and when Sung Hyunjae puts some fried fish to the side to cool off, he sees his chance.
Under the pretense of just watching, Yoojin casually moves around the kitchen. He doesn't go directly towards the fish at first, instead acting as if he is evaluating each dish in the making. Sung Hyunjae seems relaxed, humming a content melody as he works, no extra attention paid to Yoojin.
His act barely lasts a minute, but it feels like a lifetime before the fried fish is within reach. Unable to take his eyes of the delicious meat and salvia gathering in his mouth, he prepares to pounce. Butt waggling, ears standing straight, he is just about to snatch it up!
And promptly feels a hand grasp his collar, keeping him from stealing his prize and running off.
Sung Hyunjae sighs, looking sorrowfully down at Yoojin. "With Han Yoojin-gun acting like this, I can't decide if he actually wants to be treated like a pet. Behaving like an animal is not the best way to convince me of your humanity."
Acting all sad and disturbed like this is Yoojin's fault! Growling in answer, Yoojin looks towards the fried fish that is not too far away. Sung Hyunjae's hold is loose, not actually keeping Yoojin in place. Just meant to serve as a warning. This gives Yoojin able opportunity to show that he is still human.
Faster than what can usually be expected from the F-class, Yoojin snatches up the fish with his very human hands. He immediately bites into the crispy skin, spices and savory meat spreading over his tastebuds. His tail curls in satisfaction, a hum of delight coming from his throat.
Sung Hyunjae can only sigh a second time before he has to forcefully pry the fish from the mouth of a hissing Yoojin.
₍^. .^₎⟆ ₊˚⊹♡₊ ⊹
It all started when Song Taewon accidentally used his [Pervasive Looting] skill on Yoojin, effectively lowering his curse resistance.
How did this accident happen? Not important for the story. Yoojin only wants it on record that it was definitely Sung Hyunjae's fault!
Barely an hour from having his curse resistance lowered, Yoojin of course managed to - You guessed it! - get cursed. The effect of said curse immediately taking effect.
Han Yoojin had grown a pair of cat ears with a matching tail and anyone from rank A and below now fully believed he was a common housecat whenever they perceived him.
Just what kind of perverted mindset could come up with such a stupid curse??
Luckily, S-class hunters were only partially affected by the curse. They could still see Yoojin as a human, though Yerim had admitted to still feel a strong need to treat him like a cat. Less luckily, they also couldn't understand whenever Yoojin spoke, only hearing the meowing of a cat when he opened his mouth. This made communication a bit harder, though a lot could still get across using body language.
In the beginning Yoojin had also tried to use pen and paper, but the pencil had felt weird and strange in his hand and when he tried to write down anything, the words wouldn't form in his head. This might have worried him, except for the knowledge that his curse resistance would return in three days and then it would be over.
Then why was a cursed Han Yoojin staying at that bastard Sung Hyunjae's place? Simple. Because when Yoohyun almost leveled the city upon seeing his brother, he had promptly lost his "catboy hyung" rights, as per Yerim's command. Yoojin had been given to Sung Hyunjae to be kept safe while Yoohyon was held back by no less than three S-ranks. The rest had followed from there.
₍^. .^₎⟆ ₊˚⊹♡₊ ⊹
No matter how much he hated it, Yoojin couldn't deny Sung Hyunjae's skills in the kitchen. Multiple dishes were put upon the table, the two hunters sitting across from each other.
After his failure with the pencil, Yoojin had worried about having to use utensils, but Sung Hyunjae had the thoughtfulness to take care of that. Soup had been poured for both of them into bowls that would be easy for Yoojin to pick up and drink directly from. The meats and vegetables had all been cut up into bite-sized pieces and even when Yoojin picked them up with his bare hands, they barely left any oils or grease for him to lick off.
Neither spoke much while eating, but dinner was not a silent affair as Yoojin couldn't help but mewl and groan with every other bite, instinct taking over as he ate his fill. He found a quick preference for the meats (Expecially the fried fish!), but the soup also tasted wonderful and was full of nutrients.
Sung Hyunjae ate more peacefully, though halfway through the meal he began to speak.
"Like this, Han Yoojin-gun feels much more honest. I am glad you are enjoying the meal I prepared for you. Having the opportunity to experience my partner like this, I am truly grateful."
At those disgusting words, Yoojin could only growl in answer, knowing his "Fuck you!" wouldn't be understood. If anything, Sung Hyunjae only found Yoojin's behavior cute. Though he did sigh wistfully, leaning his face against his hand.
"Now if only Han Yoojin-gun could also speak while in this form. I do miss hearing your clever remarks. It is a bit lonely to be the only one who can partake in the conversation."
Well, who would want to converse with you in the first place? If the food wasn't this good, Yoojin would surely lose his appetite from hearing such nonsense. In the end, he can only ignore the other man as he devours the rest of his fried fish.
After dinner they spend the evening watching TV while Yoojin makes certain there are at least two couch cushions between them. Just so Sung Hyunjae doesn't get any fun ideas about how pettable Yoojin's new ears are.
When it is time for bed, the guestroom has been prepared for Yoojin. Sung Hyunjae didn't even try to make any trouble or lure Yoojin to his own room. He had simply wished him a good night's sleep and let him be.
At first Yoojin had enjoyed the peace and quiet, pushing the pillows and duvet together into a nest-like structure he could lay in. But it didn't take long for him to start feeling cold even with the blankets. Tail swaying in discontent he eventually grabs the biggest pillow and softest blanket and sneakily makes it down the hall.
He hesitated once in front of Sung Hyunjae's room, but by now he had committed to the idea. As quietly as possible, he pushes the door open and hurriedly sneaks in. Careful not to accidentally wake the other man.
Sung Hyunjae appears to be deeply asleep, eyes closed and face restful as he lays in bed. For a moment, Yoojin stand frozen, afraid he might wake up. Holding his breath, he is ready to dart out the room at any moment.
But the S-class never opens his eyes. When Yoojin steps closer to the bed, he does move, but only to turn over in his sleep. Yoojin stares with wide eyes, but when nothing else happens, he finally dares to take the last step.
Carefully, he crawls onto the bed. Sung Hyunjae now has his back to him, the pyjamas he's wearing not doing much to hide his solid and broad back.
Putting down the pillow and blanket, Yoojin curls up on the soft mattress. Not close enough to actually touch Sung Hyunjae, but enough that he can feel the warmth coming off the other man.
With a satisfied mewl, Yoojin can finally fall asleep, unaware of the knowing smile on Sung Hyunjae's face.
₍^. .^₎⟆ ₊˚⊹♡₊ ⊹
The next day, they come to find another effect of the curse.
Yoojin had woken up with Sung Hyunjae's arms around him and in proper reaction had promptly bit the man. Of course his weak teeth couldn't break S-class skin, but the act itself had been satisfying enough. Sung Hyunjae hadn't seemed to mind, simply pulling Yoojin closer while he gnawed on his hand.
Yoojin's legs had kicked weirdly in the air. Like a cat playing with a toy, his human body was only somewhat able to imitate the act. This had lasted until Yoojin's stomach began to growl and he pawed at Sung Hyunjae's face until he got up to make them breakfast.
Breakfast was mostly uneventful and they had just relaxed afterwards. It wasn't until lunch that they noticed the extra layer to the curse.
While Sung Hyunjae couldn't understand Yoojin speaking, Yoojin hadn't had any trouble understanding anyone else the day before. But slowly he began to notice that unless he was concentrating fully on Sung Hyunjae's words, then they didn't quite make sense in his head. This also made it harder for him to pay attention when they watched TV, which led to him finding out his inability to write had also become an inability to read.
It all became clear during lunch when without thinking Yoojin had tried to eat directly from his plate without even the use of his hands. He had only gotten a few bites before Sung Hyunjae stopped him. He had hissed at the prospect of his food being kept from him, but had begrudgingly accepted it when Sung Hyunjae began to feed him instead.
Of course, Sung Hyunjae had also noticed the change in Yoojin's behavior. He started making sure he had Yoojin's attention before speaking to him and turned off the TV when he noticed Yoojin wasn't paying attention anymore. Instead he found a couple of brain teaser puzzles he had laying around, sitting besides Yoojin as they played with them together.
Yoojin wasn't quite able to solve them, but with his newfound cat instincts, he had been happy enough being able to push the pieces around. It didn’t take long before he made a challenge out of sabotaging Sung Hyunjae as much as possible, as the other solved the puzzles.
Yoojin might have worried about the 'catification' that was happening to him if he didn't know it would all be over the day after tomorrow. Yes, losing basic skills such as reading and understanding human language was scary, but that is exactly what you have fear resistance for. With Sung Hyunjae around, there just wasn't much reason for worry.
Sung Hyunjae played with him until dinner, after which he brought a few cushions and blankets for Yoojin to lay in while he cooked. Yoojin drowsily watched the other man prepare food, once again being fed directly to him so he didn't embarrash himself eating like an animal.
The rest of the evening was spent on the couch with Sung Hyunjae reading while Yoojin rested on top of him.
Everything was nicely quiet, Yoojin's tail swaying with content. On occasion Sung Hyunjae would pet Yoojin's head, gently rubbing at his ears. Yoojin knew he should be pushing Sung Hyunjae's hand away, but it felt so nice that he could only nuzzle against the warm chest below him.
This was nice. Yoojin couldn't remember the last time he had been this relaxed. Just snuggling with Sung Hyunjae with not a single worry on his mind. If only Yoohyun could be here as well, it would truly be perfect.
Honestly, Yoojin had to admit, Sung Hyunjae had been quite the decent caretaker. Besides having to deal with his nonsense words, he hadn't tried anything else strange. Yoojin wasn't so petty as to claim he didn't appreciate the last two days. He would have thanked the other man, but knowing he wouldn't understand... Well, there are other ways to show how happy he is.
He felt too lazy to move, so he just aimed for what he could reach. With Sung Hyunjae deep in his book, he had no warning before Yoojin licked a long stripe along his collarbone.
The skin was salty against Yoojin's tongue and he absentmindedly wondered if his tongue had become scratchy like a cat's. Not really caring either way, he went to lick Sung Hyunjae again, but was stopped when Sung Hyunjae gently took hold of his chin.
The S-class hunter began to speak to him, but Yoojin didn't really care to listen. Can't a guy show off his appreciation? What are you stopping him for? Well, Yoojin won't let anyone get away with calling him ungrateful! Sung Hyunjae will just have to accept his appreciation, whether he wants to or not!
Face kept away from the collarbone with one hand, Yoojin did the simple solution and instead began to lick at Sung Hyunjae's fingers.
Sung Hyunjae's hands had always been broad and his fingers long. Nails neatly trimmed and manicured, Yoojin gladly slipped his tongue between the digits, nicely grooming the man. For a moment, Sung Hyunjae didn't move, which meant Yoojin was free to lick and nuzzle as much as he wanted, something relaxing about the routine of the movement.
He could have kept this up all night, but then he realized something hard pressing against him.
Looking down, he found a clear tent had formed in Sung Hyunjae's slacks.
Oh.
Hmm...
Sung Hyunjae's fingers had been so nice to lick. What would it be like if he instead licked something much hotter and bigger-
Before Yoojin could move, his tail was suddenly caught in a tight grasp.
Surprised by the sudden grip, Yoojin was distracted for long enough to growl as Sung Hyunjae. Before those growls turned into mewls when the other began to rub at the base of his tail.
A sensation unlike anything Yoojin had ever felt before zapped up his spine. With a moanish meow, Yoohin could only push his back against Sung Hyunjae's hold, urgently begging for more.
The hand obeyed, continuing to stroke and massage at the sensitive skin. In only a matter of seconds, Yoojin could feel himself harden, shamelessly rubbing his dick against Sung Hyunjae's.
Still, he wasn't fully lost in the pleasure. Remembering what had started all this, Yoojin was still determined to showcase his gratitude. With the situation having evolved like this, he boldly sucked in two of Sung Hyunjae's fingers, licking and teasefully biting the skin.
This only served to encourage Sung Hyunjae even more. His grasp on Yoojin's tail tightened and even though they were both still clothed, he began to thrust up, pressing their dicks against each other in a way that left Yoojin moaning into Sung Hyunjae's hand.
The friction between their clothed members was delicious, Yoojin's tail twitching in Sung Hyunjae's grip, unable to control the wiggle of his backside. He didn't care that even he could hear his mewling, simply enjoying the pleasure of the act.
Salvia sliding down Sung Hyunjae's hand and precome creating a moist patch in Yoojin's pants, they were making a mess on the couch. Neither cared as they kept thrusting against each other until Yoojin finally came with a yowl. Sung Hyunjae rubbed Yoojin's tail through his orgasm, essentially milking him until he had nothing left to give.
Sung Hyunjae kept the motion going until he also came with a low gasp, his entire body tensing until it also loosened up.
Catching his breath, Yoojin laid still, bliss and satisfaction too much to notice anything else. When he slowly came to, Sung Hyunjae had pulled his hand out of his mouth and was instead gently petting him between his ears. A strange rumble could be heard in the room that Yoojin couldn't quite make sense of until Sung Hyunjae spoke.
"I was wondering what it would take to hear Han Yoojin-gun's purr. I will make sure to memorize the sound for eternity, so I can always recall it when need be."
When would something like that ever be needed?! Better forget it now before Yoojin makes him! Trying to stop the purr deems impossible, Yoojin too relaxed and blissed out. He can only silently retaliate by gnawing at Sung Hyunjae, an act that only causes the other man to laugh.
Soon after, the stickiness of their situation becomes too uncomfortable for the both of them. That is simply solved by Sung Hyunjae carrying them to the bathroom so they can take a bath together. Afterwards, it is only natural for him to carry Yoojin to his bed, helping him add more pillows and blankets to the nest before they both go to sleep.
₍^. .^₎⟆ ₊˚⊹♡₊ ⊹
The next morning the curse has become even stronger.
No matter how much Yoojin would try to listen, he could no longer understand what Sung Hyunjae was saying. Only a few words would still be understood, important words like his own name, "food" and "snacktime".
When cooking breakfast, Sung Hyunjae had to continuously fight off Yoojin's attempts to steal the food he was making, more forceful when afterwards feeding an impatient Yoojin.
The puzzle toys would be thrown around the room without a care, Yoojin pouncing after them, treating them like prey. Sung Hyunjae would be able to calm him for a couple of hours, Yoojin curling into a ball in his lap, happily purring whenever he was scratched between his ears.
Later in the day, Sung Hyunjae calls someone on his phone and Yoojin hears another important word: Yoohyun. But since he doesn't understand anything else in the conversation, he instead slinks out of the room while Sung Hyunjae is distracted.
He finds his way inside the kitchen and while the space has been cleared of any food, it is not enough to stop Yoojin from crawling inside the cupboards.
After playing around for a bit, he manages to get the fridge open. It is hard to see which delicaties are hidden from where he sits on the floor, so he does his best to climb the shelves to check. Sadly, he had forgotten his still mostly human shape, the shelves breaking apart under his weight, the contents falling all over him.
That is how Sung Hyunjae finds Yoojin, covered in eggs, milk and other substances. Yoojin's first instinct at being caught is to run away, but Sung Hyunjae easily catches the wild man, bringing a howling Yoojin back to the bath to get cleaned up.
When they are back out, Yoojin gets deposited on the couch while Sung Hyunjae goes to clean up the kitchen. Still mad about the forceful bath, Yoojin finds a nice hook to hide in, swiping at Sung Hyunjae when he comes over to check on him.
Gradually Yoojin forgets about the whole thing, slowly crawling back to Sung Hyunjae's side. He doesn't quite climb into his lab, but he lays down on his side, pressing his back against his knee. After a bit, Sung Hyunjae's hand come to caress his belly, Yoojin letting out a satisfied mewl at the petting.
The rest of the day continues without further accidents. Sung Hyunjae is back in the kitchen to cook dinner while Yoojin naps on the couch when the sound of knocking is heard.
Yoojin is immediately alert. Off the couch, he rushes to the door. As it opens, he does not wait and see who is behind it before he darts out.
He doesn't know where he is going or why he is leaving. The prospect of something new and exciting is the only thing on his mind, not even caring as he hears raised voices calling his name.
Yoojin's escape attempt is nearly a success. At least until a pair of strong arms catches him around his middle.
Yoojin hisses in anger, about to scratch at his capturer, when he realizes their scent is much different than expected, but still intimately recognizable.
Han Yoohyun!
Immediately all thoughts of escape leave Yoojin's mind. Turning in Yoohyun's hold, he meows with happiness, snuggling into his younger brother's hold.
Yoohyun easily carries Yoojin back, saying something that Yoojin doesn't understand. He doesn't really care, just happy to hear his brother's voice, his throat almost vibrating with his purr.
Back in Sung Hyunjae's living room, Yoojin realises Kang Soyoung is also there, looking very apologetic at her guild leader who, for once, doesn't look very satisfied.
The three of them speak for a bit during which Yoojin does his best to scent Yoohyun wherever he can reach. He didn't realize how much he had missed his brother before he saw him, but now that he is here, Yoojin never wants him to let him go. He doesn't care how thick S-class skin is, he will manage to draw blood if Sung Hyunjae tries to take him away!
Luckily it doesn't have to come to that. Kang Soyoung leaves soon after, but Yoohyun stays, moving to the couch to sit with Yoojin in his lap.
Sung Hyunjae joins them soon after, starting another conversation with Yoohyun that Yoojin doesn't understand. He doesn't really care, just happy being pet by his baby brother.
After a while, Yoojin does begin to worry when Yoohyun will have to leave. Last time they saw each other, his brother lost "catboy Hyung" privileges, so for how long has he been allowed to stay?
Yoojin can't ask and even if he could, he wouldn't understand the answer. Uncertain of how to show his wants, he realizes Sung Hyunjae is staring at him with his usual assured smile and he gets an idea.
Sitting up in Yoohyun's lap, his brother looks at him with questioning eyes. Never breaking eye contact with Sung Hyunjae, Yoojin tries to get his intent across when he licks Yoohyun's cheek.
His brother sputters in surprise while Sung Hyunjae chuckles at the act. Still not certain he was clear enough, Yoojin licks Yoohyun again and Sung Hyunjae speaks a few words to Yoohyun that calms him down. Looking at Yoojin with wide eyes, he doesn't move out of his way when he comes with a third lick, Yoojin already getting lost in the haze of being able to groom his baby kitten brother.
He thinks Sung Hyunjae understood. Yoohyun certainly seems much more satisfied, easily allowing Yoojin access wherever he wants to lick, not even complaining when his face and neck gets covered in spit.
He only stops him when a timer chimes to signal dinner is ready. They all go to eat together, Yoohyun quick to snatch the cutlery out of Sung Hyunjae's hands when he sees him feed Yoojin. Yoohyun is happy to take care of the responsibility himself, Yoojin just happy while eating delicious food.
Night falls upon them. Yoohyun carries Yoojin to the guestroom, the pillows and blankets having been brought back. Satisfied with a good end to a messy day, Yoojin snuggles close to his brother, hoping that if he lays on top of him then he won't go anywhere. Luckily, Yoohyun seems to be staying, pulling off his pants and making himself comfortable in the bed.
Yoojin wouldn't even complain if Sung Hyunjae were to join them, but the other man simply bids him goodnight with a final pet between his ears. Yoohyun growls something as he leaves, something Sung Hyunjae cheekily laughs at, before he closes the door behind him.
Whatever. Yoojin is perfectly satisfied with Yoohyun here. His baby brother right underneath him, with nowhere else to go. Purring in satisfaction, Yoojin greedily cuddles into the warm embrace of his brother.
With a final goodnight lick against Yoohyun's neck, Yoojin falls asleep.
₍^. .^₎⟆ ₊˚⊹♡₊ ⊹
Waking up on the third day, Yoojin is back to his usual self. No cat ears. No tail. Only a buttload of embarrassing memories, enough to last him two lifetimes.
Yoojin contemplates escaping through the nearest window, but when he sees how happy Yoohyun is during the morning, he decides this is something he can live with.
Sung Hyunjae on the other hand, Yoojin can't get away from fast enough. Preferable before the man can let out any of his usual nonsense.
But straight up leaving after what he put Sung Hyunjae through would be too rude, even for Yoojin. So he allows the man to persuade him to at least stay for breakfast.
If Yoojin feels a warm heat in his heart at having a meal with his (two) favorite person(s), then he thinks he has shown enough affection during the last few days.