First Night at Mokpo
After yet another dinner with the pack of mostly vegetables with some ramen noodles from the packs they had in stock, they got to rest for the evening.
Minho cast a glance outside, and to the sky. It was dark out. The sky a very dark blue. Not yet littered with stars. And still able to make out others well enough. His ear swiveled a moment. Not really looking for anything per say. Just, taking note of the night sky. Softly, he reached out. Taking the monkey tail handles, and pressing down on them. Unlatching them, and gently pushing the windows outwards. Letting in the relatively fresh air, and cool temperatures of the night. Minho's eyes softly closed. Relishing the soft breeze. Feeling it cool him, yet making him snuggle a little more into the sweater he'd found and liked. It was a well knitted, the color of autumn orange. He felt warm in it. And it was just right for his omega skin. He looked about over the roofs of the houses that made up their safe zone. He nearly hummed. And Chan wanted to extend the walls a bit? Having more homes would be nice. Turn a few into nurseries for their food they were growing. He was grateful he'd brought some seeds with him from his grandparents' farm.
He softly sighed.
He sort of missed it. Even if the wood and walls were now tainted, with the memories of what Woojin had nearly done to him. He hasn't seen the alpha since they essentially parted ways. His only curiosity with the other alpha, was if he was even still alive. Slowly, his gaze drifted to something that caught his attention. The soft flicker of light. Small, barely perceivable. But in the slowly growing darkness, visible and noticeable. Amber in color. His gazed drifted down, to the porch of the house beside Chan's pack home. They'd yet to come up with a name for their base, and their pack. For now, it was just Chan's pack. As Minho's gaze fell on the small light that gently faded, he felt his heart actually trip over itself. Before resuming happily. A few times.
Jisung.
The alpha was sitting on the steps of the porch. Cigarette between his lips. Eyes cast aimlessly out ahead of him. Deep in thought, likely. Minho could not stop the soft sigh that slipped past his lips. He gently leaned on the window frame, and watched him. Gaze growing dim and fond. He'd finally found his alpha. He knew he was alive. And now, he was here. He wanted to know so much about the alpha. His life before the apocalypse started. What he'd been doing up until their meeting? Other than wandering, of course. He was curious how he and Jeongin both met. And, did the alpha like him? He knew the last question would be hard to answer. After all, they'd just met. Had very little interaction. Which did sadden Minho a bit. He wished to get to know him better. Well, he may get a chance. Jisung and Jeongin would have a few days to acclimate to the Mokpo base. Adjust to being in a community, before they'd be seeking their preferred assignments. Maybe Jisung would be a runner with him and Hyunjin. They could use an alpha on the team. Keep it a well balanced team.
At this, he bit his bottom lip.
He then looked over his shoulder to the door leading to the rest of the house. And the pack. He wasn't sure, he was ready to inform them he'd found his alpha. Telling them Jisung and Jeongin were actually part of their pack, was enough. He didn't need Hyunjin in particular, hounding him about his instant attraction to who was legitimately his mate. Especially as it would be revenge on Minho, for his own teasing of Hyunjin and Changbin's budding romance. He could have huffed. It was clear as day they were mates. They liked one another. So what was holding them back? But, it made for great blackmail. Technically. Minho tore his gaze from the door, to watch the alpha instead. A soft smile on his lips. He watched as Jisung pulled the cigarette from between his lips, and exhale. At this, Minho frowned. He didn't know Jisung that well. Obviously. But, he wondered truly why he smoked. And, was there even a chance he'd stop? Seungmin said he had his reasons. And that while Jisung knew it was bad for his health, he clearly didn't give a damn.
Minho grew even more worried for him. He couldn't lose his alpha to the smokes. But again, they didn't know one another well enough yet. Maybe, one day. Maybe in the future, Jisung would stop. Knowing he had more to live for. If they told him he and the others were his pack, maybe it would change his mind on them. Minho wasn't sure how to go about it, though. He supposed he'd leave it to the betas and other alphas. He then frowned. It really did suck sometimes, being the only omega in the pack. But, he was valued and cared about. While they were protective of him as he went on runs, they still hadn't leashed him. Nor had they caged him. He was still free to be a runner. And Minho truly appreciated that. Showing that they saw him as more than just a pup mill. With a final sigh of many mixed emotions, Minho turned and returned to his room.
Time to get some sleep.
He wasn't sure when they'd go on another run. He understood Hyunjin's worry. The trap had been rather frightening. Even for him. And he didn't necessarily scare easily. Caught off guard, sure. But scared? Not so much. But at the same time, it was a struggle getting the crops to grow and harvest. Too soon, it was bad. Too late, it was bad. It had to be just right. And with no one even daring to go out to the forests and woods nearby to hunt some game, they were stuck with whatever he and the runners could bring in. He knew that every safe zone would struggle their first few years. Trying to not only get established, but have efficient and successful farms. But until then, they were in competition and race to get as much supplies as they could find out in the wilds. So, they had to keep going.
With a final tired sigh, Minho slipped into bed. Ready for some sleep. As his head hit the pillow, he was out. Sleep coming easily for him, even if he wished he had a nest again. Even if he wished, he was with Jisung. Maybe.
Soon.
//
His ear gave a single flicker, before he tore his gaze from staring into the abyss before him.
He turned, looking over his shoulder. Then up to the house beside his and Jeongin's. His lips went slightly lax. Yet, not yet letting his lit cigarette fall from his mouth. Eyes cast upon the gorgeous omega in the window frame. A soft sigh slipped past his smoke holding lips. He was so beautiful. He wished he knew more about Minho. What his hopes and dreams before the outbreak had been. What his life was like before. All of that. Jisung could not stop a soft smile taking his lips. Feeling something in his chest and heart. Not just clear attraction and dare he say, love? But, something more. Minho was a runner. He handled guns, and fighting. He brought in supplies. And yet, he was an omega. Something about this, Jisung liked. An omega that didn't let others walk all over them. Or let others keep him caged. While he knew omegas were precious now, they should be free to help in other ways. Other than for sex and pup making.
And at this, Jisung cocked his head.
The omega clearly didn't need a savior or protector. Not fully. So how would he even dare consider Jisung a mate? As gorgeous and beautiful as the omega was, he could handle himself well enough. Why surrender his clear control and fierce nature, to an alpha? At this, Jisung sighed. Frown marring his face, and he tore his gaze from the pretty omega. Jisung clearly couldn't be what Minho needed. Nor even wanted. He was doing fine before the two had met. He clearly didn't need Jisung. Yet, Jisung felt a deep hot clawing in his chest. To just, try. To try and impress the omega. Show that the omega could be weak now and again. Without giving up who he clearly was. That, Jisung would take care of him. Respect him. And love him as he deserved. He knew most other safe zones out there wouldn't even fathom the idea of letting an omega leave the walls and gates. But him? He refused to keep Minho in one place.
With a final soft sigh, Jisung got to his feet.
Upon stuffing his hands into his trouser pockets, Jisung let his feet guide him. Wandering a bit. Mind switching topics a bit. They had a few days before they'd be meeting the alphas that ran this place. And he and Jeongin had to determine what they'd like to do, to contribute to the base's survival. For however long it's meant to. And Jisung, wasn't entirely sure what he'd like to do. Based on how he was. And, his smokes. Considering no one else liked them, he had to be considerate. Yet, he couldn't give them up. Nothing kept him calm the way they did, anymore. It was either them, or he painted this place red with blood. Just for someone pissing him the fuck off. Just the littlest things could have him unhinged. And see him flying into a blinding rage. One he blacked out during, while foaming at the mouth. Jisung frowned profusely. He didn't want to scare the omega. Not when he wanted to try and impress him. Prove he'd be a good mate to him, if given the chance.
With a soft sigh, Jisung's feet brought him to the vehicle they'd come in. The only working one, at present. After a moment of him just staring at it, he shrugged. Quietly, he got in. He wasn't taking it. He wasn't leaving Jeongin behind. Not with the younger one begging him to stay. They were pack, after all. Fair enough. After getting into the driver's seat, Jisung's gaze drifted to the radio. Slowly, he nodded. He leaned over, and pulled the frame of the radio off. Unveiling the wires and other things used to ensure the radio was working. Which it clearly was not. So with a blunt in his mouth to keep him calm, Jisung fiddled.
He only left a few times, scavenging about the safe zone for bits and pieces. Spare parts he could use to get the radio working as it was meant to. And with what he found, finagled a fix for the damage to the radio. Though yes, he knew part of the issue it wasn't working. They were in the zombie apocalypse. Most radios had gone silent. Dead. Because the ones behind the other radios, were dead. No one was manning them. Keeping contact with anyone. How could they? They were dead. And receivers were dead as well. But, Jisung persisted. Even if there were no other radios out there working yet, they would. And he wanted to find a frequency they could call their own. After a few more tinkering, Jisung gently tucked the wires and parts back into the radio's slot. Once the frame was back in place, Jisung turned it on.
Static.
Well, no shit.
Jisung hummed, frowning. His blunt fully gone. Which was fine. He'd go back to Jeongin and sleep after this. He moved the dials a few times. Just seeing if there were any radios out there already up and running. Never knew. Some were ruthless. Not so much strategic as this place seemed to be. For now. But, still. He hummed, when he heard what sounded like a frequency. Small, and quiet. Some words through the air. But, undiscernible. He leaned in, ears perked far forwards. Trying to determine this radio frequency. After some carefully turning of the dials, he caught it. And hummed. So, someone had a radio out there. Somewhat unsurprising. Likely just took a working one and kept it functional. This one was merely repeating if anyone was out there on the frequency. With a low hum, Jisung turned the dial to a clean and clear frequency. And decided to keep it on that. Once he had that, he shut it off. Wanting to perserve it. He wouldn't answer the other frequency for a while. Trust had to be built up, first. Then they'd talk with other bases.
Satisfied with his fiddling, Jisung left the vehicle at last. And slowly, made his way back to Jeongin. Just as he went up the porch steps to head inside, his gaze drifted back up to the window. The omega gone, clearly. But he still gave a soft smile. Wishing the omega a good night's sleep. He then sipped inside, and finally went to get some sleep himself.
Hoping a pretty omega named Minho was in his dreams that night.
//
"Did you get permission to fiddle with that thing?"
Jeongin jumped, and nearly hit his head on the up and open hood of the vehicle they'd come in. He turned, taking in his hyung. Jisung stood a bit of a distance from him. A fresh cigarette in his mouth. A sight Jeongin was well accustomed to. Hands in his pockets. A raised eyebrow, and just watching him. Jeongin replied, "Um, not really. But I haven't been yelled at. Until you."
Jisung smirked, even as he softly drew closer. Once beside him, he looked at what Jeongin was trying to do, "So what are you trying to do, Innie?"
Jeongin sighed, "Let's face it. This thing will run out of gas. And with most of it no longer usable out there, it's on a timer. I was hoping to try and find a way to make it more fuel efficient. And maybe conjure up something to replace the gas that's used."
Jisung watched him a moment, before he inquired, "Are you going to like, try and harvest the sun or something?"
Jeongin smirked, "No. Even I know that can be limiting. I could try and get it to run on steam. But that will take a lot of work arounds. And sometimes, we might not even get any water out there. Could get stranded before long."
Jisung watched him, nodding. An ear flickering, "Have you considered making methanol? If we can get enough corn crops to grow, we can use the stalks to make methanol. That would be a sufficient fuel source. And since corn can grow well if tended to properly, it would be in relatively grand supply."
Jeongin hummed, thinking. He shrugged, "I wouldn't mind. But that can take time, and refinement. Plus, we'd need the crop field for such a feat. And there's also the fact we have to make some in advance. So we have the fuel ready, should we run low."
Jisung raised an eyebrow at that, "Who is this "we"?"
Jeongin blushed, looking away, "I mean, the runners."
Jisung hummed. After a few, he smirked, "You wouldn't happen to be toying with the idea of being a runner yourself, are you?"
Jeongin looked to him, almost defiant, "So what if I am? I may be young still, but I want to help. And I can't always depend on you being there. You could be staying back for all I know. Or we get separated somehow. I have to be able to defend myself without you there all the time. Much as I appreciate it."
Jisung smirked, nodding, "I get it." He snorted, "Are you sure that's your only reason though? Considering runners have to see that doctor of theirs after each excursion-."
The blush that took Jeongin's cheeks told Jisung enough, "That's not the reason."
Jisung hummed, unconvinced, "No. He's only one of a few reasons you have." He pulled his hands from his pockets, and held them up to ward Jeongin off, "Happy for you. I'm glad you found the one that completes your moon song. And while I think this is a bit much to get his attention and see him frequently enough, I do encourage you to do what you feel will work for you. I only hope you two can come together before long." He cocked his head a moment, thinking. He nodded, "You'd make a nice couple, I think."
Jeongin blushed and replied softly, "Thank you, hyung. But, what about you? You'd still be single and alone."
Jisung shook his head softly, "Don't worry about me so much on that. Just focus on yourself, and your beta. And the car. And coming back in one piece."
Jeongin nodded, "Yes, hyung." He turned back to try and get the car to work more efficiently. Trying to figure out a solution to the fuel issue that was creeping up, he inquired, "What will you do, hyung? You don't like staying in one place for too long." He looked to him then, worried, "You're not going to leave here, are you?"
Jisung gave an amused huff. Head dropping, but he shook his head, "No. We're pack, remember? You're stuck with me. Me and my bad habit." Jeongin snorted, even as Jisung continued, "I guess it will depend on what the alphas that run this place say. I have a proposition about that." He hummed, "Will need that beta-omega present as well. I get the feeling he heads the runners. So you'll probably need his approval to join." He shrugged once again, "I got two ideas in mind of what I'd like to do. Based on my temper and how I feel. Since I do get fidgety and get restless, I may do two things for this place."
Jeongin hummed, nodding, "So like, occasional runner?"
Jisung nodded, "To a degree."
Jeongin smiled, "I think that will be fine."
Jisung nodded again. After a pause and looking at him and the car, he turned to leave, "I'll leave you to it, then. Just don't accidentally break it."
"I won't. Have some faith in me."
Jisung smiled as he went to walk away, "Sure."
He made to head back. Only to stop in his tracks. Minho had emerged from the pack home, and was clearly about to go about and check on the crops. Jisung went still. Heart thudding hard in his chest. Minho only looked in his direction. First to Jeongin, and the propped up car hood. But didn't comment. Then, to Jisung. After staring for what seemed like eternity, Minho turned and walked away. Even if he did grace Jisung with a very small smirk. Bowing his head and stealing a quick glance about to ensure that no one noticed, he made to head back to the home he and Jeongin had.
He certainly wouldn't mind being a runner now and then. Would be nice to spend more time with Minho. And maybe, get to know him. Maybe. Maybe impress him.
He had to start somewhere.