Find My Way Back To You

He watched the lithe and delicate fingers, gently ghost and tease over the strong wrist before him. 

The wood of the table highlighting the touch. Galaxy blue eyes staring, and sparkling like stars in the night sky. A warm smile on his face. Ears perked forward in interest. While demonic red stared back. And the tension in contracted muscles showing heavy restraint. And it made him smile softly. Chan and Felix had developed quite the bond. With Chan helping Felix learn the Korean language in its entirety, Minho's jealousy over Felix had dissipated. When Felix had finally started to learn Korean better and hold something of a conversation with the pack, he started to ask Minho about Chan. Mostly, if Minho thought Chan would be a good mate for him. Stating his wolf said so. But, he wasn't sure. Minho had merely told him, his inner wolf knew best. Would protect him from any hurt. And lead him to trust the right wolves. Hence, them as his pack.

He'd nodded, agreeing.

So, it was clear Felix and Chan were already in their courting phase. Almost as on par with their maknaes. And the pack felt, complete. Like Felix had been the missing piece they'd been waiting for, for so long. And it was even more so, when they learned Felix and Jisung were not only the same age. But, actually born a literal day apart. Making them effective birthday twins. And Felix was easily worming his way into all their minds and hearts. He was sweet and kind. A true omega. But he was showing he'd be a capable warrioress. If given the chance. And he was healed mentally. And with his ankle improving, he could very well have that chance. But Felix was insistent he wouldn't be going on runs with them. Not really. Maybe if he went with Chan. But, that was his only reason to go. They were sticking together.

They were mates.

And this, Minho appreciated and respected.

And Minho had come to appreciate having another omega in the pack. He and Felix were getting along rather well. Now that Minho wasn't seeing Felix as competition over Jisung. And, now? Minho was observing his head alpha and the omega he was meant for, flirt. Trying to determine if anything they did, could work for him and Jisung. He still wasn't sure how to go about things with Jisung. The alpha was an enigma to him. Especially as he still stayed in the house beside theirs, on his own. Yet, he seemed to care enough about their pack to join them for most of the day. Still, Minho had yet to get close to him to try their own courtship. Still, there was a charged tension between them every time they were near one another.

Minho decided to give the two Australians some privacy, and made to go and check the community they had. As he stepped out of the home, he briefed a glance to Jisung's home. Jisung was sitting outside as usual, smoking. Minho sighed softly. He really should try and work on Jisung's smoking habit. After biting his bottom lip, Minho made his way over to the alpha. Seeing his eyes narrowed in clear distrust of others. Fingers eagerly ready to pull his cigarette away. Sitting on the steps. Not really engaging. His ear was the first to move, before his gaze flickered into Minho's direction. He tilted his head, and made to watch Minho. Curious. The distrust in his gaze gone. Replaced with curiosity. And something else Minho could not yet identify. Once before the alpha, Minho looked down at him. There was silence between them a moment, before Jisung inquired, "What can I do for you, Minho?"

Minho wasn't sure what he'd say or do, now that he was here. Jisung had a way of making his mind go blank whenever they were together. After a moment, he let the words and thoughts come naturally to him. Minho shrugged, "Nothing, really. Just giving Chan and Felix some privacy. They're mates, you know."

Jisung nodded, "Felix likes to come talk to me too, you know. He's often usually talking about Chan. I'm glad. They're perfect for one another. Having so much in common. And, they have one another now. A taste of home. That gives them a strong bond."

Minho nodded, silent in agreement. He paused, then shrugged, "I hope they are able to come together before long." He finally frowned, and looked to the main gates, "It almost feels surreal."

Jisung inquired, "What does?"

Minho shrugged, "Like, we're here now. Alive and everything. And we know there's zombies out there. But, it's almost too quiet and peaceful. Like, they aren't actually there."

Jisung nodded in understanding, "But they are. We lower our guard, we get taken out. It's the deep breath before the plunge. Something is going to give. When? We're uncertain. But it will. And given they are now sprinters. It's only going to get more dangerous as time goes on. Not even a full year and a half, and it already feels too good now." Minho nodded, bringing his hands to his arms. And began to rub them. Seeing this, Jisung frowned. He finally got to his feet, and gently brought his hands to rest over Minho's, "Don't worry too much. Take it one day at a time. The pack will protect one another. It's how packs are supposed to be."

Minho blinked, looking at him. Gazing into his firestorm eyes, and felt himself relaxed. Yet, pinned in place, "I'm not. Not really."

Jisung watched him a moment, before he gently pulled back, "I'm here, if you ever need to talk. Vent. Or just, get your thoughts out."

Minho nodded in appreciation, "I will remember that. Thank you." He watched him, "There's another run coming up. Are you joining us?"

Jisung nodded, pulling his cigarette from his lips as he answered, "I plan to."

Minho nodded, satisfied. After a long pause, Minho turned to finally walk off, "That's good. I'll uh, see you then."

Jisung nodded, watching Minho go. Damn. He really needed to show Minho he was safe with Jisung.

Somehow.

//

This was a larger town.

Like a mini city, rather than a village. Junyoung had improved. He was healthy again. Still, they had agreed to go on the run together. And while Junyoung still wasn't fond of Jisung's smoking, he didn't really say much. Just glad for an additional runner for the time being. With plenty of ammunition in the event they needed it, they'd gone out for another supply run. As Hyunjin parked their car, he looked at what lay ahead of him. After studying a moment and nodding, he spoke, "Let's make this quick."

With a nod, they exited their car. Being on alert the moment their boots hit the asphalt. As they gathered up together to ensure no one was taken unaware, Jisung's ear moved. Eyes narrowing. As did Jeongin's. Their hunter skills coming through. Hyunjin went to walk, guiding them towards the small mini-city. Jisung reached out, and stopped him. While hushing him to keep him from drawing attention. Hyunjin frowned, watching him. Even as his ears were still moving like radars. With a nod to Jeongin, he got his gun loaded. And Jisung, pulled his crowbar from over his shoulder. He kept his voice down and spoke, "No one moves until Jeongin and I get back."

Hyunjin huffed, hissing, "You're not in charge of the runners, Jisung. And you're not fighting alone."

Jisung watched him a moment, before he replied, "Just trust me." He huffed, "I know. The smoking rough around the edges alpha. Why fucking trust me. I'm your pack."

Hyunjin sighed, shoulders sagging, "Fine." 

With a nod and one towards Jeongin, the two alphas turned and stalked off in a direction not yet into the city. Indicating what they heard, wasn't in the city yet. The other three watched, waiting to see what happened. How many zombies were coming their way? Perhaps this was why they'd gone. Just the two of them. Losing one would be hard enough. But it would ensure they all got out of there in one piece. Just as Jeongin was about to peak around the corner from his crouched position, they all heard it. Some screaming. Jisung hissed, "Shit." Jeongin nodded, before the two raced around the corner. Only to see a family of three getting surrounded by zombies. With a sigh, Jisung turned to Jeongin, "Don't shoot."

Jeongin nodded, disarming his gun and turning it around to use as a club. Even as the others rushed around the corner to assist them. So, they were getting more survivors. Worked for them. With a snarling growl, Jisung swung his crowbar down hard and fast. Smashing it into the zombie, that was about to scratch and tear the flesh of a young female from her body. She was knelt on the ground, trying to be in a fetal position. She looked up, to see Jisung. And her gaze remained glued on him. Even as he turned and used his crowbar to whack another zombie away. Nearby, Jeongin was doing the same. Before the rest of the runners were in the fray. Once the last zombie was on the ground and thoroughly dispatched, they slowly gathered together once more. The older woman, a beta-omega bowed graciously to them, "Thank you. Thank you."

The beta-alpha sire nodded, even if his eyes were a bit narrowed, "I agree with my mate."

They nodded, even as Jisung turned to the younger girl and offered her his hand. She was still staring, even as she set her hand in his. Gently, he helped her to her feet. And, she blushed. And his gaze, narrowed dangerously. Hyunjin spoke, "It's quite alright. We were in the area for some supplies. Thought we'd offer help."

The father nodded, "Thank you." He held a hand to himself, "I am Byun Daejung, this is my mate Byun Seo-ah. And our daughter Byun Hayoon."

Hyunjin nodded, "I'm Hwang Hyunjin. This is Junyoung, Yang Jeongin, Han Jisung, and Lee Minho. We're from a safe haven near Mokpo. We offer you safe haven there, if you want."

Daejung took them in a moment, before he sighed. Nodding, even as he brought his arm around his mate, "Thank you."

Hyunjin turned, "Before we can take you with us, we still need to gather supplies."

Seo-ah replied, "Oh please, let us help. Every new mouth to feed should offer some contribution."

Hyunjin nodded, "We'd appreciate the help."

With a nod, they turned to head into the mini-city as originally planned. Even as Hayoon kept firm eyes on Jisung. And Minho, was keeping firm eyes on her. As they made to enter the city, Hayoon stayed as tight to Jisung's side as possible. Yet, he seemed to barely notice. And this, had Minho's claws digging into the palms of his hands. Surely Jisung knew she was beside him. And so close. Why was he unbothered by her presence? Maybe she'd get put off by his smoking. He did brief a glance to her parents. And he could see clear disapproval of Jisung with their daughter. The father more so, than her mother. As to be expected. Satisfied they may not allow the two to be together, Minho still could not fight off the bitter taste in his mouth. But, he couldn't really say anything. Not yet. But why was it Jisung was always saving these new wolves? Maybe he should stay at base for a while. Just so Minho knew he wasn't saving some other poor soul, that got too close to him too soon.

But, he couldn't cage Jisung.

It wouldn't be right.

He tried not to let it get to him, even as they slipped into a small convenience store to gather more supplies. And here, they split up. And faster than even Hyunjin was expecting, Minho pulled Jisung along. Making it clear they were search partners. And given the smirk he knew Hyunjin was following him with, the beta-omega pack mate of his knew exactly what was going on. He could fucking zip it. This meant Junyoung would be Hayoon's search parnter. Worked perfectly for him. 

Without further word, he pulled Jisung down along the aisles for their search.

//

He quickly turned away from Jisung, and picked up a box of something.

Looking as busy as he could. Looking for any good use of what was in his hand. Only, he wasn't at all aware of what he was holding. After a moment, Jisung finally spoke softly, "Thanks for the save." Minho hummed, though his tone indicated clear unhappiness. Jisung smirked, watching him. Reading his body language with ease. After a moment, he spoke, "No need to be so standoffish with me, Minho. All I did was save their lives. Thought this only act of kindness we really should give out, was that. An act of kindness."

Minho hummed a moment, "It's not what you do. It's how you do it."

Jisung smirked, watching him. Having figured him out a little, "Oh, so you like me being all fighter protective mode. Being all alpha."

Minho huffed, "I didn't say that."

Jisung hummed, unconvinced, "Sure, and you're also not jealous."

Minho huffed once more, "Decidedly not." 

Jisung smirked before he finally reached out, and plucked the box from Minho's grip, "If you weren't so jealous, then why have you been staring at the back of this pregnancy test box since we got here?"

Minho blinked rapidly. Pulled from his swirling mind. Taking in the section they were at. It was a section for expectant wolves. As a blush formed on his face, he still didn't turn to Jisung, "No, I wanted to see if they were still viable. Maybe bring them back. Seeing as how eventually we'll all start having pups. When we all feel the time is right."

Jisung hummed, unconvinced once again, "I'm sure." He took him in, "And you'd also turn to look at me."

Minho gave an annoyed and frustrated huff, before he turned to face Jisung. Glaring, "There. Happy, now?"

His tone bity. A smirk played across Jisung's lips. His eyes darkened, and he walked intentionally towards Minho. Minho swallowed thick, stepping back. Until his back was pressed against the ends of the shelving unit behind him. Jisung brought a hand out, and brought it down to grip the edge of a shelving right beside Minho's pretty head. Pressing in close. Feeling imposing. Dominant. He leaned in, and whispered low, "No need for that, Minho."

Minho swallowed a moment, even as he finally tore his gaze from Jisung's. Feeling how intense they were, "I don't know what you're talking about."

Jisung hummed, pressing in a little closer. Ensuring Minho felt his alpha warmth. Was as in his space as possible, "Sure you don't. And here I thought betas were the ones with green in their eyes."

Minho looked to him, annoyance back on his face, "I am not jealous."

Jisung hummed, hand coming to rest gently on Minho's hip. Yet, not in a fashion indicating Minho was trapped. He was free to leave. If he really wanted, "I think you very much are."

He leaned in. And Minho, watched. As their eyes became hooded, he wondered if this was how they started. Minho jealous of a beta-alpha girl. Jisung seeming turned on by a jealous male omega. And alone, in the pregnancy wolf section of a long abandoned and slightly ransacked convenience store. As Jisung leaned in, his warm breath fanned over Minho's cheek. And Minho was highly anticipating what was about to come. Still, Minho's stubborn nature refused to yield. Voice on a whisper, though. Indicating that he was enjoying their moment alone, "I am not jealous, Han Jisung."

Jisung hummed, voice just as low and a bit scratchy, "I think you very much are, Minho."

Before Minho could try and rebuke him once more, his heart sank. Jisung pulled back, eyes drifting down to the end of the aisle. Eyes narrowed in clear unhappiness. A disturbance. And Minho felt disappointment rush through him. And they'd been so close. So close to their first kiss. He finally tore his gaze from Jisung's handsome profile, to see who was at the other end of the aisle that had caught Jisung's attention. And, he nearly growled. Hayoon. Couldn't she have just stuck with Junyoung? He was single and available. Jisung pulled back, ensuring space between them. Minho wasn't sure how to feel about this. To him, it read as Jisung feeling caught as a cheater. And to Minho, it was as if Jisung were playing a game with them both. Yet, Jisung didn't look happy with the interruption. Seeming to have spotted them, the beta-alpha made her way over. Eyes transfixed on Jisung. Minho stared daggers at her, holding back a growl as she drew closer, "Here you are, Jisung."

Minho wanted to snap, remind her he was Minho's search partner. Ask her where Junyoung was. And to get her, to piss off his alpha. Jisung hummed, replying as politely as possible, "Yes. Minho and I were just considering taking supplies for future developments for our base."

She nodded, looking around. And seeming to gloss over Minho. Oh, so it was going to be like that was it bitch? She perked, smiling at him, "Sounds good." She reached out, taking his wrist and pulling him along, "Hyunjin said we have everything we need. We're heading back to your base now."

Jisung hummed, nodding. Not really fighting it. But his body language told Minho, he wasn't happy with this development. Why Jisung didn't put his foot down, Minho wasn't sure. With a huff, Minho swiped the pregnancy stuff and other medicines into his bag quickly, and made to follow. Staring daggers into her back. Who did this bitch think she was? Snatching his alpha from him like that? As he went to join the others with a low growl in his throat at Hayoon, he nearly groaned. They'd nearly kissed. They'd nearly been ready to start their relationship properly. And she had to ruin it. And she was coming to base?!

He was in for a long ass time.