Loquats in a Garden
He briefed a glance up at the figure that had come to him.
Dread had crept into him, fearing it to be Hayoon. She had yet to come pester him this morning. Perhaps him sitting on the porch smoking, had finally put her off? He looked up through his lashes, to the wolf with black and royal purple fur. He felt relief wash through him, even as he turned to face him better. He smirked behind his cigarette, "She's not bothered me yet, this morning."
Minho hummed, nodding most pleased, "Good." He paused, watching the alpha with the deep dark brown fur and inquired, "We have another run coming up. Will you be joining us?"
Jisung at this, gave a smirk. But, he didn't get smart with Minho. Instead, he merely nodded, "I will. Probably the last one for a while. I'm feeling more content."
Minho nodded once more at this, understanding his perspective, "I look forward to it."
Jisung nodded as he sat back, relaxing, "As am I." He smirked, "And perhaps this time, we can be left alone. Though, I'm pretty sure splitting up worries Hyunjin a great deal."
Minho smirked softly, "If we have to, we'll ask either Bin or Chan to join us. They could use more field time."
Jisung nodded, "If we must. And I agree. Though I think they want me to stay, so one of them can go. A sort of sense of relief there's at least two alphas in charge at all times." He huffed, "Like I'm really an alpha to be in charge of much more than monitoring communications, and smoking my lungs out. With my temper, I'm more fitted to follow. I'm hardly a leader."
Minho shrugged, "I think they're doing it, because you're the third oldest alpha in the pack. Plus, Innie is a full time runner." He shrugged, "And yes, part time mechanic. He's done well. Our worry for gas has dwindled significantly with all his upgrades. We should have a car for a long, long time."
Jisung hummed a moment, before he nodded, "I guess that makes fine sense."
He finally got to his feet, drawing closer to the omega. Minho watched him, a smile threatening to take his face. Jisung did blow his smoke out away from Minho. No longer breathing it in his face. And Minho quite appreciated it. After all, Jisung said he may be just what Jisung needed to quit smoking. Minho took a small step closer. Eager to be closer to his alpha. Wanting to break whatever it was between them, and finally be in a committed relationship. If the maknaes and the heads could do it, they could as well. Just as he did, their ears turned. Picking up the sound of someone approaching. Both turned, and frowned. Hayoon, was approaching. She looked excited. And had seemingly glossed over Minho once again. Jisung rolled his eyes, even as she came to a halt before them, "Today's when I and my family decide what we'll do to contribute."
Jisung hummed, pulling his cigarette back between his lips. Trying to ward her off. His tail flickered. Showing agitation and annoyance. Before he managed to bring it to gently wrap around Minho's an indication to the omega, he was ever faithful to the omega. It did help calm Minho down significantly. And nearly made him purr. A smile threatened his face again. Soft and gentle. And purely in love. But, he did not. For Hayoon stood before them, ignoring him. And making eyes at Jisung again. Minho's jaw grew tense. Clenching in an attempt not to wolf out, and attack her. Digging his short omega claws into her and cause what damage he could, before she got the upper hand. Though with Jisung making it clear that he stood by Minho, it was likely Jisung would in turn fight her to protect him. Still, he let his claws bite into his own palms, to remind himself not to react. Jisung nodded slowly, "So it is."
She smiled, and began to play with her long summer yellow hair. Her yellow tail swaying gently as well. Flirting, "I've considered it, and I think I want to join the runners."
Minho could have growled at that. Of course she would. For Jisung. Jisung however, took it in stride, "Well, they could always use more full time runners. Someone to be there, even when I stay at Stray Base for a while. But it is dangerous out there. The zombies have already gone through their first evolution. Sprinting. So our runners now have the dubious task of not only gathering what supplies they can, but also monitoring the zombie situation."
She nodded, before she inquired. Swaying as she did, "Will you be joining us?"
Jisung replied with very little emotion, "Just one more time. For a while. Then, I will be remaining at base. See if I can make contact with any other base out there. Just to establish communications." She nodded, seemingly pleased at this information. Jisung shrugged, "There will be six of us going. We'll be splitting into pairs. I'll be going with Minho. Hyunjin and Jeongin will go together. If Hyunjin does accept you on the runners, you'll pair with Junyoung. At least, for this run. After that, I'm not sure."
Minho watched as something flashed through her eyes. Possible anger Jisung had already chosen to buddy for the run. Minho could have smirked. He was Jisung's partner before she showed up in the picture. Hayoon nodded, "Okay."
Jisung watched as her parents drew closer, "Best go and meet with the alphas in charge." She nodded, now frowning a little. Clearly her plan having been ruined entirely. As they made for the pack home, Jisung turned to Minho with a wink, "Even if she does become part of the runners, I got you. I know she may end up ditching Junyoung to try and push us apart." He shrugged, "But, don't let her get to you." He winked at him, "Just this last time. After that? Who is to say."
Minho hummed, "Junyoung doesn't deserve that, you know."
Jisung smirked, looking at him, "He and I have had conversation. He actually doesn't mind working alone. He understands the eight of us are a pack. Like, the bond is there. We've recognized one another as pack. He understands this. He's an outlier. And he also respects our pack dynamics. We can only hope we can bring him with us when the base falls. We'll do our best to protect him, and bring him home. And help him survive. Maybe find a mate of his own. He says he's not sure if his mate is still out there. He's never considered. But, he knows that he means something to the pack. He's made his loyalties to the Bang Pack." He smirked, putting his hands up to shield himself from Minho's verbal assault on the name, "Chan's the head alpha. And packs usually take the name of their head alpha. Unless they come up with something far more clever. But he trusts us. And knows we're doing our best. It helps he's around our age, and sees what life is like out there."
Minho nodded slowly, "I understand." He watched Jisung a moment, "I guess I can handle one more run with her trying to get with you."
Jisung winked at him, voice dropping a few octaves as he replied, "She can try. But you've already got me, baby."
Minho at this, ducked his head. Blushing softly a little, "Yeah. I do."
Jisung winked, before he let Minho go. Returning to the porch to smoke. He could handle Hayoon on his own for a while. With a soft nod, Minho turned to check the rest of base. Leaving the decision ultimately up to Hyunjin. He wasn't sure Hyunjin would accept a secondary part time runner. He needed more full time than part time. Jisung was the exception, because he'd made it clear he didn't like being caged. They had seen and sensed it. Especially as Jeongin had nodded. Emphasizing Jisung did have a temper. But the extent remained unknown to even Jeongin. He'd only caught a glimpse. Plus, Jisung was in a sense, doing reconnaissance. And looking for scrap metal to improve their radio systems. So if Hayoon wanted to be a runner. She was going to be a runner all the time. Whether Jisung joined, or not. If Junyoung has made it clear he was loyal to the Bang Pack and hoped they would bring him with them when the base inevitably fell, then Minho would stick with him on each run. Leaving Hayoon on her own. After all, Jeongin has made it quite clear the day they arrived that he was already taken and smitten with Seungmin. And Hyunjin was a beta-omega. And while he could be an open potential partner, Hyunjin may have made it clear that he was already spoken for.
He could only wish her luck, then.
//
As expected, Hyunjin did bring her on as a full time runner.
Minho wasn't thrilled, but he would accept it. Especially as Jisung has made it clear he was doing a final run, for a while. What made it interesting, was Hyunjin had made it clear she wasn't getting a gun. She didn't really fuss, but Minho was thankful to the beta-omega. She could very well use it to take him out, and take Jisung for herself. And he could have pointed out, Jisung didn't have a gun either. He'd stuck with his crowbar. Even if he did have a gun assigned to him in the event he was ready to take it up. And from what Minho could tell, Jisung was trying to figure out how to make more ammunition. So they had plenty of bullets. Making their runs easier, and smoother. Even if the noise drew more zombies to them. The bullets and guns would ensure they had a fighting chance of getting home safe and sound.
Still, it did not make Minho any happier. She was still flirting with Jisung. Still trying to get into his space. Minho could vividly see how rather uncomfortable Jisung was. Forced to sit beside her, and have his shoulder used as a pillow without his allowance. Even alphas needed their personal space and boundaries respected. While in the old world alphas had had a notoriously bad reputation for sticking their noses where they didn't belong, and harassing omegas and getting into their personal space. Alphas still had their own boundaries that were to be respected. While omegas were usually the recipients of harassment, alphas had gotten harassed as well. Not as frequently, but it happened.
Still, Jisung said nothing. Seeming content to ignore her, and watch Minho's profile. Being mesmerized. When they finally reached their destination, Hyunjin spoke, "Alright, we're trying something new today. We're splitting into partners. I'm with Jeongin. Jisung, you're with Minho. Junyoung, you're with Hayoon."
They nodded. And while Hayoon frowned again at the reminder Jisung wasn't going to be with her, she said nothing. Junyoung was already aware of this, and wasn't surprised. Nor were the rest. Just, Hayoon. Technically. Most of them knew what Hyunjin was trying to do. Even Junyoung wasn't at all surprised Jisung and Minho were mates. Somehow, he just knew. With a nod as they finally got out, Jisung slung his crowbar over his shoulder. He approached Minho, and pulled out a cigarette. He winked at him. He then handed Minho the lighter, and asked him softly, "Can you light it for me?" Minho nodded, easily igniting a flame. Helping Jisung start his smoke. Jisung nodded, even as they made to head for a store to see what they could get. Once far enough away, Jisung winked, "Thank you, baby."
Minho smirked, "You better just say it for my ears only."
Jisung chuckled softly, "Obviously. I don't want her going after you right now."
Minho nodded, appreciative of it. Jisung looked behind them, to see Hayoon glaring at Minho. Watching where they were heading. With a narrowed gaze, Jisung spoke lowly, "I need you to trust me." Minho nodded, even as Jisung brought his hand to Minho's shoulder. Without much warning, Jisung pushed Minho down an alleyway. Minho blinked, even as Jisung spoke, "Let's take a back entrance. Make it harder for Hayoon to figure out where we went."
Minho sighed, relaxing, "Good idea."
Jisung pulled Minho along, picking up the pace to help throw Hayoon off their trail. Eventually, they wound up in a small convenience store. Honestly, the bigger cities had the supermarkets. And while Jisung would have loved to raid one, he wasn't getting that opportunity anytime soon. Not unless they were willing to brave Busan. Or heavens forbid, Seoul. But until their need drove them to that point, those places were off limits. At least, to those with functioning brains and a will to survive. Psychotic wolves? Hell if anyone knew what they were willing to risk. Once inside the dark store, Jisung let Minho take the lead. Following him along the aisles, and grabbing everything on the shelves they could. Bearing in mind they should start to look for seeds. To start growing their own vegetables and fruits. They would need to, soon. It was summer, but winter was making its return.
And soon.
//
As Minho plucked things from the shelving, he spoke softly, "I'm trying to convince Hyunjin to just den with Changbin already. They can work their relationship after the fact. But, I want a room open so you can move in with us."
Jisung watched him, listening. He nodded slowly, "If push comes to shove, I can sleep on the couch."
Minho nodded, even as he plucked another item. He bit his bottom lip, and turned to face Jisung. Eyes baring into his, "I just, want you in with the pack. Away from her easy access. You're pack. I want you with the pack."
Jisung nodded slowly in agreement, "As do I."
His gaze drifted down a moment, before he looked back into Minho's gorgeous fire blue eyes. A smirk took his face. Minho at this, frowned in clear confusion. Before he could ask, Jisung suddenly pressed into him. Bringing his hands to grip at the shelving just at the crown of Minho's head. Cornering him in. He pressed in close. Warm breath fanning over Minho's cheeks. Making Minho feel small and vulnerable. Yet, he knew Jisung wasn't going to hurt him. If it had been Woojin, Minho would have had to fight back. At the reminder of the other alpha that tried to rape him, Minho shuddered. Soon, he'd have to tell Jisung about him. He hasn't thought about him much since he got to Stray Base. But now, here was his alpha mate. He had to tell him. If nothing more, than to lay out his past to his alpha. So he knew what scars Minho may bare.
Still, Minho found the motion extremely hot. He swallowed thick, even as his heart began to beat a little more intensely. Jisung was so close. Gods, was it going to finally happen? As Jisung pressed in to where there was little room between them, he spoke on a low husky baritone, "Condoms, Minho? And here I thought you'd like a slower pace."
Minho blinked, and briefed a glance down to the box in his hands. It was indeed, a box of condoms. Specifically, for alphas. Those knots made condoms a bit tricky to use. They went on the cock, but did not stop a knot from forming. All attempts to rubber up a knot, had failed in the condoms breaking. And while Minho desperately wanted pups of his own as an omega, he wasn't sure he wanted them so soon. Even if his survival instincts told him that pups would help in many ways, he had to remind his wolf zombies existed. So until the world was more settled and he was confident, pups were going to have to wait. He wasn't denying what his inner wolf wanted. He just wanted it to wait for a far better time to produce them. Shrugging as nonchalantly as he could, Minho replied, "Well, no one's really in the place for pups you know. Might draw the zombies to us before we're fully ready, and established."
Jisung smirked, leaning in more heavily, "Is that how it is?"
Minho swallowed thick, before he nodded. Jisung hummed, eyes growing dark. Becoming dangerously narrow as he leaned a little closer. He reached a hand down a moment. Toying with the box. Minho watched, his mouth dry. Yet, he was also incredibly turned on. Gently, Jisung pulled a packet of a condom up. Indicating he'd already slipped one out. Minho watched, unsure how to react. Jisung was his alpha. And he really wouldn't mind them mating here and now. But, he wasn't sure it was a good idea. Still, he watched as Jisung brought the packet between his fangs. His hand returned to the shelving beside Minho's head. He leaned in, and teased the packet between them. Using it to nuzzle along Minho's neck. Minho let out a shuddering breath. He bit his bottom lip, trying not to whimper. His breathing hitched. Jisung soon brought the other edge to Minho's lips. Gently teasing them with it. Taking the hint, Minho gently clamped his own fangs down on the corner of the packet. Jisung rumbled a little, pleased. He leaned in until the tips of their noses touched. He then gently let the packet go. But only a moment, before he took it from Minho's teeth again. And pocketed it. He winked, "For later, then."
Minho smirked, even as Jisung brought his hand back to the shelving once more. He leaned in. Minho watched, hoping. His heart beating wildly. Oh, please. Seeming to grant his wish, Jisung brushed his lips over Minho's Minho let out a long soft sigh. Eyes closing, body relaxing. Just a little more. Jisung pressed in. He looked into Minho's eyes, looking for something. Something, Minho gave. Satisfied, Jisung leaned in deeper. And softly brought Minho in to their first kiss. Minho sighed again. Eyes closing entirely. Slowly, he returned the kiss. While tainted with the after scent and taste of smoking, he knew he didn't mind. Because his alpha was finally kissing him! They were official. At least, in his mind. And all it took was a box of condoms? As their kiss came to a soft end, Minho smiled softly. Purring as Jisung leaned in, and rather sweetly nuzzled him.
Then, Jisung pulled back.
His body growing tense. Ears swiveling. A frown now taking his face. A growl emanated from him. Low and deep. On instinct, Minho reached out. Gripping at Jisung. Seeking his alpha protection. Which was odd, given Minho had a gun. But Minho was actually fine with being weak and vulnerable with Jisung. He was Minho's mate, after all. He briefed a glance in the direction Jisung was looking, to see Hayoon. She was outside. Likely peaking in. Trying to find Jisung. Minho then, also growled. Jisung was his! She could fuck off! Jisung spoke in a very low and hushed tone, "Get down."
Minho nodded, crouching. As did Jisung. Anything to avoid her seeing them right away. As she entered their store, Jisung took Minho's wrist. He turned, and hurried Minho quietly towards the back of the store. A dangerous place, half the time. A zombie possibly lurking in the back rooms. Locked inside from the outbreak. At least, for now. Who knows when they'd get out. With quick yet quite footwork, Jisung pulled Minho into the former omega restroom. Mostly because it was closest, and out of her direct line of sight. And really, who cares in the apocalypse?
Once inside, Jisung pulled Minho along and spoke softly, "We'll have to hide until we know Hayoon's gone."
Minho nodded, even as Jisung pulled him into a stall. Before he could close the door, Minho stopped him, "She'll know by the fact it's closed."
Jisung nodded, "Fair point." He looked around, trying to find some sort of escape. After long enough, he looked to Minho, "Sorry about this, baby."
Minho blinked, before he was suddenly picked up. Legs wrapped around Jisung's waist. With a low growl, Jisung dug his claws into the wall behind the stall's door. He hauled himself up just enough, his feet and legs weren't easily visible. Pinning Minho hard against the wall. Minho went with it. Silent. And while he'd love this for other purposes, he understood this was important to them both. He reached out, and pulled the door towards them. Opening the stall entirely, and concealing them. Making it seem impossible they were hiding in this restroom. Jisung burrowed into Minho's neck. Attempting to put as little space between them as possible. Minho held on for dear life, even as he brought his fangs into Jisung's shoulder. Not enough to bite him and make him bleed. He would hate for Jisung to turn on him in such an intimate embrace. But it did help Minho from making noise.
And then, they listened.
Their ears swiveled, and strained. Picking up the subtle sound of someone approaching. Jisung sniffed, but was only met with a plethora of unpleasant scents. The scent, of the end of the old world. And as he did, it sparked in him a new idea. One he would implement, once Hayoon was gone. He nuzzled Minho's neck a little. Wishing he knew what the omega smelled like. He tasted soft and sweet. And so, perfect. But, his scent was what Jisung was curious about. After listening as intensely as possible, with only Minho keeping one eye on Hayoon as she made her way through the restroom. Searching for them, she eventually did move on. Huffing once again. Clearly annoyed she wasn't finding them. After waiting an excruciatingly long time, they slowly came down from the wall and stall. Carefully, they stepped out. Jisung making sure the coast in the restroom was clear. Ensuring Minho didn't get out, until Jisung knew it was safe. Minho smiled softly, a true alpha mate. Once it was clear, Jisung pulled Minho over towards the sinks. He held his breath, even as he turned the faucet on.
Success!
With a paper towel he managed to pull and dampen, he turned and began to clean Minho's neck. Clearing the scent gland. Minho blinked at this, before he whispered, "It's just going to get gunked up again, you know."
Jisung shrugged, "So? Want to smell you, baby. Something positive, in a world of negative."
Minho nodded, stretching his neck. Ensuring Jisung got all of it. After it was clean enough, Jisung set the dirty towel on the counter. No sense trying to put it in the trash, the world was the garbage can now. He rumbled softly, even as he leaned in. Hands gently holding Minho's arms. Keeping the omega still. Jisung paused, before he could bury himself into Minho's neck. Clearly waiting for permission. Minho purred softly, "Jisung, please. Scent me."
Jisung rumbled in response, and leaned in. Eyes closing as he inhaled. Inhaled. Deep and full. Breathing in the scent that was Lee Minho. Minho's eyes closed. It was an intimate moment between them. Far more than their first kiss. One that had Minho's lips still tingling. Heart still beating rapidly. He did feel like some pressure had been lifted from him. He should try and clean his scent glands more often. But, what was the point anymore? He'd let this go this one time. Jisung gave a deep groan, before he was gently nipping, nibbling, suckling, and licking Minho's scent gland. Minho reached out, and gripped Jisung tightly. Knees giving in. Collapsing further into his hold. Gasping. Jisung was marking him, as his. Ensuring that anyone who could actually smell them knew, Minho had a mate. He wasn't available. And while Minho would have done the same for Jisung, he saw no reason to. Jisung was proving he preferred him over Hayoon.
After letting out a shuddering breath, Jisung pulled back. He hummed, smirking, "Now that's a scent I'll always remember. Will give me pleasant dreams." He turned, guiding Minho out, "We better check in with the pack. Might be heading back soon."
Minho nodded, even as they hurried through the store to get what they could on their way out. Minho wondered what he smelled like to Jisung. Clearly, he liked it. But in this new world, he wasn't sure if he'd get hints from Jisung. No fresh fruits, nothing.
As for Jisung?
He'd quickly developed a fondness and ache for loquats in a garden of gardenias and magnolias, and a vanilla chi for a soothing drink.
When they did reach the others, Hyunjin could see something had transpired between the two. And he was happy for them. Finally, they were getting their shit together. If only he and Changbin could. He wanted to ask, but not with Hayoon around. Maybe later. Hayoon looked annoyed. Wondering where they'd been. But Jisung ignored her in favor of them heading for base. All while Minho kept tenderly touching his kissed lips.
Lips forming a soft, fond, and happy smile.