Jeno wasn't given much choice in the matter. Baekhyun had decided that he was going to sit in the back of Chanyeol's truck with Jaemin, the two of them launching into easy conversation.

Chanyeol had turned on the radio when he got into the truck, though he kept the volume low so as to not interrupt the reuniting family members in the back. He offers Jeno a small emotional smile before turning his attention towards the road.

With not much else to do, Jeno sits beneath the weight of the taller's words.

He stares straight ahead through the windscreen, but the route doesn't register in his mind. They could be driving towards the edge of the country right now and Jeno wouldn't be able to bat an eyelash.

Why weren't Chanyeol and Baekhyun together?

What did Chanyeol mean when he said that it wasn't their choice?

What was stopping them from being a family?

They both obviously cared about Jaemin enough to let him call both of them his parents, no one would take that label lightly. But if they weren't together, what was with all of the small gestures? the out of sight touches? The bated breaths? The obvious tension?

Jeno ran through the possibilities. Yet the only one that he kept coming back to was Chase.

Chase was an enigma.

Someone that Jeno had learned to be wary of, but had never laid his eyes on.

From the few short interactions that Jaemin had shared with him, Jeno had learned that whoever this Chase guy was, he wasn't someone that you could predict.

The guy was calculated. He thought ahead. He obviously possessed some sort of power, otherwise he wouldn't be in such an esteemed position. People actually worshipped the ground that he stood on, and werewolves were switching sides to join his forces every day.

But what could possibly warrant so much attention?

What could gain so much praise, that had people willing to murder their own family members to gain his approval?

Jeno slumps in his seat, his brows furrowing as he wondered. His mind draws forth the conversation that Jaemin had relayed between the scar-faced werewolf and Jisung. They had been discussing Jisung's past, which even Jeno had to admit was a pretty traumatic one.

While Jisung had never actually explained it himself (and Jeno would never force him to relive that experience), Jeno was able to get a glimpse into a part of it. At least enough to paint a picture.

Chase had raided Jisung's pack, just like he had raised Jaemin's. He was willing to kill everyone who didn't conform to his ideals like he did with Jaemin's parents. Jisung's, on the other hand, were different. They had wanted to join his rankings and were willing to kill their own son to do it.

Jeno's fingers formed fists, his jaw clenching. How could the people who had brought a person into this world, want to take them right back out of it?

For the approval of a madman?

For power?

For survival?

It didn't make sense.

Then, Jeno recalls something else that Jaemin had told him.

The hybrid was forced to watch as his parents were murdered for not wanting to follow a monster. But instead of killing their child, Chase took Jaemin back to his lair. To experiment on him.

Jaemin hadn't been the only one. Jeno recalls how Jaemin had paused when he mentioned others, who were being forced to undergo procedures that no one should ever experience.

Though Jeno wasn't exactly aware of the details, seeing what Jaemin had gone through with his latest kidnapping, meant that Chase's work had been far more invasive.

It had made Jaemin a hybrid. The only one of his kind.

That tied everything back to Baekhyun.

Jaemin had told him that morning when he was finally opening up, that he had met Baekhyun shortly after he had become a hybrid. Jaemin said that Baekhyun had been in-and-out of capture and had already been working on his next escape when they met.

"He's not like me, he was never experimented on in the way that I was, but he was expected to become the leader's mate."

Jeno's blood ran cold.

Mates were still a grey subject area that hadn't been properly explained over the chaos of their lives, but from the limited amount of information that Jeno and Mark had gathered, showed that mates were a pretty big deal in the animal kingdom.

"Look, I know that I'm brand new to this whole werewolf thing so I don't exactly know how it works, but we both know that mates usually relate to a sexual relationship right? "Like how real wolves only ever get it on with one other wolf in their entire life..." Mark had explained his thoughts after their fight.

Jeno slowly turns his head towards Chanyeol whose hands are gripping the wheel tight as his eyes shift between the road and the rearview mirror. Jeno follows his line of sight and feels his heart ache in his chest when his gaze falls on Baekhyun.

He's laughing wholeheartedly at something that Jaemin is saying, his eyes disappearing as his head tips back ever so slightly.

When Jeno finally turns his attention back to Chanyeol, he feels a massive lump in his throat.

"Aren't together," Chanyeol had sounded so broken as he revealed the truth. "but it's not by choice."

Once again Jeno is forced to recognise that a man he has never met was capable of causing so much heartbreak.

__________________

Arriving at the restaurant was like preparing oneself to give a presentation, zero sleep and a boatload of caffeine. Jeno was shaking between hidden rage and building anxiety.

For someone who preferred staying home for every social interaction, getting put in an uncomfortable situation didn't exactly make him feel any better.

He lingered in the truck as Jaemin and Baekhyun squealed in excitement, leaping from their seats with an exaggerated flare that Jeno secretly envied.

Chanyeol stayed in the truck with him. He withdrew the key from the engine and simply sat back in his seat. When Jeno allowed his eyes to move from the windscreen, their gazes locked.

"You got this." He whispers, a small knowing smile on his lips. "Focus on Jaemin, make him be your anchor in the moment. Don't let yourself slip back into your head, tonight I'm relieving you of your duties."

Jeno's brows furrow. "My duties?"

"Bodyguarding, protecting." Chanyeol blurts the words with ease. He slips his fingers into the console between them and withdraws his wallet. "Think of this as a treat for everything that you've done for us since you arrived-"

"I only did it because-"

"I know." Chanyeol's eyes are firm as he holds his gaze. "You did it in exchange for us to look after Mark. But now you don't have to worry about that anymore. You're both part of this family, so let me treat you to some fancy food."

"Only if you do the same thing." Jeno smiles, watching as Chanyeol halts on his way out of the truck. "No bodyguarding or protecting from you either. If I get to enjoy this, so will you."

"Deal." Chanyeol rolls his eyes, but Jeno can clearly see the same on his lips.

"I'm more of a diner or fast food guy myself..." Jeno admits with a nervous chuckle. "This fancy stuff... isn't really me."

"Well you do a good job at pretending." Chanyeol praises him with a gentle reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Thank you, for agreeing to do this for him."

"I would do anything for him." Jeno finds himself admitting.

He groans under the heat of his blush. Chanyeol only smiles and squeezes his shoulder one last time before opening his door and stepping out.

Jeno takes a deep breath before joining them, smiling happily as Jaemin bounces towards him with a wide smile on his lips.

"For the first time in two years, I'm outside the territory!" His excitement is contagious as he loops his fingers through Jeno's. He pulls Jeno closer, gently resting his head against his shoulder.

Jeno's heart finally calms.

It thrums in excitement at Jaemin's faint vibrations, the hybrid giggling uncontrollably against his side.

With Jaemin's hand in his, Jeno finds that he has the strength to survive the night. He glances around the car-park and finds not a soul out of place. People come and go from the restaurant in small groups, each one smiling contentedly as they interact with their companions.

For the first time in just over two weeks, Jeno feels the tension release from his shoulders.

Maybe Chanyeol was right.

Maybe for one night he might be able to actually sit back, relax, and enjoy their company. After all, it was Jaemin's celebratory night.

Two years of being holed up in a house in the middle of the woods with no social interaction from the outside world was a lot, even to Jeno's standards. Tonight was Jaemin's first real escape.

Jeno was planning on making this night memorable in the best ways possible.

With a quick glance in Chanyeol's direction, Jeno gently nods his head. A quick unspoken understanding settles between them. Jeno turns his attention back to Jaemin, gently nudging his shoulder up against his head.

Jaemin huffs a protest, pout already forming on his lips. Jeno doesn't allow it to linger. He steps ahead and gently coaxes him away from the side of the truck. Jaemin's mouth immediately shifts to hold a wide smile, his eyes sparkling in the moonlight as his steps quicken to keep up.

Chanyeol watches them speed towards the restaurant, their laughter ringing high. His lips strain beneath the smile, heart full and content seeing Jaemin's aura pulsing in the night.

It's a touching moment. One that Chanyeol knows he will remember for the rest of his days.

The young frightened boy who had come to him attached to Baekhyun's hip was now laughing wholeheartedly as Jeno pulled him along through a semi-filled carpark. He doesn't glance back at them, too focused on the boy ahead of him to think about looking back.

"Gosh..." Baekhyun gapes after them.

Chanyeol sends him a quick glance before letting his gaze return to the youngsters.

"Were we ever like that?"

For a moment Chanyeol wonders if he was meant to hear it.

The silence that falls is deafening, but Baekhyun remains firm against his side. He doesn't shift, he doesn't try to backpedal or alter his words. Instead, he wallows in his question, letting it hang unanswered as they both watch their son giggle happily as Jeno twirls him around in a free parking space.

"No." Chanyeol finally admits. Baekhyun's head slips downward, eyes falling to the gravel beneath their feet. His shoe kicks at the tarmac. Chanyeol tries to conceal a smile. "We were far worse."

Baekhyun's head snaps upward, big brown eyes searching Chanyeol's profile. The taller doesn't give in. He can't allow himself to turn, because if he does, he'll see the regret in Baekhyun's eyes.

Tonight wasn't about regrets.

So, after clearing his throat, Chanyeol offers out a hand.

Baekhyun can't contain his giggles at the gesture, his head shaking slightly. He gently places his hand in Chanyeol's opened palm and allows himself to be swept across the parking-lot.

"Don't expect me to swing you around like Jeno is doing." There is no venom in his words, just playful teasing.

Baekhyun laughs, body trembling against Chanyeol's side.

"It's probably for the best," he admits, nodding to himself. "One spin and it would be like I'm drunk."

"Oh well, when you say it like that..." Chanyeol loosens his hold on Baekhyun's hand, allowing him to back out if he wanted. Baekhyun's fingers tighten their grip. Ready.

Baekhyun spins happily, laughing uncontrollably as he spins right back against Chanyeol's side. He's a little off balance when he comes to a stop, but Chanyeol's already got a hand on his back to keep him steady.

"There." He announces after a moment, picking up their pace to follow after Jaemin and Jeno. Baekhyun giggles quietly. "That should free my wallet from any alcoholic beverages of yours tonight."

"Oh you wish!" Baekhyun lightly jabs him in the side. Chanyeol fakes a wince. "My baby has been through hell and back, while I'm grateful that you brought him back safely... I will definitely be needing a drink tonight."

Chanyeol can't help it. The movement is purely out of instinct. He halts them in their tracks, hand squeezing against Baekhyun's.

Baekhyun's cheeks blossom when Chanyeol finally allows himself to look at him. It drives the air from his lungs, something that he has only grown used to whenever they lock eyes.

"You shouldn't be thanking me." He whispers. Baekhyun's brows furrow. "I didn't know where he was."

"Then how-"

"Jeno."

Baekhyun's jaw drops, his face draining of blood.

"He's..."

"I think." Chanyeol nods his head. His grip remains tight on Baekhyun's hand, keeping him tethered. "I don't know anything yet, we're still trying to figure out what he is."

"He saved our baby?"

Chanyeol's heart missed a rhythm. Baekhyun's eyes soften. Their fingers grow tighter.

"He's been saving him."

__________________

Jeno couldn't help but glance around the establishment. It was dimly lit, intimate.

Made of polished wood and white lighting. The ceiling was a dark solid pine green, complete with similar shaded pieces of fabric that were framed by similar wood-shaded pieces. While strange to see them on the ceiling, they made the space seem smaller than it was.

Cozy.

"We have a twenty-minute turnover, party of four is it?" The receptionist wonders.

She's frantic, glancing between her sign-in sheet and Chanyeol while also managing to send them each a glance with a small tired smile on her lips. Her long brown hair has been tied up in a messy bun but there are still some strands that weren't bound by the restraint, they stick up in places mostly to the back of her head.

"We have a reservation." Chanyeol explains with a small knowing smile on his lips.

Her eyes turn glossy as a more genuine smile comes across her lips. Her head dips down to check the sheet just out of sight. She glances up again, a warm glow on her skin from the lamp right beside her.

"Name?" She asks a little breathless.

"Park and Lee, table for four." Chanyeol sends a quick glance to Jeno who perks up at the inclusion.

The woman takes a bright yellow highlighter and swipes it against the page. She recaps it and bows her head, apologising momentarily to grab their menus.

"Lee?" Jeno wonders, gently nudging his shoulder against Chanyeol's arm.

"I figured that you could catch on to it," Chanyeol laughs, his eyes remaining fixed to the space the woman had just abandoned. "You're not going to freak out on me just yet are you?"

"It's just a dinner reservation." Jeno shrugs his shoulders, trying to keep his emotions at bay.

It was so much more than that. They both knew it. But neither wanted to spoil the evening by mentioning it.

Chanyeol gently nudges his elbow against Jeno's chest and winks. Jeno swallows the lump in his throat and straightens his posture. He's barely made a dent towards their height difference, but his shift seems to have rid Chanyeol's shoulders of their tension. Together, they both grin brightly at the server who beams at them upon her return.

"If you would just follow after me." She's carrying four black leather folders, embossed with golden calligraphy.

Jeno and Chanyeol linger by the reception, gesturing for Jaemin and Baekhyun to follow ahead first.

Jeno turns towards the front door before correcting himself. He catches Chanyeol doing the same thing, before they both lose their composure and chuckle amongst themselves.

When they finally caught up with the others, the waitress is watching them with her brows furrowed in confusion. Jeno tries to compose himself but it ends with another forced chuckle escaping from his lips.

Chanyeol seems to have gained enough composure for the both of them, as he apologizes and explains that the two of them have a couple of inside jokes that are entirely inappropriate for the evening. She glances momentarily at Jeno who is trying to muffle his chuckles into his glass of water, before she nods her head and stalks away to give them a few minutes to observe their menus.

When Chanyeol sits himself down, he releases another burst of laughter which makes Jeno lose any progress that he's made. They sit opposite each other, laughing quietly as they try to get the other to shut up.

"We haven't even looked at the drinks menu yet." Baekhyun snaps, observing them both from his seat next to Chanyeol. He looks concerned, like if Chanyeol doesn't inhale at any moment he might have to resort to calling an ambulance.

Jeno finally manages to compose himself long enough to swipe the topic away with his hand. The candles on the table flicker by the gesture, before returning to their gentle dance. "Like hyung said, it's just an inside joke."

"I don't know if I should be happy or nervous that you two actually have something like that..." Jaemin admits, chuckling nervously as he sends a glance Jeno's way before looking across the table at Chanyeol who is taking deep breaths to gather himself.

"Well it's no surprise that I would approve of Jeno," Chanyeol explains, lifting up his leather menu. Jeno's heart skips a beat. "we are on the same page for a lot of things."

"Jesus Christ, there's another Chanyeol?" Baekhyun jokes, glancing over the candles at Jeno. He playfully winks at him before turning his attention back to his menu. "What is everyone interested in?"

Jeno makes quick work to grab his own menu. It opens up to the alcoholic beverages which he immediately ignores. The laminated pages go by quickly as he scans through the appetizers before finally landing on the main course section. Two pages of food stare up at him, yet none of the options sound familiar. Below the printed Korean names, Jeno finds a small line of English that describes what the dish is.

"How many courses are we allowed to get?" Baekhyun questions.

"Because Jaemin wants to see a film, I figured we might be able to get at least two courses in - main and dessert. But if you want anything else we can do three?"

"I really like the look of the appetizer options," Jaemin pipes up with a brilliant smile on his lips. "How about three?"

"Ask your Appa, he's the one that raised the question." Chanyeol speaks without looking up from his menu.

Jeno tries not to choke on his water at the sight of Baekhyun's scandalized expression. His mouth is struggling between opening in surprise, and closing to hold up appearances amongst the other guests. Jeno has to reach his leg out under the table and gently nudge the top of his shoe against Chanyeol's leg.

It pulls Chanyeol's attention momentarily, but then his gaze falls back to his menu. Jeno has to applaud him, keeping his cool after stating such a thing? Legendary.

"Appa?" Jaemin tests it against his tongue, rolling the word around on his lips.

Jeno watches as he begins to vibrate in his seat. He gently reaches over and places a hand on Jaemin's thigh. The movement ceases beneath his hold, causing Jeno to smile slightly at the words on his laminated paper.

"Get whatever you want sweetheart." Baekhyun's voice is light.

"Three it is." Chanyeol concludes with a nod.

__________________

Jaemin watches as the waitress struggles to unload their dishes to the table. Due to his position at the opposite end of the table, Jaemin can't offer any help to her as easily as Jeno does. He watches as Jeno accepts every plate that she hands him with a small smile, before he passes it over to the person who had ordered the dish.

He stares down into his bowl of pasta trying to keep his scent under control. The waitress lingers to speak to Chanyeol who had wanted an update on the drinks that they had ordered ten minutes ago.

She's left speechless as she glances around the room with a tired look in her eye.

"Sorry," she bows her head. "we're understaffed tonight though that is not an excuse. I'll go grab your drinks-"

"Let me help you." Jeno announces, putting his napkin down on the table to stand by her side.

She looks so close to crying. "No, no I couldn't possibility-"

"Five minutes." Jeno reassures her with that pleasant smile on his lips. When she finally relents, Jeno glances his way with that gorgeous moon-shaped smile that leaves Jaemin's heart hammering in his chest, before following her towards the bar.

"Oh my gosh, he's even trained well." Baekhyun groans after they leave. "There has to be something wrong with this kid?"

"Overprotective?" Chanyeol supplies, finally letting himself look at Baekhyun for longer than two seconds.

"Nope. Considering who our child is, I think that's a good thing."

"Poor?"

"Dad-" Jaemin's cheeks burn when Chanyeol's head snaps towards him.

"Relax kiddo, Baekhyun doesn't actually care about all of that stuff." Chanyeol sends him a wink through the candles. "He knows that I'm only kidding. Nothing I could say would make him change his opinion of Jeno."

"I would argue that I actually hold your opinion of him to a high degree," Baekhyun replies, wiping his lips on his napkin. "You're the one that sees him around our baby more than I do, I would take any information I can get."

"He's not poor." Jaemin can feel his teeth grind against each other, a spark of blue flash against the white tablecloth beneath them. "Is that all you two see? That he has a lower income than the both of you?"

"You seem to forget that I am his employer now," Chanyeol challenges, taking a sip of his water. He shifts in his seat when he notices that Jaemin's anger isn't drifting. "Jaem, I was only kidding."

"We don't care about that." Baekhyun reinforces, holding his gaze. "Jeez, Chanyeol and I were in a far worse situation than he is when we were his age. He's actually making it look effortless-"

"Don't even joke about him like that." Jaemin hisses, loosening his hold on his fork. "I don't want either of you to mess with him about this. He might be extremely self-conscious about it."

"Jaemin," Chanyeol calls, waiting patiently for the hybrid to peel his attention away from Baekhyun. "Baekhyun and I have our own inside jokes, this isn't a jab at your boyfriend, relax. He's not under interrogation here-"

"Speak for yourself Yoda!" Baekhyun cuts through with practiced ease. Jaemin watches as he takes a bite of a chip from his plate. "I still have a few questions for him-"

"You are not interrogating him-"

"Why not?" Baekhyun winces, slumping in his seat. "I'll be really nice about it! I want to know more about the guy who you've obviously opened your heart to! Everything that I've seen already has put him in my good books, but I'm curious, I want to know more about him."

"You think of us as your parents." Chanyeol speaks before Jaemin could even think of a reasonable response. "Let us do our parental duties, which is to check-out your crush."

"Fuck..." Jaemin groans, his fingers covering his eyes.

Baekhyun gapes. "Oh you really are in deep, aren't you sweetheart?"

"Shut up." He begs, soft, defeated.

"Oh now I absolutely have to-"

"Okay so I have a red wine..." Jeno reappears at their table balancing a serving tray on his fingers. He uses his right hand to offer it out to Baekhyun who accepts the glass with a delicate hum.

Chanyeol accepts his beer with a simple nod and Jaemin tries not to guzzle up his white wine spritzer too soon. Jeno places a glass of ice-cold Cola onto his own side of the table before offering out the tray to another waiter who passes by with a bright smile.

When he sits himself back down at the table, he glances around it and sinks into his seat. "What did I miss?"

"They're annoyed that you're poor." Jaemin blurts before he could stop himself. His eyes grow wide at his own actions.

"Oh is that all?" Jeno wonders, taking a sip of his coke.

"No, that is not all." Baekhyun snaps, leaning across the table with his eyes glaring at Jaemin. "It was a joke."

"You guys do know that I've only just got employed right? Chanyeol's my employer, if you have a problem with my pay-check, talk to him about it." Jeno lifts his chin towards the tallest at the table, before he turns his attention back to the bowl of pasta he had ordered.

"No one has a problem with your pay-check." Baekhyun's voice creeps higher, his words gaining the attention of the other restaurant guests. He groans and closes his eyes, drawing in calming breaths before he tries again. "Like I was trying to explain to our idiot here," Jaemin squawks at the finger being pointed in his direction. "Chanyeol and I don't care about your financial background, I was merely wondering if there were any problems with you."

"Oh." Jeno lifts his eyes from the pasta. "Well I have a couple of problems if you want to hear them-"

"Please entertain him." Chanyeol huffs, rubbing his index finger against one of his temples. "He's not going to stop unless you say something."

"I got my scholarship revoked?"

"What?" Baekhyun drops his fork, making it clang against his plate. "You're a college student?"

"Was." Jeno shrugs his shoulders. "I got a sports scholarship for hockey but because we had to make the wolf attack look legit, they retracted it on the condition that I couldn't be injured in an accident outside of the college's control."

"But it was your college's fault that you were on that field-trip to begin with." Baekhyun deadpans, reciting the words that Jeno has been told by everyone he had shared the information with.

"Yeah I know that. But it doesn't matter. Sehun said that he has something cooking with them at the moment, he's my legal representative apparently-"

"Huh..." Baekhyun swallows the food in his mouth. "I didn't know that Sehun got his degree."

"He hasn't." Chanyeol clarifies, pausing in his meal to reply. "But he's been around enough cases to know what to do."

"Wait..." Jeno places his own fork down onto the table. "Sehun's representing me without a license?"

"He's a vampire." Jaemin leans in closer to whisper. "He doesn't need an up-to-date license to know what to do."

"Oh so, he has a license?"

Baekhyun nods his head, taking a sip of his red wine. "From the sixties, I think?"

Jeno suddenly realises that he doesn't actually know how old Sehun is. He figured that it would be a few years, but with a license from the 1960s Sehun was younger than Jeno thought he was.

"Wait, this might be an improper question because it could break a fuck ton of your policies but-"

"He turns three hundred next year." Baekhyun explains.

Oh. That was older than Jeno thought. A lot older.

His immediate reaction to the news would be to pull out his phone and text Mark, his best friend would have a hilarious reaction to this. The only thing that stops him from doing just that, is because it would kill him not being there to see Mark's genuine reaction.

The possibilities were endless. Mark could flip and probably lose all hope and cocoon himself in his blankets for the foreseeable future. Or, he would ask so many questions that Sehun might end up contemplating a wooden stake to the heart.

"Well if Sehun is the one in charge of your case then your university doesn't stand a chance. What are you studying anyway?"

"Architecture."

"Ah, so that's why Chanyeol is hooked on you." Baekhyun's grin is genuine. "You really are a carbon copy of him at your age."

"I told you." Chanyeol chuckles, pausing in his feasting to take another sip of his beer.

"Any other things that I should know about you?" Baekhyun wonders, balancing his chin on his hand. His brown eyes look like honey in the candlelight.

"Nothing that comes to mind," Jeno admits, suddenly unsure of what to say. He had suspected that there might be questions directed his way this evening, but he never expected Baekhyun to be looking for something wrong with him. "Or anything that I'd be willing to admit to right now."

"Mysterious," Baekhyun chuckles. "I can respect that. We have put you in an uncomfortable position, after all, we're not here to interrogate you..."

Jeno senses something else, which is why he doesn't place any more food in his mouth.

"But I do have a question, something that no one has been able to explain to me just yet. If you wouldn't mind indulging me?"

"Sure."

"How did you know?"

Jeno's brows furrow. "What?"

"How did you know where Jaemin was when they took him?"

"I had a dream." Jeno explains, glancing at Chanyeol to take note of his reaction. He catches a small smirk developing on the taller's lips but it's gone before Jeno could comment on it. "At the time I thought that I was the one that was taken, I was looking around for Mark and that's when I took notice of all the surroundings and the faces of the people that had taken me. I didn't know that it was Jaemin before he screamed my name..."

"I didn't know that you saw all of that..." Jaemin's fingers trace over Jeno's arm which rests on the table between them. "I'm so sorry-"

"Don't apologise for getting kidnapped." Jeno interrupts him, jaw clenching. "I'm just glad that I saw it so I could find you."

"Yeah." Jaemin agrees with a bright smile on his lips. "thank you for coming for me."

"Always." Jeno gently places his other hand over Jaemin's, applying just enough pressure to keep him steady.

Baekhyun clears his throat, forcing them both to turn to him in alarm. He's staring down at their hands, a small smile on his lips. Jeno immediately pulls his hands away, shifting on his seat. Jaemin's fingers coil against his wrist a second later, sliding themselves through the gaps of Jeno's. A heavy presence outside the elders' gazes.

"Let the boy eat his food." Chanyeol leans back in his seat, glaring playfully at Baekhyun who blushes at the heat of his gaze. Jeno swallows down a mouthful of his coke, watching as Chanyeol gestures to his bowl of pasta. "Eat. Seriously."

Jaemin easily slips into conversation, taking Baekhyun's attention away long enough for Jeno to actually enjoy his food. Their hands remain locked on Jeno's thigh throughout the exchange. Chanyeol adds his own words to their conversation every time they're needed but for the most part the conversation stays solely between Baekhyun and Jaemin.

When the main meal is over and they have given their orders to a different server, Jeno realises that he had gone more than an hour without looking towards the door.

He checks back in on his anxiety, finding it hidden beneath the warmth of the food in his stomach. It's smaller than when they first arrived, content because there was no real danger. But its presence is familiar, a comforting presence for Jeno who still didn't know how to react to this new environment.

Chanyeol and Jaemin were doing a fantastic job at making him feel comfortable, jumping in whenever Baekhyun raised a question to him. They also provided Jeno with the space to answer those questions, always remembering to keep a smile on his face as he did so.

"Dessert!" The same woman from earlier grins as she balances four individual plates on her tray. Like they had practiced earlier, she passes them each to Jeno who passes them over to their rightful owner. Jaemin grins when he accepts his plate, giggling quietly as he sets it down on the table. "I should get you an application to work here." She laughs, wiping her hands in her apron with a nervous smile on her lips.

"I've already done my hours in hospitality." Jeno shrugs his shoulders, making sure that they had gotten Chanyeol's order correct. "But I've already got a job. Thanks for the offer though."

"Shall I bring you your bill?" The lady wonders, glancing over at Chanyeol who hadn't been expecting it so soon.

"Oh..." He swallows the sliver of his dessert before continuing. "Sure, it's probably best since you guys are so busy tonight."

"I'll get that started right away!" She calls over her shoulder before disappearing into the back of the restaurant.

Jaemin watches her go, noticing that Jeno is much too interested in tasting his own dessert. It makes him smile.

Unfortunately it doesn't go unnoticed, as he gets a gentle kick to his shin which makes him lift his gaze. Baekhyun is struggling to hold his laughter in, masking it with the refilled glass of wine by his lips.

Jaemin takes note of the chocolate cake sitting in the centre of Jeno's plate, his tongue swiping along his lips at the sight of it.

"Jeno." He whispers, leaning close. "Can I have some of your cake?"

Jeno hums his answer, carefully brushing Jaemin to the side so he could grab ahold of Jaemin's fork. He takes it and carefully cuts a wide section of the cake with its edge, his own fork carefully balancing the slice of cake on the prongs of Jaemin's fork before offering it out to Jaemin.

The hybrid makes sure to wrap his lips over the edge of the cake, mouth closing around the fluffy cake and gently pulling it off the prongs with a delighted hum. His fingers gently trace against Jeno's wrist, trailing upward to take his fork back.

Just in time to see the waitress come back.

She slides the small black leather folder onto the table right next to Jeno who barely sends it a glance. His fingers stretch to slide it across the table towards Chanyeol, only for her to stop it in the middle with a polite smile on her lips.

"Could you do me a favour and check that everything is in order then come find me with this when you're finished? Like you said, we're very busy tonight."

"Sure." Jeno forces a smile, before cutting another slice of his cake to gently place onto Jaemin's plate.

Baekhyun thankfully waits for her to walk away before speaking. "Should we tell him now, or wait?"

"That was so painful." Chanyeol shakes his head, reaching across the table to snatch the bill. He flips it open and gently lifts the piece of paper with her number printed onto it. "Here," he holds it out by its corner. Jeno stares at it in confusion. "This is for you."

"What?"

"She was giving you her number." Baekhyun explains behind a chuckle. "Can't say that I blame the poor girl, she was completely mesmerized."

"Are you flirting with me?"

"Me? No." Baekhyun cackles. "But she's been trying all night. You're pretty oblivious..."

"I'm not used to people trying to flirt with me." Jeno explains, a pretty pink blush develops on his cheeks as he glances down at the paper in his hands.

"Jaemin had to throw him against a wall," Chanyeol explains with a wicked smile on his lips. "he still didn't realise that he was being flirted with for a few days after that."

"Now Mark's comment makes sense." Baekhyun spoke beneath his breath but Jeno was capable of hearing it.

"I should probably go talk to her." Jeno admits, placing his napkin onto the table. Jaemin gently places his hand on Jeno's thigh, keeping him close. Jeno turns to look at him, offering him a small nervous smile. "I'll be quick, I promise."

Jaemin lets him go with a small defeated sigh.

"Oh sweetheart don't start looking so upset." Baekhyun extends his hand across the table. Jaemin immediately places his own inside of it. "Don't let your scent get the better of you. He's not doing anything wrong, he's just talking to her."

"I know... I can't help it, I'm a little jealous."

"I wouldn't be." Chanyeol groans in contentment, licking off the remainder of his dessert from his spoon. "That boy is head over heels for you. You should have seen the demon that Mark and I had to reel in when he heard that you were missing. Jisung wouldn't stop shaking at the sight of him."

"You never told me that-"

"I didn't have much of a chance." Chanyeol shrugs his shoulders. "You need to trust him a little more-"

"I do." Jaemin huffs, crossing his arms against his chest. "I just can't help but feel a little jealous. The first time that I'm out in two years and he gets hit on..."

"Would it make you feel better if someone hits on you?" Baekhyun wonders, eyebrows wiggling.

Jaemin scowls. "No."

"Then stop pouting darling, you're ruining my dessert."

"You two are terrible parents."

"Excuse me," Chanyeol blinks. "I was only made aware of this arrangement today."

"I'm still debating about what it was that I saw in your Father for me to get into bed with him, he's not exactly my type." Baekhyun pops a strawberry into his mouth.

"Oh really?" Chanyeol glares, gaze heavy. "Whose to say that you didn't get in voluntarily?"

"Please stop!" Jaemin begs, swallowing the tired sigh threatening to escape his mouth. "I knew that I never should have said anything. You're both menaces!"

"Just living that parental lifestyle." Chanyeol teases, placing his card into the leather pocket before dropping it down onto the table. "What kind of parents would we be if we didn't annoy our child a little?"

"Good ones." Jaemin huffs, Baekhyun laughs.

When Jeno comes back, he's not alone.

He's carrying another plate in his hand and another server is following him to the table with a small smile on his lips. He places the plate with more samples of dessert onto the table before sliding into his seat next to Jaemin. He doesn't offer introductions, simply gestures to the waiter who launches into an explanation.

"I want to apologize for your evening. We have been run off our feet and most of our regular staff members called in sick at the last minute. I wanted to express our sincerest apologies if our actions have impacted on your evening. To make up for it, I have asked the chef to prepare some snacks that we hope you enjoy after you leave us for the night. Please know that we have greatly appreciated Mister Lee's assistance tonight and if you choose to dine with us again, please accept a free evening on the house."

"We appreciate the gesture, thank you." Chanyeol smiles, offering out the bill with his card still tucked safely inside. The manager accepts it with a deep bow before scurrying off to the back of the restaurant.

"Damn Sparky, I thought that you were just going to talk to her, not get her manager involved." Baekhyun coos, reaching across the table to snag some of the orange drizzled cake from the new plate.

"I spoke to her privately," Jeno explains, offering Chanyeol the dish next. He denies, so he moves it to Jaemin who takes a few raspberries to add to his own untouched plate. "I wasn't under the impression that we would be heard, but her manager was listening by the door and launched into a round of apologies. He threw in the extra desserts for free and said that he wanted to speak to the table, so I offered to show him where it was."

"What did you tell her?" Jaemin wonders, curiosity getting the better of him.

"That I'm not in a position to accept anyone's phone number."

"You apologized?"

"No?" Jeno's brows furrow as he looks past the candles to Baekhyun. "Wy would I apologize for being happy the way I am right now? I told her that I wasn't on the market and gave her back her number."

"So you're dating someone?" Baekhyun wonders, eyes sparkling in the glow of the fire.

Jeno doesn't take the bait.

"No," he concludes. "but I'm not exactly single either."

"You're reserving yourself." Chanyeol explains, a small knowing smile on his lips. "For that special someone huh?" Jeno nods his head, a little shy. "I know the feeling."

Baekhyun tries to shift the conversation, but Jaemin still lingers in the weight of Jeno's words. He can't seem to wipe the smile from his lips as he turns back to look at the man he considers his Appa. He tries really hard to listen to what he's talking about, but nothing registers.

__________________

"Are you sure that you want to go straight home sweetheart?" Baekhyun whispers once they're outside.

"Appa," Jaemin smiles, gently taking a hold of his hand. The word sounds so natural against his tongue. "I loved everything about tonight. I got to spend time with my family, that's all that I could have asked for. But I'm tired, my excitement has calmed down and I've realized just how tired I am."

"Are you sure that you're alright driving?" Chanyeol wonders, holding out the keys to Jeno who nods his head.

"I'm the only one who didn't have a drop of alcohol, remember?" Jeno replies with a playful eye roll. "I probably need directions going back though, I don't remember anything about coming in."

"That's not like you." Chanyeol admits. "Everything okay?"

"I was left to contemplate some words at the time, remember?" Jeno blinks up at him, smiling despite his tone.

Chanyeol immediately begins to nod his head, remembering his own words at the door. He scrambles to push Jeno towards the truck.

Jaemin follows them but he pauses when he almost runs into Chanyeol's back. Baekhyun is wearing a small nervous smile as he stands in front of them.

"Actually," he takes a step closer, smiling kindly at Jeno before his gaze raises higher. "Can we talk?"

"Alone?" Chanyeol blurts, eyes growing wide.

"I'll have you home by midnight, I promise." Baekhyun giggles. "Is that okay?"

"Fine with me," Jeno shrugs his shoulders, pulling out his phone. "I can get directions on my phone-"

"No, I think it's best if we go back with them." Chanyeol chuckles nervously, glancing down at Jeno with a pained smile. "Isn't that right Jeno?"

"Oh hell no!" The boy throws Chanyeol's grip off of him. "I'm not being dragged into any more of these meetings, I've already done my time today! Baekhyun," he turns to the elder with an apologetic smile on his face. Chanyeol wants to die, painfully. "Try not to break him. I need him for my own interrogation later."

Maybe dying quickly wouldn't be so bad.

"Scouts honor!" The werewolf proclaims, a bright box shaped smile on display.

"I'll dock your wages!" It's his last attempt.

"Apparently I don't make enough anyway." Jeno shrugs his shoulders, sticking his tongue out of extra measure. He loops his fingers through Jaemin's hand and gently begins to pull him in the direction of Chanyeol's truck. "Come on Jaeminnie," he grins. "Let's stop along the way for ice-cream."

"I want details later!" Jaemin calls over his shoulder, smiling wider than he has the entire day.

They both watch as Jeno leads their son back through the parking lot, taking extra care of the cars that are trying to make their way onto the road.

"Alright," Chanyeol heaves when the silence becomes too much. "What is it?"

"Can't I just want some time alone with you before we go back to a house full of supernatural creatures who can hear every little thing?" Baekhyun's cheeks blossom with a faint red hue.

Chanyeol blames the cold weather.

"You never like being alone with me."

"I've never said that."

"No," Chanyeol agrees. "but your persistent attempts to escape whenever we are by ourselves speaks volumes."

"Don't you know how nerves work?" Baekhyun scoffs, drawing his arms closer to his body. "I might be different from most werewolves Chanyeol but I still possess emotions."

"You could have fooled me." Chanyeol deadpans, keeping his eyes locked on a spot up ahead. His heart swells in his chest as he watches Jeno offer out his hand to help Jaemin up into the passenger's seat.

"Why are you being a dick right now?"

"Just trying to stop feeling anything towards you." Chanyeol huffs, watching his breath rise in the air. "Wasn't that what you wanted?"

"Maybe when I was young and stupid!" Baekhyun snaps. "Of course I want you to feel something for me-"

"Then what the fuck do you want from me?" Chanyeol hisses, lifting his eyes off his truck. Baekhyun quivers beneath his words, staring up at him with wide nervous eyes. "What the hell do you want Baekhyun? Do you want me to feel something for you? Do you want me to conceal it? Bury it down so much that I can't even approach you anymore? Because I have. I've been doing it ever since you left that day." Baekhyun's lips part. "I'm numb. I haven't felt a single emotion course through me other than rage for months."

"Why haven't you said anything?"

"What would you have wanted me to say? I miss you? I care about you? Come home? I have. I've told you all of it every time our paths have crossed, every time that you stood outside my windows and whispered to me over the morning air. I've tried to get you to stay, to care enough to come back. But you don't care, I'm starting to wonder if you ever did."

Chanyeol turns on his heel and begins moving towards the exit of the carpark, figuring that once he's well enough away he might be able to call a cab to take him home.

"No!"

Baekhyun appears in front of him, hand out to press against Chanyeol's chest. He pushes him backwards and Chanyeol allows himself to fall back a step. He's a little surprised by Baekhyun's blatant refusal, but he doesn't let it show.

"No, you don't get to leave. You don't get to turn your back on me!"

"Why?" Chanyeol tilts his head, blinking rapidly to avoid giving any fuel to his already building tears. "Because you finally know what it feels like when that shit happens to you? It hurts like a bitch, doesn't it?"

"Just say that you hate me. Drive the knife deeper, go on!"

"I can't!" Chanyeol snaps, taking hold of Baekhyun's wrists. His grip is tight, but they both know that Chanyeol is incapable of hurting him. Baekhyun sags against his touch, body leaning against Chanyeol's larger form.

"Why can't you...?" Baekhyun's voice is uneasy, his own eyes blinking away tears. "It would be easier, it would make the ruse more believable if you did."

"I can't make my heart do something that it doesn't want to do." Chanyeol draws in a deep inhale, his nostrils flaring when he exhales a couple seconds later. Baekhyun watches as it dances towards the star-filled sky. "Though my wolf would love to rip your throat out right now."

"I promised you that I would come back-"

"I've learned to stop believing in your promises years ago." Chanyeol chuckles without humor. His eyes are tired and his grip doesn't frame Baekhyun's wrists the way that it used to.

Baekhyun takes a shaky inhale of his own. "You're giving up on me just like that?"

"You gave up on me first."

"I left because I wanted to protect you, you're not like me... You're not tied to any of this-"

"I am." Chanyeol loosens his grip even further, his fingers dropping down to hold Baekhyun's elbows. "We both know that I am, I'm just finally allowing myself to admit it. No matter what it is, when it comes to you, I'm always going to be involved one way or another."

"Chanyeol-"

"You left to protect me..." Chanyeol echoes, a scoff lingering alongside the words. Baekhyun's chest aches. "Then why is it that you always come back needing something else from me? A place to crash, then a place to send Jaemin to, is that all that I am to you? Another one of your contacts that you can use whenever you're in a pinch?"

"Don't call yourself that." Baekhyun bites, blue orbs flashing.

"Then stop making me feel like I'm a back-up plan." Chanyeol growls back, his red eyes flashing in challenge.

Baekhyun's breath hitches at the sight of them, his swallow audible against the howling wind. Chanyeol staggers backwards, breath catching in his throat.

His ruby red eyes drain to reveal his beautiful brown eyes, Baekhyun reaches out instinctively.

"Is this why?" Chanyeol's voice cracks, emotions finally slipping through. "Is that why we've gone through all of this heartbreak? Because I remind you too much of him?"

"No!" Baekhyun immediately declines, breaching the gap Chanyeol had created between them. "No, never. I would never-"

"But your body did, I felt it-"

"You felt what you wanted to feel." Baekhyun bites back, hands forming fists. "You're so worried that I'll mistake you for him when you don't even let me get close enough to find out! You're not the only wolf who has red eyes Chanyeol, countless other Alphas do, and I don't relate all of them to him! If you let me get close enough, you'd realise that my body is trying to tell you something else. What I've been practically screaming at you since we were young!"

"You're the one who refuses to get close to me." Chanyeol whispers through his teeth. "You've been pulling me along for years, and like a helpless puppy I always come running. Always keeping me at arm's length while whispering promises that you can't keep. What do you want me to do?!"

"Why do you keep saying that?!"

"Because you keep coming back!" Chanyeol sighs, all fight vanishing from his frame. "You keep coming back... just when I think that I'm finally moving on from you, suddenly you're back in my life, or standing on the boundary calling for me. Clearly you want something from me. So just tell me. Stop pulling me, stop holding onto me when you don't even know what you want."

"I meant what I said that morning." Baekhyun steps closer, his fingers halting midair.

Chanyeol doesn't move, Baekhyun takes it as an invitation. Their breaths hitch when Baekhyun's fingers finally meet skin.

"I want to come back, I want to see my room... I want to have a place there. I want to wake up and eat Kyungsoo's breakfast, your fruit salad... I want to follow Yixing around his clinic and annoy Suho by scheduling in therapy appointments because we both know that I need them."

They both manage to let out a small laugh out at that.

"Then," Chanyeol licks his lips, looking hopeful. "what's stopping you?"

"I'm afraid." Baekhyun whispers, leaning closer. His fingers flex at the back of Chanyeol's nape but he only grips tighter. "The last time I allowed myself to love someone, they died. I took a risk by running with Jaemin, but that was because I knew that you'd be able to help him. I loved him and he died Chanyeol, I knew that I needed to keep you both together to keep you safe. Our ruse makes it easier for people to think that I would never leave him with you, but we both know that I don't hate you. Not really. I just can't have anyone else know how I really feel about you because I don't want to lose you."

"Then say it." Chanyeol crowds into the space between them, drawing another breath from Baekhyun's lungs. "Tell me, and I'll stop doubting you. I'll hold your promises. I'll build you a whole wing on the house. Tell me and I'll know."

Baekhyun glances around at their surroundings, only realizing that they were still standing in the middle of the parking lot. He looks up at Chanyeol, heart aching as he forces his hand to pull away. He takes it back as he falls back onto his feet. He bites his lips, looking up at him.

"Not here." He whispers.

"Then where?" Chanyeol sighs. "When? See, this is the problem with you-"

"No." Baekhyun interrupts, gently reaching out to take his hand. Chanyeol is powerless to object. "I can't tell you here, come with me. Somewhere we won't be heard."

"I can call a cab?" Chanyeol uses his free hand to pat his pockets to locate his phone.

Baekhyun almost feels apologetic for having slipped it into Jaemin's pocket before the boy had left. He giggles when Chanyeol starts to panic. Instead of explaining, Baekhyun simply takes his other hand and gently pulls him closer.

"Chase me."

Chanyeol freezes. "What?"

"Is that how the kids say it these days?" Baekhyun wonders, tilting his head to the side. "I don't know how to say it but you know what I'm talking about right? That werewolf tradition that goes back centuries-"

"Of course I know it." Chanyeol admits, breathless. "I wrote a whole paper on it when I was living with Leeteuk, of course I know what the hell it is, what the hell it means. But what the hell are you saying? You want me to chase you?"

"Think you can keep up?" Baekhyun grins, canines on full display.

"You can't be serious." Chanyeol chuckles nervously. "Do you even know what it means?"

"I read that paper you wrote when we were living with Leeteuk." Baekhyun playfully rolls his eyes. "Of course I know about it, we even practiced once before, didn't we?"

"I didn't expect you to remember that..."

"Chanyeol," Baekhyun calls, gaining his attention. "I remember everything that has ever happened between us." He takes his hands back, letting Chanyeol's hands fall an arm-length away. "Catch me and I'll say whatever you want me to."

"You have to mean it Baekhyun."

"I will."

"Baekhyun-"

"I'll give you a reason to believe in me again. All you have to do is catch me."

"I haven't shifted in front of you in a long time, you might not be prepared for what you see."

"I trust you." Baekhyun grins, lips curling up into a smirk. "Chase me." He whispers, the wind carrying his voice to Chanyeol. "Catch me. The rest is just instinct."

__________________

Jaemin giggles into his ice-cream, humming contently as Jeno parks in the parking-lot closest to the store they had just exited with their delicious treat.

They had gathered a few curious glances, no doubt from their elaborate outfits. But Jaemin had paid them no mind, finding himself completely overrun with Jeno who had held him close and spoke quietly about the things in his head.

They had separated in the store, ordering individually, though that didn't stop the elder from slipping in front of him to pay at the register when Jaemin's ice-cream was ready. The older woman had simply smiled and accepted his card with a gentle giggle when Jaemin launched into a gentle reprimand. Jeno took every word in stride, smiling wholeheartedly as Jaemin continued to complain.

Now they were back in the truck.

Jaemin's fingers gently cradle his small ice-cream cup, heart warm and light in his chest. By his side Jeno looked concentrated, eyes narrowed as his fingers guided the steering wheel around in a small curve. Jeno slides the gearshift into park before turning off the engine, his sculptured fingers reaching into the cup-holder to extract his ice-cream.

When his gaze rises to Jaemin, the hybrid hides himself behind his hands and his cup. He could feel the blush creep along his cheeks, starting from his ears and spreading until it gently tickled against the bridge of his nose. Jaemin slumps against his seat, brown eyes still lingering on Jeno who had turned his full attention onto his ice-cream.

Jaemin's breath hitches as he watches Jeno's tongue peek out from between his pale pink lips to gently wipe the trickling ice-cream from the rim of his cup.

For the purpose of his own mental health, Jaemin shifts his focus.

"What did you end up getting?" Jeno wonders, stretching across the console between them to glance inside Jaemin's cup. He laughs quietly to himself when he sees two scoops of chocolate.

"What?" Jaemin pouts. "I was craving it after you gave me some of your dessert, that cake was really nice..."

"I'll have to take your word for it." Jeno chuckles, settling back into his seat.

His fingers gently raise his spoon. Jaemin comes before he even realizes what he's doing, his body stretching across the console. His body trembles when their shoulders gently brush. His lips curl upwards when he sees two mounds of mint-chocolate-chip at the bottom of Jeno's cup.

"Really? Toothpaste?"

"Hey!" Jeno playfully shoves him away. Jaemin allows himself to fall back against his seat, giggling happily to himself. "I didn't say anything mean about your ice-cream!"

"No, but you did mention the fact that I took your dessert at the restaurant." Jaemin bites back.

"Which is something that actually happened." Jeno replies. He pokes his tongue out at him, playful. Jaemin watches as it then curls around the edge of his spoon. Green ice-cream immediately dissolves to a clumpy liquid that has heat pooling in Jaemin's stomach.

Jeno immediately whimpers in pain, his fingers throwing the spoon back into his cup as his hand comes up to gently massage his left temple. Jaemin couldn't help but coo, his body following the magnetic pull towards the elder currently dealing with brain freeze.

"You're an idiot." He whispers.

Jeno hums pleasantly as Jaemin's hand comes to lightly bat Jeno's hand away. He replaces the human's fingers with his own, gently rubbing soothing circles into Jeno's temple in the hope of lifting some of the pressure.

"You may have a point..." Jeno groans, leaning back in his seat to accommodate Jaemin's hold on his head.

"Thank you..." Jaemin whispers into the silence that overcomes them. Jeno doesn't break it, but he is curious to learn about his gratitude. Jaemin smiles before continuing. "For coming with me tonight. I know that you probably only did it because you knew that I needed someone to scent me, but I'm really grateful for you. Probably more than you know."

"Can I be honest with you?" Jeno wonders, tilting his head just enough to meet Jaemin's gaze without halting the hold he had on Jeno's head.

"Of course you can." Jaemin shifts in his seat, placing his ice-cream cup into the cup-holder between them. "I would even encourage it."

"I was absolutely terrified about coming tonight." Jeno begins with a small tired smile. Jaemin's breath hitches. "I actually have Mark to thank for forcing me to come along, otherwise I probably would have told you that I couldn't do it. Not that I didn't want to, I did, I really wanted to, but... I'm not really a social kind of guy. I don't do fancy restaurants, I don't interact well with other people.. I like being by myself, probably because it's the only real way I know how to be. But when you asked me to join you tonight, I found myself wanting to do anything I could to make you feel happy. My anxiety was through the roof when we arrived, but then I saw how excited this whole thing made you, and none of that mattered anymore. I took your hand and the whole world just fell away... I took your hand and it was like you there for me without even knowing what it was making me feel. I just hope that - I just hope that you enjoyed your evening. I hope that my presence made your night a little better."

"Jeno..." Jaemin blinks the tears in his eyes away. "Why didn't you tell me about this? I never realised that this would impact you in such a way... you always seem so calm and collected no matter the situation we're in. I thought that this would be right up your alley-"

"I guess that's just the effect you have on me." Jeno smiles, his fingers gently curling around Jaemin's wrist. "It was why Chanyeol and I were laughing together, we were so busy checking the front door of the restaurant when we said that we would be relaxed during the meal. But when we started talking and I listened to you and Baekhyun interact like people who had never been away from each other... I forgot all about the anxiety. I was actually able to enjoy my time with you and your parents."

"I'm sorry that I put you in a place to feel anxious to begin with, I never meant to do that." Jaemin leans closer. "I am so sorry."

"I didn't communicate that part of myself." Jeno shrugs his shoulders, his thumb gently tracing a small circle against Jaemin's pulse. "I don't communicate it to other people because I don't like it being perceived as a weakness. Chanyeol and Mark only know about it, because I didn't want you to spend your night worrying about me."

Jaemin makes a mental note to send Mark a fruit basket. He uses the hold that he has on Jeno's head to pull him even closer. "Never do that again."

There is no venom in his voice, but Jeno still smiles.

"Never let yourself suffer for me. I'm glad that you were able to enjoy the evening, but please never let something like that happen again. I don't want our relationship to be built on you only doing things because you think that it will make me happy... Jeno, I - I'll be happy just being around you. Whether that's in a crowd of people or alone in your bedroom... I don't care, I care about you and that's the only thing that matters."

Jeno's head grows a little heavier against Jaemin's hand. He watches as Jeno's eyes scan his features, his heart hammering in his chest when Jeno finally meets his gaze.

"God..." he whispers, staring straight through him. "I really want to kiss you right now."

Jaemin's lips curl immediately, his body tingling happily. He leans closer. "That could be arranged."

Jeno chuckles against him, but he doesn't move to breach the gap.

"No..." He whispers, using the hold he has on Jaemin's wrist to gently push him away. "We shouldn't do something like that on our first date-"

"This does not count as our first date." Jaemin interrupts, letting Jeno push him back against his seat. "Tonight was simply a celebratory dinner with my three favourite people. I expect our first date to be just us. Besides," his lips curl into a small smirk, Jeno rolls his eyes. "If my memory serves, you planted a pretty memorable kiss on my lips before you left that day."

"I had to make you remember me somehow." Jeno shrugs his shoulders, smile blinding. His muscles arm slips beneath the wheel and Jaemin trembles as the engine of the truck roars to life.

Neither of them bother to continue eating their ice-cream, hungry for something sweeter than the dessert.

At some point through the journey, Jaemin is bold enough to reach out to gently rest his fingers against Jeno's hand on the clutch. The elder takes it with him as he gently leads the truck around a corner, their fingers interlocking once they're back on the open road.

He presses apologetic kisses along Jaemin's wrist, lips gently resting against the skin as Jaemin's veins thrum in excitement. The hybrid rests his head against the headrest with a wide tired smile on his lips, eyes locked on the sight ahead of him. Jeno continues to lightly trace the skin of Jaemin's wrist with his thumb while the rest of his fingers keep Jaemin's hand in place against his palm.

Jaemin's eyes widen as he realises something had changed between them. Something small but incredibly important. Jaemin stares at his wrist which is still contained in Jeno's grip, his breath catching against his lips when he registers the gesture.

His body no longer jerks away from Jeno's hold on his wrist. It no longer protests against Jeno's warmth. It now seeks it out, sending warm tingles along Jaemin's nerve-endings.

As the crunching of the cobblestones echo against Jaemin's eardrums, he sighs when reality slams against him like a strong wave.

He groans softly when he realises that his dream evening is about to come to a close. Jeno shuts off the engine, taking his warmth with him when he exits the vehicle.

Jaemin doesn't dare follow him, too stubborn to wish for the end of the evening.

He doesn't get the opportunity to wallow in heartbreak any longer, as Jeno appears at his door with a faint knowing smile on his lips.

"Hey." He whispers after opening Jaemin's door.

"Hi." Jaemin can't help but smile back.

"You coming inside?"

Jaemin shakes his head. "I don't think that I'm ready for all of it to be over."

Jeno's brows furrow. "What do you mean?"

"This night was a dream come true," Jaemin leans back against his headrest. "I don't want tomorrow to come so soon."

"Yeah." Jeno agrees with a dip of his head. "Tonight was pretty great."

"Want to join me in my wallowing?" Jaemin wonders, gently nudging his head to the side.

Jeno doesn't take the offer, simply placing both of his wrists against the metal above Jaemin's head. "I can't say that I'm not tempted by the offer."

Jaemin pouts.

"But unlike some, I can't wait for tomorrow to come." Jeno smiles, making Jaemin's heart skip a beat. "Us humans, never know what tomorrow brings and that terrifies us. But we typically like to live life every moment at a time. I used to hate waking up every morning because I hated tomorrow too. But then I met this really cute pink haired supernatural creature who introduced me to a family who made room for me and the baggage I carry. He's worth every moment that I spend looking forward to tomorrows."

"Jen..."

How did he know?

How did he always know exactly what to say to not only have Jaemin feel comforted but also completely and undoubtedly seen?

"So I extend the same offer to you Jaeminnie," the nickname sounded so right against his lips. "will you join me in welcoming tomorrow?"

Jaemin stares down at the hand being held out to him. His heart races in his chest. There had never been a time like the present when Jaemin had been grateful that Jeno didn't possess supernatural hearing abilities. He knows that he wouldn't be able to survive if Jeno learned just how much his words, his presence, and his life affected Jaemin.

"Of course I will." He whispers, allowing himself to take Jeno's hand in his own.

The human helps him from the car, smiling that moon-shaped grin that has Jaemin's walls crumble.

He couldn't deny it any longer.

Everything that he had blurted to Mark was very real, and very scary.

Jaemin had never loved someone so much before, he didn't know what to do or what to say.

And yet, Jeno held him steady. A heavy hand on his waist as he guided him up the stairs to the porch. His scent had been swirling around Jaemin all evening but now it was contained in the solid, strong presence by his side.

When Jeno turned around to close over the front door and make sure that it remained locked, Jaemin lingered by his side, unsure what to do, what to say.

Jeno refilled the space by his side with what could only be described as practiced ease. His hand returns to Jaemin's waist to aid him up the next set of stairs leading up to their bedrooms. His body located the other members of the household, all tucked safely in their beds - sleeping or content in their nightly activities. Jaemin tried to turn his senses down, but they were dialed up too high.

Jeno's hand made the skin it touched tingle and quiver. Not at all in a bad way.

Jaemin's body leaned back into it, chasing the warmth and comfort that came with it. His ears were ringing with the sound of his own heartbeat, thrumming an exciting rhythm that Jaemin swore spelled out Jeno's name.

The human's scent continues to flicker against Jaemin's nostrils, so incredibly comforting yet also dangerously delicious. As a hybrid, Jaemin had only ever known of the hunger for blood, it tore away at his throat with a vicious fever. But this hunger that overcame him wasn't for blood, it was all consuming - it took root in every vein, muscle, and bone he possessed. It was another kind of danger that Jaemin never expected to experience in his life.

A hunger to love and be loved in return.

"What makes you so pouty?" Jeno's thumb gently traces beneath Jaemin's lower lip, snapping the hybrid out of his mind.

"Nothing." Jaemin shakes his head, leaning against Jeno's touch. "Do you want to come in?"

They glance at Jaemin's bedroom door, the pink stickers causing a small smile to develop on Jeno's lips. He takes his hand away much to Jaemin's hidden frustration.

"No, we need to catch up on sleep tonight. If I was to sleep beside you tonight, I'm not entirely sure we'd get any."

Jaemin slumps against his door, defeated. "Why did you have to say it like that?" He quietly groans, heart still thundering in his chest. "Now I'm just going to be dreaming about what could have happened."

"Good." Jeno takes him by surprise, refilling the gap that had come between them. "Let me plague your dreams tonight."

Jaemin bites his lower lip. "Who says that you don't already?"

Jeno's eyes snap upward from where they had been tracing over the lines of Jaemin's lips. He looks conflicted, like he doesn't know how to respond to it.

A swelling ego bursts through as Jaemin's scent fills the air between them, but Jeno can't smell it. He doesn't know how much he's affecting the hybrid right in front of him.

Then, he does something that really solidifies this magical night.

Jeno's fingers gently cradle Jaemin's jaw as he uses his hold to gently tip their heads towards each other. Jaemin's breath hitches as his eyes flutter closed, his body easily molding against Jeno's strong frame as their lips connect.

It's not as fierce or rushed as their previous kiss, but it's still completely perfect.

Jeno kisses him with a purpose, his lips firm against Jaemin's.

Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump.

He pulls away.

Their lips remain connected despite the distance, the muscles refusing to be done with each other just yet.

Jaemin leaps to close the gap.

His body collides against Jeno, who immediately wraps his arms around Jaemin's waist. This kiss is a little more fierce, as Jaemin gently swipes his tongue against the small gap in Jeno's lips. The human groans as the hybrids' blunt teeth gently catch a hold of his bottom lip and pulls.

Jeno moves so quickly that Jaemin is barely able to register what happens. His eyes fly open as his chest heaves for breath, his vision filling with Jeno who is panting a few feet away from him. His pupils are dilated and his tongue is lingering against the lip that Jaemin had just bitten.

Before Jaemin could even begin to form words, Jisung's bedroom door opens and his head peeks out. His face is riddled with sleep and his hair is all over the place, eyes hooded with interrupted sleep.

"You guys are finally home!" He smiles a tired grin. "Did you have fun hyungs?"

"Yeah." Jeno was able to gain control of his breathing quicker than Jaemin could. "Did we wake you up kiddo?"

"No, I was trying to stay awake to make sure you both got home safely." Jisung grins, eyes closing as sleep tries to take him again.

Jeno chuckles, abandoning Jaemin to gently shove Jisung back into his bedroom. "Go and get some sleep Ji. We'll see you for breakfast in the morning, yeah?"

"Can you tuck me into bed hyung?" Jisung's tired voice refills Jaemin's ears.

His cheeks darken when Jeno turns to look at him, eyes still glazed over with lust. Jaemin's breath hitches in his lungs.

"I'll catch you tomorrow morning Jaeminnie?" Jeno wonders, though his voice is struggling to remain still.

"Y-" Jaemin coughs, offering him a small smile. "Yeah, I'll see you in the morning."

When Jaemin slips into his bedroom that night, he's grinning so hard that his cheeks ache in protest.