Chapter Text
Taehyung groans as high-pitched noises ricochet off his skull, awakening him from the beautiful slumber he was lulled to after yet another long day.
“Hyung!! Get up! You’re gonna be late!” A voice screamed, making him groan once more, head pounding at the collection of noises brutally kicking him out of bed.
“This never gets fucking easier…” He curses after pulling his lifeless body out of the covers, commencing the day even though all he wanted was to go back to bed and pretend the sun never rose.
Thankfully music existed and as the soft classical sounds filled the room, Taehyung finally began to relax, the sensation easing his soul as he dressed into his favorite oversized sweater and a casual pair of jeans before exiting the room to greet the catastrophe before him.
“There you are hyung! I thought you’d never get out of bed~” His younger brother, by barely three years, Beomgyu purred, smirking as he saw the elder enter the room.
“Fuck off Gyu, I’m not in the mood to deal with you today.” Tae deadpanned, features pressed into a frightful glare as he subconsciously moved toward the coffee maker, eager to have the dark liquid quench his soul and have him somewhat awake for the day ahead.
Beomgyu immediately faked offense, an exasperated look on his face as he watched his elder brother make his way to the table; highly offended and being overly dramatic as he placed his hands on his hips, pout evident as he glared holes in the back of Taehyung’s head.
“Rude!” He huffed, earning giggles from his younger sisters sitting away him, causing the softest of smiles to etch onto Taehyung’s face. What can he say Tae has a soft spot for them.
“Now, now you lot. Now’s not the time to be bickering amongst yourselves.” Siwoo, his mother, said as she finally entered the room, gracing everyone with her presence.
Everyone immediately got to their feet and bowed to her before returning to their seats, Beomgyu instantly taking action to get back at his older brother the second his bum hit the wooden stool.
“But mom! Hyung was—”
“Was what Beomgyu? What could your brother have possibly done this time to ‘ruin’ your morning?” she asked, eyebrow raised, and arms crossed as she gave him a playful, yet stern, stare. The younger shrunk under her gaze, the timidness nothing new but always surprising as he ducked his gaze with a soft blush coating his cheeks.
“He did nothing.” He sighed, giving in, and losing all will to continue this fruitless battle.
Thank the Moon Goddess for that.
Taehyung just chuckled as he rose from his seat, mug cupped tightly in his hand as he moved to the sink and to properly greet his mother.
“Good morning my Luna, what’s on the schedule for today?”
“Morning sweetie. Well, we have some meetings you must shadow me to, Mrs. Kwon needs some help related to expanding her shop, we’ll have to visit a few politicians to reimburse our treaty once again with the humans, and then you’ll head off to your afternoon classes as usual. I on the other hand will take on more clan matters and, hopefully, return by dinnertime.”
Taehyung sucked in a long breath in between his teeth, pretending to flinch over everything he and his mother had to do that day. He’s overworked, they both are, and he’d give anything to have just one day where he could do what he wanted, but sadly he cannot. And as much as he would love to share his worries with his mother, he knows he’d never gain the courage to say those words aloud.
“Looks like we’ll have quite the day ahead of us, wouldn’t want to waste another second, would we?” He hummed as he gave his mother a soft smile, clearly seeing how much being Luna has taken its toll on her. It’s been her job to run this clan ever since his father abandoned them roughly 8 years ago and he’ll be the first to tell you that it hasn’t been easy. Countless sleepless nights, mountains of paperwork to endure, and the expectations of everyone living in this clan, human and werewolf, depending on you is a lot to handle without having someone by your side. And that’s where he comes in, ever since he was 19 Taehyung has had to take on the role that his father shamelessly deserted and shoulder that weight for himself. He is next in line to lead the clan after all, why not have a head start to boost him forward?
It's suffocating to say the least, but he doesn’t complain, he’s always happy to help and if he can ease his mother’s load just a bit, he’ll do it. And not just for her, for his family and his friends too. He’d shoulder all their burdens if it meant that they’re happy. He’d do it in a heartbeat. So here he stands, exhausted, burnt out, and overworked but overjoyed to see the fruits of his efforts as he smiles at his mother; handing her a cup of coffee he made just for her.
She sighs, gently taking the mug from him and returning the smile he gave her, “Thank you my love. What would I do without you?”
He chuckles, “I can make a list if you’d like.” His mother playfully swatted him, only making the omega laugh harder as she joined him and soon enough everyone in the room was indulging in the infectious giggles filling the air.
This is the life he lived for, seeing his family happy and healthy. He could never ask for anything else and as the eldest and only omega in his family he makes it his mission to always support and take care of those he loves. It’d kill him if he didn’t.
Okay maybe that’s exaggerating a bit, but you get it.
And with that, he grabs a small snack to eat, finishes his morning routine, and grabs his bag before joining his mother at her side, the pair exiting their home moments later and seeing their clan bathing in the marvelous morning dew of a newfound day.
His mother smiles gently as she turns and looks at him, Taehyung returning the grin before locking his arm with hers and pulling them forward, deeper into the place they call home to begin yet another grueling day.
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“You look exhausted.” A figure said with a chuckle as they took the seat next to Taehyung in the community college they’ve built at the edge of town.
Taehyung laughs dryly, raising his head from his arms to stare tiredly at whoever spoke to him.
“You try being son of the Luna for a day and see if you can make it out alive Seoyun.”
“No thank you, I choose life.” The human quoted, Taehyung recognizing the statement from Ice Age, a film the elder begged him to watch last week.
“Did you seriously just quote Ice Age?”
“What about it?” Seoyun asked, slightly offended that Taehyung even dared to utter the query. Seoyun is his best friend but sometimes Taehyung can’t help but question the things he does.
“You two are bickering already? I thought you already got enough of that at home Tae.” A girl playfully teased as she took her seat in front of Taehyung, smile mischievous as she turned to stare at the two boys.
“Beomgyu never cuts his crap, but I can’t say I blame him. I mean he’s gotta live up to me! Even I wouldn’t want to be under those expectations, don’t you agree Nabi?” Tae asked, turning to look at the alpha who’s staring curiously at him.
Nabi sighed before offering the omega a soft smile, “You’re right Tae, I don’t think anyone wants to be in your position or Beomgyu’s. But doesn’t mean you should bicker with everyone you come across.” She finished and not before gently flicking Taehyung’s forehead, earning a slight frown from the omega.
“Was the flick really necessary?”
“You tell me.” She said with a snide, sly with her words and Taehyung swore that if the Moon Goddess didn’t have her be born as a werewolf, she surely would’ve been a werecat that lives to constantly taunt him.
He shuddered at the thought of her endless torment as the last of his friends finally arrived.
“We didn’t start yet, did we?” A male asked with a huff, out of breath and frantically pulling out his needed materials before straightening the glasses perched atop his nose, jittering with an endless bubble of nerves.
Taehyung smiled at him, the male reminding him of his younger sister Yeona and the timidness they mimic within each other. Jee, his other sister, was the complete opposite of her and to be honest he saw a lot of Nabi in her. Maybe he needs to stop having his friends hang around his siblings. But that’s a thought for another time.
"No Minjun, you didn’t miss anything.” Tae said with a smile, grin soft and gentle as he watched the young human settle down in his seat, sighing in relief.
“That’s a relief, I thought for sure I was going to be late!”
“You’re always on time Junie. No need to panic.” Seoyun stated, ruffling the younger’s hair, and causing him to freak out. Taehyung and Nabi laughed at the ordeal as both Seoyun and Minjun began bickering and play fighting. It was rather cute to watch and both werewolves wondered why the two haven’t gotten together already when their attraction for each other was painfully obvious.
“Settle down everyone! We’re about to begin!” The professor shouted, catching his students’ attention, and causing everybody in the room to silence their conversations.
“Now we’re today we’ll be discussing—” Tae zoned out as the professor began explaining today’s schedule, personally finding them immensely boring. His cheek lay pressed to his hand as he skewedly stared at the front of the room, his reading glasses angling to the side as he watched the professor fire up the projector and the slideshow that corresponded with today’s lesson.
Oh, what a joy today shall be.
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“Hyung!!! Have you seen my guitar!? I can’t find it anywhere!” Beomgyu shouted, the high pitch from the alpha’s voice hurting Taehyung’s ears as he sat in the kitchen, apron wrapped around his torso as he shuffled between counter tops to create tonight’s meal.
“It was in your room the last time I saw it! Why do you want it?” He shouted back, focusing between sautéing vegetables, and keeping the meat on the stove from burning to a black crisp.
Beomgyu huffs as he enters the kitchen and leans against the pantry door, watching as his elder brother waddled around the area.
“The guys and I have band practice tonight remember? We’re performing for the clan’s annual talent show in two weeks and we need to practice!”
Taehyung hums, fully understanding as he turns to face his younger brother. “I see, of course you’d want to practice and be ready. Try the garage, it might in there.”
Beomgyu’s face brightened as he hugs Taehyung, the elder chuckling before returning the embrace. “Thanks, hyung!!”
“Don’t thank me yet, I could be completely wrong for all we know. But promise me you’ll eat at least before you leave to Yeonjun’s.”
The younger nodded, “I will! Promise.”
“Good lad.” Tae said with a smile, ruffling his brother’s hair that had him pouting before smiling and running off to find his guitar.
Taehyung watched as his brother faded from view, sighing as he turned back to the food cooking before him. He wished he could be like his brother and sisters, free from the burden of being the oldest, free from having to be exposed to clan traditions and Alpha expectations, free from the anxiety and exhaustion of his life. He’d give anything to have that life, to have that serendipity again. But alas here he is, taking care of his family to fill a hole that he’ll never be able to satisfy no matter how hard he tries.
He shakes his head, having no desire to have those pesky thoughts plague his brain. He’s got far too much to do to deal with that.
“Dinner’s ready everyone!!” Tae shouted, lowering the flame of the stove, and pulling out plates for everyone. Jee and Yeona came running down the stairs the second they heard his voice, their pitter patter of footsteps being a rhythm Taehyung has engraved to memory; a smile etching onto his face the moment they entered the room.
“Thanks for making dinner Tae!”
“Yeah, thanks big bro!!”
“You’re both welcome, now serve yourselves.” He chuckled, watching the girls eagerly grab their share of the meal, eyes glittering as the scents of the food filled their nostrils and he’s known his sisters long enough to know that they’re just dying to inhale the grub plated before them.
Just as they finished, Beomgyu walked back into the room with his guitar in hand, aura alight as he set the instrument down to grab his own plate, muttering a quiet thanks to the elder as Taehyung watched him with a soft smile before serving himself, never allowing himself to get food before everyone he loved got their share.
“You all can eat once you’re seated, you don’t need to wait.” He shared as he got his grub. None of his siblings dared to wait, for upon his cue they were already munching on the meal he prepared. And Tae couldn’t help the laugh that escaped him as he watched.
“Slow down you lot before you choke on your food!” He exclaimed as he sat down, he too eating the meal he prepared, tastebuds adoring the delicious sensation the food brought them.
“Is mom still working?” Yeona asked, wide brown eyes staring curiously at her older brother.
Taehyung nodded, “Yeah, she’s had a busy day today… I think she’ll be late again.” He muttered, knowing the news would sadden his youngest sister but it’s nothing new to them. Afterall this is a routine they’ve been having for years now.
“I see… I just thought she’d be able to help me with my history project, but I guess I’ll ask her another time…” She trailed, eyes casted downward, disappointment looming over her as her body heaved a sad sigh.
Taehyung’s wolf whined, unable to stand seeing his baby sister so upset and though he has his own tasks to do once this meal is finished, Yeona comes first before all else.
“I can help you if you’d like! Mom’s been teaching me a lot about our clan’s history lately, including the treaty that got our clan to merge with the human town we’re now companions with.”
Her eyes sparkled as she stared at her brother, “Really!? You’d help me out Tae?”
“Of course, pup! I couldn’t imagine anything better.”
She smiled the brightest grin Taehyung’s ever seen, practically glowing in her seat. “Thank you, Tae!! You’re the best!!”
“Anytime Yeonie. But that means that Jee, you’re on dish duty tonight.”
“What!? How come Gyu can’t do it?!”
“He’s got band practice tonight and last I checked you didn’t have an assignment or an event to go to do you?” He asked, eyebrow lifted in a playful banter as he stared at his younger sister who’s two years older than Yeona.
His strongheaded beta sister just huffed as she reluctantly nodded, eyes not meeting Tae’s as she turned to focus on her food. “That’s what I thought, so do your brother the favor and wash the dishes? I’ll treat you to getting new cleats tomorrow if you do.”
That seemed to pique her interest, for she was instantly agreeing, telling Taehyung that he can count on her, causing the entire room to burst in laughter.
And that’s how the dinner remained, filled with giggles, snarky remarks, and sibling love. Though his siblings knew that they’d have to live up to their brother’s expectation, they loved him too much to really care. Taehyung was the best brother they could ever ask for and none of them didn’t know what they’d do without him.
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Taehyung sighed, running his hands through his dark curly hair before settling his palms on his neck, giving it a soft massage as he laid back in his chair. The hour was late, all his siblings were asleep in bed and his mother had yet to return home. He was half tempted to throw on his coat and go check up on her but before he could, the door to his room slowly opened, revealing the woman of the hour.
He softly smiled at her as she stood in the doorway, leaning against the frame, and looking at him with tired eyes.
“Hi mom, how are you?”
“I’m sure you already know the answer to that.” She huffed with a laugh, her alpha energy a complete match to Beomgyu’s and Tae couldn’t help but chuckle at the resemblance.
“You’re home late again… did the council throw more work at you?”
“You know it. I swear it’s never ending with them.”
He nodded; lips pressed to a thin stern line. “They’re overworking you mom; you can’t just let them walk all over you like that!”
“I know Taehyung but what can I do? I’m Luna, I must take care of my people and my family.”
“But they’re vile for working you so hard!”
“Kim Taehyung don’t speak of your grandparents and your elders like that! I’ve taught you better.”
Tae just huffed, irritated that those he was ‘supposed’ to look up to were mistreating his mother when all she’s done is bring nothing but good fortune and prosperity to their clan. He feels they’re still bitter about being exiled from their sister clans but that shouldn’t matter now, not when times have changed.
“You can’t blame me my Luna, they’ve done nothing but mistreat you since you’ve taken father’s role in leading this clan.”
“I know my love and believe me I’m working on changing things but for right now this is how they’ll remain okay?” She said as she gently cupped his cheek, softening Tae’s aura, and making him cave into his mother’s warmth as he nodded.
“That’s my omega.” She praised, making the two of them laugh as she pulled away from him and began leaving the room.
“I’m not sure if you’re hungry my Luna but leftovers are in the fridge if you’d like to eat.”
His mother melted at his words, a weight she’s been carrying being lifted off her as she gazed at Taehyung with fond eyes, “You’re the best son a mother could ask for, thank you Taehyung.”
“Anytime mom, now go eat and rest please.” He begged, sighing when his mother nodded in agreement, promising she would before exiting the chamber and leaving Taehyung alone with himself once more; one of his most hateful past times.
He sighed, unable to contain the frustration that was building within him, knowing he needed an outlet to escape his emotions. And he knew the perfect pastime.
With a hop, skip and jump Taehyung was laying on his bed, eyes drawn to the ceiling above him as he crossed his arms and had them lay atop his chest, body beginning to relax as Taehyung took in slow, deep breaths, eyes closing the more Zen he became. And within seconds he was asleep, but that slumber was anything but restful.