Chapter Text
Taehyung blinked his eyes open slowly, lethargically, consciousness lazily swimming back up to the surface. The slightly fuzzy, numbing sensation hadn't disappeared quite yet, wisps of it remaining curled around his mind, coaxing and nudging it back down into rest, his senses cloudy and his entire body strengthless. He blinked harder and rubbed his eyes, fighting the urge to fall back asleep. He had lost quite a bit of blood, if he thought about it. It was no wonder he fell straight asleep, for what seemed like hours as well. A soft, dim glow from a single candle sitting on the desk cast a tiny dash of light into the otherwise pitch black room, so it must still be night time. Taehyung felt no traces of dried come remaining anywhere on his body, so Jungkook must've cleaned him up. He fought off the clinging remnants of sleep and lifted heavy, uncooperative fingers to his neck, lightly brushing over the fresh bite marks. A shiver ran from his neck all the way down the line of his body to his toes as he touched the cut skin with hesitant fingertips, and he bit his lip.
He'd really just… done that. Had sex with a vampire, and let the vampire bite him, which he was sure went against just about every human survival instinct there was. And he’d not only enjoyed it, but it felt so painfully good that Taehyung caught himself craving the feeling once more. His brain was still too sluggish to really think too much more into that, and he just accepted it. Had that been life endangering? At one point, yes. Did he regret any of that? Absolutely fucking not. There'd been a moment when Taehyung had barely been able to breathe because of how scared he was when he realised he couldn't feel any strength in his fingers anymore. But he'd trusted that Jungkook would be able to control himself, and he did.
Jungkook was lying as still as a rock beside him, a respectable metre away, but Taehyung could sense that he wasn't asleep. He felt a smile creep onto his lips unbidden. It wasn't just a vampire he had sex with, it was Jungkook, and boy was every second worth it.
But he was left with a bit of a vague, groundless worry. What was supposed to happen now? Jungkook must've been able to hear his breathing change when he woke up, but he wasn't moving or saying anything. Where were they at now? They hadn't really had much on their minds other than sex ever since Taehyung had arrived. That much was obvious. Well, now that was out of the way. Was this going to be a regular thing? God, Taehyung hoped it was. But… they were friends, right? They hadn't gotten to the point where things could potentially get awkward just because they fucked once, but what did this mean for them now? Did this make them closer, or was that just wishful thinking on Taehyung’s part?
Maybe he should wait till Jungkook spoke. Or maybe he wasn't planning on talking to him? Was Jungkook done with Taehyung now that they'd finally fucked? Came (literally), saw, conquered type of thing? Was he that type? Maybe Taehyung should just play it safe and assume the worst.
But because of his nature, Taehyung couldn't very well just lie there in silence till Jungkook fell asleep and then tiptoe out of the room, he wasn't patient or quiet enough for that. So he spoke, bringing up the first thing that popped into his mind.
“Do you always ask people if you can bite them?” Taehyung blurted out and immediately wanted to slam his head between a door. Oh yes, what a splendid icebreaker, there were only about an infinite number of better conversation starters he could've chosen. Jungkook shifted slightly and Taehyung held his breath, wondering what his reaction would be. He was genuinely curious, after all.
“What?” Jungkook’s voice was flat and ringing out with incredulity that made Taehyung wince, but he pushed on regardless, not wanting to back down now that he'd started.
“Well, do you?”
Jungkook turned to face him, pushing himself up a little, leaning on his elbow and propping his chin up on his palm. Taehyung turned as well, staring boldly, directly at Jungkook’s handsome face, finally allowing himself to properly look for longer than the usual couple of seconds. It took his breath away for a brief unfocused moment, how casually gorgeous Jungkook was. Taehyung really should be getting over that fact now, but as the light flickered a little and the shadows danced across the planes of Jungkook’s face and slipped over his jaw, Taehyung felt his head spin. Jungkook’s eyebrow was raised and he seemed a little amused, the corners of his lips quirked upwards just a fraction. Something like fascination glittered in his otherwise shadowed eyes.
“No. Why would I bother? What would your answer be if a murderer asked if he could kill you? And if you were me, if you were hunting, would you kindly ask your prey if you could kill them before doing it?” Jungkook practically purred as his eyes glinted red for a split second, but the low, breathy tone took on a different quality to the sensual, irresistible sound of promise Taehyung heard before. This was more… patronising, he guessed, and he wondered what it meant that he wasn't particularly annoyed by it. He flinched at the mention of “murderer”, but he recognised the example for what it was and relaxed, giving a small, coy smile.
“But my answer was yes, wasn't it? And I'm still alive.” Taehyung replied nonchalantly, and his breath hitched, eyes widening as Jungkook laughed briefly. He broke into a full smile that lit up his entire face beautifully, but it dropped after a second. Taehyung frowned in confusion as Jungkook sat up and leant back a little, turning away from Taehyung so his face was drawn in shadow.
“I… Yes, you are, but… I could've killed you. I didn't mean to but I almost- I almost lost control. My mind disappeared somewhere when my instincts and thirst took over, and I only came to when you cried my name.” Jungkook murmured quietly, voice trembling ever so slightly as he fisted his hands into the sheets. Taehyung’s eyes widened in shock at the low note of what seemed to be self loathing lining his words, and he sat up as well, a little uncertain and taken aback at the sudden somber atmosphere. He winced as a wave of dizziness crashed into him and his head spun with a vengeance.
Jungkook hunched over slightly as he continued, voice barely audible. “I don't even know how much blood I took. I just… I've never been this full so it must've… it must've been a lot. You passed out for seven hours.”
“I… I feel fine? Well, maybe a little woozy, but nothing I can't handle.” Taehyung mumbled, decidedly a little nervous as Jungkook made a low, quiet growling noise. Taehyung guessed that he must be angry at himself. From what he knew and he'd seen, Jungkook seemed to control his blood intake quite severely. Probably because he ended up throwing up whenever he drank too much. He seemed like the type of person to want to be very in control of himself as well, and he must be shaken and upset that he'd momentarily lost control. And… maybe, just maybe, he was shaken at the possibility of Taehyung dying.
“I don't think we should keep doing this. You should stay away from me.” Jungkook muttered and Taehyung stiffened, heart jolting. What? Why? Did he not like it? Stay… stay away from him? Taehyung did not want to think about how hard his stomach just twisted, and the intensity of the disappointment weighing his chest down.
“W…Why? You don't want me around?” Taehyung asked softly, unable to keep the embarrassingly vulnerable confusion out of his voice. Jungkook growled again, a louder, guttural sound, and Taehyung flinched despite himself.
“Of course I want you around, that's not it I- Because I might hurt you! You're okay now but… what if-” Jungkook replied heatedly, frustratedly, eyes flashing a bright, blazing red as he turned to Taehyung in agitation. Taehyung felt his lips part in shock at the pain flaring in Jungkook’s eyes. Jungkook looked away again sharply, visibly gritting his teeth. “I might… I might hurt you again.”
Taehyung gave a soft gasp and couldn't help but give a huge smile that spread from ear to ear at Jungkook’s guilty, slightly fearful tone. Idiot… he was overreacting over nothing. He didn't even hurt him. Well, not really. Warmth flooded his chest as he gazed at Jungkook’s furrowed brows and set mouth, unable to stop grinning at Jungkook’s obvious turmoil. He plucked up his courage and crawled over to Jungkook’s stiff, tense form, ignoring Jungkook’s surprised noise of question as he leant forward and kissed his cheek.
“But you didn't hurt me. You say you lost control but I'm still fine, aren't I? You stopped as soon as I called your name. Don't feel bad. You asked me for permission to bite me, I gave it, I'm alive and well, nobody got hurt, and we had some really good sex.” Taehyung grinned widely, brightly and his breath hitched as he saw Jungkook’s entire face just… soften a little. He swallowed, heart beating a little faster as Jungkook lightly rested his hand over his own, skin warm to the touch.
“Are you sure you're okay?” Jungkook asked quietly, seriously, and Taehyung gave a small, sincere smile.
“Yeah. Honestly. And I… I don't want to stay away from you. I'll- I’ll be sad if I can't talk to you anymore.” Taehyung trailed off into a mumble as he sat back, peeking up at Jungkook beneath his fringe. He felt his face warm a little as Jungkook stared at him with wide, unreadable eyes, lifting his hand to touch his cheek where Taehyung’s lips had been. All that frustration, regret and pain just… drained out from his gaze, and Taehyung couldn't suppress his instinctive smile at seeing Jungkook relax again.
“I… Okay. Whatever you want. I'll do my best to keep myself in check.” Jungkook replied softly, voice gentle and calming, and Taehyung had to let his eyes dart away, more than a little embarrassed at Jungkook’s warm gaze resting on him so intently. He lay back down for lack of anything better to do, chewing his lip a little shyly as Jungkook lay down beside him. Taehyung turned to face him again, breath hitching as Jungkook did the same so their faces were mere inches away, letting Taehyung count Jungkook’s long eyelashes. He didn't really know what to do about Jungkook’s calmly focused, unblinking stare fixed on him so close, the warm gleam in Jungkook’s eyes melting away all coherent thought, so he spoke, bringing up whatever he could think of.
“Well, if you don't usually ask your victims before you bite them… Why did you ask me then?” Taehyung asked curiously, albeit a little belatedly, and Jungkook didn't reply immediately, narrowing his eyes slightly. Taehyung stared back at him with wide eyes, refusing to let himself be intimidated by and shy away from Jungkook’s calculating gaze, wanting to know the answer.
“Because I don't think of you as prey. Not in that sense. You're different.” Jungkook replied simply, and Taehyung’s heart stuttered as his eyes widened.
“I… Oh.” Taehyung spoke softly and a spike of slight panic flashed across Jungkook’s face as he obviously realised that that could've been misinterpreted as some sort of confession. Taehyung quickly grinned and continued jokingly, not wanting that awkward conversation to spring on them so soon. “You wanna keep me alive then? My incredible sexual prowess impressed you that much?”
Jungkook relaxed slightly, though caution still remained as tiny little fragments in his gaze. Taehyung wasn't disappointed or offended by Jungkook’s reaction, as he hadn't even figured out what was going on on his end of the emotion spectrum, a revelation he was pleasantly surprised by.
“Yes… it did. I think I like the taste of your lips even more than the taste of your blood. Which, I have to say, drives me about ten times crazier than any other blood I've had before.” Jungkook murmured, voice low and silky as he reached forward and rested his fingertip lightly against Taehyung’s lower lip. Taehyung stared at him for a beat in surprise, but he sensed truth from Jungkook’s steady gaze, and it was ridiculous, really, the sheer level of warmth that rushed through his whole body at the simple statements. He felt like accepting a trophy for supposedly growing nice tasting lips and producing nice tasting blood. Good on himself.
“Should I be flattered?” Taehyung replied with a flirty smile, before opening his mouth a little and closing his lips around the tip of Jungkook’s finger, pressing his tongue softly against the pad of it. Jungkook’s eyes flashed with a deep red glow for a lingering second, stare fixed on where his finger disappeared inside Taehyung’s mouth. Taehyung released it and grinned as Jungkook broke into a slow, easy smirk.
“Should you?” Jungkook whispered absently and Taehyung flashed him a bright smile, turning onto his back and sighing theatrically as he stared at the ceiling.
“I guess I shouldn't. Bet that's what you tell all your human fuck buddies.” Taehyung sniffed petulantly and Jungkook snorted.
“My, my, are we getting upset?” Jungkook drawled dryly, tone nonetheless dancing with humour, and Taehyung just grinned wider. “Would it make you feel better if I told you you're my current one and only fuck buddy, human or otherwise?”
“Yes it would, one hundred percent. And oh? So I am your fuck buddy?” Taehyung slid his gaze over to Jungkook who shrugged, also turning to lie on his back.
“If you want to be.” Jungkook replied casually and Taehyung couldn't stop the grin spreading over his face. He was sure Jungkook would’ve heard the slight trip in his heartbeat.
“That would be nice. Tiring, I'd imagine.” Taehyung mused and Jungkook chuckled lowly, turning his head slightly and reaching out to touch Taehyung’s cheek, lightly stroking his skin with his thumb. Taehyung closed his eyes and didn't care if Jungkook could see his smile widening obviously at the soft touch.
“Oh yes. If we had it my way.” Jungkook murmured, smooth, low, silky tone filled with promise, and Taehyung exhaled a little shakily, letting his eyes flutter open. He didn't know what to say, so let his quickening heartbeat do the talking for him, unable to suppress his inevitable tiny smile when Jungkook laughed.
They lay there in silence for a bit, but it was strangely comfortable. Jungkook seemed to be consciously keeping his body temperature up, and Taehyung could faintly feel his warmth radiating through the sheets. He felt drowsy again. Would Jungkook let him cuddle? Taehyung bit his lip, considering asking. They weren't… weren’t quite there yet, but Taehyung thought about those two nights he'd slept in Jungkook’s strong, protective arms more often than he'd ever admit to. But was Jungkook actually open to cuddling? Cuddling a vampire… it seemed like a silly idea. Was Jungkook on board with cutesy intimate shit like that or was he purely in it for sex? Taehyung had slept with other guys before, that completely froze up the moment they'd come down from their highs, and were… very twitchy and uncomfortable with Taehyung’s need to touch and be close while falling asleep. Was Jungkook the same? He seemed like he could be. Well, he had easily let Taehyung snuggle in close for comfort that one night, going so far as to wrap his arms around him like it was the most natural thing to do… But that was only because Taehyung had gotten a fright earlier, and Jungkook was sleepy and out of it, right? Would Jungkook get uncomfortable if he tried to cuddle now? He didn't want to make things uncomfortable. Fuck.
“What is it?” Jungkook suddenly spoke, voice low and smooth, calm in complete contrast to the sudden inner turmoil going on in Taehyung’s mind. Taehyung blinked in surprise, turning his head to stare at Jungkook, who’d turned to face him, expression soft but contemplative. What? Had he accidentally said something out loud?
“What? I didn't… I didn't say anything.” Taehyung replied with a smaller voice than he'd expected. Concern flashed in Jungkook’s eyes as he lifted his hand a little, movement smooth as water, before he withdrew it, seeming to remind himself to hold himself back.
“I can smell your fear. Don't tell me you're scared of me still? I'm not going to eat you. Well, not in the most literal sense. I could eat you in a different way if you want me to.” Jungkook started off in a subtly worried, confused tone that morphed into a low, easy drawl as his eyes glowed with a flash of red, and a suggestive, inviting smile danced on his lips. Taehyung inhaled sharply, closing his eyes and quickly shutting out the memory before it could properly materialise. Nope, he was not going to think about that.
“Oh no, don't say those things, or I'll have to hold you to those words. And I'm too tired to go for another round tonight, please understand. Stupid human stamina and all that.” Taehyung breathed, keeping his eyes closed as he felt Jungkook’s fingertips, feeling a little cooler to the touch, softly stroke his jaw, lightly tilting his face up. Oh shit his soft, lulling touch was relaxing as hell. He felt Jungkook’s presence suddenly a lot closer and opened his eyes to see Jungkook hovering over him, one hand resting against the sheets on either side of Taehyung’s body, gorgeous face inches away. Jungkook leant down and kissed him softly, almost gently, and Taehyung felt warmth explode in his chest and rush through every nerve and fibre of his body at the soft gesture. Taehyung hadn't yet had the chance to savour the feeling and taste of Jungkook’s soft, smooth lips, what with their kisses up till now being frenzied, rushed and desperately hungry. He did so now, feeling his heart flutter and beat a little faster, a little less rhythmically, as Jungkook let him cup his face and hold him in place for just a bit longer than necessary. It was… a strange feeling, when Jungkook pulled back slowly, almost reluctantly, only to gaze down at him wordlessly for a few moments, and Taehyung loved it.
“We’re done for tonight, yes. I don't want you becoming anemic. And… no, I take that back, you're not scared. You're slightly nervous though, about something.” Jungkook murmured thoughtfully, stroking Taehyung’s waist almost absentmindedly, and Taehyung felt a blush creep over his cheeks, which, really, was a bit ridiculous at this stage. He had to lower his gaze from Jungkook’s intently focused, calm, patient warm eyes so close to his own, feeling a little silly.
“Are you… um, a… a cuddly person? After sex?” Taehyung spoke a little clumsily, stuttering just a bit as his traitorous heart beat faster. He knew Jungkook could hear it. Damn you, vampire hearing. He peeked up at Jungkook who'd fallen silent for a second, to gauge his reaction. Jungkook’s face was blank as he replied flatly.
“…You want to cuddle.”
“Yes.” Taehyung replied quietly, meekly, trying to keep a straight face even as he was screaming internally. What the hell did that blank, unimpressed expression mean? Was Jungkook not on board after all? But he'd just kissed him and everything and he was so, so close right now, why was he giving mixed signals? Fuck, Taehyung should just follow Jungkook’s pace from now on. Jungkook stared at him for a moment longer, as if to keep him guessing, before he broke into a beautiful, amused smile that stole Taehyung’s breath again. He laughed quietly, briefly as he kissed Taehyung’s forehead. Taehyung felt his heart skip a beat at the ever so casual affectionate gesture.
“Jeez, is that it? Did you expect that I'd kick you out of my room or something? Come here.” Jungkook sighed, still smiling as he lay back down and opened his arms invitingly. Taehyung couldn't help a stupidly wide, uncontrollable smile spreading over his face even as his blush deepened from Jungkook’s words. Yeah, he was definitely being silly. He scooted forward and pressed himself against Jungkook’s body without further hesitation, tucking his head into Jungkook’s chest beneath his chin. Taehyung smiled even wider, almost painfully wide, giddy and contentedly happy as Jungkook wrapped his arm around his waist and rested his hand against his upper back, holding him close. Jungkook raised his body temperature more, and Taehyung let out a soft, pleased murmur at the wonderful, relaxing and enticing warmth encircling his entire body and coaxing him to fall straight asleep. He curled his fingers against Jungkook’s chest and felt a light kiss on the top of his head as he drifted off, surrounded by the lovely warmth and quickly becoming familiar lovely scent, barely even noticing the absence of a heartbeat.
~
Taehyung felt himself slowly rouse from sleep, hours and hours later. He instinctively smiled as he registered that they hadn't moved, and Jungkook’s arms were still wrapped securely around him. Jungkook was asleep now, and Taehyung sensed that it must be sometime in the evening, close to when the vampires would wake up. Jungkook’s body had cooled right down, and still as it was, Taehyung didn't feel ill at ease, grinning a little wider as he buried his face into Jungkook’s firm chest just for a few moments more, just because he could.
Taehyung was reluctant to get up and leave Jungkook’s wonderfully tight, protective hold, but his stomach announced its presence, and he sat up with a sigh. Jungkook’s limp hand fell down to his hip, resting there so naturally Taehyung was tempted to lie straight back down. He resisted the urge and quietly got up, feeling around for a candle on the bedside table and successfully lighting it after a few tries. Finding his clothes was a bit harder, what with how carelessly they'd been flung around the room last night, and his woozy, slightly numb body and swimming head did not help. He still felt alarmingly weak and out of it, so he guessed Jungkook really had taken a lot of blood. He washed his face carelessly before he left the room, wincing as he looked up at his reflection. His hair was messy in that terribly obvious telltale way, his lips were still swollen and kiss bruised (Jungkook bit hard, even with blunt teeth), his skin had a bit of an ashen, waxy pallor to it, his shirt was slightly stretched from Jungkook’s rough movements last night (fuck, he needed to tell Jungkook not to do that, he was getting really short on clothes) and slipping off his shoulder, proudly showing off the obnoxiously large, dark red hickey staining the otherwise pale skin of his neck and of course, the two long, slightly jagged fang marks, the wounds still fresh enough to give the illusion of weeping blood. It was surreal, almost eerie to look at, the bite wounds looking like a claim of some sort. Like he'd been marked as prey. He looked like he'd been fucked by a vampire.
Jimin obviously thought so too, when he looked up as Taehyung walked into the living room.
“You look like a mess. But I guess if I was Jungkook, I'd say that you're ‘so stunning, baby.’ Wasn't it?” Jimin drawled mockingly and Taehyung wanted to turn right back around and crawl back into bed with Jungkook.
“I- you- fuck off.” Taehyung replied lamely, cheeks warming as he walked over to the couch where Jimin sat. He sat himself down with a heavy sigh and absently tugged at his shirt, as if it would help hide anything. Jimin just snickered, obviously enjoying his mortification.
“You guys are so loud. You really need to get Jungkook to get silencers for his room. I don't think I ever wanna hear him say ‘good boy’ again in my life.” Jimin shuddered over dramatically and Taehyung choked on his own spit, heart jolting in his chest as he whipped his head around to stare at Jimin incredulously.
“You could even hear that? I- Jesus Christ, how much did you-” Taehyung cried disbelievingly and Jimin just burst out laughing, obviously more than slightly amused at Taehyung’s expression.
“Oh, well… Your senses change, well, sharpen, rather, after you fuck a vampire for a while. Don't ask me how. It's probably because there’ve been too many incidents where I've accidentally ended up drinking some of Yoongi’s blood - yeah, I don't know how it happened either. But anyway, Seokjin’s sight and smell sharpened, but my affected sense is hearing. It's especially sharp at night. So uh, I heard quite a bit. I didn't know you were into that dom/sub shit.” Jimin gave an obnoxious, shit-eating grin and Taehyung groaned, covering his face with his hands.
“Dear God.” Taehyung muttered, mind flashing back to every sinful word that had been exchanged, heart thudding just at the memory and Jimin snorted, shoving him lightly.
“Yeah, no kidding.”
“Was it… was it that bad?” Taehyung whispered, wincing as he imagined Jimin sitting there just having to… listen to it all. It must have been a rough night. Holy fuck what about the other vampires? Taehyung wanted to scream.
“Oh, I've heard worse, for sure. I mean, objectively speaking, it sounded pretty good. I dunno, what kind of meter of judgment do you want me to use? Oh yeah, I never knew you were such a shy, sexy little bottom, or is that what Jungkook does to you?” Jimin looked like he could barely stop himself from laughing as he raised his eyebrows suggestively. Taehyung whined in embarrassment and curled up on the couch, leaning over to bury his burning face into Jimin’s neck and slapping his arm.
“Stop teasing me.” Taehyung mumbled and Jimin laughed, cooing mockingly.
“Yeah, there better not be any of that.” Taehyung jumped and turned his head as he suddenly heard Jungkook’s voice, low and maddeningly raspy from sleep. He stared up at a shirtless Jungkook folding his arms and leaning against the doorframe to the room, eyebrow arched in evident displeasure. Taehyung felt his eyes widen and his lips part just a little as he took a moment to just appreciate the way Jungkook’s jeans rode low on his sharp hips, and how his biceps tensed when he folded his arms like that, the mouthwatering sculpted muscle practically calling out for Taehyung to touch. Jungkook had been staring flatly at Jimin, but his eyes flicked to Taehyung as he slapped his hand over his nose and mouth, squinting a little.
“I’m glad you like what you see baby, but stop that, I can't focus.” Jungkook spoke lowly, voice breathy and way too distracting for Taehyung to stop whatever it was he was doing. Which he figured a belated second later, was probably the smell of his inevitable arousal. He blushed at the ever so casual endearment (and the memories associated with it) and Jimin made fake gagging sounds beside him.
“Better get off me baby, Jungkook gets pretty possessive. I don't want my bones broken today.” Jimin grinned derisively, sticking out his tongue. Jungkook didn't deny it and just slit him a sharp, piercing glare, eyes flashing bright red in a clear warning. Taehyung jumped again as Jungkook let out a short, frustrated growling sound and beckoned him over, running a hand over his face.
“He's right. Come here.” Jungkook called, tone gentle enough, but there was no mistaking the command in his sharp stare. Taehyung got up without another word, quickly making his way over and taking Jungkook’s hand when he held it out.
“Jungkook?” Taehyung spoke curiously, a little confused as Jungkook pulled him forward lightly by the hand, shadowed eyes drifting up and down his body in a way that seemed more thoughtful than provoking. He reached forward and grabbed Taehyung’s hips in both hands, yanking him in close sharply, suddenly. Taehyung squeaked in surprise and felt his cheeks redden both from Jimin’s unnecessary wolf whistle behind them, and the feel of Jungkook’s flawless skin beneath his fingers as his hands instinctively rested on his chest.
“Don't get too touchy with other people. It drives me up the wall.” Jungkook murmured quietly, seriously, so close he was practically pressing the words into Taehyung’s lips, eyes burning with a bright flash of ruby. Taehyung could only give a soft whimper in response, heat rushing through his body from the look in his eyes even as he sort of wanted to giggle at Jungkook’s endearing over the top reaction.
“There it is.” Jimin drawled and Jungkook flipped him off, not even taking his eyes off Taehyung for a second, slipping his cold fingers beneath Taehyung’s shirt and dragging his firm, possessive hand up Taehyung’s back slowly.
“Fuck off.” Jungkook muttered irritably at Jimin even as he pressed his palm flat against Taehyung’s skin, drawing shivers from his icy touch, and pushed Taehyung even closer into his body. Taehyung just let him, finding it a little funny, closing his eyes and curling his fingers against Jungkook’s skin instinctively as he felt soft lips against his neck.
“Wow, the jealousy. You're not even my boyfriend though.” Taehyung teased amusedly, and Jungkook stiffened against him, light, explorative fingers freezing as his lips lifted from his skin. Taehyung blinked in confusion, wondering if he'd said something wrong.
“Yeah Jungkook, what's with that? You can get him in bed but you're too pussy to deal with your emotions?” Jimin sang jeeringly and Jungkook only tensed more, fingers digging into Taehyung’s back. Taehyung pulled back and stared at him in surprise, nudging his face up to look at him. Jungkook looked a bit… panicked, staring wordlessly back at Taehyung who just realised what he was looking uncomfortable about. He was worried about Taehyung being serious about the boyfriend jab. He almost laughed out loud, shaking his head slightly as Jungkook just raised a confused eyebrow at him.
“Babe, don't tease him, he's fragile.” Yoongi squeezed past them to drawl, sitting down beside Jimin and wrapping an arm comfortably around his shoulders. Jungkook sent Yoongi a withering look and Jimin just giggled, turning to kiss Yoongi’s cheek. Taehyung nudged Jungkook again, smiling a little as Jungkook’s overly worried eyes flicked back to him.
“I don't mind though. You don't have to date me just because you want to fuck me.” Taehyung spoke softly, smiling wider as Jungkook shook his head quickly like he'd been caught, likely not wanting Taehyung to know that's what he'd been conflicted over in fear of offending or hurting him.
“No, I-” Jungkook started and Taehyung sighed, leaning forward to shut him up with a quick, sweet kiss.
“Seriously. We only met a month ago.” Taehyung assured him with a bright smile, to which Jungkook just stared at him mutely for a few seconds, wide, pretty eyes filled with something unreadable. He gave a small smile in return and kissed Taehyung’s forehead, letting his lips press against his hair a little longer than necessary, making Taehyung smile involuntarily.
“Jesus, it doesn't even matter, you guys look like you're dating already anyway.” Jimin groaned distastefully and Taehyung took a leaf out of Jungkook’s book and just flipped him off without turning around.
“Stop hating and go be gross with Yoongi.” Taehyung sniffed a little petulantly and he could practically hear the eye roll behind him.
“Congratulations, guys. Took you long enough. And I never pegged you as a screamer, Taehyung.” Namjoon patted Taehyung on the shoulder as he walked past into the room, and Taehyung groaned in disbelief, feeling his cheeks burn again as he hid his face in the crook of Jungkook’s neck.
“Namjoon…” Taehyung whined embarrassedly and Jungkook lifted his hand to stroke his head, threading his fingers through his hair. Taehyung breathed in Jungkook’s scent and closed his eyes, letting Jungkook’s gentle touch calm him right down.
“Jungkook, stop smiling like that, it's creepy.” Jimin sighed and Taehyung couldn't help but giggle, looking up at Jungkook to see his expression drop immediately at Jimin’s words.
“Are you done?” Jungkook replied flatly, to which Jimin just stuck out his tongue. Yoongi pressed a finger against Jimin’s lips as if to shut him up and Jimin pouted but fell silent.
“But seriously, you need to get Hoseok to put silencers on your room.” Yoongi shot Jungkook a dry look and Jungkook nodded impatiently, waving his hand dismissively as he grabbed Taehyung’s hand and pulled him out of the room.
“Noted.” Jungkook called over his shoulder lazily, sounding like a teenager being told to clean his room by his mother, and Taehyung couldn't help but giggle and curl his fingers around Jungkook’s a little tighter. Jungkook led him to the living room closest to the bedrooms, probably just to get away from the others, although that didn't mean much when more than half of the residents in the house would be able to hear every word exchanged no matter how far they went. Jungkook stopped and turned to face Taehyung, hands lifting to rest against his waist. Taehyung raised his eyebrows, waiting for Jungkook to say something, who just stood there and let his eyes roam over every inch of Taehyung’s body, appreciative gaze lingering on the mess of his neck. Taehyung felt his cheeks warm a little as Jungkook just continued to stand there staring at him in silence and he cleared his throat awkwardly, meaningfully. Jungkook finally met his gaze, and breathed out slowly, exhaling for much longer than a human would be able to.
“You look… you look… great.” Jungkook finally spoke, fumbling over his words like he didn't know which ones to choose, and what words of eloquence they were. Taehyung almost fell over from the underwhelming statement, giving him a flat look. Well, he couldn't say that was the most half assed compliment he'd received, he was friends with Jimin after all. But it came close.
“Doesn't sound like you're convinced.” Taehyung replied flatly, bluntly, and Jungkook just laughed, shaking his head a little as he stroked Taehyung’s cheek lightly, almost absently.
“I am. I'm just a little speechless at how irresistible you are, baby. You look like you're mine.” Jungkook’s soft voice hardened just slightly at the end with a sharp edge that stole Taehyung’s breath for a second. He blushed and frantically fumbled around for something to reply with at Jungkook’s straightforward words, but what was new?
“No kidding. I have this.” Taehyung mumbled hurriedly, pointing at the bite marks on his neck. Jungkook’s expression didn't really change but his eyes flickered with bright red for a fraction of a second as he leant down to press his lips to the marks. Taehyung couldn't hold in his gasp as Jungkook’s soft lips brushed against the cuts, hands flying up to grab his shoulders reflexively as a tiny jolt of pain pierced his neck. Jungkook lifted his head but did not look away from the marks, shadowed eyes burning with darkened embers of red flame. Taehyung was starting to recognise what the different red's signified. In this case he guessed he'd have to call that look… territorial. Taehyung quickly continued speaking to distract both of them from his pounding heartbeat. “A-Also… When we’re not- uh, not fucking, can you not call me uh- ‘baby’ all the time?”
“Of course. But why, you don't like it?” Jungkook replied immediately, easily, even as confusion sparked in his eyes that settled back to the usual brown hue. Taehyung quickly shook his head in dissent.
“No I-I do, really, you can still call me that, it's just… I like hearing you call my name more. It just sounds right. You saying it.” Taehyung replied shyly, biting his lip as soon as he said it. Oh for fuck’s sake why did he have to say embarrassing things around Jungkook? Wouldn't most people keep that type of thought to themselves? Taehyung internally kicked himself.
“Jesus…” Jungkook breathed quietly and Taehyung agreed. What the fuck? Where was his filter? Jungkook’s fingers tightened against his waist and suddenly he was blinking up at Jungkook with his back pressed down against the couch. Taehyung swallowed with difficulty at Jungkook’s intent, disbelieving, fiery stare. “How do you know exactly what to say to make me lose my mind?”
“B-Beats me.” Taehyung whispered uncertainly, a little unsure if Jungkook was angry. He looked… a little pissed, but not necessarily a bad type of angry, and the thought had Taehyung’s head hurting, so he just stopped thinking about it and focused on how unbelievably hot Jungkook sounded just then, as his voice lowered and sharpened almost threateningly. Jungkook sighed and visibly reined in his… anger? Frustration? And leaned down to kiss Taehyung gently, as if to dismiss the topic. Taehyung curled his fingers behind Jungkook’s neck and pulled him back down as he went to raise his head, unable to suppress a grin as he chased after Jungkook’s lips and stole a longer, firmer kiss. It was nice to know he made Jungkook lose his mind.
Jungkook had Taehyung sitting on his lap, arms wrapped tightly around him as he scrolled through his newsfeed on his phone. Taehyung just let him, as he didn't get a say in the matter apparently, and he didn't particularly want to get off anyway. But even though Jungkook stayed as still as the couch they sat on (must be a vampire thing), Taehyung shifted around a lot, and he couldn’t not think about Jungkook’s bare skin pressed up against him so tightly every time he moved. Jungkook hadn't said anything but he seemed amused, pressing a kiss to the back of Taehyung’s neck whenever Taehyung’s traitorous heart sped up a little.
“Jungkook can you- can you put on a shirt? I can't… focus…” Taehyung muttered distractedly, frowning when Jungkook laughed at him, swatting at his face when Jungkook leant forward to kiss his cheek.
“You're too cute.” Jungkook sighed and nudged at him to get up, disappearing so suddenly Taehyung lost his balance and fell back onto the couch. He inhaled deeply and gripped his chest for a second, trying to calm himself before he got laughed at again. He had to get used to vampire speed. Jungkook reappeared before him a second later, having obediently put his shirt on, startling him even though he'd been expecting it, and he could only scowl as Jungkook, expectedly, laughed. Jungkook didn't say anything though, and handed him a heavy book. “Here.”
“What?” Taehyung glanced at the cover and blinked in surprise as he saw it was the book he'd started reading, Dawn.
“You didn't finish reading it the other night, did you?” Jungkook gestured at it and Taehyung broke into a smile, nodding and patting the space on the couch beside him. Jungkook returned the smile seemingly instinctively and sat down, opening his arms wordlessly. Taehyung grinned and snuggled in close without need of further invitation, leaning against his chest and opening up the book.
“Oh- yeah. Thank you.” Taehyung replied brightly and flipped to the page he'd read up to. Jungkook rested his chin on Taehyung’s shoulder as he re-immersed himself into the haunted vampire’s story. Dawn was about a vampire who’d lived alone in the dark for three centuries, who became obsessed with the sun. He'd managed to torture himself into withstanding the sun’s rays and the pain of enduring burning, scalding skin during the day. Though he could barely keep himself awake so couldn't ever do anything other than sit there in the sun up in the mountains where nobody could find him. But he still couldn't endure the first light of day. The first of the rays brightening the earth and heralding the morning with a soft, warm glow the author had described held an intensity akin to ferocity of a wild beast. So his goal was to be able to witness the sunrise for himself, see the first light of morning shine over the treetops with his own eyes, and sit there, bathing in its warmth. He waited every day at dawn for the sun to come, and waited for a day when he could sit still instead of fleeing from the pain when the light hit his skin. Hence the title.
“Do the first rays of sunlight really hurt more, like the author said?” Taehyung nudged Jungkook, who jerked and sat up straight quickly, like he'd been caught doing something he shouldn't have. Had he been dozing off? Taehyung felt a little bad, but Jungkook seemed alert already, answering before Taehyung could speak again.
“I wouldn't have a clue. I've never tried going out during the day.” Jungkook replied offhandedly, as if he didn't think much about it, but the forced nonchalance fell flat. Taehyung bit his lip and turned his head back to look at him.
“So… You haven't seen the sun all this time?” Taehyung asked quietly and Jungkook didn't seem like he could reply immediately, freezing a little.
“I- I guess so. I can't stay awake long enough to even move during the day, so I've never been able to go outside even if I wanted to endure the pain.” Jungkook shrugged as if he didn't care, but Taehyung could pick out the note of skilfully suppressed, yet unbearably obvious longing in his voice. Well, how could he blame him? Just imagining not seeing the sun for so long… Taehyung regretted bringing it up. He quickly looked for something to change the subject with, not wanting to see the pain etched into Jungkook’s desolate eyes anymore. He never wanted to see Jungkook being sad. He wanted to see his beautiful, radiant smile, as bright as the sun he missed.
“Why do you have so many books about vampires?” Taehyung spoke a little hastily, hoping Jungkook would just go with the subject change.
“I'm a young vampire. There's a lot that I don't know.” Jungkook replied calmly, evenly, and Taehyung internally breathed a sigh of relief.
“Couldn't you ask Namjoon or Yoongi?” Taehyung asked curiously and Jungkook gave a small, thoughtful smile that Taehyung didn't know what to make of.
“I have too many questions, and some things I know they won't be able to answer. So I might as well read.” Jungkook tapped the open page of the book and Taehyung nodded slowly, biting his lip. Something in Jungkook’s tone kept him from pressing it, but he wondered what questions Jungkook would have that a five hundred year old vampire like Yoongi wouldn't be able to answer.
“You were turned… two years ago, right?” Taehyung spoke hesitantly and Jungkook paused, looking away in thought.
“Yes… yes. It's been a while, now that I think about it.” Jungkook replied slowly, a distant gleam settling over his eyes as he evidently relived memories of that time. Taehyung was burning with curiosity, but he had to tread carefully here. This could possibly be a sensitive subject. After all, being turned was basically dying and coming back to life.
“How… how did it happen? Y-You don't have to tell me if you don't want to.” Taehyung quickly followed up after his hesitant question, and Jungkook’s eyes immediately darkened with some sort of unreadable shadow, but he didn't seem particularly closed off or prickly at the mention, so Taehyung held his breath and waited for his answer.
“Well… I actually used to be-” Jungkook suddenly cut himself off, eyes snapping wide open as his hand flew to his own neck, entire body stiffening into a block of ice. Taehyung turned to him in confusion and Jungkook gave a choked, almost soundless cry of pain and quickly, lightly pushed Taehyung off and got to his feet, staggering as he clutched at his neck.
“Jungkook? Jungkook!” Taehyung cried urgently as he hurriedly grabbed Jungkook’s hands and tried to prise his fingers off his own throat, before he ended up scratching open his skin again. Jungkook screwed his eyes tightly shut, dark purple veins shooting across his skin as he swayed on unsteady feet. Taehyung grabbed his shoulders instead and shook him, trying to get him back to his senses and answer. “What’s wrong?”
“I- I have to go out. I'll tell you some other time.” Jungkook seemed to force out, voice horrifically thin and raspy. Taehyung felt worry and disbelief explode in a heated mess in his chest and skull as his fingers were reluctant to let go even when Jungkook tugged himself away and turned towards the door. Where the fuck did he have to go right now, when he was obviously in a world of pain?
“Jungkook-” Taehyung started worriedly, not knowing what he wanted to say, but not wanting Jungkook to go out like this. Jungkook pried open his eyes and Taehyung dropped his hands immediately out of reflexive fear, flinching back at the piercingly bright red irises that looked more like glowing drops of blood than eyes.
“Don't look so worried. It's just vampire stuff.” Jungkook managed to offer a tiny smile even as veins crept up his jaw and up into his cheeks. Taehyung wanted to protest but Jungkook gave him an impressively calm, measured, serious look, and he could only back down and let him go do whatever it was he had to do. It must be extremely important for Jungkook to think about now.
“If-If you're sure…” Taehyung replied uncertainly, heart screaming at him to make sure Jungkook was okay, but Jungkook smiled wider and reached out to stroke his face once, touch soft and gentle even though his other hand was clamped so tightly around his own neck it hurt just to look at.
“Yeah. I'll be back before sunrise.” Jungkook replied calmly, voice quiet and obviously meant to be soothing if Taehyung couldn't hear the pain stabbing each word, as if Taehyung was the one that needed to be comforted and looked after right now.
“Don't you kinda have to be?” Taehyung muttered for lack of anything better to say, grabbing Jungkook’s hand as he dropped it from his face, entwining their fingers and holding on for just a second.
“That's true.” Jungkook smiled, and let go of Taehyung’s hand, disappearing the next second.
~