Jaebum’s breath hitches - he stares wide-eyed, finally understanding what his heart did when his brain wasn’t watching. He would have really liked to put the blame on the heat, but his denial can’t fight with the extra dose of suppressants he took while Jinyoung wasn’t watching. He’s completely sane and completely in control of his own body. The frightening need to give himself to an alpha, the one he felt during the first heat, has disappeared. Yet he still wants Yugyeom to hold him, to kiss him and he feels so freakingly at home just by being in his presence that trying to push all of this into the back of his mind is almost impossible.
He notices small bruise forming at the edge of Yugyeom’s jaw, feeling ashamed of his own lack of restraint, because the youngest was nothing but considerate of him and the situation he is currently facing. Jaebum chastens himself for all the times he lashed at the boy - Yugyeom never gave Jaebum a reason to believe he wanted to take away his position within the group, he always endured leader’s moods, trying to stay calm and careful as to not upset him.
Yugyeom leans into his touch. When Jaebum’s thumb brushes his cheek there is a slight change in the scent around them. The older man tries to figure out what he’s smelling, but the only things that come to his mind are ‘shared blankets’, ‘security’ and ‘happiness’.
Always gentle, always patient, always there.
Jaebum lets out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding. He realizes that the unconscious decision he made, might actually turn out to be the best decision of his life. But then again - there is no way he’s going to tell it to the alpha who’s still wet behind the ears.
Jaebum cradles Yugyeom’s face in his palms, leaning in to kiss thin, pink lips. Yugyeom’s eyelids flutter open. Dazed, he tries to comprehend why he’s being pulled out from his slumber, his own hands wandering to Jaebum’s hips as if in an attempt to anchor himself. Reality catches with him rather quickly and he looks genuinely perplexed by their current position. He does not remove his hands from Jaebum’s waist though, but there is a second of anxiety flashing through his Yugyeom’s big, glazed eyes. The older prays for him to not give in to the uncertainty of their situation, because now is the time they are going to take their first baby-step.
“Is everything ok?” Jaebum can’t help, but smile at the sleepiness in other’s tone and the warm feeling of belonging that engulfs him with every unintentional squeeze Yugyeom’s fingers are making over his waist.
“No,” he whispers, putting his forehead against Yugyeom’s. In a couple of seconds maknae seems to regain most of his consciousness, squinting at the leader in confusion.
“Are you in pain? Should I go get someone?”
This time Jaebum lets out a quiet chuckle.
“You should get yourself under the blankets with me.”
There is a moment of silence between them, with their gazes locking and Jaebum’s arms slowly encircling around Yugyeom. The younger lets himself pull the other closer, angling them into a lying position. They fumble with the quilts, Jaebum hooking his leg around Yugyeom’s thigh, while Yugyeom brings their chests together, allowing the other man to nestle between his outstretched arm and collarbone.
They fit - the initial awkwardness is gone in a matter of seconds, limbs tangled under the soft material and the coziness of the night.
And just before Jaebum drifts back to sleep he feels a confession being mouthed into his temple.
Moving closer, with lips ghosting over Yugyeom’s nose, he answers, letting his alpha kiss him goodnight.