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The sun was shining on his belly. Jungkook felt all warm and snug. He wrinkled his snout in comfort. What a wonderful day to be alive. Jungkook really loved the ocean and the sun, but more than anything he loved fish. Luckily he had spent half of his day hunting and eating fish. His belly was full to the brim. With his flipper-wings Jungkook flapped his warm and full belly. Yawning he turned around to warm his back and his wings in the sun before the night came.
Jungkook loved the sun. And fish.
Only thinking about fish made Jungkook salivated. Since he started his journey of looking for a mate all he has been doing was eating, sleeping and enjoying the sun. Jungkook knew that sooner or later he would meet his mate. For now he was enjoying his freedom, gliding over and through the water hunting for fish like the seal dragon he was.
When suddenly a shadow fell over him Jungkook was affronted. Who dares to interrupt his sunning time?
He opened his eyes and saw a massive red dragon curiously looking at him. Hovering in the air above him. His scales blood-red and his eyes sharp and dark.
Was he being attacked?
Jungkook jumped up, his wings flapping as he took up into the air. He flew as high as he could as a seal dragon. You see, seal dragons are excellent swimmers, but not the best fliers. Jungkook spews water in the direction of the enormous dragon to mark his territory. This was his stone and he had been using it for the past few weeks just fine.
The dragon didn’t look intimidated at all. Instead he was intensely looking at Jungkook as if Jungkook’s round black eyes held the answers to all of his questions.
Jungkook spewed another splash of water at the fire red dragon who didn’t even flinch despite a few droplets hitting him. Jungkook frowned at the dragon, flapping his wings furiously. How can this dragon not care about his attacks?
Jungkook landed back on the stone, his feet steady on the ground as he fiercely looked up at the dragon. Who was enormous in comparison to tiny Jungkook. Eyeing the huge dragon he noticed something pellicular in his sharp claws. The dragon was holding something.
Jungkook sniffed the air. Was that..? Is that fish?
Jungkook's eyes wandered from the fish back to the dragon’s snout. The red dragon tilted his head and gave Jungkook something that looked like a smile. Was this dragon mocking him? Or worse, does it want to eat him?
Jungkook gritted his teeth, ready to bite and trash the predator who disturbed his peace.
Instead of an attack the big fish in the dragon’s crawls was dropped in front of him.
Jungkook blinked in confusion at the dragon and at the big fish. For him?
With a flipper Jungkook pointed at himself and the dragon nodded with his head twice the size of Jungkook’s whole body. Jungkook couldn’t believe his luck. Free fish. Big fish. For him.
Out of pure joy Jungkook flapped his flipper-wings against his belly before digging in. As soon as Jungkook began to eat the sun returned and Jungkook watched the red dragon fly away as he ate the fish up.
Jungkook was delighted when the firey dragon visited his stone every day and always brought fish. Whenever the fire dragon brought him a fish Jungkook rolled in water out of happiness to make the dragon laugh. Every laugh from the red dragon filled him with pride.
This time to Jungkook’s disappointment the dragon had no fish instead he was gesturing at Jungkook to follow him.
Jungkook obliged, because he wouldn’t miss an opportunity to get more fish. Maybe he will show Jungkook how to get those enormous fishes.
Jungkook flew and glided through the water following the fire dragon who seemingly seemed to fly slower than he usually did.
They arrived at the shore of a small island. In a stonewall was a large opening, in which the dragon flew right into. Jungkook followed him, the opening led right to a huge cave. Jungkook gasped at what he saw inside. Countless treasures were stocked everywhere. Half of the cave was made out of stone which led to a small strand, where the sea lapped at the sand.
A bed stood on the stones. Gold and jewels adorned it. A myriad of chests stood around the cave, some filled with the finest pearls Jungkook had ever laid eyes on.
Seeing his astonishment the fire dragon’s chest swelled. He breathed a small fire out of his snout and ignited a small fire in the cave. Jungkook watched him wide eyed and curious. He knew as a seal dragon he was technically a water dragon. He knew water dragons didn’t mesh with fire dragons but this one gave him fish and also Jungkook was fascinated by fire. Always has been.
It warmed his belly like the sun and it looked so pretty. Jungkook waddled closer to the fire and, to his horror, he watched the fire dragon hang up fish above his fire.
What are you doing to my fish?
Precious fish. Jungkook’s precious fish. Being burned. Jungkook made a loud sound of protest but the dragon gave him a stern look and Jungkook sat down on his flipper-wings, closed his eyes and demonstratively turned his head away from the fire dragon.
Jungkook heard shuffling from where the other dragon was but he paid it no mind. He knew the other wasn’t going to hurt him. When nothing happened for quite a while Jungkook peaked back at the fire dragon, but instead of a dragon a human sat there.
He was dressed in loose pants Jungkook had seen sailors wear. His bare torso glistened in the firelight. His hair was dark like charcoal and red scales splattered his neck. Intense eyes watched Jungkook through the flames of the fire.
Jungkook gasped in shock and completely turned towards the other.
A dragon only shows his human form to his mate and his family.
Jungkook hasn’t been in his human form since he left his family in search of his lifelong mate and a place to call his territory.
“I’m Namjoon.” The strong fire dragon said and moved closer to him. Cautiously as if Jungkook could run away any minute. He doesn’t come too close, only close enough to outstretch his arm and present Jungkook one of the burnt fishes.
“Try it.” Namjoon said as he held the fish touched by fire in front of Jungkook’s snout. Jungkook sniffled. Oh. It smelled yummy. Jungkook gobbled it up and was mind blown. Yummy fish. He rocked on his belly out of happiness shaking his wing-flippers. Delicious.
Jungkook excitedly waddled with his wing-flippers to gesture at the rest of the fish.
Namjoon smiled at him. His brown eyes were less fierce in his human form. He looked rather sweet and caring. “Do you accept my courtship, my sea dragon?”
Jungkook stopped moving. His eyes widened. A courtship? He was just eating fish. Fish provided by… okay, hmm, yeah, provided by Namjoon. Jungkook sniffled. The rest of the fish was smelling enticing.
“I will give you the fish either way,” Namjoon said, taking another fish from above the fire and handing it to Jungkook to gobble up. He made a wave with his whole body out of excitement. So much fish for him.
“This cave is mine.” Namjoon explained, gesturing at the whole cave. “I marked the whole island as my territory. There are a lot of stones at the shore just like yours, I’m sure you would love them.”
Jungkook’s eyes bugged. This dragon had a whole island? Jungkook normally just picks a pretty stone as his territory. So many stones to call his. Jungkook waddled a little closer to Namjoon to smell him.
His mate has to smell delicious.
Namjoon smelled like the sun, like a warm belly after a long sunbath. Jungkook liked it. He even liked Namjoon’s cave. The hole in the shore left enough sunlight in, but in some of the corners they could be undisturbed. The gold and jewels Namjoon was hoarding didn’t interest Jungkook at all, but it did look pretty.
He waddled a little closer to the fire and the stacks of fish. So much fish for Jungkook. Fire fish for Jungkook. For the rest of his life. And sunbathes on stones. And fire.
“I will hunt you fish everyday if that’s what you want.” Namjoon gave him another fish.
Jungkook eyed Namjoon and yawned after having so many fish he felt tired. Jungkook curled in on himself besides the fire, his droopy eyes focused on Namjoon. For now he would stay and think about it.
Namjoon got the message. His smile was full of happiness. Jungkook closed his eyes and dozed off to the fire crackling.
Jungkook woke up to sunshine floating through the cave opening. He yawned and stretched himself, lifting his tail into the air, jiggling his wings and giving his head a shake. Immediately he was aware that Namjoon wasn’t here. He couldn’t feel his presence.
Without a worry on his mind he waddled towards the ocean reaching into the cave and dove into the water. Jungkook hummed to himself swimming through the ocean while enjoying the sun shining down on him.
He felt the shift before he saw Namjoon flying through the opening of the cave. The huge fire dragon landed inside the cave. With careful movements Namjoon laid a large fish down on the stone and met Jungkook’s wide eyes observing him.
Jungkook made a flip out of excitement that Namjoon had brought food again and swam to the shore to get to him.
He waddled out of the water, shaking himself, hastily. Full of excitement he waddled towards Namjoon. Full of determination he bobbed his nose against Namjoon’s. Namjoon’s eyes widened the moment Jungkook’s tiny nose touched his own.
Namjoon closed his eyes as if to relish the feeling. His warm breath tickled Jungkook’s skin. Jungkook bobbed his nose again. It was a very intimate gesture. One you only do with a family member or a mate.
It was Jungkook’s way of saying yes.
He was never one for big gestures or a lot of words. Jungkook hadn’t even thought about what he wanted in a mate nor had he been looking. Sure, he started his journey in search of a mate just like every seal dragon of age, but he hadn’t expected to find one. Especially not a fire dragon, a species known to be reclusive.
All he knew was that Namjoon provided Jungkook with all he needed, food and a territory larger than necessary.
Jungkook galumphed backwards and smiled at Namjoon, who opened his eyes at Jungkook waddling backwards. His dark eyes were full of warmth leaving Jungkook stunned. The fire dragon walked into a slightly hidden corner to shift. He came back dressed in loose pants, his torso naked, the dark red scales on his neck and his warm eyes on Jungkook. He looked rather handsome, Jungkook concluded.
Jungkook blinked at the fire dragon in his human form. His slitted dark eyes were so different from Jungkook's huge black eyes. Curiously Jungkook approached Namjoon galumphing around him with as much grace as he could muster. He sniffled the dragon who smelled like the warm sun.
He bopped his snout against his knee and felt Namjoon’s heated skin. Surprised Jungkook looked into Namjoon’s eyes who were fixated on him. The fire dragon smiled.
Jungkook laid his head on Namjoon’s thigh and closed his eyes to soak in the warmth. Namjoon laughed, Jungkook felt his laughter vibrate through his body. A warm hand brushed over his head and Jungkook leaned into the touch and more so the warmth.
It felt like the sun was shining down on him, warming him.
His nose tickled and Jungkook sneezed. Now wasn’t the time to fall asleep again. He raised his head, waddled back a little and transformed in front of Namjoon.
There he sat in all his glory, his long dark locks reaching his shoulders and his wide eyes focused on Namjoon. Namjoon audibly gasped and reached out to touch Jungkook. Jungkook met his hand halfway, letting Namjoon cup his cheeks. His mate.
“You’re gorgeous.” The fire dragon said. Jungkook melted into his touch. “The first time I saw you sunning I couldn’t believe my eyes. You looked so peaceful and adorable.”
“You saw me?” Jungkook asked, his voice a little raspy.
Namjoon nodded, his eyes never leaving Jungkook like he was entranced by the seal dragon. “I’ve been watching you for a while, but I couldn’t figure out what you were hoarding. To prepare the perfect courting gift.” He frowned, softly caressing Jungkook’s cheek with his thumb. “What are you hoarding?”
“Seal dragon’s don’t hoard.” Jungkook explained, his words a little slurred since he hadn’t spoken in months. “All we need is our territory and to be well fed."
Namjoon smiled, the fire danced in his eyes, making Jungkook fixated on them. “I will provide as many fish to eat and stones to lay one as you want.”
Jungkook slid closer to Namjoon. “Stones in the sun?” He asked. His eyes were earnest and excited.
“In the sun.” Namjoon answered. “Let me show you how many we have in our territory.”
Jungkook nodded in delight.
Namjoon stood up and took Jungkook by his hand, helping him up. He leads him to the corner he transformed, opening a chest stuffed with clothes Jungkook had seen on humans.
“Take whatever you want.” Namjoon said. “I will protect your skin from the sun and the wind.”
Jungkook rummaged through the chest, every item smelled like the fire dragon standing beside him. Jungkook was delighted by that. He fished out a white garment he could put his arms through and pulled it over his head. Not spending a lot of time as a human made Jungkook a little clumsy. Luckily Namjoon helped him pull his arms through the sleeves.
The garment nearly reached his knees so Jungkook was satisfied with his pick.
He stared up at Namjoon, his eyes full of trust and curiosity.
Namjoon held out his hand for Jungkook to take. Jungkook slid his cool hand into Namjoon’s warm one, instantly being delighted by the warmth. Through a crack in the back of the cave Namjoon leads them outside of the cave.
The shore which greets them was filled with the whitest sand Jungkook had ever seen. The water twinkled in the morning sun and more than one stone stuck out of the water. All of them looked inviting to Jungkook. He will have to rotate laying on them to try out every stone.
Delighted Jungkook turned to Namjoon. “So many stones!” He proclaimed beaming at the other, his eyes twinkling.
He couldn’t hold his excitement back. Namjoon was giving him everything he ever dreamed of. Fish. Stone. Sun.
The urge to show Namjoon how much it meant to him overcame him. Like he had seen his parents do, Jungkook pressed his mouth against Namjoons and grabbed onto him. His hands met Namjoon’s warm skin, reminding him of the warmth of the fire Namjoon had lit for him.
Jungkook relished in the warmth. His own cool body pressing against Namjoon’s warmth.
Namjoon’s hot tongue flicked against Jungkook’s. While Jungkook tasted like the sea, Namjoon tasted like roasted fish. Like Jungkook’s favourite meal, perhaps even better.
Namjoon’s touch burned into him, warming him like the sun shining from the sky,
With a smile Jungkook took a step back. He squeezed Namjoon’s hand before turning towards the water and running into the shimmering sea. He jumped from the shore and transformed mid-jump. His flowy shirt fell onto the sand as his body glided into the water.
Hastily he swam through the water to claim the biggest stone.
He climbed on to it to warm his belly in the sun.
A roar.
A shadow hushed above him and Jungkook smiled. Namjoon was keeping him safe, protecting him, guarding him.
Ah, how easy it is to find a mate, Jungkook thought to himself, not knowing Namjoon had been searching for over a thousand years. Had been in every corner on earth searching for the one destined to be his. Till one day he stumbled upon Jungkook warming his belly in the sun without a care in the world, not even noticing the large dragon above him.
He had smiled in his sleep. The picture was still engraved in his mind.
When the small sealdragon awoke, blinking with his large dark eyes who shone in the sun, Namjoon knew this was his mate. Never had he seen so much beauty in his life. Eyes more beautiful than the finest pearls Namjoon had collected.
It was the day he swore to protect the small dragon.
He fought every dragon who even dared to get near his mate. Herd every swarm of fish towards him for Jungkook to catch. All while contemplating how to introduce himself to the sealdragon without frightening him.
Now that the seal dragon was his, Namjoon was the luckiest being in the universe.