The Left Behind

*

                 Snuggling, Chansung discovered, was the absolute worst thing that could have happened. He woke up blissfully warm but very aware of the man beside him. Well, more like all around him. Their limbs were a mess and Wooyoung's face was very, very close to his own. His mind went on immediate alert upon waking fully, but his body remained lax and unmoving. Settling down once more, just this once, he would let himself indulge. It was comforting and he wanted to have Wooyoung close to him, and to feel the warmth of his body around him. Somehow he managed to get back to sleep, but then the infernal alarm clock went off. Wooyoung was pulling away from him and taking his warmth with him. Chansung almost reached after him.

                "Ugh...” The man groaned and slowly sat up. “Yeah, maybe we shouldn’t drink for a while.”

                Chansung couldn’t help but chuckle. “Told you...” He murmured and pressed his face into the pillow. Even though it was faint, he caught a whiff of Wooyoung's scent. It was beginning to make him feel distraught to not have it at full strength.

                “Come on, we’d better get a move on.” Wooyoung said and brushed his hands through his hair.

                His body surged with heat instantly but also he felt calm. “If you don’t stop, I’ll just go back to sleep.”

                The man chuckled and ceased his petting.

                Reluctantly, he too rose up and stretched.

                After making sure they were suitable for walking in the public, Chansung allowed himself to be pulled out of the room and up the stairs. It was quiet all throughout the house, save for the soft sound of a song. Chansung looked back. It was the songbird, Changmin’s wife, he was sure. Wooyoung tugged him out the door and they walked quietly back to the truck.

                It was chilly and a frost covered the ground. Chansung snuggled down into his coat and they broke into a small run. “Have to admit, I didn’t really want to get out of bed.” He managed as they got into the truck.

                Wooyoung chuckled. “We get a day off after the festival so you can sleep in then, kit.”

                Chansung couldn’t help but curl his toes and smile. “Are we really picking up Junho this early?”

                “We’ve got a lot to do today and tomorrow, plus running regular bakery hours; yes, we’re picking him up.” Wooyoung .

                “Are you feeling okay though?” Chansung didn’t know if he should ask, but he felt he needed to make sure.

                Wooyoung gripped his leg briefly, “you give good therapy.”

                “But-"

                “Yes, I’m okay.” Wooyoung assured and ruffled his hair. “What I’m not too sure about is what Taecyeon might do when we get back.”

                Chansung groaned and hugged himself. “What if he tries to kill me or something?”

                Wooyoung laughed, “I’ll protect you.”

                “I’m sure you’d watch for a while just for your own amusement.” Chansung huffed as they pulled up outside of Junho’s apartment complex.

                “See, you know me so well already." Wooyoung said cutely and rubbed his eyes. "Then you should know I’d save you after a bit."

                Junho came racing out and waved to them cheerily.

                “That’s the happiest I’ve seen him in days,” Chansung noted.

                “It’s because he feels safe.” Wooyoung said and Junho climbed into the back.

                The pup gave them both a once over and sighed. “I’m not going to even ask why you both look like the walking dead.” He said as he buckled himself in.

                “So considerate, although you probably would have had fun last night, Junho.” Wooyoung chuckled.

                “Did you stay at Changmin’s?” Junho asked.

                “Yep,” Wooyoung said and glanced back at him.

                “I know you’re both adults but you know how Taecyeon gets when he’s in protective mode," Junho said quietly, "and you’ve been drinking.”

                “Let me deal with him then, please.”

                “I’m more worried for Chansung.”

                “Wooyoung!” He groaned.

                The man laughed and pulled them into the driveway.

                An unfamiliar car was there. The three exited and made their way inside. Wooyoung stashed his bag in the porch and they found Min-Jun, Taecyeon and Teri seated at the table. The atmosphere was tense.

                “Where were you?” Min-Jun asked immediately and rose from his seat.

                “Safe,” Wooyoung answered, “what happened?”

                “Ellen was taken last night.”

                Junho gasped and Wooyoung stared at them.

                Chansung felt his stomach churning in knots. Her smiling face as she handed him his order flashed through his mind.

                “Who told you?”

                “A wolf visited me this morning, told me to warn all the hybrids that Catchers weren’t targeting only wild ones in the region anymore.” Teri answered, eyes hollow. “They’re trying to round us up and sell us before the new bills are voted and made official.”

                Chansung shivered in disgust.

                “But what happens when the new bills pass?! Won’t the authorities rescue those who have been captured? It'll be illegal by then!” Junho was on intense alert now and was clutching his arm tightly.

                “Junho, you probably shouldn’t-"

                “You don’t know what it’s like! You don’t know what they do to you!” Junho began to pant and shake. “You wait for someone to come and save you, but no one does - the only person you can count on is yourself!”

                Chansung turned to him and hugged him close. He whispered soft, comforting words into his ear and smoothed his hand over his hair. He may not know what happened to the pup, but he was holding him so tightly, that he could do nothing but return the sentiment. Junho looked up at him briefly and gave such a pitiful whimper.

                “As much as talking about this topic is necessary, right now, we’re all already emotionally sensitive and on edge.” Wooyoung said. “We don’t need to remind people of their past traumas, especially when the risk for it to happen again is high. Now, can you please retract your scents and let us carry on?

                “Babe is right.” Taecyeon said. “Making people anxious isn’t going to help anyone.”

                Junho finally relaxed in his arms and thanked him quietly. He didn’t like that they let him be triggered like that. The pup was already sensitive, they should have known better. It could only mean that Min-Jun and Taecyeon were more on edge than he had assumed.

                “Let’s get ready for the day.”

                “I’m running out for some things, Wooyoung, do you wanna come with me?” Taecyeon asked.

                Wooyoung made his way to the stairs, “no.”

                Chansung saw the pain and rejection on the older male’s face as Wooyoung walked away.

                “Wooyoung!” Min-jun called as he raced after him.

                “Do you wanna come, Junho?”

                “Sure!” The pup boasted, no longer expressing any signs of stress.

                The smile on Taecyeon’s face was sad, but he nodded.

                Junho tugged at his coat. “You know what happens to hybrids who are rejected by their cubs, right?”

                Chansung stared at the stairway and nodded. “I do...” He replied, knowing all too well just what happened.

                “This kind of reminds me of last year." Junho sighed. "Wooyoung was so mad that he didn’t get to see Taecyeon, and now he's being distant.”

                “I have been worried.” Chansung murmured, recalling the expression on Wooyoung’s face when he got the letter.

                “It still surprises me that it's been a year since he was here. Taecyeon used to come and stay for months. Even if he’s been working with people on making the policies to protect hybrids and the land claims, he did come home. Now, he only stays for short periods of time. I think Wooyoung feels like he was left behind, you know?” Junho turned his gaze up towards him.

                Chansung nodded. He himself had thought that way about his parents sometimes. It still left him surprised that he managed to stumble upon the home of 'River Kim'. No wonder Min-Jun trusted him.

                “I just - I just hope that Wooyoung is able to reconcile with him, despite what happened. Taecyeon loves him a lot, so I can’t imagine the pain he feels whenever this happens.” Junho said quietly.

                “Ready, Junho?”

                “Coming!”

                Chansung stood quietly in the kitchen for a long time. After a while he carefully made his way up the stairs and to Wooyoung’s bedroom. He found the man dressed in his regular work clothes. His body movements were tense and he was sniffling a little bit.

                “Wooyoung?” He called out.

                “I’m alright...”

                “I know you want to be mad at him and I won’t tell you to stop, but...” The enigma turned to him, yet their eyes didn’t connect. Wooyoung made to pass by however Chansung caught his body and brought him before him. Cupping the man’s face he nuzzled their noses together. “It hurts to be mad at him, doesn’t it?”

                Wooyoung’s nimble hands clutched his wrists and whimpered softly. "Don't..."

                “Please don't keep running from him when you don't want to be.”

                The man shook his head and kept his eyes closed.

                Chansung leaned back, which seemed to startle Wooyoung, so he remained close. “Can I make an unfair bargain?” He whispered into his ear.

                “Depends on what it is...”

                Chansung held him closer, “I promise that if you tell him, I’ll show you what I am.”

                Wooyoung’s soft gasp and his hands clutching his sides made him smile. “Do you really want to hide yourself from me that badly?” He grumbled.

                “Depends on how much you want to see my hybrid.” He said and stood back a ways.

                “You don’t bargain fairly...” He said softly, hands still holding Chansung.

                “You’re not being fair to him, either.” Chansung said, a little more firm.

                Wooyoung’s eyes slid over his face and slowly reached up to his hair. “Do you promise?”

                “I think I’m pretty good at keeping your promises.” He assured tenderly.

                The blush that dusted Wooyoung’s cheeks made his heart race. “Stop flirting with me already.” Wooyoung grumbled and moved past him. “Hurry up and get ready.”

                Chansung looked after him, heart not slowing down in the least. He couldn’t help smiling to himself and rubbing his neck. ‘I want to see him more flustered.’ He thought selfishly. Then he sighed and slowly came to peek out. Like he assumed, Min-Jun was indeed there leaning against the wall. “Sometimes I think you’re snooping is a little invasive.”

                Min-Jun chuckled. “Is he growing on you, Chan?”

                Chansung leaned against the doorframe. “Isn’t that what you’ve been scheming?”

                “I would never do that to my babe.” Min-Jun said and looked down the hallway. "And I don't scheme, I like to think of myself as an encourager who gives lots of support and motivation."

                “Why did you put the picture of them in the book?” He had to ask. He had been itching to ask for a long time.

                “The relationship between me and Taecyeon is complicated." Min-Jun shrugged, "After a certain something happened, I hid the picture in the hope that if I ever found it again, I would be reminded of the good times. It backfired. It just made me bitter...” Min-Jun answered, not skirting around the truth like usual. “I’ve known him for so long; I don’t know how I could live my life without him.”

                “Well, he has another partner, right? I'm sure it's complicated...”

                Min-Jun shook his head. “Yes and no, and that isn't the cause of the problems we have now. Also, yes, his children have come here. They have their own families now as well. Taecyeon's older children happened before he and I got together.”

                Chansung balked, “they’re that old?”

                Min-Jun nodded. “Well, a lot happened between Taecyeon and I before Wooyoung came into our lives. That sweet babe came to us at a very needed time." The expression on Min-Jun's face gave Chansung such warm feelings. He didn't mean to but he felt envious of the unconditional love being expressed to him. "Wooyoung lived with Taecyeon out in the country for a long time. I did join them for a while but then...hybrids were beginning to get snatched up. I didn't want us living out there anymore and risk us being caught. He hated me for months, little punk was such a wild child." He chuckled but his expression was so affectionate. "It was then that Taecyeon said he would dedicate himself fully to work harder for hybrid rights and work on the bills. See, he went back to work fully after us having to leave the country. He wanted to make it so we could return." Min-Jun explained.

               "Before living in the country and before Wooyoung, he had already been working with your father. And, because of certain people he had to prove he wasn't a wild, raging hybrid." Min-Jun indicated to his eyes, "red eyes are very much looked down upon, as you know." He sighed deeply. "We talked about what he should do, and he discussed what support he needed from his other partner. She's always been very supportive of him and me, and wanted me included in the decision. I was furious that we had to sacrifice so much to be seen as valid, as professional, as capable. I couldn't stomach it and I told him that until he managed to set out what he and your father intended to do, I wanted no part of it. I've had so much taken from me, I just wanted something that was mine for once. It was so hard on me." Min-Jun admitted without hesitation. Chansung had never seen him like this before. "I thought...I was going to lose him. Taecyeon and I separated for a couple years.” Min-Jun took a deep breath. “Last year I got fed up with a lot of things. It was like we were going through this same cycle, and I will admit I still feel it. I'm just...so tired. Wooyoung has suffered a lot over the years. But, I'm too deep, as they say. Which is why I can understand why your father works as hard as he does."

               Chansung closed his eyes briefly.

               "Sorry...you're very easy to share things with." He said and suddenly looked so forlorn. "Sometimes I wonder if I made a mistake, especially seeing how everything has unfolded. Most especially with Wooyoung, I just want him to have the best life. An Elder doesn’t just become wise, you know?”

                Chansung smiled, “I don't think you made a mistake. Even if you did you're all together right now, and though it might not seem the most comfortable, there's so much love in this home." He looked at the pictures lining the walls. "You’re very wise to me. I have a lot of respect for Elders who can admit their faults.”

                Min-Jun pinched his cheek, “you always know the best compliments to make someone feel good, don't you? So cute.”

                Chansung bat away his hand. First Fei and now the bear, who was going to call him ‘cute’ next he wondered.

                “Taecyeon got a call two days ago to return to the Capital.” Min-Jun sighed. “He said he couldn’t make it.”

                “Oh?”

                “He won’t leave until Wooyoung accepts him back.” Min-Jun had a fond smile on his face. “It makes me happy that you say there is a lot of love in this home, Chansung. Despite what I'm feeling and what is happening, it really means a lot to me.”

                Chansung gripped his hand. "Well...I..." He paused and tried to withhold the pain. "There's so much love here, Min-Jun. It's just there are circumstances out of our control affecting our lives in many different ways right now."

               Min-Jun nodded, "Yes, you're very right." He tugged Chansung a little closer. “You don't know how right you are. I...all I want is for my cub to be happy. I don’t care what that means or what can give him happiness anymore. If it means leaving here or staying, or whatever, I just want him to be happy.” The tremble in Min-Jun’s voice made Chansung’s gut twist in knots.

                “I think he’s just scared to say what he really wants, because he doesn’t want to lose you.” Chansung said quietly and looked down the stairway. “I know that fear all too well...” Facing the older man he smiled at him. “Junho was really perceptive. He said that Wooyoung feels like he was ‘left behind’ by Taecyeon. So, even if Taecyeon tries to reconnect with him, he has to apologise for that initial leaving first.”

                “Very perceptive indeed...”

                “Are you both coming or am I going to be doing everything myself?!” Wooyoung called up the stairs.

                Min-Jun chuckled, “the master calls.”

                Chansung smirked and changed his clothes.

                *

                The days leading up to the festival were nothing but busy. Hundreds of baked goods and yummy barbeque chicken buns were made, and many of those Chansung got to eat. What really made the time special was how everyone worked together. Despite their relationship being rocky, Wooyoung really lit up whenever Taecyeon helped him. Sometimes Chansung caught a glimpse of Min-Jun watching them in utter happiness. There were no late night conversations and no other reports of stolen hybrids. The community however felt the loss and the tension remained.

                The night before the festival, after everything had been packed up, Chansung finally managed to grab some time to call his family. He was nervous because he didn’t wish to speak with his mother about what he was experiencing. He really hoped his father would pick up because he would have the answers. Plus, he really wanted to hear his sibling’s voices.

                Picking up the phone, he dialed the number and sat back.

                ~Hello?~

                Chansung closed his eyes upon hearing his father’s voice and felt utter relief. “Hey dad...”

                ~Oh! My precious son, I haven’t heard your voice in ages!~

                He couldn’t help but chuckle. “How are you?”

                ~I’m a bit stressed out with all the happenings in the Capital and the country, a couple other things.~ He said with a deep sigh. ~Nothing I can’t handle, your mother is the one I’m worried about.~

                “Mm, well, she can handle herself too.” He said softly.

                ~Yes, you're right.~ His father chuckled. ~So what’s new? I read your new book – fabulous stuff! One of these days you'll have to tell me how you got it published. It really helped with the negotiations for Nocturna.~

                Chansung smiled, “I’m glad to hear that.” It was so very good to hear his father's voice. “Dad, I have to ask you something.”

                ~Sure, anything.~

                “When...when you encounter someone, they hide their scent, and you begin to lose your senses - like they aren’t working properly - what does that mean?”

                His father hummed deeply. Chansung wished he could be sitting with him. He could just see his expression.

                ~It depends. Sometimes - and most usually - what that means is you’re focusing on a potential mate or partner. If they're hiding their scent - well there could be personal reasons. If you feel like you're being affected, it shouldn’t last very long, a couple days at most.~

                Chansung’s eyes widened, “what if it goes on longer than that?”

                ~Then it’s not just a potential. See when your senses dull, it usually means you’re either really stressed out – which I don’t doubt in your case, you haven’t let your hybrid out in a long time, you haven’t had in a while – no don’t laugh,~ Chansung flushed but chuckled anyway, ~or, the more likely reason, you’re interacting or have come in contact with your Significant.~

                “Great...” It sounded like he was being affected by a combination of all of them.

                ~You’re in a new place right?~

                “Yes?”

                ~Have you let out your hybrid recently?~

                “It accidentally popped out, yes, and an almost involuntary heat...” He admitted, face on fire. No matter how old he was he felt nervous talking about these things with his parents.

                ~Oh...~

                That did not sound great. “Dad," he whined, "What do you mean, ‘oh’?”

                ~It definitely sounds like a combination of things then, but two months away from heat season...that's big, kiddo. A bit strange for an alpha...~

                “Dad, are you sure that golden eyed alphas are dominant to red?”

                ~They’re almost equal in many cases, but it all depends on the situation. I'm sure this was covered fairly well in school, kiddo. I know you've spoken with River about this topic, even challenged him sometimes.~

                Chansung sighed. “Yeah, but reality and experiencing the real thing is much different than a textbook or lecture.”

                ~Yes, true...~ His father hummed gently. "Well then, considering your unique heritage among other things...well, we both know a submissive side shouldn't be surprising. I know you've managed well up to now, so whoever your Significant is...I guess when the time comes we can chat properly about this then.~

                Chansung couldn't help but blush. "Ae Cha is going to be the same then..."

                ~Yes, she's beginning to show both sides now.~

                "Faster than me."

                "She's quite independent that one. Now, this one on the other hand. I’ve got a small visitor here who’s been staring at me on the bridge of tears.~

                Chansung cooed, “is that my little one?”

                ~He’s been growling at me a little bit.~

                “Oooh...” He could just picture his little brother.

                ~Still can’t make his ears and tail disappear when he’s mad. Here, Kaiden...~

                The first sound Chansung heard was a purr and his hybrid rose to the surface. “Hey my little one.”

                ~Brudder, when you coming home big brudder?~

                If there was ever a time he so desperately wanted to return home it was now. “Big brother has to stay away-"

                ~But I want to see you...~

                “Big brother wants to see you too.” He said softly. “Are you okay?”

                ~Mama say I’m just like you, big brudder.~

                Chansung clutched the desk tightly. “Big brother loves you.”

                ~Big brudder, can you get me a present?~

                “Of course I can, big brother was thinking of sending all of you some nice treats.”

                ~Big sister Fei was here. Her belly is really, really big.~ He laughed. ~I got to feel her babies move, big brudder!~

                ~Is that big brother?!~

                ~I wanna talk to him too!~

                ~Big brother we miss you!~

                ~You’ve got all five of them swarming me now.~ His father laughed. ~Uh-oh, mama’s coming.~

                Chansung heard them all gasp. They were just too cute.

                ~Why is there a kitten party in daddy’s office?~ She teased them all.

                ~Big brother is on the phone mama!~ Snow called.

                ~I hope you’re all not pestering him about coming home.~ She said.

                ~But mama we want big brother to come home.~

                ~You know big brother can’t come home yet. It isn’t safe for him to come home. Snow, Serenity, and Cho Hee know this well, and I hope you’re listening to them.~ As his mother finished, he heard the first sniffle, and then they were all crying.

                ~Oh dear...was that really necessary, Aurora?~

                ~Big brudder!!~

                "Big brother is really sorry, Kaiden, you know I love you and I would come home right away if I could.” Chansung’s eyes welled with tears. “It’s alright, big brother is here.”

                ~Oh, now this just won't do.~ His father cooed. ~All my lovely kittens are upset...~

                ~Well, it's the truth. We're all worried.~ His mother said.

                Calming himself, he said yes as confidently as he could. “Big brother wishes he could be there, but until he can he'll send you some goodies, okay?”

                They all gave him sad responses, accompanied by sniffles.

                ~Alright, say goodnight to big brother. Three of you have school tomorrow.~ His father said.

                ~Good night, big brother.~

                “Night Serenity.”

                ~I love you, bro.~

                “I love you too, Snow.”

                ~Big brother can you get me chocolates?~

                Chansung couldn’t help but laugh. “Yes Star, I’ll get you chocolates.”

                ~Yes!~

                ~Sweet dreams, big brother!~

                “Sweet dreams, babe.”

                All he heard was sniffles from Kaiden. ~I love you, big brudder.~

                Chansung swallowed hard, “I love you, my little one.” He didn’t want to say goodbye.

                ~Goodnight, my son.~

                Sitting up straighter he smiled, “Night, take care of them.”

                ~I always try, but no one does it better than their big brother.~ His mother said softly. ~Don’t be upset.~

                “I can’t promise that...”

                ~I know...but they’re okay.~

                ~Goodnight, my precious son!~ His father cheered.

                He was smiling again. “Night.”

                The phone clicked and he slowly rested the phone back down. He couldn’t stop the tears. It wasn’t fair. He didn’t think that if he started out on this journey that it would both hurt and fulfil him at the same time. Sometimes it didn’t seem worth the pain. Hearing a soft knock, he rubbed at his eyes and cleared his throat, “come in.”

                Wooyoung poked his head in, “you okay?”

                “Yeah, just...talking to them gets to me sometimes.”

                “Your siblings?”

                Chansung nodded. “All five of them,” he chuckled.

                “You have five siblings?” Wooyoung asked as he leaned in the doorway. “I thought you only had three?”

                Chansung shrugged, “nope, five rambunctious younger siblings. After the tour my parents didn’t want too many people prying into our lives. There’s Serenity, Snow, Cho Hee, Ae Cha – also known as Star, and Kaiden.”

                “Those are the most random names.” Wooyoung chuckled.

                Chansung nodded. “Serenity is after my mother’s mother, Snow because of the day they were born, Cho Hee after my father's mother, Ae Cha and I have Korean names as well because of tradition on my dad's side, and my little one.” He couldn’t help but coo. “Kaiden was almost a stillbirth.”

                “Oh?”

                Chansung rose up and walked towards him. “My mother says I saved him, but I don’t know-"

                “You stayed with him, just like the lynx cubs, right?”

                Looking down at him surprised, he nodded.

                “Without a doubt, they’ve got to be the cutest kittens.”

                “Kaiden can’t retract his ears and tail when he's mad,” he said, not being able to resist cooing.

                Wooyoung smiled and then asked, “how old are they?”

                “Let’s see...Seren, Snow and Cho Hee were born during middle school...” Chansung tapped his chin. “They’re almost 12!” He groaned. “Star and Kaiden are only four.”

                “Aw...” Wooyoung said and they made their way up the stairs. “I really like hearing you talk about them.”

                “Oh?” He asked and looked up at him.

                Wooyoung nodded, “Seeing you light up...that’s when I know you’re really happy.”

                The enigmatic man had said something like this before. What expression was on his face all the time? Was he really not happy?

                “I...I’m sorry if my mood hasn’t always been the greatest...” He apologised.

                Wooyoung waved him off. “No, it’s nothing like that. I just know that your siblings are very important and special to you.”

                Chansung nodded, “If...talking about them makes you uncomfortable I can stop.”

                Wooyoung turned around, making him almost bang into him. Those dark eyes ensnared him, him in. “Listen, kit, I may be having family issues – mainly caused by my own behaviour – but that doesn’t mean I’m a selfish jackass. Why would I be mad if you wanted to talk about your family?”

                “I just...”

                Wooyoung smiled sadly, “Stop thinking about what I might be feeling.”

                “But, I really don’t want to cause you any discomfort. I can be selfish and really dense sometimes, but I never mean to be inconsiderate.”

                Wooyoung ruffled his hair and grinned, “you are indeed very considerate, and I know you’re dense.”

                Chansung slumped, “That was mean.”

                When they were settled down in Wooyoung’s bedroom, Chansung couldn’t help but pout.

                “What?” Wooyoung asked, an amused expression on his face.

                Slowly making his way over to Wooyoung’s bedside, the man’s expression slowly went neutral. Was he making him nervous? “Why don’t you just tell him how you feel?”

                Wooyoung sighed and burrowed down into his blankets. “Can we not talk about this?”

                “What do you want to talk about?”

                The man took a deep breath and then met his gaze. “Do you know the wolves we heard the other day?”

                Chansung shrugged, “It’s possible, but none of them sounded familiar to me.”

                Wooyoung looked away once more. “If you like canids, was there a wolf you were interested in?”

                “Maybe...” He couldn’t help but smile, and resulted in Wooyoung eyeing him once more. He wanted his gaze on him.

                “I imagine they didn’t take you leaving very well.”

                Chansung rested his chin on the bed and shrugged. “Guess he wasn’t what I was looking for.”

                “That’s unfair...”

                “Then I’m selfish.”

                Wooyoung smiled at him. “What’s keeping you here?”

                Chansung flushed a little bit and he once again shrugged. “I feel comfortable here.”

                That made the smaller man relax and his features weren’t as tense. “I think I can understand Taecyeon better now, having met you.”

                Chansung growled slightly, “why?”

                “Because, he has a goal in mind too, and I’m beginning to realise what lengths someone will go to achieve that, most especially since I’ve met you.” Wooyoung brushed his fingers over his chin. “I used to think he was selfish, being gone all the time. So I thought you were the same way. I’m beginning to understand how painful it can be, being someone looking for something, working so passionately for something, when they have a life and home waiting for them. It gets me really worked up when I know I can’t help you when you really miss your siblings, because I know you won’t feel better until you’re with them. I just...hope that's how my papa feels when he’s gone.”

                Chansung smiled then, and this time he was the one brushing his hands through Wooyoung’s hair. “He really loves you.”

                “I know...”

                “It does hurt, when we want to achieve the goal we set for ourselves. It hurts even more the further it takes us from what makes us feel safe and loved. But...Wooyoung, you said it to me yourself, even if I left, I would be able to come back, right?”

                The surprise on Wooyoung’s face answered his question.

                “Knowing that...really helps,” he said softly. “It’s nice knowing that we’ll have a loving home to go back to.”

                Wooyoung curled up and buried his face into his blankets. “Even though I didn’t want to talk about him...we still did.”

                Chansung laughed. “I’m still trying to find what I’m looking for, but Taecyeon is very close to achieving his goal of establishing hybrid rights. I think that’s wonderful. He’s not only trying to save the hybrid’s and their territories, but also the urban populations, creating safer places for you and Min-Jun, and for us to have rights.”

                “Talking highly of him even though he did what he did, huh?” Wooyoung teased.

                Chansung shrugged, “I...kind of understand why he did it. I mean, I’m also sleeping in his cub’s room. I've got history, and baggage, I'm an alpha, even if I've known him since I was small, too, I'm still a potential threat to his cub." Wooyoung rolled his eyes, but Chansung continued before he could say anything. "He’s a parent. You may not be biologically related, but you’re his cub. I think that’s the most unconditional and truest love you can get. From Min-Jun too...I’m kinda envious...”

                “Shut up...” Wooyoung pressed him back. “You’re embarrassing me.”

                Chansung his lips and settled back again. “Even though you’re scared he’ll leave again, don’t feel like you’ve been left behind okay? He’ll come back, and Min-Jun will never leave. And when you’re ready, I know you’ll be able to go on your own adventure one day, and they'll still love and support you no matter what...”

                “I mean it, you need to stop.” Wooyoung said, voice shaky.

                “Do you think we’ll be able to manage to get Junho and Min on their own little date tomorrow?” He asked, changing the flow of conversation.

                Wooyoung seemed to appreciate a different topic. “The world will end tomorrow if that happens.” He said quietly. “Now go to bed, you. We have a big day ahead of us.”

                Chansung rose up to his knees and grinned. “I’m kind of...really excited about tomorrow.”

                Wooyoung chuckled, “Of that I have no doubts.”

                “Will I have time to get little things for my siblings?”

                Wooyoung smiled at him, “Of course, kit.”

                He made his way back to bed and settled down. “I feel like...we just passed through some type of strenuous trial or something.”

                “Sleep...”

                “Will you take me around the festival tomorrow?”

                “If you go to sleep within the next five minutes I most certainly will.” Wooyoung bargained.

                “Okay!” He couldn’t help but cheer.

                It took everything in his willpower not to ask more questions. He wasn’t sure when he finally fell asleep, but the anticipation of seeing a real fox festival followed him to his dreams.

*

Next Chapter...The Enlightening Festival