Making Progress to the Capital

*

           Chansung laughed as Wooyoung flicked icing sugar at him. “Cho Hee wanted me to make some special cookies when she was in Fortune but I never got the chance.” He said as he began to mix colour into the confectionary sugar with water.

           “She’s going to love this.” Chansung said as he looked over the small shapes. “Can you make me a special one?”

           Wooyoung pushed him with his hips and shrugged, “maybe I already did.”

           Chansung sidled up closer and playfully nipped his shoulder. “Can we make cheesecakes too?”

           Wooyoung’s eyes swirled silver and he worried his bottom lip. “That’s the first thing we made together.”

           “Mmhmm...” He hummed as Wooyoung began to decorate the cookies. “You realise all my siblings will want are baked things.”

           Wooyoung laughed and shrugged. “Whatever makes them love me more than you is a good thing.”

           “Hey!”

           Wooyoung kissed his cheek, “tell me, Mr. Writer, found anything to inspire your muse yet?”

           Surprised, his leopard rippled forth and he rested his chin in his palms. “Now that you mention it...I haven’t felt the need for a while.”

           “Oh? I thought something in Fortune might inspire you a little.”

           The thought had truly not crossed his mind. Every day, before he arrived at Fortune, he would at least write a little, to relieve stress, to confide his darkest thoughts, or to just get what he was feeling onto paper. The day he got off that train and arrived at the bakery, he truly hadn’t noticed it until now. Even his fascination with books had dwindled significantly. Gazing up at Wooyoung as he continued with his decorating, he smiled softly. Well, perhaps there was a reason.

           “Nothing?”

           Chansung shrugged and stood at full height. “I know it'll come swinging back eventually. Asides from personal writing, I wrote because I wanted to give support to my father, to create safer places and spaces for hybrids.” He said and pulled a stool close and sat himself upon it. “I’ve also been around a certain person who has kept me quite distracted.”

           Wooyoung blushed then and glanced at him briefly. “Can I ask you something?”

           “Of course...”

           “You know what the Fox Realm is now...would you write about it?” Wooyoung rested his hands on the countertop and looked at him more directly.

           Chansung leaned once more against the counter. “I thought finding it would lead me to you - and it kind of did.” He answered simply, and was overjoyed when those lovely ears sprang up on Wooyoung’s head. “I didn’t know what the Realm was, how to find it, or if it would even give me what I wanted.” He reached out and pulled him nearer. “I think the Fox Realm is always going to be a reminder of that day. Your mother told me she had regretted being born a fox, and...” Wooyoung’s ears drooped. “I never want you to feel like that, ever. It’s not my place to write about it, but if I ever did, it would be with your permission as well as Elders. It’s a topic that’s just too...personal.”

           Wooyoung smiled then and he kissed Chansung's nose, “maybe you’ll just have to take up another career until you’re ready to write more then.”

           Chansung hugged him close. His eyes fell shut as Wooyoung’s hands smoothed over his ears, and he nuzzled closer. “I can’t...think about anything else but you right now.” He chuckled and pressed his lips lightly to Wooyoung’s. “I get so...overwhelmed because I’ve never felt this way before. Just like you, I didn’t think I’d ever find this, experience it. It isn’t something I can describe well either what I feel for you.” He was immensely satisfied with the low whimper and Wooyoung brushing their noses together. “Maybe one day I’ll write about a little leopard who wandered around trying to find a little silver fox, and it’ll become some small obscure book in a store.”

           Wooyoung blushed and shook his head. “If you write cheesy stories about us...”

           Chansung was filled with happiness. “I’m kind of a hopeless romantic. I’m sure you’ve realised by now.”

           “Mmn...” Wooyoung groaned and kissed him deeply, and wrapped his arms around his neck. “Let me finish decorating the cookies already.”

           Chansung laughed against his lips, but Wooyoung didn’t budge from his arms. He didn’t cease their touch of lips. He held him tighter and kissed him more.

           “Why do you have to be so addicting?” Wooyoung grumbled.

           “I think you just like kissing me.”

           Wooyoung gripped his shirt and gave him another kiss.

           “No more memories without me.” He said against Wooyoung’s ear.

           Wooyoung gripped his shirt tightly. “I’m not going to let that happen either.” He huffed. “We’re not little cubs anymore.”

           Chansung smiled, “no, definitely not.”

           Seeing that beautiful blush made him pick him up and spin him around.

           “Mm...” Wooyoung hummed and tightened his legs around Chansung’s waist, his arms about his neck. “I’m going to bar you from the kitchen. I can’t get things done.” He grumbled but then he became anxious and collapsed into Chansung completely. “I’m warning you now, I seriously need to prepare for the train. I might be a little nervous.”

           “Oh? How come?”

           Wooyoung sighed and collapsed against him, “too many things to name.”

           “What’s the first?”

           “Well...that train ride here was my first ever. We always drove everywhere because that’s how I felt safest, and I’m kind of embarrassed to tell you about my first time riding in a truck.”

           "There is no way I'm letting you out of my arms until you tell me exactly."

           "Chan! No..." He groaned but still laughed. “I have to finish the cookies.”

           "Then I guess you better tell me quick so I know how to make you feel comfortable."

           “I’m almost done, then I’ll tell you while mentally preparing myself for this train ride. I only made it the first time because I was focused on you and passed out for most of it. So be good and help me get these ready for your sister.”

           Chansung grinned and did as told. Life was good.

*

           Chansung had stacked their minimal amount of luggage at the door. Yong-Sun had been quiet for much of the morning as he got ready to leave with them. Wooyoung also sighed for what seemed to be the millionth time as they began to dress up for the cold. Chansung looked over at him and smiled.

           “I guess the story about your first time in a truck will have to come from Min-Jun or Taecyeon.”

           “You wouldn’t!” Wooyoung grumbled, betrayal in his eyes.

           “You know I would.”

           “Whatever...” He huffed and hugged himself. “I can’t believe we're actually going to the Capital. I can't believe I am going there. It always looks so intimidating on television and in the news. This is too much for me. I hardly ever left Fortune now I’m going all over the place!” He exhaled again. Then he turned a worried gaze Chansung's way.  “You barely slept last night...”

           Gripping his hand, Chansung nodded. “I’m...kinda anxious about seeing my father.” He admitted.

           “Oh?”

           He nodded.

           Wooyoung laced their fingers together briefly before turning his attention to his approaching siblings and Min-Jun.

           “You’re going to give me new reasons to be anxious, Chansung.”

           Smiling he lifted Wooyoung’s hand to his lips and kissed his skin tenderly. Then he was kneeling down, “are you guys ready to go home?”

           Oddly, both became very much reserved. They looked all around and then held hands. “We don’t wanna see mama.”

           Chansung rested his hands in his lap. “It’ll be okay. I’ll be there with you.”

           “Do we have to go? We like it here.” Ae Cha was fast becoming stubborn.

           “Yes, because Uncle Kim and Mr. Yong-Sun are also coming. You don’t want to be here alone, do you?”

           “No.” They murmured.

           “Well, we’d better get ready then, huh?”

           Neither were very enthusiastic about leaving but they did allow themselves to be dressed. Soon they were piled into a taxi and making their way back to the train station. Once there, Wooyoung scooped up both his siblings and nuzzled them both.

           “Where are my cutie vitamins gone?”

           Their cute little faces brightened with big smiles and their giggles started. Chansung was smitten with Wooyoung all over again.

           “Who is sitting with me on the train?”

           “Me!” They both cheered.

           They made their way inside the station and retrieved their tickets. Chansung found himself seated on a bench once more, only this time, the feeling of leaving was a little less stressful. Although, when Yong-Sun and Min-Jun took over entertaining his siblings, it left Wooyoung pacing back and forth which made him a little antsy. That being said, Chansung couldn’t help but admire how wonderful he looked.

           Kaiden came to lean against his leg and stuffed a piece of his biscuit into his mouth. “Want some?” He offered.

           “No, you enjoy it lots for me.” Chansung said.

           “I’m happy, big brudder.” Kaiden said and leaned back into him.

           “Are you?”

           “Yeah, you finally found Mr. Fox.”

           Chansung smiled and nodded, “I did.”

           “Do you think mama will be mean?” Kaiden asked with a pout, now neglecting his treat.

           Chansung shrugged, “I don’t know, but big brother really likes Wooyoung, so even if she does get mad I won’t ever leave him.”

           “Mama...hurts big brudder...” Kaiden said quietly.

           Surprised by his sad expression and just how perceptive he was, Chansung picked him up and sat him on his lap. “Yes, mama did hurt big brother, but mama just doesn’t understand some things. I promise you’ll know when you’re older, ‘kay?”

           Kaiden didn’t seem to accept that, instead he slumped against Chansung and ate more of his biscuit. Feeling arms slip around him, he looked up and gentle lips touched his forehead. Hearing the train in the distance, Wooyoung sighed.

           “I...I can’t believe what she’s done to you and your siblings.” Yong-Sun said quietly. “I think that says a lot that they would rather be here than with her.”

           Chansung saddened a little but Wooyoung’s fingers kneading his shoulders dismissed it quickly.

           “She just doesn’t know what she’s losing.” Wooyoung said and they watched Ae Cha laugh as she dodged Min-Jun’s hands.

           “You’re so good at tag!”

           Wooyoung vanished from him and ran towards Ae Cha and lifted her up high.

           “Ah! Brother Wooyoung!” She laughed and wiggled her legs.

           “I’m getting cold feet myself.” Yong-Sun admitted and crossed his arms.

           “Of all the things I thought he’d be scared of, it wasn’t riding trains.” Chansung said amused.

           “Yah, I heard that! Leave me alone, kit.” Wooyoung grumbled as he returned and plopped into the seat beside him. “I’m...just not used to travelling on something so fast...and you can’t decide when to stop.”

           Chansung smiled softly and leaned back against the bench.

           “There’s nothing to be worried about. Sweetpea and Kai are really good examples of calmness right now.” Min-Jun cooed as he stood before them.

           “Yeah, they’ve travelled more than I have.” Wooyoung shot back.

           Laughing, Chansung stifled his amusement when his partner glared at him. “I want you to be as comfortable as possible.” He whispered to Wooyoung and looped his arm around his waist.

           “Oh, don’t baby him, Chansung.” Min-Jun reprimanded as he began rounding up their belongings. “Come along my babies, we must be off.”

           Ae Cha and Kaiden wriggled down onto the platform and walked side by side with Min-Jun.

           “He needs babies, I don’t care what anyone says.” Chansung cooed as he got to his feet.

           “I want him to have little baby bears.” Wooyoung grumbled and followed after him.

           “Perhaps when the bills finally pass many things will become possible.” Yong-Sun looking far more uplifted.

           “I certainly hope so.” Wooyoung said as he laced his fingers with Chansung’s.

           Chansung pulled him close and nuzzled his neck, making Wooyoung instantly go lax which hold him closer.

           “Cheater...”

           Pressing a single, tender, open mouth kiss against Wooyoung’s warm skin, he said softly, “Whatever makes you feel better.”

           “Ooo...” Wooyoung groaned and leaned into him completely.

           “Hurry up lovebirds!” Min-Jun called. “Actually stay here and be lovesick, I would like to be spared a whole train ride of this mush.”

           Wooyoung stuck his tongue out and flipped him off.

           “There’s the brat I know...” Min-Jun laughed.

           “Who knows that we’re coming today?” Yong-Sun asked.

           “Taecyeon and Mei.” Min-Jun answered and they were finally all seated inside.

           “I’m glad I can surprise my siblings.” Chansung said and brushed his hand over Wooyoung’s hair.

           When the train finally began pulling away from the station, Wooyoung’s hands grasped his and he gave a resigned whimper. Honestly, how could he be so cute? Ae Cha and Kaiden passed out completely after an hour. Wooyoung remained staring out the window, ears and tail visible.

           “Looking outside keeping you calm, Wooyoung?”

           He only whimpered in response.

           Chansung edged closer.

           Soon enough, Wooyoung was looking at him. He was such a canid, it was uncanny. He couldn’t believe he couldn't figure it out until now, Wooyoung had given more than enough clues. His playfulness was another very obvious one.

           “Come here...” Chansung coaxed and lay himself out on the seat.

           Wooyoung shifted completely and curled up on his chest and stomach without further incentive.

           “What is making you most anxious?”

           “We’re in a tiny room of a fast moving metal object, and it won’t stop because I want it to.” He said without hesitation. “It makes me...insecure not to have the option to leave without endangering my life.”

           Chansung nodded and brushed his hands over his shivering body. “I didn’t like trains either when I first got on them, and I really didn’t like them after the attack.”

           Wooyoung edged closer to Chansung's face and his chin.

           “It takes a lot...but whenever you feel anxious, just do what you feel will calm you best.”

           “I want to stay right here...”

           Chansung smiled and made himself more comfortable. “Then stay with me, cuddlekins.”

           Wooyoung snorted and nipped at his fingers.

           It was a while before Wooyoung relaxed enough to stop shivering. He did manage to fall asleep as well after a while. The remainder of the journey was quiet. When his siblings woke they watched movies on a portable DVD player, and Wooyoung joined them sometimes. He was still antsy, but he was handling the train much better. As night began to fall, Wooyoung fell in and out of consciousness, but his anxiety kept him up for most of the ride.

           As they came nearer to their destination, Chansung began to feel even more nervous. He hadn’t been back in the Capital in years. It hadn’t been his home for even longer. When the announcement resounded over the intercom that they were approaching, he found his lap filled with fox, and his siblings were looking out the window beside them constantly. The lights of the Capital were in the distance.

*

           Chansung leaned against the wall of the train as the streetlights passed along slowly. It was settling in now, the apprehension, the fear, the absolutely undesirable encounters he was going to have to face. Hearing the bathroom door open, he turned to Wooyoung who paused briefly but then came up to his side. Kaiden shuffled in Chansung’s arms and he adjusted him to make them both more comfortable.

           As Wooyoung came to stand beside him, Chansung could see him trembling.

           “You okay?” He asked.

           Wooyoung slowly came to look at him, “are you?”

           Immediately shaking his head, Chansung kissed his brother’s forehead. “I know I shouldn’t be anxious, but I am.”

           “Considering everything...no one would blame you.”

           Swallowing hard, he held Kaiden closer. “I think it’s more seeing her. I can say I’m not worried about my dad, but I am angry at him. I still feel messed up inside.” He said as the train began entering the station platform. “She’s done everything possible to keep us apart. I have so many things I want answers to, so much pain and hurt that needs explaining.”

           The train finally came to a halt. Yong-Sun and Min-Jun emerged from the cabin with Ae Cha and their belongings. They all made their way to the door.

           Walking out onto the platform, Chansung inhaled deeply. The air was so different here compared to all the places he had been. This was home, but the scent was stagnant, not fresh. In fact, it was a little suffocating.

           As they made their way down the last escalator some familiar faces came to view. Chansung felt a wave of warmth and relief wash over him upon seeing his aunt. She began waving immediately. The other was Taecyeon, who, upon closer inspection looked a little worse for wear.

           “My, my, look at you!” She said as she looked over Chansung with such immense fondness. She covered and brushed at her eyes. “Oh little leopard,” she said and walked forward, “I’m so happy to see you.”

           Adjusting Kaiden so that he could embrace her with one arm, he held her tightly. “I missed you so much, auntie.”

           “Oh,” she cried and squeezed him even more, “I never thought I would see the day come. It feels like it’s been forever.” She said, then took a couple steps back to look him over. “You look so tired.”

           “We’d best get everyone to my place.” Taecyeon said, both Min-Jun and Wooyoung in his arms.

           Mei turned and then looked at Yong-Sun. “Ah! Yong-Sun!” She ran into his arms and embraced him tightly. “You’re really here - this truly is a joyous day, right, Taecyeon?”

           “Oh yes indeed.” He said as he kissed Wooyoung’s temple.

           Chansung couldn’t help but smile. Min-Jun looked so at ease and Wooyoung was happy.

           As they began heading towards the exit Wooyoung fell back to walk with him, Ae Cha in his arms.

           Chansung moved to introduce him to his aunt, but she was already clutching Wooyoung’s shoulder.

           “It’s so nice to see you again, Wooyoung. I’m sure you don’t remember me. I’m Chansung’s aunt Mei.”

           “It’s nice to meet you.” He said with a bright smile.

           “He’s my partner, auntie.”

           Both looked at Chansung surprised, but for different reasons.

           Mei turned back to Wooyoung, “how’d you do it?”

           Wooyoung’s cheeks went a very dark red, “to be honest, I’m not sure.”

           She laughed, “well I’m happy for you both. You look really tired as well. Taecyeon we’d better get everyone warm and comfortable.”

           “Yes, I agree.”

           “Do you want me to take Ae Cha?” Mei asked.

           “No, I’m alright. Taecyeon said we’re all going to the same place.”

           “Oh, you don’t want to sit in with Min-Jun and Taecyeon?”

           Wooyoung shook his head and adjusted Ae Cha in his arms. “It’ll be stifling in the car with them.”

           Mei laughed and rubbed his back, “I agree.”

           When they were all seated within the cars, Chansung slumped into his seat.

           “You two just relax. If you fall asleep I’ll wake you when we’re there.”

           As they went along, the dread was seeping back into his body and spirit. Soon, he found a gentle touch against his fingers. His eyes fluttered shut and he slowly ran his own fingers over Wooyoung’s. The fleeting touch soon became a firm grip. Wooyoung shared words with his aunt Mei but Chansung didn’t focus on anything else but his touch. It was the only thing grounding him.

           When he found himself being shaken awake, he looked at Wooyoung groggily.

           “Come on sleepy kit, let’s go inside and get some good rest.”

           As they made their way into a large house, Chansung felt himself coming more and more awake.

           “I’ve got a limited number of rooms so we’re going to be a bit cozy.” Taecyeon informed.

           “I’m okay with the couch.” Yong-Sun said immediately.

           Chansung sighed, “I can head to my family home with Ae Cha and Kai-”

           “No,” his aunt said immediately. She cleared and calmed herself. “No, stay here.” She said with less urgency.

           Alarmed at her suggestion, Chansung looked between her and Taecyeon. “I’m sure mom and dad would want Ae Cha and Kai home.”

           “It’ll be alright until tomorrow, Chansung.” Taecyeon assured.

           “Okay, why aren’t you letting me go home?” He asked immediately, stopping everyone.

           “It’s the middle of the night. You don’t need to worry.” His aunt said. “One more night isn’t going to hurt anyone.”         

           “You’re worrying me.”

           “There’s nothing to worry about, Chansung.” His aunt said and waved her hand. “Besides, you need to be rested for tomorrow. It’s the day of the vote.”

           “What?” He asked and looked to Taecyeon.

           “Yes, the voting session is officially tomorrow.” He confirmed.

           “Oh spirits, now I’m going to be too nervous to sleep.” Min-Jun whined.

           “We’d all best get to bed and try though.” Yong-Sun said.

           “Come on Chansung, I’ll show you the guest room.” Taecyeon beckoned.

           “I’m off then. I’ll see you all tomorrow.” Mei said.

           “Have a good rest. Let me know when you’re at home!” Taecyeon called.

           She waved at them and gave Chansung a smile.

           Following Taecyeon and Wooyoung down the hall they came to the guest bedroom. When his siblings were settled away, Chansung lay beside them exhausted.

           “Just sleep, kit.”

           “You don’t have to stay with me.” He said as Wooyoung came to sit beside him.

           “Don’t be silly. I just want to say goodnight and then I’ll be right back to snuggle with you.” Wooyoung kissed his cheek and then drifted out the door.

           Chansung looked over his sleeping siblings. Something left him feeling unsettled, and he couldn't place it. By the time Wooyoung drifted back in Chansung found himself dozing off. It wasn't until Wooyoung was spooning him and hugging him close that he gave into the exhaustion.

*

Next Chapter...Freedom Comes With A Price