Baking, Decorating, and the Fox Den Confession

*

               The high-energy that Taecyeon brought with him continued all throughout the work week. Chansung was still on edge of course. The man used every opportunity to surprise him. Not only was the man exhausting him, but he was also finding that he couldn’t stay awake long enough for his and Wooyoung’s nightly conversations he enjoyed. The festival planning and preparations were well under way, too.

               Two weeks before the festival, Min-Jun and Wooyoung began testing out different types of dessert decorations. Chansung was very, very happy to be the taste tester of these experiments, well, mostly the cream ones. Why? Because Wooyoung made them, and he always looked so flustered when he complimented him about how delicious they tasted.

                Honestly, the guy was losing his mysterious edge. Not that Chansung really cared. He liked that Wooyoung was becoming more open with him. However, he wondered if it was because Taecyeon was around.

                Speaking of the weasel, he was currently beside him chatting up one of their regular customers.

                “Did you know that Joan’s is officially closing down?”

                Chansung’s ears twitched and he finished packing her baked goods into the bag. 

                “No way, that place has been open for years,” Taecyeon said with disbelief.

                “Yep, Joan's husband finds they aren’t making money. They've got another restaurant that's doing much better in another city, so they're moving there.” She said and rested her hand against her cheek. “First it was Marn’s and their small convenience, and now Joan’s. I'm sure it had something to do with Joan losing her son. She's not been well since then, in fact she's doing quite poorly. Her husband - well, he said they've become more estranged than before. Fortune has been becoming so small lately, hybrids are moving on from here.” She said and stood up as he held out her packed baked goods. "Thank you."

                “You’re welcome,” he said and bowed slightly.

                “I think it’s all that business with those researchers trying to find hybrids to lead them to the Fox Realm.” She said and gripped her bag tightly. “I don’t understand why you need to fight so hard for your rights, Taecyeon. You’re all wonderful people, and you’ve never caused any problems.”

                “That doesn't matter, we could be the nicest and most hospitable, but that doesn't mean we're equals.” Taecyeon said and leaned onto the counter. “There are new policies coming into place next year and land claims for isolated hybrid populations. Although, I have to be honest, things were very different in the past...”

                “They were, and it was so much better." She sighed but then straightened up. "Well, I’ll be looking forward to your festival goods. Tell Min-Jun and Wooyoung I’m very excited.”

                “Will do...” Taecyeon said and they watched her leave.

                “How are the land claims agreements going?” Chansung couldn’t help but ask.

                “I like to think we're making progress, but as we both know the government is a fickle thing.” Taecyeon answered and flicked him across the nose. “Will you do me a favour this evening?”

                Chansung’s eyes narrowed which caused the older man to grin. “What?” He didn’t miss that small flicker of red. “Want some alone time with your special person I take it..?”

                “I’m not going to hide how much I want to ravish my mate.” Chansung couldn’t help but be flustered at that. “Actually, I’d like you to go with Wooyoung to the dens this evening.”

                Relaxing immediately at the word ‘dens’, he couldn’t help but smile. “What’s so special about this evening?”

                Taecyeon sighed and looked forward. “He usually goes by himself today, and he gets really mad with me or Min-Jun if we suggest going with him. I don’t want him alone, especially with certain characters wandering the town.”

                Chansung inhaled through his nose and he too looked out the front windows. “Catchers..?”

                “Min-Jun told me you met Teri already and helped with a lynx.”

                Chansung nodded.

                “She’s had two more wild females arrive at her door bearing offspring out of their season.”

                A shiver raced up and down Chansung’s arms and back. “Why would you be worried about Wooyoung?”

                “Hwang Chansung,” the older and bulkier male turned towards him, eyes a deep, unrelenting red. “You know they don't discriminate, they take whoever they want.”

                “Yes, I know that...” He murmured. This wasn't how he wanted it confirmed that Wooyoung was actually a hybrid. “Well...if you trust me enough to protect him, that makes me a little proud.” He couldn’t help but smile. It seemed to calm the on-edge male.

                “Catchers alone make me nervous, but this is my home. The home of my partner and my cub. Even if I've known you for ages it still makes me nervous. I can't tell you why...but I am beginning to trust you much more than before, especially since he likes you.” Taecyeon said with a smile, and he made a quick exit.

                Chansung took a deep breath and rested his hand over his heart. Chansung felt that his senses had become quite dull since he began staying in Fortune. With the wolves no predator got close enough to him without him knowing, and most certainly not without his permission. He kind of missed the lifestyle out there, which reminded him of the conversation he had with Park about Wooyoung living in the country. He still wanted to ask him about that. Maybe a trip to the dens would give him a good opportunity, depending on if Wooyoung let him accompany him. He didn’t want to pressure him into letting him tag along.

                At the end of the day, Chansung had Junho's assistance as he cleaned up the kitchen and packed away the leftovers of the day. The pup seemed a little quiet, more so than normal. Chansung watched him for a little and noticed that his eyes would stray to the door. Canid’s only did that when being wary. Chansung shuffled up behind him and hugged him close. His ears popped out instantly and he groaned. “What’re you doing?”

                Chansung shrugged, “wondering what you’re scared of...”

                Junho tensed and struggled in his hold. “Let me go! You erted cat!”

                Chansung sighed but he didn't let go, “I’m serious. What’s got you spooked?” Junho became more tense in his arms, which he took as a sign of apprehension instead of submission, especially when he didn’t answer. The pup was looking a little dark under the eyes these days. “You don’t need to tell me, but I am worried.”

                "Thank you," Junho said softly and went back to sweeping.

                Chansung rubbed the back of his neck and watched Wooyoung come running down the stairs.

                “You don’t need to come with me.” He blurted out immediately.

                Chansung rolled his eyes. “I don’t even know what this is about.”

                “I...” Wooyoung trailed off, but then found his arms full of sulking Junho. “What’s wrong?”

                “Can you and Chansung walk me home?” The pup asked softly.

                Wooyoung brushed back Junho’s hair and sighed. “I was gonna do that anyway...”

                “Yeah but...I don’t want you walking by yourself,” Junho added.

                Wooyoung seemed to blush but didn’t make a retort. “Fine, happy now?”

                Junho’s ears and tail fluffed up and he hugged Wooyoung tightly.

                “Ne, can I use the phone before we go? I promise to make it quick.” Chansung said and received a nod from Wooyoung.

                Racing down to the back study he picked up the phone. His mind was beginning to race. Catchers were coming closer to Fortune faster than he had anticipated. With winter setting in he hoped that they would quiet down, especially since hybrids were harder to catch during the colder months. With hybrids giving birth outside of their seasons that meant Catchers's preferences were still wild populations, and they were only randomly targeting urban hybrids. At least, he hoped that was the case.

                “Hello?” A masculine voice answered.

                Chansung immediately grit his teeth and nearly slammed the phone back into the receiver. “I need to speak to Fei.”

                ~Oh, it’s you...~

                A flurry of anger raced through him upon hearing that condescending tone.

                ~As much as I don’t want you to speak to her, if she ever found out I hung up on you, I’d be dead meat.~

                “I can’t tell you how much that pleases me-"

                ~I can’t help but find it ironic, Hwang Chansung, that you – a lover of male hybrids – would be so fascinated with my mate. What would your mother do I wonder if she found out the real reason behind your journeying?~ Aaron snipped.

                Chansung almost lost his composure. How dare he say such a thing after everything Chansung had been through. “Still feeling threatened by me even though I’m not there? Or, are you jealous she’s so close to me, Aaron, and you want me all for yourself?”

                A ‘tsk’ met his ear, ~don’t be so full of yourself – hey!~

                ~Yo, you jackass, you have really nasty timing.~

                ~Fei, speaking like that isn’t ladylike...~

                ~I can speak however the hell I want to him. Now get out!~

                Chansung couldn’t help but chuckle. “I promise to be quick. I just have a question.”

                ~Alright, what?~

                “Have there been any reports about Catchers in the Fortune city area lately?”

                Silence met his ear and he heard some fast typing. ~Oh...interesting place to wander, for both good and bad reasons.~ She said quietly.

                 “What's happening..?” He grumbled.

                ~There have been a high number of incidences, especially along the train tracks.~ She answered. ~It seems things are escalating around that area.~

                “Anything recent?”

                ~This was two days ago, ‘there have been several reports of wolf kidnapping from recognized Wolf Reserves, the largest being Nocturna’.~ Chansung felt a tremor of anxiety rise in his chest. ~’The wolves of three Reserves have filed requests for more security which has been provided to the region. The authorities estimate that sixteen wolves have been taken so far. Nocturna, the larger reserve, has seen some family packs leaving the area and moving North-West.’ There's also mention that Catchers might be involved, potentially with focus on the Fortune city area...~

                Chansung worried his bottom lip and sat back. “Fei...there is a mutual hybrid we both know with red eyes."

                ~Yes?~

                He pressed the phone back to his ear and thought back to his experiences. “Well-"

                ~You’ve encountered a dangerous red eye and you didn’t even try and tell me. I’m glad you didn’t because I probably would have had a miscarriage-"

                “Fei, shut up for two seconds please...”

                ~Sorry...not really.~

                He couldn’t help but smile. “The one we both know... is the partner of the Elder I'm stayin' with and I may have nearly submitted to them.”

                Fei’s loud and shocked gasp made him flush, and then she was laughing. ~He does like to tease you. Also! Wait...Wait, wait...do they know about...you know what-?"

                “I don't think so-"

                ~I know you've been stressed but-~

                “I...I think - I'm sure it's more than that. Way more, the reaction was intense.”

                ~It can't be just teasing, then. You are in their home and we've never, ever really talked about it. I think the only one that knows is your father.~

                “Yeah. It puts me a little on edge because...well, I like it here, but the reaction was...strong.”

                ~Wow, imagine you stumbling upon their home of all places! I wouldn't doubt that they were alarmed. This can't just be coincidence. I know Fortune has always been a place that you've wanted to go.~

                “Yes, considering they know my family.”

                ~Well, yeah, but it has to be more than that. Seriously though, I’m surprised you didn’t give in, especially after you asked me about Significants last time, and your steamy hot crush on them that we both know about. I have to give you kudos for that, Paws. I bet you almost went into Heat because of them too – oh my god I bet that was hot! Did you imagine him dominating you? Ah! How exciting, and with your heritage - this is just too good.~

                “Fei! Don’t make me hang up!”

                ~I told you. I bet you’ve been experiencing some clarity about your surroundings or your own senses since then. You really need to find a partner and do the dirty.~

                Chansung sat back and sighed, so much for the short phone call. “That's the thing, I haven't. Fei...” He paused and thought of Wooyoung hiding his scent. "Things haven't really improved. I just notice my senses are hindered."

                ~None of the wolves managed to ensnare your flightly feelings, huh?~

                “You know my struggles and opinions about Significants. I really did feel an affinity with the wolves, but-”

                ~Chansung, I know you don't want to admit it, but this block is happening because you’re focusing on something – or someone.~

                “I really don't like feeling this way-"

                ~Perhaps not, but it does happen. A golden-eyed hybrid would never succumb to a red eye unless you wanted to, or you're very desperate, or because you’re neglecting the source of your needs. Or perhaps whoever is making you want them isn’t letting you close or is teasing you and therefore dulling your senses. If it is that...that's deep. In an odd way they're making you focus solely on them and everything that affects them or comes into contact with them.~

                Chansung almost dropped the phone. Those mysterious dark brown eyes flashed through his mind and the issue with the loss of his scent. “I think I know what it is...”

                ~There, if you know what it is you can resolve it-"

                “It’s not going to be easy...”

                ~Love never is...~

                Chansung blushed furiously, “it isn’t love!”

                ~I miss you, Paws. You're so in love, I can tell. You're probably all anxious about all of this, too. So precious and young.~

                He almost chuckled. It had been a long time since he'd been able to have a conversation like this with Fei. “I gotta go. I will call and talk properly next time.”

                ~I hope you’re able to resolve things. For the mutual one we both know. Even though they're a weasel, they aren't like the ones you've encountered. Still, even if this one is close to the fam, a darling, and puts everyone else to shame with how hard they work for hybrid rights, just be aware they're probably scared, too. They've been hiding this very well.~

                Chansung chuckled, “They did take me by surprise...”

                ~Yeah, and it's because someone in the public versus someone who has kept their family a secret and is protecting them...that's different. It doesn't matter who we are or how long we've worked together, we would be a threat.~ She said softly. ~I can't imagine the stress they've been under, and how they've managed to keep this from me. They're so awesome already and to know they would go to that length...there's something else then. I know how protective they are, but this is a whole other level.~ She said and began to hum. Then changed the subject. ~You’re fair game if you slip into heat, even if they have a partner, and a faithful one. Weasels usually have more than one partner.~

                Chansung shuddered, “I know. I know that very well.”

                ~Don’t, I don’t wanna know. I love you. I have to go too.~

                “Love you...don’t be too stressed.”

                ~Cute...~

                "No I'm not. Talk later..." Chansung slowly set the phone down and made his way out.

                Wooyoung and Junho were waiting and he grabbed his things. Wooyoung adjusted his pack over his shoulders and locked the store behind them. Chansung looked around and did notice strange scents he hadn’t smelled before. As much as he would like to go venturing in the night, it probably wouldn’t be a good idea, especially if the Catchers found his base. They all climbed into the truck and made their way down a different street. In no time they were outside an apartment complex and Junho got out.

                “Do you want me to pick you up tomorrow?” Wooyoung asked after him.

                Junho nodded.

                “Alright, he might be the one to come and get you,” Wooyoung pointed back to him. “The preparations for the festival are getting a little crazy. We had a delayed shipment of stuff already...”

                “Well, with all the trouble on the train tracks it’s not surprising.” Junho said and waved. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

                “No going out tonight, Junho.”

                “I know!” He called, shut the door and raced up to the building.

                Wooyoung pat the seat beside him and Chansung clamoured over and settled down. “I knew you weren’t going to do the normal thing and use the doors.”

                Chansung grinned. “It’s easier and less cold.”

                “Well, it’s not a day off, but shall we head to the dens?” Wooyoung turned his gaze to him.

                “Do you really want me to come with you?”

                Wooyoung sat back and crossed his arms. “Do you want to see them?”

                “That’s not answering my question.” Chansung argued back.

                The smaller man sighed and looked forward. “I’ll let you come if you tell me what Taecyeon did to you.”

                “That’s not fair,” he said, face instantly turning red.

                “It is to me.” Wooyoung leaned forward and rested against the steering wheel. “He makes me angry but happy at the same time.”

                “Can I ask what happened last year?”

                Wooyoung turned to him again, “when we’re at the Dens, yes.”

                Chansung sighed and his body heated. “He...tested me I guess. I was pretty hungover and he got rid of it-"

                “His scent was all over you, and...” Wooyoung looked flushed now. “You got excited about it.”

                Chansung sighed and leaned back, “He was coming onto me pretty strong okay? Wait, that sounds bad! Ugh, the point is I didn’t give in and he said I passed.”

                Wooyoung groaned and started the truck. “He’s such an sometimes...”

                “But you love him.” Chansung said.

                “Shut up, kit. I don’t like that he came on to you, to test you like that.” Wooyoung said quietly. "I'm sure Min-Jun also had a hand in it, Taecyeon wouldn't have done it otherwise."

                They started down the road.

                “So, you believe me?”

                “I don’t think you know how to lie to me.” Wooyoung chuckled, shooting him a knowing look. “Your body is very honest towards me too.”

                “Hey!” Chansung blushed something terrible. “He hasn’t antagonised me since alright. I am another alpha and a dominant one-"

                “Your hybrid is stressed out if you nearly gave into him, though.” Wooyoung interrupted and brought them down ‘Times Past Road’. He sighed deeply. “Today...I never like today.” He said and they rode further over the hills until they came to a small dirt lot. Wooyoung climbed out of the truck and grabbed his bag. He motioned for Chansung to follow and he did so.

                “What is it about today that you don’t like?”

                “It’s the day I found out that...” Wooyoung seemed to fight with his words, “that Taecyeon had another partner and children.”

                Chansung stopped instantly and gazed up at him. Wooyoung seemed to notice because he turned around. “Does this relate to what happened last year?”

                “Kind of...” Wooyoung shrugged, “but no.” The man ce more and carried on up into the hills. They were filled with den holes, statues, all overrun by grasses and trees, mosses and lichen. “The reason why I hate today, asides from the fact I found out one of my parents had a whole other family, is because today is the anniversary of the death of someone I knew, a long time ago.”

                “Today is a very heavy day then.” Chansung said softly.

                “It is, everything about my life changed that day. Min-Jun is...he really is all I have in this stupid world. What happened last year – nevermind, there were a lot of things...” Wooyoung stopped and sat down on a stump. “Everything works now, for them. They’ve been together so long I don’t think they could ever abandon one another. Still, that’s what I feel like sometimes, an Abandoned, by whoever had me first and now the people who ‘saved’ me.” Wooyoung slowly met his eyes. “There are a lot of things I can’t tell you about me, not because I’m scared, but because it would mean coming to accept it, telling someone all over again. And then if you leave, what would have been the point?”

                Wooyoung was getting emotional now, something Chansung had never witnessed before. His eyes were very bright, but they were also moist with tears. Every so often he would brush his lip with his finger, trying to stop the trembling.

                “I...I shouldn’t have said all that. There really wasn't even a point in there at all, I'm just babbling nonsense.”

                Coming to kneel beside him Chansung gripped his hand. “Didn’t I say you could talk to me about things? I understand why you feel you don’t want to, but if I ever did leave, why couldn’t we still be friends after?”

                Wooyoung retracted his hand like he had been burned. “Sorry, Chansung, I lied.” He got up and walked on.

                “Lied about what?” He said, racing after him.

                They were deeper into the woods now, the earth was more even and Chansung could hear the sounds of water.

                “I am scared to tell you things.”

                “Wooyoung,” He finally managed to grab his wrist and pulled him back. “You’re hurting.”

                “It doesn’t matter, today always hurts.”

                Chansung cupped his face and brought their foreheads together. “It's okay to hurt...”

                Wooyoung chuckled, “I know.”

                “Why are you so scared to tell me about you?”

                “That’s not fair-"

                “I know. Its contradicting coming from me, but you tell I tell, right?” He brushed his hands over his neck and cheeks. His skin was so hot beneath his finger tips. Tremors were running up through his arms and he wanted nothing more than to get closer. He wanted to comfort him, to make him feel better. 

                “So, isn’t it your turn?” Wooyoung teased, and brushed their noses together. It was such a simple but very intimate action, very canid. Chansung didn't miss the inhale and deflation of shoulders.

                “Ask me something then...” He murmured.

                Wooyoung worried his bottom lip and closed his eyes. “Promise me you won’t tell this to Taecyeon or Min-Jun.”

                Chansung paused and looked over his face. “This conversation or what we talked about?”

                “Everything...all of this, kit.”

                Chansung sighed. Wooyoung was looking at him with eyes that told Chansung so much, but nothing at the same time. When he finally nodded and Wooyoung stepped away from him. He knelt down beside a small pool of water and took out a bottle of something.

                Coming to crouch beside him, he watched Wooyoung pour the liquid into the water and then the bottle was offered to him.

                “It’s an old tradition that the foxes taught the people of Fortune.” Wooyoung said. “The alcohol you’re holding was one of the kinds made by fox distillers in the area in the older days. Before the festivals, people and foxes would come to pools like this one and pour the alcohol as an offering to the multi-tail hybrids.”

                Chansung looked down into the water. “I’ve never heard of multi-tail hybrids before.”

                Wooyoung finally smiled at him. “How much you want to pour is up to you.”

                “How many bottles do you have in your bag?”

                “Mm, enough.” Wooyoung chuckled. "I don't think it would be good to go somewhere and drink today though."

                Chansung tipped the bottle and poured the clear liquor into the pool. This was the first time he did something directly related to the traditions and practices of foxes. He heard that unmistakable ring of the bell and noticed something looking back at him in the water. A white fox! However, the bell sounded again and something in the bushes in front of them took off into the distance.

                "Did you see that?" He asked as he rose to his feet.

                Wooyoung was looking up at him with both concern and curiosity. "See what?"

                Chansung was looking out into the forest again, but whatever it was, vanished.

                "Okay...I think that's enough of spiritual traditions today."

                "This is a Fox Realm pool...isn't it?" Chansung asked as he watched Wooyoung stand.

                "Well, more like a shrine." Wooyoung shifted some of the branches out of the way, revealing the stone foundations for the manufactured pool. As he moved some of the standing branches, a much larger shrine was hidden in the thicket. "It's said that this one was built by the last foxes. It isn't like a Realm pool, but you can pay respects to fox spirits here."

                Chansung was sure he had seen something. Asides from the fox face in the water, whatever was in the bushes was bigger than a fox, and white. Feeling the weight of the wine bottle becoming lighter, he realised Wooyoung was holding it. Releasing it back into his hands, he watched him place it back in the bag. Crouching back down, he couldn't help but pout. What was going on? There were so many things that were making his mind reel, he didn't know what to focus on more.

                "Tell me what you saw." Wooyoung said gently.

                "It was...big, white. I'm not exactly sure, it moved too fast. Does a fox inhabit this shrine?" He indicated back to the water.

                Wooyoung smiled at him and held out his hand, "did you see her face?" 

                Grasping it, he allowed himself to be pulled to his feet and gave him a nod.

                "She was happy to receive your offering and likely gave you a blessing then." Wooyoung said as he gripped his arm. "Not many get that privilege, kit, that's something to celebrate."

                "How do you know so much about foxes and their traditions?"

                Wooyoung gave him an exasperated look. "Come on, Chansung, I've lived in Fortune for most of my life. I know how to read and listen to stories."

                Blushing, he chuckled awkwardly, "yeah, that was a silly question."

                "Well, come bring your silly self and questions back to the truck. We should head home."

                Chansung sighed and nodded. He glanced back over the trees once more. Something was out there, and he wanted to find it. Hearing Wooyoung call out to him, he turned and ran to catch up. They continued to slowly make their way back down to the truck, but a different scent washed over him very suddenly and his senses went on the fritz. Pulling Wooyoung back against him, all his senses went on alert and he leapt up into a tree.

                “Ah!” Wooyoung gasped.

                Chansung covered his mouth and held him tight against him. The scent of blood was on the air. Then he heard the crashing of something large through the bushes nearby. Wooyoung clutched his coat tightly. A single, lone howl cut through the air. Chansung’s whole body relaxed. More howls soon joined in and he turned back to Wooyoung.

                “Sorry, I thought it was something else. It seems I may have spotted a wolf earlier.”

                “You...”

                Chansung brought them back down to the ground and Wooyoung staggered back a little.

                “You really surprised me!” Wooyoung clutched his coat and took some deep breaths.

                “Shh!” He walked towards him and tried to pull him back towards the truck. “They’re wild.”

                “How can you tell?”

                “If they weren’t I would have caught their scents much earlier. They were hunting, Wooyoung. One was watching us at the pool, I think.” He explained and was relieved to make it back to the truck. "Although, a lone wolf watching us while everyone is hunting seems odd to me." He didn't really think it was a wolf from the pack, especially after hearing the bell.

                “Whoa, you really amaze me.” Wooyoung said and they climbed into the truck. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been in the country so...I should have been able to sense them too. I guess I wouldn’t survive there anymore.”

                Chansung shrugged, “I think if you’ve been there before it wouldn’t take too long to get used to it again.”

                Wooyoung glanced at him. “Perhaps...”

                Chansung had intended to ask him about the country, but thought better of it now. Today was probably not the best day to ask about that, especially since the country was strongly affiliated with Taecyeon. “So, I take it we’re not going back yet.”

                “I thought we might visit the pub. This time,” Wooyoung parked them outside and gripped his chin, “this time, don’t let anyone spike your drink because you reject them, alright?”

                Eyes widening, he made to ask but Wooyoung cut him off.

                “You didn’t notice, and I thought I had been imagining things. You’re a big guy, it would take more than 4 or 5 beers to get you drunk, and more than that to give you such a terrible hangover. I promise to be a better bar friend and not let you sit alone, okay?”

                Chansung would have never let that happen to him in the past. He could smell those kinds of things. What was happening to him? “Ne, Wooyoung?”

                “Hm?” He asked as he opened the door.

                Shaking his head he hopped out, “nevermind. I’ll ask you some other time.”

                “You sure?”

                Chansung stood beside him and smiled. “It’s not safe to walk home drunk.”

                Wooyoung shrugged. “I’m sure Changmin will put up with us for one night.”

                “You really don’t want to go home, do you?”

                Wooyoung shook his head. “Was my sob story in the woods not enough? Do I have to make up another one?”

                Chansung smiled softly, “It’s not a sob story...”

                “It is, and you promised.”

                “Right, sorry.” He followed him into the pub.

                Changmin was happy to see them again. True to his word, Wooyoung never left his side. However, Chansung had to wonder what really happened last time, or if what he really needed was stability. Either way, he had a lot of think about. What Fei told him really opened his eyes. What made him concerned was how his senses dulled since he couldn’t catch a whiff of Wooyoung’s scent anymore. Even though he didn’t want to, he needed to call his father. Though, he had a feeling he knew exactly what he was going to say.

                “Changmin!” Wooyoung called, downing another shot.

                “What?”

                “Can we stay at your place tonight?”

                “What are you running away from now you little punk?”

                Wooyoung grinned, “nothing.”

                “Are you two gonna be loud?” Changmin grumbled.

                “You know we won’t be.” Wooyoung said with a pout.

                “It’s not Chansung I’m worried about,” Changmin indicated to Wooyoung, “it’s you.”

                “I’ll behave!” Wooyoung pouted.

                “We only got the one bed,” Changmin sighed.

                “Chansung and I sleep in the same room.” Wooyoung motioned for another shot.

                “Oh?” Changmin looked at him.

                Chansung blushed even harder and took a long swig from his drink.

                “I suppose it’ll be alright. Min-Jun or Taecyeon won’t come breaking down any doors for you will they?”

                Wooyoung shrugged, “they’re busy ing.”

                Chansung flushed hotly and immediately covered his mouth, hauling him against him. “You’re honestly so vulgar when you’ve been drinking.” Those dark eyes twinkled at him. “I’m going to put a limit on what you can drink if you don’t watch it.”

                "I'm imposin' a limit from now on!" Changmin grumbled.

                Wooyoung’s eyes fluttered closed and leaned against him completely.

                Chansung wouldn't deny the satisfaction of feeling his body sag completely against his own. He couldn't deny that they fit together well. When those eyes were open again, Chansung swore he saw a glint of a different colour amidst the brown. What was that? Relieving his hand Wooyoung pushed off him. “Mm, I could really see your dominant side for a second there.”

                Chansung stole his shot.

                “Hey!”

                “Why can’t you be this open sober?” He couldn’t help but ask.

                Wooyoung shrugged and got his shot back. “Because I’m not brave enough yet.”

                Before Chansung could ask more Wooyoung was ordering more shots and tugged Chansung closer.

                “Lets see who can get drunk the fastest!”

                “No...” He whined.

                 He couldn’t win against him. Well, he won the drinking match but not against the request. Wooyoung was completely passed out on the counter. Chansung sighed and Changmin shook his head. “Can I get water, Changmin?”

                “Most certainly,” the man gave him a tall glass.

                Chansung chugged nearly half of it. “What am I going to do with him?”

                “Don’t know.” Changmin said. “Wooyoung!” He yelled and smacked his face gently, causing him to snap awake.

                “Ah!" He groaned and rubbed his face. "I lost...”

                “Take Chansung to the house and get some sleep. Please remember to drink water.”

                Wooyoung rose up slowly and stretched. “How long was I passed out?”

                “Not long,” Chansung shrugged and he too got to his feet.

                Wooyoung was given the key and they bid Changmin goodnight. They walked slowly, sobering a little bit.

                “They would be so mad if they knew we were walking piss-poor drunk at night.” Wooyoung chuckled.

                “Not funny...”

                “To me, right now, it is...as bad as that sounds.” He murmured and they stopped at the house.

                Once inside, Wooyoung pulled him in and they made their way into the basement. A small kitchenette was there, two doors, laundry and a small den. Wooyoung managed to get them two glasses of water and handed him one.

                “I just hope Taecyeon doesn’t kill me...” Chansung murmured.

                “Nah, he likes you, not in the ual way...although who the hells knows - hell knows...” Wooyoung corrected himself.

                “You...we’re not going drinking again for a while.”

                Wooyoung smiled at him and finished his glass. “Why not?”

                Chansung shrugged, “all we do is get drunk and pass out? It also isn't healthy.”

                “Oh, is there something else you want to do?” Wooyoung gave him a lazy smile.

                Chansung almost didn’t register what he asked. “I just meant - nevermind.” He too finished his water. “I’m really tired.”

                “Teri said we can visit the lynx babies soon.”

                Chansung perked up, “really?”

                Wooyoung nodded. “Thought you might like to do that before the festival prep gets too hectic.”

                “I would like to see them again.” He rested his glass in the sink. Coming to stand before Wooyoung, the smaller man looked up to him. “I mean it, Wooyoung. I don’t think we should drink for a while.”

                “But drinking with you is fun...I get to feel like a ball of cotton.” Wooyoung pressed his face into his chest. “I feel good when I’m with you.”

                Blushing he couldn’t resist smiling. “Come on, to bed with you.”

                “Fine...” Wooyoung groaned. “And don’t even think about sleeping on the floor. The worst thing I do when sleeping...is snuggle...I guess. At least, that's what Junho says...”

                “If that’s the worst thing than we have nothing to worry about.”

                After two quick bathrooms breaks, Chansung was standing beside the bed, apprehension funneling through him. He was already questioning his feelings and now he was going to be right next to him, and neither of them were sober. Slowly sliding onto the bed, he looked over his shoulders and hair. When was the last time they had a late night chat?

                “Ah , I forgot that we have to pick up Junho tomorrow.” Wooyoung grumbled and took out his phone. “Can you operate on four and a half hours of sleep?”

                Chansung groaned, “if I must...”

                “I promise to treat you to steaks.”

                “Deal...” Sleep was overcoming him, in his drunken haze.

                “Ne, Chansung...”

                “Hm?”

                “Do you miss the country?”

                Opening his eyes briefly he found the man facing him. “Sometimes..." He said honestly. "It’s different being back in a city. I wouldn't mind exploring it more.”

                “If I asked you to, would you take me there?”

                Meeting those darkened eyes, Chansung smiled, “want to go on an adventure with me?”

                The mysterious man smiled. “If it’s with you, I would feel safe going anywhere...” He said softly.

                Heart beginning to speed up he made to say more but the man was already breathing deeply, asleep. Slowly edging closer he closed his eyes. “Stop making my heart race, Jang Wooyoung?”

*

Next Chapter...The Left Behind