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It was with great reluctance, Yeon pulled himself away from Rang's arms. He had almost departed without having a proper farewell to his brother; and it crushed both his mind and soul - to think he would have to return to a place and time where Rang wasn't living or breathing. It took all his will power to break that embrace, and every part of him is screaming to return back to his brother's side. Already Yeon missed the warmth of Rang’s body against his, or the unique sweetness of his brother’s scent clouding his nose. Something Yeon could always single out no matter how crowded a place or room was.
He would always know where Rang was.
His true mate.
The bitter truth of the saying "You don't know what you have until it's gone."
A treasure he never appreciated nor deserved.
To this day Yeon still couldn't pinpoint how his infatuation with Aheum blindsided him. Was it due to being his first romantic involvement? Considering how dedicated Moo-Young was towards Hong-Joo, and how persistent Hong-Joo was towards him; that could be a plausible explanation. Perhaps their tragic goodbye fed into the narrative that she was the one for him, and the pull of his fox bead certainly didn’t help the matter either. Every quiet moment Yeon wondered how much of his love towards Ji-Ah was his heart and not supernatural intervention - and everytime it ended with him not wanting to know.
Sometimes ignorance is bliss.
‘But bliss often results in nothing.’ His mind adds.
Yeon clenches his jaw and lets out a bitter huff. There was no use in dwelling on the past; Taluipa herself told him he couldn’t change the future, and he would just have to make peace with his decisions. Turning towards the door and gazing at the mystical purple haze, Yeon closes his eyes. Although his back was facing his brother, Yeon could hear the suppressed whimper, and choked back sobs which escaped Rang's lips. Every sound tore into his soul and hurt more than any blade or bullet could inflict.
There was nothing more Yeon wanted to do than turn around, walk away from that door and wrap his arms around his brother.
Comfort him.
“I promise I won’t leave you alone. I promise”
Keep his promise to stay.
But this was his punishment. His punishment for failing to recognise his mate. His punishment for forsaking his duty. A foolish decision, blind sided by a flurry of emotions - led to not only his unhappiness but many others as well. Now Yeon had to take responsibility for that - he’d made his bed and now he must lie in it. The stone must be returned to the time it belonged, and no one other than himself could do so.
Meeting Rang and their time here was just an unintentional gift of chance. It was never something offered from the start, and there was no way he couldn’t prolong their time together once more - he was already toeing the line with him staying an extra month. Yeon couldn’t imagine what the repercussions were with him extending that once more (he knew Taluipa would skin him and use his fur to decorate the office had he even brought up the topic). So instead he opted to treasure these past few weeks as a beautiful memory, a dream even.
A sharp heart wrenching whine brings Yeon to the present, and despite every instinct in his body screaming at him to turn around; he doesn’t. For Yeon knew the moment he gave into that voice in his head, his determination would be out of the window and he would walk away from his mission. He’d forsaken his duty once and he knew the result of that, Yeon couldn't afford to repeat that. He couldn’t afford anything else happening to Rang - he’d hurt his mate enough, the least he could do was not to add any more.
With every passing moment Yeon could hear Rang gradually lose the control to hold back his cries as every subsequent noise increased with volume and yearning. Although his brother wasn’t aware of it, Yeon could hear Rang’s inner fox call out to his - begging him to stay, pleading him to return to their side. Yeon bit his tongue to suppress his own fox from returning the call, the pain distracting him from his instincts taking over his mind and refocusing on his mission. He had to leave soon before he lost his inhibition. (Yeon wanted to take one more glance, to burn Rang’s face into his mind; but he knew it wasn’t a good idea).
Taking a deep breath to steel himself, Yeon focused his attention on the purple haze in front of him. Mentally wishing everyone goodbye one final time, he closed his eyes and tensed his body for the jump. Just as he was about to leap into the void, the doors to the Afterlife Immigration Office burst open once more; startling everyone inside.
It took a moment for Yeon to recognise the figure walking toward them; but once he did the heaviness of his heart instantly lightened. The oppressive pressure that was squeezing every part of him immediately disappeared, and breathing was no longer a painful exercise. Yeon found himself laughing hysterically, but anyone would do so had they felt the sheer amount of relief flooding his body. Never before was he this happy to see someone other than Rang - let alone that face.
"You're late." Was all he said, an amused smile pulling across his lips.
Seeing his own smug smile would be unnerving, had Yeon not been riding the high of his emotions.
"I'm merely on time." The other quipped back, causing Yeon to scoff and roll his eyes.
There was a brief pause in which the two Yeon’s assessed one another (more like he assessed the one of this period, whilst this Yeon showed off his new attire and appearance). From the way this Yeon was dressed, Yeon could understand why the bastard waited until the last second to show up. No longer was his hair greasy or past his shoulders, now having been washed, trimmed and styled similarly to Yeon’s modern cut. Even his clothing style had changed from traditional grab to a more familiar western attire.
Obviously to impress Ji-Ah.
‘Was I always this cringe?’ Yeon wondered briefly. However, whatever sarcastic comment or ribbing his mind conjured up was quite quickly made silent with a pointed look from the old hag. Having been raised by her, Yeon knew when he could push and when he couldn’t - this was one of the latter. Not that he minded lowering his head for her; She already was looking the other way when she hinted about this idea to him - something Yeon was forever grateful for.
"Whatever." He dismissed the other's comment and tossed over the stone, "Here's the rock. Hand it over to the old hag, and then follow Shin-Joo, okay?"
The other Yeon inspected the stone briefly with a raised eyebrow before glancing at Shin-Joo, who nervously waved.
"It's for your own good.” Yeon cut in before the other could speak. “The world has changed and you need to get used to it before meeting her - trust me."
His reply was a blank but heavy stare, but Yeon stood his ground. He could imagine what the other was thinking. Yeon had no proof of what he promised apart from the pictures on his phone; and the scepticism was understandable. Although Yeon told himself he understood the other; that didn’t stop him from releasing a breath of relief he was holding as the other Yeon nodded before approaching the door.
Just as the other was about to jump, Yeon immediately remembered and called out, "Oh and one more thing."
Unable to deny himself, Yeon found his eyes moving from the face of his past self towards Rang’s. Who he’d not looked at or heard a sound from since the other Yeon had burst in; probably wondering what was happening for he was the only one present who wasn’t clued in on the plan. He could see the still damp tear tracks on his brother’s cheeks, lips bitten red and fingers interlaced tightly with one another. However, Rang's expression wasn't no longer filled with sadness or distress.
Instead it was confusion and uncertainty.
'That's better.' Yeon commented absentmindedly to himself.
Catching Rang's eyes, he smiled softly. Trying to put as much sincerity and tenderness into his gaze as he continued speaking to his past self, "You'll need this."
With that he pulled off his wedding ring, handing the metal band to the other Yeon.
Never breaking eye contact, Yeon watched the emotions flutter across Rang's face as a gasp escaped his brother's lips. From confusion to curiosity, then incomprehension to realisation. Followed by bewilderment and finally settling on one that made Yeon's heart clench painfully.
It was so small, so weak. Hesitant and with great trepidation.
He watches as Rang tries to fight it and fail.
Hope.
Yeon could hear the unspoken questions in Rang's eyes as his eyes darted from the ring in Yeon's hands to his face. Unable to deny his brother, Yeon merely smiled and nodded; confirming what his brother was thinking. This caused Rang to bring a hand to his mouth in shock - after all the implication of this, was surprising (but that was severe understatement). Once more with all his remaining self-control and the sound of the old hag impatiently clearing her throat. Yeon rips his gaze away from Rang, and continues to instruct the other on the remaining leg of his mission.
With a tearful farewell to Shin-Joo, they all watched the two jump.
Watching the door seal shut, Yeon let out a long drawn out sigh. He places a hand on the door and allows the weight of his decision to sink in. Part of him was expecting divine retribution on exploiting a loophole in time; but apart from the pin drop silence and the heavy beating of his own heart nothing seemed to happen.
It was done.
He had made his decision.
Yeon slowly turns around and returns his attention back to Rang, who seemed to have never taken his eyes off him. He could still see the disbelief and bewilderment on the younger gumiho’s face, but there was a certain look in his eyes that told Yeon he made the right choice. With a soft smile he made himself towards Rang. Slowly crossing the distance, he stopped when he was a few inches away from his brother. Yeon made no motion to reach out. He made his move, making his intention clear; and now it was Rang's turn to reciprocate.
They both remained in silence, simply staring at each other.
One relaxed whilst the other was baffled.
The tension in the air was palatable, but Yeon didn’t mind. He had no reason to feel anxious, for even if Rang rejected him here, at least he could still take comfort in the fact his brother was alive and well. Maybe he could spend the next couple of decades making up to Rang and pampering for the times he couldn’t. The old hag and her husband reading the room, excused themselves by leaving the two gumihos in the office alone to give them some space.
After what felt like an eternity; Rang finally spoke up, voice heavy with emotion, "Why?"
Simple, but ever so effective.
The only answer it deserved was an honest and truthful one.
"Because I promised to be by your side." Yeon answered plainly.
“Don’t go.”
Rang blinked in response and remained silent as he looked away, clearly recalling his words from earlier. However, the expression of disbelief never left him and this crushed Yeon’s heart. Yeon felt his smile drop as the mood turned heavy. This was a reminder of how much hurt his brother had gone through due to his decision back then.
“Don’t worry and just go - to your home where the human is waiting.” Those words cut right through him, “I was never one of your options from the start.”
"I'm sorry." He added, "I'm sorry I'm late. I'm sorry I broke our promise the first time."
Yeon paused for a moment to control the emotions welling up in his throat, only Rang could unsettle him like this.
"So here I am, keeping my promise to you - I'm sorry it’s a little late"
It could have been the words.
Or maybe it was the emotion he tried to convey them with.
Perhaps even the expression on his face.
Regardless, whatever it was; Rang must have found what he was looking for as he bridges the distance and throws himself into Yeon's arms. He instinctively wraps himself around the smaller fox; pulling him deep into their embrace. Although Yeon knew he didn't have to watch his strength with Rang, he couldn’t help but be mindful not to crush his brother. Giving into every urge and voice in his head to hold, protect and adore his mate. Breathing deeply into Rang's unique sweet scent, Yeon tightens his arms as he nuzzles the soft strands of his brother’s hair.
Once more neither of them say anything. Simply enjoying the warmth each of them exude, revelling in each other’s scent, proof that the other was real and in front of them. Sensing no one was around them, Yeon released his tails and wrapped them as well around the younger gumiho - an extremely intimate action of their kind; and reserved only for one’s mate or children. He wasn’t sure if Rang knew what it meant; but that was soon answered when his brother also revealed his own and entwined them with his.
The reciprocal reaction, which surprised Yeon. Despite the happiness of being accepted by his mate, Yeon wondered who was responsible for educating Rang of gumiho courtship. (It clearly wasn’t him, and his mind felt restless at the thought of another gumiho approaching his mate). However, he was soon brought back to the present when Yeon felt Rang press himself against his body and bury his face in the crook of his neck. A habit his brother had back then in the forest.
After what seemed to be forever (but realistically was a few minutes), Yeon's ears picked up on muffled, "You stayed."
The amount of disbelief was palatable, and it was enough for Yeon to pull away.
Yeon pushed as much emotion - stripping himself bare. There were no jokes or clever word play. Just naked intention. Yeon wanted Rang to see how much he mattered to him, like he did before.
“You know how many sword-cuts I have right now? I got cut so much, it doesn’t even hurt now! But… Even a splinter in your finger breaks my heart.”
He wanted Rang to see his face when he replied, "For you."
“When I think about leaving you, I feel like I might lose my mind.”
"For me." Rang repeated, this time the bewilderment in his voice lessened and it was replaced with that unsure hope. No matter how many times his brother would ask, Yeon would reassure him. It was the least he could do; after all this was his fault in the first place.
"Yes. Only for you." He reiterated. Firm and final.
Rang's eyes welled up with tears once more, and he tried to hold back a sob. However, it fails as tears escape and his body shakes with every shuddering breath. Yeon reaches out gently to brush away the tears that slip out as he strokes his brother’s back in a slow lazy circle. He notices how tightly Rang clings on to him, hands fisting the material of his shirt and his tails never release their hold of his. Yeon chooses not to comment on it, and simply opts to soothe Rang in as he lets out all the bottled up emotions he knows his brother had inside.
They remained as such until Rang cries settled down, and once again his brother was buried in his arms, exhausted and drawn out. Yeon tucks the younger gumiho under his chin as he runs his finger through Rang’s hair. He feels his brother nuzzle his chest before finally resting his face against it. Yeon smiled to himself and coiled his tails around the both of them. Rang makes soft noise in response, but is too tired to respond fully save for leaning into Yeon’s touch.
The air around them is now lighter. Rang's shoulders don't feel as tense, and his body seemed to have melted into Yeon's. It felt as if the final wall Rang had been holding against him had fallen; and whatever was to come in the future would be unhindered by the past.
"Will you regret it?" Rang's voice broke the silence.
Not looking down, Yeon let out a soft hum before answering, "My only regret is not choosing you the first time."
The stillness first alerts him, and Yeon slowly pulls back to read Rang’s expression - were his words too much? Although, his worries were unfounded for this was when Yeon realised how prettily his brother blushes. The avert gaze, flushed cheeks and red ears; all made Yeon want to flatter, pamper and spoil once more. Just as he was to tease his brother again, Rang seemed to have recovered, and replied looking directly at him.
"You waited centuries for her."
"Power of fox bead."
"You married her."
"Cause that was what was expected."
"You tied your life to hers."
"For an offer to have you reincarnated - I never wanted to live a life that didn't have you in it."
"But you only have fifty two years left with me now." Rang refuted bitterly looking away. "I finally have you - but only for half a century." He adds, with a smile not reaching his eyes.
Yeon suppresses a smile at the unintentional confession, and runs his fingers through Rang hair again instead.
"You won't be able to get rid of me that easily, Rang-ah" He teases playfully.
Seeing the confused look, he answers vaguely, "The contract has shifted to him." Gesturing at the door, he continues, "And there are some weird time continuity rules which result in parallel universes stuff."
The blank stare from his brother made him sheepishly add, "The old hag is not the best explainer of these things - but the gist of it is I am with you for a long time."
This madre Rang's eyes brighten once again, as he hesitantly confirms, "Forever?"
Those eyes, that look - even back then Yeon could never say no.
"If that's how long you want me then, yes." He replies, voice soft and affectionate.
"I want you forever." Rang says resolutely, whilst softly adding, "Only me."
That was all he needed and Yeon had nothing to hide nor loose. So he reaches out and curls his fingers under Rang's chin. Thumb tracing outline of his brother’s lower lip. He feels his gaze become heavy, and judging from the look in Rang's eyes - his intentions were not completely unwelcomed.
"And I only want you." He whispers, voice thick and silky, as he keeps his eyes in contact with Rang's.
Lowering his head further he stops hair’s breadth away - pausing just before their lips touch, breathing each other’s air; waiting until Rang gives him a sign. Although the young gumiho didn't know it yet, he was actually the one in charge of their relationship.
The barely audible "Yes" was all Yeon needed to lean in and press his lips against Rang's.
As if everything in the world simply disappeared in that moment, and all that remained were the two of them in each other’s arms. It was everything Yeon imagined and more, he felt the every restless instincts quieten for once in his life. Using the tip of his tongue, Yeon traced the length of Rang’s bottom lip; a silent ask of permission - to which the younger gumiho gave as he parted his lips. Had he been a little more restrained, Yeon would have taken his time, but they’ve wasted enough already.
Diving in, Yeon hears a low moan from Rang and his chest rumbles in satisfaction at the thought of pleasing his mate. He swirled his tongue against the younger gumiho, who tried to return the action; however the lack of experience shows in the hesitant and unsure movements. Yeon growls lowly into the kiss; the thought of being the one to guide Rang pleases a primal part of his brain. Suckling on his mate’s bottom lip and drinking in all the little whines and gasps Rang lets out.
Much as he loves to take apart his mate, Yeon was very much aware they were still in the Afterlife Immigration Office, with anyone able to walk in. The thought of anyone else hearing or seeing Rang in this state bristles his fur. With one steady motion, Yeon hooks one arm under the younger gumiho’s legs, lifting him into his arms as his other holds his shoulders. The suddenness causes Rang to yelp out in surprise, breaking the kiss and glare at Yeon’s chuckle. To which he presses a soft kiss to his temple; and the half-hearted glare melts into a shy but pleased smile as wraps his arms around Yeon’s neck.
With that Yeon carries Rang out of the building, trying to take cover from the sudden rain despite the clear sky.
'Finally.' The air whispers around them, and everything seems to have fallen into its correct place.
The fox god has found his rightful bride.