Amongst Orange Trees
Title: Amongst Orange Trees
Pairing(s): HanChul, side!YeWook, slight!KryBer, slight!KangTeuk, side!QMi, slight!YunJae, slight!KhunToria
Genre(s): Romance, wildlife!AU
Length: 2917 words
Rating: PG-13
Summary: It’s mating season, but Han Geng has yet to learn what love truly is.
Inspiration(s): I love nature. Enough said. By the way, I did not research too much on habitat or nutrition, so there may be many places that are incorrect fact-wise.
```
A black fox trudged through the warm forest ground, creating shallow muddy tracks behind him. He was a large ferocious-looking creature with a midnight coat, equally dark glossy eyes, and white-tipped tail, his motions swift and silent-dangerous. His stomach rumbled noisily, but he paid it no heed in spite of the fact that he had not eaten in three days (unfortunately, it was starting to show, if his prominent rib cage was any indication).
He was ashamed of himself, really. It was the middle of spring and food was pretty much everywhere. There were plenty of opportunities for a meal, and while others were growing and fattening themselves up for winter, he continued to lose body mass. If this continued, he knew that he would not even be able to survive through mating season.
Besides, who wanted to mate with an incompetent fox who would not be able to take care of the kits not to mention take care of himself?
So on he went, minding his own business and keeping an eye out for any prey that he could easily land (and most preferably with no blood shed). Two hours later, a squirrel monkey accidentally fell from the nearby orange tree right in front of the fox’s feet. The little guy squeaked in fright as the fox towered over it, clutching its tail in terror and shivering noticeably. Please don’t chew! he pleaded.
It was an easy enough lunch, easier than anything Han Geng had ever experienced. The monkey was practically served on a platter, and he only needed to snap off his neck to enjoy a desperately-needed meal. But just looking at the poor creature made him soften up, so instead of seizing the chance, the fox forced out a laugh, which sounded more like a choked bark than anything. Who said I was going to eat you? You are too puny.
Puny!? a squeak of indignation was heard from above the black animal, where another squirrel monkey was hanging by its tail. We are not puny!
The fox smiled. Right. Anyways, I have already eaten, so I’ll let you guys go. But next time be careful, okay? Not all opportunity predators are as generous as me.
The monkey on the ground seemed to brighten up like a fluorescent light bulb, presenting the fox with the widest and most adorable eyes that he had ever seen in the whole jungle. Oh thank you so much, Great Wolf! We promise never to get in your way again!
The predator smirked. My name is Han Geng, not Great Wolf. And I’m a fox, but thanks for the compliment.
Wide grateful eyes met Han Geng’s gaze. I’m Ryeowook. Over there is my mate Yesung. We are on our honeymoon. Would you like some fruit? We have oranges, cherries, you name it!
Yesung looked scandalized. Wookie, don’t help the enemy!
Han Geng chuckled and politely accepted several small red seedless fruits from an insistent Ryeowook’s outstretched arms, much to his mate’s dismay, and trotted off to leave the two love-monkeys alone to their own business. After all, it was mating season; that was what animals did.
The first vixen that he came across was a lovely shade of sand with white paws and a luscious coat. He had seen her around before, Krystal was her name, and from what all the other foxes said, she was definitely a critter worth fighting for. However, before he could even have a chance to catch her attention, another vixen that Han Geng also knew, a darker brown one named Amber that had a small tuft of black hair on the top of her neck, had already bounded up and claimed her as her own, playfully nibbling the other’s ear out of pure habit. They trotted away together, laughing with their tails entwined.
Han Geng sighed, making her way towards a patch of longer grass and then collapsing in a wearied heap. He was tired. Tired of starvation, tired of a crappy love life, tired of everything.
A squawk from above made his ears tip upwards. You know, at this rate, you will never find a mate.
Shut up, Kangin, the fox growled at the red-tailed hawk perched up on a tree branch not far from him. I’ll find one. It just takes time.
That’s what you said last season. Man, you haven’t had a mate in two years. Get out and prance around like an alpha wolf a little more. Vixens love that.
I’ll do what I want to do, Han Geng groaned. Besides, what about you? You don’t seem to have a mate yet. Did The Angel spur you away again?
I wasn’t spurred away! the hawk objected indignantly, ruffling his wing feathers. I was just told to wait a little longer, that’s all. Once Leeteuk finds out just how much I have to offer him, he’ll come running to me!
Han Geng laughed. First you need to have something to offer him.
Oh shut up.
Just saying.
Kangin let out an angry squawk and circled around the fox in an irate manner before taking off towards the sky. Han Geng sighed, guilty that he had hurt his friend. The poor bird had been pining after a certain white hawk for a year and a half, determined to win his heart and mate with him for life. Unfortunately, the white hawk had no intention of mating with anybody despite the fact that all the other birds were practically throwing themselves at him. Who wouldn’t? Leeteuk was pure white, a beauty in the sky, with exceptional fishing skills and a spot-on sense for danger-all in all, a dream mate.
And so Han Geng just laid there in thought, muzzle resting on the cool grass. Kangin was right, though. He hadn’t mated in over two years, the first year because his supposed mate decided to run off with somebody else and the second because of an injury. There was nothing stopping him this year, and any other fox would have seized the chance and, as Kangin had suggested, “pranced around like an alpha wolf”.
However, Han Geng was not like other foxes in the area. He believed in mating for life, and he found it difficult to get over the fact that some foxes only stayed together for a season, with no guarantee of mating again the next. He had initially been shocked by the revelation, and still had not really wrapped his head around it. After all, he had pretty much expected his previous long-time mate of three years to remain loyal to him, and he to her, but that obviously had not worked out.
It was not exactly heartbreak that he was feeling. Han Geng did not love his mate; he only mated for formalities, like an arranged marriage of sorts. It was a simple process to him: find another fox, build a family, take care of the kits until they became independent, depart once the last kit leaves the den, and then repeat it once spring came along. Blame his animalistic instincts all you want, but Han Geng just found it difficult to overcome this conviction imprinted in his brain that there was only room for one mate-only one!-in his lifetime.
He decided that he needed help, and the first animal that came to mind was only a mile’s walk away.
Zhou Mi had been a friend ever since Han Geng was conceived. They were born the same spring, and met in the outskirts of a meadow when Han Geng, ever so curious, decided to wander a little farther from the den than usual. They hit it off instantly, believe it or not. A fox and a hound, best friends. Sound familiar?
There’s a twist. Han Geng was as black as midnight and Zhou Mi was an apricot standard poodle.
The dog lived in a cozy cabin near an abandoned campsite with his mate and coworker Kyuhyun, a snarky grey husky hound mix two years his junior. His owner, Yunho, was a nice enough guy who fished and intermittently hunted for small water game like ducks and the occasional seagull. Yunho’s husband, Jaejoong, was more of an indoorsy person who liked cooking and spending time with the dogs.
The best part was that neither of them hunted foxes. “They are endangered enough as it is,” was what Yunho had said.
Consequently, he had no fear as he neared the campsite and saw the dogs roughhousing together. He let out a fox-like yelp and smirked when the two sat up abruptly and raised their ears to the sound. Kyuhyun spotted him first.
Hey, it’s Han Geng!
Zhou Mi’s tail immediately started wagging at a hundred miles an hour, and he sprinted towards the black fox with overflowing enthusiasm, train-crashing into him with a delighted bark. Oh boy oh boy oh boy, how are you, best buddy? I’ve missed you! We should catch up, how are things in the forest? Have you eaten? My master just gave me the hugest bowl of Kanine Krunchies on the face of the planet. Want some?
Han Geng whined his laughter and swayed his tail in greeting. I’m fine, Zhou Mi. But I’ll accept the offer of food. I haven’t eaten since this morning.
The poodle smiled, tongue lolling out in a silly fashion. Follow me! It’s still fresh!
It was almost humiliating just how readily Han Geng ate. He was a wild animal, free and independent, not a pet or scavenger forever at the mercy of others. As he devoured the dry dog food, he could not help but let his ears sag forward in shame. Foxes were proud creatures, unlike the fairytale ones that symbolized maliciousness and avarice. In real life, they valued cunningness and dignity above all else, even at the cost of their survival. Han Geng knew a few foxes who, aside from the justification of feeding the kits, would rather starve than eat food served on a platter.
So, what’s eating you, Rover? Kyuhyun whimpered.
A lynx, the wolf joked halfheartedly between bites. No, love problems.
Zhou Mi whined emphatically. For crying out loud, Han Geng, forget about Victoria! You didn’t love her; you were only with her because it was convenient.
I know. It’s just that I can’t bring myself to be unfaithful. Fox instincts, remember?
The poodle rolled his eyes, sitting on his haunches. Find somebody else. Somebody that you will love with all your being and who will love you back with all her being. And then if you are still insecure about things, marry her like I married Kui Xian.
Han Geng snarled. Marriage doesn’t exist in the wild, Zhou Mi. I’m not domesticated like you are.
You don’t need to be domesticated to marry or fall in love. Take Kangin.
What Kangin is feeling is not love, Han Geng objected calmly. He thinks of Jungsu as a prize to be won. An objective.
Zhou Mi pouted in his frivolous dog-like way. It sure seems to me that he is in love. I see him fly over the meadow every now and then, chasing after The Angel. That’s pretty much all he does, really.
Kangin was always a goal-oriented guy.
Alright, fine. What about Victoria? There must have been some reason why she decided to run off with Nickhun, no offense meant.
A sensitive swish of Han Geng tail made the poodle tense. None taken. Nickhun makes a better mate than I would ever be. Besides, Victoria always preferred brown foxes. Black fur was too creepy, she said.
Whatever, what Mimi is trying to say, Kyuhyun sighed tiredly, is that you seriously have to move on. At this rate-
At this rate I’ll never find a mate, Han Geng finished off for him exasperatedly. I know.
Good. At least we are on the same page.
Han Geng left with a heavy heart, all but convinced that he was never going to find a mate and that he was going to die out in the forest all alone with nobody there to care for him.
Then irony struck. You know that situation where you just decide to give up all hope and then all of a sudden everything that you have ever wished for appears before you from thin air? Well, that’s exactly what happened. Han Geng pretty much had a dark rainy cloud above his head, his muzzle pointed towards the ground, with his tail between his legs, when something red, beautiful, and charming bounded towards him.
He would never admit it, but Han Geng had a thing for red foxes. There was something exuberant about that brightness of color that defines the species in a way that other foxes could never match up. A typical red fox was an intelligent and cunning character, with a sharp tongue and a fiery personality that matched the redness of his fur, and Han Geng was sure that the one right in front of him was no exception.
Lynx caught your tongue? the fox smiled, sharp white teeth molding over black velvet lips.
Han Geng’s ears twitched nervously. No.
The red fox retained his smirk as he touched noses with the other, almost teasingly. Got a name?
Yes, the black fox gulped, eying the red white-tipped bushy tail that playfully flicked this way and that.
Are you going to tell me what it is?
Yes.
A bubbly laugh resounded. Good to know. I’m Heechul, by the way. The colorful creature bounded towards the nearby stream and gracefully crossed it via the small rocks. He chose a nice patch of grass and lowered himself onto his haunches and started licking his paw in a cat-like manner, showing off his immaculate white boots and pointed muzzle. Kim Heechul.
Nice to meet you, Heechul, Han Geng greeted lamely.
I’ve been watching you for a while. It’s not difficult for you to catch somebody’s attention. You are probably the only black fox in the whole bloody forest, if I am not mistaken. Plus, all the smaller animals talk about you.
They do?
Heechul grinned, thoroughly enjoying himself. Ryeowook wouldn’t shut up about this certain Great Wolf and how he, and I quote, “spared my life without a trace of hesitation”. May I ask why you didn’t eat him? Any other fox with sense would have, you know.
I wasn’t hungry, Han Geng responded, heart pounding wildly.
Uh huh, says the fox who looks on the verge of starvation, the red fox mocked, scrutinizing the younger’s protruding ribs and scraggly fur.
He wouldn’t have satisfied me, he tried again. Did you see the thing? He was tiny!
Heechul rolled his eyes. What do you expect in the wild? We take what we get. At least, the normal ones do. After all, why else would you have resorted to dog food?
That did it. Ducking his head down in shame, the black fox wanted to melt into the ground and never emerge. For a moment he actually regretted not murdering that little squirrel monkey when he had the chance, but he knew that eventually animals would have caught on no matter how actively he continued to deny. Plus, he never could have eaten Ryeowook even if he tried. I don’t like killing, he mumbled, knowing that he was unable to lie his way out of this one. I can’t bear the thought of stealing an innocent animal’s life. Happy now?
So you are vegetarian?
Han Geng grimaced. What do you think I am, a rabbit? I still eat bugs and once in a while I wait around until an animal dies of old age. I just prefer not killing, that’s all.
I see. Heechul’s cocky smirk was replaced with a soft smile as he stood and half-wagged half-swished his tail. All this talk about food is making me hungry. Do you like oranges?
The black fox looked up with startled eyes. Oranges?
Yah. Oranges. You know, those round juicy balls of flavor that make your tongue sting like nothing else? A fruit?
I like oranges, Han Geng blinked.
Follow me then, Heechul winked, turning around as his ears rotated suggestively. I hope you can climb trees.
Han Geng, though still wary with the strange fox’s behavior, decided to smile, and crossed the stream to where the other fox was already trotting off. They walked side by side, Heechul’s red fur once in a while brushing against Han Geng’s. These subtle suggestions became little nudges back and forth with their shoulder blades, which then turned into mild roughhousing, until eventually the two found themselves cackling like hyenas and playing tag amongst the orange trees.
Much changed since that day. Han Geng, forever apprehensive about losing yet another mate, insisted on having a domesticated marriage like that of Zhou Mi’s (which took much less persuading than he had predicted, believe it or not). The couple adopted an orphaned red fox kit three weeks later which they raised with all the love and care they could possibly muster. They did the same thing the next year as well as the following year, until it was clear as day that neither of them would be leaving any time soon. If that was not love, Han Geng was not sure what was.
And every year since that day during the spring, a white hawk and his mate, a red-tail, soared the skies, all the while screeching out proclamations of love for all the forest to hear.
```
Sequel here
Pairing(s): HanChul, side!YeWook, slight!KryBer, slight!KangTeuk, side!QMi, slight!YunJae, slight!KhunToria
Genre(s): Romance, wildlife!AU
Length: 2917 words
Rating: PG-13
Summary: It’s mating season, but Han Geng has yet to learn what love truly is.
Inspiration(s): I love nature. Enough said. By the way, I did not research too much on habitat or nutrition, so there may be many places that are incorrect fact-wise.
```
A black fox trudged through the warm forest ground, creating shallow muddy tracks behind him. He was a large ferocious-looking creature with a midnight coat, equally dark glossy eyes, and white-tipped tail, his motions swift and silent-dangerous. His stomach rumbled noisily, but he paid it no heed in spite of the fact that he had not eaten in three days (unfortunately, it was starting to show, if his prominent rib cage was any indication).
He was ashamed of himself, really. It was the middle of spring and food was pretty much everywhere. There were plenty of opportunities for a meal, and while others were growing and fattening themselves up for winter, he continued to lose body mass. If this continued, he knew that he would not even be able to survive through mating season.
Besides, who wanted to mate with an incompetent fox who would not be able to take care of the kits not to mention take care of himself?
So on he went, minding his own business and keeping an eye out for any prey that he could easily land (and most preferably with no blood shed). Two hours later, a squirrel monkey accidentally fell from the nearby orange tree right in front of the fox’s feet. The little guy squeaked in fright as the fox towered over it, clutching its tail in terror and shivering noticeably. Please don’t chew! he pleaded.
It was an easy enough lunch, easier than anything Han Geng had ever experienced. The monkey was practically served on a platter, and he only needed to snap off his neck to enjoy a desperately-needed meal. But just looking at the poor creature made him soften up, so instead of seizing the chance, the fox forced out a laugh, which sounded more like a choked bark than anything. Who said I was going to eat you? You are too puny.
Puny!? a squeak of indignation was heard from above the black animal, where another squirrel monkey was hanging by its tail. We are not puny!
The fox smiled. Right. Anyways, I have already eaten, so I’ll let you guys go. But next time be careful, okay? Not all opportunity predators are as generous as me.
The monkey on the ground seemed to brighten up like a fluorescent light bulb, presenting the fox with the widest and most adorable eyes that he had ever seen in the whole jungle. Oh thank you so much, Great Wolf! We promise never to get in your way again!
The predator smirked. My name is Han Geng, not Great Wolf. And I’m a fox, but thanks for the compliment.
Wide grateful eyes met Han Geng’s gaze. I’m Ryeowook. Over there is my mate Yesung. We are on our honeymoon. Would you like some fruit? We have oranges, cherries, you name it!
Yesung looked scandalized. Wookie, don’t help the enemy!
Han Geng chuckled and politely accepted several small red seedless fruits from an insistent Ryeowook’s outstretched arms, much to his mate’s dismay, and trotted off to leave the two love-monkeys alone to their own business. After all, it was mating season; that was what animals did.
The first vixen that he came across was a lovely shade of sand with white paws and a luscious coat. He had seen her around before, Krystal was her name, and from what all the other foxes said, she was definitely a critter worth fighting for. However, before he could even have a chance to catch her attention, another vixen that Han Geng also knew, a darker brown one named Amber that had a small tuft of black hair on the top of her neck, had already bounded up and claimed her as her own, playfully nibbling the other’s ear out of pure habit. They trotted away together, laughing with their tails entwined.
Han Geng sighed, making her way towards a patch of longer grass and then collapsing in a wearied heap. He was tired. Tired of starvation, tired of a crappy love life, tired of everything.
A squawk from above made his ears tip upwards. You know, at this rate, you will never find a mate.
Shut up, Kangin, the fox growled at the red-tailed hawk perched up on a tree branch not far from him. I’ll find one. It just takes time.
That’s what you said last season. Man, you haven’t had a mate in two years. Get out and prance around like an alpha wolf a little more. Vixens love that.
I’ll do what I want to do, Han Geng groaned. Besides, what about you? You don’t seem to have a mate yet. Did The Angel spur you away again?
I wasn’t spurred away! the hawk objected indignantly, ruffling his wing feathers. I was just told to wait a little longer, that’s all. Once Leeteuk finds out just how much I have to offer him, he’ll come running to me!
Han Geng laughed. First you need to have something to offer him.
Oh shut up.
Just saying.
Kangin let out an angry squawk and circled around the fox in an irate manner before taking off towards the sky. Han Geng sighed, guilty that he had hurt his friend. The poor bird had been pining after a certain white hawk for a year and a half, determined to win his heart and mate with him for life. Unfortunately, the white hawk had no intention of mating with anybody despite the fact that all the other birds were practically throwing themselves at him. Who wouldn’t? Leeteuk was pure white, a beauty in the sky, with exceptional fishing skills and a spot-on sense for danger-all in all, a dream mate.
And so Han Geng just laid there in thought, muzzle resting on the cool grass. Kangin was right, though. He hadn’t mated in over two years, the first year because his supposed mate decided to run off with somebody else and the second because of an injury. There was nothing stopping him this year, and any other fox would have seized the chance and, as Kangin had suggested, “pranced around like an alpha wolf”.
However, Han Geng was not like other foxes in the area. He believed in mating for life, and he found it difficult to get over the fact that some foxes only stayed together for a season, with no guarantee of mating again the next. He had initially been shocked by the revelation, and still had not really wrapped his head around it. After all, he had pretty much expected his previous long-time mate of three years to remain loyal to him, and he to her, but that obviously had not worked out.
It was not exactly heartbreak that he was feeling. Han Geng did not love his mate; he only mated for formalities, like an arranged marriage of sorts. It was a simple process to him: find another fox, build a family, take care of the kits until they became independent, depart once the last kit leaves the den, and then repeat it once spring came along. Blame his animalistic instincts all you want, but Han Geng just found it difficult to overcome this conviction imprinted in his brain that there was only room for one mate-only one!-in his lifetime.
He decided that he needed help, and the first animal that came to mind was only a mile’s walk away.
Zhou Mi had been a friend ever since Han Geng was conceived. They were born the same spring, and met in the outskirts of a meadow when Han Geng, ever so curious, decided to wander a little farther from the den than usual. They hit it off instantly, believe it or not. A fox and a hound, best friends. Sound familiar?
There’s a twist. Han Geng was as black as midnight and Zhou Mi was an apricot standard poodle.
The dog lived in a cozy cabin near an abandoned campsite with his mate and coworker Kyuhyun, a snarky grey husky hound mix two years his junior. His owner, Yunho, was a nice enough guy who fished and intermittently hunted for small water game like ducks and the occasional seagull. Yunho’s husband, Jaejoong, was more of an indoorsy person who liked cooking and spending time with the dogs.
The best part was that neither of them hunted foxes. “They are endangered enough as it is,” was what Yunho had said.
Consequently, he had no fear as he neared the campsite and saw the dogs roughhousing together. He let out a fox-like yelp and smirked when the two sat up abruptly and raised their ears to the sound. Kyuhyun spotted him first.
Hey, it’s Han Geng!
Zhou Mi’s tail immediately started wagging at a hundred miles an hour, and he sprinted towards the black fox with overflowing enthusiasm, train-crashing into him with a delighted bark. Oh boy oh boy oh boy, how are you, best buddy? I’ve missed you! We should catch up, how are things in the forest? Have you eaten? My master just gave me the hugest bowl of Kanine Krunchies on the face of the planet. Want some?
Han Geng whined his laughter and swayed his tail in greeting. I’m fine, Zhou Mi. But I’ll accept the offer of food. I haven’t eaten since this morning.
The poodle smiled, tongue lolling out in a silly fashion. Follow me! It’s still fresh!
It was almost humiliating just how readily Han Geng ate. He was a wild animal, free and independent, not a pet or scavenger forever at the mercy of others. As he devoured the dry dog food, he could not help but let his ears sag forward in shame. Foxes were proud creatures, unlike the fairytale ones that symbolized maliciousness and avarice. In real life, they valued cunningness and dignity above all else, even at the cost of their survival. Han Geng knew a few foxes who, aside from the justification of feeding the kits, would rather starve than eat food served on a platter.
So, what’s eating you, Rover? Kyuhyun whimpered.
A lynx, the wolf joked halfheartedly between bites. No, love problems.
Zhou Mi whined emphatically. For crying out loud, Han Geng, forget about Victoria! You didn’t love her; you were only with her because it was convenient.
I know. It’s just that I can’t bring myself to be unfaithful. Fox instincts, remember?
The poodle rolled his eyes, sitting on his haunches. Find somebody else. Somebody that you will love with all your being and who will love you back with all her being. And then if you are still insecure about things, marry her like I married Kui Xian.
Han Geng snarled. Marriage doesn’t exist in the wild, Zhou Mi. I’m not domesticated like you are.
You don’t need to be domesticated to marry or fall in love. Take Kangin.
What Kangin is feeling is not love, Han Geng objected calmly. He thinks of Jungsu as a prize to be won. An objective.
Zhou Mi pouted in his frivolous dog-like way. It sure seems to me that he is in love. I see him fly over the meadow every now and then, chasing after The Angel. That’s pretty much all he does, really.
Kangin was always a goal-oriented guy.
Alright, fine. What about Victoria? There must have been some reason why she decided to run off with Nickhun, no offense meant.
A sensitive swish of Han Geng tail made the poodle tense. None taken. Nickhun makes a better mate than I would ever be. Besides, Victoria always preferred brown foxes. Black fur was too creepy, she said.
Whatever, what Mimi is trying to say, Kyuhyun sighed tiredly, is that you seriously have to move on. At this rate-
At this rate I’ll never find a mate, Han Geng finished off for him exasperatedly. I know.
Good. At least we are on the same page.
Han Geng left with a heavy heart, all but convinced that he was never going to find a mate and that he was going to die out in the forest all alone with nobody there to care for him.
Then irony struck. You know that situation where you just decide to give up all hope and then all of a sudden everything that you have ever wished for appears before you from thin air? Well, that’s exactly what happened. Han Geng pretty much had a dark rainy cloud above his head, his muzzle pointed towards the ground, with his tail between his legs, when something red, beautiful, and charming bounded towards him.
He would never admit it, but Han Geng had a thing for red foxes. There was something exuberant about that brightness of color that defines the species in a way that other foxes could never match up. A typical red fox was an intelligent and cunning character, with a sharp tongue and a fiery personality that matched the redness of his fur, and Han Geng was sure that the one right in front of him was no exception.
Lynx caught your tongue? the fox smiled, sharp white teeth molding over black velvet lips.
Han Geng’s ears twitched nervously. No.
The red fox retained his smirk as he touched noses with the other, almost teasingly. Got a name?
Yes, the black fox gulped, eying the red white-tipped bushy tail that playfully flicked this way and that.
Are you going to tell me what it is?
Yes.
A bubbly laugh resounded. Good to know. I’m Heechul, by the way. The colorful creature bounded towards the nearby stream and gracefully crossed it via the small rocks. He chose a nice patch of grass and lowered himself onto his haunches and started licking his paw in a cat-like manner, showing off his immaculate white boots and pointed muzzle. Kim Heechul.
Nice to meet you, Heechul, Han Geng greeted lamely.
I’ve been watching you for a while. It’s not difficult for you to catch somebody’s attention. You are probably the only black fox in the whole bloody forest, if I am not mistaken. Plus, all the smaller animals talk about you.
They do?
Heechul grinned, thoroughly enjoying himself. Ryeowook wouldn’t shut up about this certain Great Wolf and how he, and I quote, “spared my life without a trace of hesitation”. May I ask why you didn’t eat him? Any other fox with sense would have, you know.
I wasn’t hungry, Han Geng responded, heart pounding wildly.
Uh huh, says the fox who looks on the verge of starvation, the red fox mocked, scrutinizing the younger’s protruding ribs and scraggly fur.
He wouldn’t have satisfied me, he tried again. Did you see the thing? He was tiny!
Heechul rolled his eyes. What do you expect in the wild? We take what we get. At least, the normal ones do. After all, why else would you have resorted to dog food?
That did it. Ducking his head down in shame, the black fox wanted to melt into the ground and never emerge. For a moment he actually regretted not murdering that little squirrel monkey when he had the chance, but he knew that eventually animals would have caught on no matter how actively he continued to deny. Plus, he never could have eaten Ryeowook even if he tried. I don’t like killing, he mumbled, knowing that he was unable to lie his way out of this one. I can’t bear the thought of stealing an innocent animal’s life. Happy now?
So you are vegetarian?
Han Geng grimaced. What do you think I am, a rabbit? I still eat bugs and once in a while I wait around until an animal dies of old age. I just prefer not killing, that’s all.
I see. Heechul’s cocky smirk was replaced with a soft smile as he stood and half-wagged half-swished his tail. All this talk about food is making me hungry. Do you like oranges?
The black fox looked up with startled eyes. Oranges?
Yah. Oranges. You know, those round juicy balls of flavor that make your tongue sting like nothing else? A fruit?
I like oranges, Han Geng blinked.
Follow me then, Heechul winked, turning around as his ears rotated suggestively. I hope you can climb trees.
Han Geng, though still wary with the strange fox’s behavior, decided to smile, and crossed the stream to where the other fox was already trotting off. They walked side by side, Heechul’s red fur once in a while brushing against Han Geng’s. These subtle suggestions became little nudges back and forth with their shoulder blades, which then turned into mild roughhousing, until eventually the two found themselves cackling like hyenas and playing tag amongst the orange trees.
Much changed since that day. Han Geng, forever apprehensive about losing yet another mate, insisted on having a domesticated marriage like that of Zhou Mi’s (which took much less persuading than he had predicted, believe it or not). The couple adopted an orphaned red fox kit three weeks later which they raised with all the love and care they could possibly muster. They did the same thing the next year as well as the following year, until it was clear as day that neither of them would be leaving any time soon. If that was not love, Han Geng was not sure what was.
And every year since that day during the spring, a white hawk and his mate, a red-tail, soared the skies, all the while screeching out proclamations of love for all the forest to hear.
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Sequel here