Life after the inspections went back to normal. The weather grew colder as autumn set in. Nights were spent by the fireplace curled up around each other. Saruhiko had developed a fondness for running his fingers through Misaki's hair as they talked. Misaki smelled like the warmth of a summer's day and Saruhiko couldn't get enough of it. His kisses tasted of honey and Saruhiko thinks he's found his addiction.

He can't stop thinking about the deeper implications of their relationship though. Every time Misaki's tail brushes against him, he remembers that they're different. With every kiss, he wonders if this is even possible. He couldn't live a thousand years like Misaki could and he didn't want to trap Misaki for the rest of his life.

Sometimes, he catches Misaki gazing out into the forest as if he were longing for something he'd lost. Saruhiko knows that he's the reason Misaki can't leave. After all, he does have complete authority and control over Misaki. Sometimes when Misaki's asleep beside him, he calls up the glowing ball which represents his control into his palm and just stares at it. He takes glances at Misaki's face and how peaceful it is and wonders how to let him go.

He has to. If Misaki is to stay by his side, Saruhiko wants it to be by his own choice, and not because he literally holds Misaki's life in his hands.

As it happens, Saruhiko's birthday falls on a full moon night. There was the usual banter between them as Saruhiko led Misaki to a quiet clearing in the forest. He leaned in for a soft kiss, preparing himself.

"Hold out your hands," he said to Misaki, trembling slightly.

"Saruhiko, it's your birthday. I'm supposed to be the one who says that to you."

"Just do it." He didn't want to have time to overthink this and back out.

He called up the glowing ball and placed it in Misaki's hands, folding his fingers over it. He didn't look at Misaki's face as he spoke. "I release you from your bond to me. You may take your leave as you see fit."

"Saruhiko… Why?" There was a slight note of panic in Misaki's voice as he grabbed Saruhiko's hand. "Why are you doing this?"

"Look at us, Misaki. I'm a human and you're a kitsune. Things won't work out between us. I'll die before you're even old. And I can't keep you bound to me forever. What if you realise that it isn't me you want after all? What if you wake up one day and realise that this is all a mistake? What if you don't love me anymore? I love you but I don't want to be the one who traps you." He pulled his hand away from Misaki.

Misaki's eyes widened. "Saruhiko you fool," he murmured as he reached out to pull Saruhiko into an embrace. "I would give up everything just to stay with you. I love you, and I always will."

Saruhiko cut him off. "Then what happens when I die? You can't pine after me forever."

Misaki sighed and pulled him closer. "When a kitsune chooses a mate, they tie their entire life to that of their mate. When their mate dies, they die long after." He pauses, chewing on his lip. "When you die, I will lay my head down beside you. It's the only thing that can happen since I've already chosen you," he whispered.

His breath hitched as he held Misaki close. "I guess I'll have to live as long as possible then," he whispered back. "Don't leave me."

"Not as long as we live," Misaki replied as he pulled Saruhiko down for a kiss.

As they held each other, the first snows fell lightly around their shoulders.

Epilogue

As the years passed, Saruhiko and Misaki continued to live together on the edge of the Lord's Sector. Since Saruhiko had relinquished his control over Misaki, they lived as equals. Their routine didn't change much in the first few years of their relationship.

One summer, Misaki decided to try and look for his family. It had been almost twenty years since he had been separated from them and with Saruhiko's support, he left their home in search of his parents and siblings. He returned successfully in mid-autumn.

That same winter, Saruhiko and Misaki took in a young kitsune girl whose parents had accidentally been killed in a trap meant for ordinary foxes who had been stealing food from a farm. Their lives became busier as they made room for Miyuki and they both doted on her to no end.

They still wake next to each other every morning and they still love each other unconditionally. As Saruhiko likes to say, they'll love each other until the end of forever.

Fin.

A/N: I'd just like to thank everyone for their support. With the end of this fic also comes the end of me posting here and writing for a while. I'll be taking a hiatus until the end of the year to focus on my exams. Do check out my writing blog on Tumblr which is swiftasarrows for shorter updates and other drabbles.