Tis the Season(MikeyxTakmichi)
Tags: Krampus!MIkey, Holiday Lore, Takemichi lives in the North Pole, Hades and Persephone inspired, fluff
Rating M
AO3
7K+ words
Takemichi sat on his bedroom floor packing up his clothing. His body still shivered from the wetness of his long gray hair air drying along his back.
A clear sign that his time was up.
He huffs a breath. The longing ache had already settled in before he had to depart that evening. He already ruined their last night together from crying in his beloved's arm. Mikey chose to be silent, but his body gave him the needed comfort he craved.
He doesn't know if Mikey slept. Yet, he had woken up alone. He ate alone. Showered alone.
They've been doing this for hundreds of years now and each time he has to leave, Mikey deals with it differently. They both do.
Standing up, he walks into his closet, looking for his blanket that was made of Mikey's fur. It was made up of Mikey’s shed hairs that he releases after each season. It's been with him since their first year together. A well preserved token of love, to remind him when he is in the other realm of what is waiting for him in his true home.
He finds it under a pile of dirty clothes, remembering he put it there to be washed. He looks at his wrist watch and knows he has plenty of time to get this done. He grabs the basket in the corner and throws everything that needs to be washed into it.
He walks out of the closet and is surprised Mikey is by their bed. Takemichi doesn't speak first. Mad about waking up alone, he bits his lip to not cry again. So he tightens his grip on the basket.
"You're awake." The first words he says.
Takemichi doesn't respond.
Mikey coughs. "Sorry, Draken needed me."
"He needed you?" Takemichi whispers.
Mikey nods, but looks guilty. Knowing he made the wrong move.
Takemichi shakes his head. He decides to finish his task and starts to walk to the exit. A fuzzy hand grabs his elbow, stopping him. It'll be some more time before his body is fully engulfed in hair. His horns have only begun to peek out from his skull. His normally blonde hair is black. It's not as long as Baji's yet, but it'll surpass that in a few months.
"Mitchy." He says softly.
"W-what, Mikey?" His voice wavers.
Mikey pulls himself closer to Takemichi. "I'm sorry." He pressed his noses against the side of Takemichi's temple. "I guess I needed to cry myself. You know I don't let you see me do that."
He knows.
They've spent similar departing days like this before. Emotions were high. Takemichi shakes off Mikey's hand.
"Mit-" Mikey starts before a basket of clothing is shoved into his arms. He sees the fur blanket with other various items of his beloved.
Takemichi pulls his long hair into a high ponytail. "Go wash that for me." He says with a smile. Then promptly walks out of their room.
Mikey doesn't argue. Knowing he deserves this and probably more for leaving him to wake up alone. He spent the whole night holding Takemichi as he cried. Choosing to stay silent to keep his own tears at bay; only leaving the bed once Takemichi was asleep.
He adjusts his grip, then looks at the clock. It's noon.
12 hours to go.
++++++
Mikey meets Takemichi for the first time 200 years ago on January 1st.
The previous Santa, Shinichiro, had died and they were all at his funeral. Takemichi was sitting on the side next to a grieving Wakasa.
Wakasa and Shinichiro had been Mr and Mrs Claus for 1000 years. Wakasa knew he'd be a widow at some point. Most people who take on the mantle of Santa create and release a lot of joy into the world and it causes their magic to eventually take a toll on the body.
Three days after Christmas, Shin's body refused to change back. His body didn't have the energy and instead internally attacked his organs. He didn't want anyone to see him in that state. He didn't want any last goodbyes with anyone, but Wakasa.
In his will, he had given Mikey a vintage sleigh which was owned by Shinichiro’s father. The previous Santa.
Shinichiro was very loved as a Santa. He brought in a new era. He never publicly demeaned Mikey's domain and even invited him and his generals over to the North Pole various times, but with that they learned that they only can visit each other for a week at most before their bodies start to reject the environment. Something about the sun in each domain can cause an allergic reaction in non-natives.
Mikey later learned that Takemichi was Wakasa's nephew.
He thought the young man was handsome, and he got a chance to see him later at the meal after the funeral. Various holiday Gods, workers or townspeople around the room, but Takemichi stood out. He was in an all red suit, a black undershirt with some glitter under his eye. His black curly hair framed his face perfectly with a patch of gray in the front.
When Mikey went outside to get a smoke, he was able to see everything upfront. Takemichi was on the ground under a tree with a baby reindeer's head in his lap. He was about to light up a cigarette, but he heard sniffling.
He's been hearing tears all day and this boy probably came outside to cry some more in solitude. So Mikey tried to ignore him, but after trying to light his cigarette five times, he took it as a sign that maybe, just maybe he should go talk to the boy. If Takemichi denies talking to him, he'll go steal a smoke from Mitsuya.
As Mikey moved away from the wall, he was grateful he was back in his normal body. He didn't like people's first time meeting him to be his horned feral version.
Unless it was the kid he was intended for.
He hasn't cut his hair yet, so his blonde hair was still down to his knees. He also, hilariously pissed Emma off this morning waiting until the last minute to ask her to braid it. His nails were still sharp and black, but he didn't mind that.
Standing in front of the crying boy. "Hey."
Takemichi turns his head up toward him. "Was I too loud?" He sniffles. Wiping his eyes.
"What? No. This is a funeral. Crying is the point."
"Have you cried?" He asked.
Mikey makes a gesture toward the grass. Takemichi nods his head and he sits down in front of him. "Not, yeah, my uh." He waves his hand around, not sure how to explain. "Like my saliva can be like acid at times and my body isn't fully out of Christmas mode yet. So I would uh rather not chance it." He shrugs. "Even with Shin, some people still fear me."
Which is true. Hinata, who is Mother Nature, has been having a hard time finding someone who would marry him.
Takemichi chuckles. "I don't fear you." He says while scratching the chin of the animal.
"Oh, you don't?" He says with a raise of his brow.
Takemichi shakes his head. "I don't. Shin always said good things about your domain and he used to tell me stories about you as well when I was little."
"How old are you exactly?" Mikey says. His curiosity peaked.
"150."
Mikey fought to school his face. Wow
"And you?"
Mikey looked like he was thinking. Then tapped his chin. "If we meet again, I might tell you." He said with a smirk.
Takemichi looked at the ground bashfully. "Then I hope we meet again soon."
Mikey felt his eyes widen. He wondered if it would be too forward to invite him to his domain. Takemichi was beautiful and the young man didn't fear him. Mikey saw this as an opportunity, which for once actually looked promising.
"Well then, how a-"
"Takemichi! Oh! There you are." A new voice said, loudly alerting her presence.
They both turn to the side and see a pink haired girl.
"Senju?" Takemichi says. "Oh, do we need to return her?"
"Yes." She nods. "It's her feeding time. You can come help of course." Senju bends down to hook a leash to the reindeer and guide it to stand up.
"I'd love to." Takemichi stood up gleefully, then turned to Mikey and paused. He looked a bit reluctant to leave, which made Mikey happy as long as it wasn't his own delusions.
"Umm." He turned to Senju. "I'll meet you there." He said.
Senju raised an eyebrow, but chose to stay silent. She nodded a head at Mikey in acknowledgement before walking away with the reindeer.
"I just wanted to say thank you for talking with me. It-it was a nice distraction from the day." He said. Scratching his cheek nervously.
Mikey stood up as well. Brushing the grass off his pants. "Likewise. I like your aura, young one." Mikey says with a smile.
"Will you come back to visit soon?"
"When the next Santa is chosen."
Takemichi deflates a bit. "Oh. I thought you'd be more free since the season was over."
Mikey inches a bit closer. "Should I have another reason to come back sooner?"
Takemichi looks into his eyes. "Y-you tell me." His attempt was weak, but it still landed.
Mikey placed his hands in his pockets. Needing a spot to contain his need to touch. Mikey looked back. "May I have your number Takemichi?" He tilts his head.
"Hanagaki and yes, please." He said pulling out his phone. Mikey tells him his number and he sends a text.
"Looks like I got it." Mikey said after checking his phone.
Takemichi smiles before putting his phone away. "Well, I have to go or else Senju will send Donner Jr after me." He waves shyly as he walks away.
Mikey returns the wave. "I'll arrange something soon." He says to himself once Takemichi is out of ear shot.
_________
Something soon is a week later. Mikey's hair is now in a bob which he spent the whole time talking about Takemichi while Draken cut his hair. Draken encouraged the relationship, but told Mikey to not get his hopes up too much.
Takemichi was a North Pole native. A friendship was fine, but he shouldn't go too far which could end up with them both hurt. Mikey really didn't want to hear that, but he knew Draken was speaking the truth.
Most wouldn't do what Sanzu did. Give up his North Pole life for his domain. Sanzu never felt connected to his life there and after meeting and falling in love with Kazutora, he never regretted it. They even adopted two kids of the groups of kids they kidnap and torture to be good on Christmas.
Miki and Anne were kids of the system in their home countries. Orphans. They acted out to get any type of attention and when they refused to cry while getting beat, Kazutora stopped and asked them to speak their truth to him.
Now after every Christmas season they go on family vacations.
Takemichi is different. He is clearly loved. Through their various texts and phone calls, he learned about Takemichi's friends, his family and his studies.
Takemichi's aura is love and it glows. Capturing any wandering sucker in its path.
Mikey is currently caught and he'll ride the wave until it crashes.
He sent Takemichi an access pass. Takemichi said he had never been to his domain before and Mikey felt it would be a good opportunity to share a bit of him. Also, when they facetime for the first time, his crazy dogs wouldn't leave him alone. Whining and pressing their noses against the screen. It made Takemichi amused and now each time they talk, his dogs come running when they hear Takemichi's voice.
Spoiled animals.
Mikey looks in the mirror, his outfit is all black. Black high waisted slacks, black loafers with a black v-necked, short sleeve top. His transformation is fully gone now because he poked his eye when he was putting kohl on which made him tear up. He would have hated to have a burn mark on his face. Looking like Freddy Krueger, and Mikey doesn't enter dreams until a little after July.
A knock on his front door has him running down stairs. He pauses before opening to take a deep breath. He is a holiday God. He can do this.
He opens the door and before he can say hello and flock of dogs brush past him and knocks over Takemichi.
He kneels down, preparing to help, but it's cute to see a bunch of Pomeranians bounce with glee. Takemichi seems to take it in stride and pets the four dogs.
"The small one is Bruno, the black one is Ace, the one with the yellow collar is Banana and the one licking your foot is Toto."
Mikey reaches out a hand and pulls them up together. "I like them." Takemichi says. He is holding onto Mikey's shoulders for balance. Mikey has his hands on his waist. "They are stronger than they look though."
Mikey whistles and they come back inside. Dispersing back to their original locations. Mikey wraps an arm around his visitor's waist and pulls Takemichi inside. The door shuts behind them and Takemichi pulls away to look around.
"Most animals in my domain are." He responds. Crossing his arms to get a good look at Takemichi. Takemichi's hair is slicked back today. His top is a white long sleeved blouse with a cropped plaid sweater vest on top. His bottom is black skinny jeans with red knee high boots.
"You look nice." Mikey says.
Takemichi flinches. Too engrossed in his new location. "Oh thanks." He chuckles. "I cheated and looked on Pinterest for help."
Mikey looks him up and down. "You choose well."
Takemichi blushes and it intensifies when Mikey walks closer to put his hand on his back guiding him further into the house. "Let me show you around. Was getting here okay?"
Takemichi looks at the murals on the walls. "Yeah. The portal guards gave me no trouble after I showed my pass." He sees a picture of Mikey with a group of people. He pointed to the picture. "Do they live here?"
Mikey follows his finger to the picture on the wall along the hallway. "No, but they do have access to here. Our workshop is close by and they sleep here from time to time."
He's heard about Mikey's workshop before. People in the North Pole have different views about it, but Takemichi would rather see it for himself before judging.
They go outside, and into a garden. Takemichi sees a maze off to the side and different kinds of plants litter the yard. "Woah." He says in amazement.
Mikey pulls back. Takemichi already misses the touch on his back. "The maze is usually for kids when they come with my friends and family or if I babysit." He turns to face some flowers. It looks like a rose, but it's beating and has veins protruding from it. "This is a cross bread." He runs his finger down the stem. "It tells me when there are children whose hearts are becoming too consumed with darkness. I'll send one of my men to plant a seed in their ear and send whispers to do good deeds."
Takemichi is shocked. "Does it hurt them?"
Mikey removes his hand. "No. This is usually the first step. Kidnap and torture into kindness is the last step. We have a system here." He turns to Takemichi. "Thought we beat every child who has a bad thought?" He says with a smirk.
Takemichi goes red. He did.
Mikey chuckles. "It's alright. We are private about what we do here, but we care very much about the tortured souls of the children of the world. They are ignored the most." He whispered the last part.
Takemichi stares at the plant again. "How many steps are there?"
"Visit again and I might tell you." He says playfully.
Takemichi pushes at his shoulder. "You still haven't told me your age yet either."
Mikey grabs his shoulder in a false hurt. "You wound me. You must know I am old and hurt easily."
Takemichi stomps his foot as Mikey laughs. Mikey gives chase and Takemichi follows behind trying to land a hit that may actually hurt.
He never catches him after 30minutes as they end up in the maze.
Takemichi is walking around. The tall grass is his only companion as he continues to turn corner after corner. He thinks about the time he has been here so far. Chasing Mikey like he was a child again on the playground. When he is back home, he has been helping Wakasa around a lot. He never knew how much work went into being Mrs. Clause and wondered who his uncle was going to choose next.
Whoever that was had work cut out for them. The next Santa as well.
He is pulled from his thoughts when he screams after a hand pulls him through the grass and into the sun. He is full body shaking against the body holding him close.
"You took too long to escape." Said a familiar voice. Mikey rested his head on his shoulder.
"Fuck." He gasps out. Trying to will his heart to stop.
He laughs. "I usually don't feel a body shaking with fear against me unless they're on my sack being kidnapped." He tightened his arms around Takemichi's waist.
Takemichi unintentionally chuckles. He feels wrong but he'd like to see that one day. His body relaxes against Mikey's, and they sway their bodies together for a bit.
Mikey feels the warmth of Takemichi's and hopes he isn't being too forward with holding him. He wants to take things slow. He's never had a long distance relationship before, but after some time and if Takemichi is willing. It could be an option.
"Are you hungry?" Said Takemichi.
"Want me to cook?"
Takemichi rested his hand on top of Mikey's. "Take me to your favorite spot." He turned his head. "Today has been inspiring." He bops their noses together.
Mikey's eyes widened.
Flustering, Takemichi turns away. "S-sorry." He says.
Mikey is intrigued. "What made you do that?" Mikey says against his neck. Takemichi shivers.
"It….it felt natural." He gets out.
That kills some doubt he might have had of Takemichi's feelings.
"I would like more natural things from you." Feeling bold himself.
Takemichi turns back. His mouth is right in front of Mikey's. Inches apart he says. "You sure?"
Restraining himself from closing the distance. "Please." He said.
The following months are filled with weekly meetings and Takemichi learning more about Mikey's domain. The longest they had stayed was four days in each other's home, not wanting to push for more than that.
Takemichi is introduced to his generals and their families. He learns the ins and outs of how valuable Mikey being Krampus is to the world. He would love to see Mikey in his full form, but the spouses of the generals say that isn't a good idea. Well the spouses except Sanzu, he likes a good monster fucking, he says cheekily during a lunch meetup. He stole Takemichi away from Mikey one day, feeling that they should become friends.
Takemichi greatly appreciates it. He helped Sanzu dye his hair a darker shade of pink one day while his children made cookies in the kitchen. He was surprised that Kazutora didn't get mad at the sight of his kitchen. Hair dye, sprinkles and dough cover the room, but he had a genuine smile as he greeted his family with hugs and kisses and ate a cookie that fell on the floor that his child made him.
Kazutora and Sanzu were very fun to observe.
He gave Takemichi sex tips when he told him they finally had sex. Takemichi didn't have much experience, but Mikey seemed to enjoy how innocent Takemichi was.
He finally learned Mikey's age too.
Wow.
Currently, he is in Wakasa's office. It was mid July and Mikey was beginning to prepare for his season.
It was amazing to see the first stages of his transformation. His hair turned black, little horns were poking through and some fuzz was on his hand. Honestly it was sexy. The last time he stayed the night, they made out on the couch and Takemichi couldn't keep his hands off of the growing hair on his lover's body.
He asked Mikey to growl in his ear when he started to fuck him from the back.
He texted Sanzu that he might be a monster fucker too.
In his uncle's office, they've been preparing for the announcement of the new Santa, Inupi was chosen. He had a feeling that Koko would be chosen as Mrs. Koko was very decisive and that was something a partner to Santa needed to be. Koko didn't come out much, preferring to work behind the scenes, but Takemichi thinks if he shadows Wakasa enough, he'll be ready by Christmas.
Something funny Takemichi has noticed is that his hair has been growing faster than normal. He thinks maybe it has always grown this fast, but since he's been busier than normal helping Wakasa, and hasn't been to the salon to visit Akkun, it's just new to see.
"What are you so deep in thought about?" His uncle's ask. His bored eyes look at Takemichi from his spot at his desk. Takemichi is at a nearby table checking over reports. Papers are spread about everywhere.
He didn't even notice that he had stopped writing. "Oh, just thinking about the announcement." He says.
His uncle chuckles. His purple highlights look good on him. "That's all, don't trip. The announcements are set." He says.
"You're ready to train the new Misses?" He asked curiously.
Wakasa nods. "Yep, though there isn't much more to teach."
He perks up. "So it is Koko? Oh my goodness, he and Inupi will look so cute in their outfits." He drops his pen. Giving his uncle his full attention.
His uncle dips his quill into ink before writing again. "No it's not Koko. Koko hates kids. He's a great engineer though." He said nonchalantly.
He's right, but he thought training would help. "Then who?"
Wakasa puts his papers down with one more stroke of his quill. He stands up and goes around the table to sit next to Takemichi. "Your hair has been getting longer." He points at Takemichi's hair.
Takemichi instinctually touched his hair. So it wasn't just him. "Yeah." He says softly.
"Your gray patch has extended as well." His uncle continues.
He tried to dye it last week, but the dye wouldn't take. "Stress I think."
"Takemichi." His uncle groans.
"What?" He whines. Not wanting to hear his uncle confirm his growing suspicion.
"Remember when you were born with all gray hair? Your parents have enough photos of you around their home to not notice."
He covers his face and nods.
"So did I."
He sniffs. "I know." He says. "I know."
Wakasa moves closer to console his nephew. Wrapping his arm around the younger man's shoulder. "I'm here Mitchy."
Takemichi takes the moment to cry. Feeling lost about what will happen next. He'll have to marry Inupi for the magic to settle and he doesn't want to marry him. He doesn't love Inupi.
"I love Mikey." He croaks out. His uncle presses their head together, trying to comfort him as much as he can in this moment as his nephew breaks down.
+++++
Takemichi is back home in his apartment right now. He doesn't think he can cry anymore. He is laying stomach down on his bed, with his pillow being hugged between his arms.
The ritual will happen the night of the announcement.
He's tired.
After leaving his uncle's office, he ran into Koko, who was smirking and made a come here motion with his finger. Takemichi walked over in a daze, not sure if life was real at the moment.
"Well, well if it isn't the misses." Koko said. His all white outfit glowed under the candles at his desk.
"You heard?" Takemichi asked.
"Oh I knew, well guessed, but you just confirmed it." Lacing his fingers together on his lap as he leaned back in his chair.
"I'm sorry."
Koko throws a paper ball at him. "Shut up, Mitchy. This is magic not logic and I know you're with Krampus. Everyone knows."
Mikey and him weren't trying to be subtle.
"Also, you don't need love for Christmas to give joy to the world. You need comparability. I don't know how you're so clueless to the aura you radiate to people. Santa is the face, but the Missus is the neck."
He remembers Shin saying something similar to him growing up. He always thought it was love, especially with how infatuated he was with his uncle.
Takemichi nods. Trying to figure out how to explain this to Mikey. Could he publicly be Mrs. Claus and partner to Krampus? That sentence alone sounds idiotic to his own ears.
He just needed the children of the world to not ever know.
Getting up to leave, Koko stops him.
"Oh, and even though I love you Mitchy. If I ever see you kissing Inupi outside of publicity stunts or the ritual on Friday. Your body will end up with Jack Frost." Koko says with a smile, but venom in his stare.
Koko has never directed his hostility toward him before. "I-I don't want him."
Koko claps his hands together, cheerfully. "Then what I said isn't a threat. Just words among friends." Then makes a shoo motion. "Now go get some rest. We have plans to go over tomorrow."
Takemichi knows what he's talking about and bids his er-friend, goodbye.
He takes a deep breath against his bed sheets, and releases it slowly. Before getting into bed, he saw that the gray had fully covered his roots. It's a cute look on him in a way, but it's a lot to take in. Yes, he has seen the signs, but again, he thought love was an integral part to this whole shebang.
He has turned his phone off. Hopefully Mikey won't notice, he'll promise to turn it back on before falling asleep. It was only 7pm now, and 11pm should be a good time to call Mikey. Yeah, a good time.
He yawns.
Yeah, 11pm.
__________
A knock jerks him from his sleep.
"Senju, I'm awake." He yawns with a smack of his lips. His eyes flutter for a moment before setting shut again.
"It's Mikey."
His whole body jerked upright and his neck hurt at the sudden moment. Shit
"H-hold on." He almost falls out of his bed when he places his foot down wrong. Where the fuck is his roommate? Did Mikey call him?
He walks over to his phone on the floor and sees that it is still off, then he looks at the clock.
1am.
His eyes widened.
How could six hours feel like five seconds?
He drops his phone back down and goes to his bedroom door. He creeks it open. "Hi." He tried to say it sweetly.
Mikey tilts his head. "Glad to know you're alive."
Takemichi looks away shamefully.
"Long day?" Mikey says. Trying a different approach.
Takemichi drops his shoulders and opens the door wider. Moving closer he wraps his arms around Mikey's neck. "So bad." He groans.
Mikey lifts him into his arms and walks into the bedroom. He kicks the door close and goes to sit on Takemichi's bed. Takemichi chooses to keep his head hidden in Mikey's neck.
"Want to talk about it?"
Takemichi bites Mikey's neck which makes Mikey laugh. "You want to be the animal tonight?"
Takemichi can't help chuckling as well. "Maybe."
Mikey rocks them back and forth. "You're a bad liar."
"Not trying to lie. I can be an animal." He growls playfully.
"So scared, baby. So scared." Mikey rubs his hand up and down his back. "No, you're not the animal type. You're more like…." Stopping mid way.
Takemichi pulls back. Stretching his arms against Mikey's shoulders to look at him. He adjusted his balance a bit in his lover's lap. "Like?" He asked.
"Like whip cream? Or sprinkles."
"I'm food?"
Mikey shakes his head. "No, no. Like the missing piece. Like that extra umph to make life worth living. You know?"
Thinking of earlier today. "I do." He says with a frown. "Mikey?"
Mikey moved closer to kiss his cheek. "Yes?"
"I have something to tell you?"
He continues to kiss Takemichi's face. "I succeeded in knocking you up?"
Takemichi hit his lover's shoulder with a smile. "No!"
He bites Takemichi's ear playfully. "I swear I have a permanent bruise there, thanks to you." He laughs.
"I'm trying to be serious." He bites the inside of his lip to stop his smile.
"Sure, sure." He moves away to look into Takemichi's eyes.
"I have to get married. I- I'm, I'm going to be the next Mrs. Claus."
Mikey blinks. His eyes flicker between different emotions that Takemichi can't quite place.
"Oh." He says softly. Looking away from Takemichi. "Wh-who do you have to marry?"
"Inupi." He says quickly. "But he already has a partner named Koko. He- uh" Not sure if he should explain the threat.
"He?" Mikey repeats.
He tried to think of his words carefully. "He is very possessive of Inupi. Please know this will only be a magical marriage. Inupi will always go home to Koko." He said. He wants to get his point across as strongly as possible.
Mikey looks up at him. "I know Santa and Mrs. Claus is a magical marriage. Love is always optional, but when he dies you'll still mourn him."
"Inupi is my friend. Of course I'll mourn." He states honesty.
Mikey gently takes Takemichi off his lap to stand up. Takemichi watches him pace the room and open and close his fist. "And I'll see you even less than I do, from now until Christmas." He says. Takemichi doesn't even know if Mikey is talking to him.
Mikey stops and looks at Takemichi. He seems to be in a battle with himself. He looks away and then lets out a long exhale.
He walked closer to Takemichi and kneeled down in front of him before taking Takemichi's hand into both of his. He cups the hand like a careful gem and kisses his fingers. "Takemichi, I love you. I love you so much." He says sincerely as if they are shipwrecked on the titanic.
Takemichi uses his free hand to glide his fingers through Mikey's hair. "I love you too."
"I have a way for us to spend more time together. My domain's sun wouldn't hurt you anymore."
Takemichi paused his strokes. "There is."
"Yes, but I never wanted to tell you. I-I thought a long distance relationship would be enough, weekly visits were enough, but with your new role. It--- it just won't be anymore."
Takemichi feels his heart drop.
"I need compensation for this domain taking you from me." He said desperately. He kisses the fingers again.
"Only." He says. "Only." He whispers. "With your permission. If you want to keep our relationship as is, I will respect it. I will always respect you." He shakily says.
Takemichi is at a loss for words. He can feel Mikey's energy within himself. His chaotic love. His desperate love for him.
The possession he keeps contained.
He doesn't even know if Mikey is doing this consciously.
It's scary.
But….
"I want it." Feeling the honesty of his words as he speaks it. He feels desperate love for Mikey as well. He knows he is honored bound to his duty to the North Pole and he is proud to be their next Mrs.Claus, yet, as he looks into Mikey eyes.
He wants to be Mrs. Krampus as well.
"Really?" Mikey says. His body jerks as of Takemichi's words were unexpected.
Takemichi smiles wide and nods rapidly. "When can we start?"
Mikey stands and pulls Takemichi into his arms. One of his hands goes behind his lover's head, the other one on his waist. "I crave that moment, but we have to wait until Christmas is done. You'll need to be in my domain for a continuous week to soak up the energy and there is another part I have to prepare."
He tilts his head to line up their lips into a kiss. Mikey kisses him like a sailor that has been abroad for years and is tasting his love for the first time. Takemichi clutches his hands against his lover's shirt. Trying to pour his own love into Mikey as well.
He wants their love to always be this hungry.
+++++
The last time he saw Mikey, they made love and Mikey explained the final part that he had to prepare. Takemichi promises to visit on January 1st after the dust has settled and they kiss once more the following morning before he departs.
Friday comes around and Inupi and him finish the ritual. They place their hands in a magical book, and it glows and accepts them. The crowd cheers, even Koko as Inupi moves closer and kisses Takemichi.
Takemichi's hair instantly grays and drops knee length. His eyes change to the color brown, and his memory somehow knows spells he was never taught.
He remembers when his uncle used to transform, but his eyes were purple. Wakasa said each Mrs.Claus is infused with elemental gifts. Brown means Nature. Purple means premonitions and favor in fairy court.
The party goes smoothly. His domain is happy.
Then preparation begins.
So many things break, so many documents to sign. Wakasa and Koko are there to help along the way, especially when his confidence falls short.
What helps most is the kids. Inupi and he go to various kingdoms and countries and meet all different kinds of children. Takemichi adds a few Juvenile Detention centers to their tour. Those kids gave him expected and unexpected reception, but he told them he'd be back and hoped some of them would be gone by then. The level of joy increased, and the publicity had lawyers offering free time to help the kids out.
They are interviewed and have endless photoshoots. Now he is an ambassador for a brand called Gucci.
Wakasa had an interview with Oprah about life after Mrs.Claus.
But after all that. Christmas goes smoothly. Inupi comes home safely. Takemichi worked with the elves in the navigation tower, and listened to everything Inupi heard.
On accident, Inupi went to a Krampus house and everyone heard a child scream as he was put into a sack.
When Inupi came home, Takemichi couldn't help but kiss his partner on the cheek and squeeze him tightly. He was so excited and proud of what they accomplished together, then he begged Inupi not to tell Koko he kissed him and Inupi confusedly agreed.
He went home and celebrated with Senju before going to bed.
He woke up two days later with his hair still long, but no longer gray besides the patch in the front. He thinks about calling Mikey, they've been doing weekly video chats and they talked on the 23rd, so he rolls back over.
Maybe he can sleep for a week straight.
+++
Sitting on Mikey's living room floor. It's the only spot besides the kitchen without carpet, for the mess they are about to create.
Takemichi has been in Mikey's domain for four days, and he has a blade in his hand. Mikey freshly sharpened it this morning while Takemichi cooked breakfast, along with the four dogs.
Mikey is sitting shirtless in front of him, crossed legged with a beaker in his lap. Waiting.
Takemichi feels the blade shake in his hand. The ritual has been explained to him repeatedly with Mikey constantly asking if he can do this. Takemichi doesn't say anything else besides 'yes', which doesn't make Mikey feel reassured.
The lights are off, the room only being lit by candle light. "Takemichi?"
Takemichi raises the blade, shakily. "I...I can do this."
"I won't feel the pain."
Takemichi bites his lip. "Still…."
Mikey scoots closer, pressing his chest to the blade's tip.
"Be careful, Mikey." He warns.
Mikey looks bored. The beaker is still cold in his lap waiting to collect his warm blood. Mikey needs this to move faster. He looks behind Takemichi and sees Bruno.
He taps the floor in a lazy motion, but Bruno knows that trick and walks silently over.
"Hey, baby?" Mikey says sweetly.
Takemichi is looking at him, waiting for him to continue, but his whole body jerks when Bruno barks loudly.
He turns to yell at the dog, but notices the blade is stuck when he tries to move his wrist. Looking closely he sees the trickling of blood slowly going into the beaker.
"See, not so hard."
"Should I remove the blade?" He asks, concerned in his voice.
"Can you make it wider? It's going on so slow and we need seven milliliters." He says like a true holiday God.
He takes the knife out and licks the blade. "No."
"Fuck, you're beautiful." Mikey says with a dopey smile on his face.
"I'll be even more beautiful when I'm here for longer than a week." He says hautly.
Mikey snorts. "It took a dog to scare you to stab me. Don't get all high and mighty now."
"Shush." Then he stood up. He walks to the book shelf and grabs a deck of cards. "Want to play go-fish?" He asks.
"Don't I have Uno?"
"If we play uno, none of those extra rules. We play strictly by the book." He puts the cards back and grabs Uno instead before walking back to his previous spot.
Takemichi takes the cards out, but stops mid-way. "Look, you're at one milliliters now."
"Enough for one month, woo." Mikey makes a hand motion for his cards. He'll shuffle since his beloved is so distracted.
Takemichi doesn't hand them over, he instead moves closer to kiss Mikey on the lips. "And six more to go." He whispers with a wiggle of his hips against Krampus's lips.
When he pulls back, they smile at each other and Takemichi finally deals out the cards.
40 minutes later and the beaker is at the desired measurement. Mikey taps his chest and it closes instantly.
"Huh." Takemichi said. Taking the beaker from Mikey and watching the wound close up.
"See. No pain." He said cheekly, leaning back with his arms stretched out behind him. Waiting for this night to be finished.
Takemichi looks at the glass in his hands. The final step which will make him bound to a world unlike his home. It makes him content, ready and excited. He looks at Mikey and gives him a soft smile, which is returned to him.
Mikey mouths 'I love you', Takemichi let's go of his thoughts and drinks.
He drinks.
And drinks.
And drinks.
Seven milliliters of his beloved's blood down his throat. No drop is wasted and he uses his fingers to scoop out the excess that his tongue cannot reach. Once satisfied he stands up and walks into the kitchen, putting the cup in the sink.
Mikey calls out from his spot on the floor. "How are you feeling?"
A moment.
Then a burp is his reply.
Mikey chuckles as he listens to Takemichi's footsteps across the floor get closer to him. He 'oofs' when his love unceremoniously drops in his lap.
Takemichi stretched horizontally across his lap. Stretching like one of his dogs in the morning sun. "You taste like Doriyaki."
"A Japanese cuisine?"
Takemichi nods.
Mikeh decides to poke his lover's belly which makes him giggle. "As long as it makes it go down easily." He likes him again.
Takemichi tried to protect his stomach from the incoming assault, but he's too slow. He laughs and laughs, their laughter mixing together that it causes the other dogs to enter the room and crowd around them.
"I hope it works." Takemichi says when his breath returns to him.
Mikey pulls him upright, pressing his lover's back against his front on his lap. "It will."
He snorts. "So sure?"
"Aren't you as well?" He counters.
Takemichi closes his eyes on thought. "I have all the faith in us."
++++
It's back in the present and Mikey is watching the loaded clothes twist and turn on the wash. Bruno Jr. is sitting next to him on the laundry room floor. He had to lure the dog in with treats, but he would rather not be alone right now.
Takemichi is somewhere in their home. Packing. Cooking, maybe even gardening. He doesn't know. They've had past last days together where they didn't speak until the last moment. He hopes tonight isn't one of them.
"You look like a lost dog without its owner?" A voice says to the side of him. The more magical Takemichi has become over the last few years, the more he's been able to sneak up on him.
Mikey reaches out quickly and pulls Takemichi into his arms, so he can't run away. "Don't go." He whispers. A repeated plea.
Takemichi chuckles and kisses his forehead. "I'll be back before you know it. We'll be so busy for the next five months and then we'll be lounging around." He kisses his nose. "And making that sweet sweet love."
Mikey tightens his hold. "You just want to be monster fucked."
Takemichi can't hold the smile. "I do not deny nor agree."
A few times, Takemichi has been able to sneak away a couple of days before Christmas for a quick romp with Mikey's feral form. Hoofprints are always discovered later along his backside or lower region.
Sanzu and him will sometimes share each other's marks as if they war vets. Yet, he thinks he loves when Mikey gets his tail the most.
Takemichi yelps when he is pinched. "Back with me now?"
Takemichi wraps his arms around his true love. "Always."
"Always he says." Mikey nods with a mock. "Then what did I say?"
"Are you the best thing that has ever happened to me? And I answer proudly, that the answer is yes." Takemichi rubs their noses together.
Mikey snuggles back. "Not even close, but I'll let it slide since you're so cute." Mikey moves his hand under Takemichi's knees and behind his back; he holds on to a laugh when Takemichi jerks at the sudden movement when Mikey begins to stand while holding him.
He walks them out of the room together and goes downstairs. Bruno is not far behind. "I asked if when you get back, do you want to celebrate 200 years together?"
"Wow, 200." His body bounces with every step his lover makes. "What were you thinking?"
"Father Time said he could get us a deal in the 1500's."
"You know Kakucho hates being called that." Takemichi says even though he lets out a soft laugh.
Mikey rolls his eyes. Not feeling an ounce of guilt. "Well, too bad. I pay his crazy prices, so I'll call him whatever I want to."
On the last step he puts Takemichi down onto his feet. "But not to his face?" Takemichi says. Lacing his fingers with Mikey as he is directed into the living room.
"Exactly. So you down?" Mikey says. Going toward the couch and pulling Takemichi on his lap.
Takemichi goes willingly. "I am." He grabs a blanket and pulls over both of them, but Mikey stops him.
"Nope." He states firmly. "This is not cuddle time. This is we're going to fuck everywhere to distract us from tears time." He said, pulling off his shirt.
Takemichi blinks. Somehow still amazed at how his lover can still surprise him with words, but find no reason to disagree. He mimics his lover's movements, his pants quickly follow.
With a sultry look over his shoulder, Takemichi pulls his hair free, letting the gray hair cascade down his back. He maintains eye contact and says, "I want to feel it in the morning, Manjirou"
