Chapter Text
College life was great. It was almost everything Tooru needed. Even though he was busy studying all time, the courses he took were interesting and he enjoyed listening in the lectures. He played volleyball for one of the best teams among the universities. His social life were thriving too- the fact that Hajime was by his side sure made everything better. His part time job wasn't demanding. Overall, it was almost perfect. His thoughts were constantly drifting to a certain human, his Bond, who was far, far away from him.
Tadashi looked at the snow flacks falling. It was Christmas soon. He received another text massage from Tooru, telling him excitedly about a lecture he was attending. Though Tadashi didn't understand much, he loved listening to Tooru when he was excited. They often talked through Skype in the evenings, but most of the day, they were texting each other.
"Are you talking to the grand king again?" Kei asked with a clear disgust in his voice.
"Are you going to ask that every day?" Tadashi accepted the fact Kei didn't tell him about his secret- eventually. At first, he was a bit angry because of the fact that Kei had been lying to him ever since they met. He though he knew him better than anyone. However, Tadashi also understood him. Coming out as a werewolf wasn't easy. Hell, Tadashi wasn't even supposed to know humans lived among werewolves and witches. Besides, he couldn't stay angry with his best friend forever.
"No, just until you get the clue."
"What clue?"
"To stop smiling like an idiot to your phone and get a poker face. People find you weird."
Tadashi laughed. It took him a while to get back to himself after what Fujimoto had done to him- he still had nightmares from time to time. After starting his second year in high school, everything went better. He became co-captain of the team. His body was almost fully healed, only few scars left. He was doing well in school.
"What are you doing for Christmas?" he asked Kei.
"Nothing special, just spend it with my family. What are you plans?"
"I was invited by Tooru's family to spend the evening with them. Grandma is going to make her famous cookies with the secret ingredient."
Upon hearing that, Kei responded immediately. "Can I come too?"
"No, but I'll ask her to make some for you."
When he returned home, his grandma was in the kitchen, talking on her phone. "I'll see you then," she said before she hung up. She turned around and smiled at her grandson.
"I'm home," he said.
"Great, I just finished baking," she announced. Tadashi saw at least seven large boxes filled with her famous cookies she made only for Christmas.
"Why did you make so many?" he wondered out loud.
"Isn't it obvious? It's because this year, we won't be celebrating alone."
Though it took them time to accept him, Tooru's parents eventually embraced him as a part of the family. Tadashi and his grandma were often invited for family dinners on weekends, even after Tooru moved to the campus. They were also invited for Christmas evening. Other than gaining a love interest, Tadashi also gained a family. His grandma was thrilled having to cook for more than one person.
The only thing he wished was for Tooru be with him. Because of the snow, some flights were canceled and Tooru couldn't be on Christmas with his family. Tadashi still bought him a present, but it wouldn't be as special as giving it on Christmas eve.
"By the way," his grandma added. "There is someone who I want to introduce you to."
Tadashi blinked in confusion. "Who is it?"
"You'll just have to wait and see."
He walked through dark corridors, his grandma by his side, humming a happy tune and holding a box of cookies. They went through an alley, in a strange place Tadashi had never seen before. It was gloomy and weird, but his grandma kept walking as if it was normal. They reached a doorstep, but instead of a door there was a curtain. His grandma waked through it and Tadashi followed.
The first thing he thought was what the hell? There was a figure fully covered, their face wasn't showing. The room was filled with books and creepy decoration. There was a dim light that shone the place. The hands of the figure looked like an animal's claws. The aura that came from the figure was both terrifying and relaxing at the same time. His grandma sat in front of the figure.
"I can smell the cookies, Aika," their voice, they talked so regularly to his grandma, wasn't a man's nor a woman's voice. Tadashi concluded they didn't have a gender. They turned to Tadashi. "Sit here, son. It's a safe place."
Tadashi did as he was instructed. He put the pieces together in his head. "You're the seer everyone is talking about."
"That's right," said the seer. "Since only werewolves and witches are aware of the supernatural, they are my only clients. There are few humans around the world who know about my existence."
"I met the seer by accident," admitted his grandma. "I was going meeting them from time to time. I have to admit I didn't like hearing about my daughter dying in a young age, but he told me great things would happen to you."
Tadashi had no idea how to tell his grandma about Tooru's identity, so he was surprised to know she accepted it without doubt. Obviously, if she knew about the werewolves' existence, no wonder she reacted the way she did.
"You knew I was dating a werewolf?!" he found it hard to believe.
"I did hide some truths," interrupted the seer. "I never told her about Fujimoto."
"What were you were allowed to say?"
"She was worried about you so I told her the most important thing. You'll be happy. Yes, what happened to you was awful, but that's a small period of your life. The bonding between werewolves is special. Not many humans were as lucky as you to experience it, and no one human who was bonded got to live happily ever after. But I know that's not what you want to hear."
Tadashi knew he was right. As much as he was glad to know he had a bright future ahead of him, there was something that was bothering him. It was something Fujimoto told him and he didn't know if it was on purpose. "I'm not sure if I'm ready to ask."
"I know," said the seer. "The moment you're ready to ask, you'll know where to find me."
It was warm inside the Oikawa household. There was a decorated Christmas tree in the middle of the living room, where everyone put their presents. There weren't many people. There were Tooru's parents, his older brother and his family and Tadashi's grandma. She was at the kitchen, helping Tooru's mother with the food. "Oh no," she said.
"What is it?" he asked her.
"I think I forgot the box with cookies."
"Don't worry, I'll go get it." Tadashi went to take his coat. He was ready to go back- it wasn't far away.
"Are you sure? It's too cold. We will be fine-"
"No, you worked hard making them. I really don't mind." Tadashi wore his coat and opened the door. He heard his grandmother's voice telling him to be careful before he closed it. He walked cheerfully, not caring much for the snow. He whistled a merry tune, grateful for the way his life turned out. He had no idea what happened to his parents, only wondering whether Fujimoto was talking about them or not. Whatever happened, at the end it didn't matter. Everything turned out for the best.
He did wish for Tooru to be there with him. It wasn't the same without him. Christmas was about spending time with your beloved ones. Tadashi wondered what it was like to spend Christmas in college. He tried calling Tooru, but the latter didn't answer. Suddenly, Tadashi didn't feel so cheery anymore.
He reached his home, the only house in the street that wasn't lit and decorated for the holiday. He didn't mind though. He didn't plan spending the time there anyway. There was a weird aura coming from the house. He couldn't tell what it was; he felt there was someone inside. It was ridiculous, he knew that. The house was empty. Could it be someone broke into the house?
Tadashi tried to open the door without a key. It was indeed unlocked. Anxious, he started to imagine the worst case of scenario. What if someone did break in? He could fight another human, he wasn't sure if it was the case with werewolves. What if they had a gun or a knife? He was a mortal and he didn't heal fast.
He opened the door quietly. If there was someone inside a house, he didn't want them to know he was there. Few steps into the house, he listened carefully in order to find out there the burglar was. A strong gust of air made the door shut loudly. Tadashi screamed in reaction, making him regret he did so since now he just turned in his location. He heard steps coming from the upstairs. Tadashi froze. He had nowhere to go. He was about to die on Christmas.
A person came rushing from the stairs. "Are you okay?!" he sounded worried.
Tadashi took few deep breaths. "I almost got a heart attack… Tooru?"
"I'm sorry," Tooru cried as he approached to Tadashi. "I wanted to surprise you!"
"Well, it worked." Tadashi realized fast that there was something wrong. "You said you wouldn't be here." He wasn't angry. If anything, he was confused and happy at the same time.
"I lied," admitted Tooru. "I wanted to surprise you on Christmas… It worked better than I expected, though, way better."
Tadashi wanted to ask so many questions, but he couldn't control himself anymore. He put his arms around Tooru and kissed him with full passion. He felt Tooru wrapping his arms around him, bringing them closer together, until there was no gap. They haven't seen each other for months and Tadashi thought he missed him Tooru, only he haven't realized how much. Was it the Bond thing? Tadashi completely forgot about everything else. It was just Tooru and him.
They lay on Tadashi's bed, breathing heavily. He was afraid he would miss his flight, however, Tooru managed to get home. At first he couldn't wait to tell Tadashi he would be home for Christmas. However, it was Aika who gave him the idea of surprising him, saying it would be the greatest gift. Christmas sex was worth it.
The first they had done that, it was awkward and weird. It was the first time for both of them. It wasn't even fun like it was in the movies. Thanks for the internet they made a research, but they still had no idea what they were doing. Few more tries and the two figured it out. They cuddled underneath the blankets, enjoying each other's body warmth.
"I missed this," said Tadashi. "I'm glad you're here. It's the best Christmas present."
"Thank your Grandma, she left me a key."
"Sounds like her... Sorry my bed is too small."
"It's actually perfect." He wasn't lying. They had months to catch up. Tooru was about to spend every possible moment he had with Tadashi, before he had to go back. "I love what you did with your hair." He ran his fingers through Tadashi's hair, which got longer. Tadashi looked the same, yet different. He was covered with scars all over his body, reminding Tooru how he failed to protect the human once. He would never let anyone hurt Tadashi ever again.
"Thanks… It was our manager that suggested me not to cut it. I have to tie it during practice."
"Aren't you going to compliment me?" Tooru faked offended look.
"You always look perfect; you don't even need a mirror for that."
"I went all this way for this… Such a shame."
"What I said was a complement."
"It didn't feel like it."
Tadashi sighed. "Fine, how about this? You look hot when you wear glasses."
"Better than giant French fry you're hanging out with?"
"Thousands times better."
"That's a complement."
They stayed in the bed for a while, until Tadashi got a phone call from his grandmother, demanding they return. The two teens forgot completely about Christmas. They didn't even notice the time passing by. They put on their clothes fast and went together, holding hands to Oikawa's household. No one was surprised to see Tooru. Apparently, Tadashi was the only one who didn't know he was coming.
"I can't believe no one told me you were coming!"
"It was supposed to be a secret, Tada-chan," Tooru said playfully.
"That's still not fair. I bought you a present."
"I also bought you a present, it's a Christmas thing." Then, Tooru gave him a quick kiss on the cheek and put on his hands around Tadashi's hips. It was nice they could be free in Tooru's house. Their homes were the only place they could show their love in front of everyone.
"Get a room," Tooru's nephew, Takeru, yelled at them.
"You don't know what it means," remarked Tooru.
"Dad told me to say this."
"What the hell he is teaching you?"
"Ask him. Anyway, grandma wants everyone to gather for a family picture."
Everyone gathered around the Christmas tree. There were Tooru's parents, his older brother and his family, Tadashi's grandmother and of course the two teenagers. They went through a lot during the small period they were dating. However, it was safe to say that everything was in the right place. They might run through more difficulties, but they would face everything together. After all, they were bonded.