Chapter 24
Chapter
Twenty-Four
Kraghol stroked his hand down Jasper’s side, awed that he was allowed to touch him like this. They lay buried amongst the furs. Jasper breathed heavily, his eyes closed in sleep and his arm wrapped around Kraghol’s waist.
Kraghol slid his hand up and down Jasper’s back.
Still sleeping, Jasper let out a contented sigh.
He snuggled closer to Kraghol. Smiling, Kraghol held the sleeping man close.
Soon Kraghol would have to wake him so they could get back to the city before dark.
But for now, they lay together in this perfect moment.
It had been a wonderful day. They’d eaten, surrounded by all the glorious Christmas decorations. They’d gone for a walk, and Jasper had taught him how to build snowmen. Then they’d come back to the cave to make love. Afterwards, Jasper had fallen asleep in his arms.
Nothing could be more perfect.
Kraghol stared at one of the garlands. At first, he’d been nervous putting decorations up. After all, what would happen if his sister came by?
But then he had come up with a plan. The krampuses usually only gathered a couple of nights a month throughout the year. But every single night between Bonfire Night and Krampus Night, and for a quite a few nights after, there’d be gatherings.
Each year, Kraghol normally only went to Bonfire Night and Krampus Night. But if he made more appearances, Freya would think he was taking his duty more seriously. If she was not concerned about him, she’d not come by and check up on him.
So now Kraghol planned to regularly go to the krampus gatherings. His lip curled at the thought.
But it was worth it, if it meant Freya would not turn up unexpectedly in his cave, find the decorations, and scent Jasper in the air. Perhaps he was risking things. But he’d risk his sister’s wrath, and by extension his grandmother’s, if it meant he could have this time with Jasper.
At least he was certain she would not come to his cave during the day when Jasper visited, since krampuses were nocturnal. She’d never once come by during the day before.
The sky outside had begun to darken. Reluctantly, he smoothed a hand over Jasper’s shoulder. “Time to wake up.”
Jasper blinked his eyes open. “How long was I sleeping?” he asked, voice roughened with sleep.
“An hour or so.”
Jasper yawned. “Sorry for sleeping so long.”
“It’s fine. I’m glad you feel so comfortable in my cave.” And he remembered what Jasper said about his illness. He wanted Jasper to get as much rest as he could. “How are you feeling?”
“Good. Really good. You don’t have to worry about me.” Jasper smiled, then pressed his lips to Kraghol’s. “Still, it must be a little boring for you to just lie there watching me sleep.”
“It’s not boring! Not when I get to hold and touch you.” Kraghol hesitated. “Krampuses are not affectionate. I have no recollection of ever being held before.”
Jasper’s brows furrowed. “What about your grandmother and sister?”
Kraghol shook his head.
“What about past relationships?”
Kraghol shook his head again. “Krampuses have those we fuck. But that is never affectionate. No sweet kisses, touches, or hugs. And krampuses don’t have partners.
“One day, a krampus will take a mate. I believe that relationship is more affectionate. But affection is never shown in public. So I am not sure what that even looks like.” Kraghol paused. “So you see, sleeping whilst holding and touching you is beyond wonderful.”
Jasper wrapped his arms around Kraghol, squeezing him tight. “Then I am going to hug and touch you constantly to make up for all you missed out on.”
Kraghol smiled. “I like the sound of that.” After several moments, he pulled back. “Now we should start heading to the city before it gets too dark.”
Jasper nodded. They dressed and headed out.
“Let’s go past our snowmen,” Jasper said, holding his hand as they walked.
“All right.”
They’d made a snowman, a snowkrampus, and a snowfox to represent the three of them. Although, honestly, it was a little hard to tell what they were meant to be.
The snowman and snowkrampus had been made from two balls, one stacked on top of the other. The snowkrampus had two sticks for horns and another stick for a tail.
The snowfox looked nothing like a fox. It was just one long, spherical snow blob with a smaller blob for the head. Then a thin, long blob for the tail. They’d used sticks for paws.
Kali nudged the snowfox with her snout. She did not look impressed.
“They don’t look the best,” Jasper said.
“I agree. But I still love them.”
“Me too.” Jasper laughed.
They walked back towards the city.
“Have you had many past relationships?” Kraghol asked, both curious and fearing the answer. He’d been wondering since Jasper had asked him.
“Not really. I’ve had lovers. But no one I’ve ever cared about or wanted a future with.” Jasper turned his head, fixing his gaze on Kraghol. “At least not before.”
Kraghol’s breath caught as he tried to interpret the look and those words. He glanced away. Did that mean Jasper wanted a future with him?
But no. Kraghol had already explained that they could have no future together. Jasper understood that this was just temporary. Didn’t he?
They reached the edge of the forest. The light had almost disappeared from the sky. They walked slower, as if each did not wish to be parted from the other.
Jasper sighed. “I hate saying goodbye to you.”
“Me too.”
Then Jasper launched himself at Kraghol, wrapping his arms around him and squeezing him. Kraghol laughed, lifting Jasper off the ground.
“I am going to hug and touch you all the time now,” Jasper said, his voice muffled against Kraghol’s chest. “I’m going to keep doing it until you’re sick of my touch.”
Kraghol swallowed and held him tight, wishing he could hold Jasper forever whilst knowing he could not. “I do not think that will ever be possible.”