♢My Master♢ {Yukonwolfspirit~M-jow (18+}

[Yukonwolfspirit]

“Mmmh the sun is waaaaay to bright.” Yukie grumbled as he sat up slowly looking down at Julius still tangled beside him. “It’s time darling. I should pack a bag at least. Do you want to go with me to Yumro and Haruhi’s? Or do you wish to stay here or go to the school?” Yukie asked as he looked at Julius his voice gentle as he was so uncertain where Julius would stay with his house gone. “I would have you stay home….but that’s kinda….up in the air.” Yukie joked dryly as he slowly stretched and got out of bed before digging through the closet for a bag so he could pack.

—————-

“I’m sure he would enjoy that. We can make one for Shan too.” Haruhi offered with a happy smile as he looked up to where the boys where Haru finally starting to stir. “I’m sure Haru needs to pack a bag at least….back home.” Haruhi said as he looked at Yumro a small sigh escaping him at the ticking clock.

——

”Mngh.” Haru grumbled as he sat up groggily and rubbed an eye glaring at the bright sun that Yumro had warned them about. “Morning….” Haru muttered to Shan as he yawned and stayed flopped in bed his mind slowly prepping and making a list of things to pack. Getting up Haru walked to their bags and grabbed clean clothes and essentials before going to the bathroom to shower refusing to go away covered in dirt and looking so messy from the night before.

A half an hour later Haru came out of the shower looking much more relaxed and refreshed as he fussed with his curly hair the strands proofing up from the humidity much like Haruhi’s did. “I swear, I’m going to just shave it down.” Haru grumbled as he tried to pull back his hair and pin it down the deep red locks fighting him as he sighed and went down to Haruhi and Yumro with his hair supplies for their help.

——

Haruhi upon hearing the boys waking looked to Yumro then instantly at Haru who bounded down the stairs. He chuckled at Haru’s annoyed expression at the discovery of how humidity worked as he took the brush from his sons hand and carefully started detangling the thick locks. “You know. We could cut it short before ya go. It would make it easier to manage, and it would grow out fast, I cut my hair every month.” Haruhi explained as he held out the offer, as Haru sat on a chair and rested his head on his arms on the table. Humming softly he sighed and ran the brush through Haru’s hair his hands working skillfully as they often did with detangling their hair.

”After I’m done with Haru’s hair yours is being brushed too Shan so I hope you shower also.” Haruhi called out as he took his time letting the morning last a little longer as best as he could.

 

[M-jow]

Julius frowned into the pillow and groaned softly, annoyed at being awake. He rubbed a hand over his face before slowly blinking his eyes open to look up at Yukie.

There was no point in complaining. He’d known this was coming—known Yukie had to leave for who knew how long. It hurt, but he didn’t want Yukie to see just how miserable the thought made him.

Yukie’s question still lingered in the air as Julius slowly dragged himself into a sitting position. His body ached pleasantly, every muscle sore in the best possible way.

“I’ll go with you. After that… I think I’ll head to the school,” Julius said, watching Yukie climb out of bed to start packing.

He sighed and pushed the blanket aside, slipping his legs carefully over the edge of the bed. He moved slower than usual as his stiff muscles gradually woke up.

“Do you need anything before you go?” Julius asked, knowing he could probably conjure it into existence with a flick of magic.

For a moment, he simply stood there watching Yukie, taking him in completely, trying to burn every detail into his memory. He already knew he was going to miss him terribly while he was away. Every second they had left together suddenly felt precious.

“You sure you don’t need a shower?” the witch teased with a smirk, his gaze lingering on his naked lover.

"I think you should wash up" Julius told him as he tried his hardest not to blush. Last night had been quite sticky.

Julius turned towards the bathroom himself. He was gonna take that quick shower. Not to wash Yukie's scent off him. But the other stuff that had been left behind from their lovemaking.

 "You can join me if you want. I promise not t make you late and keep my hands mostly to myself" He said over his shoulder before dissappearing behind the door.

He turned the water on and enter the shower once it started to steam a little.

________________________

Yumro didn't get why Shan would need one to but he wasn't gonna argue with Haruhi over such a small matter. "Okay, you are the boss, my love"

He head Haruhi sigh but knew it wasn't because of him or what he had said.

"It gonna be fine, you'll see. He is gonna be back before we know it" he gently encourages his mate as he kept making the food to cheer Haruhi up.

________________________

Shan was already awake, but instead of getting out of bed and risking waking Haru, he stayed curled up beneath the blankets. One of the notebooks Haruhi had used to teach him the day before rested in his hands, its pages filled with sheet music.

In the quiet stillness of the morning, Shan quietly worked on memorizing each note and line, letting himself get lost in the music sheets while Haru continued to sleep.

 

10 hours ago, Yukonwolfspirit said:

“Morning….”

Shan looked up from his book at the sound of Haru’s voice, then gently set his book down.

“Good morning, Haru,” he said with a soft smile, his voice quiet and warm.

He couldn’t even remember making it to bed last night, and if it had really been that late, maybe that explained why Haru had slept in. Usually, Haru was the first one awake and moving around the house, full of energy before anyone else had even opened their eyes. But today he looked exhausted, dragging his feet as though he was forcing himself awake.

Shan slipped the book into his bag while Haru disappeared into the bathroom to shower and gather the rest of his things.

Once Haru was finished, it was Shan’s turn to wash up. He skipped the shower, instead wiping himself down with a damp towel and splashing cold water over his face to wake himself properly.

With a quick snap of his fingers, his clothes shifted into a clean pair of shorts and a gray T-shirt. Once he was ready, he headed downstairs.

 

Downstairs, Haru sat on a stool while Haruhi stood behind him, doing his absolute best to tame the wild bird’s nest his hair had become after the shower.

Shan let out a quiet chuckle. The sight was honestly pretty funny, but he tried not to tease Haru too much and mostly kept it to himself. Haruhi mentioned that he planned to do Shan’s hair next and asked if he had showered yet.

“I’m clean,” Shan insisted, absently touching his own short hair. The black strands were smooth with a slight natural wave to them. There really wasn’t much point in styling it when it already settled neatly on its own.

“And my hair is fine,” he added, knowing his hair texture was completely different from Haru’s. “But thanks.”

Even so, he still thanked Haruhi politely before wandering off to see if Yumro needed help with anything.

Yumro was busy packing the last of the homemade lunchboxes. Shan noticed there were two instead of one.

Maybe the second one was for Yukie.

“Can I help?” Shan asked.

“Not really. I think we’ve got most of it covered,” Yumro replied before glancing over at him. “Did you pack your things?”

Shan nodded. “Yeah.”

“Good. I already opened a portal, so you can start moving the bags over if you want to help.”

“Okay,” Shan answered simply.

But as he passed the fridge, he suddenly paused. Quietly, he pulled a cup from the cupboard and filled it with the juice Haru liked. Then he carefully carried it over to where Haru and Haruhi were still battling his hair.

“Here, for you.” Shan smiled softly as he held the cup out to Haru.

He hoped it would make Haru glad, maybe even help wake him up while Haruhi worked on his hair.

[Yukonwolfspirit]

Yukie stood holding his bag as he focused on it as Julius left to start the shower. Damn. Fucking damn this was going to be painful. In this moment he wanted to say fuck it all and refuse to go just hide away with Julius. He knew thought it would sacrifice Haru…it would damn him to a life of unknowns and misery. He couldn’t accept that, he had saved him for a reason… so it was only right he helped Haru figure out his path before he took over for him.

Setting his bag down on the bed Yukie sighed softly as he looked at the bathroom and walked over the door opening quietly as he slipped in and walked to the shower silently slipping in behind Julius as he wrapped his arms around his mate holding him close in the warm water.

”I want something of yours to hold…like a blanket or a shirt, something you wouldn’t mind parting with.” Yukie mumbled as his voice was sullen at the moment the feeling of leaving hitting him so deeply as he rested his head on Julius’s shoulder. 

————————

“Well then no worries.” Haruhi said as he tried to play off his obvious attempt at bonding and focused on Haru’s hair humming softly.

”He’s dense to that stuff. You’re going to have to be more honest with what you want. Just say you wanted to be motherly.” Haru mumbled once Shan had left causing Haruhi to sigh as he continued to work on some thicker tangles.

”I know. I’ll try better to be more simple on asking, though I don’t like being so easily read by you. I don’t want to pressure him into feeling like he has to do things…it’s why I offer” Haruhi added as Haru snickered a little at how his mother was. Sitting up more he stretched before Shan suddenly came out and handed Haru his favorite juice drink. 

“Thank you Shan.” Haru said with a soft smile as he sipped the drink and adjusted in the chair. Haru left his words hanging there as he was still such a bundle of nerves as Haruhi started braiding the thick locks into something that would hold up for a longer journey. 

“Your bag is already packed back home?” Haruhi asked confirming Haru had already fully prepped for the trip as Haru nodded and set the half empty glass down. 

“Yeah. It’s in my room…so are the plant instructions.” Haru added as he looked at Shan and then at Yumro  knowing his plants, and the people he would leave behind were in good hands. “It’s only for a few weeks then we should be back to check in.” Haru reassured Haruhi who just smoothed his hair down the man clearly trying to hold it together.

[M-jow]

Julius stood beneath the warm stream of water, letting it wash over his face. The heat eased the ache in his lower back, loosening the stiffness until he could move comfortably again.

He smiled as he heard Yukie’s footsteps enter the bathroom, then leaned back into Yukie’s embrace as his arms wrapped gently around him from behind.

On 5/14/2026 at 10:06 AM, Yukonwolfspirit said:

”I want something of yours to hold…like a blanket or a shirt, something you wouldn’t mind parting with.”

Julius gently touched the bracelet around Yukie’s wrist, the same one he had given him yesterday, the one made from both of their hairs. It matched the bracelet Julius wore on his own wrist, the pair made as couple accessories.

But somehow, it still didn’t feel like enough. Honestly, Julius felt the same way.

“I’ll give you whatever you want… but I want one of your shirts too,” Julius told him softly.

He turned around in Yukie’s arms so they were facing each other, so he could properly look at him.

“I want to make it into a pillowcase so I can fall asleep to your scent every night.”

As he spoke, Julius reached for the soap, working it into a lather between his palms before beginning to wash Yukie gently.

His hands moved carefully across his body, fingers tracing over him with the precision of someone mapping out familiar territory. He tried not to drag things out; it wouldn’t make saying goodbye any easier, and he didn’t want the others left waiting for too long.

Still, that didn’t stop him from stealing a few soft kisses here and there.

---

After they had both cleaned up and dried off, Julius rummaged through his things to find a shirt for Yukie before changing into a pair of regular jeans and a soft baby-blue blouse.

The shirt he handed over was clean and soft, though it still carried Julius’s scent strongly.

“Will this do?” he asked quietly as he handed the shirt to Yukie.

_______________________________

 

Shan moved back and forth between the portal and the kitchen with little need for direction. He carried the bags carefully, never rushing, the portal’s blue glow briefly washing over him each time he stepped through.

Eventually, he returned empty-handed and paused near the kitchen, as though waiting to see if there was anything else he could help with.

Yumro jerked his chin toward the counter, where a large plate of breakfast sandwiches sat piled high with different fillings, cheese, honey, jam, and more.

“You can take some. It’s just to make breakfast easier today. Otherwise, I doubt Haru and Haruhi will eat much.”

Shan’s gaze drifted toward the others before lowering again. His expression remained calm, though something distant lingered behind it, as if his thoughts were somewhere else entirely.

Yumro understood the feeling well enough. The house felt heavy, and everyone seemed a little restless.

He knew the trip itself wasn’t dangerous, not with Yukie going along, but that didn’t stop the unease from settling in. For everyone’s sake, though, he pushed the feeling down before it could spread to the others.

 

Just then, Haruhi finished fixing Haru’s hair, and Yumro called them over before Haru could run off again.

“Haru, Haruhi, breakfast,” he called as he picked Shan up and set him in one of the high chairs by the small kitchen island.

[Yukonwolfspirit]

“Yes, this is perfect.” Yukie replied as he smiled and held the shirt close breathing it in before carefully packing it into his bag. Zipping up the backpack he sighed softly before going to the closet and pulled down a giant white fur blanket. “This is my personal blanket. It’s imbedded with my scent. I’ve used it my whole life….mostly when I sleep in the colder months.” Yukie explained as he set the bag down the velvet soft fur continued in what would be essentially a giant duffle bag. “I hope it will bring you comfort.” Yukie added with a small blush as he looked down at the blanket that had been the first thing he had ever owned once becoming free. “Now then. It’s time we go.” Yukie stated as he picked up their bags and opened a portal to the yard of Yumro and Haruhi’s home and taking Julius’s hand lead him in.

—————-

“Thank you.” Haru and Haruhi replied as they ate both poking at their food at time but eventually finishing their sandwiches. Eventually Haru muttered he needed a few more items and went into the portal to finish packing. Haruhi eventually followed as he stood in the kitchen the home feeling warm and familiar despite the air of heaviness. 

“I didn’t expect them that soon.” Haruhi mumbled as he glanced out the window and went to unlocked the door letting Yukie and Julius in as he offered coffee.

”Your home is very nice.” Yukie added as he looked around awkwardly and settled on a kitchen table chair waiting for Haru to come back down. After a half an hour Haru came down wearing warmer clothes and carrying a decent sized bag over his shoulder as he looked around the room noticing Yukie and then his parents. “It would be best to not linger.” Yukie whispered to Haru and Yumro as he knew it would upset Haru if he prolonged the task of saying goodbye. Stretching out a little Yukie got up and prepped the portal to another land the task tedious as he had to make sure it was written carefully so they didn’t end up lost in the snowy mountains.

———

“…Thank you, for letting me go.” Haru whispered to Yumro and Haruhi his voice aching with sadness as he was true to Yukie’s words holding back his need to leave as he also looked at Julius. “Thank you for letting us leave. I know it’s hard for you too.” Haru added as he stood awkwardly beside them all trying to say goodbye without saying goodbye. “I’ll make sure to behave and write….I’ll call when we have phone service.” Haru added as Yukie glanced over and dusted the chalk off of his hands the portal finished and showing a very dark and harshly cold environment awaited them.

[M-jow]

Julius took the blanket and put it into a safe space pocket that he would have with him everwhere he went.

When Yukie said it was time and began gathering their stuff then took his han Julius paused. When Yukie turned his head to ask why he didn't move Julius shut him up with another kiss right on the lips. The kiss was sweet but not all that lobg although both properly wouldn’t have minded it to be.

"I just needed to do that one more time" Julius said before he started walking toward the portal.

Julius carefully took the blanket and tucked it away into one of his safe storage pockets, a magic space he carried with him wherever he went.

When Yukie finally announced that it was time to leave and began gathering their things, Julius took his hand and followed after him.

But after only a few steps, Julius suddenly stopped.

Yukie turned his head slightly, about to ask why he wasn’t moving, only for Julius to silence him with another kiss pressing gently against his lips.

The kiss was soft and sweet, and far too brief, neither would have minded it, if it had lasted longer.

When they finally pulled apart, Julius smiled faintly.

“I just needed to do that one more time.”

Only then did he continue walking toward the portal.

----------

One would have thought someone had died, judging by the way the two of them sat there with such long faces, like mourners at a funeral reception.

“Come on, they aren’t 'that' bad. I know they’re vegan, but still.. I did my best.” Yumro tried to lighten the mood with a terrible dad joke, hoping it would at least get them to start eating.

As Shan ate, he glanced between the two of them thoughtfully. 'They really do look like copies of each other like that.'

---

Shan jumped down from his chair and hurried after Haru, who disappeared through the portal first. Haruhi followed right behind him.

Yumro stayed behind for a moment to make sure nothing had been forgotten before finally stepping through himself. The portal closed behind him, leaving the warm sun and sand behind as they returned home to their warm, welcoming house.

But even though it was good to be home, the atmosphere hadn’t changed at all.

“I didn’t expect them this soon.”

At Haruhi’s words, Yumro turned toward the window. Sure enough, his father was approaching the front of the house with Julius beside him.

Haruhi greeted them at the doorway.

“Your home is very nice.”

Even though Yumro had never directly told Yukie that he had built a house for himself and Haruhi, Yukie had probably figured it out on his own.

“Of course it is. My lovely mate poured his heart into decorating every inch of it,” Yumro said proudly as he stepped up beside Haruhi and slipped an arm gently around his waist.

Together, they moved to the kitchen table and sat down.

The atmosphere was awkward.

Julius sat close beside his partner, holding Yukie’s hand beneath the table. It was obvious how much the thought of being apart affected the two of them.

Yumro couldn’t help smiling at the irony of it all. Yukie had never had a problem helping keep Haruhi away from him for more than fifty years, yet the mere thought of being separated from his own mate for a few weeks had made the old man clingy.

Yumro kept his arm loosely around Haruhi, relaxing against his mate while trying not to make it too obvious that he was watching Yukie.

There were still too many things Yumro couldn’t forgive him for.

He could be civil, but their relationship had never truly been good to begin with. Yumro knew Yukie loved him in his own way, but the anger Yumro carried toward him had never faded, and probably never would.

He respected Yukie for who he was and never spoke against him in ways that could damage Haru’s relationship with his grandfather. But he also didn’t want Haru growing up to become like him.

Yukie always seemed to forget how miserable his own life had been whenever he wasn’t with Ren or Julius. He might have been a great Demon King, but he had been a terrible father.

That was why Yumro always told Haru to find his own path. To discover his own passions. To become someone Haru himself could be proud of. Not a copy of anyone else, but his own person.

Yumro only hoped he had repeated those words enough times for Haru to remember them when life became difficult.

Tea was poured for everyone, but no one really touched it.
----

Yumro watched quietly as Haru finally came downstairs, dressed in warmer clothes with a bag slung over his shoulder.

The sight made something in his chest tighten. Haru looked ready.

Yukie’s quiet words only made the moment feel worse, and Yumro hated it.

Haru even turned and apologize to Julius for putting him up with this too. Julius simply shook his head and smiled, before he patted Haru's head.

"I wish you both a great trip Haru and I mean that" Julius was an adult, he could manage. He would manage no matter what because this was precious experience for both grandfather and grandson.

 

Before anyone could start moving toward the portal, Yumro pushed himself forward and crossed the room in a few quick steps. Without hesitation, he scooped Haru up into his arms like he had done countless times.

“Nope,” Yumro interrupted immediately, holding him tighter for a second. “You don’t get to escape this part.”

With his free arm, Yumro reached out and tugged Haruhi closer too until the three of them were pressed together in one large embrace.

For a moment, Yumro just stood there holding them both.

His mate.

His son.

His whole world.

“You better stay safe out there,” Yumro muttered, finally breaking the silence. His voice came out quieter than he intended. “And don’t go doing anything reckless just because your grandfather’s there to bail you out.”

He rested his chin briefly against Haru’s head before letting out a slow breath.

“We’re going to see each other again very soon anyway.” Yumro pulled back just enough to look at Haru properly, offering him a small smile despite the ache sitting heavily in his chest. “Don’t go acting like you’re leaving for years or something dramatic like that.”

Even while joking, Yumro’s arms lingered around them both for longer. Giving Haruhi time to say whatever he wanted too, before he finally loosened his grip and put Haru back down again. He bent down and kissed the boy's forhead. "Keep your promises" he smiled like a proud father sending his kid off his kid on the first day of school. "We'll be right here when you come back"

 

Shan appeared beside them one moment later.

“You better not take too long, or school’s gonna start without you. Getting held back a year won’t look very good,” he teased as he patted Haru on the shoulder.

He had expected himself to break down crying by now, but somehow he managed to hold it together. Still, the hand resting on Haru’s shoulder trembled slightly, and his voice caught on the last few words.

 

Julius gently squeezed Yukie’s hand, looking at him with quiet love and devotion. They had already said their goodbyes. There was no need to drag the moment out any further.

 

---

When the portal finally closed into nothingness, silence settled heavily over the room.

 

For a while, no one spoke.

Then Shan cleared his throat.

“Mister Julius, can I come with you to see the school? I’d really love to see it.”

The boy shifted awkwardly on his feet, clearly trying to give the adults some space to process everything.

“I already have a lunchbox packed, so I wouldn’t be any trouble.”

Julius chuckled softly as he looked down at the dark-skinned boy and gently patted his hair before glancing toward Haruhi and Yumro.

“I was actually planning to head there afterward anyway,” Julius said warmly. “I wouldn’t mind taking him along for a few hours, if the two of you are alright with it. Though it’s still a work in progress, so he might end up bored.”

“No, I wouldn’t get bored,” Shan insisted immediately.

[Yukonwolfspirit]

“If that’s what you want I wouldn’t mind.” Haruhi said as he smiled softly a little sad to have Shan leaving also but well he knew the boy was looking forward to his own path in life.  “Alright, well we will just be home tonight maybe watching a movie.” Haruhi explained as he didn’t feel like leaving home just yet incase the two came back early. Looking at Yumro Haruhi smiled softly before giving Shan a kiss and hug goodbye, the centaur excusing himself to the other room to settle and try to process all of the sudden change. 

————

Fuck, it was so cold. The place Yukie and Haru had started in was a frozen hellscape. The demons here still called it home though. Sitting by a dimly lit window as Yukie talked in a language he partially understood Haru was focused on watched the sky darken and the wind howl. The sinking homesickness was harsher than Haru had planned for as he was mentioned to and he followed Yukie off up to their rooms as they began their first month of work and solitude.

———-

Haruhi had over the month settled somewhat into the new routine. Haruhi was keeping himself busy and well, he had only truly broke down crying when it came to Haru checking in at home. The first time was the worst after the first of phone call home to talk to everyone. It had only lasted a few hours with everyone all together, but it ached when he knew it would be a bit until he heard Haru’s voice again. Sadly after that phone call, communication slowed to just some texts and scattered photos attached as proof they were alive. As weeks and months moved on, check ins slowed to once a week if lucky.  It was due to the phone calls getting harder to arrange the deeper they went into the farther out demon societies. So there were letters sent.

The letters themselves came weekly one for each family member from Haru and they ranged from excitement to exhausted and frustrated, these also added questions that make the letters pouring into six to ten page territory. 

Yukie of course did the same with phone calls and photos until he couldn’t. Then he wrote to Julius daily in the beginning, then it was weekly as the trip became more exhausting and draining as they progressed forward. Haru was taking more of Yukies demonic side as they trained. In this act he was able to master more control like Yukie had without all of the brutality. Yukie though had learned that the act itself of removing the blood tie and letting Haru thrive…well Yukie knew in his deepest being that in the end he would go back to how he was suppose to before he changed….once he fully passed his fully powers on he would just be a demon with some power, he wouldn’t be able to do more than change his body’s looks and basic demon powers most pure blooded demons could do. It was in this change Yukie had begun to realize more things he had been refusing to believe and now he realized that his plans and ideals were changing for his future and the future of demon kind.

——-

It was by the six month away they finally came back home. 

Yukie looked the same, only giving off a more peaceful aura as he grabbed their bags out of the trunk of the car Haru stepping out as he grabbed his bag from Yukie with ease. 

The shift in Haru was notable as if so much had fallen into place with him. He looked calmer as he looked at the house the feeling of uncertainty before him. In those six months he had grown a bit his facial features had become a good mix of Yumro and Haruhi’s more so he held a touch more of Yumro’s as he sighed and warmed his hands. 

“I still say we should have called first.” Haru mumbled as he pulled his thick coat over his frame and looked at Yukie who closed the trunk and tipped the driver.

”please, where is the fun in that…I know your dying to see Yumro throttle me for keeping you for so long~ Plus, weren’t you saying how you didn’t want to make a big fuss?” Yukie teased Haru who rolled his eyes at the teasing.

”oh a small party seems so nice, after you threw me to the feral demons. Honestly you really do deserved being torn a new one for that being the last place to visit. One would think you would want me in one piece when going to school.” Haru laughed softly as he winced at the feeling of laughing his body was bandaged from the last leg of the journey where he got in touch with his more bloodthirsty side. 

A month of living among so many demons and settling things primarily by fighting and being only in demonic forms. Well it really fixed the bloodlust in him and his unease shifting and in turn Haru learned how to accept that side of himself completely. That being said despite the success….coming home with heavy stitches, broken ribs, a cut lip and deep bruising really wasn’t the best way to return someone you were in charge of.

”Thank you though. For this, I feel…stable.” Haru admitted as he looked at Yukie his eyes so much calmer than they had been as he smirked.

 

 

[M-jow]

Julius kept himself busy with the school because, truthfully, he didn’t have much else to occupy his time.

Shan had explored every corner of the school the very first time Julius brought him there. Even though there was still so much work left to be done before the place could remotely be called anything, Shan had still been excited to see everything.

The first few days after Yukie left had actually been manageable. Yukie called and texted him every day, and Julius clung to those more than he cared to admit. But after the first week, little things began to creep in.

Every morning he accidentally prepared two cups of herbal tea instead of one. Then he would stare silently at the second mug for a while, until the steam disappeared, then pouring it out with a heavy heart.

The following weeks only became harder as Yukie’s letters arrived less and less frequently. Julius had known it would happen—Yukie had warned him beforehand—but knowing didn’t make it hurt any less.

Julius still wrote back every single night.

Using magic, he transformed each letter into a dove that could track Yukie’s location no matter where he was. The moment Yukie touched the bird, it would turn back into ordinary paper.

Julius filled the letters with ordinary things. Updates about the school’s progress. Stories about visits from Hunter, Rose or Yumro and Haruhi. Small pieces of his daily life so Yukie could still feel connected to it all.

Every letter ended the same way: "I miss you."

But Julius never described the loneliness in detail. Never confessed how it felt like a lump of ice had settled permanently inside his chest, or how every night became a battle against nightmares.

Yukie’s blanket was always wrapped around him while he slept. It comforted him whenever he woke in the middle of the night shaking from another bad dream.

But there was only so much a blanket could do.

---

After four months, the school was finally ready.

Two weeks later, the first teachers arrived to begin planning the upcoming semester. There were seven hired teachers, in total eight including Julius himself. Yukie had personally recommended the school nurse, someone highly knowledgeable about both demons and humans alike.

In addition, there were several teacher assistants responsible for childcare and student supervision. Julius had no intention of allowing the place to devolve into some 'Lord of the Flies' disaster. Other staff members were hired to live on campus alongside the children as well.

Altogether, five hundred students had been admitted, set to arrive in barely a month’s time. Nearly half of them would be living on campus full-time.

Julius had more than his hands full.

Dark circles had formed beneath his eyes from countless sleepless nights. He had even started drinking coffee despite never liking it before. It was simply to stop himself from falling asleep in the middle of the day. Proper meals became rare. Most days he survived on whatever was easiest to grab—fruit, nuts, plain bread… and more coffee.

Rose, despite being overwhelmingly busy herself. Handling the work Yukie had left to her and Hunter during his absence, still stopped by once a week. She carried bags of takeout to make sure Julius ate something substantial.

Things only truly began to settle once the students finally arrived.

Naturally, there were problems from the very beginning, but nothing Julius hadn’t already prepared the teachers for. It was inevitable that tensions would arise when demons of every race and background were gathered together in one place.

The human children struggled the most at first.

No matter how many explanations they had been given beforehand, seeing beings who looked entirely inhuman with their own eyes was still shocking to many of them. It took patience and time to help everyone feel safe around one another.

Eventually, though, the children settled into routines. They learned to coexist. To understand each other. To respect their differences rather than fear them.

 

Shan had started school as well.

Although he was disappointed that he and Haru couldn’t begin together like they had promised each other, he was still excited.

He remained shy around new people at first, but Shan was the sort of person nobody quite knew how to categorize. He looked human, yet clearly wasn’t. Still, he was easy to be around, and people naturally gravitated toward him.

Even if he occasionally lacked common sense.

---

 

Yumro continued doing what he had done long before any of this began.

He took care of Haruhi whenever his mate became too lost in his own thoughts to properly care for himself. He comforted him after every phone call with Haru.

Whenever Haru sent letters to Yumro, that he thought was okay to share with Haruhi, he read them aloud to him.

He accompanied Haruhi to Fairy’s for treatments and helped his siblings handle delicate matters they lacked the authority to resolve on their own—things only he or Yukie could properly deal with.

And whenever he had to leave for work, Yumro always made sure to tell Haruhi beforehand.

---

Yumro had just noticed the taxi pulling into the driveway when he glanced out through the kitchen window.

The moment he sensed his father’s presence, his heart skipped. Then, only seconds later, he felt Haru’s.

Without wasting another second, he hurried to find Haruhi.

He found him out on the terrace in the backyard.

“You might want to come see who just arrived,” Yumro said warmly, a soft smile spreading across his face as he looked at his mate.

Shan was still at school, and it was far too early in the day for him to be returning now.

[Yukonwolfspirit]

“If it’s the package delivery man I’d rather just wait to finish my sunbathing.” Haruhi joked as he looked over at Yumro and smiled a little at his cheeky joke. Sighing a little he got up and followed him inside expecting to need to sign for a package. By this time Haru had let himself in with a key and was looking around the living room Yukie following to make sure someone was home to receive him.

”It smells a little different.” Haru mumbled as he set his bag down and a small covered cage and looked at Yukie who shrugged not smelling anything but normal house his senses having dulled. Haruhi moved with Yumro back into the house as he stopped at the doorway staring at the two guests.

”Hey Mum, we are back a bit later than planned.  Hopefully we didn’t wake you or surprise you to much.” Haru said awkwardly as he looked at Haruhi.  Haruhi was quick to walk over to Haru pulling him into a tight hug as Haru let out a small pained wheeze of air.

”Might want to be a little more…gentle.” Yukie said softly as he settled down in a kitchen chair watching Haruhi for a moment before he looked to Yumro. “Mind if we talk before I leave? Privately?” Yukie asked his voice gentle as he spoke, before looking to Haruhi again who was fussing and checking over Haru assessing the damage but more so he was grateful his son was in one piece. Despite the fact he wasn’t wearing his prosthetic Haruhi didn’t question and just raised an eyebrow as he sighed contently and focused on smoothing out the wrinkles on Haru’s shirt. Once done he lightly smacking Haru upside the head, more so for being gone without visiting but he just mumbled a soft scolding over the muddy shoes he was wearing and turned to make tea. 

“Sit. I’ll make tea while you get your shoes off.” Haruhi said with a happy smile causing Haru to chuckle and relax so much as it felt much more like home now. Kicking his shoes to the side Haru  took off his jacket setting it on the table as he settle in, the act revealing he was wearing just a tank top and was heavily bandaged hence the missing arm as he looked at Yumro. 

“I’m home dad.” Haru said gently as he looked at Yumro finally meeting his eyes before opening his arm the shift different as he was shamelessly wanting to be hugged by Yumro a vast difference from the shy child before that was unable to understand why he wanted such affection. 

Edited Monday at 07:18 AM by Yukonwolfspirit

[M-jow]

Yumro smiled knowingly at his mate, not given anything away as he wanted him to come see for himself.

It went down much like he had expected it to be.

While Haruhi fussed over Haru, Yukie came up to him and asked of the two of them could talk along. Yumro looked at his father. The demon looked exhausted and weak. But there also was a minor change behind his eyes.

After a moment of no response Yumro finally gave a single nod. "In a bit" He replied as he hadn’t yet greeted Haru.

Yumro smiled knowingly at his mate, giving nothing away. He wanted him to see it for himself.

Things unfolded much as he had expected.

While Haruhi fussed over Haru, Yukie approached him and quietly asked if the two of them could talk alone. Yumro glanced toward his father. The demon looked exhausted and worn, but there was a subtle change in his eyes.

After a long moment of silence, Yumro finally gave a single nod. “In a bit,” he replied. He still hadn’t properly greeted Haru.

1 hour ago, Yukonwolfspirit said:

"I’m home dad.”

Yumro’s face instantly broke into a smile at the sound of Haru’s voice. His arm held open for a hug.

Crossing the room, Yumro carefully wrapped his arms around Haru, gentle enough not to aggravate his injuries as he held him close.

“I’ve missed you. We all have.” He softly ruffled the back of Haru’s hair with his palm.

“And wow… you’ve really grown over these past few months. I don’t even have to bend down to hug you anymore.” Yumro laughed quietly as he pulled back just enough to get a proper look at him.

Of course, he noticed the missing prosthetic immediately, but he wasn’t about to make that the first thing he mentioned. Still, he needed to ask eventually. If there had been flaws with the arm, Yumro would make sure the next one suited Haru perfectly.

“You’ll have to tell me what happened to the arm I made you, so I can make the next one even better.”

 

------------

Once everything had finally settled down, Yumro motioned for Yukie to follow him outside onto the terrace. He slid the glass door shut behind them, keeping the conversation private. They could still see the others inside, and Yumro could keep an eye on his family.

That was the only reason he didn’t punch his father despite the fury simmering beneath the surface over Haru’s injuries.

 

“They can’t hear us through the glass, and you’re safer this way.” Yumro crossed his arms tightly. “If you weren’t my father, I wouldn’t have cared about holding back after seeing the state my son was in… Did you really have to take things that far?”

He shook his head before glancing back through the glass windows. His expression softened as he watched the others smiling and talking together. Though he couldn’t hear them, he could easily imagine the conversation.

Taking a slow, steady breath, Yumro turned back to Yukie.

Whatever Yukie wanted to say, it had to be important. Otherwise, he would’ve already left to see Julius.

[Yukonwolfspirit]

3 hours ago, M-jow said:

“You’ll have to tell me what happened to the arm I made you, so I can make the next one even better.”

“Yeah of course I’ll explain later.” Haru said as he smiled at Yumro before being ushered to sit and drink some tea and have a snack as Haruhi continued to fuss over him until the house fully settled. Haruhi started work on making snacks as Haru laid on the couch to rest not even noticing as Yumro followed Yukie outside.

—

3 hours ago, M-jow said:

“They can’t hear us through the glass, and you’re safer this way.” Yumro crossed his arms tightly. “If you weren’t my father, I wouldn’t have cared about holding back after seeing the state my son was in… Did you really have to take things that far?”

“I mean no harm asking to talk. As for Haru’s wounds…I’m sure you can even tell how different things are now just by how he looks and smells.” Yukie stated as he leaned against the wall his body feeling so much more tiered than before as he sighed. “I’m sorry for being such a shitty father…Its no excuse for what I’ve done, but I truly regret how I was to my kids especially you.” Yukie started as he looked at Yumro a deep shift in being reflecting in his eyes. “I didn’t cope like I should have, I couldn’t handle it all and it in turn became your problem…and it shouldn’t have. I’m sorry. I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness….but I don’t want my children to hate me…to not want to be in my life.” Yukie whispered a deep aching remorse seeping out of his voice as he took a few deep calming breaths. 

“Being away, it’s made me understand so much….Caring for Haru…it opened my eyes.” Yukie explained as he looked in at the happy family before him just beyond the glass.

”I should have been better for you all…” Yukie whispered as he took in Haru and Haruhi laughing and talking as Haruhi cooked.

”I want Haru to live how he wants. I don’t want him to become me…in any sense.” Yukie said his voice so firm in his decision as if the thought of anyone turning out like him was enraging. “I’ve given him everything he needs he won’t….need to figure things out like I did. He won’t suffer or struggle. He can live mostly normal granted you still guide him here and there.” Yukie’s added as he turned away and sighed looking out at the sky.

”I’m…done….with it all. The most I can do now is heal and shift forms, I can’t do anything past that….its why Haru is…” Yukie gestured towards Haru motioning to the bandages and wounds. “He’s fully ready to take over for me now. Fully able to do everything I once could…..but….I don’t want him to. The more I watched him the more I reflected, I realized…that the only one that would be the best at taking over. Well that would be you.” Yukie said his voice a touch hesitant as he looked to Yumro clearly uneasy with the conversation.

”I am offering it to you as rightful heir. I won’t ask you to take it. I won’t make you choose or try to convince you it’s what would be best. I don’t even want an answer until you’ve had weeks hell! Months to think it over. If you refuse then so be it the demon world can figure out their own shit for once.” Yukie said hating even offering such a life to Yumro as he pulled out a cigarette from a silver case in his pocket and lit it up the habit having gotten so much worse with his decline. 

“If you want it, it’s yours ceremony and all. If not, that’s fine in my eyes…regardless of the outcome of what you choose above all I want you to stay happy with your family. It’s something I regret not cherishing….so, I want you and Haru to really be happy to…be a proper father and son.” Yukie whispered his voice cracking with grief at his own loss as he let out another deep puff of smoke the smoke curling as it seeped up a deep dark purple. 

“I…. talked with Haru, during our time away…we talked a lot about what he was, what he would end up becoming, and what he wanted going forward. I told him he wouldn’t be allowed to follow in my footsteps. I had decided he wouldn’t take over for me….and I drew a line in the sand. He’s so young and I can’t ask that of him or you. It’s such a heavy burden to be forced into.” Yukie explained as he smoked deeply again his nerves calming. “Haru he wasn’t exactly happy with my choice in his future.”

“It put him in a feral rage, and I don’t blame him for his anger at me, for his resentment at everything and the world, so much change and struggle. I knew he was hurting because of it….because of what I decided for him I tried to smooth it over tried to explain why it was a good thing. We ended up arguing he refused to listen to me after that and pushed back on everything to the point of getting hurt when we tried to stop his bloodlust rage. He was so angry he fought everyone and everything and…I couldn’t stop him…” Yukie whispered his voice breaking as he thought back to that moment when he realized doing this would truly make him powerless.

”I couldn’t force him to do anything, it’s not like how I could do with demons before the trip.” Yukie explained. Over the months away he had felt the draining of power as Haru fully absorbed his demon blood and powers. Looking at Yumro, Yukie put out the smoke and turned to him his eyes looking so tiered as he took a moment, not having ever wanted Haru to get injured or to ever end up hurting him. 

This whole mess he knew was his fault from the beginning when he first saved Haru. Yukie knew in the end what he would sacrifice…he had realized it while away with Haru…….the only difference is he so desperately wanted Haru to live life. He didn’t want him to be chained down like he had been by his duties by his father. He refused to let Haru be bound by what he would eventually become, by what he was.

So In his final act, Yukie had in the last two months given Haru his full powers through the ways of old and then through blood….as he should have that night he saved him but this time with no strings attached.

“Haru…is still Haru, he’s going to be a bit different now. But, he’s still Haru down to his core despite everything that’s changed in him. Most people aren’t like that when harsh change happens I wasn’t. You and Haruhi…I’m proud of you both for not being like me…and of the kids you’ve raised.” Yukie finished as he glanced over at Yumro expecting to be yelled at to be ripped into or whatever punishment he deserved. He had wronged his family deeply and had wronged Haru and had wronged his own son. He had realized this while away and would take whatever Yumro deemed fit as punishment.

Edited Monday at 12:37 PM by Yukonwolfspirit

[M-jow]

Yumro stayed silent for a long time after Yukie finished speaking.

The afternoon sunlight spilled across the terrace, warm against his skin despite the heaviness sitting in his chest. Through the glass doors he could see Haru laughing weakly at something Haruhi said , careful around his .

It hurt to look at him.

Not because of his injuries. But because he looked exhausted from the long trip.

Yumro knew exactly what it felt like to carry something too heavy far too young.

A slow breath left him as he leaned back against the railing, eyes fixed somewhere distant across the yard.

 

“When Ren died…” Yumro started quietly, his voice rough, “I thought part of you had died too.”

“You pushed all of us away.” Yumro swallowed hard. “You drank constantly. Half the time you barely even looked at me.” His jaw tightened. “Raven practically raised my siblings after that.”

There wasn’t venom in his voice anymore. His voice were just flat.

“I know you were grieving. I know you were falling apart.” Yumro rubbed tiredly at his forehead. “But I was just a kid, and I had lost my mom.”

The words hung painfully between them. “I didn’t get to fall apart.”

 

His eyes finally lifted to Yukie’s.

“When my powers started surfacing, I had nobody to help me except grandfather.” Immediate bitterness crossed his face at the mention of him. “And we both know what kind of man he is.”

Cruel and cold.

A monster who had broken Yukie long before Yumro had ever been born.

“He didn’t make anything easier for me just because I was a kid. Especially not cause I'm mixed. He made sure I learned through pain because that’s the only thing he knew how to teach.” Yumro’s hands curled tightly against his arms. “And every day I kept thinking that if I didn’t hold things together, my siblings would turn to him just as I had.”

A humorless laugh escaped him.

“So I became the stable one. The responsible one. I handled the fights at school, I calmed them when they had nightmares, and kept telling them that you would always love them. Meanwhile you were drinking yourself numb in your room.” His voice cracked slightly before he forced it steady again. “Someone had to do it.”

 

Yukie looked like every word physically hurt him.

Good.

Yumro needed him to understand.

“I didn’t have a happy childhood,” he admitted quietly. “But I made sure my siblings had as much of one as possible.”

The terrace fell silent except for the muffled noise inside and the distant rustling trees.

Then Yumro sighed heavily, exhaustion finally overtaking some of the anger.

“So no,” he said after a moment, “I can’t stand here and suddenly say that I forgive everything, because you finally admitted you were wrong.” His gaze shifted toward Haru again.

“But I also can’t keep hating you forever... I am tired of carrying it.” He admitted.

“And as for your offer…” Yumro frowned deeply. “I can’t give you an answer right now.”

He didn't even know how he felt about that very thought.

“It isn’t a decision I make alone.” His expression softened faintly when thinking of his mate. “I have a family. A partner. Kids. If I even considered taking over for you, I’d have to talk with my mate first."

 

The afternoon breeze stirred his hair as he finally pushed himself off the railing.

“But…” He hesitated before looking directly at Yukie again. “I can try.”

“I can try not let the past infectthe future.” Yumro’s voice stayed careful, guarded. “And maybe… eventually… we can try building something that actually resembles a relationship.”

Not father and son.

Not yet. But maybe someday.

“You don’t get to disappear again though,” Yumro added firmly. “If you’re serious about changing things, then stay. Actually stay this time, be a part of the family, even if it just popping by now and then.”

Inside the house, Haru suddenly looked toward the terrace, smiling when he spotted them both standing there.

Yumro’s expression softened despite himself. The really had missed Haru, even if he gad changed kids did that as the grew into themselves. Yumro could only hope that what he did for him was the right thing.

[Yukonwolfspirit]

“I can try, to do all of that.” Yukie said as he looked at Yumro for a moment studying him. “…thank you. For at least letting me be in your life.” Yukie whispered as he looked away at Yumro and from Haru who smiled and waved at them. 

“If it brings you any comfort Haru should be better now. He won’t need me in his life so I’ll only be checking in on you all from time to time. I’ll stick with watching for a while….part of paying the price for treating you so horribly, I’ll carry it for the rest of my life….” Yukie added as he waved half assed back at Haru and brushed himself off slightly before turning to Yumro. 

“I should go. I’ve got some loose ends to tie up before I visit Julius….I need a stiff drink before talking with him.” Yukie mumbled with a dark chuckle full of unease at how Julius would feel about him having changed so much.  “I gave Haru a little parting gift. He knows about it and said he would ask, but knowing his excitement he might wait until its size becomes an issue. Thought he might like a home away from home…it brought me sanctuary to have a solid place” Yukie explained having burned his old home down and gifted the new one from the ashes to Shan to hopefully fill it with happiness. Watching Haru sadly for a moment Yukie  walked towards the door and opened it having take a moment to compose his goodbye for Haru. Looking at the boy he had grown so close to for so long it was bittersweet to step away from Haru to not influence his life.
 

Haru was on the floor having already shown the chicken to Haruhi. The creature walking the small bit of dirt around the kitchen.The chicken before them was the beginning of a yabba hut. It was as big as one’s arms (wrapped around it like one would hold a chicken) when held and it just settled on the ground already nesting a small little tent set up on it holding Haru’s gifts from his travels. 

“It can live it at the school or in the garden while I’m not home.” Haru asked Haruhi who had already given in seeing how happy Haru was with his new treasure. “When it gets bigger we can put a small apartment on it and I can stay close that way too.” Haru stated as he looked over to Yukie and Yumro raising a brow at their talk.

[M-jow]

Before Yukie could leave, Yumro stopped him by placing a firm hand on his arm.

"You might think that boy doesn't need you anymore, but you're wrong," Yumro said, his expression serious. "Power, wealth, and fame aren't what we want. Haru still needs his grandpa... and I still need my dad." Yumro continued.

"Maybe you think it's pointless now. Because you've already given everything you had to give. What you've given Haru all is something I'll always be grateful for."

His grip loosened slightly.

"That doesn't mean your place in this family is finished. We still need you. Family isn't something you walk away from when things get difficult or when you think you've become unnecessary. We stick together."

After a moment, Yumro released his arm and took a step back.

"I'm offering you an olive branch," he said quietly. "What you do with it is up to you." Having said his piece, Yumro allowed Yukie to leave if that was what he truly wanted.

---

The glass door slid open with a soft hiss, and Yumro stepped inside a few moments behind Yukie.

Moving past him, he headed toward the others gathered in the living room. His attention quickly fell on the newest addition to the household.

A tiny chick stood proudly beside Haru, who was enthusiastically showing it off to everyone within sight.

Yumro raised an eyebrow before shaking his head in amused resignation.

Haru was a good kid. Kind-hearted, curious, and endlessly fascinated by strange creatures. Yumro sincerely hoped that part of him would never change.

The habit of bringing every unusual animal he encountered home, however, was another matter entirely.

Though, considering Yukie had mentioned a gift, Yumro suspected this particular creature was less Haru's doing and more the work of an indulgent grandparent spoiling his grandson.

"It's a good thing I bought half a forest for our backyard," Yumro remarked, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

Yumro crossing his arms. "But you'll have to clear it with the school's headmaster first, before you start bringing it to school."

Yumro chuckled. "Although I don't imagine that'll be too difficult if you play your cards right."

Yumro nodded toward Yukie.

"Considering he's dating your grandpa, I'd say you've already got an advantage."