Chapter Text
Ibuki hadn't really celebrated Rexmas in…who knew how long.
He had a vague sense of it feeling…hopeful…when he was young. He'd always enjoyed the songs, stories, and decorations at school.
He even had a few memories of his parents attempting to be nice or make the day special.
But there was also an ache in those memories. Seeing other kids excited for gifts and talking about family traditions. Things that never quite felt…genuine…at home.
That excitement and joy…that sense of it being a time for family and good cheer. That warm fuzzy feeling people often described when talking about the holiday...
That had always been missing. And what Ibuki had secretly, desperately, longed for as a child. Not that he had ever really admitted to that, even to himself.
And as a teenager, of course, he had put those feelings away.
On the streets, the only good thing about the season was that some people were a little more generous. Soup kitchens had a little more food (but of course, never meat), and it was easier to get a jacket or something from a shelter, but mostly it was still just cold.
Being literally left out in the long winter nights served as a bitter reminder that the holiday traditions originated around people coming together to help survive, and find joy in the harsh months. Seeing everyone celebrating together, seeing all the decorations representing warmth and family, seemed to amplify that feeling of being utterly alone in the world.
Being in the gang had been a little better. Not exactly wholesome family fun, but it was something.
It usually looked like alcohol spiked with peppermint because Jinma thought it was more festive, and Miguel getting everyone to sing along to corny Rexmas songs (often while walking around shirtless in a Santa hat, which was a nice view, whether he'd admit that even to himself or not).
Osuke and a few guys used to string up a few strands of lights in the Shishigumi's game room. Free's old man, Jiyuu, actually gave Ibuki his first Rexmas present as an adult: a book with a beat-up bow stuck to the cover. Receiving that gift felt like permission to actually have personal belongings again, and had been the start of his own little book collection.
Those things were what had made him start to feel at home in that old mansion…
But that was all in the past.
Now Ibuki was living in an actual mansion.
He'd spent the better half of a year sharing a bed with a handsome stag. Who also happened to be insanely wealthy and generous, to the point that Ibuki had to remind him on multiple occasions to reign in the gift-giving.
Ibuki now had an entire walk-in closet that was bigger than his former room as a gumi, full of very nice clothes and expensive suits, in the master suite, right next to Oguma's own massive closet.
He also had unlimited access to the largest library he'd ever seen, as well as several copies of some of his favorite works that Oguma had gifted to him personally when he realized the lion was worried about keeping copies from the library too long or causing any wear or tear.
Ibuki already had more than he'd ever owned in his life, and was treated far kinder than he had ever thought he could possibly deserve.
So, when the staff started decorating the estate with seasonal trappings, all very elegant and refined, Ibuki didn't really know why he felt so…uncomfortable.
He really didn't know what to expect. Or what he should do.
How do rich people celebrate Rexmas?
Oguma never brought it up. He just went about his days, business as usual, seemingly indifferent to the decorations going up around their home.
No plans or traditions were mentioned.
Ibuki wanted to get him a gift, but had no idea what he could give a man who literally had everything. Who could literally buy anything he wanted without a second thought.
Oguma had given Ibuki a credit card with supposedly no spending limit, but he'd hardly ever taken it out of his wallet let alone put that to the test. It's not like he really went anywhere on his own, and Oguma tended to pay for everything when they did go out together.
Regardless, even having the means to buy something didn't really help. The real question was what could he get for a man like Oguma.
And he couldn't really ask. He didn't know if Oguma even intended to exchange gifts, and didn't want to imply that he was expecting anything. Oguma had already given him far too much! That was why he wanted the chance to give something to the man he'd fallen for…
And then there was also Louis. Surely Oguma intended to get something for the little fawn! It was their first Rexmas as a family, and Louis's first ever! The boy deserved to have the opportunity to open presents, sing songs…the whole shebang!
The little fawn had definitely taken some interest in the new decorations. They were pretty. A lot of winter greenery…red flowers, and white lights.
Not very colorful…but still very pretty!
A few times, Ibuki caught Louis examining live garland with pinecones and holly. But it seemed more like wary curiosity than delight or wonder.
But that made sense. It occurred to Ibuki that Louis likely had no concept of Rexmas. It surely wouldn't have been mentioned in the tower…
The lion tried to wrack his brain to remember if it had ever come up in a book they'd read or maybe in a movie…?
He didn't think so. There were some great Rexmas stories for kids! But…he was also pretty sure traditions varied between carnivores and herbivores. For instance, his favorite Christmas book as a child depicted Santa Claus as a polar bear…he was pretty sure most herbivores embraced the more commercialized, reindeer version of Santa.
Then again…he probably only thought reindeer-Santa was commercialized because that was the image used most often in their herbivore-centric society. But there were probably stories and messages just as meaningful related to that version.
And since Louis was an herbivore, it would make sense for him to be raised with herbivore traditions. So Ibuki felt a little awkward at the idea of trying to explain the holiday to him on his own.
And he didn't want to step on Oguma's toes if the stag did have certain traditions he wanted to impart.
Finally, Ibuki got up the nerve to just ask Oguma directly.
“So…what are you planning on getting Louis for Rexmas?” Ibuki asked one evening while they were reading quietly in the library, waiting for Louis to be done with his bath and ready for his bedtime story.
Maybe this would be a good opportunity to discuss if they also wanted to try reading him a Rexmas story.
“Oh…” Oguma looked up from his comfy reading chair.
Ibuki had been pretending to read his own book in the chair across from him. Reading in front of the old fireplace in the library had become one of Ibuki's favorite pastimes once the weather had turned cold and the staff and begun lighting the fire (which may have been because he'd casually wondered out loud if the fireplace was actually functional, while supposing it would feel pleasant). On this night, however, he hadn't really been able to relax as he tried to figure out a way to causally broach the subject.
And now Oguma was just staring at him blankly, as if he'd spoken a different language.
“Were you…planing on getting him a gift?” Ibuki asked tentatively.
“Am I…supposed to?”
Okay, Oguma's genuine confusion and sudden hint of worry threw Ibuki for a loop.
“Well, yeah! I mean, that's what most parents do…if they celebrate. You haven't really mentioned, but the staff decorated for the season, so I figured you at least observe Rexmas.”
“Oh, well, yes.” Oguma replied as his eyes followed Ibuki's gestures, pointing out the garland and wreath over the fireplace and various other little holiday touches around them.
Even the throw pillows and rug in front of the fireplace had been switched to a set with a subtle red and green foliage pattern.
“So you do celebrate?”
“Well…the staff does…all of this.” He gestured around the room. “Horns obviously observes the day, and accounts for holiday shopping. All of our stores decorate and sell seasonal items…”
Ibuki waved one hand to cut the stag off, otherwise the lion was certain he was about to hear the holiday broken down into a spread sheet.
“But do YOU celebrate? You know…exchange gifts. Sing songs. Any family traditions?”
“Oh.” Oguma looked down at his lap for a moment. “We always hold a Rexmas ball…”
Ibuki had heard that referenced a few times as a work obligation.
“That's Horns, again. What about here at home?”
Oguma winced. “Well…not really. Rexmas was always just…part of the year. My father wasn't exactly…sentimental. My mother wasn't exactly…present. We didn't really do things as a family.”
Oguma had that look on his face, like he was just realizing another part of his life that was very much not normal. And clearly hadn't considered doing differently for Louis.
Ibuki felt a little pang in his chest. Sometimes he still forgot how limited and joyless Oguma's privileged life had been.
“Well, maybe it would be good to start some new traditions. With Louis!”
Louis had proven to be good motivation to get the stag to step out of his comfort zone. Sometimes he just needed a little push.
“Right…yes.” Oguma closed his book, slowly setting it to the side as he thought for a few moments. Then his ears pricked up and he turned to Ibuki. “What sort of traditions do you practice for the season?”
That was a bit of a sore subject, but no need to get into that. “Well…just normal stuff.” Ibuki ran his hand through his mane. “The place is already decorated…we could find a good Rexmas story to read to Louis…I'm sure there has to be some in here!”
They both glanced around at the few bookcases that were visible out of the many more beyond their sight.
“That is likely…are you familiar with any?” Oguma asked curiously.
“Uh…well…sort of…” Ibuki checked the clock. “We have a little time, let's just see if we can find one!”
Oguma nodded and they both got up from their seats.
“What other traditions do you enjoy?” Oguma asked as they began their search.
“Well, singing songs…looking at lights…and putting presents under the tree…”
“Right, you mentioned presents…” Oguma nodded. “I'll have Yuta contact the toy store and have them send a selection of the most popular toys for Louis's demographic…”
“You're kidding?” Ibuki raised his eyebrows at his love.
“Not at all. Horns owns several toy stores. We're always quite accurate at predicting which toys will be the most sought after every year for boys and girls of different age groups and species. It's very important to calculate all that in order to know how much, and of what, to have in stock…”
“I'm sure…I just meant…you're just gonna have them send some stuff? You're not gonna pick anything yourself?”
“Well…I'm hardly qualified to know what kinds of toys a young child would enjoy. But the department stores will know what's appropriate and popular.”
“We're not talking about kids in general, we're talking about Louis!”
“I…don't understand.” Oguma's ears quirked in odd directions. It looked like he really was trying to understand.
“Louis is our boy…we should be able to figure out what he'd like.” Ibuki took a few steps down the aisle of books they were perusing in order to take Oguma's hand.
“Oh.” Oguma winced slightly. “...He seems to enjoy our storytime, but we already have a rather impressive library to draw from…” His ears turned hopefully towards Ibuki again. “You spend more time with him during the day…what sort of toys does he like?”
Ibuki had to think for a minute. Outside of being asked to play with certain toys during his therapies he didn't really seem to particularly care for toys…
“He kinda likes puzzles…or, at least, he's pretty good at them when he's asked to do them. He likes more interactive stuff, like playing together with swords. He doesn't really seem to play pretend with action figures, toy cars, or stuff like that by himself…and I'm not sure if he would know how to ask if there is something he wants…”
“I have tried to provide a wide variety of age-appropriate toys…” Oguma commented.
“Yeah…and he plays with all of them…kind of. But, it's kinda hard to tell what he actually likes and what he plays with because he thinks he's supposed to…you know?”
Oguma sighed. “Not really…”
“Oh, I know!” Ibuki grinned. “We could take him to a toy store! That way, we're not telling him, ‘here, play with these’, we're telling him to look and see what he finds interesting. And he can just show us since his language is still pretty limited.”
“That is an excellent idea!” Oguma brightened. “I'll have Yuta arrange for a private viewing at one of our toy stores.”
“You're gonna shut down a whole store just to take Louis window shopping?” Ibuki almost chuckled at the absurdity.
“Have you been in a toy store during regular business hours at this time of year? No, thank you. I don't want to have to worry about losing Louis in a crowd. This way, he can have the freedom to explore without interference.
“But…maybe it would be good for him to see other kids? Maybe seeing other kids playing and getting excited would…I dunno…inspire him?”
“Hmph.” Oguma huffed and looked pensive. “Very well. I'll have something arranged.”
Ibuki was still trying to imagine what Oguma might arrange when Yuta politely interrupted them.
“Pardon me, sirs,” The ram bowed. “Master Louis is dressed and ready for bed.”
And probably starting to look antsy for the two of them to join him, but Yuta never mentioned their storytime tradition directly.
But the ram's presence did present an opportunity.
“Hey, Yuta, what Rexmas story do you think we should read Louis? We're trying to decide…”
In honesty, they'd barely managed to find the right section. The library was pretty well organized and maintained, but massive. They knew where the children's section was…and had eventually found a section within that dedicated to folklore and, indeed, Rexmas . But they were both at a bit of a loss as they looked over the titles. Plus, their conversation had taken them a little off track.
“Oh, well…” The ram walked over and scanned the shelves. “Here! How the Grinch stole Rexmas is a classic and wonderful for Louis's age.” Yuta beamed and presented the thin book to Oguma.
“Oh…this is from that one feline author…I believe he's known for creating ambiguous creatures for characters…”
“Yes, like the Whos of Whoville!” Yuta grinned. “They don't really look like any particular species, and even though they're all treated as one species, they can look very different, and be very tiny or very tall…and they eat made-up things so can't be distinguished by their diets as either herbivore or carnivore…so it's a really great story for everyone and teaches a great lesson about what Rexmas is really about…”
“Right…” Ibuki chuckled and nodded, remembering bits and pieces of the story. “It's something like, ‘maybe it doesn't come from a store…maybe it means a little bit more…’?” Ibuki gently pulled Oguma to his side. “It's about being together. All the rest…the toys, the music and decorations…that's all just extra. The point is to be together. To make memories. To feel connected and loved…”
Ibuki purred and playfully nuzzled Oguma's cheek.
The regal stag was so cute when he got all fluffy and embarrassed…
At least Yuta had the good manners to look away as if he didn't notice. Not that Ibuki really cared; Oguma never insisted on keeping their relationship secret at home.
“Very well.” Oguma cleared his throat, taking the book as he started to pull away. “Thank you, Yuta.”
Ibuki gave the ram a smile and a nod before hurrying to catch up to his love, taking his hand once again as they made their way out of the library and down the hall to the nursery.
*
It was all arranged.
Oguma was a bit embarrassed that he hadn't given Rexmas a single thought. Of course, he had expected Yuta to purchase a few gifts for Louis. His own father hadn't really permitted toys, but even Oguma had received gifts on Rexmas. Usually a new suit, or a nice watch or set of cufflinks. Something along that vein.
Naturally, they had been purchased by staff. So, naturally, Oguma had allotted a larger budget so gifts could be purchased, just as he had when he'd first had the nursery outfitted for his son.
But once again, Ibuki had helped him realize that he'd missed something: the fact that he should be more personally involved. He really was very lucky to have the lion helping him to be a better father.
And Ibuki's idea to let Louis explore a toy store with other children had seemed appropriate. The boy had hardly socialized at all with other children. It had been enough time now, with his language and confidence finally at a point where he really should start building those skills.
But Oguma still wasn't comfortable with the idea of letting his son loose in a hectic toy store full of strangers coming and going freely.
So he'd found a work around.
It was also an opportunity to do a little low-profile charity. The press would be kept at a minimum since children's identities would be involved, but it was impossible to avoid them entirely.
For the event, a Horns toy store would be closed to the public for a few hours. Oguma chose an organization that helped low income and foster families (specifically one that was inclusive, considering the stories he'd heard from Ibuki), and about a couple dozen children were invited to come to the store, play with the toys, and take home whichever ones they wished. All at Oguma's expense, not the company's, so the board couldn't complain about his choice for participants.
And Louis would have the opportunity to play and socialize with the children as well, while also allowing Oguma and Ibuki to see what interested him.
Simple. It accomplished multiple goals. And it had barely taken a week to arrange, leaving several days before Rexmas.
And Ibuki seemed to approve.
Oguma was quite proud of himself.
*
Louis was a little confused as to where they were going and what they were doing. But his daddy and papa Buki seemed excited.
“Sir, there are a few press members waiting outside.”
The big stag, Devan, called back to them from the front seat.
“Yes, thank you.” His daddy rolled his eyes. “I did try to keep this low key. It's not a publicity stunt. But I did suspect the press would still find out and make an appearance.”
“I'll get out of the car first.” Papa Buki said. “Act like I'm just your new big, strong body guard.” He grinned, and Daddy chuckled.
Then the big lion turned to Louis. “Remember what we've talked about? It's not safe for everyone to know I'm your papa, so at times like this, we have to pretend, right?”
Louis nodded his head.
“I'll be right there if you need me, but I'll be focusing on making sure the area is safe so you and your daddy don't have to worry and can focus on having fun.” His massive paw ruffled Louis's ears. “Just remember to ask your Daddy or nanny Tonya first if you need anything…and call me Ibuki. Just when strangers might be able to hear, okay?”
Louis tried to keep his ears from drooping. But his papa had explained that sometimes it was important to play a part to keep their family safe.
Unfortunately, his part meant pretending his papa Buki wasn't his papa. Louis was pretty sure it made his papa and daddy sad, too, so he'd be sure to do his part to help them and not cause trouble.
That's what Louis focused on so he could smile and nod.
When the car fully stopped, his papa gave a wink, then got out through the driver's side door. Then his daddy straightened Louis's jacket and the little tie he was told he had to wear around his neck.
It wasn't very comfortable, but he did like it when everyone commented that he looked like his daddy.
“Ready?” His daddy smiled at him.
Louis nodded, and followed as they got out of the car.
There were several adults, some holding microphones and cameras, so Louis knew it was really important to play his part well. He raised his head high, stood straight, kept his arms at his side, schooled his face to look calm and confident just like he'd been taught, and stayed close to his father's side.
His daddy started answering questions. Louis still didn't really understand what was going on, but he tried not to look too distracted as he glanced around the area.
They were outside of a store. It looked big and fancy. His papa was standing a little ways away, not looking directly at them. He was dressed and acting just like Devan and the other big guards standing around them.
“And you've brought your son along as well?”
Louis's ears pricked up. The lady dog with long golden fur was asking about him.
“Yes.” His daddy replied coolly. “I believe it is very important for Louis to learn about all walks of life…”
“Even with carnivores present?” Another lady with curly horns asked very quickly.
“Yes. Thank you, no more questions for now.” He held his hand out and Louis followed his guidance to the door as the other grownups called out more questions.
They were ushered inside by a pair of deer; Louis was pretty sure they were employees of the store, based on past experiences.
Once inside…Louis didn't know what to think.
It was big. And there were all kinds of lights and shiny things. Rexmas decorations. That's what his papa and daddy had said all that stuff was.
It was…pretty. Very bright and shiny. Lots of reds, greens, and golds. And there were a bunch of other kids running around. They all looked and sounded excited and were playing with all sorts of toys.
It was…a little overwhelming.
So many moving things. So many new sounds and shapes. His ears were on a swivel and his eyes couldn't focus on any one thing for very long.
There were little cars racing around the floor…things buzzing and flying up in the air. Things being stacked and knocked over. Balls bouncing. Different music playing from too many sources to track. Colored lights flashing and blinking on things Louis couldn't even name.
“Hohoho! Merry Rexmas!”
The cheerful voice caught Louis's attention and he looked up as a tall male deer…a reindeer? Dressed in a strange red suit and hat leaned down to smile at him.
Santa.
He was dressed as that character from the books and tv shows his papa and daddy had been showing him all week.
Oh! Were they acting out a story? Which one? He'd seen several different stories with this character.
“And what's your name?” The costumed reindeer asked.
Louis looked up to his daddy for some sort of prompt. He wasn't sure which part he was supposed to be playing.
“This is my son, Louis.” His daddy replied.
“Hello, Louis! Welcome to my workshop!”
Santa's workshop. Right, in the stories Santa often makes and delivers toys to good children the night before Rexmas.
Louis was pretty sure this was a store, and not where the toys were made, but he could play along.
“It's very nice.” He smiled brightly the way kids in the stories always smiled when they saw Santa.
“Well, I was hoping you and your friends could help me and my elves test out some of these toys and tell me what you think?”
So he was playing the part of a toy inspector? Santa stories did seem to often center around children teaching adults a lesson, so he supposed that made sense.
“I would be happy to.” He enunciated his words very carefully and smiled again, looking up at his daddy for direction.
He seemed pleased.
“Go ahead, go play.” His daddy gestured towards all of the toys and other children.
Okay…
Louis tentatively walked away from the adults, trying to figure out where and how he was supposed to start.
*
“How's it going?” Ibuki whispered when he was able to work his way close enough to Oguma to ask. There was still a pillar between them and Ibuki stayed facing the opposite direction as the stag. With that, and given all the chaos, it seemed safe for a discrete exchange.
“I'm not really sure…I think it's going well.” Oguma sounded a bit anxious. “He's been…observing the other children quite a lot. And does seem interested in all of the toys…”
“Does it look like he's having fun?”
“I…believe so…?”
Ibuki looked over his shoulder, trying to spot the little fawn amongst all the other children and mayhem. Louis appeared to be with a handful of other children, building some sort of contraption with some kinect-type toys.
He had a very serious expression, and kept checking the other children, who were giggling and smiling…some seemed to be singing or babbling to themselves, or giving each other directions.
“Well…he's…socializing. Kinda. That's good.” The lion chuckled lightly.
Still on guard, Ibuki very quickly schooled his features and subtly gestured to Oguma as a pair of very nervous hyenas started to approach.
In true bodyguard fashion, Ibuki stepped out from behind the pillar to block their path to Oguma.
The pair instantly lowered their heads, ears down, tails tucked, clearly trying to look as submissive as possible.
“Um…excuse us…” The female spoke up politely. “We don't mean to be a bother…” She looked past the big lion towards the stag.
“It's alright, Ibuki.” Oguma waved him off the way he would any other bodyguard when granting someone permission to approach. Ibuki bowed his head and stepped to the side, staying close but out of the way and clearly not trying to be part of the conversation.
“Um, we just wanted to thank you…Mr. Oguma.” The female stepped closer, with the smaller male, presumably her husband, close behind.
“You're very welcome.” Oguma smiled politely. “Are you organizers, or parents…?”
“Foster parents, technically.” She gestured towards the group of children Louis was playing with. “That little mongoose is our boy…we've been fostering him since he was a baby. We can't legally adopt yet, but we're trying…” She shifted nervously. “There isn't a lot of support for interspecies fostering, let alone adoption. And with legal fees…” She brushed off the train of thought. “Anyways, we're just really grateful that you've helped make this Rexmas so special. Most charities…ignore…programs that include interspecies families…”
“That is disgraceful. Our society should do better.” Oguma kept an air of professionalism, but Ibuki could tell the revelation upset him.
“Well, we don't want to take up your time, we just wanted to thank you.”
“Yes, thank you.” The male hyena echoed as the female glanced at the group of mixed children and smiled.
“And your son is very…impressive.”
Ibuki felt a little swell of pride, and knew Oguma did as well. Louis was the only child that didn't seem to have any hesitation interacting with the herbivore and carnivore children alike.
“Thank you.” Oguma looked like he was trying not to look too proud as they bowed their heads, waved, and left.
“Yuta,” Oguma called to the ram as soon as the pair was out of ear shot.
“Yes, sir?”
“I want the details for the programs that were contacted for this event. We need to ensure that they are properly funded from now on.”
“Yes, sir.” Yuta bowed his head and took out his phone to make a note.
Ibuki couldn't help the smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. He knew Oguma had intentionally made sure there were carnivore children included, but he wasn't sure if Oguma had known there would be interspecies families as well.
It still amazed the lion how causally Oguma addressed righting wrongs. It would be pretty amazing if this little Rexmas stunt actually ended up leading to real help for families who really needed it.
The thought made the lion giddy, but he managed to keep his tail from swishing around too much.
*
Louis watched as he and the other kids completed the tower they were building. It had tracks for cars spiraling down it. Some of the kids were rolling cars and making sounds like engines and crashes as cars fell off the track or collided with other cars.
It wasn't very sturdy. And a few kids clearly had different ideas of where pieces should go…but it worked.
One boy, a weasel, or cat, maybe? He'd have to ask. But he was pretty good at designing the track. He'd figured out how to make a curve work that had kept falling apart. Plus, he added trees and things to build more of a scene, which made it look more interesting.
Overall, if there was a lesson to be learned…it was probably about working together. Which was difficult when no one really listened to anyone else.
The importance of good leadership was probably a lesson as well, but that was a lot trickier.
Oh well.
With that activity seemingly finished, Louis looked around to see what else he should be doing.
He'd already played with the walking robots, the remote controlled cars, something where you could pull a string and a spinning thing flew up in the air.
There were a couple books that had buttons that apparently read the words for you…those were kinda neat. There were a lot of words to try and remember and recognize, so reading books on his own was kind of hard.
He was curious to see what kind of books were available, but then he heard a bit of a commotion.
A group of kids were playing with dolls nearby and getting kind of noisy. Most of them had picked dolls that looked as close to their species as they could find, but one very young feline of some sort (one of the kinds with spots) had picked up a rabbit doll and was playing with its long floppy ears.
It reminded Louis of…
He shook off the thought.
Anyways, that seemed to be the source of the commotion.
“Stop it!” A little (kangaroo?), girl cried, waving a distressed hand towards the cat.
Another girl, a black and white dog that looked a little older, tapped the little cat on the shoulder and whispered, “You can't play with that one! Put it down…here.” She tried to offer a yellow cat dolly but the little kitten clutched the bunny closer and shook her head.
The kangaroo girl gasped and called out for her to stop again.
Louis understood…it was a little scary…seeing a carnivore toying with a small herbivore. Even if it was just a little kid and a toy.
But the cat didn't look like she was being mean to the doll…
“Make her stop!” The kangaroo girl now looked like she was actually going to start crying, her own long ears flat against her head and tears welling up in her big eyes.
“Scared she's just practicing and you'll be next?” A hippo boy teased the crying girl, then turned on the little cat clutching the bunny doll. “Little monster! Bet you'd love to get hold of a real herbivore that size!” He tried to snatch the doll.
“No!” The little cat hissed and twisted away. A couple adults were quickly approaching, but Louis was already there.
“Hi!” He plopped down in front of the cat as she tried to hide the doll from the hippo. “I like your dolly.” He smiled at her and blinked slowly like his papa had taught him.
“She's probably pretending she's gonna devour it!” The hippo boy sneered and tried to grab the doll again.
Louis reflexively shifted to shield the little cat as she dove behind him.
The hippo seemed surprised, and for a moment it looked like he might push Louis, but the adults had arrived.
“What's going on here?” A doe dressed in red and green smiled. “Why don't we find some more toys to play with?”
“She won't let it go!” The little kangaroo girl sniffled and pointed at the kitten still clutching the bunny dolly.
“She's barely two…” The young dog offered. “She doesn't understand…”
“Looks like hunting instincts start real young.” The hippo boy scoffed. “Letting carnivores like that play with herbivore toys is just teaching them that they can toy with us!” The boy huffed and tried to go around Louis, seeming determined to take the doll.
The doe put a hand out and tried to calm him. “Now, now, I'm sure it isn't like that at all! It looks like she has been playing very nicely with the dolly…”
Louis was barely listening. He turned around to face the kitten, gently patting her between the ears. She started purring.
“Your dolly's ears are really cute. I used to know someone with ears like that…”
The little cat sat up and showed him the doll with a smile. He gently rubbed one little felt ear between two fingers. “She liked this…but only very gently.”
His eyes stung a little, but he pushed the feeling away.
“You wanna keep your dolly safe, huh?”
She nodded and snuggled the bunny to her cheek.
“See that big cat?” Louis whispered, speaking slowly and very clearly while gesturing to where Ibuki was standing, watching closely. “He keeps me safe…so…I think your dolly is in good hands.”
Louis looked around. He needed something so they could move away…
So many toys…
Potential props…
There was something like a mini kitchen set up not too far away with lots of fake food.
That gave Louis an idea.
“Do you know what bunnies like to eat?” He asked the little cat, speaking a little louder but still as clearly as he could.
Her face scrunched up and her tail flicked, the way his papa's would sometimes when he was thinking. Then she shook her head, no.
“I'll show you.” He stood and offered his hand.
A hen named Carmon made all their food at home…she showed him lots of different kinds of food and taught him the names.
“Alright, we need to make a salad!” Louis announced, doing his best to sound and move like Carmon. “We need lettuce, cel-lur-ry…” That word was hard to say, but it was yummy to eat, “and to-may-toes…he tried to point out the different toy foods he saw as he grabbed a big bowl. It didn't take long for the kitten to take his cue and start grabbing the items, trying to repeat the names and dropping them in the bowl.
Of course, they couldn't really mix like real food so didn't fit very well in the bowl…
The kitten handed him a toy banana.
Can bananas go in salad? Louis didn't think so, but didn't know why not.
Oh well.
“Yes, very good. We’ll make a fruit salad…” He'd heard that term used, so it was probably okay.
The little girl giggled and ran to grab more stuff.
It got a little ridiculous.
There was corn and a pineapple…
Then she really wanted to add toy eggs and a milk carton too…Louis tried to explain that bunnies don't eat those things, but she seemed confused…so they made a ‘side dish’ that was cat friendly.
A few other kids joined in. Then some more.
It was kind of fun hearing what everyone liked. And Louis was used to seeing lots of food served for herbivores and carnivores, so he continued as ‘head chef’ (he even found a hat that looked like the one Carmon always wore), directing everyone and trying to find the right food items. It was a lot, trying to keep everyone happy and sharing, as they prepared what was apparently a Rexmas feast for all the different species there.
Thankfully, some grownups did step in and brought more props so everyone's hands were busy. And they helped keep everyone on task as well.
That ended up taking most of the remaining playtime.
So Louis didn't get to inspect all of the toys, but he was pretty sure he got the idea.
At the end, they were all gathered by the Santa character, asked one by one what toys they wanted for Rexmas, then given a piece of candy.
A few kids showed specific toys that they wanted.
Not surprisingly, the little spotted cat wanted to keep the bunny dolly, and was told that she could. Of course, she also wanted the toy head of lettuce so her bunny friend had something to eat at the house she lived at. Apparently, a number of different carnivore kids lived at the same house. A few of the herbivore kids lived together, too, even though none of them were related and several were different species. But it seemed like Louis was the only herbivore that lived with a carnivore.
That wasn't really surprising, but it did make Louis think.
When it was Louis's turn, he let himself be lifted onto the reindeer's lap like the other kids had.
“So, you do have some in-ter-sting toys, Mr. Santa.” Louis began straight away.
“Oh? I'm glad you think so!” Santa grinned.
Louis continued. He was pretty sure he knew the lesson he was supposed to teach.
“Sev-er-al teach fine mo-tor and prob-lem sol-ving skills…” He knew those words from all his therapy sessions, but they were still hard to get out. “But there is a prob-lem…”
“Oh?” Santa's ears pricked forward.
Louis nodded. “A lotta toys aren't good for herbivores and carnivores to all play with, spesh-ially to-gether.” He thought of the first Rexmas story his parents read to him. “You need more…who stuff.”
“Who stuff?”
Louis nodded. “The kitchen toys were good…not ev’ry-one eats the same, so that's good to show…but you need more stuff like…who-pudding and who-hash, that can be any-thing, so ev'ry-one can eat it!”
He thought of the dolly incident. “And maybe…toys that look like whos…everyone wanted toys like them, or got mad when someone played wif somefing they weren't s'possed to…but if more toys looked like nobody…ev’ry-body could play wif ‘em. Some could have long ears, but not be rabbits…or have spots…or horns…but look dif-ernt then nor-mal, like in Whoville!”
“Oh…I see…that is a very good idea.” Santa smiled and looked happy.
Yep. Louis was pretty sure he had figured it out: he was supposed to help Santa figure out how to make toys that would help everyone be able to play together.
He didn't remember a story with that specific lesson in it, but that seemed to fit with the other Rexmas and Santa stories he'd been told so far. There were a lot with the Santa character, so obviously it didn't always have to be the same story.
He wondered how many there were with the same character…?
And making up new stories was kind of fun.
Louis hopped off Santa's lap and happily took the little candy that was offered to him by a goat in one of those red and green outfits (he'd figured out that those costumes were for the grown-ups playing as Santa's helpers), and walked over to his daddy.
“Did you have fun?” His daddy asked as he took his hand and led the way to the door.
“Yeah. Dat was a fun game.” Louis replied as he started sucking on the little red and white striped candy.
“Which one?”
“Dat one we just played…but it woulda been more fun with you and…” He stopped himself before mentioning Papa Buki, “... you know.” He knew Papa had to stay back sometimes, even if he didn't really understand why, but he really wasn't sure why his daddy didn't at least join in and play. He usually liked dressing up and playing with props.
Well, papa usually did more with props. Daddy was better at saying the lines. He probably could've made the story more interesting. Papa probably could've gotten all of the kids playing together better.
That part was hard.
“Well…we can all play together next time.” His daddy smiled at him.
Louis's ears pricked up. “Can we…come play here again?”
“Oh…perhaps. But you can also let us know what toys you enjoyed playing with so we can have them at home.”
“Um…okay...” There weren't really any good props for the kinds of stories they usually read. But pretending to be a chef and getting everyone to sit and be happy at a table together was still pretty fun.
Maybe his daddy and papa could give him some better ideas for next time.
But Louis was too tired to try and talk about it on the ride home. He ended up falling asleep in his car seat, snuggling against his papa's big arm.
*
Ibuki and Oguma got up early Rexmas morning.
The lion led his love by the hand down the hallway to the nursery. He was feeling giddy and a bit anxious and maybe walking a little fast…
They'd gotten everything ready the night before and wanted to take Louis down themselves. Ibuki couldn't wait to see his reaction!
The little fawn rubbed his eyes and yawned as they woke him up, then wrapped his delicate little arms around Ibuki's neck, and let himself be carried down the stairs, still in his little green Rexmas-y pajamas.
The staff had really decked out the Great Room.
All the walls were lined with elaborate wreaths and christmas baubles. It was lit with faintly twinkling golden lights.
The fireplace at the head of the room was lit.
And in the center of the room, there was a live christmas tree (which apparently would be re-planted on the grounds in a few days), that had to be nearly 20 feet tall, and was spectacularly decorated, and surrounded by beautifully wrapped presents. Well, most were beautifully wrapped…a few that Ibuki and Oguma had wrapped themselves looked a bit more humble.
But overall, it truly looked amazing.
Even sleepy little Louis seemed to perk up as he took it all in.
The look on his face made Ibuki feel warm and nearly had him purring.
In front of the tree, the staff had helped bring in a couch and a couple arm chairs, and a table that was currently being filled with especially delightful smelling breakfast foods.
Ibuki set their little fawn down on the rug in front of the pile of gifts.
“What is…all…this?” Louis looked up at them, head tilted to the side.
“Merry Rexmas !” Ibuki cheered
“Yes, Merry Rexmas, son.” Oguma beamed down at him. “Go ahead and open your presents.” The stag took a seat on the couch, reaching for a cup of peppermint tea (it really was more festive than his usual Earl Grey).
It still took Louis a few moments of looking around to process.
Ibuki grabbed one of the slightly crinkled, but brightly wrapped boxes with a little bow in it.
“Here, this is from me!”
The little fawn eyed the package curiously as he gingerly took it in his hands, running his hands over the shiny green paper with golden bells, and the sparkly red bow.
“Go ahead, open it!”
Louis still needed a little encouragement to actually rip the paper, but he finally got the box open and his face immediately lit up!
“A new book! Can we read it?” He held it up to Ibuki with an eager smile.
“Absolutely! Maybe we can start it later today.”
Louis's ears dropped a little, but he pulled the book back to look at the cover.
“That's the suit Santa wears…but what's that?” Louis pointed to the intricate illustration.
“That's a polar bear. Most stories show Santa as a reindeer, but there are actually lots of different versions…”
“Really?” Louis's head tilted but his ears were lifted and curious.
“Yep. There's a penguin version…and a fox…and a walrus…and a chameleon…all kinds! But the themes are always similar: Santa is a kind animal that represents kindness and generosity, and wonder…”
“Wonder?”
“That's right.” Ibuki nodded. “Wonder is…imagination. Curiosity. Being able to see good in the things around you, and imagine a better world. That's what Santa is supposed to do: remind people that it's our job to make the world a better place. By helping others…and never losing hope.”
Ibuki patted his son's head, bringing back his smile. Maybe that description was a little too indepth for him right now.
“Anyways, this was my favorite Rexmas book as a kid. And, it's a hero's tale!”
“Really!?” That got the fawn's attention.
“Yep! In this book, Santa doesn't just bring toys for fun. There's an evil lord that is making all the people in the region miserable. So Santa brings food, tools, and toys to help them have the courage to fight back!”
That made the little fawn look excited.
Ibuki was really glad Oguma had agreed that species shouldn't limit literary choices, and had encouraged Ibuki to find a copy.
“Well, wanna open some more presents? The rest are pretty much all from your daddy.”
“We both helped choose! But there is one in particular…” Oguma scrambled to find the package he had spent nearly half an hour meticulously wrapping. Ibuki was pretty sure the stag had never used scissors or tape in his entire adult life, if ever at all.
“Well, technically, this isn't from me, but…well I'll explain once you open it.” Oguma handed the package to the little fawn and sat back down on the couch.
Louis was a bit quicker to tear the paper and get the lid off the gift box.
“More books!” Louis cheered and bounced on his bottom as he pulled out the hard cover box set.
“Yes, these are all first editions, signed by the author…”
“Grinch! More stories about Whoville?” Louis looked up at his daddy.
“Sort of.” The stag explained. “This particular author had a habit of creating fanciful creatures for children's stories. This is supposedly a collection of some of his favorite works. He unfortunately passed away some time ago, but I contacted his publishing company, after what E-…er…Santa…” Oguma corrected himself before saying the actor's name, “told me what you said about the toys…”
“Ohh…” Louis nodded and smiled.
“Yes, well, it turns out that while the books have always been fairly popular, toy companies have never really…embraced the designs because, well…”
“Purist propaganda.” Ibuki supplied.
Oguma nodded. “Basically, yes. Anyways, I spoke with the executors of the author's estate, and apparently he did have a number of toy designs…and we've entered negotiations to begin developing a complete line.” He gestured towards the box.
Louis checked inside again, his ears pricking up as he realized he had missed something, and he pulled out a fuzzy, sunny-yellow, oddly shaped creature with orange, star-shaped polka dots, long hairy fingers that made it almost look like it had claws, a round, flat face, but with a short, pointy, slightly curled nose…and what looked like feathers coming off its head.
“That is apparently based off of the original design for the very first fantastical creature the author drew when trying to make a character that could be for everybody."
It certainly looked like a random doodle someone was making up as they went.
Louis had a funny little smile as he examined the creature. It definitely didn't look commercially made, and was quite bizarre. Kind of ugly, but in a cute way, and it did look cuddly.
And it would be anybody's guess if such a creature would be an herbivore or a carnivore.
“When I told them what you'd said, they said that was the author's dream: to create stories and characters for all children. And they wanted you to have that. And by next Christmas, hopefully, Horns stores will have a much more inclusive line of toys. And not just plushies. We'll be working with several toy developers to see what they can come up with.”
Louis looked happy as he listened, and even hugged the unique little creature to his chest.
“Well, anyways, I thought you might want to know that.” Oguma shifted a little self-consciously in his seat. “Alright. Go ahead and open the rest of your gifts!”
“Yeah, go nuts!” Ibuki gestured towards the tree and the waiting pile of presents.
Louis didn't need much more encouragement.
Before long, there was torn paper and discarded bows everywhere.
Louis seemed to like the elaborate car track. That would be fun to set up…
And a number of puzzles and model cars and planes…
But, he was definitely more excited by the nerf guns.
Oguma was still chuckling and shaking his head over the full play-kitchen set, but that's what Louis had spent the most time playing with at the toy store!
He did look really cute in his little chef's outfit…
And he immediately began pretending to cook and serve the breakfast they were eating.
Ibuki was pretty sure he was trying to mimic Carmon's accent.
And yes, Ibuki took a video on his phone and sent it to the hen. (A still shot from that video was the first photo of the little fawn that would appear on the wall in the kitchen pantry.)
Perhaps to Oguma's relief, it did become pretty obvious that dressing up and role playing seemed to be Louis's favorite part, as the little fawn found more costumes among his gifts and was quick to put them on and play the part (if he knew what it was).
And yes, he expected Ibuki and Oguma to play along. Which of course, they did.
By the time lunch was served, they'd had a full on pirate adventure, and defended the realm against an invading army.
The Great Room looked like a war zone, with nerf darts and waded-up paper-granades everywhere.
But somewhere in that chaos, Oguma did manage to give Ibuki a gift, which he had clearly wrapped by himself. A beautiful gold watch with an inscription on the back that read: Time Spent Together is Priceless.
Ibuki immediately, and very carefully, put it on his wrist. His throat felt a little tight as he then nervously gave Oguma his gift. It wasn't nearly as fancy or expensive.
“This isn't all I have for you, but you'll have to wait for the rest…” Ibuki gave a mischievous grin and wink before Oguma could get the paper off.
Then an adorably flustered stag very clumsily unwrapped and pulled out the framed picture. It was a candid shot of the three of them, smiling and laughing together while having a picnic outside.
At least it was a nice frame…like Ibuki hadn't even realized there were designer frames when he first started looking, but he figured Oguma would appreciate the quality.
“It isn't much…and I know all the photos you have framed are formal…but we don't really have many pictures of the three of us…for obvious reasons…and…I dunno…I just really like that one…and thought…”
“Thank you.” Oguma cut off Ibuki's self-conscious ramble and looked at him with such a soft expression, the lion had to keep glancing off to the side. “I love it.” Oguma reached over and took Ibuki's hand. “This is the nicest gift anyone has ever given me.”
“Pfft.” Ibuki couldn't help scoffing at that. “It's just a picture…”
“Something I've never been given.” The stag squeezed his hand, glancing back down at the photo. “I don't think I've ever seen myself look…so happy. Genuinely…I didn't know I could look like that…” He actually looked tearful. “And it's not just a photo…I remember this. I remember this day…this time together…that…that was because of you as well.”
He looked over at their son, working at setting up his car track.
“You've given me…all of this.” The stag smiled back at Ibuki. “I think this is the first time in my life I've ever actually been happy. I actually…enjoy life now! I have a…real…relationship with my son. Something I never could have fathomed. I also have romance…another thing I'd always assumed was beyond me.”
Ibuki couldn't resist pulling Oguma's hand to his lips. “In case you haven't noticed…you've given me all of that as well. And literally everything else! I came here with nothing but the clothes on my back and a bag full of trauma.”
“I provided material things and the opportunity to merely be yourself. You have managed to take all that and make a home and a family for all of us.”
Ibuki blinked slowly as he stared at the amazing man he was head over heels, madly in love with.
“I guess we'll just have to agree that all of this took both of us. Well,” He quickly amended, glancing at Louis, “All of us.”
“Well, I suppose I can accept that compromise.” Oguma leaned in and gently kissed Ibuki's lips.
Ibuki would've loved to continue that, and to give Oguma the rest of his present right then, but their son was calling and they had more memories to make.
It was a big day, full of all kinds of fun and laughter.
It was hard to believe how late it was before they actually got to their dinner.
Poor Louis was nearly falling asleep before he even finished his pecan pie.
But, getting the fawn cleaned up and dressed for bed woke him up enough that he insisted they begin, The Rise of Santa Claws. However, they barely got through the first chapter before, despite his best efforts, Louis clearly couldn't keep his eyes open any longer.
“It really does seem like an interesting book.” Oguma remarked quietly as Ibuki placed the bookmark and set the book on the little nightstand. “I'm looking forward to reading more tomorrow.”
Ibuki smiled and they both gave Louis a kiss on the forehead and made sure he was tucked in before turning off the light.
Slipping his hand into Oguma's as they left the nursery, Ibuki playfully purred into Oguma's ear, “Now, are you ready for Santa to give you the rest of your gifts?”
That caught Oguma's attention, and his reaction looked positively delicious.
“What, exactly, do you have planned?” Oguma's voice cracked a little as he looked equally confused, curious, and excited.
A wicked grin split the lion's face. “Oh, I just have a few toys…and plan to make merry…All. Night. Long.” He punctuated each word with a little lick or nibble.
“Ngk…” Oguma squeaked, already seeming weak in the knees.
Ibuki laughed, wrapping his arm around his love's waist to help him along to their bedroom.
What a wonderful life they had together.
Ibuki felt, deep in his core, that they could weather even the longest and coldest of winter nights, as long as they had each other.
That was truly the greatest gift.