CHAPTER 5: Deranged Easter Bunny
AN: Title is a line from one of the films mentioned in this chapter, guess which one!
They were sitting in a shadowy corner of a busy Costa.
"I'm not sure if you're aware, but all those plants were poisonous." Severus finished the statement by taking a sip from his hot chocolate.
Isaiah looked up from the marshmallow he was poking with a stirrer. "I know, the altar was for Babalu-aye, the god of health."
"That makes perfect sense," replied Severus sarcastically.
"The plant offering shows his dominance over death as he can expel anything from the human body."
"Sounds messy."
Isaiah laughed. "We were too late for the sacrifice and ritual offerings since it must be done in daylight. Today is his day of honor and the devotees go a little overboard with the hemlock and the foxglove."
"Why didn't we stay for long?"
"I'm not too familiar with the community that follows him, plus it was more to show you a glimpse into how other gods are worshiped. And we might not have had an invite to a private gathering."
"We did stand out being the only ones not wearing sackcloths."
"It's a show of humility. I've never worn one and didn't want to try it in the middle of December."
"Probably for the best. Tell me more, you didn't get to explain much while we were being stared at."
"Their community is even more secretive than Saint Michael's but his story in the pantheon is well known. He likes to punish people with sickness and reward them with health. A lot of their rituals focus on experiencing human limitations via pain. The thought of being near death is beyond my intellectual curiosity. Physical pain that is not only constant but also limiting. If they reveal anything to outsiders then they are cursed by him. That's all I know because, 'no thanks' to what I do know."
"Do you believe that? That they can actually curse people."
Isaiah shrugged. "Rather not risk it."
"Wasn't it risky for us to have gone uninvited? Maybe they cursed us anyway?"
"I think we're fine. If you get sick in the next couple of days then I'll mix you up a cleanse, get you un-cursed in a tick. Rose petals, sage, camphor, an egg, and a candle, bob's your uncle."
"Thank you, I feel so much better."
"You're welcome."
"Was that the last celebration of the year then?"
"Yes, though many do celebrate Christmas, but no more feast days and sacrifices until January."
"Speaking of which, have you done all your shopping? Less than a week to go."
"No need. I don't observe the holiday. What about you?"
"I have yet to buy something for the Headmaster. He's quite old and I'm sure he has been gifted everything in his life. I'm unsure what to get him."
"Socks!"
"Pardon?"
"Get him socks. Can't have too many of those."
"You want me to get my superior a pair of socks?"
"Yes! Socks are great. Get him a thick woolen pair with a fun design."
"I'm not sure if you're jesting."
"I'm quite serious. I'm sure he always gets books or bottles of brandy, get him socks."
"I'll think about it."
"I'm surprised you aren't stuck at the school during the break."
"The school is actually empty, hasn't happened in years but all the students went home. A blessing of course as it meant I didn't have to stay and babysit."
"What are your plans then? You have three weeks student free."
"I am going to relax and not think about them."
"Great place to start. What about Christmas Day? Whose goose are you eating?"
"No one's. You know I don't have any family left and the few friends I do have are out of the country. I didn't want to impose."
"Chinese food and a film then."
"What?"
"Well, I'm not doing Christmas and neither are you by the sounds of it. I propose we get a take-away and have a film marathon. Have you seen Die Hard?"
"I wasn't aware you liked Bruce Willis? Is he your type?"
"Of course not. I like Hans Gruber."
"I thought you said this was going to be a small party."
"It is," Isaiah responded as he pushed Severus against the bathroom sink and started sucking his neck.
"There are several dozen people out there and this flat is minuscule. How did you even get invited to this one? Or are we crashing again?"
"I know the bloke who lives here, his mom is one of Mother's followers."
"And you're not worried about getting caught with your hand down my pants by someone who knows your mother?"
"We're fine, don't worry."
"This is not what I expected when you invited me to a Christmas Eve party?"
"What did you expect?"
"I don't know. Eggnog, pigs in blanket, off-key singing, annoying cheerful people."
"I knew you would hate that," and he started untucking his shirt from his trouser.
"Quite, but I did not expect a mini rave…" Severus cut himself off with a moan. Isaiah was stroking his cock. He didn't fight it.
"What are we watching again?"
"A Christmas Story, it's American. Now hush, you already ruined Die Hard."
"Yes, Dear," and that earned him a kiss on the cheek.
They watched the film. Their silence broken by Isaiah reciting lines from the film and their mutual laughter.
"Is that why we had a Chinese?" Severus asked as the credits rolled.
"Yes, too bad I couldn't get us a head-on duck." They both laughed at that.
"For someone who doesn't celebrate Christmas, you sure liked this film. You knew it by heart."
"It's not like I hate the holiday." His tone was darker than before. Severus reached out and touched his forearm.
"Do you want to talk about it?"
"I'm fine."
"Alright." Severus knew not to push.
Isaiah stood up to rewind the VHS tape before ejecting it and putting it safely back into its cardboard case ready to be returned to the newsagent in a couple of days. He sat down on the couch and pulled Severus closer.
"I'm glad you agreed to spend the day with me."
"Can you stay the night?" Severus asked, hopeful.
"If you want me to." He leaned in for a kiss.