Chapter Text
As a descendent of a long line of Catholics, Tatsumi took over his family’s church both because it was expected of him, and it was what he wanted to do. Western religion wasn’t so accepted in Japan when his ancestors had control of the church, but nowadays there wasn’t such stigma, and the local people (Shinto, Buddhist, or otherwise) had no issue with the existence of his family’s Catholic church. His parents and grandparents had renovated it into a fine building, reminiscent of Catholic churches overseas in Europe.
The church itself was small, it had only a few rows of pews, but it was heavily decorated with beautiful statues and decor accumulated throughout the ages. The robes Tatsumi wore for service were passed down from his father, and likely his father’s father before him.
Only a small amount of local people attended mass, but those that came had been doing so for years, and the Kazehayas were well acquainted with all of their families.
Still, as familiar faces looked at him from the pews, Tatsumi couldn’t help but feel a strange presence in his church. He had the feeling he was being watched; of course he was, he was leading a service, but something didn’t feel right. It felt like the room was filled with an unusual sense of dread, but judging by the happy faces of those watching him, he was the only one with that feeling.
The uneasiness continued into the day, the hair on the back of Tatsumi’s neck stood on end as he sat in the confession booth. Physically, the area was so small that it could only be him (and whoever was on the other side of the wall, of course), so he attempted to brush it off.
After all, everyone had bad days.
Tatsumi spent the evening in his garden to cool off. There was a small plot of land to the side of the church that he converted into a garden some time ago, and it was a satisfying and productive way to spend his off hours. He knelt on the ground and used a trowel to prepare the soil. Tomatoes would be in season soon, and he was thinking of purchasing some transplants from a nearby nursery. Tatsumi mixed some compost into the soil, wiping the sweat from his brow before calling it a day and returning inside for a shower.
The strange feeling didn’t follow him outdoors, but it was back again as Tatsumi made quick work of closing up the church for the night. The large stained glass windows seemed particularly intimidating all of a sudden, and he looked to the floor to avoid the gaze of the figures depicted in them. He locked the door of his bedroom before performing an evening prayer, ending it with a quiet amen before retiring to bed.
Tatsumi fell into a particularly vivid dream. He was sitting on his bed reading a novel, the words slipping from the pages and contorting in the air as he read. The book was close to his face, his eyes quickly scanning the pages to read the words before they flew away. The room was changing around him, Tatsumi could barely see it out of the corner of his eyes, but he truly noticed how dark the walls had become when he put down his book. The portraits and cross he had hung on the wall were gone, and there was an odd pressure on his chest.
There was also a person on his chest, their long purple hair strewn about. He hesitantly pat the back of their head; it was rather messy, and the tangles in their hair caught in Tatsumi’s fingers.
“I’m sorry,” Tatsumi apologized, thinking he had hurt them.
The mysterious person tilted their head toward Tatsumi, their soft green eyes looking up at him. “It felt nice,” they murmured, somewhat muffled against Tatsumi’s collarbone, “Your chest is so warm…”
The voice made him seem like a man, but Tatsumi couldn’t get a very good look at his body, as he was wearing a rather bulky and long dark coat.
“Are you cold?” Tatsumi asked, idly finger-combing the ends of the other man’s hair.
“Mmn,” he nodded, his nose tickling Tatsumi’s neck. He slipped a hand between their bodies, and Tatsumi jolted awake as he felt the other man touching him rather intimately.
The priest sat up in bed, a thin layer of sweat covering his face when he awoke. His eyes darted around the room (and of course, to his bed) before he rubbed his temples and let out an exasperated sigh. Just a dream.
A strange dream.
He couldn’t recall ever seeing that purple haired man before, so he had no idea where his mind conjured that up from. In any case, the sun had risen and his alarm would go off soon, so he may as well start his day now. He had taken a shower the night before, but found himself compelled to take another before getting dressed.
Today seemed better than yesterday; he donned his robes and there was no cloud of uneasiness surrounding Tatsumi as he made preparations for today’s mass. It truly seemed like he was just having an off day yesterday.
Saturday morning mass was one of the more quiet services. Children were in school and some adults and teenagers were working, it couldn’t be helped. Tatsumi recalled his father expressing disdain for this in his youth, but Tatsumi could understand both sides of the situation.
Most of those in attendance today were elderly, so Tatumi couldn’t help but find it unusual when he made eye contact with someone rather young. The person in question kept his eyes down after that, and deep purple hair covered most of his face, but Tatsumi thought this man was probably around his age. He also had a mole on the right side of his face, next to his lips.
How unique, he had quite a beautiful face. The purple haired man was sitting alone, toward the back of the church, which made Tatsumi think he didn’t know anyone else there.
“May God almighty bless you, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,” Tatsumi spoke, keeping an eye on the purple haired man, “Amen.”
Some people stood up and talked amongst one another once mass was over, but the purple boy remained seated. He only seemed to stir when Tatsumi got closer, his hands nervously fidgeting in his lap.
“Good morning,” Tatsumi greeted, and he sat down next to him.
“M-Morning,” the other man mumbled. It looked like he was physically shaking, and he abruptly got up and bowed to Tatsumi, murmuring a quiet, “I’m sorry… nevermind...” before running off.
Tatsumi stood up, calling out, “Please wait a minute!” but the other man had already left. He didn’t think he did anything that should fluster him, but he seemed incredibly nervous for some reason.
He found himself thinking about the man all day, perhaps more than he should. Even as Tatsumi went to the nursery to pick up some tomatoes, he almost expected the other man to appear from the shadows and continue their conversation from earlier. The more he thought about it, it did seem a bit strange how similar this guy was to the one from his dream last night, and he wondered if they would meet again.
Tatsumi was a bit disappointed that he didn’t return to the church before he locked it for the evening, but perhaps it was his own fault for thinking about him so much and getting his hopes up. He wasn’t completely sure what it would accomplish if they did meet again, but he couldn’t help but wonder about his significance.
This evening’s dream was different from the last: he was in church. It was as if his church had doubled in size, and the amount of people attending service had doubled as well. Tatsumi looked around curiously, taking a seat in one of the pews. He took a look at the altar at the front, which appeared to be the same as usual, and the stained glass windows appeared to be the same as well. How interesting.
Tatsumi had no idea how or when, but the man from the previous night’s dream silently appeared next to him. He was about to say something when he felt the other man’s hand on his cheek, and suddenly his head was tilted for a kiss.
‘His lips are soft…’ Tatsumi thought for a brief second before pushing him away. He was looking down, but Tatsumi’s hands were on his shoulders, “Please stop, don’t you see all of these people around?”
The other man looked at him with a smile, and Tatsumi noticed a loose braid falling over one of his shoulders, “They don’t see us,” he replied, and climbed into Tatsumi’s lap as if to prove his point. No one was paying them any mind, “It’s fine,” he added, “S-Sorry, does this make you nervous Father?”
Tatsumi’s hands were still on the strange man’s shoulders, his arms weakly bent between their bodies. He was petrified as the other man leaned in for a kiss once more, his tongue lapping at Tatsumi’s lips as he ground their hips together. They parted for only a moment, just enough for him to unbutton that bulky coat. He was quite slim, and Tatsumi’s eyes roamed over his pale skin before it registered that he wasn’t wearing a shirt. He had a few moles on his chest, and one on his face as well, but Tatsumi could hardly pay attention to that as the man on his lap was grinding their hips together. It was slow and sensual, almost loving, and Tatsumi closed his eyes and threw his head back as he came in his pants.
“F-Father…? You must be really pent up.”
The voice echoed in Tatsumi’s ears, and once he opened his eyes he saw the familiar ceiling of his room.
It was just a dream.
The clock at his bedside indicated that it was just past midnight, and Tatsumi briefly thought about going back to sleep before he realized that a shower was in order tonight as well. He couldn’t help but feel guilty for having such a sinful dream, but he was only human, and it’s not as if he could control it.
Sunday service went off without a hitch, but Tatsumi couldn’t help but notice that his mysterious man had returned. It almost didn’t feel right to approach him after having such a dream about him, but perhaps it was some sort of sign if he was occupying so much of Tatsumi’s thoughts and appearing before him.
This time the purple haired man seemed less nervous, like perhaps he wouldn’t try and escape as Tatsumi sat next to him.
“Good morning,” Tatsumi tried again, and he was happy to receive a reply.
“M-Morning...” The other man hesitantly answered. He was playing with the sleeves of his coat, and it seemed like he didn’t want to look at Tatsumi.
Tatsumi smiled at him, at least he hadn’t run away, “Have you moved here recently? I don’t recall seeing you around before, what’s your name?”
“Ah...” he began, as if still thinking of how to answer, “Mayoi… and-- sort of, I-I don’t really live anywhere.”
So he was some kind of drifter… or homeless? Tatsumi was trying to put it together in his mind. “Mayoi-san, are you in need of a place to stay?” he asked kindly, “It isn’t much, but I have a spare bed.”
“N-No!” Mayoi declined, “I’m sorry, I’m sorry I shouldn’t have mentioned it...”
“Please don’t apologize,” Tatsumi took his shaking hands, Mayoi was getting quite nervous, “Would you like to see the space first? You’re welcome to still say ‘no’, but perhaps it’s more comfortable than your current arrangement.”
Mayoi looked like he was about to cry, “Y-You’re too nice. Why do people pray to God if someone like you exists? Ah-- Can I pray to you?”
Tatsumi laughed, “As a member of the clergy I simply communicate between God and humans,” He stood up and let go of Mayoi’s hands, but Mayoi stood with him, “Please, won’t you follow me to my room?”
Mayoi hesitantly followed, keeping his head down and staying a few paces behind Tatsumi. Every now and then Tatsumi would look back to him, but Mayoi never met his gaze and continued looking at the stone floor.
Tatsumi’s bedroom was both spacious and sparsely decorated. The attic above his room was used for storage, and there was a small door to it in the ceiling, as well as a ladder that could fold down to be used to climb up. In the room itself he had a bed and end table, but there was also a bookcase and an armchair he used for reading. The armchair folded out into a bed, and he demonstrated that to Mayoi.
“No thank you...” Mayoi declined regardless, “I’m sorry you had to waste your time and show me...” he murmured.
“Nonsense, it was no trouble,” Tatsumi began, and he noticed Mayoi’s soft green eyes on him as he folded up the bed back into a chair, “By the way, do you not like wide open spaces? You seem far less anxious than earlier.” Mayoi was currently the calmest Tatsumi had seen him, though he still seemed a bit uneasy as he took a look at the cross on Tatsumi’s wall. Perhaps he was just an anxious person.
“S-Something like that...” Mayoi murmured, hands in his pockets as he eyed the knick knacks on Tatsumi’s end table. There was a rosary, as well as a half empty sheet of painkillers. He picked it up curiously to take a look; it seemed strange, he didn’t think Tatsumi was the type to abuse prescription drugs…
Tatsumi quietly approached Mayoi, following his gaze to the item in his hand, “Are you curious about something?”
“H-Hiii--” Mayoi gasped and dropped the medication, startled by Tatsumi’s appearance, “I’m sorry!” he quickly bent down to pick it up, pushing it back into Tatsumi’s hands. Tatsumi took a look at the medication, holding the foil backing up to the light to check if it was accidentally punctured.
“It’s fine, please don’t apologize,” he smiled, “Curiosity can’t be helped if you see something unexpected, and besides, it was out where anyone could see it.”
Mayoi whined pitifully, as if he were about to apologize for apologizing.
“The truth is, I had a leg injury some time ago,” Tatsumi rubbed his thigh, eyes downcast, “But-- all of the amazing doctors and nurses were able to help me, it truly seems like one of God’s miracles that I’m still here.”
Mayoi watched Tatsumi smile; how was he so positive despite all that? He murmured something in affirmation, and Tatsumi seemed particularly captivated by it.
“You know,” Tatsumi started, “You’re quite beautiful, I feel like this is my first time getting a good look at your face.” It was true, Mayoi was always looking down or averting his gaze, Tatsumi never got a good look at him. The sun was shining on him and Mayoi had lovely youthful skin, he almost reminded Tatsumi of a painting.
Mayoi’s hands covered his face, fingers splaying out over his flushed cheeks, “N-No one has ever said that before!” he stuttered, “Please don’t feel the need to say something like that...” He closed his eyes, but felt Tatsumi’s hand on his own.
Tatsumi’s heart started racing the moment he touched Mayoi, and he pulled his hand back as if burnt by the action, “I truly mean it, please don’t be so modest.” His heart felt like it was beating out of his chest; what was going on? He was almost thankful that the church bell sounded at the hour, and Mayoi took a shaky step back.
“I… I think I should go now, I’m sorry...” he added with a bow, showing himself to the door before Tatsumi could move a muscle.
The door closed behind him and Mayoi’s footsteps quickly faded away, leaving Tatsumi alone to cope with his thoughts. Was he… attracted to Mayoi? That can’t be…
It was one thing to have questionable dreams, dreams can’t be controlled, but being too interested in Mayoi was not good. It was alright to be friendly, but for some reason he felt his thoughts surpass friendly today. Mayoi was kind, he wanted to help him, but there was also something alluring in how mysterious he was. He made a mental note to bring this up to the bishop in confession.
Like clockwork, Mayoi appeared in his dreams once more.
This time was more explicit than the last, and it just felt so real. Tatsumi sat on the edge of the bed with Mayoi kneeling below him, his cheek resting on Tatsumi’s thigh. He had his hand on Tatsumi’s cock; it was half hard, and he was lazily jerking it as he licked his lips. Tatsumi was so pure, his hands clenching the sheets at a mere touch, but surprisingly he didn’t ask Mayoi to stop.
Mayoi leaned in, swirling his tongue around the tip of Tatsumi’s dick and taking the head in his mouth. He felt Tatsumi’s hand on his face, it briefly touched his lips before cupping the bulge in his cheek as he took him deeper. Tatsumi wasn’t looking at him, maybe he was too ashamed, but Mayoi took Tatsumi’s hand and rest it on the top of his head.
Tatsumi smoothed his hand over Mayoi’s hair, taking care to not be rough as he ran his fingers through it. He had his other hand on the opposite side of Mayoi’s head, his touch so soft that he was gently guiding him, if anything. His fingers found a curious bump near Mayoi’s temple, Almost concerned, Tatsumi opened his eyes to see the same on the opposite side.
They were little black horns, barely noticeable unless he was looking at Mayoi from above. He held one between his thumb and index finger and tried to move it, but it didn’t budge.
Horns?
“W-What are you?” Tatsumi asked, his face growing paler by the second. Mayoi was still sucking him off, and a thin strand of saliva connected his lips to the head of Tatsumi’s cock as they parted.
“I-I’m sorry I--” Mayoi stuttered, a mix of saliva and pre dripping down his chin.
Tatsumi noticed his sharp teeth as he apologized. It wasn’t just his canines, each tooth ended in a sharp point. Did he always have those?
Tatsumi awoke with a fright, jolting up in bed as he tried to calm down. What kind of nightmare was that?
Sexual content aside, that could be unpacked later, that was absolutely crazy. Mayoi had horns and sharp teeth, like some kind of unholy monster. It did sound ridiculous, but now Tatsumi felt like his exhausted brain was onto something, he hadn’t seen the top of Mayoi’s head, and he had also never seen his teeth before. He couldn’t recall ever seeing the inside of Mayoi’s mouth, but it wasn’t something that most people checked out in their conversation partner anyway. The other boy was mumbling or looking down most of the time, so it’s possible he never saw them…
No no no, he shook his head, there’s no way. He would have to set himself straight next time he saw Mayoi. More importantly, he needed to get some sleep and stop thinking about strange things.
Tatsumi took a few deep breaths, anything to clear his mind before going back to sleep. A long slow breath through the nose, then exhale through the mouth… he was feeling more calm already.
The building was quite old, so he didn’t think anything of the attic door creaking above him.