WHO: Henry and Iestyn Ceredig, and maybe the clauses in the background. Krampus. WHEN: Christmas! WHERE: Aspen! WHAT: Whips and chains excite him but not them! WARNINGS: Talk of bondage, trauma, and etc.
Christmas in Aspen was just as full of love and laughter and colour as it had been the year before. Henry, Iestyn and Addy had arrived very early on Christmas morning, and Henry was exhausted but it was so good to see everyone. There was the flailing he had been expecting, over his broken fingers and his run in with Beelzebub. Mrs Claus had also been horrified by the presence of Potato Pie, but it was better to bring him than leave him to wreak havoc in their room by being left alone too long. And anyway, Addy was doing most of the looking after of him anyway. She missed Evie and she really seemed to like Tater.
Handy, that, since it was clear the monkey hated Iestyn's guts and didn't want him anywhere near Henry. He was best distracted. Because Henry wanted Iestyn very near him. It was the anniversary of their engagement, and Henry was so happy. Not even the presence of Krampus could put a damper on the day. Even when he got ridiculously drunk and started telling racy jokes in front of the kids.
At least, Krampus' presence hadn't really affected things until the time came to exchange gifts. He had given both Iestyn and Henry something and Henry was a little worried about opening them here, in front of everyone. He leaned over to whisper to Iestyn, "hey, what do you think it is?" while one of the younger kids was opening one of their presents so the attention wasn't on them.