#deermint

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They would laugh about it one day for sure, but for the moment there wasn’t anything to laugh about… Minho was stuck in the hospital, leg propped up and in a thick cast. With the concussion he’d sustained there was no chance of him leaving even on Christmas Day, a fact that had actually brought tears to Minho’s doe eyes. The young man adored Christmas. It was his favourite time of year; he loved the ginger bread houses, fairy lights, decorated trees, the music and even the thick snow that coated the ground every year.

It was perhaps unfortunate to admit then, that it had been this love for Christmas that had landed Minho in the hospital in the first place. He’d been adding another set of lights to the roof of his parent’s house after the first set broke. Of course he’d chosen to do it alone so he could surprise everyone and when the ladder fell, so did he. From the second storey, across the roof on the veranda and then to the ground.

Hence why his leg was broken in several places.

Still, even stuck in hospital, Minho had been blessing as many people as he could with his Christmas spirit, spreading his joy for the holiday with everyone he met. It was this kindness that drove Taemin to do what he never did – put up Christmas decorations.

He was just a nurse at the hospital, but he’d noticed Minho’s actions since his arrival there and there was just something about him… Taemin didn’t know what it was really, but it made him want to make Christmas good for him, even if Christmas had never been his favourite time of year. There was always too many things to do, so many people to impress, a timetable for the month of December set out to ensure he managed to go to every Christmas party and gathering he was expected to go to.

But, when he looked at Minho, saw the smile on his face when he looked out the window, commenting on the snow, how he hummed Christmas carols to himself, sang them to any children he saw, he knew it would be a shame for him to be stuck in  a plain white hospital room on a day he adored so much.

When Taemin snuck into the dimly lit room, Minho remained fast asleep, head to one side, hands folded on his abdomen, not at all disturbed. Taemin admired him for a moment, admiring the slope of his nose and the way he seemed so serene despite the cut to his cheek, the bruises on his arms and chin. To avoid being any more creepy than he already felt, Taemin carefully put the box he carried down on the nearest chair and carefully pulled out the first row of Christmas lights.

. : . : . : . : . : .

His eyes slowly opened, bleary as the light greeted him. Blinking a few times, Minho sniffled a little, waking up a little more as he looked to the window which had the blinds pulled aside, allowing him to see the sky was clear and blue, snow coating everything in sight.

It took a moment, but he eventually realised that his room was completely different as well. Christmas lights and tinsel had been hung up all around the ceiling, over the railings on his bed, a golden star perched on top of a Christmas tree assembled in the corner, a few gifts beneath it. As he took in each surprise, Minho’s jaw fell further open, his eyes widening so far he wasn’t sure if they were still in their sockets.

But… who had done this? His room hadn’t looked like this at all when he’d fallen asleep and his parents wouldn’t have done it, they weren’t as dedicated to Christmas as he was.

Sitting up properly, he felt something fall from his chest and into his lap. With a glance down he realised it was an envelope. Curious, Minho turned the envelope over in his hands before he opened it, pulling out the festive card and admiring the image on the front. Inside the card was a long written message, describing the reasons upon reasons for the decorations and what had inspired the writer to put them up for him, then wishing him a speedy recovery so he could play in the snow like he deserved.

“Merry Christmas, Minho.” His nurse greeted, the young woman entering with her hair tied back but wore matching holly earrings and necklace. “How did you sleep?”

“I slept well. Though maybe too well, I didn’t even know anyone came into my room last night…” He commented.

The nurse laughed softly. “We wondered how you would react. Your secret admirer will be glad to know you like it though.” She said as she assessed the awed look on Minho’s face when he glanced over the decorations again.

“Admirer?” Minho asked softly, tilting his head slightly. “And you know who it is?”

Waving a finger at him, the nurse then made a “zipping-my-lips” gesture that told Minho he wasn’t about to get an answer. “I think you’ll be leaving tomorrow though, so I’m sure you’ll enjoy Boxing Day at the very least, right?”

Minho nodded. “Thank you, nurse. Could you… could you tell them thank you as well? I… I’m really grateful for their hard work.”

“I’ll be sure to do that, Minho.” She replied. “See you around lunch time, okay?”

“Okay.” Minho said with a nod, watching her leave.

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“This is ridiculous…” Taemin grumbled, struggling to keep their dog still as he sat in front of the Christmas tree. “I know I agreed to this because you seemed so adamant about it, but why do we have to send our family’s cards with our picture on it? What’s wrong with a regular store bought pack of assorted cards?”

“Because they’re so generic! Every third person bought the same pack of cards and gave them to their family members, how can it be special to give our familys a card like that?” Minho demanded, shaking his head at the ignorance of his husband as he fixed the focus on the camera that sat on the tripod he’d rented. “And it’s been a thing in my family since before I was born so I want to carry it over into my family now that I’m married.” He added, not sure if his first response would appease Taemin, even if he was one hundred percent correct in how pathetic is was to just go and buy a card.

Taemin rolled his eyes. “Okay, but why are we sending one to my family as well?”

“Because they should see how amazing our family is.” Minho stated firmly, eyes on the camera as he spoke. “They may not want to see us, they’ve kept you estranged from them all this time, but we’ll show them how much of a mistake that is by showing them how damn happy you are.”

It took a solid bite into his bottom lip to keep the tears from building up, the memory of their wedding day filled with Minho’s family and friends, and a few of his own, but no one from his family felt like a thousand knives had ripped through his heart all over again. But that Minho was more upset about the whole ordeal than he had been only made him smile. Minho had always been the protective type. “You’re an idiot, Minho.” He muttered.

Looking up, Minho blinked, a small smile on his lips before he crawled the short distance over to Taemin, not stopping until his forehead was against the younger’s. “Yeah, but you married this idiot so what does that make you?” He whispered.

With a shove at Minho’s shoulder, Taemin tried not to show how embarrassing he found that sentence, that his husband of only a few months could make his heart pound so hard and fast even now. They’d been together for years now, couldn’t his heart just take a break for once?

“Now come on, let’s take the photo before Eve loses her mind.” Minho said, pulling away as quickly as he’d advanced. Back behind the camera he assessed the focus and the positioning before he grabbed for Adam who had fast fallen asleep on the rug nearby and pushed the button to start the countdown. Rushing to sit beside Taemin in front of the tree, Minho leaned into Taemin, his shoulder just behind the younger’s, falling into a comfortable pose beside him. “Okay, we have five seconds before it takes ten photos, so get ready to smile for a long time.”

It felt like forever that the camera began to click, indicating that the photos were being taken and even though Taemin smiled at first, he soon turned his head, pressing his lips soundly to Minho’s cheek until the last few clicks went off.

“I love you, my idiot.” Taemin whispered, eyes dancing as he took in the stunned look on Minho’s face. “But next time let’s wait until November to take the photos, it’s way too hot for this right now…” He added, wanting nothing more than to rip his sweater off right then and there.

“You know you should be happy I wanted to talk to you.” The man hissed, his voice easy to hear at the quieter end of the club – at least, the place furthest from the dancefloor and with less people to add to the music’s background noise.

The young man scoffed, one arm leaned on the counter as he addressed the man. “Lucky or not, that’s not for you to decide.”

In a daring move, Minho glanced up and got a look at the man who saw fit to harass a customer at his counter. He was a repeat offender it seemed, someone he’d seen in the club more than once before trying to pick up young men who fit the description of the man he talked to now. And it was no secret that young gay men had been turning up dead all over the city as of late. Somehow, even without probable cause, Minho couldn’t help but assume that this man was the fault of those crimes. How could he not? What better place to pick up a victim but in a bar where people were uninhibited and likely to want some one-on-one fun with a stranger?

Minho didn’t even think before he placed the drink on the counter in such a way that it spilled and splattered all over the young man, red and orange colouring his previously white shirt. He put on his best stunned expression as the victim looked at him with astonishment. Before the other man could say a word, his face flaring with frustration at being interrupted, Minho spoke as if he was incredibly flustered. Thank god for the acting classes he’d taken in high school. “I-I’m so sorry! I have some towel and club soda at the back if you want to use it?” He asked, hoping that the young man caught on to the protective look in his eye. That he would somehow know that he was giving him a way out.

By some miracle, the young man seemed to understand, nodding as he stepped away from the encroaching man. “Yeah that would be great thank you.”

Smiling, Minho waved him in the direction of the end of the bar. “Come this way.”

While he weaved around the other bar tenders, Minho kept an eye on the young man who followed on the other side, making sure he didn’t suddenly vanish into the crowd. Once at the end of the bar, Minho opened the small door, just big enough for a person to step through. Once the young man was in, Minho found the courage to look at the offending man, settling him with a warning stare as he closed the door and led the saved victim through another door where the staff room was.

“Oh my god that guy was a creep.” The young man hissed, his voice hitting Minho with its softness, the sound of the club drowned into a quiet muffling through the soundproof walls. “Thanks.” He said, raising his head from the state of his shirt.

“It’s nothing. What’s your name?” He asked as he grabbed some paper towel and club soda, hoping to settle the situation with casual conversation.

“Taemin.” He replied, accepting the towel and soda. “What was the deal with that guy anyway? He really didn’t want to let me go.”

“I’ve seen him in here before. He’s… very insistent.” Minho explained, hoping to lighten the severity of his concerns. “I’m sorry I had to sacrifice your shirt.”

Taemin laughed, beginning to rub the towel and soda into his shirt. “So it was on purpose.”

“I had to think fast.” Minho admitted sheepishly.

“It’s okay. I’ve had worse things spilled on my shirt while at a club. At least there was a good reason behind this.” Taemin assured him. “Besides, this shirt cost me like four bucks at Kmart.”

Minho appraised the shirt, the stunning dark grey graphics on the front and how it had no sleeves, hanging off the young male’s frame. It didn’t look like a cheap shirt, but he supposed that was the point. “No kidding…”

Looking up, Taemin grinned in response. “Well, I should get back out there. My friends are probably wondering where I went.” He explained.

“Are you… I mean will you be alright? That guy is probably still in the club.” Minho reminded him.

“Nah, I’ll be fine.” Taemin said with a shake of his hand, dismissing the concern.

While Minho really wasn’t sure if it was a good idea, there was also nothing else he could do to keep the young man in the staff room. And he technically had to get back to work. “What if I stayed with you until you find your friends?” He suggested. “I don’t want to step out of boundaries here, I’m just genuinely concerned. There’s no way I can just go back to work without knowing you have company to keep you safe.”

Taemin rolled his eyes, a hand raising to his hip as he gave Minho a rather knowing look. “A knight in shining armour huh?” He commented. “Okay. Do what you want.”

Just then, the door to the staff room opened and Minho’s name was called, his manager – a tall, blonde woman with eyes perfectly lined with makeup – gaining his attention immediately. “I think I rostered too many staff tonight. Why don’t you take the rest of the night off?” She suggested, though Minho knew there was no chance of insisting he continue working.

The worst part of it all, was that when Taemin turned his gaze from her, giving his shirt another wipe with the towel, she shot Minho a stern look, mouthing to him that he should “go for it”.

Somehow he thought no one at his workplace knew he was gay.

Apparently he was wrong.

“That was convenient.” Taemin commented.

Minho sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Tell me about it. Oh well, lemmie put my vest in my locker and I’ll walk you to your friends.”

They were out in the bustle of the club when Taemin turned to Minho, shouting over the bounding bass. “You know, you look like you could just go clubbing in what you’re wearing.” Taemin commented.

Scoffing, Minho glanced down at his crisp white button down shirt, the sleeves long and buttoned at the wrists, tucked into skin hugging black jeans with cheap black dress shoes. “Nah, I look like I’m going to a funeral or something.”

Taemin laughed, unconsciously linking his arm with Minho’s. “You should join us!” He suggested. “I mean we’ve only just started our night and I’m the only one who didn’t bring someone to dance with.”

With a shake of his head, Minho smiled. “No, no, it’s alright. I wouldn’t want to intrude.”

“Uhm, in case you haven’t noticed, going to clubs is about intruding. I mean, you intrude on people’s personal space every second you’re in a club. Whether you mean to or not.” Taemin stated. “Anyway, I was trying to be subtle, geez.”

The statement confused Minho, tilting his head. “Subtle? About what?”

“I didn’t wanna straight out say that I’d been eyeing you since we arrived at this stupid club and I was hoping to chat you up before that creep interrupted me.” Taemin sighed as he looked away, scanning the crowd for his friends. “Okay? So, now you know.”

“Staff aren’t allowed to chat up customers. You wouldn’t have gotten far with me.” Minho explained to him.

“I’d have tried anyway.” Taemin countered dismissively before suddenly checking his phone. “Oh, they’re waiting for me outside, it’s time to check out the next club. Are you coming along or not?” Taemin asked as he stepped closer to Minho, bravely hooking a finger into a belt loop on Minho’s jeans. “Handsome knight?” He teased, grinning as Minho shook his head in astonishment.

“What are you doing?” Minho asked, frowning even though he couldn’t help but smile.

“Kind of?” Taemin asked, crooking an eyebrow at Minho, still holding onto his controller to pause the game when they both respawned. They’d both died so many times it was hard to want to play any longer, the excitement of the game wearing off each time they continued from the same spot. “If you backed off for once I’d respawn and we wouldn’t have to restart from so far back each time.”

“But I had to avenge your death.” Minho reasoned, his passion for the matter so strong Taemin could swear he saw actual flames in his eyes. “What kind of boyfriend would I be if I just backed off?”

Taemin rolled his eyes with a smile. There was an endearing side to Minho’s determination to just keep playing the game instead of retreating, like his real life tendency to overdo everything that had to do with Taemin. No matter what it was. Perhaps he shouldn’t have suggested playing a shooting game.

“I’m going to get a refill.” Taemin muttered, standing from the floor and taking his glass to the kitchen in search of more soft drink.

Minho sighed, leaning his head back against their lounge. “I’m sorry, Taemin.” He said. “I know you like these games but I guess I’m just not good at them.”

Laughing softly, Taemin shrugged. “It’s not like you have to be good at every single game, Minho.” He told the older, walking back to the living area with a full glass. “Why don’t we play something else?” He suggested putting his glass down and then turning to the cabinet where they kept their variety of games.

A hand grabbed his wrist and Taemin looked down at it just before Minho tugged him back towards him, guiding the younger down further until he was heaped on Minho’s thighs. “I think I’ve had enough of video games today.” He whispered, brushing the back of his fingers over Taemin’s cheek, kissing him softly, a few times to make sure Taemin knew of the shift in his mood. “Why don’t we play something else?” He suggested, grinning with just the very tip of his tongue sticking out.

They were standing face to face, the air between them only growing warmer and warmer as the space somehow felt so much smaller over time.

Staring far more intently than he intended, Minho found his gaze down on Taemin’s mouth, the lips plump and so soft looking Minho could almost imagine how they would actually feel.

“What the heck are you staring at?” Taemin demanded, eyes flickering down several times.

“Can I kiss you?” The moment the words left his mouth, Minho regretted them immediately. He hadn’t meant to just say it like that. There was no taking it back now though because Taemin was staring at him with the most stunned and confused expression on his face. “I-I mean.. uhm… I just think you’re just really cute and… I don’t know I kinda like you and I’ve been thinking about kissing you since forever and – ”

His sentence was cut short with a startled gasp, a soft mouth crushing into his own. Minho’s eyes shot wide open, staring at Taemin, the younger’s eyes closed, eyelashes thick against his cheeks, hair falling over his forehead, eyebrows low as though he was thinking a million things at once. Not a moment later, Minho’s eyes closed as well and he hummed softly at the back of his throat.

When Minho felt and heard Taemin’s sigh he realised what he was doing and exactly what was happening, his eyes shooting open again as he leaned back, their lips smacking as they parted. Taemin slowly opened his eyes, looking dazed for a moment before he smiled sheepishly. “You asked.” He said with a shrug, as if it was explanation enough.

It wasn’t. Minho gulped. “I didn’t actually even mean to ask or even expect I… uhm.”

Taemin patted Minho’s chest, waving off the awkward situation. “Don’t worry about it. Forget it happened.”

“W-wait no!” Minho cried, then he paused, biting his bottom lip as he flushed brightly. “I mean… I don’t want to forget it happened I just uhm… do you… maybe… want to go out with me sometime?” He asked, unable to make any eye contact with Taemin no matter how much he wanted to.

It wasn’t that he fit the stereotype that society had placed on the position; it was just that he usually preferred to take it up the ass. And it just so happened that his boyfriend didn’t care how it happened as long as they both had a good time.

It was all just a matter of preference.

They’d been having sex the same general way for so many years now that it was really no surprise to him that Minho asked – though he had been adorably shy about it – if he could try being the bottom this time.

So they had gotten down to business. Taemin took control of the whole situation, letting Minho lie back and take him like a champ. It had been interesting, to say the least, to finally change things in the bedroom. Minho made all the same noises as before – throaty whines that were higher than most would assume he could make considering the usual deep tone of his voice – and he gripped the sheets the same way as he always did, but his legs were spread, hooked around Taemin’s slim waist, he made faces Taemin had never seen him make. It was incredible to say the least, seeing how subtle changes made all the difference.

But once it was over, something just didn’t seem right, and he couldn’t quite work out why.

“You okay, Taem?” Minho asked, rolling towards Taemin, the arm in his hair automatically curling around his shoulders.

Taemin nodded, still blankly staring at the ceiling.

Frowning, Minho brushed some sweaty hair from Taemin’s forehead and then leaned in, brushing his nose and lips against the angles of Taemin’s face. “You’re lying.”

“I just feel weird, do you feel weird?” Taemin asked suddenly.

“Weird?” Minho asked, pausing in his actions. “How so?”

“I don’t know.” Taemin replied. “That’s why I’m confused.”

Kissing Taemin’s lips, softly humming when Taemin tightened a grip in his hair, Minho shifted even closer, aligning his body to Taemin’s. “Is it because you topped me?”

“I don’t know? I think so?” Taemin replied, still unbearably unsure.

“Maybe it’s something to get used to? I mean, you like it when I suck you off, it’s not too different right?” Minho asked.

“No?”

“Then think of it like that.”

“Expect it’s your ass, not your mouth.”

Minho shrugged. “It’s still a hole.”

Taemin pushed Minho with one hand, laughing at the flat tone and the comment combined. “Neither your mouth or ass is simply a “hole”, jeez, Minho. Have more respect for yourself.”

Joining in Taemin’s laughter, Minho tackled the younger, leaning over the top of him, kissing down his neck and chest. “Do you want me to help you feel better?” He whispered, then teased the tip of his tongue around a perked nipple.

And just like that Taemin knew things were back to how they were.

“That’s not true…” Minho mumbled, putting the items back on the coffee table and standing upright. “N-now, what are you doing here?”

“Honestly?” The demon asked, tilting his head. “I have no idea.”

Minho sighed. “Helpful.”

Shrugging, the demon collapsed onto the nearest lounge, leaning back as if he owned the apartment. “Yeaaah well there isn’t much I can do about it. So, what is your every naughty wish? I’m sure there’s something you could ask from a demon.” He said, the pitch of his voice deepening enough for Minho to flush bright red.

“I’m pretty certain there isn’t anything I want at all, thanks.” Minho stated and then ran for his room, slamming and locking the door firmly behind him.

…………………………..

When Minho woke up the next morning he was sure everything that had happened was just a very far-fetched dream. Because the idea of a demon showing up in his apartment could be nothing more than a far-fetched dream. There was no other explanation for it.

But alas, to his dismay, the demon was fast asleep on his lounge, drooling onto a cushion he had his arms wrapped around.

“It’s too early for this.” Minho muttered. Instead of thinking about it any longer, he ran a hand through his hair and went to have a shower, hoping the hallucination would be gone when he was done.

When he stepped out of the bathroom he found himself breathing in a delicious scent. Following his nose, Minho wandered into the kitchen where the demon was standing there in one of the never used aprons Minho’s uncle had gifted a long time ago, flipping another pancake over on the pan. Beside the stove top was a plate with a stack of pancakes already piled up.

“Good morning.” The demon said conversationally, not an ounce of sleepiness in his voice.

“Uhm, yeah…” Minho muttered in return. “Good morning.”

The demon smiled, almost sheepishly, though it didn’t last long. “I don’t think I actually introduced myself last night. You went to bed in quite a hurry.” He noted, grinning when Minho blushed. “I’m Taemin.”

“Minho.”

“It’s nice to officially meet you, Minho.” Taemin replied. “Help yourself to some pancakes. I don’t usually cook without being asked to do you should be thankful.”

Though he hesitated, Minho reached for a pancake and ate it, taking tentative bites as he watched the demon continuing to cook. And then he realised something. “Where exactly did you get the ingredients to make these?”

Taemin gave Minho a look with raised eyebrows. “I’m a demon. I made them appear.”

“Right.”

“It’s a useful gift.” Taemin commented. “I can make all kinds of things appear. And disappear.” He explained, glancing sideways at Minho, gaze shifting downwards enough for Minho to take a step back, concerned for what the demon might suddenly whisk away. Taemin just threw his head back and laughed. “You’re really easy to tease. But I am confused. Most humans I encounter want me to make a lot of things happen to them. Mostly, they want me to do things to them. You’re not asking for any of that.”

“That’s because I didn’t summon you. I wasn’t expecting you. You just got the wrong address and showed up here uninvited.” Minho stated.

Taemin nodded thoughtfully, then shrugged. “Well, I’m here anyways and until you work out why I am here you’re pretty much stuck with me.”

“What?!”

“Yep.” Taemin replied, popping the ‘p’. “I hope you don’t plan on making me sleep on your couch the whole time, ‘cause that thing isn’t as comfortable as you think.” He informed the human. “Perhaps.” He said, turning off the stove and placing the pan aside. “We could just share your bed.” He suggested as he stepped closer to Minho, getting further and further into his personal space.

Minho was taller than he was, but the way his cheeks flooded red and his mouth gaped uselessly, Taemin couldn’t help but feel really proud of himself. He still had it. “Y-you’re dreaming! I’ll never share my bed with the likes of you!” He shouted and fled the kitchen.