SSS 2010: FOR MISTERRICALX
For: misterricalx
From: Your Secret Santa
Title: A promise he would keep
Pairing: Minho/Taemin; slight JongHyun/Key; slight OT5
Rating: PG-13
Wordcount: 6,285
Summary: Minho doesn’t really know what he wants.
There’s a legend, that if you can make a demon cry, it will grant one wish for you.
Dusk.
When Minho recruited for the General’s force, it was for one reason: to gain a better life. He knew that if he caught a demon, just as the General so desired, everything would be fine. His mother would smile again, his father would stop drinking, and his brother, his dear hyung, would finally come home.
But don’t you think it’s a little weird, his friend Onew would ask, warily staring down at the foreign rifle in his hands. The General hates demons, then why does he want one so badly.
Who cares, Minho muttered. He shrugged on his pack and quickly stood in line behind rows of other soldiers, each man watching as the night sky turned into a dark red, like blood across a gray canvas. There was no denying a sense of terror in Minho’s gut, especially once the van started moving and his unit sped into the dark forest. But Minho grinned firmly, a little for bravery’s sake, a little to calm a trembling Onew beside him, but more than that, to convince himself this was right, that he had made a good decision.
Just one demon, Minho repeated to himself, a forming mantra in his mind. I just need one demon and everything will be fine.
***************
It turns out there was a reason why the General had recruited so many young men to search the forests. In the day time, everything was hazy, a misty fog hovering over the grass and obscuring any sunlight that might have flowed down. Every minute someone tripped over rocks or branches, and well, search was nearly impossible with such conditions.
During the night, things were so pitch black Minho could barely make out his hand. In the city at least fluorescents or flashing sirens lit up the way, but in the forest, there wasn’t a single source of light. The sky didn’t hold even one star, and the moon, at a bare crescent, was mostly obscured behind gray clouds.
After weeks in the forest, Minho slowly lost hope. He began to realize why nobody had ever found a demon. And besides, demons fly, a soldier in a neighboring squad had complained, how are we ever supposed to catch something like that?
But Minho kept the image in his head, of his family together again, of everything going back to way things were before their lives were torn apart. Hands gripping his rifle, Minho developed a hatred for the creature that held the key to his family’s happiness.
*********************
I just saw something, Onew murmured one night. In the trees.
Minho glanced lazily over, knowing fully that there was nothing to be seen. Must have been a squirrel, he replied, and shrugged off Onew’s adamant whispers, that something was there, someone.
Onew hyung needs to go home, Minho determined, trying to get some shut-eye in the midst of patrolling. The forest is no place for people like him.
*************
Minho slowly began to notice how dark cycles started forming under Onew’s eyes. He thought it might have been scurvy or something, seeing as how the soldiers were rarely fed properly. But the bright glint in Onew’s eye and that cheesy smile remained, so Minho began to think. And he realized.
He realized that Onew left for a bathroom break every night at ten-thirty, but never came back until a little past four, right before morning drills began. And he noticed that Onew asked a lot of questions. About demons.
How do we know if we’ve found a demon, he asked during lunch one day. They’ve got markings on their faces, a guy replied. Runes or something. They’re like ancient symbols, another soldier added, and go down the sides of their faces unto their necks. And they light up, first guy said, his drink dribbling down his chin. Their runes, they light up in the moonlight, so if you see something bright, shoot it.
What about sunlight, Onew asked during a break from drills. Are they afraid of it?
They’re not vampires, talkative soldier responded. They just don’t like the sunlight, no one really knows why. Probably because they don’t want to be shot, another added, a smirk playing around his lips. Those beasts have natural instincts like that.
Minho noticed how Onew’s usually cheerful smile turned into a frown, his eyebrows furrowing together. They’re not beasts, Onew whispered to himself. And Minho heard.
*******************
Minho told himself that this wasn’t bad, spying on your best friend. He convinced himself that he was doing this for Onew’s safety, to make sure hyung didn’t do anything stupid, seeing as how he was oblivious to everything.
But that night, Onew seemed like some other, as he expertly sped through the forest at such a fast rate that even Minho, hard-training Minho with an unbeatable endurance, was puffing behind him, doing his best to catch up. Onew ran through fields, across rivers, and finally to a small house.
A bungalow, maybe fifty or sixty years with peeling green paint, sat in a small valley, conveniently hidden behind miles and miles of trees. Without careful notice, anyone could have gone right past it.
It was outside this house that Minho, huffing from all that running and dodging around trees, watched as Onew dropped his weapons and pack before whistling a small tune, lonely in the still night air.
For a second, everything was tranquil, the crescent moon barely shedding light into the forest below. And then, the door opened.
It was hard to make out first, what it was that came down the steps and made its way towards Onew. Minho mostly saw a shadow, thin and about the same height as Onew. There was a small chuckle, a voice whispering excitedly before Minho noticed two more shadows making their ways out of the house.
They gathered around Onew, and Minho strained to hear but all he could catch were broken syllables and eager tones. Looking at Onew, Minho saw that bright smile on his face again.
For a moment, he wondered if he should join them. Perhaps Onew made friends with the locals or mountainfolk. Maybe they can tell us where demons are, Minho realized excitedly, his hopes rising with the sudden thought. His mind made up, Minho made to step out behind the trees when the clouds suddenly moved, the moon’s waning light shining down and revealing the figures.
Minho stopped, his entire body shaking terribly.
There were two boys, perhaps twenty of age, and with their loose clothing and messy hair, nothing seemed to be out of the ordinary. Except for the runes running down their faces.
The shorter boy, with blonde and brown streaks, had the symbols running across the left of his face, and every once in a while, let out a bark of laughter. The other boy, taller but more fragile with dark spiky hair and pale skin, had runes down the right side. He would giggle at something Onew said every few moments, but never let go of the blonde boy beside him, hand clutched firmly in the other’s grasp.
The trees’ shadows covered the final being, but by then, Minho had seen enough. Two, possibly three demons, were all gathered in one place, and Onew, his best friend and confidant, the one person who knew of Minho’s family troubles, had kept this from him.
Feeling sick and angry, Minho turned to leave. As he sped back into the forest, and hopefully back to camp if he remembered the way, Minho felt someone or something staring at him. Glancing back, all he saw was Onew and those two demons chatting. Like best friends, Minho grimaced.
But glancing over, he noticed two blue eyes, watching his leave with curious amusement.
***************
It was during weapons cleaning the next day that Minho made up his mind.
Quietly, he made his way over to Onew before murmuring. Do you think you could take me to those demons?
Onew jumped a bit before glancing over. Making sure nobody was listening, he smiled before whispering back. So it was you. Taemin said he had seen someone else there.
Taemin. The third shadow.
Yeah, Minho replied sheepishly with a tilt of his head. I was curious and well, I followed you.
This is great, Onew said excitedly. I actually wanted you to meet them. The three of them are so nice, and well, JongHyun is especially funny but not quite as intelligent as Key and Taemin, well, he’s so cute and adorable and I’ve never met people like them before.
They’re not people, Minho wanted to shout out, to shake into Onew’s oblivious mind. They’re beasts, terrible things.
But yeah, of course, Onew continued. I’ll take you tonight. I can’t wait until you meet them all!
Minho forced a smile onto his face, a sick feeling rising in stomach. He clenched his gun harder before wiping it down furiously. Back and forth, left and right.
Repeating the mantra, Minho told himself to stay strong, that he could do this. Closing his eyes, he thought of his brother coming home. His mother would make their favorite foods, everyone would be laughing.
Stupid demons took my entire crop, a man muttered beside him. Thieving bigots, the lot of them!
Don’t worry, Onew whispered to Minho. We know that he’s wrong. Those guys would never do such a thing.
Quickly, Minho ran to the bushes, the sick feeling in his throat.
He didn’t know which felt worse, the thought of his poor family suffering or Onew’s soft touch as he carefully patted Minho’s back while he threw up that morning’s breakfast.
**************
Midnight.
By ten-thirty that night, Minho was trembling all over, a cold sweat staining his military wear.
Are you all right, Onew asked worriedly, that crease in his eyebrows as he frowned. Maybe we should go another night.
No, Minho wanted to shout. Tonight, we’re going tonight. I’m fine.
And, despite Onew’s questioning glances, the pair ran into the woods. Past fields, across rivers, and finally, to that small valley.
Clutching his gun, Minho cocked it silently. And he waited.
He waited as Onew whistled, that bright smile on his innocent face, and he noticed how dark the night was, not a star, not even a sliver of the moon, in the sky. Minho morbidly thought it was fitting.
The door to the house slowly creaked open. Tonight, the pair came out first, the blonde demon followed by the dark raven. They both grinned upon seeing Onew, but paused at Minho, his strange presence unnerving them.
Guys, Onew quickly said. This is Minho, he’s my best friend.
Minho clenched his gun tighter, his knuckles white against the cold steel.
Key and JongHyun, as Onew introduced them, slowly walked down, and when they were within four feet, Minho raised his gun.
It was the blonde demon, JongHyun, who noticed first and jumped towards Minho, his claws outstretched and mouth curled back as he grabbed the steel rifle. But, as a shot echoed through the still forest, Minho and JongHyun both knew it was over before it started.
With a gasp, the blonde tumbled backwards, hands clutching his side as dark blood spilled onto the grass. Minho shook, with anger, adrenaline, fear, as he re-cocked his rifle and pointed it towards the raven.
No! Onew shouted, and suddenly, Minho watched in horror as Onew fell to the ground, his mouth open in shock and disbelief as blood spilt from his chest. Minho saw the smoke rising from his rifle, and realized what his friend had done. Onew jumped in front of the bullet.
Yelling in anger, Minho turned back to the other demon. Key, the raven who shrieked beside his lover, clutching the blonde’s hand tightly while begging him to stay alive, to wait until they could find help. And the next moment, Key was on the ground next to JongHyun, blood spilling from his head as Minho trembled with the rifle in his hands, still steaming from the last shot.
You …killed…them, Onew gargled, blood spilling from his lips. With a cry, Minho ran over, the rifle clattering beside him as he gripped his best friend’s hand.
How…could you… Onew continued, and Minho shook as he watched red, red, red spill everywhere. It looked so wrong against Onew’s bright face, his best friend’s smiling face.
I had to hyung, Minho whimpered, breath choking and bile rising in his throat. Why, why did you jump to save them….why….
Protect Taemin….Onew choked out, his eyes misting with tears. Don’t you dare….don’t you dare…kill…
Just stay with me a little longer, Minho cried, grabbing the other into his arms. I can take you back to camp and we’ll fix you…
Protect Taemin….Onew said, hands clutching into Minho’s jacket. This isn’t…right…
And his eyes misted over, right as the clouds parted and the moon shed a small light, dim and hazy, but enough for the heavens to witness the carnage below. Red painted the wet grass, as two demons, clutching each other’s hands, whispered to each other’s bleeding bodies, and a soldier with red across his chest turned to whisper I’m sorry, I’m sorry to the night air.
Minho wept.
***********************
The entire house seemed to shake as Minho flung open the door, dark eyes scanning the area quickly. He heard something scamper across the floor and quickly chased after it.
Throwing on every light switch, Minho was slightly amazed to find that electricity worked. Something whined at the sudden light and Minho turned to see the third demon glaring at him from a dark corner.
My eyes, he whimpered, that light is too intense for my eyes…
Striding over, Minho slapped him across the face. The demon cried out in shock before moving away, limbs poised to run. But Minho was faster as he grabbed the demon’s neck and held his face under the light. Thrashing wildly, the demon screamed.
Chest heaving, Minho grabbed his belt and tied it around the demon’s neck tightly. Taemin struggled, clawing at the leather material around his neck before wailing why why, Onew hyung would never do this to me.
Minho gripped the demon’s hair and dragged him across the floor, ignoring the other’s loud pleas before throwing him at the window. The demon groaned, massaging his head, before peering out.
I won’t kill him…Minho thought darkly. He watched as the demon wailed, howled hysterically at the bloody scene outside. Empty sobs shook demon’s lithe frame, as he pounded his fists against the window, screaming Key hyung, JongHyun hyung, come back, come back don’t die, please don’t leave me.
I’ll do as Onew asked, Minho determined. But my way.
***************
When Minho woke up, he swore he could almost hear the sergeant rising, yawning loudly before getting ready to wake the squad. And for a blissful moment, Minho thought he could also hear Onew’s snores beside him, light and carefree.
But as his eyes focused on the dark room before him, and he realized that the ground from his dreams was a couch in the house’s living room, Minho sighed as he recalled the carnage from a few hours ago.
Getting up, he looked around to realize the demon had disappeared, the belt lying forgotten on the floor. Minho grabbed his rifle and ran around the bottom floor, heart thundering in alarm before he looked outside.
The demons, Key and JongHyun, were now clean, their bloody clothes the only remnants of what occurred just hours ago. With their hands clasped together and eyes closed peacefully, they appeared to be merely sleeping.
Minho continued to see the demon, Taemin, kneeling over Onew. Rage building in his head, he ran outside.
Don’t touch him, Minho hissed. He butted Taemin with his rifle, ignoring the painful yelp the other let out. Grabbing Taemin by the hair, Minho dragged him back into the house before clasping the belt around his neck again.
Why are you doing this…what did we do wrong…the demon wailed, hands clutching his head. Minho grabbed him again and tightened the belt one more hole.
Taemin choked, hands clawing at the leather while his eyes bulged in alarm. Stop…stop…I can’t breathe…
Minho tightened it once more, the leather rubbing raw against the demon’s pale skin.
After a few moments, Taemin lay still, eyes watching Minho with fear.
Minho walked outside and stood next to Onew’s body. He noticed that Onew too was clean now, his face in a serene smile.
Grabbing his rifle, Minho dug it into the ground and began scraping. It was time to bury Onew the proper way.
**************
Minho determined that demons are odd things. He would think that two dead bodies, lain out perfectly in the grass, would attract animals from miles around. But for some reason, the bodies of the two demons lay untouched all day, animals passing by as if there was nothing but space.
The demon was quiet now, still in the corner. He moved once, shuffling three feet over to avoid incoming sunlight. Other than that, he watched Minho warily, flinching every time he moved.
He pulled at the belt around his neck sometimes, straining to loosen it, but once Minho had tightened even more, he ceased movement altogether.
Minho grabbed his and Onew’s pack, and headed outside, setting booby traps and mines every few feet. Once back inside, he bolted all the windows upstairs and every door except for the main entrance. After that, he reloaded their guns and he waited.
He just didn’t know for what.
****************
When night came, Minho stood terrified. What if the demons were a clan and they were coming for revenge…what if his squad stumbled here and found Onew’s grave…
His eyes scanned the dark forest constantly. Hearing movement, he whipped around to see the demon slowly walk towards the window. Minho felt fear crawl into his spine and with a swift action, he kicked the demon to the floor.
Move, and I’ll tighten this even more, he gritted out, shaking the belt around Taemin’s neck dangerously. The latter whimpered before collapsing, remaining still on the floor.
Minho turned back to the window just in time to see moonlight spill lightly into the valley. With the crescent, it was barely enough light, but Minho could still see what happened.
Silver lights seemed to radiate from the two dead demons, and in a slow dance, travelled lightly upwards and into the sky. Gasping, Minho looked back down to see the bodies of both demons gone, small patches in the grass the only indication that anything was there before.
It’s done…
Minho turned to see Taemin smiling lightly before heading back to his corner. Curling into a small ball, the demon closed his eyes.
****************
For four days, the demon didn’t move. Minho would have thought he died, but the slow rise and fall of his chest indicated otherwise.
Good, Minho thought grimly. If he died, I wouldn’t have anything to bring to the General.
It was just a matter of time before his squad found him again, and then he would present the demon. And everything will be fine, Minho muttered to himself. I can forget about all of this.
It turned out, the kitchen contained massive amounts of food. For the first time in months, Minho tasted the warm flavor of tofu. He cherished its soft savor before spitting it out, the sudden memory of Onew hyung filling his mouth with a sour, acrid taste.
Glancing over at the demon, Minho wondered if they ate anything, before determining that it could survive until his squad appeared. He shrugged and turned away, chugging water into his empty stomach.
But Minho couldn’t ignore the slight whimper Taemin let out as his stomach growled.
***************
It was around day seven that a thunderstorm let loose in the valley. It seemed God had finally come to punish Minho as wind and rain ripped mercilessly at the small house.
Minho ran around, rebolting windows and cursing loudly as he realized power went out. He considered going to the power box, but determined he had a better chance withstanding God’s wrath from inside. Starting a fire, Minho sighed as he heard what he hoped to be the last boom of thunder.
As if spiting him, another bolt of lightning flashed across the sky.
Minho rolled himself onto the couch, deciding to just sleep it out, when he felt cold air. Turning, he saw that one of the windows had come unbolted, and was shaking back and forth, back and forth, as a thousand rain droplets pounded in.
As Minho bolted it shut again, he almost tripped over something. Looking down, he saw Taemin wet and shivering, a pool of water around his small body.
*************
Minho had once been voted as the Most Charming Male at his high school. Girls thought he was the sweetest guy around, teachers gushed over his manners, and even guys were jealous of his soft nature.
Minho darkly wondered where all of that charm had disappeared to.
He had attempted to dry the demon with a towel he had found, but the demon flinched away, weakly dragging himself closer to the wall. When Minho started after him, Taemin merely collapsed onto the ground, ceasing all movement.
I won’t tighten the belt, Minho said. But the demon just closed his eyes. Frustrated, Minho threw down the towel before flopping himself down onto the couch.
Damn demon can catch a cold if he wants.
***************
The next morning, Minho yelled a triumphant shout as he opened the curtains to see sunlight streaming into the valley. He nearly skipped outside, whistling happily as he rebooted the power box and listened to the pleasant hum of electricity.
Walking inside, he saw Taemin still lying on the floor. But the towel was draped over his body.
Minho felt a small grin spread across his face.
Heading into the kitchen, he was pleasantly surprised to see that nothing in the refrigerator had gone bad, despite the power outage. Happy with this discovery, he brought out a few eggs and began frying them.
It was then that he heard the demon stirring, the sound of the towel falling lightly to the ground and the clank of the belt as Taemin moved.
Minho glanced over to see Taemin stare at the eggs before noticing Minho’s gaze. Alarm spread across his features before Taemin closed his eyes again and quickly collapsed onto the ground.
Minho tried to convince himself that the crackling sound was the eggs and not his heart.
***********
Eat, Minho mumbled. He placed a plate of eggs and a fork in front of Taemin.
The demon didn’t flinch. Minho sighed and leaned over to grab the belt. Taemin whimpered and weakly leaned back, but Minho held him down.
I’m not going to hurt you…Minho whispered. Grabbing the belt he loosened it three holes, grimly noting the purple bruises on Taemin’s neck.
Minho grabbed a forkful of eggs and gently gripped Taemin’s jaw. Nudging his mouth open, Minho carefully fed him.
They’re probably too salty, Minho murmured. He grabbed another forkful. I’m no culinary artist.
Taemin slowly chewed, eyes looking anywhere but in front. But Minho was fine with that. It gave him an opportunity to look at the demon closer.
The runes, dark blue lines and dots, dominated the right side of Taemin’s face, tracing along his cheek and down his neck. A few lines also circled around his right eyes, the dark markings contrasting greatly with the pale white of the demon’s skin.
Minho hadn’t even noticed he had stopped feeding the demon, if not for Taemin’s small hand on his wrist. Glancing down, he saw the hand tremble lightly, before quickly recoiling.
As Minho cracked more eggs into the frying pan and mashed them into smaller pieces, he realized Taemin was beautiful.
************************
It was around day fifteen when Taemin seemed to trust Minho a little more. He cringed away less often and even cracked a small smile every now and then when Minho did something stupid, like run into a low ceiling beam or mix ramen with honey.
Minho watched in odd satisfaction as the bruises on Taemin’s neck seemed to get lighter, and every day, the belt got a little looser.
It was on day seventeen that Minho decided he needed a bath, God knows when was the last time he had properly bathed, and was surprised to see a collection of shampoo, soap, and bath scents in a cupboard. As he started the water and gently swirled in soap, Minho thought of a ridiculous idea.
A completely crazy and un-Minho-like idea.
Leaving the water running, Minho ran downstairs to see Taemin in his dark corner, the towel still clutched around his skinny frame.
I’m crazy, Minho mumbled to himself. And when he lifted Taemin into his arms, the demon seemed to agree, a small yelp escaping his lips.
Taemin weakly beat Minho’s arms but to no avail as he was whisked upstairs and into the water. He shivered at the warm sensation, only to shout in alarm as his clothing was removed.
I’m only going to wash you, Minho said calmly. Grabbing the soap, he rubbed Taemin’s face gently, around his ears, his eyes, tracing over his runes and down his neck to the bruises below.
Minho paused.
He glanced down to see Taemin’s small wet hand on his arm.
I’m only doing this because you stink so badly, Minho grumbled, rubbing strawberry shampoo into the demon’s golden hair.
*****************
Day twenty was when Minho stumbled in from the freezing cold morning with logs to start the fire. Cursing under his breath, Minho didn’t stop until warmth reached his body, the welcome heat defrosting his icy hands.
Grabbing a blanket, he wrapped himself tightly and burrowed himself into the couch, deciding that a nap was in order.
He was nearly to sleep when Minho felt something move beside him. Stiffening, he slowly glanced over.
Taemin nudged himself into the small space between Minho’s tall frame and the couch, his raggedy little towel covering a small portion of his body. Yawning slightly, he wiggled around once more before settling down.
For a few moments, Minho merely stared at the sight. This was him, a soldier cuddling with a demon.
In the end, Minho decided fuck it, and lifting the demon up slightly, draped them both in his blanket. He hesitated before wrapping his arms around Taemin, justifying the action with the demon’s probably cold and needs body heat.
As Minho finally dozed off, he swore he felt small hands grasp his own.
***************************
It was on the twenty-seventh day that Minho realized there was a full moon. For the first time, he witnessed light shine fully into the valley, scaring away all the shadows and darkness.
Can I go outside, Taemin whispered, his eyes lighting up.
And damn him, Minho couldn’t say no.
So he tied a rope to the belt and took Taemin out, hand clutching the rope tightly.
We could have seen the moon inside, Minho muttered lightly. Taemin breathed in deeply, his feet curling into the grass.
Taemin looked absolutely ethereal in the moonlight. His runes lit up from their dark blue into a shimmering silver, lighting up his entire face. Minho watched as Taemin’s small body shook, a glowing figure shaking back and forth.
Suddenly, there was a whoosh of air and Minho witnessed the amazing sight before him.
Huge wings, nearly twenty feet in expanse, spread behind Taemin, glowing runes spanning across their dark expanse. It wasn’t like an angel, all white and feathers, no, it was something much more beautiful. It took Minho’s breath away.
His wings flapping, Taemin floated a few feet before Minho clenched the rope, pulling him back slightly. The demon turned to look at him, eyes so bright and blue.
Please, Minho…Taemin whispered. Please…
And Minho let go.
With a joyful laugh, Taemin flew up into the sky, shining brighter than any star, brighter than even the moon as he flew across the dark vastness of the night.
It was only after Taemin had flown so far away that Minho realized what he had done.
The demon….he thought numbly. My family….our one hope...
Thank you.
Minho whipped around to see Taemin land lightly on the grass, his wings folded gracefully back.
You…you…came back? Minho murmured.
Taemin rolled his eyes. Well, who else is going to make me fried eggs?
And Minho felt that stupid grin across his face again.
*******************
It was on day thirty-three that Minho grabbed Taemin from the breakfast table and twirled him around a few times before settling him on the floor. He watched as Taemin’s blue eyes twinkled and his pink smile crinkled in laughter.
Leaning over, Minho grabbed the belt around Taemin’s neck. He saw Taemin’s eyes widen in alarm and his limbs tense.
I can’t do this anymore, Minho whispered. Gripping the belt, Minho quickly unloosened it before he flung it into the fireplace. He caught Taemin’s face in his hands, Minho leaned down to press soft kisses to his neck, wishing away every bruise and murmuring I’m sorry, I’m sorry into his skin.
Sorry I hurt you so much.
Sorry I killed Key and JongHyun.
Sorry I killed Onew hyung.
Sorry…
Sorry…
Small hands touched Minho’s face, and he looked up to see Taemin’s eyes, blue and beautiful, full of sadness and fear.
But there was also something warm, so pure and sincere, that Minho knew, he just knew.
Leaning forward, he pressed his lips to Taemin’s own, and felt what words could not express.
His forgiveness.
*************************
Dawn.
It was on day forty-five when the world seemed to end.
Minho was lazily sitting on the couch, fingers mindlessly tracing the runes across Taemin’s face before leaning in for a chaste kiss.
That was when the gunshots and shouts were heard. Minho quickly stood, his heart pounding. Wait here, he told Taemin.
Grabbing his rifle, he cautiously leaned outside. Hearing another shout, he prepared for gunshots when he was suddenly tackled into a rough embrace.
We finally found you…..wondered where you went….thought you were eaten by bears, or demons….
Words and faces floated around Minho are he slowly realized that this was his squad. His captain, that guy who never stopped talking….they were all here.
The noise and embracing didn’t cease until the Captain barked out something, the entire area quieting within seconds. Minho turned to see Taemin dragged out by two soldiers, chains across his neck and wrists, his ankles.
No…no…no…
Good job, Minho, the Captain said, patting him on the shoulder. We’ve finally found one, and it’s all thanks to you.
No, this is wrong….this isn’t what you think it is…he’s not…
Minho faintly heard orders shouted out, for the demon to be taken back to the capital, to the General. The demon, the demon…
Minho watched as Taemin was dragged away, blue eyes filled with fear.
**************
It turns out, catching a demon wouldn’t bring everything back to normal. Minho’s mother smiled for an hour before announcing she wanted to die, his father said demons were good for nothing shitheads, and his brother didn’t come back home.
Onew’s mother, upon hearing the news of her son’s death, thanked Minho for being his best friend and gave him half of Onew’s inheritance.
Perhaps it was these events, or maybe the small raggedy towel he found in his pack, that made Minho realize that a terrible mistake had happened.
****************
Minho decided that government buildings were not pristine white structures with people in business running around everywhere. Instead, he discovered it to be an entire fortress of soldiers and winding staircases, prison cells and interrogation rooms lining the hallways.
He was led to B-7 by a somber doctor, and there Minho saw Taemin.
Pried his wings out, the bloody lot did, the doctor spat out. Screamed his poor head off and those fucking officials did nothing about it. Then they leave him here to hang until he does what they want.
Taemin hung about two feet off the ground, shackles and chains holding him up from the ceiling. His wings were stretched horrendously across the cell, and his body was laced with cuts and bruises.
Taemin, Minho whispered.
He won’t hear you now. Clear knocked out, and God blessed, considering the torture he went through, the doctor said. Looking around he whispered to Minho, Come back tomorrow and I can get you in when he’s awake.
Minho reached into cell, his fingers mere centimeters from Taemin’s face. Stretching, he lightly traced the runes on his face.
****************
You’ve got ten minutes, the doctor quietly whispered, looking down the hall. Anymore, and we’ll be caught.
Minho reached into the cell, his fingers tracing Taemin’s runes once again as blue eyes stared back at him.
I…I…I didn’t want them to…
I know.
Taemin smiled ruefully, leaning into Minho’s touch.
What did they do to you?
Minho looked at the countless scars and red marks across Taemin’s body. He held back the bile in his throat.
The General, he believes in the legend, Taemin shrugged, the chains rattling lightly. He wants me to cry for him so he can get a wish.
But, the legend…it’s not true…is it?
Taemin stared at him solemnly. It’s whatever you want to believe.
Minho shook the prison bars angrily. So he’s been hanging you here, torturing you, in hopes to get some goddamn wish?
He leaned in, whispering furiously. I’m going to get you out of here. I promise you…real soon, I’ll get you out.
Minho…
The doctor guy, he seems real nice so if I can just get him to help me…
Minho…
And we can run away. I’ll leave everything behind, and we’ll find another little house and no one has to know…
Minho, I’m being executed tomorrow.
********************
Goddamn General couldn’t get his wish so he’s setting the little guy on fire, the doctor muttered. Fucking politicians, heartless bigots, the lot of them!
Minho stood numbly at the end of the hall, words echoing in his mind.
Executed…executed…executed…
I can let you visit him one last time tomorrow morning, before the burning, the doctor said. Better to say goodbye in private than at a public execution.
*****************
You know, I never got to tell you…in words…
Taemin smiled a little. Tell me what?
Minho traced the runes with his fingers, with his mind, the swirls and lines, over and over. Those blue eyes, the golden hair, the soft lips…
Tell me what?
I love you.
Taemin grinned, his eyes sparkling. Me too.
Minho strained forward and just managed to reach Taemin’s lips, soft and warm.
I wish we could’ve met somewhere else, at another time, Taemin murmured. I wish, we could have all, Key hyung, JongHyun hyung, Onew hyung, you…I wish we were happy together.
And when the doctor whispered We have to go, and Minho could faintly make out the sound of soldiers coming down the hall, he let the tears fall and whispered I love you, I love you through the cold iron bars.
As Minho was about to leave the dark halls, the doctor grabbed his sleeve.
The demon, he wanted me to tell you something.
Minho turned slightly.
He said, it’s true. The legend, it’s true.
************************
That night, the moon shone brightly in the sky as a fire lit up the ground below. Taemin breathed deeply and closed his eyes.
Here, on the eighteenth day of the seventh month of July, the year nineteen-sixty-five…
Minho watched as the fires crept up slowly casting dark shadows across Taemin’s face.
The Lord General finds that this demon is guilty of high treason, extortion of a soldier, murder of a soldier…
I did my best hyung, Minho thought, tears flowing down his face. I tried to protect Taemin….but….I failed…
And sentences said demon to death by burning…
Taemin opened his eyes to stare at Minho. As a smile graced his lips and his runes glowed brilliantly, Taemin cried beautiful tears.
******************
I wish…we could’ve met somewhere else, another time…all of us…happy together…
******************
Minho stepped into the practice room nervously, still wondering how in the world he got casted into an idol group.
Choi Minho, you’re in the group SHINee. Meet your new team members.
Two inseparable boys, one with a snarky attitude- I’m the Almighty Key- and another with a loud laugh- Just Kim JongHyun.
The third boy practically tripped over his own feet but managed to make up for it with a wide smile. I’m Jinki, you’re new leader…and you’re new best friend!
Cut the crap, Jinki hyung. You’re almost as awkward as JongHyun here, Key complained loudly. Minho watched amusedly as the trio began to bicker.
I thought there were five members? Minho asked the manager.
Yeah, that’s me.
A small kid, maybe twelve, thirteen, gracefully walked into the room. He was all skin and bones, messy hair, and laughing eyes.
Lee Taemin, he introduced himself.
Choi Minho, the other replied.
Ah, I guess I’ll go over to meet the hyungs then, Taemin grinned.
And as Taemin interrupted the bickering and the trio turned to coddle the younger, Minho felt something stir in his chest. Something right, something oddly familiar, yet completely new and wonderful.
Hey, so you’re my hyung then, aren’t you?
Minho looked to see Taemin staring up at him.
Well, yeah, Minho chuckled and ruffled Taemin’s hair. I guess I am. Anything I can help you with?
Taemin smiled broadly, his eyes twinkling. Can you make me fried eggs?
From: Your Secret Santa
Title: A promise he would keep
Pairing: Minho/Taemin; slight JongHyun/Key; slight OT5
Rating: PG-13
Wordcount: 6,285
Summary: Minho doesn’t really know what he wants.
There’s a legend, that if you can make a demon cry, it will grant one wish for you.
Dusk.
When Minho recruited for the General’s force, it was for one reason: to gain a better life. He knew that if he caught a demon, just as the General so desired, everything would be fine. His mother would smile again, his father would stop drinking, and his brother, his dear hyung, would finally come home.
But don’t you think it’s a little weird, his friend Onew would ask, warily staring down at the foreign rifle in his hands. The General hates demons, then why does he want one so badly.
Who cares, Minho muttered. He shrugged on his pack and quickly stood in line behind rows of other soldiers, each man watching as the night sky turned into a dark red, like blood across a gray canvas. There was no denying a sense of terror in Minho’s gut, especially once the van started moving and his unit sped into the dark forest. But Minho grinned firmly, a little for bravery’s sake, a little to calm a trembling Onew beside him, but more than that, to convince himself this was right, that he had made a good decision.
Just one demon, Minho repeated to himself, a forming mantra in his mind. I just need one demon and everything will be fine.
***************
It turns out there was a reason why the General had recruited so many young men to search the forests. In the day time, everything was hazy, a misty fog hovering over the grass and obscuring any sunlight that might have flowed down. Every minute someone tripped over rocks or branches, and well, search was nearly impossible with such conditions.
During the night, things were so pitch black Minho could barely make out his hand. In the city at least fluorescents or flashing sirens lit up the way, but in the forest, there wasn’t a single source of light. The sky didn’t hold even one star, and the moon, at a bare crescent, was mostly obscured behind gray clouds.
After weeks in the forest, Minho slowly lost hope. He began to realize why nobody had ever found a demon. And besides, demons fly, a soldier in a neighboring squad had complained, how are we ever supposed to catch something like that?
But Minho kept the image in his head, of his family together again, of everything going back to way things were before their lives were torn apart. Hands gripping his rifle, Minho developed a hatred for the creature that held the key to his family’s happiness.
*********************
I just saw something, Onew murmured one night. In the trees.
Minho glanced lazily over, knowing fully that there was nothing to be seen. Must have been a squirrel, he replied, and shrugged off Onew’s adamant whispers, that something was there, someone.
Onew hyung needs to go home, Minho determined, trying to get some shut-eye in the midst of patrolling. The forest is no place for people like him.
*************
Minho slowly began to notice how dark cycles started forming under Onew’s eyes. He thought it might have been scurvy or something, seeing as how the soldiers were rarely fed properly. But the bright glint in Onew’s eye and that cheesy smile remained, so Minho began to think. And he realized.
He realized that Onew left for a bathroom break every night at ten-thirty, but never came back until a little past four, right before morning drills began. And he noticed that Onew asked a lot of questions. About demons.
How do we know if we’ve found a demon, he asked during lunch one day. They’ve got markings on their faces, a guy replied. Runes or something. They’re like ancient symbols, another soldier added, and go down the sides of their faces unto their necks. And they light up, first guy said, his drink dribbling down his chin. Their runes, they light up in the moonlight, so if you see something bright, shoot it.
What about sunlight, Onew asked during a break from drills. Are they afraid of it?
They’re not vampires, talkative soldier responded. They just don’t like the sunlight, no one really knows why. Probably because they don’t want to be shot, another added, a smirk playing around his lips. Those beasts have natural instincts like that.
Minho noticed how Onew’s usually cheerful smile turned into a frown, his eyebrows furrowing together. They’re not beasts, Onew whispered to himself. And Minho heard.
*******************
Minho told himself that this wasn’t bad, spying on your best friend. He convinced himself that he was doing this for Onew’s safety, to make sure hyung didn’t do anything stupid, seeing as how he was oblivious to everything.
But that night, Onew seemed like some other, as he expertly sped through the forest at such a fast rate that even Minho, hard-training Minho with an unbeatable endurance, was puffing behind him, doing his best to catch up. Onew ran through fields, across rivers, and finally to a small house.
A bungalow, maybe fifty or sixty years with peeling green paint, sat in a small valley, conveniently hidden behind miles and miles of trees. Without careful notice, anyone could have gone right past it.
It was outside this house that Minho, huffing from all that running and dodging around trees, watched as Onew dropped his weapons and pack before whistling a small tune, lonely in the still night air.
For a second, everything was tranquil, the crescent moon barely shedding light into the forest below. And then, the door opened.
It was hard to make out first, what it was that came down the steps and made its way towards Onew. Minho mostly saw a shadow, thin and about the same height as Onew. There was a small chuckle, a voice whispering excitedly before Minho noticed two more shadows making their ways out of the house.
They gathered around Onew, and Minho strained to hear but all he could catch were broken syllables and eager tones. Looking at Onew, Minho saw that bright smile on his face again.
For a moment, he wondered if he should join them. Perhaps Onew made friends with the locals or mountainfolk. Maybe they can tell us where demons are, Minho realized excitedly, his hopes rising with the sudden thought. His mind made up, Minho made to step out behind the trees when the clouds suddenly moved, the moon’s waning light shining down and revealing the figures.
Minho stopped, his entire body shaking terribly.
There were two boys, perhaps twenty of age, and with their loose clothing and messy hair, nothing seemed to be out of the ordinary. Except for the runes running down their faces.
The shorter boy, with blonde and brown streaks, had the symbols running across the left of his face, and every once in a while, let out a bark of laughter. The other boy, taller but more fragile with dark spiky hair and pale skin, had runes down the right side. He would giggle at something Onew said every few moments, but never let go of the blonde boy beside him, hand clutched firmly in the other’s grasp.
The trees’ shadows covered the final being, but by then, Minho had seen enough. Two, possibly three demons, were all gathered in one place, and Onew, his best friend and confidant, the one person who knew of Minho’s family troubles, had kept this from him.
Feeling sick and angry, Minho turned to leave. As he sped back into the forest, and hopefully back to camp if he remembered the way, Minho felt someone or something staring at him. Glancing back, all he saw was Onew and those two demons chatting. Like best friends, Minho grimaced.
But glancing over, he noticed two blue eyes, watching his leave with curious amusement.
***************
It was during weapons cleaning the next day that Minho made up his mind.
Quietly, he made his way over to Onew before murmuring. Do you think you could take me to those demons?
Onew jumped a bit before glancing over. Making sure nobody was listening, he smiled before whispering back. So it was you. Taemin said he had seen someone else there.
Taemin. The third shadow.
Yeah, Minho replied sheepishly with a tilt of his head. I was curious and well, I followed you.
This is great, Onew said excitedly. I actually wanted you to meet them. The three of them are so nice, and well, JongHyun is especially funny but not quite as intelligent as Key and Taemin, well, he’s so cute and adorable and I’ve never met people like them before.
They’re not people, Minho wanted to shout out, to shake into Onew’s oblivious mind. They’re beasts, terrible things.
But yeah, of course, Onew continued. I’ll take you tonight. I can’t wait until you meet them all!
Minho forced a smile onto his face, a sick feeling rising in stomach. He clenched his gun harder before wiping it down furiously. Back and forth, left and right.
Repeating the mantra, Minho told himself to stay strong, that he could do this. Closing his eyes, he thought of his brother coming home. His mother would make their favorite foods, everyone would be laughing.
Stupid demons took my entire crop, a man muttered beside him. Thieving bigots, the lot of them!
Don’t worry, Onew whispered to Minho. We know that he’s wrong. Those guys would never do such a thing.
Quickly, Minho ran to the bushes, the sick feeling in his throat.
He didn’t know which felt worse, the thought of his poor family suffering or Onew’s soft touch as he carefully patted Minho’s back while he threw up that morning’s breakfast.
**************
Midnight.
By ten-thirty that night, Minho was trembling all over, a cold sweat staining his military wear.
Are you all right, Onew asked worriedly, that crease in his eyebrows as he frowned. Maybe we should go another night.
No, Minho wanted to shout. Tonight, we’re going tonight. I’m fine.
And, despite Onew’s questioning glances, the pair ran into the woods. Past fields, across rivers, and finally, to that small valley.
Clutching his gun, Minho cocked it silently. And he waited.
He waited as Onew whistled, that bright smile on his innocent face, and he noticed how dark the night was, not a star, not even a sliver of the moon, in the sky. Minho morbidly thought it was fitting.
The door to the house slowly creaked open. Tonight, the pair came out first, the blonde demon followed by the dark raven. They both grinned upon seeing Onew, but paused at Minho, his strange presence unnerving them.
Guys, Onew quickly said. This is Minho, he’s my best friend.
Minho clenched his gun tighter, his knuckles white against the cold steel.
Key and JongHyun, as Onew introduced them, slowly walked down, and when they were within four feet, Minho raised his gun.
It was the blonde demon, JongHyun, who noticed first and jumped towards Minho, his claws outstretched and mouth curled back as he grabbed the steel rifle. But, as a shot echoed through the still forest, Minho and JongHyun both knew it was over before it started.
With a gasp, the blonde tumbled backwards, hands clutching his side as dark blood spilled onto the grass. Minho shook, with anger, adrenaline, fear, as he re-cocked his rifle and pointed it towards the raven.
No! Onew shouted, and suddenly, Minho watched in horror as Onew fell to the ground, his mouth open in shock and disbelief as blood spilt from his chest. Minho saw the smoke rising from his rifle, and realized what his friend had done. Onew jumped in front of the bullet.
Yelling in anger, Minho turned back to the other demon. Key, the raven who shrieked beside his lover, clutching the blonde’s hand tightly while begging him to stay alive, to wait until they could find help. And the next moment, Key was on the ground next to JongHyun, blood spilling from his head as Minho trembled with the rifle in his hands, still steaming from the last shot.
You …killed…them, Onew gargled, blood spilling from his lips. With a cry, Minho ran over, the rifle clattering beside him as he gripped his best friend’s hand.
How…could you… Onew continued, and Minho shook as he watched red, red, red spill everywhere. It looked so wrong against Onew’s bright face, his best friend’s smiling face.
I had to hyung, Minho whimpered, breath choking and bile rising in his throat. Why, why did you jump to save them….why….
Protect Taemin….Onew choked out, his eyes misting with tears. Don’t you dare….don’t you dare…kill…
Just stay with me a little longer, Minho cried, grabbing the other into his arms. I can take you back to camp and we’ll fix you…
Protect Taemin….Onew said, hands clutching into Minho’s jacket. This isn’t…right…
And his eyes misted over, right as the clouds parted and the moon shed a small light, dim and hazy, but enough for the heavens to witness the carnage below. Red painted the wet grass, as two demons, clutching each other’s hands, whispered to each other’s bleeding bodies, and a soldier with red across his chest turned to whisper I’m sorry, I’m sorry to the night air.
Minho wept.
***********************
The entire house seemed to shake as Minho flung open the door, dark eyes scanning the area quickly. He heard something scamper across the floor and quickly chased after it.
Throwing on every light switch, Minho was slightly amazed to find that electricity worked. Something whined at the sudden light and Minho turned to see the third demon glaring at him from a dark corner.
My eyes, he whimpered, that light is too intense for my eyes…
Striding over, Minho slapped him across the face. The demon cried out in shock before moving away, limbs poised to run. But Minho was faster as he grabbed the demon’s neck and held his face under the light. Thrashing wildly, the demon screamed.
Chest heaving, Minho grabbed his belt and tied it around the demon’s neck tightly. Taemin struggled, clawing at the leather material around his neck before wailing why why, Onew hyung would never do this to me.
Minho gripped the demon’s hair and dragged him across the floor, ignoring the other’s loud pleas before throwing him at the window. The demon groaned, massaging his head, before peering out.
I won’t kill him…Minho thought darkly. He watched as the demon wailed, howled hysterically at the bloody scene outside. Empty sobs shook demon’s lithe frame, as he pounded his fists against the window, screaming Key hyung, JongHyun hyung, come back, come back don’t die, please don’t leave me.
I’ll do as Onew asked, Minho determined. But my way.
***************
When Minho woke up, he swore he could almost hear the sergeant rising, yawning loudly before getting ready to wake the squad. And for a blissful moment, Minho thought he could also hear Onew’s snores beside him, light and carefree.
But as his eyes focused on the dark room before him, and he realized that the ground from his dreams was a couch in the house’s living room, Minho sighed as he recalled the carnage from a few hours ago.
Getting up, he looked around to realize the demon had disappeared, the belt lying forgotten on the floor. Minho grabbed his rifle and ran around the bottom floor, heart thundering in alarm before he looked outside.
The demons, Key and JongHyun, were now clean, their bloody clothes the only remnants of what occurred just hours ago. With their hands clasped together and eyes closed peacefully, they appeared to be merely sleeping.
Minho continued to see the demon, Taemin, kneeling over Onew. Rage building in his head, he ran outside.
Don’t touch him, Minho hissed. He butted Taemin with his rifle, ignoring the painful yelp the other let out. Grabbing Taemin by the hair, Minho dragged him back into the house before clasping the belt around his neck again.
Why are you doing this…what did we do wrong…the demon wailed, hands clutching his head. Minho grabbed him again and tightened the belt one more hole.
Taemin choked, hands clawing at the leather while his eyes bulged in alarm. Stop…stop…I can’t breathe…
Minho tightened it once more, the leather rubbing raw against the demon’s pale skin.
After a few moments, Taemin lay still, eyes watching Minho with fear.
Minho walked outside and stood next to Onew’s body. He noticed that Onew too was clean now, his face in a serene smile.
Grabbing his rifle, Minho dug it into the ground and began scraping. It was time to bury Onew the proper way.
**************
Minho determined that demons are odd things. He would think that two dead bodies, lain out perfectly in the grass, would attract animals from miles around. But for some reason, the bodies of the two demons lay untouched all day, animals passing by as if there was nothing but space.
The demon was quiet now, still in the corner. He moved once, shuffling three feet over to avoid incoming sunlight. Other than that, he watched Minho warily, flinching every time he moved.
He pulled at the belt around his neck sometimes, straining to loosen it, but once Minho had tightened even more, he ceased movement altogether.
Minho grabbed his and Onew’s pack, and headed outside, setting booby traps and mines every few feet. Once back inside, he bolted all the windows upstairs and every door except for the main entrance. After that, he reloaded their guns and he waited.
He just didn’t know for what.
****************
When night came, Minho stood terrified. What if the demons were a clan and they were coming for revenge…what if his squad stumbled here and found Onew’s grave…
His eyes scanned the dark forest constantly. Hearing movement, he whipped around to see the demon slowly walk towards the window. Minho felt fear crawl into his spine and with a swift action, he kicked the demon to the floor.
Move, and I’ll tighten this even more, he gritted out, shaking the belt around Taemin’s neck dangerously. The latter whimpered before collapsing, remaining still on the floor.
Minho turned back to the window just in time to see moonlight spill lightly into the valley. With the crescent, it was barely enough light, but Minho could still see what happened.
Silver lights seemed to radiate from the two dead demons, and in a slow dance, travelled lightly upwards and into the sky. Gasping, Minho looked back down to see the bodies of both demons gone, small patches in the grass the only indication that anything was there before.
It’s done…
Minho turned to see Taemin smiling lightly before heading back to his corner. Curling into a small ball, the demon closed his eyes.
****************
For four days, the demon didn’t move. Minho would have thought he died, but the slow rise and fall of his chest indicated otherwise.
Good, Minho thought grimly. If he died, I wouldn’t have anything to bring to the General.
It was just a matter of time before his squad found him again, and then he would present the demon. And everything will be fine, Minho muttered to himself. I can forget about all of this.
It turned out, the kitchen contained massive amounts of food. For the first time in months, Minho tasted the warm flavor of tofu. He cherished its soft savor before spitting it out, the sudden memory of Onew hyung filling his mouth with a sour, acrid taste.
Glancing over at the demon, Minho wondered if they ate anything, before determining that it could survive until his squad appeared. He shrugged and turned away, chugging water into his empty stomach.
But Minho couldn’t ignore the slight whimper Taemin let out as his stomach growled.
***************
It was around day seven that a thunderstorm let loose in the valley. It seemed God had finally come to punish Minho as wind and rain ripped mercilessly at the small house.
Minho ran around, rebolting windows and cursing loudly as he realized power went out. He considered going to the power box, but determined he had a better chance withstanding God’s wrath from inside. Starting a fire, Minho sighed as he heard what he hoped to be the last boom of thunder.
As if spiting him, another bolt of lightning flashed across the sky.
Minho rolled himself onto the couch, deciding to just sleep it out, when he felt cold air. Turning, he saw that one of the windows had come unbolted, and was shaking back and forth, back and forth, as a thousand rain droplets pounded in.
As Minho bolted it shut again, he almost tripped over something. Looking down, he saw Taemin wet and shivering, a pool of water around his small body.
*************
Minho had once been voted as the Most Charming Male at his high school. Girls thought he was the sweetest guy around, teachers gushed over his manners, and even guys were jealous of his soft nature.
Minho darkly wondered where all of that charm had disappeared to.
He had attempted to dry the demon with a towel he had found, but the demon flinched away, weakly dragging himself closer to the wall. When Minho started after him, Taemin merely collapsed onto the ground, ceasing all movement.
I won’t tighten the belt, Minho said. But the demon just closed his eyes. Frustrated, Minho threw down the towel before flopping himself down onto the couch.
Damn demon can catch a cold if he wants.
***************
The next morning, Minho yelled a triumphant shout as he opened the curtains to see sunlight streaming into the valley. He nearly skipped outside, whistling happily as he rebooted the power box and listened to the pleasant hum of electricity.
Walking inside, he saw Taemin still lying on the floor. But the towel was draped over his body.
Minho felt a small grin spread across his face.
Heading into the kitchen, he was pleasantly surprised to see that nothing in the refrigerator had gone bad, despite the power outage. Happy with this discovery, he brought out a few eggs and began frying them.
It was then that he heard the demon stirring, the sound of the towel falling lightly to the ground and the clank of the belt as Taemin moved.
Minho glanced over to see Taemin stare at the eggs before noticing Minho’s gaze. Alarm spread across his features before Taemin closed his eyes again and quickly collapsed onto the ground.
Minho tried to convince himself that the crackling sound was the eggs and not his heart.
***********
Eat, Minho mumbled. He placed a plate of eggs and a fork in front of Taemin.
The demon didn’t flinch. Minho sighed and leaned over to grab the belt. Taemin whimpered and weakly leaned back, but Minho held him down.
I’m not going to hurt you…Minho whispered. Grabbing the belt he loosened it three holes, grimly noting the purple bruises on Taemin’s neck.
Minho grabbed a forkful of eggs and gently gripped Taemin’s jaw. Nudging his mouth open, Minho carefully fed him.
They’re probably too salty, Minho murmured. He grabbed another forkful. I’m no culinary artist.
Taemin slowly chewed, eyes looking anywhere but in front. But Minho was fine with that. It gave him an opportunity to look at the demon closer.
The runes, dark blue lines and dots, dominated the right side of Taemin’s face, tracing along his cheek and down his neck. A few lines also circled around his right eyes, the dark markings contrasting greatly with the pale white of the demon’s skin.
Minho hadn’t even noticed he had stopped feeding the demon, if not for Taemin’s small hand on his wrist. Glancing down, he saw the hand tremble lightly, before quickly recoiling.
As Minho cracked more eggs into the frying pan and mashed them into smaller pieces, he realized Taemin was beautiful.
************************
It was around day fifteen when Taemin seemed to trust Minho a little more. He cringed away less often and even cracked a small smile every now and then when Minho did something stupid, like run into a low ceiling beam or mix ramen with honey.
Minho watched in odd satisfaction as the bruises on Taemin’s neck seemed to get lighter, and every day, the belt got a little looser.
It was on day seventeen that Minho decided he needed a bath, God knows when was the last time he had properly bathed, and was surprised to see a collection of shampoo, soap, and bath scents in a cupboard. As he started the water and gently swirled in soap, Minho thought of a ridiculous idea.
A completely crazy and un-Minho-like idea.
Leaving the water running, Minho ran downstairs to see Taemin in his dark corner, the towel still clutched around his skinny frame.
I’m crazy, Minho mumbled to himself. And when he lifted Taemin into his arms, the demon seemed to agree, a small yelp escaping his lips.
Taemin weakly beat Minho’s arms but to no avail as he was whisked upstairs and into the water. He shivered at the warm sensation, only to shout in alarm as his clothing was removed.
I’m only going to wash you, Minho said calmly. Grabbing the soap, he rubbed Taemin’s face gently, around his ears, his eyes, tracing over his runes and down his neck to the bruises below.
Minho paused.
He glanced down to see Taemin’s small wet hand on his arm.
I’m only doing this because you stink so badly, Minho grumbled, rubbing strawberry shampoo into the demon’s golden hair.
*****************
Day twenty was when Minho stumbled in from the freezing cold morning with logs to start the fire. Cursing under his breath, Minho didn’t stop until warmth reached his body, the welcome heat defrosting his icy hands.
Grabbing a blanket, he wrapped himself tightly and burrowed himself into the couch, deciding that a nap was in order.
He was nearly to sleep when Minho felt something move beside him. Stiffening, he slowly glanced over.
Taemin nudged himself into the small space between Minho’s tall frame and the couch, his raggedy little towel covering a small portion of his body. Yawning slightly, he wiggled around once more before settling down.
For a few moments, Minho merely stared at the sight. This was him, a soldier cuddling with a demon.
In the end, Minho decided fuck it, and lifting the demon up slightly, draped them both in his blanket. He hesitated before wrapping his arms around Taemin, justifying the action with the demon’s probably cold and needs body heat.
As Minho finally dozed off, he swore he felt small hands grasp his own.
***************************
It was on the twenty-seventh day that Minho realized there was a full moon. For the first time, he witnessed light shine fully into the valley, scaring away all the shadows and darkness.
Can I go outside, Taemin whispered, his eyes lighting up.
And damn him, Minho couldn’t say no.
So he tied a rope to the belt and took Taemin out, hand clutching the rope tightly.
We could have seen the moon inside, Minho muttered lightly. Taemin breathed in deeply, his feet curling into the grass.
Taemin looked absolutely ethereal in the moonlight. His runes lit up from their dark blue into a shimmering silver, lighting up his entire face. Minho watched as Taemin’s small body shook, a glowing figure shaking back and forth.
Suddenly, there was a whoosh of air and Minho witnessed the amazing sight before him.
Huge wings, nearly twenty feet in expanse, spread behind Taemin, glowing runes spanning across their dark expanse. It wasn’t like an angel, all white and feathers, no, it was something much more beautiful. It took Minho’s breath away.
His wings flapping, Taemin floated a few feet before Minho clenched the rope, pulling him back slightly. The demon turned to look at him, eyes so bright and blue.
Please, Minho…Taemin whispered. Please…
And Minho let go.
With a joyful laugh, Taemin flew up into the sky, shining brighter than any star, brighter than even the moon as he flew across the dark vastness of the night.
It was only after Taemin had flown so far away that Minho realized what he had done.
The demon….he thought numbly. My family….our one hope...
Thank you.
Minho whipped around to see Taemin land lightly on the grass, his wings folded gracefully back.
You…you…came back? Minho murmured.
Taemin rolled his eyes. Well, who else is going to make me fried eggs?
And Minho felt that stupid grin across his face again.
*******************
It was on day thirty-three that Minho grabbed Taemin from the breakfast table and twirled him around a few times before settling him on the floor. He watched as Taemin’s blue eyes twinkled and his pink smile crinkled in laughter.
Leaning over, Minho grabbed the belt around Taemin’s neck. He saw Taemin’s eyes widen in alarm and his limbs tense.
I can’t do this anymore, Minho whispered. Gripping the belt, Minho quickly unloosened it before he flung it into the fireplace. He caught Taemin’s face in his hands, Minho leaned down to press soft kisses to his neck, wishing away every bruise and murmuring I’m sorry, I’m sorry into his skin.
Sorry I hurt you so much.
Sorry I killed Key and JongHyun.
Sorry I killed Onew hyung.
Sorry…
Sorry…
Small hands touched Minho’s face, and he looked up to see Taemin’s eyes, blue and beautiful, full of sadness and fear.
But there was also something warm, so pure and sincere, that Minho knew, he just knew.
Leaning forward, he pressed his lips to Taemin’s own, and felt what words could not express.
His forgiveness.
*************************
Dawn.
It was on day forty-five when the world seemed to end.
Minho was lazily sitting on the couch, fingers mindlessly tracing the runes across Taemin’s face before leaning in for a chaste kiss.
That was when the gunshots and shouts were heard. Minho quickly stood, his heart pounding. Wait here, he told Taemin.
Grabbing his rifle, he cautiously leaned outside. Hearing another shout, he prepared for gunshots when he was suddenly tackled into a rough embrace.
We finally found you…..wondered where you went….thought you were eaten by bears, or demons….
Words and faces floated around Minho are he slowly realized that this was his squad. His captain, that guy who never stopped talking….they were all here.
The noise and embracing didn’t cease until the Captain barked out something, the entire area quieting within seconds. Minho turned to see Taemin dragged out by two soldiers, chains across his neck and wrists, his ankles.
No…no…no…
Good job, Minho, the Captain said, patting him on the shoulder. We’ve finally found one, and it’s all thanks to you.
No, this is wrong….this isn’t what you think it is…he’s not…
Minho faintly heard orders shouted out, for the demon to be taken back to the capital, to the General. The demon, the demon…
Minho watched as Taemin was dragged away, blue eyes filled with fear.
**************
It turns out, catching a demon wouldn’t bring everything back to normal. Minho’s mother smiled for an hour before announcing she wanted to die, his father said demons were good for nothing shitheads, and his brother didn’t come back home.
Onew’s mother, upon hearing the news of her son’s death, thanked Minho for being his best friend and gave him half of Onew’s inheritance.
Perhaps it was these events, or maybe the small raggedy towel he found in his pack, that made Minho realize that a terrible mistake had happened.
****************
Minho decided that government buildings were not pristine white structures with people in business running around everywhere. Instead, he discovered it to be an entire fortress of soldiers and winding staircases, prison cells and interrogation rooms lining the hallways.
He was led to B-7 by a somber doctor, and there Minho saw Taemin.
Pried his wings out, the bloody lot did, the doctor spat out. Screamed his poor head off and those fucking officials did nothing about it. Then they leave him here to hang until he does what they want.
Taemin hung about two feet off the ground, shackles and chains holding him up from the ceiling. His wings were stretched horrendously across the cell, and his body was laced with cuts and bruises.
Taemin, Minho whispered.
He won’t hear you now. Clear knocked out, and God blessed, considering the torture he went through, the doctor said. Looking around he whispered to Minho, Come back tomorrow and I can get you in when he’s awake.
Minho reached into cell, his fingers mere centimeters from Taemin’s face. Stretching, he lightly traced the runes on his face.
****************
You’ve got ten minutes, the doctor quietly whispered, looking down the hall. Anymore, and we’ll be caught.
Minho reached into the cell, his fingers tracing Taemin’s runes once again as blue eyes stared back at him.
I…I…I didn’t want them to…
I know.
Taemin smiled ruefully, leaning into Minho’s touch.
What did they do to you?
Minho looked at the countless scars and red marks across Taemin’s body. He held back the bile in his throat.
The General, he believes in the legend, Taemin shrugged, the chains rattling lightly. He wants me to cry for him so he can get a wish.
But, the legend…it’s not true…is it?
Taemin stared at him solemnly. It’s whatever you want to believe.
Minho shook the prison bars angrily. So he’s been hanging you here, torturing you, in hopes to get some goddamn wish?
He leaned in, whispering furiously. I’m going to get you out of here. I promise you…real soon, I’ll get you out.
Minho…
The doctor guy, he seems real nice so if I can just get him to help me…
Minho…
And we can run away. I’ll leave everything behind, and we’ll find another little house and no one has to know…
Minho, I’m being executed tomorrow.
********************
Goddamn General couldn’t get his wish so he’s setting the little guy on fire, the doctor muttered. Fucking politicians, heartless bigots, the lot of them!
Minho stood numbly at the end of the hall, words echoing in his mind.
Executed…executed…executed…
I can let you visit him one last time tomorrow morning, before the burning, the doctor said. Better to say goodbye in private than at a public execution.
*****************
You know, I never got to tell you…in words…
Taemin smiled a little. Tell me what?
Minho traced the runes with his fingers, with his mind, the swirls and lines, over and over. Those blue eyes, the golden hair, the soft lips…
Tell me what?
I love you.
Taemin grinned, his eyes sparkling. Me too.
Minho strained forward and just managed to reach Taemin’s lips, soft and warm.
I wish we could’ve met somewhere else, at another time, Taemin murmured. I wish, we could have all, Key hyung, JongHyun hyung, Onew hyung, you…I wish we were happy together.
And when the doctor whispered We have to go, and Minho could faintly make out the sound of soldiers coming down the hall, he let the tears fall and whispered I love you, I love you through the cold iron bars.
As Minho was about to leave the dark halls, the doctor grabbed his sleeve.
The demon, he wanted me to tell you something.
Minho turned slightly.
He said, it’s true. The legend, it’s true.
************************
That night, the moon shone brightly in the sky as a fire lit up the ground below. Taemin breathed deeply and closed his eyes.
Here, on the eighteenth day of the seventh month of July, the year nineteen-sixty-five…
Minho watched as the fires crept up slowly casting dark shadows across Taemin’s face.
The Lord General finds that this demon is guilty of high treason, extortion of a soldier, murder of a soldier…
I did my best hyung, Minho thought, tears flowing down his face. I tried to protect Taemin….but….I failed…
And sentences said demon to death by burning…
Taemin opened his eyes to stare at Minho. As a smile graced his lips and his runes glowed brilliantly, Taemin cried beautiful tears.
******************
I wish…we could’ve met somewhere else, another time…all of us…happy together…
******************
Minho stepped into the practice room nervously, still wondering how in the world he got casted into an idol group.
Choi Minho, you’re in the group SHINee. Meet your new team members.
Two inseparable boys, one with a snarky attitude- I’m the Almighty Key- and another with a loud laugh- Just Kim JongHyun.
The third boy practically tripped over his own feet but managed to make up for it with a wide smile. I’m Jinki, you’re new leader…and you’re new best friend!
Cut the crap, Jinki hyung. You’re almost as awkward as JongHyun here, Key complained loudly. Minho watched amusedly as the trio began to bicker.
I thought there were five members? Minho asked the manager.
Yeah, that’s me.
A small kid, maybe twelve, thirteen, gracefully walked into the room. He was all skin and bones, messy hair, and laughing eyes.
Lee Taemin, he introduced himself.
Choi Minho, the other replied.
Ah, I guess I’ll go over to meet the hyungs then, Taemin grinned.
And as Taemin interrupted the bickering and the trio turned to coddle the younger, Minho felt something stir in his chest. Something right, something oddly familiar, yet completely new and wonderful.
Hey, so you’re my hyung then, aren’t you?
Minho looked to see Taemin staring up at him.
Well, yeah, Minho chuckled and ruffled Taemin’s hair. I guess I am. Anything I can help you with?
Taemin smiled broadly, his eyes twinkling. Can you make me fried eggs?