Much like Artem the first night they met, Drew fell to his knees and cried for his fallen friend, a poor soul who never got the chance to shine. He cradled Artem’s head in his lap, wondering how his Christmas could have gone all wrong. This wasn’t how it happened in the movies or the books. Where was his miracle?
Listen to your heart, Santa told him.
Drew brushed his thumb over Artem’s lips, then leaned forward and kissed him gently, a tear splashing onto the demon’s cheek. No sooner did he pull away than Artem took a shaky breath.
“Oh, thank heavens,” Drew muttered, a smile gracing his lips. He gazed down into dark eyes. “I thought I lost you.”
“Not yet.” Artem’s voice was raw, raspy.
“Not ever.”
“Can we go home?”
Despite everything he just witnessed, all the questions he wanted to ask, Drew laughed, nodding. “Yes, let’s go home.”
Drew helped Artem to his feet and maintained a firm hold on his hand as they strolled back toward the apartment. On the way he resisted the urge to start prying into all the corners of Artem’s life, mainly because he realized the past didn’t matter. In the eyes of his family Artem may have been born wrong, but to Drew he was perfect, true to himself, and in the end, what else mattered? Drew tightened his hold. If possible, he loved Artem.
It began to snow.
“Where do we go from here?” Artem broke their silence as the two of them trudged up the stairs.
“To bed. I’m tired and cold.”
Artem pulled him up short on the second story landing. “I mean—”
Gently, Drew caressed Artem’s cheek. “I know what you mean. How about for now we sleep and later on we can talk?”
“Okay. If you’re sure.”
“I’m sure.”
In his haste to track down Artem, Drew neglected to lock up his place. The door swung open and they were promptly greeted with a welcoming bark. From around the corner came the Lab that got the whole thing started. It looked fine, though still a bit rough around the edges, but at that point, weren’t they all?
“What the…” Drew stood there, stunned, while Artem gave the dog a loving pat.
“Look, there’s a note around his neck with your name on it.”
Almost in a daze, Drew took the small red envelope. It did indeed bare his name in a gold flourish. He pried it open and out slipped an embossed card with a neatly written note.
“‘For all the years you didn’t find a puppy under the tree. I was waiting for the right one. Merry Christmas, Drew. Santa’,” he read aloud.
“Does that mean we get to keep him?” Artem looked hopeful, and a little tired.
Drew closed the door. “Yes, yes we do.” He wrapped an arm around Artem’s waist, leaving a kiss on the demon’s cheek. “I think I love you, Artem.”
The demon stared at him with wide eyes, then nestled against his side. “I think…maybe I could love you, too.”
“Merry Christmas, Artem. In its own odd way this has been the best one yet.”
“Mine, too.”
They headed for the bedroom, dog in tow.
“I promise, we’ll make the next one even better.”
THE END