Soul's Requiem (Chapter 5)
Shivers raked over his body, prickling across his frozen skin and setting his teeth to clattering. The tips of his fingers had grown numb about twenty minutes ago, and now he was beginning to lose sensation in his toes. He would have gotten dressed, had they not taken his clothes when they left.
Jaejoong was pressed against the wall that was furthest away from the door, his knees bent and his arms wrapped securely around his thighs. What little warmth his body was producing didn’t even stand a fighting chance against the cold, dank cell that he’d been thrown into. How long had he been there? It felt like years as each second ticked by in the darkness, time slowing to a sluggish crawl as if to purposefully make Jaejoong
“It c-c-can’t have been m-m-more than five hours.” He stuttered into the darkness, tongue licking across his icy lips as if that would stop them from trembling.
It was odd how his panic at being kidnapped had dramatically fallen when he’d found himself alone in his cell, no one there to terrify him. Of course, now the only thing he had to keep him company was his own turbulent thoughts. He was trying desperately not to let his mind wonder back to the moment when Daniel Henney had him pinned against the wall. He didn’t want to admit that it affected him, didn’t want to tell himself that what Henney had done to him was something that would haunt his nightmares for the rest of his life. He didn’t want to be soiled and defiled. He felt broken and unsure of himself.
“Stop it, stop it!” He growled into the dimly lit room, his head tilting forward to rest on his knees as he clamped his eyes shut in a sort of grimace of pain. A new wave of chills washed over him, setting his slender hands to trembling against his legs. Oh what he would have given to have a blanket or something that would have kept his mind off the cold.
Like a piano.
Maybe he could have one…
Jaejoong sat looking at the sandy floor, head tilted to the left slightly as eyebrows met at the center of his head.
He sat like that for a moment longer before his trembling right hand moved from his knee and began to trace the familiar pattern across the sand-strewn floor. He knew the shape like he knew his own face, knew the length and width of the keys.
It took him another minute to finish of the sand-made keyboard, his eyes glowing slightly as he stared down at his creation. It wouldn’t make real music for him, but he could hear the melody in his head, begging to be played across the length of the piano.
The music in his body would not be denied its moment to spill forth, no matter if it was in the dark confines of a dewy cell.
He set his fingers on the “keys”, grains of sand pressing into his supple skin as he sat for a moment, hands poised and ready to fly effortlessly over imaginary keys.
He let his eyes flutter shut, not needing to see the keys to know exactly where he needed to go. This was like second nature to him. It came as naturally to him as breathing did to other people.
When the melody had finally settled within his mind, he pulled a deep breath and began to move his fingers. He could hear the music within his head, but that was hardly enough for him. So without even slowing his fingers against the stone floor, Jaejoong parted his lips and began the swooping melody of the piece. He listened to the deep bass of the piano reverberate in his head, fingers dancing in-time to the tune. His voice solidified now, echoing throughout the room like an angel’s ringing chorus. His voice was the sound of beauty, his closed eyes and swaying figure a work of art that no man could reproduce on paper or carve into stone.
The door creaked. His melody came to an abrupt end and his fingers fumbling slightly as he shot a wide-eyed look back towards the metal door.
There was the sound of keys clinking from behind the door, foretelling the entrance of someone into his cell.
Panic leapt within his chest, hands trembling again as he sat in frozen panic, doe-like eyes pinned to the door, waiting for it to swing inward.
With a slow and eerie groan, the door slowly swung open, hinges screaming protest and their need for oil.
A light spread into the cell, bathing a few feet of the shadow doused room with a kind of glowing warmth. Jaejoong had the desire to curl into a ball under that promised warmth, his skin tingling at the prospect of something to heat his icy skin.
“Good evening.” A figure very nearly bounced into the room, huge smile plastered across his youthful face. “Oh my.” He gasped, coming up short when he saw the bewilder looking Jaejoong trembling in the corner. “Well don’t you look of sorts of abused?” He stated as he pulled a blanket from the bag that was hanging on his hip. “This is for you.” He smiled softly and tossed the grey blanket in Jaejoong’s direction.
The boy was interesting looking. He was small with a child-like face and pouting, pink lips. His chocolate brown eyes seemed to dance merrily within his head and his striking blonde hair gave him the appearance of a child trying to act tough.
“Who…?” Jaejoong trailed off, the first rays of hope beginning to sprinkle across his body. This kid was way to nice to belong to the same gang that Daniel Henney was in. Could possibly be that he was here to spring Jaejoong from the hell he’d been cast into?
He took the blanket and quickly wrapped it around his body, a happy shiver running through his body at the prospect of coming warmth.
“Ah, my name’s Sungmin. Lee Sungmin.” He beamed down at Jaejoong, his hands resting on slender hips as he lifted his chin slightly, “I’m the cook for this rowdy gang of boys.” He positively glowed with his obvious pleasure at being included in the gang.
“I’m Jae-”
“You’re Jaejoong. I know already. They told me who you were.” He jumped in with an eager voice, as if he were desperate to show his competence in all matters.
“I’m here to take you to your new cell.” He added almost as an afterthought, his eyes sweeping over Jaejoong’s standing from as he spoke.
“Gosh, you’re pretty.” His tone was completely innocent, devoid of any type of lust or desire.
“Oh…um…” Jaejoong stood befuddled for a moment before something the boy had said cut through his slightly hazy brain.
He’d said he was here to take Jaejoong to his new cell. He could feel his heart sinking as he realized that his hopes for being spirited away were quickly flying out the window.
“New cell?” He managed to croak into the darkness, his throat suddenly constricted with shattered hopes and new fears.
“Why did they send the cook to take me?” He asked as he took a slight step forward. That had been the wrong thing to do. A stinging pain swept through his entire body, sucking the breath from his lungs and leaving him slightly shaking.
“Oh, they’re all busy with other stuff, so they entrusted me to take care of this for them.” His chin lifted with pride once again and a smile danced across his full lips. “I think they’ll be giving me an upgrade in status soon. They said they’re looking for a new member to join the gang.” His voice was matter-of-fact as he spoke, his eyebrows crinkling as he seemed to think something over in his head.
What if this was Jaejoong’s chance? If he could simply overpower the boy as they made their way to wherever it was that they were going, he’d be free. Maybe all of his luck hadn’t disappeared after all.
“Alright…so we’re going to a new cell then?” Jaejoong asked in a voice of nonchalance as he took a cautious step towards the boy. Yep, it still hurt like hell to move.
“Yes we are. Now just follow me.” The boy called as he turned on his heel and began to march back towards the door. “Oh,” He paused and turned back to look at Jaejoong, his hand reaching to his left hip, “first you need to put this on and then I need to tell you that if you try to get away, I’ll have to put a bullet in that pretty head.” He extended a sack in Jaejoong direction, his small fingers curled against the rough fabric.
Jaejoong felt a chill wash over his body at the smaller boy’s words. Somehow, he didn’t doubt that the younger boy would hesitate to lodge a bullet in the back of his skull. It was crazy how the innocence in those large eyes seemed to fade as the blonde boy pulled a pistol from his bag, barrel aimed towards the floor…for now.
“Why do you need to blindfold me?” He asked quickly, searching for more time before he was submerged in stifling darkness again.
“I don’t actually know…” The boy crinkled his brow and glanced at the sack he was till extending towards Jaejoong, “They just told me to make sure you couldn’t see anything around you.” He wiggled the sack at Jaejoong again, eyes pleading. “Please Jaejoong-ah, I really want this promotion.” He whined softly, lips extending in a soft pout.
“Somehow, the fact that you’re threatening to kill me puts a damper on my desire to help you get moved up in rank.” Jaejoong sighed softly as he reached out a slightly shaking hand and pulled the bag away from the smaller boy.
“To be honest, you don’t really seem like the gangster type.” He toyed with the course fabric slightly, running it between his fingers as he waited for the boy to respond.
The boy’s pout intensified slightly at Jaejoong’s words, “for your information, I have gained five pounds of pure muscle in the past month.” He pressed his left hand against his hip and raised his eyebrows as if he’d just presented Jaejoong with an irrefutable argument.
Jaejoong sighed, fighting back the sudden prickling of tears he felt at the realization that his time was running short. He would either die right now or put on the sack and die later. Oh the options.
“Sungmin-ah…please. Please let me go!” He cried softly, letting his violent emotions overwhelm his body. “I’m so scared and I miss my dad so much. I’m hurt and alone and I don’t know what I did to deserve this. Just let me go and we can pretend that I surprised you and managed to get away.” Jaejoong begged, tears creeping down his cheeks as he spoke. He had hoped that the boy would be a sucker for emotional displays.
He was wrong.
“Lots of people miss their fathers.” He responded easily, his eyes never losing their dancing light as he stared at Jaejoong. “Besides, your father’s a bad guy who deserves to have his son taken away from him.” His brow crinkled now and he pointed the gun straight at Jaejoong’s chest. “Put that thing on so we can get going. I have to cook a snack for Chullie soon.”
Jaejoong pulled the back of his right hand across his damp cheeks. Obviously it was pointless to try and reach the boy’s emotional side.
“Alright then.“ He breathed before he let out a resigned sigh and slid the suffocating bag over his head.
He was doused in darkness again, his breath hitching as he felt the sudden closeness of the fabric around his neck and mouth. He stood there, gripping the blanket around his body, waiting for something to happen.
“Good boy.” Sungmin’s voice chirped happily next to Jaejoong’s left ear. Jaejoong could imagine the happy smile on the other male’s face.
“Now come with me.” Jaejoong felt a warm hand grasp his own frozen one and begin to pull him forwards. Once again, Jaejoong tilted himself forward slightly, eyes open wide within the sack as if that would allow him to see what was coming at him.
“Don’t worry, I won’t let you run into anything.” Sungmin’s voice was a reassuring croon next to Jaejoong as the two started forward.
Jaejoong could tell when they’d left the cell because their footsteps began to echo again, Sungmin’s happy humming also reverberating against hard walls and floors.
“Why did I need to be moved?” He asked softly, listening to the way his voice seemed to grow in volume as it echoed.
“Er…I think they said something about needing that room for something else.” Sungmin’s voice was absent now and the sound of keys jingling reached Jaejoong’s ears.
“Ah, here it is.” There was the sound of jingling keys again before a muffled click and the sound of a door creaking open.
Jaejoong felt himself getting pushed into a room, the presence of the small boy’s hands on his back telling him the kid’s location.
“Well, I’ll see you later, Joongi-ah!” A happy voice chirped before the door was shut with a metallic ‘clang’.
Jaejoong quickly pulled the back off his head, lungs expanding happily as he pulled a deep breath of musty air. He took a moment to regain his equanimity before he let his gaze flicker around the room. It was exactly the same as the pervious cell, save for the dark mildew stains on the wall and the lack of the table and chair that had been in the other cell. He also thought he could hear the sound of water dripping against the tan stone, but after a moment it faded into obscurity. The major difference in the room was the stench. The room smelled like death and rotting flesh. Jaejoong felt his stomach churn dangerously.
“No, no, I’m sure he’s friendly.” A voice startled Jaejoong slightly and he turned towards the far left corner of the room.
There was a figure huddled there, with wild eyes pinned on Jaejoong’s form. There was a small mound next to him that Jaejoong assumed to be sand, though it look a bit too lumpy to be made simply of sand.
“Uh, hello?” Jaejoong called through the darkness as he began to cautiously make his way over to the other man. With every step he felt as if hot needles were being shoved into his lower body, each one reminding him of the things that had happened to him not long ago.
“Oh look, he’s talking to me now. If you had all just kept your stupid judgment to yourself.”
Jaejoong let his gaze flicker over the room, searching for whoever it was that the boy was talking to.
“My name is Jaejoong.” He nearly whispered, a sick feeling settling in his gut as he saw the look in the boy’s brown eyes. His eyes were glassy and dazed looking it seemed as if he wasn’t focusing on Jaejoong, even though he was staring right at him.
“I’m Junsu.” The response was quick and nervous sounding, as if he were worried about telling Jaejoong his name.
The boy was bathed in obscuring shadow, but Jaejoong could make out the straggly, brown hair that reached to the boy’s shoulder and the beard that clung to his chin and above his mouth. He probably would have been cute if he hadn’t looked like some insane castaway that hadn’t seen the sunlight in years.
“Nice to meet you.” Jaejoong attempted again, feeling a kind of bond with the smaller boy. After all, they were both trapped in the same position.
“My friends don’t like you. No…no, no, no. They don’t like you at all. Say pretty people are dangerous.” He averted his gaze from Jaejoong and stared down at the sand-covered floor, his hands fidgeting nervously over the mound on his left.
“What friends are you talking about?” Jaejoong breathed softly, suddenly beginning to feel a slight revulsion for the figure sitting before him. He was paranoid looking, and his eyes couldn’t seem to rest in one place for more than a few seconds before he was quickly gazing about the room.
“My friends.” Junsu muttered, gesturing towards the mound that he was sitting next to.
Jaejoong wasn’t sure if he really wanted to move forward and see what exactly Junsu’s “friends” were. But some sick kind of interest pushed him to move forward. Four or five steps took him within a foot of the small hill, his eyes adjusting to the changed light as he knelt down slightly.
The sudden smell of rotting flesh overwhelmed him and he staggered back, eyes large as he realized what exactly made up that mound of Junsu’s “friends”.
It was rats. Dead rats. There was probably two or three rats along with five or six mice, all piled on top of each other…all in different states of decomposer.
The ones on the bottom --a rather large rat and two small mice-- were the worst, with their flesh simple hanging off their small skeletons.
Jaejoong’s shoulders lurched forward and he quickly slapped a hand over his mouth in an attempt to keep the bile from spilling form his stomach.
He stumbled back as quickly as he could, just managing to turn his head away before the first wave of nausea clenched his stomach and he retched harshly into the corner. Despite having not eaten anything since the other night, his stomach still found something for him to vomit onto the stone floor, the acid taste washing over his mouth with every heave.
He felt a wave of dizziness sweep over him as he realized the boy was insane. Was this his fate too, then? Would he be trapped in this room for years and eventually start talking to dead and decaying animals? He couldn’t imagine a worse torture then being sentenced to live the rest of his life in this dank, dark room with nothing but his own mind to keep him company.
The sudden wave of realization made him sway on spot slightly and his vision began to swim and fade out slightly. What was happening?
Kim Jaejoong fell to the floor in a heap of blanket and body, completely unconscious.
=-----------------------------------=
“Could you try to look at little more…imposing?”
“What’s not imposing about me?”
“Hm, where to start? I guess it could be the fact that you have absolutely no muscle and all you can seem to do is sit there, trying to look appealing.”
“Look here, you-”
“Siwon. My name is Siwon.”
Changmin rolled his eyes slightly at the males impetuous tone. That insufferably handsome and infuriating man was rubbing on Changmin’s last nerve. The man thought that just because he had those big brown eyes and insane muscles that he was some type of god. Changmin scoffed at the idea of submitting himself to this dolt.
“Whatever. All that matters here is that you know not all power comes through big muscles.” He stabbed his finger at the tall male, eyes narrowing dangerously as he stood up straighter in order to match Siwon’s height.
“I assume you’re going to say intellect is really what matters?” Siwon smirked softly before he easily turned away from Changmin, muscles coiling under honey-toned skin as he stepped out of the boxing ring. He was a tall guy, probably 6’1 or 2 with a mop of shiny brown hair framing his narrow face. He was undeniable handsome --and he knew it-- with charming eyes and an entrancing smile. He was clad in a ridiculously-thin tank-top and a pair of black sweat-pants…which only added to his appeal.
“Yes, in fact, I am going to say that. “ Changmin snapped back as he followed Siwon out of the boxing ring. “It’s always the guys with the brains that get put in power. In fact, I’ve never seen a brainless dolt with big muscles get put in charge before.” Changmin growled as he snatched up one of the towels from the gyms rest area and proceed to wipe away the sweat that was clinging to his face and neck.
“You’re assuming that you can only have one or the other. Without physical strength, it wouldn’t matter how smart you are.” Siwon stalked forward, backing Changmin against one of the grey walls, “without physical dominance, there is no real power.” He growled,, hands coming out to rest on either side of Changmin’s head.
Talk about intimidating. “It’s cute how you think you’re so intimidating.” Changmin sneered darkly, eyes narrowing as he brought his hands up and pushed against Siwon. Gosh, the man was like a brick wall, all muscle and hot skin that wouldn’t move an inch.
“Hm, so how is Mr. Brains-Are-The-Way, going to get out of this situation?” Siwon teased with eyebrows lifting slightly as he leaned in closer, edging further into Changmin’s personal space.
Changmin was stuck. Any action he took to get himself out of the situation would have to be physical action, rather than mental. So here he was, faced with the undeniable truth that Siwon was right. Like he was going to let him know that!
“I’m telling you to get off of me. Now.” Changmin mustered his superior voice, the one that always managed to work on Jaejoong.
“Hm, verbal command…” Siwon nodded his head slightly, pursing his lips as he feigned a look of deep thought. “Considering that you have no physical ability to impose harm upon me if I don’t move, that leaves us in the same position as we started.” He leaned closer, nose nearly touching Changmin’s cheek.
‘Shit! Stupid, fucking, IDIOT!’ Changmin ranted in his head, eyes narrowing as he thought of all the things he could do to torture that smirk off the other male’s face. So what was he going to do? He contemplated just kneeing the guy in the groin, but his satisfaction would only last until the other male had composed himself enough to taunt Changmin about not being able to get out of a situation without using physical means.
And then it hit him.
“Oh,” He moaned softly, voice rumbling deep in his chest, “I am SO horny right now.”
That did it. Siwon was out of his space within a fraction of a second, his eyebrows raised in unadulterated shock. “What?” He sputtered lightly, pure confusing glazed his dark eyes as he glanced about the room as if took make sure no one had heard Changmin.
“HA!” Changmin gave a triumphant laugh, pumping his fist in the air before he pushed himself off the wall. Victory was sweeter than anything he’d ever tasted. “You don’t mess with the Oxford guys.” He growled happily, aiming a sharp glare towards the still-befuddled Siwon.
Siwon stood with pursed lips and narrowed eyes as Changmin began his victory dance around the gym, smug smile still glued in place.
“You know, when Mr. Kim told me that he needed my help to get you in shape to go undercover, I initially didn’t want to do it. But then I thought of my sweet Jaejoong out there, all alone and defenseless. I can suffer through this if it means helping my dearest Joongie.”
Changmin stopped his victory dance abruptly, his eyebrows arching in a slightly amused look. “You and Jaejoong hated each other. He told me all about it the day after we slept with each other.” His smirk of triumph returned as he saw Siwon’s look of tense denial return. He had won! He had outsmarted the big ape and come away the bigger man. This kind of victory called for a night of drinking and sex...a lot of it.
“Tch, I should have figured that you were too much of a sex addict to have not slept with your best friend. Fuck, I’m surprised you haven’t made a move on me yet, considering that you have no self-control.” Siwon growled, left hand resting on his hip as he gave Changmin a hard glare.
“Uh, I like attractive people, thank you.” Changmin shot back, smirking slightly as he saw Siwon’s cheeks redden with anger.
Oh, how was it possible for his wonderful victory to keep getting so much sweeter?
“Fine. If you think you can resist me, then lets hit the showers together, see how long you last when we’re both wet and soapy.” He set the challenge, brow arching as he waited for the other male’s response.
“Fine, I acc-” Changmin was cut off by the sudden ringing of his phone. Ah, of all the bad luck.
He stalked over to the bench where he’d left his street clothes and plucked his phone off the top of it. “This is Changmin.” He spoke across the line, trying to show forth all of his annoyance at the interruption.
“This is Eunhyuk…I was wondering if you were gonna show for target practice today.”
“Ah, that’s right. I’ll be there in a minute. Oh, by the way, would you mind if I brought my own target.” Changmin cast a dark glare in Siwon’s direction. The other male was still standing there, meeting Changmin glare-for-glare.
“Sure. I don’t care so long as you’re here.” The man on the other end of the line didn’t wait for Changmin to reply before he killed the connection.
As much as it killed him to turn down a bet, Changmin was almost always late to target practice because of his usual squabbles with Siwon. How he hated that ape!
“I’ll have to take a rain check on the shower bit.” He stated evenly as he scooped up his clothes and began to walk towards the door. “You can always go play with yourself. After all, your attraction to yourself is quite obvious.” Changmin got the last word in before the gym door swung shut, leaving him in the cool hallway.
Ha, another battle won. Now to go shoot some stuff.
Jaejoong was pressed against the wall that was furthest away from the door, his knees bent and his arms wrapped securely around his thighs. What little warmth his body was producing didn’t even stand a fighting chance against the cold, dank cell that he’d been thrown into. How long had he been there? It felt like years as each second ticked by in the darkness, time slowing to a sluggish crawl as if to purposefully make Jaejoong
“It c-c-can’t have been m-m-more than five hours.” He stuttered into the darkness, tongue licking across his icy lips as if that would stop them from trembling.
It was odd how his panic at being kidnapped had dramatically fallen when he’d found himself alone in his cell, no one there to terrify him. Of course, now the only thing he had to keep him company was his own turbulent thoughts. He was trying desperately not to let his mind wonder back to the moment when Daniel Henney had him pinned against the wall. He didn’t want to admit that it affected him, didn’t want to tell himself that what Henney had done to him was something that would haunt his nightmares for the rest of his life. He didn’t want to be soiled and defiled. He felt broken and unsure of himself.
“Stop it, stop it!” He growled into the dimly lit room, his head tilting forward to rest on his knees as he clamped his eyes shut in a sort of grimace of pain. A new wave of chills washed over him, setting his slender hands to trembling against his legs. Oh what he would have given to have a blanket or something that would have kept his mind off the cold.
Like a piano.
Maybe he could have one…
Jaejoong sat looking at the sandy floor, head tilted to the left slightly as eyebrows met at the center of his head.
He sat like that for a moment longer before his trembling right hand moved from his knee and began to trace the familiar pattern across the sand-strewn floor. He knew the shape like he knew his own face, knew the length and width of the keys.
It took him another minute to finish of the sand-made keyboard, his eyes glowing slightly as he stared down at his creation. It wouldn’t make real music for him, but he could hear the melody in his head, begging to be played across the length of the piano.
The music in his body would not be denied its moment to spill forth, no matter if it was in the dark confines of a dewy cell.
He set his fingers on the “keys”, grains of sand pressing into his supple skin as he sat for a moment, hands poised and ready to fly effortlessly over imaginary keys.
He let his eyes flutter shut, not needing to see the keys to know exactly where he needed to go. This was like second nature to him. It came as naturally to him as breathing did to other people.
When the melody had finally settled within his mind, he pulled a deep breath and began to move his fingers. He could hear the music within his head, but that was hardly enough for him. So without even slowing his fingers against the stone floor, Jaejoong parted his lips and began the swooping melody of the piece. He listened to the deep bass of the piano reverberate in his head, fingers dancing in-time to the tune. His voice solidified now, echoing throughout the room like an angel’s ringing chorus. His voice was the sound of beauty, his closed eyes and swaying figure a work of art that no man could reproduce on paper or carve into stone.
The door creaked. His melody came to an abrupt end and his fingers fumbling slightly as he shot a wide-eyed look back towards the metal door.
There was the sound of keys clinking from behind the door, foretelling the entrance of someone into his cell.
Panic leapt within his chest, hands trembling again as he sat in frozen panic, doe-like eyes pinned to the door, waiting for it to swing inward.
With a slow and eerie groan, the door slowly swung open, hinges screaming protest and their need for oil.
A light spread into the cell, bathing a few feet of the shadow doused room with a kind of glowing warmth. Jaejoong had the desire to curl into a ball under that promised warmth, his skin tingling at the prospect of something to heat his icy skin.
“Good evening.” A figure very nearly bounced into the room, huge smile plastered across his youthful face. “Oh my.” He gasped, coming up short when he saw the bewilder looking Jaejoong trembling in the corner. “Well don’t you look of sorts of abused?” He stated as he pulled a blanket from the bag that was hanging on his hip. “This is for you.” He smiled softly and tossed the grey blanket in Jaejoong’s direction.
The boy was interesting looking. He was small with a child-like face and pouting, pink lips. His chocolate brown eyes seemed to dance merrily within his head and his striking blonde hair gave him the appearance of a child trying to act tough.
“Who…?” Jaejoong trailed off, the first rays of hope beginning to sprinkle across his body. This kid was way to nice to belong to the same gang that Daniel Henney was in. Could possibly be that he was here to spring Jaejoong from the hell he’d been cast into?
He took the blanket and quickly wrapped it around his body, a happy shiver running through his body at the prospect of coming warmth.
“Ah, my name’s Sungmin. Lee Sungmin.” He beamed down at Jaejoong, his hands resting on slender hips as he lifted his chin slightly, “I’m the cook for this rowdy gang of boys.” He positively glowed with his obvious pleasure at being included in the gang.
“I’m Jae-”
“You’re Jaejoong. I know already. They told me who you were.” He jumped in with an eager voice, as if he were desperate to show his competence in all matters.
“I’m here to take you to your new cell.” He added almost as an afterthought, his eyes sweeping over Jaejoong’s standing from as he spoke.
“Gosh, you’re pretty.” His tone was completely innocent, devoid of any type of lust or desire.
“Oh…um…” Jaejoong stood befuddled for a moment before something the boy had said cut through his slightly hazy brain.
He’d said he was here to take Jaejoong to his new cell. He could feel his heart sinking as he realized that his hopes for being spirited away were quickly flying out the window.
“New cell?” He managed to croak into the darkness, his throat suddenly constricted with shattered hopes and new fears.
“Why did they send the cook to take me?” He asked as he took a slight step forward. That had been the wrong thing to do. A stinging pain swept through his entire body, sucking the breath from his lungs and leaving him slightly shaking.
“Oh, they’re all busy with other stuff, so they entrusted me to take care of this for them.” His chin lifted with pride once again and a smile danced across his full lips. “I think they’ll be giving me an upgrade in status soon. They said they’re looking for a new member to join the gang.” His voice was matter-of-fact as he spoke, his eyebrows crinkling as he seemed to think something over in his head.
What if this was Jaejoong’s chance? If he could simply overpower the boy as they made their way to wherever it was that they were going, he’d be free. Maybe all of his luck hadn’t disappeared after all.
“Alright…so we’re going to a new cell then?” Jaejoong asked in a voice of nonchalance as he took a cautious step towards the boy. Yep, it still hurt like hell to move.
“Yes we are. Now just follow me.” The boy called as he turned on his heel and began to march back towards the door. “Oh,” He paused and turned back to look at Jaejoong, his hand reaching to his left hip, “first you need to put this on and then I need to tell you that if you try to get away, I’ll have to put a bullet in that pretty head.” He extended a sack in Jaejoong direction, his small fingers curled against the rough fabric.
Jaejoong felt a chill wash over his body at the smaller boy’s words. Somehow, he didn’t doubt that the younger boy would hesitate to lodge a bullet in the back of his skull. It was crazy how the innocence in those large eyes seemed to fade as the blonde boy pulled a pistol from his bag, barrel aimed towards the floor…for now.
“Why do you need to blindfold me?” He asked quickly, searching for more time before he was submerged in stifling darkness again.
“I don’t actually know…” The boy crinkled his brow and glanced at the sack he was till extending towards Jaejoong, “They just told me to make sure you couldn’t see anything around you.” He wiggled the sack at Jaejoong again, eyes pleading. “Please Jaejoong-ah, I really want this promotion.” He whined softly, lips extending in a soft pout.
“Somehow, the fact that you’re threatening to kill me puts a damper on my desire to help you get moved up in rank.” Jaejoong sighed softly as he reached out a slightly shaking hand and pulled the bag away from the smaller boy.
“To be honest, you don’t really seem like the gangster type.” He toyed with the course fabric slightly, running it between his fingers as he waited for the boy to respond.
The boy’s pout intensified slightly at Jaejoong’s words, “for your information, I have gained five pounds of pure muscle in the past month.” He pressed his left hand against his hip and raised his eyebrows as if he’d just presented Jaejoong with an irrefutable argument.
Jaejoong sighed, fighting back the sudden prickling of tears he felt at the realization that his time was running short. He would either die right now or put on the sack and die later. Oh the options.
“Sungmin-ah…please. Please let me go!” He cried softly, letting his violent emotions overwhelm his body. “I’m so scared and I miss my dad so much. I’m hurt and alone and I don’t know what I did to deserve this. Just let me go and we can pretend that I surprised you and managed to get away.” Jaejoong begged, tears creeping down his cheeks as he spoke. He had hoped that the boy would be a sucker for emotional displays.
He was wrong.
“Lots of people miss their fathers.” He responded easily, his eyes never losing their dancing light as he stared at Jaejoong. “Besides, your father’s a bad guy who deserves to have his son taken away from him.” His brow crinkled now and he pointed the gun straight at Jaejoong’s chest. “Put that thing on so we can get going. I have to cook a snack for Chullie soon.”
Jaejoong pulled the back of his right hand across his damp cheeks. Obviously it was pointless to try and reach the boy’s emotional side.
“Alright then.“ He breathed before he let out a resigned sigh and slid the suffocating bag over his head.
He was doused in darkness again, his breath hitching as he felt the sudden closeness of the fabric around his neck and mouth. He stood there, gripping the blanket around his body, waiting for something to happen.
“Good boy.” Sungmin’s voice chirped happily next to Jaejoong’s left ear. Jaejoong could imagine the happy smile on the other male’s face.
“Now come with me.” Jaejoong felt a warm hand grasp his own frozen one and begin to pull him forwards. Once again, Jaejoong tilted himself forward slightly, eyes open wide within the sack as if that would allow him to see what was coming at him.
“Don’t worry, I won’t let you run into anything.” Sungmin’s voice was a reassuring croon next to Jaejoong as the two started forward.
Jaejoong could tell when they’d left the cell because their footsteps began to echo again, Sungmin’s happy humming also reverberating against hard walls and floors.
“Why did I need to be moved?” He asked softly, listening to the way his voice seemed to grow in volume as it echoed.
“Er…I think they said something about needing that room for something else.” Sungmin’s voice was absent now and the sound of keys jingling reached Jaejoong’s ears.
“Ah, here it is.” There was the sound of jingling keys again before a muffled click and the sound of a door creaking open.
Jaejoong felt himself getting pushed into a room, the presence of the small boy’s hands on his back telling him the kid’s location.
“Well, I’ll see you later, Joongi-ah!” A happy voice chirped before the door was shut with a metallic ‘clang’.
Jaejoong quickly pulled the back off his head, lungs expanding happily as he pulled a deep breath of musty air. He took a moment to regain his equanimity before he let his gaze flicker around the room. It was exactly the same as the pervious cell, save for the dark mildew stains on the wall and the lack of the table and chair that had been in the other cell. He also thought he could hear the sound of water dripping against the tan stone, but after a moment it faded into obscurity. The major difference in the room was the stench. The room smelled like death and rotting flesh. Jaejoong felt his stomach churn dangerously.
“No, no, I’m sure he’s friendly.” A voice startled Jaejoong slightly and he turned towards the far left corner of the room.
There was a figure huddled there, with wild eyes pinned on Jaejoong’s form. There was a small mound next to him that Jaejoong assumed to be sand, though it look a bit too lumpy to be made simply of sand.
“Uh, hello?” Jaejoong called through the darkness as he began to cautiously make his way over to the other man. With every step he felt as if hot needles were being shoved into his lower body, each one reminding him of the things that had happened to him not long ago.
“Oh look, he’s talking to me now. If you had all just kept your stupid judgment to yourself.”
Jaejoong let his gaze flicker over the room, searching for whoever it was that the boy was talking to.
“My name is Jaejoong.” He nearly whispered, a sick feeling settling in his gut as he saw the look in the boy’s brown eyes. His eyes were glassy and dazed looking it seemed as if he wasn’t focusing on Jaejoong, even though he was staring right at him.
“I’m Junsu.” The response was quick and nervous sounding, as if he were worried about telling Jaejoong his name.
The boy was bathed in obscuring shadow, but Jaejoong could make out the straggly, brown hair that reached to the boy’s shoulder and the beard that clung to his chin and above his mouth. He probably would have been cute if he hadn’t looked like some insane castaway that hadn’t seen the sunlight in years.
“Nice to meet you.” Jaejoong attempted again, feeling a kind of bond with the smaller boy. After all, they were both trapped in the same position.
“My friends don’t like you. No…no, no, no. They don’t like you at all. Say pretty people are dangerous.” He averted his gaze from Jaejoong and stared down at the sand-covered floor, his hands fidgeting nervously over the mound on his left.
“What friends are you talking about?” Jaejoong breathed softly, suddenly beginning to feel a slight revulsion for the figure sitting before him. He was paranoid looking, and his eyes couldn’t seem to rest in one place for more than a few seconds before he was quickly gazing about the room.
“My friends.” Junsu muttered, gesturing towards the mound that he was sitting next to.
Jaejoong wasn’t sure if he really wanted to move forward and see what exactly Junsu’s “friends” were. But some sick kind of interest pushed him to move forward. Four or five steps took him within a foot of the small hill, his eyes adjusting to the changed light as he knelt down slightly.
The sudden smell of rotting flesh overwhelmed him and he staggered back, eyes large as he realized what exactly made up that mound of Junsu’s “friends”.
It was rats. Dead rats. There was probably two or three rats along with five or six mice, all piled on top of each other…all in different states of decomposer.
The ones on the bottom --a rather large rat and two small mice-- were the worst, with their flesh simple hanging off their small skeletons.
Jaejoong’s shoulders lurched forward and he quickly slapped a hand over his mouth in an attempt to keep the bile from spilling form his stomach.
He stumbled back as quickly as he could, just managing to turn his head away before the first wave of nausea clenched his stomach and he retched harshly into the corner. Despite having not eaten anything since the other night, his stomach still found something for him to vomit onto the stone floor, the acid taste washing over his mouth with every heave.
He felt a wave of dizziness sweep over him as he realized the boy was insane. Was this his fate too, then? Would he be trapped in this room for years and eventually start talking to dead and decaying animals? He couldn’t imagine a worse torture then being sentenced to live the rest of his life in this dank, dark room with nothing but his own mind to keep him company.
The sudden wave of realization made him sway on spot slightly and his vision began to swim and fade out slightly. What was happening?
Kim Jaejoong fell to the floor in a heap of blanket and body, completely unconscious.
=-----------------------------------=
“Could you try to look at little more…imposing?”
“What’s not imposing about me?”
“Hm, where to start? I guess it could be the fact that you have absolutely no muscle and all you can seem to do is sit there, trying to look appealing.”
“Look here, you-”
“Siwon. My name is Siwon.”
Changmin rolled his eyes slightly at the males impetuous tone. That insufferably handsome and infuriating man was rubbing on Changmin’s last nerve. The man thought that just because he had those big brown eyes and insane muscles that he was some type of god. Changmin scoffed at the idea of submitting himself to this dolt.
“Whatever. All that matters here is that you know not all power comes through big muscles.” He stabbed his finger at the tall male, eyes narrowing dangerously as he stood up straighter in order to match Siwon’s height.
“I assume you’re going to say intellect is really what matters?” Siwon smirked softly before he easily turned away from Changmin, muscles coiling under honey-toned skin as he stepped out of the boxing ring. He was a tall guy, probably 6’1 or 2 with a mop of shiny brown hair framing his narrow face. He was undeniable handsome --and he knew it-- with charming eyes and an entrancing smile. He was clad in a ridiculously-thin tank-top and a pair of black sweat-pants…which only added to his appeal.
“Yes, in fact, I am going to say that. “ Changmin snapped back as he followed Siwon out of the boxing ring. “It’s always the guys with the brains that get put in power. In fact, I’ve never seen a brainless dolt with big muscles get put in charge before.” Changmin growled as he snatched up one of the towels from the gyms rest area and proceed to wipe away the sweat that was clinging to his face and neck.
“You’re assuming that you can only have one or the other. Without physical strength, it wouldn’t matter how smart you are.” Siwon stalked forward, backing Changmin against one of the grey walls, “without physical dominance, there is no real power.” He growled,, hands coming out to rest on either side of Changmin’s head.
Talk about intimidating. “It’s cute how you think you’re so intimidating.” Changmin sneered darkly, eyes narrowing as he brought his hands up and pushed against Siwon. Gosh, the man was like a brick wall, all muscle and hot skin that wouldn’t move an inch.
“Hm, so how is Mr. Brains-Are-The-Way, going to get out of this situation?” Siwon teased with eyebrows lifting slightly as he leaned in closer, edging further into Changmin’s personal space.
Changmin was stuck. Any action he took to get himself out of the situation would have to be physical action, rather than mental. So here he was, faced with the undeniable truth that Siwon was right. Like he was going to let him know that!
“I’m telling you to get off of me. Now.” Changmin mustered his superior voice, the one that always managed to work on Jaejoong.
“Hm, verbal command…” Siwon nodded his head slightly, pursing his lips as he feigned a look of deep thought. “Considering that you have no physical ability to impose harm upon me if I don’t move, that leaves us in the same position as we started.” He leaned closer, nose nearly touching Changmin’s cheek.
‘Shit! Stupid, fucking, IDIOT!’ Changmin ranted in his head, eyes narrowing as he thought of all the things he could do to torture that smirk off the other male’s face. So what was he going to do? He contemplated just kneeing the guy in the groin, but his satisfaction would only last until the other male had composed himself enough to taunt Changmin about not being able to get out of a situation without using physical means.
And then it hit him.
“Oh,” He moaned softly, voice rumbling deep in his chest, “I am SO horny right now.”
That did it. Siwon was out of his space within a fraction of a second, his eyebrows raised in unadulterated shock. “What?” He sputtered lightly, pure confusing glazed his dark eyes as he glanced about the room as if took make sure no one had heard Changmin.
“HA!” Changmin gave a triumphant laugh, pumping his fist in the air before he pushed himself off the wall. Victory was sweeter than anything he’d ever tasted. “You don’t mess with the Oxford guys.” He growled happily, aiming a sharp glare towards the still-befuddled Siwon.
Siwon stood with pursed lips and narrowed eyes as Changmin began his victory dance around the gym, smug smile still glued in place.
“You know, when Mr. Kim told me that he needed my help to get you in shape to go undercover, I initially didn’t want to do it. But then I thought of my sweet Jaejoong out there, all alone and defenseless. I can suffer through this if it means helping my dearest Joongie.”
Changmin stopped his victory dance abruptly, his eyebrows arching in a slightly amused look. “You and Jaejoong hated each other. He told me all about it the day after we slept with each other.” His smirk of triumph returned as he saw Siwon’s look of tense denial return. He had won! He had outsmarted the big ape and come away the bigger man. This kind of victory called for a night of drinking and sex...a lot of it.
“Tch, I should have figured that you were too much of a sex addict to have not slept with your best friend. Fuck, I’m surprised you haven’t made a move on me yet, considering that you have no self-control.” Siwon growled, left hand resting on his hip as he gave Changmin a hard glare.
“Uh, I like attractive people, thank you.” Changmin shot back, smirking slightly as he saw Siwon’s cheeks redden with anger.
Oh, how was it possible for his wonderful victory to keep getting so much sweeter?
“Fine. If you think you can resist me, then lets hit the showers together, see how long you last when we’re both wet and soapy.” He set the challenge, brow arching as he waited for the other male’s response.
“Fine, I acc-” Changmin was cut off by the sudden ringing of his phone. Ah, of all the bad luck.
He stalked over to the bench where he’d left his street clothes and plucked his phone off the top of it. “This is Changmin.” He spoke across the line, trying to show forth all of his annoyance at the interruption.
“This is Eunhyuk…I was wondering if you were gonna show for target practice today.”
“Ah, that’s right. I’ll be there in a minute. Oh, by the way, would you mind if I brought my own target.” Changmin cast a dark glare in Siwon’s direction. The other male was still standing there, meeting Changmin glare-for-glare.
“Sure. I don’t care so long as you’re here.” The man on the other end of the line didn’t wait for Changmin to reply before he killed the connection.
As much as it killed him to turn down a bet, Changmin was almost always late to target practice because of his usual squabbles with Siwon. How he hated that ape!
“I’ll have to take a rain check on the shower bit.” He stated evenly as he scooped up his clothes and began to walk towards the door. “You can always go play with yourself. After all, your attraction to yourself is quite obvious.” Changmin got the last word in before the gym door swung shut, leaving him in the cool hallway.
Ha, another battle won. Now to go shoot some stuff.