Smoke and Mirrors (1/2) [for setaxis]
Title: Smoke and Mirrors
Recipient: setaxis
Rating: NC-17
Word Count: 10,122
Warning(s): smuttiness, swearing, drinking - all the good stuff
Summary: This was not a birthday present deliquent Im Jaebum was expecting...
A/N: Many thanks to M for all the help with this one! This is my first fic with this pairing so I’m a bit nervous. Hope you enjoy :)
part one | two
“So...you get anything for your birthday?”
Jaebum looked up from his slouched position against the wall of the Chinese restaurant where he washed dishes, flicking ashes off his half-burned cigarette and bringing it up to his lips as he gave this coworker a shrug of indifference. The silence lingered heavily as he took a few deep drags then released, a swirl of nicotine-laced smoke rising above them. He and Mark usually shared a comfortable silence during their breaks in the back alley behind the restaurant, fingers pruny from scrubbing in water that went from scalding to lukewarm in minutes and hair damp and curling from the steam of a washer at least ten years out of date.
“Nope. Not like I was expecting anything. That would be stupid,” he murmured in a noncommittal drawl, flicking more ashes and watching them flutter randomly to the ground and onto the tops of his worn Converses.
Mark shook his head at the other’s - he guessed he could call Jaebum a friend although the taller boy was pretty standoffish most of the time - response. He knew Jaebum’s dad was a deadbeat and pretty much wasn’t in the picture and hadn’t been for years, gambling away any earnings he’d made and forcing his son to drop out of school at 14 to take the odd job in order to keep his mother and younger sister fed. Mark himself knew what it was like to struggle to make ends meet but it was just himself - no one else depended on him, not like they did on Jaebum. Mark didn’t mean to play armchair psychologist but he figured that the abandonment by his father was part of what made Jaebum the way he was - ice-cold exterior, like he’d built up a wall around himself so he couldn’t get hurt again. He barely smiled and when he did it never reached his eyes.
“I’m gonna head back to work, okay? I think you’ve got about 10 minutes before old man Zhang comes after you.” The only answer Mark got was a soft grunt and a nod of acknowledgement, which was pretty much par for the course when one interacted with Im Jaebum.
Jaebum took another drag after the redhead left, smoke hot and acrid as he held it in for several moments before letting it out with something similar to a sigh. He knew that Mark meant well but it was just better to keep his distance. He didn’t need friends - he didn’t need anyone. He had relied on his father and look where it got him - dead end job and still up to his chin in debt. He’d tried some petty crime which had only earned him a few months in juvenile detention and, even worse, the look of disappointment and sadness in his mother’s eyes. He’d promised her that he would earn his money honestly. Besides, now that he was an adult he didn’t relish the thought of spending time in prison.
Lost in thought, Jaebum didn’t notice the shadows that had crossed his path until one of two men cleared his throat. They were both clad in black suits, eyes hidden by dark sunglasses. One was definitely the muscle, suit stretched taut across his tall frame but the other seemed just as dangerous, smirk in place as he stepped up to Jaebum. Jaebum knew how to defend himself but he wasn’t stupid - these guys were no joke. He definitely wouldn’t want to meet them in a dark alley - which was where he was now, of course.
“You Im Jaebum?”
Jaebum straightened, dropping the now used but still smoldering cigarette to the ground and grinding the butt with the heel of his shoe. “And what if I am?” he said blandly. “What’s it to you?”
Smirk widening, the shorter man handed Jaebum a letter while the other crossed his arms across his broad chest. “Nothing to me, kid...but you might want to wish you were someone else after you read this. Taec agrees with me, right?” The taller, silent man nodded.
Jaebum looked at the other blandly, even as he felt his heart race a bit faster than it should. He could crumple the envelope in hand without reading it but knew it wasn’t a good idea. Satisfied that the recipient wouldn’t throw their delivery away the two stepped back, well-polished Ferragamos out of place in the dinginess of the alley. “See you soon, kid. When you get to the place on the letter and you need anything, just ask for Wooyoung.”
Jaebum waited until the two were gone (stepping into a sleek black car, of course) before he looked down at the envelope. With a feeling of dread he tore it open, unfolding the letter with fingers he refused to admit were shaking.
Mr Im Jaebum,
It has come to our attention that Mr Im Jaewon has been reticent in paying back the debt he owes Mr Park Junghwa. As his son, the responsibility now rests on your shoulders to restore your family honor. Now, Mr Park is not an unkind man and he realizes your circumstances are not at this time ideal so he is willing to compromise. You are expected to fulfill your obligations by working as his son’s butler for the span of no less than a year. If you do not agree to this then your sister shall take your place.
Arrive at the following address tomorrow at 9 am sharp. Do not be late.
The letter was unsigned but the seal at the bottom made the Jaebum’s heart - which only moments before been racing - nearly stop. The streets were dangerous, crime in its various forms permeating every aspect of daily life - and the Park family had a finger in every pot. Money laundering, prostitution, arms dealing, you name it, they were involved. Only the Wang family and the Wu family were stronger and not by much. He couldn’t let his sister, or mother for that matter, get pulled into this. It wasn’t the first time that day that Jaebum cursed his father and what he had done to them….but this was going to change everything.
___________________________________________________________________
The following day was appropriately overcast and dreary, Jaebum’s hair damp from the drizzle as he looked down at the address on the letter and up at the corresponding numbers above the doorway in front of him. He’d had to scramble to find someone to cover his shift at the restaurant - fortunately Mark was a good guy and didn’t do much other than arch an eyebrow curiously at the other boy - even though he had the feeling that he wouldn’t be setting foot at the Golden Phoenix for quite some time (depending, of course on what happened with Park Junghwa’s kid). He’d tried to look at least presentable but when one didn’t have a lot of cash that meant black jeans and a dark blue button-down that had seen better days but was clean. He still felt entirely outclassed in a neighborhood he had never even dared set foot in before.
Might as well get it over with.
With a sigh Jaebum pushed the buzzer, steeling himself to not shrink back at the ominous sound, straight out of The Godfather. “Well, I guess I’ve already gotten the offer I can’t refuse,” he muttered to himself, freezing as the door opened to another sharply dressed man much like the two in the alley. “You Im Jaebum?” At Jaebum’s nod, the man gestured inside. “Good. Boss is waiting for you.”
It was a wonder what a good suit could do to make anyone look polished. A Caraceni suit - Armani was far too plebian for the youngest boss in the history of his father’s organization - made the young Jinyoung look as though he knew exactly what he was doing (not that he needed a damn good suit for that.) He focused on his sleek computer monitor, pretending not to pay attention to the conversation outside his door.
Jaebum felt a sense of foreboding cross over him, swallowing the uncomfortable knot that had formed at the base of his throat as he stepped through the threshold. He tried to keep his cool facade but nerves trickled through that not-so-strong veneer. He could really use a cigarette at that moment…
Jinyoung's dark eyes flicked upwards silently, carefully sizing up the young man before him. The kid had guts, he had to give him that--and he would easily make a good addition to his little entourage. "Sit down," he finally said. "You're prompt. I like that."
"The letter pretty much gave me the impression that I didn't have much choice," Jaebum muttered roughly, remaining standing and not letting his guard down. "Why am I here? I'm sure your dad knows where mine is. He can pay his own damned debt."
"My honored father, in all his wisdom, has come to the conclusion that your father has either been off on a trip to Mars for the past three years or is dead in a ditch somewhere. I'll let you draw your conclusions." Jinyoung rattled off his speech off-handedly, clearly having the same lack of respect for his father that Jaebum did. "He left debts. Large ones. His contract stipulates that this debt will be paid despite the circumstances."
Jaebum shook his head, not really looking at Park Jinyoung. After all, when you've seen one mafioso you've seen them all. "But I have nothing to do with my father...haven't since I was a kid. Besides, I think it's kind of obvious I'm no butler."
"Then your father should've been a more thorough reader." The boy didn't take his eyes off his computer screen, but gestured to the other plush chair next to Jaebum. "Our copy of your father's contract is right there. I suggest you familiarize yourself with the terms."
Jaebum sat down and looked at the at the thick sheaf of paper, the black ink jeering up at him. He swore when he found the section outlining the means of repayment.
If the aforementioned cannot repay at the terms outlined above, his closest relations will assume responsibility for the debt. Payment shall be by any means necessary and at the discretion of the Park family.
"So as you see...you're stuck, unless you'd prefer your sister or your mother to repay your debt..." Jinyoung's voice hung in the air, daring the young man to defy him. "We can always make....arrangements, shall we say. So what'll it be, kid? You have one chance to let someone else take your place. See, I'm not such a terrible monster now, am I?"
Arrangements... "No!" Jaebum blurted out, any toughness vanishing at the thought of his sister or mother coming to harm. They didn't deserve this - maybe he did. "Leave them out of this."
"Nothing will happen to them if you fill these arrangements now, will it?"
"So you want me to dress up and pretend to be a butler? Fine," Jaebum said sullenly, still not looking up at the other man.
"Not pretend. You will be a butler." Jinyoung's voice had an edge of finality. "You will serve my every whim, no matter how strange or nonsensical it may seem."
"I don't think you get it," Jaebum said with a shake of his head, earrings in the left earlobe shaking slightly with the action. "I have no training. Hell, I didn't graduate from high school. I'm no good at that shit."
"Stand up and go get me my cigarettes. They're on that small table by the entrance." Jinyoung went back to typing, his brow furrowing as he scrutinized his emails.
Jaebum scowled but did as was suggested, slouching over to pick up the cigarettes and dropping them on Park's desk, his fingers itching to steal one.
"Light it." Jinyoung didn't even blink. "I need a smoke when I'm issuing orders."
"You can't light your own?" Jaebum asked, unable to resist even though he knew it was against his better judgement. "Do they wipe your ass too?"
"Light. The. Fucking. Smoke." Jinyoung's cool tone changed dangerously--did Jaebum really want an answer to that question?
The temperature in the room seemed to drop several degrees and Jaebum lit the cigarette, refusing to admit to himself that his hand was shaking a bit as it held the lighter.
Jinyoung extended one elegant hand, his long, tapered fingers gesturing for his cigarette.
Jaebum handed the other the cigarette, his own hands feeling coarse and clumsy. He finally looked up to study the other man, something strangely familiar about him. Had to have been his imagination.
Jinyoung took a long drag of his cigarette, his eyes half-closed in delight as he exhaled. "You don't need training. One year at our high school was enough."
Jaebum froze, the lighter slipping from now-numb fingers. "What did you say?"
"Pick that up, it's an antique." Jinyoung extended his hand for his lighter. "I said you only needed one year of high school."
Jaebum fumbled with the lighter but managed to place it in Park's waiting hand. "You said 'our' high school."
"I did, didn't I?" Jinyoung sighed and typed faster, clearly agitated by the messages on his screen. "Yes. I remember you."
"I don't remember you. You were probably one of the rich kids who didn't have time for the rest of us," Jaebum sneered.
"I sat right behind you. You slept a lot."
Jaebum opened his mouth to deny it but found he honestly couldn't. "I had a job at night. Had to take care of my family since my dad chose not to. Not everyone has everything given to them..."
"I didn't ask for excuses. I would poke you with my pencil eraser to wake you up when the teacher was asking questions."
Jaebum remembered some of those not-so-gentle eraser pokes. Not like it mattered anyway. "The teachers didn't give a shit about kids like me. We were just seat fillers for the rest of you to look even better."
"So you choose instead to direct your rage at me."
"You are the one forcing me to pay back my dad's debt. I didn't ask for this."
"I would highly suggest you check that name on the contract. I did not sign it."
"But you aren't looking for my father, are you?"
"That would be my father's job. I may be in training for takeover, but he has final say." Jinyoung flicked away the ashes from his cigarette. "Of course, if you'd like other work...well, you're clean. You could go into one of our brothels."
Jaebum's jaw dropped. He had no idea how Park Jinyoung knew he was clean but that was beside the point. He'd seen some of those - workers - and there was no way in hell he'd do that. He'd kicked the ass of the guy who had approached Mark during a break, offering the redhead a job at the Gilded Pony. He'd never thought that the man may have been sent by Park. "No fucking way."
"Then you've made your choice...your final one. You'd rather be sucking my cock than a bunch of strangers." Jinyoung smirked. "Maybe I'll put that to use."
Wait a minute...what?
"What?" Jaebum repeated, blurting out loud this time. "This is just about being a butler. How the hell did this start turning into me sucking your cock? Are you crazy?"
"It's a theoretical cock; I can get any man or woman I want for the physical one." Jinyoung raised an eyebrow. "I get to dictate the terms of being a butler. Not you. We haven't even started to have fun yet."
Jaebum scowled, prominent brows furrowing. "This is just a game to you, isn't it? This is my family's life we are talking about."
"So now you're offering your entire family into servitude? How kind."
"No," Jaebum said coldly. "I said before, leave my sister and mother out of this. But I'm trying to keep them fed and safe and I was doing an okay job until I got that letter."
"If you obey my orders, we will take care of both of them," Jinyoung said evenly. "It's as easy as that. They will be fed and safe beyond their wildest dreams."
"I have your word on that?" Jaebum asked, a hint of vulnerability in the delinquent's voice. He had taken on the responsibility as the man of the house when his father left and as much as he was a fuckup he still took that role seriously.
"It's far more productive-and less expensive-to protect a family of a servant than it is to threaten them," Jinyoung said. "Your good behaviour is their meal ticket."
"And you will make sure they don't need anything? I'm sure you won't let me keep my job at the Golden Phoenix and still work for you."
"We're already moving them. I'm sure you've heard of the complex." Jinyoung named one of the more expensive apartments in the city. "They'll want absolutely nothing."
Jaebum's eyes widened. He'd heard of it - only as rumor, of course. No one in their neighborhood could imagine living there. "And this is all if I just become your butler for a year and pay back the debt?"
"Exactly. You pay off this debt, you're free to go and we won't bother you again...unless you borrow money from us."
"I'll never do that....I'm not my father."
"Then there you have it. Very simple, isn't it?"
It seemed that way - but then again, the Park family never did anything simply. "I guess. I just do whatever butlers do - light cigarettes, shit like that."
"Pesky shit like that," Jinyoung agreed. "You will be trained in the proper way that the Park family prefers, when it comes to cigarettes, setting tables, preparing clothing, and sucking cock."
Jaebum had nodded his head to each task - then froze at the last. "That last part...you're joking, right?"
"Well you don't expect me to suck yours, do you?"
Jaebum searched the other's eyes, hoping that the mafia heir was just kidding. He didn't like what he saw.
Jinyoung steepled his fingers and rested his chin on them. "I give you....a month before you start demanding--no, begging for that privilege.”
Jaebum frowned, his eyes flashing angrily at the smirking man in front of him. "I will never beg for your cock."
"There will be a time." The man's voice lowered down to a bare imitation of a whisper. "When we're all alone in here, you and I...you just won't be able to help yourself, will you? You'll be on your hands and knees, needing...begging...so desperate for a reward."
"In your dreams, maybe," Jaebum growled out, ignoring the way his heart raced as he leaned in to hear the softly spoken yet scandalous words.
Jinyoung chuckled. "I amend my guess to two weeks."
Jaebum's fingers clenched into a fist so tight it left red crescents on his palms where his fingernails had dug into the skin. "Go to hell."
"I'll see you there...after you learn how to prepare my bath, that is. And I believe I'll have a merlot tonight..."
Some of Jaebum's anger faded, replaced by confusion. "You mean I'm starting tonight?"
"You've already started." Jinyoung turned towards his screen, back to business. "Easy tonight, though. You'll learn my nightly routine, then tomorrow you'll get started on keeping my schedule."
Jaebum looked around, still not quite believing this was real. "Am I supposed to stay here? I do need to let the Phoenix know I won't be in. Mar---I mean people might be worried."
"They've been notified. You really don't think we're very thorough, do you? Your quarters are next to mine--for quicker access, naturally. You've been given your orders." Jinyoung smashed the remains of his cigarette into the nearby ashtray. "I suggest you learn to follow them. Quickly."
Jaebum scowled - he really didn't like this guy. "What happens if I don't?" he couldn't resist asking.
"I request you remember whose future hangs in the balance should you choose not to perform your duties to the highest standards." Jinyoung finally looked up, giving his old classmate an icy glare. "Or should I detail that answer for you?"
Thoughts of his sister's bright-eyed, happy face made the color drain from the delinquent's face . "You'd seriously hurt them..." he murmured, more statement than question.
"Debts paid at any cost." The young boss's tone echoed the fine print of Jaebum's father's contract.
"Must be nice to not have a conscience," Jaebum muttered to himself, then stood. "I get it. Bath and booze...where do I start?"
Jinyoung finally rose. "Follow me." He silently cursed his luck that his former butler had finished paying off his debts--that boy was so obedient, so pliant. Jaebum, however, offered a challenge--and it would be his pleasure to break him in. He led the kid upstairs and into the large, lavishly-furnished master bedroom. "The wine is in the minibar, I suppose you know exactly where the tub is. I hope."
"I think I can figure that out," Jaebum said blandly, trying to not look impressed at the room the other man led him to. He probably had never owned anything in his life that equaled what was in Park Jinyoung's bedroom. Hell, everything he'd ever owned in total probably never cost what the vase on the mantle did.
"Then I suggest you get started. My evening companion will be here precisely at ten." Jinyoung idly shrugged off his suit jacket and started carelessly unknotting his tie. "You'll see them out when they're done, and then your duties for the night are finished."
Evening companion... Jaebum knew exactly what that meant - he definitely didn't need the visual. Of course he'd find out what Park Jinyoung's type was when the "companion" got there. Not that he cared, of course. "Where do I stay?"
"The room immediately to the right of this one is your quarters. Small, but you also have a private bath. Do you think that'll be up to your standards?" The last word was dripping with sarcasm.
"A mint on my pillow would be nice," came the distracted reply as Jaebum looked through the minibar. Wine was such a sissy drink. If he were a mob boss' son he'd stick to the hard stuff.
"There are servants lower than you who take care of that." Jinyoung unbuttoned his shirt and half-heartedly tossed it aside, missing the hamper by a mile. Intricate tattoos decorated his shoulders and arms, painstaking traditional designs of grimacing dragons and other guardians. "Pour yourself a glass if you want. It's....cheap."
The implication made Jaebum frown. "I prefer something stronger...with more bite," he sneered. He saw the flash of ink and for a moment could not draw his eyes away from the intricate designs that traced along Jinyoung's torso.
"Then don't, suit yourself. I prefer not to be too inebriated when I have company." A slight smirk crossed the young man's face--Jaebum's gaze could've burned a hole in his skin. "Never saw these kind of tattoos before? Of course not, you never played with the big boys..."
Caught, Jaebum tore his gaze away, uncomfortable. "Don't have that kind of money to waste."
"Then you'll be fine with some cheap wine." Cheap, of course in Jinyoung's mind, simply meant 'less expensive than a French 1865 vintage.'
"I shouldn't be drinking on the job - not very professional of me."
"Suit yourself." Jinyoung continued to strip, a pointed look towards the wine and his bathroom. "You should be doing your job, then."
Jaebum turned away before more skin was revealed, pouring a glass of merlot and taking it with him to the bathroom. He shook his head in amazement (and perhaps a bit of jealousy) as he saw how big the recessed marble bath was - it could easily fit three and probably cost the equivalent of a year's salary at the Golden Phoenix. He started the water, taking care not to make it too hot (he preferred it a little hotter than average himself). There were carved glass bottles of various sizes along the edge and Jaebum picked one up. They proved to be filled with oils and unguents, salts and gels of various scents - some a lot stronger than others. The boss hadn't said what he preferred so Jaebum selected one that was almost delicate and smelled good to him, sprinkling it into the bath water.
"I hope it's ready." Jinyoung appeared in the doorway, the silk boxers he wore doing nothing to hide the tattoos curling up his muscular thighs. "My companion will be here in ten minutes...and this service is quite prompt." He seemed unfazed by the extravagant bathroom. He inhaled sharply, taking a moment to decide on the scent. "...That'll do. He's a delicate one."
"As ready as it's going to be," came the response and Jaebum shrugged. "I'll just wait out in the other room for your....companion."
"Wait by the front door. Any delay and he'll think he's special enough to spend the night." Jinyoung rolled his eyes to the ceiling. He had problems in the past with companions who thought themselves worthy of sharing his bed, but none of them ever made it that far. He'd fuck them on the floor, against the wall--and them make them leave. There was no point in attachments.
Jaebum gave the other man a brief nod. It wasn't any of his business, after all. What was his business was getting out of that bathroom before Park Jinyoung got rid of those silk boxers. "Just call me if you need anything."
"He'll be done before ten-thirty. Escort him out and you're relieved for the night. I don't need anyone to tuck me in and read a story."
"That's the last thing I'd want to do," Jaebum muttered, turning away.
As Jinyoung had predicted, his 'companion' rang the bell at ten precisely-a slight young man in a smart suit, carefully groomed to the boss's expectations (and hopes in his eyes that tonight Jinyoung would finally realize the errors of his ways and take him on as a lover.) Naturally, his hopes were dashed after the boss had taken his own pleasure, and, like clockwork, was out at ten-thirty.
Jaebum escorted the man out without a word.
part one | two
Recipient: setaxis
Rating: NC-17
Word Count: 10,122
Warning(s): smuttiness, swearing, drinking - all the good stuff
Summary: This was not a birthday present deliquent Im Jaebum was expecting...
A/N: Many thanks to M for all the help with this one! This is my first fic with this pairing so I’m a bit nervous. Hope you enjoy :)
part one | two
“So...you get anything for your birthday?”
Jaebum looked up from his slouched position against the wall of the Chinese restaurant where he washed dishes, flicking ashes off his half-burned cigarette and bringing it up to his lips as he gave this coworker a shrug of indifference. The silence lingered heavily as he took a few deep drags then released, a swirl of nicotine-laced smoke rising above them. He and Mark usually shared a comfortable silence during their breaks in the back alley behind the restaurant, fingers pruny from scrubbing in water that went from scalding to lukewarm in minutes and hair damp and curling from the steam of a washer at least ten years out of date.
“Nope. Not like I was expecting anything. That would be stupid,” he murmured in a noncommittal drawl, flicking more ashes and watching them flutter randomly to the ground and onto the tops of his worn Converses.
Mark shook his head at the other’s - he guessed he could call Jaebum a friend although the taller boy was pretty standoffish most of the time - response. He knew Jaebum’s dad was a deadbeat and pretty much wasn’t in the picture and hadn’t been for years, gambling away any earnings he’d made and forcing his son to drop out of school at 14 to take the odd job in order to keep his mother and younger sister fed. Mark himself knew what it was like to struggle to make ends meet but it was just himself - no one else depended on him, not like they did on Jaebum. Mark didn’t mean to play armchair psychologist but he figured that the abandonment by his father was part of what made Jaebum the way he was - ice-cold exterior, like he’d built up a wall around himself so he couldn’t get hurt again. He barely smiled and when he did it never reached his eyes.
“I’m gonna head back to work, okay? I think you’ve got about 10 minutes before old man Zhang comes after you.” The only answer Mark got was a soft grunt and a nod of acknowledgement, which was pretty much par for the course when one interacted with Im Jaebum.
Jaebum took another drag after the redhead left, smoke hot and acrid as he held it in for several moments before letting it out with something similar to a sigh. He knew that Mark meant well but it was just better to keep his distance. He didn’t need friends - he didn’t need anyone. He had relied on his father and look where it got him - dead end job and still up to his chin in debt. He’d tried some petty crime which had only earned him a few months in juvenile detention and, even worse, the look of disappointment and sadness in his mother’s eyes. He’d promised her that he would earn his money honestly. Besides, now that he was an adult he didn’t relish the thought of spending time in prison.
Lost in thought, Jaebum didn’t notice the shadows that had crossed his path until one of two men cleared his throat. They were both clad in black suits, eyes hidden by dark sunglasses. One was definitely the muscle, suit stretched taut across his tall frame but the other seemed just as dangerous, smirk in place as he stepped up to Jaebum. Jaebum knew how to defend himself but he wasn’t stupid - these guys were no joke. He definitely wouldn’t want to meet them in a dark alley - which was where he was now, of course.
“You Im Jaebum?”
Jaebum straightened, dropping the now used but still smoldering cigarette to the ground and grinding the butt with the heel of his shoe. “And what if I am?” he said blandly. “What’s it to you?”
Smirk widening, the shorter man handed Jaebum a letter while the other crossed his arms across his broad chest. “Nothing to me, kid...but you might want to wish you were someone else after you read this. Taec agrees with me, right?” The taller, silent man nodded.
Jaebum looked at the other blandly, even as he felt his heart race a bit faster than it should. He could crumple the envelope in hand without reading it but knew it wasn’t a good idea. Satisfied that the recipient wouldn’t throw their delivery away the two stepped back, well-polished Ferragamos out of place in the dinginess of the alley. “See you soon, kid. When you get to the place on the letter and you need anything, just ask for Wooyoung.”
Jaebum waited until the two were gone (stepping into a sleek black car, of course) before he looked down at the envelope. With a feeling of dread he tore it open, unfolding the letter with fingers he refused to admit were shaking.
Mr Im Jaebum,
It has come to our attention that Mr Im Jaewon has been reticent in paying back the debt he owes Mr Park Junghwa. As his son, the responsibility now rests on your shoulders to restore your family honor. Now, Mr Park is not an unkind man and he realizes your circumstances are not at this time ideal so he is willing to compromise. You are expected to fulfill your obligations by working as his son’s butler for the span of no less than a year. If you do not agree to this then your sister shall take your place.
Arrive at the following address tomorrow at 9 am sharp. Do not be late.
The letter was unsigned but the seal at the bottom made the Jaebum’s heart - which only moments before been racing - nearly stop. The streets were dangerous, crime in its various forms permeating every aspect of daily life - and the Park family had a finger in every pot. Money laundering, prostitution, arms dealing, you name it, they were involved. Only the Wang family and the Wu family were stronger and not by much. He couldn’t let his sister, or mother for that matter, get pulled into this. It wasn’t the first time that day that Jaebum cursed his father and what he had done to them….but this was going to change everything.
___________________________________________________________________
The following day was appropriately overcast and dreary, Jaebum’s hair damp from the drizzle as he looked down at the address on the letter and up at the corresponding numbers above the doorway in front of him. He’d had to scramble to find someone to cover his shift at the restaurant - fortunately Mark was a good guy and didn’t do much other than arch an eyebrow curiously at the other boy - even though he had the feeling that he wouldn’t be setting foot at the Golden Phoenix for quite some time (depending, of course on what happened with Park Junghwa’s kid). He’d tried to look at least presentable but when one didn’t have a lot of cash that meant black jeans and a dark blue button-down that had seen better days but was clean. He still felt entirely outclassed in a neighborhood he had never even dared set foot in before.
Might as well get it over with.
With a sigh Jaebum pushed the buzzer, steeling himself to not shrink back at the ominous sound, straight out of The Godfather. “Well, I guess I’ve already gotten the offer I can’t refuse,” he muttered to himself, freezing as the door opened to another sharply dressed man much like the two in the alley. “You Im Jaebum?” At Jaebum’s nod, the man gestured inside. “Good. Boss is waiting for you.”
It was a wonder what a good suit could do to make anyone look polished. A Caraceni suit - Armani was far too plebian for the youngest boss in the history of his father’s organization - made the young Jinyoung look as though he knew exactly what he was doing (not that he needed a damn good suit for that.) He focused on his sleek computer monitor, pretending not to pay attention to the conversation outside his door.
Jaebum felt a sense of foreboding cross over him, swallowing the uncomfortable knot that had formed at the base of his throat as he stepped through the threshold. He tried to keep his cool facade but nerves trickled through that not-so-strong veneer. He could really use a cigarette at that moment…
Jinyoung's dark eyes flicked upwards silently, carefully sizing up the young man before him. The kid had guts, he had to give him that--and he would easily make a good addition to his little entourage. "Sit down," he finally said. "You're prompt. I like that."
"The letter pretty much gave me the impression that I didn't have much choice," Jaebum muttered roughly, remaining standing and not letting his guard down. "Why am I here? I'm sure your dad knows where mine is. He can pay his own damned debt."
"My honored father, in all his wisdom, has come to the conclusion that your father has either been off on a trip to Mars for the past three years or is dead in a ditch somewhere. I'll let you draw your conclusions." Jinyoung rattled off his speech off-handedly, clearly having the same lack of respect for his father that Jaebum did. "He left debts. Large ones. His contract stipulates that this debt will be paid despite the circumstances."
Jaebum shook his head, not really looking at Park Jinyoung. After all, when you've seen one mafioso you've seen them all. "But I have nothing to do with my father...haven't since I was a kid. Besides, I think it's kind of obvious I'm no butler."
"Then your father should've been a more thorough reader." The boy didn't take his eyes off his computer screen, but gestured to the other plush chair next to Jaebum. "Our copy of your father's contract is right there. I suggest you familiarize yourself with the terms."
Jaebum sat down and looked at the at the thick sheaf of paper, the black ink jeering up at him. He swore when he found the section outlining the means of repayment.
If the aforementioned cannot repay at the terms outlined above, his closest relations will assume responsibility for the debt. Payment shall be by any means necessary and at the discretion of the Park family.
"So as you see...you're stuck, unless you'd prefer your sister or your mother to repay your debt..." Jinyoung's voice hung in the air, daring the young man to defy him. "We can always make....arrangements, shall we say. So what'll it be, kid? You have one chance to let someone else take your place. See, I'm not such a terrible monster now, am I?"
Arrangements... "No!" Jaebum blurted out, any toughness vanishing at the thought of his sister or mother coming to harm. They didn't deserve this - maybe he did. "Leave them out of this."
"Nothing will happen to them if you fill these arrangements now, will it?"
"So you want me to dress up and pretend to be a butler? Fine," Jaebum said sullenly, still not looking up at the other man.
"Not pretend. You will be a butler." Jinyoung's voice had an edge of finality. "You will serve my every whim, no matter how strange or nonsensical it may seem."
"I don't think you get it," Jaebum said with a shake of his head, earrings in the left earlobe shaking slightly with the action. "I have no training. Hell, I didn't graduate from high school. I'm no good at that shit."
"Stand up and go get me my cigarettes. They're on that small table by the entrance." Jinyoung went back to typing, his brow furrowing as he scrutinized his emails.
Jaebum scowled but did as was suggested, slouching over to pick up the cigarettes and dropping them on Park's desk, his fingers itching to steal one.
"Light it." Jinyoung didn't even blink. "I need a smoke when I'm issuing orders."
"You can't light your own?" Jaebum asked, unable to resist even though he knew it was against his better judgement. "Do they wipe your ass too?"
"Light. The. Fucking. Smoke." Jinyoung's cool tone changed dangerously--did Jaebum really want an answer to that question?
The temperature in the room seemed to drop several degrees and Jaebum lit the cigarette, refusing to admit to himself that his hand was shaking a bit as it held the lighter.
Jinyoung extended one elegant hand, his long, tapered fingers gesturing for his cigarette.
Jaebum handed the other the cigarette, his own hands feeling coarse and clumsy. He finally looked up to study the other man, something strangely familiar about him. Had to have been his imagination.
Jinyoung took a long drag of his cigarette, his eyes half-closed in delight as he exhaled. "You don't need training. One year at our high school was enough."
Jaebum froze, the lighter slipping from now-numb fingers. "What did you say?"
"Pick that up, it's an antique." Jinyoung extended his hand for his lighter. "I said you only needed one year of high school."
Jaebum fumbled with the lighter but managed to place it in Park's waiting hand. "You said 'our' high school."
"I did, didn't I?" Jinyoung sighed and typed faster, clearly agitated by the messages on his screen. "Yes. I remember you."
"I don't remember you. You were probably one of the rich kids who didn't have time for the rest of us," Jaebum sneered.
"I sat right behind you. You slept a lot."
Jaebum opened his mouth to deny it but found he honestly couldn't. "I had a job at night. Had to take care of my family since my dad chose not to. Not everyone has everything given to them..."
"I didn't ask for excuses. I would poke you with my pencil eraser to wake you up when the teacher was asking questions."
Jaebum remembered some of those not-so-gentle eraser pokes. Not like it mattered anyway. "The teachers didn't give a shit about kids like me. We were just seat fillers for the rest of you to look even better."
"So you choose instead to direct your rage at me."
"You are the one forcing me to pay back my dad's debt. I didn't ask for this."
"I would highly suggest you check that name on the contract. I did not sign it."
"But you aren't looking for my father, are you?"
"That would be my father's job. I may be in training for takeover, but he has final say." Jinyoung flicked away the ashes from his cigarette. "Of course, if you'd like other work...well, you're clean. You could go into one of our brothels."
Jaebum's jaw dropped. He had no idea how Park Jinyoung knew he was clean but that was beside the point. He'd seen some of those - workers - and there was no way in hell he'd do that. He'd kicked the ass of the guy who had approached Mark during a break, offering the redhead a job at the Gilded Pony. He'd never thought that the man may have been sent by Park. "No fucking way."
"Then you've made your choice...your final one. You'd rather be sucking my cock than a bunch of strangers." Jinyoung smirked. "Maybe I'll put that to use."
Wait a minute...what?
"What?" Jaebum repeated, blurting out loud this time. "This is just about being a butler. How the hell did this start turning into me sucking your cock? Are you crazy?"
"It's a theoretical cock; I can get any man or woman I want for the physical one." Jinyoung raised an eyebrow. "I get to dictate the terms of being a butler. Not you. We haven't even started to have fun yet."
Jaebum scowled, prominent brows furrowing. "This is just a game to you, isn't it? This is my family's life we are talking about."
"So now you're offering your entire family into servitude? How kind."
"No," Jaebum said coldly. "I said before, leave my sister and mother out of this. But I'm trying to keep them fed and safe and I was doing an okay job until I got that letter."
"If you obey my orders, we will take care of both of them," Jinyoung said evenly. "It's as easy as that. They will be fed and safe beyond their wildest dreams."
"I have your word on that?" Jaebum asked, a hint of vulnerability in the delinquent's voice. He had taken on the responsibility as the man of the house when his father left and as much as he was a fuckup he still took that role seriously.
"It's far more productive-and less expensive-to protect a family of a servant than it is to threaten them," Jinyoung said. "Your good behaviour is their meal ticket."
"And you will make sure they don't need anything? I'm sure you won't let me keep my job at the Golden Phoenix and still work for you."
"We're already moving them. I'm sure you've heard of the complex." Jinyoung named one of the more expensive apartments in the city. "They'll want absolutely nothing."
Jaebum's eyes widened. He'd heard of it - only as rumor, of course. No one in their neighborhood could imagine living there. "And this is all if I just become your butler for a year and pay back the debt?"
"Exactly. You pay off this debt, you're free to go and we won't bother you again...unless you borrow money from us."
"I'll never do that....I'm not my father."
"Then there you have it. Very simple, isn't it?"
It seemed that way - but then again, the Park family never did anything simply. "I guess. I just do whatever butlers do - light cigarettes, shit like that."
"Pesky shit like that," Jinyoung agreed. "You will be trained in the proper way that the Park family prefers, when it comes to cigarettes, setting tables, preparing clothing, and sucking cock."
Jaebum had nodded his head to each task - then froze at the last. "That last part...you're joking, right?"
"Well you don't expect me to suck yours, do you?"
Jaebum searched the other's eyes, hoping that the mafia heir was just kidding. He didn't like what he saw.
Jinyoung steepled his fingers and rested his chin on them. "I give you....a month before you start demanding--no, begging for that privilege.”
Jaebum frowned, his eyes flashing angrily at the smirking man in front of him. "I will never beg for your cock."
"There will be a time." The man's voice lowered down to a bare imitation of a whisper. "When we're all alone in here, you and I...you just won't be able to help yourself, will you? You'll be on your hands and knees, needing...begging...so desperate for a reward."
"In your dreams, maybe," Jaebum growled out, ignoring the way his heart raced as he leaned in to hear the softly spoken yet scandalous words.
Jinyoung chuckled. "I amend my guess to two weeks."
Jaebum's fingers clenched into a fist so tight it left red crescents on his palms where his fingernails had dug into the skin. "Go to hell."
"I'll see you there...after you learn how to prepare my bath, that is. And I believe I'll have a merlot tonight..."
Some of Jaebum's anger faded, replaced by confusion. "You mean I'm starting tonight?"
"You've already started." Jinyoung turned towards his screen, back to business. "Easy tonight, though. You'll learn my nightly routine, then tomorrow you'll get started on keeping my schedule."
Jaebum looked around, still not quite believing this was real. "Am I supposed to stay here? I do need to let the Phoenix know I won't be in. Mar---I mean people might be worried."
"They've been notified. You really don't think we're very thorough, do you? Your quarters are next to mine--for quicker access, naturally. You've been given your orders." Jinyoung smashed the remains of his cigarette into the nearby ashtray. "I suggest you learn to follow them. Quickly."
Jaebum scowled - he really didn't like this guy. "What happens if I don't?" he couldn't resist asking.
"I request you remember whose future hangs in the balance should you choose not to perform your duties to the highest standards." Jinyoung finally looked up, giving his old classmate an icy glare. "Or should I detail that answer for you?"
Thoughts of his sister's bright-eyed, happy face made the color drain from the delinquent's face . "You'd seriously hurt them..." he murmured, more statement than question.
"Debts paid at any cost." The young boss's tone echoed the fine print of Jaebum's father's contract.
"Must be nice to not have a conscience," Jaebum muttered to himself, then stood. "I get it. Bath and booze...where do I start?"
Jinyoung finally rose. "Follow me." He silently cursed his luck that his former butler had finished paying off his debts--that boy was so obedient, so pliant. Jaebum, however, offered a challenge--and it would be his pleasure to break him in. He led the kid upstairs and into the large, lavishly-furnished master bedroom. "The wine is in the minibar, I suppose you know exactly where the tub is. I hope."
"I think I can figure that out," Jaebum said blandly, trying to not look impressed at the room the other man led him to. He probably had never owned anything in his life that equaled what was in Park Jinyoung's bedroom. Hell, everything he'd ever owned in total probably never cost what the vase on the mantle did.
"Then I suggest you get started. My evening companion will be here precisely at ten." Jinyoung idly shrugged off his suit jacket and started carelessly unknotting his tie. "You'll see them out when they're done, and then your duties for the night are finished."
Evening companion... Jaebum knew exactly what that meant - he definitely didn't need the visual. Of course he'd find out what Park Jinyoung's type was when the "companion" got there. Not that he cared, of course. "Where do I stay?"
"The room immediately to the right of this one is your quarters. Small, but you also have a private bath. Do you think that'll be up to your standards?" The last word was dripping with sarcasm.
"A mint on my pillow would be nice," came the distracted reply as Jaebum looked through the minibar. Wine was such a sissy drink. If he were a mob boss' son he'd stick to the hard stuff.
"There are servants lower than you who take care of that." Jinyoung unbuttoned his shirt and half-heartedly tossed it aside, missing the hamper by a mile. Intricate tattoos decorated his shoulders and arms, painstaking traditional designs of grimacing dragons and other guardians. "Pour yourself a glass if you want. It's....cheap."
The implication made Jaebum frown. "I prefer something stronger...with more bite," he sneered. He saw the flash of ink and for a moment could not draw his eyes away from the intricate designs that traced along Jinyoung's torso.
"Then don't, suit yourself. I prefer not to be too inebriated when I have company." A slight smirk crossed the young man's face--Jaebum's gaze could've burned a hole in his skin. "Never saw these kind of tattoos before? Of course not, you never played with the big boys..."
Caught, Jaebum tore his gaze away, uncomfortable. "Don't have that kind of money to waste."
"Then you'll be fine with some cheap wine." Cheap, of course in Jinyoung's mind, simply meant 'less expensive than a French 1865 vintage.'
"I shouldn't be drinking on the job - not very professional of me."
"Suit yourself." Jinyoung continued to strip, a pointed look towards the wine and his bathroom. "You should be doing your job, then."
Jaebum turned away before more skin was revealed, pouring a glass of merlot and taking it with him to the bathroom. He shook his head in amazement (and perhaps a bit of jealousy) as he saw how big the recessed marble bath was - it could easily fit three and probably cost the equivalent of a year's salary at the Golden Phoenix. He started the water, taking care not to make it too hot (he preferred it a little hotter than average himself). There were carved glass bottles of various sizes along the edge and Jaebum picked one up. They proved to be filled with oils and unguents, salts and gels of various scents - some a lot stronger than others. The boss hadn't said what he preferred so Jaebum selected one that was almost delicate and smelled good to him, sprinkling it into the bath water.
"I hope it's ready." Jinyoung appeared in the doorway, the silk boxers he wore doing nothing to hide the tattoos curling up his muscular thighs. "My companion will be here in ten minutes...and this service is quite prompt." He seemed unfazed by the extravagant bathroom. He inhaled sharply, taking a moment to decide on the scent. "...That'll do. He's a delicate one."
"As ready as it's going to be," came the response and Jaebum shrugged. "I'll just wait out in the other room for your....companion."
"Wait by the front door. Any delay and he'll think he's special enough to spend the night." Jinyoung rolled his eyes to the ceiling. He had problems in the past with companions who thought themselves worthy of sharing his bed, but none of them ever made it that far. He'd fuck them on the floor, against the wall--and them make them leave. There was no point in attachments.
Jaebum gave the other man a brief nod. It wasn't any of his business, after all. What was his business was getting out of that bathroom before Park Jinyoung got rid of those silk boxers. "Just call me if you need anything."
"He'll be done before ten-thirty. Escort him out and you're relieved for the night. I don't need anyone to tuck me in and read a story."
"That's the last thing I'd want to do," Jaebum muttered, turning away.
As Jinyoung had predicted, his 'companion' rang the bell at ten precisely-a slight young man in a smart suit, carefully groomed to the boss's expectations (and hopes in his eyes that tonight Jinyoung would finally realize the errors of his ways and take him on as a lover.) Naturally, his hopes were dashed after the boss had taken his own pleasure, and, like clockwork, was out at ten-thirty.
Jaebum escorted the man out without a word.
part one | two