Dangerous Beauty 6
Title: Dangerous Beauty 6
Warning: Incest! ChunJae
Rating: PG 13
Pairings: ChunJae, YunJae
Summary: After Yunho leaves, Jaejoong's life as a courtesan begins...
Disclaimer: Totally based on the movie Dangerous Beauty, which is based on a book about the famous Venetian courtesan Veronica Franco... plus I don't own the boys, so really I have nothing. Heh.
A/N: The poetry is all from the movie, so I own it not. I’m still not sure who wrote the poems. Either the scriptwriter from the movie, or the author from the book? Anyway. Props to them.
Chapter 6
Jaejoong was despondent after Yunho left, lonely and desolate. Yoochun was a great comfort to him; held him when he needed arms around him, and left him alone to mourn when he wanted. He neither pushed nor pulled Jaejoong to come out of his shell, but instead let the grief take its course. It was the best, and the only thing he could do.
“When will I debut?” Jaejoong asked one day, over dinner. He was mindlessly twirling his fork over his food.
“Whenever you wish,” Yoochun said. “You are more than ready to take on the men of Venice.”
Jaejoong smiled softly. “Soon, then.” He looked at Yoochun, stabbing a piece of meat of his plate and biting it sweetly. “I want to begin already.”
Yoochun nodded. “You know that there is a festival next week? Celebrating the union with France.”
Jaejoong bent his head in assent. “Next week then?”
“Yes…” Yoochun hesitated. “But you also know that there is a good chance Yunho will be there.”
Jaejoong looked away, a small frown marring his forehead. “He and I understand each other now, I think… He will accept my life, and I will accept his.”
“In a different world, you two would have had a perfect love.”
“Yes, but this is the world now. It is futile to think of an impossible future.” Jaejoong said, a grim look in his eyes. “I choose to move forward, and live as best I can.” His clear eyes bore into Yoochun’s. “I will be a courtesan.”
Yoochun smiled, and lifted a glass to his cousin. “To a new life.”
Jaejoong gripped his own glass, and Yoochun was drawn to the sensual fingers gripping the stem. “To a better life.”
They toasted, a sharp clink signaling the seal of a promise and a hope.
~~
It was the night of the festival, and the two men were travelling by gondola to get to the party grounds. Jaejoong was nervous, tugging on the sleeves of his jacket and fidgeting. Yoochun smiled at his gorgeous cousin, dressed in black and as tempting as water is to a man dying of thirst.
“It seems a bit revealing,” Jaejoong murmured. The black jacket was made of heavy velvet cloth, but it was cut in a revealing vee, exposing the creamy expanse of his chest. His pants were of the same black color, but they hugged the curves of his lower half tightly, like a second skin.
“You’re stunning,” Yoochun said, his voice husky.
Jaejoong glanced up at the deep note in his cousin’s voice, and smiled slightly. “Well, if it can make you look at me like that…”
Yoochun laughed, and kissed Jaejoong deeply. “You will be a sensation, love.” Yoochun bent in for another kiss, unable to keep away.
Jaejoong, pushed his cousin off gently. “We’re almost there.” He hissed. “Don’t mess my hair, you know how you like to yank it.”
Yoochun laughed a little, and followed it with a sad sigh. “From this night on, I will have to give you up to other men.”
Jae smiled and kissed his Yocohun’s cheek. “You’ll always be my first and my favorite.”
Chun laughed. “First, yes. But favorite? Wait till you sample the others before making a decision, pet.”
Jaejoong nodded, and then glanced nervously around as the sounds of the festival grew louder. Yoochun saw his cousin’s chest rise and fall unsteadily. They were almost there.
Yoochun gripped Jae’s hand, calming his cousin. “Be yourself, Jae. You are beautiful, funny and incredibly intelligent. All I taught you was how to show that to the world; but everything that mattered was already inside you.”
Jae smiled, looking into Yoochun’s comforting eyes. “You just say that because you love me.”
“You made me love you, just as you will make the world fall at your feet.” Yoochun said, a smirk on his lips. He motioned to the gondolier and the small boat was brought to the side of the festival street.
The crowd was in full swing, with gambling stalls littering the packed streets and clowns dancing around to the amusement of onlookers. Players singing bawdy songs stood in corners, waiting for generous men to drop coins into their hats. And dancers swayed in the middle of the square, intricate patterns of bodies twisting and tumbling. Jaejoong, however, ignored the sights and sounds and focused on calming his beating heart. Excitement swam through his veins, mixed with anticipation.
Yoochun stepped out of the gondola first, glancing around at the sizeable crowd of men. He looked back and held out a hand to his cousin.
“Head up and smile,” Yoochun said, an encouraging look on his face.
Jae complied. He gripped his cousin’s hand tightly and smiled, a perfect brilliant smile that lit up his face. “I’m ready.”
The two stepped out into the festival.
~~
“Is that him?”
“Yes, Yochun’s little protégée.”
“He’s prettier than Yoochun, even! That face. Exquisite.”
“Look at those lips. How red they are.”
“The way those hips move, and those legs. Gentlemen, I claim him.”
“Eager, aren’t you? No, you’re in for a fight…”
“Haha, I think I want to sample-“
“We’ll see who is-“
“Wait, dammit!”
“Oh, that arrogant-“
“Yamapi, the bastard. He got to him quickly…”
~~
As soon as Jaejoong had stepped out of the gondola, men were watching him. Nobles and courtesans alike looked over the new addition to the Venetian court, calculating and judging. Jaejoong could feel the eyes looking over him, noting his slender physique and beautiful face. He gave his hair a slight flip, and walked a little closer to Yoochun.
The young general Yamapi had heard of the newest courtesan and had been looking forward to meeting him. He had a reputation for picking, and keeping, only the most beautiful lovers; as soon as he saw Jaejoong, he was enraptured. He quickly went over to the pair to stake his claim.
Jaejoong looked nervously as the man approached him. He was dark and handsome, a stern face but with luscious lips. The look in his eyes was predatory, but Jaejoong met his gaze unflinchingly.
“Yamapi, a general.” Yoochun whispered into his ear, as he tucked a strand of Jae’s hair back into place. “A favorite of the Duke.”
A foot away from them, Yamapi bowed. His eyes never left Jaejoong’s face, but he addressed Yoochun. “Very nice, Chunnie.” Yamapi smiled, a slight parting of the lips. “May I have the pleasure of his company?”
“Of course.” Yoochun replied smoothly, nudging Jae forward with his hand. “This is Jaejoong.”
Yamapi took Jae’s hand and placed a soft kiss on it. “Jaejoong” he drawled. He slid an arm around Jae’s waist and held him close. “Why don’t we try our luck at the gambling tables?” he suggested, hot breath in Jae’s ear.
Jae nodded as Yamapi led the way, a little startled at the speed of the transaction. But one last glance back at Yoochun and he was on his own. Alone with Yamapi.
Yoochun watched the General lead Jae away, giving a look of support to his charge. He felt his chest hollow a little, seeing some other man with arms around his lithe cousin. I think I shall have to get used to it, he murmured to himself. His eyes still following the two. Luckily, a tap to his shoulder distracted him from further watching the couple.
“May I call on Thursday?” that was Hyun Joong, Minister of Defense, a brilliant rising star in the Venetian court.
“Signore Yoochun. Is your young charge free tomorrow?” And that was the Japanese ambassador, Eita. Yoochun eyed him approvingly: young, handsome and rich.
Yoochun smiled as two or three more men approached him. He looked over to where Jaejoong and Yamapi were laughing; Jaejoong had a hand over his mouth and was looking at the other man rather coyly. Well, cousin. It is beginning.
~~
Yamapi was leading Jae towards the small tables on the side streets. All around them, courtesans and their men were laughing and playing games happily. But Jae’s heart was in his throat, and he found himself unable to speak. Why are you nervous? He is a man like any other. Speak! With that last mental command, Jaejoong looked Yamapi in the eyes and smiled.
Yamapi, smiling back, put some coins in Jae’s hands as he led him to the card table. They were pushed together by the crowds of laughing men, but it seemed Yamapi didn’t mind. His arm was still around Jae’s waist.
“This is my first bet,” Jae said, a tone lower than his usual voice. Yamapi’s heat was uncomfortable around, stifling almost; or was that just his nerves?
“I am your first?” Yamapi said, leaning even closer to him. He dropped more coins into Jae’s hands. “It’s an honor.”
Jae felt the coins in his hands, playing with their smoothness. “What do I do? I’ve never played this game before.” He looked at Yamapi, eyes questioning.
“Pick a card, place your bet.” Yamapi pressed his body into Jae’s and a hand grazed his back, inching lower. “And hope for the best. Fate and luck.” Yamapi’s fingers were cupping Jae’s ass now and caressing the soft material of his trousers. “Nothing to do but lie back and take it.”
Jaejoong’s brow twitched as the fingers groping him grew harsher.
“If that is the strategy you favor, General.” Jae said, dropping the coins and halting Yamapi’s wandering fingers. “I’m surprised our country hasn’t been conquered and colonized by now. Perhaps I should find a man with more winning tactics.”
Yamapi laughed, and released Jaejoong from his grip. “You’re rather feisty. I like that.”
“I think I could like you too, if you spoke with your head and not your damn cock.”
Yamapi looked stunned at the particularly blunt statement. Jaejoong stopped for a minute, hand to mouth, wondering if he went too far. But Yamapi let out a bark of laughter, full and boisterous. Jae followed suit, laughing as well.
“It might be a bit difficult,” Yamapi smiled, wider this time, and more free. “but I’ll try.” He reached for Jaejoong, grasping his arm this time, and lightly. “Let’s go listen to the singers.”
Jae smiled back, and felt himself the muscles in his body soften and relax for the first time that night. “That would be a pleasure.”
~~
“Venice might as well be just some large floating whore-house.” Changmin observed, eyeing the courtesans and their chosen partners milling about the large room. The courtesans were practically naked, wearing tiny wisps of clothing and trousers much too tight.
“What’s biting your ass, cousin?” Yunho said, gulping down a cup of wine.
“Poverty!” Changmin says, slouching against his seat. “It always leaves me in a foul mood.”
Yunho smirked and gestured for more wine. He saw where Changmin had his eyes trained. “You envy the little whores?”
“Not at all.” Changmin said. “Even if they make more in a night then I do in a month.”
The two cousins were lounging in one of the inns, near the festival. Here the nobility gathered to drink and listen to music, after they grew bored of the street games and plebian festivities. The two were sprawled, half drunk, on one of the seats near the fire. Around them young pliant men were milling, more than one stopping to whisper to Yunho and offer their services. He rejected them all.
“Make yourself useful, cousin.” Yunho ordered. “Give us a show.”
“Am I your performing monkey?” Changmin asked.
Signore Kim overheard his son and nephew talking from another table. “All of us are performing monkeys, boy. Princes and poets alike.” He said, laughing merrily.
Changmin immediately arose, almost dousing Yunho with his wine. “If its rhyme you want, I shall oblige uncle!” The tall youth strode to the middle of the room and claimed the attention of the idle crowd.
“A subject! Duke?” Changmin bowed in the direction of the Duke, who was sitting with a lad on each side of his lap. “Please, milord. A subject for a poetic masterpiece?”
The Duke looked up from the slender neck he was nuzzling. “Venice! A celebration of her plenty!” A cheer rose up from the crowd, all the patrons raising a glass to the life and love of Venitians.
“Excellent,” Changmin said. He looked around, making sure he had everyone’s attention before he began speaking.
“Born in glory! The fair and mighty Venice
Unconquered isle, and sovereign land is she…”
Yunho was half listening to his cousin’s rhyme. He was scanning the crowd listlessly, drinking more wine trying to lose himself in the sensation of the alcohol. He noticed a small group of men, at the edge of the crowd, who seemed to be more intent on listening to a courtesan than his cousin’s rhymes. Yunho finished his glass in one swallow and squinted at the group, trying to see the young courtesan who had enraptured them.
A man moved, and a shaft of candlelight struck the face of the courtesan, illuminating laughing eyes and clear ivory skin. Jaejoong.
Yunho felt his blood run hotter, seeing the general Yamapi with an arm around Jae’s waist. His breath grew heavy as Jae continued his banter, making the group of men around him laugh uproariously. Anger blinded him. That is supposed to be my arm around his waist, my ears hearing his beautiful voice.
Yamapi leaned down to whisper in Jaejoong’s ear and Jae shifted his head to look at the general, much much too close.
Yunho leapt to his feet, jealousy thick in his veins. His wine glass shattered on the floor, forgotten. Unfortunately, his actions attracted the attention of the crowd.
“It seems your rhyme is boring the people, cousin.” Yunho shouted, startling Changmin out of his soliloquy. “Perhaps the young lad can do better?” Yunho’s eyes found Jae’s, cold and harsh. Wanting to hurt.
Jaejoong looked back at him in shock, his face covered in a red blush.
The bustling crowd had stopped talking, sensing a new show was about to start. The people craned their heads to see who Yunho’s target was. Eyes found Jaejoong, and the men’s curiosity was piqued; they clapped in delight. The older courtesans giggled silently, wanting to see their new competition humiliated in front of this large crowd. The noblemen looked on in interest. The boy looked pretty; but could he stand and deliver, or would he cower behind Yamapi?
Jae’s face had paled. To rhyme here? Now? Without prompt or preparation? He glared at Yunho, teeth clenching.
“Go.” A voice whispered in his ear, and a hand pushed him to the front of the crowd. Jae looked into Yamapi’s dark eyes. “You’ll be fine.”
Jae felt his legs trembling as he moved to the front of the room. Changmin was still there at the mock- stage and the tall man bowed insolently at Jae.
“A duel!” The duke proclaimed.
The crowed clapped in approval, whistles and yells of encouragement coming from the group of men Jae had been entertaining. Jae swallowed once, but lifted his head proudly.
“Venice...” Jae began, hesitantly. His mind was whirling with words and ideas. “Mother...
Virgin, queen and goddess “ He hesitated again, the size of the crowd making his blood pound faster. Pursing his lips, he grasped for the next words.
“To be all at once is no mean trick.
If women's lust lost Eden,
Our remedy is to be
Hearth, heart and home to every...”
Jae looked up at Yunho, who was smirking and enjoying his display of nervousness. The perfect word came to mind. “...prick.”
The crowd gave a surprised cheer and clapped in laughter. The duke himself doubled over and gave a delighted shout. “Who is he?” he demanded. “Who is that?”
Changmin raised an eyebrow and looked at Jae’s now smiling face. The tall lad circled the courtesan, eyes crinkling at the challenge.
“Sweet lagoon
That brings us
Iovely life…” Min said, looking at Jaejoong questioningly.
“Rank with
greed and trade's
devouring strife” Jae continued, he was smiling openly now. The crowd gathered tighter around the two poets; drinking in the spectacle.
“Lady Venice
Her raiment, as the moon doth glow,
Leaves, and lovers to love and play.” Jae took the lead this time, with a finger crooked at Changmin and a delightful smirk on his lips. The pretty courtesan walked around Changmin, like a lioness around her prey.
“Her wisdom,
shines bright as envious day!” Changmin praised, hand to heart in mock salute. He was standing still looking at Jae now, unable to keep his gaze off the lips that shot out such quick and clever replies to his rhymes.
“Her wives...
like booty,
are locked away!” Jae finished, with a wide grin on his face and a meaningful look in his eyes.
Changmin barked out a laugh. “Too much! Too much!” he bowed to the beauty in front of him, admitting defeat.
The crowd roared in glee again, with many exaltations going out to the wit of the young courtesan. Men eyed him with newfound respect and admiration; noting that a quick mind lay behind the beautiful exterior. Jaejoong bowed slightly, a flushed look of triumph on his face. That night, his first night, was a success and he basked in the attention and praises of the Venitian nobility. He, who had always been hidden and ignored, always pushed to the side because of his station in life. To stand up and speak and be heard…
Jaejoong felt that he was soaring. Finally.
~
Hehe, Next chappie is all sex. But I am distracted by the awesomeness that is Germany in the World Cup! So I might be slow in updating. Sowi. <3
Previous Chapters:
Chapter 1: Here
Chapter 1.5: Here
Interlude: Here
Chapter 2: Here
Chapter 3: Here
Chapter 4: Here
Chapter 5: Here
Warning: Incest! ChunJae
Rating: PG 13
Pairings: ChunJae, YunJae
Summary: After Yunho leaves, Jaejoong's life as a courtesan begins...
Disclaimer: Totally based on the movie Dangerous Beauty, which is based on a book about the famous Venetian courtesan Veronica Franco... plus I don't own the boys, so really I have nothing. Heh.
A/N: The poetry is all from the movie, so I own it not. I’m still not sure who wrote the poems. Either the scriptwriter from the movie, or the author from the book? Anyway. Props to them.
Chapter 6
Jaejoong was despondent after Yunho left, lonely and desolate. Yoochun was a great comfort to him; held him when he needed arms around him, and left him alone to mourn when he wanted. He neither pushed nor pulled Jaejoong to come out of his shell, but instead let the grief take its course. It was the best, and the only thing he could do.
“When will I debut?” Jaejoong asked one day, over dinner. He was mindlessly twirling his fork over his food.
“Whenever you wish,” Yoochun said. “You are more than ready to take on the men of Venice.”
Jaejoong smiled softly. “Soon, then.” He looked at Yoochun, stabbing a piece of meat of his plate and biting it sweetly. “I want to begin already.”
Yoochun nodded. “You know that there is a festival next week? Celebrating the union with France.”
Jaejoong bent his head in assent. “Next week then?”
“Yes…” Yoochun hesitated. “But you also know that there is a good chance Yunho will be there.”
Jaejoong looked away, a small frown marring his forehead. “He and I understand each other now, I think… He will accept my life, and I will accept his.”
“In a different world, you two would have had a perfect love.”
“Yes, but this is the world now. It is futile to think of an impossible future.” Jaejoong said, a grim look in his eyes. “I choose to move forward, and live as best I can.” His clear eyes bore into Yoochun’s. “I will be a courtesan.”
Yoochun smiled, and lifted a glass to his cousin. “To a new life.”
Jaejoong gripped his own glass, and Yoochun was drawn to the sensual fingers gripping the stem. “To a better life.”
They toasted, a sharp clink signaling the seal of a promise and a hope.
~~
It was the night of the festival, and the two men were travelling by gondola to get to the party grounds. Jaejoong was nervous, tugging on the sleeves of his jacket and fidgeting. Yoochun smiled at his gorgeous cousin, dressed in black and as tempting as water is to a man dying of thirst.
“It seems a bit revealing,” Jaejoong murmured. The black jacket was made of heavy velvet cloth, but it was cut in a revealing vee, exposing the creamy expanse of his chest. His pants were of the same black color, but they hugged the curves of his lower half tightly, like a second skin.
“You’re stunning,” Yoochun said, his voice husky.
Jaejoong glanced up at the deep note in his cousin’s voice, and smiled slightly. “Well, if it can make you look at me like that…”
Yoochun laughed, and kissed Jaejoong deeply. “You will be a sensation, love.” Yoochun bent in for another kiss, unable to keep away.
Jaejoong, pushed his cousin off gently. “We’re almost there.” He hissed. “Don’t mess my hair, you know how you like to yank it.”
Yoochun laughed a little, and followed it with a sad sigh. “From this night on, I will have to give you up to other men.”
Jae smiled and kissed his Yocohun’s cheek. “You’ll always be my first and my favorite.”
Chun laughed. “First, yes. But favorite? Wait till you sample the others before making a decision, pet.”
Jaejoong nodded, and then glanced nervously around as the sounds of the festival grew louder. Yoochun saw his cousin’s chest rise and fall unsteadily. They were almost there.
Yoochun gripped Jae’s hand, calming his cousin. “Be yourself, Jae. You are beautiful, funny and incredibly intelligent. All I taught you was how to show that to the world; but everything that mattered was already inside you.”
Jae smiled, looking into Yoochun’s comforting eyes. “You just say that because you love me.”
“You made me love you, just as you will make the world fall at your feet.” Yoochun said, a smirk on his lips. He motioned to the gondolier and the small boat was brought to the side of the festival street.
The crowd was in full swing, with gambling stalls littering the packed streets and clowns dancing around to the amusement of onlookers. Players singing bawdy songs stood in corners, waiting for generous men to drop coins into their hats. And dancers swayed in the middle of the square, intricate patterns of bodies twisting and tumbling. Jaejoong, however, ignored the sights and sounds and focused on calming his beating heart. Excitement swam through his veins, mixed with anticipation.
Yoochun stepped out of the gondola first, glancing around at the sizeable crowd of men. He looked back and held out a hand to his cousin.
“Head up and smile,” Yoochun said, an encouraging look on his face.
Jae complied. He gripped his cousin’s hand tightly and smiled, a perfect brilliant smile that lit up his face. “I’m ready.”
The two stepped out into the festival.
~~
“Is that him?”
“Yes, Yochun’s little protégée.”
“He’s prettier than Yoochun, even! That face. Exquisite.”
“Look at those lips. How red they are.”
“The way those hips move, and those legs. Gentlemen, I claim him.”
“Eager, aren’t you? No, you’re in for a fight…”
“Haha, I think I want to sample-“
“We’ll see who is-“
“Wait, dammit!”
“Oh, that arrogant-“
“Yamapi, the bastard. He got to him quickly…”
~~
As soon as Jaejoong had stepped out of the gondola, men were watching him. Nobles and courtesans alike looked over the new addition to the Venetian court, calculating and judging. Jaejoong could feel the eyes looking over him, noting his slender physique and beautiful face. He gave his hair a slight flip, and walked a little closer to Yoochun.
The young general Yamapi had heard of the newest courtesan and had been looking forward to meeting him. He had a reputation for picking, and keeping, only the most beautiful lovers; as soon as he saw Jaejoong, he was enraptured. He quickly went over to the pair to stake his claim.
Jaejoong looked nervously as the man approached him. He was dark and handsome, a stern face but with luscious lips. The look in his eyes was predatory, but Jaejoong met his gaze unflinchingly.
“Yamapi, a general.” Yoochun whispered into his ear, as he tucked a strand of Jae’s hair back into place. “A favorite of the Duke.”
A foot away from them, Yamapi bowed. His eyes never left Jaejoong’s face, but he addressed Yoochun. “Very nice, Chunnie.” Yamapi smiled, a slight parting of the lips. “May I have the pleasure of his company?”
“Of course.” Yoochun replied smoothly, nudging Jae forward with his hand. “This is Jaejoong.”
Yamapi took Jae’s hand and placed a soft kiss on it. “Jaejoong” he drawled. He slid an arm around Jae’s waist and held him close. “Why don’t we try our luck at the gambling tables?” he suggested, hot breath in Jae’s ear.
Jae nodded as Yamapi led the way, a little startled at the speed of the transaction. But one last glance back at Yoochun and he was on his own. Alone with Yamapi.
Yoochun watched the General lead Jae away, giving a look of support to his charge. He felt his chest hollow a little, seeing some other man with arms around his lithe cousin. I think I shall have to get used to it, he murmured to himself. His eyes still following the two. Luckily, a tap to his shoulder distracted him from further watching the couple.
“May I call on Thursday?” that was Hyun Joong, Minister of Defense, a brilliant rising star in the Venetian court.
“Signore Yoochun. Is your young charge free tomorrow?” And that was the Japanese ambassador, Eita. Yoochun eyed him approvingly: young, handsome and rich.
Yoochun smiled as two or three more men approached him. He looked over to where Jaejoong and Yamapi were laughing; Jaejoong had a hand over his mouth and was looking at the other man rather coyly. Well, cousin. It is beginning.
~~
Yamapi was leading Jae towards the small tables on the side streets. All around them, courtesans and their men were laughing and playing games happily. But Jae’s heart was in his throat, and he found himself unable to speak. Why are you nervous? He is a man like any other. Speak! With that last mental command, Jaejoong looked Yamapi in the eyes and smiled.
Yamapi, smiling back, put some coins in Jae’s hands as he led him to the card table. They were pushed together by the crowds of laughing men, but it seemed Yamapi didn’t mind. His arm was still around Jae’s waist.
“This is my first bet,” Jae said, a tone lower than his usual voice. Yamapi’s heat was uncomfortable around, stifling almost; or was that just his nerves?
“I am your first?” Yamapi said, leaning even closer to him. He dropped more coins into Jae’s hands. “It’s an honor.”
Jae felt the coins in his hands, playing with their smoothness. “What do I do? I’ve never played this game before.” He looked at Yamapi, eyes questioning.
“Pick a card, place your bet.” Yamapi pressed his body into Jae’s and a hand grazed his back, inching lower. “And hope for the best. Fate and luck.” Yamapi’s fingers were cupping Jae’s ass now and caressing the soft material of his trousers. “Nothing to do but lie back and take it.”
Jaejoong’s brow twitched as the fingers groping him grew harsher.
“If that is the strategy you favor, General.” Jae said, dropping the coins and halting Yamapi’s wandering fingers. “I’m surprised our country hasn’t been conquered and colonized by now. Perhaps I should find a man with more winning tactics.”
Yamapi laughed, and released Jaejoong from his grip. “You’re rather feisty. I like that.”
“I think I could like you too, if you spoke with your head and not your damn cock.”
Yamapi looked stunned at the particularly blunt statement. Jaejoong stopped for a minute, hand to mouth, wondering if he went too far. But Yamapi let out a bark of laughter, full and boisterous. Jae followed suit, laughing as well.
“It might be a bit difficult,” Yamapi smiled, wider this time, and more free. “but I’ll try.” He reached for Jaejoong, grasping his arm this time, and lightly. “Let’s go listen to the singers.”
Jae smiled back, and felt himself the muscles in his body soften and relax for the first time that night. “That would be a pleasure.”
~~
“Venice might as well be just some large floating whore-house.” Changmin observed, eyeing the courtesans and their chosen partners milling about the large room. The courtesans were practically naked, wearing tiny wisps of clothing and trousers much too tight.
“What’s biting your ass, cousin?” Yunho said, gulping down a cup of wine.
“Poverty!” Changmin says, slouching against his seat. “It always leaves me in a foul mood.”
Yunho smirked and gestured for more wine. He saw where Changmin had his eyes trained. “You envy the little whores?”
“Not at all.” Changmin said. “Even if they make more in a night then I do in a month.”
The two cousins were lounging in one of the inns, near the festival. Here the nobility gathered to drink and listen to music, after they grew bored of the street games and plebian festivities. The two were sprawled, half drunk, on one of the seats near the fire. Around them young pliant men were milling, more than one stopping to whisper to Yunho and offer their services. He rejected them all.
“Make yourself useful, cousin.” Yunho ordered. “Give us a show.”
“Am I your performing monkey?” Changmin asked.
Signore Kim overheard his son and nephew talking from another table. “All of us are performing monkeys, boy. Princes and poets alike.” He said, laughing merrily.
Changmin immediately arose, almost dousing Yunho with his wine. “If its rhyme you want, I shall oblige uncle!” The tall youth strode to the middle of the room and claimed the attention of the idle crowd.
“A subject! Duke?” Changmin bowed in the direction of the Duke, who was sitting with a lad on each side of his lap. “Please, milord. A subject for a poetic masterpiece?”
The Duke looked up from the slender neck he was nuzzling. “Venice! A celebration of her plenty!” A cheer rose up from the crowd, all the patrons raising a glass to the life and love of Venitians.
“Excellent,” Changmin said. He looked around, making sure he had everyone’s attention before he began speaking.
“Born in glory! The fair and mighty Venice
Unconquered isle, and sovereign land is she…”
Yunho was half listening to his cousin’s rhyme. He was scanning the crowd listlessly, drinking more wine trying to lose himself in the sensation of the alcohol. He noticed a small group of men, at the edge of the crowd, who seemed to be more intent on listening to a courtesan than his cousin’s rhymes. Yunho finished his glass in one swallow and squinted at the group, trying to see the young courtesan who had enraptured them.
A man moved, and a shaft of candlelight struck the face of the courtesan, illuminating laughing eyes and clear ivory skin. Jaejoong.
Yunho felt his blood run hotter, seeing the general Yamapi with an arm around Jae’s waist. His breath grew heavy as Jae continued his banter, making the group of men around him laugh uproariously. Anger blinded him. That is supposed to be my arm around his waist, my ears hearing his beautiful voice.
Yamapi leaned down to whisper in Jaejoong’s ear and Jae shifted his head to look at the general, much much too close.
Yunho leapt to his feet, jealousy thick in his veins. His wine glass shattered on the floor, forgotten. Unfortunately, his actions attracted the attention of the crowd.
“It seems your rhyme is boring the people, cousin.” Yunho shouted, startling Changmin out of his soliloquy. “Perhaps the young lad can do better?” Yunho’s eyes found Jae’s, cold and harsh. Wanting to hurt.
Jaejoong looked back at him in shock, his face covered in a red blush.
The bustling crowd had stopped talking, sensing a new show was about to start. The people craned their heads to see who Yunho’s target was. Eyes found Jaejoong, and the men’s curiosity was piqued; they clapped in delight. The older courtesans giggled silently, wanting to see their new competition humiliated in front of this large crowd. The noblemen looked on in interest. The boy looked pretty; but could he stand and deliver, or would he cower behind Yamapi?
Jae’s face had paled. To rhyme here? Now? Without prompt or preparation? He glared at Yunho, teeth clenching.
“Go.” A voice whispered in his ear, and a hand pushed him to the front of the crowd. Jae looked into Yamapi’s dark eyes. “You’ll be fine.”
Jae felt his legs trembling as he moved to the front of the room. Changmin was still there at the mock- stage and the tall man bowed insolently at Jae.
“A duel!” The duke proclaimed.
The crowed clapped in approval, whistles and yells of encouragement coming from the group of men Jae had been entertaining. Jae swallowed once, but lifted his head proudly.
“Venice...” Jae began, hesitantly. His mind was whirling with words and ideas. “Mother...
Virgin, queen and goddess “ He hesitated again, the size of the crowd making his blood pound faster. Pursing his lips, he grasped for the next words.
“To be all at once is no mean trick.
If women's lust lost Eden,
Our remedy is to be
Hearth, heart and home to every...”
Jae looked up at Yunho, who was smirking and enjoying his display of nervousness. The perfect word came to mind. “...prick.”
The crowd gave a surprised cheer and clapped in laughter. The duke himself doubled over and gave a delighted shout. “Who is he?” he demanded. “Who is that?”
Changmin raised an eyebrow and looked at Jae’s now smiling face. The tall lad circled the courtesan, eyes crinkling at the challenge.
“Sweet lagoon
That brings us
Iovely life…” Min said, looking at Jaejoong questioningly.
“Rank with
greed and trade's
devouring strife” Jae continued, he was smiling openly now. The crowd gathered tighter around the two poets; drinking in the spectacle.
“Lady Venice
Her raiment, as the moon doth glow,
Leaves, and lovers to love and play.” Jae took the lead this time, with a finger crooked at Changmin and a delightful smirk on his lips. The pretty courtesan walked around Changmin, like a lioness around her prey.
“Her wisdom,
shines bright as envious day!” Changmin praised, hand to heart in mock salute. He was standing still looking at Jae now, unable to keep his gaze off the lips that shot out such quick and clever replies to his rhymes.
“Her wives...
like booty,
are locked away!” Jae finished, with a wide grin on his face and a meaningful look in his eyes.
Changmin barked out a laugh. “Too much! Too much!” he bowed to the beauty in front of him, admitting defeat.
The crowd roared in glee again, with many exaltations going out to the wit of the young courtesan. Men eyed him with newfound respect and admiration; noting that a quick mind lay behind the beautiful exterior. Jaejoong bowed slightly, a flushed look of triumph on his face. That night, his first night, was a success and he basked in the attention and praises of the Venitian nobility. He, who had always been hidden and ignored, always pushed to the side because of his station in life. To stand up and speak and be heard…
Jaejoong felt that he was soaring. Finally.
~
Hehe, Next chappie is all sex. But I am distracted by the awesomeness that is Germany in the World Cup! So I might be slow in updating. Sowi. <3
Previous Chapters:
Chapter 1: Here
Chapter 1.5: Here
Interlude: Here
Chapter 2: Here
Chapter 3: Here
Chapter 4: Here
Chapter 5: Here