Dangerous Beauty 9
Title: Dangerous Beauty 9
Rating: PG 13
Pairings: YunJae, very slight MinJae
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.
CHAPTER 9
Days passed, and nights passed quicker. Jaejoong’s life was a whirl of parties and soirees, of wine and poetry. He was the wit and humor in every party, and the men were drawn to his lilting voice as much as his welcoming body. His cousin made sure that only the greatest and most handsome men bedded him. Ambassadors, ministers and noblemen; all rich and powerful Venetians. But there was one man whom Jaejoong had given specific orders to refuse at all times.
Yunho Kim. He sent gifts and money; lavished Jaejoong with silk from China, gifts from all over Italy and even a horse from Spain. Letters poured into their house, teasing one moment and smoldering with promises of passion in the next. All advances were stoutly ignored.
~~
“You’re not going?” Changmin asked, prodding his cousin. They were along the streets of Venice, joining the crowd gathering outside the theatre. “I hear the opening act is quite good.”
Yunho gave his cousin a glum look. “I refuse.”
Changmin sighed, apparently his wretched cousin was in one of his moods again. He tugged Yunho’s arm impatiently. “We both know that you’re going inside, so stop this childish pouting and get in!”
Yunho braced himself against a wall, holding on tightly. “No, Min, really. I’m not going in! To see him there, and all his damned admirers fawning over him…No.”
Changmin gave a growl of disgust. “So he personally invited them and he ignored you. So he’s rejected all your advances and gifts. So what? You love hearing him sing. Come on, old man. Get in!”
Yunho shook his head. “No.” The stubborn set of his jaw and death grip on the edge of the wall told Changmin that he was not moving. “Never. He obviously doesn’t want to see me, so I refuse to see him.”
“Fine.” Min huffed. “I’m going in.”
“Really?” Yunho asked in surprise. “Without me?”
“You insist on acting the brat, I will not indulge you.” Changmin replied, arms on his hips. “I want to hear him sing.” The tall man walked backward, still talking to Yunho. “You can join me when you’ve grown a pair.”
Yunho watched his cousin enter the theatre morosely. His feet were cemented to the sidewalk, unable to propel him forward. Just go, the sentimental part inside him whispered. NO! His pride answered back. And on this night, maybe his pride was a little bit stronger.
“I need a drink,” he muttered.
More people continued to pour into the theatre eagerly; of course the crowd went to see the famous opera singer, Maestro Pavarotti. But the audience was also a little piqued and curious about the opening act of the show: the new courtesan, Jaejoong. All of Venice was abuzz with whispers of his wit and beauty. But could he really sing?
“Of course he can sing.” Yunho said, answering the unasked question of the crowds gathered at the theatre. Now the streets were emptying, most of the patrons already entering the theatre. Yunho sighed, “He sings like an angel…”
His feet were breaking, brining him closer to the theatre. Dammit, he was right outside! Yunho glared at his boots in anger.
Then he looked up and glared at the theatre, cursing the wretched man inside. “It’s not my fault, Jae!” he yelled suddenly, his arms spread wide in helplessness. “I am Yunho Kim! Son of a senator, cousin to the Duke; blue blooded and filthy fucking rich! And you fucking love me! You do!”
On impulse, Yunho reached down and grabbed a hefty rock. With all his strength he threw it at the wall of the theatre. THUD. It hit. But it barely made a mark on the dark red wall. Even more angered, Yunho grabbed another in his hand and threw again. “You love me!” he screamed. “Stop fucking around! Useless!” Another rock. “Beautiful!” And another. “ Stupid, darling man!” One last one and Yunho was out of breath.
“This is better than the show inside.” A familiar voice said from behind Yunho.
Yunho whirled around, face colored in embarrassment. But he saw who was standing there and he just sighed. “Oh, it’s just you Junsu.”
Junsu Kim stepped out from the shadows where he had been watching his brothers little meltdown. “Yes, it’s me. What on earth are you doing?”
“Just…nothing. I’m doing nothing.” Yunho said, he sat down on a decorative ledge which circled the theatre. “What are you doing here? Does your husband usually let you out this late?”
Junsu winced at the mention of his husband, he gestured to the small church which sat a few streets behind the theatre. “I am allowed to make visits to the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception. Even this late.” He sat down next to his brother. “I am not, however, allowed to listen to concerts. Apparently, it is to frivolous for a man of good breeding.” He looked longingly at the theatre. “I would die to see Jae on that stage.”
Yunho ignored Junsu’s last statement because he was doing his best to hate Jaejoong at that moment. Instead he said, “Your husband is an ass, brother.”
“He loves me, and he provides for me.” Junsu said, softly. “He doesn’t beat me. And when he…touches me he is always gentle.”
Yunho looked over at his pretty young brother, Junsu was wearing a beautiful white cloak trimmed in ermine. His neck was decorated in diamonds and pearls; and on his wrist was a golden bracelet with the crest of his husband. But his eyes were empty, with a yearning in them that spoke of a crippled energy struggling to break out. To be wild and free and unrestrained.
“What a beautiful gilded cage I am in.” Junsu said stiffly smiling, his eyes holding a world of hurt that pierced Yunho’s conscience.
“I wish I could help you.” Yunho whispered. “But I share your cage, I think.”
Junsu smiled and looked away, not wanting to discuss this matter further. “You have a chance to be happy, don’t you?” his eyebrow quirked. “Or is Jae still refusing you?”
Yunho growled. “I don’t want to talk about it.”
Junsu smiled wider, and a small laugh bubbled in his throat. “Someone dared refuse Yunho Kim? The lance of Venice? The man who satisfied a thousand cunts?”
Yunho looked at his brother in surprise. “Did my baby brother just swear? And, pray tell, how did you come by that nick name?” Yunho’s arm shot out and poked at a spot on his brother’s side that he knew was ticklish.
Junsu laughed, this time loudly and unrestrainedly. “Changmin talks quite a bit, brother.” He wiggled out of Yunho’s grasp and started to skip along the empty streets.
“I shall have to teach both of you not to gossip!” Yunho said, chasing after his brother. In a second he had Junsu in his arms again, and he tickled the younger man mercilessly. “No mercy!” he cried, his brothers wild laughs in his ears.
The two young men played like they were children again. Junsu, for a moment, forgetting his husband; and Yunho, for a moment, forgetting that he was in love. Family is a bond that heals the worst wounds, and the two always had each other to lean on in times of despair. The shouts of laughter continued into the night, and the sound mixed beautifully with the complicated strains of orchestrated melody coming from the inside of the theatre.
The music was beautiful.
~~
The night was over. It was done. The songs had been sung, and the crowd had been well satisfied. Jaejoong smiled in utter contentment. His hands went to his red cheeks, feeling the warmth from the stage still on his skin. He smiled at his reflection in the mirror, and simply sank into his success while he was alone.
“I. Am. A. Singer.” He whispered at his reflection. The eyes sparkled back at him in glee. “Yes.” He whispered, not wanting to break the silent spell of the moment.
A loud knock startled him. “Jae! Hurry and dress! Eita wants to see you already.”
“One minute!” Jae yelled back, spell broken.
No matter, the moment of triumph was still fresh in his mind. The dancers twirling around as he sang; and the orchestra making the floor shake beneath him. Pavarotti shaking his hand! He smiled, unable to stop the happiness bubbling inside him. It was a wonderful feeling, after months of studying and years of dreaming, to finally stand up and sing! The feeling was indescribable.
He hummed in excitement as he hurried to remove his stage make up. There was the party at the Duke’s house. All the singers were invited and the Ambassador Eita was his escort. He took of his costume and reached for his clothes, stripping quickly. He was so distracted that he failed to notice his door opening, and a man slipping in quietly.
A low whistle attracted Jae’s attention to the tall gentleman watching him.
“Good God, Changmin!” Jae squeaked in surprise. “You’re trying to kill me.” Jae was naked from the waist up, clad only in his tight black breeches.
The sly youth eyed the courtesan. Up and down. “Sorry.”
“What are you doing here? Did you watch the show?” Jae continued dressing, much to the chagrin of young Min.
“I did, “ Min said softly, remembering the soaring notes and the ivory skinned beauty on stage. “I couldn’t take my eyes off you. No one could.”
Jaejoong blushed in happiness. “Really? Thank you.” He was buttoning his shirt quickly. Jae hesitated, another question on his lips. But he clamped his mouth shut, stubbornly. If that man watched or not, I don’t care. “I’m rushing to the party now. Are you going?” Jae said instead.
Min nodded, swiping some chocolate from Jae’s dressing table. Gifts from admirers littered the room. “I am. I just stopped by to congratulate you.”
“I’m glad the crowd liked it.” Jaejoong said softly. He had finished dressing and was fixing his hair in the mirror. “And the boxes were full as well!”
“Venetian nobility, out in full force.” Changmin never took his eyes off Jaejoong. “Must be odd, looking at a crowd of men like that…most of whom you’ve seen naked on your bed.”
Jaejoong laughed. “I have quite the unique perspective.”
Changmin smiled and sauntered over to the young courtesan still preening in front of the mirror. His large hand crept around Jae’s waist as he embraced the slender man from behind.
“I enjoyed the little game we had on the night of your debut.” Min whispered. He was taller than the courtesan so his lips just brushed the tips of Jae’s ear. Jae shivered a bit, and looked at the young man in surprise.
“I was hoping.” Min continued, his grip tightening. “that we could do it again…some night.” A smirk formed on his mouth and his eyes connected with Jaejoong’s in the mirror.
Jae held his breath a bit, unsure of what to say to the man. But when Changmin leaned in to press a kiss to his neck, he quickly moved away. Jae slipped out of the strong arms and smiled embarrassedly at the young poet.
“We can’t afford one another, Minnie.” Jae said, moving still farther away. “We are both poets, performing for our supper.” His gaze pled understanding. “But we make great friends, I think.” There was honesty in his voice. Changmin was more a comrade-in-arms to him than a lover, and he loved the wit the young man had.
Changmin looked at him smiled, but his eyes remained dark. “Friends...” He said, a note of strain in his voice. He leaned on the small chair in front of the mirror, slumping suddenly. “Alright. If that is all you can give me.”
Jae gave him a small peck on the cheek before leaving his room, the scent of his perfume lingering in the air. The calls of the party-goers outside were growing louder by the minute. Everyone wanted a piece of the rising star.
Min remained in the dressing room for a while longer eyeing the flowers, jewels and other gifts littered around the room. He grasped a bottle of wine that had been a present from Hyun Joong and wrenched open the cork.
“To poor poets.” He saluted his reflection with the open bottle and gulped down the bitter liquid.
~~
Chapter 9? Woah, this was only supposed to be 10 chapters. Hehe. It might be a bit long cuz I decided to slip YooSu in…somewhere. And the YunJae will start soon, I can’t keep them apart any longer. Haha. Min will help nudge that along…
Previous Chapters:
Chapter 1: Here
Chapter 1.5: Here
Interlude: Here
Chapter 2: Here
Chapter 3: Here
Chapter 4: Here
Chapter 5: Here
Chapter 6: Here
Chapter 7: Here
Chapter 8: Here
Rating: PG 13
Pairings: YunJae, very slight MinJae
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.
CHAPTER 9
Days passed, and nights passed quicker. Jaejoong’s life was a whirl of parties and soirees, of wine and poetry. He was the wit and humor in every party, and the men were drawn to his lilting voice as much as his welcoming body. His cousin made sure that only the greatest and most handsome men bedded him. Ambassadors, ministers and noblemen; all rich and powerful Venetians. But there was one man whom Jaejoong had given specific orders to refuse at all times.
Yunho Kim. He sent gifts and money; lavished Jaejoong with silk from China, gifts from all over Italy and even a horse from Spain. Letters poured into their house, teasing one moment and smoldering with promises of passion in the next. All advances were stoutly ignored.
~~
“You’re not going?” Changmin asked, prodding his cousin. They were along the streets of Venice, joining the crowd gathering outside the theatre. “I hear the opening act is quite good.”
Yunho gave his cousin a glum look. “I refuse.”
Changmin sighed, apparently his wretched cousin was in one of his moods again. He tugged Yunho’s arm impatiently. “We both know that you’re going inside, so stop this childish pouting and get in!”
Yunho braced himself against a wall, holding on tightly. “No, Min, really. I’m not going in! To see him there, and all his damned admirers fawning over him…No.”
Changmin gave a growl of disgust. “So he personally invited them and he ignored you. So he’s rejected all your advances and gifts. So what? You love hearing him sing. Come on, old man. Get in!”
Yunho shook his head. “No.” The stubborn set of his jaw and death grip on the edge of the wall told Changmin that he was not moving. “Never. He obviously doesn’t want to see me, so I refuse to see him.”
“Fine.” Min huffed. “I’m going in.”
“Really?” Yunho asked in surprise. “Without me?”
“You insist on acting the brat, I will not indulge you.” Changmin replied, arms on his hips. “I want to hear him sing.” The tall man walked backward, still talking to Yunho. “You can join me when you’ve grown a pair.”
Yunho watched his cousin enter the theatre morosely. His feet were cemented to the sidewalk, unable to propel him forward. Just go, the sentimental part inside him whispered. NO! His pride answered back. And on this night, maybe his pride was a little bit stronger.
“I need a drink,” he muttered.
More people continued to pour into the theatre eagerly; of course the crowd went to see the famous opera singer, Maestro Pavarotti. But the audience was also a little piqued and curious about the opening act of the show: the new courtesan, Jaejoong. All of Venice was abuzz with whispers of his wit and beauty. But could he really sing?
“Of course he can sing.” Yunho said, answering the unasked question of the crowds gathered at the theatre. Now the streets were emptying, most of the patrons already entering the theatre. Yunho sighed, “He sings like an angel…”
His feet were breaking, brining him closer to the theatre. Dammit, he was right outside! Yunho glared at his boots in anger.
Then he looked up and glared at the theatre, cursing the wretched man inside. “It’s not my fault, Jae!” he yelled suddenly, his arms spread wide in helplessness. “I am Yunho Kim! Son of a senator, cousin to the Duke; blue blooded and filthy fucking rich! And you fucking love me! You do!”
On impulse, Yunho reached down and grabbed a hefty rock. With all his strength he threw it at the wall of the theatre. THUD. It hit. But it barely made a mark on the dark red wall. Even more angered, Yunho grabbed another in his hand and threw again. “You love me!” he screamed. “Stop fucking around! Useless!” Another rock. “Beautiful!” And another. “ Stupid, darling man!” One last one and Yunho was out of breath.
“This is better than the show inside.” A familiar voice said from behind Yunho.
Yunho whirled around, face colored in embarrassment. But he saw who was standing there and he just sighed. “Oh, it’s just you Junsu.”
Junsu Kim stepped out from the shadows where he had been watching his brothers little meltdown. “Yes, it’s me. What on earth are you doing?”
“Just…nothing. I’m doing nothing.” Yunho said, he sat down on a decorative ledge which circled the theatre. “What are you doing here? Does your husband usually let you out this late?”
Junsu winced at the mention of his husband, he gestured to the small church which sat a few streets behind the theatre. “I am allowed to make visits to the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception. Even this late.” He sat down next to his brother. “I am not, however, allowed to listen to concerts. Apparently, it is to frivolous for a man of good breeding.” He looked longingly at the theatre. “I would die to see Jae on that stage.”
Yunho ignored Junsu’s last statement because he was doing his best to hate Jaejoong at that moment. Instead he said, “Your husband is an ass, brother.”
“He loves me, and he provides for me.” Junsu said, softly. “He doesn’t beat me. And when he…touches me he is always gentle.”
Yunho looked over at his pretty young brother, Junsu was wearing a beautiful white cloak trimmed in ermine. His neck was decorated in diamonds and pearls; and on his wrist was a golden bracelet with the crest of his husband. But his eyes were empty, with a yearning in them that spoke of a crippled energy struggling to break out. To be wild and free and unrestrained.
“What a beautiful gilded cage I am in.” Junsu said stiffly smiling, his eyes holding a world of hurt that pierced Yunho’s conscience.
“I wish I could help you.” Yunho whispered. “But I share your cage, I think.”
Junsu smiled and looked away, not wanting to discuss this matter further. “You have a chance to be happy, don’t you?” his eyebrow quirked. “Or is Jae still refusing you?”
Yunho growled. “I don’t want to talk about it.”
Junsu smiled wider, and a small laugh bubbled in his throat. “Someone dared refuse Yunho Kim? The lance of Venice? The man who satisfied a thousand cunts?”
Yunho looked at his brother in surprise. “Did my baby brother just swear? And, pray tell, how did you come by that nick name?” Yunho’s arm shot out and poked at a spot on his brother’s side that he knew was ticklish.
Junsu laughed, this time loudly and unrestrainedly. “Changmin talks quite a bit, brother.” He wiggled out of Yunho’s grasp and started to skip along the empty streets.
“I shall have to teach both of you not to gossip!” Yunho said, chasing after his brother. In a second he had Junsu in his arms again, and he tickled the younger man mercilessly. “No mercy!” he cried, his brothers wild laughs in his ears.
The two young men played like they were children again. Junsu, for a moment, forgetting his husband; and Yunho, for a moment, forgetting that he was in love. Family is a bond that heals the worst wounds, and the two always had each other to lean on in times of despair. The shouts of laughter continued into the night, and the sound mixed beautifully with the complicated strains of orchestrated melody coming from the inside of the theatre.
The music was beautiful.
~~
The night was over. It was done. The songs had been sung, and the crowd had been well satisfied. Jaejoong smiled in utter contentment. His hands went to his red cheeks, feeling the warmth from the stage still on his skin. He smiled at his reflection in the mirror, and simply sank into his success while he was alone.
“I. Am. A. Singer.” He whispered at his reflection. The eyes sparkled back at him in glee. “Yes.” He whispered, not wanting to break the silent spell of the moment.
A loud knock startled him. “Jae! Hurry and dress! Eita wants to see you already.”
“One minute!” Jae yelled back, spell broken.
No matter, the moment of triumph was still fresh in his mind. The dancers twirling around as he sang; and the orchestra making the floor shake beneath him. Pavarotti shaking his hand! He smiled, unable to stop the happiness bubbling inside him. It was a wonderful feeling, after months of studying and years of dreaming, to finally stand up and sing! The feeling was indescribable.
He hummed in excitement as he hurried to remove his stage make up. There was the party at the Duke’s house. All the singers were invited and the Ambassador Eita was his escort. He took of his costume and reached for his clothes, stripping quickly. He was so distracted that he failed to notice his door opening, and a man slipping in quietly.
A low whistle attracted Jae’s attention to the tall gentleman watching him.
“Good God, Changmin!” Jae squeaked in surprise. “You’re trying to kill me.” Jae was naked from the waist up, clad only in his tight black breeches.
The sly youth eyed the courtesan. Up and down. “Sorry.”
“What are you doing here? Did you watch the show?” Jae continued dressing, much to the chagrin of young Min.
“I did, “ Min said softly, remembering the soaring notes and the ivory skinned beauty on stage. “I couldn’t take my eyes off you. No one could.”
Jaejoong blushed in happiness. “Really? Thank you.” He was buttoning his shirt quickly. Jae hesitated, another question on his lips. But he clamped his mouth shut, stubbornly. If that man watched or not, I don’t care. “I’m rushing to the party now. Are you going?” Jae said instead.
Min nodded, swiping some chocolate from Jae’s dressing table. Gifts from admirers littered the room. “I am. I just stopped by to congratulate you.”
“I’m glad the crowd liked it.” Jaejoong said softly. He had finished dressing and was fixing his hair in the mirror. “And the boxes were full as well!”
“Venetian nobility, out in full force.” Changmin never took his eyes off Jaejoong. “Must be odd, looking at a crowd of men like that…most of whom you’ve seen naked on your bed.”
Jaejoong laughed. “I have quite the unique perspective.”
Changmin smiled and sauntered over to the young courtesan still preening in front of the mirror. His large hand crept around Jae’s waist as he embraced the slender man from behind.
“I enjoyed the little game we had on the night of your debut.” Min whispered. He was taller than the courtesan so his lips just brushed the tips of Jae’s ear. Jae shivered a bit, and looked at the young man in surprise.
“I was hoping.” Min continued, his grip tightening. “that we could do it again…some night.” A smirk formed on his mouth and his eyes connected with Jaejoong’s in the mirror.
Jae held his breath a bit, unsure of what to say to the man. But when Changmin leaned in to press a kiss to his neck, he quickly moved away. Jae slipped out of the strong arms and smiled embarrassedly at the young poet.
“We can’t afford one another, Minnie.” Jae said, moving still farther away. “We are both poets, performing for our supper.” His gaze pled understanding. “But we make great friends, I think.” There was honesty in his voice. Changmin was more a comrade-in-arms to him than a lover, and he loved the wit the young man had.
Changmin looked at him smiled, but his eyes remained dark. “Friends...” He said, a note of strain in his voice. He leaned on the small chair in front of the mirror, slumping suddenly. “Alright. If that is all you can give me.”
Jae gave him a small peck on the cheek before leaving his room, the scent of his perfume lingering in the air. The calls of the party-goers outside were growing louder by the minute. Everyone wanted a piece of the rising star.
Min remained in the dressing room for a while longer eyeing the flowers, jewels and other gifts littered around the room. He grasped a bottle of wine that had been a present from Hyun Joong and wrenched open the cork.
“To poor poets.” He saluted his reflection with the open bottle and gulped down the bitter liquid.
~~
Chapter 9? Woah, this was only supposed to be 10 chapters. Hehe. It might be a bit long cuz I decided to slip YooSu in…somewhere. And the YunJae will start soon, I can’t keep them apart any longer. Haha. Min will help nudge that along…
Previous Chapters:
Chapter 1: Here
Chapter 1.5: Here
Interlude: Here
Chapter 2: Here
Chapter 3: Here
Chapter 4: Here
Chapter 5: Here
Chapter 6: Here
Chapter 7: Here
Chapter 8: Here