Grace Fallen (1/3)
Title: Grace Fallen
Author: orionsroad
Rating: R... ish? No detailing on the sex, sorry. ;D
Form: Triple Shot
Pairings: YunJae
Genre: ... drama? AU
Summary: Jaejoong tries to figure out just what his position will be now that his master, Yunho, has a new bed slave; while Yunho has his own problems to cope with.
A/N: This is not, on the whole, very well written. It's also rather cliche and silly, but... it got out of hand. It was meant to be some 2000 word flight of fancy and just seemed not to want to stop.
Sorry I haven't been round as much lately, I've been working non-stop to grab some money while on uni holidays.
On another note, as of right now (1am July 13th) I'm now 23 years old. ^^;
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Yunho was furious when he arrived home - it was obvious by how rigidly he held himself, and the thin line of his lips. The servants scattered, all wary of provoking his considerable wrath.
The young boy who stood by the table, ready to serve Yunho his prepared dinner was almost shaking under Yunho’s near tangible ire as he cast an impatient eye over the food laid out. He did not even sit down, making an annoyed expression and waving the boy away sharply when he made to fill Yunho’s plate. Instead, he turned on his heel and then stopped abruptly.
“Jaejoong!” He yelled, voice tense but controlled, his dark eyes flickering around the room and looking to the doorways, anticipating his slave’s arrival.
“Master..?” It took only seconds for Jaejoong to appear, gliding hurriedly through the east door to stand before Yunho, dipping slightly in greeting. His eyes flickered over Yunho’s angry form, and the terrified boy behind. He flicked his eyes at the boy, who took the cue gladly and near ran from the room. Yunho paid no attention to the boy’s leaving, instead focusing on Jaejoong as he began to rip away his necktie, knotting it even further. Jaejoong reached forward, calmly stilling his agitated movements to carefully unfold the knot, letting Yunho’s neck free for him to breathe slightly more easily.
“Jaejoong. Prepare the bed. I’m in no mood to eat right now.” Yunho told him tersely. Jaejoong nodded, turning to do as bid, but stilled as Yunho called after him. “And you, Jaejoong, not the boy. I’ve no patience for him either at the moment.”
“As you wish.” Jaejoong replied, bowing again as he left the room. As soon as he was out of sight, Jaejoong fairly ran down the short hallway and into the master bedroom, loosening the ties on his tunic as he went. He knew he would not have long - Yunho would likely shower first, the water scalding hot, burning as much as his anger did, before he came directly to the bed.
Jaejoong pulled off the layers of his long tunic, hurriedly folding them and hiding them from sight. Slamming his hand down on the bedside table, the pad read his print and the drawer popped open, allowing him to rifle through the contents until he came up with the tube he was looking for. He knelt on the floor, coating his fingers with the slick liquid inside the tube and gently, but hurriedly, began to prepare himself. Yunho would not be long in the shower. He was not a cruel master, and Jaejoong knew that the shower was more for his benefit then anything else - to allow him time to get ready. Yunho was too angry, for whatever reason (Jaejoong had his suspicions), to bother with any niceties, and Jaejoong knew he was lucky to get such leniency.
The practiced movements did not take him long, and he cleaned off his hand after, before folding himself down to wait on the floor by the bed. He raked his fingers through his hair, trying to smooth it into some sort of pleasing semblance, and at the last minute jumped up again to spray some perfume onto his body. He’d just re-seated himself when Yunho entered, the door sliding back with a hiss as he entered the room with long strides. He growled at Jaejoong’s position on the ground, and hauled him up by a strong grip on his forearm. In the same movement, Jaejoong was crushed against his body, his lips taken in a savage kiss. Jaejoong returned it as best he was able, hands fluttering to tentatively sit on Yunho’s hips, the touch very light and unthreatening.
Moments later, his master’s hands gripped his waist, and he was practically thrown onto the bed, the hovering surface dipping slightly to catch his weight. Yunho followed not long after, covering Jaejoong with his own body.
Their coupling was hard, quick and somewhat brutal. Yunho buried his fury into it, pouring out his frustrations into Jae’s body. For himself, Jae dealt with it as he could, holding back the winces and cries that would have come from the rough use of his body, clinging to Yunho’s shoulders and trying not to tense his body up.
It did not take so long, and soon Jaejoong was holding Yunho as the man released himself, shudders coursing through the roped muscles of his broad back as Yunho let out a long low groan. After, his body slumped, the strained tenseness largely gone from him as Jaejoong gently massaged his shoulders, waiting for Yunho to recover enough to move himself. It was some moments before he did, seemingly content to lay over Jaejoong’s body for some time and luxuriate in the release of his frustrations, and the warmth of the other’s body.
Finally, Yunho rolled off him and to his side with a grunt, flopping back onto the bed and looking Jaejoong over as the slave brought his legs back down to the mattress and shifted the weight off his slightly aching extremity.
“Did I hurt you?” Yunho asked, his voice a little gruff still, although Jaejoong could hear the real concern underlying it. He smiled reassuringly, despite the fact that he did ache.
“No.” He replied simply. When Yunho just kept staring at him, Jaejoong’s lips curled slightly and he elaborated. “It only throbs a little. No real pain.” Yunho nodded, accepting the answer and lying back, eyes going to the ceiling as he let out a sigh of mild frustration. The burning anger from before was gone, but the agitation had not completely left, and he scowled at the white paint above him. A light touch to his chest brought his eyes back down to Jaejoong, who had moved slightly closer, and was now looking at him with his large, deep brown eyes. It amazed him still that he could read the emotions in those eyes so well now. He remembered a time where the porcelain face held nothing for him except cold beauty. Now, he could see the hesitant concern and the slight worry in those eyes, and his heart softened for it.
“Your father…?” Jaejoong queried softly, still wondering if Yunho wanted to talk, or just to brood. Sometimes it was hard to tell which the man preferred. Yunho puffed out air exasperatedly, returning his gaze to the ceiling.
“He’s so foolhardily stubborn. He really believes there is no danger, and won’t listen to any modicum of sense. Bloody man!” He hissed out, teeth gritting at the thought of it.
“He’s always done what he sees to be right.” Jaejoong said, the statement fairly non-committal. It seemed that today, Yunho needed to vent.
“Right be damned! His ‘right’ is going to get him into a ditch he can’t get out of one day.” Yunho’s voice was tense with his frustration.
“And you think that might be soon…?” Jaejoong prompted. Yunho squeezed his eyes shut, letting out a leaden sigh.
“There have been some very thinly veiled threats thrown about. There are a number of men who stand to loose a great deal if this takeover goes through.” Yunho said, his voice loosing its anger and taking on a weary tone instead. “I’m not sure who to trust anymore, and I hate having to second guess everything. I feel like I’m going crazy with stress over the whole thing. And father’s stubbornness has not helped in the least.” He admitted. It wasn’t hard to deduct that fact though. Jaejoong had seen Yunho get more and more stressed recently, more agitated and restless. It was affecting his sleep, and his personality as well. There had also been a marked decline in the number of people Yunho entertained in his apartment, with hardly anyone who was not a servant entering the place.
Jaejoong ran a hand over his shoulders, feeling the still tense muscles there, and he was sure Yunho’s back was completely knotted up.
“Would you like me to massage you?” He offered, ready to fetch the oils immediately should Yunho wish it. Yunho thought on it a moment, but ended up shaking his head.
“No, not tonight I think. A bath, instead.” He decided. Jaejoong nodded at the order, and slipped from the bed, taking one of the thin robes that were folded away in the far cupboard of the room before moving into the large bathroom adjoining the master bedroom. He walked slightly stiffly, the ache in his rear making itself more apparent with his movements. Never the less, he went about preparing the bath to Yunho’s liking, keying in relaxing bath scents and near scalding hot water to the tub before spreading out towels and readying some of the massage oils too, just in case.
It wasn’t long before Yunho entered, stretching his arms as he walked and sniffing the air appreciatively, as it was already filling with steam and a pleasant light sandalwood smell. He sunk into the bath with a sigh, rolling his shoulders as the hot water enveloped his sore muscles.
Jaejoong meanwhile stood by, waiting for further orders while trying to shift his weight as inconspicuously as possible to try and find a comfortable way to stand. It didn’t go unnoticed by his master though, who caught the movement and frowned a little. Reaching back, he pressed into one of the hidden draw slots, and reached inside, producing a small tube of salve. He held it in one hand, and used the other to motion Jaejoong to join him in the large round tub, and getting a warm smile in return.
Yunho did not enjoy blood, or pain, and for that Jaejoong was eternally glad. He was well aware of the monsters that lurked in this world, monsters that his position here at least shielded him from. But Yunho had always been gentle on him, and gruffly caring of his slave. Discarding his robe, Jaejoong slipped into the hot water, his pale skin immediately pinking on contact. The heat and the buoyancy of the water were soothing in themselves, but Yunho beckoned him once more, and he glided through the water to take a seat on the ledge in the tub beside his master. Yunho gave him a little smile and wrapped an arm around his body, his hand plunging into the water to shift Jaejoong’s weight onto Yunho and then slide under his rear.
“Thank you.” Jaejoong said softly, leaning against Yunho’s chest and letting the fingers curl inside him, the cooling gel soothing him and Yunho’s fingers themselves feeling mildly pleasant.
Their bath came to an end when Yunho’s stomach rumbled heavily, reminding them both of the spurned feast out in the dining area. After drying both his master and himself off, and fetching a fresh, thick and plush robe for Yunho to don, Jaejoong quickly pulled on a thin robe for himself. Yunho wandered off into the living area with Jaejoong trailing behind once more and his bequest.
Approaching the lavishly decorated and set table, Yunho picked off a grape from the fruit bowl in the center, popping it into his mouth before beginning to inspect the cooked dishes that littered the table top.
“What is all this stuff?” Yunho said, frowning down at each plate as he uncovered it. Elegantly prepared, and beautifully presented, the dishes were most likely masterpieces, but honestly, none of them looked the least bit appetizing to Yunho.
Jaejoong peered curiously at them as well, raising his eyebrows at the elaborate offerings.
“I think the new cook is trying to prove his worth.” He suggested, and Yunho made a tisking noise.
“Aish… I get enough of this when I go out, I don’t need it here. Give him a list of my favorite dishes tomorrow and get him to work from that. I don’t want this stuff.” Yunho told Jaejoong, dismissing the food. He re-covered the dishes, and sighed. “And keep an eye on him too, if you can. He comes highly recommended, but everyone has their price…” He trailed off, looking troubled.
Jaejoong’s eyebrows shot up.
“You think the cook…?” The words came out unbidden in his shock. Yunho grimaced, turning away.
“This whole business… you just can’t tell. It’s driving me mad. I see shadows everywhere, but I know that amongst all my illusions there are real truths lurking. I just can’t pick them out.” Yunho said, grip on the table before him going white knuckled. It was the last thing he wanted to think upon, here in the relative safety of his own home, but he couldn’t purge the thoughts from his mind. Everything came back around to it, making his heart thud and his head throb.
Jaejoong bit his lip lightly, weighing his options before approaching Yunho and sliding a hand over the tense one on the table and uncurling their stranglehold. He held the hand in both his own, looking down at it and smoothing his thumbs over the knuckles. Looking up from the long fingers, he met Yunho’s unreadable gaze.
“Not eating won’t help. Let me prepare dinner for you, if you won’t eat these. I can bring it to your study or bed for you.” He said softly.
Yunho studied his face for long moments, the both of them frozen into position as Jaejoong waited for Yunho’s reply. Finally, Yunho’s limp hand tightened, squeezing Jaejoong’s lightly, and he gave his slave a wan smile.
“Thank you Jaejoong.” He said sincerely, bringing up his other hand to cup Jaejoong’s cheek briefly. Jaejoong returned his smile, releasing Yunho’s hand and bobbing slightly in a bow, the hand on his cheek falling away with the movement.
“Of course Master. What should I prepare?” He asked. Yunho considered a moment, and then shifted, stepping back slightly so that they would both be able to leave the dining area.
“I’ll come to the kitchens with you.” He told Jaejoong. Jaejoong’s eyes widened a little, looking halfway shocked, halfway furtive.
“Master!” He exclaimed, stopping Yunho in his path to look at Jaejoong in surprise at the outburst. “Master… you know I would never - I mean, I would never…” Jaejoong tumbled out, hand hovering near his mouth in a flustered gesture. Yunho’s brow creased slightly in confusion, before he connected it up.
“Ah Jaejoong.” He smiled, gently pressing down the raised arm of his slave and brushing his thumb over the full, pretty lips. “I don’t suspect you…” He reassured, his hand coming down to pull up Jaejoong’s robe where the fabric was pooling down off one shoulder. He smoothed the fabric after, and patted Jaejoong’s shoulder. “I merely don’t feel like keeping my own company right now. Too many thoughts in my head.” He explained, and was gratified to see the tension fall from the other’s form.
“Oh… I, then, I can send for Changmin, if you will have -” Jaejoong began, a slight flush on his face for his rash assumption. His suggestion was cut off by a sharp negative motion from Yunho, who frowned ever so slightly at the name of his new young slave.
“No. I will come with you.”
And so Yunho came to sit on the counter of the kitchen he had rarely ever entered, watching Jaejoong make a simple stir-fry dish that Yunho had always enjoyed. The meal was prepared largely in silence, Yunho content to watch his slave move about the kitchen gracefully, the other man’s deft, sure movements a pleasure to observe.
“Changmin would not hurt you either, you know.” Jaejoong said as he served Yunho, setting down the steaming bowl before his master, and then placing the other bowl on the opposite side of the table for himself. Two sets of silver chopsticks followed. “He just wants to please you.” He went on quietly, not looking at Yunho. He went to sit in the chair before his bowl, folding his robe under him carefully.
Yunho sighed, picking up his chopsticks and poking around a few pieces of meat in the bowl. It smelled delicious, and was far more appetizing to him then the elaborate display that was set out in the dining room. Even more attractive was the fact that he had no fears raising the heaped chopsticks to his mouth and appreciating the full flavours of the somewhat simple meal. He ate a little more before trying to reply, watching Jaejoong idly as the pretty man ate across from him.
“I know he does. But he still makes me uncomfortable. I don’t know him. And the timing… Ah, he’s one of my shadows, I think, but I can’t help but suspect.” Yunho mused, working more rice between the silver implements.
Jaejoong pondered his own response to this. He was of course in two minds about Changmin. The boy was lovely - adorable even, and Jaejoong was genuinely very fond him. He was friendly and eager to learn and to please his new master. Of course, that was Changmin’s sole goal in life - the only thing he’d been trained for. He seemed young and naïve to Jaejoong, so cloistered and well trained that he knew nothing nor cared nothing for the world outside. It made Jaejoong want to protect him somehow. At the same time however, Changmin was of course his replacement. He had thrown Jaejoong’s world into turmoil and uncertainty, and was poised to take the last of Jaejoong’s responsibilities which had slowly been eaten away by new staff as Yunho’s wealth and house grew. Even with these misgivings though, Jaejoong could not see Changmin as any sort of conspirator. He swallowed the small mouthful of food he’d been chewing and said as much.
“Changmin wouldn’t hurt you. I don’t think those kinds of thoughts would even occur to him. He’s been bred and trained since birth to serve… he has no motivation to want you harmed.” He reasoned out. Yunho sighed, nodding slightly and resting his chin on the heel of his hand.
“That’s true. But even body slaves can be persuaded, with the right words and the right incentives. He’s simply an unknown quantity to me.” He explained. Jaejoong tilted his head, considering his words. He put his chopsticks down, resting them over the rim of his bowl.
“May I offer an opinion, Master?” He asked slowly, rather hesitant to speak against Yunho’s reasoning. Yunho himself frowned a little, eyebrows drawing together. He ate another bite of vegetable and took some water, thinking. After some contemplation, he nodded, curious as to what Jaejoong might say. “Master… If you suspect everyone, you mistrust may blind you. You can’t isolate yourself from everyone because you think they’re out to get you.” He said carefully, thinking about each word.
“Maybe you’re right. But if I don’t suspect, then someone, most likely myself, may end up dead.” Yunho returned bleakly. Their conversation did not readily recover from the rather flat statement, and they ate their meal in silence.
The bowls were left to be cleaned by the kitchen lads or the cleaner - whomever found them first, and Yunho announced that they would return to the bed chambers. He went to brush his teeth while Jaejoong re-made the bed, the slave fixing up things around the room as Yunho pulled the covers up over his lap and propped himself against the headboard.
“Sing for me Jaejoong.” He said, and Jaejoong smiled a little to himself in the window.
“Of course. What would you have me sing?” He asked, closing the blinds of the room and then returning to the bedside. Yunho motioned him to sit, and so Jaejoong did, curling his legs up under himself comfortably as he settled on the covers.
“Anything. Something sweet.” His Master instructed, and Jaejoong nodded slowly, already thinking. Lighting upon a song he thought might suit, he sat up a little, stretching out his lungs and windpipe so that he might sing better. He hummed a few notes to himself to get the right starting point, and began to sing.
Yunho sat back against the headboard of the bed, letting out a sigh and consciously relaxing himself. At first, his eyes were fixed blankly on the air before him, just listening to his slave’s melodious voice and letting it sooth him. He found he couldn’t properly empty his mind to nothing though, so he let his head slip sideways slightly, bringing Jaejoong into view. He watched Jaejoong as he sang, eyes and mind idly drinking in the details of the beautiful slave. His eyes wandered over the pale neck, tensed with the effort of his song, to the line of his jaw and up to the full, soft lips and pink tongue that were manipulating sound so sweetly. Jaejoong’s eyes smiled at him, and Yunho smiled back without though, feeling himself truly relax against the plush bed and pillows.
He remained there, watching Jaejoong with soft eyes until the light song ended. Yunho had utterly no idea what the other had been singing about, nor did he really care. It had done it’s job, whatever it was. Jaejoong swallowed, and opened his mouth to begin another, but Yunho placed a hand on his wrist, stopping him. Jaejoong obliged, looking at Yunho for his next cue, and it wasn’t long until it came. Yunho’s hand slipped up his arm tugging him across and down into the mattress while his other hand slid up and under the fold of his robe. The silky material slid easily from his shoulders, pooling down by his waist where Yunho flicked away the tie easily. The robe itself was just as easily discarded, and Yunho’s hand returned to cup Jaejoong’s face, drawing it in until their lips met. The touch was a far cry from their earlier encounter, soft and gentle and Jaejoong let himself melt into it. It wasn’t long before he was drawn under the covers, Yunho once more hovering over him.
The first time had been to release anger - Yunho’s mind very much on his problems. This time however was to forget, and was much slower and intense. Yunho was focused on Jaejoong, and not his anger, making up for the last time with the intent to bring pleasure to both of them. Yunho’s touches were tender and his kisses sweet, and Jaejoong thought that maybe this was what love would be like.
After, when Yunho had fallen into a somewhat restless slumber, Jaejoong rolled over and curled himself into a ball, gathering the sheets around himself and wondering what would become of him.
Jaejoong was not a proper body slave, like Changmin was. He was the cheaper, lower grade sort, a knock-off of the prestigious houses that produced skills and beauty that men and women alike paid top dollar for. He had been little more then a street urchin, scrapping by in the dregs of the city that had been left behind as the world moved on around it. He’d not been quick enough one day, and found himself caged into servitude. He’d been chipped and chained to try and curb his rebellious nature. He’d then been trained, a basic sort of training on pleasure and presentation, and promptly sold off. They’d had high hopes for his price too - his pretty face spelling dollar signs for his ‘masters’. For that reason alone he’d managed to be bought by a man who had a comfortable house and a reasonable income. He’d been resentful though, and longed for freedom, even if it meant giving up the meals and warmth of his new ‘home’. His willfulness and refusal to bend to the yoke he found himself in was not attractive to his new owner however, and with the fact that the man’s tastes seemed to run to… younger boys, at the age of 17 he was sold on again, his price a little higher.
He had found himself in a nice office, facing a middle-aged man sitting at a large desk. He’d assessed the man - his new master, and tried to figure out what sort of treatment he would receive now. The man had explained however that boys held no interest for him, and that Jaejoong was a coming-of-age present for his son. His son, who had expressed interest in both males and females, and whom he chosen Jaejoong for because of his seeming meld of both sexes.
Jaejoong had fully been expecting a spoiled brat, fully expected to hate this new ‘Master’ even more then his last because of their close ages and his hatred for those who had money, especially those who had it under no merit. He’d been paraded out at Yunho’s birthday party, his father handing over a small box that held Jaejoong’s life - his document of indenture. The elder Jung had explained the gift, beaming all the while at acquiring such an obvious status symbol for his family. Body slaves were a mark of success, and even if Jaejoong was not the genuine article, it was enough.
Yunho had looked at Jaejoong, and Jaejoong had looked defiantly back. Those first few weeks had been incredibly awkward for Yunho, not really knowing how to treat Jaejoong or what exactly to do with him. Jaejoong refused to be so easily co-operative, defiant in small ways that did not earn him harsh punishments. Time proved to both however that they were more compatible then expected, and their strained relations eased. Jaejoong found that Yunho was not in fact a spoilt brat, but rather a serious, smart young man who was working hard so that he could help manage his father’s wealth and make his family proud. He loved his father a lot, something Jaejoong admired even with his own lack of familial ties. He treated Jaejoong well, which smoothed Jaejoong’s ruffled feathers and caused him to mellow. By the time of Yunho’s graduation, they had accepted each other and their relative positions.
During Yunho’s university years, Jaejoong had learned as well. He’d been taught to read and write properly (skills he had lacked, along with any sort of formal schooling) under Yunho’s orders, and even learnt some basic figures. Grudgingly grateful for the enabling knowledge, Jaejoong studied hard and began to take on small responsibilities around the home. And when Yunho moved out into an apartment, Jaejoong began managing the house, cooking and cleaning and helping Yunho organize himself for university.
All the while, in the background, the Jung Corporation grew and grew, and when Yunho took his well-earned position by his father, they were booming. The apartment was upgraded to a high-tech, beautiful studio at the top of one of the new city buildings, and it seemed every few months brought a new staff member to help run Yunho’s house as the man himself had less and less time to do so himself. Jaejoong received more lessons, or, more uncharitably - ‘training’, this time in accomplishments meant to amuse his master and any guests his master should entertain. After some disastrous weeks with a violin, Jaejoong had settled on learning to sing, and play the piano.
Then, at 24, Yunho’s father had presented his son with another monumental birthday gift. A new body slave. A real one. From one of the best slave houses in the sector. The older Jung had preened as he’d handed his son the elaborate papers that certified this fact. Changmin was younger, better trained and overall a more polished product then Jaejoong could ever hope to be. The boy was there to replace Jaejoong in his position, and he himself had been ordered to train Changmin in the particulars of Yunho’s desires and the workings of the house. They were to co-exist for a time, until Changmin was satisfactorily settled in. It had never been made clear to Jaejoong was to happen to him after that time came. He would be utterly superfluous, and as much as he had hated this life and all that it entailed years ago when he was a teenager… he was beyond that now. He knew that his position with Yunho was the best he would ever hope to find as a second-rate body slave, and he could not help but be petrified of what he would face outside the doors of the Jung household.
He might be better trained now, more skilled and knowledgeable, and still pretty, but he was older now too. He was also ‘doctored’ as they said, imprinted with the ways of one master and for that reason often seen as not properly trainable for his next position. This, combined with the lack of the stamp of a reputable house on his indenture papers meant that he could end up anywhere, and most likely not in such nice surroundings nor with such an understanding master. And beyond that… beyond those fearful prospects, he cared for Yunho a lot. He’d been with the young man for many years, and Yunho had encompassed his world for all of that time. Yunho was a kind and thoughtful master, and had earned Jaejoong’s respect and loyalty. Truthfully, Jaejoong did not want to leave him, just as much as he didn’t want to leave the safety and comfort of his place here.
But like everything else in his life, what Jaejoong wanted had very little impact on anything save for his own wistful daydreams.
On to part two...
Author: orionsroad
Rating: R... ish? No detailing on the sex, sorry. ;D
Form: Triple Shot
Pairings: YunJae
Genre: ... drama? AU
Summary: Jaejoong tries to figure out just what his position will be now that his master, Yunho, has a new bed slave; while Yunho has his own problems to cope with.
A/N: This is not, on the whole, very well written. It's also rather cliche and silly, but... it got out of hand. It was meant to be some 2000 word flight of fancy and just seemed not to want to stop.
Sorry I haven't been round as much lately, I've been working non-stop to grab some money while on uni holidays.
On another note, as of right now (1am July 13th) I'm now 23 years old. ^^;
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Yunho was furious when he arrived home - it was obvious by how rigidly he held himself, and the thin line of his lips. The servants scattered, all wary of provoking his considerable wrath.
The young boy who stood by the table, ready to serve Yunho his prepared dinner was almost shaking under Yunho’s near tangible ire as he cast an impatient eye over the food laid out. He did not even sit down, making an annoyed expression and waving the boy away sharply when he made to fill Yunho’s plate. Instead, he turned on his heel and then stopped abruptly.
“Jaejoong!” He yelled, voice tense but controlled, his dark eyes flickering around the room and looking to the doorways, anticipating his slave’s arrival.
“Master..?” It took only seconds for Jaejoong to appear, gliding hurriedly through the east door to stand before Yunho, dipping slightly in greeting. His eyes flickered over Yunho’s angry form, and the terrified boy behind. He flicked his eyes at the boy, who took the cue gladly and near ran from the room. Yunho paid no attention to the boy’s leaving, instead focusing on Jaejoong as he began to rip away his necktie, knotting it even further. Jaejoong reached forward, calmly stilling his agitated movements to carefully unfold the knot, letting Yunho’s neck free for him to breathe slightly more easily.
“Jaejoong. Prepare the bed. I’m in no mood to eat right now.” Yunho told him tersely. Jaejoong nodded, turning to do as bid, but stilled as Yunho called after him. “And you, Jaejoong, not the boy. I’ve no patience for him either at the moment.”
“As you wish.” Jaejoong replied, bowing again as he left the room. As soon as he was out of sight, Jaejoong fairly ran down the short hallway and into the master bedroom, loosening the ties on his tunic as he went. He knew he would not have long - Yunho would likely shower first, the water scalding hot, burning as much as his anger did, before he came directly to the bed.
Jaejoong pulled off the layers of his long tunic, hurriedly folding them and hiding them from sight. Slamming his hand down on the bedside table, the pad read his print and the drawer popped open, allowing him to rifle through the contents until he came up with the tube he was looking for. He knelt on the floor, coating his fingers with the slick liquid inside the tube and gently, but hurriedly, began to prepare himself. Yunho would not be long in the shower. He was not a cruel master, and Jaejoong knew that the shower was more for his benefit then anything else - to allow him time to get ready. Yunho was too angry, for whatever reason (Jaejoong had his suspicions), to bother with any niceties, and Jaejoong knew he was lucky to get such leniency.
The practiced movements did not take him long, and he cleaned off his hand after, before folding himself down to wait on the floor by the bed. He raked his fingers through his hair, trying to smooth it into some sort of pleasing semblance, and at the last minute jumped up again to spray some perfume onto his body. He’d just re-seated himself when Yunho entered, the door sliding back with a hiss as he entered the room with long strides. He growled at Jaejoong’s position on the ground, and hauled him up by a strong grip on his forearm. In the same movement, Jaejoong was crushed against his body, his lips taken in a savage kiss. Jaejoong returned it as best he was able, hands fluttering to tentatively sit on Yunho’s hips, the touch very light and unthreatening.
Moments later, his master’s hands gripped his waist, and he was practically thrown onto the bed, the hovering surface dipping slightly to catch his weight. Yunho followed not long after, covering Jaejoong with his own body.
Their coupling was hard, quick and somewhat brutal. Yunho buried his fury into it, pouring out his frustrations into Jae’s body. For himself, Jae dealt with it as he could, holding back the winces and cries that would have come from the rough use of his body, clinging to Yunho’s shoulders and trying not to tense his body up.
It did not take so long, and soon Jaejoong was holding Yunho as the man released himself, shudders coursing through the roped muscles of his broad back as Yunho let out a long low groan. After, his body slumped, the strained tenseness largely gone from him as Jaejoong gently massaged his shoulders, waiting for Yunho to recover enough to move himself. It was some moments before he did, seemingly content to lay over Jaejoong’s body for some time and luxuriate in the release of his frustrations, and the warmth of the other’s body.
Finally, Yunho rolled off him and to his side with a grunt, flopping back onto the bed and looking Jaejoong over as the slave brought his legs back down to the mattress and shifted the weight off his slightly aching extremity.
“Did I hurt you?” Yunho asked, his voice a little gruff still, although Jaejoong could hear the real concern underlying it. He smiled reassuringly, despite the fact that he did ache.
“No.” He replied simply. When Yunho just kept staring at him, Jaejoong’s lips curled slightly and he elaborated. “It only throbs a little. No real pain.” Yunho nodded, accepting the answer and lying back, eyes going to the ceiling as he let out a sigh of mild frustration. The burning anger from before was gone, but the agitation had not completely left, and he scowled at the white paint above him. A light touch to his chest brought his eyes back down to Jaejoong, who had moved slightly closer, and was now looking at him with his large, deep brown eyes. It amazed him still that he could read the emotions in those eyes so well now. He remembered a time where the porcelain face held nothing for him except cold beauty. Now, he could see the hesitant concern and the slight worry in those eyes, and his heart softened for it.
“Your father…?” Jaejoong queried softly, still wondering if Yunho wanted to talk, or just to brood. Sometimes it was hard to tell which the man preferred. Yunho puffed out air exasperatedly, returning his gaze to the ceiling.
“He’s so foolhardily stubborn. He really believes there is no danger, and won’t listen to any modicum of sense. Bloody man!” He hissed out, teeth gritting at the thought of it.
“He’s always done what he sees to be right.” Jaejoong said, the statement fairly non-committal. It seemed that today, Yunho needed to vent.
“Right be damned! His ‘right’ is going to get him into a ditch he can’t get out of one day.” Yunho’s voice was tense with his frustration.
“And you think that might be soon…?” Jaejoong prompted. Yunho squeezed his eyes shut, letting out a leaden sigh.
“There have been some very thinly veiled threats thrown about. There are a number of men who stand to loose a great deal if this takeover goes through.” Yunho said, his voice loosing its anger and taking on a weary tone instead. “I’m not sure who to trust anymore, and I hate having to second guess everything. I feel like I’m going crazy with stress over the whole thing. And father’s stubbornness has not helped in the least.” He admitted. It wasn’t hard to deduct that fact though. Jaejoong had seen Yunho get more and more stressed recently, more agitated and restless. It was affecting his sleep, and his personality as well. There had also been a marked decline in the number of people Yunho entertained in his apartment, with hardly anyone who was not a servant entering the place.
Jaejoong ran a hand over his shoulders, feeling the still tense muscles there, and he was sure Yunho’s back was completely knotted up.
“Would you like me to massage you?” He offered, ready to fetch the oils immediately should Yunho wish it. Yunho thought on it a moment, but ended up shaking his head.
“No, not tonight I think. A bath, instead.” He decided. Jaejoong nodded at the order, and slipped from the bed, taking one of the thin robes that were folded away in the far cupboard of the room before moving into the large bathroom adjoining the master bedroom. He walked slightly stiffly, the ache in his rear making itself more apparent with his movements. Never the less, he went about preparing the bath to Yunho’s liking, keying in relaxing bath scents and near scalding hot water to the tub before spreading out towels and readying some of the massage oils too, just in case.
It wasn’t long before Yunho entered, stretching his arms as he walked and sniffing the air appreciatively, as it was already filling with steam and a pleasant light sandalwood smell. He sunk into the bath with a sigh, rolling his shoulders as the hot water enveloped his sore muscles.
Jaejoong meanwhile stood by, waiting for further orders while trying to shift his weight as inconspicuously as possible to try and find a comfortable way to stand. It didn’t go unnoticed by his master though, who caught the movement and frowned a little. Reaching back, he pressed into one of the hidden draw slots, and reached inside, producing a small tube of salve. He held it in one hand, and used the other to motion Jaejoong to join him in the large round tub, and getting a warm smile in return.
Yunho did not enjoy blood, or pain, and for that Jaejoong was eternally glad. He was well aware of the monsters that lurked in this world, monsters that his position here at least shielded him from. But Yunho had always been gentle on him, and gruffly caring of his slave. Discarding his robe, Jaejoong slipped into the hot water, his pale skin immediately pinking on contact. The heat and the buoyancy of the water were soothing in themselves, but Yunho beckoned him once more, and he glided through the water to take a seat on the ledge in the tub beside his master. Yunho gave him a little smile and wrapped an arm around his body, his hand plunging into the water to shift Jaejoong’s weight onto Yunho and then slide under his rear.
“Thank you.” Jaejoong said softly, leaning against Yunho’s chest and letting the fingers curl inside him, the cooling gel soothing him and Yunho’s fingers themselves feeling mildly pleasant.
Their bath came to an end when Yunho’s stomach rumbled heavily, reminding them both of the spurned feast out in the dining area. After drying both his master and himself off, and fetching a fresh, thick and plush robe for Yunho to don, Jaejoong quickly pulled on a thin robe for himself. Yunho wandered off into the living area with Jaejoong trailing behind once more and his bequest.
Approaching the lavishly decorated and set table, Yunho picked off a grape from the fruit bowl in the center, popping it into his mouth before beginning to inspect the cooked dishes that littered the table top.
“What is all this stuff?” Yunho said, frowning down at each plate as he uncovered it. Elegantly prepared, and beautifully presented, the dishes were most likely masterpieces, but honestly, none of them looked the least bit appetizing to Yunho.
Jaejoong peered curiously at them as well, raising his eyebrows at the elaborate offerings.
“I think the new cook is trying to prove his worth.” He suggested, and Yunho made a tisking noise.
“Aish… I get enough of this when I go out, I don’t need it here. Give him a list of my favorite dishes tomorrow and get him to work from that. I don’t want this stuff.” Yunho told Jaejoong, dismissing the food. He re-covered the dishes, and sighed. “And keep an eye on him too, if you can. He comes highly recommended, but everyone has their price…” He trailed off, looking troubled.
Jaejoong’s eyebrows shot up.
“You think the cook…?” The words came out unbidden in his shock. Yunho grimaced, turning away.
“This whole business… you just can’t tell. It’s driving me mad. I see shadows everywhere, but I know that amongst all my illusions there are real truths lurking. I just can’t pick them out.” Yunho said, grip on the table before him going white knuckled. It was the last thing he wanted to think upon, here in the relative safety of his own home, but he couldn’t purge the thoughts from his mind. Everything came back around to it, making his heart thud and his head throb.
Jaejoong bit his lip lightly, weighing his options before approaching Yunho and sliding a hand over the tense one on the table and uncurling their stranglehold. He held the hand in both his own, looking down at it and smoothing his thumbs over the knuckles. Looking up from the long fingers, he met Yunho’s unreadable gaze.
“Not eating won’t help. Let me prepare dinner for you, if you won’t eat these. I can bring it to your study or bed for you.” He said softly.
Yunho studied his face for long moments, the both of them frozen into position as Jaejoong waited for Yunho’s reply. Finally, Yunho’s limp hand tightened, squeezing Jaejoong’s lightly, and he gave his slave a wan smile.
“Thank you Jaejoong.” He said sincerely, bringing up his other hand to cup Jaejoong’s cheek briefly. Jaejoong returned his smile, releasing Yunho’s hand and bobbing slightly in a bow, the hand on his cheek falling away with the movement.
“Of course Master. What should I prepare?” He asked. Yunho considered a moment, and then shifted, stepping back slightly so that they would both be able to leave the dining area.
“I’ll come to the kitchens with you.” He told Jaejoong. Jaejoong’s eyes widened a little, looking halfway shocked, halfway furtive.
“Master!” He exclaimed, stopping Yunho in his path to look at Jaejoong in surprise at the outburst. “Master… you know I would never - I mean, I would never…” Jaejoong tumbled out, hand hovering near his mouth in a flustered gesture. Yunho’s brow creased slightly in confusion, before he connected it up.
“Ah Jaejoong.” He smiled, gently pressing down the raised arm of his slave and brushing his thumb over the full, pretty lips. “I don’t suspect you…” He reassured, his hand coming down to pull up Jaejoong’s robe where the fabric was pooling down off one shoulder. He smoothed the fabric after, and patted Jaejoong’s shoulder. “I merely don’t feel like keeping my own company right now. Too many thoughts in my head.” He explained, and was gratified to see the tension fall from the other’s form.
“Oh… I, then, I can send for Changmin, if you will have -” Jaejoong began, a slight flush on his face for his rash assumption. His suggestion was cut off by a sharp negative motion from Yunho, who frowned ever so slightly at the name of his new young slave.
“No. I will come with you.”
And so Yunho came to sit on the counter of the kitchen he had rarely ever entered, watching Jaejoong make a simple stir-fry dish that Yunho had always enjoyed. The meal was prepared largely in silence, Yunho content to watch his slave move about the kitchen gracefully, the other man’s deft, sure movements a pleasure to observe.
“Changmin would not hurt you either, you know.” Jaejoong said as he served Yunho, setting down the steaming bowl before his master, and then placing the other bowl on the opposite side of the table for himself. Two sets of silver chopsticks followed. “He just wants to please you.” He went on quietly, not looking at Yunho. He went to sit in the chair before his bowl, folding his robe under him carefully.
Yunho sighed, picking up his chopsticks and poking around a few pieces of meat in the bowl. It smelled delicious, and was far more appetizing to him then the elaborate display that was set out in the dining room. Even more attractive was the fact that he had no fears raising the heaped chopsticks to his mouth and appreciating the full flavours of the somewhat simple meal. He ate a little more before trying to reply, watching Jaejoong idly as the pretty man ate across from him.
“I know he does. But he still makes me uncomfortable. I don’t know him. And the timing… Ah, he’s one of my shadows, I think, but I can’t help but suspect.” Yunho mused, working more rice between the silver implements.
Jaejoong pondered his own response to this. He was of course in two minds about Changmin. The boy was lovely - adorable even, and Jaejoong was genuinely very fond him. He was friendly and eager to learn and to please his new master. Of course, that was Changmin’s sole goal in life - the only thing he’d been trained for. He seemed young and naïve to Jaejoong, so cloistered and well trained that he knew nothing nor cared nothing for the world outside. It made Jaejoong want to protect him somehow. At the same time however, Changmin was of course his replacement. He had thrown Jaejoong’s world into turmoil and uncertainty, and was poised to take the last of Jaejoong’s responsibilities which had slowly been eaten away by new staff as Yunho’s wealth and house grew. Even with these misgivings though, Jaejoong could not see Changmin as any sort of conspirator. He swallowed the small mouthful of food he’d been chewing and said as much.
“Changmin wouldn’t hurt you. I don’t think those kinds of thoughts would even occur to him. He’s been bred and trained since birth to serve… he has no motivation to want you harmed.” He reasoned out. Yunho sighed, nodding slightly and resting his chin on the heel of his hand.
“That’s true. But even body slaves can be persuaded, with the right words and the right incentives. He’s simply an unknown quantity to me.” He explained. Jaejoong tilted his head, considering his words. He put his chopsticks down, resting them over the rim of his bowl.
“May I offer an opinion, Master?” He asked slowly, rather hesitant to speak against Yunho’s reasoning. Yunho himself frowned a little, eyebrows drawing together. He ate another bite of vegetable and took some water, thinking. After some contemplation, he nodded, curious as to what Jaejoong might say. “Master… If you suspect everyone, you mistrust may blind you. You can’t isolate yourself from everyone because you think they’re out to get you.” He said carefully, thinking about each word.
“Maybe you’re right. But if I don’t suspect, then someone, most likely myself, may end up dead.” Yunho returned bleakly. Their conversation did not readily recover from the rather flat statement, and they ate their meal in silence.
The bowls were left to be cleaned by the kitchen lads or the cleaner - whomever found them first, and Yunho announced that they would return to the bed chambers. He went to brush his teeth while Jaejoong re-made the bed, the slave fixing up things around the room as Yunho pulled the covers up over his lap and propped himself against the headboard.
“Sing for me Jaejoong.” He said, and Jaejoong smiled a little to himself in the window.
“Of course. What would you have me sing?” He asked, closing the blinds of the room and then returning to the bedside. Yunho motioned him to sit, and so Jaejoong did, curling his legs up under himself comfortably as he settled on the covers.
“Anything. Something sweet.” His Master instructed, and Jaejoong nodded slowly, already thinking. Lighting upon a song he thought might suit, he sat up a little, stretching out his lungs and windpipe so that he might sing better. He hummed a few notes to himself to get the right starting point, and began to sing.
Yunho sat back against the headboard of the bed, letting out a sigh and consciously relaxing himself. At first, his eyes were fixed blankly on the air before him, just listening to his slave’s melodious voice and letting it sooth him. He found he couldn’t properly empty his mind to nothing though, so he let his head slip sideways slightly, bringing Jaejoong into view. He watched Jaejoong as he sang, eyes and mind idly drinking in the details of the beautiful slave. His eyes wandered over the pale neck, tensed with the effort of his song, to the line of his jaw and up to the full, soft lips and pink tongue that were manipulating sound so sweetly. Jaejoong’s eyes smiled at him, and Yunho smiled back without though, feeling himself truly relax against the plush bed and pillows.
He remained there, watching Jaejoong with soft eyes until the light song ended. Yunho had utterly no idea what the other had been singing about, nor did he really care. It had done it’s job, whatever it was. Jaejoong swallowed, and opened his mouth to begin another, but Yunho placed a hand on his wrist, stopping him. Jaejoong obliged, looking at Yunho for his next cue, and it wasn’t long until it came. Yunho’s hand slipped up his arm tugging him across and down into the mattress while his other hand slid up and under the fold of his robe. The silky material slid easily from his shoulders, pooling down by his waist where Yunho flicked away the tie easily. The robe itself was just as easily discarded, and Yunho’s hand returned to cup Jaejoong’s face, drawing it in until their lips met. The touch was a far cry from their earlier encounter, soft and gentle and Jaejoong let himself melt into it. It wasn’t long before he was drawn under the covers, Yunho once more hovering over him.
The first time had been to release anger - Yunho’s mind very much on his problems. This time however was to forget, and was much slower and intense. Yunho was focused on Jaejoong, and not his anger, making up for the last time with the intent to bring pleasure to both of them. Yunho’s touches were tender and his kisses sweet, and Jaejoong thought that maybe this was what love would be like.
After, when Yunho had fallen into a somewhat restless slumber, Jaejoong rolled over and curled himself into a ball, gathering the sheets around himself and wondering what would become of him.
Jaejoong was not a proper body slave, like Changmin was. He was the cheaper, lower grade sort, a knock-off of the prestigious houses that produced skills and beauty that men and women alike paid top dollar for. He had been little more then a street urchin, scrapping by in the dregs of the city that had been left behind as the world moved on around it. He’d not been quick enough one day, and found himself caged into servitude. He’d been chipped and chained to try and curb his rebellious nature. He’d then been trained, a basic sort of training on pleasure and presentation, and promptly sold off. They’d had high hopes for his price too - his pretty face spelling dollar signs for his ‘masters’. For that reason alone he’d managed to be bought by a man who had a comfortable house and a reasonable income. He’d been resentful though, and longed for freedom, even if it meant giving up the meals and warmth of his new ‘home’. His willfulness and refusal to bend to the yoke he found himself in was not attractive to his new owner however, and with the fact that the man’s tastes seemed to run to… younger boys, at the age of 17 he was sold on again, his price a little higher.
He had found himself in a nice office, facing a middle-aged man sitting at a large desk. He’d assessed the man - his new master, and tried to figure out what sort of treatment he would receive now. The man had explained however that boys held no interest for him, and that Jaejoong was a coming-of-age present for his son. His son, who had expressed interest in both males and females, and whom he chosen Jaejoong for because of his seeming meld of both sexes.
Jaejoong had fully been expecting a spoiled brat, fully expected to hate this new ‘Master’ even more then his last because of their close ages and his hatred for those who had money, especially those who had it under no merit. He’d been paraded out at Yunho’s birthday party, his father handing over a small box that held Jaejoong’s life - his document of indenture. The elder Jung had explained the gift, beaming all the while at acquiring such an obvious status symbol for his family. Body slaves were a mark of success, and even if Jaejoong was not the genuine article, it was enough.
Yunho had looked at Jaejoong, and Jaejoong had looked defiantly back. Those first few weeks had been incredibly awkward for Yunho, not really knowing how to treat Jaejoong or what exactly to do with him. Jaejoong refused to be so easily co-operative, defiant in small ways that did not earn him harsh punishments. Time proved to both however that they were more compatible then expected, and their strained relations eased. Jaejoong found that Yunho was not in fact a spoilt brat, but rather a serious, smart young man who was working hard so that he could help manage his father’s wealth and make his family proud. He loved his father a lot, something Jaejoong admired even with his own lack of familial ties. He treated Jaejoong well, which smoothed Jaejoong’s ruffled feathers and caused him to mellow. By the time of Yunho’s graduation, they had accepted each other and their relative positions.
During Yunho’s university years, Jaejoong had learned as well. He’d been taught to read and write properly (skills he had lacked, along with any sort of formal schooling) under Yunho’s orders, and even learnt some basic figures. Grudgingly grateful for the enabling knowledge, Jaejoong studied hard and began to take on small responsibilities around the home. And when Yunho moved out into an apartment, Jaejoong began managing the house, cooking and cleaning and helping Yunho organize himself for university.
All the while, in the background, the Jung Corporation grew and grew, and when Yunho took his well-earned position by his father, they were booming. The apartment was upgraded to a high-tech, beautiful studio at the top of one of the new city buildings, and it seemed every few months brought a new staff member to help run Yunho’s house as the man himself had less and less time to do so himself. Jaejoong received more lessons, or, more uncharitably - ‘training’, this time in accomplishments meant to amuse his master and any guests his master should entertain. After some disastrous weeks with a violin, Jaejoong had settled on learning to sing, and play the piano.
Then, at 24, Yunho’s father had presented his son with another monumental birthday gift. A new body slave. A real one. From one of the best slave houses in the sector. The older Jung had preened as he’d handed his son the elaborate papers that certified this fact. Changmin was younger, better trained and overall a more polished product then Jaejoong could ever hope to be. The boy was there to replace Jaejoong in his position, and he himself had been ordered to train Changmin in the particulars of Yunho’s desires and the workings of the house. They were to co-exist for a time, until Changmin was satisfactorily settled in. It had never been made clear to Jaejoong was to happen to him after that time came. He would be utterly superfluous, and as much as he had hated this life and all that it entailed years ago when he was a teenager… he was beyond that now. He knew that his position with Yunho was the best he would ever hope to find as a second-rate body slave, and he could not help but be petrified of what he would face outside the doors of the Jung household.
He might be better trained now, more skilled and knowledgeable, and still pretty, but he was older now too. He was also ‘doctored’ as they said, imprinted with the ways of one master and for that reason often seen as not properly trainable for his next position. This, combined with the lack of the stamp of a reputable house on his indenture papers meant that he could end up anywhere, and most likely not in such nice surroundings nor with such an understanding master. And beyond that… beyond those fearful prospects, he cared for Yunho a lot. He’d been with the young man for many years, and Yunho had encompassed his world for all of that time. Yunho was a kind and thoughtful master, and had earned Jaejoong’s respect and loyalty. Truthfully, Jaejoong did not want to leave him, just as much as he didn’t want to leave the safety and comfort of his place here.
But like everything else in his life, what Jaejoong wanted had very little impact on anything save for his own wistful daydreams.
On to part two...