For Alesserrain: Empires at War
For: Alesserrain
Author: kojafras
Title: Empires at War
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Xiumin/Suho
Word count: 2018
Summary: The heirs of the Kim companies despise each other. Everyone knows that.
The entire venue is lit up; decorations bordering on gaudy but still managing to seem tasteful. The kitchen staff are still busy perfecting the serving trays, making sure there isn't a hair out of place until there is nothing more that they can do but wait.
No one shows up until midnight. Then, the floodgates are opened and the hall is filled to the brim with lavishly dressed individuals, clothing made just for the night, to show off status and wealth and maybe seduce a new business partner.
It's a congratulation party for Huang Zi Tao, the gorgeous foreigner who just kickstarted his modeling agency. His partner, Oh Sehun, prepared the entire event-picking each detail from the menu to the cleaning crew-and anyone who is anyone is here to congratulate both men and try to worm their way into their pockets.
But Tao couldn't care less.
"This is perfect!" He announces, arm draped over a bony shoulder as yet another party-goer comes up to give a greeting-this time it was the CEO of a major jewelry line. Tao had merely shaken her hand, awestruck.
Sehun smiles, if only slightly. "I'm glad you like it."
Just then, another body manages to worm its way through the crowd up to where Sehun and Tao are standing.
"Well, I have to hand it to you, kid. You sure know how to throw a party."
Sehun murmurs a thanks as Luhan comes forward to envelope Tao in a hug, Yixing quick to follow. The two negotiated time off from filming in order to attend, being long-time friends of Tao's. And Sehun totally isn't jealous of the way Tao lights up when they congratulate him. Not a bit.
"I can't believe our little Taozi had the nerve to start his own company when he only told us that he was here to look for a new agent. Honestly. The nerve of some people." Luhan's tone is scathing but he's smirking, and Tao laughs.
"Well-I found Sehun," he offers in defense, looking to the man for help.
But Sehun doesn't need to jump in. Yixing speaks, "Yes and a whole lot more, by the looks of it." His eyes sweep the hall, and then he abruptly turns to Tao. "I heard that you signed on Kim Jongin. Is it true? Is he here? Can I meet him?"
The questions are directed at Sehun, who merely shrugs. "Tao did the invitations."
Like a puppy, Yixing turns his pleading gaze on Tao, who grins.
"He is here, I promise I'll take you to meet him as soon as I spot him." Tao's grin widens as he leans in, hand cupped around his mouth as if he's about to tell a secret. "There's so many famous people here! I really didn't expect so many RSVPs when I sent out the invites. I mean, all the major designers are here. The Chois, the Lees, both of the Kims, and even-"
"I'm sorry," Sehun interrupts. "Did you say both of the Kims?"
Tao nods eagerly, oblivious to the horror growing on the faces of his three companions. "Can you believe it? Do you think they'll talk to me about a deal while they're here?"
"Tao," Sehun starts, face unreadable. "The Kim families hate each other. They've been practically at war for years now."
Tao blanches. "What? I had no idea, I'm so sorry." His hands fly to his face, but they stop short, an impulse from wearing makeup so often. "Do you think they'll start something? Here?"
"I don't know. If they don't see each other, it'll probably be fine," Sehun assures, eyes preoccupied with scanning the crowd for either of the two heirs. But it's no use. He can't see them.
Joonmyun gets there first. He always makes it a point to show up on time to any event exactly on time. It's earned him a good name and gives him an excuse to leave early.
He breezes into the hall now, already gaining attention from a few suited men and women in cocktail dresses by the entrance. He flashes a smile, the one he saves for these kinds of things, and walks over to one of the women staring at him, whom he knows is one of the women who frequents the get-togethers his mother religiously attends. It's a good idea to let the woman know how he acts at these things, how people see him, and how the company is represented. His mother has been on his back for weeks now about marriage and children, so this might buy him some time. Besides, he needs to stay for at least fifteen minutes and the woman can talk a day away.
It's a ritual: enter, talk to sponsors and partners, greet the host, tie up any loose ends, and then leave. Wash, rinse, repeat. Joonmyun's a pro at it by now, after all he's been doing this for years. He can even fool himself into thinking that his smile is genuine.
He steels himself from another conversation, sneaking a look at his watch. He's wasted enough time.
Huang Zi Tao is the newest face in Korean fashion. A young foreigner who came and made it big, what a story. Almost unbelievable, if Joonmyun didn't know the people pulling the strings behind the stage. Oh Sehun, a kid who graduated from the same high school as Joonmyun, is an heir to a technology empire. A second son with an elder brother already playing commander. So of course the kid had been instructed to branch out, create a new empire with that silly modeling pastime of his, but he'd need a fresh face for it. Joonmyun just can't figure out why he hasn't tossed the Chinese model/entrepreneur to the side yet. Not that he cares. It's inevitable. All Joonmyun needs to do is convince them both to use Kim Designs for their next show. His father made sure he'd understood that.
Joonmyun navigates his way to where the hosts are standing, debating who he should congratulate when someone from the other side of the crowd comes to do the same.
No way.
"Oh! Mr. Kim...s. Thank you both so much for coming!"
Joonmyun's head snaps in the direction of the voice. Tall, tanned, and wearing a thick layer of eyeliner. This must be Huang. Joonmyun represses a smile when he sees and hears the distress coming from the man. Ah, so he knows.
"Yes, thank you so much for inviting me. I wish you luck with your future endeavors and would like to extend my hand in a possible partnership. Kim Designs would love to work together in a future showcase of yours, so please-" he offers a card plucked from his pocket, but it's immediately knocked to the ground.
"Whoops." The man has the nerve to laugh at Joonmyun's glare before turning to the man of the hour. "Kim Fashions would also like to congratulate your launch and offer our services in the future." He pulls a card from his pocket and sets it into Huang's open hand, all the while wearing the same shit-eating grin.
"Mr. Huang," Joonmyun starts, noting with distaste that he sounds a little too affected. "I'll be in touch." And then he bows and takes his leave, ignoring the other man that watches him go.
Minseok stays to chat with Tao and Sehun for a little longer, pleased when they agree to call him Minseok. Good, he's got them.
He excuses himself to go and chat with a few others, though his eyes remain glued to a suit-clad figure soberly talking with the owners of the most frequented restaurant in the city. It's a while until the man breaks away, heading for the restroom, but as soon as he does, Minseok ends the conversation and makes his way through the throng of people.
The restroom door has a lock on it. Minseok grins as he pulls the door shut behind him, twisting the deadlock. He breezes past the initial area and stops when he sees the man standing in front of the mirrors, hands braced on the marble counter.
The Kim families have had it in for each other for generations. Ever since the companies were started, a century ago, the families have been at each other's necks for securing goods, ensuring the loyalty of customers, and sweeping staff for possible spies sent by the other. Naturally, Minseok hated Joonmyun before he even met him. The guy was just another rich brat who was fine with following the whims of his family as long as they left him alone to frequent clubs at night, not asking questions when the hotel bills came around. But then, Minseok actually met Joonmyun. At a fundraising event for a family friend, he'd run into the heir and discovered that no, his parents weren't right. This one wasn't a spoiled brat. (Not that the way Joonmyun acted helped his reputation any.)
There are few things Minseok deems important enough to keep to himself. One is his sexuality, and the other is Joonmyun.
"Why do you insist on upstaging me at every single one of these stupid parties?"
Minseok ignores the question, scanning the room and open stalls. "Are we alone?"
Joonmyun sighs. "Yes. I checked."
Minseok grins. "Good." And then he's striding forward, trapping Joonmyun between the counter and himself, hands holding the other pair in place. Then he kisses the irritated expression off Joonmyun's face, pushing for more as he feels the man respond, head tilting to grant Minseok more. Then Joonmyun bites his lower lip, hard, and Minseok reels back with a gasp.
"Serves you right."
Minseok dabs at his lip with a finger, staring at the red smudge on the digit with disdain. "Joonmyun, you needn't be so rough with me." As he talks, he can feel something trailing down his chin, and his eyes meet the mirror just as his white dress shirt is stained with red.
Joonmyun tuts. "Aw, poor baby. Don't worry, your daddy will buy you another suit if you ask him."
Without warning, Minseok dives forward, nipping lightly at Joonmyun's neck and trailing his lips down. He pulls back, eyeing the red stain on Joonmyun's shirt with pride. His own is already browning. "There. Now we match."
Joonmyun rolls his eyes. "Ever the trend-starter." He deftly undoes the first few buttons of his shirt, and then Minseok's. "Is anyone going to walk in on us?"
"No."
"Good." And then Minseok can't say anything else, just throws his arms over lean shoulders as Joonmyun kisses him, grinning when wayward fingers drift from his back to his hair, where they make a mess of the styling he'd spent quite some time on.
This time, when they break apart, Minseok keeps Joonmyun close, fingers interlocked behind the man's neck. "What are you doing tonight?"
Joonmyun merely shrugs, but a knowing smile works its way onto his face. "Why?"
"Well, the hotel next door has a deal with my family." Minseok plays with the small hairs on the back of Joonmyun's neck as he speaks. "I got us a room on the twelfth floor, no questions asked. Breakfast's on me."
"You make quite the offer."
Minseok smirks. "I still owe you for last time."
"Damn right you do," Joonmyun's threat trails off as he catches sight of the clock in the back of the room. "Min, the party isn't even half over yet."
Minseok clucks his tongue. "Ah, yes. You and your rules. How could I forget?" He idly taps on the back of Joonmyun's neck, stopping just as a manic grin spreads across his face. "Then, how about I entertain you until you deem it time to leave?"
There's a question in Joonmyun's eyes that melts into something else as Minseok lowers himself to his knees in front of Joonmyun, breath fanning over the front of his slacks.
Finally, Joonmyun laughs. He throws his head back and Minseok smiles at the sound. "I hate you."
Minseok grins as he undoes the front of Joonmyun's pants. "I know."
Author: kojafras
Title: Empires at War
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Xiumin/Suho
Word count: 2018
Summary: The heirs of the Kim companies despise each other. Everyone knows that.
The entire venue is lit up; decorations bordering on gaudy but still managing to seem tasteful. The kitchen staff are still busy perfecting the serving trays, making sure there isn't a hair out of place until there is nothing more that they can do but wait.
No one shows up until midnight. Then, the floodgates are opened and the hall is filled to the brim with lavishly dressed individuals, clothing made just for the night, to show off status and wealth and maybe seduce a new business partner.
It's a congratulation party for Huang Zi Tao, the gorgeous foreigner who just kickstarted his modeling agency. His partner, Oh Sehun, prepared the entire event-picking each detail from the menu to the cleaning crew-and anyone who is anyone is here to congratulate both men and try to worm their way into their pockets.
But Tao couldn't care less.
"This is perfect!" He announces, arm draped over a bony shoulder as yet another party-goer comes up to give a greeting-this time it was the CEO of a major jewelry line. Tao had merely shaken her hand, awestruck.
Sehun smiles, if only slightly. "I'm glad you like it."
Just then, another body manages to worm its way through the crowd up to where Sehun and Tao are standing.
"Well, I have to hand it to you, kid. You sure know how to throw a party."
Sehun murmurs a thanks as Luhan comes forward to envelope Tao in a hug, Yixing quick to follow. The two negotiated time off from filming in order to attend, being long-time friends of Tao's. And Sehun totally isn't jealous of the way Tao lights up when they congratulate him. Not a bit.
"I can't believe our little Taozi had the nerve to start his own company when he only told us that he was here to look for a new agent. Honestly. The nerve of some people." Luhan's tone is scathing but he's smirking, and Tao laughs.
"Well-I found Sehun," he offers in defense, looking to the man for help.
But Sehun doesn't need to jump in. Yixing speaks, "Yes and a whole lot more, by the looks of it." His eyes sweep the hall, and then he abruptly turns to Tao. "I heard that you signed on Kim Jongin. Is it true? Is he here? Can I meet him?"
The questions are directed at Sehun, who merely shrugs. "Tao did the invitations."
Like a puppy, Yixing turns his pleading gaze on Tao, who grins.
"He is here, I promise I'll take you to meet him as soon as I spot him." Tao's grin widens as he leans in, hand cupped around his mouth as if he's about to tell a secret. "There's so many famous people here! I really didn't expect so many RSVPs when I sent out the invites. I mean, all the major designers are here. The Chois, the Lees, both of the Kims, and even-"
"I'm sorry," Sehun interrupts. "Did you say both of the Kims?"
Tao nods eagerly, oblivious to the horror growing on the faces of his three companions. "Can you believe it? Do you think they'll talk to me about a deal while they're here?"
"Tao," Sehun starts, face unreadable. "The Kim families hate each other. They've been practically at war for years now."
Tao blanches. "What? I had no idea, I'm so sorry." His hands fly to his face, but they stop short, an impulse from wearing makeup so often. "Do you think they'll start something? Here?"
"I don't know. If they don't see each other, it'll probably be fine," Sehun assures, eyes preoccupied with scanning the crowd for either of the two heirs. But it's no use. He can't see them.
Joonmyun gets there first. He always makes it a point to show up on time to any event exactly on time. It's earned him a good name and gives him an excuse to leave early.
He breezes into the hall now, already gaining attention from a few suited men and women in cocktail dresses by the entrance. He flashes a smile, the one he saves for these kinds of things, and walks over to one of the women staring at him, whom he knows is one of the women who frequents the get-togethers his mother religiously attends. It's a good idea to let the woman know how he acts at these things, how people see him, and how the company is represented. His mother has been on his back for weeks now about marriage and children, so this might buy him some time. Besides, he needs to stay for at least fifteen minutes and the woman can talk a day away.
It's a ritual: enter, talk to sponsors and partners, greet the host, tie up any loose ends, and then leave. Wash, rinse, repeat. Joonmyun's a pro at it by now, after all he's been doing this for years. He can even fool himself into thinking that his smile is genuine.
He steels himself from another conversation, sneaking a look at his watch. He's wasted enough time.
Huang Zi Tao is the newest face in Korean fashion. A young foreigner who came and made it big, what a story. Almost unbelievable, if Joonmyun didn't know the people pulling the strings behind the stage. Oh Sehun, a kid who graduated from the same high school as Joonmyun, is an heir to a technology empire. A second son with an elder brother already playing commander. So of course the kid had been instructed to branch out, create a new empire with that silly modeling pastime of his, but he'd need a fresh face for it. Joonmyun just can't figure out why he hasn't tossed the Chinese model/entrepreneur to the side yet. Not that he cares. It's inevitable. All Joonmyun needs to do is convince them both to use Kim Designs for their next show. His father made sure he'd understood that.
Joonmyun navigates his way to where the hosts are standing, debating who he should congratulate when someone from the other side of the crowd comes to do the same.
No way.
"Oh! Mr. Kim...s. Thank you both so much for coming!"
Joonmyun's head snaps in the direction of the voice. Tall, tanned, and wearing a thick layer of eyeliner. This must be Huang. Joonmyun represses a smile when he sees and hears the distress coming from the man. Ah, so he knows.
"Yes, thank you so much for inviting me. I wish you luck with your future endeavors and would like to extend my hand in a possible partnership. Kim Designs would love to work together in a future showcase of yours, so please-" he offers a card plucked from his pocket, but it's immediately knocked to the ground.
"Whoops." The man has the nerve to laugh at Joonmyun's glare before turning to the man of the hour. "Kim Fashions would also like to congratulate your launch and offer our services in the future." He pulls a card from his pocket and sets it into Huang's open hand, all the while wearing the same shit-eating grin.
"Mr. Huang," Joonmyun starts, noting with distaste that he sounds a little too affected. "I'll be in touch." And then he bows and takes his leave, ignoring the other man that watches him go.
Minseok stays to chat with Tao and Sehun for a little longer, pleased when they agree to call him Minseok. Good, he's got them.
He excuses himself to go and chat with a few others, though his eyes remain glued to a suit-clad figure soberly talking with the owners of the most frequented restaurant in the city. It's a while until the man breaks away, heading for the restroom, but as soon as he does, Minseok ends the conversation and makes his way through the throng of people.
The restroom door has a lock on it. Minseok grins as he pulls the door shut behind him, twisting the deadlock. He breezes past the initial area and stops when he sees the man standing in front of the mirrors, hands braced on the marble counter.
The Kim families have had it in for each other for generations. Ever since the companies were started, a century ago, the families have been at each other's necks for securing goods, ensuring the loyalty of customers, and sweeping staff for possible spies sent by the other. Naturally, Minseok hated Joonmyun before he even met him. The guy was just another rich brat who was fine with following the whims of his family as long as they left him alone to frequent clubs at night, not asking questions when the hotel bills came around. But then, Minseok actually met Joonmyun. At a fundraising event for a family friend, he'd run into the heir and discovered that no, his parents weren't right. This one wasn't a spoiled brat. (Not that the way Joonmyun acted helped his reputation any.)
There are few things Minseok deems important enough to keep to himself. One is his sexuality, and the other is Joonmyun.
"Why do you insist on upstaging me at every single one of these stupid parties?"
Minseok ignores the question, scanning the room and open stalls. "Are we alone?"
Joonmyun sighs. "Yes. I checked."
Minseok grins. "Good." And then he's striding forward, trapping Joonmyun between the counter and himself, hands holding the other pair in place. Then he kisses the irritated expression off Joonmyun's face, pushing for more as he feels the man respond, head tilting to grant Minseok more. Then Joonmyun bites his lower lip, hard, and Minseok reels back with a gasp.
"Serves you right."
Minseok dabs at his lip with a finger, staring at the red smudge on the digit with disdain. "Joonmyun, you needn't be so rough with me." As he talks, he can feel something trailing down his chin, and his eyes meet the mirror just as his white dress shirt is stained with red.
Joonmyun tuts. "Aw, poor baby. Don't worry, your daddy will buy you another suit if you ask him."
Without warning, Minseok dives forward, nipping lightly at Joonmyun's neck and trailing his lips down. He pulls back, eyeing the red stain on Joonmyun's shirt with pride. His own is already browning. "There. Now we match."
Joonmyun rolls his eyes. "Ever the trend-starter." He deftly undoes the first few buttons of his shirt, and then Minseok's. "Is anyone going to walk in on us?"
"No."
"Good." And then Minseok can't say anything else, just throws his arms over lean shoulders as Joonmyun kisses him, grinning when wayward fingers drift from his back to his hair, where they make a mess of the styling he'd spent quite some time on.
This time, when they break apart, Minseok keeps Joonmyun close, fingers interlocked behind the man's neck. "What are you doing tonight?"
Joonmyun merely shrugs, but a knowing smile works its way onto his face. "Why?"
"Well, the hotel next door has a deal with my family." Minseok plays with the small hairs on the back of Joonmyun's neck as he speaks. "I got us a room on the twelfth floor, no questions asked. Breakfast's on me."
"You make quite the offer."
Minseok smirks. "I still owe you for last time."
"Damn right you do," Joonmyun's threat trails off as he catches sight of the clock in the back of the room. "Min, the party isn't even half over yet."
Minseok clucks his tongue. "Ah, yes. You and your rules. How could I forget?" He idly taps on the back of Joonmyun's neck, stopping just as a manic grin spreads across his face. "Then, how about I entertain you until you deem it time to leave?"
There's a question in Joonmyun's eyes that melts into something else as Minseok lowers himself to his knees in front of Joonmyun, breath fanning over the front of his slacks.
Finally, Joonmyun laughs. He throws his head back and Minseok smiles at the sound. "I hate you."
Minseok grins as he undoes the front of Joonmyun's pants. "I know."