Chapter 4: love unexpected
Title: Love Unexpected 4
Author: reishicolleen
Pairing: Kyuhyun/Sungmin, tba
Warning: AU!, Rape (may or may not be graphic), abuse, Slavery, etc.
Rating: R
Disclaimer: I do not own Super Junior
Summary: Cho Kyuhyun wins a pet, the problem is, he doesn’t want anything to do with him.
A/N: this chapter is for mysapphiresky and heezica. ;). I love you both. This one is for you.
-XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX-
CHAPTER 4: SHELTER
He was nervous, really nervous. His owner looked ready to go but he had forgotten about Sungmin’s collar. He bit his lower lip and stared at the floor. He couldn't go out without it, it was against the law to do so and besides, a slave with no collar was up for grabs. He couldn’t say anything, he wasn’t allowed to. Anxiously he shifted his weight from one foot to another praying Kyuhyun would notice and ask what’s wrong.
“Put your shoes on” the deep smooth voice of his master said but Sungmin didn’t move. He might be scared of his new owner but he didn’t want to be taken away from him. so far he hadn’t been in his stay at the man’s house, at least not by the brunette. “What’s wrong, Sungmin?” he asked, finally.
"M… my collar," he stammered and glued his eyes to the floor.
“What about it?” Sungmin couldn’t answer, he didn’t know how to explain. "It's on the table." Relieved the slave looked up and saw his collar. He grabbed it and quickly secured it around his neck. "You can't wear that I haven't had time to get it fixed yet," Kyuhyun objected. It was rather obvious as the buckle was still cutting into the skin on his neck but he didn’t mind as long as he had a collar to wear.
“I…I don’t mind”
“Mind? I mind. Sungmin it’s hurting you, take it off” Kyuhyun said firmly. The slave’s hand twitched but he didn’t remove the collar. "I said, take it off!" The voice was loud and annoyed now. Sungmin cowered. He was going to get beaten for this but that option was better than taking off the collar.
“I…I…c-can’t” " he squeaked out and sank down on the floor to at least protect some parts of his body. To his surprise nothing happened
.
"Can't? Why not?" Sungmin glanced up in confusion and widened his eyes when he saw the look on his owner's face. Kyuhyun didn’t look angry at all, but instead he looked…perplexed.
"It's… against the law."
"Damn! I forgot, thanks for reminding me," the brunette muttered. "I'm gonna have to ask my cousin for some help. I have no idea of how this works." sungmin stared. "Listen we'll get you a new collar okay? One that doesn't hurt you. Is that alright with you?" The slave was lost in utter and complete confusion but he managed to nod. "Good, now put on your shoes and let's go."
HAPPYBIRTHDAYHEEZICAANDILOVEYOUBRENDA!!
Kyuhyun decided against taking his car, since it was Saturday and the traffic would be awful, which meant that they would have to take the subway. He glanced over his shoulder and frowned when he saw Sungmin walking two steps behind him with his head lowered to the ground. Of course he was acting like a slave should but it was humiliating. Sungmin was human being and there he was following his master like some damn collie.
Truthfully Kyuhyun should have him on a leash but that was something he just refused to be any part of. To hell with laws, there was no way that Cho Kyuhyun would walk around with an adult man on a leash! Huffing to himself he made a turn and soon they reached the stairs that would lead them down to the subway station. The place was packed so the brunette stopped to allow Sungmin to catch up.
"Stay close to me, okay?" The slave nodded and seemed to be very uncomfortable with the situation.
They started walking again and Kyuhyun had to use his strength to push through the mass of humans that surrounded them. Annoyed he elbowed a young man in the side to be able to move forward. The brunette suddenly stopped and tilted his head. He could have sworn he had heard his name. Slowly he turned around and frowned deeply when he noticed that Sungmin wasn't there anymore. Worried he searched the station but there were too many people.
"Kyuhyun!" That time he was sure. sungmin was calling his name. Quickly he started pushing his way towards the sound. His sharp eyes caught a flash of his slave and he started moving even faster. "Kyuhyun, help me," Sungmin begged as two men kept on pulling him backwards. The biggest one of them gave the brunette a punch in the side and covered his mouth with a large hand. Kyuhyun snarled and finally managed to catch up to them.
"Let him go," he said coldly and reached out his hand to Sungmin. "NOW!"
"I don't think so rich kid. Buy yourself a new slave. I like this one, he's pretty." The brunette fixed his coat and smirked dangerously.
"I like him too so I suggest you get your filthy hands off him before I get angry. You won't like it if I do," Kyuhyun said quietly with his eyes turning murderously dark.
"I'm not afraid of you. We're bigger and there's two of us," the large man sneered.
"Heh…" With that the brunette dashed forward and buried his fist in the man's face. His grip on Sungmin loosened slightly and the slave got free. "I wouldn't do that if I were you," Kyuhyun warned the second man who was approaching him. "Now you two run along, shoo."
"Thank you," the slave almost whispered and hung his head.
"You okay? Did they hurt you?" The brunette calmed himself down. They had almost gotten Sungmin; he had almost lost Sungmin
"I'm okay."
"Good. We have to get out of here. Just hang on to me Min and don't let go." To his surprise the slave grabbed his hand tightly. That wasn't exactly what he had meant but what the hell. He could feel Sungmin trembling so he hugged the hand in his a few times to calm him down. After more pushing and shoving they finally stepped onto the train.
/
Carefully Sungmin glanced up and looked at his owner. Kyuhyun had saved him again and he was holding his hand, gently squeezing it every now and then. It felt so safe. Sighing quietly the slave tried to calm himself down. He had been so scared when those two men had grabbed him. People kept on pushing him back and forth almost making him lose the grip he had on his owner's hand. He didn't want to let go; he didn't want to lose Kyuhyun. He had never felt safe with any of his other owners so he was damn well going to cling to this one.
Gentle eyes looked at him and narrowed when he again was shoved to the side.
"Come here," the brunette said softly and pulled him close. Trembling the slave pressed himself against the tall firm body, seeking shelter and protection. "Calm down Sungmin no one is going to hurt you. Just stay close to me." A strong arm was placed around his shoulders and held him.
It had to be a dream. And if it was then Sungmin would enjoy it while it lasted so he hid his face against the soft material of his owner's coat and grabbed it with both hands just to make sure he didn't vanish. He didn't fully trust Kyuhyun, not yet, and he knew that the man still could turn out to be some sadistic bastard who wanted to cause him nothing but pain but he seriously doubted it.
For now he was going to allow himself to cherish everything his owner was willing to give him, no matter how trivial it might seem. Feeling content and safe Sungmin closed his eyes and relaxed.
/
Kyuhyun was stunned by himself. He had Sungmin pressed up against him and he couldn't convince himself to do anything other than enjoy it. The slave had stopped trembling and his breathing was calm again. It was getting dangerous, he knew that, but he just didn't understand how he could develop that kind of caring for a complete stranger so fast? He wasn't that kind of person, not anymore.
He let out a puff of air and rested his chin against Sungmin's soft hair. To hell with it all! He was going to protect this man with all he had. The brunette couldn't even begin to understand what it must be like to be a slave but he was going to do everything in his powers to make the Sungmin feel secure again, he just had to.
He didn't want to see fear in those gentle fair eyes anymore. Gently he ran his fingers through his slave's black hair and sighed. If he weren't careful he might fall for Sungmin and he knew that that most likely wouldn't be a good idea, but he wasn't sure he'd be able to stop himself. He would have to deal with that if it happened; at the moment he didn't care. Kyuhyun shifted his weight slightly and frowned when he heard a low whimper from Sungmin.
"What's wrong?" he asked with worry in his voice. The slave started trembling again.
"I… just… please…" the slave stammered and pressed himself closer. Kyuhyun felt like crying. Sungmin was scared he would push him away, that he would take away what safety he was offering. He sighed sadly. He would never do that.
"Ssshh Min, I'm not gonna let go unless you want me to," Kyuhyun murmured softly.
"Th… thank you." It took about 20 minutes before the station the train reached the station where they were stepping off.
"Min, next stop is ours." The slave nodded and took a step back. "Look at me." Sungmin look up with hesitation. "Are you up to this? If you rather go back home we can," Kyuhyun said softly and made sure his eyes weren't as bland as they usually were.
"I'm okay." A small smile flashed across the brunette's face.
"Good. Take my hand Min, I don't want to lose track of you again."
/
As soon as they got back out onto the streets again Sungmin released his owner's hand and fell into place two steps behind. Kyuhyun gave him a questioning look but he kept his face lowered. He couldn't allow himself to forget his place no matter how much he wanted to. They entered a shop and Sungmin obediently stayed slightly behind his owner. A clerk approached the redhead and waited to be noticed. He had to stand there for some time before Kyuhyun gave him a bland look.
"May I help you Sir?"
"He needs a new collar," he said with his monotone voice and nodded towards Sungmin
"This way Sir. Is there any special kind of collar you're looking for?" Kyuhyun frowned slightly.
"What type do you like?" The clerk was just about to answer when he realized that the question wasn't asked to him. "Min?" The slave snapped his head up and swallowed. "What kind of collar do you want?" Why was he asking him that?
"Eh… leather," Sungmin mumbled quietly and lowered his head again.
"Leather it is then," Kyuhyun nodded and turned his eyes to the clerk again
.
"Hai Sir." The young man handed him a few collars and stepped back.
"These aren't any good. The leather is too hard and the edges too sharp," he frowned with dislike and handed them back.
"The leather will soften with time and the edges will wear down." The clerk got a hard look from the man.
"And until that happens his neck hurts like hell." It was obvious that the clerk didn't understand his concern.
"But he's just a slave Sir." Sungmin carefully glanced at his owner and saw the anger in his eyes.
"Bring me one that isn't so hard and sharp!" he ordered flatly. The clerk hurried away and soon returned with five new collars.
"Those are the best ones we have Sir," he squeaked. Kyuhyun examined the collars and shook his head.
"They're too heavy, hard and too sharp. Min, give me your collar." Reluctantly the slave handed his black leather collar to his owner. It was old and worn and therefore soft and smooth. "It should feel like this one," the brunette muttered and gave it to the clerk.
"I'm sorry Sir but the new ones are a lot stiffer than this. However I believe we can change the buckle on this one, would that do?"
"What do you say Min? Do you want a new one or should they just fix the one you already have?" Sungmin’s head was spinning. This man was just confusing him to no end. Why would Kyuhyun care if the collar hurt him or not, he was just a slave. Carefully he licked his lips
.
"I… I…" He just didn't know how to answer; he wasn't supposed to be asked questions like that.
"Do you want the old one?" Kyuhyun asked softly. Sungmin nodded, again thankful for being spared to really say what he wanted. "Fix it." The clerk bowed, took his collar and disappeared.
/
Kyuhyun glared after the clerk with anger. He had really gotten annoyed when that man had said that Sungmin was just a slave. He was a human being, not some damn toy. If he had to wear a collar it would be one that felt comfortable at least. He glanced at the slave who seemed nervous without the soft ring of leather around his neck.
"It's alright Min, we'll stay in here until you get your collar back." Anxiety filled eyes carefully looked up at him and the slave nodded. It didn't take long before the clerk returned.
"There you go Sir." Kyuhyun took the collar and handed it to the slave.
"Is that better? Does it still hurt you?" Sungmin fastened it around his neck and fiddle with it for a few moments. "So? Better?" He nodded and lowered his eyes to the floor again. Kyuhyun paid the clerk and walked out again. It still made him feel uncomfortable that Sungmin insisted on walking behind him but there was nothing he could do about it.
Now, all Sungmin needed was clothes and Kyuhyun wasn't exactly looking forward to buying them. It was so difficult for him to get Sungmin to tell him what he liked or disliked and he really wanted the slave to feel good about the clothes he would wear. Frowning he turned and walked into a huge store. They had barely taken three steps before a female salesclerk came up to him.
"Good day Sir, how can I help you," she smiled and eyed him up and down. When she got no answer she started to look rather uncertain. "Would you like someone to look after your slave while you shop?" Kyuhyun raised an eyebrow. What was with these people?
"No. It's for him I'm shopping," he answered flatly and gave her a cold look.
"Oh…" The brunette ignored her and turned to Sungmin.
"I want you to go with this woman and tell her exactly what kind of clothes you like. You only have to wear the ones you like, do you understand?" The slave started to tremble again. "Min, look at me. Do you want me to go with you?" Frightened eyes met his for a brief moment and then the slave nodded. Kyuhyun sighed. Sungmin was so scared but at least he seemed to trust him a little. Together they followed the woman deeper into the store.
-tbc-
Author: reishicolleen
Pairing: Kyuhyun/Sungmin, tba
Warning: AU!, Rape (may or may not be graphic), abuse, Slavery, etc.
Rating: R
Disclaimer: I do not own Super Junior
Summary: Cho Kyuhyun wins a pet, the problem is, he doesn’t want anything to do with him.
A/N: this chapter is for mysapphiresky and heezica. ;). I love you both. This one is for you.
-XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX-
CHAPTER 4: SHELTER
He was nervous, really nervous. His owner looked ready to go but he had forgotten about Sungmin’s collar. He bit his lower lip and stared at the floor. He couldn't go out without it, it was against the law to do so and besides, a slave with no collar was up for grabs. He couldn’t say anything, he wasn’t allowed to. Anxiously he shifted his weight from one foot to another praying Kyuhyun would notice and ask what’s wrong.
“Put your shoes on” the deep smooth voice of his master said but Sungmin didn’t move. He might be scared of his new owner but he didn’t want to be taken away from him. so far he hadn’t been in his stay at the man’s house, at least not by the brunette. “What’s wrong, Sungmin?” he asked, finally.
"M… my collar," he stammered and glued his eyes to the floor.
“What about it?” Sungmin couldn’t answer, he didn’t know how to explain. "It's on the table." Relieved the slave looked up and saw his collar. He grabbed it and quickly secured it around his neck. "You can't wear that I haven't had time to get it fixed yet," Kyuhyun objected. It was rather obvious as the buckle was still cutting into the skin on his neck but he didn’t mind as long as he had a collar to wear.
“I…I don’t mind”
“Mind? I mind. Sungmin it’s hurting you, take it off” Kyuhyun said firmly. The slave’s hand twitched but he didn’t remove the collar. "I said, take it off!" The voice was loud and annoyed now. Sungmin cowered. He was going to get beaten for this but that option was better than taking off the collar.
“I…I…c-can’t” " he squeaked out and sank down on the floor to at least protect some parts of his body. To his surprise nothing happened
.
"Can't? Why not?" Sungmin glanced up in confusion and widened his eyes when he saw the look on his owner's face. Kyuhyun didn’t look angry at all, but instead he looked…perplexed.
"It's… against the law."
"Damn! I forgot, thanks for reminding me," the brunette muttered. "I'm gonna have to ask my cousin for some help. I have no idea of how this works." sungmin stared. "Listen we'll get you a new collar okay? One that doesn't hurt you. Is that alright with you?" The slave was lost in utter and complete confusion but he managed to nod. "Good, now put on your shoes and let's go."
HAPPYBIRTHDAYHEEZICAANDILOVEYOUBRENDA!!
Kyuhyun decided against taking his car, since it was Saturday and the traffic would be awful, which meant that they would have to take the subway. He glanced over his shoulder and frowned when he saw Sungmin walking two steps behind him with his head lowered to the ground. Of course he was acting like a slave should but it was humiliating. Sungmin was human being and there he was following his master like some damn collie.
Truthfully Kyuhyun should have him on a leash but that was something he just refused to be any part of. To hell with laws, there was no way that Cho Kyuhyun would walk around with an adult man on a leash! Huffing to himself he made a turn and soon they reached the stairs that would lead them down to the subway station. The place was packed so the brunette stopped to allow Sungmin to catch up.
"Stay close to me, okay?" The slave nodded and seemed to be very uncomfortable with the situation.
They started walking again and Kyuhyun had to use his strength to push through the mass of humans that surrounded them. Annoyed he elbowed a young man in the side to be able to move forward. The brunette suddenly stopped and tilted his head. He could have sworn he had heard his name. Slowly he turned around and frowned deeply when he noticed that Sungmin wasn't there anymore. Worried he searched the station but there were too many people.
"Kyuhyun!" That time he was sure. sungmin was calling his name. Quickly he started pushing his way towards the sound. His sharp eyes caught a flash of his slave and he started moving even faster. "Kyuhyun, help me," Sungmin begged as two men kept on pulling him backwards. The biggest one of them gave the brunette a punch in the side and covered his mouth with a large hand. Kyuhyun snarled and finally managed to catch up to them.
"Let him go," he said coldly and reached out his hand to Sungmin. "NOW!"
"I don't think so rich kid. Buy yourself a new slave. I like this one, he's pretty." The brunette fixed his coat and smirked dangerously.
"I like him too so I suggest you get your filthy hands off him before I get angry. You won't like it if I do," Kyuhyun said quietly with his eyes turning murderously dark.
"I'm not afraid of you. We're bigger and there's two of us," the large man sneered.
"Heh…" With that the brunette dashed forward and buried his fist in the man's face. His grip on Sungmin loosened slightly and the slave got free. "I wouldn't do that if I were you," Kyuhyun warned the second man who was approaching him. "Now you two run along, shoo."
"Thank you," the slave almost whispered and hung his head.
"You okay? Did they hurt you?" The brunette calmed himself down. They had almost gotten Sungmin; he had almost lost Sungmin
"I'm okay."
"Good. We have to get out of here. Just hang on to me Min and don't let go." To his surprise the slave grabbed his hand tightly. That wasn't exactly what he had meant but what the hell. He could feel Sungmin trembling so he hugged the hand in his a few times to calm him down. After more pushing and shoving they finally stepped onto the train.
/
Carefully Sungmin glanced up and looked at his owner. Kyuhyun had saved him again and he was holding his hand, gently squeezing it every now and then. It felt so safe. Sighing quietly the slave tried to calm himself down. He had been so scared when those two men had grabbed him. People kept on pushing him back and forth almost making him lose the grip he had on his owner's hand. He didn't want to let go; he didn't want to lose Kyuhyun. He had never felt safe with any of his other owners so he was damn well going to cling to this one.
Gentle eyes looked at him and narrowed when he again was shoved to the side.
"Come here," the brunette said softly and pulled him close. Trembling the slave pressed himself against the tall firm body, seeking shelter and protection. "Calm down Sungmin no one is going to hurt you. Just stay close to me." A strong arm was placed around his shoulders and held him.
It had to be a dream. And if it was then Sungmin would enjoy it while it lasted so he hid his face against the soft material of his owner's coat and grabbed it with both hands just to make sure he didn't vanish. He didn't fully trust Kyuhyun, not yet, and he knew that the man still could turn out to be some sadistic bastard who wanted to cause him nothing but pain but he seriously doubted it.
For now he was going to allow himself to cherish everything his owner was willing to give him, no matter how trivial it might seem. Feeling content and safe Sungmin closed his eyes and relaxed.
/
Kyuhyun was stunned by himself. He had Sungmin pressed up against him and he couldn't convince himself to do anything other than enjoy it. The slave had stopped trembling and his breathing was calm again. It was getting dangerous, he knew that, but he just didn't understand how he could develop that kind of caring for a complete stranger so fast? He wasn't that kind of person, not anymore.
He let out a puff of air and rested his chin against Sungmin's soft hair. To hell with it all! He was going to protect this man with all he had. The brunette couldn't even begin to understand what it must be like to be a slave but he was going to do everything in his powers to make the Sungmin feel secure again, he just had to.
He didn't want to see fear in those gentle fair eyes anymore. Gently he ran his fingers through his slave's black hair and sighed. If he weren't careful he might fall for Sungmin and he knew that that most likely wouldn't be a good idea, but he wasn't sure he'd be able to stop himself. He would have to deal with that if it happened; at the moment he didn't care. Kyuhyun shifted his weight slightly and frowned when he heard a low whimper from Sungmin.
"What's wrong?" he asked with worry in his voice. The slave started trembling again.
"I… just… please…" the slave stammered and pressed himself closer. Kyuhyun felt like crying. Sungmin was scared he would push him away, that he would take away what safety he was offering. He sighed sadly. He would never do that.
"Ssshh Min, I'm not gonna let go unless you want me to," Kyuhyun murmured softly.
"Th… thank you." It took about 20 minutes before the station the train reached the station where they were stepping off.
"Min, next stop is ours." The slave nodded and took a step back. "Look at me." Sungmin look up with hesitation. "Are you up to this? If you rather go back home we can," Kyuhyun said softly and made sure his eyes weren't as bland as they usually were.
"I'm okay." A small smile flashed across the brunette's face.
"Good. Take my hand Min, I don't want to lose track of you again."
/
As soon as they got back out onto the streets again Sungmin released his owner's hand and fell into place two steps behind. Kyuhyun gave him a questioning look but he kept his face lowered. He couldn't allow himself to forget his place no matter how much he wanted to. They entered a shop and Sungmin obediently stayed slightly behind his owner. A clerk approached the redhead and waited to be noticed. He had to stand there for some time before Kyuhyun gave him a bland look.
"May I help you Sir?"
"He needs a new collar," he said with his monotone voice and nodded towards Sungmin
"This way Sir. Is there any special kind of collar you're looking for?" Kyuhyun frowned slightly.
"What type do you like?" The clerk was just about to answer when he realized that the question wasn't asked to him. "Min?" The slave snapped his head up and swallowed. "What kind of collar do you want?" Why was he asking him that?
"Eh… leather," Sungmin mumbled quietly and lowered his head again.
"Leather it is then," Kyuhyun nodded and turned his eyes to the clerk again
.
"Hai Sir." The young man handed him a few collars and stepped back.
"These aren't any good. The leather is too hard and the edges too sharp," he frowned with dislike and handed them back.
"The leather will soften with time and the edges will wear down." The clerk got a hard look from the man.
"And until that happens his neck hurts like hell." It was obvious that the clerk didn't understand his concern.
"But he's just a slave Sir." Sungmin carefully glanced at his owner and saw the anger in his eyes.
"Bring me one that isn't so hard and sharp!" he ordered flatly. The clerk hurried away and soon returned with five new collars.
"Those are the best ones we have Sir," he squeaked. Kyuhyun examined the collars and shook his head.
"They're too heavy, hard and too sharp. Min, give me your collar." Reluctantly the slave handed his black leather collar to his owner. It was old and worn and therefore soft and smooth. "It should feel like this one," the brunette muttered and gave it to the clerk.
"I'm sorry Sir but the new ones are a lot stiffer than this. However I believe we can change the buckle on this one, would that do?"
"What do you say Min? Do you want a new one or should they just fix the one you already have?" Sungmin’s head was spinning. This man was just confusing him to no end. Why would Kyuhyun care if the collar hurt him or not, he was just a slave. Carefully he licked his lips
.
"I… I…" He just didn't know how to answer; he wasn't supposed to be asked questions like that.
"Do you want the old one?" Kyuhyun asked softly. Sungmin nodded, again thankful for being spared to really say what he wanted. "Fix it." The clerk bowed, took his collar and disappeared.
/
Kyuhyun glared after the clerk with anger. He had really gotten annoyed when that man had said that Sungmin was just a slave. He was a human being, not some damn toy. If he had to wear a collar it would be one that felt comfortable at least. He glanced at the slave who seemed nervous without the soft ring of leather around his neck.
"It's alright Min, we'll stay in here until you get your collar back." Anxiety filled eyes carefully looked up at him and the slave nodded. It didn't take long before the clerk returned.
"There you go Sir." Kyuhyun took the collar and handed it to the slave.
"Is that better? Does it still hurt you?" Sungmin fastened it around his neck and fiddle with it for a few moments. "So? Better?" He nodded and lowered his eyes to the floor again. Kyuhyun paid the clerk and walked out again. It still made him feel uncomfortable that Sungmin insisted on walking behind him but there was nothing he could do about it.
Now, all Sungmin needed was clothes and Kyuhyun wasn't exactly looking forward to buying them. It was so difficult for him to get Sungmin to tell him what he liked or disliked and he really wanted the slave to feel good about the clothes he would wear. Frowning he turned and walked into a huge store. They had barely taken three steps before a female salesclerk came up to him.
"Good day Sir, how can I help you," she smiled and eyed him up and down. When she got no answer she started to look rather uncertain. "Would you like someone to look after your slave while you shop?" Kyuhyun raised an eyebrow. What was with these people?
"No. It's for him I'm shopping," he answered flatly and gave her a cold look.
"Oh…" The brunette ignored her and turned to Sungmin.
"I want you to go with this woman and tell her exactly what kind of clothes you like. You only have to wear the ones you like, do you understand?" The slave started to tremble again. "Min, look at me. Do you want me to go with you?" Frightened eyes met his for a brief moment and then the slave nodded. Kyuhyun sighed. Sungmin was so scared but at least he seemed to trust him a little. Together they followed the woman deeper into the store.
-tbc-