Silk and Collars ch. 23
Title: Silk and Collars
Chapter: 23/24
Pairing: YoungSaeng/Everyone, multiple side pairings
Rating: NC-17
Crossover: Super Junior, DBSK, Big Bang, UKiss
Genre: Angst, AU,
Summary: Silk robes, leather collars, and sex. In this world, pleasing your Master can mean life or death.
Warning: Character Death
A/N: Ongoing RP with curionenene
"No..." KyuJong whispered, the bond snapping like a taught wire and the whiplash nearly knocked KyuJong out as well. All around him, those that had supported SeungHyun were coming out victorious in the battle. KyuJong couldn't see YunHo, or his slaves anywhere. Where were they? If anyone could have put this uprising down, it was YunHo, but the man seemed to have disappeared as soon as it began.
Feeling a hand on his shoulder, KyuJong looked up sharply, relieved to see it was SooHyun. "Hey, we need to get out of here," the man whispered, Eli standing guard over them. "It's not safe."
"He's dead," KyuJong whispered, not moving from the floor. "They killed him."
"I know, but we have to go or we're all going to die too," SooHyun said, trying to help him up.
“KyuJong!” HyungJoon appeared, looking as if he was barely conscious. Falling to his knees and clutching at the other slave, he was clearly in a state of panic. “God... oh God...”
Putting his arm around HyungJoon's waist, KyuJong sagged against him, holding each other up. "He's dead Joon... he's dead," he whispered, looking over at YoungSaeng's still body.
"Eli, watch our backs," SooHyun said, guiding the two slaves from the room and trying to be as inconspicuous as possible.
“You guys aren’t going anywhere.” A voice suddenly sounded, and a gush of wind slammed against them, breaking them apart. And smiling, SeungHyun walked towards them, joined by two more of his slaves.
Toppling over, KyuJong tried to keep himself between SeungHyun and HyungJoon. He didn't know if would be able to do anything at this point, his connection to the power severed once YoungSaeng died. There was still a connection to the house stone though, and maybe that would be enough.
"Master," Eli was trying to stay in between them all, but he was grossly outnumbered.
"I'm sorry Eli," SooHyun said, standing up straight and eyeing SeungHyun coldly. "You always were an ass SeungHyun. You won't last long as a hierarchy leader."
SeungHyun shook his head, highly amused. “Yeah well. We’ll see when the time comes, huh? JiYong, YoungBae, DaeSung. Go.”
The three slaves did as their master bid, moving forward to attack them. As YoungBae and DaeSung went after Eli and Soohyun, Jiyong moved towards KyuJong and HyungJoon.
“Hmph.” JiYong chuckled, reaching down and grabbing KyuJong by the collar, pulling him up. “Let’s see, shall we kill you the same way I did your pathetic master?”
"My master was twice the man SeungHyun will ever be," KyuJong spat, eyes darkening as thunder rumbled in the room again. "Let's see you phase your way out of this," he said, bringing both hands up to either side of JiYong's head, electricity crackling from his hands.
“Tch.” JiYong plunged his other hand into KyuJong’s chest before the other could do anything. “I see you leave me no choice.”
KyuJong screamed, his head thrown back and the electricity shooting out wildly from his hands.
"Hey! Get off of him!" HyungJoon swung his fist at JiYong's jaw.
But DaeSung had noticed JiYong’s plight and he sent a strong wind over, slamming HyungJoon into the wall.
JiYong grinned, tightening his hold on KyuJong’s heart, pure glee in his eyes as he watched KyuJong’s suffering.
And for a moment, it looked as if everything was going to end in SeungHyun’s favour.
Then all of a sudden, JiYong let out a gasp, his eyes widening as he let go of KyuJong turning around. “Master!”
Sagging to the floor, KyuJong put a hand to his chest and cough when he was released, barely realizing that he had been just an inch from death. Why had JiYong stopped? Lifting his eyes, he blinked a few times, not sure what he was seeing. HyunJoong had his hands around SeungHyun's throat, the man pale and drawn, spasming slightly. "Hyun?" he staggered a little to his feet.
Seeing his opportunity, KyuJong's eyes narrowed at JiYong in front of him, grabbing the blond man by the head, eyes glowing brightly as the electricity coursed from his hands into JiYong's head.
JiYong screamed, convulsing as the electricity fried his brain, dying almost immediately.
HyungJoon slowly limped over to KyuJong’s side, watching in a mixture of confusion and amazement as SeungHyun turned into a shrunken corpse in HyunJoong’s hands. Finally, HyunJoong let SeungHyun go, the body clattering onto the floor.
Others seemed to notice what had just happened, the fighting slowing down and some of the masters who had been under SeungHyun exchanging looks before fleeing. KyuJong barely saw them go, stepping towards HyunJoong with a look of confusion. "Hyun? What did you do?" he whispered, looking down at SeungHyun's body.
“I... I took his health.” HyunJoong murmured, looking slightly disoriented. Looking around, he spotted YoungSaeng’s body on the floor. “Saeng...” He murmured, moving towards his master.
KyuJong exchanged a confused look with HyungJoon at what HyunJoong said, but kept quiet. "He's gone Hyun..." he said softly, feeling the tears building again.
But HyunJoong only gathered YoungSaeng body into his arms, his eyes glowing again. Hugging YoungSaeng close, he whispered into his master’s ear. “YoungSaeng... wake up.”
And his body exploded in a flash of pure white, the wave of power traveling throughout the room.
KyuJong shielded his eyes, having to look away altogether. When the light faded, KyuJong blinked a few times and looked back at HyunJoong.
At first there was nothing, but then one of YoungSaeng's hands twitched and he let out a sigh before his eyes slowly opened. "Hyun?" he murmured.
“Saeng...” HyunJoong let out a small sigh of relief, the glow in his eyes slowly dying down. “You’re okay now... thank God...”
HyungJoon stepped forward, eyes wide. But YoungSaeng had been dead just a minute ago, he had felt it, and now the bond was back in place, as if it had never disappeared.
YoungSaeng's lips curled upwards in a smile, reaching up with a hand to cup HyunJoong's cheek lightly. He had no idea what was going on, the last thing he remembered was JiYong squeezing his heart right before he blacked out.
"Oh... Saeng," KyuJong came forward, dropping down to his knees to wrap his arms lightly around YoungSaeng's shoulder. YoungSaeng blinked a little, but put his other arm around KyuJong, looking up at HyunJoong. "Someone will have to explain what happened later," he said, voice hoarse.
“You’ll have to ask someone else...” HyunJoong murmured, his eyes fluttering as he slumped forward, exhausted from using his powers so much.
Sitting up just before HyunJoong collapsed entirely, KyuJong scooted around to lean the man back against his chest. "We'll make sure to tell you everything Saeng," KyuJong said, still sniffling a little.
"Better," YoungSaeng said, sitting up as well and looking at HyunJoong worriedly before glancing around him. "I should find YunHo," he said, slowly lifting himself up to his feet.
“Glad that we’re on the same page then.” YunHo appeared then, looking a little worse for wear, but otherwise alright. “Sorry I couldn’t come sooner. SeungHyun had planned this well, once the attack was underway, some people hijacked the transfer stone and let in even more attacks. We were losing quite badly when they suddenly all turned tail and fled. What happened?”
"HyunJoong killed SeungHyun," SooHyun said, coming up as well. "That was after JiYong killed YoungSaeng though."
"...Killed?" YoungSaeng looked at HyunJoong with wide eyes. "I died? And you brought me back?"
HyunJoong took a while to respond, feeling more drained than he ever had before. He nodded slowly, licking his lips. “I... I felt you die... even with the diminished bond. So I... went to find SeungHyun... I wanted to kill him... so I did...”
YoungSaeng's eyes dimmed a little, seeing how tired HyunJoong was and how much he had done to save them all. Leaning forward, he wrapped his arms around HyunJoong's shoulders and leaned into him. "Thank you."
“Well... I think we owe a lot to HyunJoong then. So I think a reward is in order.” YunHo smiled, “But maybe when he’s in more condition to think about what he wants.”
YoungSaeng pulled back slightly to look up at YunHo, shaking his head. "I already know what he wants YunHo, and he doesn't need to think about it. I know that what he wants, is to stay with me."
YunHo blinked, turning to look at HyunJoong. “Is that so, HyunJoong?”
Gathering himself, HyunJoong pushed himself up from KyuJong's hold, looking straight at the leader. “Yes, YunHo-sshi. That is what I want.”
YunHo was quiet for a moment, and he looked from YoungSaeng to HyunJoong and a dawning of understanding seemed to come over him. “Hmm...”
YoungSaeng flushed, seeing the look on YunHo's face. "I know the law YunHo, but... it seems silly. Why is it wrong for two men to fall in love? It's okay if the slaves do, but why not the masters and slaves as well? I know you, I know you've loved your slaves... why do we have to continue to abide by that stupid, stupid law?"
YunHo fell silent about that then, he said lowly. “Because, a long time ago, there wasn’t this law. And masters and slaves fell in love freely... but that also caused a disaster. A disaster where when a master died, and the slave who loved him, unable to accept it, wrought havoc and brought the downfall of a whole hierarchy.”
“But...” YunHo’s eyes flickered to HyunJoong a small smile crossing his face. “I don’t think we’ll have a problem with that here...”
YoungSaeng frowned a little at the explanation. He hadn't known about that. "No... I don't think that will be a problem at all," he said, taking HyunJoong's hand in his own."Does that mean we have your permission then? Hyun can stay with me?"
“I did say he could have anything he wanted.” YunHo smiled. “Just don’t let anyone else know about the... underlying factor.”
"Of course, we'll keep it to ourselves," YoungSaeng said, gripping HyunJoong's hand tightly. "It seems you're going to have quite the mess to clean up here... it may be best if we leave for now then. If that's alright with you of course."
“I’m tempted to say no, since I’m still very curious as to how HyunJoong actually killed SeungHyun, seeing the state he’s in.” He’d spotted the dried-up husk that must have been SeungHyun. “But I think I’ll just call you down again. I’ll need to make the announcement official and all anyway.”
"Thank you YunHo... I'm sorry this had to come to this," YoungSaeng said with a sigh. "Where'd HeeChul scurry off to? I want a word with him."
“Yah. What’s that insolent tone?” HeeChul emerged from one of the entrances, blood smeared across his clothes, but looked otherwise unharmed.
"Well I'm glad you're okay," YoungSaeng smiled in relief, enveloping the older man in a hug then stepped back. "I want to offer you a trade, one of my slaves for one of yours."
“What?” HeeChul blinked then let out a sighed. He wrapped the younger man in a hug as well, closing his eyes. “Dammit. What is this? Taking advantage of an emotional moment to get me to agree.” He’d seen YoungSaeng die and went on a rampage killing anyone he could get his hands on. “Fine... I’ll take it. Who for who?”
"YeSung for Zhou Mi," YoungSaeng said simply. "It was cruel of you to separate Zhou Mi and KyuHyun like that, so I'm giving him back in exchange for YeSung."
HeeChul sighed. “Alright, alright. You win. I’ll bring YeSung over tomorrow.”
"Thank you HeeChul, I'll have Zhou Mi ready to go," YoungSaeng said, turning back to his three slaves. "I think it's a good time to go home now, what do you think?"
"I think that's a great idea sir," KyuJong nodded. "JungMin is going to be so worried about us right about now."
“Worried is an understatement.” HyungJoon muttered. JungMin was probably halfway burning the archways from panic.
YoungSaeng chuckled at that, giving HyunJoong a small smile as he took his hand and HyungJoon's hand. "If you would please Joon."
HyunJoong smiled tiredly back, giving YoungSaeng’s hand a small squeeze as HyungJoon held out his hand to KyuJong and nodded. “Alright! Let’s go home!”
KyuJong took the hands offered to him and within seconds there was that familiar feeling of being squeezed and landing abruptly at the traveling room. Sighing in relief, KyuJong didn't even bother to tell YoungSaeng where he was going, taking off to find JungMin.
"Another bath is in order," YoungSaeng said, looking down at his ruined robes, dried blood on his hands and face still.
HyungJoon chuckled, then eyes widened when HyunJoong nearly stumbled again, catching him. “Hmm... this feels familiar.”
And as tired as he was, HyunJoong had to laugh at that. It was the same way he’d kept fainting the first few days he was here.
"Help me get him to the sun room Joon," YoungSaeng said, slipping his arm under HyunJoong's and slowly leading him towards the door. Once they had HyunJoong laid out on the bed in the sun room, YoungSaeng sighed heavily and began stripping off his robes, not caring to take them off nicely since they were ruined. "Joon, go run a bath for me please."
“Yes, Saeng.” HyungJoon nodded, disappearing into the bathroom.
HyunJoong watched from where he lay on the bed, too tired to do anything. But he smiled, relief at seeing YoungSaeng alive finally hitting him.
Seeing HyunJoong watching him out of the corner of his eyes, YoungSaeng smiled as he stepped out of his robes and sat down on the bed next to him. "I'm so proud of you Hyun... and so thankful to have you here."
HyunJoong reached up, cupping YoungSaeng’s cheek. “I’m just... so glad you’re alive.” He whispered, feeling tears well up in his eyes.
"Me too," YoungSaeng said, leaning down to brush his lips over HyunJoong's softly. "I'm going to go get washed up, and then I'll be right back," he murmured. "And I'm not leaving, ever again."
“I’ll hold you to that.” HyunJoong whispered against YoungSaeng’s lips. “Don’t ever scare me like that again.”
"I won't, I promise," YoungSaeng replied, giving him another kiss before getting up. He didn't take long with his bath, just enough to get the blood off of his skin, going over what had happened again and again in his mind. Despite what had happened though, SeungHyun was dead, and HyunJoong would stay with him, and that was what was important.
It wasn't even ten minutes later when YoungSaeng returned, slipping into bed next to HyunJoong and curling around him.
HyunJoong opened his eyes and smiled, pulling YoungSaeng close. “Hey there.”
"Hi, I thought you'd be asleep by now," YoungSaeng said, nuzzling his nose into the crook of HyunJoong's neck.
“I was, but you woke me up.” HyunJoong laughed, burying his nose into YoungSaeng’s wet hair.
"I'm sorry, go back to sleep," YoungSaeng said, kissing a spot on HyunJoong's neck sweetly.
“I will, soon enough. That tired me out... a lot.” HyunJoong breathed out, closing his eyes. “...YoungSaeng...?”
"Yes Hyun?" YoungSaeng replied, looking up at him with a smile.
“It was a little fuzzy, but...” HyunJoong murmured, his hands tensing a little. “YoungSaeng... what you said to YunHo... does that mean you... love me?”
Taking in a deep breath, YoungSaeng scooted up so he was face to face with HyunJoong, cupping his cheek with one hand. "Yes Hyun... I love you. I've loved you for a long time, but I wasn't able to admit it... not even to myself."
“Really?” HyunJoong asked softly, staring into YoungSaeng’s eyes and looking to see if it was true.
"Really," YoungSaeng nodded in confirmation. "And tomorrow, you and I will bond fully, and you'll know just how much I do love you."
HyunJoong searched in YoungSaeng’s eyes and could find no deception in them, only the truth of YoungSaeng’s words. And he broke into a smile, “And you will know how much I love you too.”
YoungSaeng's lips curled upwards more and he leaned in for another light kiss. "Go to sleep, we have the rest of our lives now to be sappy with each other."
“Yes, master.” HyunJoong smiled, closing his eyes and resting his head against YoungSaeng’s.
Chapter: 23/24
Pairing: YoungSaeng/Everyone, multiple side pairings
Rating: NC-17
Crossover: Super Junior, DBSK, Big Bang, UKiss
Genre: Angst, AU,
Summary: Silk robes, leather collars, and sex. In this world, pleasing your Master can mean life or death.
Warning: Character Death
A/N: Ongoing RP with curionenene
"No..." KyuJong whispered, the bond snapping like a taught wire and the whiplash nearly knocked KyuJong out as well. All around him, those that had supported SeungHyun were coming out victorious in the battle. KyuJong couldn't see YunHo, or his slaves anywhere. Where were they? If anyone could have put this uprising down, it was YunHo, but the man seemed to have disappeared as soon as it began.
Feeling a hand on his shoulder, KyuJong looked up sharply, relieved to see it was SooHyun. "Hey, we need to get out of here," the man whispered, Eli standing guard over them. "It's not safe."
"He's dead," KyuJong whispered, not moving from the floor. "They killed him."
"I know, but we have to go or we're all going to die too," SooHyun said, trying to help him up.
“KyuJong!” HyungJoon appeared, looking as if he was barely conscious. Falling to his knees and clutching at the other slave, he was clearly in a state of panic. “God... oh God...”
Putting his arm around HyungJoon's waist, KyuJong sagged against him, holding each other up. "He's dead Joon... he's dead," he whispered, looking over at YoungSaeng's still body.
"Eli, watch our backs," SooHyun said, guiding the two slaves from the room and trying to be as inconspicuous as possible.
“You guys aren’t going anywhere.” A voice suddenly sounded, and a gush of wind slammed against them, breaking them apart. And smiling, SeungHyun walked towards them, joined by two more of his slaves.
Toppling over, KyuJong tried to keep himself between SeungHyun and HyungJoon. He didn't know if would be able to do anything at this point, his connection to the power severed once YoungSaeng died. There was still a connection to the house stone though, and maybe that would be enough.
"Master," Eli was trying to stay in between them all, but he was grossly outnumbered.
"I'm sorry Eli," SooHyun said, standing up straight and eyeing SeungHyun coldly. "You always were an ass SeungHyun. You won't last long as a hierarchy leader."
SeungHyun shook his head, highly amused. “Yeah well. We’ll see when the time comes, huh? JiYong, YoungBae, DaeSung. Go.”
The three slaves did as their master bid, moving forward to attack them. As YoungBae and DaeSung went after Eli and Soohyun, Jiyong moved towards KyuJong and HyungJoon.
“Hmph.” JiYong chuckled, reaching down and grabbing KyuJong by the collar, pulling him up. “Let’s see, shall we kill you the same way I did your pathetic master?”
"My master was twice the man SeungHyun will ever be," KyuJong spat, eyes darkening as thunder rumbled in the room again. "Let's see you phase your way out of this," he said, bringing both hands up to either side of JiYong's head, electricity crackling from his hands.
“Tch.” JiYong plunged his other hand into KyuJong’s chest before the other could do anything. “I see you leave me no choice.”
KyuJong screamed, his head thrown back and the electricity shooting out wildly from his hands.
"Hey! Get off of him!" HyungJoon swung his fist at JiYong's jaw.
But DaeSung had noticed JiYong’s plight and he sent a strong wind over, slamming HyungJoon into the wall.
JiYong grinned, tightening his hold on KyuJong’s heart, pure glee in his eyes as he watched KyuJong’s suffering.
And for a moment, it looked as if everything was going to end in SeungHyun’s favour.
Then all of a sudden, JiYong let out a gasp, his eyes widening as he let go of KyuJong turning around. “Master!”
Sagging to the floor, KyuJong put a hand to his chest and cough when he was released, barely realizing that he had been just an inch from death. Why had JiYong stopped? Lifting his eyes, he blinked a few times, not sure what he was seeing. HyunJoong had his hands around SeungHyun's throat, the man pale and drawn, spasming slightly. "Hyun?" he staggered a little to his feet.
Seeing his opportunity, KyuJong's eyes narrowed at JiYong in front of him, grabbing the blond man by the head, eyes glowing brightly as the electricity coursed from his hands into JiYong's head.
JiYong screamed, convulsing as the electricity fried his brain, dying almost immediately.
HyungJoon slowly limped over to KyuJong’s side, watching in a mixture of confusion and amazement as SeungHyun turned into a shrunken corpse in HyunJoong’s hands. Finally, HyunJoong let SeungHyun go, the body clattering onto the floor.
Others seemed to notice what had just happened, the fighting slowing down and some of the masters who had been under SeungHyun exchanging looks before fleeing. KyuJong barely saw them go, stepping towards HyunJoong with a look of confusion. "Hyun? What did you do?" he whispered, looking down at SeungHyun's body.
“I... I took his health.” HyunJoong murmured, looking slightly disoriented. Looking around, he spotted YoungSaeng’s body on the floor. “Saeng...” He murmured, moving towards his master.
KyuJong exchanged a confused look with HyungJoon at what HyunJoong said, but kept quiet. "He's gone Hyun..." he said softly, feeling the tears building again.
But HyunJoong only gathered YoungSaeng body into his arms, his eyes glowing again. Hugging YoungSaeng close, he whispered into his master’s ear. “YoungSaeng... wake up.”
And his body exploded in a flash of pure white, the wave of power traveling throughout the room.
KyuJong shielded his eyes, having to look away altogether. When the light faded, KyuJong blinked a few times and looked back at HyunJoong.
At first there was nothing, but then one of YoungSaeng's hands twitched and he let out a sigh before his eyes slowly opened. "Hyun?" he murmured.
“Saeng...” HyunJoong let out a small sigh of relief, the glow in his eyes slowly dying down. “You’re okay now... thank God...”
HyungJoon stepped forward, eyes wide. But YoungSaeng had been dead just a minute ago, he had felt it, and now the bond was back in place, as if it had never disappeared.
YoungSaeng's lips curled upwards in a smile, reaching up with a hand to cup HyunJoong's cheek lightly. He had no idea what was going on, the last thing he remembered was JiYong squeezing his heart right before he blacked out.
"Oh... Saeng," KyuJong came forward, dropping down to his knees to wrap his arms lightly around YoungSaeng's shoulder. YoungSaeng blinked a little, but put his other arm around KyuJong, looking up at HyunJoong. "Someone will have to explain what happened later," he said, voice hoarse.
“You’ll have to ask someone else...” HyunJoong murmured, his eyes fluttering as he slumped forward, exhausted from using his powers so much.
Sitting up just before HyunJoong collapsed entirely, KyuJong scooted around to lean the man back against his chest. "We'll make sure to tell you everything Saeng," KyuJong said, still sniffling a little.
"Better," YoungSaeng said, sitting up as well and looking at HyunJoong worriedly before glancing around him. "I should find YunHo," he said, slowly lifting himself up to his feet.
“Glad that we’re on the same page then.” YunHo appeared then, looking a little worse for wear, but otherwise alright. “Sorry I couldn’t come sooner. SeungHyun had planned this well, once the attack was underway, some people hijacked the transfer stone and let in even more attacks. We were losing quite badly when they suddenly all turned tail and fled. What happened?”
"HyunJoong killed SeungHyun," SooHyun said, coming up as well. "That was after JiYong killed YoungSaeng though."
"...Killed?" YoungSaeng looked at HyunJoong with wide eyes. "I died? And you brought me back?"
HyunJoong took a while to respond, feeling more drained than he ever had before. He nodded slowly, licking his lips. “I... I felt you die... even with the diminished bond. So I... went to find SeungHyun... I wanted to kill him... so I did...”
YoungSaeng's eyes dimmed a little, seeing how tired HyunJoong was and how much he had done to save them all. Leaning forward, he wrapped his arms around HyunJoong's shoulders and leaned into him. "Thank you."
“Well... I think we owe a lot to HyunJoong then. So I think a reward is in order.” YunHo smiled, “But maybe when he’s in more condition to think about what he wants.”
YoungSaeng pulled back slightly to look up at YunHo, shaking his head. "I already know what he wants YunHo, and he doesn't need to think about it. I know that what he wants, is to stay with me."
YunHo blinked, turning to look at HyunJoong. “Is that so, HyunJoong?”
Gathering himself, HyunJoong pushed himself up from KyuJong's hold, looking straight at the leader. “Yes, YunHo-sshi. That is what I want.”
YunHo was quiet for a moment, and he looked from YoungSaeng to HyunJoong and a dawning of understanding seemed to come over him. “Hmm...”
YoungSaeng flushed, seeing the look on YunHo's face. "I know the law YunHo, but... it seems silly. Why is it wrong for two men to fall in love? It's okay if the slaves do, but why not the masters and slaves as well? I know you, I know you've loved your slaves... why do we have to continue to abide by that stupid, stupid law?"
YunHo fell silent about that then, he said lowly. “Because, a long time ago, there wasn’t this law. And masters and slaves fell in love freely... but that also caused a disaster. A disaster where when a master died, and the slave who loved him, unable to accept it, wrought havoc and brought the downfall of a whole hierarchy.”
“But...” YunHo’s eyes flickered to HyunJoong a small smile crossing his face. “I don’t think we’ll have a problem with that here...”
YoungSaeng frowned a little at the explanation. He hadn't known about that. "No... I don't think that will be a problem at all," he said, taking HyunJoong's hand in his own."Does that mean we have your permission then? Hyun can stay with me?"
“I did say he could have anything he wanted.” YunHo smiled. “Just don’t let anyone else know about the... underlying factor.”
"Of course, we'll keep it to ourselves," YoungSaeng said, gripping HyunJoong's hand tightly. "It seems you're going to have quite the mess to clean up here... it may be best if we leave for now then. If that's alright with you of course."
“I’m tempted to say no, since I’m still very curious as to how HyunJoong actually killed SeungHyun, seeing the state he’s in.” He’d spotted the dried-up husk that must have been SeungHyun. “But I think I’ll just call you down again. I’ll need to make the announcement official and all anyway.”
"Thank you YunHo... I'm sorry this had to come to this," YoungSaeng said with a sigh. "Where'd HeeChul scurry off to? I want a word with him."
“Yah. What’s that insolent tone?” HeeChul emerged from one of the entrances, blood smeared across his clothes, but looked otherwise unharmed.
"Well I'm glad you're okay," YoungSaeng smiled in relief, enveloping the older man in a hug then stepped back. "I want to offer you a trade, one of my slaves for one of yours."
“What?” HeeChul blinked then let out a sighed. He wrapped the younger man in a hug as well, closing his eyes. “Dammit. What is this? Taking advantage of an emotional moment to get me to agree.” He’d seen YoungSaeng die and went on a rampage killing anyone he could get his hands on. “Fine... I’ll take it. Who for who?”
"YeSung for Zhou Mi," YoungSaeng said simply. "It was cruel of you to separate Zhou Mi and KyuHyun like that, so I'm giving him back in exchange for YeSung."
HeeChul sighed. “Alright, alright. You win. I’ll bring YeSung over tomorrow.”
"Thank you HeeChul, I'll have Zhou Mi ready to go," YoungSaeng said, turning back to his three slaves. "I think it's a good time to go home now, what do you think?"
"I think that's a great idea sir," KyuJong nodded. "JungMin is going to be so worried about us right about now."
“Worried is an understatement.” HyungJoon muttered. JungMin was probably halfway burning the archways from panic.
YoungSaeng chuckled at that, giving HyunJoong a small smile as he took his hand and HyungJoon's hand. "If you would please Joon."
HyunJoong smiled tiredly back, giving YoungSaeng’s hand a small squeeze as HyungJoon held out his hand to KyuJong and nodded. “Alright! Let’s go home!”
KyuJong took the hands offered to him and within seconds there was that familiar feeling of being squeezed and landing abruptly at the traveling room. Sighing in relief, KyuJong didn't even bother to tell YoungSaeng where he was going, taking off to find JungMin.
"Another bath is in order," YoungSaeng said, looking down at his ruined robes, dried blood on his hands and face still.
HyungJoon chuckled, then eyes widened when HyunJoong nearly stumbled again, catching him. “Hmm... this feels familiar.”
And as tired as he was, HyunJoong had to laugh at that. It was the same way he’d kept fainting the first few days he was here.
"Help me get him to the sun room Joon," YoungSaeng said, slipping his arm under HyunJoong's and slowly leading him towards the door. Once they had HyunJoong laid out on the bed in the sun room, YoungSaeng sighed heavily and began stripping off his robes, not caring to take them off nicely since they were ruined. "Joon, go run a bath for me please."
“Yes, Saeng.” HyungJoon nodded, disappearing into the bathroom.
HyunJoong watched from where he lay on the bed, too tired to do anything. But he smiled, relief at seeing YoungSaeng alive finally hitting him.
Seeing HyunJoong watching him out of the corner of his eyes, YoungSaeng smiled as he stepped out of his robes and sat down on the bed next to him. "I'm so proud of you Hyun... and so thankful to have you here."
HyunJoong reached up, cupping YoungSaeng’s cheek. “I’m just... so glad you’re alive.” He whispered, feeling tears well up in his eyes.
"Me too," YoungSaeng said, leaning down to brush his lips over HyunJoong's softly. "I'm going to go get washed up, and then I'll be right back," he murmured. "And I'm not leaving, ever again."
“I’ll hold you to that.” HyunJoong whispered against YoungSaeng’s lips. “Don’t ever scare me like that again.”
"I won't, I promise," YoungSaeng replied, giving him another kiss before getting up. He didn't take long with his bath, just enough to get the blood off of his skin, going over what had happened again and again in his mind. Despite what had happened though, SeungHyun was dead, and HyunJoong would stay with him, and that was what was important.
It wasn't even ten minutes later when YoungSaeng returned, slipping into bed next to HyunJoong and curling around him.
HyunJoong opened his eyes and smiled, pulling YoungSaeng close. “Hey there.”
"Hi, I thought you'd be asleep by now," YoungSaeng said, nuzzling his nose into the crook of HyunJoong's neck.
“I was, but you woke me up.” HyunJoong laughed, burying his nose into YoungSaeng’s wet hair.
"I'm sorry, go back to sleep," YoungSaeng said, kissing a spot on HyunJoong's neck sweetly.
“I will, soon enough. That tired me out... a lot.” HyunJoong breathed out, closing his eyes. “...YoungSaeng...?”
"Yes Hyun?" YoungSaeng replied, looking up at him with a smile.
“It was a little fuzzy, but...” HyunJoong murmured, his hands tensing a little. “YoungSaeng... what you said to YunHo... does that mean you... love me?”
Taking in a deep breath, YoungSaeng scooted up so he was face to face with HyunJoong, cupping his cheek with one hand. "Yes Hyun... I love you. I've loved you for a long time, but I wasn't able to admit it... not even to myself."
“Really?” HyunJoong asked softly, staring into YoungSaeng’s eyes and looking to see if it was true.
"Really," YoungSaeng nodded in confirmation. "And tomorrow, you and I will bond fully, and you'll know just how much I do love you."
HyunJoong searched in YoungSaeng’s eyes and could find no deception in them, only the truth of YoungSaeng’s words. And he broke into a smile, “And you will know how much I love you too.”
YoungSaeng's lips curled upwards more and he leaned in for another light kiss. "Go to sleep, we have the rest of our lives now to be sappy with each other."
“Yes, master.” HyunJoong smiled, closing his eyes and resting his head against YoungSaeng’s.