Silk and Collars ch. 15

[saengiephile]

Title: Silk and Collars
Chapter: 15/?
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.
A/N: Ongoing RP with curionenene



It took a while for HyunJoong to pry his eyelids open, feeling as if someone had glued them shut. When he finally, did, he groaned, blinking rapidly, trying to get rid of the scratchy feeling when he heard someone sigh happily.

"Finally." HyunJoong stared at the blur of person that was talking. "You woke up!"

"HyungJoon, why are you talking so loud?" YoungSaeng murmured, burying his nose further against the top of HyunJoong's head. Between HyunJoong's stirring and HyungJoon talking, it had woken him up rather abruptly.

HyunJoong stared as the blurred image in front of him slowly became HyungJoon, who looked rather offended at YoungSaeng’s statement. "I’m not talking loudly." He sniffed. "Anyway, there’s someone here to check on you."

"The two of them awake?" HyunJoong looked up as the man called SooHyun walked in peering at them.

"So it would seem," YoungSaeng yawned, uncoiling from around HyunJoong. "How long were we out?"

"About three hours, you looked like you could use the sleep," SooHyun said with a smile. "But I think Zhou Mi's ready to pass out, and you should get back home to recharge."

"How's the boy?" YoungSaeng asked, sitting up and flattening down his hair.

"Physically, he’s fine. Mentally, he’s not. I think he lost his master in the skirmish, and he’s not really dealing with the loss very well." SooHyun sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Are you taking him back to YunHo?"

"Of course, YunHo will want to see he's taken care of properly," YoungSaeng said, getting to his feet. "It may be for the best he's lost his master. I can't believe they brought over a mere child. Is he ready for travel?"

"Mmm… I don’t know. He’s been curled up in his bed crying so far. He hasn’t resisted to the checkups, but I don’t know what he’ll do if someone tries to carry him." SooHyun rubbed his chin, glancing at HyunJoong as the man slowly pushed himself up as well, "Maybe he should try to talk to the boy."

YoungSaeng followed SooHyun's line of sight and looked at HyunJoong. "Maybe. HyunJoong do you think you'd be able to try and calm the boy?"

"Ummm… me?" HyunJoong blinked, not understanding why they were assigning him this task. "Okay…? I don’t see how I’ll be able to help though."

"It’s alright. We’re just trying things out." SooHyun reassured, gesturing for them to get out of bed and follow him.

"It's not like we've caught many from the other side before, especially a slave," YoungSaeng said, watching HyunJoong. "If it doesn't work, we'll figure something else out."

"Alright… I guess we’ll try." He sighed, pushing himself off the bed, and nearly falling over. HyungJoon quickly stepped forward, supporting the man up.

"Careful." SooHyun glanced back as he held the curtain up, waiting for them to go.

YoungSaeng waited until the others were through before following after, he gave SooHyun a speculative look. "I'm not sure if this will go so well, HyunJoong has had some issues of his own," he said softly.

"So I heard, which maybe the boy can relate to him. It helps that HyunJoong was the one to heal him," SooHyun replied. "If Zhou Mi wasn't passed out in a chair somewhere I'd have used him, but he overdid it himself."

"Guess we'll have to see what happens," YoungSaeng nodded, quieting down when they reached the bed where the boy was curled up, shaking underneath the blanket. "Go on HyunJoong, talk to him."

HyunJoong glanced at YoungSaeng, then at the boy. Looking a little lost, he stepped forwards toward the bed, gingerly tapping the boy. "Umm… hey…"

The boy jerked a little at the touch, before slowly extending his hand towards HyunJoong, his face still hidden in the pillow.

Bewildered, HyunJoong turned towards SooHyun who helpfully whispered. "He thinks this is a checkup."

"Oh… uhm…" HyunJoong looked at the hand, biting his lip before taking it gentle. "Hey… I’m not here for a checkup. We’ll need to move you soon… I think… my master’s taking you back with us."

The boy didn't respond, but after a moment his face lifted a little out of the pillow, looking between them. YoungSaeng smiled thoughtfully at him, but the boy barely gave him a passing glance before looking at HyunJoong.

"You'll be safe with us," YoungSaeng said softly. "What's your name?"

The boy didn’t spare YoungSaeng even a second glance. Instead, he frowned at the hand in his.

When the boy finally spoke, it was in a whisper so soft, HyunJoong nearly missed it. "You… why did you save me?"

"I… why do you ask such a silly question?" HyunJoong smiled reassuringly at the boy. "You were hurt, so, I healed you. It’s as simple as that."

"… But I’m your enemy." The boy whispered, and HyunJoong shook his head. "I don’t really know about those kind of things. I just know that you’re a young boy, and you shouldn’t have been on the battlefield." He glanced at YoungSaeng, hoping he wasn’t getting any of what he’d heard wrong.

Seeing as the boy wanted nothing to do with him, YoungSaeng smiled and nodded at HyunJoong as he leaned against SooHyun. It was good the boy was at least talking to HyunJoong. Of course that would present a problem when it came time to go to YunHo's, but they would cross that bridge later. He turned his head to look at HyungJoon who was still hovering nearby. "Can you go find Zhou Mi? We'll be leaving soon, so say goodbye to your brother."

HyungJoon’s face fell a little at the mention of leaving his brother, but he nodded, moving out of the room to do as YoungSaeng bid.

"…" HyunJoong could feel the analyzing gaze of the boy. And he took time to look at the boy’s features properly.

The first thing he noticed was that the boy was absolutely beautiful - a sweet face, long lashes, high cheekbones, beautifully soft long hair and soft eyes. But it also went through his head that this boy was young - too young to have been put onto a battlefield and to experience the loss of someone close to him dying.

"What are you going to do with me?" The boy suddenly asked, jerking HyunJoong out of his thoughts.

HyunJoong smiled. "We’re going to take you back with us. And there, we’ll take care of you. My master is a good master. You’ll have nothing to worry about."

YoungSaeng had been watching HyunJoong during their conversation. A healer needed to be more than just someone who could repair wounds and save lives; they had to be compassionate and a calming influence. Any doubts YoungSaeng may have had about HyunJoong's character and ability to be an effective healer were eased.

The man would do very well.

"…Taemin."

HyunJoong blinked at the sudden, abrupt word, given as if unwillingly. He stared at the boy, who seemed to be refusing to look at him. "Sorry?"

"Taemin… That’s… my name." The boy whispered softly as HyunJoong smiled.

"Well, then. Taemin. I’m HyunJoong. Will you allow us to bring you back with us?"

There was a pause, then slowly the boy nodded, admitted, a little grudgingly, but it was still a nod. HyunJoong glanced at YoungSaeng a little excitedly before he composed himself.

A very tired looking Zhou Mi being held up by HyungJoon was brought over to the boy's bed. YoungSaeng smiled at him, patting his shoulder. "We have to make a quick stop to YunHo's, then we'll head home and you can sleep okay?" YoungSaeng said, looking away after Zhou Mi nodded. "HyunJoong, help TaeMin to stand. TaeMin, we'll be traveling to see our hierarchy leader, HyunJoong will be with you the entire time."

TaeMin glanced at HyunJoong, who nodded reassuringly, gently helping TaeMin to stand. When he was done, he nodded to HyungJoon, who, still supporting Zhou Mi, held out his other hand to HyunJoong.

"Thank you for all your help," SooHyun said, giving YoungSaeng a kiss before stepping back. YoungSaeng took Zhou Mi's other hand and looked to the boy, holding out a hand. TaeMin looked hesitant but eventually reached over for YoungSaeng's. YoungSaeng looked to HyungJoon with a nod.

"Alright. Here we go." HyungJoon took in a deep breath, first memorizing TaeMin’s unique signature so that he wouldn’t lose the boy halfway during the transfer. Then, picturing the arrival room in YunHo’s place, he concentrated in sending everyone there.

SooHyun watched as the five’s forms wavered, then winced a little as there was a sudden ‘pop’, and all five of them disappeared.

YoungSaeng wobbled a little when they landed, feeling dizzy. "You need more practice with larger parties, Joon," he said, closing his eyes to clear the dizziness. "You and Mi stay here, we'll go see if YunHo will take an audience."

Blinking to clear his mind a little, HyunJoong looked down, trying to look over TaeMin best he could while the boy was clinging to him. "Come on, TaeMin, we’re going to see the Hierachy leader now. He’s an alright guy, don’t be scared alright."

But TaeMin continued to cling onto HyunJoong, and the man looked up at YoungSaeng, shrugging.

YoungSaeng mirrored the action and turned to walk from the room. There was someone waiting outside the door, YoungSaeng recognized him from the last time he had been here. "JinKi is it?" YoungSaeng said, inclining his head at JinKi's bow. "I need to request an immediate audience with YunHo, is he available? It's a bit of an emergency."

"Follow me, YunHo is in a meeting at the moment but should be done soon," JinKi said, his eyes going to TaeMin who was attached to HyunJoong before turning and heading down the hall.

"Come on…" HyunJoong said softly, gently leading TaeMin along, following YoungSaeng. The place was a grand as he’d last remembered, and although he supposed it helped YunHo awe his visitors, it wasn’t very reassuring to TaeMin, who pressed close to HyunJoong with every step.

JinKi left them at the entranceway to the receiving hall, telling them to wait to be summoned. YoungSaeng took a seat on one of the benches and watched HyunJoong with TaeMin. "There's nothing to be afraid of here TaeMin, you're in safe hands."

TaeMin shook his head, insisting on clinging to HyunJoong. Sighing, HyunJoong tried to pry TaeMin off him so he could look at the younger boy straight in the eyes. "TaeMin, there’s no need to be scared alright. YunHo’s a fair man. He may be Hierachy Leader, but he’s alright." Or at least, anyone who could see that SeungHyun was bad and agree with YoungSaeng would be alright in HyunJoong’s eyes.

"Liar." TaeMin sniffled, looking away. "All Hierachy Leaders are bad. They make people fight against their will… Even when… masters refuse… he still forces the masters to go…"

Glancing sharply at YoungSaeng, he asked TaeMin softly. "Is that what happened? TaeMin? Did your Hierachy Leader ask your master to fight against his will?"

But TaeMin didn’t answer, looking away.

YoungSaeng frowned, not sure how to react to that. He was aware that some of the other hierarchies were more aggressive, so it shouldn't surprise him that slaves and masters were being forced into things against their will. Didn't mean he liked, or understood it. Sighing softly, YoungSaeng motioned for HyunJoong to bring TaeMin closer. Taking both of TaeMin's hands in his own, YoungSaeng gave him a warm smile.

"I'm going to tell you something that not many people know TaeMin," he said, his voice calm and even. "I have known YunHo since we were kids. We grew up in the same neighborhood, even though he's a couple years older he always looked out for me. He still looks out for me today, here, in this place. He's a good and kind man, and I trust him with my life."

TaeMin blinked at YoungSaeng, surprised, and he instinctively looked back at HyunJoong, who, realizing this, quickly wiped off the equally surprised look on his face, and nodded. He had never known such a thing, but it made sense. YunHo really did look out for YoungSaeng.

"See, TaeMin. Even my master agrees. And YunHo never forces my master into something he doesn’t want." HyunJoong added on, and TaeMin seemed to be mollified by that.

The door to the receiving hall opened just then and YoungSaeng stood, squeezing TaeMin's hands before letting them go. JinKi bowed as he passed, the other two following behind. "Just stay a few paces behind me until I call for you, and bow when I bow," he said quietly over his shoulder.

Seeing YunHo up ahead, YoungSaeng noticed how tired the man looked, the leader having come straight from his meeting. Stopping a few paces away from the dais, YoungSaeng knelt down to his knees and bowed, pressing his forehead to the floor before straightening. "Thank you for seeing me, I bring news."

YunHo turned, sighing ruefully as he saw YoungSaeng. "I hope it’s good news. I could use a little after that meeting."

"Well, I'm not sure if it's good news or not," YoungSaeng gave him a pained smile. "I'm sure you are aware there was an attack on the FenHong clan earlier. They caught one of the slaves of the attacking clan."

"Oh." YunHo blinked, before turning to TaeMin, who instinctively shrunk against HyunJoong. "Then this is him?"

"Yes, this is TaeMin," YoungSaeng nodded, beckoning HyunJoong and the boy forward. "I thought it best to bring him to you so we know what to do with him. We think his master was killed in the attack."

At the mention of his old master, TaeMin bit his lip, looking away, his fingers digging into the cloth of HyunJoong’s robes. Looking down, HyunJoong put a reassuring arm around TaeMin before leading him forward.

“I see.” YunHo said hesitantly, before bending down and putting a cautious hand on TaeMin’s shoulder. “TaeMin?”

At the call of his name, TaeMin slowly looked up. YunHo smiled softly, glancing at HyunJoong, who nodded, pushing TaeMin forward. “It’ll be okay.” He reassured the younger boy.

“Hey, TaeMin.” YunHo said softly, gently holding TaeMin’s hand. “I know you’re still hurting for the loss of your old master, but we’re going to fix that soon. JinKi, come here.”

Startled, the young man walked forward from where he’d been quietly standing. Looking suitably wary, he blinked when YunHo placed TaeMin’s hand into his. “JinKi, this is TaeMin. And TaeMin, this is JinKi. JinKi will be your new master.”

YoungSaeng blinked a little, looking at TaeMin and JinKi and then up at YunHo. "Is that wise? JinKi has never handled a slave before, and TaeMin is in a delicate state right now."

“I think you underestimate my JinKi. And besides, I think what TaeMin needs is someone close to his age.” YunHo glanced down at TaeMin, before tilting his head slowly. “All us old geezers must seem terribly unattractive.”

TaeMin’s eyes widened and shook his head, “No! That’s not true, sir. I mean... I don’t mean to offend-”

Then his head snapped to the side when he heard a small snort at his side. Glaring at JinKi, who had covered his mouth, trying not to laugh, he glared. “What’s so funny?”

“Nothing.” JinKi chuckled, looking away. “You just look kind of cute flustered like that. And admit it. YunHo’s old.”

TaeMin’s eyes widened almost comically, glancing at YunHo, almost expecting the leader to go into a rage for that comment.

But YunHo only whacked JinKi lightly on the head. “Yah! Brat. Go show TaeMin around. I’ll join you two later and instruct you on what to do.”

“Yes, master.” JinKi chortled, rubbing his head, before tugging at TaeMin’s arm. “Come on, let’s go.”

Watching the two of them move off, YunHo turned back to HyunJoong and YoungSaeng. “If you still have any protest, I can still revoke my decision.”

Smiling softly, YoungSaeng inclined his head to the older man. "I apologize for doubting you, maybe it will work after all. I'm not sure what else could be done, I can not take any more slaves at the moment anyway, this one is a handful on his own," he said with a laugh, motioning to HyunJoong.

HyunJoong flushed at that, glaring a little at YoungSaeng.

Chortling, YunHo shook his head. “I’m always glad to help, YoungSaeng. Did you have anything else to discuss with me?”

"No, I think that was all," YoungSaeng said, hands clasped in front of him. "Unless there was anything you needed to speak to me about, we shall withdraw."

“Very well. I think I’ll need to go as well.” YunHo sighed, scratching his head. “I’m worried what those two young ones will do without me looking.”

"Good luck sir," YoungSaeng bowed lowly before straightening and turning to go. "Come, HyunJoong, let's go make sure Zhou Mi hasn't died or anything."

HyunJoong hastily bowed as well, following after YoungSaeng, although he did glance back at YunHo. But the leader had paid them no heed, rushing out of the door and calling out for JinKi and TaeMin.

Smiling a little, HyunJoong thought that TaeMin might be better off here after all.

Leaving the receiving hall, YoungSaeng walked back to the traveling room quickly, holding his robes up so he didn't trip over them. Zhou Mi hadn't died luckily, just passed out on the couch with his head in HyungJoon's lap on one of the couches. "A shame, he looks so comfortable," YoungSaeng chuckled, glancing behind him to make sure HyunJoong had caught up. "We're ready to go, please wake him and take us home, I need a long warm bath right now."

HyungJoon chuckled, shaking Zhou Mi lightly. “Come on, master says it’s time to go.”

"Hm?" Zhou Mi's eyes fluttered open and he slowly sat up. "Oh, sorry Master," he murmured sleepily, getting to his feet. "I'm ready."

"You can sleep when we get home. HyungJoon, let's go please?" YoungSaeng said, waiting patiently with a smile.

“Alright. Hold hands everyone!” HyungJoon took one of Zhou Mi’s hands, holding the other one out to Youngsaeng. HyunJoong took one of each as well.

He was almost used to it when he arrived back at the mansion with a slight bump. It seemed that HyungJoon did a lot better this time round.

Then, there was a loud moan that reverberated through the room, and HyunJoong turned, only to turn bug-eyed at the scene.

"I think you missed the traveling room again, HyungJoon," YoungSaeng sighed. They had landed in the parlor, the moans coming from KyuJong who was on his hands and knees with JungMin thrusting into him.

"I'm going to bed," Zhou Mi yawned, barely giving the two on the couch a glance as he stumbled his way from the room.

"Go make sure he doesn't fall and crack his head open," YoungSaeng said softly to HyungJoon. "Come along HyunJoong, unless you wanted to join?"

HyungJoon nodded with a long-suffering sigh. He was most likely going to be used as a bolster until the next morning. And he gave HyunJoong a sympathetic sigh as he trailed out after Zhou Mi.

Snapping out of it at YoungSaeng question, HyunJoong shook his head roughly, almost stumbling out of the room.

YoungSaeng just chuckled to himself, watching HyunJoong flee the room. As he passed by where JungMin and KyuJong were, he stole a quick kiss from the redhead, smacking his ass. "I get you later," he said before following after HyunJoong out of the room.

JungMin paused to give YoungSaeng a fox-like grin before returning his attention to KyuJong.

Meanwhile, HyunJoong stood outside the room, panting, his face an unnatural red.

"You should be used to that by now," YoungSaeng said, patting HyunJoong's shoulder as he moved past down the hall towards the stairs. "If nothing else, you should be used to those two. They're like rabbits, I swear."

“I know... it was just... unexpected.” HyunJoong rubbed his face. He didn’t want YoungSaeng to guess the real reason he’d been so affected - that shot of need and lust going from his brain all the way to his groin at the sight. Maybe it had been too long since he’d taken care of his sexual desires.

"Yes... well, I think we have HyungJoon to thank for that, we weren't supposed to land in the parlor," YoungSaeng said, shaking his head. "He still needs so much more training. Are you okay?" he asked, having glanced over at HyunJoong.

Startled, HyunJoong blushed deepened. “Yes! Of course, I’m okay. Why wouldn’t I be okay?”

"Because I can feel how anxious you are right now through the bond," YoungSaeng said with a chuckle. "Anxious, and a little horny... are you sure you don't want to turn around and join them? They'd be more than happy to let you in."

HyunJoong shook his head frantically, “I can take care of myself!” But he couldn’t help thinking that it’d be a lot more pleasurable with someone else around.

"Can you? You haven't in a while, I know because I can always feel what you're feeling," YoungSaeng said, climbing the stairs to go to his rooms. "Are you nervous or something?"

“No!” HyunJoong denied, although his heart beat was obviously elevated.

YoungSaeng raised an eyebrow at the protests but let it lie for now. He wasn't going to force HyunJoong into anything if it was obviously upsetting him. Throwing open the doors to his room, he sighed and held out his arms. "Please help me undress, I'd like to take a bath."

Swallowing, HyunJoong nodded, trying to calm himself down. He was seriously overacting. He probably needed to excuse himself and do it right after this. Stepping forward, HyunJoong quickly helped to untie the complicated ties that held YoungSaeng elaborate outfit together.

Letting the garment drop around his feet, YoungSaeng stretched his arms and back out before turning around. "Thank you, now it's time for a bath. You'll be helping me wash. If you have any problems with that, let me know now."

HyunJoong shook his head. The way YoungSaeng said it, HyunJoong couldn’t really refuse. Scrambling to pick up the garments, HyunJoong threw the into the laundry basket before following after YoungSaeng into the bathroom.

"You'll want to undress as well, it will be easier to help wash me if you're in the tub with me," YoungSaeng said, sitting down on edge of the tub and turning on the faucet. He tested the water until it was a reasonable temperature and let it fill up the basin. "Besides, you need a bath too after yesterday."

HyunJoong nodded, seeing the sense in that. But he couldn’t help but feel... exposed and uncomfortable as he took off his clothes. Swallowing, he hung them up so that he could wear them later, before standing in front of the tub, waiting for instructions.

YoungSaeng glanced up at him, taking in his form. "I've said it before, but you have a very nice body HyunJoong, I am quite jealous. You can get in."

HyunJoong turned a beetroot red, and looking anywhere but YoungSaeng, he climbed into the tub.

Turning the water off when it was full, YoungSaeng stood up and held out his hand to HyunJoong to help him climb in so he didn't fall. Easing into the warm water, he sighed and leaned up against the opposite wall from HyunJoong, letting his body just float. "I do love a good bath, so relaxing."

Although still sitting stiffly in the water, HyunJoong couldn’t help but agree with the sentiment. “Yeah...”

"I make you uncomfortable," YoungSaeng said, slowly opening his eyes and looking at him. "Do you want me HyunJoong?"

HyunJoong thought his ears had suddenly failed him. “I... what?” He stared, stunned, at YoungSaeng.

Sitting up a little, YoungSaeng scooted towards HyunJoong, finding his leg and running his hand up it to his knee. "I said, do you want me? I want you, I've wanted you from the moment you came here and I am finding it harder and harder to resist you."

HyunJoong shivered at the touch, eyes fluttered. “Y-youngSaeng? But... I... it’s not right...”

"No... probably not," YoungSaeng sighed, looking up at HyunJoong briefly before sliding back to the other side of the tub. "I'm sorry, I'm not sure what's come over me. I think I'm just a little tired."

For a moment, HyunJoong looked somewhat like a disappointed puppy that had been offered a toy before having it taken away. Then shaking his head he swallowed. “Ahh... Yeah. Probably. Would you like me to give you a massage?” Then realizing how that sounded, he quickly added. “T-to relieve your tiredness, of course.”

"Hm? No, that won't be necessary," YoungSaeng said, leaning black and closing his eyes. "You're relatively calm after what happened at the border."

“Calm?” HyunJoong blinked before shaking his head slowly. “I just... I’m just trying not to think about it.”

"That's probably for the best, though if you did want to talk about it, do not feel like you have to hold back," YoungSaeng said, sitting up to go through some of the vials of bath oils before selecting one and pouring it in. "Going to the border your first time is not an easy thing, and with your ability, it's likely that you will be placed in one of the border houses."

HyunJoong sighed, making patterns in the water. “I know...” Then he chuckled. “It won’t be as nice as being here... but honestly, the fate I would most like to avoid is ending up in his clan.”

He didn’t need to elaborate exactly who he was referring to.

"I know, and rest assured, I have spoken to YunHo about it," YoungSaeng said, sitting back again and enjoying the warmth of the water. "Even if he bullies some of the other clan leaders to vote for him, YunHo will overrule the decision."

“I know... but I’m still scared.” HyunJoong sank lower into the water. “Silly of me, huh?”

"It's not silly at all, it's a very real concern," YoungSaeng said, opening his eyes to look at him. "He did a terrible thing to you, and if I had my way he would be punished for those crimes."

HyunJoong smiled a little at that, before lowering his head, suddenly becoming very quiet.

"What's wrong?" YoungSaeng frowned, sitting up a little when HyunJoong went quiet.

HyunJoong shook his head desperately, not daring to look up, lest he reveal the tears that were streaming down his face.

"Tell me what's wrong HyunJoong," YoungSaeng said, scooting closer towards him. "I can't help if you don't talk to me."

But HyunJoong only shook his head. “It-it’s nothing... I just... I’m just... I have no idea about anything anymore. God...” He wiped away the tears angrily, frustrated that they didn’t seem to stop.  “Everything so different here that I don’t know what I want anymore. I don’t know what to do. Things I thought were truth suddenly became false. And things I thought were false suddenly became true. I just... it’s like the world’s gone crazy and I just don’t know what to do anymore.”

YoungSaeng blinked at how suddenly all that came pouring out, but he wasn't the best trainer for nothing. This wasn't the first time he'd had a slave break down on him, and probably not the last. Sliding forward, he put a hand on HyunJoong's shoulder. "What can I do to help ease this for you?"

HyunJoong shook his head. “No... it’s okay. I’m just... God why am I crying? I thought I got over this ages ago... why...” His voice broke then, hitching on his tears. “Why am I so useless?”

"You're not useless," YoungSaeng said calmly, massaging his shoulder gently. "And you didn't so much get over anything as tried to ignore it. I never expected you to get used to all of this so quickly, but you tried to, and you put on a brave face to do it." He sighed and looked away. "Maybe I pushed you too hard into things, when you weren't ready."

HyunJoong couldn’t help but feel the relief YoungSaeng’s touch brought, and against his better judgement leaned into YoungSaeng, his hands moving for a cautious hug. “I’m sorry.” He whispered, not entirely sure what he was apologizing about.

"You have nothing to apologize for," YoungSaeng said softly, accepting the hug and leaning his head against HyunJoong's. "We'll work on getting you more comfortable before other training. I knew you were going to be a special case Hyun, I just didn't realize how special."

HyunJoong chuckled despite the tears. “Special huh.” He muttered, feeling all too comfortable in the hug. He’d never been a hugger before this, but now...

"Special as in... average training takes about three months, and the new master's can take over from where I leave off," YoungSaeng said quietly. "You on the other hand... could take me all year if YunHo doesn't force me to send you to auction first."

“So I’m a spot of trouble, huh?” HyunJoong joked, before his eyes softened shyly. “Not that I mind. I like it here.”

"And I like you being here," YoungSaeng said, closing his eyes. "Therein lies the problem. ...I can't keep you, HyunJoong."

“I know.” HyunJoong replied, swallowing hard as he pulled away. “I know. I know the logic of it all... but a part of me keeps asking why.”

"Why what?" YoungSaeng frowned, opening his eyes and frowning slightly when HyunJoong pulled away.

“Why can’t you keep me here? You know Yunho well enough... You could... always ask.” HyunJoong’s voice got softer with each word. “I’m sorry. I just... I just wish...”

I could stay here forever.

“It’s nothing.” The thought shocked HyunJoong. And quickly looking away, he stood up abruptly. “If there’s nothing else you need me for... I’ll just go.”

"My bath is not finished HyunJoong, sit down," YoungSaeng said tersely.

Stunned by the strength of the order in YoungSaeng’s voice, HyunJoong automatically sat, both from the bond between them and the pure authority his master’s voice.

"I am trying to give you a fair amount of leniency, but you do not take it upon yourself to leave like that," YoungSaeng said, his lips pursed. "As much as I wish you to stay here, your ability is too important for you to stay in a training house. You will be needed at the border, and no amount of discussion on my part with YunHo will change that need."

In the wake of his master’s authority, HyunJoong could do nothing but bow his head. And without him realizing, tears sprang from his eyes, falling silently into the tub. It was fear - the fear of realizing that his own will could be stripped from him as easily as that. That he could be ordered to do something he didn’t want to, and he would have no choice in the matter at all.

Seeing HyunJoong crying again, YoungSaeng sighed and touched his shoulder gently. "I'm sorry, I don't wish to be so forceful with you. I just want you to be ready for when the times comes and you have a new master."

HyunJoong swallowed, shaking his head. But he did not elaborate on what he was disagreeing with, only moving to cling onto YoungSaeng in a hug, burying his head on YoungSaeng’s shoulder.

Sighing, YoungSaeng wrapped his arms around HyunJoong's waist and held him close. Some had a harder time dealing with being in this place than others, and that's why he knew HyunJoong would take longer to train than others hand. He didn't mind that one bit.

Confused by the conflicting feelings in him, HyunJoong chose to ignore them all, concentrating on the warmth of his master, focusing on the bond that tied them together. It calmed him, somewhat, knowing that at least for now, there was someone there for him, that there was a constant in his confusing, quick changing life.