Fic: Titanic 5/?
The night was perhaps the best night of Jaejoong’s life. He had danced although he couldn’t differentiate his left foot from the other. Nothing like those elegant dance lessons he had to attend as a child. He was spun around, thrown into the air and caught again. Yunho had taught him how to life into his dance and reminded him that he need not be a good dancer to enjoy the night.
The night had been rowdy with tables clanking against one another, drunken men toppling over while women clapped and danced. Jaejoong even proved to Yunho that he could indeed drink cheap beer like any other men, astonishing him by gulping down an entire pint of beer in one go. If there was someone who could hold their alcohol, it was Jaejoong.
However, everything good came to an end. The two said their goodbyes with a shy kiss, promising to meet again soon. All the while, they didn’t know they were being observed by Siwon’s Valet, Kibum, all along.
--
The clear morning sunlight pooled around the breakfast table at the deck. Jaejoong and Siwon sat around the elegantly set-up table, having their meal silently. Bread, scones, cakes and honey were spread out for the couple to share. The maid quietly poured Siwon his coffee, the tension in the air making her feel uneasy.
“I had hoped you would come to me last night.” Siwon said as he brought his cup to his lips.
“I was tired.” Jaejoong replied bluntly.
“Yes. Your exertions below decks were no doubt exausting.” Siwon mocked causing Jaejoong to stiffen up in his seat after having to realize that Siwon had his valet following him around.
“I see you had that undertaker of a manservant follow me.” It was often that Jaejoong’s sharp tongue led him to trouble.
“You will never behave like that again! Do you understand?” Siwon snapped, putting his cup down harshly. The china on the table protested with noise.
If Siwon couldn’t hold his temper neither could Jaejoong. “I'm not some foreman in your mills than you can command! I am your fiancé - ” before Jaejoong could even protest fully, Siwon erupted. He swiped his hand over the utensils in anger causing the table to topple and the chinaware to break into pieces, the food flew and was left in ruins.
Scared of the sudden violent gesture, Jaejoong scooted the back to his chair afraid that he might fall to the same fate as his breakfast.
“Yes! You are!” Siwon shouted, gripping either sides of Jaejoong’s chair, trapping Jaejoong beneath him. “And my fiancé, so you will honor me, as a spouse is required to honor his husband! I will not be made out a fool! Is this in any way unclear?”
Without even waiting for an answer, Siwon straightened himself and walked out of the place where havoc had been created. Jaejoong stood up from his seat, weak at his knees having to face a ferocious monster in human form. He fell to the ground, supported by his knees and started to pick up the fine broken china. The maid quickly rushed over after witnessing the scene. She grasped his hands, halting whatever he was doing and shook her head, indicating that she could handle the mess. Jaejoong did not know what to say to her. He had been utterly scared and embarrassed witless. He did what he could, he broke down.
--
After the morning’s incident, Jaejoong had locked himself up in his room, refusing to come out unless needed. However, Junsu had come in to inform him that he was needed to be present in chapel.
It was when his was dressing himself when Mrs. Kim burst through the door.
“You are not to see that boy again; do you understand me, Jaejoong? I forbid it!” was the first thing she claimed when she walked through the door. So news had reached his mother as well.
Jaejoong looked at her crossly. “Oh, stop it, Mother. You'll give yourself a nosebleed.”
“Jaejoong, this is not a game! Our situation is precarious. You know the money's gone!” Mrs. Kim exclaimed, astonished at her son’s stupidity.
“Of course I know it's gone. You remind me every day!” Jaejoong yelled back.
“Your father left us nothing but a legacy of bad debts hidden by a good name. And that name is the only card we have to play.” Mrs. Kim rebutted. “I don't understand you. It is a fine match with Siwon, and it will insure our survival.”
“How can you put this on my shoulders?” Jaejoong was positively hurt and upset that his mother was pushing into a marriage just so she could live her life in riches?
“Do you want to see me working as a seamstress? Is that what you want? Do you want to see our fine things sold at an auction, our memories scattered to the winds?” Mrs. Kim asked. “My God, Jaejoong, how can you be so selfish?”
“I am being selfish?” Jaejoong scoffed. His mother didn’t reply and continued glaring at him. “It's so unfair!”
“Of course it’s unfair. We're of the submissive kind. Our choices are never easy.” Mrs Kim said. “Come along now, we need to get ready.”
--
After chapel, Jaejoong, Mrs. Kim and Siwon roamed around the ship dock as the captain introduced them to the different parts of the ship.
It was then a suspicious person dressed in robes of that of a first class gentleman grabbed Jaejoong from behind. Now, it was not rare to see a well-dressed gentleman on first class deck but a gentleman grabbing beta-males from behind, it was more than suspicious.
“Shhh!” A hand covered Jaejoong’s mouth before the person dragged him into an empty room.
Jaejoong was turned around to face the person who had ‘abducted’ him.
“Yunho!” Jaejoong’s eyes widen. He inched back a little from the man. “This is impossible. I can't see you.”
Yunho smiled cunningly at Jaejoong and took him by the shoulders. “Jaejoong, you are no picnic. A spoilt brat even! But under that you're a strong, pure heart, and you're the most amazingly astounding person I've ever known and-”
“Yunho, I--”
“No wait. Let me try to get this out. You're amazing...” Yunho took a deep sigh. “I am not an idiot you know? I know how the world works. I have 10 000 won in my pocket and I know I have nothing to offer you, Jaejoong. I know that. But I'm involved now. You jump, I jump, remember? I can't turn away without knowing that you're going to be alright.” Yunho finished.
“You're making this very hard. I'll be fine. Really.” Tears stung Jaejoong’s eyes as he lied through his teeth. No one had ever cared about him this much. He pushed Yunho away as he came closer.
“Really?” Yunho looked at him skeptically, “I don't think so. They've got you in a glass jar like some butterfly, and you're going to die if you don't break out. Maybe not right away, cause, you're strong. But sooner or later the fire in you that I love is going to burn out.”
Jaejoong looked up at Yunho in determination, “It's not up to you to save me, Yunho.”
“You're right.” Yunho caressed Jaejoong’s soft cheek. “Only you can do that.”
Jaejoong took away Yunho’s hand from him. “I have to get going. For both our sakes, Yunho, leave me alone.”
With a final push, Jaejoong escaped from Yunho, not looking back even once.
--
The entire day, Jaejoong spent it in misery. What is he trying to do? Who is trying to please?
All his youth, his childhood, he was nurtured into a person who listened and followed every command. He learnt to impress those around him. But what of him? What had he gained? Happiness, joy, love? Nothing. Nothing at all. He laughed inwardly at how puppet-on-strings he had been all his life. But no more. No more being a ragdoll thrown from here to there. He is going to lead his own life. With that, he set off with determination in his eyes to the place he will find his loved one…
--
At the front of the ship, right at the edge, he stood at the apex of the railing. He let the cool wind splash across his face and toy with his brown locks. The sun was setting, coloring the sky orange, yellow and pink. The warm light on his face felt like a dwindling fireplace just about to extinguish.
“Hello, Yunho.” A voice came from behind and he whipped himself around.
“I changed my mind.” Jaejoong stood there and smiled.
“I thought I will find you up here-” But before he could even finish saying anything, Yunho shushed him and asked him to come closer.
Yunho took Jaejoong’s hand in his and instructed him to close his eyes. Jaejoong albeit a little reluctantly did close his eyes.
“Now step up.” Yunho said as he fell behind Jaejoong and guided him up the railings. Once ensuring that Jaejoong had a good grip on the railings, Yunho climbed up behind him.
“Now keep your eyes closed.” Yunho whispered. “Do you trust me?”
“I trust you.” Jaejoong answered confidently with his eyes still shut.
Yunho gently gripped Jaejoong’s hand that were clutching onto the railings and slowly lifted them up. Like wings. Wings of a free bird.
“Alright. Open your eyes.” Yunho whispered, his hands no longer on Jaejoong’s arm but gripping his small waist instead.
Jaejoong slowly opened his doe eyes, his eyes fluttering a little as the wind splashed on his face. He grasped. There was nothing in his field of vision but water. It's like there was no ship under them at all, just the two of them soaring. Just the wind and the hissing water.
“I am flying!” He exclaimed, laughter bubbling through him. “Yunho, I am flying!”
Jaejoong arched his back, enjoying the surreal feeling. Yunho grip on his waist tightened as he placed his chin on Jaejoong’s shoulder.
“Come Josephine in my flying machine...” Yunho sang and Jaejoong laughed, turning his head to see Yunho’s lovely face.
The two smiled at each other, relishing the momentarily freedom and bliss. Slowly their eyes fluttered close, their mouths drew near.
The perfect moment was finally sealed with a perfect kiss.
The night had been rowdy with tables clanking against one another, drunken men toppling over while women clapped and danced. Jaejoong even proved to Yunho that he could indeed drink cheap beer like any other men, astonishing him by gulping down an entire pint of beer in one go. If there was someone who could hold their alcohol, it was Jaejoong.
However, everything good came to an end. The two said their goodbyes with a shy kiss, promising to meet again soon. All the while, they didn’t know they were being observed by Siwon’s Valet, Kibum, all along.
--
The clear morning sunlight pooled around the breakfast table at the deck. Jaejoong and Siwon sat around the elegantly set-up table, having their meal silently. Bread, scones, cakes and honey were spread out for the couple to share. The maid quietly poured Siwon his coffee, the tension in the air making her feel uneasy.
“I had hoped you would come to me last night.” Siwon said as he brought his cup to his lips.
“I was tired.” Jaejoong replied bluntly.
“Yes. Your exertions below decks were no doubt exausting.” Siwon mocked causing Jaejoong to stiffen up in his seat after having to realize that Siwon had his valet following him around.
“I see you had that undertaker of a manservant follow me.” It was often that Jaejoong’s sharp tongue led him to trouble.
“You will never behave like that again! Do you understand?” Siwon snapped, putting his cup down harshly. The china on the table protested with noise.
If Siwon couldn’t hold his temper neither could Jaejoong. “I'm not some foreman in your mills than you can command! I am your fiancé - ” before Jaejoong could even protest fully, Siwon erupted. He swiped his hand over the utensils in anger causing the table to topple and the chinaware to break into pieces, the food flew and was left in ruins.
Scared of the sudden violent gesture, Jaejoong scooted the back to his chair afraid that he might fall to the same fate as his breakfast.
“Yes! You are!” Siwon shouted, gripping either sides of Jaejoong’s chair, trapping Jaejoong beneath him. “And my fiancé, so you will honor me, as a spouse is required to honor his husband! I will not be made out a fool! Is this in any way unclear?”
Without even waiting for an answer, Siwon straightened himself and walked out of the place where havoc had been created. Jaejoong stood up from his seat, weak at his knees having to face a ferocious monster in human form. He fell to the ground, supported by his knees and started to pick up the fine broken china. The maid quickly rushed over after witnessing the scene. She grasped his hands, halting whatever he was doing and shook her head, indicating that she could handle the mess. Jaejoong did not know what to say to her. He had been utterly scared and embarrassed witless. He did what he could, he broke down.
--
After the morning’s incident, Jaejoong had locked himself up in his room, refusing to come out unless needed. However, Junsu had come in to inform him that he was needed to be present in chapel.
It was when his was dressing himself when Mrs. Kim burst through the door.
“You are not to see that boy again; do you understand me, Jaejoong? I forbid it!” was the first thing she claimed when she walked through the door. So news had reached his mother as well.
Jaejoong looked at her crossly. “Oh, stop it, Mother. You'll give yourself a nosebleed.”
“Jaejoong, this is not a game! Our situation is precarious. You know the money's gone!” Mrs. Kim exclaimed, astonished at her son’s stupidity.
“Of course I know it's gone. You remind me every day!” Jaejoong yelled back.
“Your father left us nothing but a legacy of bad debts hidden by a good name. And that name is the only card we have to play.” Mrs. Kim rebutted. “I don't understand you. It is a fine match with Siwon, and it will insure our survival.”
“How can you put this on my shoulders?” Jaejoong was positively hurt and upset that his mother was pushing into a marriage just so she could live her life in riches?
“Do you want to see me working as a seamstress? Is that what you want? Do you want to see our fine things sold at an auction, our memories scattered to the winds?” Mrs. Kim asked. “My God, Jaejoong, how can you be so selfish?”
“I am being selfish?” Jaejoong scoffed. His mother didn’t reply and continued glaring at him. “It's so unfair!”
“Of course it’s unfair. We're of the submissive kind. Our choices are never easy.” Mrs Kim said. “Come along now, we need to get ready.”
--
After chapel, Jaejoong, Mrs. Kim and Siwon roamed around the ship dock as the captain introduced them to the different parts of the ship.
It was then a suspicious person dressed in robes of that of a first class gentleman grabbed Jaejoong from behind. Now, it was not rare to see a well-dressed gentleman on first class deck but a gentleman grabbing beta-males from behind, it was more than suspicious.
“Shhh!” A hand covered Jaejoong’s mouth before the person dragged him into an empty room.
Jaejoong was turned around to face the person who had ‘abducted’ him.
“Yunho!” Jaejoong’s eyes widen. He inched back a little from the man. “This is impossible. I can't see you.”
Yunho smiled cunningly at Jaejoong and took him by the shoulders. “Jaejoong, you are no picnic. A spoilt brat even! But under that you're a strong, pure heart, and you're the most amazingly astounding person I've ever known and-”
“Yunho, I--”
“No wait. Let me try to get this out. You're amazing...” Yunho took a deep sigh. “I am not an idiot you know? I know how the world works. I have 10 000 won in my pocket and I know I have nothing to offer you, Jaejoong. I know that. But I'm involved now. You jump, I jump, remember? I can't turn away without knowing that you're going to be alright.” Yunho finished.
“You're making this very hard. I'll be fine. Really.” Tears stung Jaejoong’s eyes as he lied through his teeth. No one had ever cared about him this much. He pushed Yunho away as he came closer.
“Really?” Yunho looked at him skeptically, “I don't think so. They've got you in a glass jar like some butterfly, and you're going to die if you don't break out. Maybe not right away, cause, you're strong. But sooner or later the fire in you that I love is going to burn out.”
Jaejoong looked up at Yunho in determination, “It's not up to you to save me, Yunho.”
“You're right.” Yunho caressed Jaejoong’s soft cheek. “Only you can do that.”
Jaejoong took away Yunho’s hand from him. “I have to get going. For both our sakes, Yunho, leave me alone.”
With a final push, Jaejoong escaped from Yunho, not looking back even once.
--
The entire day, Jaejoong spent it in misery. What is he trying to do? Who is trying to please?
All his youth, his childhood, he was nurtured into a person who listened and followed every command. He learnt to impress those around him. But what of him? What had he gained? Happiness, joy, love? Nothing. Nothing at all. He laughed inwardly at how puppet-on-strings he had been all his life. But no more. No more being a ragdoll thrown from here to there. He is going to lead his own life. With that, he set off with determination in his eyes to the place he will find his loved one…
--
At the front of the ship, right at the edge, he stood at the apex of the railing. He let the cool wind splash across his face and toy with his brown locks. The sun was setting, coloring the sky orange, yellow and pink. The warm light on his face felt like a dwindling fireplace just about to extinguish.
“Hello, Yunho.” A voice came from behind and he whipped himself around.
“I changed my mind.” Jaejoong stood there and smiled.
“I thought I will find you up here-” But before he could even finish saying anything, Yunho shushed him and asked him to come closer.
Yunho took Jaejoong’s hand in his and instructed him to close his eyes. Jaejoong albeit a little reluctantly did close his eyes.
“Now step up.” Yunho said as he fell behind Jaejoong and guided him up the railings. Once ensuring that Jaejoong had a good grip on the railings, Yunho climbed up behind him.
“Now keep your eyes closed.” Yunho whispered. “Do you trust me?”
“I trust you.” Jaejoong answered confidently with his eyes still shut.
Yunho gently gripped Jaejoong’s hand that were clutching onto the railings and slowly lifted them up. Like wings. Wings of a free bird.
“Alright. Open your eyes.” Yunho whispered, his hands no longer on Jaejoong’s arm but gripping his small waist instead.
Jaejoong slowly opened his doe eyes, his eyes fluttering a little as the wind splashed on his face. He grasped. There was nothing in his field of vision but water. It's like there was no ship under them at all, just the two of them soaring. Just the wind and the hissing water.
“I am flying!” He exclaimed, laughter bubbling through him. “Yunho, I am flying!”
Jaejoong arched his back, enjoying the surreal feeling. Yunho grip on his waist tightened as he placed his chin on Jaejoong’s shoulder.
“Come Josephine in my flying machine...” Yunho sang and Jaejoong laughed, turning his head to see Yunho’s lovely face.
The two smiled at each other, relishing the momentarily freedom and bliss. Slowly their eyes fluttered close, their mouths drew near.
The perfect moment was finally sealed with a perfect kiss.