Circus of Illusions - Ch3 Mirror, Mirror, lie to me

[cheeesecat]

A/N; This chapter is REALLLY long to make up for the delay. I mean almost 15 pages... it's long. I wrote in the hospital(first dad due to surgery then mom for so many other things), on my phone, at my dad's in Miami, in Orlando... I wrote wherever I was able to find time. My time was of the essence therefore the delay. My mom got discharged today so I'm really happy. :) Onto the story then... Hope you like the graphic btw. I was itching to make some sort of banner for my fic. lol

Title; Circus of Illusions
Genre; Angst, Romance, AU, Fantasy
Rating; Rated M for Mature
Disclaimer; Lucy is a Fag Hag through and through, but thy characters portrayed in thee smut, thou shalt not hers. Sadly, but unfortunately true.
Pairings; JongKey crossdressing!Key, 2min(much more screen time in this chapter)
Summary; Jonghyun is a journalist working on an assignment for his class, deciding upon this urban legend going around school about a circus that grants ones desires... at a price. He decides to go personally to this circus and join their family, strictly for his article. He never bargained to go so deep that he might lose sense on reality, especially upon meeting a gypsy fortune teller that knows more than he leads on.
Notes; Throughout the story I might post certain images from the Tarot, to go along with the story. I find it helpful for me, especially when I'm trying to get really into a certain scene. I might also post pictures of what I imagine them wearing. I really hope you guys like this one. <3 Also, sorry for all errors and stuff... I was just really excited to post this, and it's pretty late over here.
Previous Chapters; 1 - 2





"A heart that hurts, is a heart that works."
- Juliana Hatfield, "Universal Heart-Beat"

Upon unlocking the door to the workshop, Minho walked in placing Taemin on the first available table. He stared at the doll eyes full of concern; it killed him inside to know that no matter how real Taemin seemed he was far from such. Minho wanted to caress the delicate soft skin, but hesitated knowing it was all a trick.

Taemin wasn’t real.

Everything within the circus was far from reality, but he still played along with the sick game. In the end, Minho didn’t have anything to lose. He had lost a long time ago, something he still had refused to acknowledge because he despised losing above all else.

The memory was ever so vivid of the day his life had changed forever, the day he unwillingly met the ringleader. Unfortunately, Minho couldn’t remember for the life of him what it was like before he was sold in the black market. It was the three of them: Onew, Kibum, and Minho who were taken away from the life they had, in order to make a new life alongside the person they now called master. They didn’t know much about the man, but it was more than obvious he possessed powerful magic. Unfortunate for them, the man hadn’t planned on using his abilities for good; it was merely for his own enjoyment.

They obtained new identities, in which only served to keep their audience intrigued. Those same identities were used to identify with their new personas, taking away the splendor of what they once were.

It had always been dark times at the circus, but the day that the ringmaster introduced them to the new experiment brought a whole new meaning to Minho’s view on the world-their world. The puppet that was lying on the table, staring at him through lifeless eyes, had captivated the flaming charisma like never before.

Minho had been prisoner of his own passion, the emptiness inside had consumed the fire breather.

The puppet had talked to him many times so animatedly that it left Minho in awe. He couldn’t understand how a mere puppet-experiment of the master-could have so much personality. Deep down, Minho envied him, but at the same time wanted to know more.

Even if Minho was incapable of expressing the emotions inside of him and the puppet was incapable of understanding them, it wouldn’t change the fact he still felt deeply for him.

Onew placed a hand on Minho’s shoulder, snapping him out of his reverie, “Do you know how to do it?”

“Do what,” the fire breather asked looking over to Onew, then back to Taemin.

He could tell that the clown grew impatient at his ignorance, but smiled back regardless as he placed a hand over the puppet’s chest. Onew grazed his fingers slowly over the ribbon of the vest jacket, “Replace his heart, to make it beat again,” the smile never left the clown’s face.

Now Minho was even more confused, wanting very much to push the invading hand away from the boy that was lying so vulnerable on that table. He stared at the hand intensely, urging for the other to hurry up with whatever it was that he was going to say.

Minho wasn’t a man of many words, even before unwillingly joining the dark circus. They all knew it well.

“We have to undress him, to get to his very core,” Onew smirked as he undid the ribbon slowly, while Minho felt the heat built up on his face. It was sickening how Onew’s own face seemed to enjoy the tormented look adorning the younger a little too much for his liking. It couldn’t be helped, especially due to the fact that his line of vision wouldn’t leave the sight of the undone ribbon.

Minho’s face burned just as much as the glare that he was still giving the clown, “What is the point of undressing him?”

Onew chuckled opening up the now undone vest, progressing down to the buttons of the dress shirt underneath, “Don’t you want him to function again? This puppet is as faulty as they come,” the smirk widened, “it was the master’s first experiment. He continues to perfect it, but he knows deep down, it will always be flawed,” he spat out angrily; almost vindictive as if he had been disappointed by the revelation. Onew’s true intention seemed to have revealed itself, along with any sign of amusement on his face.

They both exchanged dangerous looks, while Minho only grew more upset at how heartless his colleague sounded. He knew that Taemin was a puppet-a failed experiment at that- but it didn’t matter to him. Taemin was just as real to Minho as anyone else around him, even if the circus raised many questions concerning that belief. It was rare for one not to become lost in the false glamour, because they themselves were part of that lie.

“Just tell me what I can do, to help,” Minho said pathetically, as he gritted his teeth.

“Unless you want me to finish this off, open up his shirt in order to continue to the next step of the procedure,” the clown spewed out a matter of factly.

Minho obliged as he awkwardly unbuttoned the dress shirt, revealing the makeshift skin that looked ever so real. He slowly examined the exposed chest, extended his touch over to where Taemin’s heart would inevitably be. Of course, he knew a real heart didn’t beat underneath that borrowed skin, which only made Minho’s own heart weep. It just didn’t seem fair to him, someone so full of life should only be granted with that in return.

Should he not?

He would never forgive the man that took away his freedom, but he hated him even more for experimenting with the human heart. It was unacceptable to Minho.

“Well, would you look at that? His skin is flushed, interesting,” Onew grinned as Minho’s fingers lingered dangerously close to a now exposed nipple, “I guess they don’t call you the flaming charisma for nothing.”

He felt his own face burn with more than just embarrassment, but continued to stare expressionless feeling his own heart beat faster. Minho’s hand withdrew from the foreign skin, wondering how it could have an almost natural blush. Taemin’s skin was so cold, unlike his own. It was then that Minho noticed a small keyhole underneath the delicate bud that he had been tempted to touch. He looked over to Onew, “What is this for?”

Still grinning he twirled the ring of keys in his hand, almost mockingly, “Using one of these keys, we open him up and replace his heart. We throw away the old one, and put in one of the recent hearts that the master has been working on. In the end, I don’t understand the point,” he mused on, continuing to twirl the keys all the while, “No matter what the master does, the puppet’s light fades making him useless again. He should spend time on a project that will actually give him the results he seeks for.”

All the raw emotions going on inside of the fire breather made him almost spastic, not understanding how to express just how much he felt at that moment. He wanted to throw the clown against the wall, hurt him enough to make him squeal. Minho would take pleasure in that sound then, but it would only soothe his rage temporarily.

It made sense though, only causing Minho’s anger to escalate.

Would Taemin’s light continue to wither? Would he never be whole?

Onew chuckled as he accidentally hit himself in the face with the same keys he had been twirling around, “Ow, those things hurt,” he cleared his throat, picking out a small key from the bunch. He carefully made his way closer to the string-less puppet, inserting the key. He then resumed twisting it against the naked chest until it made a click sound.

The contraption inside his chest resembled a replica of the human heart, except it looked more like a mystical gem. Unfortunately, the gem wasn’t shining bright as Minho assumed it should. The compartment where the heart piece was to be placed was just big enough for it, but it still unnerved Minho.

“Are we really allowed to do this? This seems like something that the master usually takes care of,” Minho whispered as he continued to stare at the now empty hole in Taemin’s chest.

Onew slowly took the empty gem, throwing it away in a bin with a bunch of other parts that seemed to have failed as well. He shook his head as he carefully walked over to another room within the workshop, “Not necessarily, the master is usually the one to build the parts. I’m always here, putting together the pieces he leaves behind.” The clown came back from the room carrying a box, in which Minho assumed held Taemin’s new heart. Eyes widened all around when Onew tripped over himself and the box went flying to the other end of the room.

Minho mentally cursed as he reached towards the box, stretching his limbs as far as the laws of gravity permitted. He fell onto the ground wincing in pain soon after, but was relieved when he looked up to see the box had landed safely in his hands. The box was softly placed on the ground as Minho stood back up, sending yet another glare at the jokester’s direction.

The clown was still a bundled heap of limbs on the ground from the fall, and he laughed apologetically, “I really need to improve on my body coordination,” Onew sighed and attempted to get up without breaking anything in the process. It was a difficult feat, but Minho only hoped the other could accomplish that much.

Inside the box was a bright glowing gem, ready to be placed inside its new owner. Minho did the honors of taking the contents inside the box over to the puppet, which waited to be made whole again. He felt certain warmth emanating from the crystal heart, sending the strangest sensations down his spine.

“Now, now, don’t get too attached to that heart. It isn’t yours, you know,” Onew smirked as he instructed Minho on how to place the heart back inside of Taemin.

Everything was so surreal, from the way the heart grew warmer in Minho’s hands to how perfectly it fit into Taemin’s chest. The moment he closed the small door of the compartment, Onew locked it back up with the same small key. Color began to come back to Taemin’s cheeks as his eyes opened slowly, focusing solely on Minho.

The puppet’s chest began to move as if he were breathing in through actual lungs and the shiver throughout his body as if he could indeed feel it. Minho couldn’t believe his eyes as the puppet sat up wrapping his arms around the other’s neck, “I can’t handle these emotions, they’re so strong,” the doll gasped at the contact.



(click image for more info on card)

Minho’s eyes widened as he was unsure of what to say. He had never seen this side of Taemin before. He missed the carefree smile he always wore, never a frown on that delicate face. It was different though, from the moment he opened those eyes again; it wasn’t the same Taemin. In fact, it felt as if he saw a bit of himself in those eyes, a sorrow that he hadn’t realized was there all along.

“I don’t why, but I just felt that I needed to hug you,” Taemin then smiled, “because you missed me so much. Besides, you looked like you needed a hug anyway,” he smirked noticing his unbuttoned dress shirt, unfazed he began to button it back up.

There it was, the same Taemin he knew. Minho could’ve sworn he was blushing, but he smiled back at the puppet nonetheless. He was concerned about those emotions Taemin had felt upon awakening, but Minho decided to ask him at another time. It was creepy enough knowing that the clumsy clown was still staring at them from the other end of the room. His eyes fixed on the scene, hungrily watching and almost anticipating their next movement.

On the other hand, it was rather odd that Taemin voiced out Minho’s feelings and intense emotions clearly. He wasn’t entirely sure on what he felt for the puppet, but he knew he would miss Taemin dearly if something were to ever happen to him. Every time Taemin lost consciousness Minho’s heart skipped a beat, because every time Taemin’s eyes lost that light it wasn’t for certain that the puppet was going to come back.

That doubt in Minho’s heart only continued to intensify every time Taemin’s eyes lost their light.

“There, that should do it,” Minho said avoiding eye contact with the puppet all together.

It didn’t take long for Taemin to smile brightly once more, forcing the fire breather to instinctively look straight into his eyes, “Thanks.”

A voice boomed in the room, causing them to remember exactly where they were. Onew still adorned the same smile, turning a bit devious, “At least we know now that Taeminnie could perform tomorrow, the master will be pleased. Let’s see how long this heart will last though.”

Taemin frowned, “I’m sorry, I know I cause a lot of trouble for you guys, especially the master,” he looked down to the undone ribbon hanging from his neck, “Maybe next time, I shouldn’t be fixed.”

Before Onew had a chance to say anything on the matter, Minho grabbed Taemin by the shoulders, “Don’t say that,” he said sternly. It was almost impossible to convey any sort of emotion for Minho, but he tried his best with what he remembered before the contract. It was as if his body failed to respond every time he wanted to smile or even to lash out at someone. Minho felt that somewhere deep inside, his real self was chained up and he would have to go through his own personal maze to find out who he once was.

Minho still had yet to find him.

-☼-☼-☼-

Jonghyun’s surroundings were consuming him slowly.

He was still in the presence of the gypsy, but they had migrated to a new destination without even realizing they had. The strong scent of incense ceased to dissipate, but it was upmost intoxicating because Jonghyun knew it was coming from Kibum. His voice was like silk, entrancing him as if Kibum were some sort of charmer. The journalist couldn’t understand his uncontrollable attraction.

It didn’t matter then, because all Jonghyun cared about was fulfilling his promise to Kibum. Whenever he had a chance to look straight into those eyes, all he could imagine was a devious cat. His eyes reminded him very much of a wild animal, yet they held a timid nature to them. He assumed the timidity was caused due to the abuse, in which Kibum received unnecessarily from the master he so obeyed. Jjong didn’t know exactly what went on in the circus in full, but he did know that he had to get Kibum out of there as soon as possible, by any means possible.

It was going to be a difficult feat considering all he could do was stare, yearn, and want all of what was the mysterious androgynous gypsy.

The scent of incense became stronger as they walked on ahead inside the tent, into another room. Inside there were all sorts of different scents, each more intoxicating than the last. Jonghyun couldn’t help but let the exotic aromas get the best of him; each one was a different layer of Kibum.

He saw a table with all sorts of divinatory props, from crystal balls, cards, to other things Jonghyun didn’t even know the name of. It was intriguing and Jjong wanted to ask all sorts of questions, but he knew doing so wasn’t going to assist Kibum in any way. He knew that the gypsy was still upset at him for not heeding his advice and fleeing the circus when Jonghyun had the chance.

Even if Kibum looked all the part of one who was disappointed more than upset, Jonghyun couldn’t help but notice a playful glint in his eyes as well. Jjong felt that Kibum really did enjoy his company, and wanted to see if the journalist would really go through with his word. Of course, Jonghyun could only assume he felt those things. Jjong was inwardly hoping he was though, because all he could think about was the gypsy standing mere feet away.

Jonghyun walked over to the small round table with the crystal ball and looked at Kibum, “You use this as well?”

“It’s for show, I don’t really need mediocre props in order to give people their fortune,” Kibum said sternly, but Jonghyun could tell he had a certain glow about him. He almost seemed pleased with that fact, knowing he was a genuine fortuneteller. There was more to the gypsy than that though, much more.

Jonghyun smirked passing a curious touch over the crystal ball, “You mean to tell me, you don’t need to use your cards either?”

The gypsy returned the smirk walking towards the journalist, settling his hand over his, “I use the cards to emphasize what I see. The power of an image alone leaves an everlasting impression, more so than words from a stranger ever could. The cards have been a quintessential tool for many years, and I owe them a lot.”

When Jjong felt the feather-like touch against his skin, his thought process ceased momentarily. He looked into Kibum’s eyes noticing the same glimmer, especially when he would talk about the cards. He spoke not only from experience; Jonghyun felt it was an all-knowing arcane wisdom that only the gypsy knew of. Once again, he was probably looking too into it. The way Kibum’s fingers lingered over Jjong’s hand only distracted him further, but he continued to focus on the other’s words.

“I admire your passion,” Jonghyun said staring at him through inquisitive eyes, observing his every move. At his words the gypsy withdrew his hand, looking away as if what Jonghyun had just said embarrassed him.

Kibum’s eyes widened suddenly, and he looked back to the door, “You must hide,” he finished off with a whisper. Before he could even protest Kibum grabbed Jonghyun, and pushed him over to a prop closet. The only thing keeping him even somewhat hidden was a beaded curtain that was hovering over his face, merely taunting him. It didn’t seem like a good hiding place, but it was the only area in the room that was somewhat obscured from view.

The journalist heard the door creak open, footsteps getting closer to earshot. He didn’t understand what was going on, but then heard an all too familiar voice. Jjong stepped back trying his best not to be seen, but his blood boiled as the same man that had hurt Kibum had gotten closer to him. The last thing Jonghyun wanted was to hide from the inevitable, but if he wanted to actually be of any help he had to learn to trust. He continued to peek from the gaps in between the beads of the curtain.

“What are you doing here,” the ringmaster asked, sneering all the while. No response came from the gypsy’s lips, and the master grabbed his chin roughly, “Are you planning on giving me the silent treatment now? You’re in no position to do so.”

Jjong could see the fearless look in Kibum’s eyes, standing his ground as he had done before. It was incredibly admirable, but in the end it didn’t keep the monster from hurting him. He noticed just how the other man’s sick grin widened at the display of disobedience, tilting Kibum’s chin up to give him a better view of the defiant eyes.

It only made Jonghyun’s stomach churn.

“Don’t believe that just because I’m allowing that new toy of yours to stick around, you can continue to do as you please. I‘m only keeping him around as long as I find use for him, and I believe I have for the time being,” the smirk extended across the ringleader’s face, waiting for some sort of reaction from the gypsy.

Kibum continued to stare blankly at the man in front of him, seeming unfazed by any of his words. He hadn’t even flinched, but somehow Jonghyun could tell that he had tensed up at what the ringmaster had said regardless. “What use could he possibly be for you? He has no use,” Kibum spat out, meeting the master’s gaze intently while Jonghyun’s stomach continued to stir up uncomfortably.

A chuckle escaped the man’s lips, “No use you say? Oh, I believe that’s where you’re wrong,” he passed a tongue slowly across his top lip, leaning in towards the lips awaiting him just inches below. Kibum turned the other cheek, forcefully, knowing that the ringmaster was still holding onto his chin. The ringmaster was far from pleased but that same cocky smirk was still plastered on his face, “I see that struck a chord in you,” his grip tightened and forced the gypsy to look into his eyes.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Kibum stared back into those eyes, still emotionless.

“You seem to forget your place often, Gwiboon,” the master’s smirk disappeared as he pulled Kibum closer once more. He got close enough to take in the gypsy’s scent, sending the man into quite the euphoric state. Jonghyun could see the ringmaster’s eyes changing color as they had before, worrying him further.

The discomfort in the atmosphere was not one to scoff at as Kibum pushed the man away, only making him lose his patience sooner than expected. His eyes flashed dangerously as he grabbed Kibum, shoving him forward to the mirror that was hanging on the wall. Kibum’s hands flung onto either side of the mirror, in order not to lose his balance.

The ringmaster sneered holding him still, forcing him to look at his reflection in the mirror, “Do you see that? Do you see that disgusting appearance, wearing those horrendous rags? That’s you,” he laughed as he positioned himself right behind the other. His hands slowly maneuvered themselves onto Kibum’s hips, “You must look at yourself and doubt what you see too, don’t you? Are you a man or woman? The way these hips move in the heat of passion, and the way those lips flutter open willingly taking in all that I decide to give,” he tightened his grip on the gypsy’s hips, grinding against his backside.



(Knight of Wands reversed, click image for more info)

Kibum was anything but impressed; Jonghyun could hear the grunts of discomfort coming from him. The way he was bent over holding himself in order not to fall forward, and the other man’s hands roaming over all he could get a hold of. It sickened the journalist. He wanted to get out of hiding and actually do something about what he was witnessing. It disgusted him further to hear such malice behind the master’s words, with such a sadistic intent to scar the gypsy. It wasn’t enough that the man scarred him physically, he wanted to continue to penetrate that barrier until the barrier itself ceased to exist.

The ringleader had wanted to break Kibum and he wanted him to stay broken.

A muffled sob was heard across the room as Kibum grew angry at his own reflection, “Your opinion doesn’t matter to me. I am a man, and I know it well… unlike you that decide to try to disguise something that’s painfully obvious…”



"Whenever the 8 of swords pops up in a reading I can feel the immense hopelessness of the individual. I’m quite guilty of it myself.

The woman in the card is trapped within her own mental confines, not knowing how to get out. Blindfolded similar to the 2 of swords, but the 2 is shown unbound unlike the 8. The 2′s situation is different, where the woman has yet to choose which decision to make for the matter at hand. Now, the woman in the 8, after making the decision, feels stuck… trapped even. Although, the beauty of the 8 of swords is that even if you feel trapped, there’s always a way out. The confines are only as tight as one makes them out to be. To see clearly, one must simply look at the corners of one’s blindfold. There’s always a light even in the darkest of places.

The journey is far from over."
- Lucy de Lara a.k.a me :)

“Oh, you’re rather precious when you delude yourself with lies,” the ringmaster continued to rub himself against Kibum, making the gypsy groan unwillingly, “You slut. Do you enjoy that?”

Jonghyun saw Kibum’s reflection in the mirror, and he could see just how much he was trying to fight back the tears. He was about ready to come out of hiding and run away with Kibum as far as their legs could carry them. Jjong wanted to do so, so very much, but the thought of the situation becoming worse held him back. Deep down he knew the best thing was to wait, just as the gypsy had told him to do.

His eyes focused on the mirror once more, but that time Jonghyun stared at the reflection of the ringmaster. He stared angrily at said reflection not being able to get that sick grin out of his head, but it wasn’t the grin that made Jjong lose it. The mirror was reflecting not the ringmaster’s face but his own, Jjong clasped a hand over his mouth in shock. He rubbed his eyes and took another look at the mirror, nothing had changed.

“It can’t be,” Jonghyun said to himself mortified, not wanting to accept what his eyes were showing him.

“Would you much prefer if I adorned the face of another? I feel you quivering in an excitement that wasn’t present before,” the ringmaster chuckled as he slowly pulled up the layered skirt, moving his hands over to the gypsy’s thighs.

Kibum had tried to avoid looking into the mirror once again, but it was inevitable as he let a whimper escape him, “Please, stop it.”

The blush spread across Jonghyun’s cheeks at the sight of Kibum’s disheveled look. The sounds coming out of his mouth were not so much of protest as they had been, they were escalating into something more. His pleas to stop only made Jonghyun feel even more uncomfortable, but couldn’t help be enticed by the sight. He was more than disappointed with himself, but it was difficult to ignore any of it. From anger, to fear, and inevitably lust-Jonghyun didn’t know what to do. He was overwhelmed by such an intense string of emotions and holding himself back from acting upon better judgment.

Jonghyun was disgusted with himself as well.

“But why? You seem to be enjoying yourself,” the man who had stolen the journalist’s face took advantage of Kibum’s vulnerability. The gypsy looked so confused and hurt, none of it mattering to the man still holding him. He chuckled letting his hands continue to explore every inch of the other, “You like what you see? I do so as well.” The master leaned closer to Kibum, caressing a lock of hair with an almost love-struck look in his eyes.

“Your illusions don’t impress me-ah,” Kibum hissed trying his best not to look into the master’s eyes. Jjong couldn’t ignore the desire that welled up in his stomach, even knowing that the man in the mirror wasn’t really him.

The ringleader let go of Kibum, causing the gypsy to let a lustful sigh escape him. From the look in his eyes, Jonghyun could tell that Kibum had lost himself in a desire filled haze. The thought that his reaction was due to seeing Jonghyun’s face in place of the master only created more heat pooling between his legs.

“I want you to dance for me,” the ringleader said still adorning Jonghyun’s face. He passed his tongue over his lips in such a way that Kibum mewled at the sight.

The request hadn’t fazed the other it seemed, for the gypsy simply regained his balance as he stood up straight. He turned in the direction of the ringmaster, his eyes never leaving his face, “I wish you could remember me, Kim Jonghyun,” Kibum said in an almost hushed tone, not realizing much of anything accept the person he thought was in front of him.

Lies.

Those same hands that had explored the gypsy before were on him once again, “Sway your hips. I want to feel them move against me.”

Kibum’s own eyes continued to confuse Jjong as his hands were lovingly placed upon either side of the master’s face, “Do you remember,” he sounded so meek and pathetic that the journalist hardly recognized him.

The master ignored Kibum’s pleas, as if it weren’t the first time he had brought up the topic, “I’ll answer, if you do as I say.”

Jonghyun was fixed on the sight, only making him feel even more bothered knowing he couldn’t do anything about the display. Although the look in Kibum’s eyes changed back to one that Jjong recognized, the same look he remembered when he had first laid his own eyes on Kibum.

“You play dirty,” Kibum glared and pushed the ringmaster away, “I don’t know what you did to me, but I felt different. I didn’t like it.”

The ringmaster chuckled letting his mask disappear, admitting defeat for the time being, “You said it best… I am a man of illusions, and one that is made up of all the sins created by people such as you. You won’t be able to escape me that easily. I’m everywhere,” he whispered the last bit into Kibum’s ear.

“I hate you,” the man shivered, his arousal still evident, “You had no reason to disguise yourself.”

Another chuckle escaped the man, “Reason? Who needs reason? I don’t need a reason to fuck with your head,” the ringmaster laughed then, looking over to the prop closet, “I know we’re not alone. Did you think you could fool me?”

Kibum looked down almost ashamed, unsure if to give in or to object to the accusation. He deliberately changed the subject by doing exactly what the ringleader had wanted. His hips began to sway to music that Jonghyun was sure only the gypsy knew of, the movements entrancing everyone in the room. Slowly Kibum turned to face the direction of the prop closet, looking straight into Jonghyun’s curious eyes. He continued to move to his own beat, grinding his backside against the ringmaster. A smirk surfaced on the gypsy’s lips, “You’re the fool that believes there’s someone else here other than us,” he lifted his shirt enough to expose his stomach keeping up with the same ministrations.

Jonghyun almost lost all control as his mouth went dry watching Kibum’s hand dance along the bare exposed flesh. He stared at the milky skin dressed in scars, only causing Jjong to let a low growl escape him. Many would believe the scars flawed the gypsy, but Jonghyun only felt himself grow even more excited at the sight. He wanted to lick every single scar on Kibum’s body, hoping he could ease the scars inside. The pain he must’ve endured was something that didn’t sit well with the journalist, and only made him angry again. Jjong’s hands had a mind of their own though as they wandered down to his belt, undoing it slowly licking his lips all the while.




(click card for more info)

“Yes, those are the hips I’m so fond of,” the master leaned into the crook of the gypsy’s neck, nibbling the delicate skin. Kibum kept his eyes on Jonghyun mouthing words of reassurance in his direction, but gasped upon noticing Jjong's hand that had crept into his jeans. Jonghyun wasn’t sure what to make of the noise that left Kibum’s lips soon after as he began to rub his neglected erection eagerly.

Kibum turned to the master placing his hands on his shoulders, slowly moving them over his chest as he crouched down looking up at him, “Unlike you, these hips don’t lie,” another coy smirk flashed across his face. Once he was at eye level with the ground, Kibum laid back lifting his skirt up slightly as he spread his legs apart. The look of sheer deviousness never left Kibum’s face as he let his long flowing brown locks dip down at his back. He smiled as he made another noise biting his lip, "The arcana might be secret, but to those who know how to decipher them go a long way. As a Magician you might be an illusion but you're also very much like the 15th arcana. You're the sullied magician devoured by darkness. You might have us chained, but you're also chained as well."

The ringmaster watched intently anticipating upon the fortuneteller’s next move, only returning the same devious look in his direction, “Are you calling me a devil in that case? That is quite flattering if I do say so myself. Although I must formally disagree on your last statement, for I always call the shots.”

“Suit yourself. I only call it as I see it in my mind’s eye. You’re the epitome of the devil arcana, and I know well enough to understand what’s to come from it. I’ve understood for quite some time actually,” Kibum thrust his hips into the air at a steadied pace, almost as if he were trying to prove a point.

The confusion was more than evident on Jonghyun’s face, but it was overcome by the arousal of the sight of the gypsy becoming dangerously closer to him. Kibum continued to move his hips at a perfect momentum in tune with his ragged breathing, sliding back every time he did so. Jjong continued to touch within the confines of his too tight jeans, becoming more and more uncomfortable as he continued to watch Kibum. Jonghyun wasn’t sure how much more he could take without losing it completely.

A throaty groan escaped the journalist’s lips feeling his skin become even more sensitive, “Please Kibum,” his pleas fell on deaf ears. His heart almost stopped entirely at the sight of the cat-like eyes staring into him again, in quite the inviting allure.

“That’s enough,” said a stern voice bringing Jonghyun back to reality and his hand out of his pants, even if it was painful to do so. The ringmaster cynically grinned, “Don’t think you can distract me that easily, no matter how delicious the sight is. Tell your toy that he will participate in the show tomorrow night. Show him the ropes, give him something to do. I want to see what he’s capable of.”

Kibum looked at the master surprised with his pelvis in mid-thrust, “Do you honestly believe that decision is wise?”

“Hmm, is that a threat dear Gwiboon,” the ringleader squatted down staring directly into the defiant feline eyes, “I said he could stick around for as long as I find use for him, and I plan to do just that.” He stood back up making his way to the door, looked back towards the prop closet, “Remember Kim Jonghyun, the gypsy is mine. Lay your filthy hands on her, and I’ll find other uses for you.”

The door slammed shut and Kibum groaned in annoyance and frustration as he let himself fall flat on the floor soon after, “That monster, he’s Lucifer himself… Karma isn’t in vain, I just know it.”

Jonghyun sighed in relief as soon as the man walked out of the room. He was ready to take on any challenge, but currently his excitement was impending proper thinking. Jjong elicited a muffled moan looking back down at Kibum, “You damn tease,” he smirked, “you knew I was watching you.”

“Why wouldn’t you be? I’m quite the sight,” Kibum smiled, standing back up in the process as he made his way into the prop closet that Jonghyun had been pushed into. The gypsy had the same playful glint he had moments before the ringleader had barged in.

A bit taken aback by the gypsy’s words, Jonghyun chuckled with more than a hint of arousal eminent, “This is definitely a different side of you I hadn’t the pleasure of meeting,” he licked his lips placing his hands on Kibum’s hips, ignoring the master’s threats all together.

“This façade is usually the mask I put on stage, which only certain people get to see off stage,” Kibum smiled again, leaning in to the crook of Jonghyun’s neck, whispering softly, “Consider yourself lucky,” another moan left his lips when Jonghyun pressed himself against the other.

Jonghyun couldn’t take it anymore, he was about to ravish the man in front of him whether there were consequences or not. The friction caused by pressing their bodies together almost sent him over the edge, only desperate breaths followed, “I want you so damn much,” his vision blurred at the lust-filled haze.

From the look on Kibum’s face he looked more than eager, but he-regrettably for Jjong-pushed him back, “As much as I would like to let you have me, I can’t,” a frown slowly formed on the gypsy’s face, “I want you to stay in the circus for as long as you need to, in order to escape successfully. We can’t take any chances. Believe it or not we’re still being watched.”

A whine escaped Jonghyun, “What am I supposed to do about this,” he inquired pathetically as he pointed down to the obvious bulge in his pants.

Kibum looked down hungrily as he placed a hand over the other’s erection, tightening his grip just enough to make Jonghyun squirm. It was as if jolts of electricity ran through his body, but it wasn’t enough contact. Jonghyun was a stuttering mess, while the gypsy only continued to admire the reactions caused by his touch. A coy smile much like a cat formed on Kibum’s lips, “If you bite into the forbidden fruit it will leave you wanting more… Don’t you want to nurture it to fruition? Make it worth all the time you spent caring for it?”

Jonghyun wasn’t sure if that was a trick question or not, he just knew that his brain wasn’t functioning whatsoever. There had been many things that had left him confused about Kibum’s exchange with the ringmaster. He had many questions to ask the mysterious fortuneteller, but Jjong was going to have to wait until blood rushed back to the appropriate head. He smiled uncomfortably, “Baby, I want to take care of you until forever,” Jjong leaned weakly against Kibum’s shoulder whispering back as well, “But that doesn’t mean I can disregard that I want to flip you over the nearest flat surface and fuck you senseless.”

“That was rather forward,” the gypsy said with a full blown blush forming across his cheeks, but he continued to smile deviously, “I’ll make the wait worth your while, I promise.”

“Will I be able to touch you the way the ringmaster does? Or will my wait be in vain,” Jonghyun said huskily as he continued to take in the gypsy’s scent, still craving for what was forbidden to him. His hands had a mind of their own as they migrated down Kibum’s back without warning, resting below the curves of his ass. Jjong’s fingers teased Kibum’s entrance and grinned when he felt the other jump in surprise, “Sensitive there, are you?”

Kibum shuddered in anticipation, trying to give Jonghyun an angered look but found it near impossible. He let an exasperated sigh leave his lips, “Your impatience won’t be rewarded,” Kibum sighed as Jonghyun continued the intrusion. The gypsy bit down on his own lip hard, clearly holding back from doing something he shouldn’t.

“I can’t help it, you’re so beautiful, especially like this,” Jonghyun smirked placing an almost chaste kiss on the gypsy’s lips. He was finally able to taste those lips that wouldn’t leave his mind. The fruit was more delicious than Jjong could ever bargain for, and he couldn’t imagine the consequences that would come from it.

Kibum intensified the kiss, sending even more jolts of electricity throughout the journalist’s body. A whimper escaped the gypsy as he grabbed onto Jonghyun’s shoulders tightly, moving his hips back into his touch. He stopped the kiss to look into Jjong’s eyes, “You’re only m-making this more difficult.”

The taste of Kibum’s lips still lingered on Jonghyun’s own, a cinnamon taste that sent sparks to the inside of his mouth. His tongue felt like liquid fire as a warning to be cautious, but Jonghyun was anything but cautious. Kibum's stutters only encouraged the other more, wanting and yearning more.

Noises were heard outside the room until they heard someone walk inside, Kibum immediately tried to compose himself. Jonghyun smirked at how out of breath they both were, and just how much of a disheveled mess Kibum was. It turned Jjong on even more. Sadly, their whole rendezvous only caused them to become even more excited. He didn’t care though, because Jjong decided it was still worth every second.

“Gwiboon noona? Where are you?”

Kibum’s blush returned three times fold upon realizing who it was that had come into the room, “I’ll be right out, Taeminnie.”

“Ah, all right,” Taemin nodded. Jjong saw the puppet boy smile to himself as he obediently waited by the door. Kibum’s look of embarrassment had yet to dissipate, and if Jjong knew any better the gypsy was actually more fidgety than before.

Kibum composed himself and walked out, but Jonghyun had grabbed him and pulled him close again, “Are we going to finish what we started?”

“You can finish yourself off. The last thing I want is an audience,” Kibum’s eyes grew defiant again, “Now, if you’ll please let me go.”

Jonghyun smirked as he shook his head, “You need release too,” his eyes grew hungry as Kibum’s cheeks flushed once more. They both knew what they needed, but the gypsy had way more control than he did.

Another kiss was placed upon the journalist’s lips, soft just like rose petals, “The Knight of Wands has to first rank up to King in order to have his Queen. If the Knight stays as such, he won’t be able to stand equal by the Queen’s side,” Kibum smiled coyly.

No more words were exchanged as they both walked out of the prop closet, quite uncomfortably. Jonghyun was to be properly introduced to the rest of the family within the dark circus, and to work alongside them to concoct their escape. He had promised Kibum everyone’s freedom and even if he was acting upon the heat of the moment-much like the Knight of Wands-Jonghyun was to emerge out of it all a King.

Jonghyun would be a King who would live alongside his Queen, and they would be unstoppable.

-☼-☼-☼-

A/N; OMG I finally finished this. It took me way too long for my liking... I have so many notes to add to my a/n... but I will do so after seeing this baby posted. Sorry for any errors and such. I gave it another look, but I'm bound to have a million and one errors.

This is my gift to all the JongKey and 2min shippers. I hope you're all having a wonderful Valentine's Day. Graphic above was made by me for my fic. I'll edit this later....

Please enjoy!~ Remember feedback is love!

Random notes; (will continue to edit as I see fit) I totally see clown!Onew with his Rock of Ages hair. omg so much love right here. I'm completely in love with his hair in Rock of Ages. ;-;

Also, if you only knew the random shit I used for the graphic lol. In fact the "cut out" texture I used for Key's colorful looking outfit was the cloth from a gypsy's outfit. xD In factx2, it's the outfit that he will be wearing for the next chapter. I'll post pictures next chappy. :) sdkjfhdsjf Just kidding, felt like sharing now... Link here http://www.silverliningboutique.com/product/104/ I try not to get outfits that would be overdoing it for cross-dressing. I want gypsy!Key to wear a gypsy outfit, but not something too revealing... he is still a guy ya know. That one above is gorgeous! I wish I had it! xD

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