Shanghi Butterfly: Monday (3)
anonymous
July 20 2010, 18:08:37 UTC
They lie awhile together, not quite embracing. Finally, Arthur rises to a sitting position, watching Yao shift slightly beside him. The slim Asian is facing away, his body feeling warm and heavy. Arthur smiles, sliding a hand under Yao’s exposed knee and raising it. He kisses the pale skin softly, claiming the black butterfly tattoo on the outside of Yao’s thigh. This, too, he does every time.
You can set a clock by this man, Yao thinks sleepily.
“Butterfly,” Arthur calls. Butterfly is the stage name that Yao takes. For the Chinese, the use of one’s real name is reserved for close family only. Of which, Yao has none of, anymore. Arthur is the only one of Yao’s clients that knows his real name. “Butterfly,” Arthur calls again, his tone mocking. Yao stirs into a sitting position reluctantly.
Arthur, satisfied his commands were obeyed, rewards his lover with a swift kiss. His hands linger, tracing lightly over Yao’s tattoo. As well, Arthur is the only one who knows when and why and how it came to be.
“I’m leaving early,” The Englishman draws back and begins straightening his shirtcuffs. “Kindly call your servants for my spare clothes? And a hack.”
Yao inclines his head, as if saying, “Won’t you spend the night?” Truthfully, he doesn’t care, but one must still be polite.
Arthur isn’t looking his way, so Yao stands from the bed and swiftly dons his clothes on his way out the door. He moves without visible steps, like he is floating an inch above any surface. It is a trait that many of his customers have remarked upon.
Arthur snatches his left wrist on his way out. Yao is surprised, usually the Englishman is not so touchy-feely after sex.
“My offer still stands, you know,” Arthur says, formality not quite covering his embarrassment, “I would like it if you would contend to be…exclusive with me. I have the means to make you comfortable for many years.”
Yao knows his answer is no (“Hell, no” to be precise), but he smiles and ducks his head shyly, as if still concidering.
Without any further protest, Arthur releases him and Yao fades into the flickering darkness of the corridor.
*** NOTES: Those with a better grasp of history than the lowly author may be able to better explain British-Chinese interactions at the turn of the century. The Opium War, however, is one such case referenced in the story where the Chinese were beaten by British armies and forced to import this drug. Overall, alot of hostility and dominance-play.
OP here (with uber-long review)
anonymous
July 23 2010, 00:26:01 UTC
YUM. I'm liking this. I'm liking this a lot, specifically because it wasn't what I had in mind when I put up this request.
I love how there's a certain tenderness to their relationship that isn't just "Arthur being a colonial European douche and Yao being an exploited prostitute". Arthur solicits Yao's services not simply for the pure exoticism and sadist thrill, but because he truly covets Yao's beauty. I also love how China hasn't abandoned himself or hope, for that matter, and is biding his time in order to rise again. Instead of a tragedy embellished by (delicious) porn, it's a story of desire and *almost* redemption embellished by (delicious) porn.
*Ahem* Sorry for the long review. td;lr: FAP FAP FAP FAP FAP. *q* PS: Watch for "coitus" and "considering".
Re: Shanghi Butterfly: Monday (3)
anonymous
July 25 2010, 02:02:27 UTC
FFFF this is beautiful, anon! There will be more, right? I adore this pairing and something about this fill is just... inherently beautiful and poignant and... idk. I love it. *U*
Unfortunately, I couldn't find enough historically-accurate countries that participated in the Boxer Rebellion for Yao to uke seven days a week (not that there is much else historically accurate in this fic). XD Don't worry...I'll put something smutty in there just for you~
You can set a clock by this man, Yao thinks sleepily.
“Butterfly,” Arthur calls. Butterfly is the stage name that Yao takes. For the Chinese, the use of one’s real name is reserved for close family only. Of which, Yao has none of, anymore. Arthur is the only one of Yao’s clients that knows his real name. “Butterfly,” Arthur calls again, his tone mocking. Yao stirs into a sitting position reluctantly.
Arthur, satisfied his commands were obeyed, rewards his lover with a swift kiss. His hands linger, tracing lightly over Yao’s tattoo. As well, Arthur is the only one who knows when and why and how it came to be.
“I’m leaving early,” The Englishman draws back and begins straightening his shirtcuffs. “Kindly call your servants for my spare clothes? And a hack.”
Yao inclines his head, as if saying, “Won’t you spend the night?” Truthfully, he doesn’t care, but one must still be polite.
Arthur isn’t looking his way, so Yao stands from the bed and swiftly dons his clothes on his way out the door. He moves without visible steps, like he is floating an inch above any surface. It is a trait that many of his customers have remarked upon.
Arthur snatches his left wrist on his way out. Yao is surprised, usually the Englishman is not so touchy-feely after sex.
“My offer still stands, you know,” Arthur says, formality not quite covering his embarrassment, “I would like it if you would contend to be…exclusive with me. I have the means to make you comfortable for many years.”
Yao knows his answer is no (“Hell, no” to be precise), but he smiles and ducks his head shyly, as if still concidering.
Without any further protest, Arthur releases him and Yao fades into the flickering darkness of the corridor.
***
NOTES:
Those with a better grasp of history than the lowly author may be able to better explain British-Chinese interactions at the turn of the century. The Opium War, however, is one such case referenced in the story where the Chinese were beaten by British armies and forced to import this drug. Overall, alot of hostility and dominance-play.
Also, a hack is like a cab.
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Thank you writer!anon.
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I love how there's a certain tenderness to their relationship that isn't just "Arthur being a colonial European douche and Yao being an exploited prostitute". Arthur solicits Yao's services not simply for the pure exoticism and sadist thrill, but because he truly covets Yao's beauty. I also love how China hasn't abandoned himself or hope, for that matter, and is biding his time in order to rise again. Instead of a tragedy embellished by (delicious) porn, it's a story of desire and *almost* redemption embellished by (delicious) porn.
*Ahem* Sorry for the long review.
td;lr: FAP FAP FAP FAP FAP. *q*
PS: Watch for "coitus" and "considering".
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Captcha: adjusting him. Oh, my. O.O
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Monday: England
Tuesday: France
Wednesday: Russia
Thursday: Germany/Prussia
Friday: Japan
Saturday: US
Sunday: His day off
China ukes six days a week XD How does he do it? Ancient Chinese medicine Fiction magic.
reCaptcha: his relief ... no, there will be no relief for a while XP
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Captcha: "imitating Beckett" Are you waiting for Godot too, Yao?
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Captcha: addressing lovingly (hmmmm....)
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Yao: Well, I'm on break today, so I'm gonna relax with a cup of tea and some ginger cookies. Goodness, I'm gonna need a pedicure soon, too.
PS: You're awesome, and I love you. =)
PPSS: Godot was such a mind trip, esp since I took it in French. XD
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And Germany and Prussia at the same time?!
You should post up the parts (separately, if needed) on the various China pairing communities when you're done XD
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