Caught Unaware II (12/13+epilogue)
Title: Caught Unaware II
Author jaceni
Pairing: Jaemin, minor Hosu
Genre: Slight Angst, Romance, AU
Rating: NC-17
Warning: Yaoi, smut, reluctance, psychotic behavior, slightly dark, unbeta-ed, corny?
Length: Chaptered (12/13+epilogue)
Summary: He'd finally caught him, but what to do with him now? The boy was more stubborn than he'd initially thought, but he'd crack... they all did... eventually.
A/N: I'd like to thank all the readers for waiting so long for these updates (sorry for making you wait) and for the beta's that have beta-ed for me in the past. I won't be taking on beta's from now on for my fics, but you guys are welcomed to point out mistakes for me to fix (that I didn't catch when re-reading). ^_^ I was able to see an end with just having one more chapter and an epilogue, so you guys are almost done with this torture. =D I'll try to wrap up as many fics as I can this year, so looking forward to finishing my pending works. Hope you guys enjoy this next chappie, since I enjoyed writing it. :D
P,S. If you spot discrepancies in the story, please point them out. When I go through the fic to make it into a PDF, I'll correct these so that the story doesn't contradict itself. ^_^ Thanks!
Previous Chapter
.~~~Chapter 12~~~.
Jaejoong walked out if the room in a daze. He wasn't sure what he was feeling per say, but a sense of gratification was among those feelings. When he'd planned to test Changmin he wasn't sure what to expect, that kid always surprised him, but he was ready for anything. He wanted to see if given a chance, if he'd take his freedom or not. Of course he knew that an attachment had grown, but he hadn't known how wrapped up in his little finger he had him. This game just got better through his perspective and he began to plan his next move. With a smile and lighter step, Jaejoong made his way to his room to see from the camera how his little pet had faired now that he'd left the room.
***
Changmin stayed staring at the door long after Jaejoong had left, speechless. He couldn't think clearly and his vision was a little blurry and he didn't know why until the first drop travelled down his cooling flesh. Looking down at where the drop landed, he lifted his hand up and wiped angrily at the weakness he was displaying. The elation at having the chain off was dampened by the realization that he hadn't been thinking of escaping when he'd felt Jaejoong's lips on his skin. He hadn't been thinking of escape as he'd felt the other man’s body heat on him and he hadn't thought of escape in what seemed like forever. He was deeply falling into the many symptom's he'd read about, the ones in which people in these situations went through, but he found that he didn’t care. He didn't care as long as Jaejoong… that's absurd.
How can reality escape his grasp whenever Jaejoong was nearby?
How can freedom seem unimportant whenever he felt that man's touch?
Changmin suddenly felt dirty for some reason. He needed to shower… right now.
He quickly got up from the bed and felt dizzy from the sudden change in position and at the lightness he felt at the freedom he recently acquired, but disregarded both and went to the bathroom, turning the water to scolding hot. Once the spray hit his face, he couldn't distinguish the tears running down his face from the hot water droplets. Here, he could show weakness and breakdown.
He didn't know what was happening to him and he felt as if he was slowly turning insane. He couldn't distinguish up from down and it was taking a toll on his mind.
He didn't know who he was anymore… or what to do.
*******************
Jaejoong observed the monitor as Changmin slept on, unable to stop observing him. He felt himself slowly losing his mind as he'd gotten this uncontrollable urge to go to him when he'd seen that tear drop down his cheek. He'd grabbed on tightly to the table to stop himself then and as he saw him enter the bathroom, he'd had to stop himself from going to him. He was supposed to be in charge here, and he'd decided to not visit him again until at least one day went by. He wanted to see Changmin's eyes light up whenever he went to him, but the desire boggled his mind.
Deciding that it was a much too eventful day and that lack of sleep wasn’t helping his unstable mind, he rubbed his eyes tiredly and left the monitor alone. Making sure his bedroom was locked and getting into bed. Even with all the troubling thought’s running through his mind, he managed to fall asleep. Frowning slightly when the last thing in his mind was the tear streaked face of Shim Changmin.
***
Changmin woke up the next day feeling as if he was still exhausted beyond belief, but with a clearer head than he’d gone to sleep with. He sighed softly. He was tired of his situation. Tired of being trapped in this god forsaken place with an unstable guy that kept confusing him more and more as the days passed. He didn’t know what he wanted from him. He was at a complete lost. At this point, Changmin would do anything to stop these confusing feelings from overtaking him. To stop those unstable images that have recently appeared in his dreams ever since he’d had that chain on his ankle. To just go back to the way things were… a simple life as a bookstore clerk trying to make a living to help out with his sister’s college funds who lived 17 hours away. A life with his best friend Yunho… who must be worried sick for him at this point. He wondered briefly if his sister had even noticed he was missing, if his parents had even noticed.
He missed being able to eat whatever he wanted, go wherever he wanted, wear whatever he wanted. He missed not feeling vulnerable every second of every day. Sometimes he wondered why he didn’t just find a way to end his miserable life, since it was pretty clear in his mind that he’d never be able to live a normal life again after this was over… if it was ever over. Maybe he’d just be killed in the end, whenever Jaejoong got what he wanted from him.
Changmin had lost track of the days and nights that had passed; had lost track of anything but the man that kept him alive for an unknown purpose. Felt nothing but gratitude to be kept alive and now have freedom to roam from one part of his cell to the next without that dreadful noise the chain made. It’d just been a night that he’d been granted that freedom, but just having it and it not being a dream made him feel so much gratitude that he was sure he’d hug his captor out of sheer happiness. He knew it was twisted but couldn’t help that feeling. He should be hating Jaejoong for treating him this way, but couldn’t find it in himself to do so. He’d grown to depend so much on the guy that Changmin was scared to think of what would happen when he finally was rescued from this place… if he ever was. He wasn’t sure whether death wouldn’t be better. It was these conflicting emotions that were driving him crazy. He wanted things he shouldn’t want from his captor; things that he normally never would if it weren’t for where he was currently.
His body felt heavy, but he made himself get up. When he did, he noticed the tray of food was already there and that Jaejoong was calmly observing him from his usual seat across from him. Changmin’s eyes widened at the realization that he might have slept longer than he’d originally thought and his heart speed up. He suddenly felt self- conscious of his appearance, discretely running a hand through his hair, and looked down again. He could feel heat creep up his chest and towards his face, which he could feel reddening as the seconds passed by. His thoughts emptied out, with only the following questions occupying his mind: What was Jaejoong thinking? Why wasn’t he saying anything? How long had he been staring at him without him knowing the other was in the room? Why couldn’t his mind stop producing these stupid useless questions?
He cleared his throat, trying to block the images of last night out of his mind and focus on how to interact with Jaejoong after he’d been thoroughly humiliated. Gathering all of his remaining courage, he looked up at Jaejoong and opened his mouth to say something except that nothing came out.
“Right, I’ll just… go brush my teeth…” he said awkwardly and went to the bathroom stiffly. All the while feeling Jaejoong’s stare on his back the whole way.
While brushing his teeth, Changmin heard the door to his room/cell close and he peaked out. Jaejoong seemed to have left and Changmin felt a pang of disappointment before he berated himself and thought it better to just have a few moments to gather himself and decide how he wanted to treat what happened last night. He knew that whatever he decided would change the course of his behavior and at this point he needed to weigh his options with his now clear head. It was time to take control of what happened to him. He couldn’t keep living the way he was living… something had to give.
**
Jaejoong went in to deliver lunch for Changmin. He wasn’t sure what he was expecting when he went in, but seeing Changmin’s eyes focus solely on him and so clear (at least more so than they’d been just a day ago) unsettled him. He wasn’t sure what was going on through that boy’s head, but he knew that he probably wouldn’t like whatever he found there. He settled the plate down where he usually placed it and found himself a little startled when Changmin calmly got up from the bed and went to gather the plate. He kept his features as composed as he could, even as a strange sensation of relief went through him.
He’d expected Changmin to keep playing the shy card, especially with everything that happened, but was somewhat relieved to see him recovering his original personality. The one that intrigued Jaejoong so much and made him want to tear into Changmin only to see him reconstruct himself all over again. He enjoyed Changmin vulnerable, but only up to a certain point. He hated the feelings the other evoked in him whenever he was vulnerable, the ones that made him feel as if he had a weakness… he was Kim Jaejoong… aka Cold Hearted Hero: The Man You Don’t Cross. He didn’t have weakness… and he’d be damned if Shim Changmin became one. Yet… he couldn’t stop the game he was playing. He had to see it till the end.
“How old are you Jaejoong?” Changmin asked in a light voice as he ate another bite of his lunch. Jaejoong blinked, unsure he’d heard the other correctly.
“What?” He asked a bit incredulous.
“I asked how old you are. I’ve been here god only knows how many days, don’t you think it’s time to know a little more about each other? Yeah, we’ve talked, but nothing personal or to the point as this. I mean, I’m stuck here until you feel like disposing of me and I have nobody else to talk to, so what the heck. Let’s just try getting along and see where this goes. What’s your age?” Changmin stopped eating and just stayed staring at him. Jaejoong felt unnerved by the steady gaze and answered without thought.
“Twenty six.”
As soon as the words were out, he tensed, lips pressed in a straight line. He hadn’t meant to give out his actual age.
“Hey, you’re my Hyung then! I’m twenty three. I couldn’t go to college, but hope to be able to one day. If I’m still alive after this I mean. I’m helping my sister pay for hers though, that’s why I worked in that book store I first saw you in.” Changmin smiled and then went back to eating as if he hadn’t just talked casually with Jaejoong a second ago.
Jaejoong was so baffled that he didn’t even think of reprimanding Changmin. After his initial shock, he realized it’s the most Changmin has talked to him without being scared witless or coerced into a conversation or just talking about some irrelevant topic. This knowledge does something to his insides and he decides he doesn’t know what that feeling is. And the fact that Jaejoong knew that he was being honest didn’t help at all. Even though he’d known this information, the fact that Changmin was sharing it with him made him feel a warmth he didn’t know he could have until he met Changmin.
He decides it’s time for him to leave the room. He glances at Changmin one last time before leaving the room.
***
Changmin felt lighthearted and happy. Having someone who lets you talk and doesn’t hush you or make you feel beneath them is a great change to have in a situation such as his. After he decided to just give in and let whatever the hell is happening happen, he feels much lighter and less stressed.
Ever since he’s began talking with Jaejoong, getting rid of his silence, he’s felt better about the situation he’s in than he had since he’s arrived. He never realized how much human conversation he was missing until he began engaging Jaejoong in full on conversation that were more than just ‘so entertain me with a story or else I’ll do something to punish you’. Today was the third day of this, but he didn’t feel the time pass as slowly. Jaejoong had been staying in his room longer too, so that might have a lot to do with the time passing fast. He’d never been a believer of ‘in good company times flies’ philosophy, but he might be one now.
He stopped when he thought of that. He couldn’t believe he was thinking Jaejoong was good company… after all they’d been through and all he’d done… Jaejoong, good company? He could feel a silly smile forming on his lips, one he abruptly ended. Okay, no need to get all giddy about his kidnapper. He still had to find a way to escape, but he was starting to believe he wouldn’t be able to without having to leave his virginity behind.
The sad thing was, he kind of didn’t care anymore. After all this time he’d gotten to know and understand Jaejoong a little. He could see that Jaejoong had many layers, and somehow that only made him want to analyze him more. There was just something about Jaejoong that called his attention, and that was something Changmin had known since the first time he’d laid eyes on Jaejoong.
**
Jaejoong sat down heavily on his desk after his conversation with Yoochun, still in disbelief of what he’d heard. He quickly went to the fax as he heard the machine running, printing the information Yoochun had said he’d send. As soon as he got to the machine he flipped a couple of printed pages to the page he noticed a picture from and gasped out loud. His hand shook as he stared at the photo, unable to believe what he was seeing and was unable to stop the flash of memory that came to the forefront of his mind.
-Flashback-
Jaejoong glanced around to make sure the servants weren’t seen anywhere. He giggled, his childish hands trying to cover his mouth to prevent himself from laughing. He had seen Jinhee passing by looking for him, but he didn’t want to be found. He sighed, his mood getting darker. He wanted to try using the new binoculars he’d gotten, but the only thing to see miles around were trees, trees, and more trees.
He wanted to see human life that didn’t involve his own servants. He snuck as close to the gates as he dared and looked beyond at the white house a distance away. He took his binoculars out and tried to focus on something. Once he was able to focus the lenses, he scouted the area, looking for anyone he happened to see outside. Once he did, he gasped. There was a kid living next door? How come his parents hadn’t told him that he could play with the neighbor? He observed as the boy fumbled about, laughing at nothing and being caught by a woman who was just as well dressed as his own mother.
He saw the boy playfully try to escape his mother’s grasp and laughing toothily at the women.
He saw the boys unusual shaped lips and the way his eyes mismatched in his milky white skin.
His cheeks were flushed with the excitement of the game. For a moment he felt envy that his mother had never played with him like that, but then he felt bad. His parents did what they could with him. He shouldn’t ask for more than they could give.
Feeling a little down, Jaejoong went back home. At the first chance he got, he asked one of the servants. “Who lives in that white house next to ours Jinhee?” He said it calmly, as if Jinhee hadn’t been trying to find him all that time.
“Ah! Young master! You scared me! Where did you come from?” Jinhee looked around, as if she could figure out from where Jaejoong came from by looking at all possible locations.
“I was just playing outside.” He said dismissively, patiently waiting for the answer to his question.
“You know Master doesn’t like you going outside alone Young Master. Please don’t disappear like that again, neh? And to answer your question, the Shims live there.”
“The Shims?” He asked curiously.
“Yes, the Shims. They’re your father’s business partners, that’s why they live so close by and-”
“That’s enough Jinhee. You’re dismissed.” Jaejoong jumped when his father’s voice resonated in the area.
“Appa!” He said, shocked.
Jaejoong flinched when his father’s gaze landed on him.
“Why are you asking about the Shim’s Jaejoong?”
Jaejoong felt nervous. He could never lie to his father. It was just something he didn’t have the talent for.
“I-I-I just went to the edge of our land and tried out the binocular’s you gave me Appa. I happened to see the Shim’s house and-” Jaejoong stopped abruptly when his father outstretched his hand.
He looked uncertainly at his father’s hand, not sure what he wanted.
“Hand over the binoculars Jaejoong.” His father’s stern voice caused fear in him and he quickly handed over the binoculars.
“I don’t want to see you going that far off from the house again Jaejoong. I don’t want you getting near the Shims. They might be business partners, but that’s it. I don’t want you befriending anyone, is that clear? You can trust in no one. You’re the Kim heir and that means that you’re above what normal humans have. And stop showing all the emotions that pass through your mind on your face. You can’t run a business with your emotions so clearly on your face. Do you understand Jaejoong?” His father’s voice had an eerie calm to it that sent shivers down his spine.
“Yes Appa.” He said dejectedly and resigned. For some reason, he’d thought that since they were his father’s business partners that he’d be allowed to be around another kid’s presence, even if he seemed to be younger. But it was clear that that would never be the case.
“Good. Now go get ready for lunch.” With that, the Kim patriarch left to go to his study, leaving his son alone and with a new determination.
-End Flashback-
Changmin was his old neighbor. Jaejoong had only heard in passing what had happened to that family. His parents had never told him why they had moved. Never mentioned anything really. It had been from the servants conversations that he’d learned that the family had been massacred.
Every last one of them.
Nobody had known the boy had apparently survived… the only reason why he was still alive. After that day, Jaejoong had forgotten all about the kid he could never play with and the family that apparently were good enough for business but not for friendship.
He kept reading the profile. Yoochun was indeed a great detective. He’d captured all the details to what had happened. It seemed that Changmin’s father, whose name was Kyumin, had made a false moved and got a black market mobster pissed off by beating him to a deal. This guy was a sore loser… now that Jaejoong saw the name he knew exactly who this was. He’d also had to deal with that bastard and it hadn’t been too difficult to take him out… at least for Hero it hadn’t. He supposed that he’d helped Changmin with his revenge without knowing it… if he’d ever wanted to avenge his parent’s death that is.
As Jaejoong continued reading, he was slowly becoming undone. For some reason, he couldn’t stay detached from this. He felt as if he’d known Changmin his whole life. A feeling he’d envied those who got to experience something like that.
How could it be that he’d formed such a strong attachment to someone he’d only seen once at such a young age?
Changmin’s life had been a tragic one. His parents had tried to protect him by sending him away, shortly thereafter meeting their deaths. Foster parents hadn’t exactly been supportive, his adoptive sister wasn’t that much better even though Changmin had sacrificed his education for hers. The only silver lining had been his friendship with Yunho. The more Jaejoong read, the more he felt a feeling that felt like guilt assault him and he couldn’t put up the walls he so desperately wanted to put up. It was as if the years of keeping people out, of keeping emotions out, were gone and he was once more just like everyone else… even if for this moment alone.
Once he finished, he noticed what had become of the Shim’s estates and assets. He was shocked once again when he noticed that they were part of his financial assets. Taken when he’d taken Siwon’s life, the same person who’d taken Kyumin’s and Sooyoung’s life.
Jaejoong sat there for ten minutes straight; unable to move or to assimilate all the sensations of emotions he couldn’t completely understand assaulting him. Once he was able to get his head on straight, he stood up determinately. He knew what he would do.
He had to see Changmin, but first… he needed to get some things ready. He knew what he had to do now.
Chapter 13