(no subject)
Henry scowled, picking at his dress. Why he was wearing a dress was anyone’s guess, but after years of the same people had learnt not to question it. Fingering the long twirls of his hair extensions and puffing out his cheeks, he scowled into the mirror, wishing the pretty white dress would magically catch alight and he could plead shock and get out of the party. He knew his mother better than that though. He’d only be beaten around the head and made to change and go anyway, burns and all.
Speak of the devil, Heechul breezed into the room, looking strangely majestic in a long red Chinese dress, twirling a parasol. Heechul paused at the mirror to admire his flawless face before glancing at his only son. Dropping the parasol, Heechul squealed, red hair flying as he crushed Henry to him rubbing his cheek enthusiastically against Henry’s curled brown locks.
‘Oh my beautiful son, aren’t you just the cutest thing! You definitely take after me!’ Henry sighed, used to his mother’s eccentricities. Hankyung’s head popped through the door, looking exasperated and a little strained.
‘What happened to my idea? I thought Henry was going in this,’ Hankyung waved around the burka, ‘This way no one can see him, but he can still have fun at the party,’ Hankyung grinned at the idea while Heechul shot him a dry look.
‘Hankyungie, we can’t cover up the master piece we made. We’ll just make it clear that they can look, but can’t touch,’ Heechul waved a flippant hand, fixing one of Henry’s spiraling twirls. He didn’t bother to protest the treatment. He was more than used to it.
‘Can we just get this over with?’ Heechul shot him a disapproving look.
‘This is your coming of age! Sixteen at last! You should be a little more excited. Your father and I have put a lot of effort into making this special,’ Heechul began floating towards the exit, grabbing Hankyung by the arm as he went, ‘I don’t know why I agreed to let you keep him so isolated. That bitch Jaejoong has been spreading rumors that my baby has some horrible deformity and that’s why no sees him…’ Henry scowled, trying to pull an extension from his hair. Why was his family so freaking weird?!
A slap around his head stopped the frantic pulling at his locks. Glancing guiltily over, Sungmin fixed him with a dark look, adjusting the little pink frilly….thing he wore on his head as a hat.
‘If I ever see you doing that to your extensions again, I’m going to strangle you with them. Is that clear?’ Henry nodded frantically, ‘Good,’ Sungmin grinned smoothing out the pure white apron over his bubblegum pink skirt. There was a knock on the door and Sungmin flounced off to open it. Henry breathed a sigh of relief.
Onew and Minho breezed into the room, dressed in pale colored tights, shiny boots and peasant shirts, looking like some sort of futuristic musketeers. Onew froze just inside the room, eying Henry up and down.
‘Wow,’ Onew gaped, for once at loss for words. Minho peered around the elder’s shoulder and smiled gently at Henry.
‘You scrub up nice, hyung,’
♪♫♥♫♪
Siwon sighed, feeling a light head ache coming on. Kyuhyun was next to him, arms crossed looking grumpy as their parents flirted outrageously, having already gotten stuck into the limo’s mini-bar. Leeteuk’s high-pitched laughter was punctuated periodically by a gasped plea to stop as Kangin tickled him relentlessly. Siwon edged the mini bar fridge door closed with his foot, keeping the appendage firmly planted there should Kangin reach for another beer. Kibum snickered at him unsympathetically.
Siwon would have much preferred to have been at home reading a good book, but Leeteuk wouldn’t take no for an answer. Apparently a close friend of theirs was finally revealing their mysterious child to the public, after keeping him away from the social scene his whole life. Siwon had the sneaking suspicion that his mother was trying to set either Kyuhyun or himself up with said child, but when asked, Leeteuk would smile innocently and pat him on the cheek gently before prancing off.
The limo pulled to a stop and Leeteuk flounced out, picking up his long skirts and giggling as Kangin chased him out. Kyuhyun looked like he wanted to be sick when the two of them climbed out and caught their father swinging Leeteuk around while laughing hysterically. Kibum chuckled from behind them, avoiding Kyuhyun’s eyes when the youngest shot him a scathing look.
‘You are so lucky your parents are in America,’ Kyuhyun muttered, shoving his hands in the pockets of his tux and skulking up the winding driveway lined with roses and glittering fairy lights morosely. Kyuhyun had flat out rejected any attempt to get him into costume, instead shucking on his tux with barely hidden distain. Siwon envied him momentarily as he eyed his own pure white prince’s costume. Starting after his younger brother, Siwon eyed Kibum with envy.
‘Why aren’t you dressed up?’ Kibum grinned, sliding a pair of dark shades out of his tux pocket and slipping them on.
‘I’m a bodyguard,’ Siwon scowled at him.
‘The whole point of costume is to dress up as something you’re not,’ Kibum just grinned.
‘I like to think of myself as a babysitter most days anyway, running around after you and Kyuhyun. Being an actual bodyguard is a cool change,’ Siwon didn’t bother correcting the younger male knowing what a nuisance Kyuhyun could make of himself when he wanted to.
Kangin and Leeteuk were waiting for them at the doors, a sulking Kyuhyun skulking around behind them.
‘Darling, hurry up. I can’t wait to meet Heechullie’s son. He’s always going on about how cute he is. You like cute boys, don’t you my Siwwonnie,’ Leeteuk smoothed Siwon’s hair back lovingly and Siwon didn’t have the heart to show how much he didn’t want to be there, seeing his mother so excited. They moved through the gigantic double doors and Siwon had a brief flash of déjà vu, as if he’d been there before. There was a huge ballroom to the left, a wide staircase leading to the upper levels the main feature. Leeteuk pranced ahead of them, throwing his arms around an elegant male with crimson red hair and a matching silk Chinese dress. Siwon and Kyuhyun followed at a more sedate pace as Kangin shook hands with a tall handsome male dressed as a Chinese emperor.
‘Siwon-ah, Kyuhyun this is Heechul and Hankyung. We were going to make them Kyuhyunie’s godparents, but Henry was on the way at the time so we chose Yesung instead,’ Kyuhyun shuddered, obviously thinking about his creepy priest godfather. Heechul eyed the two of them, eyes evaluating before offering a sly smile.
‘It’s nice to finally meet you both. Leeteuk talks about you so much,’ Something about Heechul made Siwon very nervous, but he smiled his most charming and pressed a kiss to the older males hand.
‘A pleasure to meet such a good friend of my family,’ Heechul laughed, latching back onto Hankyung’s arm who didn’t look nearly so pleased to see them. But then he looked generally on edge, so Siwon didn’t take it personally. The music suddenly stopped, and only when it disappeared did Siwon realize how loud it had been. Something seemed to be pulling everyone’s attention towards the stairs and as Siwon glanced over Heechul caught his eye, winking. Bemused, Siwon locked eyes on the few figures on the staircase. At the front, flouncing down the stairs was a boy who looked a little older than Siwon himself, dressed in a pink maid’s costume, frilly pink hat and all. A strangled sound from next to him had him glancing over at Kyuhyun, who looked half pained, eyes traced on the boy’s fluttering skirt. Siwon stifled a laugh glancing back. Flanking the last person were two boys who looked younger than him, dressed in an array of pale and metallic colors as musketeers.
It was the last figure that grabbed Siwon’s attention. Clad in a flowing white dress, with pretty white feathered wings peaking over their shoulders, Siwon couldn’t quite decide whether it was a girl or a boy. The dress covered any curves, or lack thereof and their hair spiraled around them in pretty curls. Soft pink lips and cute round cheeks, the figure really did look like an angel from the old paintings. The crowd parted as the four of them made their way to where Heechul and Hankyung stood. Siwon couldn’t tear his eyes away from the brunette angel. Heechul wrapped a soft arm around the angel’s waist, ignoring the blush staining his only child’s cheeks.
‘Leeteuk-ah, this is our son, Henry,’ Siwon glanced at his mother, who looked like he’d just seen a kitten in a window.
‘Oh, he’s so cute!’ Leeteuk pinched the boy’s cheek, stroking a hand through his curls, ‘Why are both my sons such brutes?’ Leeteuk shot his husband an accusing look and Kangin looked oddly smug eying Siwon’s muscular frame and Kyuhyun’s height.
‘They take after me,’ Kangin grinned at Henry, shaking his hand. Siwon stepped forward, taking the younger boys hand in his, enjoying the blush that stole across the brunette’s cheeks.
‘It’s wonderful to meet you. My name is Choi Siwon,’ Henry eyes widened as his hand was brought to the older boys lips, a tender kiss being pressed to his knuckles. Neither of them moved for a moment, before someone cleared there throat loudly. Hankyung stepped forward, laying a hand on his son’s shoulder and glaring.
‘And these are Henry’s bodyguards; Onew and Minho,’ Siwon stepped back, glancing at the two young boys who looked more amused than intimidating. Heechul covered his mouth, laughing silently as his husband glared at Siwon.
The music had started up again by now and Siwon thought about asking Henry to dance, hoping to get a moment to talk to him away from his obviously overprotective father. He was distracted though when a boy around his age swept onto the scene, shaking hands with Hankyung. He was dressed in a similar costume to Siwon, only in a bizarre mix of pale yellow and gold.
‘Uncle Hankyung, may I please dance with Henry,’ Hankyung looked unsure, eying the boy he obviously knew with hesitance. The boy must have noticed this, because he shot the older male a wide innocent smile that seemed to set Hankyung at ease.
‘Of course Taemin-ah. Take care of Henry,’ Taemin grinned and took Henry by the hand, leading the youngest away gently. Siwon fancied he didn’t look too pleased about it.
Excusing himself, Siwon edged around the crowd, trying to keep an eye on Taemin and Henry without making it too obvious. He felt a jolt of panic when he couldn’t see them and quickly made his way to the last place he’d seen the two of them. Coming to a stop near a potted plant he gave the area a quick sweep with his eyes, only to catch sight of two figures in a small alcove, almost completely hidden by the plant. He could only see them because he was pressed against the wall, peering through the gap in the foliage. The dim light caught Henry’s pale face over Taemin’s shoulder. The younger brunette was pressed against the wall, looking unamused, while Taemin loomed over him blocking any escape. Taemin’s head dipped and Siwon had to strain to hear what was being said.
‘Henry, have you been avoiding me? Whenever I come around you’re conveniently out. I don’t remember you having quite such a busy social calendar before I proposed,’ Siwon was alarmed to see the soft silk of Henry’s dress shifting upwards as Taemin ran a bold hand up his thigh. Henry’s mouth tightened in irritation as the taller boy pressed lips to his pale neck, before twisting as Taemin bit down. Siwon started, wanting to interfere, but desire to know what Taemin was talking about won out.
‘I have no idea what you’re talking about,’ Henry scowled, sounding completely uninterested in the conversation. Siwon was able to see Taemin’s expression as he tilted his head slightly: his lip was pulled back in a sneer before his expression clear and he smiled again.
‘No matter. Your mother’s the perfect social queen. He’ll have you lined up to marry someone of proper rank in no time and who better than his beloved son’s only childhood friend. It helps I’m one of the only men Hankyung trusts with you,’ Taemin’s head dipped again, nuzzling against Henry’s neck, ‘I’m going to enjoy taking you against every available surface when you’re finally mine and your Daddy can’t do anything to stop me,’ Taemin’s hands stroked up Henry’s thigh and under his skirt, roughly groping his ass.
Siwon started towards them but before he’d even taken two steps towards them Taemin crumpled forward, clutching at his groin. Siwon caught sight of Henry’s grumpy expression as he planted his knee into Taemin’s nose as well and was left feeling strangely impressed as he stormed off towards the balcony.
Siwon followed Henry edging around the outside of the ballroom, stopping just inside the doors leading out onto the balcony where Henry was. The moon washed over the scene and Siwon was enchanted, feeling like a prince stepped out of a fairy tale. Coming up behind Henry, he was sure to make noise so as not to scare the younger male. Leaning against the railing, he glanced at Henry and wondered at how drawn he felt to him.
‘Wanna tell me what that was about?’ Henry glanced over and didn’t bother asking what he was talking about. He just scowled, twisting his lips in annoyance.
‘Taemin’s mom and mine are close. Key and Heechul used to try and get me and Taemin to be friends. They used to say we were the cutest kids ever and wouldn’t we just make a perfect couple. They were joking for the most part, but Taemin got the idea in his head and he’s fixated on it. It’s kind of creepy. Key totally spoils him though so he thinks he can have everything he wants,’ Siwon frowned. Taemin seemed more than just a spoiled kid. The way he’d handled Henry was a little demented.
‘Have you tried telling Heechul or Hankyung?’ Henry scrunched his nose up, looking wry.
‘I love my mom, but he’s totally crazy. He just smirked, patted me on the head and told me not to tell dad when I brought it up,’ They both stood in silence, soaking up the cool night breeze, the low murmuring from the ballroom and the soft music wafting over the balcony. After a long while Siwon asked in a soft voice.
‘Is Taemin right though? Can he convince your father to let him marry you?’ Henry worried his lip, looking out over the gardens contemplatively.
‘Probably. Dad’s really overprotective. To him, Taemin’s still that 5 year old boy I used to run around with,’ Looking at the miserable expression on Henry’s face, Siwon was determined to set things right. In the mean time, he wanted to get to know the younger boy.
‘So, what’s the story with Onew and Minho?’ Siwon felt a thrill when Henry laughed.
‘They’re like, my age and friends of the family. Dad saw them rough-housing one day and got this crazy idea to start teaching them Chinese martial arts and started paying them to follow me around everywhere. It’s totally insane,’
♪♫♥♫♪
Siwon bit at his lip, letting out a nervous breath. It was the Monday after the party and all he’d thought about since was the small smile Henry had flashed him after pressing a soft kiss to his cheek and slipping away into the ballroom again after hours of talking on the balcony. He was at the main building of the huge company Hankyung owned, waiting to be shown into his office. Nerves jiggled around in his stomach, but there was something about Henry that made him want to do this for him. Henry had been so resigned, as if the concept of actually doing something was totally foreign to him. He was very Zen from what Siwon could tell, going with the flow and just doing whatever in order to minimize the ripples he caused. Siwon imagined it was as a result of growing up with parents like Heechul, the unpredictable, unstoppable firecracker, and Hankyung, the Zen master himself except when it came to his only son’s chastity. Henry was no damsel, but he wasn’t exactly a confidant headstrong individual either.
A rather plain secretary with strange teeth and acne scars smiled at him brightly, beckoning him into Hankyung’s large airy office and closing the door behind him. Hankyung was sitting behind the large desk, a pair of black framed glasses perched on his nose, looking wistful. Gesturing at a seat in front of his desk, Hankyung sighed and tore his eyes from the door shuffling through some paperwork idly.
‘I used to have this beautiful, tall leggy Chinese girl for a secretary. She was brilliant at her job, but Heechul made me fire her cause he didn’t like the way she looked at me,’ Siwon cleared his throat awkwardly. Hankyung jerked as if waking up and smiled at Siwon sheepishly, ‘Sorry. So, what can I do for you?’ Hankyung plastered on an enquiring expression staring at him expectantly and completely unnerving Siwon.
‘Actually, I wanted to talk to you about Henry,’ Hankyung’s expression morphed from open to coldly polite.
‘Oh,’ Hankyung weaved his fingers together, leaning on them so that Siwon couldn’t see the displeased tilt to his mouth.
‘I know it’s not my place to interfere in such matters, but I’m worried about him,’ Siwon paused, trying to judge Hankyung’s expression, but it was still as cold.
‘…Go on,’ Siwon took a deep breath and decided to just blurt it out.
‘I saw Taemin molesting Henry at the party on Saturday night,’ Hankyung’s expression shifted instantly, looking unbelieving. He cleared his throat, looking cross.
‘That’s a very serious accusation Mr. Choi,’ Hankyung’s eyes were dark and piercing and Siwon knew he didn’t believe a word.
‘Please, I know it sounds farfetched, but just ask Henry. You have to believe that Taemin’s not right for your son,’ Hankyung very nearly growled, looking fierce and not a little angry.
‘And I suppose you think you’re a more ideal candidate. And I believe if my son were being molested as you say he was, he would have mentioned it to me. He knows I would do anything for him,’
‘That’s not what I meant,’ All though the idea of having Henry to himself did appeal, ‘You’re twisting my words, please just listen,’ Hankyung stood, looking down his nose at Siwon.
‘I think I’ve heard quite enough. You were right; you were completely out of line. How dare you try and tell me what’s best for my son. I’ll have to ask you to remove yourself or I’ll have someone do it for you. And if I catch you anywhere near Henry I will make sure you regret the day you were born. Am I clear?’ Siwon took a breath to argue further, but saw the stubborn expression on Hankyung’s face and decided not to make things worse.
‘Crystal. Have a good day Mr. Kim,’
♪♫♥♫♪
Henry stared at his toenails disdainfully, but didn’t say anything as Heechul seized his other foot and began applying the baby pink polish to his remaining nails. Sungmin was sprawled out on his stomach on the soft rug reading out birthday cards sent from various socialites while Heechul scoffed at them, disdainfully labeling them all suck-ups or stuck-ups. Taemin sat watching with a serene smile, a fond expression pasted on. Henry felt sick under his blue-eyed gaze, sensing the lingering cold calculation. Taemin caught his eye winking cheekily. To an observer the gesture appeared charming, but it made Henry want to throw up into the potted bamboo his dad had gotten him from China.
There was a sudden crash from downstairs and Heechul jerked, cursing like a sailor at the streak of pink on Henry’s foot. Standing and throwing the tiny brush onto the little coffee table the bottle was perched on, he stormed across the room, wrenched the door open and leaned over the railing that overlooked the entrance hall.
‘Yah, if you want to throw a tantrum, do it somewhere I don’t have to listen to it! What the hell is your problem?’ Following curiously, Henry peered around his mother to see Hankyung nursing his fist from where he’d just planted it in the wall.
‘Kangin’s brat visited me at work. Choi Siwon,’ Henry’s heart leapt into his throat and something in his expression must have changed because Taemin, who was standing next to him gripped his wrist tightly, scowling. Henry wrenched his wrist from Taemin’s grip, going to fetch the first aid kit from his bathroom. Taemin followed close behind and Henry would tell him to back off, if only it didn’t involve an awful lot of explaining to his parents.
Taemin pushed the door shut and grabbed Henry by the wrist pulling him around and slamming him against the door. He caught both of Henry’s wrists in one hand, pinning them above his head, while the other hand found its way to his hip, squeezing.
‘I saw you and him. Out on the balcony. What were you doing? What did he want?’ Henry remained silent, glaring petulantly at the taller male, ‘Answer me! If I find out there’s anything going on between the two of you, you don’t want to know what I’ll do to you. You. Are. Mine,’ He punctuated each word by shaking Henry before catching his lips in a searing kiss. Henry wrenched himself away, breathing heavily.
‘Get off me Taemin,’ He whispered hoarsely. Taemin backed off with a lecherous grin before opening the door and disappearing. Henry sucked in a shaky breath before retrieving the first aid kit. When he returned Hankyung was perched on his bed sulking while Heechul chewed him out for putting a hole in the wall. Henry just quietly began wrapping his father’s wrist in a soft bandage.
‘Now what the hell happened?’ Heechul’s glare promised retribution if his husband’s answer didn’t please him. Hankyung sighed.
‘Choi Siwon came to the office today. Spouting crap, trying to talk me into letting him get close to Henry no doubt,’ The furious expression on Hankyung’s face was slightly detracted from by the pouting that accompanied it. Heechul let out an exasperated sigh.
‘What exactly did Siwon say?’ Hankyung fell silent, hesitating a moment and shooting a look at Taemin.
‘He said…He said that he saw Taemin molesting Henry…said that Taemin wasn’t who we thought he was,’ the room was dead silent. Henry’s heartbeat was so loud he was sure they could all hear it. Heechul, Hankyung and Sungmin all turned questioning eyes on him.
‘Baby, is this true?’ Heechul’s eyes were soft and encouraging.
For a moment he contemplated telling them, ending it all. Glancing around at their faces he caught Taemin’s eye over his father’s shoulder. His expression was dark and Henry felt a thrill of fear down his spine. His hand drifted to the rapidly forming bruise on his hip.
‘No… Taemin would never do anything like that…’
♪♫♥♫♪
AN: Well there’s part one. Please let me know what aspects you do or don’t like. I was a bit unsure because there’s such a contrast between the opening scene and Taemin’s scene, but hopefully it wasn’t too jarring.
Speak of the devil, Heechul breezed into the room, looking strangely majestic in a long red Chinese dress, twirling a parasol. Heechul paused at the mirror to admire his flawless face before glancing at his only son. Dropping the parasol, Heechul squealed, red hair flying as he crushed Henry to him rubbing his cheek enthusiastically against Henry’s curled brown locks.
‘Oh my beautiful son, aren’t you just the cutest thing! You definitely take after me!’ Henry sighed, used to his mother’s eccentricities. Hankyung’s head popped through the door, looking exasperated and a little strained.
‘What happened to my idea? I thought Henry was going in this,’ Hankyung waved around the burka, ‘This way no one can see him, but he can still have fun at the party,’ Hankyung grinned at the idea while Heechul shot him a dry look.
‘Hankyungie, we can’t cover up the master piece we made. We’ll just make it clear that they can look, but can’t touch,’ Heechul waved a flippant hand, fixing one of Henry’s spiraling twirls. He didn’t bother to protest the treatment. He was more than used to it.
‘Can we just get this over with?’ Heechul shot him a disapproving look.
‘This is your coming of age! Sixteen at last! You should be a little more excited. Your father and I have put a lot of effort into making this special,’ Heechul began floating towards the exit, grabbing Hankyung by the arm as he went, ‘I don’t know why I agreed to let you keep him so isolated. That bitch Jaejoong has been spreading rumors that my baby has some horrible deformity and that’s why no sees him…’ Henry scowled, trying to pull an extension from his hair. Why was his family so freaking weird?!
A slap around his head stopped the frantic pulling at his locks. Glancing guiltily over, Sungmin fixed him with a dark look, adjusting the little pink frilly….thing he wore on his head as a hat.
‘If I ever see you doing that to your extensions again, I’m going to strangle you with them. Is that clear?’ Henry nodded frantically, ‘Good,’ Sungmin grinned smoothing out the pure white apron over his bubblegum pink skirt. There was a knock on the door and Sungmin flounced off to open it. Henry breathed a sigh of relief.
Onew and Minho breezed into the room, dressed in pale colored tights, shiny boots and peasant shirts, looking like some sort of futuristic musketeers. Onew froze just inside the room, eying Henry up and down.
‘Wow,’ Onew gaped, for once at loss for words. Minho peered around the elder’s shoulder and smiled gently at Henry.
‘You scrub up nice, hyung,’
♪♫♥♫♪
Siwon sighed, feeling a light head ache coming on. Kyuhyun was next to him, arms crossed looking grumpy as their parents flirted outrageously, having already gotten stuck into the limo’s mini-bar. Leeteuk’s high-pitched laughter was punctuated periodically by a gasped plea to stop as Kangin tickled him relentlessly. Siwon edged the mini bar fridge door closed with his foot, keeping the appendage firmly planted there should Kangin reach for another beer. Kibum snickered at him unsympathetically.
Siwon would have much preferred to have been at home reading a good book, but Leeteuk wouldn’t take no for an answer. Apparently a close friend of theirs was finally revealing their mysterious child to the public, after keeping him away from the social scene his whole life. Siwon had the sneaking suspicion that his mother was trying to set either Kyuhyun or himself up with said child, but when asked, Leeteuk would smile innocently and pat him on the cheek gently before prancing off.
The limo pulled to a stop and Leeteuk flounced out, picking up his long skirts and giggling as Kangin chased him out. Kyuhyun looked like he wanted to be sick when the two of them climbed out and caught their father swinging Leeteuk around while laughing hysterically. Kibum chuckled from behind them, avoiding Kyuhyun’s eyes when the youngest shot him a scathing look.
‘You are so lucky your parents are in America,’ Kyuhyun muttered, shoving his hands in the pockets of his tux and skulking up the winding driveway lined with roses and glittering fairy lights morosely. Kyuhyun had flat out rejected any attempt to get him into costume, instead shucking on his tux with barely hidden distain. Siwon envied him momentarily as he eyed his own pure white prince’s costume. Starting after his younger brother, Siwon eyed Kibum with envy.
‘Why aren’t you dressed up?’ Kibum grinned, sliding a pair of dark shades out of his tux pocket and slipping them on.
‘I’m a bodyguard,’ Siwon scowled at him.
‘The whole point of costume is to dress up as something you’re not,’ Kibum just grinned.
‘I like to think of myself as a babysitter most days anyway, running around after you and Kyuhyun. Being an actual bodyguard is a cool change,’ Siwon didn’t bother correcting the younger male knowing what a nuisance Kyuhyun could make of himself when he wanted to.
Kangin and Leeteuk were waiting for them at the doors, a sulking Kyuhyun skulking around behind them.
‘Darling, hurry up. I can’t wait to meet Heechullie’s son. He’s always going on about how cute he is. You like cute boys, don’t you my Siwwonnie,’ Leeteuk smoothed Siwon’s hair back lovingly and Siwon didn’t have the heart to show how much he didn’t want to be there, seeing his mother so excited. They moved through the gigantic double doors and Siwon had a brief flash of déjà vu, as if he’d been there before. There was a huge ballroom to the left, a wide staircase leading to the upper levels the main feature. Leeteuk pranced ahead of them, throwing his arms around an elegant male with crimson red hair and a matching silk Chinese dress. Siwon and Kyuhyun followed at a more sedate pace as Kangin shook hands with a tall handsome male dressed as a Chinese emperor.
‘Siwon-ah, Kyuhyun this is Heechul and Hankyung. We were going to make them Kyuhyunie’s godparents, but Henry was on the way at the time so we chose Yesung instead,’ Kyuhyun shuddered, obviously thinking about his creepy priest godfather. Heechul eyed the two of them, eyes evaluating before offering a sly smile.
‘It’s nice to finally meet you both. Leeteuk talks about you so much,’ Something about Heechul made Siwon very nervous, but he smiled his most charming and pressed a kiss to the older males hand.
‘A pleasure to meet such a good friend of my family,’ Heechul laughed, latching back onto Hankyung’s arm who didn’t look nearly so pleased to see them. But then he looked generally on edge, so Siwon didn’t take it personally. The music suddenly stopped, and only when it disappeared did Siwon realize how loud it had been. Something seemed to be pulling everyone’s attention towards the stairs and as Siwon glanced over Heechul caught his eye, winking. Bemused, Siwon locked eyes on the few figures on the staircase. At the front, flouncing down the stairs was a boy who looked a little older than Siwon himself, dressed in a pink maid’s costume, frilly pink hat and all. A strangled sound from next to him had him glancing over at Kyuhyun, who looked half pained, eyes traced on the boy’s fluttering skirt. Siwon stifled a laugh glancing back. Flanking the last person were two boys who looked younger than him, dressed in an array of pale and metallic colors as musketeers.
It was the last figure that grabbed Siwon’s attention. Clad in a flowing white dress, with pretty white feathered wings peaking over their shoulders, Siwon couldn’t quite decide whether it was a girl or a boy. The dress covered any curves, or lack thereof and their hair spiraled around them in pretty curls. Soft pink lips and cute round cheeks, the figure really did look like an angel from the old paintings. The crowd parted as the four of them made their way to where Heechul and Hankyung stood. Siwon couldn’t tear his eyes away from the brunette angel. Heechul wrapped a soft arm around the angel’s waist, ignoring the blush staining his only child’s cheeks.
‘Leeteuk-ah, this is our son, Henry,’ Siwon glanced at his mother, who looked like he’d just seen a kitten in a window.
‘Oh, he’s so cute!’ Leeteuk pinched the boy’s cheek, stroking a hand through his curls, ‘Why are both my sons such brutes?’ Leeteuk shot his husband an accusing look and Kangin looked oddly smug eying Siwon’s muscular frame and Kyuhyun’s height.
‘They take after me,’ Kangin grinned at Henry, shaking his hand. Siwon stepped forward, taking the younger boys hand in his, enjoying the blush that stole across the brunette’s cheeks.
‘It’s wonderful to meet you. My name is Choi Siwon,’ Henry eyes widened as his hand was brought to the older boys lips, a tender kiss being pressed to his knuckles. Neither of them moved for a moment, before someone cleared there throat loudly. Hankyung stepped forward, laying a hand on his son’s shoulder and glaring.
‘And these are Henry’s bodyguards; Onew and Minho,’ Siwon stepped back, glancing at the two young boys who looked more amused than intimidating. Heechul covered his mouth, laughing silently as his husband glared at Siwon.
The music had started up again by now and Siwon thought about asking Henry to dance, hoping to get a moment to talk to him away from his obviously overprotective father. He was distracted though when a boy around his age swept onto the scene, shaking hands with Hankyung. He was dressed in a similar costume to Siwon, only in a bizarre mix of pale yellow and gold.
‘Uncle Hankyung, may I please dance with Henry,’ Hankyung looked unsure, eying the boy he obviously knew with hesitance. The boy must have noticed this, because he shot the older male a wide innocent smile that seemed to set Hankyung at ease.
‘Of course Taemin-ah. Take care of Henry,’ Taemin grinned and took Henry by the hand, leading the youngest away gently. Siwon fancied he didn’t look too pleased about it.
Excusing himself, Siwon edged around the crowd, trying to keep an eye on Taemin and Henry without making it too obvious. He felt a jolt of panic when he couldn’t see them and quickly made his way to the last place he’d seen the two of them. Coming to a stop near a potted plant he gave the area a quick sweep with his eyes, only to catch sight of two figures in a small alcove, almost completely hidden by the plant. He could only see them because he was pressed against the wall, peering through the gap in the foliage. The dim light caught Henry’s pale face over Taemin’s shoulder. The younger brunette was pressed against the wall, looking unamused, while Taemin loomed over him blocking any escape. Taemin’s head dipped and Siwon had to strain to hear what was being said.
‘Henry, have you been avoiding me? Whenever I come around you’re conveniently out. I don’t remember you having quite such a busy social calendar before I proposed,’ Siwon was alarmed to see the soft silk of Henry’s dress shifting upwards as Taemin ran a bold hand up his thigh. Henry’s mouth tightened in irritation as the taller boy pressed lips to his pale neck, before twisting as Taemin bit down. Siwon started, wanting to interfere, but desire to know what Taemin was talking about won out.
‘I have no idea what you’re talking about,’ Henry scowled, sounding completely uninterested in the conversation. Siwon was able to see Taemin’s expression as he tilted his head slightly: his lip was pulled back in a sneer before his expression clear and he smiled again.
‘No matter. Your mother’s the perfect social queen. He’ll have you lined up to marry someone of proper rank in no time and who better than his beloved son’s only childhood friend. It helps I’m one of the only men Hankyung trusts with you,’ Taemin’s head dipped again, nuzzling against Henry’s neck, ‘I’m going to enjoy taking you against every available surface when you’re finally mine and your Daddy can’t do anything to stop me,’ Taemin’s hands stroked up Henry’s thigh and under his skirt, roughly groping his ass.
Siwon started towards them but before he’d even taken two steps towards them Taemin crumpled forward, clutching at his groin. Siwon caught sight of Henry’s grumpy expression as he planted his knee into Taemin’s nose as well and was left feeling strangely impressed as he stormed off towards the balcony.
Siwon followed Henry edging around the outside of the ballroom, stopping just inside the doors leading out onto the balcony where Henry was. The moon washed over the scene and Siwon was enchanted, feeling like a prince stepped out of a fairy tale. Coming up behind Henry, he was sure to make noise so as not to scare the younger male. Leaning against the railing, he glanced at Henry and wondered at how drawn he felt to him.
‘Wanna tell me what that was about?’ Henry glanced over and didn’t bother asking what he was talking about. He just scowled, twisting his lips in annoyance.
‘Taemin’s mom and mine are close. Key and Heechul used to try and get me and Taemin to be friends. They used to say we were the cutest kids ever and wouldn’t we just make a perfect couple. They were joking for the most part, but Taemin got the idea in his head and he’s fixated on it. It’s kind of creepy. Key totally spoils him though so he thinks he can have everything he wants,’ Siwon frowned. Taemin seemed more than just a spoiled kid. The way he’d handled Henry was a little demented.
‘Have you tried telling Heechul or Hankyung?’ Henry scrunched his nose up, looking wry.
‘I love my mom, but he’s totally crazy. He just smirked, patted me on the head and told me not to tell dad when I brought it up,’ They both stood in silence, soaking up the cool night breeze, the low murmuring from the ballroom and the soft music wafting over the balcony. After a long while Siwon asked in a soft voice.
‘Is Taemin right though? Can he convince your father to let him marry you?’ Henry worried his lip, looking out over the gardens contemplatively.
‘Probably. Dad’s really overprotective. To him, Taemin’s still that 5 year old boy I used to run around with,’ Looking at the miserable expression on Henry’s face, Siwon was determined to set things right. In the mean time, he wanted to get to know the younger boy.
‘So, what’s the story with Onew and Minho?’ Siwon felt a thrill when Henry laughed.
‘They’re like, my age and friends of the family. Dad saw them rough-housing one day and got this crazy idea to start teaching them Chinese martial arts and started paying them to follow me around everywhere. It’s totally insane,’
♪♫♥♫♪
Siwon bit at his lip, letting out a nervous breath. It was the Monday after the party and all he’d thought about since was the small smile Henry had flashed him after pressing a soft kiss to his cheek and slipping away into the ballroom again after hours of talking on the balcony. He was at the main building of the huge company Hankyung owned, waiting to be shown into his office. Nerves jiggled around in his stomach, but there was something about Henry that made him want to do this for him. Henry had been so resigned, as if the concept of actually doing something was totally foreign to him. He was very Zen from what Siwon could tell, going with the flow and just doing whatever in order to minimize the ripples he caused. Siwon imagined it was as a result of growing up with parents like Heechul, the unpredictable, unstoppable firecracker, and Hankyung, the Zen master himself except when it came to his only son’s chastity. Henry was no damsel, but he wasn’t exactly a confidant headstrong individual either.
A rather plain secretary with strange teeth and acne scars smiled at him brightly, beckoning him into Hankyung’s large airy office and closing the door behind him. Hankyung was sitting behind the large desk, a pair of black framed glasses perched on his nose, looking wistful. Gesturing at a seat in front of his desk, Hankyung sighed and tore his eyes from the door shuffling through some paperwork idly.
‘I used to have this beautiful, tall leggy Chinese girl for a secretary. She was brilliant at her job, but Heechul made me fire her cause he didn’t like the way she looked at me,’ Siwon cleared his throat awkwardly. Hankyung jerked as if waking up and smiled at Siwon sheepishly, ‘Sorry. So, what can I do for you?’ Hankyung plastered on an enquiring expression staring at him expectantly and completely unnerving Siwon.
‘Actually, I wanted to talk to you about Henry,’ Hankyung’s expression morphed from open to coldly polite.
‘Oh,’ Hankyung weaved his fingers together, leaning on them so that Siwon couldn’t see the displeased tilt to his mouth.
‘I know it’s not my place to interfere in such matters, but I’m worried about him,’ Siwon paused, trying to judge Hankyung’s expression, but it was still as cold.
‘…Go on,’ Siwon took a deep breath and decided to just blurt it out.
‘I saw Taemin molesting Henry at the party on Saturday night,’ Hankyung’s expression shifted instantly, looking unbelieving. He cleared his throat, looking cross.
‘That’s a very serious accusation Mr. Choi,’ Hankyung’s eyes were dark and piercing and Siwon knew he didn’t believe a word.
‘Please, I know it sounds farfetched, but just ask Henry. You have to believe that Taemin’s not right for your son,’ Hankyung very nearly growled, looking fierce and not a little angry.
‘And I suppose you think you’re a more ideal candidate. And I believe if my son were being molested as you say he was, he would have mentioned it to me. He knows I would do anything for him,’
‘That’s not what I meant,’ All though the idea of having Henry to himself did appeal, ‘You’re twisting my words, please just listen,’ Hankyung stood, looking down his nose at Siwon.
‘I think I’ve heard quite enough. You were right; you were completely out of line. How dare you try and tell me what’s best for my son. I’ll have to ask you to remove yourself or I’ll have someone do it for you. And if I catch you anywhere near Henry I will make sure you regret the day you were born. Am I clear?’ Siwon took a breath to argue further, but saw the stubborn expression on Hankyung’s face and decided not to make things worse.
‘Crystal. Have a good day Mr. Kim,’
♪♫♥♫♪
Henry stared at his toenails disdainfully, but didn’t say anything as Heechul seized his other foot and began applying the baby pink polish to his remaining nails. Sungmin was sprawled out on his stomach on the soft rug reading out birthday cards sent from various socialites while Heechul scoffed at them, disdainfully labeling them all suck-ups or stuck-ups. Taemin sat watching with a serene smile, a fond expression pasted on. Henry felt sick under his blue-eyed gaze, sensing the lingering cold calculation. Taemin caught his eye winking cheekily. To an observer the gesture appeared charming, but it made Henry want to throw up into the potted bamboo his dad had gotten him from China.
There was a sudden crash from downstairs and Heechul jerked, cursing like a sailor at the streak of pink on Henry’s foot. Standing and throwing the tiny brush onto the little coffee table the bottle was perched on, he stormed across the room, wrenched the door open and leaned over the railing that overlooked the entrance hall.
‘Yah, if you want to throw a tantrum, do it somewhere I don’t have to listen to it! What the hell is your problem?’ Following curiously, Henry peered around his mother to see Hankyung nursing his fist from where he’d just planted it in the wall.
‘Kangin’s brat visited me at work. Choi Siwon,’ Henry’s heart leapt into his throat and something in his expression must have changed because Taemin, who was standing next to him gripped his wrist tightly, scowling. Henry wrenched his wrist from Taemin’s grip, going to fetch the first aid kit from his bathroom. Taemin followed close behind and Henry would tell him to back off, if only it didn’t involve an awful lot of explaining to his parents.
Taemin pushed the door shut and grabbed Henry by the wrist pulling him around and slamming him against the door. He caught both of Henry’s wrists in one hand, pinning them above his head, while the other hand found its way to his hip, squeezing.
‘I saw you and him. Out on the balcony. What were you doing? What did he want?’ Henry remained silent, glaring petulantly at the taller male, ‘Answer me! If I find out there’s anything going on between the two of you, you don’t want to know what I’ll do to you. You. Are. Mine,’ He punctuated each word by shaking Henry before catching his lips in a searing kiss. Henry wrenched himself away, breathing heavily.
‘Get off me Taemin,’ He whispered hoarsely. Taemin backed off with a lecherous grin before opening the door and disappearing. Henry sucked in a shaky breath before retrieving the first aid kit. When he returned Hankyung was perched on his bed sulking while Heechul chewed him out for putting a hole in the wall. Henry just quietly began wrapping his father’s wrist in a soft bandage.
‘Now what the hell happened?’ Heechul’s glare promised retribution if his husband’s answer didn’t please him. Hankyung sighed.
‘Choi Siwon came to the office today. Spouting crap, trying to talk me into letting him get close to Henry no doubt,’ The furious expression on Hankyung’s face was slightly detracted from by the pouting that accompanied it. Heechul let out an exasperated sigh.
‘What exactly did Siwon say?’ Hankyung fell silent, hesitating a moment and shooting a look at Taemin.
‘He said…He said that he saw Taemin molesting Henry…said that Taemin wasn’t who we thought he was,’ the room was dead silent. Henry’s heartbeat was so loud he was sure they could all hear it. Heechul, Hankyung and Sungmin all turned questioning eyes on him.
‘Baby, is this true?’ Heechul’s eyes were soft and encouraging.
For a moment he contemplated telling them, ending it all. Glancing around at their faces he caught Taemin’s eye over his father’s shoulder. His expression was dark and Henry felt a thrill of fear down his spine. His hand drifted to the rapidly forming bruise on his hip.
‘No… Taemin would never do anything like that…’
♪♫♥♫♪
AN: Well there’s part one. Please let me know what aspects you do or don’t like. I was a bit unsure because there’s such a contrast between the opening scene and Taemin’s scene, but hopefully it wasn’t too jarring.