Caged (Chapter 25)
Title: Caged (Chapter 25)
Characters/Pairings: Kyuhyun, Sungmin, eventual!KyuMin, Siwon, Han Geng, Hyukjae, Donghae, eventual!Eunhae
Rating: R
WARNINGS: Implied sex/rape, disturbing situations, physical abuse/torture
Genre: au, angst, drama
Summary: It is a world full of dirt, abuse, selfishness and greed. It is an even worse world for a slade. A slade is a type of slave that is trained for a different form of manual labor. In today's terms, a prostitute of sorts. However, slades are purchased permanently and for one master only. Each slade has their own form of training, their own past, their own story. When four slades are forced to accept the idea that there is a world outside of their own, do they dare try to escape? Do they even have enough of their old selves left to be able to?
~~~~~
Kyuhyun stood frozen for a moment, fighting the urge to vomit.
Iljun called for Sungmin. Did he know how bad he hurt Sungmin the last time? Did he know that his slade was still nursing those wounds? Did he know that Sungmin could barely walk on his own? How could he have called for Sungmin?
“No.” Kyuhyun said flatly.
“Kyuhyun... You have no say in th-” Hankyung said gently.
“No!” Kyuhyun said more sternly. He didn't care if suddenly, all eyes were on him.
“Kyuhyun, I know you want to help him; I want to help him, but-”
“I SAID NO!” Kyuhyun screamed, dropping the food trays to the ground.
Hankyung took a step back, eyes wide. Siwon rushed to his side.
“Kyuhy-” Siwon tried.
“NO! YOU'RE NOT TAKING HIM! CAN'T YOU SEE HOW HURT HE IS? YOU CAN'T TAKE HIM!” Kyuhyun screamed, pointing at Sungmin on the bed.
There was a moment of silence as everyone took in the fuming slade. Hankyung and Siwon stood shocked; neither of them had ever seen a slade stand up that strongly for something. Donghae and Hyukjae stared with wide eyes.
“Kyuhyun...” Sungmin mumbled with a quiet voice.
“No.” Kyuhyun said sharply, causing Sungmin to tense slightly at how fierce Kyuhyun had turned.
“But...Kyuhyun...” Sungmin mumbled, again. Suddenly all eyes were now on Sungmin.
Kyuhyun looked as well. His eyes filled with tears in an instant.
“No, Sungmin. He can't take you! Not like this!” Kyuhyun wailed, running to Sungmin's side and falling to his knees. “Sungmin, you are so hurt, you can't go.”
Sungmin tensed as Kyuhyun ran to him; however, relaxed completely when Kyuhyun fell to his side, gripping at one of his hands.
“I don't have a choice, Kyuhyun.” And he spoke the truth. It didn't matter how hurt or tired or sick a slade was, if his master called for him, he needed to go.
“But...But...” Kyuhyun stuttered, tears pouring down his cheeks. He sniffled and placed his forehead against the back of Sungmin's hand. “You'll get hurt even more...” He whispered, so quiet only Sungmin could hear.
“I don't have a choice, Kyuhyun.” Sungmin repeated. He had nothing to calm Kyuhyun's worry, so he simply continued to state facts.
Kyuhyun continued to whimper helplessly. He knew there was nothing he could do; all the promises of keeping Sungmin safe were so quickly proven futile.
At this point, Hyukjae, once again, pulled Donghae gently towards their desk to eat their lunch; it was another moment in which he felt he was imposing on something personal between the two other slades.
Siwon tried his best to hear the conversation being had between the two slades. He thought about leaving the basement; however, seeing Kyuhyun whimpering at Sungmin's side was not something he could so easily turn a blind eye to.
“It doesn't matter, Kyuhyun.” Sungmin mumbled, the idea finally beginning to sink in.
Kyuhyun looked up quickly, eyes red and puffy, face wet with tears. “What do you mean it doesn't matter? Don't say that.”
“It just doesn't matter. I have no other fate, Kyuhyun.” Sungmin muttered. He could feel tears pricking at his eyes, but he held them back; it was easy as he had already accepted what his life would be like with Iljun.
“But Sungmin...Hyukjae, he...he said we would get out! You just have to stay hopeful!” Kyuhyun whimpered. More tears fell and he began gripping tighter at Sungmin's hand.
Sungmin closed his eyes and very slowly shook his head. He knew he shouldn't have gotten his hopes up about ever escaping this hell.
Siwon heard Sungmin's and Kyuhyun's exchange and immediately unlocked the cage door and rushed to Kyuhyun's side, kneeling in front of Sungmin.
“You have to hold on, Sungmin. Kyuhyun is right. You're going to get out of here; you just need to hold on for a little bit longer, just a little bit.” Siwon rushed out, looking between Sungmin and Kyuhyun. He could see the hopelessness swimming in Sungmin's eyes, and he couldn't handle it when he knew about the plans for trying to get everyone out and away from Iljun.
Hankyung followed Siwon to the slades' side. He had been briefed on the plan on escaping. He could feel his eyes watering at the previous exchange between Sungmin and Kyuhyun; he had pushed on Siwon's back to encourage him to speak with the slades.
Sungmin looked to Siwon, eyes wide. “What?” He had never been able to fully believe that Hyukjae could help to get them out of their situation.
“Hyukjae did it. He talked to Jungwoo and we are all going to get out of here; all of us, Sungmin. You just need to be strong for two more nights and we will be gone; we will be free. Just tonight, and we will leave tomorrow. Just two more nights, Sungmin.” Siwon rushed out. He could feel tears pricking at his own eyes. The severe lack of hope in Sungmin's eyes was too much.
Hyukjae and Donghae froze in their eating, turning their attention to Siwon. They were going to get out?
“See Sungmin! We are so close! Just keep hope!” Kyuhyun said, another wave of tears welled up in his eyes at the prospect of escaping.
“Just hold on Sungmin. You are so close.” Siwon said as he stood next to Hankyung. “Just hold on.”
The two guards exited the basement, each wiping at tears that fought to fall.
“Sungmin, everything is going to be okay, see?” Kyuhyun said, wiping at the tears that had managed to leak onto Sungmin's cheeks.
Sungmin nodded, his eyes closed. Should he continue to get his hopes up? Maybe Siwon only said something so Sungmin could go to Iljun without being depressed?
“Just rest now, okay, Sungmin? Just rest and think about everything you will see when we are out.” Kyuhyun said, rubbing his thumbs against Sungmin's cheeks.
Kyuhyun looked up when he heard movement near him: Donghae and Hyukjae had moved close. Donghae looked a bit shy, chewing on his lip; Hyukjae looked more surprised.
“H-He said we were going to get out?” Hyukjae stuttered.
Kyuhyun nodded. “He said tomorrow. He said that we are gonna leave tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow?” Donghae asked quietly.
Kyuhyun nodded again, a small smile claiming his lips as he looked at Sungmin.
“Hyukjae?” Donghae mumbled. A sudden range of emotions flooded his being. They were going to escape. They were going to be free.
Hyukjae turned to face the slade, wide-eyed. Immediately, he moved and pulled the younger slade into a tight hug, tucking his head into Donghae's neck.
“We are gonna be free, Hae!” Hyukjae said, his voice cracking.
“Hyukjae, you did it!” Donghae whimpered in between sudden sniffles.
The next few hours were spent nursing head rushes and emotional highs at the prospect of being free so soon. Donghae and Hyukjae kept to themselves; Hyukjae drawing his own depictions of things Donghae would see when they were out. Kyuhyun remained by Sungmin's side, pushing his hair back every now and then, and repeating where he would take the other slade when they were free.
Everyone forgot about the tiny fact that Sungmin was called to see Iljun that night.
It was 5:42pm when Siwon and Hankyung came through the double doors with three trays of dinner. Siwon took one to Kyuhyun's cage, while Hankyung took two to Hyukjae's and Donghae's cage.
Kyuhyun eyed Siwon curiously.
“He wants Sungmin to eat dinner with him tonight, as well.” Siwon mumbled. Kyuhyun's eyes fell on the nice, clean clothes the guard was also holding.
“Now?” Kyuhyun asked, a bit of panic raising in his voice.
“Yes...” Siwon mumbled, his head hanging slightly.
Kyuhyun took the dinner tray and stepped to the side. His fight was gone, and like Sungmin had said, there was nothing he could do.
Siwon stepped through the cage door and made his way to Sungmin's bedside.
“You're to have dinner with Master Iljun, Master Jungwoo, Hankyung and myself. Do...Do you think you can stand?” Siwon asked. Hankyung finally stepped behind him to help.
Sungmin looked up from the bed. He knew he couldn't stand on his own, but he chose to shrug. He tried his hardest to sit up on his own, wincing at every move until...
“Help him! He can't do it himself. He just won't say it.” Kyuhyun burst out from the side. He knew Sungmin was only going to get hurt more when Iljun gets his hands on him; the slade didn't need to push himself now.
Siwon and Hankyung jumped into action, each taking a side of Sungmin and helping him to his feet. Nearly all of Sungmin's weight was being distributed between the two guards, but he was still uncomfortable; simply moving made his body hurt.
“Kyuhyun? Can you help dress him, please?” Siwon asked, shifting to hold Sungmin up in a way that may make the slade more comfortable. With the two guards holding the slade, there was no way they were going to be able to dress him, as well.
Kyuhyun hesitantly put down his tray of food, and moved forward to help. He took the clothes and moved carefully to avoid dragging the material against any of Sungmin's cuts and burns. Once he was fully dressed, Kyuhyun grabbed his face and forced him to look in his eyes.
“Just one more time, okay, Sungmin. Be strong for one more night, and then we will be free.”
Kyuhyun could see the elder slade's eyes line with tears, so he quickly pulled away and allowed the guards to take him through the double doors. He didn't want to make Sungmin emotional before going to their master.
It was a struggle for the three to make it up the stairs, even though Sungmin tried as best he could to help.
Once in the lobby, they walked towards the wall. Siwon passed Sungmin to Hankyung, who used the wall to help keep Sungmin standing. Siwon began to comb Sungmin's hair back as best he could with his hands.
“You know not to talk unless specifically addressed, right?” Siwon asked gently.
Sungmin nodded.
“You're going to be fine. Everything will be alright, understand.” Siwon said, grabbing Sungmin's face, much like Kyuhyun had, in order to get his point across.
Sungmin nodded.
Siwon took half of Sungmin's weight again, and the trio made their way to the dinning room. Iljun and Jungwoo were already seated in their usual seats.
Jungwoo had been trying to coax his father into going on a one-night trip the next day in order to let his slades rest, so they can be more ready for him when he comes back. He had been close getting his father to agree when he heard movement from the doorway to the dinning room. Jungwoo looked instantly horrified at the sight of Sungmin, while Iljun grinned slightly.
Sungmin was placed next to Iljun, directly across from Jungwoo. Siwon took his seat next to Sungmin and Hankyung took his seat next to Jungwoo.
Jungwoo couldn't take his eyes off of the slade.
“Shall we eat now?” Iljun asked the table, not even acknowledging the presence of his slade.
At his words, maids walked into the room, each holding a tray of freshly cooked food.
Sungmin stared, a bit wide-eyed at the steaming plate of food placed in front of him. He knew not to start eating until he was told he was allowed; however, it was proving difficult to hold back. Although his whole body hurt, and he was a bit nervous to be in the presence of his abusive master, the delicious looking food in front of him was enough to lighten his spirits.
“Dig in.” Iljun said, placing a hand on Sungmin's wrist.
The slade jumped at the contact. He stayed tensed at just how gentle the touch was; there was no harsh grip, no secret meaning: just simple physical contact as a way to get one's attention. Sungmin couldn't understand it coming from Iljun.
At the words, everyone picked up utensils and began to pick at the food. Everyone, that is, except Jungwoo. He remained focused on Sungmin.
Iljun finally realized his son wasn't eating and asked why.
Jungwoo looked back and forth between Sungmin and Iljun a few times before he settled on his father. “He...He can barely move! Why would you force him to do this?”
“Jungwoo?” Iljun was a bit surprised at his son's tone; however, he knew his son was always a bit emotional with things.
“My other slade needed to rest.” Iljun said matter-of-factly. Sungmin twitched at the reference to Kyuhyun.
“Do you think he doesn't!?” Jungwoo yelled, gesturing to Sungmin. The slade put his eating utensil down and hung his head. It was like being in the room with your parents when they are fighting over you: very uncomfortable.
“Jungwoo!” Iljun yelled.
“What? Look at him! He can't even stand on his own!”
“Jungwoo, you will not speak to me like this!”
“Why? Because it makes you realize how much of a monster you are!?”
SLAP!
Then there was silence. Everyone looked on with wide eyes as Jungwoo placed a hand on his cheek to cover where his father had slapped him.
“You have slades, too, Jungwoo. You are no better than I.” Iljun seethed.
“That's what you think...” Jungwoo mumbled softly as he pulled himself from the table and swiftly left the room.
The room was silent for another moment, everyone looking to their plates.
“Well now, let's not let a moody teenager ruin our meal, right?” Iljun perked up suddenly.
There was a unanimous twitch that ran through the other members of the table before everyone began to pick at their meals, again.
It was a very long, very uncomfortable, very quiet meal. No one spoke more than opinions of the food. It wasn't until dessert was finished that Iljun spoke up, again.
“Well, how did you enjoy the meal?” Iljun addressed Sungmin.
The slade nodded, mumbling a quiet 'good.'
“Fantastic. I will be heading upstairs now, Siwon. I expect to have him waiting in my room for me.” With that, Iljun took his leave.
Sungmin tensed, staring at his now empty plate of dessert. How was he going to last a night with Iljun.
“Sungmin, it will be okay.” Siwon said confidently as he moved to help the slade up.
Once standing, Sungmin looked straight into Siwon's eyes, pleadingly. “Do you really think so? Do you really believe that?”
Siwon could see the lack of hope the slade still had; it was heart-wrenching. “I do, Sungmin. Everything will be fine.”
The three then fell silent as they made their way to Iljun's room on the second floor. The guards struggled to wash Sungmin, trying to be wary of his burns, which still looked sore. Once re-dressed, the guards sat Sungmin on the edge of the bed to wait for Iljun.
“Everything will be fine.” Siwon said one final time with a squeeze to Sungmin's shoulder, before he left with Hankyung.
“Do you really think he will be alright?” Hankyung whispered once they were in the hallway.
“I...I don't...I don't know, Hankyung.” Siwon sighed. He was scared to think about how they would find Sungmin when they came back to get him.
~
Sungmin sat very tense on the bed. It was a bit of a struggle to keep himself straight without something against his back to help, but he stayed strong. Like Siwon said, everything would be alright.
There was a light knock on the door before it was pushed open to reveal Iljun.
“How are you doing?” Iljun asked, tentatively as he approached Sungmin.
Sungmin twitched, but remained still as Iljun's hand came up to his face. He was expecting to be grabbed roughly; however, he twitched again as Iljun gently caressed his cheek.
“I know you're hurt. Don't think I'm a monster.” Iljun said gently, pulling his hand away in order to remove his shirt.
Sungmin scrunched his eyebrows. Don't think of him as a monster? He burned me with his cigaret, Sungmin thought. However, Iljun was suddenly acting so gentle. Sungmin was beginning to get confused.
~
Sungmin's gaze remained on the ceiling. He was panting and whining, but for the first time since coming to live with Iljun, it wasn't from pain.
Iljun was being so gentle, so caring, as if the two were a couple, as if he cared how Sungmin was feeling.
Sungmin sniffled as tears filled his eyes. He didn't know why he was crying; maybe it was from how confused he was.
Iljun heard the sniffle and pulled back suddenly.
“You're okay? It doesn't hurt, right?” He almost sounded...worried?
Sungmin refused to look directly at his master, instead focusing to the lamp on his right.
“I'm...I'm trying to be gentle...It doesn't hurt, right?” Iljun tried again.
Sungmin squeezed his eyes shut and shook his head. Because no, no it didn't hurt. In fact, it was...nice.
to be continued...
Chapter 26
a/n sorry this wasn't out last weekend :( & sorry I'm not quick with responding anymore, I've gotten quite busy with school. Please know that I do really really appreciate each and every one of your comments; I read each and every one of them, & hey! Some of them inspire me :)
I love you all :)
Characters/Pairings: Kyuhyun, Sungmin, eventual!KyuMin, Siwon, Han Geng, Hyukjae, Donghae, eventual!Eunhae
Rating: R
WARNINGS: Implied sex/rape, disturbing situations, physical abuse/torture
Genre: au, angst, drama
Summary: It is a world full of dirt, abuse, selfishness and greed. It is an even worse world for a slade. A slade is a type of slave that is trained for a different form of manual labor. In today's terms, a prostitute of sorts. However, slades are purchased permanently and for one master only. Each slade has their own form of training, their own past, their own story. When four slades are forced to accept the idea that there is a world outside of their own, do they dare try to escape? Do they even have enough of their old selves left to be able to?
~~~~~
Kyuhyun stood frozen for a moment, fighting the urge to vomit.
Iljun called for Sungmin. Did he know how bad he hurt Sungmin the last time? Did he know that his slade was still nursing those wounds? Did he know that Sungmin could barely walk on his own? How could he have called for Sungmin?
“No.” Kyuhyun said flatly.
“Kyuhyun... You have no say in th-” Hankyung said gently.
“No!” Kyuhyun said more sternly. He didn't care if suddenly, all eyes were on him.
“Kyuhyun, I know you want to help him; I want to help him, but-”
“I SAID NO!” Kyuhyun screamed, dropping the food trays to the ground.
Hankyung took a step back, eyes wide. Siwon rushed to his side.
“Kyuhy-” Siwon tried.
“NO! YOU'RE NOT TAKING HIM! CAN'T YOU SEE HOW HURT HE IS? YOU CAN'T TAKE HIM!” Kyuhyun screamed, pointing at Sungmin on the bed.
There was a moment of silence as everyone took in the fuming slade. Hankyung and Siwon stood shocked; neither of them had ever seen a slade stand up that strongly for something. Donghae and Hyukjae stared with wide eyes.
“Kyuhyun...” Sungmin mumbled with a quiet voice.
“No.” Kyuhyun said sharply, causing Sungmin to tense slightly at how fierce Kyuhyun had turned.
“But...Kyuhyun...” Sungmin mumbled, again. Suddenly all eyes were now on Sungmin.
Kyuhyun looked as well. His eyes filled with tears in an instant.
“No, Sungmin. He can't take you! Not like this!” Kyuhyun wailed, running to Sungmin's side and falling to his knees. “Sungmin, you are so hurt, you can't go.”
Sungmin tensed as Kyuhyun ran to him; however, relaxed completely when Kyuhyun fell to his side, gripping at one of his hands.
“I don't have a choice, Kyuhyun.” And he spoke the truth. It didn't matter how hurt or tired or sick a slade was, if his master called for him, he needed to go.
“But...But...” Kyuhyun stuttered, tears pouring down his cheeks. He sniffled and placed his forehead against the back of Sungmin's hand. “You'll get hurt even more...” He whispered, so quiet only Sungmin could hear.
“I don't have a choice, Kyuhyun.” Sungmin repeated. He had nothing to calm Kyuhyun's worry, so he simply continued to state facts.
Kyuhyun continued to whimper helplessly. He knew there was nothing he could do; all the promises of keeping Sungmin safe were so quickly proven futile.
At this point, Hyukjae, once again, pulled Donghae gently towards their desk to eat their lunch; it was another moment in which he felt he was imposing on something personal between the two other slades.
Siwon tried his best to hear the conversation being had between the two slades. He thought about leaving the basement; however, seeing Kyuhyun whimpering at Sungmin's side was not something he could so easily turn a blind eye to.
“It doesn't matter, Kyuhyun.” Sungmin mumbled, the idea finally beginning to sink in.
Kyuhyun looked up quickly, eyes red and puffy, face wet with tears. “What do you mean it doesn't matter? Don't say that.”
“It just doesn't matter. I have no other fate, Kyuhyun.” Sungmin muttered. He could feel tears pricking at his eyes, but he held them back; it was easy as he had already accepted what his life would be like with Iljun.
“But Sungmin...Hyukjae, he...he said we would get out! You just have to stay hopeful!” Kyuhyun whimpered. More tears fell and he began gripping tighter at Sungmin's hand.
Sungmin closed his eyes and very slowly shook his head. He knew he shouldn't have gotten his hopes up about ever escaping this hell.
Siwon heard Sungmin's and Kyuhyun's exchange and immediately unlocked the cage door and rushed to Kyuhyun's side, kneeling in front of Sungmin.
“You have to hold on, Sungmin. Kyuhyun is right. You're going to get out of here; you just need to hold on for a little bit longer, just a little bit.” Siwon rushed out, looking between Sungmin and Kyuhyun. He could see the hopelessness swimming in Sungmin's eyes, and he couldn't handle it when he knew about the plans for trying to get everyone out and away from Iljun.
Hankyung followed Siwon to the slades' side. He had been briefed on the plan on escaping. He could feel his eyes watering at the previous exchange between Sungmin and Kyuhyun; he had pushed on Siwon's back to encourage him to speak with the slades.
Sungmin looked to Siwon, eyes wide. “What?” He had never been able to fully believe that Hyukjae could help to get them out of their situation.
“Hyukjae did it. He talked to Jungwoo and we are all going to get out of here; all of us, Sungmin. You just need to be strong for two more nights and we will be gone; we will be free. Just tonight, and we will leave tomorrow. Just two more nights, Sungmin.” Siwon rushed out. He could feel tears pricking at his own eyes. The severe lack of hope in Sungmin's eyes was too much.
Hyukjae and Donghae froze in their eating, turning their attention to Siwon. They were going to get out?
“See Sungmin! We are so close! Just keep hope!” Kyuhyun said, another wave of tears welled up in his eyes at the prospect of escaping.
“Just hold on Sungmin. You are so close.” Siwon said as he stood next to Hankyung. “Just hold on.”
The two guards exited the basement, each wiping at tears that fought to fall.
“Sungmin, everything is going to be okay, see?” Kyuhyun said, wiping at the tears that had managed to leak onto Sungmin's cheeks.
Sungmin nodded, his eyes closed. Should he continue to get his hopes up? Maybe Siwon only said something so Sungmin could go to Iljun without being depressed?
“Just rest now, okay, Sungmin? Just rest and think about everything you will see when we are out.” Kyuhyun said, rubbing his thumbs against Sungmin's cheeks.
Kyuhyun looked up when he heard movement near him: Donghae and Hyukjae had moved close. Donghae looked a bit shy, chewing on his lip; Hyukjae looked more surprised.
“H-He said we were going to get out?” Hyukjae stuttered.
Kyuhyun nodded. “He said tomorrow. He said that we are gonna leave tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow?” Donghae asked quietly.
Kyuhyun nodded again, a small smile claiming his lips as he looked at Sungmin.
“Hyukjae?” Donghae mumbled. A sudden range of emotions flooded his being. They were going to escape. They were going to be free.
Hyukjae turned to face the slade, wide-eyed. Immediately, he moved and pulled the younger slade into a tight hug, tucking his head into Donghae's neck.
“We are gonna be free, Hae!” Hyukjae said, his voice cracking.
“Hyukjae, you did it!” Donghae whimpered in between sudden sniffles.
The next few hours were spent nursing head rushes and emotional highs at the prospect of being free so soon. Donghae and Hyukjae kept to themselves; Hyukjae drawing his own depictions of things Donghae would see when they were out. Kyuhyun remained by Sungmin's side, pushing his hair back every now and then, and repeating where he would take the other slade when they were free.
Everyone forgot about the tiny fact that Sungmin was called to see Iljun that night.
It was 5:42pm when Siwon and Hankyung came through the double doors with three trays of dinner. Siwon took one to Kyuhyun's cage, while Hankyung took two to Hyukjae's and Donghae's cage.
Kyuhyun eyed Siwon curiously.
“He wants Sungmin to eat dinner with him tonight, as well.” Siwon mumbled. Kyuhyun's eyes fell on the nice, clean clothes the guard was also holding.
“Now?” Kyuhyun asked, a bit of panic raising in his voice.
“Yes...” Siwon mumbled, his head hanging slightly.
Kyuhyun took the dinner tray and stepped to the side. His fight was gone, and like Sungmin had said, there was nothing he could do.
Siwon stepped through the cage door and made his way to Sungmin's bedside.
“You're to have dinner with Master Iljun, Master Jungwoo, Hankyung and myself. Do...Do you think you can stand?” Siwon asked. Hankyung finally stepped behind him to help.
Sungmin looked up from the bed. He knew he couldn't stand on his own, but he chose to shrug. He tried his hardest to sit up on his own, wincing at every move until...
“Help him! He can't do it himself. He just won't say it.” Kyuhyun burst out from the side. He knew Sungmin was only going to get hurt more when Iljun gets his hands on him; the slade didn't need to push himself now.
Siwon and Hankyung jumped into action, each taking a side of Sungmin and helping him to his feet. Nearly all of Sungmin's weight was being distributed between the two guards, but he was still uncomfortable; simply moving made his body hurt.
“Kyuhyun? Can you help dress him, please?” Siwon asked, shifting to hold Sungmin up in a way that may make the slade more comfortable. With the two guards holding the slade, there was no way they were going to be able to dress him, as well.
Kyuhyun hesitantly put down his tray of food, and moved forward to help. He took the clothes and moved carefully to avoid dragging the material against any of Sungmin's cuts and burns. Once he was fully dressed, Kyuhyun grabbed his face and forced him to look in his eyes.
“Just one more time, okay, Sungmin. Be strong for one more night, and then we will be free.”
Kyuhyun could see the elder slade's eyes line with tears, so he quickly pulled away and allowed the guards to take him through the double doors. He didn't want to make Sungmin emotional before going to their master.
It was a struggle for the three to make it up the stairs, even though Sungmin tried as best he could to help.
Once in the lobby, they walked towards the wall. Siwon passed Sungmin to Hankyung, who used the wall to help keep Sungmin standing. Siwon began to comb Sungmin's hair back as best he could with his hands.
“You know not to talk unless specifically addressed, right?” Siwon asked gently.
Sungmin nodded.
“You're going to be fine. Everything will be alright, understand.” Siwon said, grabbing Sungmin's face, much like Kyuhyun had, in order to get his point across.
Sungmin nodded.
Siwon took half of Sungmin's weight again, and the trio made their way to the dinning room. Iljun and Jungwoo were already seated in their usual seats.
Jungwoo had been trying to coax his father into going on a one-night trip the next day in order to let his slades rest, so they can be more ready for him when he comes back. He had been close getting his father to agree when he heard movement from the doorway to the dinning room. Jungwoo looked instantly horrified at the sight of Sungmin, while Iljun grinned slightly.
Sungmin was placed next to Iljun, directly across from Jungwoo. Siwon took his seat next to Sungmin and Hankyung took his seat next to Jungwoo.
Jungwoo couldn't take his eyes off of the slade.
“Shall we eat now?” Iljun asked the table, not even acknowledging the presence of his slade.
At his words, maids walked into the room, each holding a tray of freshly cooked food.
Sungmin stared, a bit wide-eyed at the steaming plate of food placed in front of him. He knew not to start eating until he was told he was allowed; however, it was proving difficult to hold back. Although his whole body hurt, and he was a bit nervous to be in the presence of his abusive master, the delicious looking food in front of him was enough to lighten his spirits.
“Dig in.” Iljun said, placing a hand on Sungmin's wrist.
The slade jumped at the contact. He stayed tensed at just how gentle the touch was; there was no harsh grip, no secret meaning: just simple physical contact as a way to get one's attention. Sungmin couldn't understand it coming from Iljun.
At the words, everyone picked up utensils and began to pick at the food. Everyone, that is, except Jungwoo. He remained focused on Sungmin.
Iljun finally realized his son wasn't eating and asked why.
Jungwoo looked back and forth between Sungmin and Iljun a few times before he settled on his father. “He...He can barely move! Why would you force him to do this?”
“Jungwoo?” Iljun was a bit surprised at his son's tone; however, he knew his son was always a bit emotional with things.
“My other slade needed to rest.” Iljun said matter-of-factly. Sungmin twitched at the reference to Kyuhyun.
“Do you think he doesn't!?” Jungwoo yelled, gesturing to Sungmin. The slade put his eating utensil down and hung his head. It was like being in the room with your parents when they are fighting over you: very uncomfortable.
“Jungwoo!” Iljun yelled.
“What? Look at him! He can't even stand on his own!”
“Jungwoo, you will not speak to me like this!”
“Why? Because it makes you realize how much of a monster you are!?”
SLAP!
Then there was silence. Everyone looked on with wide eyes as Jungwoo placed a hand on his cheek to cover where his father had slapped him.
“You have slades, too, Jungwoo. You are no better than I.” Iljun seethed.
“That's what you think...” Jungwoo mumbled softly as he pulled himself from the table and swiftly left the room.
The room was silent for another moment, everyone looking to their plates.
“Well now, let's not let a moody teenager ruin our meal, right?” Iljun perked up suddenly.
There was a unanimous twitch that ran through the other members of the table before everyone began to pick at their meals, again.
It was a very long, very uncomfortable, very quiet meal. No one spoke more than opinions of the food. It wasn't until dessert was finished that Iljun spoke up, again.
“Well, how did you enjoy the meal?” Iljun addressed Sungmin.
The slade nodded, mumbling a quiet 'good.'
“Fantastic. I will be heading upstairs now, Siwon. I expect to have him waiting in my room for me.” With that, Iljun took his leave.
Sungmin tensed, staring at his now empty plate of dessert. How was he going to last a night with Iljun.
“Sungmin, it will be okay.” Siwon said confidently as he moved to help the slade up.
Once standing, Sungmin looked straight into Siwon's eyes, pleadingly. “Do you really think so? Do you really believe that?”
Siwon could see the lack of hope the slade still had; it was heart-wrenching. “I do, Sungmin. Everything will be fine.”
The three then fell silent as they made their way to Iljun's room on the second floor. The guards struggled to wash Sungmin, trying to be wary of his burns, which still looked sore. Once re-dressed, the guards sat Sungmin on the edge of the bed to wait for Iljun.
“Everything will be fine.” Siwon said one final time with a squeeze to Sungmin's shoulder, before he left with Hankyung.
“Do you really think he will be alright?” Hankyung whispered once they were in the hallway.
“I...I don't...I don't know, Hankyung.” Siwon sighed. He was scared to think about how they would find Sungmin when they came back to get him.
~
Sungmin sat very tense on the bed. It was a bit of a struggle to keep himself straight without something against his back to help, but he stayed strong. Like Siwon said, everything would be alright.
There was a light knock on the door before it was pushed open to reveal Iljun.
“How are you doing?” Iljun asked, tentatively as he approached Sungmin.
Sungmin twitched, but remained still as Iljun's hand came up to his face. He was expecting to be grabbed roughly; however, he twitched again as Iljun gently caressed his cheek.
“I know you're hurt. Don't think I'm a monster.” Iljun said gently, pulling his hand away in order to remove his shirt.
Sungmin scrunched his eyebrows. Don't think of him as a monster? He burned me with his cigaret, Sungmin thought. However, Iljun was suddenly acting so gentle. Sungmin was beginning to get confused.
~
Sungmin's gaze remained on the ceiling. He was panting and whining, but for the first time since coming to live with Iljun, it wasn't from pain.
Iljun was being so gentle, so caring, as if the two were a couple, as if he cared how Sungmin was feeling.
Sungmin sniffled as tears filled his eyes. He didn't know why he was crying; maybe it was from how confused he was.
Iljun heard the sniffle and pulled back suddenly.
“You're okay? It doesn't hurt, right?” He almost sounded...worried?
Sungmin refused to look directly at his master, instead focusing to the lamp on his right.
“I'm...I'm trying to be gentle...It doesn't hurt, right?” Iljun tried again.
Sungmin squeezed his eyes shut and shook his head. Because no, no it didn't hurt. In fact, it was...nice.
to be continued...
Chapter 26
a/n sorry this wasn't out last weekend :( & sorry I'm not quick with responding anymore, I've gotten quite busy with school. Please know that I do really really appreciate each and every one of your comments; I read each and every one of them, & hey! Some of them inspire me :)
I love you all :)