Chastity
Title: Chastity
Pairing: Hyukhae
Rating: PG-15
Genre: Medieval AU
Summary: Hyukjae meets an intriguing young boy when he is forced to spend one night in a brothel.
-
“Full?” Hyukjae questions. “How can this place be full?”
“I am very sorry, sir,” the innkeeper apologizes, “but we are not fit to accommodate this many men.”
“You understand that we are the king's men, yes? And that you are insulting his majesty by denying us hospitality?” One of Hyukjae's men threatens.
“I understand, sir, but you really must know that there is no more room,” the innkeeper says. “We have already offered our available space to you.”
Hyukjae tries to keep himself calm by taking a deep breath. He just wants to sleep, really.
“Where can we go for the night, if not here?” He asks, hoping for anywhere with a warm bed.
“Well,” the innkeeper starts, “there is a brothel nearby, it should have plenty of available rooms if you're willing to pay to occupy them for the evening.”
“A brothel?” Hyukjae asks, eyebrows raised. He's about to complain when one of his men nudges his side.
“It's been a while for me but I have extra to spend for a little bit of fun,” the man says.
Hyukjae knows what the man is implying and he sighs.
“Very well,” he says, “the men who have not been given a room will stay at the brothel.”
Although he has the power to take the place of any of his men and stay in a proper room, he takes the most respectable way and lets his tired men rest while he prepares to spend the night in a brothel. There are only four men, including himself, left to accommodate and Hyukjae is only listening to half of what they're saying as they make their way down the street.
“Haven't been to one of these in years,” one says. “I think I have enough money for two,” says another.
“I'll need four of your best rooms for the night,” Hyukjae says when they are greeted by the brothel owner upon entering.
She is a middle-aged woman, very pretty despite her almost bulky appearance. She raises an eyebrow, scanning the men, determining their tastes with just a glance before fixing her eyes on Hyukjae.
“Well,” she says after a thought, “this is unexpected. Since you are passing through on business, the rooms will be free. Any... extra services, however, will cost you.”
Hyukjae smiles politely. “Thank you,” he says. “I'm sure my men would like your finest services. I would very much just like to sleep.”
“Of course,” the brothel owner says. “Pick any room you'd like.”
Hyukjae gives a slight nod to the woman before leaving his men to drool. He finds the most isolated room, the one furthest from the others, the one he might be able to sleep in if the surrounding noises don't reach its walls, and he steps inside.
A small room, not surprising considering its main purpose, a large bed, closet, a nightstand. Hyukjae turns to look at the closet but is interrupted by a noise coming from behind it. Thinking it might be a rat, he quickly reaches for his sword.
“I-I'm sorry sir! I didn't know! Th-the room is clean! I'm sorry! Enjoy your stay!”
Hyukjae watches as a boy scrambles out from behind the closet, bows his head, and runs out of the room. He stares after the retreating figure with unblinking eyes before chuckling to himself and shaking his head. The boy had left behind a cleaning rag that he had apparently been using to clean just behind the closet. Hyukjae picks it up from the floor, pinching it between his thumb and index finger, and hangs it on the door handle.
He sighs and closes the door, finally ready to undress and sleep. He barely starts to remove his belt when there is a soft knock on his door.
“What?” He says, irritation evident in his voice.
“I'm sorry to disturb, sir,” the brothel owner's voice, “but I have prepared something for you.”
Although he wants to ignore the offer and sleep, he opens the door with the slightest pinch of curiosity to find the brothel owner standing next to a row of men and women.
“What... is this?” Hyukjae asks, leaning against the door frame, arms crossed.
“While your friends were easy to read, I could not quite place your preference,” the brothel owner explains. “I am curious to know your type. We have men as well, if that is what you would like.”
Hyukjae's lip twitches in amusement. “Perhaps you cannot place my preference because my preference is not found amongst whores,” he says.
“Not even if I offer you our finest for free?” The brothel owner pushes.
Hyukjae lets his eyes scan over the row of men and women, dressed provocatively in clothes loosened from being torn from their bodies numerous times. “A free whore is still a whore,” he says as his eyes find his way back to the owner.
The brothel owner grinds her teeth in annoyance at Hyukjae's words.
“Is there really nothing that can satisfy your needs?” She asks, desperate to crack Hyukjae. “Perhaps if I offered your choice of anyone in this establishment?”
Hyukjae grins at the subtlety of her advances, knowing that the woman is offering herself to him. He is about to decline when his ears pick up a noise that is not of pleasure, not creaking beds or moans but instead a demand followed by an obedient response.
“He was a messy one,” the first voice, a woman, says. “Well, go on, clean it up.”
“Yes,” a soft, male voice responds, “right away.”
Hyukjae turns to the source of the voice and his eyes land on the boy who had run from his room. He sees only the boy's back as he enters a room, the woman who had ordered him walking away as she fixes her hair.
“I'd like him to accompany me tonight,” Hyukjae says, eyes still fixed on the boy.
The brothel owner turns and squints. “The cleaning boy?” She asks, astonished by the sudden choice. “But he's not...” she trails off, realizing that she should not argue this matter. “Very well. Donghae!” she calls out, beckoning the boy with her hand.
The boy turns and quickly makes his way to the brothel owner, standing between her and Hyukjae, keeping his head low to avoid eye contact. “This man requests your company,” she says. “He is of the king's men so you must do as he tells you.”
The boy's head snaps up, eyes darting to Hyukjae for a brief second before returning to the owner. “But I'm...” he stops when he receives a glare. “A-as you wish.”
The owner gives a small smile to the boy before glancing at Hyukjae. “He is a virgin,” she says. “Since you are his first and because you are taking him from his duties, I shall expect a large price for his services.”
Just as the woman finishes her sentence, a pouch of coins is being dangled in front of her face.
“I will pay you in the morning,” Hyukjae says, “if he is worth it.”
The owner practically salivates over the sound of jingling coins until Hyukjae snatches them away and retreats into his room. The boy, Donghae, seems deep in thought, hands playing with the hem of his long shirt. He is brought out of his concentration when he is pushed into the room by the brothel owner and the door is closed behind him.
“Not the most pleasant woman, is she?” Hyukjae asks as he begins to remove his outer clothing, facing away from Donghae.
Donghae does not respond. Nervous and unsure what he should do, he begins removing his clothing as well. Hyukjae turns to find the boy with his shirt almost above his head and he stops him with a hand on his wrist.
“There will be no need for that,” Hyukjae says softly, pulling the shirt back onto the boy's scrawny frame. He looks at Donghae more closely now, realizing that the boy is perhaps a few years older than he would have guessed. It is his eyes that make him look so young, bright and round like a child. His hair is unkempt and brushes his shoulders, most likely cut by the boy himself.
“How old are you?” Hyukjae asks, turning around again to finish undressing.
“I'm eighteen, sir,” Donghae responds, stiff and unmoving to ensure that he will do nothing wrong.
“Ah, and still a virgin?” Hyukjae asks. “You know, the king himself was no longer a virgin by the age of fifteen.”
“The king?” Donghae questions, suddenly forgetting a portion of his uneasiness. “How do you know that?”
“The king and I are good friends,” Hyukjae declares. He is now clad in only pants as he sits on the bed, quietly observing Donghae.
“I-I see, sir,” Donghae says, suddenly nervous to face Hyukjae again. “Would... would you like to take my clothing off, sir?”
Hyukjae only smiles at the boy and reaches out a hand to pat the bed, indicating that Donghae should join him.
With uneasy steps, Donghae moves towards the bed and sits, shoulder just barely touching Hyukjae's. He waits, head down, eyes on his the knees of his pants, dirty from scrubbing floors. He nearly flinches when he feels the brush of fingers against his cheek, moving to tilt his chin up until he is facing Hyukjae.
“How long have you been here?” Hyukjae asks softly, brushing a lock of hair from Donghae's forehead.
“As long as I can remember, sir,” Donghae responds, throat dry, eyes still not looking at the man in front of him.
“And no one has ever tried to touch you? Asked to pay for you?” Hyukjae asks and Donghae shakes his head. “Look at me,” he says, more like a plea than a demand.
Donghae swallows, slowly moving his eyes up to meet Hyukjae's. The man's face is clean, free of stubble and blemishes. His eyes are soft, lips plump.
“What's your name?” Donghae breathes, hardly aware that he had asked the question.
“Hyukjae,” comes the response.
Donghae nods slowly and blinks away the trance of the man's eyes and voice. “Wh... should I... what would you like me to... I... I have never done this before...” he stutters out.
Hyukjae moves away from the boy slightly, still looking at him. “I will not touch you at all if you do not want me to,” he says.
Donghae's eyes widen. “But I thought...”
“A boy like you should not be in a place like this,” Hyukjae says. “You should not have to fall asleep each night listening to these... noises.”
His point is proven as a loud, exaggerated scream of pleasure pushes through the thin walls and reaches their ears.
“I have grown used to it, sir,” Donghae says.
Hyukjae sighs. “You do not have to call me that,” he says.
“I'm sorry,” Donghae says quickly, bowing his head again.
Hyukjae frowns and reaches out to lift the boy's chin again. “Why do you do that?” He asks. “You are beautiful yet you hide yourself from me.”
“Beautiful?” Donghae questions as if offended by the word.
“Yes? Do you think you are not?” Hyukjae asks with a smile.
Donghae turns his head away from Hyukjae, a distant, almost angered expression on his face. “I'm a boy, an orphan... a slave,” he says.
“And yet you have preserved your beauty, your innocence,” Hyukjae says seriously.
Donghae turns a sharp gaze towards Hyukjae. “Why did you choose me?” He asks. “Why are you paying to be nice to me instead of paying to fuck me?”
Hyukjae is taken aback by the outburst of anger but remains still, watching the boy turn away again.
“Is that what you would like me to do?”
Donghae freezes at the words spoken into his ear.
“Do you know...” Hyukjae whispers as he moves closer, “how badly it will hurt?”
Donghae shakes his head as he backs away from Hyukjae's advances.
“The pain...” Hyukjae continues, “it could last for days, even longer if your body fights mine.” He slowly presses Donghae onto his back as the boy looks away from him. “Are you going to fight me?”
Donghae quickly shakes his head again, jaw clenched and fists tightened in the sheet below him.
Hyukjae smiles, admiring the soft bone structure of the boy's face before he presses a soft kiss to Donghae's jaw.
“Good,” he whispers. “Don't move.”
Donghae's fists tighten in the sheets until Hyukjae removes himself from the bed and approaches the closet. Curious, Donghae turns his head to watch as Hyukjae returns to the bed, a thin sheet in his hands.
Silently, the older man reaches to fasten the sheet to the wall above the bed using a hook that had originally held a painting. He fans the sheet out, draping it over the entire length of the bed.
Donghae sits up, looking at the room now clouded by the sheet around him. Confused, he turns to see the outline of Hyukjae standing beside the bed, looking in at him through the barrier.
“What is this?” He asks softly.
Hyukjae lifts a corner of the sheet and crawls onto the bed next to Donghae, lying down beside him. “It is a shelter,” he says.
Donghae is about to question further until he is suddenly pulled down by Hyukjae, forced to lie partially on top of him.
Hyukjae smiles at the confused yelp he receives for his action. He adjusts them until Donghae's cheek is pressed against his shoulder and he wraps his arms around the boy.
“Pretend, just for tonight, that this world does not exist and that you are in another,” Hyukjae says. “Fall asleep in a warm bed to the sounds of silence.”
Hyukjae's words are soft and sweet and Donghae hates him. He hates that this man has shown him kindness, has given him hope that there is another world for him. He hates that Hyukjae makes him want. He curls his hands and shivers although he is possibly warmer than he has ever been. He breathes out a pained sigh as he falls asleep to words that he trusts, a phrase that he embraces and accepts although he longs for more.
“Just for tonight.”
-
Hyukjae's eyes open slowly as he wakes. He closes them again with a hope for just a little more rest until he feels the arm slung over his chest and the warm breath against his cheek. He turns his head to stare at the boy, the peaceful expression on his face, and he smiles.
The boy must have torn down the sheet in the middle of the night, Hyukjae thinks, because Donghae is now tangled in it, curled against Hyukjae's side as if desperate for warmth.
“Donghae,” he calls softly, stroking the boy's cheek with a finger until he begins to wake.
Donghae seems confused at first, blinking sleepily until he remembers the night before. He lets himself smile softly as he looks at the man in front of him, feels the warm fingers brushing his cheek.
“I was hoping I would be able to see you smile at least once,” Hyukjae whispers.
Donghae's lips twitch into an uncomfortable frown as he sits up quickly, tearing himself from Hyukjae.
“It is morning,” he says. “Our... your time is up.”
Hyukjae's smile fades as well and he nods, standing to dress himself in silence.
“I will pay in full for your services,” Hyukjae says as he fastens his sword to his side.
“I am still a virgin,” Donghae says, “full payment will not be necessary.”
Hyukjae sighs. “Tell the owner that I fucked you until you bled,” he snaps.
Donghae's breath catches at the statement and he nods in obedience. “Yes, sir.”
Hyukjae winces internally at the coldness in Donghae's voice. He stares at the boy painted with a blank expression although his jaw is clenched in annoyance. He wants to wipe that look from his face, wants to see the confused boy Donghae had been last night. Impulsively, he pulls Donghae up from his sitting position on the bed by his wrists, forcing them to face each other.
The boy stares up at him, eyes unchanging, and Hyukjae wonders why. Why is he not afraid as he was before?
Donghae keeps his eyes locked with the older man, seeing the question in them. Hyukjae is smart, Donghae knows, but Hyukjae will never find the answer he seeks. He will not see that maybe, just maybe Donghae hates Hyukjae. Because Hyukjae is leaving.
A knock on the door interrupts them and Hyukjae releases the boy's hands.
“Yes?” Hyukjae calls, facing away from Donghae.
“It is morning, sir,” the brothel owner announces, “and the boy has to return to his duties.”
Hyukjae turns to Donghae again. He wants to say something, give him parting words or a sweet smile goodbye. But he freezes, staring into still eyes before releasing himself from them and opening the door.
“I was pleased with the boy,” Hyukjae says, taking his pouch of coins from his belt and handing them to the brothel owner. “He earned this.”
The brothel owner stares at the pouch and then eyes Donghae, still standing in the room, facing away from them.
Hyukjae does not stay any longer. He walks out of the room briskly, finding his men ready and waiting at the entrance of the brothel. He orders them to leave quickly and follows them out without sparing a glance behind him.
-
“So...” the brothel owner starts, sitting at a table and counting gold coins, “what did you do to make him give up all of this?”
Donghae sits across from her and gives a sigh before he grins.
“I am nothing but a poor, innocent, slave boy,” he mocks. “He hardly touched me.”
The woman stares at him in surprise.
“I had not guessed that he would be that type...” she ponders. “Although I suppose that act works on everyone.”
“Every time,” Donghae says with another sigh.
“It is a shame that he did not want you, he was quite handsome and very fit. You could have had fun.”
Donghae rolls his eyes. “I am lucky,” he says. “My back is still sore from that brute of a man you pushed on to me just last week.”
“My poor dear,” the owner teases, reaching to pat the boy's head. “Perhaps you would like to take a break?”
“Never,” Donghae grins. “Now, my pay, if you would.”
The brothel owner makes a noise of disgust as she pushes a large portion of the gold coins to Donghae's side of the table.
“You make more in one night than I made in a week at your age,” she grumbles.
“Do not despair,” Donghae coos, “I have had such a wonderful teacher in the fair art of seduction.”
“And it seems that I have taught you flattery quite well,” the brothel owner says with a laugh. “Go clean yourself up, we are expecting another group of the king's men in by this evening. Perhaps another one of them will be looking for an innocent young boy as well.”
Donghae smiles and obeys the owner's wishes, making his way out back to wash himself and change his clothes.
There had been many men before, and even women, coming simply to stay the night at the brothel upon hearing that the inn was closed. Donghae lured them in, a virginal act played for some, a well-trained prostitute for others. Many had walked away thinking that Donghae was special, some had even come back for him, planning to take him away. Donghae would hide, pretending to be dead or on the run. They all had wanted him so badly, touched him so desperately, clutched at him as if he were a dear loved one.
But never had someone been as kind as Hyukjae. Everyone had felt so deeply for him but no one had ever cared like Hyukjae. They all planned to take him away but Hyukjae had been so real, giving him peace for one night. He had given him a true gift instead of an empty promise.
Donghae tells himself he had taken his acting too far, that is why he feels differently towards Hyukjae. He scrubs at his hands violently, remembering his eyes, his touches, his words.
“I was hoping I would be able to see you smile at least once.”
Donghae throws the rag he had been using to clean himself and curls his hands into fists.
“Damn you,” he whispers through clenched teeth, “why did you have to be different? Why do you have to be the only one that I know will not come back?”
He lets himself breathe as he admits silently that he was not acting. He smiles bitterly at the memory of the night he had shared with the one who was different.
Hyukjae is not like the others, Donghae thinks, because Hyukjae is the only one who left him wanting.
-
Pairing: Hyukhae
Rating: PG-15
Genre: Medieval AU
Summary: Hyukjae meets an intriguing young boy when he is forced to spend one night in a brothel.
-
“Full?” Hyukjae questions. “How can this place be full?”
“I am very sorry, sir,” the innkeeper apologizes, “but we are not fit to accommodate this many men.”
“You understand that we are the king's men, yes? And that you are insulting his majesty by denying us hospitality?” One of Hyukjae's men threatens.
“I understand, sir, but you really must know that there is no more room,” the innkeeper says. “We have already offered our available space to you.”
Hyukjae tries to keep himself calm by taking a deep breath. He just wants to sleep, really.
“Where can we go for the night, if not here?” He asks, hoping for anywhere with a warm bed.
“Well,” the innkeeper starts, “there is a brothel nearby, it should have plenty of available rooms if you're willing to pay to occupy them for the evening.”
“A brothel?” Hyukjae asks, eyebrows raised. He's about to complain when one of his men nudges his side.
“It's been a while for me but I have extra to spend for a little bit of fun,” the man says.
Hyukjae knows what the man is implying and he sighs.
“Very well,” he says, “the men who have not been given a room will stay at the brothel.”
Although he has the power to take the place of any of his men and stay in a proper room, he takes the most respectable way and lets his tired men rest while he prepares to spend the night in a brothel. There are only four men, including himself, left to accommodate and Hyukjae is only listening to half of what they're saying as they make their way down the street.
“Haven't been to one of these in years,” one says. “I think I have enough money for two,” says another.
“I'll need four of your best rooms for the night,” Hyukjae says when they are greeted by the brothel owner upon entering.
She is a middle-aged woman, very pretty despite her almost bulky appearance. She raises an eyebrow, scanning the men, determining their tastes with just a glance before fixing her eyes on Hyukjae.
“Well,” she says after a thought, “this is unexpected. Since you are passing through on business, the rooms will be free. Any... extra services, however, will cost you.”
Hyukjae smiles politely. “Thank you,” he says. “I'm sure my men would like your finest services. I would very much just like to sleep.”
“Of course,” the brothel owner says. “Pick any room you'd like.”
Hyukjae gives a slight nod to the woman before leaving his men to drool. He finds the most isolated room, the one furthest from the others, the one he might be able to sleep in if the surrounding noises don't reach its walls, and he steps inside.
A small room, not surprising considering its main purpose, a large bed, closet, a nightstand. Hyukjae turns to look at the closet but is interrupted by a noise coming from behind it. Thinking it might be a rat, he quickly reaches for his sword.
“I-I'm sorry sir! I didn't know! Th-the room is clean! I'm sorry! Enjoy your stay!”
Hyukjae watches as a boy scrambles out from behind the closet, bows his head, and runs out of the room. He stares after the retreating figure with unblinking eyes before chuckling to himself and shaking his head. The boy had left behind a cleaning rag that he had apparently been using to clean just behind the closet. Hyukjae picks it up from the floor, pinching it between his thumb and index finger, and hangs it on the door handle.
He sighs and closes the door, finally ready to undress and sleep. He barely starts to remove his belt when there is a soft knock on his door.
“What?” He says, irritation evident in his voice.
“I'm sorry to disturb, sir,” the brothel owner's voice, “but I have prepared something for you.”
Although he wants to ignore the offer and sleep, he opens the door with the slightest pinch of curiosity to find the brothel owner standing next to a row of men and women.
“What... is this?” Hyukjae asks, leaning against the door frame, arms crossed.
“While your friends were easy to read, I could not quite place your preference,” the brothel owner explains. “I am curious to know your type. We have men as well, if that is what you would like.”
Hyukjae's lip twitches in amusement. “Perhaps you cannot place my preference because my preference is not found amongst whores,” he says.
“Not even if I offer you our finest for free?” The brothel owner pushes.
Hyukjae lets his eyes scan over the row of men and women, dressed provocatively in clothes loosened from being torn from their bodies numerous times. “A free whore is still a whore,” he says as his eyes find his way back to the owner.
The brothel owner grinds her teeth in annoyance at Hyukjae's words.
“Is there really nothing that can satisfy your needs?” She asks, desperate to crack Hyukjae. “Perhaps if I offered your choice of anyone in this establishment?”
Hyukjae grins at the subtlety of her advances, knowing that the woman is offering herself to him. He is about to decline when his ears pick up a noise that is not of pleasure, not creaking beds or moans but instead a demand followed by an obedient response.
“He was a messy one,” the first voice, a woman, says. “Well, go on, clean it up.”
“Yes,” a soft, male voice responds, “right away.”
Hyukjae turns to the source of the voice and his eyes land on the boy who had run from his room. He sees only the boy's back as he enters a room, the woman who had ordered him walking away as she fixes her hair.
“I'd like him to accompany me tonight,” Hyukjae says, eyes still fixed on the boy.
The brothel owner turns and squints. “The cleaning boy?” She asks, astonished by the sudden choice. “But he's not...” she trails off, realizing that she should not argue this matter. “Very well. Donghae!” she calls out, beckoning the boy with her hand.
The boy turns and quickly makes his way to the brothel owner, standing between her and Hyukjae, keeping his head low to avoid eye contact. “This man requests your company,” she says. “He is of the king's men so you must do as he tells you.”
The boy's head snaps up, eyes darting to Hyukjae for a brief second before returning to the owner. “But I'm...” he stops when he receives a glare. “A-as you wish.”
The owner gives a small smile to the boy before glancing at Hyukjae. “He is a virgin,” she says. “Since you are his first and because you are taking him from his duties, I shall expect a large price for his services.”
Just as the woman finishes her sentence, a pouch of coins is being dangled in front of her face.
“I will pay you in the morning,” Hyukjae says, “if he is worth it.”
The owner practically salivates over the sound of jingling coins until Hyukjae snatches them away and retreats into his room. The boy, Donghae, seems deep in thought, hands playing with the hem of his long shirt. He is brought out of his concentration when he is pushed into the room by the brothel owner and the door is closed behind him.
“Not the most pleasant woman, is she?” Hyukjae asks as he begins to remove his outer clothing, facing away from Donghae.
Donghae does not respond. Nervous and unsure what he should do, he begins removing his clothing as well. Hyukjae turns to find the boy with his shirt almost above his head and he stops him with a hand on his wrist.
“There will be no need for that,” Hyukjae says softly, pulling the shirt back onto the boy's scrawny frame. He looks at Donghae more closely now, realizing that the boy is perhaps a few years older than he would have guessed. It is his eyes that make him look so young, bright and round like a child. His hair is unkempt and brushes his shoulders, most likely cut by the boy himself.
“How old are you?” Hyukjae asks, turning around again to finish undressing.
“I'm eighteen, sir,” Donghae responds, stiff and unmoving to ensure that he will do nothing wrong.
“Ah, and still a virgin?” Hyukjae asks. “You know, the king himself was no longer a virgin by the age of fifteen.”
“The king?” Donghae questions, suddenly forgetting a portion of his uneasiness. “How do you know that?”
“The king and I are good friends,” Hyukjae declares. He is now clad in only pants as he sits on the bed, quietly observing Donghae.
“I-I see, sir,” Donghae says, suddenly nervous to face Hyukjae again. “Would... would you like to take my clothing off, sir?”
Hyukjae only smiles at the boy and reaches out a hand to pat the bed, indicating that Donghae should join him.
With uneasy steps, Donghae moves towards the bed and sits, shoulder just barely touching Hyukjae's. He waits, head down, eyes on his the knees of his pants, dirty from scrubbing floors. He nearly flinches when he feels the brush of fingers against his cheek, moving to tilt his chin up until he is facing Hyukjae.
“How long have you been here?” Hyukjae asks softly, brushing a lock of hair from Donghae's forehead.
“As long as I can remember, sir,” Donghae responds, throat dry, eyes still not looking at the man in front of him.
“And no one has ever tried to touch you? Asked to pay for you?” Hyukjae asks and Donghae shakes his head. “Look at me,” he says, more like a plea than a demand.
Donghae swallows, slowly moving his eyes up to meet Hyukjae's. The man's face is clean, free of stubble and blemishes. His eyes are soft, lips plump.
“What's your name?” Donghae breathes, hardly aware that he had asked the question.
“Hyukjae,” comes the response.
Donghae nods slowly and blinks away the trance of the man's eyes and voice. “Wh... should I... what would you like me to... I... I have never done this before...” he stutters out.
Hyukjae moves away from the boy slightly, still looking at him. “I will not touch you at all if you do not want me to,” he says.
Donghae's eyes widen. “But I thought...”
“A boy like you should not be in a place like this,” Hyukjae says. “You should not have to fall asleep each night listening to these... noises.”
His point is proven as a loud, exaggerated scream of pleasure pushes through the thin walls and reaches their ears.
“I have grown used to it, sir,” Donghae says.
Hyukjae sighs. “You do not have to call me that,” he says.
“I'm sorry,” Donghae says quickly, bowing his head again.
Hyukjae frowns and reaches out to lift the boy's chin again. “Why do you do that?” He asks. “You are beautiful yet you hide yourself from me.”
“Beautiful?” Donghae questions as if offended by the word.
“Yes? Do you think you are not?” Hyukjae asks with a smile.
Donghae turns his head away from Hyukjae, a distant, almost angered expression on his face. “I'm a boy, an orphan... a slave,” he says.
“And yet you have preserved your beauty, your innocence,” Hyukjae says seriously.
Donghae turns a sharp gaze towards Hyukjae. “Why did you choose me?” He asks. “Why are you paying to be nice to me instead of paying to fuck me?”
Hyukjae is taken aback by the outburst of anger but remains still, watching the boy turn away again.
“Is that what you would like me to do?”
Donghae freezes at the words spoken into his ear.
“Do you know...” Hyukjae whispers as he moves closer, “how badly it will hurt?”
Donghae shakes his head as he backs away from Hyukjae's advances.
“The pain...” Hyukjae continues, “it could last for days, even longer if your body fights mine.” He slowly presses Donghae onto his back as the boy looks away from him. “Are you going to fight me?”
Donghae quickly shakes his head again, jaw clenched and fists tightened in the sheet below him.
Hyukjae smiles, admiring the soft bone structure of the boy's face before he presses a soft kiss to Donghae's jaw.
“Good,” he whispers. “Don't move.”
Donghae's fists tighten in the sheets until Hyukjae removes himself from the bed and approaches the closet. Curious, Donghae turns his head to watch as Hyukjae returns to the bed, a thin sheet in his hands.
Silently, the older man reaches to fasten the sheet to the wall above the bed using a hook that had originally held a painting. He fans the sheet out, draping it over the entire length of the bed.
Donghae sits up, looking at the room now clouded by the sheet around him. Confused, he turns to see the outline of Hyukjae standing beside the bed, looking in at him through the barrier.
“What is this?” He asks softly.
Hyukjae lifts a corner of the sheet and crawls onto the bed next to Donghae, lying down beside him. “It is a shelter,” he says.
Donghae is about to question further until he is suddenly pulled down by Hyukjae, forced to lie partially on top of him.
Hyukjae smiles at the confused yelp he receives for his action. He adjusts them until Donghae's cheek is pressed against his shoulder and he wraps his arms around the boy.
“Pretend, just for tonight, that this world does not exist and that you are in another,” Hyukjae says. “Fall asleep in a warm bed to the sounds of silence.”
Hyukjae's words are soft and sweet and Donghae hates him. He hates that this man has shown him kindness, has given him hope that there is another world for him. He hates that Hyukjae makes him want. He curls his hands and shivers although he is possibly warmer than he has ever been. He breathes out a pained sigh as he falls asleep to words that he trusts, a phrase that he embraces and accepts although he longs for more.
“Just for tonight.”
-
Hyukjae's eyes open slowly as he wakes. He closes them again with a hope for just a little more rest until he feels the arm slung over his chest and the warm breath against his cheek. He turns his head to stare at the boy, the peaceful expression on his face, and he smiles.
The boy must have torn down the sheet in the middle of the night, Hyukjae thinks, because Donghae is now tangled in it, curled against Hyukjae's side as if desperate for warmth.
“Donghae,” he calls softly, stroking the boy's cheek with a finger until he begins to wake.
Donghae seems confused at first, blinking sleepily until he remembers the night before. He lets himself smile softly as he looks at the man in front of him, feels the warm fingers brushing his cheek.
“I was hoping I would be able to see you smile at least once,” Hyukjae whispers.
Donghae's lips twitch into an uncomfortable frown as he sits up quickly, tearing himself from Hyukjae.
“It is morning,” he says. “Our... your time is up.”
Hyukjae's smile fades as well and he nods, standing to dress himself in silence.
“I will pay in full for your services,” Hyukjae says as he fastens his sword to his side.
“I am still a virgin,” Donghae says, “full payment will not be necessary.”
Hyukjae sighs. “Tell the owner that I fucked you until you bled,” he snaps.
Donghae's breath catches at the statement and he nods in obedience. “Yes, sir.”
Hyukjae winces internally at the coldness in Donghae's voice. He stares at the boy painted with a blank expression although his jaw is clenched in annoyance. He wants to wipe that look from his face, wants to see the confused boy Donghae had been last night. Impulsively, he pulls Donghae up from his sitting position on the bed by his wrists, forcing them to face each other.
The boy stares up at him, eyes unchanging, and Hyukjae wonders why. Why is he not afraid as he was before?
Donghae keeps his eyes locked with the older man, seeing the question in them. Hyukjae is smart, Donghae knows, but Hyukjae will never find the answer he seeks. He will not see that maybe, just maybe Donghae hates Hyukjae. Because Hyukjae is leaving.
A knock on the door interrupts them and Hyukjae releases the boy's hands.
“Yes?” Hyukjae calls, facing away from Donghae.
“It is morning, sir,” the brothel owner announces, “and the boy has to return to his duties.”
Hyukjae turns to Donghae again. He wants to say something, give him parting words or a sweet smile goodbye. But he freezes, staring into still eyes before releasing himself from them and opening the door.
“I was pleased with the boy,” Hyukjae says, taking his pouch of coins from his belt and handing them to the brothel owner. “He earned this.”
The brothel owner stares at the pouch and then eyes Donghae, still standing in the room, facing away from them.
Hyukjae does not stay any longer. He walks out of the room briskly, finding his men ready and waiting at the entrance of the brothel. He orders them to leave quickly and follows them out without sparing a glance behind him.
-
“So...” the brothel owner starts, sitting at a table and counting gold coins, “what did you do to make him give up all of this?”
Donghae sits across from her and gives a sigh before he grins.
“I am nothing but a poor, innocent, slave boy,” he mocks. “He hardly touched me.”
The woman stares at him in surprise.
“I had not guessed that he would be that type...” she ponders. “Although I suppose that act works on everyone.”
“Every time,” Donghae says with another sigh.
“It is a shame that he did not want you, he was quite handsome and very fit. You could have had fun.”
Donghae rolls his eyes. “I am lucky,” he says. “My back is still sore from that brute of a man you pushed on to me just last week.”
“My poor dear,” the owner teases, reaching to pat the boy's head. “Perhaps you would like to take a break?”
“Never,” Donghae grins. “Now, my pay, if you would.”
The brothel owner makes a noise of disgust as she pushes a large portion of the gold coins to Donghae's side of the table.
“You make more in one night than I made in a week at your age,” she grumbles.
“Do not despair,” Donghae coos, “I have had such a wonderful teacher in the fair art of seduction.”
“And it seems that I have taught you flattery quite well,” the brothel owner says with a laugh. “Go clean yourself up, we are expecting another group of the king's men in by this evening. Perhaps another one of them will be looking for an innocent young boy as well.”
Donghae smiles and obeys the owner's wishes, making his way out back to wash himself and change his clothes.
There had been many men before, and even women, coming simply to stay the night at the brothel upon hearing that the inn was closed. Donghae lured them in, a virginal act played for some, a well-trained prostitute for others. Many had walked away thinking that Donghae was special, some had even come back for him, planning to take him away. Donghae would hide, pretending to be dead or on the run. They all had wanted him so badly, touched him so desperately, clutched at him as if he were a dear loved one.
But never had someone been as kind as Hyukjae. Everyone had felt so deeply for him but no one had ever cared like Hyukjae. They all planned to take him away but Hyukjae had been so real, giving him peace for one night. He had given him a true gift instead of an empty promise.
Donghae tells himself he had taken his acting too far, that is why he feels differently towards Hyukjae. He scrubs at his hands violently, remembering his eyes, his touches, his words.
“I was hoping I would be able to see you smile at least once.”
Donghae throws the rag he had been using to clean himself and curls his hands into fists.
“Damn you,” he whispers through clenched teeth, “why did you have to be different? Why do you have to be the only one that I know will not come back?”
He lets himself breathe as he admits silently that he was not acting. He smiles bitterly at the memory of the night he had shared with the one who was different.
Hyukjae is not like the others, Donghae thinks, because Hyukjae is the only one who left him wanting.
-