Sanctuary - Chapter Three
Title: Sanctuary
Chapter: 3/?
Authors: renichifreak and yeonah
Fandom: SS501
Pairings: KyuMin, HyunSaeng
Rating: PG-16
Warning:Angst, AU
Summary: In this era, people are bought and sold as though they are cattle. The human life is only worth what one is willing to pay for it. What happens when two such people end up in the possession of two brothers who refuse to follow the very practices they were raised to believe?
A/N: Another roleplay story by us for your enjoyment~! Yes, Unlock is still going XD We’re going back and forth. HyunJoong and JungMin are played by me (yeonah ) and KyuJong and YoungSaeng are played by renichifreak . Credit for the original plot goes to renichifreak and hakkais_shadow ~ <3
HyunJoong's lips curled upwards at the suspicious gaze and words. It would take a while before YoungSaeng stopped being so wary of him, if he ever did. That was all right. He had no intention of breaking his word, so it didn't matter how long it took the slave to figure it out.
As he'd said before, he wasn't looking to be thanked.
Looking up at the soft knock, he glanced back at the now-sleeping slave and smiled before padding over to the door and opened it to reveal KyuJong. Amused, HyunJoong touched one finger to his lips and glanced back at the bed before slipping out into the hallway and closing the door behind him so that they wouldn't disturb the man's rest. "I see you're still in one piece."
KyuJong followed his hyung's glance and saw the sleeping man, curled up protectively. The sight made him frown before he moved so that HyunJoong could follow him out and close the door.
He sighed at the statement. "Barely. Have I always been such a glutton for punishment? That man is insane." He couldn't help but admire his stubbornness, however.
"You've always been like that," HyunJoong said bluntly. "How else does HyungJoon manage to rope you into his troublemaking schemes over and over again?"
"And how are you and YoungSaeng sshi doing? JungMin told me his name, by the way."
Considering the question, HyunJoong shrugged. "As well as can be expected, I suppose. I've already told him I have no intention of touching him, though I doubt he believes me at all." He smiled wryly. "I don't think he believes I'm too bright, either."
KyuJong had to laugh at that. "You may be book smart, but you have no common sense whatsoever, Hyung."
It was a well known fact that HyunJoong could formulate some of the most difficult problems, but stick him in a room with someone he's not very acquainted with, and he's completely at a loss.
HyunJoong grinned, taking no offense to his brother's words whatsoever. "I thought I was doing pretty well in the common sense department, actually. Apart from knowing nothing about slaves. You might have to give me a crash course."
He'd been thinking about taking a slave away from his father ever since KyuJong had told him about the shipment, but of course it didn't occur to him to ask KyuJong beforehand.
KyuJong nodded his head. "That's actually why I came here. I figured while I made something to eat, I can explain a few things to you," he explained, motioning toward the kitchen.
KyuJong led the way before entering, bowing to the chef and smiling the way he did when he decided that he wanted to cook for himself. After a bit of digging, he came back with the ingredients for kimchi jjigae.
"So," KyuJong began as he went to work. "Has he told you anything yet? About what's expected of you in reference to him?"
Leaning against the counter as he watched KyuJong work, HyunJoong absently passed his brother ingredients whenever he needed them, doing little bits of prep work that wouldn't get in KyuJong's way.
"We didn't really talk much," he shrugged. "Pretty much the only things we went over were that he was to sleep in my room and wasn't supposed to use my name. Oh, and that he expects me to turn around and rape him any moment." Looking at his expression, it was impossible to tell what he thought about this, nonchalant and not quite there as always. "I was hoping to learn a bit more from someone who wouldn't glare at me every ten seconds."
KyuJong accepted his brother's help, little as it was, while he listened to what the elder said. "Slaves can never use their owner's given name, especially not in public. It's an offense calling for punishment of some sort." He paused. "For example, if JungMin were to call me anything other than 'master' in public, I would be expected to hit him. If I don't, I get in trouble as well and JungMin would be hit twice, even though it was me who hesitated," he explained.
"YoungSaeng sshi is a pleasure slave, therefore it stands to reason that he would share your bed," he added as he continued cooking.
HyunJoong mused on that. "He doesn't seem like the type to call anyone master, punished or not," he chuckled, before shaking his head slightly. "I already told YoungSaeng he doesn't have to call me that, but I suppose that means he'll have no choice in public either..."
Then he frowned. "I get him having to stay in my room, but if we're alone, he shouldn't have to stay in the same bed as me. I can use one of the sleeping mats in the closet."
KyuJong paused in his cooking and just stared at the counter. "I went to wrap his wrists, but he doubted what I was going to do. He had to look to make sure what I had in the first aid kit was actually for first aid."
He sighed and went about what he was doing. "I suppose you can do that...but what if someone other than me or HyungJoon walks in and sees? They'll report to Appa right away and he'll try to take him away since technically, it's he who owns them, not us."
"I think it goes without saying they've both been through a lot of abuse," HyunJoong said firmly, finally showing a reaction as his gaze sharpened in anger. "Getting their trust won't come easy...or maybe come at all."
Helping KyuJong prepare the kimchi, the older brother shrugged. "It can be explained away. I can just say YoungSaeng caught something while with the slave traders, and I'm being cautious in not catching it. Appa knows I can't afford to become sick." He didn't have the time it took to recover. University hardly let him sleep at times, and with exams coming up, HyunJoong was usually very careful in avoiding anything that could be contagious.
"Maybe later we'll end up sharing the same bed, but not now...not while I'm still trying to convince him that I have no intention of touching him."
KyuJong smiled at his brother as he began showing his feelings on the matter before he began helping in the preparation. "I don't think I'll ever get JungMin’s trust, but I'll be happy if he believes that I'm not trying to either kill or control him," he replied with a sigh.
Listening to HyunJoong, he nodded. "That sounds good. I'm sure if you asked him, YoungSaeng sshi would cooperate with acting sick if someone came in who wasn't us."
"Hyung...what do you intend to do when you're in school? I'd suggest bringing him with you, but leaving a pleasure slave alone in your school would be a bad idea."
"I haven't really thought about that yet." HyunJoong looked thoughtful as he worked. "If I were to bring him along, he'd be allowed to sit in on the lectures...but not the labs most likely." The teachers were strict about guests, especially when they started messing around with more and more complicated materials. "So I could bring him some days, but not others."
He glanced at KyuJong. "What about leaving him here? I don't trust the guards to leave him alone though...and I doubt he'd want to stay in my room the entire time."
"Is it sad that I don't trust a single soul in this house outside of you and Joonie?" KyuJong asked suddenly. As the middle child, he was neither the pride as HyunJoong was, nor was he the baby like HyungJoon. He had never been particularly close to their father, and his stance on a lot of things only widened the gap.
"Maybe he wouldn't mind hanging around me or Joonie. I mean, JungMin and he are friends, right? As long as you bring him to one of our rooms on your way out, it should be fine."
"Perhaps a little sad, yeah." HyunJoong tilted his head to one side. "What's even sadder though is that it makes perfect sense not to." He considered the offer then. "That's probably the best idea. That also might help JungMin lighten up a little on your end." If they were friends, why make them feel as if they were secluded from each other?
"Depending on how long he sleeps, I'll probably be taking him for new clothes either today or tomorrow. I do know some things about taking care of a person." His lips quirked upwards. "I was also thinking of maybe buying him a few things...find out what he likes. At the very least, give him something to do while I'm busy."
"I never intended on keeping them from seeing each other, and I know that you wouldn't, either."
Letting the meal sit, KyuJong took a seat and motioned for his hyung to do the same. "What do you know about shopping for a pleasure slave?" he asked, curious. HyunJoong knew little bits of information, so it would be easier to see what he already knew rather than reiterate.
HyunJoong slipped into the seat facing his brother. "I know they have to look presentable," he said with a shrug. "Since their appeal is based on their appearance. Presentable can have different meanings though...I also asked him if he wanted his hair to be cut, since his old owners apparently wouldn't let him."
KyuJong nodded his head. "In this case, presentable means he's an accessory. Form fitting clothes, anything that shows him off. The collar must be completely visible, as well," he explained.
"No, I don't suppose they'd allow him to cut it," he continued as he rested his head in his hand. "Has he been asleep the whole time, or was anything he was doing? It might help you figure out what he likes to do."
"So no hoodies then, got it." HyunJoong nodded, then thought for a moment. "He was writing something in one of the notebooks I have hanging around, though I haven't seen what. I'll take a peek at it before we leave then. Will you and JungMin be coming with us?"
"The weather's beginning to change, so a light jacket is allowed, he just can't be covered much," KyuJong specified. "And yeah, we'll probably come. He needs some clothes. You're gonna have to do most of the clothing choosing for YoungSaeng sshi, you know..."
HyunJoong raised an eyebrow at that. "Why? He's old enough to pick out his own clothing. As long as whatever he picks is 'presentable', it should work, right?"
"As...familiar...as he may be, he'll probably unconsciously try to cover himself," KyuJong replied. "It's human nature to not feel exposed, right?" Getting to his feet, he went to check the food before shutting the stove off. "Oh. Take his measurements, too, so you can keep people from touching him. They'll insist on doing it themselves, even if he knows them," he added, getting four bowls and glasses.
It made sense. "I'll still let him do his own shopping," HyunJoong said with a shrug. "And tell him if it's covering too much. Maybe...get him a hoodie or something more covering for when we're alone though." He didn't want YoungSaeng to feel exposed when he didn't have to be. Getting up as well, he went to help KyuJong by getting the drinks ready.
"I don't think we're at the point yet where I can take his measurements and not be decked for it, but I'll see what I can do." He was going to make sure no one ever touched YoungSaeng.
"Isn't there some sort of rule about that though...? Not being allowed to touch another's slave," HyunJoong asked, blinking as he recalled something from one of KyuJong's many rants.
KyuJong went quiet at the question. "This is where you have to be extremely careful, Hyung. Another's slave can't be touched, but if he or the master does something wrong, the offended party is allowed to deal the punishment," he explained. Taking a breath, he elaborated. "Say he says or does something to offend Appa. If you refuse to punish him, Appa is then allowed to do it instead."
HyunJoong frowned. Any punishment dealt by their father would not be pleasant. "Can I just...take him to my room and pretend to have punished him?" he asked. Hopefully he would be able to keep YoungSaeng away from their father as much as possible, but there would still be times the two would run into each other. "I'm a little apprehensive about asking this, but...what is the usual punishment for pleasure slaves?"
Thinking a moment, KyuJong nodded slowly. "You'd have to manhandle him a bit, though. Act as angry and put out as possible and then forcefully drag him back. Can you do that? Can you put on a good enough show until you can be sure no one's around?" he asked, setting the bowls and drinks on two trays, sliding one toward his brother.
"You can't strike his face. The only visible marks allowed are bite marks or hickeys or something like that. You're also gonna have to touch him in public. Like, a hand on his thigh, things of that nature. He's a pleasure slave, so you need to give the appearance that he's doing his job well."
Nodding, HyunJoong picked up the tray KyuJong slid to him. "I can do that. It doesn't seem to take much to make people think I'm angry." He smiled sheepishly. To those who didn't know him HyunJoong seemed to spent the majority of his life in a sleepwalking daze, so when he focused his full attention on something and actually looked it, the results were very interesting. "Though I'll still talk it over with him first so that he knows what's going on."
Tilting his head slightly to one side, he sighed. "I was hoping not to have to touch him even in public...I told him I wouldn't. If need be, I will, but I want to have his permission first and not just do it randomly."
KyuJong smiled slightly. His hyung had the reputation of being a bit spacey, and while it worked in his favor more often than not, he knew that when he put forth effort, he could be extremely convincing. "That sounds like a good idea, though he seems the type to be the perfect slave in public," KyuJong mused.
"This is why I hate slavery so much, Hyung. They shouldn't have to deal with this..."
"They shouldn't, but they do," HyunJoong shrugged. "There isn't much we can do about that right now...though I think this is much better than just ranting about it, don't you?" He smiled at his little brother and clapped him on the shoulder. "Anything else I need to know in KyuJong's version of 'Owning Slaves for Dummies'?"
KyuJong rolled his eyes. "Don't let him out of your sight...and watch my back in case JungMin tries to kill me." The scary thing was that he felt it was a distinct possibility.
"How about we head back up and eat?"
HyunJoong laughed. "Maybe we should invest in some self-defense lessons for you," he teased. "How old is he? He looks around my age...” At the question he nodded, balancing his tray carefully and heading out of the kitchen, falling into step beside KyuJong.
Rolling his eyes, KyuJong chuckled. "Because I learned so well the first time we took self defense. I recall you doing a spectacular job of breaking my leg, Hyung." He then shook his head at the next question. "Younger. He's eighteen. How about YoungSaeng?"
"You weren't even holding the stance right," HyunJoong countered, amused. "Or paying attention...and you say I'm the space case." He laughed at the new information. "That's it, we're definitely signing you up for lessons...it would be embarrassing for you to be beaten to a pulp by someone younger than you." He shrugged at the question. "I haven't asked him yet." HyunJoong was very non-confrontational; he figured they had a long time to get to know each other, so why pester the man with questions when he was still eyeing him like he was going to jump him any second?
"You are the space case. At least I never fell out of a window," KyuJong shot back. "He looks older and could probably break me in half if he's been a labor slave for as long as I think," he pointed out.
"You should. Maybe it'll loosen him up a bit." Not that it had worked with his own charge... "There's always the question for a question game..."
"Who leaves a full-length window open like that, anyways?" HyunJoong grinned.
"That would be you, genius," KyuJong snickered.
"I'll give it a try...not everyone likes being interrogated though," the older brother replied. "The main thing is, I want him to be able to see he can do whatever he wants to do without worrying about being jumped. Maybe I'll take him to the lab later. Being able to do something not related to his position as a slave might help as well."
"It doesn't have to be an interrogation, you know. Just ask him a few questions as you would anyone you meet. Treat him like a normal human being and that may get you somewhere, too."
KyuJong paused at the suggestion. "Be more careful than you were when you brought your last boyfriend down there. I'm pretty sure all his hair hasn't grown back yet."
"Some people take it like an interrogation," HyunJoong shrugged. "Even with the best intentions." He then laughed at the reminder of what had happened last time he brought someone not in his immediate family into the home-lab. "I'm pretty sure YoungSaeng's not going to mix together two liquids clearly marked as flammable and put the beaker over the open flame," he told his brother. "I told him not to do it, it's not my fault he decided to play 'mad scientist'."
"Maybe you can ask him if there's anything he wants to know about you," KyuJong suggested with a shrug. "And that guy had even less common sense than you did. Again, why did you go out with him for as long as you did?"
"Because it made for interesting results?" HyunJoong laughed. "He had his bright moments. Far and in between, but he had them. And I'd appreciate you not insulting my ex," he chuckled with a shake of his head as they reached his room.
"Why not? You insult mine all the time," KyuJong said as he opened HyunJoong's door and allowed him to enter first, closing the door behind them. There had only been two, of course, but one was never mentioned, for which he was grateful. He'd much rather forget he existed.
"But yours deserved to be insulted," HyunJoong said, lowering his voice automatically as they entered his room. "Mine wasn't guilty of anything other than having more than a few screws loose." He went to put the tray of food down on a clean part of his desk, looking to the bed.
The sound of footsteps outside the room as well as muffled voices woke YoungSaeng immediately, yet he remained as he was. Tensing as the door opened, he relaxed a fraction, realizing that it was only HyunJoong and his brother.
The smell of food was the next thing to draw his attention as he slowly sat up and looked at the pair, eyes sharp and alert.
Noticing they had YoungSaeng's attention, HyunJoong smiled absently. "Sorry to wake you up. Hungry?" He picked up YoungSaeng's drink and bowl, walking over to the bed and placing the glass down on the small nightstand beside the bed before offering him the bowl with chopsticks inside. "KyuJongie cooked it. If I did, it would probably end up lethal." He was really good at cooking some things, but ask him to cook outside that and you were just asking for trouble.
YoungSaeng's eyes never left the two as KyuJong stood to the side and HyunJoong walked closer, placing food on the nightstand. It smelled delicious. "What is it...?" he asked turning cold eyes onto KyuJong.
Blinking in surprise to the nearly hostile stare," KyuJong spoke up. "Kimchi jjigae. I was going to go and bring JungMin here so we can all eat, if that's all right. Though if you just want to be left alone for now, that's fine, too," he explained, looking at his hyung.
HyunJoong shrugged slightly, smile playing on his lips. "Why not? The more the merrier." He looked to YoungSaeng. "Unless you'd rather be alone?" he asked the other man.
YoungSaeng's eyes narrowed. It had been so long that he barely remembered what it was like to be asked anything, so used to being ordered and forced. At a loss, he nodded slightly at the request.
Smiling at the nod, HyunJoong turned to KyuJong. "Why don't you get him then, and I'll try to make this place a little neater? I don't want you dropping food all over my exam papers," he teased, turning to pick up the various books strewn around the room.
"Of course you wouldn't. You do that enough on your own," KyuJong pointed out before leaving and going to his own room. Opening the door, he walked over to the adjoining door and knocked.
JungMin had worked with the wires behind the television for only a few minutes before he started nodding off, resulting in nicking himself with the sharp end of a wire. Hissing slightly as he stuck the bleeding finger in his mouth, he decided to continue when he wasn't half-asleep. Closing the television again and moving it back up against the wall, he cast the door a glance before curling up on the bed, falling fast asleep. Unlike YoungSaeng however, he didn't wake up to the sound of someone approaching the door, nor the knock.
Receiving no answer, KyuJong tried again before slowly opening the door and entering. Seeing JungMin asleep, he weighed his options before walking closer to the bed. He made sure to stay back a distance before calling him. "JungMin sshi. I made food. It's in with my brother and YoungSaeng sshi. Are you hungry?"
The slave was exhausted; it had been ages since he'd slept properly...or even slept on something that wasn't a cold floor or the inside of a truck. Thanks to this JungMin didn't even twitch when KyuJong called him, curled up with one arm over his face to hide it.
Biting his lip, KyuJong realized he was running out of options. After debating with himself, KyuJong sighed and neared the bed even more, placing a hand on his shoulder.
The second the hand met JungMin's shoulder, the slave flinched back from it and tried swatting at the offending limb, reacting unconsciously to the sudden contact. Eyes opening, he released a yell of surprise to see someone right in front of him, kicking KyuJong and promptly falling off the other end of the bed when he tried to get away.
JungMin had reacted far too quickly for KyuJong to do anything beside take the kick dead on to the chest, forcing the air from his lungs. Hitting the ground, he coughed, trying to breathe, though his body was refusing to cooperate.
"I'm...s-sorry, b't you wouldn't...wake up," he forced out. He was able to mention food, HyunJoong, and YoungSaeng before another wave of coughs hit.
Damn, did he have a powerful kick.
Dazed and confused, JungMin listened to the pounding of his heart for a moment before sitting up and peeking over the edge of the bed, to see KyuJong on the floor. "...Shit," he mumbled, realizing he'd just kicked his owner. He'd hit his masters before, but doing so always resulted in another mark on his body that usually played on his fears, if the master was observant enough to catch them.
"You don't have very good reflexes, do you?" he stated bluntly once he'd calmed down somewhat from the scare. He didn't come out from the other side of the bed though, watching KyuJong warily.
Still trying to regain his breath, KyuJong simply shook his head. After a minute, or five, he was finally able to speak without gasping. "I was never good at self defense, therefore usually got my ass handed to me by my hyung," he explained.
"I'm sorry for disturbing you, but I brought up food. It's in Hyung's room if you want any. We asked YoungSaeng sshi already and he agreed with getting you."
JungMin stayed where he was while the older man recovered from the kick to the chest, crouched behind the bed where he'd fallen off. He was still exhausted, but now that he had been woken up so suddenly he wasn't going to be able to fall asleep again for a while. "I said I was fine though," he frowned, wondering why in the world anyone would go out of their way to bring food for him. Unless it was a trick. JungMin was still waiting for KyuJong to do something like another master would, the fact that he hadn't been struck or even yelled at yet unnerving.
Noting the near paranoia, KyuJong smiled slightly. "I know, but I figured you'd be hungry, and my hyung came with me, so we made enough for all four of us." With a laugh, he added, "HyungJoonie can fend for himself, the little brat."
"You don't have to worry about punishment, JungMin. It was my fault for startling you, so I pretty much asked for it." He stood up, brushing himself off. "Do you want to join us? We thought maybe you and YoungSaeng sshi might be a bit more comfortable together for a bit."
JungMin considered it for a moment, wary gaze on KyuJong as the man stood. Seeing how YoungSaeng was fairing would be nice; despite only knowing each other the few days they'd been stuck in the truck together, they'd gotten along very well. Leaving the room would also give him a chance to look around the manor a little more, as slight as it may be.
After a pause, he stood and walked up from behind the bed, still keeping a distance from his owner. "Alright..."
Chapter: 3/?
Authors: renichifreak and yeonah
Fandom: SS501
Pairings: KyuMin, HyunSaeng
Rating: PG-16
Warning:Angst, AU
Summary: In this era, people are bought and sold as though they are cattle. The human life is only worth what one is willing to pay for it. What happens when two such people end up in the possession of two brothers who refuse to follow the very practices they were raised to believe?
A/N: Another roleplay story by us for your enjoyment~! Yes, Unlock is still going XD We’re going back and forth. HyunJoong and JungMin are played by me (yeonah ) and KyuJong and YoungSaeng are played by renichifreak . Credit for the original plot goes to renichifreak and hakkais_shadow ~ <3
HyunJoong's lips curled upwards at the suspicious gaze and words. It would take a while before YoungSaeng stopped being so wary of him, if he ever did. That was all right. He had no intention of breaking his word, so it didn't matter how long it took the slave to figure it out.
As he'd said before, he wasn't looking to be thanked.
Looking up at the soft knock, he glanced back at the now-sleeping slave and smiled before padding over to the door and opened it to reveal KyuJong. Amused, HyunJoong touched one finger to his lips and glanced back at the bed before slipping out into the hallway and closing the door behind him so that they wouldn't disturb the man's rest. "I see you're still in one piece."
KyuJong followed his hyung's glance and saw the sleeping man, curled up protectively. The sight made him frown before he moved so that HyunJoong could follow him out and close the door.
He sighed at the statement. "Barely. Have I always been such a glutton for punishment? That man is insane." He couldn't help but admire his stubbornness, however.
"You've always been like that," HyunJoong said bluntly. "How else does HyungJoon manage to rope you into his troublemaking schemes over and over again?"
"And how are you and YoungSaeng sshi doing? JungMin told me his name, by the way."
Considering the question, HyunJoong shrugged. "As well as can be expected, I suppose. I've already told him I have no intention of touching him, though I doubt he believes me at all." He smiled wryly. "I don't think he believes I'm too bright, either."
KyuJong had to laugh at that. "You may be book smart, but you have no common sense whatsoever, Hyung."
It was a well known fact that HyunJoong could formulate some of the most difficult problems, but stick him in a room with someone he's not very acquainted with, and he's completely at a loss.
HyunJoong grinned, taking no offense to his brother's words whatsoever. "I thought I was doing pretty well in the common sense department, actually. Apart from knowing nothing about slaves. You might have to give me a crash course."
He'd been thinking about taking a slave away from his father ever since KyuJong had told him about the shipment, but of course it didn't occur to him to ask KyuJong beforehand.
KyuJong nodded his head. "That's actually why I came here. I figured while I made something to eat, I can explain a few things to you," he explained, motioning toward the kitchen.
KyuJong led the way before entering, bowing to the chef and smiling the way he did when he decided that he wanted to cook for himself. After a bit of digging, he came back with the ingredients for kimchi jjigae.
"So," KyuJong began as he went to work. "Has he told you anything yet? About what's expected of you in reference to him?"
Leaning against the counter as he watched KyuJong work, HyunJoong absently passed his brother ingredients whenever he needed them, doing little bits of prep work that wouldn't get in KyuJong's way.
"We didn't really talk much," he shrugged. "Pretty much the only things we went over were that he was to sleep in my room and wasn't supposed to use my name. Oh, and that he expects me to turn around and rape him any moment." Looking at his expression, it was impossible to tell what he thought about this, nonchalant and not quite there as always. "I was hoping to learn a bit more from someone who wouldn't glare at me every ten seconds."
KyuJong accepted his brother's help, little as it was, while he listened to what the elder said. "Slaves can never use their owner's given name, especially not in public. It's an offense calling for punishment of some sort." He paused. "For example, if JungMin were to call me anything other than 'master' in public, I would be expected to hit him. If I don't, I get in trouble as well and JungMin would be hit twice, even though it was me who hesitated," he explained.
"YoungSaeng sshi is a pleasure slave, therefore it stands to reason that he would share your bed," he added as he continued cooking.
HyunJoong mused on that. "He doesn't seem like the type to call anyone master, punished or not," he chuckled, before shaking his head slightly. "I already told YoungSaeng he doesn't have to call me that, but I suppose that means he'll have no choice in public either..."
Then he frowned. "I get him having to stay in my room, but if we're alone, he shouldn't have to stay in the same bed as me. I can use one of the sleeping mats in the closet."
KyuJong paused in his cooking and just stared at the counter. "I went to wrap his wrists, but he doubted what I was going to do. He had to look to make sure what I had in the first aid kit was actually for first aid."
He sighed and went about what he was doing. "I suppose you can do that...but what if someone other than me or HyungJoon walks in and sees? They'll report to Appa right away and he'll try to take him away since technically, it's he who owns them, not us."
"I think it goes without saying they've both been through a lot of abuse," HyunJoong said firmly, finally showing a reaction as his gaze sharpened in anger. "Getting their trust won't come easy...or maybe come at all."
Helping KyuJong prepare the kimchi, the older brother shrugged. "It can be explained away. I can just say YoungSaeng caught something while with the slave traders, and I'm being cautious in not catching it. Appa knows I can't afford to become sick." He didn't have the time it took to recover. University hardly let him sleep at times, and with exams coming up, HyunJoong was usually very careful in avoiding anything that could be contagious.
"Maybe later we'll end up sharing the same bed, but not now...not while I'm still trying to convince him that I have no intention of touching him."
KyuJong smiled at his brother as he began showing his feelings on the matter before he began helping in the preparation. "I don't think I'll ever get JungMin’s trust, but I'll be happy if he believes that I'm not trying to either kill or control him," he replied with a sigh.
Listening to HyunJoong, he nodded. "That sounds good. I'm sure if you asked him, YoungSaeng sshi would cooperate with acting sick if someone came in who wasn't us."
"Hyung...what do you intend to do when you're in school? I'd suggest bringing him with you, but leaving a pleasure slave alone in your school would be a bad idea."
"I haven't really thought about that yet." HyunJoong looked thoughtful as he worked. "If I were to bring him along, he'd be allowed to sit in on the lectures...but not the labs most likely." The teachers were strict about guests, especially when they started messing around with more and more complicated materials. "So I could bring him some days, but not others."
He glanced at KyuJong. "What about leaving him here? I don't trust the guards to leave him alone though...and I doubt he'd want to stay in my room the entire time."
"Is it sad that I don't trust a single soul in this house outside of you and Joonie?" KyuJong asked suddenly. As the middle child, he was neither the pride as HyunJoong was, nor was he the baby like HyungJoon. He had never been particularly close to their father, and his stance on a lot of things only widened the gap.
"Maybe he wouldn't mind hanging around me or Joonie. I mean, JungMin and he are friends, right? As long as you bring him to one of our rooms on your way out, it should be fine."
"Perhaps a little sad, yeah." HyunJoong tilted his head to one side. "What's even sadder though is that it makes perfect sense not to." He considered the offer then. "That's probably the best idea. That also might help JungMin lighten up a little on your end." If they were friends, why make them feel as if they were secluded from each other?
"Depending on how long he sleeps, I'll probably be taking him for new clothes either today or tomorrow. I do know some things about taking care of a person." His lips quirked upwards. "I was also thinking of maybe buying him a few things...find out what he likes. At the very least, give him something to do while I'm busy."
"I never intended on keeping them from seeing each other, and I know that you wouldn't, either."
Letting the meal sit, KyuJong took a seat and motioned for his hyung to do the same. "What do you know about shopping for a pleasure slave?" he asked, curious. HyunJoong knew little bits of information, so it would be easier to see what he already knew rather than reiterate.
HyunJoong slipped into the seat facing his brother. "I know they have to look presentable," he said with a shrug. "Since their appeal is based on their appearance. Presentable can have different meanings though...I also asked him if he wanted his hair to be cut, since his old owners apparently wouldn't let him."
KyuJong nodded his head. "In this case, presentable means he's an accessory. Form fitting clothes, anything that shows him off. The collar must be completely visible, as well," he explained.
"No, I don't suppose they'd allow him to cut it," he continued as he rested his head in his hand. "Has he been asleep the whole time, or was anything he was doing? It might help you figure out what he likes to do."
"So no hoodies then, got it." HyunJoong nodded, then thought for a moment. "He was writing something in one of the notebooks I have hanging around, though I haven't seen what. I'll take a peek at it before we leave then. Will you and JungMin be coming with us?"
"The weather's beginning to change, so a light jacket is allowed, he just can't be covered much," KyuJong specified. "And yeah, we'll probably come. He needs some clothes. You're gonna have to do most of the clothing choosing for YoungSaeng sshi, you know..."
HyunJoong raised an eyebrow at that. "Why? He's old enough to pick out his own clothing. As long as whatever he picks is 'presentable', it should work, right?"
"As...familiar...as he may be, he'll probably unconsciously try to cover himself," KyuJong replied. "It's human nature to not feel exposed, right?" Getting to his feet, he went to check the food before shutting the stove off. "Oh. Take his measurements, too, so you can keep people from touching him. They'll insist on doing it themselves, even if he knows them," he added, getting four bowls and glasses.
It made sense. "I'll still let him do his own shopping," HyunJoong said with a shrug. "And tell him if it's covering too much. Maybe...get him a hoodie or something more covering for when we're alone though." He didn't want YoungSaeng to feel exposed when he didn't have to be. Getting up as well, he went to help KyuJong by getting the drinks ready.
"I don't think we're at the point yet where I can take his measurements and not be decked for it, but I'll see what I can do." He was going to make sure no one ever touched YoungSaeng.
"Isn't there some sort of rule about that though...? Not being allowed to touch another's slave," HyunJoong asked, blinking as he recalled something from one of KyuJong's many rants.
KyuJong went quiet at the question. "This is where you have to be extremely careful, Hyung. Another's slave can't be touched, but if he or the master does something wrong, the offended party is allowed to deal the punishment," he explained. Taking a breath, he elaborated. "Say he says or does something to offend Appa. If you refuse to punish him, Appa is then allowed to do it instead."
HyunJoong frowned. Any punishment dealt by their father would not be pleasant. "Can I just...take him to my room and pretend to have punished him?" he asked. Hopefully he would be able to keep YoungSaeng away from their father as much as possible, but there would still be times the two would run into each other. "I'm a little apprehensive about asking this, but...what is the usual punishment for pleasure slaves?"
Thinking a moment, KyuJong nodded slowly. "You'd have to manhandle him a bit, though. Act as angry and put out as possible and then forcefully drag him back. Can you do that? Can you put on a good enough show until you can be sure no one's around?" he asked, setting the bowls and drinks on two trays, sliding one toward his brother.
"You can't strike his face. The only visible marks allowed are bite marks or hickeys or something like that. You're also gonna have to touch him in public. Like, a hand on his thigh, things of that nature. He's a pleasure slave, so you need to give the appearance that he's doing his job well."
Nodding, HyunJoong picked up the tray KyuJong slid to him. "I can do that. It doesn't seem to take much to make people think I'm angry." He smiled sheepishly. To those who didn't know him HyunJoong seemed to spent the majority of his life in a sleepwalking daze, so when he focused his full attention on something and actually looked it, the results were very interesting. "Though I'll still talk it over with him first so that he knows what's going on."
Tilting his head slightly to one side, he sighed. "I was hoping not to have to touch him even in public...I told him I wouldn't. If need be, I will, but I want to have his permission first and not just do it randomly."
KyuJong smiled slightly. His hyung had the reputation of being a bit spacey, and while it worked in his favor more often than not, he knew that when he put forth effort, he could be extremely convincing. "That sounds like a good idea, though he seems the type to be the perfect slave in public," KyuJong mused.
"This is why I hate slavery so much, Hyung. They shouldn't have to deal with this..."
"They shouldn't, but they do," HyunJoong shrugged. "There isn't much we can do about that right now...though I think this is much better than just ranting about it, don't you?" He smiled at his little brother and clapped him on the shoulder. "Anything else I need to know in KyuJong's version of 'Owning Slaves for Dummies'?"
KyuJong rolled his eyes. "Don't let him out of your sight...and watch my back in case JungMin tries to kill me." The scary thing was that he felt it was a distinct possibility.
"How about we head back up and eat?"
HyunJoong laughed. "Maybe we should invest in some self-defense lessons for you," he teased. "How old is he? He looks around my age...” At the question he nodded, balancing his tray carefully and heading out of the kitchen, falling into step beside KyuJong.
Rolling his eyes, KyuJong chuckled. "Because I learned so well the first time we took self defense. I recall you doing a spectacular job of breaking my leg, Hyung." He then shook his head at the next question. "Younger. He's eighteen. How about YoungSaeng?"
"You weren't even holding the stance right," HyunJoong countered, amused. "Or paying attention...and you say I'm the space case." He laughed at the new information. "That's it, we're definitely signing you up for lessons...it would be embarrassing for you to be beaten to a pulp by someone younger than you." He shrugged at the question. "I haven't asked him yet." HyunJoong was very non-confrontational; he figured they had a long time to get to know each other, so why pester the man with questions when he was still eyeing him like he was going to jump him any second?
"You are the space case. At least I never fell out of a window," KyuJong shot back. "He looks older and could probably break me in half if he's been a labor slave for as long as I think," he pointed out.
"You should. Maybe it'll loosen him up a bit." Not that it had worked with his own charge... "There's always the question for a question game..."
"Who leaves a full-length window open like that, anyways?" HyunJoong grinned.
"That would be you, genius," KyuJong snickered.
"I'll give it a try...not everyone likes being interrogated though," the older brother replied. "The main thing is, I want him to be able to see he can do whatever he wants to do without worrying about being jumped. Maybe I'll take him to the lab later. Being able to do something not related to his position as a slave might help as well."
"It doesn't have to be an interrogation, you know. Just ask him a few questions as you would anyone you meet. Treat him like a normal human being and that may get you somewhere, too."
KyuJong paused at the suggestion. "Be more careful than you were when you brought your last boyfriend down there. I'm pretty sure all his hair hasn't grown back yet."
"Some people take it like an interrogation," HyunJoong shrugged. "Even with the best intentions." He then laughed at the reminder of what had happened last time he brought someone not in his immediate family into the home-lab. "I'm pretty sure YoungSaeng's not going to mix together two liquids clearly marked as flammable and put the beaker over the open flame," he told his brother. "I told him not to do it, it's not my fault he decided to play 'mad scientist'."
"Maybe you can ask him if there's anything he wants to know about you," KyuJong suggested with a shrug. "And that guy had even less common sense than you did. Again, why did you go out with him for as long as you did?"
"Because it made for interesting results?" HyunJoong laughed. "He had his bright moments. Far and in between, but he had them. And I'd appreciate you not insulting my ex," he chuckled with a shake of his head as they reached his room.
"Why not? You insult mine all the time," KyuJong said as he opened HyunJoong's door and allowed him to enter first, closing the door behind them. There had only been two, of course, but one was never mentioned, for which he was grateful. He'd much rather forget he existed.
"But yours deserved to be insulted," HyunJoong said, lowering his voice automatically as they entered his room. "Mine wasn't guilty of anything other than having more than a few screws loose." He went to put the tray of food down on a clean part of his desk, looking to the bed.
The sound of footsteps outside the room as well as muffled voices woke YoungSaeng immediately, yet he remained as he was. Tensing as the door opened, he relaxed a fraction, realizing that it was only HyunJoong and his brother.
The smell of food was the next thing to draw his attention as he slowly sat up and looked at the pair, eyes sharp and alert.
Noticing they had YoungSaeng's attention, HyunJoong smiled absently. "Sorry to wake you up. Hungry?" He picked up YoungSaeng's drink and bowl, walking over to the bed and placing the glass down on the small nightstand beside the bed before offering him the bowl with chopsticks inside. "KyuJongie cooked it. If I did, it would probably end up lethal." He was really good at cooking some things, but ask him to cook outside that and you were just asking for trouble.
YoungSaeng's eyes never left the two as KyuJong stood to the side and HyunJoong walked closer, placing food on the nightstand. It smelled delicious. "What is it...?" he asked turning cold eyes onto KyuJong.
Blinking in surprise to the nearly hostile stare," KyuJong spoke up. "Kimchi jjigae. I was going to go and bring JungMin here so we can all eat, if that's all right. Though if you just want to be left alone for now, that's fine, too," he explained, looking at his hyung.
HyunJoong shrugged slightly, smile playing on his lips. "Why not? The more the merrier." He looked to YoungSaeng. "Unless you'd rather be alone?" he asked the other man.
YoungSaeng's eyes narrowed. It had been so long that he barely remembered what it was like to be asked anything, so used to being ordered and forced. At a loss, he nodded slightly at the request.
Smiling at the nod, HyunJoong turned to KyuJong. "Why don't you get him then, and I'll try to make this place a little neater? I don't want you dropping food all over my exam papers," he teased, turning to pick up the various books strewn around the room.
"Of course you wouldn't. You do that enough on your own," KyuJong pointed out before leaving and going to his own room. Opening the door, he walked over to the adjoining door and knocked.
JungMin had worked with the wires behind the television for only a few minutes before he started nodding off, resulting in nicking himself with the sharp end of a wire. Hissing slightly as he stuck the bleeding finger in his mouth, he decided to continue when he wasn't half-asleep. Closing the television again and moving it back up against the wall, he cast the door a glance before curling up on the bed, falling fast asleep. Unlike YoungSaeng however, he didn't wake up to the sound of someone approaching the door, nor the knock.
Receiving no answer, KyuJong tried again before slowly opening the door and entering. Seeing JungMin asleep, he weighed his options before walking closer to the bed. He made sure to stay back a distance before calling him. "JungMin sshi. I made food. It's in with my brother and YoungSaeng sshi. Are you hungry?"
The slave was exhausted; it had been ages since he'd slept properly...or even slept on something that wasn't a cold floor or the inside of a truck. Thanks to this JungMin didn't even twitch when KyuJong called him, curled up with one arm over his face to hide it.
Biting his lip, KyuJong realized he was running out of options. After debating with himself, KyuJong sighed and neared the bed even more, placing a hand on his shoulder.
The second the hand met JungMin's shoulder, the slave flinched back from it and tried swatting at the offending limb, reacting unconsciously to the sudden contact. Eyes opening, he released a yell of surprise to see someone right in front of him, kicking KyuJong and promptly falling off the other end of the bed when he tried to get away.
JungMin had reacted far too quickly for KyuJong to do anything beside take the kick dead on to the chest, forcing the air from his lungs. Hitting the ground, he coughed, trying to breathe, though his body was refusing to cooperate.
"I'm...s-sorry, b't you wouldn't...wake up," he forced out. He was able to mention food, HyunJoong, and YoungSaeng before another wave of coughs hit.
Damn, did he have a powerful kick.
Dazed and confused, JungMin listened to the pounding of his heart for a moment before sitting up and peeking over the edge of the bed, to see KyuJong on the floor. "...Shit," he mumbled, realizing he'd just kicked his owner. He'd hit his masters before, but doing so always resulted in another mark on his body that usually played on his fears, if the master was observant enough to catch them.
"You don't have very good reflexes, do you?" he stated bluntly once he'd calmed down somewhat from the scare. He didn't come out from the other side of the bed though, watching KyuJong warily.
Still trying to regain his breath, KyuJong simply shook his head. After a minute, or five, he was finally able to speak without gasping. "I was never good at self defense, therefore usually got my ass handed to me by my hyung," he explained.
"I'm sorry for disturbing you, but I brought up food. It's in Hyung's room if you want any. We asked YoungSaeng sshi already and he agreed with getting you."
JungMin stayed where he was while the older man recovered from the kick to the chest, crouched behind the bed where he'd fallen off. He was still exhausted, but now that he had been woken up so suddenly he wasn't going to be able to fall asleep again for a while. "I said I was fine though," he frowned, wondering why in the world anyone would go out of their way to bring food for him. Unless it was a trick. JungMin was still waiting for KyuJong to do something like another master would, the fact that he hadn't been struck or even yelled at yet unnerving.
Noting the near paranoia, KyuJong smiled slightly. "I know, but I figured you'd be hungry, and my hyung came with me, so we made enough for all four of us." With a laugh, he added, "HyungJoonie can fend for himself, the little brat."
"You don't have to worry about punishment, JungMin. It was my fault for startling you, so I pretty much asked for it." He stood up, brushing himself off. "Do you want to join us? We thought maybe you and YoungSaeng sshi might be a bit more comfortable together for a bit."
JungMin considered it for a moment, wary gaze on KyuJong as the man stood. Seeing how YoungSaeng was fairing would be nice; despite only knowing each other the few days they'd been stuck in the truck together, they'd gotten along very well. Leaving the room would also give him a chance to look around the manor a little more, as slight as it may be.
After a pause, he stood and walked up from behind the bed, still keeping a distance from his owner. "Alright..."