Decerto: Road to Freedom
Title: Decerto: Road to Freedom
Chapter: 11/?
Fandoms: Super Junior, U-Kiss
Pairings: KyuHyun/Zhou Mi, Han Geng/HeeChul
Rating: R overall
Warning: AU, violence, angst
Summary: Taking place six years before the events of Decerto, the story of how a human and a slave started a revolution.
Talking with the commissioner for the few minutes of break there was, Zhou Mi mostly just agreed with the man on certain points, falling in line behind him. The only times his opinion was asked for and expected an honest response were of things that held no bearing. Like the style of arena or a favorite in any of the matches. Any real decisions and he was still going to agree with the commissioner. For now anyway. Soon enough he'd make his move and show a stronger conviction. He just had to play it safe.
Playing it safe though had never had KyuHyun in the middle of the arena as an option, and when the break time was over, Zhou Mi fell quiet as he looked down into the arena below.
Stopping, KyuHyun looked up at the thousands and thousands of people watching the arena. He had never felt so insignificant before, all those eyes on him as he pulled the microphone out of his jacket pocket and turned it on. The snake had to take a breath before lifting it to his lips.
"Thank you for your patience." His voice echoed across the arena and stands, the snake blanking momentarily before continuing. "Two fighters remain in this year's Decerto tournament, but only one can win. Please join me in welcoming our remaining fighters for the final match!"
He must have said something properly, because the crowd was cheering again, screaming for blood. KyuHyun lowered the mic, the platform he was on trembling slightly as the immense gates on either end of the arena opened. The one he could see opened to reveal the remaining dragon fighter, icy-blue wings folded up behind him and head lifted. The dragon leap easily onto the first platform, making his way to the center.
Turning around, KyuHyun saw the tiger fighter approaching as well. The two fighters stopped when they were merely five platforms away, KyuHyun separated from them by just as much.
He lifted his mic again. "Fighters, are you ready? Begin!" KyuHyun quickly leapt to a further platform as the two fighters charged each other, the dragon's wings snapping open and carrying him out of harm's reach as the tiger tried to slash him open.
Zhou Mi tried not to appear nervous, keeping his hands clenched tightly in his lap as he watched the progression of the match on the screens. There were two fighters out for blood, and KyuHyun was right in between them. That was something that needed to be addressed in the future. The referee should not be in harm's way in the final tournament.
"A fire tiger against a water dragon," he mused out loud. "Both rare elements for their signs, I'm sure they'll be talking about this match for years to come." His musings brought something to mind he hadn't had reason to discuss with KyuHyun beforehand, about his control over his element.
"Yes, this is the perfect match," the commissioner replied, lips curled as he watch the fighters. "Tiger and dragon; fire and water. The eternal clash of both Sign and element, perfectly matched. This is a match where the outcome will be a mystery right until the very end." The dragon fought from the air, manipulating the nearby water into sheets of ice he attacked the tiger with.
At this point, Zhou Mi cared very little for who actually won the match, just so long as KyuHyun didn't get hurt. The image of the dog referee falling to his death on the spikes was still fresh on his mind and he didn't know what he'd do without KyuHyun.
As was expected of him though, he watched the match progress, making small comments about the two fighters occasionally. The commissioner was right in saying the two were evenly matched, both signs strong physically, and their elements balanced each other out. Though the tiger couldn't reach the dragon from the ground, he made short work of the ice with help from the lanterns. The tiger raised up both hands, the fire rising and growing to his command. The ice gave way to the heat of the fire, and the tiger in half form had jumped up to the top of one of the pillars, attempting to pounce on the dragon in midair.
The dragon attempted to evade, but wasn't fast enough. The tiger landed on his back, the dragon's scream cutting through the air as sharp claws punctured both wings and tore.
Watching, KyuHyun's eyes widened as both fighters plummeted right for him, the snake hurrying to another platform to avoid being mowed over. He didn't notice the black ice until he hit it, skidding right off the platform with a shout.
His fingers caught the edge of the stone platform just in time, KyuHyun gasping as he hung on and tried not to look down at the spikes several feet below. He heard a loud thud nearby, the two other fighters landing on the platforms rather than fall off.
Unable to focus on the fight in his predicament, KyuHyun tried to pull himself back up, jaw clenching as his feet scrapped uselessly against the side of the stone. Wait. Stone.
KyuHyun drew in a breath and slammed one foot against the pillar, the stone shuddering as a block big enough to get a toe hold jutted out. Doing it again for the other foot, he had enough leverage to leap up and swing himself back onto the top of the platform. The snake panted heavily, hands shaking at the close call as he looked around quickly for the fighters.
The dragon had managed to get away from the tiger, but not without a price. His wings were shredded into ribbons, half-folded and trembling behind the fighter. The dragon was panting, blue eyes watching as the tiger leapt for him again. He didn't dodge, charging with a roar as he pulled out the hand he'd been hiding behind his back. It was covered in a sharp blade of ice. The tiger had no time to dodge.
With a horrible noise the tiger was impaled on the ice blade, the dragon shuddering before dumping the other fighter off the side of the platform.
KyuHyun couldn't see where the tiger had fallen from where he was sitting on his platform, but after waiting for ten seconds he realized the tiger wasn't coming back. Swallowing, he slowly pulled the mic out from where he'd stashed it in his pocket. "The tiger is...unable to continue," he said, out of breath. "The Kwon dragon has won the match and the tournament, congratulations." His lackluster ending was overwhelmed by the noise of the crowd.
Zhou Mi felt his heart restart once KyuHyun had made it back up onto the platform, unable to hide his sigh of relief and slumping over slightly. "That was an interesting match," he said, glancing at the commissioner. The medical staff was already out on the field, helping the injured dragon back inside. He hadn't seen where KyuHyun had gone, the snake already off the field. "If you'll excuse me though, I have some things to take care of," he said, getting to his feet. "Congratulations on another fantastic year sir."
"Yes, brilliant ending to it," the commissioner was obviously pleased. "I expect to see you in a week's time at the board meeting, we have a lot to do."
"Yes we do, enjoy your time off," Zhou Mi said, bowing at the waist before turning and leaving the room. Expression grim, he hurried down the halls towards the lower levels, looking all over for KyuHyun as he went. One of the staff working on fighter wrangling pointed him towards the referee's chambers. Zhou Mi knocked on the door before opening it and peeking inside. "KuiXian?"
KyuHyun had changed back into his usual clothes by then, the referee's uniform in the corner where he'd thrown it. Sitting down in the only chair, he looked down at the scrapes littering his hands from the tumble off the platform, rubbing his fingers together and watching the dirt slowly come off.
When he heard Zhou Mi's voice, the snake stood and walked to the door. He didn't say anything to Zhou Mi, didn't even look at him as he pushed the door open wide enough to step out past Zhou Mi into the hallway.
The lack of reply wasn't entirely unexpected, but with the amount of people around he couldn't say anything right then. "We're done for the day, let's go," he said, trying to meet KyuHyun's eyes. "I'm sorry," he said, the whisper in Mandarin.
Again there was no reply, KyuHyun not acknowledging Zhou Mi had spoken at all. He only moved when the human did, turning to follow behind him as they made their way towards the exits.
Shoulders slumping slightly, Zhou Mi didn't try to say anything again. Not even when they were in the car on the way back home. Closing his eyes, he rested his forehead against the window of the taxi as he thought about a number of things that had led up to this point. So much work had gone into getting to the point they were at, and if he lost his best supporter because of a stupid move, then what would he do?
By the time the taxi reached their building, Zhou Mi was in full fledged depression, his expression sour when they made it into the apartment and he collapsed onto a couch, burying his face in one of the pillows in an attempt to suffocate himself.
KyuHyun didn't say anything to the human, slipping off his shoes and placing them away. He walked past the couch to the curtained corner of the room he hadn't used in over a year, the mattress of the bed bare of even sheets. The snake pulled the curtains closed roughly, the metal rod creaking in protest.
The rest of that day was spent in silence, Zhou Mi eventually falling asleep on the couch. When he finally woke from his nap, he saw that KyuHyun hadn't yet come out from behind the curtain. This was one of the worst things that had happened to them, even worse than the drunken kiss that seemed a lifetime ago. He'd put KyuHyun's life in danger for political gain.
That wasn't how a good person treated someone they loved. That was how a master treated a slave and he had promised KyuHyun he would never do that. He wasn't sure if anything would regain the trust he had lost today.
Getting to his feet, Zhou Mi approached the curtained off area, knocking lightly on the wall. "KuiXian," he said softly. "Can we talk?"
The curtain didn't budge, no movement visible on the other side. "There's nothing to talk about." The snake's voice was cold.
"Yes there is," Zhou Mi said. "We need to talk about this. Please talk to me. If you need some time then okay, but we need to talk."
The seconds ticked by before the curtain was yanked roughly to the side, nearly tearing. "You threw me in there to die," KyuHyun said, a low hiss in his words. "What the fuck is there to talk about!?"
Zhou Mi flinched back from the tone, his eyes wide as he took a step back. "... I know," he said softly, looking away. "And if I could take it back I would in an instant KuiXian... It was a stupid, stupid thing I did."
"When would you have taken it back, master? I didn't see you taking it back when I was still in the room. I didn't see you stopping me from reaching the arena. I didn't hear an announcement to postpone the match a few more minutes while they found someone else." KyuHyun's voice steadily rose in volume until he was shouting. "When were you going to take it back, after I fell to my death? You can't apologize to the dead!"
There was nothing Zhou Mi could say to that in response. KyuHyun was right, he could have put a stop to it at any time, but he didn't. His ambition had completely blinded him and nearly cost him the thing he loved most. "My apologies KyuHyun," he said, turning away and walking over to his desk. "I'm sorry for everything, and I'll make it right." Opening up the bottom drawer, he pulled out a file and set it down on the desk, flipping through it until he found what he was looking for. "I should have done this when I said I would and I'm sorry that I waited this long."
"What?" KyuHyun didn't move from the curtained corner of the room, hands clenched at his sides. "What are you doing?"
Zhou Mi didn't look up, pulling a paper out from the file. "I'm giving you your freedom. I'm going to go down to the Sign regulatory affairs building and give you your freedom right now."
KyuHyun's eyes narrowed. "If you do that, they'll never let you be Games Commissioner."
"I don't care!" Zhou Mi whirled around, looking at KyuHyun helplessly. "I sent you into that ring without a care for your safety and I never, never want that to happen again. You are far too important to me, more important than anything I have ever done in my entire life."
The snakes clenched fists shook as he looked at Zhou Mi. "I didn't feel very important down there," he said, voice trembling. "I felt like nothing. And that's what Signs go through every day. That's how that dog felt as he fell onto the spikes. Like his death wouldn't even be worth a single tear. And you're the best hope any of those people have at being free, so don't you fucking dare throw all that away!"
"KuiXian," Zhou Mi said, walking towards him. "I would give up everything we have worked for these past two years just to make sure you're safe. You mean more to me than all of this. I can't lose you, I refuse to lose you. I made a mistake today, a mistake that I will apologize to you for over and over again. I will never make you do anything to put you in harms way again. Ever. You're not a slave to me... I love you."
KyuHyun watched the human walk closer, swallowing and looking away. Zhou Mi had never told him he loved him before. "How am I supposed to trust you?" he asked quietly.
"If I ever go back on my word, I won't hesitate to give you your freedom," Zhou Mi said. "I don't know how to convince you to trust me again, but all I know is that at one point, you trusted me with everything. I may not get back to that point again, but there must be a small part of you that does trust me still."
The snake folded his arms across his chest tightly, turning away. "...I don't know how I can trust you right now. That hurt, Zhou Mi, in more ways than one."
"I know," Zhou Mi replied quietly. "Would it be best if we... stay away from each other for a while?"
KyuHyun closed his eyes, nodding mutely. "It would be better that way," he said after a long moment.
"Very well, I'll go pack," Zhou Mi said, not even wiping at the tears that fell as he walked towards the stairs.
"I'm not gonna kick you out of your house," KyuHyun said quietly, unable to even look at the human as he heard Zhou Mi move away.
"You're not," Zhou Mi said, starting up the stairs. "We need a break KuiXian, it's best if we're apart so I'm going to stay at a hotel for a few days."
"...Suit yourself." KyuHyun listened to Zhou Mi go before sighing heavily, rubbing his forehead. His heart hurt, but he ignored it as he grabbed a change of clothes and went to take a shower.
Zhou Mi had finished packing before KyuHyun was done with his shower, bringing down his suitcase to the bottom of the stairs. KyuHyun would be okay for a few days without him, there was plenty of food to eat and there weren't any pressing things that either of them had to do for the next week. They had been looking forward to that time off to spend together. He was counting out money to leave for KyuHyun in case he needed anything when he heard the shower turn off.
KyuHyun slowly toweled off and pulled on clean clothes; at least the grime from the arena was gone now. He checked over the scrapes on his hands, covering the worst one with a bandage so it wouldn't be infected. All the while he kept his thoughts away from what had happened, not wanting to think about it anymore.
Pulling the door open, the snake stepped out of the bathroom and paused when he saw Zhou Mi back downstairs. He averted his eyes, slowly walking to the window and looking down at the street below.
"I've left some money here," Zhou Mi said, folding the few bills into an envelope. "In case you want something more than ramen. I'll have Geng look in on you every now and then. I don't know what hotel I'll go to, but I'll make sure you know how to get a hold of me..." His lips trembled slightly, looking up to where KyuHyun was standing. "I love you KuiXian... and if I could go back and change the decision I made I would. I was really looking forward to spending some time with you this week, and just know that I'll be thinking about you."
KyuHyun closed his eyes, leaning against the window. Hearing the audible breaks in Zhou Mi's voice was almost too much.
"...I'll see you in a few days," he said quietly, turning his face to rest his forehead against the cool glass.
"KuiXian..." Zhou Mi whispered, his lips trembling. "Do you want me to stay?"
The snake exhaled shakily, keeping his eyes closed against the tears he could feel. "...Yes," he whispered into the glass.
Zhou Mi wasn't a sign, he didn't have that great of hearing but he knew KyuHyun had said something. "KuiXian," he said, taking a few steps forward. "Was that a yes...? Or... no."
KyuHyun drew in a breath. "Just go, Zhou Mi," he said louder this time.
Nodding, Zhou Mi turned away, grabbing his suitcase as he left. Before going to the elevator, he stopped by Han Geng's apartment and knocked, wiping at his eyes. When HeeChul opened the door, the rooster blinked a couple of times at him. "Geng..." he said, backing up and looking over his shoulder. "It's for you."
"What?" Han Geng came into view, distracted by the paperwork he'd been reading. When he saw Zhou Mi at the door, and the state Zhou Mi was in, his eyes widened slightly. "...Mi? What's wrong?" he asked, slipping past HeeChul to the door.
"Geng... I need you to look after KuiXian for me for a few days," Zhou Mi said, his voice uneven. "Just check in on him, see if he needs anything."
"Of...of course, I can do that," Han Geng's eyes tightened. "Why, where are you going?"
"I... I'm going to a hotel," Zhou Mi said, his grip tightening on his suitcase. "I put KyuHyun into harm's way and now he doesn't trust me. I don't blame him so I'm going to stay out of his way for the time being."
"What did you do?" HeeChul's eyes were narrowed, standing at Han Geng's side.
"... I forced him into the arena as a referee," Zhou Mi said, the tears starting all over again.
"...What?" Han Geng didn't understand what was being said for a moment, sure he'd misheard that. But from the tears, it didn't seem he had. "Why?" He asked, shocked. "I don't understand Zhou Mi, that doesn't sound like you at all."
"It isn't me, but I saw a chance and I took it without thinking," Zhou Mi said, his whole body trembling. "The.. the dog... was dead and the commissioner was... he was looking at me to do something and it was my chance. I didn't.. I didn't even consider how KuiXian... how he would feel and now he hates me and doesn't.. doesn't even want to speak to me."
Han Geng wasn't sure what to say to that, rather helpless as he looked at Zhou Mi's distraught expression. Looking at HeeChul beside him, he stepped out into the hallway and gently pulled Zhou Mi into a hug. "Give him some time," he whispered.
Whatever control Zhou Mi had had up to that point was gone, completely breaking down in Han Geng's embrace. He couldn't even form words as he sobbed, fingers curled into Han Geng's shirt.
"Would you bring him inside before he pisses off the whole building with his blubbering," HeeChul sighed a little, crossing his arms.
Han Geng frowned at HeeChul slightly before turning his attention back to Zhou Mi, rubbing the other man's back slowly. After a moment he gently guided Zhou Mi into the apartment, not detaching the crying man from his shirt.
"Close the door please," he said quietly to HeeChul as he brought Zhou Mi to sit on the couch.
HeeChul glanced down the empty hallway towards the other apartment before closing the door. His expression was impassive as he sat down in a chair across from them. The rooster was not exactly sympathetic towards Zhou Mi's crying, eyeing the human coldly.
"I don't know... what to do," Zhou Mi whimpered, looking up at Han Geng. "How can I possibly fix this?"
"Not throwing people you're supposed to love into death pits is a good start," HeeChul quipped.
"That isn't helping HeeChul," Han Geng sighed, looking down at Zhou Mi. "I don't know what to tell you, Mi...you know you made a big mistake, that trust isn't going to come back easily."
"I know," Zhou Mi nodded, looking over at HeeChul who was pointedly ignoring them now. "I think I ruined everything."
Han Geng frowned, looking down at Zhou Mi. "Maybe. That's a hard thing to bounce back from. The important thing is...are you willing to wait however long it takes for that trust to come back? Even if it takes another two years?"
"Of course," Zhou Mi said, rubbing at his eyes. "I'll wait for however long it takes. I love him Geng... I love him so much."
"Then why are you running away from him?" HeeChul asked, still not looking at them. "Not that I don't think you should, but if you love him, why are you leaving?"
Zhou Mi blinked at the question, sitting up a little. "Because... he needs time to himself, away from me. That's the right thing to do."
Han Geng saddened. "If you think he needs time, then all right...but don't be gone too long, Zhou Mi. Too much time apart won't help either of you." He looked thoughtful then. "I have an idea, if you're willing to hear it."
"I'm willing to listen to anything right now," Zhou Mi said, sounding completely despondent.
"I think you both need a vacation," Han Geng smiled softly. "A long one. Give KyuHyun a day or two, then take him somewhere. I heard North America is nice in the summer."
"A vacation?" Zhou Mi hadn't been expecting that. "Why to America?"
"Because Signs are free there," HeeChul said, eyeing Han Geng. "I thought that was our vacation plan."
"It still can be," Han Geng smiled at HeeChul. "But I think they need this too." He looked back at Zhou Mi. "You can take off KyuHyun's collar while there, and no one will know the difference as long as it's back on before you pass through customs to return."
"I... think he'll like that," Zhou Mi nodded, thinking about it a little more. "Being away from Korea in a place where he isn't reviled... he'll like that. I don't think he'd want to come home."
"I didn't say the plan was perfect," Han Geng chuckled softly, resting his hand on Zhou Mi's shoulder. "But it could go a long way to helping you both. Don't come back until you absolutely have to, take all the time you can to be just you and him."
"As long as he agrees with the idea, then that's what we'll do," Zhou Mi nodded. "Thank you Geng. I'm glad I have you to count on when I need a friend."
"I'm sure you'd do the same for me," Han Geng smiled, pulling him into another hug. "I'm always around to talk to."
"One day I'll repay you for all the help you've provided," Zhou Mi said, hugging him in return. "Thank you." Pulling away, he got up to his feet. "And I'm sorry that I once again bothered you, I'll get in touch with you later and let you know where I'm staying."
"You're not a bother at all," Han Geng shook his head. "Best of luck, Zhou Mi."
"Thank you, I'll need it this time," Zhou Mi said, taking his suitcase by the handle and going to the door. He gave a quiet goodbye before leaving, the door clicking shut behind him.
"That has to be one of the stupidest humans I've ever met," HeeChul said, glaring towards the door. "And that's saying a lot."
"I'm glad you held that in until he was gone," Han Geng sighed, rubbing his temples as he slumped back against the couch and closed his eyes. "I think the stress got to him."
"Stress is not a reasonable excuse to send someone you're supposed to love to their death," HeeChul said. "I can imagine what KyuHyun is feeling right now, how betrayed he feels. I don't think Zhou Mi really understands what it is he did. No amount of apologies will ever be good enough."
"That doesn't mean he should not try," Han Geng opened his eyes to look at HeeChul. He pushed himself to his feet, transferring to the couch the rooster was on and sitting down beside him. "Stress is a very poor excuse, but not trying to make things right is worse."
"There comes a point when trying isn't enough," HeeChul said. "Being betrayed by a master is one thing, being betrayed by someone you love who is also your master... KyuHyun has no reason to ever trust Mi again. I wouldn't if I was him."
"I'm hoping you're never like him." Han Geng looked at HeeChul beside him, lightly touching one hand to HeeChul's knee. "You sound angry for more than just KyuHyun."
"I'm angry for every sign that is betrayed by their master," HeeChul said, avoiding Han Geng's eyes. "Even the kindest ones can destroy you."
Han Geng leaned forward, trying to catch HeeChul's eyes without forcing the rooster to turn his head. "Do you think of me that way?" he asked quietly.
"... You haven't betrayed me," HeeChul said, finally looking up. "But that doesn't mean I don't think it isn't a possibility."
The other man pulled back, a little hurt. He sighed and looked away. "I guess I can understand why you can't trust a human. Years together wouldn't mean anything."
"... No, that's not..." HeeChul shook his head. "Years together do mean something. But my life, or any slave's life, is built around the whim of a human. You bought me on a whim, Geng. I was sure I wouldn't last with you for more than a week before you decided you really didn't want a slave around. I trust you, and that took a very long time."
"It might have been a whim, but not once have I ever regretted it," Han Geng said. "Even when you told me my Korean was crap and purposely did a bunch of things to get a rise out of me, I didn't regret it. You would be free right now if I didn't think I could protect you better this way. If I couldn't get you to a doctor faster if you were sick, this way. If I couldn't use my name to make sure no thugs tried to harm you, this way."
HeeChul watched Han Geng with an unreadable expression, shifting forward slightly to touch a hand to Han Geng's cheek. "Geng," he said softly, drawing the human around to look at him. "I don't care about being protected from the outside world. I just want to be safe in knowing that you will love me forever. That you won't decide in ten years you'd rather have a human, or worse a wife and kids. Promise me that."
Han Geng looked at HeeChul, cupping the hand against his cheek. "I can't predict ten years into the future, and you'll just yell at me for pretending I can," he smiled gently. "But I can promise you that right now, I'd be the happiest man in the world to stay with you the rest of my life. We've already tried otherwise, remember? I love you, only you."
Closing his eyes, HeeChul leaned into the hand and sighed softly. "I love you too," he replied. Opening one eye, he smirked at Han Geng. "And you can't tell me you didn't enjoy your little fling with stick legs. I still feel like a third wheel sometimes when he's around."
"Zhou Mi is a friend," Han Geng wrinkled his nose at HeeChul. "Sleeping with him didn't feel right, and I don't like it when you bring it up, you know that."
HeeChul wrinkled his nose right back. "I don't understand why. It's not like I was against it... if anyone was suited for you it would have been him. Same ideals, same nationality. Are you sure you made the right choice?"
"When will you stop asking me that even when I say yes every time?" Han Geng shook his head. "One day I'm going to say no just to see your face."
"..." HeeChul's expression soured and he poked Han Geng in the chest. "You wouldn't dare."
"Are you going to stop asking then?" Han Geng smiled sweetly at the rooster. "I've known you for years HeeChul, I know when you're sincerely worried and when you're baiting for compliments."
"So complimenting me is a chore?" HeeChul scowled, pinching him. "I ask for so little, and you turn around tease me."
Han Geng yelped at the pinch, laughing. "I compliment you all day, I'm allowed one retaliation every now and then!"
"Well, retaliate all you want, see if I smile at you again," HeeChul sniffed, getting to his feet. "Or keep you warm at night, or do those debaucherous acts you love so much." Flouncing off towards the stairs to the bedroom, he glanced over his shoulder with a smirk.
"Weren't you complaining a while ago I had no backbone," Han Geng chuckled, getting to his feet to follow HeeChul. "You're so confusing. And I think you like those debauk...debor...acts just as much."
Stopping three steps up, HeeChul turned to look at him, arms stretched out to the rails. "Never said I didn't, and I think you like it when I'm confusing."
"It's you," Han Geng said, stopping on the second step and wrapping his arms around HeeChul's waist. "I wouldn't like it any other way."
"Humans are so strange," HeeChul said, looking down at him. "Or maybe it's just you."
"I think you like it though," The human smiled before pulling HeeChul into a deep kiss.
HeeChul didn't need to reply except to return the kiss, his arms going around Han Geng's neck. Even if he could have spoken at the moment, he probably wouldn't have admitted how much he really did like his strange, wonderful human.
Chapter: 11/?
Fandoms: Super Junior, U-Kiss
Pairings: KyuHyun/Zhou Mi, Han Geng/HeeChul
Rating: R overall
Warning: AU, violence, angst
Summary: Taking place six years before the events of Decerto, the story of how a human and a slave started a revolution.
Talking with the commissioner for the few minutes of break there was, Zhou Mi mostly just agreed with the man on certain points, falling in line behind him. The only times his opinion was asked for and expected an honest response were of things that held no bearing. Like the style of arena or a favorite in any of the matches. Any real decisions and he was still going to agree with the commissioner. For now anyway. Soon enough he'd make his move and show a stronger conviction. He just had to play it safe.
Playing it safe though had never had KyuHyun in the middle of the arena as an option, and when the break time was over, Zhou Mi fell quiet as he looked down into the arena below.
Stopping, KyuHyun looked up at the thousands and thousands of people watching the arena. He had never felt so insignificant before, all those eyes on him as he pulled the microphone out of his jacket pocket and turned it on. The snake had to take a breath before lifting it to his lips.
"Thank you for your patience." His voice echoed across the arena and stands, the snake blanking momentarily before continuing. "Two fighters remain in this year's Decerto tournament, but only one can win. Please join me in welcoming our remaining fighters for the final match!"
He must have said something properly, because the crowd was cheering again, screaming for blood. KyuHyun lowered the mic, the platform he was on trembling slightly as the immense gates on either end of the arena opened. The one he could see opened to reveal the remaining dragon fighter, icy-blue wings folded up behind him and head lifted. The dragon leap easily onto the first platform, making his way to the center.
Turning around, KyuHyun saw the tiger fighter approaching as well. The two fighters stopped when they were merely five platforms away, KyuHyun separated from them by just as much.
He lifted his mic again. "Fighters, are you ready? Begin!" KyuHyun quickly leapt to a further platform as the two fighters charged each other, the dragon's wings snapping open and carrying him out of harm's reach as the tiger tried to slash him open.
Zhou Mi tried not to appear nervous, keeping his hands clenched tightly in his lap as he watched the progression of the match on the screens. There were two fighters out for blood, and KyuHyun was right in between them. That was something that needed to be addressed in the future. The referee should not be in harm's way in the final tournament.
"A fire tiger against a water dragon," he mused out loud. "Both rare elements for their signs, I'm sure they'll be talking about this match for years to come." His musings brought something to mind he hadn't had reason to discuss with KyuHyun beforehand, about his control over his element.
"Yes, this is the perfect match," the commissioner replied, lips curled as he watch the fighters. "Tiger and dragon; fire and water. The eternal clash of both Sign and element, perfectly matched. This is a match where the outcome will be a mystery right until the very end." The dragon fought from the air, manipulating the nearby water into sheets of ice he attacked the tiger with.
At this point, Zhou Mi cared very little for who actually won the match, just so long as KyuHyun didn't get hurt. The image of the dog referee falling to his death on the spikes was still fresh on his mind and he didn't know what he'd do without KyuHyun.
As was expected of him though, he watched the match progress, making small comments about the two fighters occasionally. The commissioner was right in saying the two were evenly matched, both signs strong physically, and their elements balanced each other out. Though the tiger couldn't reach the dragon from the ground, he made short work of the ice with help from the lanterns. The tiger raised up both hands, the fire rising and growing to his command. The ice gave way to the heat of the fire, and the tiger in half form had jumped up to the top of one of the pillars, attempting to pounce on the dragon in midair.
The dragon attempted to evade, but wasn't fast enough. The tiger landed on his back, the dragon's scream cutting through the air as sharp claws punctured both wings and tore.
Watching, KyuHyun's eyes widened as both fighters plummeted right for him, the snake hurrying to another platform to avoid being mowed over. He didn't notice the black ice until he hit it, skidding right off the platform with a shout.
His fingers caught the edge of the stone platform just in time, KyuHyun gasping as he hung on and tried not to look down at the spikes several feet below. He heard a loud thud nearby, the two other fighters landing on the platforms rather than fall off.
Unable to focus on the fight in his predicament, KyuHyun tried to pull himself back up, jaw clenching as his feet scrapped uselessly against the side of the stone. Wait. Stone.
KyuHyun drew in a breath and slammed one foot against the pillar, the stone shuddering as a block big enough to get a toe hold jutted out. Doing it again for the other foot, he had enough leverage to leap up and swing himself back onto the top of the platform. The snake panted heavily, hands shaking at the close call as he looked around quickly for the fighters.
The dragon had managed to get away from the tiger, but not without a price. His wings were shredded into ribbons, half-folded and trembling behind the fighter. The dragon was panting, blue eyes watching as the tiger leapt for him again. He didn't dodge, charging with a roar as he pulled out the hand he'd been hiding behind his back. It was covered in a sharp blade of ice. The tiger had no time to dodge.
With a horrible noise the tiger was impaled on the ice blade, the dragon shuddering before dumping the other fighter off the side of the platform.
KyuHyun couldn't see where the tiger had fallen from where he was sitting on his platform, but after waiting for ten seconds he realized the tiger wasn't coming back. Swallowing, he slowly pulled the mic out from where he'd stashed it in his pocket. "The tiger is...unable to continue," he said, out of breath. "The Kwon dragon has won the match and the tournament, congratulations." His lackluster ending was overwhelmed by the noise of the crowd.
Zhou Mi felt his heart restart once KyuHyun had made it back up onto the platform, unable to hide his sigh of relief and slumping over slightly. "That was an interesting match," he said, glancing at the commissioner. The medical staff was already out on the field, helping the injured dragon back inside. He hadn't seen where KyuHyun had gone, the snake already off the field. "If you'll excuse me though, I have some things to take care of," he said, getting to his feet. "Congratulations on another fantastic year sir."
"Yes, brilliant ending to it," the commissioner was obviously pleased. "I expect to see you in a week's time at the board meeting, we have a lot to do."
"Yes we do, enjoy your time off," Zhou Mi said, bowing at the waist before turning and leaving the room. Expression grim, he hurried down the halls towards the lower levels, looking all over for KyuHyun as he went. One of the staff working on fighter wrangling pointed him towards the referee's chambers. Zhou Mi knocked on the door before opening it and peeking inside. "KuiXian?"
KyuHyun had changed back into his usual clothes by then, the referee's uniform in the corner where he'd thrown it. Sitting down in the only chair, he looked down at the scrapes littering his hands from the tumble off the platform, rubbing his fingers together and watching the dirt slowly come off.
When he heard Zhou Mi's voice, the snake stood and walked to the door. He didn't say anything to Zhou Mi, didn't even look at him as he pushed the door open wide enough to step out past Zhou Mi into the hallway.
The lack of reply wasn't entirely unexpected, but with the amount of people around he couldn't say anything right then. "We're done for the day, let's go," he said, trying to meet KyuHyun's eyes. "I'm sorry," he said, the whisper in Mandarin.
Again there was no reply, KyuHyun not acknowledging Zhou Mi had spoken at all. He only moved when the human did, turning to follow behind him as they made their way towards the exits.
Shoulders slumping slightly, Zhou Mi didn't try to say anything again. Not even when they were in the car on the way back home. Closing his eyes, he rested his forehead against the window of the taxi as he thought about a number of things that had led up to this point. So much work had gone into getting to the point they were at, and if he lost his best supporter because of a stupid move, then what would he do?
By the time the taxi reached their building, Zhou Mi was in full fledged depression, his expression sour when they made it into the apartment and he collapsed onto a couch, burying his face in one of the pillows in an attempt to suffocate himself.
KyuHyun didn't say anything to the human, slipping off his shoes and placing them away. He walked past the couch to the curtained corner of the room he hadn't used in over a year, the mattress of the bed bare of even sheets. The snake pulled the curtains closed roughly, the metal rod creaking in protest.
The rest of that day was spent in silence, Zhou Mi eventually falling asleep on the couch. When he finally woke from his nap, he saw that KyuHyun hadn't yet come out from behind the curtain. This was one of the worst things that had happened to them, even worse than the drunken kiss that seemed a lifetime ago. He'd put KyuHyun's life in danger for political gain.
That wasn't how a good person treated someone they loved. That was how a master treated a slave and he had promised KyuHyun he would never do that. He wasn't sure if anything would regain the trust he had lost today.
Getting to his feet, Zhou Mi approached the curtained off area, knocking lightly on the wall. "KuiXian," he said softly. "Can we talk?"
The curtain didn't budge, no movement visible on the other side. "There's nothing to talk about." The snake's voice was cold.
"Yes there is," Zhou Mi said. "We need to talk about this. Please talk to me. If you need some time then okay, but we need to talk."
The seconds ticked by before the curtain was yanked roughly to the side, nearly tearing. "You threw me in there to die," KyuHyun said, a low hiss in his words. "What the fuck is there to talk about!?"
Zhou Mi flinched back from the tone, his eyes wide as he took a step back. "... I know," he said softly, looking away. "And if I could take it back I would in an instant KuiXian... It was a stupid, stupid thing I did."
"When would you have taken it back, master? I didn't see you taking it back when I was still in the room. I didn't see you stopping me from reaching the arena. I didn't hear an announcement to postpone the match a few more minutes while they found someone else." KyuHyun's voice steadily rose in volume until he was shouting. "When were you going to take it back, after I fell to my death? You can't apologize to the dead!"
There was nothing Zhou Mi could say to that in response. KyuHyun was right, he could have put a stop to it at any time, but he didn't. His ambition had completely blinded him and nearly cost him the thing he loved most. "My apologies KyuHyun," he said, turning away and walking over to his desk. "I'm sorry for everything, and I'll make it right." Opening up the bottom drawer, he pulled out a file and set it down on the desk, flipping through it until he found what he was looking for. "I should have done this when I said I would and I'm sorry that I waited this long."
"What?" KyuHyun didn't move from the curtained corner of the room, hands clenched at his sides. "What are you doing?"
Zhou Mi didn't look up, pulling a paper out from the file. "I'm giving you your freedom. I'm going to go down to the Sign regulatory affairs building and give you your freedom right now."
KyuHyun's eyes narrowed. "If you do that, they'll never let you be Games Commissioner."
"I don't care!" Zhou Mi whirled around, looking at KyuHyun helplessly. "I sent you into that ring without a care for your safety and I never, never want that to happen again. You are far too important to me, more important than anything I have ever done in my entire life."
The snakes clenched fists shook as he looked at Zhou Mi. "I didn't feel very important down there," he said, voice trembling. "I felt like nothing. And that's what Signs go through every day. That's how that dog felt as he fell onto the spikes. Like his death wouldn't even be worth a single tear. And you're the best hope any of those people have at being free, so don't you fucking dare throw all that away!"
"KuiXian," Zhou Mi said, walking towards him. "I would give up everything we have worked for these past two years just to make sure you're safe. You mean more to me than all of this. I can't lose you, I refuse to lose you. I made a mistake today, a mistake that I will apologize to you for over and over again. I will never make you do anything to put you in harms way again. Ever. You're not a slave to me... I love you."
KyuHyun watched the human walk closer, swallowing and looking away. Zhou Mi had never told him he loved him before. "How am I supposed to trust you?" he asked quietly.
"If I ever go back on my word, I won't hesitate to give you your freedom," Zhou Mi said. "I don't know how to convince you to trust me again, but all I know is that at one point, you trusted me with everything. I may not get back to that point again, but there must be a small part of you that does trust me still."
The snake folded his arms across his chest tightly, turning away. "...I don't know how I can trust you right now. That hurt, Zhou Mi, in more ways than one."
"I know," Zhou Mi replied quietly. "Would it be best if we... stay away from each other for a while?"
KyuHyun closed his eyes, nodding mutely. "It would be better that way," he said after a long moment.
"Very well, I'll go pack," Zhou Mi said, not even wiping at the tears that fell as he walked towards the stairs.
"I'm not gonna kick you out of your house," KyuHyun said quietly, unable to even look at the human as he heard Zhou Mi move away.
"You're not," Zhou Mi said, starting up the stairs. "We need a break KuiXian, it's best if we're apart so I'm going to stay at a hotel for a few days."
"...Suit yourself." KyuHyun listened to Zhou Mi go before sighing heavily, rubbing his forehead. His heart hurt, but he ignored it as he grabbed a change of clothes and went to take a shower.
Zhou Mi had finished packing before KyuHyun was done with his shower, bringing down his suitcase to the bottom of the stairs. KyuHyun would be okay for a few days without him, there was plenty of food to eat and there weren't any pressing things that either of them had to do for the next week. They had been looking forward to that time off to spend together. He was counting out money to leave for KyuHyun in case he needed anything when he heard the shower turn off.
KyuHyun slowly toweled off and pulled on clean clothes; at least the grime from the arena was gone now. He checked over the scrapes on his hands, covering the worst one with a bandage so it wouldn't be infected. All the while he kept his thoughts away from what had happened, not wanting to think about it anymore.
Pulling the door open, the snake stepped out of the bathroom and paused when he saw Zhou Mi back downstairs. He averted his eyes, slowly walking to the window and looking down at the street below.
"I've left some money here," Zhou Mi said, folding the few bills into an envelope. "In case you want something more than ramen. I'll have Geng look in on you every now and then. I don't know what hotel I'll go to, but I'll make sure you know how to get a hold of me..." His lips trembled slightly, looking up to where KyuHyun was standing. "I love you KuiXian... and if I could go back and change the decision I made I would. I was really looking forward to spending some time with you this week, and just know that I'll be thinking about you."
KyuHyun closed his eyes, leaning against the window. Hearing the audible breaks in Zhou Mi's voice was almost too much.
"...I'll see you in a few days," he said quietly, turning his face to rest his forehead against the cool glass.
"KuiXian..." Zhou Mi whispered, his lips trembling. "Do you want me to stay?"
The snake exhaled shakily, keeping his eyes closed against the tears he could feel. "...Yes," he whispered into the glass.
Zhou Mi wasn't a sign, he didn't have that great of hearing but he knew KyuHyun had said something. "KuiXian," he said, taking a few steps forward. "Was that a yes...? Or... no."
KyuHyun drew in a breath. "Just go, Zhou Mi," he said louder this time.
Nodding, Zhou Mi turned away, grabbing his suitcase as he left. Before going to the elevator, he stopped by Han Geng's apartment and knocked, wiping at his eyes. When HeeChul opened the door, the rooster blinked a couple of times at him. "Geng..." he said, backing up and looking over his shoulder. "It's for you."
"What?" Han Geng came into view, distracted by the paperwork he'd been reading. When he saw Zhou Mi at the door, and the state Zhou Mi was in, his eyes widened slightly. "...Mi? What's wrong?" he asked, slipping past HeeChul to the door.
"Geng... I need you to look after KuiXian for me for a few days," Zhou Mi said, his voice uneven. "Just check in on him, see if he needs anything."
"Of...of course, I can do that," Han Geng's eyes tightened. "Why, where are you going?"
"I... I'm going to a hotel," Zhou Mi said, his grip tightening on his suitcase. "I put KyuHyun into harm's way and now he doesn't trust me. I don't blame him so I'm going to stay out of his way for the time being."
"What did you do?" HeeChul's eyes were narrowed, standing at Han Geng's side.
"... I forced him into the arena as a referee," Zhou Mi said, the tears starting all over again.
"...What?" Han Geng didn't understand what was being said for a moment, sure he'd misheard that. But from the tears, it didn't seem he had. "Why?" He asked, shocked. "I don't understand Zhou Mi, that doesn't sound like you at all."
"It isn't me, but I saw a chance and I took it without thinking," Zhou Mi said, his whole body trembling. "The.. the dog... was dead and the commissioner was... he was looking at me to do something and it was my chance. I didn't.. I didn't even consider how KuiXian... how he would feel and now he hates me and doesn't.. doesn't even want to speak to me."
Han Geng wasn't sure what to say to that, rather helpless as he looked at Zhou Mi's distraught expression. Looking at HeeChul beside him, he stepped out into the hallway and gently pulled Zhou Mi into a hug. "Give him some time," he whispered.
Whatever control Zhou Mi had had up to that point was gone, completely breaking down in Han Geng's embrace. He couldn't even form words as he sobbed, fingers curled into Han Geng's shirt.
"Would you bring him inside before he pisses off the whole building with his blubbering," HeeChul sighed a little, crossing his arms.
Han Geng frowned at HeeChul slightly before turning his attention back to Zhou Mi, rubbing the other man's back slowly. After a moment he gently guided Zhou Mi into the apartment, not detaching the crying man from his shirt.
"Close the door please," he said quietly to HeeChul as he brought Zhou Mi to sit on the couch.
HeeChul glanced down the empty hallway towards the other apartment before closing the door. His expression was impassive as he sat down in a chair across from them. The rooster was not exactly sympathetic towards Zhou Mi's crying, eyeing the human coldly.
"I don't know... what to do," Zhou Mi whimpered, looking up at Han Geng. "How can I possibly fix this?"
"Not throwing people you're supposed to love into death pits is a good start," HeeChul quipped.
"That isn't helping HeeChul," Han Geng sighed, looking down at Zhou Mi. "I don't know what to tell you, Mi...you know you made a big mistake, that trust isn't going to come back easily."
"I know," Zhou Mi nodded, looking over at HeeChul who was pointedly ignoring them now. "I think I ruined everything."
Han Geng frowned, looking down at Zhou Mi. "Maybe. That's a hard thing to bounce back from. The important thing is...are you willing to wait however long it takes for that trust to come back? Even if it takes another two years?"
"Of course," Zhou Mi said, rubbing at his eyes. "I'll wait for however long it takes. I love him Geng... I love him so much."
"Then why are you running away from him?" HeeChul asked, still not looking at them. "Not that I don't think you should, but if you love him, why are you leaving?"
Zhou Mi blinked at the question, sitting up a little. "Because... he needs time to himself, away from me. That's the right thing to do."
Han Geng saddened. "If you think he needs time, then all right...but don't be gone too long, Zhou Mi. Too much time apart won't help either of you." He looked thoughtful then. "I have an idea, if you're willing to hear it."
"I'm willing to listen to anything right now," Zhou Mi said, sounding completely despondent.
"I think you both need a vacation," Han Geng smiled softly. "A long one. Give KyuHyun a day or two, then take him somewhere. I heard North America is nice in the summer."
"A vacation?" Zhou Mi hadn't been expecting that. "Why to America?"
"Because Signs are free there," HeeChul said, eyeing Han Geng. "I thought that was our vacation plan."
"It still can be," Han Geng smiled at HeeChul. "But I think they need this too." He looked back at Zhou Mi. "You can take off KyuHyun's collar while there, and no one will know the difference as long as it's back on before you pass through customs to return."
"I... think he'll like that," Zhou Mi nodded, thinking about it a little more. "Being away from Korea in a place where he isn't reviled... he'll like that. I don't think he'd want to come home."
"I didn't say the plan was perfect," Han Geng chuckled softly, resting his hand on Zhou Mi's shoulder. "But it could go a long way to helping you both. Don't come back until you absolutely have to, take all the time you can to be just you and him."
"As long as he agrees with the idea, then that's what we'll do," Zhou Mi nodded. "Thank you Geng. I'm glad I have you to count on when I need a friend."
"I'm sure you'd do the same for me," Han Geng smiled, pulling him into another hug. "I'm always around to talk to."
"One day I'll repay you for all the help you've provided," Zhou Mi said, hugging him in return. "Thank you." Pulling away, he got up to his feet. "And I'm sorry that I once again bothered you, I'll get in touch with you later and let you know where I'm staying."
"You're not a bother at all," Han Geng shook his head. "Best of luck, Zhou Mi."
"Thank you, I'll need it this time," Zhou Mi said, taking his suitcase by the handle and going to the door. He gave a quiet goodbye before leaving, the door clicking shut behind him.
"That has to be one of the stupidest humans I've ever met," HeeChul said, glaring towards the door. "And that's saying a lot."
"I'm glad you held that in until he was gone," Han Geng sighed, rubbing his temples as he slumped back against the couch and closed his eyes. "I think the stress got to him."
"Stress is not a reasonable excuse to send someone you're supposed to love to their death," HeeChul said. "I can imagine what KyuHyun is feeling right now, how betrayed he feels. I don't think Zhou Mi really understands what it is he did. No amount of apologies will ever be good enough."
"That doesn't mean he should not try," Han Geng opened his eyes to look at HeeChul. He pushed himself to his feet, transferring to the couch the rooster was on and sitting down beside him. "Stress is a very poor excuse, but not trying to make things right is worse."
"There comes a point when trying isn't enough," HeeChul said. "Being betrayed by a master is one thing, being betrayed by someone you love who is also your master... KyuHyun has no reason to ever trust Mi again. I wouldn't if I was him."
"I'm hoping you're never like him." Han Geng looked at HeeChul beside him, lightly touching one hand to HeeChul's knee. "You sound angry for more than just KyuHyun."
"I'm angry for every sign that is betrayed by their master," HeeChul said, avoiding Han Geng's eyes. "Even the kindest ones can destroy you."
Han Geng leaned forward, trying to catch HeeChul's eyes without forcing the rooster to turn his head. "Do you think of me that way?" he asked quietly.
"... You haven't betrayed me," HeeChul said, finally looking up. "But that doesn't mean I don't think it isn't a possibility."
The other man pulled back, a little hurt. He sighed and looked away. "I guess I can understand why you can't trust a human. Years together wouldn't mean anything."
"... No, that's not..." HeeChul shook his head. "Years together do mean something. But my life, or any slave's life, is built around the whim of a human. You bought me on a whim, Geng. I was sure I wouldn't last with you for more than a week before you decided you really didn't want a slave around. I trust you, and that took a very long time."
"It might have been a whim, but not once have I ever regretted it," Han Geng said. "Even when you told me my Korean was crap and purposely did a bunch of things to get a rise out of me, I didn't regret it. You would be free right now if I didn't think I could protect you better this way. If I couldn't get you to a doctor faster if you were sick, this way. If I couldn't use my name to make sure no thugs tried to harm you, this way."
HeeChul watched Han Geng with an unreadable expression, shifting forward slightly to touch a hand to Han Geng's cheek. "Geng," he said softly, drawing the human around to look at him. "I don't care about being protected from the outside world. I just want to be safe in knowing that you will love me forever. That you won't decide in ten years you'd rather have a human, or worse a wife and kids. Promise me that."
Han Geng looked at HeeChul, cupping the hand against his cheek. "I can't predict ten years into the future, and you'll just yell at me for pretending I can," he smiled gently. "But I can promise you that right now, I'd be the happiest man in the world to stay with you the rest of my life. We've already tried otherwise, remember? I love you, only you."
Closing his eyes, HeeChul leaned into the hand and sighed softly. "I love you too," he replied. Opening one eye, he smirked at Han Geng. "And you can't tell me you didn't enjoy your little fling with stick legs. I still feel like a third wheel sometimes when he's around."
"Zhou Mi is a friend," Han Geng wrinkled his nose at HeeChul. "Sleeping with him didn't feel right, and I don't like it when you bring it up, you know that."
HeeChul wrinkled his nose right back. "I don't understand why. It's not like I was against it... if anyone was suited for you it would have been him. Same ideals, same nationality. Are you sure you made the right choice?"
"When will you stop asking me that even when I say yes every time?" Han Geng shook his head. "One day I'm going to say no just to see your face."
"..." HeeChul's expression soured and he poked Han Geng in the chest. "You wouldn't dare."
"Are you going to stop asking then?" Han Geng smiled sweetly at the rooster. "I've known you for years HeeChul, I know when you're sincerely worried and when you're baiting for compliments."
"So complimenting me is a chore?" HeeChul scowled, pinching him. "I ask for so little, and you turn around tease me."
Han Geng yelped at the pinch, laughing. "I compliment you all day, I'm allowed one retaliation every now and then!"
"Well, retaliate all you want, see if I smile at you again," HeeChul sniffed, getting to his feet. "Or keep you warm at night, or do those debaucherous acts you love so much." Flouncing off towards the stairs to the bedroom, he glanced over his shoulder with a smirk.
"Weren't you complaining a while ago I had no backbone," Han Geng chuckled, getting to his feet to follow HeeChul. "You're so confusing. And I think you like those debauk...debor...acts just as much."
Stopping three steps up, HeeChul turned to look at him, arms stretched out to the rails. "Never said I didn't, and I think you like it when I'm confusing."
"It's you," Han Geng said, stopping on the second step and wrapping his arms around HeeChul's waist. "I wouldn't like it any other way."
"Humans are so strange," HeeChul said, looking down at him. "Or maybe it's just you."
"I think you like it though," The human smiled before pulling HeeChul into a deep kiss.
HeeChul didn't need to reply except to return the kiss, his arms going around Han Geng's neck. Even if he could have spoken at the moment, he probably wouldn't have admitted how much he really did like his strange, wonderful human.