Far East: Fire and Ice [9/?]
Far East: Fire and Ice
Summary: Alfred Greene and Alec Mason break into Emperor Chanyeol’s chambers, with the assistance of Jongin. They hide in a secret chamber that neither the Emperor nor his lover know about.
WARNINGS: Sex (undetailed), heartbreak
A/N: Sorry. Romantic fight up ahead.
[A Romantic Account: Fire and Ice]
According to common knowledge, the Seoul Palace is impenetrable after the sun has set. It is said that once that sun has set, only then is the Korean army ever on guard.
How the palace defends itself is unclear but it is noted that there has not been a single successful attempt to enter the Seoul Palace unauthorised. That is, until one evening when the moon was shy. This night was special; it was a night where the streets were alight, brandishing lamp lights like teeth and curtains were drawn back to reveal their contents. Everything in the streets was a haze of smoke and debauchery.
It is a strange custom in Seoul, an annual Host and Hostess Night Festival. It is the one night where such things were legally and socially acceptable.
It was at a street corner flinching from the touch of a young woman, did M ----- and G----- meet their contact.
He was a finely dressed young man, with robes that hung on him so loosely that he appeared to be a host.
The name we shall give this young contact of M ----- and G----- is Jongin. And he knew how to enter the Seoul Palace.
*
His method is a mysterious one.
It involved blindfolds and walking through rooms with the sounds of screaming and laughter and jeering and occasionally receiving a tap on the shoulder.
However, once their blindfolds were removed, they found themselves in semi-darkness and three pairs of circular holes before them place at different heights.
M ----- and G----- noticed that there was not much room. Their chests were against a wall frame of the finest wood in all of Korea. Imports.
They were in the Palace and the word “in” has a far greater importance in this case. M ----- and G----- and their contact Jongin were hidden inside the wall of a modest servant bedroom chamber.
At this, M ----- hissed in his fluent Korean. G----- could only sit silent as a semi-dumb Englishman. Yer said, tha’ yer would take us to the Emperor’s chamber! We need-
This is his chamber.
Excuse us?
This is where he sleeps, hyung.
Where he sleeps is not it. We need his actual chambers. Where he keep his war map. Where he holds private counsel!
Well, private and politically related conversations are held here too. More often than you would think. Besides, this is the furthest I can go.
What?
The Sealing Magic in that room is strong. It keeps everything out-
Even you?
It was made specifically for me.
Idiots, G----- groaned in English. How can we find out Chanyeol’s plan to fight the Chinese Imperial Army from a servant’s quarters?
We’re probably going to die.
It’s very unlikely they’ll know we’re here, Jongin insisted.
If the Prince-
Emperor.
M----- growled. If Emperor Chanyeol knows we’re here, he’d burn us -
Incinerate.
Probably won’t leave a trace, hyung.
Then why would yer agree to take us into the palace, if they knew how t’ track yer energy?
Jongin smirked in the darkness. Because you pay well. And besides, these aren’t the Emperor’s quarters, this is the bed chamber of Byun Baekhyun.
Shut up -
I know, it’s quite the wonder but -
Jongin, peace, G----- ordered gently as two arguing voices approached the door, which suddenly burst open.
In stepped Byun Baekhyun, the beautiful servant boy, now dressed as finely as a lord. G----- snarled. Behind him, entered the new Emperor Park Chanyeol; dressed in gold and radiating despite the sullen expression on his face. But G----- saw the mischief in his eyes.
Will you leave me or must I leave you? Byun snapped around, furious.
It is for the best-
No! If I was prince or a lord or an assassin then I would make it far more difficult for you to leave me as it is for I to leave you! Do you think me manipulable, movable-
Baek, don’t be like this-
No! I am not moveable. I am a mountain, Chanyeol. I will not bend to the wind or the will of disgusting Chinese lords of the underworld. You will stay-
And be what?! Do what?! Baek, I’m a new ruler. I cannot lead my people into war! I will not lead my people - or you, for that matter - into danger. Into death. No. I will not be held responsible.
Then you’re just a coward.
Coward?! Chanyeol growled deeply. He appeared more like a puppy rather than a roaring lion. How am I coward?! If I was a coward I would go out and claim that I can win the battle! I would wear the façade and let people believe in that. But no! I am here. Showing restraint, well aware that the consequences could be greater. I am showing people my mind. I am not being manipulated! I am not allowing myself to be played by others! No! And you taught me that! You! You taught me to be like a mountain!
The Emperor had taken Byun by the shoulders, bringing their faces close so he could bore his eyes into the other’s soul.
The smaller man snarled. I am a mountain, Chanyeol. You are like the sun. Beautiful, ferocious and changeable. Well admired but difficult to reach! He ran a cold, shaking hand through his hair. You are always, always, a million miles away. Forever out of my grasp no matter how I try to reach you, I can’t! The sun does not bow down to the mountain that tries to reach it.
What are you talking about? You’re the only one who I let into my life; into my thoughts and into my heart like no one else. The auburn haired young man’s voice quietens. He is hurt. Into my body even. This is mutual, Baekhyun! I have you conquered you as you have conquered me!
I let you conquer me and I will not be set aside and forgotten by you just because you want it!
The Emperor opened his mouth but gently closed it.
You! Byun continued in a blizzard. You! Of all people that I let into my life it was you! You. YOU! Someone who neither wants nor needs me! I have wasted my time. You will forget me before I forget you!
But-
Quiet, Chanyeol! Byun released himself and stood a distance away. The young Emperor reached forward, but his feet were planted. You have never come down to me. Not truly! The sun is in the sky and the mountain in the ground below. I am the one who has been trying, here! I am the one who had to plan everything so we could be together! I am the one who wanted to stay but YOU - you are the one who broke me and married my master. You said it was for the better and when he was dead you returned to me. You are cruel, Chanyeol. Awful. You know nothing about the heart of someone who belongs to the earth because you hold yourself up so high!
So you think I’m arrogant? The Emperor was weakening, like the setting sun. I can change that-
No, Byun concluded. No you can’t. He turned about, wrapping his arms around himself as if he were cold. It’s not your fault, my dea- He stops himself. Chanyeol. It is not your fault. You have higher upbringing. You have been taught this and once taught, you cannot be untaught. We are too different. I will now be like ice to you. You will receive no affection from me. We are no more.
There is silence and stillness.
I leave you, he reiterates. Do you understand? I. Leave. You.
There is a silence that passes. For a moment, one thinks that Byun has won. With his back faced towards the monarch, he hides his distress.
But then, the Emperor smirks.
So is this is the end of us, my dear Baekhyun? Will you leave your awkward fire elf to battle Chinese generals and an evil pretty deer under-lord all on his own?
Gro-, M --- begins before G---- cups his mouth.
Yes, Byun replies, not hearing those hidden in the wall. No more. This, I believe is for the best. This was wrong to begin with.
I will be very lonely without you, the Emperor confesses in his bass voice. Quite. You are my equal. I have not found your likeness anywhere.
And I doubt you ever will, Byun says reaching to the claps of his servant’s collar. He unfastens it and then bows. His formal sign of his leave.
But where will you go, Baek? Chanyeol asked, taking the collar from the pretty hands, which his eyes lingered at.
That is no longer your concern.
Please stay.
No.
Why are you being so cold? Relax, please.
Relax?! You were about to break my heart and have nevertheless succeeded, your Majesty. He snarled most viciously. The Emperor, thanks to his upbringing, did not deter his eyes from the attack but rather, licked his lips.
Give me this chance to hurt you! Byun spat, baring canines before turning to the door.
Well that makes no sense, the Emperor interrupted, bringing Byun to a halt. Since I wanted to leave you, you leaving now is just the outcome I wanted.
Byun’s face turns tomato.
Take your small victory, the tall, lean, Emperor taunted, leaning his head lazily on the door which Byun had planned to exit from. Who can you tell? Who could you boast about how you had a relationship with the High Prince now Emperor of Korea?
True. Who could Baekhyun possibly tell?
It will be a quiet victory, Byun says, grasping the golden door handle.
The young Emperor gives a sympathetic smile. Oh poor, weak little Byun Baekhyun. No friends in the world accept the man he seduced.
Seduced? How outr-
Yes! Seduced! The Emperor continued, taking a step towards Byun. The shorter evaded a touch that came for his cheek.
Byun Baekhyun, the tall, now seemingly sleepy Park slurred, the Do family slave boy who seduced, with his pretty fingers, funny stories and pretty lips, the spoiled High Prince…
The Emperor’s frame has relaxed and he slumped forward, lifting his chin slightly.
This had two effects. The first; so he could view his love at a better angle and the second; so Byun Baekhyun could be mesmerised by the length of his neck, the angle of his jawline and movement of his Adam’s Apple when he spoke.
…and, the Emperor gave a short chuckle, and you continued to spoil him.
A silence passes and I understood.
Byun spoiled Park with love and attention.
Byun seemed to see this too.
And for his own good, Byun says, crossing the room, diverting his eyes to the ground, I will leave him. Perhaps it would improve his character- he gave a short grunt as the Emperor snatched his hand and brought it to his lips. He kissed each finger carefully, eyes locked on Byun.
The servant boy began to squirm but stopped because the Emperor brought out his tongue.
Byun’s ice of resolution was melting in the Emperor’s heat.
His face was softening, the coldness melting away. He was opening himself up to be conquered. The young Emperor had wrapped his lips around a beautifully shaped index finger, which he was drawing out very slowly and very carefully to leave a sheen of saliva.
They may have melted into another but Byun once again found his resolve and pulled his hand away, storming back towards the door and almost took the handle when it erupted into flames.
Byun snatched his hand back and turned to sneer when the Phoenix Emperor wiped that sneer away with his lips.
Baekhyun’s back met the door and Chanyeol’s arms caged him in on either side.
No one expected a foot to strike the Phoenix Emperor’s stomach. His Majesty skittered back but quickly recovered, facing a Byun who was on fours in his tiger-stance.
Let me go, he said.
The only response was the flame upon the door handle which changed from yellow to blue at the raise of the Emperor’s eyebrow.
Twisted idiot, Byun scoffed. You cruel, obnoxious creature! I don’t want you! And I no longer think I can love someone so selfish!
The Emperor’s cheeks, which were a bright red, began to pale. Baekhyun’s face chiselled and his expression turned cold. The small fire on the door handle disappeared leaving a disfigured chunk of golden metal.
Do you not want me, Byun Baekhyun? The Emperor asked quietly, looking up from the ground in honesty.
No.
The Emperor nodded in understanding. He took a cautious step forward before pouncing, meeting Byun’s tiger-stance with his own technique. There was clawing and a small fight before Byun’s back hit the stone floor, completely prostrate before Chanyeol.
Not even now? The Emperor panted above Byun who replied with an icy;
No.
The Emperor leaned in to graze Byun’s lips but Byun had turned away. And so, into his neck, the Emperor asked;
Not now? with his lips gently grazing his love’s skin, while dragging his lowered hips along his stomach.
But Byun didn’t falter and simply said;
No.
Not even now? The Emperor asked once more, with a hand tracing the clasps on Byun’s servant robe. It travelled down his chest to the waistband of his trousers. The Emperor slipped a finger into his waistband, while his lips grazed Byun’s ear.
There is a light thud of something hard hitting the wall frame. Too consumed, neither Byun nor Park noticed but G----- and M----- heard it. So did Jongin with amusement and he tried to guess who it was.
No, Byun replied.
Hearing this, the Emperor retracted and straightened himself. Very carefully, he stood up and stood tall.
Then you are free to leave.
In disbelief, Byun sat up very slowly. He looked towards Park Chanyeol who had turned his face so that he was even out of sight of M ----- and G-----.
Byun’s almond eyes seemed to ask; Really? Perhaps he wanted Chanyeol to keep fighting, to keep asking for him. Perhaps he never wanted to leave.
He rose to his feet and said; Thank you.
Chanyeol said nothing and continued to face away. Byun turned away, walked to and tried to touch the door handle, but it was too hot. He attempted a second time but this time proceeded to touching it, holding the handle in full grasp.
He stands for a moment.
He says nothing.
He does nothing more than stand and wait.
There is a sizzling of flesh and suddenly, like lightening, the Emperor was pulling the beautiful hand away.
What have you done?! Park demanded.
I will not do anything, Byun responded, looking up and meeting the Emperor’s eye, until you tell me why you wanted to leave me.
The Emperor’s mouth hung open until he fumbled to an answer. I just- Well, I- I think that- You and I we-
You want me stop getting involved, don’t you?
Yes, the Emperor agreed too quickly.
But I have to take part, Chanyeol! I must!
No you don’t! The tall auburn haired boy answered. I am the Emperor, this is my battle and these are my people. This is my family’s line of work. This is what I was raised to become. This is my responsibility and it is I who takes the blame and the burden. This has nothing to do with you! This was never your duty!
Byun winces.
And yet, Chanyeol continued, you share the burden with me. You are always there, he chuckled, observing Byun’s burn. Always telling me when I’m doing something right and when I’m doing something wrong. Sometimes, I admit, and you know this, what you say is right is not right.
Byun looks down, as if he is ashamed.
But strangely, I don’t care, Chanyeol laughs very bitterly to himself, because I want exactly what you want. And everything you’ve ever done has been for me. For us.
Byun’s eyes sparkle.
But you will be hurt, Baekhyun and you have been. He lets go of Byun’s hand. So I’m saying that-
I’m not leaving, Byun states. Not now. Not ever. Not-
G----- groans internally. They were such an indecisive couple.
People will find you and they will use you to hurt me! You’ve been exposed by Greene!
Greene is no problem! He is harmless unless he speaks and I doubt he will! You have his trust-
No, I lost it long ago. Greene may be kind but not everyone is like him!
No one will conquer me-
I know that!
Well, no one except you.
Well that’s not true.
They are both quiet for a moment and Chanyeol looks down and away.
Why do you say that? Byun asks carefully.
Chanyeol scoffs. I did try, didn’t I?
But you have conquered me, Byun smiles, leaning into the Emperor and looks up giving a toothy smile, but only when I let you.
The monarch frowns, looking very puppy-like. Then Byun’s bares his canines and somehow that was a message.
Suddenly, the atmosphere was warm and wet. Like the air of a tropical storm.
Byun releases his robe, earning a retraction of peeving eyes; G -----, M ----- and Jongin turned away simultaneously. While they turned away, Byun winked at his long-time lover and pulled him, by the gravity of his nakedness, to the bed.
The Emperor jumped into a kiss, like an excited child. Whilst Byun sucked at his bottom lip, Chanyeol attempted to unclasp his robe but as he got some clasps free, Byun would snap them shut again. And again. And again.
In his frustration, the Emperor shoved Byun before him, locking his hands above his head and proceeded to consume his being.
The friction between skin and cloth caused so much heat that Baekhyun had to kick Chanyeol away from him saying; Cool down, Chanyeol. You’re getting too hot. The Emperor took this opportunity to properly undress.
G ----- could see that his skin was like cooling embers. It sent a shiver down his spine.
G ----- turned away to face the wall, while M---- continued to write his notes and peer through the viewing slits.
Twice did the bed sheet alight. Both times Byun grabbed Chanyeol’s body to put out the flames.
Sometime after, Byun smiled, resting a head on the Emperor’s shoulder.
But you must promise me something, Chanyeol breathed into his hair.
And that is?
Whatever happens, you must never allow yourself to be humiliated by others. Never. Promise?
I never do that anyway.
No you don’t. When you want to be, you’re unmovable, like a mountain.
Byun smiled, running fingers through the Emperor’s golden halo of hair. And you, your Majesty, are my sunshine.
Experienced by: A. G ---- and A.J. M ----
Stylized and edited by: Jane Watson for the ‘The Stories Journal Weekly, Issue 67’
A/N: I’M SO SORRY IT’S BEEN A WHILE!
- To get more of an idea of Baekhyun and Chanyeol’s relationship in this AU:
1. White Silk and Shame
2. An Interview with High Prince Chanyeol
- The irony in all of this is Baekhyun is very changeable. Nothing like a mountain. Lol. They both are.
- M---- is Alec Mason, who is Greene’s assistant who he meets eventually in an upcoming flashback story (makes no sense). All you need to know is that:
o he’s British
o younger than Alfred Greene
o has associations with the Korean underworld (and hence knows Jongin)
o has dirty blonde hair
o transcribes every conversation ever (he’s very fast at writing things down)
o understands and speaks fluent Korean (unlike Greene who is only learning)
Summary: Alfred Greene and Alec Mason break into Emperor Chanyeol’s chambers, with the assistance of Jongin. They hide in a secret chamber that neither the Emperor nor his lover know about.
WARNINGS: Sex (undetailed), heartbreak
A/N: Sorry. Romantic fight up ahead.
[A Romantic Account: Fire and Ice]
According to common knowledge, the Seoul Palace is impenetrable after the sun has set. It is said that once that sun has set, only then is the Korean army ever on guard.
How the palace defends itself is unclear but it is noted that there has not been a single successful attempt to enter the Seoul Palace unauthorised. That is, until one evening when the moon was shy. This night was special; it was a night where the streets were alight, brandishing lamp lights like teeth and curtains were drawn back to reveal their contents. Everything in the streets was a haze of smoke and debauchery.
It is a strange custom in Seoul, an annual Host and Hostess Night Festival. It is the one night where such things were legally and socially acceptable.
It was at a street corner flinching from the touch of a young woman, did M ----- and G----- meet their contact.
He was a finely dressed young man, with robes that hung on him so loosely that he appeared to be a host.
The name we shall give this young contact of M ----- and G----- is Jongin. And he knew how to enter the Seoul Palace.
*
His method is a mysterious one.
It involved blindfolds and walking through rooms with the sounds of screaming and laughter and jeering and occasionally receiving a tap on the shoulder.
However, once their blindfolds were removed, they found themselves in semi-darkness and three pairs of circular holes before them place at different heights.
M ----- and G----- noticed that there was not much room. Their chests were against a wall frame of the finest wood in all of Korea. Imports.
They were in the Palace and the word “in” has a far greater importance in this case. M ----- and G----- and their contact Jongin were hidden inside the wall of a modest servant bedroom chamber.
At this, M ----- hissed in his fluent Korean. G----- could only sit silent as a semi-dumb Englishman. Yer said, tha’ yer would take us to the Emperor’s chamber! We need-
This is his chamber.
Excuse us?
This is where he sleeps, hyung.
Where he sleeps is not it. We need his actual chambers. Where he keep his war map. Where he holds private counsel!
Well, private and politically related conversations are held here too. More often than you would think. Besides, this is the furthest I can go.
What?
The Sealing Magic in that room is strong. It keeps everything out-
Even you?
It was made specifically for me.
Idiots, G----- groaned in English. How can we find out Chanyeol’s plan to fight the Chinese Imperial Army from a servant’s quarters?
We’re probably going to die.
It’s very unlikely they’ll know we’re here, Jongin insisted.
If the Prince-
Emperor.
M----- growled. If Emperor Chanyeol knows we’re here, he’d burn us -
Incinerate.
Probably won’t leave a trace, hyung.
Then why would yer agree to take us into the palace, if they knew how t’ track yer energy?
Jongin smirked in the darkness. Because you pay well. And besides, these aren’t the Emperor’s quarters, this is the bed chamber of Byun Baekhyun.
Shut up -
I know, it’s quite the wonder but -
Jongin, peace, G----- ordered gently as two arguing voices approached the door, which suddenly burst open.
In stepped Byun Baekhyun, the beautiful servant boy, now dressed as finely as a lord. G----- snarled. Behind him, entered the new Emperor Park Chanyeol; dressed in gold and radiating despite the sullen expression on his face. But G----- saw the mischief in his eyes.
Will you leave me or must I leave you? Byun snapped around, furious.
It is for the best-
No! If I was prince or a lord or an assassin then I would make it far more difficult for you to leave me as it is for I to leave you! Do you think me manipulable, movable-
Baek, don’t be like this-
No! I am not moveable. I am a mountain, Chanyeol. I will not bend to the wind or the will of disgusting Chinese lords of the underworld. You will stay-
And be what?! Do what?! Baek, I’m a new ruler. I cannot lead my people into war! I will not lead my people - or you, for that matter - into danger. Into death. No. I will not be held responsible.
Then you’re just a coward.
Coward?! Chanyeol growled deeply. He appeared more like a puppy rather than a roaring lion. How am I coward?! If I was a coward I would go out and claim that I can win the battle! I would wear the façade and let people believe in that. But no! I am here. Showing restraint, well aware that the consequences could be greater. I am showing people my mind. I am not being manipulated! I am not allowing myself to be played by others! No! And you taught me that! You! You taught me to be like a mountain!
The Emperor had taken Byun by the shoulders, bringing their faces close so he could bore his eyes into the other’s soul.
The smaller man snarled. I am a mountain, Chanyeol. You are like the sun. Beautiful, ferocious and changeable. Well admired but difficult to reach! He ran a cold, shaking hand through his hair. You are always, always, a million miles away. Forever out of my grasp no matter how I try to reach you, I can’t! The sun does not bow down to the mountain that tries to reach it.
What are you talking about? You’re the only one who I let into my life; into my thoughts and into my heart like no one else. The auburn haired young man’s voice quietens. He is hurt. Into my body even. This is mutual, Baekhyun! I have you conquered you as you have conquered me!
I let you conquer me and I will not be set aside and forgotten by you just because you want it!
The Emperor opened his mouth but gently closed it.
You! Byun continued in a blizzard. You! Of all people that I let into my life it was you! You. YOU! Someone who neither wants nor needs me! I have wasted my time. You will forget me before I forget you!
But-
Quiet, Chanyeol! Byun released himself and stood a distance away. The young Emperor reached forward, but his feet were planted. You have never come down to me. Not truly! The sun is in the sky and the mountain in the ground below. I am the one who has been trying, here! I am the one who had to plan everything so we could be together! I am the one who wanted to stay but YOU - you are the one who broke me and married my master. You said it was for the better and when he was dead you returned to me. You are cruel, Chanyeol. Awful. You know nothing about the heart of someone who belongs to the earth because you hold yourself up so high!
So you think I’m arrogant? The Emperor was weakening, like the setting sun. I can change that-
No, Byun concluded. No you can’t. He turned about, wrapping his arms around himself as if he were cold. It’s not your fault, my dea- He stops himself. Chanyeol. It is not your fault. You have higher upbringing. You have been taught this and once taught, you cannot be untaught. We are too different. I will now be like ice to you. You will receive no affection from me. We are no more.
There is silence and stillness.
I leave you, he reiterates. Do you understand? I. Leave. You.
There is a silence that passes. For a moment, one thinks that Byun has won. With his back faced towards the monarch, he hides his distress.
But then, the Emperor smirks.
So is this is the end of us, my dear Baekhyun? Will you leave your awkward fire elf to battle Chinese generals and an evil pretty deer under-lord all on his own?
Gro-, M --- begins before G---- cups his mouth.
Yes, Byun replies, not hearing those hidden in the wall. No more. This, I believe is for the best. This was wrong to begin with.
I will be very lonely without you, the Emperor confesses in his bass voice. Quite. You are my equal. I have not found your likeness anywhere.
And I doubt you ever will, Byun says reaching to the claps of his servant’s collar. He unfastens it and then bows. His formal sign of his leave.
But where will you go, Baek? Chanyeol asked, taking the collar from the pretty hands, which his eyes lingered at.
That is no longer your concern.
Please stay.
No.
Why are you being so cold? Relax, please.
Relax?! You were about to break my heart and have nevertheless succeeded, your Majesty. He snarled most viciously. The Emperor, thanks to his upbringing, did not deter his eyes from the attack but rather, licked his lips.
Give me this chance to hurt you! Byun spat, baring canines before turning to the door.
Well that makes no sense, the Emperor interrupted, bringing Byun to a halt. Since I wanted to leave you, you leaving now is just the outcome I wanted.
Byun’s face turns tomato.
Take your small victory, the tall, lean, Emperor taunted, leaning his head lazily on the door which Byun had planned to exit from. Who can you tell? Who could you boast about how you had a relationship with the High Prince now Emperor of Korea?
True. Who could Baekhyun possibly tell?
It will be a quiet victory, Byun says, grasping the golden door handle.
The young Emperor gives a sympathetic smile. Oh poor, weak little Byun Baekhyun. No friends in the world accept the man he seduced.
Seduced? How outr-
Yes! Seduced! The Emperor continued, taking a step towards Byun. The shorter evaded a touch that came for his cheek.
Byun Baekhyun, the tall, now seemingly sleepy Park slurred, the Do family slave boy who seduced, with his pretty fingers, funny stories and pretty lips, the spoiled High Prince…
The Emperor’s frame has relaxed and he slumped forward, lifting his chin slightly.
This had two effects. The first; so he could view his love at a better angle and the second; so Byun Baekhyun could be mesmerised by the length of his neck, the angle of his jawline and movement of his Adam’s Apple when he spoke.
…and, the Emperor gave a short chuckle, and you continued to spoil him.
A silence passes and I understood.
Byun spoiled Park with love and attention.
Byun seemed to see this too.
And for his own good, Byun says, crossing the room, diverting his eyes to the ground, I will leave him. Perhaps it would improve his character- he gave a short grunt as the Emperor snatched his hand and brought it to his lips. He kissed each finger carefully, eyes locked on Byun.
The servant boy began to squirm but stopped because the Emperor brought out his tongue.
Byun’s ice of resolution was melting in the Emperor’s heat.
His face was softening, the coldness melting away. He was opening himself up to be conquered. The young Emperor had wrapped his lips around a beautifully shaped index finger, which he was drawing out very slowly and very carefully to leave a sheen of saliva.
They may have melted into another but Byun once again found his resolve and pulled his hand away, storming back towards the door and almost took the handle when it erupted into flames.
Byun snatched his hand back and turned to sneer when the Phoenix Emperor wiped that sneer away with his lips.
Baekhyun’s back met the door and Chanyeol’s arms caged him in on either side.
No one expected a foot to strike the Phoenix Emperor’s stomach. His Majesty skittered back but quickly recovered, facing a Byun who was on fours in his tiger-stance.
Let me go, he said.
The only response was the flame upon the door handle which changed from yellow to blue at the raise of the Emperor’s eyebrow.
Twisted idiot, Byun scoffed. You cruel, obnoxious creature! I don’t want you! And I no longer think I can love someone so selfish!
The Emperor’s cheeks, which were a bright red, began to pale. Baekhyun’s face chiselled and his expression turned cold. The small fire on the door handle disappeared leaving a disfigured chunk of golden metal.
Do you not want me, Byun Baekhyun? The Emperor asked quietly, looking up from the ground in honesty.
No.
The Emperor nodded in understanding. He took a cautious step forward before pouncing, meeting Byun’s tiger-stance with his own technique. There was clawing and a small fight before Byun’s back hit the stone floor, completely prostrate before Chanyeol.
Not even now? The Emperor panted above Byun who replied with an icy;
No.
The Emperor leaned in to graze Byun’s lips but Byun had turned away. And so, into his neck, the Emperor asked;
Not now? with his lips gently grazing his love’s skin, while dragging his lowered hips along his stomach.
But Byun didn’t falter and simply said;
No.
Not even now? The Emperor asked once more, with a hand tracing the clasps on Byun’s servant robe. It travelled down his chest to the waistband of his trousers. The Emperor slipped a finger into his waistband, while his lips grazed Byun’s ear.
There is a light thud of something hard hitting the wall frame. Too consumed, neither Byun nor Park noticed but G----- and M----- heard it. So did Jongin with amusement and he tried to guess who it was.
No, Byun replied.
Hearing this, the Emperor retracted and straightened himself. Very carefully, he stood up and stood tall.
Then you are free to leave.
In disbelief, Byun sat up very slowly. He looked towards Park Chanyeol who had turned his face so that he was even out of sight of M ----- and G-----.
Byun’s almond eyes seemed to ask; Really? Perhaps he wanted Chanyeol to keep fighting, to keep asking for him. Perhaps he never wanted to leave.
He rose to his feet and said; Thank you.
Chanyeol said nothing and continued to face away. Byun turned away, walked to and tried to touch the door handle, but it was too hot. He attempted a second time but this time proceeded to touching it, holding the handle in full grasp.
He stands for a moment.
He says nothing.
He does nothing more than stand and wait.
There is a sizzling of flesh and suddenly, like lightening, the Emperor was pulling the beautiful hand away.
What have you done?! Park demanded.
I will not do anything, Byun responded, looking up and meeting the Emperor’s eye, until you tell me why you wanted to leave me.
The Emperor’s mouth hung open until he fumbled to an answer. I just- Well, I- I think that- You and I we-
You want me stop getting involved, don’t you?
Yes, the Emperor agreed too quickly.
But I have to take part, Chanyeol! I must!
No you don’t! The tall auburn haired boy answered. I am the Emperor, this is my battle and these are my people. This is my family’s line of work. This is what I was raised to become. This is my responsibility and it is I who takes the blame and the burden. This has nothing to do with you! This was never your duty!
Byun winces.
And yet, Chanyeol continued, you share the burden with me. You are always there, he chuckled, observing Byun’s burn. Always telling me when I’m doing something right and when I’m doing something wrong. Sometimes, I admit, and you know this, what you say is right is not right.
Byun looks down, as if he is ashamed.
But strangely, I don’t care, Chanyeol laughs very bitterly to himself, because I want exactly what you want. And everything you’ve ever done has been for me. For us.
Byun’s eyes sparkle.
But you will be hurt, Baekhyun and you have been. He lets go of Byun’s hand. So I’m saying that-
I’m not leaving, Byun states. Not now. Not ever. Not-
G----- groans internally. They were such an indecisive couple.
People will find you and they will use you to hurt me! You’ve been exposed by Greene!
Greene is no problem! He is harmless unless he speaks and I doubt he will! You have his trust-
No, I lost it long ago. Greene may be kind but not everyone is like him!
No one will conquer me-
I know that!
Well, no one except you.
Well that’s not true.
They are both quiet for a moment and Chanyeol looks down and away.
Why do you say that? Byun asks carefully.
Chanyeol scoffs. I did try, didn’t I?
But you have conquered me, Byun smiles, leaning into the Emperor and looks up giving a toothy smile, but only when I let you.
The monarch frowns, looking very puppy-like. Then Byun’s bares his canines and somehow that was a message.
Suddenly, the atmosphere was warm and wet. Like the air of a tropical storm.
Byun releases his robe, earning a retraction of peeving eyes; G -----, M ----- and Jongin turned away simultaneously. While they turned away, Byun winked at his long-time lover and pulled him, by the gravity of his nakedness, to the bed.
The Emperor jumped into a kiss, like an excited child. Whilst Byun sucked at his bottom lip, Chanyeol attempted to unclasp his robe but as he got some clasps free, Byun would snap them shut again. And again. And again.
In his frustration, the Emperor shoved Byun before him, locking his hands above his head and proceeded to consume his being.
The friction between skin and cloth caused so much heat that Baekhyun had to kick Chanyeol away from him saying; Cool down, Chanyeol. You’re getting too hot. The Emperor took this opportunity to properly undress.
G ----- could see that his skin was like cooling embers. It sent a shiver down his spine.
G ----- turned away to face the wall, while M---- continued to write his notes and peer through the viewing slits.
Twice did the bed sheet alight. Both times Byun grabbed Chanyeol’s body to put out the flames.
Sometime after, Byun smiled, resting a head on the Emperor’s shoulder.
But you must promise me something, Chanyeol breathed into his hair.
And that is?
Whatever happens, you must never allow yourself to be humiliated by others. Never. Promise?
I never do that anyway.
No you don’t. When you want to be, you’re unmovable, like a mountain.
Byun smiled, running fingers through the Emperor’s golden halo of hair. And you, your Majesty, are my sunshine.
Experienced by: A. G ---- and A.J. M ----
Stylized and edited by: Jane Watson for the ‘The Stories Journal Weekly, Issue 67’
A/N: I’M SO SORRY IT’S BEEN A WHILE!
- To get more of an idea of Baekhyun and Chanyeol’s relationship in this AU:
1. White Silk and Shame
2. An Interview with High Prince Chanyeol
- The irony in all of this is Baekhyun is very changeable. Nothing like a mountain. Lol. They both are.
- M---- is Alec Mason, who is Greene’s assistant who he meets eventually in an upcoming flashback story (makes no sense). All you need to know is that:
o he’s British
o younger than Alfred Greene
o has associations with the Korean underworld (and hence knows Jongin)
o has dirty blonde hair
o transcribes every conversation ever (he’s very fast at writing things down)
o understands and speaks fluent Korean (unlike Greene who is only learning)