[Fic] Before You Go - Chapter 21
Title: Before You Go
Pairing(s): Jaemin, Yoosu
Length: Chaptered 21/?
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: (gang) violence, language, abduction
Genre: AU, drama, angst
Summary: Jaejoong and his cousin have been swept up into the world of violence and gangs. The struggle and fight for his sanity is complicated greatly by the addition of a certain Shim Changmin into the mix. Will he be able to protect those he loves as well as save himself?
A/N: this is getting too complicated for me! sorry if there are any glaring plot loop holes etc OTL ~
Prologue | Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 - part 1 - part 2 | Chapter 7 | Chapter 8 | Chapter 9 | Chapter 10 | Chapter 11 | Chapter 12 | Chapter 13 | Chapter 14 | Chapter 15 | Chapter 16 | Chapter 17 | Chapter 18 | Chapter 19 | Chapter 20
*******
Jaejoong had left Junsu behind in the van to monitor his venture into the Shim’s house. He wondered if Junsu would give up and leave, not wanting to put up with the awkwardness that hung heavily in the air. However, he had decided not to worry when he saw the soft vulnerability in Yoochun’s eyes as he looked at Junsu.
He supposed Junsu was just being dense and stubborn like his usual self, since the longer he’d spent with Yoochun the more he’d felt both the almost overwhelming care the man had for Junsu as well as a growing urge to trust him.
He let thoughts of the pair slip from his mind as he followed the black suited men down another
twist of hallway. It had only taken a few minutes after he’d shown up in front of the gate to be noticed and interrogated. With the way they only patted him down briefly, entirely missing the wires and microphone taped under his shirt, and the swift ease with which he entered and was now apparently on the way to meet with Mr. Shim directly, Jaejoong wasn’t sure if he should feel lucky or worried.
He realized he didn’t have a back up or escape plan aside from the three men listening in the van outside. He didn’t like to think he might need them, but then, it’s always harder to get out than in.
The bulky sizes of the men around him as well as the labyrinth like layout of the house had him dismissing various plans of action as well as the fleeting idea that he should skip the formalities and make a run to find Changmin.
Moments later he was shown into an elaborate study, in the center of which sat Mr. Shim. The man had one leg crossed over the other, a cigar emitting thick heavy smoke dangling from one hand. His posture and expression seemed almost planned, as the expectant yet sinister look on his face indicated he’d already been informed of who his visitor was.
He remained sitting regally, waiting until the guards pushed Jaejoong forward and then stepped back to hover behind him like silent shadows.
The man was taking his time unfolding himself from the chair, and Jaejoong suppressed a heavy sigh. Wanting to snap at the man to just skip the theatrics, Jaejoong bit his tongue as the man finally cleared his throat noisily. It was as if he was trying to make himself seem bigger and fiercer than the short, stuffy rich man he really was.
“So what does it take to buy a man like you?” The greasy tone of his voice was unpleasant. “Unlimited booze and women? Money? Appointment as my right hand? Your own business?” Small eyes rolled to take in his reaction and Jaejoong just stared coolly back at him, attempting to look unimpressed.
The man turned away rather quickly, no doubt to hide the way Jaejoong’s lack of eagerness or greed threw a curve into his prepared speech. It didn’t take him long to recollect himself. He came over to stand directly in front of him, a few steps too far into his personal space, and Jaejoong bristled slightly. “I’m a man of capabilities, and can give you whatever you want, Jaejoong-ah. Why not take me up on the offer while I’m still being nice?”
“I don’t want any of your dirty bribes.” Jaejoong spat the words in Mr. Shim’s face, trying to be rude. He didn’t have any reason to do otherwise, nor had he the slightest shred of respect or good will towards the man.
Mr. Shim just looked scornful. “Not even my brat of a son?”
Jaejoong stilled at the words, eyes narrowing as Mr. Shim so easily drew out the bait. Although he already knew it was inevitable that the price would come down to Changmin, he still didn’t like to hear it this way. “Changmin’s not some object you can use as a pay off.”
“Oh, he’s not?” The condescending tone grated on Jaejoong’s quickly fraying patience. “Then rest assured you’ll never see him again.”
“Fuck you.” Jaejoong snarled, longing to punch that face until it suitably resembled the disgusting foulness of the man’s character.
One of the bodyguards flanking him cuffed his ear painfully for his attitude and Jaejoong had to grind his teeth to keep from retaliating. He could take a beating, he could suffer through abuse and being walked on like dirt, but he wouldn’t stand for them treating or talking about Changmin in such a demeaning manner.
Mr. Shim looked over him in an openly rude way, as if he were sizing up a piece of meat that was for sale, and Jaejoong’s already foul mood seemed to darken even more. He was quivering with suppressed anger, the dark heady energy filling him up. He longed to simply show the man what he really thought of him; maybe he'd be satisfied after he saw blood. He didn’t know for how long he could suffer through this.
“You seem like a man who’d do whatever it took to get what he wanted.” Mr. Shim mused, his pleased smirk showing he could obviously see the way Jaejoong was reacting.
It was so irritating that the man could read his emotions, could use him and poke him in ways that rankled the most. Because he wasn’t able to contain his feelings anymore, his mask had fallen apart. It had broken into pieces ever since he had let… let Changmin in.
And he had to let the man exploit him because Changmin needed him. It was only up to him, and Jaejoong had to be there for him. His own welfare, pride, even life didn’t come first anymore.
That smug expression was so infuriating. He knew he didn’t even need to say anything, the resignation must have shown in his eyes.
“You must realize the position and opportunity you are being offered is highly valued. Many men would kill to have a foot in this door.” He paused before he suddenly sneered at Jaejoong degradingly, “Then again, you’re more preoccupied with putting something else in quite another place, aren’t you?” Jaejoong clenched his fists at the jibe, but refused to rise to the taunt.
Mr. Shim gave him another exceptionally disgusted look before turning away to pace the length of the room. “I’ve been told you have quite some favor in with your boss, Mr. Kim. The men even seem to favor you over the man’s own flesh and blood. Quite impressive, aren’t you? I’d like to see the same loyalty and devotion here. You’re working for me now. You’re to get rid of Kim and take his place, upon which I expect we will remain on more than profitable terms.”
He paused, a pleased expression on his face. “If you slip up or displease me in any way whatsoever, I will make sure your little fuck-toy will disappear from the face of your world.”
Jaejoong’s head was bent, not wanting to look at the despicable man before him. He hated that he had no choice but to obediently lay himself at this man’s feet and take the words in, but he would do what he was told to do, would kill, would give up freedom and life, as long as he could keep Changmin. Not to mention the hidden microphone lay like a heavy burden against the skin of his chest.
Distracted with his thoughts, he seemed to have missed something Mr. Shim said. “I said, do you understand, boy?” The man repeated himself, voice icy.
Jaejoong bowed his head slightly and murmured, “Yes, sir.”
Mr. Shim moved over again to stand directly in front of him. “Again. On your knees.”
Jaejoong hesitated, eyes flickering to the man’s shoes, then he was sinking to the floor, hands pressed to his thighs. “Yes, sir.”
“Hmm.” A hand reached down to shove his head lower, forcing him to hunch submissively. “That’s better.”
Jaejoong wondered when this ridiculous power trip would be over. The man was hardly intimidating compared to bosses like Kim or Jung, and normally he would never take such menial crap as this. Except Mr. Shim was holding Changmin over him since it was all that he had. And it was enough.
He tuned out slightly as Mr. Shim began elaborating on what he wanted from Jaejoong. Basically making him a rat in his own gang, expecting him to swing deals and profits to favor Shim, he went on to demand reports and secrets and the like.
Jaejoong was sure to mumble a ‘yes, sir’ every now and again, but was finding it almost painful to bear through. It was hardly any consolation that this was only too easily falling into place; he hardly had to work at it because the man was already falling into their trap.
The man finally finished up with more threats and shoves to his head before he finally ordered him back to his feet. Dragging himself up was a painful slow process as injuries were starting to overpower his strong mental resolve, and he couldn’t move on mind power alone.
Mr. Shim dismissed him, seeming smug and satisfied he had cowered Jaejoong enough to scare him, but Jaejoong stood his ground firmly. Finally lifting his eyes from the carpet he had memorized in the last hour, he stared at Mr. Shim boldly.
“I want to see him now.” He felt he deserved that much as he’d fully promised himself to the ridiculous demands of Mr. Shim. Plus, Changmin was not a thing to be given or taken. Whether they met or not should be between the two of them.
Mr. Shim simply laughed in his face. “If I think you do your job well, I’ll consider.”
He was turning away, but Jaejoong had taken enough patronizing comments for one day. “I won’t hold up my end of the deal unless I can see him when I want to. And I’m not leaving today until I do.”
Confident and finally having regained his calm during his time kneeling on the floor, Jaejoong was able to meet the man’s gaze firmly. He knew that in reality the man was weak, and hid behind money and publicity. He also knew his own face was hard and unyielding, a look that dawned when he was beating a man’s life into the ground. He could see the fear barely hidden behind Mr. Shim’s beady eyes.
He hardly had to pull the look for long, Mr. Shim agreed just to get him out of his sight, and Jaejoong gladly followed a bodyguard who was instructed to take him to Changmin.
As they made their way down a hallway, Jaejoong smirked a little. Mr. Shim really had no idea what he was dealing with. If he thought he could scare a thug with a few words…he really had no idea what types of things he’d experienced, or the cold blooded torture and murder Jaejoong was in fact capable of and had performed on various occasions.
But he wouldn’t need to display such violence yet. As long as Changmin was within reach and safe, this childish deal was exactly what he was supposed to achieve, and as it was now it was more to their advantage than Shim’s. He’d only keep it up until Yoochun stepped in, and then he could successfully take Changmin away from the man forever.
He realized they had reached wherever Changmin was when he saw a pair of men standing guard at the door. Almost instantly his heart sped up a few beats. His cheeks felt too warm, and he had to wipe his suddenly sweaty palms on his pants. He tried to take a steadying breath, but the man in front of him was already opening the door, not bothering to even knock.
******
Chapter 22
A/N: Im sorry for cutting it off there!! TT!! the next part just got too long so it had to become its own chapter~~~ post it after editing :P
Pairing(s): Jaemin, Yoosu
Length: Chaptered 21/?
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: (gang) violence, language, abduction
Genre: AU, drama, angst
Summary: Jaejoong and his cousin have been swept up into the world of violence and gangs. The struggle and fight for his sanity is complicated greatly by the addition of a certain Shim Changmin into the mix. Will he be able to protect those he loves as well as save himself?
A/N: this is getting too complicated for me! sorry if there are any glaring plot loop holes etc OTL ~
Prologue | Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 - part 1 - part 2 | Chapter 7 | Chapter 8 | Chapter 9 | Chapter 10 | Chapter 11 | Chapter 12 | Chapter 13 | Chapter 14 | Chapter 15 | Chapter 16 | Chapter 17 | Chapter 18 | Chapter 19 | Chapter 20
*******
Jaejoong had left Junsu behind in the van to monitor his venture into the Shim’s house. He wondered if Junsu would give up and leave, not wanting to put up with the awkwardness that hung heavily in the air. However, he had decided not to worry when he saw the soft vulnerability in Yoochun’s eyes as he looked at Junsu.
He supposed Junsu was just being dense and stubborn like his usual self, since the longer he’d spent with Yoochun the more he’d felt both the almost overwhelming care the man had for Junsu as well as a growing urge to trust him.
He let thoughts of the pair slip from his mind as he followed the black suited men down another
twist of hallway. It had only taken a few minutes after he’d shown up in front of the gate to be noticed and interrogated. With the way they only patted him down briefly, entirely missing the wires and microphone taped under his shirt, and the swift ease with which he entered and was now apparently on the way to meet with Mr. Shim directly, Jaejoong wasn’t sure if he should feel lucky or worried.
He realized he didn’t have a back up or escape plan aside from the three men listening in the van outside. He didn’t like to think he might need them, but then, it’s always harder to get out than in.
The bulky sizes of the men around him as well as the labyrinth like layout of the house had him dismissing various plans of action as well as the fleeting idea that he should skip the formalities and make a run to find Changmin.
Moments later he was shown into an elaborate study, in the center of which sat Mr. Shim. The man had one leg crossed over the other, a cigar emitting thick heavy smoke dangling from one hand. His posture and expression seemed almost planned, as the expectant yet sinister look on his face indicated he’d already been informed of who his visitor was.
He remained sitting regally, waiting until the guards pushed Jaejoong forward and then stepped back to hover behind him like silent shadows.
The man was taking his time unfolding himself from the chair, and Jaejoong suppressed a heavy sigh. Wanting to snap at the man to just skip the theatrics, Jaejoong bit his tongue as the man finally cleared his throat noisily. It was as if he was trying to make himself seem bigger and fiercer than the short, stuffy rich man he really was.
“So what does it take to buy a man like you?” The greasy tone of his voice was unpleasant. “Unlimited booze and women? Money? Appointment as my right hand? Your own business?” Small eyes rolled to take in his reaction and Jaejoong just stared coolly back at him, attempting to look unimpressed.
The man turned away rather quickly, no doubt to hide the way Jaejoong’s lack of eagerness or greed threw a curve into his prepared speech. It didn’t take him long to recollect himself. He came over to stand directly in front of him, a few steps too far into his personal space, and Jaejoong bristled slightly. “I’m a man of capabilities, and can give you whatever you want, Jaejoong-ah. Why not take me up on the offer while I’m still being nice?”
“I don’t want any of your dirty bribes.” Jaejoong spat the words in Mr. Shim’s face, trying to be rude. He didn’t have any reason to do otherwise, nor had he the slightest shred of respect or good will towards the man.
Mr. Shim just looked scornful. “Not even my brat of a son?”
Jaejoong stilled at the words, eyes narrowing as Mr. Shim so easily drew out the bait. Although he already knew it was inevitable that the price would come down to Changmin, he still didn’t like to hear it this way. “Changmin’s not some object you can use as a pay off.”
“Oh, he’s not?” The condescending tone grated on Jaejoong’s quickly fraying patience. “Then rest assured you’ll never see him again.”
“Fuck you.” Jaejoong snarled, longing to punch that face until it suitably resembled the disgusting foulness of the man’s character.
One of the bodyguards flanking him cuffed his ear painfully for his attitude and Jaejoong had to grind his teeth to keep from retaliating. He could take a beating, he could suffer through abuse and being walked on like dirt, but he wouldn’t stand for them treating or talking about Changmin in such a demeaning manner.
Mr. Shim looked over him in an openly rude way, as if he were sizing up a piece of meat that was for sale, and Jaejoong’s already foul mood seemed to darken even more. He was quivering with suppressed anger, the dark heady energy filling him up. He longed to simply show the man what he really thought of him; maybe he'd be satisfied after he saw blood. He didn’t know for how long he could suffer through this.
“You seem like a man who’d do whatever it took to get what he wanted.” Mr. Shim mused, his pleased smirk showing he could obviously see the way Jaejoong was reacting.
It was so irritating that the man could read his emotions, could use him and poke him in ways that rankled the most. Because he wasn’t able to contain his feelings anymore, his mask had fallen apart. It had broken into pieces ever since he had let… let Changmin in.
And he had to let the man exploit him because Changmin needed him. It was only up to him, and Jaejoong had to be there for him. His own welfare, pride, even life didn’t come first anymore.
That smug expression was so infuriating. He knew he didn’t even need to say anything, the resignation must have shown in his eyes.
“You must realize the position and opportunity you are being offered is highly valued. Many men would kill to have a foot in this door.” He paused before he suddenly sneered at Jaejoong degradingly, “Then again, you’re more preoccupied with putting something else in quite another place, aren’t you?” Jaejoong clenched his fists at the jibe, but refused to rise to the taunt.
Mr. Shim gave him another exceptionally disgusted look before turning away to pace the length of the room. “I’ve been told you have quite some favor in with your boss, Mr. Kim. The men even seem to favor you over the man’s own flesh and blood. Quite impressive, aren’t you? I’d like to see the same loyalty and devotion here. You’re working for me now. You’re to get rid of Kim and take his place, upon which I expect we will remain on more than profitable terms.”
He paused, a pleased expression on his face. “If you slip up or displease me in any way whatsoever, I will make sure your little fuck-toy will disappear from the face of your world.”
Jaejoong’s head was bent, not wanting to look at the despicable man before him. He hated that he had no choice but to obediently lay himself at this man’s feet and take the words in, but he would do what he was told to do, would kill, would give up freedom and life, as long as he could keep Changmin. Not to mention the hidden microphone lay like a heavy burden against the skin of his chest.
Distracted with his thoughts, he seemed to have missed something Mr. Shim said. “I said, do you understand, boy?” The man repeated himself, voice icy.
Jaejoong bowed his head slightly and murmured, “Yes, sir.”
Mr. Shim moved over again to stand directly in front of him. “Again. On your knees.”
Jaejoong hesitated, eyes flickering to the man’s shoes, then he was sinking to the floor, hands pressed to his thighs. “Yes, sir.”
“Hmm.” A hand reached down to shove his head lower, forcing him to hunch submissively. “That’s better.”
Jaejoong wondered when this ridiculous power trip would be over. The man was hardly intimidating compared to bosses like Kim or Jung, and normally he would never take such menial crap as this. Except Mr. Shim was holding Changmin over him since it was all that he had. And it was enough.
He tuned out slightly as Mr. Shim began elaborating on what he wanted from Jaejoong. Basically making him a rat in his own gang, expecting him to swing deals and profits to favor Shim, he went on to demand reports and secrets and the like.
Jaejoong was sure to mumble a ‘yes, sir’ every now and again, but was finding it almost painful to bear through. It was hardly any consolation that this was only too easily falling into place; he hardly had to work at it because the man was already falling into their trap.
The man finally finished up with more threats and shoves to his head before he finally ordered him back to his feet. Dragging himself up was a painful slow process as injuries were starting to overpower his strong mental resolve, and he couldn’t move on mind power alone.
Mr. Shim dismissed him, seeming smug and satisfied he had cowered Jaejoong enough to scare him, but Jaejoong stood his ground firmly. Finally lifting his eyes from the carpet he had memorized in the last hour, he stared at Mr. Shim boldly.
“I want to see him now.” He felt he deserved that much as he’d fully promised himself to the ridiculous demands of Mr. Shim. Plus, Changmin was not a thing to be given or taken. Whether they met or not should be between the two of them.
Mr. Shim simply laughed in his face. “If I think you do your job well, I’ll consider.”
He was turning away, but Jaejoong had taken enough patronizing comments for one day. “I won’t hold up my end of the deal unless I can see him when I want to. And I’m not leaving today until I do.”
Confident and finally having regained his calm during his time kneeling on the floor, Jaejoong was able to meet the man’s gaze firmly. He knew that in reality the man was weak, and hid behind money and publicity. He also knew his own face was hard and unyielding, a look that dawned when he was beating a man’s life into the ground. He could see the fear barely hidden behind Mr. Shim’s beady eyes.
He hardly had to pull the look for long, Mr. Shim agreed just to get him out of his sight, and Jaejoong gladly followed a bodyguard who was instructed to take him to Changmin.
As they made their way down a hallway, Jaejoong smirked a little. Mr. Shim really had no idea what he was dealing with. If he thought he could scare a thug with a few words…he really had no idea what types of things he’d experienced, or the cold blooded torture and murder Jaejoong was in fact capable of and had performed on various occasions.
But he wouldn’t need to display such violence yet. As long as Changmin was within reach and safe, this childish deal was exactly what he was supposed to achieve, and as it was now it was more to their advantage than Shim’s. He’d only keep it up until Yoochun stepped in, and then he could successfully take Changmin away from the man forever.
He realized they had reached wherever Changmin was when he saw a pair of men standing guard at the door. Almost instantly his heart sped up a few beats. His cheeks felt too warm, and he had to wipe his suddenly sweaty palms on his pants. He tried to take a steadying breath, but the man in front of him was already opening the door, not bothering to even knock.
******
Chapter 22
A/N: Im sorry for cutting it off there!! TT!! the next part just got too long so it had to become its own chapter~~~ post it after editing :P