The Halfling - Part 16
Title: The Halfling
Pairing(s): Onkey, side 2min
Rating: PG-13 (overall)
Genre: Romance, sci-fi (?)
Disclaimer: I don't own SHINee, I don't own any of the members. Their souls and bodies belong to SM, I am only a lowly, foreign fanfic writer.
WARNING: Allusions to past sexual assault
“What about this one?” Key cocked his head to the side and held up a collar. Onew sighed and glanced up to take in the object in the other’s hand.
Jonghyun had bought Key only three collars, either thinking that he wouldn’t go into public much or that the feline boy wouldn’t care much for accessories. Oh, had the tailor been wrong. It had taken Key twenty minutes to pick an outfit and shoes and Onew was trying his best to wait patiently as the last piece of the outfit - the legally required collar and leash - were picked as well.
The current collar that Key held up was a delicate gold affair, looking more like a thick necklace than a collar. In the center of it sat rubies surrounding a gold hoop where the leash would be connected.
“It’s very nice,” Onew answered, trying his best to sound enthused. To be quite honest, he hated the fact that Key had to wear a leash and collar out in public. He knew it was the law but he couldn’t stand how it existed only as a visual reminder of his ownership over his slave. What Onew was truly confused by was that Key looked at the leash and collar as extra accessories instead of physical manifestations of the fact that he was officially seen as a lower-class life form.
Key hummed for a moment as he regarded the collar and then shook his head. “No. The rings I am wearing are silver. So I will wear this,” he produced a thick silver band, looking more like a choker necklace than anything. It had diamond and sapphire gems covering it in strands, almost giving off the effect of a tripled over necklace. It was a bit flashy for Onew’s taste but all three of the collars Jonghyun had purchased for Key were extremely expensive. They were designed to catch attention.
“If that’s what you want to wear, then I think it’s perfect.”
“Perhaps while we are in the capitol today, we can buy a few collars that are less…” Key trailed off here while putting the other items back in the drawer.
“Heavy?” Onew offered with a smirk.
“Shiny,” he supplied.
Onew hummed in agreement and stood from the edge of his bed where he’d been sitting. He approached Key, murmuring a soft “let me,” and reached for the ends of the collar. Onew clasped the collar together gently, slightly amazed at the weight of the piece in his hands. And Jonghyun had chosen this to be around Key’s neck all day?
“All done,” was whispered over Key’s neck. Onew watched as his ears twitched in response.
“Thank you, my lord,” came out solid but the pink dusting on his cheeks made Onew smile.
“Are you ready?” Onew asked, holding up the silver chain leash that went with the collar glittering around Key’s neck. A mixture of apprehension and excitement passed through the feline man’s face for just a moment before he nodded in silence.
Onew clasped the leash to the small hoop hanging from the front of Key’s collar and they left.
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It had been quite a while since Onew had walked the streets of Hwaegoong. Ever since Key’s arrival in the heir’s life he’d wanted to stay near the feline boy and to keep him away from things he knew the city would inevitably bring.
He strode down the sidewalk confidently, the silver chain of Key’s leash wrapped around his hand. Key followed closely behind him with his head bowed, just like they had talked about. Onew had been sure to explain to Key how he would have to look in public if they were to raise no suspicions of their relationship. Only Taemin was able to do whatever he wanted and that was because no one dared challenge the Crown Prince. Onew, a duke-to-be, was not quite as revered and he knew his father would do little to aid him in the matter.
Key was careful to follow all the instructions. He kept his head down and made eye contact with no one; no matter how difficult it was for him. He’d never been in the city before, not really, and he ached to be able to look up at such tall buildings, such bright lights. The vehicles were all amazing to him and the different people were equally as fascinating with hair, eyes, and skin in such different colors. Some of the styles the humans chose were so outlandish, like nothing he’d ever seen. He could only catch glances, though, knowing making eye contact with a random human on the street was rude and punishable.
Even without looking up and directly seeing them, Key could feel the stares. He understood that Onew kept to himself and because of that when he did make appearances in public he caught everyone’s attention. People couldn’t hold in their comments and Key caught bits and pieces of their conversations as the pair breezed passed.
“-believe he finally brought his Halfling out in public?”
“I’d keep him chained up, too, if he was mine.”
“Man would I like to loan out that piece of-“
“-think Lord Onew is so attractive, don’t you? Can’t believe he’s single.”
Through it all, Key kept his ears tucked down and his hands clasped in front of his body, just as he’d been told to do. It was hard, though, hearing those people say those things. How dare they say those things about Onew? He was his. His master, his friend, his… well, his. Wasn’t he? And then Key realized that it didn’t matter if Onew was his anything, no one else other than a select few could ever know. Key felt his ears droop a little further into his hair; this time not in a show of obedience but in sadness.
Key didn’t have much time to dwell, though, because soon Onew was slowing and leading Key into a building on his right. He quickly recognized the large room they entered as what Onew called a restaurant. Apparently it was an establishment, used only for eating food cooked by others. The idea amazed him. A strong smell hit the feline man so hard that he almost stumbled. He’d never smelled anything like it in his life, but he knew instantly that he liked it.
“How may we help you, sir?” a voice drawled to their left. Key didn’t look up but he did catch sight of shiny black shoes walking around a podium.
“Lord Lee Jinki here to meet the Crown Prince,” Onew responded coolly, differently than how he usually sounded around Key or Taemin or Jonghyun.
“Party of three with two Halflings, my lord?”
“That’s correct.”
“Right this way, sir.”
The couple followed behind the well-dressed man through the main eating area of the restaurant, full of tables and patrons. Key couldn’t help but notice that around these tables were also cushions, on top of which sat Halflings. All of them knelt obediently on their cushions, head down and hands in their laps. Some were eating scraps their masters had handed down to them. Others were glancing around as if trying their best not to look up at the table full of food just above their heads. Key almost stumbled as he followed Onew through the room. It had been so long since he’d seen so many Halflings, and it had been a long time since he saw Halflings being so obviously objectified. These Halflings, Key couldn’t help but notice, were dressed much differently than he or Minho usually dressed. Some were laden with jewelry, others were adorned only with collars as accessories. Many had hair dyed in a variety of colors, some had facial piercings or piercings on their ears peeking through their hair. Key thought of his own sensitive ears and cringed at the thought. What all of the Halflings definitely had in common was that they were scantily dressed. They were on display to be admired; that was for sure.
A young canine Halfling caught his eye suddenly. She couldn’t have been older than sixteen with long black hair that almost hid her black, floppy ears. She glanced up just barely, but it was enough for her light brown eyes to catch Key’s black ones. He actually froze mid-step upon looking into her face. She was so pale, so young, and so sad. She was beautiful and she was broken.
Maybe what really shook him was the other face that suddenly swam across his vision. She was younger and feline, but something about this canine Halfling reminded him so much of her. Something in the set of her eyes, the upturn of her nose. In a split second her hair was wavier, her cheeks rosier, and then the face changed back to the canine Halfling before him. It had just been an illusion. For a moment he could have sworn that it was her. But she was gone now, Key knew that. He’d watched them kill her.
Key felt that if he looked at her any longer he would threaten tears so he forced his eyes away. At almost the same time he felt a tug on his collar; apparently Onew had kept walking without realizing Key’s sudden pause. The blonde began moving again immediately, eyes once again on the floor so he missed the way Onew just barely glanced over his shoulder.
He followed his master through a brightly curtained arch that lead to a hallway with several doorways lining it.
They were lead halfway down the hall before the restaurant host stopped and opened a door to their left, bowing to signal the two could pass him. Inside was a beautiful room with warm yellow walls and dark wood floors. The table was also dark wood with white place settings and lanterns scattered around the edge of the room, as well as flower arrangements and colorful artwork on the walls. A short cabinet to the side of the room, also wood but painted in red, gold, and green designs, held a pitcher of water and glasses on a tray as well as other utensils for serving food.
Taemin sat in one chair with Minho in another, a thick navy leash falling from Minho’s identical leather collar and hanging over the chair arm to land on the floor. Two large cushions, obviously meant for the Halflings, were pushed off to the side of the room and only one more chair was left unoccupied at the table.
“Excuse me,” Taemin smiled politely to the host. “We would like two more chairs, please.” The man seemed to mentally stutter for a second. It was an unusual request but the man gathered himself quickly; this was the Crown Prince, after all. The host bowed deeply with a small, “of course, your Highness,” and left the room.
Onew gestured to the empty chair, silently telling Key to take it. Normally, Key would have disagreed, saying he would stand until the other chairs arrived, but the feline boy was still shaken up by the canine Halfling he’d seen in the main dining room; the one who had reminded him so much of her. So he took the seat without much argument and missed the way Onew’s eyes watched him carefully. Onew did not look at him long, however, because Minho stood almost immediately to offer his chair to the other. He accepted the seat, as he’d learned long ago to never deny Minho when he was trying to be polite.
Key forced a smile and fell into a comfortable conversation with Minho and Taemin. Soon, the two other chairs were delivered and shortly after that Jonghyun arrived. He looked slightly disheveled and his lips were kiss swollen, sporting a smug grin. The four other boys rolled their eyes at his appearance.
Food was ordered and Key dug in, requesting tastes of everyone else’s meals. This Indian food was unlike anything he’d had before and he relished in the bursts of flavor with every bite and this new type of spice, so different from what he came to understand was the traditional Korean spice of the Hangeongian people. Specifically, he grew fond of naan and it’s amazing texture. After a few minutes he gave up utensils altogether and simply used the naan to pick up all the food. Minho admonished him immediately, “spoons are here for a reason,” but Taemin hushed the bull Halfling and Key ate on in delicious peace.
When lunch came to a close, Key was feeling much better and the group split up. Taemin had royal duties to attend to and decided to bring Minho along with him. Jonghyun, Onew, and Key on the other hand decided to go shopping. As Onew had remarked, shopping was Jonghyun’s one true gift.
“I think you’ll really like shopping, Kibum,” Jonghyun was saying as they walked down the street. Key walked in between and just a step behind the other two so as not to send off messages of equality between the three of them, but he could still hear what they were saying. “I could tell from the way you look at the clothing I bring you and the things you pick. You have a good eye.”
“Well our first order of business is to pick up new collars. The ones you picked are a bit much, don’t you think, Jonghyun-ah? He’s not Marie Antoinette, after all,” Onew threw a side-glance at the thick sapphire and diamond creation on Key’s neck.
“Who is Mary Annonat?” Key questioned at the same time Jonghyun let forth a spew of offended remarks.
Ignoring the tailor, Onew replied, “I’ll explain later. All you need to know, is she would have worn something like that.”
The trio walked on for a few blocks but it felt much longer. Apparently word had gotten out that Lord Onew was walking around his city with his Halfling. Passersby were not so discreetly taking pictures and video of them while a few paparazzi had begun following them, taking pictures with bright flashes the whole way. They were shouting out questions that Key couldn’t really catch but the other two ignored them completely. Soon they crossed the street and entered a jewelry store. Two large security guards stood just inside the door and, upon spotting the group, bowed immediately.
“Lord Lee,” one of them said, standing straight and speaking loudly to be heard over the people following them in the background. Key fought the urge to raise his eyebrows at a stranger recognizing Onew, but realized perhaps that wasn’t such a weird thing. After all, Key had been in the news for being Onew’s Halfling and he couldn’t pretend he didn’t notice the eyes (and camera lenses) on them. Onew was a noble; he was recognizable. The guards’ eyes shifted over to Key and he saw from the edge of his vision as a flash of recognition went through them before returning to the young lord. Key supposed he was recognizable now, too. “Please enjoy your visit,” both men bowed again.
Onew gave a polite head nod and walked in between the two guards and to the left. Key followed closely behind, sighing in relief at the sounds of the photographers could no longer be heard inside. Jonghyun disappeared into another part of the shop toward a case full of very, very shiny objects.
The Halfling collars and leashes seemed to be in their own area of the shop. Through an archway was a medium sized room, the same green carpeting and tan walls as the rest of the jewelry story. A long, glass counter followed the line of the three walls that didn’t have the archway. Two workers stood behind them, waiting to help the handful of customers milling about with Halflings following silently on leashes. The glass counter was filled with collars of all colors and styles, some covered in gemstones and some that were nothing more than black leather.
Onew stepped up to the counter and began looking at collars beneath the glass. Key stayed a couple steps behind his master, trying to look the part of the good slave. His hands were clasped in front of him and his head was bowed down to avoid eye contact. But, even though he couldn’t see them, Key could feel the stares coming their way. Whispers erupted here and there as young nobles and socialites commented on Lord Onew finally appearing in public with his now famed Halfling.
“Kibum,” he heard and nearly snapped his head up, but stopped himself last minute. Halflings were not supposed to acknowledge; they were only supposed to do. “Come here.” Key stepped forward, keeping his face as passive as possible and trying to stop his ears from twitching. He could tell eyes were following him. They weren’t even pretending not to stare anymore.
“What’s your name?” Onew asked the middle-aged jeweler behind the counter. The man stepped forward and bowed slightly.
“Kim Taewoon, my lord.”
“Kim-ssi, my cousin the Prince comes here often, doesn’t he?” Onew was very calm and straight forward, still with the aura of coolness about him that Key found so foreign and yet so impressive.
“Yes, my lord.”
“I would like to have my Halfling pick out his own collars and leashes, just as my cousin’s does. Will that be a problem?”
“Of course not, my lord. It is your prerogative to do as you wish with your Halfling,” the man replied but it was clear that he was made somewhat uncomfortable by the request. Halflings having autonomy was a strange notion to the man, and at least with Prince Taemin it was expected and something they prepared for.
“Kibum, point to whichever ones you like. Kim-ssi will place them on the counter for us to look at more closely,” the heir stated, keeping his eyes trained on the worker. Kim Taewoon nodded in understanding before turning his eyes toward Key’s hands to watch where they might go. Onew held in a twitch at the thought that the man wouldn’t even look Key in the face.
Key didn’t look up, however, and stared intently at the glass. After a moment his hand reached out and pointed at a white leather collar adorned with simple sapphire jewels around the loop for the leash. The jeweler removed the collar from the case without a word and placed it on a velvet mat he pulled out from under the counter. Next, Key pointed out a black leather collar adorned with silver studs, then a thick, solid gold collar with geometric carved designs.
“Onew,” a female voice said to the left. Onew turned to face the voice only to find someone he hadn’t expected in the least.
“Chaeyoung-ah,” the heir smiled warmly. Lim Chaeyoung was a beautiful girl two years younger than Onew, who had a very obvious crush on the elder. While Onew genuinely liked Chaeyoung, it wasn’t quite in the way she would have preferred. Regardless, the two were friendly.
“How have you been, Onew-oppa?” the younger asked kindly.
“Fine, thank you. And you? How is the new museum job going?”
“Very well,” Chaeyoung responded with a smile.
The conversation stalled here and Onew wondered why for a moment before he saw Chaeyoung’s eyes continuously flick over his shoulder. Turning he saw Key standing patiently with his head bowed, waiting for his master to allow him to try on the collars.
“Oh, of course,” the caramel haired boy exclaimed. “Chaeyoung, this is my Halfling, Kibum.” Key stepped forward and stood very still, ready to be inspected.
Chaeyoung stepped a bit closer to Key and looked at him closely. Her eyes seemed to run over every inch of exposed skin he had carefully, like she was looking for something. It made Onew somewhat uncomfortable to see someone scrutinizing Key so closely, especially this girl he’d known so long. Chaeyoung brushed a piece of dark hair behind her ear but made no move to touch Key, as both the Halfling and his master had half expected.
“He is very beautiful, Onew-oppa,” the girl smiled softly. “Is he satisfactory?” she asked, turning to look at the elder. Onew opened his mouth to respond when Chaeyoung added on: “Does he make you happy?”
There was a certain weight to the socialite’s words that gave Onew pause. It was quite an unusual way for one to ask if someone enjoyed their Halfling or not. Chaeyoung’s eyes studied Onew carefully and he realized she was very invested in his answer. Could it be that Chaeyoung, a beautiful, rich, smart woman was jealous of a Pleasure Halfling? Onew supposed she had every right to be if she knew the true nature of their relationship.
“Yes, I find him very satisfactory,” Onew responded with a smile. At least it may quell her hopes for a relationship with him, the poor girl. Chaeyoung’s smile slipped for a moment before she recovered.
“Onew-ah,” a male voice called and the heir shifted his gaze over the brunette’s shoulder to see one Choi Dongwan approaching. As he drew closer, he took in the young woman before him and his smirk turned more into a leer. “Lim Chaeyoung-ssi,” Dongwan near drawled.
“Dongwan-ssi,” she bowed politely back, barely containing her sneer. Onew smiled; it was always so refreshing when people disliked Dongwan. “If you’ll both excuse me, I need to leave.”
“Shame,” Dongwan murmured. Onew ignored him and gave a soft bow in acknowledgement.
“Goodbye, oppa,” Chaeyoung bowed with a smile, completely ignoring the other noble, and took her leave.
Onew waited long enough for her to be out of earshot before turning back to Dongwan.
“What are you doing here?” he asked, dropping any premise of nicety and shooting a glance toward Key who had turned stiff as a board. The blonde hadn’t moved, but Onew took a second to take in his whitening knuckles where his hands were clasped.
“Such a rude tone,” the taller tsked sarcastically. “And everyone always says you’re so sweet.”
Rolling his eyes, Onew turned to Kim Taewoon who still stood behind the counter, “I will take all of them, thank you.” Taewoon bowed in understanding and began wrapping up the three collars in protective cloth.
“Would you like to help me pick out a new collar for my kitten?” Dongwan asked innocently, glancing around the room. “I was thinking of a choke collar.”
Onew grimaced at the notion, having seen the type of collar in question before. It was designed so one end of the collar looped through a ring at the opposite end. The harder you pulled, the tighter the collar would get around the Halfling’s neck.
“I’m afraid I’ll have to pass, sorry. I have to be leaving soon.”
“Of course,” Dongwan nodded. “I’m sure you’re very busy. Orphanages to visit, flower crowns to weave, people to not date.”
“Yes, it’s a very challenging schedule,” the other said emotionlessly, swiping his payment card over a tablet Taewoon held out.
“If you’re so busy, perhaps you’ll need someone to keep an eye on your Halfling for you…” he trailed off and reached his hand out. Onew grabbed his wrist with the hand that did not have Key’s leash wrapped around it. Dongwan’s fingers were mere inches from Key’s face. The feline boy’s ears perked in a state of alertness and his tail flicked violently by his calves.
“Odd, I thought we’d talked about this before,” Onew gripped the wrist tighter and pulled it away from Key’s face. He could swear the other had stopped breathing. “I do not like others touching what is mine.”
“I do hope you’d change your mind.” Dongwan was pouting, eyes raking up and down Key’s body.
Onew sneered and reached for Key’s hand before realizing he shouldn’t. Instead, he reached forward for the small bag Taewoon held out with his purchases, and tugged gently on Key’s leash to indicate they were leaving.
The two walked back into the main area of the jewelry store to find Jonghyun. They weren’t more than a few steps in when dimly flashing lights caught their eyes. A hoard of paparazzi were crowding outside the two large windows and the door. Onew was taken aback at the number of people outside trying to take photos of him. There weren’t any windows in the room they’d been in; his only assumption was that while they were in there word had spread rapidly about the Duke’s son and his Halfling out shopping.
“My lord,” Key said softly to get the other’s attention and nodded his head to the left. Onew followed the action and found Jonghyun leaning up against a glass counter filled with rings, clearly flirting with the young attendant there.
“Jonghyun, we’re leaving,” Onew said when he reached the other.
“Right now?” the tailor asked meaningfully, tilting his head toward the woman he’d been speaking with.
“Yes, now. Dongwan decided to make an appearance.”
Jonghyun’s eyes traveled to Key, who remained still and obedient but he was stiffer than earlier in the day and his ears would not stop twitching. “Enough said. Maybe next time,” Jonghyun smirked at the woman who giggled back almost immediately.
“There are a ton of paparazzi outside. This won’t be fun,” Onew sighed, eyeing the photographers falling over each other to take pictures over the shoulders of the guards at the door.
There were only a handful of other people in the store at the moment but their eyes trained on the trio were starting to make Onew restless.
“One second,” Jonghyun said and turned back to the counter. “Sooyoung-ah,” the brunette simpered. “My friend over there is a noble and the paparazzi just won’t leave us alone. Do you think you could show us a back entrance so we could avoid them?”
“Of course oppa,” Sooyoung giggled. She reached forward and ran her finger along Jonghyun’s hand on the counter. “But you will owe me,” she sing-songed.
Onew did his best not to cringe at the implications of that statement. Instead he took a glance back to the Halfling collar and leash area to see Dongwan was speaking with a worker, his back to the group in the main area, and already holding a bag of purchased items, meaning he was getting ready to leave as well. Onew turned his eyes back to Key who remained still and made no indication of his feelings. He probably wasn’t aware that Dongwan would shortly be headed their way.
The noble understood how badly Key had wanted to go into the city but Onew found he didn’t like this one bit. Not being able to speak with Key, or touch him, or even just read his face felt unendurable. And the eyes on him, though something he had dealt with before, were worse now with the company of a Pleasure Halfling.
“Right this way, my lord,” Onew heard and turned to see Sooyoung standing beside a doorway just behind the counter. He looked back over to see Dongwan had not yet turned around and tugged gently on Key’s leash. Best to leave without the other knowing how. With his luck, Dongwan would tell the paparazzi to check surrounding alleyways on his way out.
Sooyoung lead the group through the door and into a tan hallway with wood floors. The floors were old and worn, obviously not kept in good shape like they would be if customers were to walk on them normally. The walls were dotted with papers hanging up, undoubtedly information for the employees. They passed a couple touch screens mounted in the wall for utility purposes, a couple closed doors and one open doorway to a small room with a table, chairs, a sink and a refrigerator; an employee lounge, no doubt.
Onew followed Jonghyun at a brisk pace and he could feel Key walking close behind him. They turned around a sharp corner and followed Sooyoung into a wider hallway with pipes lining the walls and the door to a safe - an old fashioned one that was locked manually and not with a computer system.
“Here you are,” Sooyoung smiled, stopped in front of a heavy metal door. Jonghyun pushed the door open, letting in the sounds of the city, and glanced around the alleyway outside before gesturing to the other two with his head.
“Thanks, Sooyoung-ah. I won’t forget your help,” he smirked.
“No, you won’t,” the woman smirked right back. Onew passed them with a roll of his eyes.
The alleyway outside was wide enough for a vehicle to pass through and housed a couple dumpsters. There was a clear view to the street on both ends, so Onew elected to lean against the wall beside a dumpster that hid him from the sidewalk where all the paparazzi were crowded, probably trying to figure out why they couldn’t spot him through the windows any longer. Even here, he could hear clicking of cameras. The heavy door swung shut, signifying Sooyoung went back inside.
“How are you?” the caramel haired man asked softly, turning his gaze to Key whose head was still bowed. His head rose slowly and he rubbed at his neck a little before looking into his owner’s face.
“I am fine, my lord. My neck is strained but that is all.”
“I meant are you alright after seeing Choi Dongwan.”
Key made a small grunt sound, turning his eyes to the pavement. “I do not like him, my lord. But he did not do anything to me. I am fine. He was just generally unpleasant.”
“That’s his constant state of being,” Jonghyun quipped from the side.
“So, you are really okay?” Onew pressed the feline boy again.
“My lord,” Key sighed. “Nothing happened. I was quite uncomfortable but that is all. I swear to you.”
“Alright,” Onew nodded and pulled out his cellphone. “I’ll call the driver and have him pick us up at the other end of the alley so we don’t have to go near any lingering photographers.”
“I think they’re already leaving, hyung,” Jonghyun commented, peeking around the side of the dumpster.
Key joined him and the two watched the sidewalk. Every few seconds a person holding a professional camera would walk passed the alley opening, some talking to each other, others looking upset at having lost a possible scoop. Not that there had been one, really. None of them thought to look into the service alleyway.
Onew spoke with his driver who said he would be there soon. He thanked him and hung up, glancing at the other two. They were just standing beside the dumpster now, Jonghyun on his phone. But Key was still staring intently at the sidewalk, watching the passersby.
Jonghyun caught Onew’s attention, about to say something, when Key suddenly whispered something. It was a foreign word; probably from his native tongue. It came out as a question, and then it was repeated as a statement, still in that soft tone.
“Kibum?” Jonghyun asked. Key had gone white as a ghost, but he only repeated the word louder and suddenly there was a sharp tug on Onew’s hand as Key began running to the sidewalk, pulling his leash from his owner’s grasp. He yelled that word again; tarka, tarka.
It seemed to happen in a split second. Onew acted before he even truly registered the situation. He grasped for the leash and then ran after the other. His arms wrapped around the lithe body quickly. Luckily Key hadn’t gotten far and Onew was able to pull him back behind the dumpster, out of sight of the couple of people who looked curiously into the alleyway.
“Kibum, be quiet,” Onew urged, holding the struggling body against his.
“Tarka!” Key screeched and Onew clasped his hand over pink lips to muffle the sound.
A Halfling acting insubordinately was seen as damaged goods either in need of fixing via further training, or disposal. Onew couldn’t risk others seeing the way Key was thrashing around, trying to escape. He especially couldn’t risk any lingering photographers to hear any commotion and come investigating.
“Calm down, please. Kibum what is wrong?” Onew tried to remain calm but he had no idea what had just happened. Key just kept screaming against his hand, trying to get away. Tears were rolling from his eyes, down pale cheeks and sharp nails scratched at Onew’s hold. His tail whipped around dangerously; he was desperate to get away.
“Kibum, please, we can’t risk them hearing you,” Jonghyun urged, glancing back toward the sidewalk, glad to see no one was stopping or glancing their way at all.
“It’s me, Kibum,” Onew murmured into at flattened ear. “It’s just me. Tell me what’s wrong.”
The soothing tones must have been working, because slowly Key stopped fighting the elder’s hold on him. The tears didn’t stop, however, and he continued to babble in his native tongue softly. He shook his head and sobbed. Onew’s arms around him stopped being a cage and enveloped into a hug, his hand dropped from the other’s mouth.
“Please, I don’t understand your language,” Onew said. “What happened?”
Key kept babbling and suddenly Jonghyun stepped forward, trying to focus the other back into his second language. “Tarka,” Jonghyun pronounced carefully. “What does tarka mean, Kibum?”
“Tarka,” Key repeated through choked sobs. “Tarka, tarka. I saw him.”
“Who?” Onew urged. He felt like he would explode if he couldn’t find out what had caused all of this in only a few minutes.
“I saw him on the sidewalk. He walked passed us - he, he…” the feline Halfling broke into sobs again, gesturing weakly toward the sidewalk. He lunged forward again, as if to attempt to run, but was met only with the resistance of Onew’s strong body against him. He melted into his master immediately, dissolving into more sobs. “Tarka,,” he repeated, this time in a heartbroken moan.
Onew and Jonghyun simply exchanged flabbergasted looks. Neither of them had any knowledge of Key’s language. Could this tarka be one of his old captors? Or perhaps someone who had abused him?
“Tarka,” Key suddenly said and inhaled deeply, wiping at the tears on his now flushed cheeks. His ears twitched but remained flat. “Tarka means brother. My brother. I saw my brother.”Onew and Jonghyun looked on shocked as another round of sobs overtook the body before them.
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weeeellllll hello everyone! seriously how long has it been? like forever??? well a lot has happened. i was in a wedding so that took up time. i got rejected from epik (sob sob) but i then got accepted to an ivy league for grad school. and other that life has happened and theres no real excuse im so totally sorry!!! anyway this is like 12 pages and im not super happy with it. but i would love to know what you guys think?? im exhausted and not very articulate so i'll just stop typing now lol. thank you all for reading it means the world!!
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Pairing(s): Onkey, side 2min
Rating: PG-13 (overall)
Genre: Romance, sci-fi (?)
Disclaimer: I don't own SHINee, I don't own any of the members. Their souls and bodies belong to SM, I am only a lowly, foreign fanfic writer.
WARNING: Allusions to past sexual assault
“What about this one?” Key cocked his head to the side and held up a collar. Onew sighed and glanced up to take in the object in the other’s hand.
Jonghyun had bought Key only three collars, either thinking that he wouldn’t go into public much or that the feline boy wouldn’t care much for accessories. Oh, had the tailor been wrong. It had taken Key twenty minutes to pick an outfit and shoes and Onew was trying his best to wait patiently as the last piece of the outfit - the legally required collar and leash - were picked as well.
The current collar that Key held up was a delicate gold affair, looking more like a thick necklace than a collar. In the center of it sat rubies surrounding a gold hoop where the leash would be connected.
“It’s very nice,” Onew answered, trying his best to sound enthused. To be quite honest, he hated the fact that Key had to wear a leash and collar out in public. He knew it was the law but he couldn’t stand how it existed only as a visual reminder of his ownership over his slave. What Onew was truly confused by was that Key looked at the leash and collar as extra accessories instead of physical manifestations of the fact that he was officially seen as a lower-class life form.
Key hummed for a moment as he regarded the collar and then shook his head. “No. The rings I am wearing are silver. So I will wear this,” he produced a thick silver band, looking more like a choker necklace than anything. It had diamond and sapphire gems covering it in strands, almost giving off the effect of a tripled over necklace. It was a bit flashy for Onew’s taste but all three of the collars Jonghyun had purchased for Key were extremely expensive. They were designed to catch attention.
“If that’s what you want to wear, then I think it’s perfect.”
“Perhaps while we are in the capitol today, we can buy a few collars that are less…” Key trailed off here while putting the other items back in the drawer.
“Heavy?” Onew offered with a smirk.
“Shiny,” he supplied.
Onew hummed in agreement and stood from the edge of his bed where he’d been sitting. He approached Key, murmuring a soft “let me,” and reached for the ends of the collar. Onew clasped the collar together gently, slightly amazed at the weight of the piece in his hands. And Jonghyun had chosen this to be around Key’s neck all day?
“All done,” was whispered over Key’s neck. Onew watched as his ears twitched in response.
“Thank you, my lord,” came out solid but the pink dusting on his cheeks made Onew smile.
“Are you ready?” Onew asked, holding up the silver chain leash that went with the collar glittering around Key’s neck. A mixture of apprehension and excitement passed through the feline man’s face for just a moment before he nodded in silence.
Onew clasped the leash to the small hoop hanging from the front of Key’s collar and they left.
---------
It had been quite a while since Onew had walked the streets of Hwaegoong. Ever since Key’s arrival in the heir’s life he’d wanted to stay near the feline boy and to keep him away from things he knew the city would inevitably bring.
He strode down the sidewalk confidently, the silver chain of Key’s leash wrapped around his hand. Key followed closely behind him with his head bowed, just like they had talked about. Onew had been sure to explain to Key how he would have to look in public if they were to raise no suspicions of their relationship. Only Taemin was able to do whatever he wanted and that was because no one dared challenge the Crown Prince. Onew, a duke-to-be, was not quite as revered and he knew his father would do little to aid him in the matter.
Key was careful to follow all the instructions. He kept his head down and made eye contact with no one; no matter how difficult it was for him. He’d never been in the city before, not really, and he ached to be able to look up at such tall buildings, such bright lights. The vehicles were all amazing to him and the different people were equally as fascinating with hair, eyes, and skin in such different colors. Some of the styles the humans chose were so outlandish, like nothing he’d ever seen. He could only catch glances, though, knowing making eye contact with a random human on the street was rude and punishable.
Even without looking up and directly seeing them, Key could feel the stares. He understood that Onew kept to himself and because of that when he did make appearances in public he caught everyone’s attention. People couldn’t hold in their comments and Key caught bits and pieces of their conversations as the pair breezed passed.
“-believe he finally brought his Halfling out in public?”
“I’d keep him chained up, too, if he was mine.”
“Man would I like to loan out that piece of-“
“-think Lord Onew is so attractive, don’t you? Can’t believe he’s single.”
Through it all, Key kept his ears tucked down and his hands clasped in front of his body, just as he’d been told to do. It was hard, though, hearing those people say those things. How dare they say those things about Onew? He was his. His master, his friend, his… well, his. Wasn’t he? And then Key realized that it didn’t matter if Onew was his anything, no one else other than a select few could ever know. Key felt his ears droop a little further into his hair; this time not in a show of obedience but in sadness.
Key didn’t have much time to dwell, though, because soon Onew was slowing and leading Key into a building on his right. He quickly recognized the large room they entered as what Onew called a restaurant. Apparently it was an establishment, used only for eating food cooked by others. The idea amazed him. A strong smell hit the feline man so hard that he almost stumbled. He’d never smelled anything like it in his life, but he knew instantly that he liked it.
“How may we help you, sir?” a voice drawled to their left. Key didn’t look up but he did catch sight of shiny black shoes walking around a podium.
“Lord Lee Jinki here to meet the Crown Prince,” Onew responded coolly, differently than how he usually sounded around Key or Taemin or Jonghyun.
“Party of three with two Halflings, my lord?”
“That’s correct.”
“Right this way, sir.”
The couple followed behind the well-dressed man through the main eating area of the restaurant, full of tables and patrons. Key couldn’t help but notice that around these tables were also cushions, on top of which sat Halflings. All of them knelt obediently on their cushions, head down and hands in their laps. Some were eating scraps their masters had handed down to them. Others were glancing around as if trying their best not to look up at the table full of food just above their heads. Key almost stumbled as he followed Onew through the room. It had been so long since he’d seen so many Halflings, and it had been a long time since he saw Halflings being so obviously objectified. These Halflings, Key couldn’t help but notice, were dressed much differently than he or Minho usually dressed. Some were laden with jewelry, others were adorned only with collars as accessories. Many had hair dyed in a variety of colors, some had facial piercings or piercings on their ears peeking through their hair. Key thought of his own sensitive ears and cringed at the thought. What all of the Halflings definitely had in common was that they were scantily dressed. They were on display to be admired; that was for sure.
A young canine Halfling caught his eye suddenly. She couldn’t have been older than sixteen with long black hair that almost hid her black, floppy ears. She glanced up just barely, but it was enough for her light brown eyes to catch Key’s black ones. He actually froze mid-step upon looking into her face. She was so pale, so young, and so sad. She was beautiful and she was broken.
Maybe what really shook him was the other face that suddenly swam across his vision. She was younger and feline, but something about this canine Halfling reminded him so much of her. Something in the set of her eyes, the upturn of her nose. In a split second her hair was wavier, her cheeks rosier, and then the face changed back to the canine Halfling before him. It had just been an illusion. For a moment he could have sworn that it was her. But she was gone now, Key knew that. He’d watched them kill her.
Key felt that if he looked at her any longer he would threaten tears so he forced his eyes away. At almost the same time he felt a tug on his collar; apparently Onew had kept walking without realizing Key’s sudden pause. The blonde began moving again immediately, eyes once again on the floor so he missed the way Onew just barely glanced over his shoulder.
He followed his master through a brightly curtained arch that lead to a hallway with several doorways lining it.
They were lead halfway down the hall before the restaurant host stopped and opened a door to their left, bowing to signal the two could pass him. Inside was a beautiful room with warm yellow walls and dark wood floors. The table was also dark wood with white place settings and lanterns scattered around the edge of the room, as well as flower arrangements and colorful artwork on the walls. A short cabinet to the side of the room, also wood but painted in red, gold, and green designs, held a pitcher of water and glasses on a tray as well as other utensils for serving food.
Taemin sat in one chair with Minho in another, a thick navy leash falling from Minho’s identical leather collar and hanging over the chair arm to land on the floor. Two large cushions, obviously meant for the Halflings, were pushed off to the side of the room and only one more chair was left unoccupied at the table.
“Excuse me,” Taemin smiled politely to the host. “We would like two more chairs, please.” The man seemed to mentally stutter for a second. It was an unusual request but the man gathered himself quickly; this was the Crown Prince, after all. The host bowed deeply with a small, “of course, your Highness,” and left the room.
Onew gestured to the empty chair, silently telling Key to take it. Normally, Key would have disagreed, saying he would stand until the other chairs arrived, but the feline boy was still shaken up by the canine Halfling he’d seen in the main dining room; the one who had reminded him so much of her. So he took the seat without much argument and missed the way Onew’s eyes watched him carefully. Onew did not look at him long, however, because Minho stood almost immediately to offer his chair to the other. He accepted the seat, as he’d learned long ago to never deny Minho when he was trying to be polite.
Key forced a smile and fell into a comfortable conversation with Minho and Taemin. Soon, the two other chairs were delivered and shortly after that Jonghyun arrived. He looked slightly disheveled and his lips were kiss swollen, sporting a smug grin. The four other boys rolled their eyes at his appearance.
Food was ordered and Key dug in, requesting tastes of everyone else’s meals. This Indian food was unlike anything he’d had before and he relished in the bursts of flavor with every bite and this new type of spice, so different from what he came to understand was the traditional Korean spice of the Hangeongian people. Specifically, he grew fond of naan and it’s amazing texture. After a few minutes he gave up utensils altogether and simply used the naan to pick up all the food. Minho admonished him immediately, “spoons are here for a reason,” but Taemin hushed the bull Halfling and Key ate on in delicious peace.
When lunch came to a close, Key was feeling much better and the group split up. Taemin had royal duties to attend to and decided to bring Minho along with him. Jonghyun, Onew, and Key on the other hand decided to go shopping. As Onew had remarked, shopping was Jonghyun’s one true gift.
“I think you’ll really like shopping, Kibum,” Jonghyun was saying as they walked down the street. Key walked in between and just a step behind the other two so as not to send off messages of equality between the three of them, but he could still hear what they were saying. “I could tell from the way you look at the clothing I bring you and the things you pick. You have a good eye.”
“Well our first order of business is to pick up new collars. The ones you picked are a bit much, don’t you think, Jonghyun-ah? He’s not Marie Antoinette, after all,” Onew threw a side-glance at the thick sapphire and diamond creation on Key’s neck.
“Who is Mary Annonat?” Key questioned at the same time Jonghyun let forth a spew of offended remarks.
Ignoring the tailor, Onew replied, “I’ll explain later. All you need to know, is she would have worn something like that.”
The trio walked on for a few blocks but it felt much longer. Apparently word had gotten out that Lord Onew was walking around his city with his Halfling. Passersby were not so discreetly taking pictures and video of them while a few paparazzi had begun following them, taking pictures with bright flashes the whole way. They were shouting out questions that Key couldn’t really catch but the other two ignored them completely. Soon they crossed the street and entered a jewelry store. Two large security guards stood just inside the door and, upon spotting the group, bowed immediately.
“Lord Lee,” one of them said, standing straight and speaking loudly to be heard over the people following them in the background. Key fought the urge to raise his eyebrows at a stranger recognizing Onew, but realized perhaps that wasn’t such a weird thing. After all, Key had been in the news for being Onew’s Halfling and he couldn’t pretend he didn’t notice the eyes (and camera lenses) on them. Onew was a noble; he was recognizable. The guards’ eyes shifted over to Key and he saw from the edge of his vision as a flash of recognition went through them before returning to the young lord. Key supposed he was recognizable now, too. “Please enjoy your visit,” both men bowed again.
Onew gave a polite head nod and walked in between the two guards and to the left. Key followed closely behind, sighing in relief at the sounds of the photographers could no longer be heard inside. Jonghyun disappeared into another part of the shop toward a case full of very, very shiny objects.
The Halfling collars and leashes seemed to be in their own area of the shop. Through an archway was a medium sized room, the same green carpeting and tan walls as the rest of the jewelry story. A long, glass counter followed the line of the three walls that didn’t have the archway. Two workers stood behind them, waiting to help the handful of customers milling about with Halflings following silently on leashes. The glass counter was filled with collars of all colors and styles, some covered in gemstones and some that were nothing more than black leather.
Onew stepped up to the counter and began looking at collars beneath the glass. Key stayed a couple steps behind his master, trying to look the part of the good slave. His hands were clasped in front of him and his head was bowed down to avoid eye contact. But, even though he couldn’t see them, Key could feel the stares coming their way. Whispers erupted here and there as young nobles and socialites commented on Lord Onew finally appearing in public with his now famed Halfling.
“Kibum,” he heard and nearly snapped his head up, but stopped himself last minute. Halflings were not supposed to acknowledge; they were only supposed to do. “Come here.” Key stepped forward, keeping his face as passive as possible and trying to stop his ears from twitching. He could tell eyes were following him. They weren’t even pretending not to stare anymore.
“What’s your name?” Onew asked the middle-aged jeweler behind the counter. The man stepped forward and bowed slightly.
“Kim Taewoon, my lord.”
“Kim-ssi, my cousin the Prince comes here often, doesn’t he?” Onew was very calm and straight forward, still with the aura of coolness about him that Key found so foreign and yet so impressive.
“Yes, my lord.”
“I would like to have my Halfling pick out his own collars and leashes, just as my cousin’s does. Will that be a problem?”
“Of course not, my lord. It is your prerogative to do as you wish with your Halfling,” the man replied but it was clear that he was made somewhat uncomfortable by the request. Halflings having autonomy was a strange notion to the man, and at least with Prince Taemin it was expected and something they prepared for.
“Kibum, point to whichever ones you like. Kim-ssi will place them on the counter for us to look at more closely,” the heir stated, keeping his eyes trained on the worker. Kim Taewoon nodded in understanding before turning his eyes toward Key’s hands to watch where they might go. Onew held in a twitch at the thought that the man wouldn’t even look Key in the face.
Key didn’t look up, however, and stared intently at the glass. After a moment his hand reached out and pointed at a white leather collar adorned with simple sapphire jewels around the loop for the leash. The jeweler removed the collar from the case without a word and placed it on a velvet mat he pulled out from under the counter. Next, Key pointed out a black leather collar adorned with silver studs, then a thick, solid gold collar with geometric carved designs.
“Onew,” a female voice said to the left. Onew turned to face the voice only to find someone he hadn’t expected in the least.
“Chaeyoung-ah,” the heir smiled warmly. Lim Chaeyoung was a beautiful girl two years younger than Onew, who had a very obvious crush on the elder. While Onew genuinely liked Chaeyoung, it wasn’t quite in the way she would have preferred. Regardless, the two were friendly.
“How have you been, Onew-oppa?” the younger asked kindly.
“Fine, thank you. And you? How is the new museum job going?”
“Very well,” Chaeyoung responded with a smile.
The conversation stalled here and Onew wondered why for a moment before he saw Chaeyoung’s eyes continuously flick over his shoulder. Turning he saw Key standing patiently with his head bowed, waiting for his master to allow him to try on the collars.
“Oh, of course,” the caramel haired boy exclaimed. “Chaeyoung, this is my Halfling, Kibum.” Key stepped forward and stood very still, ready to be inspected.
Chaeyoung stepped a bit closer to Key and looked at him closely. Her eyes seemed to run over every inch of exposed skin he had carefully, like she was looking for something. It made Onew somewhat uncomfortable to see someone scrutinizing Key so closely, especially this girl he’d known so long. Chaeyoung brushed a piece of dark hair behind her ear but made no move to touch Key, as both the Halfling and his master had half expected.
“He is very beautiful, Onew-oppa,” the girl smiled softly. “Is he satisfactory?” she asked, turning to look at the elder. Onew opened his mouth to respond when Chaeyoung added on: “Does he make you happy?”
There was a certain weight to the socialite’s words that gave Onew pause. It was quite an unusual way for one to ask if someone enjoyed their Halfling or not. Chaeyoung’s eyes studied Onew carefully and he realized she was very invested in his answer. Could it be that Chaeyoung, a beautiful, rich, smart woman was jealous of a Pleasure Halfling? Onew supposed she had every right to be if she knew the true nature of their relationship.
“Yes, I find him very satisfactory,” Onew responded with a smile. At least it may quell her hopes for a relationship with him, the poor girl. Chaeyoung’s smile slipped for a moment before she recovered.
“Onew-ah,” a male voice called and the heir shifted his gaze over the brunette’s shoulder to see one Choi Dongwan approaching. As he drew closer, he took in the young woman before him and his smirk turned more into a leer. “Lim Chaeyoung-ssi,” Dongwan near drawled.
“Dongwan-ssi,” she bowed politely back, barely containing her sneer. Onew smiled; it was always so refreshing when people disliked Dongwan. “If you’ll both excuse me, I need to leave.”
“Shame,” Dongwan murmured. Onew ignored him and gave a soft bow in acknowledgement.
“Goodbye, oppa,” Chaeyoung bowed with a smile, completely ignoring the other noble, and took her leave.
Onew waited long enough for her to be out of earshot before turning back to Dongwan.
“What are you doing here?” he asked, dropping any premise of nicety and shooting a glance toward Key who had turned stiff as a board. The blonde hadn’t moved, but Onew took a second to take in his whitening knuckles where his hands were clasped.
“Such a rude tone,” the taller tsked sarcastically. “And everyone always says you’re so sweet.”
Rolling his eyes, Onew turned to Kim Taewoon who still stood behind the counter, “I will take all of them, thank you.” Taewoon bowed in understanding and began wrapping up the three collars in protective cloth.
“Would you like to help me pick out a new collar for my kitten?” Dongwan asked innocently, glancing around the room. “I was thinking of a choke collar.”
Onew grimaced at the notion, having seen the type of collar in question before. It was designed so one end of the collar looped through a ring at the opposite end. The harder you pulled, the tighter the collar would get around the Halfling’s neck.
“I’m afraid I’ll have to pass, sorry. I have to be leaving soon.”
“Of course,” Dongwan nodded. “I’m sure you’re very busy. Orphanages to visit, flower crowns to weave, people to not date.”
“Yes, it’s a very challenging schedule,” the other said emotionlessly, swiping his payment card over a tablet Taewoon held out.
“If you’re so busy, perhaps you’ll need someone to keep an eye on your Halfling for you…” he trailed off and reached his hand out. Onew grabbed his wrist with the hand that did not have Key’s leash wrapped around it. Dongwan’s fingers were mere inches from Key’s face. The feline boy’s ears perked in a state of alertness and his tail flicked violently by his calves.
“Odd, I thought we’d talked about this before,” Onew gripped the wrist tighter and pulled it away from Key’s face. He could swear the other had stopped breathing. “I do not like others touching what is mine.”
“I do hope you’d change your mind.” Dongwan was pouting, eyes raking up and down Key’s body.
Onew sneered and reached for Key’s hand before realizing he shouldn’t. Instead, he reached forward for the small bag Taewoon held out with his purchases, and tugged gently on Key’s leash to indicate they were leaving.
The two walked back into the main area of the jewelry store to find Jonghyun. They weren’t more than a few steps in when dimly flashing lights caught their eyes. A hoard of paparazzi were crowding outside the two large windows and the door. Onew was taken aback at the number of people outside trying to take photos of him. There weren’t any windows in the room they’d been in; his only assumption was that while they were in there word had spread rapidly about the Duke’s son and his Halfling out shopping.
“My lord,” Key said softly to get the other’s attention and nodded his head to the left. Onew followed the action and found Jonghyun leaning up against a glass counter filled with rings, clearly flirting with the young attendant there.
“Jonghyun, we’re leaving,” Onew said when he reached the other.
“Right now?” the tailor asked meaningfully, tilting his head toward the woman he’d been speaking with.
“Yes, now. Dongwan decided to make an appearance.”
Jonghyun’s eyes traveled to Key, who remained still and obedient but he was stiffer than earlier in the day and his ears would not stop twitching. “Enough said. Maybe next time,” Jonghyun smirked at the woman who giggled back almost immediately.
“There are a ton of paparazzi outside. This won’t be fun,” Onew sighed, eyeing the photographers falling over each other to take pictures over the shoulders of the guards at the door.
There were only a handful of other people in the store at the moment but their eyes trained on the trio were starting to make Onew restless.
“One second,” Jonghyun said and turned back to the counter. “Sooyoung-ah,” the brunette simpered. “My friend over there is a noble and the paparazzi just won’t leave us alone. Do you think you could show us a back entrance so we could avoid them?”
“Of course oppa,” Sooyoung giggled. She reached forward and ran her finger along Jonghyun’s hand on the counter. “But you will owe me,” she sing-songed.
Onew did his best not to cringe at the implications of that statement. Instead he took a glance back to the Halfling collar and leash area to see Dongwan was speaking with a worker, his back to the group in the main area, and already holding a bag of purchased items, meaning he was getting ready to leave as well. Onew turned his eyes back to Key who remained still and made no indication of his feelings. He probably wasn’t aware that Dongwan would shortly be headed their way.
The noble understood how badly Key had wanted to go into the city but Onew found he didn’t like this one bit. Not being able to speak with Key, or touch him, or even just read his face felt unendurable. And the eyes on him, though something he had dealt with before, were worse now with the company of a Pleasure Halfling.
“Right this way, my lord,” Onew heard and turned to see Sooyoung standing beside a doorway just behind the counter. He looked back over to see Dongwan had not yet turned around and tugged gently on Key’s leash. Best to leave without the other knowing how. With his luck, Dongwan would tell the paparazzi to check surrounding alleyways on his way out.
Sooyoung lead the group through the door and into a tan hallway with wood floors. The floors were old and worn, obviously not kept in good shape like they would be if customers were to walk on them normally. The walls were dotted with papers hanging up, undoubtedly information for the employees. They passed a couple touch screens mounted in the wall for utility purposes, a couple closed doors and one open doorway to a small room with a table, chairs, a sink and a refrigerator; an employee lounge, no doubt.
Onew followed Jonghyun at a brisk pace and he could feel Key walking close behind him. They turned around a sharp corner and followed Sooyoung into a wider hallway with pipes lining the walls and the door to a safe - an old fashioned one that was locked manually and not with a computer system.
“Here you are,” Sooyoung smiled, stopped in front of a heavy metal door. Jonghyun pushed the door open, letting in the sounds of the city, and glanced around the alleyway outside before gesturing to the other two with his head.
“Thanks, Sooyoung-ah. I won’t forget your help,” he smirked.
“No, you won’t,” the woman smirked right back. Onew passed them with a roll of his eyes.
The alleyway outside was wide enough for a vehicle to pass through and housed a couple dumpsters. There was a clear view to the street on both ends, so Onew elected to lean against the wall beside a dumpster that hid him from the sidewalk where all the paparazzi were crowded, probably trying to figure out why they couldn’t spot him through the windows any longer. Even here, he could hear clicking of cameras. The heavy door swung shut, signifying Sooyoung went back inside.
“How are you?” the caramel haired man asked softly, turning his gaze to Key whose head was still bowed. His head rose slowly and he rubbed at his neck a little before looking into his owner’s face.
“I am fine, my lord. My neck is strained but that is all.”
“I meant are you alright after seeing Choi Dongwan.”
Key made a small grunt sound, turning his eyes to the pavement. “I do not like him, my lord. But he did not do anything to me. I am fine. He was just generally unpleasant.”
“That’s his constant state of being,” Jonghyun quipped from the side.
“So, you are really okay?” Onew pressed the feline boy again.
“My lord,” Key sighed. “Nothing happened. I was quite uncomfortable but that is all. I swear to you.”
“Alright,” Onew nodded and pulled out his cellphone. “I’ll call the driver and have him pick us up at the other end of the alley so we don’t have to go near any lingering photographers.”
“I think they’re already leaving, hyung,” Jonghyun commented, peeking around the side of the dumpster.
Key joined him and the two watched the sidewalk. Every few seconds a person holding a professional camera would walk passed the alley opening, some talking to each other, others looking upset at having lost a possible scoop. Not that there had been one, really. None of them thought to look into the service alleyway.
Onew spoke with his driver who said he would be there soon. He thanked him and hung up, glancing at the other two. They were just standing beside the dumpster now, Jonghyun on his phone. But Key was still staring intently at the sidewalk, watching the passersby.
Jonghyun caught Onew’s attention, about to say something, when Key suddenly whispered something. It was a foreign word; probably from his native tongue. It came out as a question, and then it was repeated as a statement, still in that soft tone.
“Kibum?” Jonghyun asked. Key had gone white as a ghost, but he only repeated the word louder and suddenly there was a sharp tug on Onew’s hand as Key began running to the sidewalk, pulling his leash from his owner’s grasp. He yelled that word again; tarka, tarka.
It seemed to happen in a split second. Onew acted before he even truly registered the situation. He grasped for the leash and then ran after the other. His arms wrapped around the lithe body quickly. Luckily Key hadn’t gotten far and Onew was able to pull him back behind the dumpster, out of sight of the couple of people who looked curiously into the alleyway.
“Kibum, be quiet,” Onew urged, holding the struggling body against his.
“Tarka!” Key screeched and Onew clasped his hand over pink lips to muffle the sound.
A Halfling acting insubordinately was seen as damaged goods either in need of fixing via further training, or disposal. Onew couldn’t risk others seeing the way Key was thrashing around, trying to escape. He especially couldn’t risk any lingering photographers to hear any commotion and come investigating.
“Calm down, please. Kibum what is wrong?” Onew tried to remain calm but he had no idea what had just happened. Key just kept screaming against his hand, trying to get away. Tears were rolling from his eyes, down pale cheeks and sharp nails scratched at Onew’s hold. His tail whipped around dangerously; he was desperate to get away.
“Kibum, please, we can’t risk them hearing you,” Jonghyun urged, glancing back toward the sidewalk, glad to see no one was stopping or glancing their way at all.
“It’s me, Kibum,” Onew murmured into at flattened ear. “It’s just me. Tell me what’s wrong.”
The soothing tones must have been working, because slowly Key stopped fighting the elder’s hold on him. The tears didn’t stop, however, and he continued to babble in his native tongue softly. He shook his head and sobbed. Onew’s arms around him stopped being a cage and enveloped into a hug, his hand dropped from the other’s mouth.
“Please, I don’t understand your language,” Onew said. “What happened?”
Key kept babbling and suddenly Jonghyun stepped forward, trying to focus the other back into his second language. “Tarka,” Jonghyun pronounced carefully. “What does tarka mean, Kibum?”
“Tarka,” Key repeated through choked sobs. “Tarka, tarka. I saw him.”
“Who?” Onew urged. He felt like he would explode if he couldn’t find out what had caused all of this in only a few minutes.
“I saw him on the sidewalk. He walked passed us - he, he…” the feline Halfling broke into sobs again, gesturing weakly toward the sidewalk. He lunged forward again, as if to attempt to run, but was met only with the resistance of Onew’s strong body against him. He melted into his master immediately, dissolving into more sobs. “Tarka,,” he repeated, this time in a heartbroken moan.
Onew and Jonghyun simply exchanged flabbergasted looks. Neither of them had any knowledge of Key’s language. Could this tarka be one of his old captors? Or perhaps someone who had abused him?
“Tarka,” Key suddenly said and inhaled deeply, wiping at the tears on his now flushed cheeks. His ears twitched but remained flat. “Tarka means brother. My brother. I saw my brother.”Onew and Jonghyun looked on shocked as another round of sobs overtook the body before them.
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weeeellllll hello everyone! seriously how long has it been? like forever??? well a lot has happened. i was in a wedding so that took up time. i got rejected from epik (sob sob) but i then got accepted to an ivy league for grad school. and other that life has happened and theres no real excuse im so totally sorry!!! anyway this is like 12 pages and im not super happy with it. but i would love to know what you guys think?? im exhausted and not very articulate so i'll just stop typing now lol. thank you all for reading it means the world!!
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