The Beauty of the Beast {Mari+Madis}

[Mari]

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Name: Asher Blackan
Age: 25

This sucked.

Asher stood in the kitchen, staring at the crumpled, crying form of his father on the floor. Marcus had come home with some bad news. Now, Asher was used to bad news. His father was a gambling addict who couldn't hold a job, he knew exactly how to deal with bad news. He just wasn't prepared for his father to say that he had traded his son. The debt Marcus had was huge, bigger than Asher actually knew about, and they would never be able to pay it off. Whoever the debt was owed to had seemingly found that out. After all, why would someone trade a debt for a person? Why Asher was asked for, he didn't know. There were too many possibilities and somehow his mind always managed to bring them back to him being trafficked. It wouldn't be surprising. Perhaps his price would cover the debt.

After his wife died, Marcus began to gamble away the pain. Asher was young when she passed, and for as long as he could remember they had struggled. Any pay check went in the casinos, a few found coins were put in a slot machine. Very early on Asher realised that he was his father's second priority. A father should take care of his son but as Marcus struggled more and more, Asher had to grow quickly. He cared for his father, worked two jobs, made sure that they at least had somewhere to sleep and eat. All things his father should have done...There was a time when Asher had the opportunity to move out but he didn't. He knew it would end up with his father on the streets and he was hopelessly loyal when it came to some things.

"Of all the stupid deals you've made..." He started, sighing and putting down the tea towel that he was holding. "Fine. Fine, I have no choice. We'll never pay off your debt otherwise. Hey, at least you won't have to about me nagging you now" He was being harsh and he couldn't help it. He left the room, only sparing one last look down at his father before he went to his bedroom. He felt somewhat justified in his anger, he had just been sold off.

 

[Madis]

Korbion Pascarelli had been a part of the cities underworld his whole life; it seemed having been orphaned he learned early that if he was going to survive. Of course he had made the mistake of pick pocketing the wrong man. It was at the time the current boss of the criminal underworld. However the man had taken a liking to him after he had a talk with the boy and instead of Korbion ending up just another dead orphan took the young boy under his wing. The young boy not only met the crime bosses expectation but had exceeded them as Korbion took like a fish in water to a life of crime. Over the next few years Korbion became known as one of the most ruthless criminals in the city. It was said if Korbion was called in to handle something someone on would end up at the very least stuck in the hospital for months.

Shortly after his twenty-third birthday Korbion’s mentor and adoptive father passed after a botched surgery. It was no surprise to those in the underworld when the old man had named Korbion as his successor and keeping with his ruthless ness he immediately put out a hit on the surgeon and a few days after the man and his whole family were found dead in their home. Over the next sixteen years not only did the underworld thrive but Korbion who had become known as The Count had become the de facto controller of the city.

Of course as ruthless as he had one soft spot, someone that had caught the man’s eye when he had paid a very rare visit to a man who owed him money. Of course he had not touched the man himself. He hadn't gotten physically involved since he had taken over. But he had felt the need to pay the little visit. As they had left the house though the man's son had come running up. It had been only a short glance as he looked in the young man’s eyes but the face had stayed with him like his own father Korbion had shown a bit of kindness and had shaved off part of the man’s debt and said he could pay off the rest over one year.

Of Course Korbion knew the man would never be able to pay up and in fact the man just racked the debt back up. So one year later he sent his right hand man with an out, the man son for a wiped out debt. Of course as the ruthless criminal knew that there was the chance the young man could refuse. But he remembered the look of the young man's eyes as he ran into the house that night. It was the look of a son that would do anything for his father. So he knew the next day he would have him.

 

[Mari]

Packing his belongings was a strange experience. Asher didn't even know if he needed them, if he'd get to keep them. When he arrived at this address, the address that was given to him on a slip of paper by his sobbing father, he didn't know what would happen. Perhaps everything he brought would be taken away and he'd be stripped of his identity and sold to the highest bidder. Perhaps he'd just be killed and his organs would be passed on to whoever could pay and was happy with stolen organs...His mind was going down some bad routes. He couldn't be blamed for it, media had given him enough ideas of what would happen to him.

Once his bags were packed with whatever he wanted to take, if he could keep them, he fell onto his bed and fell asleep. It wasn't a good sleep. He was tossing and turning, his head whirling with all sorts of scenarios. He woke up with the idea that he was going to die. Whether it was straight away or not, he was going to die. It was morbid, it wasn't helping, but he couldn't think of anything else.

Going downstairs with his bags, he wasn't surprised to see that his father wasn't home. He'd probably gone out the night before and was hunched over a slot machine somewhere. His bags were put in his car and he set off, hands gripping the steering wheel tightly as he approached what he was sure was going to be the last place he saw.

 

[Madis]

Finishing up some last minute business Korbion retired to his chambers. He had spent a good deal of the last couple of hours making things just right for the young man that would be arriving the next day. In all his life the crime boss had never been so well he couldn't think of a time he had felt like this. His whole life had been pretty much dealing in violence and harming people. Taking their livelihoods or forcing them into what amounted to indentured servitude. He had never known how to care about someone other than himself or his father. Sighing softly to himself he fixed himself a drink and sat up long into the night thinking about the young man that one moment in time played over and over in his mind.

The next morning he dressed feeling the most excited he had felt. It was the same way he used to feel when getting his hand dirty. But this time it was for something completely different. As the morning went on as it normally did. Sitting in a meeting with some of his captains one of the many servants came in letting him know the young man had pulled up. Korbion's eyes lit up as he started to jump up but then catching himself stood up and fixed his tie. “How do I look” most of his men started to suck up saying how great he looked and that the young man was lucky. One of the captains who had apparently missed the memo that the Young Man would be Korbion’s guest piped up with a chuckle “What does it matter he will be sleeping with the fishes with in the hour am I right” Korbion's eyes turned ice cold his face stoic as he snapped his fingers and the captains on either side of the other side of him beat him till his face was bloodied and he was barely conscious before dragging him up to their boss. Korbion bent over and patted the man’s cheek “You're lucky I'm in a decent mood today which means you get to live though you're going to wish you were dead. “ Standing back up he wiped a bit of blood off with a handkerchief “Let the Extractor have at him he hasn't had any one to torture in a while and i can't have him getting rusty. If he isn't dead after that. Well he seems to like the fishes”

As this was all going one of the servants would greet Asher and show him to a lavish looking bedroom the servant then showed him a cord to pull if he needed anything. His bags were then delivered to his room and the door closed leaving the young man alone. A few minutes later Korbion was standing outside the door and taking a deep breath he opened the door and there he was the young man he had yearned for. “Hello, Asher I believe it is, I do hope you found your way to the place easily enough. Tell me is there anything I can get you, anything you need or want, well outside of being allowed to leave.”

 

[Mari]

Pulling up to the house was intimidating. It was huge. Could he call it a house? If he wasn't so worried, he would have felt uncomfortable pulling up to the house in his tiny fourth-hand car. As it was, he couldn't manage any embarrassment when all of his instincts were telling him to run away. He took a breath as he opened the door and before he could do anything else, someone approached him. He was tense, even when he realised they were a servant that was greeting him. He wasn't dead straight away. He slowly followed the servant to a bedroom, confused as to why he was being shown to a bedroom instead of a cell or a 'dorm' type thing.

He nodded when he was shown the cord and was surprised when his bags arrived. Was he at a hotel or something? Did he have to tip? He stood still in the middle of the room, wary about moving at all. It was as if he thought that, if he moved, reality would crash down. He couldn't just stand though when the door was opened. Tensing at the sound, Asher only relaxed a small amount when he saw a well-dressed man in front of him. This wasn't a servant.

The question caught him off guard. He was going to be surprised by everything, unsure of how to react to anything in this strange situation. He took a breath, trying to force himself to relax before shaking his head. "No...? I don't need anything" He eventually said. What he wanted was to go home, to have his father's debt forgiven, to have everything fixed...it was already said that he wouldn't get that. His fists clenched and unclenched at his side. "What...what am I doing here then? This looks like too nice of a room to give to someone if you're planning on killing them...unless it's a false sense of security thing, in which case it isn't working"

 

[Madis]

Korbion's heart sank just a little at the young man's reaction, well it was probably better if he had not remembered him winning him over would be hard enough if Asher ever did recognize him it might be impossible. Korbion did not let this show though and he smiled. He clasped his hands behind his back and moved towards where there was a small sitting area in the bedroom. Though it was not nearly as big as his own Korbion had two of the rooms across from his own combined to make the room for Asher so it was much bigger than it normally would be. He waved to the seat inviting the young man to sit with him as he sat down himself before speaking.

“Oh Asher I don't want to kill you, if I had wanted that I assure you, you would never have made it out of your house. And if I had wanted to sell you off into some kind of labor or even as a love slave you would be cooped n a sweat house or chained in some dingy cell till we had another auction and trust me you don't want that my men have access to those cells and they like to play with the merchandise before auctions” He paused for a moment and put his fingertips together as he thought of how to explain.

“No you're not to be harmed and no one will touch you at least none of my men will. I brought you here Asher well let's say for now you are my guest. You have access to pretty much the whole house except the lowest level. You can even walk the grounds if you wish. I guess you could say I want to give you a better life than you had and I know it was not a good one. Supporting a deadbeat dad who gambled away all of his money. No you deserve much better than that. And that's what I want to give you.” Korbion then stopped speaking to see what Asher would say or do.

 

[Mari]

On edge, Asher's eyes followed the man as he further entered the room and went to sit down. A living area in a bedroom...this place was huge. Asher wasn't all that surprised, given the look of the outside, but he was definitely out of place. He and his father only had their house because it was inherited, and even then it was small. Something like this screamed rich in a way that Asher wasn't used to. Despite everything, he had been raised with manners and so when he was invited to sit down, he moved automatically to sit across from the other man.

The man's words didn't comfort him in the slightest. If he wasn't here to be killed or sold off, why was he here? It made no sense. His jaw clenched and he pulled the sleeves of his jumper over his hands, picking at the fabric in his anxious state. "You...that doesn't make any sense. You realise that doesn't make any sense, right?" He asked, shaking his head as a laugh left him. This whole thing was ridiculous. He'd picked up on the fact that this was likely the head of whatever organisation this was. The way he talked and held himself, it was obvious now he thought about it. "You wiped my dad's debt in return for me coming here as your guest? You wiped his debt to give me a better life? I don't get it, you could sell me five times over and still not make up the money, and I'm a...guest?"

There had to be more to this. He didn't believe that anyone would do such a stupid thing. He didn't know exactly how much his dad owed but he knew it was more than he was worth several times over. He didn't know if he was lucky or not.

 

[Madis]

Korbion looked at the young man, did he really think so little of himself. He was worth well over his fathers debt. Standing up Korbin decided there was only one way to do this without having to outright tell the young man why he was keeping him. Walking over to the young man he looked down at him sitting there. He then caressed the young man's cheek and then held up his head by pushing it up gently with his hand and running his thumb along the young man's cheek. “You know you have the most beautiful eyes Asher I could spend all day looking into them. Korbion then leaned down and kissed him on the forehead. “If you want the straight truth you are here to be mine. Like I said I want to give you a good life, one where you will want for nothing” Korbion then thought for a moment and grabbed the young man's hand. “Come with me, I want to show you something I think you will like.” He then led Asher to a room with two fancy doors. Korbion then gave him a smile and opened it up. Inside was a decent sized library with shelves of books lining the walls and several shelves of books throughout the room as well. “I used to spend a lot of free time here myself Probably when I was a bit younger than you. These days I don't find as much time to read but you could use it to escape or even find books to take and read. I could even put you in charge of it”

 

[Mari]

Asher blinked in surprise when Korbion stood and walked to stand in front of him. Was he going to kill him now? Despite everything the man had said, Asher didn't quite believe that he was here to be a guest. Maybe he'd said to much and the man had decided he was too much trouble. A hand touched his cheek and his eyes widened. The touch was surprisingly gentle, the caress soothingly soft. A compliment followed which Asher couldn't believe. He knew he wasn't bad looking but to have someone say something so specific...It was strange.

A kiss was placed on his forehead and a explanation came with it. Unfortunately it didn't do much for him. Why did this man want him of all people? He didn't know him, they hadn't met before, and even if they had...It made no sense. He couldn't bring himself to voice his concerns, he was shocked into silence and sat still in his seat. The man said he had something to show him and Asher had no choice but to follow. Fancy doors opened and Asher's eyes widened once again.

A library. Asher could spend hours in there. "I do like to read" He admitted, slowly walking further into the room, eyes scanning one of the shelves. Reading was one of his only hobbies, one that didn't cost much and one that, as Korbion had said, allowed him to escape. "I think I'd like that" It would give him something to do. He doubted he would be allowed to keep his jobs and he wasn't going to be his father's carer. He would be bored. Slowly, he smiled, turning to look at the older man.

"You haven't told me your name. You brought me here to be yours, I don't know anything about you, you don't know anything about me" He had the courage to voice his concerns now. Hopefully they wouldn't offend but even if they did, Asher didn't care too much. He had questions and if this man wanted to give him everything he wanted, answers were the easiest thing.

 

[Madis]

Korbion smiled a bit and raised his hand as Asher broke into his questions, “If you wish to have answers then I will give some. As to who I am. It’s quite simple really and I am sure once you thought about it long enough you would figure it out. Or perhaps in the back of your mind you know who I am because who else would pluck you from your home as payment for a debt. But I will leave you with my real name and not the one you would know. I am Korbion Pascarelli. “ He then paused and walked pass Asher to stand behind him and place his hands on the younger mans shoulders

“And how can you say I know nothing about you, After all I did call you bye bmae up in the room and you have yet to tell me your name” He let the thought sink in his head as he ran his hands down the younger man arms before stopping at his hands and grasped them in his own. “I know that you like to read, I know you had many golden opportunities and passed them up, I know you're loyal to your father and that is why you came, I also know that what you desire more after all every young man does and even sometime men a bit older”

He then turned the young man to face them. “So tell Me Asher in all that I have said, can you not know anything about me or do I need to give you more. You know what brought you here, I guess one more hint could do” He then leaned down and whispered in Ashers ear. “I was the holder of your fathers debt and now you belong to me,”

 

[Mari]

"Korbion..." Asher repeated. He had a name now but still he was unsure. There was something in the back of his mind that was telling him he knew who this was but he didn't want to believe it. It would be far too dangerous to believe it but there was only one person in this city that could get away with taking a person like this. Korbion stood behind him and Asher stared forward, curious as to what the man would do next.

He hadn't thought about how Korbion knew his name, he hadn't caught it, but now it was something else to ponder. How did he know his name? He must have done some research on him before he made the deal. Looking down at their joined hands, Asher was a little surprised to hear what the other man knew about him. Then again, He could just assume. He'd passed up so much so he could look after his father. Was it even worth it?

He was turned and Asher let himself be moved. There was no point in resisting that, not when he was getting his answers. He took a deep breath when he was given one last hint. "The Count...you're...I should be afraid then if you've got me" He said, finally listening to the voice screaming in the back of his mind. He was in an even more dangerous situation than he thought he was in. This man ran the city from the shadows. He could get away with anything, he would always get what he wanted and for some reason he had decided he wanted Asher. "I should run, scream...you said I wouldn't be harmed but that's all you do" His words were blunt, he said what he was thinking. If he truly wasn't going to be harmed, there should be no problem. Perhaps this was his way of testing his boundaries, or perhaps he was trying to get thrown away. He didn't know himself well enough to know what he was doing.

 

[Madis]

Though Korbion did not usually take lip or blunt talk from anyone it seems almost like a refreshing drink of cool clear water coming from Asher. He could not explain it to himself much less anyone including the handsome young man standing before him. Sure the crime boss ahd relations in the past. But Asher had stirred something inside of him that no one or nothing ever had. Smiling at the young man he reached up to caress his cheek again. “Why would I hurt the one who stole my heart, you are not wrong though I;ve spent my whole life harming people and perhaps there are times I have taken pleasure in doing so. But as I have said I do not want to harm you”

Then using the thumb and index finger of his right hand he gently lifted Ashers head and kissed him softly on the lips. It was a simple kiss one meant to show the young man exactly why Korbin wanted him. Pulling away after a few moments he continued to gaze into the young man’s eyes. “Does that help Asher, Do you get why I can not and will not harm you. I want you to be mine, I want to hold you and love you, and I will do what I must to prove that to….”

As he spoke he looked up as one of his men appeared at the door to the library. A scowl appeared on Korbions face as he let go of Ashe’s chin and straightened up. “This had better be very important” The man looked very nervous. As he tried to speak, “Well spit out man”

“It...It’s some of the men well Poe’s men you know the one you….” The man paused unsure if he should say anything with Asher there. Korbion just nodded his head.

“Yes the big mouth captain who thought he would crack a joke. I am not surprised I am sure the men in question are outside the house now. By all means let them have them taken to the conference room and get them something to eat and drink if they wish….. And have the ghost in the room. Not far from Poe's second in command it seems we will need to make another example today” The man that had appeared nodded his head and then left.

“I am sorry I must leave you for now, but please feel free to explore the rest of the house and I would like you to join me out on the deck for lunch. It should be a nice day out.” He then leaned in to kiss Asher's cheek before making his way out of the room.

 

[Mari]

This man made no sense. Asher knew they'd never met before and so he had no idea when he could have 'stolen' this man's heart. Had he seen him once and decided then? That was ridiculous, this whole thing was ridiculous, but Asher couldn't bring himself to say any of that out loud. It was as if the shock, the disbelief of the other's apparent feelings for him, was keeping him from voicing any of those thoughts. He still didn't fully believe he wasn't going to be harmed.

Anything he was going to say stopped when his head was lifted and he was kissed. Korbion told him what his intentions were, Asher shouldn't be as surprised as he was. His eyes wide, lips parted in surprise, and he stared at the man in front of him as he continued to speak. His mind was whirling with thoughts, questions, and screams. He didn't understand whatever Korbion was trying to explain to him. Just as he felt prepared, able to scream and question this stupidity, someone came into the library.

Barely listening to the two men talk, he took the time to take a deep breath and process all that had just happened. Perhaps he was lucky that Korbion then left, as he was left alone. He fell into the nearest seat. "The fuck..." He muttered to himself, shaking his head. Sitting there for a while, he tried to make sense of his situation. However, time to think didn't give him any answers. In fact, it made him even more confused.

Denial it was.

Unable to sit there with his thoughts any longer, Asher stood and left the library. He'd been told he could explore, and he might as well get used to the layout. His first idea that he was be sent off elsewhere was apparently wrong. He would be staying here. Slowly, knowing he'd get lost but not caring, he wondered the halls, occasionally peaking into an empty room on his way.

 

[Madis]

Angry at the interruption Korbin made his way to the conference room he had ordered the men to be taken to. When he got to the doors he could hear them chattering and just over all enjoying themselves. Putting on his usual cold and calculated look he pushed the doors open causing the doors to slam against the walls on either side. The entire room went dead silent as the men watched him make his way to his chair.

When he was seated one of the many workers asked if he would like anything, the crime boss had them bring him a bottle of red wine and glass. Waiting and revealing in the silence when the glass and bottle were delivered he stopped the worker from pouring it and opted to do himself speaking as he did. “You know I remember back when I was still new to the crew, back then my old man, at this he raised the partially filled glass and took a sip before glaring at the men who followed suit. Then putting it back down he continued.

“Anyway back then there were quite a few more groups vying for control of the underworld. Some of them were pretty small and my old man convinced quite a few of them to work under him and they agreed. Now of course the only way he could do this was getting rid of the leader and any one that would cause problems.”

Pausing once more he picked up his glass an drained it and poured a bit more. “Now as you all undoubtedly herd I had your captain handed over to the Extractor and I know some of you are a bit upset about that I've also been hearing talk that I have gone soft caring so much for this young man. And because of who I have taken as lovers in the past” At this he stood up and threw the glass at the wall behind him, his furry on full show now.

“Well let me make this very clear to each of you and you let others know, I am still the same man who will personally see to ripping out the voice box of the next person who dare to utter that I have gone soft” He then slid his finger across his neck and his personal assassin took out the second in command of crew in the conference room. “Now I suggest that you start to decide who will be running things in your sector and the next fool to question me will die a much slower death. “ With that said he got up from the table and left the room.

Leaving The room he could not help but smile to himself yes he was still the same man, except for that part of him that he wanted to share with Asher. But as she made his way first to his room where he had left another small first day gift for Asher and then made his way to make sure things were ready for the lunch on the deck. Once more he wanted everything to be perfect for the young man.

 

[Mari]

Looking in each empty room he came across, Asher tried to get a feeling of this place. There were too many rooms to actually be useful. Rich people. There were rooms that could fit Asher's entire home in them with room to spare and in this house that size seemed to be the norm. Bedrooms, lounge rooms, larger office rooms, a conference room, a couple of bathrooms. Despite seeing it all, Asher didn't think he was actually learning about the layout. If he had to go back to his room now he doubted he'd make it.

There were servants around and he didn't quite know how to act with them. They seemed to be aware of who he was...did they know much? They probably knew he was here against his will and that he was going to be staying for as long as Korbion was interested in him. Looking around downstairs, Asher found more rooms that he would likely not remember and the door to the garden.

Fresh air would be nice.

Stepping outside, Asher took a deep breath and let the breeze wave over him. It was nice, it definitely helped his mood. It slowed his racing heart. He only just noticed it. That couldn't be healthy, his heart shouldn't be pounding for that amount of time. Distraction, that was what he needed. He stepped into the garden and began a slow walk around, deciding that he quite liked being outside.

 

[Madis]

Standing out on the deck Korbion watched as Asher walked around the garden. As he did a woman dressed like she was going to a formal dinner stood next to him a glass of wine in her hand “So It’s true the ruthless kingpin has a found a plaything, I did not believe it could be true”

Korbion kept his eyes trained on the object of his love as he replied. “It’s good to see you sister, so what is the queen widow herself doing back here? And don't tell me its because you think i'm going soft, you forget you still work for me as does your newest boytoy”

The woman smiled and placed a hand on his shoulder “Why to see my big brother and his new friend, I knew you might find someone one day but a young man, you certainly had others fooled brother but you forget how observant I can be. NOt that I judge dear brother I'm quite happy for you, Even dear dad had the love of his life” Korbion knew she was not wrong she had figured him out before their father had even died, it had taken quite a bit to buy her silence he knew that his s father would have disapproved but he was the boss now.

“Well if you wish to stay for lunch I guess that's fine. If he is to be part of the family he would meet you at some point might as well rip the band aid off. Now if you will excuse me” Kornion then left and made his way down to where Asher was walking, coming up behind him he gently place a hand on his shoulder. “Hello Asher I Do hope you have found things to your liking.”

 

[Mari]

Oblivious to the conversations going on elsewhere, Asher slowly made his way around the garden, occasionally stopping to look at a plant the looked interesting. At one point, he knelt down and looked at a flower. He saw there were a few weeds around it and set to pulling them out, satisfied with the look of it when he was done. Standing again, he continued his wander.

It was then that it started to sink in what was happening. Sure, he'd known and he'd agreed. But how much had he had a choice in? He'd never expected this, never thought this a possibility, and if he would admit it to himself he was a little scared. He was only here because Korbion was interested in him for whatever reason. If he decided that he no longer wanted Asher around...

Before he could finish that train of thought, a hand was placed on his shoulder. He jumped and turned around, relaxing slightly when he saw who it was. "Oh...yeah. Everything's fine" He said, wondering if his opinion would actually change anything. "It's...big. I think I got lost about three times just walking around. How many rooms do you need?"