A Beautiful Exchange [13/?]
Chapter 13
Perperation
Title: A Beautiful Exchange
Chapter: 13 Genre: Romance/ Fantasy / Fiction Characters: Infinite [Main = Myungsoo] Warnings; Swearing, mature content. Cameos; Yunho / Changmin [Tvxq]
Summery:
Myungsoo has a messed up past, that much is obvious. Being over a hundred years old brings a lot of baggage. His friends struggle to understand his past and help him find himself in the cursed life he lives.
Chapter 13 Preperation
Iris had no idea how it happened. One day the living room had been in disarray from the werewolf attack, the next it was completely different. The hole in the wall had been renovated into a high glass wall that gave way to the street outside. In all honesty she’d preferred it when there had been a wall. She wasn’t exactly happy that any passer by could see straight into their house. Or rather, the house she was staying in.
Iris aimed a pointed glare at the old man who, having been caught three times already, was ogling at her again. When he scurried away like a dog told to go to his bed she couldn’t help the satisfied smirk.
I wonder what he’d taste like. She thought briefly, wincing slightly when her fangs extended.
‘Good to see you’re not disgusted with your new appetite like Jieun is.’ Iris welcomed Dongwoo’s presence. He made her smile, even when she didn’t think she could muster that sort of expression.
‘How is she?’
A snort sounded behind her, ‘She still smells like a bloody elf,’ Hoya strolled up beside her, ‘and he would taste crap, FYI,’ he mumbled, nodding his head to the old man’s house.
One of Iris’s eyebrows raised in curiosity, ‘Why’s that?’
Dongwoo chuckled, pulling the blinds closed to block the man’s view. ‘Too much porn and cigarettes.’
‘The party is tonight?’ Iris asked quietly, trying not to show how nervous she really was. The red contact has arrived yesterday with an exhausted looking Sungjong. The poor boy had not only organized the contacts but her dress, Jieun’s dress and a bunch of clothes the two could share from here on out, instead of wearing the boys old T-shirts and oversized pants.
‘Yea,’ Hoya said indifferently, ‘Another reason I have to wear a damn suit.’ Disgust lined his tone but went ignored by Dongwoo, ‘Sungjong has a dress ready, he’s waiting for you.’ When Iris didn’t move straight away Dongwoo guested casually for her to leave. ‘We’ll all be meeting here in about an hour so look nice, ok?’
Iris nodded absentmindedly; dressing up wasn’t something she’d ever had the privilege of. It wasn’t something she’d even ever dreamed off, she was too caught up in escape plans and her mind had been constantly plagued by thoughts of Myungsoo and vampires lately she hadn’t thought of much else.
Two light knocks were the only warning she gave before walking into Sungjong’s room. The boy was staring intently at a TV screen, blood and gore the only real image displayed on screen. For a moment Iris was disgusted and intent on leaving but then he turned, catching her disgusted look he jumped up quickly.
‘It’s a horror movie, that’s it.’ His hands are raised in innocence, ‘Don’t get the wrong idea.’ Still cautious Iris nodded bluntly, not daring a risk back at the television.
With awkwardness heavy in the air Sungjong tucked his hands into his pockets, ‘You’re here to get ready?’
‘Yea, Hoya and Dongwoo sent me.’
Sungjong just nodded gesturing for her to sit on comfy looking couch, thankfully it wasn’t red. Iris was slowly growing sick of the colour. ‘I hope you like it,’ Sungjong’s voice was nervous, his hands even shook lightly as he pulled out the dress.
But it was gorgeous and if he couldn’t tell by Iris’s quick inhale of breath he could when she jumped up, carefully reaching out as if it might break. It was the most beautiful thing she’d ever seen. It had a sweetheart neckline decorated with beads. The dress was fitted until the mid waist where it fanned out softly in two layers, one was the same black from the top half but it flowed into see-through material that layered gently over the deep red. Her legs would be bare at the front, leaving the long lengths of flesh to capture attention as if the dress wouldn’t already be enough.
The bottom of the dress, from where it stopped mid-thigh at the front, all the way down to were it dropped low to slid along the floor at the back ended in lace. Beading was still skillfully weaved into the bottom half of the dress, mimicking the top.
‘Can I really wear this?’ She didn’t know why she whispered, or why she seemed to unsure. She should have just taken it, been happy secretly and not shown that sort of weak emotion. She’d already promised herself to be strong now.
‘Yea, put it on. Woohyun’s going to do a bit of eye make-up for you when you’re done.’ The shocked look Iris sent Sungjong was enough for him to laugh. ‘Don’t worry, the guy’s had plenty of experience.’
Before she could question what he meant the door had closed behind his retreating form and it was just her and the beautiful dress. With delicate movements she slowly pulled it on, spinning in the mirror that accompanied half of Sungjong’s wall. Unsure if Sungjong was going to come back in or was waiting for her she walked carefully, still worried any movement would break the dress, to peek outside. Instead of Sungjong she found Woohyun.
He was leaning against the opposite wall, his long legs crossed at the ankle and the pale skin of his chest showing where he’d unbuttoned his shirt maybe once too much. Judging by the smirk that grew over his face when she stared at his chest a little too long Iris figured it was intentional. He was dressed nicely in a sleek, skinny white suit. He’d rolled the sleeves of his dress shirt up along with the jacket, baring the strong arms that were adored in different bangles. At least one finger on each hand held a ring and the suit jacket was decorated with blood red buttons, a rose mimicking the colour was tucked into the left lapel of his suit.
Iris licked her lips unconsciously, nerves about the upcoming night licking fire in her stomach. ‘Not going to welcome me in kitten?’ Woohyun all but purred, fully enjoying the nerves in the girl.
The fire quickly built in her and anger in a mix of nerves caused her to snap at him, ‘It’s not my room, dumbass.’
Woohyun simply burst into laughter, amused that she was so similar in temperament to Myungsoo, ‘Oh, hiss!’ he mocked, lifting his hands in mock innocence. He slicked past her, casually strolling over to pull out a chair. ‘Sit.’
Disgruntled she all but stomped over, slumped down with her arms folded like a four year old and waited. He poked and prodded, constantly saying commands for her to move her face in certain ways. Blink. Close. Open. When her temper snapped he’d just laugh and push her back down, finishing the look. Her hair had dried into soft curves and Woohyun did nothing but brush it and pull small pieces back, pinning them with pearl bobby pins.
The red contacts had been the hardest part. They’d made her eyes water and had been horribly uncomfortable. Woohyun had instructed her not to touch her eyes at all, not even to touch her face, from fear that her pink irises would be visible.
‘All done,’ He didn’t give her the chance to look in the mirror for more than a second but the girl in front of her, in that moment was someone she couldn’t even recognize. She was beautiful, sexy and completely terrifying.
The heels pinched and Iris had to cling to Woohyun’s arm going down the stairs. Sure, being a vampire may guarantee better balance but the heels were something she’d never done before. Dongwoo hurried up when she walked into the room to help her from Woohyun while Hoya just raised one eyebrow in appreciation.
‘Looking good princess.’ Iris turned slowly, still unsure on her feet, to meet the mocking eyes of Myungsoo. His hair was dripping wet, clothes dirty from wherever he’d been the whole day. Iris thanked Dongwoo while she sunk down into the seat. Suddenly feeling a lot more feminine and a lot more powerful because of that she watched Myungsoo squarely as he walked across the room.
‘You’ve been out?’ It wasn’t a quiet question, nor one said to make conversation. Actually, it sounded more like a demand for an answer and it didn’t exactly impress Myungsoo.
He walked right past her, chucking his wet jacket on the back of the couch. ‘Yea, had a mission,’ he said gruffly, not making eye contact. Iris tried to keep her face composed, she had no idea what a mission was, that they ever had missions here but decided not to focus on it.
Iris raised her feet, which were already aching from the heels and slammed them down to settle loudly on top of the coffee table and leaned back on the lounge. Consciously of her body she moved her limbs into a more subtly attractive way, tilting her head slightly when she met his eyes. ‘How’d it go?’
Myungsoo moved to sit on the opposite couch; flipping the television on to mindlessly watch bad reruns of old shows. ‘Tasted like a murderer.’
Still not use to the entire concept of surviving on blood, though not against it, Iris wrinkled her nose, ‘Delightful. What does that taste like exactly?’
Sensing a chance to tease her Myungsoo stood slowly, stalking over to where she sat. Determined not to lose to him she kept her cool, even when he planted his palms down on either side of her head and slowly leaned into her face. ‘It’s like drinking cigarette infected water. Musky. Dirty.’ His breath fluttered over her face, ‘It’s like eating broccoli while chocolate sits in your way.’
Iris’s eyes fluttered, tempted to fall shut in intimidation. Instead she bit down hard on her tounge and raised an eyebrow mockingly, ‘I happen to like broccoli.’
His face fell in dissatisfaction before he moved away as quickly as he’d appeared, ‘You like blood now,’ was all he said before settling back into his place.
Iris didn’t answer and Woohyun took it at his cue to bid farewell. With one step forward to turn attention to him he smiled sheepishly, ‘I’ve got to split, I won’t be staying tonight.’
‘Why?’ Hoya almost demanded, ‘We need you.’
Iris had no idea what happened between the two after that. They stared at one another intently, their expressions changing in turn as if they were having their own conversation that was unheard to the rest of them. Next thing she knew Woohyun had moved forward to press a chaste kiss on her cheek before almost jogging out of the room.
Unsure what to make of the entire situation Iris quickly changed topic, turning back to Myungsoo she raised her eyebrows and asked quickly. ‘Why’d you try and kill me?’ To the side Hoya watched her carefully.
‘You piss me off.’ Despite his words Myungsoo’s face was taunt with emotion. As if L was trying to get in, trying to control him again.
‘That’s so stupid.’ She whispered, brushing her eyes past him to stare out at the twinkling lights of the city. ‘You piss me off, doesn’t make me try to kill you in your sleep.’
He just gave Iris a stern look, instantly telling her to shut up. She obediently snapped her mouth shut, mainly because she wanted to get more information from him and pissing him off probably wasn’t the best way to go about it. Her eyes fell to her hands, twisting around one another in mock fear. A muffled chuckle fell out of Hoya. Myungsoo just rolled his eyes, his mouth turning in frustration.
‘Do you hate me?’ She asked. Maybe it could have sounded worried but instead it was interest that lined her words.
‘I don’t know you.’ Blunt.
Iris snapped her mouth open, ready to retort, but Sunggyu’s voice boomed through the house, ‘Get ready, you three!’ And he was gone, just as suddenly as he entered. Hoya and Dongwoo followed, both giving their own little goodbye to Iris as they left cheerfully.
She was alone until Sungyeol strolled in, his tall legs eating up the distance between the doorway and the apples that lay waiting to be eaten. He caught her watching him, an apple half way to his mouth. She watched, slightly amused, as his eyes widened and he motioned at the apple, ‘Have you tried them yet? They’re amazing.’
When she didn’t respond he threw one at her. With her eyes on his still she let her teeth sink into the new food. The taste of blood flooded her mouth but it was sweeter than usual, like some kind of additives had been added into it. With a bright smile she met the eyes of Sungyeol, whose smile was just as bright.
‘This is amazing,’ she gushed, ‘no wonder you eat so many.’ A brilliant smile lit up Sungyeol’s face and regret suddenly filled Iris. With her eyes downcast she ran her fingers over the bright red skin of the apple. ‘I’m sorry I haven’t talked much to you.’
The boy just shrugged, ‘I didn’t expect you to. It’s not like we’re friends out of choice, you were sort of shoved into this world.’ But he didn’t meet her eyes, instead kept them lowered as well.
‘You like nice.’ Iris mumbled, unsure why she was so nervous. But it was true, he did. He was also dressed in an all black, to the buttons on his vest and jacket to the cuff links. Dashing was one way to explain it. He was absolutely dashing. His hair was styled around his face and while he looked almost too pretty to be a boy but then again Sungjong wasn’t exactly manly in his face either.
Honestly Iris found his features quite charming. Sungjong was the next one ready for the night, he walked in causally. Sungyoel cast one careless look at Sungjong and scoffed, ‘Who are you? Willy Wonka?’
Sungjong scowled unhappily but laughter bubbled from Iris, though quickly stifled at the upset look that flickered over Sungjong’s face. She couldn’t help it though, he did, I a way, resemble the movie versions of Willy Wonka. His suit was red, though it was a muted red, almost deep maroon and had long tails that fluttered the back of his knees. But it was his hat, though not a top hat, that pushed him into the illusion of Willy Wonka.
‘You look nice,’ Jieun said quietly as she stepped into the room. It was the first time Iris had seen the girl since the slightly haunting image of her thrashing on the floor in pain. Thankfully that image was easily erased as Jieun slowly stepped further into the room, letting the excessive amount of candle light lick flames around her body.
She was stunning.
There were still traces of elf in her features, like the small cat like eyes, the button nose and innocence that even her transformation couldn’t seem to distinguish. But her body had seemingly developed from a small, fifteen year old elf, into a mature woman’s. Her curves had filled out, leaving her with long legs, an hourglass figure and elegance that mingled in the remaining innocence. It was an interesting mix. The dress Sungjong had arranged for her in under a day was stunning as well.
It wrapped tightly around the girls neck, the only reason the dress was staying up was because of that very neck strap and the tight encasing of lace that flowed from the neck, down her figure to flay out softly after her mid-thigh, letting her walk. Under the lace was a shimmering slip that was the same colour. Blood red, Iris clammed her lips tight; they all seemed to be wearing some shade of blood tonight.
Sungjong, already making his own little alliance against those who questioned his attire, strode over to the newest vampire and offered his arm. He shot them all a little smirk when she accepted his arm. The attention turned, at lest for Iris, as Myungsoo strolled back in, dressed for the night. Something jumped in her throat. He’s done something to his hair that she couldn’t pin point but he looked ravishing. Images of him flashed in her mind. His smile, something she’d never seen before. His laugher rang in her ears, or she thought it was his laughter. Warmth flooded through her stomach and she looked away from his quizzing eyes quickly.
She almost kissed the Sunggyu when he stepped into the room, a welcome interruption from her thoughts. Following him was Hoya and Dongwoo; both wearing personalized ideas of formal wear. Dongwoo’s suit was pure white, a red tie complementing the eyes that shimmering with faint excitement, whereas Hoya had throw his suit jacket over his shoulder, letting it fall unwanted on the couch and stood in a crimson dress shirt. The black vest he wore fitted into his shape, the light chains that hang briefly from each button only to connect to the adjacent button clicked quietly as he walked. Sunggyu on the other hand, was dressed rather simply; his suit was plain black with the typical white shirt and a skinny black tie. He didn’t need to pull out any trick to capture attention anyway, not with his ability to command attention with striking blond hair and enchanting eyes. ‘Our guests are arriving.’ He lifted two fingers, indicating the others forward him into the hallway, on an afterthought he turned and muttered, ‘try and be civil.’
An extended sigh fell from Myungsoo but he pushed himself up regardless of his apparent disgust with socializing. Long fingers brushed invisible dust off his suit, straightening the blood red tie and pulling awkwardly at his tight collar. ‘Can’t bloody breath in these things,’ he muttered angrily but strolled out into the large hallway, not even bothering to prepare a welcoming smile for the upcoming ‘guests.’
Her heart was in her throat when she stepped up beside Hoya, somehow his large presence made her feel protected against whatever evil would walk through that door. Iris chanced a glance at the clock ticking on the wall, caught her reflection in the glass and was relieved that her eyes still pretended to be red.
For Iris, at least, the room shrunk immensely when the first person stepped into the house. It was like the lights had dropped and a bright spot light had landed on this girl and she certainly did shine.
Maybe that was why Iris’s heart twisted painfully in her chest when the beautiful girl danced forward; wrapped perfect arms around Myungsoo and pulled him down into a kiss.