bakerstreet | Brothel AU

Brothel AU

the brothel AU meme

If sex work is the world's oldest profession, then the brothel may be among the world's oldest businesses. The scene could be anywhere: the modern world, a riff on Middle Earth, a futuristic space colony. Wherever you go, there will always be a demand for your services... and whether you're a high-class escort to the elite or the jewel of the slums, it's a living.

How to Play

1. Top level with your preference: sex worker, client, or either
2. Pick your prompt/s and set a scene, or just wing it!
3. Tag around!

Prompts

1. old pro
You're a proper professional with an active client base and a reputation for your skills. Can you leverage that experience to your advantage?

2. newbie
You're new to this profession and still finding your footing. Some clients find that charming, and other workers may take you under their wing.

3. demonstration
This is a special job: you're putting on a show for an audience, or maybe you're showing a new worker the ropes.

4. forbidden love
Sex workers know better than to fall for a client, and clients know better than to fall for a sex worker. Perhaps even more fraught is a relationship between two workers. This time, however... you just can't help yourself.

5. SO experience
Your job isn't just about the sex. You provide the entire girl/boyfriend experience: doting words, public appearances, accepting gifts. And yet, it's just a job... right?

6. something extra
Kink, monsters, transformation, and magic, oh my! There's something a little different about the services you offer.

7. getaway
You're ready to break away from this life, whether it's on your own or with someone you've grown close to.

8. wildcard
Anything goes!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only | Expand All

His frown deepens, brows furrowing in visible concern even with the blindfold. "When we're safe, will you let me tend to your injuries?" He feels it only fair, considering this man is getting him away from the brothel. And, it sounds like, away from the Wen sect.

He has a feeling the blindfold won't be removed any earlier than that, but he can handle that just fine. His other senses are growing keener the longer his eyes are hidden away. He hands the salve over without question, then flushes as he feels his robes and trousers lifted a little more. But he admits to himself that the extra care to his ankles feels nice.

"You already rescued what I would have asked for. I'm ready to leave when you are."

Shuanghua vibrates reassuringly at him and he can't resist the gentle smile he turns down to the faithful blade. Although, he hesitates, then admits;

"They sealed my golden core. I would be able to do more with it unsealed." But not pushing for that to be done. He can feel enough of it to recognize his sword.

"They're old and not worth your time." Xue Yang flushes at the shift in focus, rubbing the salve in thoroughly before he helps right Xingchen's boots and clothes. He pockets what is left and gathers his courage. Before they set a foot outside of this room... Before Xingchen learns his identity...

He wants one thing.

Lifting himself just enough to nudge their mouths together, he hesitates and then kisses the beautiful...perfect...man. As he does so, he presses a talisman, stolen from the Wens earlier, to Xingchen's chest. A bright flash of light follows and then the sought after golden core resurfaces, free of its unnatural chains.

"It's yours. No one can keep it from you forever." he crushes the talisman under his foot as he stands, grabbing his outer-robe.

"If they are sore, then they are worth my time," he denies. Feeling his clothes be returned to rights is a relief.

Between the kiss and feeling his core be unsealed, of course Xingchen gasps. He sighs, even as he feels his cheeks pink again. Shyly, he presses in for a little kiss of his own.

"Thank you."

A few more little aches and pains ease as his core gets to work on soothing them back to nothing. He swings his legs over the side of the bed and stands. Shuanghua gets tucked into his robes for now, he understands the need to keep it hidden until they're away without needing to be told.

"You're so sweet!" he praises, shocked when his kiss is not only accepted, but he is given a kiss in return! Xue Yang is no blushing virgin, however he hasn't had much experience with genuine affection. He knows what Xingchen gives him can't be anything but genuine. The Daozhang isn't...warped...like him.

"They like putting their hands on things that don't belong to them." his anger is audible and it really, truly, has nothing to do with himself. They can step on him and use him, but he draws the line on them caging Xiao Xingchen.

Though he should find the man's predicament funny, shouldn't he? Why doesn't he?

"You're smart. Keep Shuanghua hidden until we're on our way." Xue Yang slips an arm around Xingchen's waist and leans in, marking the man's neck right above his collar. He sucks on the tender skin with a low growl and then leads them into the hall.

"We're just getting some fresh air~" he croons to anyone who crosses their path, acting slightly drunk as he nuzzles Xingchen possessively, "He's shy."

Any servant or attendant hides a smirk or laughter behind their hand, bowing to them as they pass.

Xingchen has no experience with deception, except that which he's been learning at the hands of the Wens and those at the brothel. Even then, he's someone who follows his heart and what he feels is right, even when it's not easy.

He hears that anger and rests a gentle hand on the other's arm. "It's alright. They can't win. It's just taking time." He has faith in the other sects, even if they're corrupt, not all of them are evil. And surely that's what's upsetting his helpful new friend.

He feels how his cheeks stay pink as that arm curls around him, and a shiver runs through him at the press of lips and possessive sound that warms him. He moves with his friend, taking clues where to step, and bows his head demurely when he hears them pass others. The nuzzling keeps catching at his breath! Enough he's almost dizzy by the time they get outside.

But his role, in order to escape, is to cooperate and be...helpless. Innocent.

It's difficult to concentrate on where they need to go when Xingchen reacts so adorably to his every touch. Yet he keeps the last words the man said fresh in his mind. They can't win. All of his life evil has won. To encounter someone who thinks the opposite is true amazes him. Either the Daozhang is incredibly naive or...

Different from him. His arm is warm and steady around Xingchen's waist as he pulls them outside and towards the stable as quickly as they can manage - while keeping up the act. Once under the roof, he does something risky. Something that could ruin it all.

He removes Xingchen's blindfold.

Then he gets two horses ready - hell even one will do - by hand and as quickly as he can. Does he really need to say anything? Xingchen now knows the truth and when he offers the man a leg up into the saddle, he doesn't meet his gaze.

Edited 2022-07-23 09:27 (UTC)

He can't help but respond to kindness. The soft kisses, and the warm arm that guides him...no. He has no defense against it, doesn't see a reason to try.

He can smell horses, and it tells him they'll be riding out. He wonders how, and if his new friend will remove the blindfold before, or if they'll share a horse to maintain pretense a while longer.

Only for it to be removed and his friend's identity is revealed.

He goes utterly still, flush fading immediately as he stares after the man. Xue Yang. But...how? This man hates him! He feels his heart hammering away in his chest as confusion holds him frozen. Long enough for Xue Yang to prepare two horses for them.

And then the man returns to his side, making clear motions to help him mount. He doesn't draw Shuanghua - Jiangzai is still sheathed, after all. Attacking would be cruel, and rude. So he takes a breath and mounts.

Soft touches replay in his recent memory. Protective. Kind. Had his initial judgement of this man been correct, that he was worthy of pity? That he could change? Hope blooms, shy and hesitant.

So he waits patiently for Xue Yang to mount, then nudges his horse to follow without comment.

When Shuanghua doesn't embed itself in his chest, he considers that a decent sign. He waits until they've ridden away from the city - with a bag of food attached to his horse's saddle - before he attempts to speak. Looking at Xingchen makes his stomach feel strange - like he is falling down a long flight of steps.

He had kissed him and now Xingchen knew...everything. Xue Yang feels raw and exposed, though he doesn't regret taking a chance. His life would be empty of any joy if he stopped taking risks.

"We'll keep going until we can't see. Then we can set up camp." he tries to sound normal - in control - but his voice is still gentle. It doesn't feel right to bark or snarl at Xingchen.

"The Wens deserve to be punished - and they will be. It won't be long now."

If they presume he took Xingchen and ran out on them, fine by him. They will have bigger fish to fry very soon and he won't be even a dot on their radar.

Xingchen also holds his silence, partially out of lingering shock, but also...what could he say? Demand why Xue Yang is doing any of this? The hooligan had only asked him to be his if they escaped.

But those lips are so soft. Gentle hands had tended to his bruises. And that voice is still so gentle it brings a faint flush back to his cheeks as he does his best to fit that voice in with Xue Yang.

"I meant what I said," he murmurs. "They can't win."

It does sink in the magnitude of what Xue Yang has done though, in stealing him from the brothel.

"I don't mind resting on the ground." Now that his golden core has been released, he can warm himself.

Reaching into the bag behind him, he pulls out an apple. Holding out the fruit to Xingchen, he glances at him at last, his breath catching. The moonlight really does suit him. And those eyes that can - and should - be filled with judgement are...soft. Sweet.

"Anyone who tries to get power by crushing everyone under their feet will fail." Xue Yang rubs between his horse's ears and is rewarded with a little head bob, "We might not have a choice. But I'll try to find us better. The horses don't deserve being out in the wind and rain either."

He guides his horse closer, comfortable at this point the two won't try to bite each other, and accepts the apple with a nod of thanks. Xingchen knows he might be angry with Xue Yang - but the other man hasn't actually lied to him, has he? He hadn't asked for a name, or even what to call him.

He takes a bite of the fruit, then carefully leans forward to offer a bite to his horse -it's accepted with a soft breath and gentle teeth. The consideration for the horses makes him smile quietly, deciding to hold to hope. Shuanghua stays content out of sight.

"Neither do you. We'll find shelter."

Animals are much easier for him to be around. He has never hurt one on purpose no matter what he might say. If he decides to kill a family or a sect, he will just let the dogs run free first. He will scare the cats off and open up the stable doors for the horses. They will get a chance to live; he isn't angry at them.

The soft crunch of the apple being shared has him reaching for another bright red fruit. He does the same for his horse and laughs when the fruit is almost tugged out of his hand.

"There's an old barn down this road. I think it'll do." he bites into the apple too and chews silently for a moment, "Mm you're not mad, are you? Seeing me?"

Animals are sweet, innocent. Xingchen is glad to see that sweetness returned, even by Xue Yang. His smile steadies when he sees the other man share an apple as he had, encouraging that kindness to spread.

"That sounds perfect," he agrees easily. Rubbing a hand over his horse's neck, he thinks over how to answer that question.

"I am confused. But not angry, no. You could have done anything with me at the brothel, I wouldn't have been able to stop you. Instead...you have taken me away from there. Returned my sword, and freed my golden core. And have seen to my bruises."

He doesn't mention how sweet those kisses had been. Or how maybe...he wouldn't mind more. Even now, knowing who he'd kissed.

They don't judge. After his hand had been crushed, the stray dogs and cats had been the only ones to offer him comfort. Maybe they had only wanted food from him, but they had kept him warm and they didn't reprimand him when he cried.

Blinking back to the present, Xue Yang smiles faintly. Now here he is with a man who is nearly as innocent and three times as sweet. How can he not chase after him?

"I worked for the Wens." he lets his horse have the rest of the apple, "I sent in my resignation when I stole you." he flashes Xingchen a grin, "You've been rough on me, but not nearly as bad as them. When I thought about them torturing you, I wanted to set their palace on fire." and he could have, but he would have been caught.

Which means Xingchen would have remained...used. He couldn't stand that.

Animals are sensitive to the moods of those around them. It's why Xingchen has trouble eating meat, unless he knows the animal died of natural causes.

"They did not deserve your skill." So if he's the reason Xue Yang decided to leave...Really the reason...Xingchen won't abandon him. Not just because he'd agreed to be his. That grin makes his heart skip a beat and his cheeks flush!

He turns an earnest gaze on Xue Yang, brows a little furrowed. "I know I hurt you. Will you let me check on those wounds when we settle for the night?" But he can do better than that, can't he? "If we're found, I will help you fight. They will have more trouble against both of us." He won't let the Wens cage this man again. Won't let Xue Yang be abused again.

He is always happy to have whatever food he can find or buy. But if he were given a choice, he might agree with Xingchen on that. Good animals shouldn't be slaughtered unless people are starving - and even then, it's a tough choice.

"You're just being sweet again." he chuckles, ignoring how his heart beats quicker. Does he really think he's skilled? He has seen Xingchen wielding Shuanghua. The other man is...

Amazing.

"Daozhang, you're being too hard on yourself. You gave me some nicks and some cuts, but nothing life-threatening." Xue Yang stares and then swallows awkwardly, "If they find us, I'll kill them. Your horse is the fastest from that stable. Take her out with or without a saddle. You'll be fine. She has a stable gait."

Xingchen has been extremely fortunate in who'd taken him in and raised him. He's never wanted for food or life's necessities. He'd been taught how to be self-sufficient, how to make little food go a long way.

He flushes and shakes his head, smiling gently. "I do not have the skill to lie. You are strong, and cunning. It was a challenge to track you." And he'd needed help, in the end, to defeat him, hadn't he?

Is Xue Yang trying to make him feel better? He can't help how his expression softens, then hardens at being told to run and save himself if they are found. Determination firms his gaze as he stares back at Xue Yang. "I will not abandon you, certainly not to be tortured again. I did not accept your offer out of fear for myself, I accepted it so I might still do some good."

He had been a challenge. That judgement should give him joy, but it falls short. Xue Yang wants more; he wants to hear Xiao Xingchen praising him.

Between kisses. Grinning to himself, he flicks some hair out of his eyes.

"It was a challenge avoiding you and Daozhang Zichen." he grips the reins tighter when he sees Xingchen's soft expression. To see it followed by the harder look does something funny to his insides. He isn't falling anymore, but he doesn't feel steady either.

"I agreed to serve the Wens for a reason, Daozhang." he interrupts, looking down, "To be honest, I would abandon him too if you asked it of me."

Something's missing. Some need. Even Xingchen can see it in the other man's eyes, in his mannerisms. He doesn't know enough to figure out what it might be though.

He finds he wants to know. To learn more about this fascinating, handsome gremlin that makes his heart race. Zichen might be his soulmate, but maybe there's a place for Xue Yang too?

He starts to speak a few times, then silences himself. Thinking. Finally takes a breath, and shakes his head a little as he decides his path. "Anything you decide to tell me, I will listen. If you do not want to explain, you do not need to. I will not ask you to abandon anyone. I will not even ask who he is, or why he would want you to serve the Wens as you have."

His eyes close and if he had any lingering tie with Meng Yao, Xingchen severed it. Just by being...himself. A shudder climbs his spine and he can't ignore that he is frightened. He had opened up to Meng Yao in ways he never has before. Now is he considering doing the same with Xiao Xingchen?

"It was...to keep an eye on them. To give him the intelligence he needed to have the upper-hand. He'll... He'll use it. Soon." he breathes out, "I didn't want you involved with them when everything crumbles. I've done what he asked of me; I know the Wens will be eradicated."

Xue Yang laughs, the sound joyless.

"He and I used to lay together, coming up with plans to get what we want. The entire time, I thought I was close to what I wanted." to be desired, to be sought and cherished, "Lately I've been thinking I'm a fool."

He listens, patient as Xue Yang picks through words and talks. He can almost smell the uncertainty in the other man, maybe even fear? Xingchen takes a chance and reaches out to rest a gentle hand on Xue Yang's arm. Silent support, he hopes.

Encouragement, even.

So this unnamed man will act soon, and the Wens will be destroyed? A shiver runs through him, but he accepts it with a sigh. Xue Yang hadn't wanted him to be hurt simply because he'd been captured and was in the wrong place.

His stomach...twists in a way that confuses him when he hears Xue Yang talk about laying with this man. But it settles when the other hesitantly admits maybe he'd been wrong.

No. That's silly of him. It's a romantic notion that he sets aside.

"Do you know what you want?" Suddenly he flushes, hearing himself, and shakes his head with a little smile. "I sound silly, forgive me. You do not need to answer."

But that laugh hurt to hear. What would Xue Yang sound like...genuinely happy? How can he manage to make that reality?

Finding the right words is a chore and his cheeks burn from the effort! But Xingchen listens and then that hand lands on his arm. Breathing becomes easier and he remembers that tenderness he felt in the bedroom. Seeing Xingchen helpless on the edge of the bed had awoken something new in him.

Something...he doesn't hate. Yet it frightens him and reminds him of his first days with Meng Yao. Maybe he is a little romantic and he can see how Meng Yao used that against him to mold him into a tool. And sometimes a toy.

The question is easy - so easy - to answer, yet fear claws at his throat.

"I want..." he begins quietly, "...what I can never have. That's why I have to steal and pretend."

Edited 2022-07-23 12:56 (UTC)

That scramble for the right words is one Xingchen knows too. He's the youngest of his master's disciples. But that also means he understands, and so he's become, he hopes, a good listener.

He's sure he sees fear in Xue Yang now. And what the other man eventually tells him makes him sad. So he rubs that arm a little before reluctantly pulling back, and tries to ignore how tight his chest feels.

"You've stolen me," he says quietly after a little while. "I do not mind that. But I hope...you eventually no longer feel like you need to pretend with me, to keep me."

Guiding his horse closer to Xingchen's mount, Xue Yang dares to caress the other man's cheek and to touch the beautiful strands of black hair. Why can't he be with this man? But the answer is obvious.

I'm too dirty! It wouldn't take much to stain those white robes.

"What if I just want to kiss you again? Is that wrong?" he whispers heatedly, passion catching fire in his heart and belly, "I like you, Daozhang. I didn't want to be with you in a nasty brothel. But under the stars might be nice?"

The gentle touch surprises him, even as it warms him. He feels his cheeks pink, but he doesn't pull away. Doesn't recoil. He shyly leans into the touch instead.

And the question makes his blush darken and he drops his gaze. But can't help the shy little smile. That desire feels real. And the passion in that quiet voice sends a shiver through him he can't deny feeling.

Would it be so wrong to...give himself to this man? It's better knowing who Xue Yang is. Far better than remaining blindfolded and ignorant. He licks his lips, a quietly nervous little gesture, but shakes his head.

"No. That isn't wrong, Xue Yang. And...would you call me Xingchen? I feel that appropriate." A little more intimate. Closer.

Sweeter. He feels how his heart leaps nervously as he makes that request though. Maybe Xue Yang prefers keeping that distance?

Brothel AU

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