「Two of Hearts」
「遙」- The door closed behind him, leaving him completely alone. Finally. His body ached, and already he could feel bruises forming in several spots. Tante Heleen would surely charge extra for those, not that his client cared. He was a regular by now, even though he’d long ago broken every rule the brothel had. If he had been any normal, drunken customer, Tante Heleen would've had him banned from the Menagerie after his second visit, but because he payed well, she allowed him to act freely. If there was anything Ketterdam had taught him, it was that money had power.
Three years had passed since he’d first been brought to Ketterdam. He could still remember how scared he’d been, locked in a cage with several other children. How terrified he’d been, put on display in front of potential buyers. Even after all this time, the memory of those twenty-four hours made him feel sick to his stomach. He had been fourteen, practically still a child, yet he’d been taken from his family and sold like an object.
Releasing a sigh, Haru let himself slide down against the door. His legs shook with the effort, collapsing under him. Every night was like this. A blur of exhaustion and ache. He’d tried telling himself he’d eventually grow used to it, but how could he? How could anyone? Every day was more exhausting than the last, and for every client, a small piece of him disappeared. After all these years he wasn’t sure there was anything left. His soul was long lost, and only a shell of him remained. It was an endless tunnel -- endless darkness. He’d die before his indenture was paid. The Menagerie would forever be his prison.
That was, unless someone bought his contract. Though, Haru knew better than to think it a plausible option. His parents didn’t know where he was, and he was miles from his hometown. No one in Ketterdam would ever show him such kindness. No, there would be no escaping his indenture. He could do nothing but embrace his fate.
A rumbling from his stomach brought him back to reality, making him hug his knees to his chest. Three meals were given to the brothel workers per day, and he’d already eaten his share. What made it all worse was knowing the food’s cost only added to his indenture. Nothing was free at the Menagerie, and no amount of work could pay back his ever-growing debt.
Forcing himself to stand, Haru made his way to his bed, dropping down onto his back. Most beds made him feel anxious and tense, but this one was his. This room was his safe haven, where no one could touch him. And when the door was closed for the night, he knew he didn’t have to worry about any more clients. Now was his time to rest.
Shedding his shirt, Haru placed his hand on his chest. Even if this was his safe space, sleep had always been a struggle. He could never get himself to properly relax, at least not without his grisha powers. Being a heartrender had its disadvantages, but in moments like this, Haru was immensely grateful for his abilities. To slow his own heartbeat made sleep come easier, and tonight was no different. Within minutes he was gone, falling into a deep sleep.
A knock startled him awake only an hour later, followed by the terrorising screech of Tante Heleen’s voice. “ Haruka, get up. You have a visitor. ” Already halfway risen from bed, Haru froze. Another client? This late? The thought filled him with dread. He wasn’t the least bit ready. His hair was a mess, he needed a bath, and his head was still in scrambles from just waking up. And she expected him to deal with a client pleasantly like this?
“ Haruka. ” the warning was evident in her voice, causing him to move again. Even if this was the last thing he wanted, he had to remind himself that, the choice was not his to make. She had full ownership over him.
“ Coming.. ” Haruka croaked walking to the door and opening it. Just as he’d dreaded, a man stood beside Tante Heleen. He was both tall and broad, handsome too, but his looks didn’t make the situation any better. “ Good. Now make it quick. ” Heleen said quickly, before pushing the man into his room and closing the door behind him.
His heart rate doubled now that they were alone. His room was supposed to be his alone. His bed was supposed to be just for him. But if this was what Tante Heleen wanted, there would be no escaping it. “ Well you’re quite the night owl, aren’t you.. ” Haru approached the taller, trying his best to remain in character. “ I’m honoured you’d rather spend time with me than sleep. ” reaching up, Haru let his hand slide slowly down his client’s chest. “ I’ll make sure to make it worth your while.. ”
