A Fortune On Lies

Disclaimer: Lost Odyssey and all characters therein do not belong to me and I am making no money off of this. All characters, places, spells, etc belong to Mistwalker.

Warnings: Coerced sex

Pairings: Gongora/Jansen, vague hints of Gongora/Tolten.

A Fortune On Lies


There came a time in every man's life when he needed to decide whether or not he was truly willing to do anything for money. Well, every man who's ever said he'd do anything for money, at least. Jansen Friedh prided himself on his ability to rake in cash by whatever means necessary. This meant he often skirted on the edge of the law, even sometimes going right over it. But if the fee was high enough, well…

Jansen enjoyed a lifestyle that required a perpetually full money pouch.

Which was why he'd found himself working for the Urhan Councilman Gongora. Sneaking around back alleys and bribing appropriate parties was nothing Jansen hadn't done for other wealthy men before, and Gongora was more than just wealthy. He was also pretty damn generous. On top of his daily fee, Jansen had nearly free reign of the man's mansion. Which meant no worrying about draining his finances staying at that ritzy inn in town. And more money for women and wine.

And the guy was pretty decent, as far as Jansen could tell. As far as any corrupt politician could be, anyway. He knew how to have a good time and he knew how to keep a comfortable house. After a few weeks, even Jansen's chronic wanderlust had quieted some in the face of the opulent living Gongora offered.

But now there was a sticking point. Jansen rubbed the bridge of his nose and eyed the pouch of overflowing coins with a mix of greed and indecision. That was a lot of money. A whole lot of money. Enough to keep him drunk and holed up in a brothel for a month. Maybe even more.

"Huh. Uh…you know I don't quite remember listing that when we were talking about the kind of services I offer," Jansen managed. It wasn't the first time he'd been propositioned. And if he agreed, it wouldn't be the first time he'd done so either. He looked at it as a kind of karma. He'd bought more women than he could count, it was probably only fair that he see the other side of things now and again. But that didn't mean he wasn't picky about what guys he'd agree to go to bed with. A certain degree of going to bed, anyway. Nobody was going in the out door, so to speak. There wasn't enough gold in the world to buy that. Not from Jansen.

The point was that Gongora wasn't exactly his type. He wasn't a bad looking guy, and Jansen liked him well enough, but…. Jansen liked his men a lot more feminine. Not broad shouldered, bearded and towering over him.

But that was a lot of money.

"I believe one refers to this as 'reading between the lines'. Or perhaps the information I gathered on you has led me astray…?"

"No, no…not exactly." That was one sticking point that Jansen could do without. Gongora had checked up on him. His connections, references, all that crap. Gods only knew what he'd been told - he sure as hell hadn't shared his info with Jansen. "But you know…it's one of those 'desperate situation' things. And I'm nowhere near desperate."

"No, I suppose you aren't. It would be a pity if you were to suddenly find yourself in dire need, however."

"Yeah, that'd be a real pity. Good thing I signed that magic contract." Which bound him to Gongora's service. He couldn't get out of this job easy, but he couldn't lose it easily, either.

"Funny you should mention your contract...." The small smile and the dark glint in the older man's eyes was all Jansen needed. Stupid! he thought to himself. Oh yeah, that was a great idea, entering into a magically sealed deal with a manipulative bastard.

"Oh, yeah, right. I get it. We're playing hardball now." Jansen leaned back on the comfortable reclining couch in Gongora's office. So that was how it was gonna be. Fine. He knew when he was beat. It was a lot of money, and as long as Gongora understood exactly what he was getting….

"Not at all, my dear Mr. Friedh. We're simply…negotiating." Gongora smiled and leaned back in his own chair, and Jansen had to chuckle a bit. He could appreciate going hard for something you wanted. Hell, it was even flattering that he was in such demand. And apparently worth so much money. It was nice when his greatness was recognized.

"Alright. But let's lay down some ground rules here, because you're not getting exactly what you want. Nothing personal, boss, I just don't do that."

"We all have our limits, I suppose." Gongora shrugged, perfectly pleasant once more. Remember he's got a temper, jeeze! If it came down to a choice between getting fucked and being fucked…well, the only thing Jansen loved more than money and women was his own skin. He didn't want to push it to that kind of point. "But…if that is the case…" The older man's hand snaked out, snatching back the coins on the table between them.

"Hey!"

"Come now, Jansen, it's only fair to adjust your fee. How does that saying go? Ah yes. 'You get what you pay for'. And I intend to pay only for what I'm getting."

Jansen couldn't keep his face straight as all that money disappeared back into the confines of Gongora's robes. His face fell and he leaned forward, as though he could somehow grab it back. The second purse was significantly smaller. But it was still money. And he knew damn well Gongora could get what he wanted without offering him any further consolation. Again, it's your own damn fault for entering into a contract you didn't look over twice. And he was getting paid.

"Alright, you win, we've got a deal. So what, you want me to wander back here tonight?"

Gongora chuckled now, and Jansen just raised an eyebrow. He hadn't exactly said anything funny. But then again, Gongora was kind of a weird guy. And he definitely had a weird sense of humor. Then again, as far as Jansen could tell, most Urhans were pretty weird.

"Yes, that will be fine. It will be a welcome respite not to have to woo you. You are dismissed until….this evening."

Jansen just nodded and took his leave, wondering if maybe he could have talked himself out of this after all.

***

"Jerk," Jansen muttered to himself once he'd returned to his own room. "What does he mean 'no wooing'? Oh, just 'cause he's paying for it he figures he doesn't have to do anything? Jeeze…." Some guys. Prostitutes were people, too - not that he considered himself a prostitute. He was just…opportunistic. But that didn't mean the whole thing had to go down like a business transaction. The trick was to make it feel like it wasn't. Who wanted cold, impersonal sex? Or one party doing all the work? It wasn't like Jansen was eager to hop into bed with Tall, Blonde and Burly, but if he was going to, he damn well wanted to enjoy it. As much as he could, anyway.

Which meant he probably ought to get ready. A long bath followed by a few glasses of wine and he'd be good to go. Just because it was business - and Gongora - didn't mean Jansen was going to half-ass it. Besides, he was damn proud of his skills in bed, regardless of who or what his partner happened to be. And hey, maybe the big guy tipped for a job well done.

And of course, as he went into his own private bath to fill the almost sickeningly deep and wide tub, he remembered again just why he put up with this kind of thing. Luxury like this wasn't exactly easy to fall right into. This was the kind of living that most people had to spend a hell of a lot of money on, and here he was, enjoying it pro bono. The bathroom alone was bigger than normal people's bedrooms. Sitting on a plush antique bench as the tub filled with steaming water, Jansen couldn't really work himself up to be bothered about the night's coming activity.

"Wonder what the big guy's like in bed...."

Sometimes, you could tell. If he had to guess, he'd guess Gongora was strong willed and dominant. The type that had to be in control and calling all the shots. Probably want to be called 'sir' or 'My Lord' or something like that. But for all Jansen knew, the councilman wanted to be tied up with stockings and smacked with noodles. Again, Big Blonde and Burly was a weird guy.

And maybe, if things went quickly enough, Jansen could still meander down to The Maiden's Crown for the type of bedsport he generally preferred. There was a particularly saucy little brunette with the most perfect shoulders he'd ever seen. He could vaguely remember licking wine off of them. Oh yeah, that'd be the perfect way to ensure he had fun, too. But playtime came after work, unfortunately.

The bath was ready. Jansen stripped and hung his clothes neatly - well away from the steam - and sank gratefully into the hot water. He slid down and the water came to his neck, covering him completely. He rested his head on the bath pillow and let the water and oils and steam relax him.

Gongora. Even after working for him for a few weeks, Jansen couldn't quite figure out what the guy's deal was. He didn't trust the Urhan Council as far as he could throw them, and considering the size of most of them…. But from what little he'd seen, they were your standard bitchy politicians still trying to get the country - and their own agendas - under control. And then there was Gongora. The only sorcerer on the council. He had some big huge magic engine project he was always busy with - The Great Staff or whatever. Which just sounded dirty as far as Jansen was concerned. And as far as Jansen could tell, the guy's best friend was a teenage boy. That mincing little blond kid with the painfully shiny armor that was always around. Apparently Gongora was teaching him or something, but….

Well, now Jansen began wondering. He thought he remembered someone saying that Goldilocks was the dead king's kid. What was his name? Prince Toto? Something like that. Before coming to Urha, the politics of the country had been mostly a mystery. He knew there'd been some sort of revolution or something, and the monarchy was disposed of and the king had ended up dead. He still didn't know if the two went hand in hand, but he figured they did. Of course, if the last king had been offed because Urha didn't want anymore kings, why'd they leave an heir alive?

Whatever, it didn't matter to him. He'd never actually talked to Shiny Britches - he always seemed to catch him either coming or going - but the kid looked about as threatening as a five week old puppy. And maybe he was always around because Gongora was just keeping an eye on him. Making sure he didn't get any ideas, rouse any rabbles, or whatever it was that rightful heirs to thrones did when they wanted their throne back. Which was a pretty reasonable, smart and likely explanation for why a middle aged guy spent most of his free time with a seventeen year old. Or however old His Sparkliness was. Somewhere between sixteen and eighteen, as far as he could tell. Which brought Jansen back to a slightly uneasy idea.

What if it wasn't all perfectly innocent, with the concerned councilman watching over the poor orphaned prince? Prince Glittery Greaves there was damn good looking. And young. And apparently had all the assertiveness of a paper placemat. And from what Jansen had seen, seemed to hang on Gongora's every word. That was a potentially bad combination. And not something he really wanted to be thinking about just hours before he was supposed to tango with Gongora.

It's none of your damn business anyway, Jansen reminded himself. So what if Gongora was screwing the kid? Even if he was a little on the young side, it wasn't like he was too young. And it didn't have any effect on the work Jansen did. Any of it. Unless there was something going on and little Lord of the Prance was the jealous type. Even then, Jansen was just doing what he was paid to do. It wasn't his problem or fault if Gongora liked to shop around.

Why are you even thinking about this? A good question. And easily answered. He was thinking about it because he did think about things. He needed to. And he needed to know who was connected to who and how. Either for blackmail, to trade to people who wanted to know, or to save his own skin if an ally suddenly turned into an enemy.

But it was getting him nowhere, since he only had suspicions based on the fact that Gongora liked other guys and Goldilocks was pretty.

And the hours were slipping away. The bathwater was finally beginning to cool and the light through the high windows was dimming rapidly. He hauled himself out of the tub and drip dried for a bit in front of the fire. A fireplace in his own bathroom! And a wine rack. Gongora knew what he liked, that was for sure. And speaking of wine….

He sipped at a glass as he dried himself off completely and began to dress. He didn't bother with one of his usual elaborate outfits. It was all just gonna end up on the floor anyway. A dark red silk shirt, complimentary brocade vest, comfortable silk pants…. Yeah, that was the right choice. Simple, flattering, soft to the touch and easy to get off. And that dark shade of red always looked damn good on him. Not that many things didn't look good on him, but still. His hair was still a little damp, but that was okay. Hell, it was sexy. He pulled it back and tied it off, happy with the finished result.

"You're a handsome, handsome man, Jansen." He toasted his reflection and grinned, all thoughts of what creepy dealings Gongora may or may not have long gone from his mind. Another glass of wine, and then he'd head back upstairs….

***

"Wow. Nice digs, boss."

Jansen thought his bedroom was impressive. It was a cheap stall compared to Gongora's. He let out a low whistle as the taller man led him back into his private sanctum. The bed alone…holy crap, it could probably comfortably fit ten! And the carpet…even through his slippers, Jansen could feel how rich and plush it was. He almost wished that the lighting wasn't so dim so he could see Gongora's stuff better. But it was pretty obvious that the councilman had one thing on his mind and one thing only. The fire was low, the lights were dimmed, there was some kind of musky incense wafting around….

"Indeed. Wine?"

"You read my mind." Jansen grinned and turned to inspect the bed. Damn it looked comfy. He kicked off his slippers and sprawled back across the expansive surface. Just as soft and sinful as it had looked. He shimmed up a bit until he was leaning against the spray of pillows at the headboard.

"My my, eager to get down to business, are we?" Gongora had a glass of wine in hand. He was still in his council garb, but he'd ditched the awkward looking coat thing. He was standing in front of the fireplace, just watching. Strange shadows moved over his skin, leaving his flesh ruddy tinged in their wake. And his eyes looked like black holes. In the flickering light of the fire, he looked pretty damn creepy. Almost inhuman. Jansen was relieved when he came closer, the shadows falling away and the man revealed once more.

"No sense in beating around the bush." Hands folded behind his head, legs slightly akimbo, Jansen knew how he looked. And even if he didn't, he could see it in Gongora's eyes. That open hunger and desire that was really nothing but want was all that was there. "You gonna join me?"

Gongora did. He sat on the bed and offered the wine to Jansen, who took it gratefully. Their fingers brushed, all very pointed and planned. Jansen tipped his head back as he drank, his free hand casually unbuttoning his brocade vest. He did it slowly, knowing Gongora was watching. The vest fell open gracefully just as Jansen lowered the wine glass. It was good stuff - Gohtzan, nicely aged, tempered with honey and a hint of some exotic herb. High quality booze, but what else had he expected?

"You've got good taste in wine. This stuff is…well, it's definitely better than what I usually drink." Jansen chuckled a bit as Gongora took the empty glass from him. Again their fingers touched. Jansen let his linger, teasing. The atmosphere and the wine were loosening him up and putting him in the right mood.

"I only allow myself the finest of life's pleasures." Gongora's voice was low and husky and he took the edge of Janson's vest between his fingers, stroking the fabric softly. "I'm sure a man such as yourself understands those sentiments."

"Completely," Jansen agreed. He sat up and the open vest slipped off his shoulders. Gongora was close now, right beside him. He could feel the heat of the other man's body. Their legs were close to touching and despite a minimal physical interest in the older man, Jansen felt the first stirrings of arousal. When Gongora reached up and untied his hair, he realized he'd been wrong. This wasn't just business to the councilman, not exactly. The other man's touch was firm but gentle and slow. He drew the ribbon slowly down and over Jansen's neck, caressing him with the narrow strip of fabric. That felt nice. It also felt nice when Gongora carded his fingers through Jansen's long hair, parting it and stroking it with languid movements.

This is…not what I expected. But that was alright. Jansen reached for Gongora, running his hand along one broad shoulder. Tugging at Gongora's shirt. Tugging it off. The man was built like a rock and Jansen had to admit he was suitably impressed. Heavily muscled men weren't to his tastes, but the aesthetic in him admired the other man's well cut and kept form. The only odd bit was how quiet it all was. Jansen was used to playful banter, teasing, that sort of thing. Not this eerie, intense quiet.

But intense was the word, for everything. The feel of the room, the way Gongora slowly slid off his shirt, the look in the other man's eyes. It was all really, really intense. Almost too intense. Jansen felt light headed and heavy all at once. Gongora's hands were all over him, moving slowly but insistently over his chest, his stomach, his hips. Gongora's mouth was on his neck, his shoulder, buried in his fall of hair. They were both breathing heavily. Jansen was fully aroused now, his blood heated by Gongora's caresses and the musky scent of incenses. It was all hard heat and lazy touches and soft little grunts and sighs. There were whispers of cloth and the heady tang of sweat and limbs tangling in limbs.

So, so not what I expected. Any further thoughts were too complex at the moment. Somewhere along the lines, Gongora had gotten his pants off. And everything else. They were both unveiled completely. Jansen was aware of Gongora's eyes on him. Hungry still, but with a predatory glint that hadn't been there at first. Jansen was very still, stretched out on his back on the bed much as he had been in the beginning. Gongora's towering form now seemed intimidating and imposing rather than appealing. He wondered if things had gotten too far out of hand, if he'd let his guard down too much. When Gongora reached for him, his first instinct was to jerk away. He knew what was going to happen. Gongora would turn him, hold him down, and take what he wanted. And he wouldn't be able to do anything, and Gongora's hand was in his hair, moving him….

Drawing him to his hands and knees. Jansen looked up, a hint of warning creeping into his eyes. Gongora was smiling, kneeling above him. A log popped and cracked in the fire and Jansen realized it was the loudest noise anything had made in the room since Gongora had let down his hair. Speaking of…Gongora's hand was gripping him tightly. From this angle, the blond giant looked like some kind of ancient god statue come to life or something. One of the scary ones. He tipped up Jansen's chin, leaning down to meet his eyes. Which was a lot better than what had previously been at eye level.

"You know what to do."

And Jansen did. He wet his lips and winked by way of response, and tried to flip his internal autopilot switch. This was easy, nothing he had to pay too much attention to. And with Gongora…well, he didn't want to pay too much attention. Something still seemed a little bit off. He couldn't figure it out, but at least they were nearly done. Which was good, because Jansen was beginning to feel pained. The few casual strokes the other man had offered hadn't done much more than fan the flames. But right now, Jansen ignored that as well. Gongora's hand on the back of his head was the only thing he couldn't seem to distance himself from. He closed his eyes when ho took the other man into his mouth, thankful for the many glasses of wine he'd consumed beforehand.

Now Gongora took over. Offering instruction, commands and occasionally encouragement. Mostly just commands at this point. Jansen didn't pay much attention to the words, but the tone told him what he needed. And a brisk jerk or shove to his head took care of the rest. Gongora was close. Very close. Jansen steeled himself, relaxing himself, ready. There was a sharp pain in the back of his head without warning and he found himself on his back yet again, thrown down onto the pillows and bedsheets. And then Gongora was done, the evidence hot and sudden across Jansen's hip.

What the hell just happened? By the time Jansen sat up, scowling a bit at the mess - he'd have to take another bath now - Gongora was standing, a robe draped over him. Huh. Jansen looked from the other man and then down at himself, not really sure what was even going on anymore. He'd had a lot of sex with a lot of different people, and it this was something new.

"Uh…?"

"Hmm? Ah, yes. Quite satisfactory. You're dismissed."

"I'm what now?"

"Dismissed." Gongora raised an eyebrow. "And do put on your pants before you go." To emphasize, the councilman tossed Jansen's clothes at him before turning and disappearing into what Jansen assumed was the master bath.

Son of a bitch! Damn bastard! Mr. high and mighty horse bothering street licking… Now that was just…this was…. Beyond words. Jansen wiped himself off with a corner of sheet and tugged on his pants, still mentally railing against his employer. And things had started out so well! But no, stupid selfish arrogant prick….

Forget the bath. Gongora'd gotten his, fine and great, now Jansen needed his. And by damn, he was going to get it. He grumbled as he stomped out of the master bedroom, pulling his shirt back on as he went. He didn't bother trying to find his hair ribbon. There was a pretty little brunette in the city that would make everything all better, and the sooner he got to her the better. Oh yeah. That long, glossy hair. Those beautiful green eyes. Perfect, pink, kissable lips….

Jansen paused suddenly and looked over his shoulder, back down the hall to the closed door of Gongora's quarters. He realized what had been bugging him in bed, what had seemed a little weird. For all the touching and tangling and everything else…Gongora hadn't once kissed him.