Crimson Crown

⌠58⌡

Jinyoung stirred, softly groaning. He shifted his head here and there, the surface he laid his cheek on warm and comfortable. The only thing still interrupting his slumber was the dull ache in his upper gums that pulled him out of sleep.

His eyes were invaded by daylight when they opened. The last thing he remembered was feeling a comfortable caress on his head and back that helped lull him to sleep through the pain, but it was still dark out at that time.

"Are you in pain?"

His lids fluttered, eyes drifting up toward the man who stared back at him. Jinyoung shifted to get a better look at him, still feeling those strong secure hands on his waist and back. Jackson still glowed in the light, even though he did look tired and sleep-deprived, he was still somehow ethereally gorgeous.

Jinyoung opened his mouth in an attempt to respond, except instead of words, a waterfall of blood and drool dribbled onto Jackson's shirt.

He quickly shut his mouth, sitting upright with his hand slapped over his lips. Now perched in Jackson's lap, he flushed with embarrassment.

Jackson in turn glanced down at the puddle, saying nothing in response. He simply leaned over and grabbed a satin handkerchief that resided on Jinyoung's nightstand to clean up the mess, first tugging the prince close again to gently wipe his mouth, then continuing to wipe at his shirt.

Jinyoung felt like a clumsy five-year-old; his face was as red as a cherry from his own irreversible actions. "I'm sorry—"

"The drool is natural, since your mouth is in pain." Jackson stated while waving away the apology. He set the handkerchief aside, looking up at Jinyoung again. "Do not worry about it. Tell me how you feel."

The latter faltered as his heart throbbed from the mindless care he was receiving. Though Jacskon often came off as cold, he was quite sweet and nurturing.

"Ah, it aches only a bit now. Much better than before—"

As if on cue, Jinyoung winced from a sudden pain in his mouth. He whimpered, but instead of the pain coming from his aching gums, he felt a sting on his tongue. The taste of blood quickly followed.

Jackson initially frowned in concern, but he quickly calmed when he noticed the latter sucking on his own tongue. His eyes sparkled in slight amusement. "Did you bite your tongue?"

Jinyoung shyly glanced up, gently nodding. Jackson let out a chuckle in return as he reached for the latter's jaw.

"You have to be careful of them." He warned while gently touching the pointed fangs hanging from the roof of Jinyoung's mouth. It was such an odd sight to see, such long white teeth glimmering from the prince's mouth, it was hard to keep from staring. "They're sharp, you must get used to speaking and eating with teeth much larger than the rest."

"Are they really that noticeable?" The prince muttered— with an adorable lisp that made Jackson smile wider— while cautiously pressing his finger to his new pair of teeth.

"...Of course. Especially to me, when I see them I just--" Jackson faltered, his eyes shimmering as he gazed at Jinyoung. It was as if something was moved deep inside of him; something that he maybe wanted to express, but hesitated for now. "...I just feel... more connected to you... it's odd..."

Jinyoung wanted to ask more, but decided against it. If Jackson wanted him to know anything, he would tell him in due time. Instead, he leaned forward and wrapped his arms around the latter, his head resting on the other's shoulder as their bodies pressed together.

"Thank you for staying with me." He mumbled, relaxing in the touch of Jackson's hands holding him. "...even after... all that happened last night..."