Crimson Crown

⌠93⌡

Jinyoung tried to occupy himself with some training, studying, or paperwork, but in all honesty, he couldn't stop thinking about Jackson. At this point, having nothing but that man on his mind was normal.

By nightfall, the vampire still wasn't back and Jinyoung grew more worried by the hour. Was he okay? Was he being treated well? Was the training too difficult? Were his parents giving him a hard time? 

His mind was shrouded with so many questions to be answered, and so many cravings for Jackson to be by his side again.

As he prepared for bed, his eyes kept glancing over one of Jackson's coats that he'd left in his room during one of his many previous visits. Since Jackson wasn't here to hold him... he figured it wouldn't hurt just to borrow his coat for a little while, right?

Jinyoung grabbed the coat and hugged it to his chest, the scent of the vampire wafting off of it. He buried his face into the warm material, imagining himself in Jackson's arms. Did he feel ridiculous? Yes, but was he also desperate? Yes, he was.

He dragged the coat back to his bed and curled up beside it. He intended to just lay there with it for a bit and bring himself comfort, then put it back where it was.

It would have worked out that way, if he hadn't fallen asleep so fast.

~.~

"Good evening."

Jinyong groaned, ignoring the words being mumbled into his ear. Jackson often woke him that way, but he'd always gain a few extra minutes of sleep by simply not getting up. He nuzzled against Jackson with the intention of falling back to sleep.

Suddenly Jackson's laughter filled his ears; it was nearby, but not necessarily right beside him where he'd expect it to come from. The sound confused him but, he was half asleep anyway, it was probably just an odd dream.

"Do you like my coat better than me? Seriously?"

Jinyoung's eyes snapped open at the comment.

"W-What?" He blinked, wiping the sleep from his eyes. He immediately looked down, expecting Jackson's face to be there, except it wasn't. All but the vampire's empty coat was wrapped in his arms while the actually Jackson stood beside the bed, watching mirthfully. Jinyoung slowly looked up at him, his jaw falling open. "Oh, th-this? I just... I meant to clean it for you and got tired I-I suppose--"

The prince was tackled with an embrace, finally feeling Jackson's real arms and warmth and scent as the two fell back onto his bed.

"You don't have to miss me anymore." He stated.

I did not..." Jinyoung muttered, but the way he squeezed Jackson back contradicted that claim. "You weren't gone gone, you were just busy, how could I miss you--"

"I miss you all the time."

Jinyoung flushed, quickly turning his head away.

"S-Since when did you start to say these sort of things..."

"Who knows... I surprise myself too." The vampire chuckled while releasing Jinyoung. He sat back on the bed, letting out a breath. "I finished all of the paperwork, training. and evaluations. It took all day but, I am now officially your knight."

Despite it not being a spectacular announcement, Jinyoung's heart throbbed at the news. Everything worked out, he couldn't be more relieved.

He wasn't sure how to respond, so instead of saying anything, he simply scooted closer to Jackson and hugged him again. He squeezed him tight while nuzzling against his chest, which prompted Jackson to squeeze the latter in return and suffocate him in his pecks.