Crimson Crown

⌠70⌡

Jinyoung ran up the steps to the house carrying a small sack, swinging the door open.

"We got blueberries to make sweetcakes." He announced to the two who sat in the living room, occupying themselves with chatting and books.

They glanced back in Jinyoung's direction, watching as Jackson followed behind him.

"Oh, you two found one another." Mark stated as he and the servant stood to greet them. "Youngjae was just here panicking because Jinyoung went out by himself."

"I was not panicking, I was just worried!" Youngjae retorted.

Jinyoung chuckled, unsurprised by the latter's concern. "No need to worry then, see I am fine."

"I'm going to get started." Jackson stated. He stepped to Jinyoung and reached for the sack, meanwhile leaning in and pressing a kiss to his cheek."Thank you for helping."

Jinyoung flushed, gently touching his cheek as Jackson headed toward the kitchen. He helplessly smiled, his gaze bashfully falling to the floor.

"So~ you two made up?" Mark hummed, nudging the prince's arm.

Jinyoung simply shrugged, too busy swooning to combat the teasing. "I am still mad at him but... I forgive him..."

"You do not look mad to me." Youngjae muttered.

"I'm mad!" The prince assured, yet his face only turned redder.

Mark laughed at him, gently patting his shoulder. "I told you it would be fine, did I not?"

Jinyoung rolled his eyes. He then perked up, suddenly remembering a duty he'd forgotten. "Ah, I should go bring some hay to the horses."

He quickly turned and headed back out the door.

"I'll help him." Mark stated, following the prince to assist him, and most likely tease him the entire time.

Youngjae sighed as he watched the two disappear. He then turned toward the kitchen, hearing various pots and pans clink as he approached. Jackson was taking out some ingredients when Youngjae stepped behind him, the servant sure that the latter could sense his presence.

"What happened between you two?"

Jackson paused in the middle of pulling out a sack of flour. He glanced behind him, his sharp gaze meeting Youngjae's matching one.

"...Jinyoung did not tell you?"

"You know Jinyoung keeps things to himself. You're the only one he is fully open with." Youngjae snapped back.

Jackson let out a soft breath, shaking his head. "...It was nothing. It's resolved now."

The latter stepped forward, suddenly grabbing the vampire by his collar and pulling him close. "It was not nothing. He was not himself for weeks because of you, crying nearly every day from sadness and guilt, barely eating, barely sleeping... do not tell me it was merely nothing."

Jackson stared down at him-- he had the ability to toss Youngjae like a ragdoll if he so chose, but there was no need to make an unnecessary conflict any worse.

"I did not want to leave him like that." He responded.

"If we did not have to bring him to you I would have never let him see you again." Youngjae's fisted hand clenched Jackosn's collar for a brief moment longer before he finally let go. He took a step back while the latter adjusted his clothing. "But you seemed to have fixed things for now... though I still do not trust you."

"I can see that..." Jackson mumbled.

"You make my Prince happy, so my input is relevant. All I want to say is, this better be permanent." The servant warned. He was tired of seeing Jinyoung be put through so many different situations and emotions due to one vampire; all he wanted was to keep him safe and happy. "If you break his heart again, there will be consequences."

Jackson stared at him, his dark eyes fierce yet sincere. "I do not intend on hurting him again. I love him."

"So do I. Do not underestimate me."

Just then, the front door opened again and the sound of the prince's laughter filled the house.

"One of the horses tried to eat Mark's hair!" He exclaimed as he stepped in.

Mark walked in afterward while running his fingers through his damp hair. "It's not funny..."

"Ah, it would have been funnier if you had a bald spot." Jinyoung teased.

"How cruel!"

The prince chuckled, glancing over into the kitchen. He noticed Youngjae and Jackson together, his head cocking slightly. "Oh-- were you two talking about something?"

Youngjae shook his head while approaching the prince and leaving the vampire to cook. "Just chatting about this and that. I am going to pack our things for the ride back."

"Ah- about that..." Jinyoung faltered, awkwardly glancing in Jackson's direction as he spoke. "...Do you mind if we stay another day? ...Or two..?"

The servant's jaw fell open. "But- we got special permission to bring you outside the castle walls, we shouldn't--"

"You didn't specify how long though, right?"

"Well... no but... it's still not ideal--"

"Ah Youngjae lighten up." Mark chuckled while slapping Jinyoung on the back. "I can ride back and inform everyone that the Prince needs a couple more days to make a full recovery. I mean, we already know the true reason why Jinyoung wants to stay..."

Mark wiggled his eyebrows which solicited a blush and a punch in the arm from the prince.

Youngjae sighed. He glanced back at Jackson, the latter sparing a mere glance in his direction before turning back around, obviously overhearing their conversation. He let out a low groan as he weighed his options.

"...Fine! If it is what Jinyoung desires..." He finally muttered. He didn't exactly love this arrangement but, seeing the way Jinyoung's face lit up was worth sucking it up. "I will ride back, I prefer Mark stay with you, as he is better in combat in case anything happens."

"Ah, thank you Youngjae." Jinyoung reached out and grabbed his hands, tightly squeezing in appreciation.

Youngjae rolled his eyes, yet a small smile rested on his lips. "Just a few days. But feel free to come back sooner..."

"I doubt he will." Mark teased, receiving yet another reprimanding punch.

"Stay for breakfast, then you may go." Jinyoung encouraged. His gaze then shifted behind the latter toward the kitchen. "Ah, Jackson, do you need help?"

The prince quickly released Youngjae and swiftly passed by him to join Jackson. The servant and Mark watched as Jinyoung stood beside him, the pair blindly smiling at one another. Jackson leaned in and kissed Jinyoung's head while handing him some blueberries to wash, and the latter blushed from the shameless affection.

"I'm glad they're back to normal." Mark stated contently.

Youngjae turned back to him, letting out a soft sigh.

"I suppose I am too. Just..." He shook his head, his eyes falling to the floor. "...keep Jinyoung safe, please. In case anything happens. Especially if Jackson puts him in any danger."

"I know my job. Stop worrying." Mark replied, patting the younger on the shoulder and walking off.

Youngjae sighed again, heading toward the stairs to go pack up his belongings.