Kiss, A JonaDio Fanfic

II.

Candlelight

As soon as he's in his room he removes his wet clothes and changes into a set of dry ones. It helps but not as much as a fire would. He takes a look to his bed, noticing the case of hot coals one of his maids has kindly left under the covers. Before he decides to settle in for the night he decides it might be best to see Dio first, that way he could at least rest peacefully knowing he is alright. He lights a candle in his room, embedded inside its holder, and brings it with him as he leaves.

He's probably asleep already, he thinks as he nears the door. He reaches for the handle and opens it, a subtle creek greeting him as he peers in.

       "Dio?"

Just as he suspects, he is on his bed, eyes closed, asleep. Jojo cocks his head to the side a little, finding his appearance unusual. His hair is slick as if it'd been wet from the rain outside, the blankets are not raised towards the foot, meaning it is absent of any coals, and, most peculiarly, he hasn't used any of the blankets to cover himself at all, despite how cold it is tonight. Could it be that he spared no time to cover up because he was so exhausted?  He wonders as he steps inside towards the canopy bed he's resting on, all the curtains but one undone. At this proximity he's able to notice the bead of sweat trailing down his blonde hair and along his forehead. I suspect that's rain water, but if that's so, why didn't I see him outside?

The whole room is dark save for two candles lit atop bronze sconces by his library, the drapes by his window are closed, not even a pinch of moonlight can manage to squeeze in.

Dio, eyes still closed, huffs out a sigh as he turns his head to the side against his pillow, causing another bead of sweat to trail down his pearl face. Jojo freezes, feeling bad for having possibly stirred him from his slumber. If I'm being honest, he muses, he looks rather ill. He squints his blue eyes a little as he takes note of how pale he looks, too pale, his smooth skin completely devoid of any rose complexion usually dusting his high cheekbones. He looks shiny as if his whole body is wet. 

Having come to terms with the notion of his poor health, he realizes what he once thought was rainwater is actually sweat. A few stray strands of hair have pasted themselves to his face because of it, and his shirt to his muscular physique.

Just as Jojo opens his mouth to say something, Dio opens his eyes.