Crimson Crown

⌠74⌡

Jinyoung followed Jackson downstairs, curious as to what the vampire wanted to show him. He was led into the living room where a large bookshelf stood pushed into the corner.

He watched Jackson reach for the top of the case, straining to grab something hidden up there. Dust snowed through the air when he finally pulled the item down and turned to show it to Jinyoung. He wiped off the leather cover of the thick book he held that was latched closed. It was covered with ages of dust that ticked Jinyoung's sinuses, but he was too curious not to reach out and touch it.

"What is... this?" He asked.

Jackson let out a soft breath as he nudged the book into Jinyoung's hands. "Some of my mother's writings. It is what I have left of her."

The Prince faltered, his fingers lightly brushing the book that's sudden importance made it feel as fragile as a glass plate. "W-Why are you showing me? Is it not precious?"

"It is one of the things that is more precious than anything else I have." Jackson admitted, his eyes resting on the old leather cover. "So precious that I have yet to read them..."

Why was Jackson trying to give him something so valuable? Jinyoung didn't feel like he was permitted the right to even touch anything related to Jackson's family, let alone dig into the personal accounts that they had left behind.

"I... don't understand... I feel that you should read them, they are from your family-"

"I only haven't read it because I never had the courage to face my family again. But I thought... if anyone other than me were to read it, I would like it to be someone who is dear to me."

He pushed the book further into Jinyoung's hands then released his own grip.

Jinyoung froze like a statue as he stared down at the book. "I do not know what to say... I... this feels like a lot..."

"She wrote about various things, to my knowledge; sometimes my father would write too. I thought it might help, maybe there is something there that will give you more insight on yourself too, as a half-blood."

"Are you sure you do not want to read it?"

Jackson took in a short breath. His eyes were dimmer than usual as he glanced away. "Believe it or not, after centuries, I still feel like I need time... strange isn't it?"

"It is not strange really, but... I just... is it really okay that I..."

"My mother would have loved you. She loves the curious kind, and talked forever when she was sharing her knowledge. There is no issue."

Jinyoung still felt like he had no business touching this book, yet Jackson ruffled his hair as if it were no big deal.

"I do not know how to thank you..." He muttered out.

"You said you wanted me to trust you more." The vampire reminded while loosely gesturing to the book. "I want to trust you more too, so, I trust you with not just my heart, but a part of my past too. Do with it what you please."

With that, Jackson brushed past the latter.

Jinyoung clutched to the book, still speechless. He was helplessly curious, and ecstatic that Jackson trusted him this much, yet it still didn't sit right with him to lay eyes on something Jackson himself had yet to look at.

He swiftly turned, chasing after the latter just before he started up the stairs.

"Jackson-"

The vampire paused and glanced back.

"May we-... I mean, if it is okay with you, I would like to read it with you. I think, maybe together, we can both enjoy what your mother left behind."

Jinyoung's gaze bashfully fell to the floor as he held the book out toward the vampire.

He heard those heavy footsteps approaching him again, along with a slow intake of air. Jackson's fingers gently touched Jinyoung's, silently inviting him to lift his head.

"Then, maybe it will be easier to digest if you are by my side." Jackson stated, a soft smile on his lips; the warm expression sent a wonderful tingly sensation through Jinyoung's body. "Would you like to... come to my room later tonight?"

For some reason the invitation made Jinyoung blush.

The prince slowly nodded. "I would love to."