Crimson Crown

⌠87⌡

"I want to speak with mother and father." Jinyoung ordered as he returned to his room early the next morning.

Youngjae walked beside him, escorting him to his room. He let out a pensive sigh. "They are still quite upset with you..."

"I just have to speak with them. Even for just a moment, tell them I have something important to say."

The two paused just before the door; Youngjae scratched his head as he thought about the request.

"...I will see what I can do, just stay in here for now. I will bring up breakfast soon." He finally answered.

Jinyoung nodded and then entered his room while the servant rushed off. He shut the door behind him with a sigh, eventually trudging to his bed and flopping on the mattress.

He wasn't fatigued or anything, he actually slept quite well in Jackson's arms the night before. He was simply pouting over the fact that he had to leave; he wanted to spend hours with the latter if he was allowed to. Simply cuddling in his arms was as good as sleep medication; he was lucky enough to find a person who made him feel so good.

He happened to glance at the flower Jackson gave him a while ago; it was now slightly wilting. He let out a sigh. How was it possible to miss someone again despite having just been with them?

This aching feeling is why he needed to speak with his parents. He hoped that things wouldn't be too bad for Jackson so he wouldn't end up missing him like crazy; there was still so much he wanted to repay him for anyway. He had sacrificed himself more than once, Jinyoung had no idea what he could do that could possibly amount to that. What might make that vampire happy?

He suddenly remembered what they talked about in Cornelia. There is a community, though small, of vampire survivors... maybe he could start there. Once the kingdoms begin to reopen to one another, they could travel together to visit these vampires and see if any of Jackson's family members are still around. The idea of reuniting Jackson with his own kind, and imagining how happy he might be, made Jinyoung hold on even tighter to hope.

A familiar knock on the door interrupted his thoughts; again Youngjae entered, but this time, he wasn't accompanied by chefs bringing up Jinyoung's food.

"Jinyoung, your parents want you to come down for breakfast." He relayed.

The elder sat up, brows raised. Were they really willing to talk? "What, is my punishment over now?"

"Well, I stressed that you wanted to speak with them, so before they got busy they gathered at the dining table. You should hurry."

Jinyoung practically jumped out of his bed, waiting not even a second to get downstairs. This was his chance to try and help Jackson's case, and hopefully, get his parents to understand and accept what was important to him.

When he got to the dining room, he paused just before the doors. It was time to be honest now; no more hiding or lying. 

He took in a breath and finally pushed in.

"Morning." He greeted upon seeing his mother and father seated in their usual spots at the dining table. 

Breakfast was spread across the surface, a chair and a plate empty just for Jinyoung.

"Morning." His father replied sternly in the midst of already eating.

"How was your rest?" His mother asked with a gentle smile.

Jinyoung let out a breath as he sat down. He was reminded of how nice it was to sleep beside Jackson; he was incredibly well rested. "Last night was pretty good..."