MIX-UP (JossGawin)

Chapter 13

Joe was already fast asleep in his room, the day's worries temporarily forgotten. Meanwhile, Tong, exhausted from his ordeal, had passed out on the sofa.

He didn't even stir when Mark moved silently next to him. The vampire, now rejuvenated from feeding on Tong, could move as fast as the wind. He watched over Tong with an amused expression, noting how vulnerable he looked when he wasn't grumbling or being stubborn.

Hours later, Joe woke up feeling oddly refreshed. Stretching, he padded out of his room, rubbing his eyes. He nearly tripped over Tong, who was still sprawled out on the couch.

"Morning, Sleeping Beauty," Joe said, nudging Tong with his foot. "You look like you got run over by a truck."

Tong groaned, sitting up slowly. "I feel like it too. Mark fed a lot last night."

Joe raised an eyebrow. "You think you can keep this up? He's getting stronger."

Tong shrugged. "I'll manage. Besides, I kind of like the guy. In a weird, masochistic way."

Joe snorted. "You're a glutton for punishment, you know that?"

Tong smirked. "And you're a clean freak. We all have our quirks."

Joe rolled his eyes, but there was a fondness in his expression. "Come on, let's get some breakfast. Maybe today will be less insane."

Beside..... Mark, fully aware of his regained vampire powers, said nothing to Tong, allowing him to believe he was still as weak as when Tong first found him. 

He let both Tong and Joe think he was just a tame vampire living quietly in their house. In reality, his powers were gradually returning, but he kept that fact well-hidden.

That evening, as Joe and Tong prepared dinner, Mark watched them from the doorway of Tong's bedroom. His eyes glinted with amusement as he observed their domestic routine. 

Joe, always the neat one, meticulously chopped vegetables, while Tong haphazardly tossed ingredients into a pot.

Joe glanced at Mark and then leaned closer to Tong, whispering, "He seems hungry too."

Tong followed Joe's gaze and sighed. "Yeah, he probably is. Better make sure there's enough food for me."

Joe rolled his eyes but nodded, adding more ingredients to the pot. "You and your vampire appetite."

As they continued cooking, Tong turned to Mark. "Come on, you. Let's get you fed."

He pulled Mark into the bedroom and closed the door behind them. Mark's eyes sparkled with an almost mischievous light, but Tong was too preoccupied to notice.

Mark approached Tong slowly, his movements graceful and deliberate. "You're too good to me, Tong," he murmured, leaning in.

Tong smirked. "Yeah, yeah. Just get it over with."

Mark's lips brushed against Tong's, his touch light and teasing. He bit down gently, sucking on Tong's blood, but not with his usual hunger. 

Instead, he gave small, lingering kisses, each one more intimate than the last. Tong, caught off guard by the tenderness, didn't realize that Mark wasn't drinking as much as he usually did.

Tong shivered slightly, his hands gripping Mark's shoulders. "What... what are you doing?"

Mark pulled back, licking his lips. "Just savoring the moment," he replied with a playful smirk.

Tong's eyes narrowed, but he didn't push Mark away. "Don't get used to it," he muttered, his voice betraying a hint of vulnerability.

Mark chuckled, giving one last soft kiss before stepping back. "Wouldn't dream of it."

Back in the kitchen, Joe finished setting the table, his thoughts wandering to their unusual household dynamic. .

When Tong and Mark emerged, Joe raised an eyebrow. "All good?"

Tong nodded, though he looked a bit flustered. "Yeah, all good. Let's eat."

As they sat down to dinner, Joe feels that something was different. He glanced at Mark, who met his gaze with a knowing smirk.

Later that night, as they cleaned up, Joe pulled Tong aside. "Hey, you sure you're okay with all this? You look a bit... off."

Tong shrugged. "I'm fine. Just a bit tired, that's all."

Joe frowned but didn't push further. "Alright. Just let me know if you need anything."

Tong nodded, grateful for Joe's concern but also determined to handle things on his own. "Thanks."

Mark watched them from the doorway again, a secret smile playing on his lips. He knew his power was returning, and soon he would have to reveal the truth. 

But for now, he enjoyed the game, relishing the closeness it brought with Tong and the perplexed glances from Joe.