Crimson Crown

⌠16⌡

Jinyoung returned to Jackson's house as soon as he could sneak out of the palace, early in the morning just as he assured the day before. He eagerly dismounted from his horse and tied it up to rest, making his way up the steps to the front door of the creeky house.

In the daylight, there was much more to look at than Jinyoung had initially thought. The house was much bigger than it looked, and was actually quite well kept for being so old. Sure it had its weathered spots here and there, but with carefully carved wood and beautiful stained glass, it was a petty house that Jinyoung hadn't properly appreciated until now.

He gazed at it as he knocked on the front door, awaiting his acquaintance's arrival. "Hello? Vampire? I've returned, bright and early as promised."

It took a few more minutes of knocking and waiting before the latter could hear heavy steps approaching the door. It was the first time Jinyoung could anticipate the vampire's appearance, considering that he seemed to just appear in their other interactions. 

The front door opened, revealing a sleepy shirtless vampire who seemed to be slightly agitated. He scoffed as soon as he laid eyes on Jinyoung, immediately turning around and walking back into his house, leaving the door open. "I know I said the sun won't kill me but I might die if you wake me so early."

Jinyoung rolled his eyes as he followed the latter in, shutting the door behind him. "What a dramatic thing for the all-powerful vampire to say."

"You asked for my name yet have never addressed me with it."

Jinyoung blinked, only then realizing his rudeness. "My apologies, Jackson."

The vampire sighed, taking a seat on his sofa. He leaned back, his smooth torso splayed out. Jinyoung tried not to stare, but the flawless skin caught his attention; he expected vampires to be a ghostly white as they are described in various books, but Jackson's skin was a pretty cream color that seemed to glow in the slivers of sunlight that touched it.  

"Why are you back so early? Can you not tell I was still resting?" 

"I couldn't tell..." Jinyoung mumbled as he stood just in front of the sofa, his eyes drifting down to the vampire's bare torso-- he had a toned build too, one worth admiring. He must need such a lean physique when he's hunting and taking care of this place all on his own. "I hear that vampires sleep from the ceiling. Where did you appear from?"

"Not from the ceiling, if that's what you're implying." Jackson retorted. "I have a normal bedroom. What idiot would sleep upside down where the blood would rush to their head."

"Well, may I see the rest of your home then, so I don't ask foolish questions like that in the future?" Jinyoung curiously asked.

"You'll see it eventually."  

"Eventually?"

"As my servant, of course I'll have you fetch things from different rooms." Jackson explained, his eyes locking with Jinyoung's. "And as your punishment for waking me, I demand breakfast."

The prince frowned, taken aback by the sudden request. "...I don't know how to cook."

"That's ridiculous--" Jackson faltered, clicking his tongue in realization. "Right. A prince. You don't ever lift a finger for yourself, huh."

"Well actually--"

"Then forget breakfast."

"No!" Jinyoung protested as he quickly began taking off his outerwear. "No, I'm not just a lazy prince that does nothing for himself! I help my people, therefore I'm going to make you the best breakfast you've ever had!"