Crimson Crown

⌠21⌡

"I will check on you tomorrow and come with more bandages to redress your wound." Jinyoung announced as the colors of dusk began to set in the sky, the prince realizing how long he'd been by the vampire's side. 

Youngjae was probably having a fit at the palace, but the scolding would be worth it considering all he's gained. He was a bit reluctant to leave, but in this case, it wasn't because he was trying to squeeze as much information out of the vampire as he could. He just wanted to stay in Jackson's presence a little longer; the two merely sat beside each other, Jackson in his bed and Jinyoung on his chair next to it, and talked a few words here and there-- and it was comfortable.

It was an oddly warm feeling that Jinyoung hadn't felt in years. The prince wasn't sure how he should interpret it.

"No need, I told you I am fine." Jackson assured, ironically wincing as he sat up.

Jinyoung clicked his tongue, shaking his head. "A billion times already, yet you still groan when you walk. Maybe I should bring some pain-relieving drugs as well..."

"I may not be here tomorrow."

The prince faltered, blinking as he registered the sudden news. "W-What?"

The vampire glanced up at him, letting out a small chuckle that lacked the smile that was supposed to come with it. "Oh don't cry now, I meant I have things I need to take care of so I will be busy. I won't be here, in the house."

"Oh..." Jinyoung's cheeks warmed; he quickly turned his head to hide the reddening of his skin "...w-well I wasn't going to cry, you just said it as if I'd never see you again. Don't say worrying things so suddenly."

"Is seeing me that important to you?" The vampire questioned.

"Well-" Jinyoung's voice failed him for an awkward moment as he noticed those dark eyes Jackson owned staring holes into him. Even though the latter was wounded and in bed, he could somehow make others feel like prey in his gaze. The prince's face quickly shaded itself pink, his eyes darting everywhere else to avoid contact. "F-For curiosity purposes, and for the fate of my kingdom, yes, seeing you is really important."

"Then, you shall come to see me the day after tomorrow, and by then I hope to have good news."

"Good news?" The prince perked up.

Jackson nodded, his eyes lingering on Jinyoung for a few seconds longer before he laid back down, turned on his side. "Now go home before they send more assassins after me."

Jinyoung chuckled, quietly making his way out of the room. He dimmed the lamp just beside the door that he'd lit earlier, the room darkening aside from the sliver of light that remained outside the window. "Good Night, Vampire."

He shut the door and quickly headed out, his heart pumping in his chest with every step he took. For some reason, he felt exhilarated-- as if he'd done the impossible by becoming acquainted with a vampire. The once hostile creature was now peaceful toward him... he might even go as far as to say friendly. And though he was worried for the vampire, seeing him in a weakened state made Jinyoung feel less powerless against him. Cleaning his blood, dressing his wound, easing his pain... Jackson felt more human as each moment they spent together passed.

He continued to think about their time together as he rode home-- except he reminded himself of his most embarrassing moment, laying on the vampire's chest. He couldn't really explain what came over him at that point, part of him was distracted by the flawless skin and toned body laid out before him while the other part was hoping to ease Jackson's thoughts and help him relax. Either way, he must've caught the vampire off guard, and felt bad for being so careless. He wanted to bash his head into a wall to forget that it ever happened.

When he arrived at the palace, it was dark. He decided to try and drown out his intrusive thoughts of embarrassment in the library, hoping to finish off his vampire research to take his mind off things. He attempted to sneak through the long hallways, avoiding the echo of footsteps as to not run into anyone who might question his whereabouts, but it seemed that only one person could always find him no matter where he went.

"My Prince!" That familiar voice exclaimed, making the latter pause in his tracks.

Jinyoung slowly turned, the corners of his lips rising into a small smile. "Ah, Youngjae, how are you?"

"I'm fine. Though I worried all day about you." The servant replied as he approached, arms folded over his chest.

The prince could already feel suspicion oozing off the younger, which he had wanted to avoid as much as possible. "...I really don't know why you stress yourself so; I've assured you on more than one occasion that I'm fine."

Youngjae hummed, his foots gently tapping the marble floors. "Where are you headed to?"

"The library, to do more studying." Jinyoung mumbled, impatiently waiting to end the conversation so he could be on his way.

"I hope on real studies and not vampire related?"

"You hoped wrong."

Youngjae let out an agitated sigh. "I do not understand. Why are you so obsessed with him?"

"Because he's different."

"Well of course, he's a vampire."

"And learning different things is a good thing."

"Not if it's dangerous."

"Which it isn't."

"He's hurt you before."

"Out of self-defense!"

"Did you attack first?"

"Well--" Jinyoung faltered, as the answer to that was more complicated, not that Youngjae would even care to try and understand. "...no I didn't, but of course anyone would be hostile toward a stranger entering their home."

"Still, his disregard for your title as a prince is incredibly rude. Anyone else would have gladly welcomed you into their home."

"I like that he disregards the title. I feel equal to him. Sometimes inferior, even."

"Feeling inferior is never a good thing. He's twisted your mind to think that it's okay."

"No, he's making me value someone more than myself. That is why I feel inferior-- my entire life I was told I was important and everyone should look up to me, but I've come to enjoy feeling that someone else is more important sometimes."

Youngjae scoffed, his brows furrowing in disbelief. "You value him? You're caring for this creature?"

"He's just a man with extraordinary abilities. What does it matter to you if I care for him?" The prince retorted.

"He wouldn't care for you back."

"How would you know that? You don't know anything about him, you haven't even met him. Do not make hasty assumptions."

The servant sighed, taking a breath to calm himself. He shook his head, deciding to rephrase himself. "I apologize. But I still do worry for you, as that is my job."

"I beg of you to take your job a bit less seriously."

"That's impossible my prince. I do not only care for you as your servant, but as your childhood friend."

"Then as my friend, please heed my word when I tell you to lower your defenses against him." Jinyoung huffed, turning away from the younger. "If he were dangerous, I would have sensed it the first moment I saw him."

He marched off toward the library, leaving Youngjae in the middle of the hall. The servant slowly bowed as he watched the prince leave, his expression still laced with worry despite Jinyoung's request.