Crimson Crown

⌠34⌡

It was unsure what sort of relationship had bloomed between the two. It was quite a jump to go from semi-hostile interactions to tender exchanges that borderline intimacy. Jinyoung was nowhere near used to it; not only has he had little experience with such relationships, but to be in this state of limbo with Jackson was quite new and odd.

Not that he didn't like it, in fact, he was embarrassingly fond of the way the vampire treated him and began to often crave his attention.

A part of himself that he didn't even know existed started to peak out; he began looking at everything Jackson did in a new light and found himself vying to be noticed. For example; as soon as he exited the bathroom in nothing but a towel, he immediately searched for the vampire just to see his reaction. When he found Jackson throwing some wood into the fireplace, he received a double-take before the vampire quickly shoved him up the staircase and shut him in his bedroom, advising him to put some fresh clothes on.

Even with Youngjae, Jinyoung had never felt this giddy and playful before, but with Jackson, it felt like a game to see just how far he could push the boundaries. He wondered just how much the vampire was holding back, and blushed at his own ability to attract someone as devilishly handsome as that creature. It was only then that he realized he'd been eying Jackson in that way for a while now, he'd just never acted on it.

Either way, his heart trembled at how close they'd become, and though he wasn't sure of the extent of their relationship, he didn't care much. He was glad Jackson made the move that he would never have had the courage to make so that he could now squirm like a child whenever thinking of him.

He raided Jackson's large chest that held only a few items of clothing that were much simpler than Jinyoung was used to. There were simple tunics, long thick pants, and some pairs of shorts along with another set of shoes that look pretty worn down. He wondered if these were decades-old clothing he'd worn over and over again; though they looked pretty neat to be that old.

Regardless, Jinyoung picked out a short sleeve tunic and some shorts, for a moment wondering if he should dare to leave the room with nothing on but the shirt just to see how Jackson would respond. Ultimately he decided against it since he'd tempted the vampire enough today, and he didn't have much shameless confidence left to undergo that intense gaze again.

As he quietly tipped down the steps, he found the vampire back at the fireplace, now tending to a blaze that illuminated the room in a warm orange-yellow. He didn't want to disturb him and decided to make his way to the couch, sitting as softly as he could to not interrupt his focus.

"You should really go home. I fear you are not safe enough out here."

Jinyoung jolted just as he'd tucked his legs under himself as the warmth of the fire began to spread through the cool room.

He forgot that he could be sensed; there truly was no sneaking up on Jackson. "...I feel safe enough. You would protect me."

The latter turned, finally looking back at him, his eyes wavering. "Yes but-..."

"You are a fine protector, Jackson. And you've taken care of me thus far, I have come to realize that I am a leech."

"You are not." Jackson stood, setting down the long metal rod he'd been using for the fire, then making his way to sit beside the prince. He let out a sigh as his weight settled on the cushions. "I haven't had company in years. So, you are just a guest, not a leech."

"Then, sounds like you really don't want me to leave." Jinyoung retorted, his heart pumping harder the longer they sat so near each other.

The way Jackson's face flushed and head whipped away sent the latter over the moon.