Crimson Crown

⌠44⌡

Jinyoung's lids slowly rose, his vision quite hazy. He laid there for a moment, regaining his bearings. He recognized the dimly lit ceiling above him-- he was in his bedroom. He could barely recall everything that happened between the battlefield and the palace; all he could remember was the searing pain of a sword entering him, and now the dull ache that reminded him of the horrors he'd seen.

He had to shake that out of his mind for the time being; he barely had the energy to move around much, let alone to deal with the mental strain of all the ruthless death and pain he'd witnessed.

He slowly sat up, wincing as a sharper pain flamed along his abdomen. His body was still healing, but he already felt much better than earlier with all things considered. He let out a soft sigh just as the corner of his eye caught on to something familiar. His head turned toward the chair that sat in the corner of the room just across from the bed, in it sitting the vampire that had given everything he had to save Jinyoung. He was sleeping, which Jinyoung hadn't seen the latter do often, and though he seemed somewhat relaxed, Jackson's body was erect and on guard as if ready to move at a moment's notice. His arms were folded over his middle, one of which was wrapped in bandages, vaguely reminding him of what had transpired.

A smile crept onto his lips upon seeing his faithful vampire refusing to leave his side. He hadn't had a chance to explain who Jackson was and their odd relationship to those in the palace, but Youngjae must've vouched for him enough that he was allowed to stay. He'd have to thank the latter whenever they next crossed paths.

Jinyoung gently pushed the covers off of him as he decided to get up and move about. Surely everyone must be worried, and he still wanted to know how the war was fairing. The mattress creaked under him as he gathered the strength to move, only then did he realize that he was lacking clothes.

"Go back to sleep."

Jinyoung froze, glancing back over at the chair, meeting those dark eyes that watched over him like a hawk. "...Did I make too much noise?"

Jackson shook his head and stood. "I can't sleep properly. Not after this whole thing..."

"You better not be blaming yourself." The prince reprimanded as he watched the latter approach and perch himself beside him on the bed.

"Who's fault is it then, if it is not mine? I started all of this."

"You did not get me injured."

"You're right, I got you nearly killed. I wish you were merely just injured."

"That was my fault. I wasn't prepared for battle, just as you said, and got a sword driven through me. You warned me, I just didn't listen."

"No, this was terrifyingly similar. I had flashbacks to..." Jackson winced as the memories he was haunted with flashed through him, shaking his head. "...to that time..."

"That time wasn't your fault either." The prince assured while reaching out to touch his cheek. Jackson's skin was warm in contrast to his cold fingers. "Do you not realize it yet? You do all that you can for the people around you, even if it doesn't pan out the way you expected it. The point is, even though you didn't fully support my methods you still tried to help me, and in the end, you saved my life."

Jackson slid his hand over Jinyoung's, almost nuzzling it despite its cool temperature. He paused though, then pulled back as if he didn't deserve to enjoy his touch. "I couldn't protect you. I could have done more to prevent it in the first place-"

"No, you couldn't have." Jinyoung assured. No matter what the case was, Jinyoung was going to do what he wanted regardless of the suggestion and opinions of others. He was prepared to get hurt by it one day; he himself knew it better than anyone. "You did try to protect me, however, it is not your fault that I am stubborn."