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“It’s my pleasure! You’re welcome back anytime if there are any problems.”
The tiny bell at the top of the doorframe rings as the customer opens the door and leaves, her new dress in one hand and the other waving through the big glass window of the shop to the tall gentleman at the front desk. Jack sighs, dropping his head down onto the counter. It’s been a long and hectic month. Ever since his designing of the famous costume line for the Golden Rose Theatre, especially the glamorous Lady Bella gown, he has gotten a lot more than needed recognition among the people of London.
Many more people are now commissioning Jack. This is a good thing but the workload is tiring the seamster out. He really needs to get an assistant to help him however, he can’t just hire anyone. Most people will apply to get close to Jack due to his noble title granting them certain benefits. While others would want to get into his pants.
Jack continues to contemplate on the counter. He combs through disheveled dark hair that sticks out from every angle. It is getting late. The grand wooden clock station to his left tells him that it's nearly closing time. The night sky has already engulfed the city of London. Rarely does anyone come by around this time, so he has a couple minutes of break before closing. Jack lets out an exhausted huff of air, slowly snoozing away on the hard cold desk.
Ding
The seamster’s head shot up to look up at his new customer, or so that’s what he thought. Dressed in a white button up with the sleeves rolled up to show off the cuts and bruises on his arms, paired with a green vest and brown shorts. The shorts put on display his equally bruised legs, the male is slumping over with one arm supporting his weight on his knee. The other arm is on the opened glass entrance of the shop. His heavy breathing fills the room. It sounds as if the person had just ran miles for hours. Jack couldn’t really make out his face due to his big green hat, but he could see tuffs of the guy’s brunette locks coming out from under the dirty hat. This man doesn’t look like he’s here to buy clothes, rather he appears to have just ran away from home.
Right then, the male glances up towards Jack. His face is flushed due to the running. His cheeks cut, just like his arms. His round, blue eyes are pleading—pleading for the man in front of him. Jack couldn’t just stand there any longer and rushed towards the stranger. On closer inspection, the man appears to be barely in his twenties, maybe not even hitting twenty yet. The taller man leans down and places his hand on the other male’s shoulder.
“Are you alright?” Jack asks softly. The stranger nods as he takes hold of Jack’s arm that is on his own shoulder, still shaking out of breath.
“Sorry.” Was all he said. His grip on Jack tightens and leans some of his weight on Jack. Then, the shorter male spoke again. “I had some issues back at home so I just ran without thinking. I realized after I ran that I didn’t have anywhere to stay and went to the nearest store that was still open, which happened to be this one.”
Jack nods, pitying the short guy. So he offers to let him stay at his house to which the man didn’t hesitate to accept and wraps his arms around Jack’s waist, repeatedly thanking the tall man for his generosity. After a couple more seconds of showing his gratitude, he steps slightly away from and stands straight and tall, staring at the seamster with sparkling blue eyes.
“The name’s Naib! Age twenty. Thank you, sir, for taking me in, I will forever be in your debt.”
“Jack. And please, I couldn’t just leave you like this. You look like you were about to pass out when you rushed into my store.”
Naib hums. “I like you, mister. Please, is there anything I can do to repay your kindness?”
Jack thought for a bit. Perhaps he could get Naib to help him around the shop. The boy doesn’t look like he has any secret malicious intentions towards him and he is adorable so Jack couldn’t decline his helping hand.
“Hmm, would you like to be my assistant here at the store? I am in dire need of another hand helping me out at the moment.”
“Yes. I will be glad to assist you. You do seem stressed yourself” The younger man smiles delightfully at Jack. The seamster smiles back and pats Naib on his head.
“Alright then, we’ll come back here at nine tomorrow morning, so I can show you the store and things I want you to do. We’ll speak more about your job then, but for now let’s get you to my manor. I’m sure you must be exhausted.” Jack says to which Naib nods in response.
Jack hums at Naib's answer. He then walks away from the other person to go grab his green coat and sleek black top hat on the coat hanger standing slightly to the left of the door. He pops his hat onto his messy fluffy head of hair and turns back to Naib. Carefully, Jack puts his coat on Naib so he has something to combat the cold autumn night breeze in London. The coat is big and loose on Naib’s short figure. The coat was practically slipping off him. Jack finds it adorable honestly, and quietly laughs.
Jack’s personal cab was already parked by the pavement when the two men went outside. The two of them sat in comfortable silence in the moonlit darkness, save for the gallops from the horse’s hooves and squeaking from the wheels from time to time. Naib curls up against Jack, his head resting on the older man’s shoulder and peacefully dozes off. His face is so close to Jack that he could see the tiny freckles that dusted across the younger’s nose.
Pink flames against Jack’s pale white skin. He snaps away from Naib’s sleeping face. Jack can’t be thinking about such things, much less about someone he has just met and a man at that. If words go out that he was dating a man, it wouldn’t look good for his and his family’s reputation. Jack sighs. Glancing back at Naib, Jack reasons with himself that maybe he’ll just indulge this one time. So he snakes an arm around the smaller man and gently pulls him towards himself. Warm, he thought
-
“Naib, wake up, we’re here.”
The brunette lets out a quiet groan, slowly blinking awake from his brief slumber. A bit of drowsiness is still evident on his face. Jack doesn’t want to make the poor guy walk so he decides on an idea.
“Okay, how about I carry you inside?”
Naib hums agreeingly. Jack swiftly lifts him up and carries him bridal style onto his property. Jack walks up to the grand wooden front door of his house and knocks on it uncomfortably. It is quickly answered by a man in a black suit and a quite tall top hat.
“Welcome home, sir.”
“Thank you, Albert.” Jack greets him back as he walks in, letting his butler close the door. He nods his head down towards the young male in his arms, “We have a new guest that’ll be living with us for a while. I want you to get the guest bedroom closest to my room ready.”
The butler speaks out a simple “yes sir” and makes his way up stairs, Jack following suit. Jack does a beeline for his master bedroom and struggles to push the door open. When he manages to get in, Jack gently lays half of Naib’s body down onto the white mattress, his other half dangling off the side of the bed.
Jack then kneels down and proceeds to take off Naib shoes and long socks, dropping them all onto the carpet below the bed. His legs are soft despite the damage they had taken. However, unlike the rest of his limbs, Naib’s feet and ankles are unscathed, still smooth and pale.
“I’ll prepare you a warm bath. You can go through my closet to find something to wear for the night.” Jack points towards the closet door on the opposite side of the room. He stands up and walks over to the connected bathroom. “Though, probably not many things would fit you but it’s just for the night.”
“It’s ok. Thank you, Jack.” Naib hops out of bed and makes his way to the walk-in closet. Jack couldn’t help but laugh quietly at the sight. Still so much energy for someone who had run miles and had to be carried.
-
Albert had informed him earlier that the guest bedroom was set and Jack had given him Naib’s dirty clothes to wash. And now Jack is quietly reading a book, seated on his bed, waiting for Naib to finish up so he can have his wash. However, he could not process a single sentence in his book. His thoughts are absolutely flooded with Naib.
At last he gives up, groaning silently and hears Naib unlocking the door to the bathroom. The opening door reveals a yawning Naib, hair still drenched and dressed in nothing but Jack’s big T-shirt. The piece of cloth reaches halfway down the young brunette’s thighs and the sleeves pours down his arms.
Shit, Jack thought. Naib’s legs look ever more tender cleaned. His collar bones show themselves from under his shirt, still wet with droplets. Oh did Jack want to bury himself into a hole so bad and never to be seen by the man before him again.
“Why are you only wearing a shirt?”
Naib laughs at him. He launches himself face first onto the king sized bed. “Because, all your pants are too big for me. The shirt covers enough so I thought it’ll be fine.”
It doesn’t cover enough for Jack’s sanity though. The dark haired man can see the back of the shirt push up due to the fall, showing off the bottom curve of the other’s ass, plush and plump. Then realization slaps him and a deep blush forms across his cheeks.
“Are you… wearing anything under uh underneath?”
“No.” Was all he replied with. All innocently and unknowingly. “Is there something wrong? You’re looking a bit feverous, Jack.”
“No, everything is fine.” Jack responds quickly back, looking everywhere but into those round blue eyes and their owner’s bottom. He places his book on the nightstand and stands up. “Alright, it’s getting late. I'll escort you to your room.”
Naib agrees and jumps up to the floor. Jack shows him to his room close to his and they both bid each other goodnight. Jack goes back into the master bedroom and silently and quickly dies inside while crouching to the wooden floor after closing his door. He soaked himself in freezing cold water before going to bed that night.
-
When Jack wakes up the next morning, he finds Naib eating on the sofa in the living room at the bottom of the stairs. The younger is already dressed in his now clean outfit from last night. His cheeks seem even rounder while munching on his food. They look so pinchable, Jack thinks.
“How are you enjoying breakfast so far?” The taller male asks as he makes his way downstairs. Naib looks up at him, beaming brightly.
“It’s so good! These are the best French toast I have ever eaten.” Naib exclaims through his food. Jack can’t help but chuckle. He really has it down bad for the man in front of him.
After breakfast, Jack heads back upstairs to get ready for the day. It’s gonna be a long day training Naib to be his assistant and all. While tying his neck piece, a knock sounds through his room.
“Yes, come in.”
The door opens to show a cute Naib wearing his big green cap peeking in. Excitement is evident on his face. Jack smiles back at him through the mirror.
“Oh? Excited aren’t we?”.
“Yes, very.” The younger says as he comes bouncing into the room and plopping onto the bed. The bed made a soft “poof” as Naib landed. The older only makes a soft hum in response and goes back to the cloth around his neck. “Also, Albert told me to tell you that the carriage is ready.”
Jack doesn’t answer. He is too immersed in the image reflecting onto the mirror. Jack watches as Naib rolls onto his backside, angling himself so the top of his head faces Jack. Naib has his legs bent at the knees so his thighs are up in the air. Jack’s attention is now fully aimed at the younger’s upper legs instead of the cloth around his own neck. More skin is exposed due to the gravity pulling his shorts down. His inner thighs look oh so kissable, Jack’s mind provides him.
Then, sudden movement from Naib catches the perverted man’s attention. The brunette now has his neck arched, making eye contact with Jack through the mirror. “Jack?”
Jack breaks away quickly, pink dusting his cheeks. He coughs. “Well, we should get going, yeah? We have a lot to cover for your job.”
The younger hums in agreement and springs out of bed. Both men walk out together side by side to the front gate where the carriage is waiting for them.
-
After settling down in the seamster’s shop, Jack shows Naib around the small building. The seamster explains to his new assistant that he would be sorting and handling different fabric Jack would need. Naib would also be in charge of cleaning the store, which includes mopping floors, dusting shelves, and scrubbing the bathroom. Simply his job is to help keep the designer’s work life a bit more organized.
“Store opens at eleven and closes at six. You will have your lunch break around the hour after noon.” Jack explains to Naib, coming out from the back office and leading the brunette back to the front desk. “Anytime you need me, I’ll be in my office or here, at the register.”
“Yes sir!” Naib shouts with utmost enthusiasm and glee. He even did a little salute at the taller male. Adorable, Jack thinks. Naib is pulling at his heartstrings and it’s not good for the bubbling feelings inside.
“Well it’s opening hour already so I’m going to open the store. And since it’s your first day, I won’t order you around too much, dear Naib.” The Englishman smirks before winking at the unsuspecting little man. A blush fades faintly across Naib’s face. The brunette quickly turns away and pulls his hat down so it can cover his embarrassment.
Jack is stunned momentarily. Licking and biting his lips, he too turns away from the other man. His tiny flirt got his crush to get all blushy which made him all blushy too. Oh Jack is a dead man with Naib around.
However, there’s no time to be thinking about his crush right now. Jack flips the sign on the front door to display the words “open” and gets ready to start another day at work. Though, starting today, he can’t but hope that his work life can be a little bit more fun.
-
The hour hand hits one and the grand clock announces it throughout the store. Dinging once. The seamster was about to finish writing down the details of his new commission when a cheery young man came out from the back. He comes springing up to the hunched man at the front desk.
“Jackkk, it’s lunch breakk.”
“It’s your lunch break, silly boy.” Jack pokes the shorter man's forehead.
Naib blushes at the name. He turns his head away, but keeps eye contact with the man in front of him. “What do you mean? When do you eat then?”
“I eat when I can. It’s not a big deal if I don’t.” The Englishman says nonchalantly. Apparently that wasn’t the right answer as the brunette in front of him furrows his brows.
“Not a big deal? Eating is important!” Naib gets slightly angry and slams his hands on the desk, tiptoeing a lot to match the height of the tall man to show his furry.
“Naib, it’s alright—“
“No.” Naib gets down, comes around the furniture, and grabs the other’s hand, leading Jack towards the front door. “You’re coming with me. We’re gonna go to a nice café and eat lots and you can’t say no.”
“Do you even have money to pay for the food?” Jack jokes.
The short male stops on his way to the entrance. He sheepishly turns to glance at the man behind him. Fuck, he’s doing that pleading puppy face again. Jack’s going to explode, how can he say no to this.
He sighs in defeat. “Ok fine, I’ll pay. Just don’t eat my entire wallet, please.”
Naib giggles, finding amusement in Jack's half joke. “Hmm no promises.”
The two men exit the shop and walk to the small café down the street. Naib orders a large ass sandwich and whatever sweet drink to quench his thirst and need for sugar. The other man just orders a small cup of steaming hot earl grey even though the younger had insisted he get more to fulfill his stomach. They get their food pretty quickly; the wait is never long at this place. Naib speedily digs into his sandwich, while the older slowly sips his tea as he stares out onto the busy street.
Jack usually goes to this café on the days where he has free time to sit and watch the world move around him. He would sketch sometimes when something interesting catches his eyes and right now is one of those times. The man in front of him is a beauty he wants to forever capture onto one of his canvases. Jack loves how round and soft looking those pink cheeks are, and the way it enlarges like a chipmunk whenever he munches on his food. He also loves those blue eyes. The Englishman admits he has it down bad for the other, but there is no way that this feeling of his should surface. What if Naib doesn’t swing that way and hate him forever?
However, Jack should still try to state something on the matter. Just to see if Naib has a problem with it at all. So then maybe he can live in peace not being burdened with this crush. That’s what the man hopes at least. Jack takes his last sip of tea, placing down the cup and turns to the brunette. He had already finished his sandwich and is now trying to rapidly chug down the rest of his drink. The older gentleman smiles to himself.
The two men up and exit the café to walk back to the shop. Naib looks like he is well fed and satisfied. He has a little spring to his walk to show his satisfaction too. However, the Englishman’s thoughts keep lingering back to the idea of Naib not accepting him when he eventually spills the beans.
-
It’s been a few days since then, and Jack has yet to mention anything relating to his feelings. It just kind of floats in the back of his mind, waiting to be talked about. The seamster decided to wait a couple of days to let these feelings set, seeing if they will stick or fade away. It is staying, and is increasing everyday. So today he wants to do something about it. Jack gains the courage to confess today after their lunch break.
“Hey Jack, you’re staring off into the distance. Is something the matter?” Naib looks up at Jack as he continues to skip down the pavement. They are walking back from the regular café they would go to for lunch.
The taller man, not expecting Naib to notice and point it out, halts. He quickly continues walking again and lets out a sigh. No point in trying to lie, Jack thinks. “Well, yes you are right. I do have something on my mind. However, we cannot speak about it in public.”
“Hmm, okay. You can share it with me when we get back to the shop.” The younger man grins brightly up at Jack. “I’ll be happy to deal with any doubts or concerns. I am your assistant now after all.”
“Of course. Thank you, Naib.” The nobleman reciprocates with an even brighter and gentler smile.
As Naib turns away, the tall British man could see how the other’s cheeks heats up. He adjusts his little green hat slightly to make sure the other’s view of his face is blocked. However, Jack has already seen everything. His smile grows bigger. The seamster hums a tune for the rest of the walk, clearly enjoying the replays in his mind of all the blushing Naibs from the past days.
As they arrive back at the store and Jack closes the door behind them, Naib spins around on his heels to ask, “So what bothered you earlier?”
The dark haired man considers his wording as he takes off his coat and top hat and places it on the coat hanger by the door. He could be very subtle about this but he doesn’t want Naib to take him the wrong way. Jack takes a breath in and exhales deeply, he can feel his cheeks warm up as he attempts to say what’s been on his mind since lunch.
“Naib, I know that we’ve only just met recently,” Jack takes another deep breath, he starts to fidget and scratches the back of his neck, ignoring the innocent gaze of the younger man, “but I am attracted to you. I wish to date you, in secrecy of course. However, if you do not reciprocate my feelings, that is alright, and you may quit this job if this situation makes you uncomfortable.”
Jack looks back at his assistant to see his reaction. Naib is staring at his confessor, mouth ajar and eyes wide in, not disgust, but rather awe? The brunette looks a little panicked too while blushing hard.
“Um…” Naib looks away as he talks, putting his hands behind his back to toy with nervously. He lowers his head to stare into the ground, his rosy cheeks get impossibly more red, and says in the quietest, tiniest voice ever, “ I… I like you too, Jack.”
A moment passes. Then Jack is pulling Naib into a gentle squeeze, delighted by his answer. He reaches for the other’s hand and puts it to his lips, giving the knuckles a little peck. “Wonderful. Starting today you will be my partner as well as my little assistant. I will shower you with my love and affection all day and night.”
The seamster’s little helper looks up and makes eye contact with the gentleman towering him, still extremely red. Naib smiles shyly. “Ok~ I’ll make sure you keep that promise.”
“Aw, do I not get any sweet talk from you?” Jack laughs.
“Hmm,” Naib pretends to be in deep thought. “Maybe.”
“Eh?” The taller man pouts, and Naib dies laughing into Jack’s chest at his crybaby boyfriend.
Suddenly, their moment alone is interrupted. Of course they could not show their relationship, so when the bell rang to the shop rang the two men had to quickly separate and go back to their respective stations. Jack looks shyly back at Naib, already missing the warmth of the younger man as he goes to the front desk to greet the customer.
The customer is a regular at the store, actually, and a good friend of Jack’s. Miss Emma Woods, also known as Lady Truth, a detective in the city. She also works part time to help her father at his flower shop as a gardener.
Emma comes joyfully twirling in towards the front desk where Jack had greeted her. “Hey Jack! Nice to see you again, you seem happy today. Anything exciting happened?”
The seamster chuckles, a tiny smile plastered on his face. “I suppose you can say that.”
The detective comically gasps. Suddenly she gets up really close to the taller man, looking side to side to check her surroundings. “Did you find the one?”
Jack grin grows wider thinking about his new boyfriend. “Hmm perhaps.”
“Oh my god Jack! Congrats!” Emma squeals, softly clapping her hands. “Ok, now let’s get down to business.”
Emma then speaks to Jack about a new dress for an upcoming art exhibit. Also encouraging Jack to go to the exhibit. Apparently, the artist who’s going to be showing off his works has information on the recent news going about in London. The seamster listens intently to the woman’s request and gives his input here and there. When they finish talking about the request, Emma thanks Jack and starts making her way back to the entrance.
“Oh I forgot to ask,” The blonde turns her upper half to the tall man, one hand on the doorknob and now has the man’s attention. “Who was that little guy that was here earlier?”
“Hm? Oh, that was my assistant. His name is Naib. Quite an adorable fellow.” Jack chucked at his comment at the end.
“You got an assistant? And a cute one too?” Lady Truth leaps back to the front desk. Her hands levied her petite body up towards her friend, eyes sparkling as she stared into Jack’s pale blue ones. “Can I meet him? I hope he isn’t busy right now.”
Just as the detective had asked that, the man in question walks out from the back room. Emma’s attention is drawn to the unsuspecting man, her face lighting up so much it burns to look. She starts making a beeline for Naib and excitedly stops him from dusting the shelves.
“Hello, you’re Jack’s new assistant? I’m Emma, a friend of your boss.” The woman stretches out her hand for the brunette to take, giving him a soft but bright smile. Naib smiles back and accepts the blonde’s hand.
“Naib. Nice to meet you.”
Emma is just as tall as Naib now that Jack sees them side by side. The two talk for a bit more. Eventually the woman bid the duo goodbye, rushing out the door, as her break is over and her coworker will be mad if she’s late. Naib goes back to cleaning and Jack pretends to be reading his notes for his friend’s dress. The seamster subtly watches his assistant dust and wipe the shop. Eventually, he gets to the counter where Jack is stationed.
“Naib,” he says to get the man’s attention. “Would you like to go out for dinner tonight?”
The younger man takes a second to process those words and when he does, he breaks out into a big grin. He exclaims, accepting his boyfriend’s offer to take him out on a date. Their first date. Naib seems very delighted at the idea of a romantic time with Jack and free food.
“Where are we going?” He asks, beaming with anticipation.
The dark haired man fakes thinking, rubbing his chin and humming in deep thought. “Hmm, that’s a secret, dear.”
Naib whines and pouts like a child who was just told he couldn’t get a new toy at Jack’s comment. He slumps onto the counter, acting like he’s disappointed and his day has been ruined. Laughing quietly to himself, Jack pats the top of the brunette’s cap.
“There, there. I can guarantee the food will be delicious, though.” The taller man assures him.
“I’ll hold you up to that.”
“Challenge accepted.”
-
After closing time, the two men in the shop pack up for the night. One of them eagerly excited for dinner, waiting to be treated to food at a nice restaurant. However, that doesn’t mean that the other isn’t just as excited for the date later in the evening. Jack heads to the coat hanger to grab his outerwear and top hat. His partner was already waiting by the front door, shifting back and forth on his heels. Their carriage had arrived earlier and is now parked in front of the store, ready to take them to their destination at any moment.
Jack opens the door to allow Naib to exit first—the kind of gesture a man would do for a lady. The brunette thanks his lovely boyfriend with a small nod as he goes into the carriage. Jack follows suit, closing the door behind him. A loud slap echoes throughout the silent street, followed by the horses galloping on the cobblestone ground as they head to their destination.
The restaurant didn’t disappoint. The brunette slurped up every single crumb and almost the plate. Jack enjoys watching him devour the food. He and Naib got to share more about themselves over their meals as well. Jack shares that he does art as a hobby. Describing how he likes to capture the beauties of the world and have it painted on a canvas so it can be persevered forever.
“Oh, can Jack paint me a portrait?”
Jack chuckles. “Of course, dear. You are the prettiest thing my eyes have ever lay upon.”
His partner across the table turns brightly pink. Embarrassed, he tells Jack to quite teasing him in public like this. To which the Englishman softly laughs again.
“No promises.” He winks.
Naib pouts.
Naib then shares that he really likes being in the woods on the outskirts of London. It’s his “home” he calls it. He describes the forest as enchanting and beautiful. The trees apparently grow differently there, having weird, croaked structures. The place is also littered with thousands of white butterflies according to the younger man.
“They’re so pretty, Jack. Oh, and there’s this slightly bigger one that always likes resting on my chest.”
Naib sounds so intrigued in talking about his “home,” so Jack didn't want to disturb the mood by mentioning the recent news involving that same forest. However, he also wanted to make sure that his dear knew the dangers and kept himself safe.
“I know you love that place, but I've heard multiple cases of an unknown disease infecting people within those woods. So I’m hoping you stay safe out there,” Jack finishes his last bite of his meal, looking back up at the other man after swallowing. “I do care for you and I want you to be happy and well.”
“Y-yeah, don’t worry about that. I know my home very well—nothing will touch me. I'll be fine.” Uneasiness present in Naib’s voice.
Jack chooses to trust Naib. He might seem a little young, but the older can trust that his partner can keep himself away from this illness. Jack hums in acceptance.
They continue talking through deserts, and a little after too. Their conversation goes on for a long time. So long that Jack completely forgets about the time and realizes that they should be getting home now. He quickly pays for the service and leads Naib outside to their ride. It gets cold at night during autumn, so the taller man lends his partner his coat to maintain warmth like the night before. His date thanks him for the kind gesture.
“I had fun tonight. Thank you, Jack.” The brunette whispers. He seems satisfied, eyes all smiley and checks burn pink—which makes Jack satisfied thus increasing the tingling heated feeling on his skin. “I want us to continue this.”
“I’m uh I’m glad you had a nice time. And indeed, me too.” Jack stutters with his words. The closeness of the carriage feels more intimate, making his heart pound in his chest and crushing his confidence from earlier. He tries to look out the narrow part of the window that wasn’t covered by the small curtain. However, Naib calls for his attention again.
Then, as he is about to acknowledge Naib, a pair of soft, warm, wet lips press against his own slightly chapped ones. Jack freezes in shock, too amazed at the bold move Naib had just taken. The brunette pulls back, opening his eyes to stare innocently at the flustered man in front of him. He also looks a little pink himself too, though it is hard to see under the darkened space. Too cute, Jack thought.
Suddenly, the confidence from earlier emerges again and takes over the Englishman. He fiercely puts his lips back onto his lover. He grabs onto Naib’s head as he starts to push into those moist lips, passionately making out with him. Jack can tell Naib lacks experience. It’s ok though, he could care less as they continue, deepening their kiss even more. They will have plenty of time to practice anyway.
The smaller man is pushed to the door of the carriage, moaning against Jack’s forcefulness. The kiss continues for a couple more seconds then the two break away to regain air, a thin shiny trail of saliva is left at their lips’ departure from each other.
Naib looks so beautiful under the moonlight, all panting and red. His hat is crooked and his hair even more ruffled. No doubt that Jack looks just as messy as his and the brunette's heavy breaths fill the enclosed space. The couple stares at each other with half lidded eyes in the dark carriage, not knowing what to say. They stare and stare until their lips are latching onto each other again.
Their heated make out session ends when the carriage pulls up to Jack’s property. They both look thoroughly debauched, the cab driver giving them a look at their appearance before hopping back on the carriage and riding off. Naib has had his arms hug his partner’s arm ever since they had stepped out onto the stone pavement that led to the manor’s grand entrance. The couple cuddle close to each other for warmth as they stroll towards the building.
Being led in by the mansion’s butler, Jack takes Naib to his room to kiss him farewell for the night. However, the younger man has other ideas and pulls the other man into the guest bedroom. Suddenly, they’re stuck in a position where Naib’ smaller body is caged under Jack’s on the soft mattress. Jack blush fiercely as his lover wraps his arms around the taller man’s neck to pull down to the point where their noses touch.
“Stay here with me for the night, Jack.” Those blue eyes lustfully stare into Jack’s own pair.
It is hard to say no to Naib with that face. There is no way Jack can refuse such an invitation, too. So of course he accepts, staying the whole night pleasuring his needy bunny.
-
The days pass steadily, each getting better than before. Jack would take his lovely boyfriend out about once a week and give gifts to him as a treat for the younger's hard work, and because he wants to spoil Naib rotten. Jack would take him out to fancy restaurants, plays, and galas. The seamster’s favorite thing to do is making adorable clothes to dress his equally cute Naib up. He loves the way the younger man would get flustered and be all shy in his new outfits. Jack can’t help but to memorize each moment so he can sketch them onto his booklet.
A few days ago, the Englishman had offered Naib to come with him to an art exhibit featuring the famous Edgar Valden. His significant other joyfully accepted, saying he had never been to an art exhibit before so Jack got quick to work to make a new outfit for the special occasion.
Jack decides to dress Naib in a white lace polo button up with a cravat tied around his neck. Suspenders holding up his high rise pants that are equipped with yellow frills drooping down and around his behind. A black full skirted knee length coat lined with gold silk fabric embraces his figure that has additional white frills pouring out from underneath the black cloth. Golden ribbons are styled onto the top sleeves of the outermost layer. Silk stockings with yellow patterns decorated his lower legs and white gloves for his lower arms. A black hat with a big yellow bow is wrapped around his chin as the cherry on top of Jack’s delicious creation.
“I like this!” Naib twirls around, checking himself out in the mirror from every angle possible. He then turns to his seamster boyfriend and picks at the leather around his left thigh. “But what’s the point of the garter?”
Jack looks around to find a suitable answer, avoiding as much eye contact as possible. He knows the longer he looks at Naib, the more red he will become. “Ehh… I uh I just thought your legs- I mean the outfit needed something more.”
The younger of course didn’t believe that explanation at all. He just smiles innocently and leans in towards Jack to give his hard working partner a peck on the cheek. “Ok, thank you.~”
Naib then goes to the bathroom connected to Jack’s master bedroom to change back into his pajamas. His boyfriend is left sitting on the edge of the bed blushing like a teenage girl.
-
Today is the day of the art exhibit. Naib is absolutely charming in his new outfit Jack designed. It is paired with his neatly combed back and cutely styled hair do. Jack is also dressed handsomely himself with a dark navy tailcoat with gold patterns to match his secret date. They can’t link arms in public so they have to stay close to each other while looking around the museum in order not to lose the other person in the mass of people.
Eventually, the couple bump into Emma. The cheery woman is delighted to see them and introduces the two men to her boyfriend, Norton, who is an actor at the golden rose theater. Jack had met the play actor before when he also used to work at the same theater as a costume designer so it’s no surprise when Norton is also excited to see his former coworker again.
“And who might this gentleman be?” Norton grins at the little man standing next to his old buddy.
“Oh, this is Naib, my assistant at my shop.”
“Norton, a pleasure to meet you, Naib.” Norton reaches out his hand for the other man. Naib takes it and firmly shakes.
“You too, Mr. Norton.” The younger man says politely. Norton hums, turning to Jack and whispering that he “likes this one” and “nice catch” before winking at his friend. Jack just rolls his eyes at the redhead.
The four of them talk for a bit more before turning their attention to the star of the show. Edgar Valden, the artist behind the paintings of the exhibition, meticulously explains his thoughts and the creation of each art piece. He is very proud of his works and wants to explicitly display it to everyone in the room. As an artist himself, Jack admires the talent the man before him possesses. Finally, Edgar gets to his latest painting: The Man in Red, the most talked about one recently.
The painting is dark with only one light source shining down upon this on a throne. It looks to be set in an old abandoned church surrounded by trees that probably stretches for miles on end. There are people, believers, followers, kneeling and praying to the king-like figure sat upon the stone throne. On closer inspection, the followers look ill and malnourished. Wood like vines seem to wrap around their bodies and faces. They almost resemble the symptoms of the plague that has been guilty of killing the lives of the people in the city.
The man on the throne, the center of this piece, is dressed in all red. His hair is bleached white. Silver vines extrude out of his left eye and shoulder. Illuminating white butterflies decorated him from head to toe. His sparkly grey eyes gaze down upon the crowd with malice. He is beautiful, so beautiful Jack can’t take his eyes off the king in crimson. The man in red sat in a way that reeks of power, so much power that makes the seamster want to get on his knees and kneel before him.
“Oh, does this have anything related to the recent plague cases?” Emma respectfully interrupts Edgar’s run down of the painting. The painter gives her a nod, confirming her question. He was about to clarify further, but his eyes darted to a short man next to Emma, which interrupted the artist from his original thought. Recognition and fear paints Edgar’s face.
“It’s him!” The painter shoots his finger near where Jack and his friends stood. Confused, Jack draws a line, connecting from the man’s finger and its target. Naib. Edgar is pointing at Naib.
“It’s that young man right there. He is the person behind this evil curse! The man in red!”
The crowd is baffled for a moment before scampering away from the alleged cursed man, not wanting to risk getting infected. Quickly, only Jack, Naib, Emma, and Norton stand in the center, away from the rest. The four all look all confused, trying to reason with themselves against the accusation that has just been made by the painter. People from the crowd around them try to yell at them to get away from Naib. Some even try to drag them towards the flood of people, but all attempts fail as none of them budge from their spot. Jack hugs dearly onto his lover who seems to be in shock. He softly apologizes to his sweet boyfriend for this mess of a date.
“You’ve got the wrong idea.” Jack says to everyone, specifically to the person he started this rumor. “Naib’s just a young man. He would never hurt or perform curses on innocent civilians.”
“Yeah and he doesn’t even look like the dude in the painting. There’s no vines on him and he doesn’t have white hair.” Norton barges in, trying to explain how crazy Edgar sounds.
“You don’t understand,” Edgar argues back, “he can change his appearance. I saw it with my own eyes. I saw the man in red change his demonic looking appearance to a soft looking young man with those exact same round eyes! He even has the same facial features and body structure as his original form.”
The crowd starts whispering, some start feeling freaked out and afraid and quickly flee the museum. Those who are still left are those who want to spread this new gossip around London. Emma, being the renowned detective, tries to rationally calm everyone down. “Everyone please, a walking plague curse thing that can shapeshift sounds ridiculous. Mr. Valden, there’s no evidence to back up that he is this so-called man in red. I think you were imagining—”
“Nonsense! I know for a fact that “thing” over there is not human! I’ve spent hours trapped in those woods, I know that “thing’s” movement. He goes around luring the desperate and vulnerable, those who will fall for his boyish persona, so he can corrupt them and bring them into his cult following.”
As the painter goes on, more people get convinced that Naib is some sort of curse that is out to destroy and rule the world. Jack is too in disbelief to move, so much has been thrown at him. Everything is happening too fast. One moment he and his friends are getting yelled at for protecting Naib, and then the next Emma is leading the couple out of the museum and into her carriage while Norton tries to get everyone off of his friends. Then Jack ends up at home with Naib still in his arms and sitting on his lap, looking a little sad. He softly pats the young man’s head.
“I’m—“
“It's ok, it’s not your fault.” Naib interrupts him before he gets to say anything else. The shorter male turns his body to face his partner, straddling his lap. “Let’s just not think about it tonight, please.”
Jack is hesitant at first but agrees. He hums. “Alright, but we will talk about this tomorrow, though. By morning, probably all of London will know about this.”
“Yeah, ok.” Naib wraps his arms around his gentleman, snuggling against his chest. Jack does the same. The two would stay like that for a bit until the stomach of the brunette starts rumbling awfully loud, startling them both.
“How about dinner?”
“Yes, please.”
After dinner, Jack goes to take a shower and was planning to retire for the night. However, his dear boyfriend, sitting on top of his bed so innocently, wants to make it up for him for ruining their date earlier that day. His words betray his pure looks. Of course, Jack rejects that any of this was Naib’s fault, but accepts his offer for compensation for their ruined date. How can he ever turn down a night of indulgence with his sweet Naib.
The morning after, Jack wakes up cold. The opposite of what he felt when he fell asleep, especially after such a steamy night. There are loud banging coming from downstairs. Jack doesn’t think much of it, until the banging get louder and suddenly, the door to the master bedroom opens wide.
“Jack Whistler, you’re under arrest for sheltering the alleged man behind the recent plague cases and having an intimate relationship with said man.”
Still a little drowsy, Jack didn’t get to process what the officers had said to him. The next thing he knows is he’s getting pushed into his mattress and handcuffed. “Excuse me, what do you mean? Are you talking about Naib?”
Naib…
Then it hits him. His boyfriend is nowhere to be seen. Usually Naib did wake up before him, but he’d still be hanging around in Jack’s bedroom, patiently waiting for Jack to wake up. The worst thoughts cloud the seamster’s mind. Could his darling have already been taken by the police? What if they torture and kill him? Jack starts stressing out for Naib's safety more than his own at this point.
The officers escort him out of bed and room as he demands they tell him where Naib is. He got no answer from them. Jack then proceeds to struggle against the restraints on him to no avail but continues to demand for Naib’s whereabouts.
“We weren’t able to find him here on your property.” One officer answers the cries from the distressed man.
A sigh falls out of Jack’s mouth. Relief washes over him, knowing that Naib isn’t in the hands of these people. He stops struggling on the walk to the police carriage station outside on the front yard of the manor. There are reporters and journalists surrounding the front gate of his estate, looking for news and drama; however, Jack offers nothing and silently gets into the vehicle.
During the journey in the carriage, Jack absentmindedly looks out the window. He is expecting to go to the police station, but it seems like they’re taking him somewhere else because they had driven past the street where the station lies. He’s a little curious and suspicious of where the officers were taking him, but he didn’t question it. Then, Jack gains more questions as they arrive at their destination. The carriage had stopped in front of a grand cathedral. It is a church near the center of the city, one Jack has gone to many times in his childhood. The exterior pure white walls are decorated with the prettiest and shiniest glass window murals. A large bell hangs at the top of the equally big church. It doesn’t appear to be vacant.
A priest stands at the bottom of the steps leading up to the church, awaiting the policemen’s arrival. One officer goes to talk with the priest. Jack overhears the officer say that he only has Jack and could not find the other man. The holy man forgives him and says to bring Jack in anyway to which the policeman nods in response. He then walks back to the carriage to inform his partner. The both of them then take Jack out of the vehicle, leading him to the double door of the cathedral where the priest had migrated to.
“Welcome Jack Whistler. I assume you know why you’ve been apprehended. We believe that you have been tricked and were under the influence of the Man in Red so you’re here today to be given a second chance and to be forgiven by God for your crimes. We know you’re a good man, Jack, and wouldn’t do such a thing willingly.”
Jack just gives the priest an annoyed look. “He has a name and he’s innocent.”
The priest maintains his cool and ignores the handcuffed man, turning around to begin to push through the door. “Your friends have been spared, they probably were just protecting you because they’re your friends which is valid.”
The nobleman is thankful that they did that. His friends shouldn’t get involved with this. But Naib. Naib is still being hunted and blamed for the spread of the plague. He just hopes his dear lover is safe and okay. He doesn’t care if Naib is the Man in Red and is responsible for the plague cases. Jack loves him so much that it’ll pain him to lose the one he loves so dear.
Jack watches as the priest fully pushes open the door, and motion for Jack to follow. The church is filled with people. All of their attention is on the men who have just entered the building. Jack could care less about them; though, he did feel awkward as he walked forward to the other end of the church. The priest leads Jack past the nave, towards the altar. Jack stands to the left of the priest when he stops. Then, the holy man turns towards his audience.
“Everyone, unfortunately police officers were unable to find the Man in Red, but rest assured that they won’t stop until he is brought to justice. However, I would like you to welcome our guest today, Jack Whistler. I know most of you know him and his recent sins, but he is here to ask for forgiveness.” He turns to Jack. “Mr. Whistler, you are to atone for your mistakes and publicly apologize to God and to the citizens you have caused distress to.”
“I have nothing to apologize for and do not regret anything I did. I love Naib and will stand with him to my last breath.” Jack responds to the priest.
Dismay circulates throughout the room. Murmurs follow right after. The priest’s face morphs into a face of disgust and anger.
“Mr. Whistler, do you admit to providing for the man in red and having an intimate relationship with him willingly?”
“I did not know he was the Man in Red but I don't care. I only care about his love for me and—” The priest slaps Jack which causes the seamster to lose his balance and fall on his butt. He doesn’t bother to get back up on his feet.
Visibly more angered and disgusted, the holy man raises his voice at Jack. “You disgusting sinner, have you no shame for any of your crimes for pursuing another man, a demon for a fact.”
Jack boldly smirks. “No. I don’t care what he is and nothing will change my love for him. I love kissing him, holding his hand, and it felt amazing fucking him until he was moaning my na—”
A foot forcefully stomps onto Jack’s face. It completely knocks him onto his back. There is one more smack to his face by the same foot following shortly after the first hit. Jack’s face is dirted from the contact from the bottom of the shoe. His lips are slightly bruised, maybe a little cut because Jack started tasting something metallic in his mouth. He can also feel something wet oozing from his nose. The beaten man rolls onto his right side to make it so that his body isn’t crushing down on his still handcuffed hands and looks up at his attacker—the priest.
“You are just like the dirt on my shoes.” The priest spits at Jack. Someone in the nave then yells that Jack doesn’t deserve forgiveness. Soon, the room erupts into screams of wanting to lock Jack up or beat him to death for his crimes. Whatever it is, it’s clear that none of them are on Jack’s side.
When the priest is about to open his mouth, both doors of the church slam open aggressively, leaving a loud bang that echoed throughout the church. A swarm of white butterflies fly into the cathedral. The commotion from the crowd dies down and all eyes are focused on the now gaping entrance and the figure in red that stands right in the middle with both arms outstretched, which shortly falls to the figure’s sides.
It’s a person with long, bleached white hair. The face is obstructed due to the angle of the head which makes some strands of hair from the person’s bangs block half of the face. The other half is glittered with the same pretty white insects. However, Jack can make out what seems to be dried black shiny tears coming down from the person’s eyes. There are silver vines that protrude from the right shoulder and right half of the face. In the center of the newcomer's chest where the red fabric draped around and black vines stretch out against the pale skin, a butterfly resides on the place of where the heart would be.
Shock and fear engulfs everyone in the room the room. Jack isn’t affected though, but rather he is curious about the identity of the person. He feels like he had seen this person before. The red attire. The white hair and butterflies. The vines. All these features seem familiar but he can’t quite put his finger as to where he has seen them before.
Suddenly, the figure flashes to the other end of the church in a blink of an eye. The doors also magically close during this split second. The figure grabs the priest by his neck, lifting him up from the ground. The sharp nails of the red hand threaten to pierce the peachy skin. The priest struggles against the iron grip, eyes erratic and mouth begging for mercy.
All the holy man gets is a tsk before a chunk of his throat is ripped from his neck and chuck to the ground. His body slumps to the floor, a pool of blood seeping out onto the marble below his corpse. Jack is only slightly shocked at the sight, but he feels a sense of victory as he watches the priest bleed.
The red figure then turns to face the mortified crowd. However, something strange happens. Everyone’s attitudes take an instantaneous shift. Instead of being fearful and afraid, they look blank and dead inside. Jack finally notices the vines growing throughout the building and, most importantly, on the people themselves. The vines that are on the citizens look just like the description of the symptoms of the plague spreading in London.
Oh. So this is the Man in Red.
“Children of God, you have been tainted with an ugly plague you begged so hard not to get. Do you believe in your god now? All that work has all gone to waste because I am stronger. I am more powerful than any being you believe. Worship me instead and I will make you beautiful. You will become as pretty as me if you just be loyal to me.” The Man in Red preaches to his new followers. His voice holds power and intimidation. “Now kneel before me.”
The followers eat up every bit of their god’s word and do as he says. They kneel on the cold floor in the space between the pews, bending forth their upper body to bow to the Man in Red. It is like they are all enchanted by his spell, unable to resist it. But how come Jack is not affected?
His answer is soon answered as the red man in front of him turns his way. This time, there weren't any hair stands covering, and the butterflies from before flew away during the moment the man in red turned.
That face… those round eyes…
“…Naib?”
“Jack!”
The Man in Red cries and leaps onto Jack, squeezing him into a hug. Naib snuggles against his lover’s shoulder like it’s their last embrace. He reaches behind the other man, tugging on the metal cuffs and breaking from Jack’s wrists.
“I’m sorry.” He whispers. “I’m sorry for everything.”
“W-what? No no, it’s ok. I'm just glad you’re safe.” Jack, still a little shocked, unfreezes himself from his stunned state and reciprocates Naib’s embrace. He pulls away from his partner and smiles warmly. “But I accept your apology, anyway.”
Naib pouts and leans his head down against Jack’s shoulder again. “You’re too nice. I’ve only caused trouble for you and yet you still love me after all of it. You don't deserve this.”
“It’s alright,” Jack says as he gently pushes Naib back to face him. He takes his corrupted boyfriend’s hand and puts it to his own dry lips, kissing from the scarlet knuckles down to his nails. Oh, how Jack can’t get over his long nailed crimson hand. “I want this. I want you, Naib. I love the life I have with you and I want more of it.”
The Man in Red sighs, frowning. He looks like he’s in deep regret. He can’t even look at Jack. “Jack… I want this, too. But this makes me weak—you make me weak. I can’t be like this with the goal I want. People will target you because you’re deeply associated with me—“
“Naib, calm down. It’s fine. We can still be together.”
“But we can’t be together Jack!” Naib yells at the other man. “You will die being with me and I can’t protect you from the plague forever. I-I don’t want you to die because of the plague. I want you to leave this place, and go live a normal life somewhere else.”
The taller man shakes his head. Jack thinks that Naib is too paranoid and tries to reassure him. He tries to explain how he’d rather live a life with Naib than a normal life, but he won’t listen. The shorter man looks more agitated as he listens on to Jack’s ramble. So Jack quits his talking, feeling defeated. He sighs and tries to touch his lover’s face in an attempt to force Naib to look him in the eye, getting up really close to the corrupted man. He still wants to reach some sort of compromise. However, when the tips of his fingers reach the pale skin, a hand whips at Jack.
“Quit it, Jack! I don’t—“ Naib words die down as he looks up to his lover. Terror visible in his grey round eyes.
All of a sudden, Jack feels like he’s suffocating. His neck is in violent pain as he can feel thick wetness draining down his silk pajamas. He tries to curse in agony but no sound comes out as he starts choking. Jack looks down at his palm that holds his neck. It’s red. Red and bloodied. He looks back at Naib who stares back in panic. Then, he collapses forward into his partner’s arms, spilling his blood all over the red clothing.
The dying man can make out Naib’s repetitive screams of his name and “I’m sorry”. He can feel his boyfriend desperately trying to cease the bleeding, but fail. His vision begins to rapidly fade in and out as he starts to bleed out from the surprisingly deep wound those long red claws inflicted. He can’t bring himself to hate Naib for this, though. He will still love him forever and in the afterlife.
Before Jack completely loses consciousness, black fog pools the floor below him. The room temperature drops hellishly, freezing almost.
“Emi-emissary?” He hears Naib chokes through his words.
Then black.