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There was a lot he could take before cracking, some would say too much. And some would say this being the last straw makes no sense. As if Yeosang, the son of a Duke, would fall under pressure of marriage talks. The choice should be obvious, another high ranking or powerful vampire, especially since the elders were so picky about recreation and keeping blood lines pure.
But Yeosang didn't like any of the choices. To marry and breed? Or get bred by? Romance never mattered and all he wanted to do was continue his current lifestyle with no changes. This was a companion he had to spend the rest of his life with, a fact his parents did not care for.
Continue the bloodline.
Yeosang could only scoff thinking about it. It wasn't like they were forcing him now, he was still young by vampire standards, but with the Blood Ball coming up, he knew it would be greatly pressed by his parents, elders, and others.
His bedroom door slammed open, the blonde's head shooting up to see who was disturbing his internal spiral and crisis. The bright lights from the hall reached all the way to his large four poster bed, not even the thick velvet curtains stopping it from reaching his eyes. He debated on reaching over and yanking said curtains closed, but then he registered who it was as soon as they called out to him.
“Oh Sangie~ the tailor is here for ya. Your ma said it's for your ball outfit and your date. I didn't know you had a date.” Wooyoung eased his way over and plopped down on the edge of the bed, pouting at the blonde vampire. “Some best friend you are! So who is it? Can't be Seonghwa, he's got a mystery date! My money is on Hongjoong though for that. Is it Jongho? Talk of the servants is that Jongho is most likely for marriage ya know. Even if he's just a count, his voice and ability make up for the lack of status.”
With a huff, Yeosang rolled over and pulled a pillow over his head. While his friends would be a nice idea… he didn't want to subjugate any of them to his parents' marriage talks just because they accompanied him to the ball. Though he did hope Wooyoung was right about Seonghwa and Hongjoong, the flirtatious dance the Prince and tailor have been doing for years was starting to get even on Yeosang's nerves. Count's and Marquess's with abilities were able to marry up and as son of a Marquess, Hongjoong's abilities and reputation could guarantee Prince Seonghwa’s hand in marriage.
That was also why Jongho, the son of a Count, with his own abilities was seen as a viable option for Yeosang's hand. And as friends, Yeosang did like Jongho. Just… not enough to marry. Plus Jongho cared more for his music than marriage as well.
He thought of the other options, like Yunho who was a son of a Duke like him, or from Jongho's main family branch: San. But they both could end up in an arranged marriage with him too easily and he, again, couldn't risk that.
His options were dwindling and he was getting very frustrated about it. Especially since he would have to go downstairs and tell their friend Hongjoong who his date was. While he could understand if Yeosang didn't have one… he was here on his mother's dime and that solved nothing. So he needed one… well now.
“Hey- what was that for?” Wooyoung whined and pulled Yeosang out of his head, the latter not even realizing he had been growling. He felt Wooyoung's hand on his arm and let him pull him back, meeting his worried red eyes.
And maybe he did have one.
Quickly he sat up, his own golden eyes peering at his best friend while he weighed his options. In all technicality… Wooyoung was a servant. He had a charisma ability, but the fact his father was a turned vampire and their head chef which would keep his family from jumping right to marriage talks. Even if his mother was the daughter of a Marquess herself, she gave up rights to Wooyoung to keep her status when he was born, and his family swiped up both Wooyoung and his father for their kitchen.
Making food pure blood vampires could eat was a rarity after all, but he didn't think it was enough for people to suggest Wooyoung and him marry.
So with his best puppy dog look he took Wooyoung's hands in his, leaning forward and ready to plead. “Hey, I need you to pretend to be my date for the New Year Blood Ball, pleeeease?”
Wooyoung blinked a few times, shock evident from wide eyes to his slack jaw. One moment turned to two and Yeosang was starting to get worried that he broke his friend.
Slowly, the black haired vampire smiled. “Alright. But since we are already friends, we should probably make it more believable. Should I call you ‘babe’? Or do you want to be like, ‘sweetheart’ or ‘my dearie honey boo boo’ or something?”
Oh he made a grave mistake, Yeosang realized with his own widening eyes. He forgot to take in the fact that this is Wooyoung. His playmate nearly his whole life, who was shameless and charismatic and cared nothing for the bloodline titles. Who was about to be insufferable not only for the Ball but the days leading up to it.
With a gasp Yeosang pulled away, waving his hands in front of himself helplessly. “Forget it. That's too much. I'll find someone else.”
“Aw come on! If you're asking me then you don't have anyone else do you? Not without complicating things! And I wanna go, I never get to go to these parties Sangie~ Please? Please please don't take it back now!” Wooyoung pleaded, chasing him and taking his hands back. “Come on sweetheart.”
The sweetheart was definitely unnecessary, Yeosang huffed, but he did feel guilty now. Wooyoung didn't have enough status to go by himself, but as his date he could. And all of his other friends would be there. The same friends who loved Wooyoung as he is, not for his status, just like Yeosang.
His shoulders dropped just enough for Wooyoung to know he was winning, so he pushed forward, whining and pouting as he kept himself in Yeosang's sight. Until finally, Yeosang relented. “Fine. You can be my date.” As if he wasn’t the one to ask him in the first place.
Not that Wooyoung cared, throwing his hands up and cheering as if Yeosang just offered him a million bucks. Sighing dramatically, Yeosang shook his head, only to smile softly as he watched the other vampire show his excitement so cutely.
No, Yeosang would not address the fact he just thought of Jung Wooyoung as ‘cute’.
Once the other had gotten his energy out, he pulled Yeosang off the bed and talked a mile a minute as he threw out ideas for what to wear. The New Year Blood Ball was a yearly and important tradition for vampires, signifying new life, just as their blood had the power to give. It was also a week-long event of sorts, all week humans could state their case to be willingly turned and vampires could choose to do so or not. Some were screened for the potential for abilities. And on the last day, all vampires celebrated the expansion of their race.
As well as flaunting it.
Not that Yeosang and the others cared for the gilded politics that went into dramatic dances and blood rites. But they did get to wear their finest clothing and jewels, which Wooyoung was clearly very excited about doing while he helped Yeosang dress.
And if Yeosang felt a pang of something akin to guilt at the realization that Wooyoung wanted that so much and Yeosang found it appalling… that was for him to unpack another time.
In the parlor room, Hongjoong was waiting for them, playing with the thick black cane and curved steel dragon head in his hands. While he didn’t need a cane, he had a selection of them with hidden blades and poisons, though Yeosang was sure he carried those just for the dangerous thrill of having them on him.
His perfect black and white split hair was slicked back and didn’t move even as he shot his head up to greet them, not at all surprised to see Wooyoung there.
Yeosang’s mother was a different story. She had been sitting on one of the high backing love seats and frowned when Wooyoung strode in next to Yeosang. “Thank you for fetching him Wooyoung, you are dismissed.”
“He’s my date though, mother. For the ball.”
That was enough to get a reaction out of both of them. Wooyoung’s bright, winning grin did not help Yeosang’s growing nerves. His mother looked furious for a moment, Hongjoong too stunned for words, and Yeosang hiding his shaking hands behind his back. “Is that a problem?”
He knew his mother didn’t dislike Wooyoung, she was just more firm in the bloodline than they were. And no matter how much she liked Wooyoung, he wouldn’t be a viable marriage partner for her only son.
By some grace of fate, she decided not to comment on it. Though the glance that was thrown in Hongjoong’s direction had Yeosang suspecting she didn’t want to say something the tailor wouldn’t like, knowing he had the ear of the Prince. “Alright, then I’ll leave you to it. I don’t think I need to be here to walk you through this.” She stood up with grace that always instilled awe, her head high as she breezed past them as if her feet weren’t even touching the floor.
No sooner were the doors shut did Hongjoong burst into a wide grin. “About time.”
The comment went over Yeosang’s head as he let out a deep breath, smoothing his hands over his pants before approaching the well dressed tailor and dear friend. “So uh, an outfit for the both of us? Whatever Wooyoung wants.”
“Oh sugar plum! You’re so sweet!!” Before he had time to react, a sloppy kiss was placed to the side of Yeosang’s cheek following the words. He winced at the contact, glaring at the affectionate vampire as he quickly moved onto his next target.
A few slaps to the thigh with the end of the cane stopped Wooyoung from smooching Hongjoong’s exposed skin, a grimace on his face as the vampire acted as if he enjoyed the slaps.
“Ew, the fuck?!”
“What? Only Hwa allowed to enjoy your spankings? That is unfair! He should share them!”
“I do not spank Hwa!”
“So he spanks you?”
“Oh my Stars, Wooyoung! Do you want your outfit for the ball or not? Fuck I have to measure you for this. Is it too late to back out.”
The bickering back and forth went on well through the measuring process, Yeosang watching with a heavy lump in his chest that wasn’t all that uncomfortable. True to his word he let Wooyoung do all the talking, only giving his input when asked though it was mostly agreeing if things were okay.
A red and black jeweled color scheme with silk accents was all that registered in Yeosang’s mind, finding himself smiling softly at the pleasant atmosphere. Wooyoung always put him at ease, the sound of his yapping in the background as close to home as the vampire had ever felt. It’s in all his favorite memories, even if said memories were about another one of his friends, Wooyoung was there.
By the time Hongjoong was done measuring them and jotting down Wooyoung’s wishes, Yeosang was a bit more confident that taking Wooyoung as his date was the right idea. He was excited, Hongjoong approved, and the ball would be much more fun and tolerable with the eight of them together.
It would take two weeks for the outfits to be done as Hongjoong informed them he had a list, but he set up an appointment with a jeweler for the outfits, and suggested that Yeosang get some pieces from them as well.
That meeting went much more differently than with Hongjoong. The man, Hyunjin, seemed to judge Yeosang’s choice of date. Hongjoong had given them a head’s up that the man was a romantic though, so it was entirely Wooyoung’s idea to play in love.
As if they hadn’t been doing that the last for days anyways. Days of over-the-top terms of endearments and extra touches from Wooyoung, but that wouldn’t be enough to sell it. It wasn’t easy for the blonde vampire though, as every touch and term had his brain a tad fuzzy and left him confused and a tad distraught.
He was still reeling from Wooyoung purring out ‘Darling’ and his hand on his hip moments ago when Hyunjin’s voice cut through the fog like a burning dagger. “I don’t think you could afford this piece.”
Yeosang’s eyes flickered over to Wooyoung, the charismatic smile still there but Yeosang knew him enough to notice the dimness in his red eyes. He didn’t like it, when his best friend’s charm was dimmed. He was acting before his brain caught up, now standing next to Wooyoung and placing a hand on his hip almost possessively. He glanced down at the jeweled body harness, some pearls and rubies and black diamonds intricately woven together from a choker down to a belly chain, a few beautiful chains draping off and around the torso as well.
Expensive, but nothing Yeosang couldn’t afford with his own money. Maybe out of Wooyoung’s budget, but Hyunjin failed to account for the fact Wooyoung wasn’t paying. “Are you saying this is too expensive for even a Duke’s household? I don’t remember saying my love was paying for anything.” He kept his tone at an innocent level, playing dumb while the words themselves were daggers towards the jeweler.
Hyunjin quickly looked down, mumbling an apology before writing down the order for it. “Would you like matching earrings to the set then?”
“If he wants them.” He drawled cooly, squeezing Wooyoung’s hip in gentle reassurance. He would have to get used to this, knowing other nobles were going to be just as rude, if not more, at the ball. Hyunjin was simply a count, even if he had an artistic ability, and yet he was looking down on Wooyoung because of his status- or lack thereof.
Yeosang had never liked it when someone with a title met Wooyoung and looked down on him, but at the moment it had him more upset than usual. He blamed it on the fact Wooyoung was to be his date for this Ball and filed it away without further scrutiny.
Hyunjin seemed to take the hint and backed off, nodding and making a note of the desired items. Yet it didn’t satisfy the vampire. “One last thing, if you can add it.” He started, waiting until the pretty jeweler looked up because it was undeniable the man was beautiful. “On the choker, put my initials.”
With a gasp, Wooyoung’s head swiveled in his direction, and Yeosang didn’t need to glance at him to know the expression he wore. One of shock, pretty pink lips parted until they pulled into a smirk. It took everything in Yeosang not to flush at the intensity of both their gazes and the implications his request meant.
He just didn’t know how else to put his clear claim on Wooyoung, believing it would weed out a majority of rude comments the other would get. But then what if Wooyoung didn’t like the idea? What if he was overstepping by doing that? Getting a custom body harness with his initials that would only ever fit Wooyoung? It was far too much for a fake date for one night.
The blonde knew that, the fear of overstepping growing in the drawn out tense silence that filled the room.
As if sensing his anxiety, Wooyoung leaned against his side and cupped the side of his neck, turning Yeosang with the nudge of his thumb on his jaw. He was met with Wooyoung’s sultry gaze that was like a fox about to pounce on his prey, a satisfied smirk on his lips as he all but purred out “Great idea Sangie. Everyone would know who I belong to then, no questions.”
And if the words were like a bolt of lightning that heated up his dead veins and stirred his groin and fizzled his brain? That was filed away with the dozens of other times and emotions the other vampire had made him feel similarly in the last few days.
Clearing his throat to pull the attention back on him – effectively snapping Yeosang out of some heat-addled daze he found himself in – Hyunjin wrote the modification down. “Right, that will be extra, but I don’t see why I can’t get it done. Just need measurements-”
Without taking his eyes off of Yeosang’s frozen features, Wooyoung rattled off his own measurements with ease, his thumb running across Yeosang’s sharp jaw like it was the most natural thing in the world.
Yeosang was just glad he didn’t need to breathe because the motion stole any potential breath from him anyways. In fact, the slightest movement he felt would set him in a spiral of some unknown emotion he was trying to hold back.
He can dissect what is wrong with him after the Ball, when he could get space from Wooyoung without raising suspicions.
Though was he selling this too much? Would it cause problems? Would it be so bad to make it obvious he wasn’t really with Wooyoung? Yes, his brain immediately interjected, because it would ruin any reputation Wooyoung had among high society. Even if the other didn’t care, his own parents did and a bad reputation for Wooyoung would be bad for employment.
“What do you think, Sweetheart?” Wooyoung’s teasing lilt tore him from his thoughts, yet again, which resulted in an amused chuckle. “Are you that distracted by my touches? Sorry Darling, I’ll play nice… for now.”
Just like that, Wooyoung created space between the two, Yeosang blinking in confusion before this time he really couldn’t help the way his cheeks flamed in embarrassment. “S-Sorry. What was being said?”
Hyunjin just let out a long, weary sigh. “I was asking if the 28th is a good day for me to stop by with the harness and make sure it fits. I can make any adjustments on the day of.” He seemed in a rush to end the meeting, which Yeosang found disrespectful on a whole other level. Merchants, tailors, jewelers and more usually weren’t in a rush to leave business with nobility, but he also didn’t see a reason to keep the man either. He suspected it had to do with Wooyoung and him being so affectionate.
Yeosang didn’t realize he was staring the man down with a hardened look, jaw a bit tense as he tried to figure out if he really was being disrespectful. The jeweler flinched unintentionally. “A harness like this takes time, Sir, especially with the modification of your initials. I mean no disrespect by my insistence to end here for the day.” He clarified, bowing as if that would placate the vampire.
He only relaxed at Wooyoung’s soft laugh. “Of course you don’t. It’s my bad for picking out such a big and pretty piece. I’ve just never worn anything like it and Sugarplum here has a few you have made him. They always look so nice on him I just…” He trailed off, feigning an almost shy and bashful expression when Hyunjin stood back up. “I mean they are absolutely beautiful pieces. No question anything you make will make me shine and for one night I just wanted to shine like my love does. Be worthy to stand by his side around all of high society. Is that too much?”
Oh he saw the exact moment the man became charmed by his best friend, his eyes widening and lips parting a silent ‘o’. “N-no! I am happy to provide such a piece for you!” Hyunjin stood up straight, a flush to his cheeks that had Yeosang bristling for some reason. Another reaction for the box. Though it didn’t go away as quick as he hoped, the merchant flashing Wooyoung a dazzling smile that was meant to charm.
It was an effort for Yeosang to keep his thoughts in the present and not spiral once more over the whole situation. “That day works perfectly. I trust you, as always, to make a piece befitting the Dukedom. I know Wooyoung’s status is not the most… ideal, but with your work and Joong’s I know he will fit right in.”
Hyunjin turned the smile onto Yeosang, rising to the challenge in the blonde vampire’s words. If there was one thing Yeosang knew about the merchants he dealt with, it was that they took pride in their craft as the best. Wooyoung had easily stoked Hyujin’s ego in that, and Yeosang just reinforced that. “You can count on me, Sir. It will be a piece befitting the love of the future Duke.” He bowed again, this time deeper and with more respect.
With a nod, Yeosang turned to Wooyoung. “Anything else you want, dear?”
Wooyoung made a show of thinking about it for a minute before beaming over at the jeweler. “No, that should be it. I don’t want to give you too much. But I’m sure we’ll have more opportunities in the future, right?”
Hyunjin nodded, almost looking forward to it, and Yeosang was too busy being shocked by his eagerness to understand exactly what that meant.
In true Yeosang fashion, he just threw it into the box and ignored it, instead discussing price with Hyunjin before leading Wooyoung out of the room. The latter didn’t go into details about it either, even when they were alone in his quarters, Yeosang flopping back onto his bed with a heavy sigh.
Wooyoung flopped onto the bed next to him but on his stomach, that wide mischievous grin on his face was the only warning the blonde had before he suddenly had the other vampire koala’ed onto him. Wooyoung was always physically affectionate especially when they were alone, so Yeosang didn’t much like the way he tensed up from the cuddling.
A fact the other didn’t point out. He just started talking about how excited he was to wear the jewelry bodice, conveniently leaving out the possessive detail Yeosang asked for. It at least eased Yeosang’s worries of overstepping. His best friend wouldn’t be this excited about the piece if he was upset about the possessive lettering.
Yeosang let his joy infect him and ease his nerves until he found himself taking an impromptu nap, unaware it would be one of the few times that he could be alone with his friend before the ball in the coming days.
—
The lack of odd pet names and overly done flirting should be a blessing for Yeosang, but he found himself more wound up without it. Had he gotten used to the exaggerated affections?
He most definitely ignored the way his undead heart felt like it would beat out of his chest whenever he saw Wooyoung in between his new etiquette classes, the other boy lighting up at the sight of him and practically yelling at the top of his lungs for him. While yes, Yeosang was embarrassed to hear the screech of “Darling! Welcome home!” from the top of the grand stairs after he returned from a visit with Seonghwa, he also couldn’t deny how happy it made him.
With a shy wave at the other – who was currently holding a stack of books and heading to the library with his current instructor – Yeosang avoided all the eyes of the other servants and staff milling about. The head butler who was coming to greet Yeosang had let out a soft sigh, but thankfully it was enough of an occurrence that the butler in question thought nothing of it but fondness.
As did most of the staff, if Yeosang allowed himself to look at the others.
It was no secret the staff loved Wooyoung, having grown up in these halls with Yeosang and many of the younger children of some staff. But with the etiquette lessons and his mother’s attention on Wooyoung full force, he half expected the staff to grow wary. Instead it was the opposite, some of them even calling Wooyoung “Master Woo.”
It almost felt like they were accepting him as Yeosang’s betrothed. Almost. Yeosang just waved it off as everyone being overly familiar with him to begin with. And the etiquette classes? That was just his mother making sure Wooyoung wasn’t an embarrassment to them since Yeosang refused to change his mind. Plus, the outfits were bought and would be dropped off in the coming days.
Yeosang felt like he was just going through the motions, doing his duties, visiting when called upon, feeding when he got hungry, and spending far too much time in his head just barely glossing over the many things in his mental box but coming to no conclusions.
He was scared to, he realized. Instinctively knowing that sorting those out would change things in ways that couldn’t be undone. He liked his life as it was, that was why he chose Wooyoung as his date, to keep his life as its current routine without marriage or romance. There was no desire for those in his life.
Right?
Heading up to his room, pausing to glance down the hall towards the library where he could vaguely hear his friend’s laughter carry through the walls, Yeosang wasn’t so sure any more.
—
Now he was even less sure, staring at the white bedazzled outfit Wooyoung wore. The jacket was gorgeous, Hongjoong standing aside and beaming with pride. There was a simple white silk shirt underneath that the body harness would lay on top of and tie in the cluster of black and red threading on his shoulders, cape, and down the length of his pants.
The fact it was in a similar fashion to what Yeosang stood in, although it was a black ensemble with white and red clusters, just further flustered the vampire. Wooyoung's outfit was more straight cut, the cape the most flowy and it was a short one off of one shoulder. Yeosang's outfit was much more flowy, the jacket cut off at the waist to show off the beading and structure of the corset, black and red ruffles pooling out from under it to give the impression of a half skirt.
“I think this is some of my best designs yet. You had a great idea with the contrasting colors, Woo.” Hongjoong announced as he looked them over, moving to fix Yeosang’s longer cap and then adjust the soft silk of his top. “Hyunjin showed me the pieces he was working on for you both, so I only made your jacket with one button Wooyoung to better show off the work. I did include this-” He held up a sheer sparkling white shirt “-in case you wanted to change it.” He said with a smirk, handing the fabric over to Wooyoung who giggled.
Yeosang turned quickly to look at himself in the mirror, lifting the deep red boots that matched Wooyoung’s, a heel on both pairs that stuck out of the flowy end of both pants. His scrutiny of his outfit was joined by the other, a wide grin on his features as his dark eyes ran over Yeosang’s form. With Yeosang’s blonde hair and Wooyoung’s deep cherry red, the outfits complimented them well.
A lie, the outfits made them look like two halves of the same whole. Wooyoung certainly looked like he belonged next to Yeosang. And the vampire could not deny how right that thought felt. Wooyoung by his side? Always?
A jarring desire that hit him square in the chest and clogged his throat with the force of it.
“You like how we look, Darling?” Wooyoung asked, leaning closer to him while meeting his golden eyes in the mirror. Wooyoung’s own red burned with unknown emotion and for the first time, it became eerily haunting the sort of fire Yeosang was playing with.
He nodded, slow and barely there, but it was enough for the other to turn and express his praise to the designer, leaving Yeosang to his thoughts.
One thought in particular felt like a stone breaking his ribs: Wooyoung had looked like a duke and Yeosang his duchess. Would it be even more uncanny with the jewelry and makeup they planned to don for the ball?
And why did the imagery excite him?
Yeosang was quiet for most of the fitting and alterations Hongjoong did, only talking when it came to forking over payment. It wasn’t unusual for Yeosang to be quiet, though he knew he was being uncharacteristically quiet even for himself these last few days. Too lost in his head. Too busy trying not to spiral with new emotions but doing a piss poor job of it anyways.
Yet Wooyoung never commented on it. He was sure he noticed, if only for the occasional worried glances he would send his way or whispered apologies in their goodbyes. But that night, Yeosang said only a handful of phrases until he retired to bed, his outfit for the ball on the mannequin in the corner of his room, right next to Wooyoung’s.
If he stared at it nearly all night, that was his business.
Unfortunately the lack of sleep and confusing emotions made him even less verbal the next day when Hyunjin came to visit. He met the jeweler in the parlor and examined the beautiful pieces that Hyunjin showed off with pride while they waited for Wooyoung to join them. Apparently he felt the need to rush to his room to change before meeting them.
Or perhaps it was fortunate he did, briskly walking into the room wearing the white pants for his outfit and just the sheer shirt. It was a painstaking effort not to notice the deep pink of his nipples through his shirt, as well as the lean and toned lines that stoked a fire in his belly.
Was Wooyoung always this… sexy?
“Oh I love it on you!” Hyunjin gushed as he stood up, smiling and pressing his hands together in front of him while Wooyoung did a dramatic turn for him. “I saw the jacket so I am happy that most of it won’t be hidden. Now let’s see how this fits you.”
With increasing distress, Yeosang could only sit and watch as Hyunjin began to put the jeweled piece on him with delicate hands. From the collar to the waist chain that would no doubt peak out when they danced or Wooyoung lifted his arms-
It fit along his torso like a glove, stealing Yeosang’s breath away if he needed it. While Hyunjin’s hands flitted over his body to settle it right, then gently touched his jaw to put on the earrings that cupped the rim of his ears, Yeosang felt a new fire in his stomach.
Possessive. Jealousy.
He couldn’t even brush the feeling aside before those two words flitted his mind, telling him exactly how he felt.
“What do you thi-” Wooyoung’s question was broken off by Yeosang’s sudden closeness, though even he didn’t know when he moved. He stood before Wooyoung, his fingers flitting over the jewels and delicate silver, completely ignoring the creator of such a piece. “Sangie?”
No pet name. It made Yeosang’s lips pull down in the slightest frown. Instead of answering, his hands moved up to his neck, tracing his initials in black and red like it was a possessive mark on his throat.
Whatever came over him to tilt Wooyoung’s head back and bring his lips to the metal was beyond him. Pure instinct he would later say. Instinct to show claim, bright golden eyes flickering to Hyunjin almost in warning.
So close to his throat he could hear Wooyoung swallow, his breath hitch, and feel his body tense. The rumble of his voice and hands gripping his shirt was what had Yeosang pulling away abruptly.
He couldn’t believe he just did that. Shame filled his lungs and he avoided looking at Wooyoung though his eyes softened on Hyunjin. “It’s perfect. Payment?” Now he was the one in a rush to get the jewelry gone.
It took a moment for Hyunjin to snap the shock off his features and return back to his business-like persona. Hyunjin, who was such a gossip, had just seen him kiss Wooyoung’s throat, the most intimate place he possibly could in front of company while keeping things appropriate.
Thankfully Hyunjin did not comment on it and Yeosang was quickly paying the man. Wooyoung seemed shell-shocked, staying silent through the process, but as soon as payment was handed over, Yeosang was slipping out the first excuse to leave. “I need to check on something. Wooyoung can help you with the rest.” He mumbled and then breezed past his friend.
Had he fucked up? Was he beyond screwed?
Getting upset that a merchant was touching his own creation on his best friend’s body that he had felt the need to do that? Got what was wrong with him?
He shut himself in his room and practically screamed into the pillows, flustered as he glanced out the open windows at the bright, clear moon.
There was no way he could deny this any longer. He liked Wooyoung. Romantically. How was he going to survive an entire ball dancing and standing by his side? How could he handle any rumors that might spark afterwards of their relationship?
The biggest fear that blossomed in his chest was what if Wooyoung did not feel the same, and he would still have no choice but to marry someone else?
—
In true Yeosang fashion, he spent the remaining days spiraling and avoiding. Every time Wooyoung called out to him he turned on his heel and ran the other way. He kept his door locked when he was alone in his room to avoid the vampire from coming in. He even avoided meals and feeding just so as not to risk running into Wooyoung.
It was his mother who called him out on his behavior, the day of the ball opening his bedroom with her own master key and gliding over to his bed. ”Kang Yeosang.” Her voice sent chills down his spine, causing the last bits of sleep to dash from his mind as he sat up. “You want to explain why you are avoiding your date for this evening?”
He sighed, glancing over at the dual outfits in the corner before up at his mother with her icy expression. He couldn’t say, but he also wouldn’t be able to rid of her presence until she had a satisfactory answer. Telling her that he realized how much he wanted to be with said date when he had insisted the two were so in love that was why he wanted Wooyoung as his date was… well that was a punishment waiting to happen for both parties involved.
So he racked his brain for any of his spiraling thoughts that she would buy as reason enough, coming to only one.
“I… I realized how foolish it is to bring Wooyoung. No matter how much I dress him up or the classes he takes, he won’t earn the approval, will he?”
Say he does recuperate Yeosang’s feelings, the very reason he chose Wooyoung as his date is the one thing that would stop them from ever becoming more. His father cared too much about bloodlines and his mother cared too much about appearances. Wooyoung did not qualify in those regards.
He would never be able to mate with him, and that was what made his feelings so terrifying. Even if he cared nothing for status. Even if he and his friends adored and treated Wooyoung like an equal, as the sole heir to the dukedom, he would not be able to marry Wooyoung. Not without running off but that might mean leaving all their friends behind. And he could never ask Wooyoung to do that.
His mother softened at that, a cool smile on her face. “I am glad to know you understand that, my son, even with your… obvious affections for him. It is better to break it off sooner rather than later. Worry not, we will find you a partner for future events, but for this one it is too late to change anything. Come, get up. He is still your friend and the Prince and others shall also be there. It is not a total waste.”
Taking the bait, his mother patted his head softly in a moment of rare parental affection before turning and glancing at the clothes. “Though I must admit… if he had a more noble birth I would have no qualms about accepting him into the family. He is quite charming.”
For whatever reason, that seemed to sting more than if she had been adamantly against him, but Yeosang kept it to himself.
Fueled to just get through this evening, he slipped out of bed and went to bathe. He took his time, letting servants help him out and come do his hair and makeup and help him dress.
His eyes flickered to the mannequin’s, both empty now though he hadn’t seen anyone come grab Wooyoung’s. The vampire also didn’t come to look for it, so he vaguely assumed it was taken while he was in the bath. He wasn’t sure how he was going to keep his reaction neutral once seeing the other, knowing he would be fully dressed and dolled up, matching Yeosang as if they were a power couple, not two friends pretending.
Not that he had to worry, as the second he spotted Wooyoung in the foyer, no one was looking at him.
Seeing Wooyoung standing next to his father, both smiling and seemingly to enjoy their company, while Wooyoung’s entire visage was breath-takingly gorgeous and fit in next to his parents with ease. He was wearing the sheer shirt under the jacket, the jeweled bodice flirting with its presence and tying in with the rest of the look. His lips were ruby red, eyes shadowed and sultry, cherry hair pushed back but not so smoothed down that it looked out of place, only half while the other swooped over his forehead and behind his ear.
The urge to step up and run his hair through it and ruin the perfect locks was almost overwhelming, so instead he reached up to play with his own blonde curls, knowing his look was much less heavy to compliment Wooyoung.
What was even more jarring was how his mother was looking at Wooyoung, seeming conflicted. Why, he had no idea, but it was what he needed to find his feet again and close the distance. “Appa, Young-ah, ready?” He called out, both men turning to him.
“Oh Yeosang-” His father sighed out softly, almost fondly, as his eyes darted between him and Wooyoung. “You two are truly a sight.”
Did his father just compliment Wooyoung? What had he missed?
He turned his attention to said vampire in hopes of an answer but to his surprise, Wooyoung didn’t look at him. When he did, Yeosang flinched.
Why did he look upset? Was he not excited for this?
Yeosang didn’t get an answer until he was in the carriage, his parents in their own to leave them be. Wooyoung sat across from him, staring at the window in silence, jaw taunt.
“Wooyoung? Are you not excited?” Yeosang prompted after moments of quiet, the silence too heavy for him.
His friend’s red eyes flickered towards him, unreadable in the dark of the carriage, only the sounds of the horses’ hooves and rattle of the wheels filling the space.
Then, so soft that he wouldn’t hear it if he was human, Wooyoung breathed out “I will try not to embarrass you, Master Yeosang.”
It felt like a slap, Yeosang flinching back and reeling. He knew Wooyoung meant for him to hear, but did he know it was like a burning stake through his heart, twisting to provide him with impossible levels of agony for his undead self?
Wooyoung had heard him and his mother and gotten the wrong impression. Gone were his doubts. His fears. The anxiety. He couldn’t have Wooyoung believing that Yeosang was embarrassed by him!
“That’s not- Wooyoung I didn’t mean-” He stumbled out, wincing as Wooyoung rolled his eyes dramatically.
“You don’t think it’s foolish to bring me? Really?” He snapped out, clearly hurt by Yeosang’s own words.
“I only worded it that way so she would back off!”
“But you still think it, don't you!”
“Yes but not-”
“Was I too much? Is that what it was? You couldn’t tell me to my face? I thought we could tell each other anything, Sang-ah? Instead you avoided me and thought bringing me is foolish!”
“Because it is!” Yeosang snapped out, trying to get Wooyoung to stop his tirade. “It’s foolish to show you off when nothing can come of it!”
Wooyoung gaped at him, eyes wide and pain glistening in the deep depths. “What do you mean by that? That I won’t be enough to keep you from getting married off? Are you disappointed I’m not useful enough, Master?” He sneered out, his hand reaching up to the collar with his initials. “Was this… nothing?”
He tugged on it, but before it could give, Yeosang was across the carriage and pressing his hand down, resulting in both hands covering his throat. “You are everything, Wooyoung.” He whispered, trying to ignore the fact he was on lap now. It was not the time to get flustered. “It is foolish to bring you because it will do nothing but rub in what I can’t have. I can’t spend a whole night with you, dancing and laughing and looking like we were made for each other, just for nothing to come of it. I know I didn’t want any marriage talks, but I fear it will break me if I spend this whole night with you and no one thinks you should be the one I mate with.” He whispered, the words too heavy to speak.
Slowly he lowered Wooyoung’s hand from the collar, his eyes taking in the initials there with a longing he had tried so hard not to feel. “I love you… too much. And yet I can’t have you the way I want and tonight is just salt in that wound. Do you get it now, Wooyoung? I li-”
Yeosang’s confession was cut off by cherry lips on his, hands on his hips to hold him still as he was being kissed. At first he was frozen, shocked and not understanding, but all it took was a gentle nip on his bottom lip for Yeosang to just melt.
Wooyoung was kissing him, and nothing else mattered.
His hands flew to his shoulders, gripping the fabric as he kissed back, letting his emotions pour out into the other. His concerns and worries and all those little instances in the box just tumbling out.
There was a moan, he couldn’t tell from who it came from, but when they pulled away they were both panting just a tad. As if they needed to. Wooyoung’s vibrant red eyes met Yeosang’s gold and the latter had to stop himself from closing the distance again.
“It’s not foolish.” Wooyoung said, bringing Yeosang’s thoughts to a halt. “I don’t care how many balls or classes or what I have to do, but if this is what Yeosang, then we’ll do it. I’ll do it all to be with you.” He promised with such conviction that Yeosang almost believed him.
“Do you mean that? Even if my parents never agree?” He asked softly, pressing his chest against his and wrapping his arms around his shoulders, eyes flickering to his lips and then to the choker.
Wooyoung answered with another kiss, this one softer, less desperate, but filled with the promise of eternity. Yeosang could only melt further into him, his fears melting away as well. When he pulled away, it was just enough to press their foreheads together, breathing each other in and savoring the moment. “I love you too, Sang-ah. And I want to try, if you do. We can start with this ball. It is about new beginnings, and I can’t think of a more perfect opportunity to show off our love. Don’t you?”
Celebrating the new year, new beginnings, new bonds. While it was usually with newborn vampires, a love like this? Yes, it was a perfect time to flaunt it. “I-I suppose you are right. It won’t be easy.”
“Has that stopped me before?” He could feel Wooyoung’s smirk more than see it.
“N-no.” Yeosang relented, gasping as Wooyoung’s grip on his hips tightened. “Woo-”
“To be honest, I’m glad I can stop pretending.” He pulled away, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes as he stared him down. “You have any idea how much I wanted to jump your bones when you kissed the collar? Or when you talked back to Hyunjin? And letting me dress you in this corset? I won’t be able to keep my hands off you now.”
Yeosang almost felt dizzy with the implications of his words. “Well… no need to pretend now. Let’s go show off… I guess?” He muttered shyly, only saved by the fact they were arriving.
He really really hoped the end result of tonight was a lifetime with his best friend… as lovers.