Shutter [for ergone]
For: ergone
Title: Shutter
Pairing(s)/focus: Mark/Jackson
Rating: PG-13
Word count: 3402
Warnings: none
Author's notes: I didn't know what I was doing.
Summary: Mark's passion has always been photography and it leads him into a very surreal and unbelievable predicament. And away from Jackson and maybe back again.
Mark was excited. His photography project was in the final stages and he only had a few optional reshoots. But all of the photos had turned out well. Even his professor was surprised with the quality of work. Mark had poured all of his time and effort into this last assignment and it had paid off. He grabbed a jacket and his camera and headed off to the pier to take a few shots. The cool evening air felt nice and Mark couldn’t help but stare up at the vibrant colored sky. He walked a bit faster not wanting to miss the lovely sunset.
Once Mark had reached the pier he sat on the concrete benches, fiddling with his camera a bit before tilting it upward to the sky and snapping continuously. He furrowed his brow and lowered his camera when he realized the photographs didn’t do justice to the real life sky. He looked around spotting a group of guys at the opposite end of the pier. He pointed his camera at them using the zoom feature to get a better look. Mark couldn’t believe what he was witnessing; he wiped at his lens vigorously his mouth agape in amazement.
They didn’t pay attention to the kid at the opposite end of the pier. He seemed pretty absorbed in the sunset. And most humans weren’t very observant. But when they saw the camera lens focused on them. They rushed at him with great speed. It had been months since Jinyoung had become a vampire and he had adjusted to many aspects, aside from the ‘keeping the vampire race a secret by any means necessary’. Which usually consisted of killing some human, the kid was already rushing to put away his things and escape but it was pointless. In a matter of seconds they had surrounded him.
“You shouldn’t take our pictures without consent.” One of the vampires offered leaning in and smirking at the boy. “I wasn’t- I wasn’t taking pictures of you.” Mark replied his mouth suddenly dry. “We’ll just have to see for ourselves.” Another said and before Mark could object they were digging through his camera bag. Going through the pictures he had taken. “Guess not, but you still saw with your own eyes. And memory is a camera too.” Mark realized that there weren’t words that were going to get him out of this situation unharmed. He looked around pleading, catching the eye of Jinyoung who simply looked away.
“Guess we’ll have to destroy it.” And after that came the first of several blows. Mark slumped against the concrete seating as they continued to beat him. Somewhere in those minutes he had fallen on the ground. He remembered the way their shoes looked. And even let out an ironic smile as the thought of what a nice photograph it would make. Eventually the assault stopped and Mark groaned in pain, too tired to scream. He was sure many of his bones were broken and he struggled to hold on to consciousness. Suddenly one of men kneeled beside him. Mark thrashed haphazardly away from him, but stopped when they made eye contact. “I’m going to save you.” The man drew closer and after a few moments everything went dark.
Mark woke again sometime later; perhaps a day since the sun was high in the sky. He wasn’t in his own home, but the bed of a stranger. He looked at the bedside table where there was a note. “Let yourself out.” It read in messy lettering. Mark sat up surprised that his body wasn’t wrecked with pain from the beating he had received prior. But he pushed off the covers looked around for his camera, which was unsurprisingly absent, though he still had his phone and wallet. He looked around the apartment cautiously not sure when the owner would return. But there was nothing to see. He passed by a mirror and was shocked that he didn’t have any bruising on his face.
Mark figured there was nothing that the police could do for him. He had no visible injuries and retained all of his items, beside his camera. He headed straight back to his apartment. Surprised to find his apartment full of people, his friend Jackson rushed over to him. “This is the victim.” Jackson said gesturing to a very confused Mark. “We would like to have a word with him.” Jackson nodded to Mark and pushed him gently toward the group of police officers. “Where have you been for the past ten days?” One of the men asked. Mark is even more puzzled. “Excuse me.” Mark replied looking toward Jackson in confusion. He was sure he had seen and talked to Jackson the day before. He pulled out his phone completely tuning out the officers it had been 10 days since he had gone to the pier. “I was at the pier and then I was beaten up. My camera was stolen. I blacked out and earlier today I woke up in a strange apartment. That’s all I remember.” The man jotted down Mark’s statement. “Can you lead us back to that apartment?” Mark thought for a moment he knew the area but he wasn’t sure of the exact location. “I don’t think so.” Mark replied. After a few more questions the group left telling Mark not to expect too much from the investigation.
It was all so surreal, he had been beaten and kidnapped and lost all recollection. Jackson stayed behind and Mark was thankful. He wasn’t in pain but there was this itching under his skin. They sat in silence for a while, before Mark finally spoke. “I’m going to sleep.” Mark wanted to be alone. But he didn’t want to seem ungrateful for what Jackson had done. Rest seemed like the perfect excuse to get him to leave. Jackson nodded awkwardly before moving toward the exit. “Goodnight.” Jackson said quietly. Mark just nodded in return before sighing and heading toward the kitchen. He hadn’t eaten in ten days but oddly enough he wasn’t hungry, at least not for any of the food remaining in his apartment. He lay on the sofa and wracked his mind for any details he could remember.
Jinyoung returned to his apartment and fell against the sofa. He was thankful that he still had at least one place he could be alone without the other members of his coven. It was tiring always being attuned and social. He knew it wouldn’t last though, they were already dropping subtle hints that they wanted Jinyoung to move in with them. He had managed to avoid the conversation thus far, but it was only a matter of time. Jinyoung got up and went to check on “sleeping beauty” as he had dubbed the newly turned vampire. Jinyoung was at first panicked when he didn’t wake after seven days but he knew he would eventually. Jinyoung had been very meticulous in the turning ritual, even if it was his first. He walked into his bedroom and was surprised the bedroom was empty, his progeny had left. It wasn’t debilitating, but there was this longing ache in his chest in not knowing.
Jinyoung didn’t know why he had suddenly grown a conscience. But it was the reason he snuck into the coven home and pulled out the camera they had taken from the boy. But before he could even remove it from the case another vampire was staring down at him confused. “I’m going to return the camera.” Jinyoung said, he didn’t know if it was the fact that the other man was his maker or some other magic but he couldn’t lie to him. “Why? That kid is dead. And if he isn’t he wishes he was.” The other said taking a strong grip on the case, wanting to put it back in its place. Jinyoung hesitated avoiding the other’s gaze, that had turn from confusion to skepticism. “I turned him.” Before Jinyoung could explain further he was slammed against the wall feeling the plaster break around impact. That was enough to get the attention of the other vampires. “You didn’t just save his life, you endangered all of ours.” Jinyoung learned that night that he had broken rules laws, with severe punishments and consequences. But mostly he learned that he had to find Mark before anyone else did. They told him their bond would lead him to wherever Mark was. But no matter what they did Jinyoung just couldn’t seem to feel anything.
Mark decided to focus on planning how to retake all of the pictures he lost when his camera was stolen and also to avoid thinking too much about the ordeal. He found it easier to avoid Jackson with the excuse of his project. He also didn’t feel as bad, because it was a legitimate reason. But after nearly two weeks, Jackson showed up without a call or announcement. And Mark couldn’t find the heart to slam a door in his face the same way he could hang up a phone. Suddenly the itch under Mark’s skin returned and this time it was more like an uncomfortable burn. “Come in.” Mark said stepping aside to allow his friend entry. Mark wasn’t sure what to say, but he stared at Jackson intensely. Before he had the other pinned against the wall lapping with his tongue at the juncture of his neck. “Uh.” Was all Jackson said and Mark stepped away, looking thoroughly terrified.
“Okay.” Jackson said. “Okay?” Mark questioned hesitantly taking a step toward the other man. Jackson gave a small nod baring his neck. Mark resumed lapping at the skin before sinking his teeth in drawing blood. His body cools off almost instantly and the blood flowing into his mouth offers clarity from the depressed haze he had been stuck in. His action was interrupted when a heavy weight rested against his chest. He looked down to see Jackson leaning against him eyelids fluttering slowly and his body limp. “I’m so sorry.” Mark said carrying the other to his sofa. He grabs a bottle water and some snacks offering them eagerly. Jackson falls asleep and Mark just paced back and forth in front of the other. Jackson sat up with a dazed expression and grabbed the bottle of water taking a long sip. “Is that why you disappeared?” Jackson asked his tone accusatory. “I didn’t know, you were the first. I’ve never done that before.” Mark said gesturing to the two wounds on Jackson’s neck. Jackson felt terrified and anxious but those weren’t his own emotions, they were the ones displayed on Mark’s face. He stands up to leave, too uncomfortable with the situation. But Mark blocked his exit with haste. Mark can feel this fear, and knows it the one Jackson is feeling. He stepped aside and allowed him to pass.
Mark didn’t speak to Jackson for weeks and committed himself to completing his project reshoots. But he could still feel all of the emotions that Jackson experienced and it was a major distraction. But he knew that Jackson needed to come to terms with what he was on his own. Mark wasn’t satisfied with the way his project was going. But there was nothing he could do. He went to a small restaurant taking pictures of the dark smoky room lined with neon lights. When he turned to toward the entrance unprompted. Seeing the men that had beat him. There was only one way out of the restaurant and Mark hesitated before charging through them and running down the street. He got further than he had during his first encounter with the group but eventually they caught up to him.
“We have your camera. So come with us quietly.” Jinyoung said. Mark’s jaw was clenched in anger. Suddenly his camera was held in front of him. One of the men flipping through all of his pictures. Mark sucked his teeth. “Okay.” He said and they loosened their grips slightly and led Mark away. They asked him to live with them. Mark thought it was crazy a bunch of grown men, vampires nonetheless capable of defending themselves living together. But he knew it wasn’t a choice. “Yes” or “No” just determined whether they locked the doors from the outside when they left him alone. He kept staring at Jinyoung, but the other didn’t acknowledge him. Mark agreed on one condition that they allow him to make a phone call. Mark dialed Jackson’s number receiving the voicemail. He left a message. “I’m not going to be home for a while. I won’t have my phone either.” He said before hanging up. Mark knew that Jackson had listened to the message when he felt a panic rising in his chest about five minutes afterward.
Jinyoung had never seen his progeny alive and well, clean from the blood and bruises and awake and making expression. He was truly beautiful. But his maker had told him not to get too close until Mark as he had learned, warmed up to them. “I know you aren’t too keen on moving to the coven household but we aren’t going to babysit for you. And your apartment isn’t secure enough to contain him.” Jinyoung nodded at the others words. He didn’t want to move into the coven household, but Jinyoung understood it wasn’t fair for the others to take care of his progeny. He had made him and he was his responsibility. Jinyoung looked through the small window in the door at Mark before walking away.
“I can’t stay here.” Mark said, the others look at him with scowls. Mark didn’t understand why but he looked toward Jinyoung for some type of help. “We can get you the best blood sources. We can even let you feed off us. You won’t be safe outside of here.” They were trying to confuse and sway him and Mark knew that he should have just agreed. “I’ll be leaving now.” Mark said standing up and preparing to find the exit. But before he could take more than a step away from the table the others restrained him and leading him back to the room he had been occupying. “You just need to warm up to the idea.” Mark leaving was only a problem because of the circumstances of his turning, forcibly changed and in the unpredictable stages of new vampirism. Mark shot Jinyoung one last glance before he was taken away. Mark could feel worry, Jackson’s worry but there was nothing he could do to calm him. Mark slipped into depression, the isolation and frustration making it easy. He refused to feed or interact with the others and doesn’t even look to Jinyoung anymore wishing he would say something in his defense.
Jinyoung returned home after feeding when he felt an uncomfortable heat under his skin. All he could think about was rushing to Mark and he bursted into the other man’s room looking around frantically. He found him seated in the corner head lulling slowly, face sunken and eyes weak. He knew Mark was starving and did his best to get Mark to feed from him, with difficulty. Jinyoung felt a bit better once Mark did and knew he couldn’t allow the coven to keep him anymore. “I’ll be back.” Jinyoung said before leaving to rejoin the others in the main room. Hours later once the others had gone to sleep Jinyoung sneaked into Mark’s room. Waking the other and pressing a finger to his lips to keep him quiet. He led him away from the coven, once they were outside he shoved his camera into his grasp and tells him to leave. “Try to stay inside and away from this area. For both of our sakes.” Mark nodded before walking away trying to gain orientation and figure out which way home was. Mark looked up toward the skyline and notices he’s in Jackson’s area. He rationalizes visiting the other male, just to calm his worrying.
Jackson opened the door his face a mix of confusion and disbelief. Mark invited himself inside and they share a long hug. “I got my camera back.” Mark said holding up the case triumphantly. And Jackson sighed before shutting the door behind him. They stand in the entryway awkwardly waiting for the other to speak. Jackson tilted his head baring his neck toward Mark. “You need it right?” Jackson asked. Mark took a step closer and nodded before sinking his fangs into him, this time with much more precision. He hadn’t drank in so long he tunes out all of his surrounding besides the feeling of the blood flowing into his body. Not noticing the way Jackson panted and moves against him. A sharp moan is what jolted Mark from his meal and made him look at Jackson puzzled. “Did I drink too much?” Mark asked and Jackson shook his head no. “It feels weird, kind of… pleasurable.” Jackson responded. Mark suddenly remembered Jinyoung’s words and knew he had to get home before they found him and Jackson. “I just wanted to let you know I got my camera back.” Mark said inching closer to the exit. Jackson makes a sound of acknowledgement before holding the door open for Mark to exit. Mark turned around as if to speak but Jackson closed the door quickly.
Mark made his way home determined to finish his project before any more unexpected events could disrupt it. He emailed it to the professor, pressing the send button with a pleased grin. He relaxed but soon felt a sad discomfort, Mark knew it was Jackson. But he wondered why he was upset. But he couldn’t call the other and ask about the emotions they were sharing. So he settled onto his sofa and tried to take his mind off it. But it didn’t work. Mark wondered how long the vampires would look for him, they seemed persistent and Mark would go insane staying inside his apartment all the time. He eyed a pamphlet he had received for an exchange program in London. It lasted a year and it would be a great experience. Mark spent the rest of the night thinking about that instead of Jackson’s seemingly unending sadness.
Mark applied for the exchange program and two weeks later received a decision regarding his admission. He let the envelope sit on his table for a few more days before opening it. His eyes going wide in shock when he saw he had been accepted. Mark felt various feelings the most prominent being worry for Jackson. They had managed to reach a balance after the night and though it was resting on neither of them mentioning vampires. They were able to interact. Mark had kept the fact he was applying a secret from Jackson, telling himself because he was sure he wouldn’t be accepted. He knew the other male would feel betrayed, but the coven was still after him and after several close calls Mark didn’t want to risk it. He picked up the phone slowly dialing Jackson’s number, the other’s energetic greeting making him wince in regret instead of laugh like it did usually. “Jackson I’m going away in a couple of weeks.” Mark sighed. “For how long?” Jackson asked. “A year… well ten months.” Jackson was silent and Mark held the phone up making sure the call wasn’t lost. “Okay, bye.” Jackson said hanging up. Mark quickly began to redial the number but stopped himself from making the call. He was the one running away. He couldn’t be so selfish to tell Jackson how to respond to it.
Mark had busied himself with preparing for the program. But he always thought about Jackson. He figured the other man would want to at least give him a proper goodbye. But Mark didn’t want to force it out of him. But Mark couldn’t board the plane without some type of farwell so he called the Jackson. The other didn’t offer his usual greeting instead waiting for Mark to speak first. “I’m boarding a plane now.” Mark said. Still the other listened silently. Mark neared the front of the boarding queue and bit his lip nervously knowing he would have to end the call soon. “I’ll come back, to you.” Jackson took a deep breath. “Okay.” He said before hanging up. And Mark repeated to himself. “Okay.”
[readers, don't forget to leave a comment! anonymous is on if you're shy.]
Title: Shutter
Pairing(s)/focus: Mark/Jackson
Rating: PG-13
Word count: 3402
Warnings: none
Author's notes: I didn't know what I was doing.
Summary: Mark's passion has always been photography and it leads him into a very surreal and unbelievable predicament. And away from Jackson and maybe back again.
Mark was excited. His photography project was in the final stages and he only had a few optional reshoots. But all of the photos had turned out well. Even his professor was surprised with the quality of work. Mark had poured all of his time and effort into this last assignment and it had paid off. He grabbed a jacket and his camera and headed off to the pier to take a few shots. The cool evening air felt nice and Mark couldn’t help but stare up at the vibrant colored sky. He walked a bit faster not wanting to miss the lovely sunset.
Once Mark had reached the pier he sat on the concrete benches, fiddling with his camera a bit before tilting it upward to the sky and snapping continuously. He furrowed his brow and lowered his camera when he realized the photographs didn’t do justice to the real life sky. He looked around spotting a group of guys at the opposite end of the pier. He pointed his camera at them using the zoom feature to get a better look. Mark couldn’t believe what he was witnessing; he wiped at his lens vigorously his mouth agape in amazement.
They didn’t pay attention to the kid at the opposite end of the pier. He seemed pretty absorbed in the sunset. And most humans weren’t very observant. But when they saw the camera lens focused on them. They rushed at him with great speed. It had been months since Jinyoung had become a vampire and he had adjusted to many aspects, aside from the ‘keeping the vampire race a secret by any means necessary’. Which usually consisted of killing some human, the kid was already rushing to put away his things and escape but it was pointless. In a matter of seconds they had surrounded him.
“You shouldn’t take our pictures without consent.” One of the vampires offered leaning in and smirking at the boy. “I wasn’t- I wasn’t taking pictures of you.” Mark replied his mouth suddenly dry. “We’ll just have to see for ourselves.” Another said and before Mark could object they were digging through his camera bag. Going through the pictures he had taken. “Guess not, but you still saw with your own eyes. And memory is a camera too.” Mark realized that there weren’t words that were going to get him out of this situation unharmed. He looked around pleading, catching the eye of Jinyoung who simply looked away.
“Guess we’ll have to destroy it.” And after that came the first of several blows. Mark slumped against the concrete seating as they continued to beat him. Somewhere in those minutes he had fallen on the ground. He remembered the way their shoes looked. And even let out an ironic smile as the thought of what a nice photograph it would make. Eventually the assault stopped and Mark groaned in pain, too tired to scream. He was sure many of his bones were broken and he struggled to hold on to consciousness. Suddenly one of men kneeled beside him. Mark thrashed haphazardly away from him, but stopped when they made eye contact. “I’m going to save you.” The man drew closer and after a few moments everything went dark.
Mark woke again sometime later; perhaps a day since the sun was high in the sky. He wasn’t in his own home, but the bed of a stranger. He looked at the bedside table where there was a note. “Let yourself out.” It read in messy lettering. Mark sat up surprised that his body wasn’t wrecked with pain from the beating he had received prior. But he pushed off the covers looked around for his camera, which was unsurprisingly absent, though he still had his phone and wallet. He looked around the apartment cautiously not sure when the owner would return. But there was nothing to see. He passed by a mirror and was shocked that he didn’t have any bruising on his face.
Mark figured there was nothing that the police could do for him. He had no visible injuries and retained all of his items, beside his camera. He headed straight back to his apartment. Surprised to find his apartment full of people, his friend Jackson rushed over to him. “This is the victim.” Jackson said gesturing to a very confused Mark. “We would like to have a word with him.” Jackson nodded to Mark and pushed him gently toward the group of police officers. “Where have you been for the past ten days?” One of the men asked. Mark is even more puzzled. “Excuse me.” Mark replied looking toward Jackson in confusion. He was sure he had seen and talked to Jackson the day before. He pulled out his phone completely tuning out the officers it had been 10 days since he had gone to the pier. “I was at the pier and then I was beaten up. My camera was stolen. I blacked out and earlier today I woke up in a strange apartment. That’s all I remember.” The man jotted down Mark’s statement. “Can you lead us back to that apartment?” Mark thought for a moment he knew the area but he wasn’t sure of the exact location. “I don’t think so.” Mark replied. After a few more questions the group left telling Mark not to expect too much from the investigation.
It was all so surreal, he had been beaten and kidnapped and lost all recollection. Jackson stayed behind and Mark was thankful. He wasn’t in pain but there was this itching under his skin. They sat in silence for a while, before Mark finally spoke. “I’m going to sleep.” Mark wanted to be alone. But he didn’t want to seem ungrateful for what Jackson had done. Rest seemed like the perfect excuse to get him to leave. Jackson nodded awkwardly before moving toward the exit. “Goodnight.” Jackson said quietly. Mark just nodded in return before sighing and heading toward the kitchen. He hadn’t eaten in ten days but oddly enough he wasn’t hungry, at least not for any of the food remaining in his apartment. He lay on the sofa and wracked his mind for any details he could remember.
Jinyoung returned to his apartment and fell against the sofa. He was thankful that he still had at least one place he could be alone without the other members of his coven. It was tiring always being attuned and social. He knew it wouldn’t last though, they were already dropping subtle hints that they wanted Jinyoung to move in with them. He had managed to avoid the conversation thus far, but it was only a matter of time. Jinyoung got up and went to check on “sleeping beauty” as he had dubbed the newly turned vampire. Jinyoung was at first panicked when he didn’t wake after seven days but he knew he would eventually. Jinyoung had been very meticulous in the turning ritual, even if it was his first. He walked into his bedroom and was surprised the bedroom was empty, his progeny had left. It wasn’t debilitating, but there was this longing ache in his chest in not knowing.
Jinyoung didn’t know why he had suddenly grown a conscience. But it was the reason he snuck into the coven home and pulled out the camera they had taken from the boy. But before he could even remove it from the case another vampire was staring down at him confused. “I’m going to return the camera.” Jinyoung said, he didn’t know if it was the fact that the other man was his maker or some other magic but he couldn’t lie to him. “Why? That kid is dead. And if he isn’t he wishes he was.” The other said taking a strong grip on the case, wanting to put it back in its place. Jinyoung hesitated avoiding the other’s gaze, that had turn from confusion to skepticism. “I turned him.” Before Jinyoung could explain further he was slammed against the wall feeling the plaster break around impact. That was enough to get the attention of the other vampires. “You didn’t just save his life, you endangered all of ours.” Jinyoung learned that night that he had broken rules laws, with severe punishments and consequences. But mostly he learned that he had to find Mark before anyone else did. They told him their bond would lead him to wherever Mark was. But no matter what they did Jinyoung just couldn’t seem to feel anything.
Mark decided to focus on planning how to retake all of the pictures he lost when his camera was stolen and also to avoid thinking too much about the ordeal. He found it easier to avoid Jackson with the excuse of his project. He also didn’t feel as bad, because it was a legitimate reason. But after nearly two weeks, Jackson showed up without a call or announcement. And Mark couldn’t find the heart to slam a door in his face the same way he could hang up a phone. Suddenly the itch under Mark’s skin returned and this time it was more like an uncomfortable burn. “Come in.” Mark said stepping aside to allow his friend entry. Mark wasn’t sure what to say, but he stared at Jackson intensely. Before he had the other pinned against the wall lapping with his tongue at the juncture of his neck. “Uh.” Was all Jackson said and Mark stepped away, looking thoroughly terrified.
“Okay.” Jackson said. “Okay?” Mark questioned hesitantly taking a step toward the other man. Jackson gave a small nod baring his neck. Mark resumed lapping at the skin before sinking his teeth in drawing blood. His body cools off almost instantly and the blood flowing into his mouth offers clarity from the depressed haze he had been stuck in. His action was interrupted when a heavy weight rested against his chest. He looked down to see Jackson leaning against him eyelids fluttering slowly and his body limp. “I’m so sorry.” Mark said carrying the other to his sofa. He grabs a bottle water and some snacks offering them eagerly. Jackson falls asleep and Mark just paced back and forth in front of the other. Jackson sat up with a dazed expression and grabbed the bottle of water taking a long sip. “Is that why you disappeared?” Jackson asked his tone accusatory. “I didn’t know, you were the first. I’ve never done that before.” Mark said gesturing to the two wounds on Jackson’s neck. Jackson felt terrified and anxious but those weren’t his own emotions, they were the ones displayed on Mark’s face. He stands up to leave, too uncomfortable with the situation. But Mark blocked his exit with haste. Mark can feel this fear, and knows it the one Jackson is feeling. He stepped aside and allowed him to pass.
Mark didn’t speak to Jackson for weeks and committed himself to completing his project reshoots. But he could still feel all of the emotions that Jackson experienced and it was a major distraction. But he knew that Jackson needed to come to terms with what he was on his own. Mark wasn’t satisfied with the way his project was going. But there was nothing he could do. He went to a small restaurant taking pictures of the dark smoky room lined with neon lights. When he turned to toward the entrance unprompted. Seeing the men that had beat him. There was only one way out of the restaurant and Mark hesitated before charging through them and running down the street. He got further than he had during his first encounter with the group but eventually they caught up to him.
“We have your camera. So come with us quietly.” Jinyoung said. Mark’s jaw was clenched in anger. Suddenly his camera was held in front of him. One of the men flipping through all of his pictures. Mark sucked his teeth. “Okay.” He said and they loosened their grips slightly and led Mark away. They asked him to live with them. Mark thought it was crazy a bunch of grown men, vampires nonetheless capable of defending themselves living together. But he knew it wasn’t a choice. “Yes” or “No” just determined whether they locked the doors from the outside when they left him alone. He kept staring at Jinyoung, but the other didn’t acknowledge him. Mark agreed on one condition that they allow him to make a phone call. Mark dialed Jackson’s number receiving the voicemail. He left a message. “I’m not going to be home for a while. I won’t have my phone either.” He said before hanging up. Mark knew that Jackson had listened to the message when he felt a panic rising in his chest about five minutes afterward.
Jinyoung had never seen his progeny alive and well, clean from the blood and bruises and awake and making expression. He was truly beautiful. But his maker had told him not to get too close until Mark as he had learned, warmed up to them. “I know you aren’t too keen on moving to the coven household but we aren’t going to babysit for you. And your apartment isn’t secure enough to contain him.” Jinyoung nodded at the others words. He didn’t want to move into the coven household, but Jinyoung understood it wasn’t fair for the others to take care of his progeny. He had made him and he was his responsibility. Jinyoung looked through the small window in the door at Mark before walking away.
“I can’t stay here.” Mark said, the others look at him with scowls. Mark didn’t understand why but he looked toward Jinyoung for some type of help. “We can get you the best blood sources. We can even let you feed off us. You won’t be safe outside of here.” They were trying to confuse and sway him and Mark knew that he should have just agreed. “I’ll be leaving now.” Mark said standing up and preparing to find the exit. But before he could take more than a step away from the table the others restrained him and leading him back to the room he had been occupying. “You just need to warm up to the idea.” Mark leaving was only a problem because of the circumstances of his turning, forcibly changed and in the unpredictable stages of new vampirism. Mark shot Jinyoung one last glance before he was taken away. Mark could feel worry, Jackson’s worry but there was nothing he could do to calm him. Mark slipped into depression, the isolation and frustration making it easy. He refused to feed or interact with the others and doesn’t even look to Jinyoung anymore wishing he would say something in his defense.
Jinyoung returned home after feeding when he felt an uncomfortable heat under his skin. All he could think about was rushing to Mark and he bursted into the other man’s room looking around frantically. He found him seated in the corner head lulling slowly, face sunken and eyes weak. He knew Mark was starving and did his best to get Mark to feed from him, with difficulty. Jinyoung felt a bit better once Mark did and knew he couldn’t allow the coven to keep him anymore. “I’ll be back.” Jinyoung said before leaving to rejoin the others in the main room. Hours later once the others had gone to sleep Jinyoung sneaked into Mark’s room. Waking the other and pressing a finger to his lips to keep him quiet. He led him away from the coven, once they were outside he shoved his camera into his grasp and tells him to leave. “Try to stay inside and away from this area. For both of our sakes.” Mark nodded before walking away trying to gain orientation and figure out which way home was. Mark looked up toward the skyline and notices he’s in Jackson’s area. He rationalizes visiting the other male, just to calm his worrying.
Jackson opened the door his face a mix of confusion and disbelief. Mark invited himself inside and they share a long hug. “I got my camera back.” Mark said holding up the case triumphantly. And Jackson sighed before shutting the door behind him. They stand in the entryway awkwardly waiting for the other to speak. Jackson tilted his head baring his neck toward Mark. “You need it right?” Jackson asked. Mark took a step closer and nodded before sinking his fangs into him, this time with much more precision. He hadn’t drank in so long he tunes out all of his surrounding besides the feeling of the blood flowing into his body. Not noticing the way Jackson panted and moves against him. A sharp moan is what jolted Mark from his meal and made him look at Jackson puzzled. “Did I drink too much?” Mark asked and Jackson shook his head no. “It feels weird, kind of… pleasurable.” Jackson responded. Mark suddenly remembered Jinyoung’s words and knew he had to get home before they found him and Jackson. “I just wanted to let you know I got my camera back.” Mark said inching closer to the exit. Jackson makes a sound of acknowledgement before holding the door open for Mark to exit. Mark turned around as if to speak but Jackson closed the door quickly.
Mark made his way home determined to finish his project before any more unexpected events could disrupt it. He emailed it to the professor, pressing the send button with a pleased grin. He relaxed but soon felt a sad discomfort, Mark knew it was Jackson. But he wondered why he was upset. But he couldn’t call the other and ask about the emotions they were sharing. So he settled onto his sofa and tried to take his mind off it. But it didn’t work. Mark wondered how long the vampires would look for him, they seemed persistent and Mark would go insane staying inside his apartment all the time. He eyed a pamphlet he had received for an exchange program in London. It lasted a year and it would be a great experience. Mark spent the rest of the night thinking about that instead of Jackson’s seemingly unending sadness.
Mark applied for the exchange program and two weeks later received a decision regarding his admission. He let the envelope sit on his table for a few more days before opening it. His eyes going wide in shock when he saw he had been accepted. Mark felt various feelings the most prominent being worry for Jackson. They had managed to reach a balance after the night and though it was resting on neither of them mentioning vampires. They were able to interact. Mark had kept the fact he was applying a secret from Jackson, telling himself because he was sure he wouldn’t be accepted. He knew the other male would feel betrayed, but the coven was still after him and after several close calls Mark didn’t want to risk it. He picked up the phone slowly dialing Jackson’s number, the other’s energetic greeting making him wince in regret instead of laugh like it did usually. “Jackson I’m going away in a couple of weeks.” Mark sighed. “For how long?” Jackson asked. “A year… well ten months.” Jackson was silent and Mark held the phone up making sure the call wasn’t lost. “Okay, bye.” Jackson said hanging up. Mark quickly began to redial the number but stopped himself from making the call. He was the one running away. He couldn’t be so selfish to tell Jackson how to respond to it.
Mark had busied himself with preparing for the program. But he always thought about Jackson. He figured the other man would want to at least give him a proper goodbye. But Mark didn’t want to force it out of him. But Mark couldn’t board the plane without some type of farwell so he called the Jackson. The other didn’t offer his usual greeting instead waiting for Mark to speak first. “I’m boarding a plane now.” Mark said. Still the other listened silently. Mark neared the front of the boarding queue and bit his lip nervously knowing he would have to end the call soon. “I’ll come back, to you.” Jackson took a deep breath. “Okay.” He said before hanging up. And Mark repeated to himself. “Okay.”
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