Daylight spilled into the bedroom and across the bed, glinting off the charm bracelet Jack wore. He turned his wrist over as he stared at it, still a little torn on whether or not he should think of it as a fancy collar. It wasn't a collar, he reminded himself. It was a high end joke with love and thought put into it.

He was thankful that Kieran was busy making breakfast, leaving him alone to process his thoughts. The only payment expected was a "proper" morning greeting.

And the threat of mouthwash being stored on the nightstand if Kieran didn't get one.

Jack smiled at the thought.

He stretched as he dragged himself out of bed. He hadn't woken up chained up in the basement or to the bed, and his phone was still on the nightstand. He wasn't foggy, and he'd only had one nightmare that Kieran had been half-awake for. It was the start to a good day.

After he got ready, he was going to make it better and give Kieran his stupid proper greeting. And then maybe have too many mimosas.

His plans were set, and he hyped himself up as he brushed his teeth. He didn't have anywhere to be, so he could probably skip shaving and thrive in being a scruffy shut in for the day. He looked in the mirror and tilted his head back and to the side. He'd been too frazzled and jittery the night before to properly examine his neck, and he didn't want to ruin his night by seeing two little red dots hanging out.

A strangled and confused whine echoed in the bathroom as Jack stared at his reflection.

There was a light knock on the door. "Jack? My sweet? Are you alright? May I come in?"

"I'm fine," Jack forced out. He pulled open the door and gestured to his neck. "The fuck is this?!"

Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Kieran eyed the red spot on the side of Jack's neck, a smirk slowly forming. "I believe it's referred to as a hickey."

"I know what it is! Why?! Is it some sort of side effect?" With how the world didn't know about vampires, Jack had assumed there would be little to no traces left. A happy little hickey right where Kieran bit him was not subtle in the least. Was that the real reason why Farragut never went for his neck?

"Not at all. I assure you, you received it the old fashioned way. You may give me a matching one, if you'd like," Kieran said as he stepped into the bathroom, crowding Jack against the wall. "Unfortunately, unlike you, I don't believe I have any turtlenecks with which to cover it. You may choose to leave it as high or low as you wish, but might I suggest above the collar?"

There was too much mischief in Kieran's grin for there to be no ulterior motives. Too much mischief and a private conversation with Sam. Jack knew exactly what was up. "Sam gave up on me and invited you to the New Year's party. Didn't he?"

"I would be proud to bear your mark, my sweet siren," Kieran said, his lips ghosting over Jack's. "Even if you choose not to attend, I'll gladly deliver your regrets in person."

"Okay. Yeah. Fine," Jack said between the kisses he received. He had a real reason to go beyond the bribery of food and drink. Sam's reaction would be worth the social awkwardness. "Just to piss Sam off for making me fill out that police report."

"A fine punishment, to be sure."

"I'm taking pictures." Jack swallowed and brought his arms up and around Kieran's neck. He could feel the heat on his cheeks as he readied himself to admit what he wanted. "They, uh… They have a really nice fireplace, and Sam has a real camera."

"I'll give you free reign of my wardrobe, my sweet siren," Kieran said against Jack's lips. "Dress me however you see fit."

"I trust you," Jack said. "With your choices. Clothing. That. I mean…" He kissed Kieran before he could trip himself up further.

"I trust you," Jack whispered.

image [https://i.imgur.com/eZY0YUq.png]