[ jaejin doesn't need to spell out exactly what he means. it had been his original goal so long ago, when he'd first planted himself in the amber house, but for several reasons, he'd pushed it aside as if the opportunity would eventually show itself. it hadn't, of course, and now, he's in a position that had nearly cost him his relationship with jaejin—and still might.

vie loosens his hold on him, ignoring the discomfort in his ribs as he gently caresses the curve of his cheek and sweeps his fingers up to tuck some of his hair behind an ear. he looks so sweet like this, a moment he wants to memorize and never forget. if and when he dies doesn't matter; seeing jaejin before that is the only thing he cares about. and he's utterly careful about the way he leans forward to brush their noses together, soaking in his strength and trying not to shiver as he speaks. ]

You are so beautiful. [ it's a breath of a whisper, swallowing to give himself strength to say it. ] He would like that, you know. If you wanted to get close to him, you wouldn't need much more than that. And what you can do – he would like that even more.

[ the suggestion terrifies him, but only because it's true. ]