[ He had felt the rush of surprise through the shared link with his mage. That was why instead of filling up on the trash he had found, he only thinned them a little, taking one and leaving the rest to scream insults into the night air. After the meal, he focused on the link, sending a wordless query and got a rush of information back.
Followed by the dizzying shift of a shared image that would have made his heart stop beating if he had a heart beat (never mind the fact that Dusty swore up and down he had one).
Tarr wondered for a moment exactly what, if anything, Jaehyuk knew about Dusty. If he figured out what he truly was and if there was danger there. Of course Dusty soothed that spinning emotion with a simple pulse of calm, and then he was sharing with the mage, hearing the words exchanged, and then a soft kiss to the mage's cheek. Jealousy was not a trait he had much of - Dusty was not only a flirt, but also had many partners outside of him after all. Yet he still growled at that and took out the remaining annoyance on the corpse of his meal.
An hour later, he entered the bar, spotted Jaehyuk and walked up to him. He said nothing, just stared at him, his eyes narrowed and his hands curled into fists. ]
[ In all actuality, he could almost feel the anger rolling off of Ki-moon when he arrives - perks of his cardinal being what it is, he supposes - and Jae lets out a long exhale, closing his eyes before turning to face the other, his expression even despite the twisting of guilt wracking his system right now. He could attempt to siphon off the anger, it was within his power after all - but that wouldn't be fair to the elder. As he said to Dusty, he deserved much more than what he probably was going to get tonight. ]
[ Anger. Disbelief. Dread. What kind of world did they come from where a deal with a devil would cause this kind of change? What would that mean to him and his ties with his mage? Tarr didn't love people easily and it took a very long time for him to fall out of love. He had felt a lot for Jaehyuk and now he feels a lot towards Dusty and now the one was back, in his life.
He was sure that his strength and skills wouldn't do much to Jaehyuk, especially since he could catch that scent of brimstone, a trace of the influence that changed him. But that still didn't stop him from lashing out with a fist. For the sensibilities of the other bar patrons, he kept his hand normal and did not grow out any nasty protrusions. ]
Asshole.
[ And that softness that people rarely saw came to the front as he reached over to touch his face and then stopped. ]
[ Jae doesn't even flinch as he's punched, standing his ground and letting the tension drain from Ki-moon's body as he strikes. He doesn't say anything at first, eyes closed for a few moments before he slowly turns. He hates the fact that he was right in what he told Dusty - that he deserved more than a punch, but of course he wouldn't do more than just a punch.
He lets out a slow exhale, looking hopeful for a split second before going back to a more neutral expression as he reached toward him, only for him to shake his head and gently touch the spot where he was struck. ]
I know. I should've told you when I had a chance. I probably don't even deserve this much, but please, just hear me out.
[ After all the dramatics of the punch and his earlier words, the way Tarr just slumps as he takes a seat made him looked all the world like a sulking teenager. He even affected a pout,though that was more to keep from starting to cry than to actually affect Jaehyuk. ]
[ He awkwardly reaches as if to give a reassuring pat to his shoulder, but aborts in mid-motion, dropping his hand. His voice is soft, not only due to the emotions he was working through, but also so they weren't overheard as easily. ]
I did die. The assassination attempt worked. But ... I think I told you about someone who had asked me about wanting to learn more about seduction?
Well ... he was a demon. A lust demon, to be specific. And I suppose he apparently took enough of a shine to me that he spoke to one of the Princes to bring me back.
[ He starts fiddling with the glass again once he sits down, eyes narrowing slightly. ]
It was a gamble either way. After all, humans can be tempted into being turned, but there's never been any record of a vampire doing so. [ He licks his lips. ]
But as you can see, it worked. Though apparently because certain parties thought it amusing, I was gifted a cardinal, a particular sin that I technically hold some domain over. It's not the one you think, before you guess.
It's taken a lot of time for me to get used to it, to adjust so I don't hurt anyone I don't mean to. I didn't try getting in contact with you or Young-ho because I was honestly terrified. Of what I could do to either one of you, never mind if I made my presence known enough that the councils would've taken notice. I obviously can't reclaim my title as Lord, I would be executed on the spot.
After that ... I suppose I got too comfortable in my current position. I won't make excuses for it. But at least you understand where I'm coming from.
You wouldn't be the only one. Young-ho did a lot after your death, and some of it only passed because of his deep attachment to you and my backing.
[ He knew the laws better than most only because he was a force on the outside of them. An Elder of his age and inclinations could be dragged into the political struggles just for existing, though he had avoided a lot of that until Young-ho became a vampire.
Though it did beget the question of just much weaker Jaehyuk was these days considering just how much it usually took to destroy a demon. Not the minor demons, the ones that Dusty could easily stamp out with a sassy snap of his fingers, but the true ones born from wishes and blood. Where exactly did Jaehyuk stand with his demon companions. ]
You didn't expect any of us to run into you at all. [ And he leans forward, eyes narrowed as he tasted the air, drawing in over his teeth like a large hunting cat. ] Do you know what is going on these days?
... I'm glad. I don't have any regrets naming him my heir, even if I would've preferred to let him stay as my protege for longer.
[ Considering how Jae was created as a demon, and placed back in his own body, he would be harder to exorcise than some on the outset. He doesn't doubt that some of what Leviathan did to him in the process made him somewhat harder to kill as well beyond that. ]
No. I was trying to very pointedly stay away for as long as I could. But apparently fate had other plans for me tonight, as well as my own curiosity. [ His lips twist into a sardonic smile at that, and he immediately snaps to attention as Ki-moon shifts. ]
If you're asking me about the Black School, then yes. There have been one or two instances where a scouting group wanted to try and harvest demon components. Most haven't been terribly worried - might equals right for my domain in particular - but it's not hard to notice once in a while when I do decide to actually try and follow orders.
Isn't that what all good lords wish of their heirs?
[ Of course, let demons mess things up further just to see what would happen to the newest member of their clique. Tarr was not suicidal enough to go after one of those demons though he still will growl for a few years about them and their ridiculous ways. ]
I'm not surprised that that kind of party would seem fun to visit no matter where it was. I am just surprised you noticed the connection. He is very careful.
[ A lesser demon wouldn't realize what he was, and even a middling demon might have problems digging too deep. Dusty always hid himself so it took a lot see past the layers. ]
Might may equal right, but they are becoming worse than biting insects. There is talk the Council is going to put together a force to handle it.
[ Which would be more than just talk. Jaehyuk should know that Tarr didn't gossip much, even if Dusty's nosy habit has bled through a couple times. And this was where he gave a mental shrug and leaning forward even more invading the former vampire's space and taking a deep breath. ]
True. But I suppose that the time for regrets has passed.
[ That was one of his biggest worries with regard to his new state, however. If he had attempted to establish contact with Young-ho, it wouldn't have ended well - stripping him of his claim and making him an outcast being one of the best-case scenarios, outright torture for years and finally true death being the worst-case. ]
There are some things that even a mage can't hide from me. He was careful, it wasn't a slip-up on his part. I just happen to know your scent better than almost anyone, is all.
But it must be getting much worse than I imagined if those within the non-vampire Council are starting to mobilize. They've been fairly hands-off the last century or two after the sealing of one of their enforcers.
[ Even if he never met Nithal or Amadi directly, he's heard the rumors about them. Jae's eyes widen slightly when Ki-moon starts getting into his space, only to let out a dry huff of air. ]
I'm still me, technically. Just ... changed, slightly. Unfortunately one of the things that's changed is that it's much harder for me to hold my temper now. But I suppose that's what happens when one becomes a child of Wrath.
[ Hence his caution outside of guilt and not knowing how to approach them in the first place. ]
It would hurt him if you did try to change it now.
[ Young-ho was a good lord even if he hesitated on some matters. It would cause him a lot of harm if Jae was to re-appear expecting things to shift to normal between them, and that did not include what the vampire laws would say on the matter. He knew that they missed each other dearly, but at the same time, the price would be far too great. ]
He'll find a way to hide even that. His particular branch of study isn't well liked by most people and he really doesn't like to be found out in anything.
[ Which also included the relationship with Tarr. He didn't care; after all, a long life has made him less incline to hide anything really. But Dusty was secretive for a lot of reasons, even down to their bond despite everyone knowing that they were a pair. ]
You have a temper?
[ A ghost of a smile at that small joke before Tarr just sighed and closed the gap between them. Which meant that he was resting his chin on Jaehyuk's shoulder. ]
And that's the last thing I want to do to him now. I only hope he knows how proud I am of him.
[ Jae's voice wavers slightly on that last part. Yes, Young-ho still had a lot to learn, but being able to keep the clan as stable as he had after the assassination was nothing short of a miracle, really. And knowing that he was trying to continue the same goals as before, and getting somewhere with them ...
He swallows hard, rubbing at his eyes. No point getting choked up now. ]
I suppose a more formal apology is in order on my end, then.
[ Normally he'd be laughing about this, but the way everything lined up, it seemed ... wrong for some reason. As it stands, though, he does let out a weak chuckle at the joke, though his body stiffens at Ki-moon putting his chin on the now-demon's shoulder, a hand tentatively reaching to run through the other's hair. ]
Mm, you know that despite my charms, I didn't get to where I was just off of charisma alone, love.
[ Jae snaps his mouth shut at the endearment. He knows full well that they're past that point now, whether they wanted to or not. They weren't lovers anymore, Ki-moon had moved on. ]
[ He has told Young-ho that he thought he was doing good. He may not have said that his maker would feel the same, but he had hoped that a child of his human bloodline would be able to read between the words he did say to know the truth.
Tarr turned his head slightly, his lips ghosting against Jaehyuk's neck in a way that might seem calculated but really wasn't. He just was really this affectionate with people he cared for deeply, though in each case, he showed different kind of affections. ]
You may have to do that.
[ A soft sigh and his eyes closed slightly at the touch. Yes, they had gone too far to be what they were before, but Tarr could not forget that he missed this. ]
[ He pauses for a few moments before an involuntary shudder wracks his body as Ki-moon's lips ghost across his neck, grip tightening for a brief moment. ]
I just hope he doesn't hate me for bringing it up on accident, he seems like a good one.
[ His voice is a bit softer now, and he smiles slightly at the other's admission. ]
I've always admired your iron will, it's one of your best features. Young-ho inherited that from you as well. Right now, I only wish you two happiness, you alongside your partner and Young-ho with whomever he ends up with.
[ He huffs out a laugh. ]
Though you may have to nudge him in that direction, knowing him, he's going to put everyone else before himself. That selflessness is part of what made him a prime candidate, but he also needs to learn to do things for himself as well.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
arbitratour) wrote2017-11-25 09:51 pm
no subject
Followed by the dizzying shift of a shared image that would have made his heart stop beating if he had a heart beat (never mind the fact that Dusty swore up and down he had one).
Tarr wondered for a moment exactly what, if anything, Jaehyuk knew about Dusty. If he figured out what he truly was and if there was danger there. Of course Dusty soothed that spinning emotion with a simple pulse of calm, and then he was sharing with the mage, hearing the words exchanged, and then a soft kiss to the mage's cheek. Jealousy was not a trait he had much of - Dusty was not only a flirt, but also had many partners outside of him after all. Yet he still growled at that and took out the remaining annoyance on the corpse of his meal.
An hour later, he entered the bar, spotted Jaehyuk and walked up to him. He said nothing, just stared at him, his eyes narrowed and his hands curled into fists. ]
no subject
Hello, love.
no subject
He was sure that his strength and skills wouldn't do much to Jaehyuk, especially since he could catch that scent of brimstone, a trace of the influence that changed him. But that still didn't stop him from lashing out with a fist. For the sensibilities of the other bar patrons, he kept his hand normal and did not grow out any nasty protrusions. ]
Asshole.
[ And that softness that people rarely saw came to the front as he reached over to touch his face and then stopped. ]
You fucking asshole.
no subject
He lets out a slow exhale, looking hopeful for a split second before going back to a more neutral expression as he reached toward him, only for him to shake his head and gently touch the spot where he was struck. ]
I know. I should've told you when I had a chance. I probably don't even deserve this much, but please, just hear me out.
no subject
[ After all the dramatics of the punch and his earlier words, the way Tarr just slumps as he takes a seat made him looked all the world like a sulking teenager. He even affected a pout,though that was more to keep from starting to cry than to actually affect Jaehyuk. ]
Tell me.
no subject
I did die. The assassination attempt worked. But ... I think I told you about someone who had asked me about wanting to learn more about seduction?
Well ... he was a demon. A lust demon, to be specific. And I suppose he apparently took enough of a shine to me that he spoke to one of the Princes to bring me back.
[ He starts fiddling with the glass again once he sits down, eyes narrowing slightly. ]
It was a gamble either way. After all, humans can be tempted into being turned, but there's never been any record of a vampire doing so. [ He licks his lips. ]
But as you can see, it worked. Though apparently because certain parties thought it amusing, I was gifted a cardinal, a particular sin that I technically hold some domain over. It's not the one you think, before you guess.
It's taken a lot of time for me to get used to it, to adjust so I don't hurt anyone I don't mean to. I didn't try getting in contact with you or Young-ho because I was honestly terrified. Of what I could do to either one of you, never mind if I made my presence known enough that the councils would've taken notice. I obviously can't reclaim my title as Lord, I would be executed on the spot.
After that ... I suppose I got too comfortable in my current position. I won't make excuses for it. But at least you understand where I'm coming from.
no subject
[ He knew the laws better than most only because he was a force on the outside of them. An Elder of his age and inclinations could be dragged into the political struggles just for existing, though he had avoided a lot of that until Young-ho became a vampire.
Though it did beget the question of just much weaker Jaehyuk was these days considering just how much it usually took to destroy a demon. Not the minor demons, the ones that Dusty could easily stamp out with a sassy snap of his fingers, but the true ones born from wishes and blood. Where exactly did Jaehyuk stand with his demon companions. ]
You didn't expect any of us to run into you at all. [ And he leans forward, eyes narrowed as he tasted the air, drawing in over his teeth like a large hunting cat. ] Do you know what is going on these days?
no subject
[ Considering how Jae was created as a demon, and placed back in his own body, he would be harder to exorcise than some on the outset. He doesn't doubt that some of what Leviathan did to him in the process made him somewhat harder to kill as well beyond that. ]
No. I was trying to very pointedly stay away for as long as I could. But apparently fate had other plans for me tonight, as well as my own curiosity. [ His lips twist into a sardonic smile at that, and he immediately snaps to attention as Ki-moon shifts. ]
If you're asking me about the Black School, then yes. There have been one or two instances where a scouting group wanted to try and harvest demon components. Most haven't been terribly worried - might equals right for my domain in particular - but it's not hard to notice once in a while when I do decide to actually try and follow orders.
no subject
[ Of course, let demons mess things up further just to see what would happen to the newest member of their clique. Tarr was not suicidal enough to go after one of those demons though he still will growl for a few years about them and their ridiculous ways. ]
I'm not surprised that that kind of party would seem fun to visit no matter where it was. I am just surprised you noticed the connection. He is very careful.
[ A lesser demon wouldn't realize what he was, and even a middling demon might have problems digging too deep. Dusty always hid himself so it took a lot see past the layers. ]
Might may equal right, but they are becoming worse than biting insects. There is talk the Council is going to put together a force to handle it.
[ Which would be more than just talk. Jaehyuk should know that Tarr didn't gossip much, even if Dusty's nosy habit has bled through a couple times. And this was where he gave a mental shrug and leaning forward even more invading the former vampire's space and taking a deep breath. ]
You smell close to how I remember.
no subject
[ That was one of his biggest worries with regard to his new state, however. If he had attempted to establish contact with Young-ho, it wouldn't have ended well - stripping him of his claim and making him an outcast being one of the best-case scenarios, outright torture for years and finally true death being the worst-case. ]
There are some things that even a mage can't hide from me. He was careful, it wasn't a slip-up on his part. I just happen to know your scent better than almost anyone, is all.
But it must be getting much worse than I imagined if those within the non-vampire Council are starting to mobilize. They've been fairly hands-off the last century or two after the sealing of one of their enforcers.
[ Even if he never met Nithal or Amadi directly, he's heard the rumors about them. Jae's eyes widen slightly when Ki-moon starts getting into his space, only to let out a dry huff of air. ]
I'm still me, technically. Just ... changed, slightly. Unfortunately one of the things that's changed is that it's much harder for me to hold my temper now. But I suppose that's what happens when one becomes a child of Wrath.
[ Hence his caution outside of guilt and not knowing how to approach them in the first place. ]
no subject
[ Young-ho was a good lord even if he hesitated on some matters. It would cause him a lot of harm if Jae was to re-appear expecting things to shift to normal between them, and that did not include what the vampire laws would say on the matter. He knew that they missed each other dearly, but at the same time, the price would be far too great. ]
He'll find a way to hide even that. His particular branch of study isn't well liked by most people and he really doesn't like to be found out in anything.
[ Which also included the relationship with Tarr. He didn't care; after all, a long life has made him less incline to hide anything really. But Dusty was secretive for a lot of reasons, even down to their bond despite everyone knowing that they were a pair. ]
You have a temper?
[ A ghost of a smile at that small joke before Tarr just sighed and closed the gap between them. Which meant that he was resting his chin on Jaehyuk's shoulder. ]
no subject
[ Jae's voice wavers slightly on that last part. Yes, Young-ho still had a lot to learn, but being able to keep the clan as stable as he had after the assassination was nothing short of a miracle, really. And knowing that he was trying to continue the same goals as before, and getting somewhere with them ...
He swallows hard, rubbing at his eyes. No point getting choked up now. ]
I suppose a more formal apology is in order on my end, then.
[ Normally he'd be laughing about this, but the way everything lined up, it seemed ... wrong for some reason. As it stands, though, he does let out a weak chuckle at the joke, though his body stiffens at Ki-moon putting his chin on the now-demon's shoulder, a hand tentatively reaching to run through the other's hair. ]
Mm, you know that despite my charms, I didn't get to where I was just off of charisma alone, love.
[ Jae snaps his mouth shut at the endearment. He knows full well that they're past that point now, whether they wanted to or not. They weren't lovers anymore, Ki-moon had moved on. ]
no subject
[ He has told Young-ho that he thought he was doing good. He may not have said that his maker would feel the same, but he had hoped that a child of his human bloodline would be able to read between the words he did say to know the truth.
Tarr turned his head slightly, his lips ghosting against Jaehyuk's neck in a way that might seem calculated but really wasn't. He just was really this affectionate with people he cared for deeply, though in each case, he showed different kind of affections. ]
You may have to do that.
[ A soft sigh and his eyes closed slightly at the touch. Yes, they had gone too far to be what they were before, but Tarr could not forget that he missed this. ]
How very different from me.
no subject
[ He pauses for a few moments before an involuntary shudder wracks his body as Ki-moon's lips ghost across his neck, grip tightening for a brief moment. ]
I just hope he doesn't hate me for bringing it up on accident, he seems like a good one.
[ His voice is a bit softer now, and he smiles slightly at the other's admission. ]
I've always admired your iron will, it's one of your best features. Young-ho inherited that from you as well. Right now, I only wish you two happiness, you alongside your partner and Young-ho with whomever he ends up with.
[ He huffs out a laugh. ]
Though you may have to nudge him in that direction, knowing him, he's going to put everyone else before himself. That selflessness is part of what made him a prime candidate, but he also needs to learn to do things for himself as well.