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. ]

Do you really think he doesn't know that?

[ 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, I'm sure he knows by now.

[ 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.