Epilogue

I stared at my coffee,trying to decide if it was safe to drink. With a glance at the counter, I caught Chad giving me a death glare. Either he toyed with me, or he had spit in my coffee. For a man with uncanny people skills, he also had a streak of spite. I respected him more for the psychological warfare.

Even in the middle of the day, the Hideout remained a bustle of activity. I wanted to ask the man sitting at the next table if he was actually working on his manuscript or putting on a show.

All eyes drifted back to me. There was no way to hide my identity. After a video of our fight with Carmen leaked to the media, the city debated if I was a hero or villain. I'm certain Hank submitted the footage to clear our names and keep us out of prison.

My muscles tensed as the door opened with a jingle. Bernard Castle had entered. The sentiment was shared by the patrons as they watched him walk across the cafe. Laptops were shut and coffees thrown back as they waited for the fireworks to begin. Unfortunately for them, this wouldn't be one of those encounters.

"Damien." I had taken his chair. Childish, I know, but I couldn't help but mess with the brute. He sat across the table. Despite my distaste, he remained rather handsome. Not as thick as I preferred, but the beard and grizzled face almost had me reconsider. If the circumstances were different, I'd say it'd be fun to take him for a ride.

"Bernard."

He waited a minute before leaning forward on his elbows. "Are you done playing games?"

"With you? Hardly." Everybody stared, and our intimate conversation was anything but private. "We're not going to fight," I shouted. The crowd looked disappointed as they returned to their mundane lives.

"Why did you ask to meet?"

I folded my hands. This conversation had been played a thousand times in my head. I had come up with a list of replies that would make the man's blood boil. If I wanted, I believed I could incite rage and ruin his reputation. I played with the notion, imagining Vanguard's chosen one falling from grace.

"I thought we should discuss our future."

He raised his eyebrow. "This is going to be rich."

I didn't care for the man, not in the least. The bad blood between us ran deep. Short of a transfusion, it'd never vanish. He had a hand in saving Won-Ho from Carmen, and for that, I would be eternally grateful. It might not wash away our past, but it was a debt I couldn't ignore. I might be seen as a tyrant, but I considered myself a noble one.

"I owe you a debt of gratitude."

"But that won't stop you from killing me?"

Did I come across as one-note? I liked to think I had more depth than that. "I want to call a truce."

"With stipulations?"

His paranoia gave me a twisted sense of satisfaction. Even if I offered to never cross his path again, I'd live rent-free in his head. As I let go of my obsession, purging him from my thoughts, it seemed the opposite true for him. I would have done this months ago if I had known.

"No. Bernard, I can never make you see the light, and quite frankly, I'm tired of trying. I have other things to concentrate on."

"Damien Vex found himself a new obsession."

"Call it what you will. But this game between us is over."

Bernard grew quiet. I expected an accusatory glance or a sharp comment about throwing me in jail. Instead, he grew still. His eyes traveled up and down my body. He had missed his opportunity to see me naked, but I appreciated the attention. When I was about to speak, his eyes narrowed.

"It isn't an obsession, is it?"

"I have no idea what you?—"

"Damien Vex is in love." He whispered the words, as if he feared invoking my rage. "I never thought I'd see the day."

That word held a childish sentiment. I found myself captivated by Won-Ho, wanting to experience more of his world. Every time our skin touched, I savored the moment. When he was gone, I longed for more. I had killed for him, and I'd do it again. The word ‘love,' however? The four letters seemed subpar to explain the stirring in my chest when I thought of him.

"Call it what you will." I turned in my chair to find Chad hadn't budged since I came in. He watched me like a hawk, probably hoping he'd shoot lasers from his eyes. I pointed at him and gestured with a finger for him to join us.

"Vex…" Bernard Castle was as protective of his friends as I was of Won-Ho.

Chad didn't speak as he stood next to the table. If looks could kill, he'd have vaporized me the moment I set foot in his coffee shop. I reached into my pocket and pulled out an envelope. He let out a growl. I handed it to him.

"Be a good boy and open it."

He mumbled under his breath. Bernard's body language had changed. When it was the two of us, he seemed unbothered. The moment I involved his beloved followers, he prepared to pounce. If I were to start my crusade again, I knew exactly where to strike to make him suffer.

"What the hell is this?"

"Do you need me to sound out the big words?"

"Asshole…" It almost came out in a question. He might not like me, but the contents of the letter had him reconsidering his moral outrage.

He thrusted the papers toward Bernard. "It's a lease agreement. Twenty years. It's… reasonable. What's your angle?"

I shook my head. "No angle." I locked eyes with Bernard. "I'm repaying a debt."

He continued scanning the document, most likely looking for the fine print. Similar letters went out to my other passion purchases. Bernard Castle's friends were safe, at least from me. I still held the deeds to the property, but this olive branch should ensure a peaceful co-existence.

"I never thought I'd say this…" Chad grimaced as he mustered appreciation. "Thank you… Damien."

"Mr. Vex, to you." I stood, adjusting my sleeves. "Rent is due at the first of the month. Don't think for a moment what I'm doing is a gift."

"Right back to asshole."

The fine line between good and evil. I enjoyed walking the tightrope. It had become a superpower unto its own right. I stepped around the barista, ready to make a hasty exit and give them the opportunity to talk about me behind my back.

Bernard's hand caught my wrist as I passed. "Truce accepted."

I didn't want him to think I forgave him for his trespasses. Bernard Castle and the heroes of Vanguard needed to be kept in check. Our paths would cross again, and we'd stand on opposite sides. For now, he didn't need to watch his back.

"For now." I ensured I would continue occupying his thoughts.

* * *

Hundreds of people had gathered in the park, more than I expected for the festival. If it were not for Won-Ho, I'd have never known it existed. This wasn't our typical date night. No dressing up, nor exotic destinations, but this held an intimacy that transcended the physical. Tonight, I'd witness an intersection between Won-Ho's past and present. I was honored that he invited me to partake.

The moon had risen above the high-rises of Vanguard, but it didn't diminish the vibrant reds and oranges of the lanterns strung above the walkway. There must have been thousands stretching across the park. I wandered for a bit, listening to the families, listening to snippets of conversations in languages I couldn't decipher. As a guest, I witnessed something many only saw in a news soundbite.

"Mr. Vex!" It wasn't Won-Ho who shouted my name. Dae ran toward me, Won-Ho trotting behind. Something in my chest tightened when I realized Won-Ho had invited his grandson. They had yet to have the talk about their blood relation, but it would happen in due time.

"Mr. Vex, you almost missed it." Both of them wore traditional Korean garb. I'd have to make a note to ask Won-Ho for the proper name. The robes nearly swallowed them and, at the same time, left me feeling woefully underdressed.

"Dae, what are you forgetting?"

He shoved a dumpling in his mouth and quickly bowed. "Saehae bog manh-i bad-euseyo."

"It translates to ‘receive luck in the new year,'" Won-Ho added.

"This tradition, I understand." I reached into my breast pocket and handed him a pouch. It'd be enough to keep him entertained. Hopefully, somebody intervened before he attempted to spend the extra coins of pure silver.

Dae turned to Won-Ho. "Can I get some more dumplings?"

"You're not full?" The boy shook his head. "Let me hold your bokjumeoni. Don't stuff yourself." Dae handed him the pouch and ran off toward a tent surrounded by children. "That boy could eat a person out of house and home."

I couldn't help but smile. Won-Ho would have made a wonderful father. I could see why his past caused such heartache. More than a caped crusader, more than a lawyer, he was meant to raise the next generation.

"What?" He wiped his mouth like he might have food in his stubble.

"Nothing. Just admiring." I leaned in and gave him a quick kiss. "Is this Seollal?"

Won-Ho shook his head. "Not quite. Vanguard doesn't have a large Korean population. The Asia Society blends a little of this and a little of that."

"Perhaps someday…" I didn't want to wade into dangerous territory.

"Maybe," he said, taking my hand. "When Dae's older." He tugged my arm, exerting supernatural strength to pull me against him. That grin… it would get a rise out of me every time. I had fallen for a man who was confused about his future and now, as pieces fell into place, I wanted to celebrate his every victory.

"I'm proud of you," I whispered.

"Ew. Are you going to kiss?" Moment spoiled by a child with a mouthful of dumplings.

"Is that gross?" I asked.

"You're not supposed to kiss till you're married." He said, the commanding authority on relationship etiquette. "Go get married first."

I stiffened at the thought. I had just overcome the paralyzing fear of being in a relationship. Now, a tiny dictator had fast-forwarded our relationship far outside my comfort zone. If I could have sunk into the shadows, I would have.

"The great Damien Vex," Won-Ho whispered. "Afraid of commitment?" He spun me about and, with a shove, pushed me toward the pond.

I wasn't scared of commitment, but it hadn't been written into my business plan, at least not yet. Though… I wouldn't say no. As Won-Ho and Dai prepared a paper lantern, I stood back and watched. An ongoing relationship with this beautiful man would be an infusion of cultures. The thought of him in a tuxedo, nervously standing in front of our friends, made me smile. But a future with Won-Ho came with sixty-three pounds of baggage.

As he explained the ceremony to Dae, I watched as the kid bowed his head. While they said a blessing for their loved ones, I thought about the possibility of having a child running through my apartment. The expensive artwork would need to be swapped out for something commercial. The crystal tumblers on the bar would need to be replaced with glass.

"I'd need a second home," I mumbled. "I'll make Geoff a nanny."

"Are you coming?"

Won-Ho waved me over. As I wandered closer, Dae lifted the paper lantern. He grew impatient as other families lit their lanterns. "Hurry," he said.

"Yeah, hurry up."

Won-Ho reached into his robe and produced a box of matches. He pulled one free and struck it. A moment later, the lantern glowed. Won-Ho grabbed my hand, pulling me back as Dae lifted it into the air. Letting it go, he jumped up and down as it floated into the sky. He stepped backward until he bumped into us. With the strength of an annoyed child, he pulled our hands apart. Before I could chastise him, he worked himself between us, holding our hands.

"I'm not scared," I said. We glanced at each other over Dae's head. "Quite the opposite."

Won-Ho smiled. I don't know if it was the way he bit back his top lip or the shimmer of tears in his eyes, but he radiated happiness. I had thought of our future but not the destination. Regardless of where it went, I wanted to be by his side.

"Neither am I."

I raised an eyebrow, confused about him confessing bravery. The blue light shone from the collar of his robe. He scooted down and turned Dae's hand palm up. The dragon rose through his clothes before wrapping around his body and then Dae's.

"Whoa."

"Ready to put on a show?" Dae didn't ask questions. Instead, he nodded, almost giddy from Won-Ho's light show. "I'm going to need you to throw your hands in the air when I tell you."

Won-Ho had found himself. As the dragon wrapped around Dae's arm, it settled in his palm, no more than a tiny lizard. His tiny hand refused to let me go, even as he harnessed an ancient power. Won-Ho believed that someday, his abilities would leave him for the next successor. This was the start of what would become a long discussion.

"Now," Won-Ho shouted.

He squealed as he shot his hand into the air. The dragon launched upward, growing as it flew between hundreds of lanterns. I could hear the gasps from the crowd. As it lined up with the moon, it exploded into a shower of blue sparks. I'm sure this would be in the news before we delivered Dae to his foster parents.

"Thus begins the year of the dragon," I whispered.

"The first of many." Won-Ho leaned over Dae, kissing my cheek. While the image of him in a suit at a wedding made me grin, my brain already flushed out the order of operations. First, I'd need a ring, then?—

"Enough smooching." Dae pulled at our arms. "We need more dumplings."