[Everything Cor wants him to be is nothing more than being himself. Will has given him so many opportunities to learn who the man beneath the titles is over these precious few months. He only wants to be able to offer Will that same opportunity. To be able to do something like that for him, give him that freedom to let the past rest.]

You were young, Will. Gods, you're still young.

[He drops another kiss to Will's shoulder, offering a gentle reassuring squeeze. And if he's looking for it the psychic will be able to tell quite clearly that there is no change in that warm hum of affection. Perhaps a tint of sadness, a desire to protect. But the care he has for the younger man in his arms does not change.]

Everyone... has the capacity to manipulate others, I think. Especially when you're younger and it's to secure your own safety.

[Astrals know he did his share of it when he was a child playing at being a crownsguard, until he had honed his skills. All that fire and bravado kept him from being overlooked and, more importantly, it kept others from challenging him. Things could have gone much much worse for him.]

I can tell you regret that part of your past and under the... employ of a man like that, no one could blame you for doing what you had to. I'm just glad you've been able to get away from his influence.