Kerr felt a flash of scorn at seeing Saraekiel's face in Ben's mind, only because there was a worrying puzzle involving werewolves that likely had a lot to do with his crowd of constituents. With the dark angel's very loose definition of governance at play, Kerr doubted very much that there'd be answers from that idiot. It wouldn't surprise him in the least if it turned out the marks were there because of that conspiracy-theorist nutjob, in fact. Going to the Ward to ask questions was certainly wiser and Kerr felt a spiteful triumph in knowing that the North's District Leader was a failure at doing the only job he had.
He didn't love the idea of were gangs any more than Ben did, though, and his concern superseded his smug gluttony regarding Saraekiel's potential undoing.
Ben's contrition warmed him. Kerr smiled and reached over to thread his fingers through Ben's and kissed his cheek. It's okay, you have to think of him. I wouldn't put it past that imbecile to condone such behaviour, though I guess he did take exception to Jake's invasion in the west - ruining people's free will and all that - so I'll give him the benefit of the doubt for the time being. The Ward should have more information, hopefully. If they don't, I guess it's something to confront Saraekiel with, Kerr shrugged and rolled his eyes to demonstrate how much he didn't want that to happen but the degree to which he was resigned to it. He smiled wryly as he did it.
He had zero respect for the dark angel but even he understood the necessity of Ben working with him in the future. Ben hadn't made it easy on himself by succumbing to his mind-obliterating lust for the fool but he'd have to lie in that bed. Kerr trusted it wouldn't be literally, at least. He was just thankful that when Ben pictured him, he was clothed. If it was more personal... Kerr would find that more difficult to forget. Just because he'd come to terms with Ben's attraction to and need to work with the fuckwit didn't mean it was any easier for Kerr to overcome his burning resentment for the ignorant, biased insults Saraekiel had delivered him that night.
Kerr squeezed Ben's hand and pushed his sour thoughts away, allowing love and appreciation for Ben's consideration to flow through him instead. Either way, I'm proud you went there to start figuring out what your leadership is going to look like. Charon will be pleased, also. Did you formulate any plans? Ways you can help them? It's really curious that you say more people in the area are more aware than not - does that mean Jake's not policing stringently enough? Or is it more endemic than that? Is it a holdover of the Oligarchy's failing? I often thought we were set up to cure rather than prevent, Kerr mused, gnawing on his tongue stud as he watched Cain sightlessly, his thoughts his focus.
He sighed after a moment's contemplation, turning his gaze back to Ben. Perhaps it's just chasing my tail to consider such things anyway. However it happened, you'll inherit the situation as it is. How can we fix it?
Maybe it was naive to think in terms of 'fixing' also but he believed Ben would affect true, positive change and he was keen to be part of it. Was it simply a matter of throwing money at the problem? Education? Relocation of people and resources? It was a huge undertaking but, he was forced to admit, he relished the thought of tackling it alongside his love. Without the shackles of propriety he had holding him back as Luminary, was there a limit to what they could achieve?