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[It's helpful (and convenient) that any conflict is being let go of, or very well may already be forgotten. Larus is always hard for him to read. But either way, it suits Dorian well enough.
He gives Larus most of his attention as he listens, the rest of it focused on the busy cityscape outside. Dorian takes a short drag off of the black-papered cigarette in his hand, and then exhales out the window, his gaze following the progress of a cloud of birds that seem, suspiciously, to be following the trail of the people walking further down on the street below.]
Receiving deliveries and starting to set everything up in here. I have a shipment of books I picked out coming in [A few informational, but the subjects otherwise mostly dedicated to the modes of poetry and literature the city has to offer. He has no idea what might be of quality or not, but on the recommendations of a few store owners, he has to start somewhere.] and there's a stereo, too.
I wouldn't mind hearing if this place has any radio or news programs broadcast through its airwaves, or seeing if the voice posts on the network can't be channeled through it. [He has his doubts, but if he can manage it he'd vastly prefer it.]
He gives Larus most of his attention as he listens, the rest of it focused on the busy cityscape outside. Dorian takes a short drag off of the black-papered cigarette in his hand, and then exhales out the window, his gaze following the progress of a cloud of birds that seem, suspiciously, to be following the trail of the people walking further down on the street below.]
Receiving deliveries and starting to set everything up in here. I have a shipment of books I picked out coming in [A few informational, but the subjects otherwise mostly dedicated to the modes of poetry and literature the city has to offer. He has no idea what might be of quality or not, but on the recommendations of a few store owners, he has to start somewhere.] and there's a stereo, too.
I wouldn't mind hearing if this place has any radio or news programs broadcast through its airwaves, or seeing if the voice posts on the network can't be channeled through it. [He has his doubts, but if he can manage it he'd vastly prefer it.]
[ so he was intent on staying in anyway. or for the most part, sounds like. larus doesn't know if that's good or bad, listening to him speak and running over what he's learned about this place. chances of some program like that existing shouldn't be impossible considering their technology, but then again, he isn't sure. it could be something to inquire about, making a mental note of it the next time he can leave this room. ]
I can ask about it, but maybe someone bringing your things will know. [ it'd make sense, though he can't say how helpful people are going to be about that. they're not helpful about anything else. ] I can help move whatever you need, too.
[ what else is he going to do? he's certainly not used to being so idle.
and that's fact enough when he stands and makes his way towards dorian, conscious of the sunlight and how his body is equally averse and drawn to it. he could see him just fine from his position on the loveseat, but there's still some lingering tension he'd like to wipe away somehow. walk into this contract on as good a note as they can before things potentially turn upside-down. it seems to be the way of this place anyhow, crossing his arms loosely over his chest as he watches him when he stops far enough away to remain in the dark. ]
And if you're not busy tonight, you could show me some of the other places you like to visit.
I can ask about it, but maybe someone bringing your things will know. [ it'd make sense, though he can't say how helpful people are going to be about that. they're not helpful about anything else. ] I can help move whatever you need, too.
[ what else is he going to do? he's certainly not used to being so idle.
and that's fact enough when he stands and makes his way towards dorian, conscious of the sunlight and how his body is equally averse and drawn to it. he could see him just fine from his position on the loveseat, but there's still some lingering tension he'd like to wipe away somehow. walk into this contract on as good a note as they can before things potentially turn upside-down. it seems to be the way of this place anyhow, crossing his arms loosely over his chest as he watches him when he stops far enough away to remain in the dark. ]
And if you're not busy tonight, you could show me some of the other places you like to visit.
[When Larus comes closer, Dorian reaches out smoothly with his free hand to press the window shut more, turning the steady beam of sunlight into the room into a thinner slice. It's automatic, given that his longest-lived living experience with a vampire had been with a clumsy one prone to tripping over his own feet and falling down staircases when excited. The movement pushes a cloud of sweet and slightly spice smoke into the room.
Whether more offered from kindness or the need to shake off restlessness, Larus' help would be useful. It's a nice conciliatory gesture, and he thinks he gets the point of it.]
Nothing that big is coming, but... thanks. [But his gaze does leave the window and fix curiously on Larus at his next offer.]
You want to go out on the town? [The thought's a little amusing, if doubtful. Apparently, Larus really isn't going to engage in the drama of what happened at all. It's odd and not what Dorian's used to in someone he likes, but it's... comfortable? As usual, he isn't totally sure what to make of it.] Or are you offering that for my sake?
Whether more offered from kindness or the need to shake off restlessness, Larus' help would be useful. It's a nice conciliatory gesture, and he thinks he gets the point of it.]
Nothing that big is coming, but... thanks. [But his gaze does leave the window and fix curiously on Larus at his next offer.]
You want to go out on the town? [The thought's a little amusing, if doubtful. Apparently, Larus really isn't going to engage in the drama of what happened at all. It's odd and not what Dorian's used to in someone he likes, but it's... comfortable? As usual, he isn't totally sure what to make of it.] Or are you offering that for my sake?
Edited 2022-04-15 21:40 (UTC)
[ he only acknowledges the thanks with the slightest nod, unable to help himself when it comes to breathing in. there's the taste of that smoke, something he knows will grow familiar over time—much like everything else between them. if they're going to stay together and live together, he's going to have to make this work and accommodate some of dorian's apparent idiosyncrasies. ]
You want me to stay here. I'd like to know what there is and what I should avoid. [ larus considers moving closer but remains right where he is. ] I also think it would help me understand you better.
[ so it's not exactly a want so much as a necessity, and it's not as if he's really opposed to outings. there had just never been many opportunities unless he was crashing some sort of vampire party or a meeting thrown together by the sea snakes in the district. this is different. and besides, it's his own way of trying to make amends for whatever it is he must have said to throw them both off balance. ]
You want me to stay here. I'd like to know what there is and what I should avoid. [ larus considers moving closer but remains right where he is. ] I also think it would help me understand you better.
[ so it's not exactly a want so much as a necessity, and it's not as if he's really opposed to outings. there had just never been many opportunities unless he was crashing some sort of vampire party or a meeting thrown together by the sea snakes in the district. this is different. and besides, it's his own way of trying to make amends for whatever it is he must have said to throw them both off balance. ]
[That's straightforward enough, and as he's learning more and more, it's best to take these statements like that at face value with Larus. It's an appealing enough offer that he can shrug the last of whatever it was that happened between them off in favor of interest.]
All right.
There are three places I hadn't checked out yet that I was interested in, [he admits. Bringing his fingers to his lips, he takes a last drag off his cigarette, before flicking the butt out the window with a final exhale. He pulls the window decisively shut.]
But one of them isn't the most cheerful place in the world. [But it bears visiting. He needs to know exactly what 'The People Zoo' is, and if it's as much of what it sounds like it is.] But from what you've told me so far and what I've seen you shrug off, you've got a strong stomach.
[He slips off the windowsill and pushes dark curls out of his face.]
I want to know everything about this city. [And the company and conversation along the way won't be unwelcome.]
All right.
There are three places I hadn't checked out yet that I was interested in, [he admits. Bringing his fingers to his lips, he takes a last drag off his cigarette, before flicking the butt out the window with a final exhale. He pulls the window decisively shut.]
But one of them isn't the most cheerful place in the world. [But it bears visiting. He needs to know exactly what 'The People Zoo' is, and if it's as much of what it sounds like it is.] But from what you've told me so far and what I've seen you shrug off, you've got a strong stomach.
[He slips off the windowsill and pushes dark curls out of his face.]
I want to know everything about this city. [And the company and conversation along the way won't be unwelcome.]
[ this is a better conversation to have than whatever it was they weren't saying before. ]
I'm sure I can handle anything this place has to offer. [ which is putting it lightly, if he's honest. ] I want to know everything just as much as you do.
[ it's why he'd been so adamant about getting to know the down, why he's been speaking with people off and on and trying to form connections. an exhausting endeavor that hasn't amounted to much aside from basic information and getting beat nearly to death by one of the various gangs in the down. there's a muted sigh as he finally moves to intercept dorian in whichever direction he might plan to go so he can look at him. ]
Tell me about these other places. What are they?
I'm sure I can handle anything this place has to offer. [ which is putting it lightly, if he's honest. ] I want to know everything just as much as you do.
[ it's why he'd been so adamant about getting to know the down, why he's been speaking with people off and on and trying to form connections. an exhausting endeavor that hasn't amounted to much aside from basic information and getting beat nearly to death by one of the various gangs in the down. there's a muted sigh as he finally moves to intercept dorian in whichever direction he might plan to go so he can look at him. ]
Tell me about these other places. What are they?
[Dorian searches out his LIER device, before bringing it back to Larus to start showing him a few browser pages with shopfront pictures and addresses attached to them.]
These. As far as I can tell, this amounts to the above board magical offerings in the city. [The first two screens are shop pages for Venia, a shop dedicated to witchcraft in varying forms, and then the Triple M Apothecary, a magically-oriented pharmacy. Once they've finished looking, Dorian gives his device a few swipes and pulls up a map.]
And then I wanted to see the 'People Zoo' in the flesh. [As far as letting the reality of where they are sink in, it seems like the heart of the matter. He doesn't doubt that it's what it's advertised as, but seeing it and being present inside it would make it real, rather than something that feels more like an absurd rumor.]
These. As far as I can tell, this amounts to the above board magical offerings in the city. [The first two screens are shop pages for Venia, a shop dedicated to witchcraft in varying forms, and then the Triple M Apothecary, a magically-oriented pharmacy. Once they've finished looking, Dorian gives his device a few swipes and pulls up a map.]
And then I wanted to see the 'People Zoo' in the flesh. [As far as letting the reality of where they are sink in, it seems like the heart of the matter. He doesn't doubt that it's what it's advertised as, but seeing it and being present inside it would make it real, rather than something that feels more like an absurd rumor.]
Edited 2022-04-16 01:07 (UTC)
[ it's strange, he thinks. the kind of excitement that settles low inside him at the prospect of visiting all of these places with dorian and discovering more of the city together. larus isn't entirely sold on the idea of visiting the first two places, mostly because there's some sort of magic involved, and he's still thinking about their conversation before about some possible witch coming in there for whatever reason. the frown that flits across his face is mild—slight interest but nothing more than that. ]
We should go there first. [ indicating the people zoo with the slightest tilt of his head. ] I haven't been, but I've heard conflicting stories about it. I want to know which is true.
[ but it hadn't seemed like a good idea to go unaccompanied, especially as an uncontracted submissive. larus can abide by the rules as long as it suits him, and it wouldn't have been worth the hassle of getting held there. since they plan to make this an official arrangement in the next day or so, though, it shouldn't be a problem, especially since dorian is going with him. ]
Those other places seem safe enough. [ boring, he means. because he's not interested in witchcraft whatsoever. ]
We should go there first. [ indicating the people zoo with the slightest tilt of his head. ] I haven't been, but I've heard conflicting stories about it. I want to know which is true.
[ but it hadn't seemed like a good idea to go unaccompanied, especially as an uncontracted submissive. larus can abide by the rules as long as it suits him, and it wouldn't have been worth the hassle of getting held there. since they plan to make this an official arrangement in the next day or so, though, it shouldn't be a problem, especially since dorian is going with him. ]
Those other places seem safe enough. [ boring, he means. because he's not interested in witchcraft whatsoever. ]
Fine by me. [But he does want to make sure they hit the apothecary and Venia. If he has any hope of gaining a needed upper hand against Grayson, should one be needed, it'll come from better understanding the ways in which magic works in the city, if there are any rules or boundaries affecting that kind of power at all.
Once they're finished with it, Dorian puts his device in sleep mode and then slips it into a back pocket.]
What I've heard is that it's like a human kennel and a prison in one. [Like a living, breathing satire-- something worthy of Jonathan Smith.] People can be bought and sold, or left there if no one shows interest.
Once they're finished with it, Dorian puts his device in sleep mode and then slips it into a back pocket.]
What I've heard is that it's like a human kennel and a prison in one. [Like a living, breathing satire-- something worthy of Jonathan Smith.] People can be bought and sold, or left there if no one shows interest.
[ some of it sounds like a headache, but the majority of it will be time spent learning new things about the city and dorian's preferences. so, it's not a loss either way. at least there's a plan now too, something to look forward to as soon as the sun goes down.
there's a nod of agreement. ]
I had someone tell me it was the worst thing to experience, and someone else said it was better than being in the Down. [ which, given the previous night's excitement, could be true. ] I guess we'll find out when we go.
[ in another handful of hours. ]
there's a nod of agreement. ]
I had someone tell me it was the worst thing to experience, and someone else said it was better than being in the Down. [ which, given the previous night's excitement, could be true. ] I guess we'll find out when we go.
[ in another handful of hours. ]
[ He thinks it's a mistake to even consider messaging him, but Dorian is the only one he really trusts in this stupid city. More than that, Larus feels like he's spiraling a little after what's happened. His head isn't on completely straight. ]
i can't come back tonight, but i really want to see you.
i can't come back tonight, but i really want to see you.
[Larus isn't the only one whose head hasn't been on entirely straight the past some-odd days. But in Dorian's case there hasn't been much anguish, mostly distraction. A tinge of pent-up frustration. Obsessiveness. Someone else wouldn't earn him answering the phone right now while he's marinating in his own preoccupation, but when he notices the name, it occurs to him in a distant sort of way that he cares about this person.
He taps to put his phone on speaker, and then sets it aside to give himself his hands for smoking as he continues listening letting the music filtering through the stereo in the background continue to hold some portion of his attention.]
Find me later when whatever you're doing is through, then. [Because he's probably getting into trouble, right? That seems to be the trend, anyway. Right now, Dorian's sure it'll pass.] I'm hardly going anywhere.
He taps to put his phone on speaker, and then sets it aside to give himself his hands for smoking as he continues listening letting the music filtering through the stereo in the background continue to hold some portion of his attention.]
Find me later when whatever you're doing is through, then. [Because he's probably getting into trouble, right? That seems to be the trend, anyway. Right now, Dorian's sure it'll pass.] I'm hardly going anywhere.
Edited 2022-05-04 01:31 (UTC)
[ Listening to that message, his voice, and Larus craves the sort of connection he has with Dorian over whatever had happened not that long ago, debating heavily if he should respond at all. He hates this sort of indecision that comes with a conflict of feelings, eventually giving in and returning the call because he thinks this has to be said rather than read. (Or translated by something that won't give nuance to his voice.) ]
It's not like that. [ He isn't in trouble exactly. ] I just don't think it's a good idea right now.
It's not like that. [ He isn't in trouble exactly. ] I just don't think it's a good idea right now.
[That pulls a little more of his attention, his curiosity. He exhales a sweet cloud out the window of their suite, watching the curls of smoke spin and dissipate into the early evening air.
Curls of a triskelion of Air, carved in white, blossoming red.
He should call Grayson again, see if he can finally get him to pick up during the day. After this, maybe.]
Okay, why?
Curls of a triskelion of Air, carved in white, blossoming red.
He should call Grayson again, see if he can finally get him to pick up during the day. After this, maybe.]
Okay, why?
[Normally that would have his ears pricking up and his impatience bristling at the vagueness of the reply growing in the face of some possible lurking danger, but right now he can’t muster the effort to care.
More trouble. Some danger. Maybe he’s done something. They’ve already come through it before.]
Fair enough. [He waves a hand airily, audibly exhales.] Stay out then.
I’ll see you whenever. [It’s offered in a neutral tone, but he does hang up on him.]
More trouble. Some danger. Maybe he’s done something. They’ve already come through it before.]
Fair enough. [He waves a hand airily, audibly exhales.] Stay out then.
I’ll see you whenever. [It’s offered in a neutral tone, but he does hang up on him.]
Edited 2022-05-04 18:01 (UTC)
[ It's a little unexpected, but Larus doesn't do much besides frown at the way he responds before shoving his device into a pocket. Maybe it's not even that important, though he decides not to think about it. He'll let Dorian have his space, for whatever that might be worth, and he'll try to detach himself from the entire situation. From this place, from the taste of blood still lingering in his mouth.
He needs to get rid of that more than anything else.
Which seems to be easier than he'd have thought considering where they are, staring at the dark liquid in a bottle he's holding as he takes the elevator up to their shared suite. He's only been gone less than an hour since he'd spoken to Dorian, and more than wanting to protect him from his own mistakes, he just wants to see him. Spend some time with him.
Larus pushes the door open and steps inside, keeping his gaze from straying towards that room. He doesn't want to think about that either. ]
I decided it didn't make sense to stay out, [ he offers aloud, addressing Dorian without lingering to speak to him. He needs to change his clothes first because, once again, he's covered in bloodstains. ]
He needs to get rid of that more than anything else.
Which seems to be easier than he'd have thought considering where they are, staring at the dark liquid in a bottle he's holding as he takes the elevator up to their shared suite. He's only been gone less than an hour since he'd spoken to Dorian, and more than wanting to protect him from his own mistakes, he just wants to see him. Spend some time with him.
Larus pushes the door open and steps inside, keeping his gaze from straying towards that room. He doesn't want to think about that either. ]
I decided it didn't make sense to stay out, [ he offers aloud, addressing Dorian without lingering to speak to him. He needs to change his clothes first because, once again, he's covered in bloodstains. ]
Edited 2022-05-04 19:17 (UTC)
[When Larus enters, Dorian looks up, and then his gaze passes over the other man from where he's sitting on the windowsill, phone in hand. Blood. Someone else's, probably, not that that's a guarantee when he knows the vampire can heal himself.
His submissive can't help himself, it seems, not that Dorian can blame him entirely. There are temptations in this place, both violent and sexual. He's seen that firsthand now in a visceral way. What he told Larus' changed self the moment that creature entered this same suite is what Dorian truly believes-- that one day, Larus will give into his nature in a permanent sense, the way everyone, humans among them, eventually does. Vampires just have that much stronger of an impetus pushing them to it.
His caring for the other man's feelings, a rare thing for him, is what makes him try to do anything to not be another potential source of darkness pushing Larus further down that path otherwise. He could do it, easily he's sure, because the darkness is something the rotten corners of his soul craves, too. Those jagged pieces of flint cracking against each other never do anything but spark.
But there's a twitchiness, a tense and petulant frustration, about Dorian's presence now that has nothing to do with his roommate. He's not used to being ignored, discarded, but his daytime calls and texting aren't getting any traction with the sorcerer unnaturally stuck at the forefront of his mind. The timing is bad, and Larus is likely to bear the brunt of it--
--when he comes back, anyway.]
Subtle. [Dorian's in a bad mood, and can't help himself from needling the only person within his vicinity.] Just throw them away [he says of Larus' clothes, whether he's come back in with them or not] the laundry service isn't going to be able to do a thing with them.
His submissive can't help himself, it seems, not that Dorian can blame him entirely. There are temptations in this place, both violent and sexual. He's seen that firsthand now in a visceral way. What he told Larus' changed self the moment that creature entered this same suite is what Dorian truly believes-- that one day, Larus will give into his nature in a permanent sense, the way everyone, humans among them, eventually does. Vampires just have that much stronger of an impetus pushing them to it.
His caring for the other man's feelings, a rare thing for him, is what makes him try to do anything to not be another potential source of darkness pushing Larus further down that path otherwise. He could do it, easily he's sure, because the darkness is something the rotten corners of his soul craves, too. Those jagged pieces of flint cracking against each other never do anything but spark.
But there's a twitchiness, a tense and petulant frustration, about Dorian's presence now that has nothing to do with his roommate. He's not used to being ignored, discarded, but his daytime calls and texting aren't getting any traction with the sorcerer unnaturally stuck at the forefront of his mind. The timing is bad, and Larus is likely to bear the brunt of it--
--when he comes back, anyway.]
Subtle. [Dorian's in a bad mood, and can't help himself from needling the only person within his vicinity.] Just throw them away [he says of Larus' clothes, whether he's come back in with them or not] the laundry service isn't going to be able to do a thing with them.
Edited 2022-05-04 22:08 (UTC)
[ It's easy to sense that something is off about all of this, even as he slips down the hallway to quickly change into something a little less filthy. The shower he takes is quick and efficient because he needs it to be, mostly for the sake of scrubbing his skin raw, and there's no tentativeness to anything that he does when he returns to Dorian in the main room until those words slam into him. He frowns somewhat, trying to decipher the tone of his voice and exactly what it means.
Rather than skirt the topic, he crosses the distance between them. ]
Say whatever it is you mean to say to me. That wasn't my fault.
[ His clothes, he means. It's complicated, and if asked, he'll try to avoid talking too intimately about it because he's still in desperate need of processing the last several hours. Larus had thought – somewhat foolishly now, he realizes – that being elsewhere and with someone he actually liked would have balanced the tumultuous storm brewing under the surface of his thoughts. But it's clearly an oversight, gently folding his arms over his chest to look Dorian over more closely for the first time since he'd stepped through the door.
Anything else on the tip of his tongue dissolves, his expression a bit more open. ] Did something happen?
Rather than skirt the topic, he crosses the distance between them. ]
Say whatever it is you mean to say to me. That wasn't my fault.
[ His clothes, he means. It's complicated, and if asked, he'll try to avoid talking too intimately about it because he's still in desperate need of processing the last several hours. Larus had thought – somewhat foolishly now, he realizes – that being elsewhere and with someone he actually liked would have balanced the tumultuous storm brewing under the surface of his thoughts. But it's clearly an oversight, gently folding his arms over his chest to look Dorian over more closely for the first time since he'd stepped through the door.
Anything else on the tip of his tongue dissolves, his expression a bit more open. ] Did something happen?
Even if I wanted to explain, the only answer I'd have is 'the city'. [His annoyance, his thwarted persistence, Grayson, are not things he's interested in discussing right now. Not when there's a target right in front of him to displace his frustration with by digging into.]
But really, [He waves a hand, and then holds it out to indicate the length of Larus' form.] seeing you covered head to foot in blood again, I was just thinking that we're well-matched after all.
Here you are, the primal darkness, finding your way into violence again and again, and here I am, the person who craves such things.
[Dorian makes a darkly amused sound, as if appraising a private, unspoken joke.]
It's perfect, [he decides.] A dance with death waiting to happen.
But really, [He waves a hand, and then holds it out to indicate the length of Larus' form.] seeing you covered head to foot in blood again, I was just thinking that we're well-matched after all.
Here you are, the primal darkness, finding your way into violence again and again, and here I am, the person who craves such things.
[Dorian makes a darkly amused sound, as if appraising a private, unspoken joke.]
It's perfect, [he decides.] A dance with death waiting to happen.
[ Yes, the city is easy to blame. It clearly has nothing to do with their own vices or the burdens they carry in the dark, eyeing Dorian with less subtlety than before. He's certainly in some sort of mood, evident by the way he's speaking of things that haven't seemed to be an issue before, but maybe he's returned to him like this one too many times. Once again, he's reminded that he isn't Casimir, that he doesn't question why and only accepts it for what it is.
There has to be more, though, but Larus isn't going to dwell on it to the point of obsession. He simply closes the space between them and takes Dorian's hand, focusing almost too quickly on the steady thrum of his pulse. What he'd wanted, what he shouldn't think about. ]
I don't know what that means. [ Because he could interpret it a thousand different ways and not because he doesn't understand it. ] But if that's all you have to say to me, I can make this easy for you. I didn't have to come back.
[ And he might just leave since this had obviously been a poor idea, though he doesn't let go of him. ]
There has to be more, though, but Larus isn't going to dwell on it to the point of obsession. He simply closes the space between them and takes Dorian's hand, focusing almost too quickly on the steady thrum of his pulse. What he'd wanted, what he shouldn't think about. ]
I don't know what that means. [ Because he could interpret it a thousand different ways and not because he doesn't understand it. ] But if that's all you have to say to me, I can make this easy for you. I didn't have to come back.
[ And he might just leave since this had obviously been a poor idea, though he doesn't let go of him. ]
[That earns a flare of frustration, the feeling pushed further by the influence spiderwebbing through his veins. The portrait is leaching it away slowly, but not quickly enough that it isn’t taking its toll. Larus is reacting calmly, neutrally, and it’s not what he wants when he’s in the mood to pick a fight.]
Then leave. [Dorian flicks his hand away from where it’s being held, and into the air.] As if I care where you go and what you do with your time.
[Except that he usually does care. Does feel an overarching sense of protectiveness for the connection forged here, and the man standing in front of him.]
Then leave. [Dorian flicks his hand away from where it’s being held, and into the air.] As if I care where you go and what you do with your time.
[Except that he usually does care. Does feel an overarching sense of protectiveness for the connection forged here, and the man standing in front of him.]
[ With that gesture, Larus can tell he wants to fight. Or, at the very least, antagonize him a little for reasons that more than likely have nothing to do with him. He isn't swayed, however, moving in even closer to take hold of his wrist again. This time, he squeezes it in a way that conveys he means to hold onto him. ]
I'm finding it difficult to believe you, Dorian. [ Does someone who doesn't care draw the line at instigating more violence after he'd nearly died? He pulls Dorian towards him. ] We agreed on the truth between us.
[ And this doesn't feel like that. ]
I'm finding it difficult to believe you, Dorian. [ Does someone who doesn't care draw the line at instigating more violence after he'd nearly died? He pulls Dorian towards him. ] We agreed on the truth between us.
[ And this doesn't feel like that. ]
Because you aren’t ever intentionally vague about any of what you’ve been doing.
[If Larus isn’t going to let him go, he’s going to reach out and grab him instead, to try and hold onto control. Dorian’s jaw pulls tighter as he grips hard, awkwardly at the back of Larus’ jaw, his thumb pushing sharply into a cheekbone, enforcing some space.]
Let go, [he warns, deep voice grinding down into a growl.]
[If Larus isn’t going to let him go, he’s going to reach out and grab him instead, to try and hold onto control. Dorian’s jaw pulls tighter as he grips hard, awkwardly at the back of Larus’ jaw, his thumb pushing sharply into a cheekbone, enforcing some space.]
Let go, [he warns, deep voice grinding down into a growl.]
Is that really what this is about?
[ There's a slight harshness to his tone, though it's brushed aside as soon as Dorian digs into his face. Larus doesn't flinch, pulling Dorian's hand away with his free one so that he's now got him by both wrists. His thoughts scatter, a momentary disconnect, but he forces it away to bring Dorian's face into focus.
He looks him right in the eyes. ] I'm not going to do that.
[ There's a slight harshness to his tone, though it's brushed aside as soon as Dorian digs into his face. Larus doesn't flinch, pulling Dorian's hand away with his free one so that he's now got him by both wrists. His thoughts scatter, a momentary disconnect, but he forces it away to bring Dorian's face into focus.
He looks him right in the eyes. ] I'm not going to do that.
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