I wanted to, [he says easily. This is the first real connection he's made in the city, but it's also one that's made sense and that feels worthwhile. There's so much that's felt out of place in the year since Toby's death, but this helps.]

It wasn't a chore, and like I said, it's something I did willingly. For your sake.

[It feels natural to reach out, so after a moment Dorian does, his hands smoothing over the surface of the other man's chest. Cleaning away caked blood from pink and freshly-healing flesh. One of his hands drifts up to Larus' face after a moment, and he tips the younger man's head. The bruise on the vampire's cheek is already starting to lighten. It's a good sign. Exhaling, he leans in to press their lips together.]

But if you're intent on paying me back, I'll listen. [He doesn't expect much to come of such an offer because none of the submissives in the city have two of anything. But there are things he desires from Larus, so he'll hear him out.]