[ 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. ]