[He'd waited to touch the way he wanted to because he knows his boyfriend can struggle at times with physical touch in stressful moments, and this might be the most stressful either of them have ever been through. The second Dorian invites it with hands on his face, the vampire returns the gesture with one hand on the back of Dorian's shoulder and the other at his waist. It's more protective than he normally is, but God does he need it after all this time apart. He needs it like the embrace he's not quite pulling his lover into right now.
He forces himself to take a breath before answering the other man. This is all so familiar, given the last time one of them arrived in the city. At least it's easier for it to be this way when they've already done this. Toby's got a plan in mind to convince his soulmate that he's himself if his words aren't enough.]
I came here. [The smallest, most rueful smile spreads across his face.] I didn't know I'd died, either. Thought I'd been hit in the head or something, because I remembered hitting the floor... and that was it. If not for this place, I dunno where I'd be.
[Another breath as he tugs Dorian the smallest bit closer.] You were already here when I arrived. Told me what happened with Lucifer at and after the Brigadoon. Didn't want to believe I was me even though I'd come with the attic key in that little box you gave me for Christmas. [He chuckles, shaking loose a few tears.] I don't blame you for that. Lucifer's a right asshole, and now I know just how bad it was. But in the moment I didn't know what else to do to prove I was myself, so we went to the interfaith center in the Down so you could see a cross still makes me double over.
[His expression becomes determined as he gently squeezes the other man, just enough to ease the ache in his heart that he's so close to being able to let go.] We can do it again, if you need to see it. I don't care. We can go right now and be there in less than an hour. Whatever you need, Dorian, we'll find it so we can get past this and you can come home with me. Right here where you belong.
[The only place this ridiculous, reckless, stupidly curious and arrogant man that he loves more than life itself could ever be.]
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He forces himself to take a breath before answering the other man. This is all so familiar, given the last time one of them arrived in the city. At least it's easier for it to be this way when they've already done this. Toby's got a plan in mind to convince his soulmate that he's himself if his words aren't enough.]
I came here. [The smallest, most rueful smile spreads across his face.] I didn't know I'd died, either. Thought I'd been hit in the head or something, because I remembered hitting the floor... and that was it. If not for this place, I dunno where I'd be.
[Another breath as he tugs Dorian the smallest bit closer.] You were already here when I arrived. Told me what happened with Lucifer at and after the Brigadoon. Didn't want to believe I was me even though I'd come with the attic key in that little box you gave me for Christmas. [He chuckles, shaking loose a few tears.] I don't blame you for that. Lucifer's a right asshole, and now I know just how bad it was. But in the moment I didn't know what else to do to prove I was myself, so we went to the interfaith center in the Down so you could see a cross still makes me double over.
[His expression becomes determined as he gently squeezes the other man, just enough to ease the ache in his heart that he's so close to being able to let go.] We can do it again, if you need to see it. I don't care. We can go right now and be there in less than an hour. Whatever you need, Dorian, we'll find it so we can get past this and you can come home with me. Right here where you belong.
[The only place this ridiculous, reckless, stupidly curious and arrogant man that he loves more than life itself could ever be.]