[Dorian shifts, leaning against the arm of the couch as he takes in Larus' terms. They're minimal, and as far as he's concerned, not difficult to follow.]
Done. [He doesn't want to be bitten either (or doesn't anytime soon, at least) so it works.] If it comes up, even in the context of something like what happened last night, we'll find a way around it.
[His brows hike curiously at Larus pushing on to their living situation. There are some things that the other man accepts easily that other people might not, and it's very interesting to him.]
Neither have I, so it's going to be a learning experience for each of us all over again.
[ his expectations, at this point, about this place, are low. it's not that his requests are minimal; he just wants some semblance of normalcy in all of this that doesn't strip him of what little choices he has left. that dorian agrees to it readily makes him feel somewhat more at ease with the decision, enough that he actually settles back in his seat rather than sit just on the edge of the cushion. ]
I can be patient. [ frustratingly so. ] And maybe there's more we should add to it, but I need time to think on it. I don't know if there's much I need or want besides the basics of a normal contract.
[ he really hates the way that sounds, like some business deal. like he's property. ] It's not urgent yet anyway.
[ they can try to figure out more specifics in the next few days rather than rush off to sign something that binds them together. hopefully, it will become more of a partnership as things move forward too. ]
There's something I ought to add to it. [Reflexively, Dorian rubs at his wrist through the sleeve covering the spot that last night had been coated in dried blood.] But I don't think I need to, in your case.
[Which is a strange realization, that he might feel so willing to extend this kind of trust where one of his most deeply-held secrets is concerned. But it feels right.]
People not knowing about this part of my life is a convenience for me-- and it's also a safeguard where some supernatural elements are concerned. I think you understand what I mean by that. [After all, Larus had told him directly that he shouldn't let the city use this part of his life against him.
If only there were a way to be assured it wouldn't.]
Can I trust you with this without putting it down in ink? [With this man, he's finding that he would much rather have it this way than as part of a legal mandate.]
[ it's yet another difference between them, he notices. dorian wanting to keep his secrets or, at the very least, this one, and larus not caring one way or another what people know about him. the personal details of his life are different, but he's not thinking about that. he's remembering the much clearer details of last night, how dorian had sliced open his arm and there's not a single scratch on him. larus would envy that kind of ability – the healing without the need for blood – if he was the jealous type.
there has to be more to it than what he's seen so far though. ]
I told you I wasn't going to use that knowledge against you. [ if he could help it. ] And I'd never betray your trust like that. It will stay with me even if we decide not to keep this contract in the future.
[ such things are important to him, and maybe he needs to work harder to prove that to dorian even as he shifts just that much closer to him so he could touch him. he only takes his hand, soaking up the heat of his skin. it's a liberty he finds that he likes, and that's something else to think about. ]
I want you to trust me, Dorian. I'm giving you one of the few things I have left to offer. I'd rather not throw any of that away.
[That declaration suits Dorian well, and settles the lingering question about his healing. There's nothing more immortal than words on a page, of secrets and stories once they're read by enough people, and the fewer the places any of his own secrets are out on display, the better.]
There's one more thing you need to know, then, for my purposes.
[Purely so Larus takes care around his portrait until he has time to get Grayson over to ward it with his magic.]
In a few days' time a man named Grayson Frost is going to come here to ward the picture in the other room. If you haven't seen it [and he has kept the door shut most of the time and the portrait covered] it's the large one in the other room covered by a sheet.
[A certain sharp seriousness pulls into his features: a flicker of warning.]
Do not move it, touch it, or stand too near to it if it can be at all avoided. It's an item of potent magical power, and beyond being important to me, it is, it can be, and it has, been extremely dangerous in the past.
it's not even about this painting dorian seems to be concerned about, drawing back to put space between them. it's another facet of this man he doesn't really know or even understand, glancing at his face and keeping still so he isn't even remotely tempted to look back towards the direction the picture rests. and anyway, that's not the most concerning thing to question. who is this man he's inviting over? what does dorian know about him? does he even have a right to question that when he'll be in and out most of the time save for the daylight hours? ]
I won't. [ the words are a bit stern. ] I don't know if you think there's something I could gain from anything like that, but there isn't. Those things don't interest me. So, whatever secrets you have and whatever you decide to tell me – they're safe with me.
[ he couldn't be compelled to give them up, not unless sun decided to show his face in the city, but even then, there's no real power the other vampire has over him—which makes it all the more enticing for his maker to want him apparently. larus' expression lightens a little but not enough to be pleasant. ]
I hope you can trust whoever this Grayson Frost is to do the same.
I can't for now, [Dorian admits] but we're coming to a mutually beneficial arrangement bound by some kind of magical contract. It should keep him from talking. [A brief, considering pause.] If the contract allows it, I'll tell you about it when everything's finished.
[He couldn't say why, but he doesn't think there's much need to tell Larus that he's fine with keeping him out of the matter completely. Similarly, any reassurances that he's planning on protecting him seem like they also wouldn't necessarily be appreciated.
But there's also no need to withhold anything about the arrangement that won't be controlled by the pact. Larus is going to be living with him, and the care that's building slowly between them tells him he can let himself believe that they have each other's backs.]
But I do trust you. This is only something that needed underlining because of the magics involved.
It should, but you don't really know that. Is he a witch?
[ he can only see magical contracts as dangerous, something stupid and pointless to get involved in because it never goes the way anyone thinks it will. larus hadn't seen dorian as the type to pursue such endeavors, but then, he doesn't know him that well yet. he's picked up things here and there, has been told more than others he's met (apparently). beyond that? there's so much he needs to figure out, staring at him like he could will it out of him somehow. ]
Either way, [ he continues on before dorian can answer. ] you should always know what kind of person you're dealing with before making that kind of agreement.
[ his mind jumps to their brief discussion of their own contract and has to force his thoughts on that silent. ]
There are dangerous people everywhere, and they'll take everything if they believe they can. [ his own experiences have told him as much. ] But I'm sure you know that just as well as I do.
[This is easily one of the more revealing things he's heard Larus say in the time since they met. ("But you know that just as well as I do.") He's come to know that Larus has a hard edge, but this is something else. Something more. There's a chilly kind of rationalism here that only comes from someone seeing something harsh, or having something harsh done to them.
There's the obvious possibility, but it's something that's hard to guess at easily without it coming from the other man himself.
Dorian frowns, mulling over the thought until Larus distracts him.]
I wasn't being overwhelmed with options for protecting my picture, and Grayson impressed me. [His tone has a note of 'You weren't there, Larus'.] He demonstrated his magic, proved that he could satisfy my needs, and I chose.
I can tell he's hiding something, but... [There's something there, too. His meeting with Grayson had the feeling of being a masked man in the presence of someone wearing something very similar. Someone very comfortable and experienced in the art of hiding the relevant. He's sure he saw more peeking out from beneath more than once. It's a potential warning sign, but not one without attendant charms and intrigue.] I can't say what. [Yet.]
But yes, he's some kind of sorcerer. Probably more.
[ there's a biting reply just on the tip of his tongue, something curt and probably a bit mean, but he chooses to sit on it rather than speak. he clearly doesn't know all the details of this meeting or what had transpired; even if he asked, he wonders if it would paint enough of something to figure out what it is dorian didn't see. doubtful, if he's being realistic, and that tells larus that the only way to know for certain is to find this grayson frost and work it out himself.
it's oddly nostalgic how hard this conversation is hitting him too, having had many similar ones in the past—mostly with casimir. a bargain struck with someone unknown, no information aside from a careless whim. he should think better of people and their ability to take care of themselves, but life has taught him that it's always a work-in-progress. ]
Did you ever stop to consider that having those options wasn't necessary? This city likes to hand out everyone's secrets as gifts, but they're still very particular. No one's allowed in these rooms unless you give them permission either. [ needless to say, that's pointing to the sole fact dorian only has to trust himself with the people he sees and decides to bring back.
larus takes a moment to smooth his fingers over his knee, having felt them curling tight into a fist. he sighs. ] I'm not your keeper, Dorian, so it shouldn't matter what I think. But you should be careful. I hope you know what you're doing.
[ everything about this leaves a bitter taste sitting in the back of his throat. ]
No, [he admits freely. He didn't stop and consider anything besides reaching for the best, and most easily-controllable option that presented itself as soon as possible. Working off no information, he thinks he did as best he could.] But my own experiences with protecting myself have shown me that it's better to be the one to make the first move-- on top of that, we struck a deal.
[There's an angry tone that he's hearing, still understated in the way he's becoming used to from Larus, that feels slightly beyond the scope of what's deserved. The charred aftertaste of having bitten off more than he could chew at some time or another? An expression of concern?
It's not immediately clear, but he will move closer.]
But I'll be careful. [His voice evens out into something more smooth, shifting back towards persuasive.] It goes without saying, too, that I don't have any intention of letting this suite a dangerous place for either of us.
[ even as dorian speaks, larus' thoughts are already elsewhere. there's a directory, he knows, and since he has a name, it should be simple enough to look up information and contact this person. maybe not even talk to him directly for a while, though outright stalking him might come with some problems. his eyes dart towards the other when he moves, interrupted from a spiral that would no doubt keep him busy for a while. ]
I know. [ it's back to softer words, tucking his annoyance away to consider later. ] It's a nice sentiment, even if I'm used to taking care of myself. I'll do what I can though – to help you.
[ because he still hasn't forgotten what dorian did for him, most likely saving his life when he could have left him in a pool of his own blood. the least he could do is return the favor in some way. ]
[ he looks at him. ] Is there anything else I need to know?
[Dorian sees Larus vanish behind a thoughtful look for a moment and stops his forward momentum, watching him curiously.]
Right now? [He slips his hands casually into his pockets.] No. You'll be pleased to hear that I haven't made any other business deals or plans in the time I've been here.
The rest of this is roommate stuff. [It's been a little less than a century since he's had one, and all of them collegiate. At least each of them looks the part.]
As I understand it, there are certain things that you're unable to get for yourself that I'm going to have to buy for you. We can cross food off the list [For obvious reasons, unless they want to try to come to some arrangement with a butcher shop or blood bank. He's done it before.] so the next things would be clothes, and anything you'd like to make this a more comfortable space.
[Creature comforts. From what he's learned of Larus he doubts the other man has many, if any, but if there's anything, it will be tended to.]
You can have anything you want. [He's completely, openly sincere on that point.] Funds allowing, of course.
[ at least this is a much easier conversation to have, though it's a little off-putting to transition his thoughts from some (obviously) reckless endeavor to something simplistic like clothes and material objects. a glance down at the shirt he's wearing, and maybe that offer isn't such a bad idea. (he already misses the jacket that had been disposed of, if only because his things from home are now rather limited.)
larus' expression thins just slightly. ]
There's nothing I want that you can buy me. [ it's a quiet sort of response. ] I'd like to have whatever it is I need from you so I can go where I want without being stopped by the guards, but beyond that... [ a shrug. ] I don't mind keeping things the way you like them in here.
[ maybe, over time, he might come to add some personal touches here and there, but even before he'd died, he'd never really been the type to hold onto such things. there's a brief urge to reach over and touch him, but not while they're talking about any of this. ]
If there's anything I want in the future, I'll tell you.
[That's easy, and now the offer's on the table for if there does come a time when the other man wants to take advantage of it. If Larus wants to give him full control of how he populates their space with things that interest him, then Dorian's pleased to do so.
The true undercurrent to all this is feeling out how much of a home the suite is going to be between them, if at all. Dorian naturally turns those places he spends his time in into spaces with fingerprints of his personality and desires on them. But whether it becomes a truly shared space with Larus will take some time to see and to let develop.
Ideally, he wants Larus to feel comfortable.]
You need my permission, I think, but I don't know if there's a more formal aspect to it than that. Give me a day or so and I'll look into it.
[ he wants to be comfortable there, with him, and though it will take a while, larus also knows it's just a matter of time. there's a connection between them he wants to cultivate, regardless of his feelings for a certain telepath back home, and he needs to try being flexible with dorian, glancing at him directly for a moment before deciding to follow through and reach out to touch him. at first, it's a light graze along his arm. then, almost carefully, he presses his fingers against his wrist.
the thought keeps needling at him—the stain of red along fair skin. ]
I'm not in a hurry. I probably shouldn't visit the Down for at least a few days anyway.
[ he's speaking generally, but it's not something he sees the need to make light of. ]
Why would I joke about that? There are places I haven't explored and some people I want to check on. [ it's clear dorian isn't pleased, but... why? ] If I wait long enough, there shouldn't be a repeat of last night.
I'm hoping you're joking, because otherwise it's worse.
[Dorian continues to stare at the younger man as if he's suddenly lost his entire damn mind.]
If you have anyone you need to contact, have them visit you here. We can decide together if they're allowed in [seeing as that apparently constitutes an ongoing invitation?] but otherwise there are places you can meet in the Up.
You were torn apart by a gang that hunted you down. Perhaps I need to paint a portrait of how that marks you as a target for a while.
[ larus doesn't know why, but that puts him on edge just slightly. already, with the sun up and nowhere to go, he feels trapped. the farthest he could probably disappear to would be somewhere else in this building. he can't leave or go outside without risking permanent death. is dorian still that upset about last night? ]
I told you I can take care of myself. I didn't noticed the signs, but I'm aware of it now – that they want to kill me, I mean. It isn't going to happen again. [ he pulls his hand away. ] You don't have to worry about me.
[ which means that it might have been wrong of him to involve dorian in something like this after all. ]
Then they can find someone else to watch after them for the time being. [He certainly doesn't care.
Dorian watches Larus closely. Watches the way he pulls away.]
I'm going to twist your arm about this whether you like it or not, Larus. [His tone rounds, softening slightly.] However much you do or don't care about your life, I do.
And if that's not enough, I'll give you a rationalist's reason for thinking again: anything you happen to do, or that happens to you, that creates problems, I'm now responsible for. [But that isn't the reason why he's being firm now.]
[ he's conscious of the slightest pressure in his jaw as he grits his teeth, entirely too aware of how trapped he is now. ]
Only if I sign that contract with you. [ which is a surprisingly petty response, but it's out before he can quell it. then, he sighs like he's just realized. ] I said I wouldn't be an inconvenience to you or cause you trouble. I'm not pleased with the idea of someone being responsible for me or watching me. [ no matter how logical that is, his tone implies. ]
Is that what you want? For me to stay here?
[ larus doesn't know why he asks or cares so much, but there's a firmness to dorian's words that implies something else. it can't be that he'd want control over him when he's obviously pointed out very real reasons not to go in the down. still, there's only so much freedom he has anyway, and he's always going to test those limits. ]
Yes. [He levels a look at the vampire.] Give it a week and a half or so for interest to die down, and I'll leave it alone.
Anyone you need to look in on isn't going to face catastrophe before then.
[Except that they might, but they're only people he doesn't know and that Larus can't know overly well by now, either. If something happens the other man will adjust in time, and he'll also be in one piece. It's a worthwhile tradeoff.]
[ larus slides to the edge of the cushion, clearly uncomfortable but not particularly in the mood to argue further. ]
If that's what it takes, fine. I'll stay here.
[ but he isn't going to be very happy about it. he's not happy about it now, though most of it is just circumstantial, and larus will just bide his time until he can get back to doing something useful. with that decision, too, he looks away and stares idly at some sliver of sunlight across the top of the ceiling. ]
[Larus might not be happy, but Dorian is grateful and able to move past the moment of conflict that had sprung up between them. He follows after the other man, motivated to try and smooth things over now that a decision's been made.
Reaching out, Dorian lays a hand on Larus' forearm and then leans further, slipping his arms around him.]
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Done. [He doesn't want to be bitten either (or doesn't anytime soon, at least) so it works.] If it comes up, even in the context of something like what happened last night, we'll find a way around it.
[His brows hike curiously at Larus pushing on to their living situation. There are some things that the other man accepts easily that other people might not, and it's very interesting to him.]
Neither have I, so it's going to be a learning experience for each of us all over again.
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I can be patient. [ frustratingly so. ] And maybe there's more we should add to it, but I need time to think on it. I don't know if there's much I need or want besides the basics of a normal contract.
[ he really hates the way that sounds, like some business deal. like he's property. ] It's not urgent yet anyway.
[ they can try to figure out more specifics in the next few days rather than rush off to sign something that binds them together. hopefully, it will become more of a partnership as things move forward too. ]
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[Which is a strange realization, that he might feel so willing to extend this kind of trust where one of his most deeply-held secrets is concerned. But it feels right.]
People not knowing about this part of my life is a convenience for me-- and it's also a safeguard where some supernatural elements are concerned. I think you understand what I mean by that. [After all, Larus had told him directly that he shouldn't let the city use this part of his life against him.
If only there were a way to be assured it wouldn't.]
Can I trust you with this without putting it down in ink? [With this man, he's finding that he would much rather have it this way than as part of a legal mandate.]
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there has to be more to it than what he's seen so far though. ]
I told you I wasn't going to use that knowledge against you. [ if he could help it. ] And I'd never betray your trust like that. It will stay with me even if we decide not to keep this contract in the future.
[ such things are important to him, and maybe he needs to work harder to prove that to dorian even as he shifts just that much closer to him so he could touch him. he only takes his hand, soaking up the heat of his skin. it's a liberty he finds that he likes, and that's something else to think about. ]
I want you to trust me, Dorian. I'm giving you one of the few things I have left to offer. I'd rather not throw any of that away.
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There's one more thing you need to know, then, for my purposes.
[Purely so Larus takes care around his portrait until he has time to get Grayson over to ward it with his magic.]
In a few days' time a man named Grayson Frost is going to come here to ward the picture in the other room. If you haven't seen it [and he has kept the door shut most of the time and the portrait covered] it's the large one in the other room covered by a sheet.
[A certain sharp seriousness pulls into his features: a flicker of warning.]
Do not move it, touch it, or stand too near to it if it can be at all avoided. It's an item of potent magical power, and beyond being important to me, it is, it can be, and it has, been extremely dangerous in the past.
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it's not even about this painting dorian seems to be concerned about, drawing back to put space between them. it's another facet of this man he doesn't really know or even understand, glancing at his face and keeping still so he isn't even remotely tempted to look back towards the direction the picture rests. and anyway, that's not the most concerning thing to question. who is this man he's inviting over? what does dorian know about him? does he even have a right to question that when he'll be in and out most of the time save for the daylight hours? ]
I won't. [ the words are a bit stern. ] I don't know if you think there's something I could gain from anything like that, but there isn't. Those things don't interest me. So, whatever secrets you have and whatever you decide to tell me – they're safe with me.
[ he couldn't be compelled to give them up, not unless sun decided to show his face in the city, but even then, there's no real power the other vampire has over him—which makes it all the more enticing for his maker to want him apparently. larus' expression lightens a little but not enough to be pleasant. ]
I hope you can trust whoever this Grayson Frost is to do the same.
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[He couldn't say why, but he doesn't think there's much need to tell Larus that he's fine with keeping him out of the matter completely. Similarly, any reassurances that he's planning on protecting him seem like they also wouldn't necessarily be appreciated.
But there's also no need to withhold anything about the arrangement that won't be controlled by the pact. Larus is going to be living with him, and the care that's building slowly between them tells him he can let himself believe that they have each other's backs.]
But I do trust you. This is only something that needed underlining because of the magics involved.
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[ he can only see magical contracts as dangerous, something stupid and pointless to get involved in because it never goes the way anyone thinks it will. larus hadn't seen dorian as the type to pursue such endeavors, but then, he doesn't know him that well yet. he's picked up things here and there, has been told more than others he's met (apparently). beyond that? there's so much he needs to figure out, staring at him like he could will it out of him somehow. ]
Either way, [ he continues on before dorian can answer. ] you should always know what kind of person you're dealing with before making that kind of agreement.
[ his mind jumps to their brief discussion of their own contract and has to force his thoughts on that silent. ]
There are dangerous people everywhere, and they'll take everything if they believe they can. [ his own experiences have told him as much. ] But I'm sure you know that just as well as I do.
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There's the obvious possibility, but it's something that's hard to guess at easily without it coming from the other man himself.
Dorian frowns, mulling over the thought until Larus distracts him.]
I wasn't being overwhelmed with options for protecting my picture, and Grayson impressed me. [His tone has a note of 'You weren't there, Larus'.] He demonstrated his magic, proved that he could satisfy my needs, and I chose.
I can tell he's hiding something, but... [There's something there, too. His meeting with Grayson had the feeling of being a masked man in the presence of someone wearing something very similar. Someone very comfortable and experienced in the art of hiding the relevant. He's sure he saw more peeking out from beneath more than once. It's a potential warning sign, but not one without attendant charms and intrigue.] I can't say what. [Yet.]
But yes, he's some kind of sorcerer. Probably more.
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it's oddly nostalgic how hard this conversation is hitting him too, having had many similar ones in the past—mostly with casimir. a bargain struck with someone unknown, no information aside from a careless whim. he should think better of people and their ability to take care of themselves, but life has taught him that it's always a work-in-progress. ]
Did you ever stop to consider that having those options wasn't necessary? This city likes to hand out everyone's secrets as gifts, but they're still very particular. No one's allowed in these rooms unless you give them permission either. [ needless to say, that's pointing to the sole fact dorian only has to trust himself with the people he sees and decides to bring back.
larus takes a moment to smooth his fingers over his knee, having felt them curling tight into a fist. he sighs. ] I'm not your keeper, Dorian, so it shouldn't matter what I think. But you should be careful. I hope you know what you're doing.
[ everything about this leaves a bitter taste sitting in the back of his throat. ]
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[There's an angry tone that he's hearing, still understated in the way he's becoming used to from Larus, that feels slightly beyond the scope of what's deserved. The charred aftertaste of having bitten off more than he could chew at some time or another? An expression of concern?
It's not immediately clear, but he will move closer.]
But I'll be careful. [His voice evens out into something more smooth, shifting back towards persuasive.] It goes without saying, too, that I don't have any intention of letting this suite a dangerous place for either of us.
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I know. [ it's back to softer words, tucking his annoyance away to consider later. ] It's a nice sentiment, even if I'm used to taking care of myself. I'll do what I can though – to help you.
[ because he still hasn't forgotten what dorian did for him, most likely saving his life when he could have left him in a pool of his own blood. the least he could do is return the favor in some way. ]
[ he looks at him. ] Is there anything else I need to know?
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Right now? [He slips his hands casually into his pockets.] No. You'll be pleased to hear that I haven't made any other business deals or plans in the time I've been here.
The rest of this is roommate stuff. [It's been a little less than a century since he's had one, and all of them collegiate. At least each of them looks the part.]
As I understand it, there are certain things that you're unable to get for yourself that I'm going to have to buy for you. We can cross food off the list [For obvious reasons, unless they want to try to come to some arrangement with a butcher shop or blood bank. He's done it before.] so the next things would be clothes, and anything you'd like to make this a more comfortable space.
[Creature comforts. From what he's learned of Larus he doubts the other man has many, if any, but if there's anything, it will be tended to.]
You can have anything you want. [He's completely, openly sincere on that point.] Funds allowing, of course.
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larus' expression thins just slightly. ]
There's nothing I want that you can buy me. [ it's a quiet sort of response. ] I'd like to have whatever it is I need from you so I can go where I want without being stopped by the guards, but beyond that... [ a shrug. ] I don't mind keeping things the way you like them in here.
[ maybe, over time, he might come to add some personal touches here and there, but even before he'd died, he'd never really been the type to hold onto such things. there's a brief urge to reach over and touch him, but not while they're talking about any of this. ]
If there's anything I want in the future, I'll tell you.
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The true undercurrent to all this is feeling out how much of a home the suite is going to be between them, if at all. Dorian naturally turns those places he spends his time in into spaces with fingerprints of his personality and desires on them. But whether it becomes a truly shared space with Larus will take some time to see and to let develop.
Ideally, he wants Larus to feel comfortable.]
You need my permission, I think, but I don't know if there's a more formal aspect to it than that. Give me a day or so and I'll look into it.
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the thought keeps needling at him—the stain of red along fair skin. ]
I'm not in a hurry. I probably shouldn't visit the Down for at least a few days anyway.
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A few days? [Dorian's attention is suddenly fixed. Harder.] You're joking, right?
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Why would I joke about that? There are places I haven't explored and some people I want to check on. [ it's clear dorian isn't pleased, but... why? ] If I wait long enough, there shouldn't be a repeat of last night.
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[Dorian continues to stare at the younger man as if he's suddenly lost his entire damn mind.]
If you have anyone you need to contact, have them visit you here. We can decide together if they're allowed in [seeing as that apparently constitutes an ongoing invitation?] but otherwise there are places you can meet in the Up.
You were torn apart by a gang that hunted you down. Perhaps I need to paint a portrait of how that marks you as a target for a while.
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[ larus doesn't know why, but that puts him on edge just slightly. already, with the sun up and nowhere to go, he feels trapped. the farthest he could probably disappear to would be somewhere else in this building. he can't leave or go outside without risking permanent death. is dorian still that upset about last night? ]
I told you I can take care of myself. I didn't noticed the signs, but I'm aware of it now – that they want to kill me, I mean. It isn't going to happen again. [ he pulls his hand away. ] You don't have to worry about me.
[ which means that it might have been wrong of him to involve dorian in something like this after all. ]
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Dorian watches Larus closely. Watches the way he pulls away.]
I'm going to twist your arm about this whether you like it or not, Larus. [His tone rounds, softening slightly.] However much you do or don't care about your life, I do.
And if that's not enough, I'll give you a rationalist's reason for thinking again: anything you happen to do, or that happens to you, that creates problems, I'm now responsible for. [But that isn't the reason why he's being firm now.]
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Only if I sign that contract with you. [ which is a surprisingly petty response, but it's out before he can quell it. then, he sighs like he's just realized. ] I said I wouldn't be an inconvenience to you or cause you trouble. I'm not pleased with the idea of someone being responsible for me or watching me. [ no matter how logical that is, his tone implies. ]
Is that what you want? For me to stay here?
[ larus doesn't know why he asks or cares so much, but there's a firmness to dorian's words that implies something else. it can't be that he'd want control over him when he's obviously pointed out very real reasons not to go in the down. still, there's only so much freedom he has anyway, and he's always going to test those limits. ]
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Anyone you need to look in on isn't going to face catastrophe before then.
[Except that they might, but they're only people he doesn't know and that Larus can't know overly well by now, either. If something happens the other man will adjust in time, and he'll also be in one piece. It's a worthwhile tradeoff.]
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If that's what it takes, fine. I'll stay here.
[ but he isn't going to be very happy about it. he's not happy about it now, though most of it is just circumstantial, and larus will just bide his time until he can get back to doing something useful. with that decision, too, he looks away and stares idly at some sliver of sunlight across the top of the ceiling. ]
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Reaching out, Dorian lays a hand on Larus' forearm and then leans further, slipping his arms around him.]
It's appreciated. [He draws Larus closer.]
Besides. It isn't as if there's nothing to do.
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.... forgot about sunlight woops shhh
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