It's a half-answer to his question, but one Toby appreciates. His current life was given to him by Dorian's wish, but the man at his side isn't his whole world. Especially after being forced apart for a while, it's been proven to the vampire that he does have things outside of their relationship that are meaningful to him. Some of them are ephemeral or fleeting (looking at you, multitudes of old games he no longer plays), but he's made real connections with other immortals who aren't going anywhere and appreciates many fine things in life that aren't about to change (literature and music namely among them). Dorian may still be at the top of his list of ...pretty much everything, but hearing words of encouragement like this help him remember to keep everything in perspective.

He tightens his grip on Dorian's hand slightly and offers his lover a warm smile. "Thank you for being honest with me." They could have danced around a lot of this and ended up pulling back again from it. Toby's still not fully confident in himself or his ability to keep himself in check, but his slightly adjusted perspective makes reaching for this kind connection feel doable. He leans in and presses a lingering kiss to the other man's lips, tugging himself as close to other man's body as he can in the process.

"I love you too," he whispers when they part. He releases Dorian's hand to touch the man's face instead. "Let's do this." This is still a terrifying idea, but he's not letting this go. Not this time. They need this, he needs this, and holding back now means having to go through conversations like this yet again before they can move forward. He can do this, even if it's not the same as it was before. "Are you comfortable here? Or would you prefer the bed? You know I'll take you wherever and whenever I can."