[This early in knowing someone else, strong immediate connection or not, he would. He still has nightmares and night terrors frequently enough that it’s a vulnerable place for him.]
Are you saying you want to sleep with me?
[He smiles back, small and sly.]
Not that I’d blame you, of course. Beds are where I do my best work.
No. [ the answer comes bluntly, no tension visible in larus as he works with his back to him. ] But I'm considering it.
[ if briefly. having an intimate moment doesn't necessitate a need for more, but it is a requirement of this place. and beyond that, he genuinely likes dorian. (which he still finds somewhat surprising considering himself.) there's attraction and numerous other things that draw larus to him. it's not asking to bear deep secrets or anything along those lines either, and he can't help wondering where such a relationship would go between them. ]
Although, [ and he turns to set the tea in front of dorian. ] there's nothing keeping you from joining me in your guest room if that's something that interests you.
He would, yes, but the inevitable point is that his ribald deflection has been defused.
Drawing a breath, Dorian lays a hand out on the marble countertop before him, smoothing his fingers over the chilly and flawless surface. Thinking.]
I don’t sleep well these days, [he confesses in an even tone, after a moment.] If you’ve ever had the type of nightmare where you either wake up talking to your demons, or like there’s something laid out over you and holding you down… it’s like that.
[ larus isn't good at this part of things, he knows. comforting someone or offering whatever bits of solace they might find in his words. he's spent too many years trying to close that part of himself off, and even recently, when he was with casimir, it never fully stuck as the natural thing to do. he'd get teased for it, if affectionately.
gently, he rests a hand atop dorian's after hovering there for a moment.]
I understand. [ and he does. when he closes his eyes, he always feels that ever-present weight of his maker, like he expects to see him standing there if he were to look again. ] And I realize it might have nothing to do with it, but there's nothing you could do to hurt me.
[ short of tearing his heart out that is. ]
interesting that they’re hesitant about the exact opposite things
[His own strength compared to Larus—- compared to any vampire, really, is probably laughable. He knows he couldn’t hurt the other man.
But that’s not the issue. His eyes drop to the chill hand on his own for a moment, considering the offering of warmth and intimacy in the form of smooth skin, before rising to meet Larus’ gaze again.]
It’s not that that I’m concerned about.
[If he wakes up talking to Lucifer or Toby, it would bare so much of his soul at once that he doesn’t know how he’d recover.]
Not tonight, Larus. [But it’s not off the table forever.]
they're honestly ridiculous and i love them for it
[ larus doesn't see it as a rejection or anything close to it. there's more that he doesn't have access to yet, information that he just can't decipher based on their interactions thus far. he gives dorian's hand a squeeze and retreats as smoothly as only someone like him can, crossing his arms loosely over his chest as he rests a hip against the counter. ]
Tell me about it when you're ready. [ where else does he plan to go anyway? ] Drink your tea. I can still keep you company a while longer.
[ he hasn't decided if he actually will stay with him through the day or return to the down to wait it out until he can see him again. because he will, at the very least. he wants to. ]
Yes, sir, [he says, but it’s offered fondly rather than flippantly or mockingly.
And it is a rather nice cup of tea. Bringing it up to his lips, Dorian blows on it lightly before taking a small sip. Hot tea after sex, and while he still has good company. There are worse things in the world.]
Could have done with a squeeze of lemon, [he smiles at Larus, openly teasing him now] but not bad for someone who doesn’t take their own anymore.
[ larus sighs very softly, the slightest quirk to his lips. ]
You never said anything about lemon. But I'll keep it in mind if I make you more tea in the future.
[ it's almost pleasant now, standing in this absurdly rich kitchen with dorian and having no expectations between them. larus is still tempted to stay, but feeling trapped is not something he enjoys either. there would be nothing to do aside from spend time with dorian, get to know him and listen to him play something from his world. perhaps he could ask him about that too, though it's not so much on his mind as the rest of it.
there's the itch to touch him again, but he keeps his hands tucked neatly in his arms. ]
I could have it if it was mostly blood. I think that would ruin the smell though.
[He appreciates Larus’ situation, but he doubts the man would enjoy him saying so. At least vampires in his world can still eat human food and drink human drinks.]
Sit with me, he encourages, touching the seat at the island beside him.]
I don’t think it would be hard to find something that goes with the taste of blood. A blend with spice of some kind or cloves in it, maybe. [Dorian sips at his tea again, exhaling. He doesn’t know if anything could improve upon the taste of blood -sharp, metallic, and sickening in large quantities as it is- but he’s willing to make an attempt. Precisely because] There’s going to be more than enough time to think about things like that.
[Unless one, or both of them gets sent home, but he’s not going to lead with that presumption. Whenever he gets lured somewhere or taken to a place against his will, there’s always a reason.]
[ there's only the slightest hesitation to join him, circling around and sliding into the seat quietly. dorian's suggestion piques his interest somewhat, but it's not something he wishes for either of them to pursue right now. maybe not ever. larus' issues with his bloodlust exceed any sort of kindness one might give him, and more than that, he doesn't want it to taint the potential he has with dorian. ]
I don't know if I want to think about them, [ he says eventually, voice particularly quiet.] There are other things I can enjoy that don't involve blood at all.
[ larus makes eye contact with dorian then, always thinking about something. his next move, his next words. the look he gives him is surprisingly soft despite his distaste of the topic of conversation, but this has nothing to do with the man sitting next to him and everything to do with himself. ]
I should try to make an effort while I'm here. It's why I agreed to see you that first time. [ otherwise, he would have kept to himself. ]
You already are. [Dorian takes a last sip of his tea to finish it, and then places it delicately back down onto the countertop, punctuating his words with the gentle click of drinkware.] You met me, other people too I assume, ended up on my couch... That's a great deal for less than a week's time.
[Adventurous, he'd even say. Releasing the cup in his hands, Dorian turns to Larus.]
I'm looking to build something for myself too while I'm here, piece by piece. It'll take time, but that's always how it goes whenever you're rebuilding in a new place.
Lucky us, at least, that we both found something we like.
[ it's more than that, larus thinks. more than rebuilding and effort, but he's still pulled too thin from the events of his last moment back home to argue the details. or lay them out neatly, rather. so, when dorian turns to him, larus shifts just the slightest amount towards him, his hands resting in his lap. ]
Probably too much for less than a week. [ there's a hint of fang as he smiles, letting it fall away with a seriousness that suddenly clings to his skin. ] Even if I didn't want to, you're right. I'm not home. I need to focus on something else.
I don't think I would mind seeing more of you.
[ personally, he means, but there's also more to that as well. physically, perhaps intimately. what makes him tick on a much deeper level? and never mind that dorian might have just admitted to liking him; it's something he'll process later. ]
[A smile tugs at Dorian's lips when he (or the circumstance) manages to earn one from the other man. It drops quickly from Larus' face, but it's still something that's a pleasure to have seen, like the observance of a secret as it's being passed along, or the glinting of a rare gem.]
I'll be here, and you're welcome to my guest room as it suits you. I'd enjoy the friendly company. [Is he really offering that? He supposes he is. Larus' company feels natural and comfortable, and there's the added benefit of knowing the man isn't being forced to make do with the dinginess and (Aggressive) unsuitability of the Down.]
Do you need time to think? [It has been a long day. Reaching out a hand, Dorian touches, and then slowly tucks thick and wavy locks of hair out of the vampire's pretty face.]
[ as it suits him? there's a lot to unpack with that offer and even more to think about.
it's strange to feel as if dorian reads his mind just then, uncomfortable suddenly, but he swallows it in lieu of focusing on the way dorian touches him instead. just a brush of fingers, the warmth of his hand so close to his face. larus catches his eyes, wishing he could be normal and simply stay. encourage more intimacy between them and not overthink it. that isn't him though, and he gently grips dorian's wrist again, searching for his pulse as if he needs it to breathe. ]
Just tomorrow. I don't want this to become an inconvenience or something either of us might regret.
[It's less mind reading and more that Larus strikes him as the deep-thinking kind. Someone with veins of feeling that run straight to the depths to his core. Dorian feels as though he's seen some of it in ways that he imagines were, at times, inadvertent.
It's interesting and not his own style at all. It's easy, too, for Dorian to imagine it being tiring for someone like that to not have the space and time to withdraw.
When he wants to be and when someone deserves it in his estimation, he can be kind. Larus is someone he feels personally drawn to and who gets his caring and effort.]
Duly noted. [The corners of his lips curve up, and he reaches out with his free hand to lay on the back of Larus' neck as he leans in for a kiss.] I'll see you when I see you.
[ the kiss is rather easy to lean into, letting it happen as much as he sinks into it. it's brief though, not wanting to tempt himself further than he's allowed tonight. he can taste the tea, and larus knows he'll spend hours wandering the down with that specific thought on his mind before the others filter in. ]
Tomorrow, [ he promises, pressing another kiss to the corner of dorian's mouth. ] I can see myself out. You should try to rest.
[ a gentle stroke of his thumb down the side of dorian's cheek, and he leaves his seat behind. ]
[It's an intimate exit that Larus has to offer him on his way out, and also an enjoyable one. Dorian collects the empty mug on the countertop as he watches the vampire go, and then smiles slightly to himself as his front door clicks shut and bathes his rooms in an oppressive silence.
Larus is good. Surprising. Unique.
There's a lot that he imagines will happen in a day, or however long it is until the next time they meet, but he doesn't think it will matter. This is something interesting and worthwhile, and that he's prepared to pursue.
Whatever that may end up meaning for both, or either one of them.]
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Are you saying you want to sleep with me?
[He smiles back, small and sly.]
Not that I’d blame you, of course. Beds are where I do my best work.
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[ if briefly. having an intimate moment doesn't necessitate a need for more, but it is a requirement of this place. and beyond that, he genuinely likes dorian. (which he still finds somewhat surprising considering himself.) there's attraction and numerous other things that draw larus to him. it's not asking to bear deep secrets or anything along those lines either, and he can't help wondering where such a relationship would go between them. ]
Although, [ and he turns to set the tea in front of dorian. ] there's nothing keeping you from joining me in your guest room if that's something that interests you.
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He would, yes, but the inevitable point is that his ribald deflection has been defused.
Drawing a breath, Dorian lays a hand out on the marble countertop before him, smoothing his fingers over the chilly and flawless surface. Thinking.]
I don’t sleep well these days, [he confesses in an even tone, after a moment.] If you’ve ever had the type of nightmare where you either wake up talking to your demons, or like there’s something laid out over you and holding you down… it’s like that.
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gently, he rests a hand atop dorian's after hovering there for a moment.]
I understand. [ and he does. when he closes his eyes, he always feels that ever-present weight of his maker, like he expects to see him standing there if he were to look again. ] And I realize it might have nothing to do with it, but there's nothing you could do to hurt me.
[ short of tearing his heart out that is. ]
interesting that they’re hesitant about the exact opposite things
But that’s not the issue. His eyes drop to the chill hand on his own for a moment, considering the offering of warmth and intimacy in the form of smooth skin, before rising to meet Larus’ gaze again.]
It’s not that that I’m concerned about.
[If he wakes up talking to Lucifer or Toby, it would bare so much of his soul at once that he doesn’t know how he’d recover.]
Not tonight, Larus. [But it’s not off the table forever.]
they're honestly ridiculous and i love them for it
Tell me about it when you're ready. [ where else does he plan to go anyway? ] Drink your tea. I can still keep you company a while longer.
[ he hasn't decided if he actually will stay with him through the day or return to the down to wait it out until he can see him again. because he will, at the very least. he wants to. ]
800% ridiculous and it’s great
And it is a rather nice cup of tea. Bringing it up to his lips, Dorian blows on it lightly before taking a small sip. Hot tea after sex, and while he still has good company. There are worse things in the world.]
Could have done with a squeeze of lemon, [he smiles at Larus, openly teasing him now] but not bad for someone who doesn’t take their own anymore.
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You never said anything about lemon. But I'll keep it in mind if I make you more tea in the future.
[ it's almost pleasant now, standing in this absurdly rich kitchen with dorian and having no expectations between them. larus is still tempted to stay, but feeling trapped is not something he enjoys either. there would be nothing to do aside from spend time with dorian, get to know him and listen to him play something from his world. perhaps he could ask him about that too, though it's not so much on his mind as the rest of it.
there's the itch to touch him again, but he keeps his hands tucked neatly in his arms. ]
I could have it if it was mostly blood. I think that would ruin the smell though.
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Sit with me, he encourages, touching the seat at the island beside him.]
I don’t think it would be hard to find something that goes with the taste of blood. A blend with spice of some kind or cloves in it, maybe. [Dorian sips at his tea again, exhaling. He doesn’t know if anything could improve upon the taste of blood -sharp, metallic, and sickening in large quantities as it is- but he’s willing to make an attempt. Precisely because] There’s going to be more than enough time to think about things like that.
[Unless one, or both of them gets sent home, but he’s not going to lead with that presumption. Whenever he gets lured somewhere or taken to a place against his will, there’s always a reason.]
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I don't know if I want to think about them, [ he says eventually, voice particularly quiet.] There are other things I can enjoy that don't involve blood at all.
[ larus makes eye contact with dorian then, always thinking about something. his next move, his next words. the look he gives him is surprisingly soft despite his distaste of the topic of conversation, but this has nothing to do with the man sitting next to him and everything to do with himself. ]
I should try to make an effort while I'm here. It's why I agreed to see you that first time. [ otherwise, he would have kept to himself. ]
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[Adventurous, he'd even say. Releasing the cup in his hands, Dorian turns to Larus.]
I'm looking to build something for myself too while I'm here, piece by piece. It'll take time, but that's always how it goes whenever you're rebuilding in a new place.
Lucky us, at least, that we both found something we like.
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Probably too much for less than a week. [ there's a hint of fang as he smiles, letting it fall away with a seriousness that suddenly clings to his skin. ] Even if I didn't want to, you're right. I'm not home. I need to focus on something else.
I don't think I would mind seeing more of you.
[ personally, he means, but there's also more to that as well. physically, perhaps intimately. what makes him tick on a much deeper level? and never mind that dorian might have just admitted to liking him; it's something he'll process later. ]
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I'll be here, and you're welcome to my guest room as it suits you. I'd enjoy the friendly company. [Is he really offering that? He supposes he is. Larus' company feels natural and comfortable, and there's the added benefit of knowing the man isn't being forced to make do with the dinginess and (Aggressive) unsuitability of the Down.]
Do you need time to think? [It has been a long day. Reaching out a hand, Dorian touches, and then slowly tucks thick and wavy locks of hair out of the vampire's pretty face.]
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it's strange to feel as if dorian reads his mind just then, uncomfortable suddenly, but he swallows it in lieu of focusing on the way dorian touches him instead. just a brush of fingers, the warmth of his hand so close to his face. larus catches his eyes, wishing he could be normal and simply stay. encourage more intimacy between them and not overthink it. that isn't him though, and he gently grips dorian's wrist again, searching for his pulse as if he needs it to breathe. ]
Just tomorrow. I don't want this to become an inconvenience or something either of us might regret.
[ not that he does. it's just a precaution. ]
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It's interesting and not his own style at all. It's easy, too, for Dorian to imagine it being tiring for someone like that to not have the space and time to withdraw.
When he wants to be and when someone deserves it in his estimation, he can be kind. Larus is someone he feels personally drawn to and who gets his caring and effort.]
Duly noted. [The corners of his lips curve up, and he reaches out with his free hand to lay on the back of Larus' neck as he leans in for a kiss.] I'll see you when I see you.
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Tomorrow, [ he promises, pressing another kiss to the corner of dorian's mouth. ] I can see myself out. You should try to rest.
[ a gentle stroke of his thumb down the side of dorian's cheek, and he leaves his seat behind. ]
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[It's an intimate exit that Larus has to offer him on his way out, and also an enjoyable one. Dorian collects the empty mug on the countertop as he watches the vampire go, and then smiles slightly to himself as his front door clicks shut and bathes his rooms in an oppressive silence.
Larus is good. Surprising. Unique.
There's a lot that he imagines will happen in a day, or however long it is until the next time they meet, but he doesn't think it will matter. This is something interesting and worthwhile, and that he's prepared to pursue.
Whatever that may end up meaning for both, or either one of them.]