[More like trying to find out how the vampire's dealing with the stress of their situation in a callback-ey sort of way. (The attempt at being clever doesn't seem to have worked.)]
I haven't had any time to do anything besides figure out my surroundings. You and the rest of our incoming cohort can sympathize, I'm sure.
[ he supposes that makes sense, and eventually, larus decides to just call him. hearing his voice might help to settle things since he finds it an oddly pleasant thing to listen to. dorian has a way of speaking that he likes, he realizes. ]
I'm sure that must be difficult considering where you're living. [ dry, teasing almost. ] I'm fine. I don't really need to make use of their housing as much as some do. How are your surroundings treating you?
[A call is a pleasant surprise. Larus sounds like he's doing well enough, too, although a lot of that's an assumption on Dorian's part based on the teasing and poking at his aestheticism.
...But at the same time, if someone's going to give him an inch to complain about his accommodations, today he'll accept.]
I've had worse, but I've also had much better. It's going to take more funds than I thought to replace anything in my suite. Regardless of my feelings on the matter, I'm not far off from needing to look for work in this place. [It's uncomfortable to not have scads of ready money to throw around, but he's adapted before and prepared to do so again.]
If you haven't been using your room, where have you been?
[ larus wonders if dorian is used to having money at his disposal and never working for it. it's what it sounds like, but he doesn't feel inclined to ask right now. after all, he had come from money, but he'd never wanted anything to do with it because he couldn't stand his father. ]
Here and there. I want to really know this city, so I've spent several days mapping the Down. [ there's a pause as he considers offering more truth than that. ] I also watched that building you're in for a while. Just to see who comes and goes.
They're all going to be people like us, aren't they? A mix of humans and supernatural beings, all taken from where they live and coping with the same setting?
[A terribly sweet admission, and one brings a smile to the immortal's face. He wishes he could see the expression that fits that soft tone.
He really has no business to be responding to anything sweet, but it's difficult to resist.]
There are easier ways to see me - and ones that are certainly more fun than hanging around a high rise at twilight.
Reach out to me at any time. It'll always be a pleasure to see your pretty face. [By which he mostly means, see Larus. But also his literal face. It's a nice face.]
[ he really doesn't know how to handle compliments, and even now, there's a pang of something like guilt that surfaces when he thinks about it. but he can't focus too much on that right now and refuses to. ]
I assume you have other things to do rather than meet with me all the time. [ or he could find a way to climb to his window and let himself in. wait for dorian there because he has nothing better to do. ] What are you doing right now?
[And now he's stuck wondering whether Larus stayed stone-faced in response to his compliment, or whether there was a hint of the vampire approximation of a blush. A voice-only call was a mistake.]
I'm out exploring the culture and entertainment the Up has to offer. We won't be spending all of our time working or maintaining our contracts-- there's a life to be made here whether we like it or not, and that starts with meeting needs besides food and shelter.
[There is, notably, the sounds of bustling, crowds, and vehicles around Dorian in the background of his call.]
[ he'd certainly heard some of that, but larus is used to tuning it out. if dorian happens to pay attention, his own side of the call is eerily quiet. ]
It doesn't sound like you've found anything worth your time. But I guess it depends on what it is you're looking for exactly.
[ larus hasn't been around dorian long enough to pick up on his particular tastes, but he can make a guess as to what they are. ]
Something to take the edge off of the harsh lines in this place-- I've found a few good candidates so far. [A handful of small art galleries, a music hall, and a bar called 'The Gray Room' that's particularly noteworthy, as if parts of it are something he had a hand in designing himself.]
I'm already out; Is there's anything I can keep an eye out for that you'd appreciate? [It's the friendly thing to do, but it also doesn't miss him that he hasn't seen the vampire so much as fake a smile around him so far.
[ he hasn't gotten to do much exploring of the up in comparison to the down, but he's limited by the evening hours so that always makes it a little harder. there's a soft sound in response, almost a hum. ]
If I find anything like that, I'll let you know. But no. There isn't anything in this place that I need. [ not like that. he's homesick for certain people, not things. ] Except a contract, and I'm not in a hurry to get one of those.
[ his tone is almost wry, like it's just a joke that he can't believe is real. ]
I didn't ask if there was anything you needed. [He places a delicate stress on that last word. Something someone needs is the last thing a person requires in a place like this, in his estimation.
The mention of contracts earns a soft, hollow sort of laugh in response. It is a joke-- a tacky erotic novel not worth the paper it would be printed on.]
Have you thought at all about how you're going to start looking?
[ need or want. it all feels very much the same to larus. there isn't anything he needs, and there's even less that he wants. it annoys him that he's going to have to start choosing those things, some of them without a lot of choice. ]
Does it matter? I could ask anyone or post it for public debate. No one's interested in someone like me unless they really like my teeth.
[ he's under no impression that it's any other way. ]
The same reason you specifically mentioned not contracting with me when I hadn't even brought it up. Or maybe you were being polite. There are plenty of reasons.
[ some he won't touch on because it's a surprisingly sensitive topic for him, so he waits to hear what dorian has to say. ]
None of which have anything to do with you, I take it.
[It's partly right, but he does like Larus, and that's part of it, too.
When he speaks again, his tone is flatter, and lacks the smooth velvet of his usual way of speaking.]
If what I wanted from you was a high to escape the captivity of this place, I would have gotten it. I would have charmed you into it or waited until you were in need and backed into a corner, and I would have taken advantage of you. And after that I would have discarded you and left you mired in blood and disgust without a second thought. [It's offered coolly and in a matter of fact sort of way.]
But without going on about my foibles, [His tone lightens, taking back the touches of irreverence and irony he'd shrugged off.] I'd encourage you to consider that not everyone sees you the same ways you see yourself.
[ larus is quiet for so long that it might give the illusion of having ending the conversation without dorian's notice, but he's considering more than anything else. his words, his tone. how right he is and how larus loathes to even admit to it. ]
You say those things as if I don't have the control to refuse you. [ also said matter of fact but softer, contemplating. ] I'm not interested in how others see me, Dorian. I might admit that I'd want to know how you see me, but it's only because I'm curious about you.
[ instead of linger on the details, he'll just shift the conversation. if he doesn't have to talk about his shortcomings as a vampire, all the better. ]
[Dorian doesn't seek validation or forgiveness for his sullied soul, but being listened to in silence and acknowledged without judgment is powerful. It makes an impression that isn't easily ignored.
He's quiet for a moment.]
You wouldn't want to. [It isn't commentary on Larus' will-- it's the fruits of personal experience and sheer arrogance.]
Well, as I mentioned earlier, come see me at any time. This isn't the kind of conversation to have over the phone.
[ does he want to be contrary and argue that he would? no, because that's exactly what larus knows to be a lie, and he isn't fond of those kinds of things. ]
Then tonight? I don't have any plans.
[ not that he ever actually has plans, but it's the principle of the thing to announce it so it doesn't seem as if he'd cancel everything he had to do to simply see dorian and continue this conversation in private. ]
Can you eat solid food? [After their last encounter he does know that Larus can drink fluids besides blood, but it would be a hosting (or gifting) faux pas to set out something only one person can enjoy.]
[There are a few things he'll never throw off from the Victorian era, and one of them is the consideration of guests' feelings in hosting. If human normalcy is the way to be courteous in this case, then that's how he'll approach the evening.]
[ he ends the call with an equally quiet 'goodbye', unsure what to do with himself in the following hours until then. there's something unnerving about all of this, with how quickly he's taken a liking to dorian and the way he approaches things, and it's difficult to mute his curiosity when it's pulling him so strongly in that direction. perhaps it's because he misses home, misses a certain telepath that didn't need much in the way of easing his worries or understanding him to know who he was. maybe it's just the thought of something unknown that drives him.
either way, he chooses some time in the earlier evening to make his way towards the building housing dorian's apartment. but before he can get further than the foyer, he's stopped by some of the guards there. now? he's a little more than frustrated. ]
i think you need to make an appearance if you don't want me trying to climb through your window.
[ a polite enough text that says he's arrived and might need assistance. ]
[The hours up until evening Dorian spends continuing his exploration of the city, and then reading various informational pamphlets he collected while out on the town. There's some time remaining to cook himself a basic sort of meal and to do some tidying in anticipation of his guest.
It isn't until his device beeps at him that he realizes the appointed hour's come.
And wow, rude, guards. A minute or two after Larus sends his text, Dorian comes striding into the lobby, pitching his voice authoritatively as he addresses the little group crowded around the vampire.]
Stand down, gentlemen. This one's here on my invitation. I trust I've got the right to control that much as a dominant?
[A moment's confusion passes through the group (why did a submissive arrive unaccompanied?), before the group seem to accept Dorian taking responsibility for Larus, and stand aside to let the vampire through.
Dorian flashes a half-smile, partially an apologetic grimace, at the other man.]
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I haven't had any time to do anything besides figure out my surroundings. You and the rest of our incoming cohort can sympathize, I'm sure.
How are you holding up?
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I'm sure that must be difficult considering where you're living. [ dry, teasing almost. ] I'm fine. I don't really need to make use of their housing as much as some do. How are your surroundings treating you?
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...But at the same time, if someone's going to give him an inch to complain about his accommodations, today he'll accept.]
I've had worse, but I've also had much better. It's going to take more funds than I thought to replace anything in my suite. Regardless of my feelings on the matter, I'm not far off from needing to look for work in this place. [It's uncomfortable to not have scads of ready money to throw around, but he's adapted before and prepared to do so again.]
If you haven't been using your room, where have you been?
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Here and there. I want to really know this city, so I've spent several days mapping the Down. [ there's a pause as he considers offering more truth than that. ] I also watched that building you're in for a while. Just to see who comes and goes.
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[He's not sure he sees the point.]
Did you see anything different to that?
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[ there's more, too, and after a short pause, larus' voice follows in an almost soft tone. ]
I thought I would see you too.
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He really has no business to be responding to anything sweet, but it's difficult to resist.]
There are easier ways to see me - and ones that are certainly more fun than hanging around a high rise at twilight.
Reach out to me at any time. It'll always be a pleasure to see your pretty face. [By which he mostly means, see Larus. But also his literal face. It's a nice face.]
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I assume you have other things to do rather than meet with me all the time. [ or he could find a way to climb to his window and let himself in. wait for dorian there because he has nothing better to do. ] What are you doing right now?
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I'm out exploring the culture and entertainment the Up has to offer. We won't be spending all of our time working or maintaining our contracts-- there's a life to be made here whether we like it or not, and that starts with meeting needs besides food and shelter.
[There is, notably, the sounds of bustling, crowds, and vehicles around Dorian in the background of his call.]
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It doesn't sound like you've found anything worth your time. But I guess it depends on what it is you're looking for exactly.
[ larus hasn't been around dorian long enough to pick up on his particular tastes, but he can make a guess as to what they are. ]
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I'm already out; Is there's anything I can keep an eye out for that you'd appreciate? [It's the friendly thing to do, but it also doesn't miss him that he hasn't seen the vampire so much as fake a smile around him so far.
Not that there's been much to be happy about.]
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If I find anything like that, I'll let you know. But no. There isn't anything in this place that I need. [ not like that. he's homesick for certain people, not things. ] Except a contract, and I'm not in a hurry to get one of those.
[ his tone is almost wry, like it's just a joke that he can't believe is real. ]
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The mention of contracts earns a soft, hollow sort of laugh in response. It is a joke-- a tacky erotic novel not worth the paper it would be printed on.]
Have you thought at all about how you're going to start looking?
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Does it matter? I could ask anyone or post it for public debate. No one's interested in someone like me unless they really like my teeth.
[ he's under no impression that it's any other way. ]
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If that were true, why haven't I asked you to bite me? And before you respond, yes, I am exactly the kind of person that enjoys vampire bites.
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[ some he won't touch on because it's a surprisingly sensitive topic for him, so he waits to hear what dorian has to say. ]
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[It's partly right, but he does like Larus, and that's part of it, too.
When he speaks again, his tone is flatter, and lacks the smooth velvet of his usual way of speaking.]
If what I wanted from you was a high to escape the captivity of this place, I would have gotten it. I would have charmed you into it or waited until you were in need and backed into a corner, and I would have taken advantage of you. And after that I would have discarded you and left you mired in blood and disgust without a second thought. [It's offered coolly and in a matter of fact sort of way.]
But without going on about my foibles, [His tone lightens, taking back the touches of irreverence and irony he'd shrugged off.] I'd encourage you to consider that not everyone sees you the same ways you see yourself.
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You say those things as if I don't have the control to refuse you. [ also said matter of fact but softer, contemplating. ] I'm not interested in how others see me, Dorian. I might admit that I'd want to know how you see me, but it's only because I'm curious about you.
[ instead of linger on the details, he'll just shift the conversation. if he doesn't have to talk about his shortcomings as a vampire, all the better. ]
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He's quiet for a moment.]
You wouldn't want to. [It isn't commentary on Larus' will-- it's the fruits of personal experience and sheer arrogance.]
Well, as I mentioned earlier, come see me at any time. This isn't the kind of conversation to have over the phone.
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Then tonight? I don't have any plans.
[ not that he ever actually has plans, but it's the principle of the thing to announce it so it doesn't seem as if he'd cancel everything he had to do to simply see dorian and continue this conversation in private. ]
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Can you eat solid food? [After their last encounter he does know that Larus can drink fluids besides blood, but it would be a hosting (or gifting) faux pas to set out something only one person can enjoy.]
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No, but that doesn't mean that you can't. I'd prefer keeping things as normal as possible.
[ as human as possible, he means, but he doesn't say it. sometimes, he thinks he's said too much already. ]
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As you like it. I'll see you tonight, Larus.
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either way, he chooses some time in the earlier evening to make his way towards the building housing dorian's apartment. but before he can get further than the foyer, he's stopped by some of the guards there. now? he's a little more than frustrated. ]
i think you need to make an appearance if you don't want me trying to climb through your window.
[ a polite enough text that says he's arrived and might need assistance. ]
action
It isn't until his device beeps at him that he realizes the appointed hour's come.
And wow, rude, guards. A minute or two after Larus sends his text, Dorian comes striding into the lobby, pitching his voice authoritatively as he addresses the little group crowded around the vampire.]
Stand down, gentlemen. This one's here on my invitation. I trust I've got the right to control that much as a dominant?
[A moment's confusion passes through the group (why did a submissive arrive unaccompanied?), before the group seem to accept Dorian taking responsibility for Larus, and stand aside to let the vampire through.
Dorian flashes a half-smile, partially an apologetic grimace, at the other man.]
Come on.
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notifs doing me dirty ):<
they just don't want them to kiss
too bad for them!!
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omg i'm so sorry
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interesting that theyโre hesitant about the exact opposite things
they're honestly ridiculous and i love them for it
800% ridiculous and itโs great
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