[He can give that much to Dorian easily. He nods and, in acceptance of the offered olive branch, holds out the cigarette for the other man to grab should he want it.]

I know. We have other lovers, but it's all about me and you. [A short beat, and his lips quirk up on one side.] It's why you're getting me a ring for my birthday, yeah?

[Look, he's excited about this, okay??

If Dorian had asked his actual question, he would've gotten a slightly different answer. He took the question at its face; being close to the younger man isn't physically painful. It does, however, niggle at the back of his mind how he's not alive whenever they're together. The thought's overridden by the euphoria that is being together with his soulmate, but he never fully forgets. The constant reminder is one of the many things that piled up so high that the only way he could think to knock them all over was to go watch the sun rise over the beach. After coming back from death, it's simply easier to accept that for what it is when they're both present in their relationship.]

Means a lot more when you're actually-- [Ah, no. No, he won't finish that thought or sentence. He shakes his head.] Being a different kind of monster changes the perspective on it. I'm sure Ivor thought different, as did his pet siren. It's different when you deal it out to survive. Not that you always have to go that far or can't find alternatives, but it--

[He sighs and runs a hand through his hair, taking one of Dorian's hands from his face into his own.]

Comparing it isn't helpful. It's different for me than it is you or this Grayson. You know the difference now, and that's all that matters.