rockandrollvampire | Duplicity Inbox

[ it’s not a long trip to the stairs leading to Dorian den, study, and a well-stocked bar. His grin widens and he sets the bottle on the bar. ]

Thank you, I just bought it about a month ago. It’s my second.

[ he opens the bottle and even if Toby has a head start on drinking, Dorian pours him a glass as well. ]

You can speak easy now- my boyfriend is a light sleeper and his quarters are at entry level.

Second? [He guffaws as he accepts his drink.] We don't even have one yet.

[Not that he and his boyfriend have been looking, but... well. This seems like a good kick to remember that they should be. They don't have the kind of money they used to enjoy on Earth, but they could sure as hell use something more like this compared to their current lodgings. A bigger bedroom, a music room, and an actual library would be nice. Some fucking security would be even better.

He leans onto the bar as he throws back the better part of his first pour in a single, breathless gulp.] Yeah, sorry 'bout the late hour. Didn't want to drink alone again tonight. Boyfriend is... [The pause here is a little too long, and very uncomfortable for both parties.] Unavailable right now.

I've been here two years at least. Started out as a Submissive and inherited the first house, but you know- [ he takes a thoughtful drink from his own glass, brows raised slightly at the gusto with which Toby swallows nearly half of his own down. ] -didn't technically own shit until I became a Dominant. And it's in the Down.

[ There's amusement in the mage's expression, but when the other man mentions his own boyfriend and that melts away. ] What do you mean, 'unavailable'?

Well, yeah. I don't want to own the house anyway, even if I was the Dominant. I never really owned much back on Earth, and I don't fancy changing that here. [That sounds like a lot of work he's not interested in. His soulmate is more than welcome to keep dealing with all the money and paperwork in their lives.

...whenever he wakes back up. Sigh. This coma thing really fucking sucks.

The part of him that hates everything related to talking about his feelings rages against what he knows he should do now. He brought it up, he should avoid keeping his host out of the loop. With another sigh, he downs the remainder of his drink, then stands up a bit taller against the bar.]

Man's asleep. In a coma, apparently. We got back from Veracity, rinsed off, then fell asleep and he never came back to. [Toby rubs at the back of his neck, restlessness coming back to him now that he's said the truth out loud.] I'd not think anything of it if he were asleep a day or two, but it's been a week. No matter what anyone says, that shit's not normal.

[ Dorian opens his mouth in the quietest 'ah hah' and finishes up his own glass before pouring more for the both of them. It might be unwise to keep giving Toby drinks, but it seems like the man needs it. ]

It's not normal, but in Duplicity- it's certainly not unheard of. It's only when you can't find him that it's really a problem. He'll wake up eventually. Sometimes people sleep for a few days, weeks and I've even seen them sleep for over a month before.

[At least he has someone to pour for him this time. By himself, Toby would've gone through most of the bottle by now. Something with a steadier, less heavy hand at the wheel is best.]

That's not as helpful as you think it is. [Not that Dorian would know that without context. Toby frowns into his drink before taking a much more reasonably sized sip.] If it's some sickness or-- I dunno, ailment or curse or whatever, he should be immune to it. That shit's not supposed to happen to him.

[Fucking portrait. Of course it would pick now of all times to fuck off in its one job for Dorian. Ugh.]

If this keeps up, I-- I don't know what will happen. I'm doing what I can to care for him, but all this... with how he is normally... [His grip on his glass tightens a little too much, causing it to creak and strain beneath his hand.] I'll find where Hell is in this place to drag his ass back out if that's what it takes to get my soulmate back, and I'll tear whoever fucking did this apart after.

No one is immune to Duplicity's bullshit.

[ It's said with a drawl and while he's not trying to be insensitive, there have been far too many people claiming to be gods that this place has changed to fit their society. Powers are weakened, wings are clipped and no one is completely immune. ]

Right, well as admirable as that is, I don't think any of it will be necessary. Just keep him comfortable and if in any way he starts to change physically, do not be alarmed. He may wake up confused or with new memories.

[He scoffs.] Mine bloody well should be from this.

[As if he didn't hate the portrait enough as it is, it just had to let the city have this one. Christ this is a whole new level of nightmare for him that he was not ready to deal with.

He's been drunk enough of the last week that Dorian's suggestion that his soulmate could change physically earns a snorted laugh. This is one of those times when he should keep that sort of reaction to himself, but that's clearly not happening with how far he is from sobriety and how the edge of sanity is slipping away.]

New memories would be weird, but I could manage that. Not a new thing between us, one experiencing things the other wasn't around for. But if they manage to change how he looks... [His shoulders shake with another rumble of laughter.] Yeah, that'd be a sight, and one that would piss him right off.

[And then freak Toby - the both of them, really - the hell out, but that's far out of mind right now.]

That really how things work 'round here? People fall asleep for days or weeks at a time, then suddenly, wham! [He gestures broadly with his hands, swaying a bit as he leans away from the mage to do so ...semi-safely.] New look! New memories! All that shiny shit? [Another laugh falls from his lips.] This place is more fucked by the day.

It happened to me; woke up with a beard and long hair. [ Dorian chuckles, but he knows the change could have been worse. Some people woke up missing limbs or with scars, years could have passed them by while they’d only slept for a handful of days. It’s fine that Toby laughs, it is a bit ridiculous. ]

Well, yes. Though probably without the ‘wham!’ People are generally tended to by loved ones here in the city or the confusion of what is reality hits them. Different for everyone, but also not alarmingly so.

Hard to believe that could happen. [He shakes his head and searches out more drink, because he clearly needs it right now. He's obviously the best at making decisions when he's this emotional. ~~Not that he gets much better when he isn't drunk or emotional, but still.~~]

So what was it like for you then? Waking up like that? Anything I should know for when my Dorian comes to? [If he can be prepared at all for whatever shit is going to hit them both when his soulmate comes to, best to know it now. He'll (mostly) remember this later, and can work it out then.]

[ Dorian won't make him search for long, not when the location is safe and well stocked and he's experienced at handling both drinks and drunks. Toby clearly needs to let some of this out and even if they've not spent a lot of time together, Dorian is happy to listen in and support when needed. This is, if anything, entertaining. ]

Oh, it was very disorienting. I aged several years and it felt as though I was back to where I'd come from- you know, my world and all that rot. Only a week had passed here in Duplicity.

[ Dorian takes a long drink from his glass and when he pulls it away from his lips, his smile has dropped some. He remembers waking up, rushing to see Rhys and feeling guilty and having his gentle nudges for comfort handled... poorly. There's a split second where it looks like he's about to say something, but he cuts himself off with another drink. ]

Don't rush him? Support him if he needs time to adjust? Honestly, with as concerned as you are now, I don't see much cause for concern or worry. I think the two of you will do just fine.

[He's too distracted by his own misery and drunkenness to notice the hesitation before Dorian takes a drink. At this point, all he's searching for is reassurance. Words from someone who's been through this that he's not going to fail his soulmate and leave the man worse for his care are absolutely necessary right now. It could be utter bullshit, a blatant lie, and he would believe it entirely. He needs to, because if he doesn't, why is he bothering to try?

He nods after slamming back his latest pour, a hand coming up to wipe at his eyes.] Time's the one thing we've got a lot of. Not sure how to hang on to my own panic if-- when he's back, but I'll try. [He laughs, but it's not a happy sound.] God, I just want that asshole back.

[That ridiculous, arrogant, wonderful man he loves. God, he'd give anything to make him wake up right now. He rubs at his eyes with the heel of his hand once more, then offers Dorian a sardonic smile.]

Bet you didn't think your night would turn into this, yeah? [He shakes his head and leans on the bar again.] Sorry if it derailed anything for you.

He'll be awake before you know it and you can gush at him about how much you've missed him and fussed over him. Maker knows I liked the attention.

[ Dorian leans on the bar and offers the man a good-natured pat on the back, firm and steady between the shoulders and nods his head. ] Not at all, and I've got an idea if you're in the mood to hear it. Might put your mind at ease a little, hm?

What if- [ he sets his glass down and brushes at his lips with his fingertips, a habit he hardly notices. ] -you set up a spell or if you want to go more modern, surveillance. Something to pick up on his first stirrings and alert you to go to him as soon as he wakes? Have you done anything like that yet? I know at least one person who can teleport, unless you can do that yourself.

He is an attention-seeker. [And honestly? After all this time apart? Toby's ready to stroke his boyfriend's ego for months. ~~Okay probably a few days, but drunk brain says months, so months it is for now.~~

His eyebrows rise as he turns to the other man, hand instinctively coming out to rest on the mage's side to steady himself. Yes, this is exactly what he needs. A way to keep tabs on his boyfriend constantly? Even when he's got to go out to pick up ~~alcohol~~ supplies? God, why didn't he think of something brilliant like this?]

No, no, I'm just a-- regular guy. No magic or anything. [Vampiric charms don't count when he only uses them on his boyfriend.] But I do like a good spying technique. Usually I've got to do it all myself. Not good with tech or anything, but if I could get something that sends messages or-- oh, or video to my phone?! [A wide grin pulls across his face.] Yeah, I'd go for that.

[This is the best drunken idea ever. Dorian's got a real clever way of dealing with all this, and Toby's sure someone in Duplicity can help him with this. Well, with one caveat.]

It's got to be something I can bring into the bedroom alone, though. I'll not let anyone near my soulmate while he's sleeping. [It's not like anyone could do anything with Toby looming over them, but no bloody way is anyone allowed near Dorian. Nope. Never. ...Grayson excepted.]

[ Dorian is about to offer his own magic, but the fact that Toby won't let anyone else in the room complicates things far too much. ] Understood...

[ He crosses his arms over his chest and leans back against the bar for support. ]

I'm afraid I'm not too savvy with technology, just magic, but that requires I be there. There are quite a lot of people here that probably know how to set up the right equipment, though- enough to walk you through it? I've no doubt there are ways to monitor with sound and visual and have them linked to your device.

[Was he aggressive with that statement? Didn't feel like it, but that reaction is telling. Toby sighs and runs a hand over the back of his neck.] S'pose I could let someone cast a spell from the doorway. But I'll not have anyone else putting hands on him.

[That is still a no, because goddammit, Dorian is his soulmate and no one else's.

He considers the idea a bit longer, nodding.] You know anyone good with that sort of thing? I've had shit luck finding time to learn technology over the years, and even a few months in here, I'm not very good at my phone. [He chuckles a bit.] I'm told my texting is 'atrocious, the sort of thing a toddler would send.' Think it's the lack of formal craftsmanship in it.

My interests only lay in helping you, but even I think some technological monitoring would be the better of the two options. Puts far more control into your own hands.

[ Seems the right thing to do with how much Toby is fretting over him. ]

Anyone from modern Earth would be a good call, I think. I could ask around for you, if you would like?

Yeah... control of that would be good. [No one being able to look in on his soulmate? No one having access to their lives through some random video feed? Much better alternative than anything else they can come up with, he's already sure of it.]

If you've a mind for it, I'd be glad for the help. Losing track of a lot of things these days. [He offers Dorian a tired smile.] Routine's good and all, but it's all consuming, y'know? Everything else just... stops mattering when I get started taking care of him.

[Everything but the drink, and that's always necessary.]

[ Dorian returns the smile, his own warm and understanding. Surely if his loved ones fell into a deep and unknown slumber, he would be distraught and worried as well. ]

Understandable, my friend. I’ll ask about and even if we don’t get a single bit of assistance, we can figure it out together. Wouldn’t want you to miss a moment away from Dorian.

[ and he finishes off the rest of the bottle by topping off both of their glasses. ]

[He really wasn't expecting this kind of support from anyone after finding his soulmate in his current state. It's an unexpected relief that struggles to fight against the drunken haze he's been in for the past few days. He exhales a lighter breath than he's managed in over a week, and reaches out to grip Dorian's shoulder in a friendly gesture.]

Thanks. Truly. I've needed this more than I thought. [His smile tugs a little wider as he grabs his glass and holds it out to the other man to clink.] I'll owe you one, when this is over. Not sure what I could offer a mage, but if you've need of a romantic soul who's stronger than he looks, you can give me a call. I'll be over as soon as it's dark out.

[ Dorian may have never been in Toby's position before, but he can put himself in those shoes mentally, consider how things might be for him if his partner and love fell into a deep sleep. It would be terrible, frightening and no matter what status or power he had, there was not a god damn thing he could do. He can't prevent Toby from feeling helpless, from fretting, so comfort and support are all he can provide. It just feels like the right thing to do.

Toby's gratitude is met by a warm smile and his shoulders relax when the one is gripped. ]

The company and conversation might be more than enough.

[Toby chuckles around a sip of his drink.] You can say that if you want - I'll not take the option away should you need it in the future. Never know when you might need a favor from an unexpected source.

[Especially one that never ages and has incredible strength! Not that he's fully explaining that right now, but he mentioned enough that Dorian will know what he's good for. ...probably. Toby can always drop the reminder from time to time, and watch out for any calls for help on the network. That'll do in a pinch.]

Just no asking for a bite and we're good. [A small, self-deprecating grin.] Good for plenty else, though.

You’re right and I’ll do well to keep the offer in mind. Ah, and I wouldn’t worry- I’m not terribly into biting.

[ he can be mouthy in his own way and he likes marks, but he prefers them from other things than teeth. And of course, he has no idea what Toby actually is. ]

Thank God for that. [No need for awkward conversations while he's piss drunk! Always a good thing for all involved. Toby's grin warms into a smile as he sips at his drink, and then he turns to arch an eyebrow at the mage.]

What do you say to one more for the road? Last drink before I get out of your hair and home before it's bright out. [He nudges Dorian's shoulder a little too forcefully with his own and chuckles.] And next time, I'll bring an extra bottle to make up for chugging the last one you gave me.

[An unnecessary offer, probably, but it seems a fair one to Toby. Dorian's done a lot for him tonight just by listening and giving him space to drunkenly vent. He's a real friend in the making, and the vampire doesn't mind overcompensating a little to make sure he doesn't sink that before it's got a chance to float.

In a place like Duplicity, friends like this are what keep you sane when shit goes to Hell in a handbasket.]

[ Now he has to wonder why this guy is relieved for his lack of desire in being bitten, but he doesn't pry and he doesn't question Toby further. It's probably too much to handle when he's so drunk.

Dorian pours out the rest of the bottle into their glasses and offers his guest a firm nod. ]

Well, I'm just glad you enjoyed it, though I would prefer you not down it all in front of me. Most of the stuff I have deserves to be savored. I'll see you out and call you a cab.

[ he motions for Toby to follow him back upstairs and with his hand not currently nursing his glass, he pulls out his device and makes sure that his friend at least has a safe ride home. ]

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