rockandrollvampire | Duplicity Inbox

[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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