[ he laughed and nearly choked on his wine and spilled it on himself. after everything he finds it difficult to imagine dorian having tea parties. well, his own idea of tea parties is quite dated. ]
In that case I suppose I have no choice but to drink double the usual amount to make up for the lack of drinkers in your social circles. Do you at least gossip?
Oh sweet Maker, I swear I am going to have to buy you a bib.
[ Dorian tuts and lets out an over dramatic sigh, smiling all the while. This room has seen more wine stains and spillage than probably any other home in the Down. It might even be able to compete with a bar. ]
Oh no, though that would make the tea more tolerable.
Oh, it is- trust me. I have to rely entirely on my company to distract me from the lack of proper drink. Most times it works out.
[ Like with conversation or good food, tea can be tolerated. He almost let slip how strict and judgmental his boyfriend was, but thinks better about mentioning it. Victor has already heard him talk about his contract partners, he doesn’t need to hear about his romantic relationship or any fuss he has with it.
Dorian takes a long drink from his wine glass and brings out a small stack of papers. ]
Back home, most teas are made with stripweed and I’ve a sensitivity to it. Rather took me a long time to get the nerve to try teas here.
[ He isn't bothered to go into too much detail and instead sips at his own glass of wine, meanwhile shuffling until he gets to the floorplans he planned on going over with Victor. ]
Alright, I've narrowed it down to three different floor plans. First there's this one. The third bedroom I would likely convert into a study. Thoughts?
[ he leans over the table to take a closer look, balancing the glass in his hand so that the drink doesn't tip over. normally he wouldn't act so casual, but he feels at ease with dorian already. ]
That would work if you have no need for a third. It's going to be just you living in here, correct? [ he doesn't look up, he's too focused on the plans. it was just a background question, nothing personal this time. ] The new study would have the evening sun shining in, I think.
It will be just me, yes. [ That's not a personal question. If he were to have anyone else living with him then he would have them present to look over the plans as well. ] I didn't take into consideration which way the windows would be facing.
[ He can't afford to be too picky, but the thought of the evening sun in his study does sound lovely. How it would cast everything in a warm glow. The second set of floor plans is laid out next. ]
I could move the study into the family room of this one, and it is quite a large plan. [ By his tone it should be obvious this isn't his preferred choice, but he's not giving away what it is about it that has him hesitating on choosing it. The master suite is large and it has two living spaces. ]
[ his attention remains on the previous plans even while dorian presents him the other one. when he looks at them he frowns slightly like he was trying to solve a puzzle. ]
It is very large. [ bachelors sometimes had big homes back where comes from, but here the apartments are usually much smaller. even with the family room turned into a study it might be suitable for someone with kids. ] You said you were going to live there by yourself? Wouldn't it be inconvenient without servants?
For me in this place, servants are out of the question. [ Maintaining a house of that size by himself would be a bit of a chore, that is true, but with him moving to the Up, he could get more help there than if he were to move into a large house in the Down. ]
Whatever I go with, I'll have to do nearly all the work to clean and maintain it. Of all the plans, this one has to be my favorite.
[ Dorian can point out several features of the third floorplan that he likes. His final, and favorite choice is set on the table between them and the mage sips at his wine, considering how it would all function day to day. ]
If you've already got a favorite, what am I to say of these?
[ dorian wants the opinion of a professional just because? he's honored that dorian would ask, but it does feel a little pointless if the decision has been made. ]
I don't think the placement of the walk-in closet is very smart, but otherwise it is the most wonderful plan one could think of. [ he hums, sipping his wine, leaning over to point at the small problem he located. ] I mean, if you take a shower, the floor will be wet here from the bedroom to the closet.
State your opinion of them- I value it and you've a trained eye.
[ That and it's nice to hear him speak about something he's passionate about- something he enjoys. While that problem is something he wouldn't have considered, it's not a deal breaker. ]
See, I wouldn't have noticed that. It's something I'll take into consideration when I make my choice.
[ he's definitely delighted by the compliment, glancing down at his drink so dorian doesn't notice it immediately. he's rarely been praised by his skills after he returned to life, he forgot how good it felt. ]
It's not a big thing, I wouldn't worry about it. I would choose this one if I were you.
[ Dorian beams, delighted to hear that he’s made a good choice by a man who knows more of what he’s talking about. He’s proud of himself and pleased to have come to a decision. ]
Yes, of course.
[ when he has to go through the hassle of financing and handing all the money over to his Dominant, he can at least look back on this as a purely positive experience.
Dorian refills their glasses and then holds up his own in a toast. ]
I would like that as well. I've had more guests over the last few months than I have since I originally arrived. Playing host is nice most of the time, but I ought to give some of my friends a chance at it.
[ And he knows that he will be given ample drink and stimulating conversation in Victor's presence. ]
It's been ages since I played host. You wouldn't even believe how long it's been. But for you I'd make the best effort no matter what.
[ the memories of past parties seem to distract him for a moment, but he manages to snap himself out of it. he continues to drink as if to get rid of the taste of them. ]
Should we perhaps open the next bottle? Let the wine breathe, so to speak. [ he's eyeing the bottle perhaps too eagerly. ]
For me? Well now, I'm flattered. I would be pleased just by the attempt.
[ Though he would still keep his opinions and perhaps voice one or two of them. Dorian nods, sets down his glass and works on opening the next bottle. ]
[ Dorian lets out a scoff of a laugh, but looks very pleased by Victor's words. He... isn't a modest man. ]
Hmm... I didn't take you for the sort to gossip. Maybe a mutual acquaintance or establishment. [ Dorian likes to stay out of direct line of drama, but close enough to get a good whiff of it. ]
How else did you think I pass the time as I consume copious amounts of drink?
[ he laughs louder than usual, his body language already showing some early signs of inebriation. back in his time sharing good gossip was expected of everyone willing to enter the society. he knows his way around this dance. ]
You've been in this city longer than I have, you must know plenty of interesting personalities. Perhaps I've met some of them too.
I'm not sure, maybe with a good book or something entertaining to watch? [ Dorian drawls, swirling the contents of his glass before savoring the flavors bursting on his tongue. It's been some time since he could comfortably gossip or discuss what was on his mind while in a drunken stupor... ]
You're right about that, I've met so many different people. But I don't get out much or should I say, I kept myself cooped up for quite a while. [ That's no one else's fault except his own, really. ]
Would you like my opinion on some of your fellow Dominants or others marked like myself?
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[ the mage’s own glass is raised in toast and he hums after a slow sip from his glass, letting the liquid wash over his tongue pleasantly. ]
I’m sure there are other vices they prefer, but most of the company I invite over typically drinks tea.
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[ he laughed and nearly choked on his wine and spilled it on himself. after everything he finds it difficult to imagine dorian having tea parties. well, his own idea of tea parties is quite dated. ]
In that case I suppose I have no choice but to drink double the usual amount to make up for the lack of drinkers in your social circles. Do you at least gossip?
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[ Dorian tuts and lets out an over dramatic sigh, smiling all the while. This room has seen more wine stains and spillage than probably any other home in the Down. It might even be able to compete with a bar. ]
Oh no, though that would make the tea more tolerable.
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[ he shakes head, still laughing. there will be no stained shirts this time even if he's secretly a little tempted. ]
I don't mind tea, but it'd be dreadful if there were no other options.
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[ Like with conversation or good food, tea can be tolerated. He almost let slip how strict and judgmental his boyfriend was, but thinks better about mentioning it. Victor has already heard him talk about his contract partners, he doesn’t need to hear about his romantic relationship or any fuss he has with it.
Dorian takes a long drink from his wine glass and brings out a small stack of papers. ]
Back home, most teas are made with stripweed and I’ve a sensitivity to it. Rather took me a long time to get the nerve to try teas here.
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[ he eyes the papers with interest, eager to get his hands on them. ]
Well, I am relieved to hear that I won't have to distract you from anything so I can concentrate on enjoying the wine instead.
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[ He isn't bothered to go into too much detail and instead sips at his own glass of wine, meanwhile shuffling until he gets to the floorplans he planned on going over with Victor. ]
Alright, I've narrowed it down to three different floor plans. First there's this one. The third bedroom I would likely convert into a study. Thoughts?
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That would work if you have no need for a third. It's going to be just you living in here, correct? [ he doesn't look up, he's too focused on the plans. it was just a background question, nothing personal this time. ] The new study would have the evening sun shining in, I think.
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[ He can't afford to be too picky, but the thought of the evening sun in his study does sound lovely. How it would cast everything in a warm glow. The second set of floor plans is laid out next. ]
I could move the study into the family room of this one, and it is quite a large plan. [ By his tone it should be obvious this isn't his preferred choice, but he's not giving away what it is about it that has him hesitating on choosing it. The master suite is large and it has two living spaces. ]
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It is very large. [ bachelors sometimes had big homes back where comes from, but here the apartments are usually much smaller. even with the family room turned into a study it might be suitable for someone with kids. ] You said you were going to live there by yourself? Wouldn't it be inconvenient without servants?
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Whatever I go with, I'll have to do nearly all the work to clean and maintain it. Of all the plans, this one has to be my favorite.
[ Dorian can point out several features of the third floorplan that he likes. His final, and favorite choice is set on the table between them and the mage sips at his wine, considering how it would all function day to day. ]
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[ dorian wants the opinion of a professional just because? he's honored that dorian would ask, but it does feel a little pointless if the decision has been made. ]
I don't think the placement of the walk-in closet is very smart, but otherwise it is the most wonderful plan one could think of. [ he hums, sipping his wine, leaning over to point at the small problem he located. ] I mean, if you take a shower, the floor will be wet here from the bedroom to the closet.
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[ That and it's nice to hear him speak about something he's passionate about- something he enjoys. While that problem is something he wouldn't have considered, it's not a deal breaker. ]
See, I wouldn't have noticed that. It's something I'll take into consideration when I make my choice.
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It's not a big thing, I wouldn't worry about it. I would choose this one if I were you.
Shall we drink to making good decisions?
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Yes, of course.
[ when he has to go through the hassle of financing and handing all the money over to his Dominant, he can at least look back on this as a purely positive experience.
Dorian refills their glasses and then holds up his own in a toast. ]
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Victor silently admires him while the other man fills their glasses and then picks up his own glass and also holds it up in a toast. ]
To excellent decisions.
[ he's not known for making them, but here's to Dorian being the clever one. ]
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Yes, to excellent decisions.
[ And with that, the glass is brought to his lips and Dorian hums. ]
And on the topic of excellence-It’s so nice to spend time with another who has a similarly refined palate.
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I have to agree. There's no one else I'd rather have a drink with.
I hope to have my apartment in order soon so you can come over for a visit. I'd like that.
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[ And he knows that he will be given ample drink and stimulating conversation in Victor's presence. ]
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[ the memories of past parties seem to distract him for a moment, but he manages to snap himself out of it. he continues to drink as if to get rid of the taste of them. ]
Should we perhaps open the next bottle? Let the wine breathe, so to speak. [ he's eyeing the bottle perhaps too eagerly. ]
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[ Though he would still keep his opinions and perhaps voice one or two of them. Dorian nods, sets down his glass and works on opening the next bottle. ]
Of course.
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[ this man knows how to keep his guests happy. in more ways than one. ]
What should we gossip about? It's not a true party unless there's something interesting to discuss.
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Hmm... I didn't take you for the sort to gossip. Maybe a mutual acquaintance or establishment. [ Dorian likes to stay out of direct line of drama, but close enough to get a good whiff of it. ]
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[ he laughs louder than usual, his body language already showing some early signs of inebriation. back in his time sharing good gossip was expected of everyone willing to enter the society. he knows his way around this dance. ]
You've been in this city longer than I have, you must know plenty of interesting personalities. Perhaps I've met some of them too.
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You're right about that, I've met so many different people. But I don't get out much or should I say, I kept myself cooped up for quite a while. [ That's no one else's fault except his own, really. ]
Would you like my opinion on some of your fellow Dominants or others marked like myself?
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