Various reasons. For one, it’s terribly inconvenient with the taxes and my work in the Up. And as lovely as it is, I’ve been living in the Down for almost a year and I think I deserve to move up in the world.
That being said, I could think of no one else with as much appreciation for it as you. And I would value your input on some floor plans I’ve procured.
Would you be interested in visiting me? I will escort you safely- you have my word.
That makes perfect sense. I'll be pleased to help in any way I can.
[ also the down is a terrible dump, he doesn't understand how dorian managed to live there as long as he did. anyway, he'll try not to judge too much. ]
Now there's another reason for your move - make it so that I don't have to bother you every time I wish to visit.
[ the Down is in a bad way, but it was home and he could handle some danger. Now the threat was just inconvenient to his day to day life and a deterrent to visitors and loved ones. ]
And miss having you on my arm? Perish the thought.
Now, let me know when you’re at the lift- I’ll meet you there.
If you keep that up, I'll advice against every floor plan in the Up.
[ no, he won't. as much as he enjoys being held by dorian he will always prefer not being scared to death.
later he sends dorian a message to alert him that he's waiting for him by the lift. when the mage gets there, victor is holding a wine bottle. it's got a bow tied around the bottle neck. ]
To make up for the damage I did to your collection.
I’ll provide handsome and capable company whether in the Up or Down.
[ His attire is loud, rich jewel tones, expensive fabrics and layers, like the markings on a poisonous frog. Gold jewelry decorates his person and the only thing out of place is his large, orb-ended staff. ]
Thank you, but I’m afraid we didn’t even scratch the surface of my collection. You’ll see.
[ he's grateful for the beautiful fabrics, not only because they make him a pleasure for the eye but also because they provide welcome distraction from the staff. he tries not to look at it. ]
Now you've truly made me curious.
[ there was more? perhaps dorian is even more dangerous to know than he suspected. ]
May I? [ there's a somewhat abrupt pause as he suddenly gestures at dorian. would he mind if he takes his arm as they walk? ]
[ To maximize the way he’s able to protect Victor, the staff was necessary, but Dorian doesn’t recognize the man’s avoidance of it. Instead he holds out his arm and offers the Dominant a warm smile. ]
There’s a feature to my home that has been the reason I stayed for so long.
[ he practically beams when he accepts the arm. it's a treat whenever he braves to act like this with another man out in the public, so he's still getting used to the luxury of it. ]
If it's as impressive as you make it sound like I might just have to buy your house myself.
[ please no one ever let him own a house with a wine cellar. ]
[ Dorian isn’t so used to public gestures like this, but delights in them when he can. He’s been in Victor’s position and knows how it feels and that expression gives it all away. Things like this he can’t even do with his own boyfriend (not that he vocalizes such complaints), so he’ll hop on the opportunity proudly. ]
Were I a Dominant, I’m sure it would be much more impressive.
[ Never mind that a Dominant did initially own it. ]
I... don’t visit that part of the house all that much- I recommend tampering those expectations a little.
[ Dorian knows he would make a good dominant, submission doesn’t suit him. The mage sighs and tilts his head, giving Victor a whimsical little smile. ]
Getting to fraternize with others, regardless of designation is just about the only perk my marking seems to permit. Of course, the rules would have it I seek permission from my fellow Submissive’s contract partner before those engagements- but I’ve yet to run into any trouble.
[ he doesn’t ask for permission, he asks for consent of the participating individual. The idea that he should ask the Dominant to spend time with their Submissive like they’re some sort of pet gets on his nerves more than a little. Irritation is neither seen on his countenance nor heard in his voice as he leads Victor to his home. ]
[ hmm. a secret part of the house that's also quite precious? it must be really special. he doesn't comment on it, but he's very curious now. ]
I'm happy to hear that you've been safe.
[ but the subject is hitting too close to home, so he hurries to change it. the fact that he isn't allowed to engage with other dominants is one which has been bothering him for quite some time. ]
And how about your own Dominant? How does he feel about it?
[ he wasn't going to pry about that, but now that he's been given the chance to do so he just can't help himself. ]
If there were a way to have a contract granting me total permission over my life and choices, barring I not get him into any trouble, that's what mine would amount to. Generally speaking, he thinks the whole system is stupid. I've... 'been around' long enough to know what this place is molded after and not to be too bothered by it.
[ Dorian pauses in his speech as they round a corner and he can see the front to his home not too far in the distance. ]
He's a good boy- probably tougher than I give him credit for.
[ they're almost there and he's visibly more relaxed. maybe the down isn't so bad when you've got a charming escort. ]
He must be brave if he's pushing the limits of the contract so far. Not everyone would be so generous and helpful. You two sound like an excellent match.
[ he smiles, but he's isn't too eager to praise the dominant. it was enough to hear dorian speak of him so highly. maybe he's a little envious of what they seem to have. ]
I wouldn’t have agreed to the contract were it not so lenient.
[ and if it weren’t lenient, he would expect to be pampered- like a good, obedient pet. Dorian made sure to get as invested into the catalog as possible, going so far as to work with the city to have it written. ]
I like him, though I do miss the dominance my previous contract had. [ He is very happy with Caleb, but the boy might make a better Submissive than Dominant. Dorian would have commented on that, but they’re still out in the open.
Thankfully they’re quickly approaching his front door. ]
[ Dorian has opinions on the fact that he's well liked and it's a good thing Victor doesn't mention it. That's a tangent and a half waiting to happen.
The spells are lifted and the front door unlocked for Victor and Dorian doesn't answer until they're inside. ]
Sexually? Demeanor? I am nearly double the age of my current contract partner and while his youth aids him enthusiasm, it doesn't lend him experience. There's always the possibility he could learn to be a bit more assertive either from desire or comfort, but with my previous contract it would have been laughable were I to try and take charge of a situation.
[ They stand in a small hallway, another door before them and Dorian's own just a flight of stairs above them. He steps forward and pulls a key from his pocket and lets them both into the first floor of the house. ]
[ it's always a pleasure to be in here. especially after the frightening lift ride. victor sheds his coat, looking to dorian if he wants him to help him take off the scarf or anything. ]
I'm afraid that I don't understand. Your current contract is perfect when it comes to personal freedom, yet you miss not being in charge. It's somewhat contradicting, is it not?
[ he frowns lightly. he's not very experienced when it comes to these things and there's a lot of nuances he's unable to catch. ]
I already took a tour by myself, but I won't object another – especially with a well-informed guide. [ his smile is a little coy when he remembers the liberties he took the last time he was here. ]
Hmm... [ He thought he explained it well enough, but maybe Victor isn't used to talking openly about such a topic. ] I meant sexually.
[ It's not as though Bull denied him his personal freedoms, but he was definitely more dominant. ]
I keep this part of the house locked. [ Dorian narrows his eyes and guides him to the second living space. The décor isn't his own choosing, but he does enjoy the colors and how lively they make the space. ] I used to live down here before the second floor was given to me. I'll admit, I didn't spend much time outside of my room save for our cellar.
Ah. [ that shuts him up and he chooses to concentrate on dorian's back as he leads him in rather than ask more questions. despite everything he's still not used to people being so open about these things.
however, he can't deny that it isn't curious to learn such preferences about his friend. ]
The person who gave you the second floor... [ he mumbles, taking a look around. the colors are a bit much. ] He lived here, did he?
[ Dorian isn’t shy to discuss sex or his preferences with Victor, but he’s got part of his house to tour. They might discuss it over wine if the other man is still curious, but for the moment, Dorian doesn’t touch on the topic. ]
Yes, he and his first submissive.
[ Dorian takes him to the doorway of the kitchen and the bathroom and then stops before the bedrooms. ] You don’t need to see the bedrooms- this way, I’ll take you to the cellar.
Of course I thought about it. I wanted to move, I worked hard and saved up what money I made to help towards my own residence. Most of the Dominants I knew had separate living arrangements for their Submissives.
[ Emotion is slowly working its way into his tone as he guides Victor to the wine cellar. ]
By the time I was ready to pitch the idea to my Dominant, he surprised me with my own floor. I could have my privacy and come down whenever I wanted- which was quite often because of this- [ Dorian opens the door to his cellar. ]
That was very generous of him and it must have made your life easier.
[ the house obviously has more sentimental value than dorian might admit to him. that's fine, it's a private matter, and he will not be nosy about it – unless he gets very drunk, which is starting to seem quite likely now that dorian opened the door. he will just have to bite his tongue, won't he? ]
Oh my.
[ he stares ahead, blinking slowly. it was ridiculous to bring that bottle with him. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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[ the smile is obvious in his voice. he's happy that the mage contacted him. ]
I'm available at any time. May I ask why you're selling?
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That being said, I could think of no one else with as much appreciation for it as you. And I would value your input on some floor plans I’ve procured.
Would you be interested in visiting me? I will escort you safely- you have my word.
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[ also the down is a terrible dump, he doesn't understand how dorian managed to live there as long as he did. anyway, he'll try not to judge too much. ]
Now there's another reason for your move - make it so that I don't have to bother you every time I wish to visit.
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And miss having you on my arm? Perish the thought.
Now, let me know when you’re at the lift- I’ll meet you there.
action ->
[ no, he won't. as much as he enjoys being held by dorian he will always prefer not being scared to death.
later he sends dorian a message to alert him that he's waiting for him by the lift. when the mage gets there, victor is holding a wine bottle. it's got a bow tied around the bottle neck. ]
To make up for the damage I did to your collection.
action ->
[ His attire is loud, rich jewel tones, expensive fabrics and layers, like the markings on a poisonous frog. Gold jewelry decorates his person and the only thing out of place is his large, orb-ended staff. ]
Thank you, but I’m afraid we didn’t even scratch the surface of my collection. You’ll see.
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Now you've truly made me curious.
[ there was more? perhaps dorian is even more dangerous to know than he suspected. ]
May I? [ there's a somewhat abrupt pause as he suddenly gestures at dorian. would he mind if he takes his arm as they walk? ]
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There’s a feature to my home that has been the reason I stayed for so long.
[ Nothing sentimental. Nope. ]
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If it's as impressive as you make it sound like I might just have to buy your house myself.
[ please no one ever let him own a house with a wine cellar. ]
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Were I a Dominant, I’m sure it would be much more impressive.
[ Never mind that a Dominant did initially own it. ]
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I'm also sure, even though it must be rather magnificent as it is. I've seen the rest of your house.
[ dorian would make a good dominant. and maybe he imagines it, but the man seems regretful that he wasn't made one. it's understandable. however. ]
If you were a Dominant, I wouldn't have the courage to spend so much time with you.
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[ Dorian knows he would make a good dominant, submission doesn’t suit him. The mage sighs and tilts his head, giving Victor a whimsical little smile. ]
Getting to fraternize with others, regardless of designation is just about the only perk my marking seems to permit. Of course, the rules would have it I seek permission from my fellow Submissive’s contract partner before those engagements- but I’ve yet to run into any trouble.
[ he doesn’t ask for permission, he asks for consent of the participating individual. The idea that he should ask the Dominant to spend time with their Submissive like they’re some sort of pet gets on his nerves more than a little. Irritation is neither seen on his countenance nor heard in his voice as he leads Victor to his home. ]
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I'm happy to hear that you've been safe.
[ but the subject is hitting too close to home, so he hurries to change it. the fact that he isn't allowed to engage with other dominants is one which has been bothering him for quite some time. ]
And how about your own Dominant? How does he feel about it?
[ he wasn't going to pry about that, but now that he's been given the chance to do so he just can't help himself. ]
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[ Dorian pauses in his speech as they round a corner and he can see the front to his home not too far in the distance. ]
He's a good boy- probably tougher than I give him credit for.
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He must be brave if he's pushing the limits of the contract so far. Not everyone would be so generous and helpful. You two sound like an excellent match.
[ he smiles, but he's isn't too eager to praise the dominant. it was enough to hear dorian speak of him so highly. maybe he's a little envious of what they seem to have. ]
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[ and if it weren’t lenient, he would expect to be pampered- like a good, obedient pet. Dorian made sure to get as invested into the catalog as possible, going so far as to work with the city to have it written. ]
I like him, though I do miss the dominance my previous contract had. [ He is very happy with Caleb, but the boy might make a better Submissive than Dominant. Dorian would have commented on that, but they’re still out in the open.
Thankfully they’re quickly approaching his front door. ]
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The dominance? What do you mean by that?
[ he waits by the side while Dorian opens the front door. if there's some magic spells involved, he'll respectfully look away. ]
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The spells are lifted and the front door unlocked for Victor and Dorian doesn't answer until they're inside. ]
Sexually? Demeanor? I am nearly double the age of my current contract partner and while his youth aids him enthusiasm, it doesn't lend him experience. There's always the possibility he could learn to be a bit more assertive either from desire or comfort, but with my previous contract it would have been laughable were I to try and take charge of a situation.
[ They stand in a small hallway, another door before them and Dorian's own just a flight of stairs above them. He steps forward and pulls a key from his pocket and lets them both into the first floor of the house. ]
I believe a tour is in order.
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I'm afraid that I don't understand. Your current contract is perfect when it comes to personal freedom, yet you miss not being in charge. It's somewhat contradicting, is it not?
[ he frowns lightly. he's not very experienced when it comes to these things and there's a lot of nuances he's unable to catch. ]
I already took a tour by myself, but I won't object another – especially with a well-informed guide. [ his smile is a little coy when he remembers the liberties he took the last time he was here. ]
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[ It's not as though Bull denied him his personal freedoms, but he was definitely more dominant. ]
I keep this part of the house locked. [ Dorian narrows his eyes and guides him to the second living space. The décor isn't his own choosing, but he does enjoy the colors and how lively they make the space. ] I used to live down here before the second floor was given to me. I'll admit, I didn't spend much time outside of my room save for our cellar.
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however, he can't deny that it isn't curious to learn such preferences about his friend. ]
The person who gave you the second floor... [ he mumbles, taking a look around. the colors are a bit much. ] He lived here, did he?
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Yes, he and his first submissive.
[ Dorian takes him to the doorway of the kitchen and the bathroom and then stops before the bedrooms. ] You don’t need to see the bedrooms- this way, I’ll take you to the cellar.
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[ dorian's the guide, he will follow him obediently even if he'd like to see every corner of the house. ]
You never thought of taking up a lodger, letting them stay on the first floor?
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[ Emotion is slowly working its way into his tone as he guides Victor to the wine cellar. ]
By the time I was ready to pitch the idea to my Dominant, he surprised me with my own floor. I could have my privacy and come down whenever I wanted- which was quite often because of this- [ Dorian opens the door to his cellar. ]
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[ the house obviously has more sentimental value than dorian might admit to him. that's fine, it's a private matter, and he will not be nosy about it – unless he gets very drunk, which is starting to seem quite likely now that dorian opened the door. he will just have to bite his tongue, won't he? ]
Oh my.
[ he stares ahead, blinking slowly. it was ridiculous to bring that bottle with him. ]
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