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[playing_human]

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[matermali]

It isn't for pleasant conversation.

[playing_human]

Neither is mine.

[Stop making him anxious, Vanessa. He's had this niggling, irrational fear in the back of his mind and he'd like it not to be rational.]

[matermali]

What is it that you want to know?

[playing_human]

[It takes a moment for Dorian to respond.]

Show me your wrists.

[matermali]

What?

[ the fuck? ]

photo/text

[playing_human]

[An image is sent of one of Dorian's wrists, rubbed raw like he's been chained.]

I hope you have not been similarly injured, wherever you were.

[He's not about to go into detail. He just wants peace of mind.]

[matermali]

I am so sorry, Dorian.

[ A few moments later. ]

There is no need for you to see anything. Yes, I have dealt with something similar.

[ Which is why she isn't asking him any questions about it, so that the inquiries aren't returned. It seems he's intent on asking, anyway. ]

I can bring you a tea that may ease your sleep, when it is needed.

[ Definitely a when and not an if. This isn't her first rodeo. ]

[playing_human]

[There's another pause in responses.]

That would be helpful. Thank you.

[matermali]

Is that something you are in need of now?

[playing_human]

I will be tonight.

[matermali]

[ She is hardly in the mood for more visits today, but she can do it while she's already out retrieving some of her other belongings. She has already tended to Peter and Ethan, so of course she will help Dorian. ]

Very well. I should be able to find you within the hour, if that is acceptable.

[playing_human]

It is. Thank you.

→ action

[matermali]

[ Just over half an hour later, Vanessa will be lightly knocking at his door with her bag in hand. She's cleaned herself up and could almost look decent if not for her pallid skin and red-rimmed eyes. ]

Dorian? It's Vanessa.

[ It has been a long day. ]

[playing_human]

[Dorian opens the door quickly and gives her a good look. He looks better than she does--more rested, and his eyes are more recovered--but he's still extremely tense and quite pale, as his blood volume is still a bit low.

His hand opens to her as he considers going in for a hug, but if she's been through the same thing he has, she's probably already overstimulated. Instead, he opens the door wider to allow her in.]

[matermali]

[ The sight of him in full is more upsetting than she expected it to be. She wishes now that she had checked on everyone earlier, but Heine and Morpheus had been protective of her recovery time, and it wouldn't do to be so exhausted that she measured out Dorian's tea incorrectly.

Stepping inside, there's a noted lack of silent grace in her movement, but only for those who pay attention. ]

You should not be walking around in such a state. Someone ought to be here with you.

[playing_human]

And that isn't true of you? [Dorian closes the door behind her and leads her toward the kitchen.] You are free to sleep here, if you like. There is a guest room. Or I'm sure one of the other flats is furnished.

[matermali]

That is generous of you, but I already have a bed for the night.

[ It is honestly kind of him, but she is certain that even under different circumstances, she would have been a hindrance on Dorian's lifestyle. ]

I am quite certain you have lost more blood than I have, so please do take a seat.

[playing_human]

[Dorian sighs and obeys, passing a hand over his face. He has a headache.

Should he ask her what she did, to end up in that room? He would then need to admit what he did, so...probably not.]

What is in this tea of yours?

[matermali]

[ In the kitchen, she'll pull out a small cannister from her bag to set aside before hunting for a cup. She's quick at finding things. ]

Does it matter?

[playing_human]

I suppose it doesn't. [He glances over his shoulder at her.] There's an electric kettle.

[matermali]

[ It's still a shame that London has been so slow to catch on to electricity. The electric kettle is one thing that she has enjoyed here. Used to enjoy. ]

Were there images you were forced to look at?

[playing_human]

Yes. While other...sensations happened.

[matermali]

[ She's already stepping about somewhat slowly and awkwardly, but that little bit he concurs on shifts her movement into something more stilted while filling the tea strainer and the kettle. Once the kettle is set, she'll lean against the counter for support and keep still. ]

Have you heard of it happening to anyone else?

[playing_human]

No. [He hesitates.] Were we being punished?

[matermali]

We were being tortured by a tyrant.

[ Not a first for her, but the method is new. ]

Our captor has no more right to judge us than any common man. Because he deems something a crime does not make it so.