playing_human | IC Inbox

[ This was sent to him on October 2nd. ]

If you aren't otherwise occupied, Mr. Gray. Our mutual friend is throwing a shindig for his partner.

Im aorry, Im sp soery/

Wjat did I eo

Flrgibd me

Mr. Gray,

It is with a profound humility that I express the overwhelming remorse that has taken hold. In encountering you while consumed by that wretched house, some malevolent influence seized hold of me, casting me adrift for something else to enact great violence. I do not hope for forgiveness. I can only wish that no irreparable harm has befallen you.

In humble contrition, I extend my sincerest apologies, hoping they find a place in the recesses of your discerning heart.

Yours in penitence,
Vanessa Ives

[ Having spent the duration of his time after the full moon searching for Dorian and Vanessa, Ethan has once again found himself at the man's door, expecting the same results as before. He would step into an apartment that was unoccupied, the bed unslept in and the stock of food and drink untouched. Nonetheless, he carefully opens the door and steps into the living room, his free hand fumbling away at his phone as he sends another message to the pair.

If they hadn't answered by now, then they weren't going to.

He's still trying to decide if it's because he actually killed him and he's angry (though that doesn't sound like Dorian), if it's guilt or if he might be keeping away out of fear. Would someone who has lived as long as Dorian be afraid of something like him with all that he has seen? Also doubtful, leaving him with even more questions than answers. So, one can only imagine his surprise when he walks through the apartment and eventually finds a familiar and disheveled looking man sprawled out across the bed.

That son of a--

His relief is immediate but so is the spark of anger that bubbles up to the surface. He followed him to the garage fully intending to unleash him upon the city, upon people who hadn't a clue what was coming. He trusted him. After balling up a fist, he lifts a boot and drives it sharply into the bed to rouse the sleeping man. When he speaks up it's through clenched teeth. ]

Get up. [ He doesn't even give him time to shake off his stupor. ] What the fuck were you thinking?

Dorian, how do you fare? I heard that you had been hurt.

[ Wrapped in silver ribbon are two boxes left just outside his door, one which holds a few varieties of fairly decent red wines, and the other hides a small but elegantly crafted wine rack. Attached to a pastry box carrying chocolate raspberry macarons is a small envelope with a voucher for a 'free card reading', and a note: ]

Dear Dorian,

I owe you a reading, do I not?

I believe that we have surprised one another since meeting again. I would even say that we underestimated one another, and yet I have since come to see you more clearly than I was able to before. I must think this is a good thing going forward. You may be surprised once more to find that I still consider you my friend and I would do my utmost to defend you from any harm, but I can only do so much to protect you from yourself.

You are deserving of being known, of being loved, as I still believe you have not forgotten how to love in turn. I hope for you to remember to find some manner of solace in the company of others, and I truly wish for you to enjoy this Christmas season.

Sincerely,
Vanessa Ives

gala's over and I ain't out of things to say yet ;)

[ On New Year's Eve, Dorian will find a gift on his doorstep. Inside the box sits an arrangement of peculiar glasses, some shaped like birds and others like flowers, and others merely abstract in their design or colour choice. There's also a small decorative bottle containing some strong fragrance, with powerful notes of violet and ozone that linger in the air once sprayed.

The box is wrapped in black paper with gold ribbons, and attached to the lid is a note that reads: ]

Dorian,
I wish you many happy returns for this coming year.

I haven't given Christmas presents in a century, so you can consider this something to see you into the New Year, if you'd like.

Lestat
xoxo

[ While he could have let him know he was visiting ahead of time, he opts to show up unannounced. Ethan will never forcefully pry the details of what happened to Dorian following his disappearance post the rampage but, being strongly against torture himself— and having seen people steadily decline following it— he has made it a point to keep tabs on his well-being. Showing up like this, at least in his mind, will ensure that he catches him by surprise rather than giving him time to artificially collect himself.

Far from the realm of simple possibility, he is certain the man will put on airs the longer time goes on and keep whatever haunts his dreams to himself rather than rely on a stranger because he would do the exact same thing.

Fortunately, the person knocking on his door right now is far from a stranger. His expression might be pleasant but, once the door is opened, his eyes squint with an uncertainty that is both obvious and likely familiar by this point, at least to his rather small circle of friends. It is a blessing and a curse to have him in your life as he is as loyal as a dog but as stubborn as a mule, unlikely to budge on the more difficult discussions in life.

Unless he is evading anything pertaining to himself, hypocrisy thy name is Ethan Chandler. ]

Dorian.

[ The usual decorum seems pointless now. It takes energy she doesn't have to spare. ]

Dorian.

He is gone.

text; username: mr. chandler

Day after Sembene incident

un: hidden | text (backated to after party)

Forward-dated to the eve of the 29th;

un: hidden | text (backdated to 11/30 early evening)

{ christmas day

text ; @thundaga