Quite keenly aware of Dorian peeking back at him from time to time, Toby goes to take a seat, moving slowly and deliberately to assure his lover that he's not leaving again. There's no doubt he finds Dorian's efforts so endearing, but he can't fully enjoy it knowing how things got this way in the first place.

"Don't worry, I've been feeding."

His tone is neutral, even. Though in any other situation, he might've teased Dorian, perhaps tried to make him jealous. Toby takes a deep breath and tries to relax, but he feels tense, and he doesn't think it'll leave any time soon.

At the same time, he knows Dorian wants him to feed. Dorian loves it, the way Toby trails his fangs over Dorian's skin, the feel of his teeth driving into Dorian's flesh... He knows how badly Dorian wants to feel him and be close to him.

It almost makes Toby want to cry, he feels so terrible about what he's done.

"I... really do want to talk first, Dorian. Please."