[OPEN] but happier far Was to your souls, and, to the thoughts of others,

[hisheartsdesire]

WHO: Tobias Matthews and various. OPEN TO ALL.
WHERE: Maurtia Falls (unless otherwise specified).
WHEN: Throughout February.
WHAT: Toby got out of jail at the end of January and is making up for lost time.
WARNINGS: Toby is a vampire, Dorian Gray is Dorian Gray. To be updated as necessary.

[Closed to] DORIAN GRAY
Once he's out of prison, Toby texts Drew about turning the nullifier off. Or removing it or whatever. Right afterward, he reunites with his beloved Dorian Gray.

Regarding Dorian with a curious look, he says, "Who might that be, I wonder. A charming young man with bright blue eyes and thick, dark curls... You'd think one might place a name to such a beautiful man."

Then, he laughs, beaming. "How I've missed you. We should make up for lost time."

[Closed to] THE SHADE
It seems Toby and Dorian have been spending so much time that others are feeling, well... neglected. As if either has noticed, though. Dorian has this way of thoroughly enjoying someone's company before ignoring them just as quickly without a word. Sometimes, he means to whilst others? He just has other things to attend to. In the here and now, that means Toby, who in and of himself has a small circle of friends and acquaintances. But his priority is and always has been Dorian. (And little does he know it's because they're quite literally soul mates.)

Nevertheless, there are times that Toby goes out without Dorian accompanying him. Perhaps Dorian forced himself to tear away from Toby after some butterfly kisses, barely managing to behave himself before heading out to work. Whatever the case, they're apart, and so Toby decides to go on an evening stroll rather than hole himself up with whatever video games he got for Christmas or you're-finally-out-of-prison presents.

OPEN to all
[Feel free to specify where and when in the subject header!] Since his incarcerating himself, Toby has had nothing better to do than better investigate the vast world of the internet to catch up with the times and his surroundings. It seems Dorian has been picking and choosing things of interest—he hasn't any video games, for example, but he stays well on top of many other things. Anyway, Toby might invite friends or acquaintances over to watch TV or play some video games with him. Other times, he might decide on an evening stroll and choose to catch up with others, perhaps relive some old times and refresh them in one way or another. At any rate, pretty much anything is fair game!

Comments

[brushoff]

Oh he is so happy. There's Toby, his Toby, here and standing in front of him, laughing, beaming, smiling, Dorian's just overjoyed at seeing Toby here, in the flesh, alive and so wonderfully Toby, not Satan walking around in Toby's body that he can't help and run over towards Toby, enveloping the vampire in a tight bear hug.

"I've missed you so much." Both here, and back in his own world. How he's missed Toby, he's so glad to see him here, he's just so happy. "But yes indeed! We should make up, perhaps in the bedroom?"

Let's just sex it up, buddy.

[hisheartsdesire]

There's something different about the look in Dorian's eye, something strangely soft and perhaps even a little tearful yet imperceptibly subtle. Toby might not have noticed it if he hadn't Dorian's soul been so in love with and attuned to Dorian.

At any rate, Toby isn't wearing the nullifier anymore. Leaving jail that night, Toby could feel a kind of emotional background noise from his bond with Drew. As he embraces Dorian, Toby leans against Dorian's neck to take in his young, fresh scent.

"Is that all? Oh, why should we limit ourselves?" The smell of Dorian is delightful and delicious, and Toby would much rather have him now than later. "Or are you actually feeling modest this evening? Out here's a little too indecent for you?"

Dorian could probably feel the sly smile on Toby's face before seeing it once they break away.

[brushoff]

His skin is cold. God, how he's missed this. He reached over towards Toby, pulling him close, feeling the vampire's cold skin under his fingers and oh yes, this is wonderful. Toby's back to normal. Or, at least his own version of normal.

"There are such things as laws against public indecency," Dorian responded, with a gentle teasing smile of his own. Still, Toby's right. Why should they limit themselves! They couldn't do everything here and now, in this moment, but they could at least do a little something here and there. And how Dorian wanted Toby near him, Toby around him and, eventually, Toby in him.

So, as Toby leans against his neck, Dorian maneuvers himself so that his lips are against the other man's neck and he gently gives Toby a small little kiss. He doesn't doubt that their kisses and hugs will eventually and quickly move into something more, but...well, baby steps.

[hisheartsdesire]

Dorian knows that Toby wouldn't—not really, anyway. Not out there, and certainly not out of any sense of propriety. Rather, it only stays night for so long; the sooner they get inside, the more time they have to relish in one another. Still, Toby muses, "Oh really? And when has the law ever stopped you before?"

Then Toby feels Dorian's lips against his neck, and the urge to have him is overwhelming. A sigh escapes him, and he hums against Dorian in return. His breath starts to hitch, his hand slides down Dorian's back before going to his hip. It's getting more difficult to behave himself...

Which is why he pulls away with a breathless sigh. "Well... maybe it hasn't really stopped you, but it's mildly effective on me. So I guess home it is, yeah?"

[brushoff]

Dorian sighs, an overdramatic sigh, before giving Toby a small little grin. Mildly effective on him indeed. Didn't Toby literally just get out of jail?

"Home it is. Come on," Dorian responds, taking Toby's hand as he starts to pull the other man towards his sporty red car. Always so impatient, he can't wait to get Toby home to just be with his beloved....and, of course, do more things than simply be with him. "I'm driving."

not entirely sure about the bond business at this point but just winging it

[hisheartsdesire]

"Of course," Toby answers with a broad smile. Dorian takes pride in this car, but certainly no more than he takes pride in having Toby. Still, it was one of the casualties back around Halloween, only a few days after Drew killed Toby under the full moon. Dorian had tried not to whinge too much about the car while Toby was having his werewolf bond headaches, and that certainly was a challenge of its own.

It's strange having the bond back and feeling connected to someone who isn't right here, right now. But Toby focuses—it's Dorian he really wants and needs at the moment. He allows the other man to lead him to the car like a princess to an awaiting carriage. That is, if the carriage was a little on the claustrophobic side, as sports cars tend to be tighter and more compact since that lends to a much sexier image.

Then, Dorian's closed the door and gone around to the driver's side. Once he's inside with Toby, he leans in for another kiss.

#yolo

[brushoff]

Man, he loved this car. His cute little sporty car that...he now felt a twinge of guilt about cause whoops, that car was technically a present from Lucifer. And Dorian still isn't sure how exactly to deal with this version of Satan considering what happened with his version of Satan (fucking prick) and, in true Dorian fashion, is currently dealing with the problem by not dealing with it in the slightest.

At least the car was back to normal after that Halloween. Stupid vandals.

As Dorian makes his way around the car and slips into his seat, he lets Toby give him that quick kiss before starting up the engine. Dorian straight up revs the engine for a moment, just to show off, before slipping the car into first gear as he starts to drive. "I know I've said it before, but I really missed you."

[hisheartsdesire]

Toby's eyes linger on his lover as he pulls away from that quick peck with a smile. A chuckle escapes him when Dorian revs the engine, and then they start down the road. With a hum, Toby replies, "Mmmmmm, I can tell... And I also might have mentioned something about missing you as well."

Being in jail has given him time to do things like catch up with the times and technology, and reflect on his experiences since returning to life. When he'd turned himself in, he felt worn down by everything and guilty for having messed so many things up in a world of second or third or however many chances. In his newfound perspective, he agrees with Dorian in that he shouldn't have been in jail in the first place. However, he certainly needed time to gain this fresh new perspective, and jail just so happened to present that opportunity.

Of course, no one really needs to know that. Besides, as far as Toby's concerned, he'll accept responsibility for those things as necessary; but otherwise, he's pretty much had enough. He's done.

The world seems to float on by as they tear down the road, but Toby's far more interested in gazing at and admiring his beautiful, immortal Dorian Gray. He sighs.

"Like this, it almost feels like we're the only two people in the world."

[brushoff]

Dorian really should be doing things like paying more attention to the road. But he can't help it. He's here, Toby's here with him, he's sitting next to the man he loves and it's just been so long, that whenever he gets the chance, he sneaks a peek at his lovely Tobias Matthews, the man who he missed so damn much, as if to reassure himself he's there as well as to just drink the man in like a glass of water.

At Toby's comment, Dorian can't help but laugh a little, wild grin on his face. "Wouldn't that be lovely? Just the two of us, alone, with no one else to bother us...a man could get used to that."

February 8th

[flowerette]

"It's a lovely evening, isn't it?"

Raina is leaning against the rails of a walkway bridge overlooking the waters. Lights illuminate the bridge, dancing and gleaming in the water. She's alone, perhaps not smart for such a petite looking woman in Maurtia Falls of all places. But the truth is, she's well equipped to take care of herself.

Her question is meant for Toby as he passes by, making idle conversation with him. Just one of those moments where fate's guiding hand leads her to meet someone she has meant to meet ever since Dorian confessed he was in love, monogamously so.

[hisheartsdesire]

There's something strangely picturesque about the scene of this young woman at the bridge. Perhaps it's that she's impossibly beautiful—and alone—in what's termed as a fairly dangerous neighborhood. Still, in the peace and quiet tonight, it's hard to tell this place isn't exactly tranquil or picture perfect at any given time.

Back home, Toby hadn't really been one for casual conversation. But his arrival here seemed to change everything; though this isn't to say he actively sought it at any or every opportunity. Just that it had been something he got more into when he hadn't yet realized Dorian Gray was and has been in this world. That, and it's something Toby sort of actually missed while in prison. So he's willing to indulge her in conversation...

"It is. And quiet, too. In fact, it's almost difficult to believe Maurtia Falls could be so serene."

[flowerette]

"There are places here that are absolutely exquisite. Ambassador Revan has shown me a few." Raina turns away from the rail in order to face him fully. Speaking of impossibly beautiful, Tobias Matthews is just that. Breathtaking. It nearly surprises her when she looks at him, but she recovers well enough.

"I'm Raina." She holds out her hand in offering, a handshake, a kiss -- whatever he fancies.

[hisheartsdesire]

"Tobias Matthews." His skin cold to the touch, he takes her hand in his and presses a soft kiss to her knuckles. Far less modern or trendy than the handshake, but far more poetic, and it fits the scene rather nicely. When he releases, he continues, "Or just Toby. A pleasure to meet you, Raina."

Here, his mind races to place her name—he's heard of her before, hasn't he? "If I recall correctly, you ran for the position of Ambassador of Nonah? It's nice to hear the one here in Maurtia Falls has already taken you on a personal tour."

[flowerette]

The surprise at hearing his name reaches her eyes as she watches this charming gentleman press a kiss to her hand. This charming vampiric immortal gentleman -- property of Dorian Gray. He was the man who changed Dorian, the man of his dreams. And Raina is delighted to have had this encounter with him.

"You as well, Tobias. And yes, I ran. Unfortunately for me and for Nonah, I didn't win. But I am familiar with you as well. Dorian told me a bit about you. He and I are friends." And by friends, she really means they're terrible people who can talk about terrible things.

[hisheartsdesire]

"Ah, has he?" Though Toby's a little surprised to hear Raina knows him, the feeling soon swells into some degree of pride. Dorian's been talking about him, even to other beautiful people who might easily distract him. Perhaps it's a small thing, but it's enough to make him feel pretty damn good.

"I am sorry to say he doesn't always mention his friends." Though perhaps with good reason, as Dorian knows how jealous and possessive Toby could be, and how easily he feels threatened by others who appear or sound particularly close to him. "Though I don't see why I shouldn't get to know you now. Care for some company on a late night stroll?"

With that question, he's already prepared to offer his arm.

[flowerette]

"Why would he feel the need to mention anyone to you when they all pale in comparison? You are all he sees." She doesn't seem offended in the least that Dorian hasn't mentioned her. And as she steps forward to take his arm gently in her own, she cants her head toward him with a smile. "And it's understandable why now that I've met you. Your beauty is breathtaking and eternal."

Unspokenly, Raina has accepted his offer of company and waits for him to lead the way. She isn't as familiar with Maurtia Falls as she is with some of the other imPort cities, so it's up to Toby to lead them to the nicer areas.

[hisheartsdesire]

It's sad to say that Toby doesn't know Maurtia Falls as well as he'd like to. Before moving in with Dorian, he got to know Heropa really well. But so many things happened after the move... Like how Dorian had made out with that Kaplan boy whilst they were trapped in a hostage situation. Which spurred Toby leaving to cheat on Dorian with Drew. And then he left Drew to return to Dorian, leaving nothing but a text message. This, of course, prompted the wolf in Drew to hunt Toby down and kill him. Then there was a bond between them, Drew decided to confess to killing him, Kanaya started a smear campaign, and Edgeworth guilt tripped him into going to prison.

Still, Toby leads the way with confidence because he can. He'll be able to defend them if need be, and perhaps they'll stumble upon some great sights along the way. As they get a move on, he replies with a smile and a small chuckle. "Ah, thank you. Truly, you flatter me; I know he's had his distractions. And he's a man with many... indiscretions." Which, Toby knows, is a complete understatement. "I don't doubt you'd know about those because he is Dorian Gray. But if you don't mind my asking, how long have you known each other?"

[foreshadower]

It said quite a bit, didn't it, that Shade waited for the moment that Dorian was out to appear at Toby's side. It wasn't that he meant to do this without Dorian knowing -- if anything, he was likely going to know as soon as Tobias had the chance to tell him, after all. It wasn't that Shade wanted to do more than give him some friendly advice, either.

It was literally the fact that the Shade didn't want to walk in on any romance.

Prude he may not be, but interested in his friends' love lives, he was also not. Even so, he simply fell into step next to Toby, between one step and another, out of nowhere, he was suddenly there and walking next to him, his cane tapped lightly on the ground when he walked.

"Nice night for a walk, wouldn't you say?" he asked, in greeting.

[hisheartsdesire]

As Toby walks, he becomes keenly aware of the sound of footsteps that aren't his, and is about to pause when the Shade greets him. Instead, he continues walking but turns to respond, offering a pleasant smile.

"Ah! Yes, it is. Rather lovely. Though even if it weren't, I might have come out—spent long enough confined indoors, thought I'd wander about." A thought. "Do you also reside in Maurtia Falls?"

Was he perhaps trying to visit Dorian, perhaps rope him into another caper of sorts?

[foreshadower]

"Not at all," he replied mildly, his smile even enough. "I live in Heropa," he added.

As if traveling the distance was nothing to worry about, or an inconvenience in the slightest. Then again, for the Shade, it wasn't much of one. He only smiled, and looked over at Tobias with a touch of a grin, a mild look, as if he were actually happy to talk to Toby.

"You were just the person I was looking for, actually."

[hisheartsdesire]

"Really?" That's a little bit of a surprise.

Toby knows the Shade and Dorian get on well, but he himself barely knows the other man besides when they'd met for Dorian's birthday. And it's definitely been some time since then, a lot of time wherein a lot of things had happened. The fact that the Shade is in Maurtia Falls with the express intent of seeing him doesn't escape Toby's notice.

"How ever can I help you?"

[foreshadower]

"It's about Dorian, actually," he said idly -- mildly -- like it wasn't something important. Like it wasn't something that Toby should probably be worried about. After all, the Shade... he was a kindly fellow, wasn't he? He seemed it, at least. Mild and blasé about most things.

"You two are...close, yes? Quite close, the way Dorian makes it out to be. He cares for you a great deal."

[hisheartsdesire]

Why ever would the Shade want to catch up with Toby to speak about Dorian? Never mind that Dorian hardly minds being the topic of conversation, but usually he'd rather be around to hear it himself. Whilst the Shade's approach may seem innocuous to anyone else, Toby can't help feeling a little wary. He very much wants to get to the point, and is slightly irritated that he can't tell if the Shade has an ulterior motive.

"So you've noticed..." His voice is a little deadpan, but for the most part, he's able to keep his annoyance out of his voice. "Has he said as much, or have you been keeping an eye on us?"

[foreshadower]

"A bit of this, and a bit of that. He talks about you a lot, you know. More often than I'd honestly expect out of him."

Dorian hadn't seemed like the sort that was in love in the same way humans became in love, but then again, perhaps he hadn't seen it until now. Now that Dorian was truly showing his colors, Shade feared for his friend's...everything. He smiled, wanly, a touch tight, and looked to Toby again.

"He was devastated, when you were imprisoned, you know. And I don't theink he was even all that upset when I was stuck in prison and he got away."

[hisheartsdesire]

Hmm. This approach, this... everything, it's all very confusing and strange. Why should the Shade compare them when they're like apples and oranges? The Shade is something more of an acquaintance and Dorian's partner in crime, if Toby recalls correctly. While his own relationship with Dorian is definitely more as lovers, soul mates. (And he has no idea how true the latter actually is.)

Still, why does this concern the Shade, why is it of any importance to him? Other than having jealous outbursts from time to time when Dorian is flirting or seems especially attracted to other imPorts, Toby doesn't exactly get in the way of Dorian doing whatever he desires. Usually, at least. Anyway, he can't help looking slightly confused, which is better to him than appearing irritated. He can always burst into a tantrum later if he sees fit or simply can't suppress his feelings anymore.

"I did hear something of the sort, but I hardly know the extent of it. I'm well aware he has his secrets, his plans that he carries out whether or not I have any inkling of them." Sure enough, Toby doesn't know about Dorian's pet project with Will Graham, or how he's trying to reel Yuri Petrov back into his life. "Would you rather we trade places—he and I could go on an escapade whilst you tidy up his apartment and clean his toilet bowl lest it come to life bent on revenge again?"

Because when Toby puts it that way, one would think the Shade has the better bargain.