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Well, it isn't as though I can change those parts of myself now.

That depends entirely on what parts of yourself you don't like, [ he says, like it's the most obvious thing in the world. ]

If you want to be cute, start dressing like you're cute. The afterlife can't mess that one up.

Nails first. Then maybe the outfit.

[He can’t change the personality. Too bad.]

[ Dorian almost makes a joke about going full Queer Eye on Crozier but stops once he realizes there's no way in hell Francis would get that reference.

That being said, he is becoming more and more aware that he's going full Queer Eye on Crozier. Whatever. If he can't pull himself out of his spiral of self-loathing, the least he can do is help Crozier out of his. ]

Even if you don't want to change the outfit, I'll still find a way to sneak a few pieces into your closet. You'd look good in a suit.

[He always did like the way he looked in full dress uniform.]

One of those more modern ones, I’d imagine.

[He looks down at his nails with an appreciative hum. He likes the way this feels.]

[ Having finished the clear polish on one hand, Dorian lightly takes Crozier's other hand and starts to paint those nails with clear as well. ]

I'd have you pick something out for me, [ he grins. ] I'll have something vintage, you'll have something fashion-forward.

You’d look fetching in high-cut trousers and a navy waistcoat. All that gold.

[He grins, just a touch suggestively.]

Find those clothes for me and I'll happily give them a try.

[ Dorian's grin is just as suggestive and just as cheeky as he dips the brush back into the nail polish: needs more clear. ]

You could have mine, but I’d need to find a tailor. [He chuckles to think of Dorian swimming in his waistcoat and trousers.]

Perhaps that giant wardrobe might have something — but I doubt anything on the Barge would be that helpful.

Who knows, it might. I managed to find a few clothes for my inmate after scrounging around there.

[ Dorian recaps the clear. He gently brings Crozier's hand closer to his face so that he can blow on the man's fingernails in an attempt to dry them a little faster than their current speed. ]

Though if you want to absolutely make sure, have your temp bother the Admiral.

Oh, I don't ask my temps for much.

[He makes a point of it, not willing to let himself be vulnerable for too long with someone not permanent.

When Dorian blows on his fingers his breath catches in his throat. Nope. Nope nope, ignoring this.]

You should, [ he says, without hesitation and absolutely without realizing how Crozier's breath catches in his throat. ] I don't know how much use as a whole temps can be, so why not wring them dry and ask them for petty little nonsense?

[ He reaches over to pick up the blue nail polish. Cap still on, Dorian shakes the bottle to disperse everything up a bit. ]

They'll like it. People like feeling needed.

Oh, but I couldn’t. That’s not me. [It’d taken him years to become comfortable with having a steward after all.]

I don’t do nonsense — barring this. This is my only exception.

Then I'll have to find a way to put more nonsense in your life, [ Dorian teases. With that, he uncaps the blue and carefully, deftly starts to paint Crozier's nails. ]

You look like a man who might need it.

[He laughs softly and ducks his head a little.] I may be, in fact, a man who needs it.

I'll happily give it to you. [ There's a wide grin on Dorian's face as he admits, ] My life is quite nonsense anyway.

[Dryly:] I've noticed. You seem to have plenty to share.

I'm selfish, not rude. I wouldn't want to hog all the fun.

[He rolls his eyes, but continues to watch Dorian's fingers as he paints his nails.]

This is a good color.

Isn't it? I wanted to go for something dark, yet a little understated. You don't wear light colors as much, so it'd be rubbish to go for pastels, and since this is your first time getting your nails painted, I wouldn't want to go for something bright and aggressively eye-catching like red or a neon.

[ He takes Crozier's other hand as he continues to chatter away—it's obvious Dorian put a lot of thought into this (though he won't admit it). ]

Really, I should have gone for a nude since this is your first time and all, but that would just be so horrifically dull. Might as well have fun with it for a bit and then you can decide if you want to tone it down a notch.

Go big or go home -- isn't that the saying? [He's heard it once or twice.]

Does it look all right so far? The blue on my hand?

You look wonderful, [ Dorian grins. ] Pair it with one of your navy blues and you'll look even better.

[Oh. He thinks he looks wonderful. There’s no stopping the heat rising to his cheeks now.]

Thank Christ it’s all I seem to wear.

[ And Dorian finally stops being a little oblivious, looking up just in time to see Crozier blush.

Oh.

Oh.

Your type is 'horrifically depressed,' the little voice of annoyance points out in the back of Dorian's mind. Because when he sees Crozier blush, there's a little part of Dorian that's just so damn happy he managed to make this man blush. He'll have to compliment him more often. ]

I can change that if you want. Nothing too drastic, of course. But trim your beard a little bit, let me find a few items from the wardrobe that fit you, and we can at least introduce a little modernity to your style.

I...

[He hesitates, but only for this single reason: if he changes those things about himself, allows himself to look a little more fashionable, a little more put together, what then is his excuse for when people push him away?

But Dorian is very sincere.]

Might be enjoyable to try.

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