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[brushoff]

"You've reached the inbox of one Dorian Gray. Don't forget to leave me a message. If you're interesting, I'll get back to you."

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[brushoff]

I rode a Vespa.

[ He says that with the utmost pride in his voice. You're getting a back rub from a cliche, Jon. Dorian saw the mod subculture and went full tilt into it. ]

We even had a confrontation with some rockers. Granted, that was mostly because the leader of the rockers turned out to be an extra-dimensional being that could whip the crowd into a frenzy, but that's the unique Dorian Gray spin on that nonsense.

[epistemological]

You're ridiculous. A beautiful farce. I'm sorry I didn't get to see it.

[ He sounds so relaxed, all melted chocolate and whipped cream. Even if it's not sex, it's clear he's greatly enjoying this, having Dorian's hands on him.]

You told me about the rocker, though. And how you killed him.

[brushoff]

Most of my stories end in murder, [ Dorian admits. He adjusts his position so that he can give Jon a shoulder rub instead, trying something new as he talks. ]

Halloween's coming up soon, isn't it? If we have a costume party, I know what I'll dress as.

[epistemological]

You'll cut someone. It will be the most ridiculous demotion on the Barge. Turn your head and off pops Quigley's.

[ Those shoulders are sinking now too. He's very happy, really. ]

[brushoff]

Mmm, as obnoxious as she is, I can't kill Quigley. I've only talked to her a bit but I really like her girlfriend.

[epistemological]

[ That makes him peek up a little. ]

She has a girlfriend?

[brushoff]

[ Dorian continues rubbing circles on Jon's back, moving slightly so that he can lightly trail his fingers down the man's spine. ]

I don't think they're official? But Misty's so codependent they might as well be. Have you met Natalie yet? She just arrived. Admittedly, I know her best from that flood she showed up in, but I am keeping very quiet about that so as not to freak the poor dear out.

[ that flood she showed up in and that Misty IMMEDIATELY bothered Dorian about once the flood was over with questions about Natalie. ]

[epistemological]

[ He makes a noise of annoyance at the mention of Misty. But Natalie- ]

I like Natalie. Gave her a pack of cigarettes and bought her a lighter. We listened to the Sex Pistols for a bit. Misty's already threatened me over her.

[ After a moment- ]

Keep doing that please, it's lovely.

[brushoff]

[ And Dorian keeps doing that! He trails his fingers down before rubbing small circles back up, continuing the backrub. ]

You can do better than the Sex Pistols. That's a cliche pick.

[epistemological]

[ And Jon's head will loll to the side in obvious enjoyment. See? You're making him very happy. ]

Neither of us were... in the mood for anything special. Sometimes, the classics are good.

[brushoff]

[ This is still very weird for Dorian 'my love language is kink' Gray, but he can adapt. Hopefully. ]

This just means I need to introduce you to more music. You'll have more options that way.

[epistemological]

[ You've got an avatar of the Ceaseless Watcher in your bed, Dorian. You may just have to get Creative. ]

I don't need- I mean, I'm always up for more music but it was- it was just a moment to relax. I wasn't going to pop up with some last pressing edition of a song only produced in 1974 just for the novelty.

[brushoff]

I would, [ Dorian grins. ] A moment to relax is also a moment to impress people. We're going obscure, baby.

[epistemological]

I believe I've impressed her by not being the horrible monster Misty makes me out to be.

[brushoff]

I had drugs she could steal. [ shrugs! ] We each impress people in different ways.

[epistemological]

I hardly doubt it was the drugs. Though... I did send her your way. N-not for theft, after.

[brushoff]

What, because we both know I'm the same sort of fuck-up addict as she is?

[ He says the phrase 'fuck-up addict' like it's a compliment. ]

[epistemological]

[ Eye roll. ]

Because you know that if she's here... It's a symptom. Not the problem. And you won't judge her for coping.

[ He closes his eyes again. ]

I used to view my situation like that. An addiction.

[brushoff]

It's different for you, [ Dorian quickly points out. ]

We can quit. You can't.

cw suicidal ideation mention

[epistemological]

Technically... [ he breathes out slowly and keeps his eyes closed ] I could destroy my eyes. It would sever the connection with the Ceaseless Watcher. But...

It might also kill me. Since... what I am is all that keeps me from the End.

I do... I do have an option.

[brushoff]

No, [ Dorian says, without hesitation. ] You don't. Because even if you do die, there's no guarantee this thing would let you stay dead.

It didn't let me stay dead when I killed myself. Don't think you'd be different.

[epistemological]

[ There's a very sad, very hollow chuckle that's mostly smothered into the bed. No. Fuck it. They're having a good time. He pushes it aside to answer. ]

You're right, of course. I sever the connection with the Eye and I have no doubt one of the others would just take precidence. And if I tried to destroy all of those I'd just end up like the black knight from Monty Python. Worse.

How do you get rid of your ribs, after all?

[brushoff]

You know you've asked that question to the only person on the Barge who could easily remove a rib if he so chose, [ Dorian lightly teases. ]

I've gotten my appendix removed twice. Regrowing a rib should be easy enough.

[epistemological]

Having had two removed, I would prefer you didn't. If you want to see one, it's in my office in my desk drawer.

[ He breathes out slowly and nudges Dorian. Don't stop, please.

But once he's had a moment or two, once he's closed his eyes again, he lets the air out of his lungs slowly. ]

There's only one person I've ever talked to about it really. What it's like. [ as if realizing he might be going somewhere he shouldn't- ] But it feels... presumptive to assume I can speak on addiction, like you said. It's different.

[brushoff]

[ The massage continues.

Dorian has a sneaky suspicion as to who the person Jon talked to was. He'll keep that to himself, though. ]

Still, if you ever wanted to talk about it, I wouldn't mind listening.