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[He is, in fact, sober; and he's currently in the living room, where he's traced a more complicated circle out of chalk. There are notebooks surrounding him, and he looks slightly irritated.]

Annoyingly so. The lack of library in this place is starting to get on my nerves.

[a real library. A library with a copy of the books that Nick needs to actually get any constructive research done.]

I'm going stir crazy.

[Dorian skirts the circle to make his way to the bar with the absinthe he brought. Absinthe never solves a problem, but it often makes them easier to deal with.]

I did warn you about shutting yourself in. Think of it this way, if you ever get home again, you can use this as your dissertation.

[It would put the Acheron configuration to shame.

It's difficult for Dorian ever to admit that something is outside his ability, but without access to a library, he doesn't have enough knowledge of binding to help. Frowning, he mixes them each a cocktail with quick, perfunctory movements.]

Miss Wardwell hasn't been of use in that department?

[He looks over at him, and he raises his eyebrows.]

Miss Wardwell. How much do you know about her?

[He asks with a really careful tone to his voice.]

She's been. Helpful.

She can't find anything.

[Dorian meets his gaze with bland amusement.]

More than most, I imagine. You?

[He said he wouldn't tell, after all. And Lilith is not an enemy he intends to cultivate.

With a glass in each hand, he crosses to Nick, stepping carefully over the chalk circle.]

Well, between the three of us, I'm sure we can come up with something.

[He's not, really, but he is confident in the strength of whatever binding Nick ends up with. They could hardly do better for powerful witches.]

I know her...maiden name.

[He looks at Dorian, his eyes tipping up a little.]

Yeah.

Well.

[His mouth firms up, but he takes that drink.]

I did what I had to to do.

That's a delicate way of putting it. I daresay you know her married name as well, then?

[Just to be certain.]

I don't doubt it, though I have to wonder if it was worth it.

[For a woman, Nicky? Even a beautiful one?]

Yes.

[He says it firmly.]

I don't know, Dorian. How do you like your lifestyle?

[Because Sabrina was definitely a huge part of it, but the rest of the world was a huge element, too.]

There were other bodies available, I imagine. What's that weasely one's name? Melford?

[He gets it, that whole 'save the world' thing, and he's grateful there are people who have that impulse. He just doesn't like it when they're friends of his.]

Anyway, it hardly matters now. The deed is done.

You want Melvin to host the Dark Lord?

Do you think he has the force of will to withstand it?

[He just raises his eyebrows.]

He tried to say the Lord's Prayer when confronted by Angels.

[The Dark Lord would probably burn Melvin up from the inside, Dorian knows. Still. Better him than Nick.]

I never said he was bright, but I'm sure he wouldn't be missed.

[That is to say, Dorian wouldn't miss him.]

Did you say angels?

They tried to kill us all.

[So you know.

Great.]

We trapped one in one of your paintings.

Fascinating.

[There's a glint in Dorian's eye that's just a little dangerous, something that delights in destruction.]

Unfortunate about the killing, but I take it they didn't succeed.

Of course they didn't succeed.

You have a very particular...invulnerability.

[He says it with a turn of his head.]

I would have thought it was hot, if I wasn't practically pissing myself.

I do indeed. [He quirks a smile, intrigued.]

A bit of information I generally keep to myself.

[That he's eternally youthful he can hardly disguise, but all warlocks are immortal. He doesn't need to tout his invulnerability lest someone decide to test it.]

Watching me die or seeing me come back?

[There's no censure in his voice. He could understand either angle.]

Seeing you stab an angel with an arrow.

[He looks over, laughs.]

I won't tell anyone. Your secret is safe with me.

[Dorian smiles in response.]

I stabbed an angel? Well done, me.

If you can bring me an angel, I'm happy to recreate the moment for you.

I'll keep it in mind.

[It was excellent, for the brief moment that it happened. And for that moment, there's Nick, smiling, pleased, looking brilliant. Looking like he did just a few weeks ago.]

I wouldn't mind seeing it again.

[It's a relief to see him like that, hosting the Dark Lord or no. Nick should always look so at ease.]

I'm always happy to give you an encore, Nicky.

You know when I solve this....conundrum, I'm going to blow you until you can't see straight.

[He says it as he lies back on the floor. He has only had sex once since he returned, and he really...should see to that before he doesn't make his quota.]

[Dorian inhales slowly through his nose, letting his gaze rake over Nick as he lies back.]

You are delightfully wicked, and I'm going to hold you to that. Don't tell me you've been abstaining.

[Unhealthy for so many reasons.]

[He turns his head to look over at Dorian, and the line of his mouth says it all. He is only quiet for a moment, though.]

Reggie and I had sex when he was a girl, but that was it. I haven't really been in the mood.

[He's been a little distracted by things.]

[Shaking his head, Dorian sighs. This is clearly the most distressing part of Nick's situation. For many reasons.]

All work and no play, Nicky. It will age even the most beautiful warlock far too soon.

I wonder if housing the Dark Lord will give me extra beauty powers.

Eternal youth and beauty for daring to trap his Infernal Majesty.

[But that said:]

I'll figure this out and be back to my old self.

If so, you got a rum deal.

[He didn't have to host anybody for his.]

I have every faith in you, but it would be better if you could still get back to your young self when you've finished.

[He looks up, smirks a little, and flops back onto his back.]

Baby, you always say the sweetest things.

[He says it in a tone of voice that promises that it's all very much a joke; he means, but the words are not the usual set for the pair of them.]

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allthesins - 2019-07-10 20:51 (UTC) - Expand