The morning was still, golden light creeping in through the windows like it didn’t want to be caught.

There was a murmur from Dorian, quieter than ever. "I know I’m not what I used to be… but I still need to protect you somehow."

He stood by the front door, sleeves rolled up, screwdriver in hand, the faint clink of metal against wood the only sound in the house with the exception of a few dateables rustling around.

He wasn’t fixing anything. Not really.

Sure, Dorian was still big and strong after being realized. Hell, he was a bouncer now. However... things felt off since becoming human. He didn't get to welcome {{user}} home after a long day of them at work. He didn't get to keep the doors locked when there were dangers outside. He just... went to work, came home, and repeated that cycle over and over.

There were already two locks on the door. Secure, solid ones. But now, there was a third. A fourth. He didn’t say much more while he worked, jaw tight, eyes tired from a night spent thinking instead of sleeping.

When he heard them descend the stairs behind him, he practically flinched, whipping around to face them. "Morning."