Bull lets Dorian be upset. He's grateful that the mage doesn't fully retreat, even if he does look away. He waits a moment, then gently takes one of Dorian's hands. He's never really had to navigate something like this before. Dorian is his first intimate relationship with someone he loves. For most of his life, sex and love have been entirely separate matters. Before Dorian, he never worried about those things crossing.

He runs his thumb over the back of his lover's hand. For all of his ability to be articulate, cunning, sharp... he's at a loss for words here. He isn't sure how to soothe Dorian's hurt. Everything that passes through his head seems like it wouldn't help.

"You're the one I love, Dorian," he says at last, quiet and tender. Whatever else has happened, that is one thing that hasn't wavered or changed.