[ It is beyond time they built some quality memories together and while the aquarium is not Zhongli's first port of interest, it matters a lot to Rafael who is bubbly with an infectious enthusism about the visit, so the same good cheer is borrowed. Wearing neutrals in creams and browns, a simple turtleneck under a blazer and smart pants intended not to clash with whatever his date intended to don, Zhongli smiles reflexively as he spots the cute young man trotting over with all the prettiness of an amethyst glittering in direct sunlight. ]
Fortunate indeed, given my terrible memory as an old man.
[ Funny. With a chuckle, Zhongli steps in to curl a hand around Rafael's as he drops a chaste kiss on his cheek by way of a fond hello. His gaze is a warm gold as he leans back, mildly curious as to whether he has surprised him with the small albeit forward touch. ]
[ it's not difficult for his eyes to find zhongli. considering that lemurians can see up to 300 million shades of colors, it's easy to pick out zhongli's from the crowd. all the more, he finds himself smiling at his choice in what to wear. it seems they've both chose rather neutral shades, albeit rafayel has done his part in accessorizing with a bit of gold, perhaps as a reminder to the man who stands before him.
still, rafayel doesn't find the need to clarify. instead, he tilts his head, his mouth about to open with a quip regarding how old zhongli is making himself sound, but it's cut short when he feels that kiss on his cheek.
instantly his mouth closes, and his cheeks color momentarily before he clears his throat. he shakes it off. easily his own attempt at regaining some control over the situation. ] You... [ a pause, before he shakes it off. ]
Well, since you're so old, it looks like I have to be the one to lead you.
[ he gives zhongli's hand a squeeze as he already begins moving towards the aquarium. ]
[ Ah, cute. He likes how full of life Rafael is, vivacious in spirit and bursting with enthusiasm and opinions that Zhongli finds he is always happy to listen to, but it is the small fact he can be made to blush that endears him even more. There is also a kind of murky solemnity to him that it is a relief to know can be eased, if only sometimes. ]
My hero.
[ The old god follows after the younger, hands clasped as they enter the (garish) aquarium lobby. ]
What are you most looking forward to seeing? You have done your research with leaflets, I see.
[ even if his words may have entirely been in jest, rafayel does puff up a little in pride at the idea of being labeled a "hero." his chin tips upwards just slightly as he speaks. ] Obviously. [ to both points.
still, he can already feel himself recovering from being thrown off his game moments prior. as if in proof of that, he gives zhongli's hand a small tug. ] If you're going to come to the aquarium, the most important thing is timing, and of course... checking everything out. [ thanks for agreeing to a very long day... ]
So we should head to the tidal zone before it gets crowded. [ aka, the aquarium's petting zoo. ]
[ In one of the murky tunnels through which they pass with nondescript fish soaring above, Zhongli tugs Rafael's hand to pull him aside and he uses a curled finger to lift his chin. He smiles softly, golden eyes warm and inviting. Admiring what he sees. ]
[ at first, rafayel carries on with a certain degree of ignorance. truly none the wiser for any other thoughts zhongli would be having in a… theoretically very family friendly environment. rafayel raises a brow slightly, but there’s a hint of something almost indiscernible on his features. as with most things, rafayel oscillated between pushing and pulling, always measuring each interaction and deciding how to proceed.
… and now he’s made his choice. he gives zhongli a small smile. ]
Oh, yeah? Then… [ he looks him in the eyes, and he feels incredibly warm all of a sudden, but that doesn’t prevent him from continuing. ] what are you looking at if not the emperor angelfish? Maybe the mandarinfish?
[ he says with a hint of challenge to his voice. clearly it isn't direct enough for him, at least. he also squeezes his hand and draws it towards himself, his eyes establishing contact with zhongli's gaze for a second, before he focuses back to the tunnel overhead of them. ]
You should turn around before you a miss a good one.
[ is he going to be immature and try to poke zhongli's cheek, yeah. yeah he is. ]
[ His cheek is poked and he allows it with a fond smile, squeezing Rafael's slim hand with affection as Zhongli is led into the tunnels. He likes them well enough, admiring the angles overhead of the fish and the prettiness of it all. Rafael is limned in blue light as they wander through the aquarium, an avid listener at his behest whenever Rafael speaks: he is very pretty, more so than their surroundings.
He likes to watch him, but even more so to learn from his cute would-be lover. ]
[ honestly, he half-expected that zhongli may have pulled away from his touch. then he could have went all-in in hassling him. but, maybe a larger part of him is secretly glad he doesn't. maybe this showed that there was more trust between the two of them than he really had time to ponder over.
his finger lingers on his cheek for a second before drawing back. instead, he decides to behave as they walk through the blue tint of the fish tanks; just savoring the feeling of their joined hands. rafayel could have easily made a joke. maybe, even have chimed in for zhongli not to "interrupt him," but essentially— the archon had always been an adept listener. so instead, he enjoys the peace for a just a moment. ]
Do you still think the fishie next to you is a guppy? I'd say you caught something a lot bigger.
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no subject
Fortunate indeed, given my terrible memory as an old man.
[ Funny. With a chuckle, Zhongli steps in to curl a hand around Rafael's as he drops a chaste kiss on his cheek by way of a fond hello. His gaze is a warm gold as he leans back, mildly curious as to whether he has surprised him with the small albeit forward touch. ]
Shall we head inside?
no subject
still, rafayel doesn't find the need to clarify. instead, he tilts his head, his mouth about to open with a quip regarding how old zhongli is making himself sound, but it's cut short when he feels that kiss on his cheek.
instantly his mouth closes, and his cheeks color momentarily before he clears his throat. he shakes it off. easily his own attempt at regaining some control over the situation. ] You... [ a pause, before he shakes it off. ]
Well, since you're so old, it looks like I have to be the one to lead you.
[ he gives zhongli's hand a squeeze as he already begins moving towards the aquarium. ]
no subject
My hero.
[ The old god follows after the younger, hands clasped as they enter the (garish) aquarium lobby. ]
What are you most looking forward to seeing? You have done your research with leaflets, I see.
no subject
still, he can already feel himself recovering from being thrown off his game moments prior. as if in proof of that, he gives zhongli's hand a small tug. ] If you're going to come to the aquarium, the most important thing is timing, and of course... checking everything out. [ thanks for agreeing to a very long day... ]
So we should head to the tidal zone before it gets crowded. [ aka, the aquarium's petting zoo. ]
no subject
[ In one of the murky tunnels through which they pass with nondescript fish soaring above, Zhongli tugs Rafael's hand to pull him aside and he uses a curled finger to lift his chin. He smiles softly, golden eyes warm and inviting. Admiring what he sees. ]
I find what I am currently seeing appealing.
no subject
… and now he’s made his choice. he gives zhongli a small smile. ]
Oh, yeah? Then… [ he looks him in the eyes, and he feels incredibly warm all of a sudden, but that doesn’t prevent him from continuing. ] what are you looking at if not the emperor angelfish? Maybe the mandarinfish?
no subject
A little guppy, perhaps.
[ Teasing him, he squeezes the hand in his. ]
no subject
[ he says with a hint of challenge to his voice. clearly it isn't direct enough for him, at least. he also squeezes his hand and draws it towards himself, his eyes establishing contact with zhongli's gaze for a second, before he focuses back to the tunnel overhead of them. ]
You should turn around before you a miss a good one.
[ is he going to be immature and try to poke zhongli's cheek, yeah. yeah he is. ]
no subject
[ His cheek is poked and he allows it with a fond smile, squeezing Rafael's slim hand with affection as Zhongli is led into the tunnels. He likes them well enough, admiring the angles overhead of the fish and the prettiness of it all. Rafael is limned in blue light as they wander through the aquarium, an avid listener at his behest whenever Rafael speaks: he is very pretty, more so than their surroundings.
He likes to watch him, but even more so to learn from his cute would-be lover. ]
no subject
his finger lingers on his cheek for a second before drawing back. instead, he decides to behave as they walk through the blue tint of the fish tanks; just savoring the feeling of their joined hands. rafayel could have easily made a joke. maybe, even have chimed in for zhongli not to "interrupt him," but essentially— the archon had always been an adept listener. so instead, he enjoys the peace for a just a moment. ]
Do you still think the fishie next to you is a guppy? I'd say you caught something a lot bigger.