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[ in spite of himself, he seems a bit pleased by the text response back. he puts his phone back down, likely getting flecks of paint on it in the process as he may have just been painting for days prior before this exchange of messages. still, what artist wouldn't when inspiration finally hits?
it's why, it's easy for him to rinse his hands and then lay down on the couch, waiting for caleb to arrive. when caleb does come, he'll find that rafayel has his shirt unbuttoned and he is reclined with a book on his face. the book seems to be about planes and skyhaven.
on the bright side, there's no hint of cilantro out, but there might be the clear scent of it in the air mixed with acrylic paint. ]
it's why, it's easy for him to rinse his hands and then lay down on the couch, waiting for caleb to arrive. when caleb does come, he'll find that rafayel has his shirt unbuttoned and he is reclined with a book on his face. the book seems to be about planes and skyhaven.
on the bright side, there's no hint of cilantro out, but there might be the clear scent of it in the air mixed with acrylic paint. ]
[ what does all of that mean
but rafayel seems to want to spend time with him, which is endearing in its own way. there was actually no need for him to pay, even if kabru will also accept the money.
he has no idea what they're actually going to be doing but he'll come. ]
You don't make it easy to understand you.
I'll be there in about 15 minutes.
but rafayel seems to want to spend time with him, which is endearing in its own way. there was actually no need for him to pay, even if kabru will also accept the money.
he has no idea what they're actually going to be doing but he'll come. ]
You don't make it easy to understand you.
I'll be there in about 15 minutes.
[ he is a lover of people ]
.... I still don't know what I'll be doing.
[ because he asked if you're drawing him and you gave a vague ass answer so he's like ????
oh well.
in 10-15 minutes, he arrives at rafayel's residence and puts the passcode into the door. ]
.... I still don't know what I'll be doing.
[ because he asked if you're drawing him and you gave a vague ass answer so he's like ????
oh well.
in 10-15 minutes, he arrives at rafayel's residence and puts the passcode into the door. ]
[ when kabru enters, rafayel has his normal set up, a particularly large canvas set onto one side of the wall and a scaffolding right beside it. however, he may notice all the paints have been neatly tucked away, minus one or two bottles which are strewn on the floor, the paint splattered over the wood flooring. regardless, rafayel doesn't seem to mind as his...
feet is directly in one such splatter of paint.
when he sees kabru, he gives him an easygoing smile, a small tilt of his head to accentuate his enthusiasm. ] Perfect timing. Our food just came in, so we can eat right away. [ on his hands... is also paint as he reaches out to grasp onto kabru's wrist. ]
feet is directly in one such splatter of paint.
when he sees kabru, he gives him an easygoing smile, a small tilt of his head to accentuate his enthusiasm. ] Perfect timing. Our food just came in, so we can eat right away. [ on his hands... is also paint as he reaches out to grasp onto kabru's wrist. ]
[ man of his word, caleb arrives to the studio with grocery bags in toll. he is immediately hit by the pungent smell of cilantro in the air and, luckily unseen by rafayel, his nose wrinkles up in protest. he better get a deserving reward for dealing with this?????
spotting rafayel pretty quickly, he walks over to him, leaning down to pluck the book off of his face. he holds it up, examining the cover and reading the title out loud, an amused smile curving his lips. ] Is someone taking an interest in my career? [ he glances down at the little merman. ]
How cute.
spotting rafayel pretty quickly, he walks over to him, leaning down to pluck the book off of his face. he holds it up, examining the cover and reading the title out loud, an amused smile curving his lips. ] Is someone taking an interest in my career? [ he glances down at the little merman. ]
How cute.
[ wow? why is he paying the cilantro tax when he technically got rid of it?
that said, maybe the reward is the connections made along the way, even in the form of rafayel clearly taking an interest in caleb's life. when the book it taken off of him, he reaches for it unsteadily as if trying to take it from caleb's grip. only, he's an inch too late before he reads the cover. ] Psh, you wish. Whatever you're thinking if probably an exaggeration. No, it definitely is.
It's just for some light inspiration. [ but, something about the way his gaze sets off to anywhere but caleb's face is probably telling enough. but, he clears his throat before holding his hand out.
help him up. ]
that said, maybe the reward is the connections made along the way, even in the form of rafayel clearly taking an interest in caleb's life. when the book it taken off of him, he reaches for it unsteadily as if trying to take it from caleb's grip. only, he's an inch too late before he reads the cover. ] Psh, you wish. Whatever you're thinking if probably an exaggeration. No, it definitely is.
It's just for some light inspiration. [ but, something about the way his gaze sets off to anywhere but caleb's face is probably telling enough. but, he clears his throat before holding his hand out.
help him up. ]
[ kabru would be a hypocrite to call this set up messy with the way his room is at home. he can be a hypocrite, so he thinks exactly that when he sees it. is it really okay to be stepping on paint and leaving painted footprints over the floorboards?
while kabru sees the paint-laden hand reaching out for him, he doesn't avoid the touch. he's exactly the sort of person who would let something like this happen to him even if he doesn't want it to. now his wrist has paint on it too. ]
You didn't have to buy food for me ... [ also: ] You're going to wash your hands and feet, right? [ he's tracking paint everywhere. including onto kabru. ]
while kabru sees the paint-laden hand reaching out for him, he doesn't avoid the touch. he's exactly the sort of person who would let something like this happen to him even if he doesn't want it to. now his wrist has paint on it too. ]
You didn't have to buy food for me ... [ also: ] You're going to wash your hands and feet, right? [ he's tracking paint everywhere. including onto kabru. ]
Suuuure. Light inspiration. I believe you.
[ he doesn't believe him, but he is going to let it slide since he's acting so cutie. ;)
with a low chuckle, caleb grasps rafayel's outstretched hand, helping him up from the couch like the pretty princess that he is. ]
I got the grocery. [ he jostles the bags at his side. ] Let me put these in the kitchen first and then I'm ready for my big surprise.
[ he doesn't believe him, but he is going to let it slide since he's acting so cutie. ;)
with a low chuckle, caleb grasps rafayel's outstretched hand, helping him up from the couch like the pretty princess that he is. ]
I got the grocery. [ he jostles the bags at his side. ] Let me put these in the kitchen first and then I'm ready for my big surprise.
[ kabru...
still, rafayel takes the lack of stepping back as a positive sign. a complete "go ahead," really. hence, his pace seems leisure and relaxed as he helps him over to the table. it looks like he bought a few different kinds of dishes, including a pasta dish, a rice dish, and dessert. ]
Well, I can't exactly have you quitting on me. That's how crucial you are to my work. [ he doesn't have any difficulties getting out these words with an almost playful smile. ] I'll wash them if you clean me. [ his finger draws close to kabru, and he lightly traces his paint-covered fingers over his earlobe. ]
still, rafayel takes the lack of stepping back as a positive sign. a complete "go ahead," really. hence, his pace seems leisure and relaxed as he helps him over to the table. it looks like he bought a few different kinds of dishes, including a pasta dish, a rice dish, and dessert. ]
Well, I can't exactly have you quitting on me. That's how crucial you are to my work. [ he doesn't have any difficulties getting out these words with an almost playful smile. ] I'll wash them if you clean me. [ his finger draws close to kabru, and he lightly traces his paint-covered fingers over his earlobe. ]
[ judging by caleb's tone, he doesn't think he believes him at all.
hence, he's quick to purse his lips. while he would have put on a bigger spectacle of his mild displeasure, it seems caleb settles his mood in just a few gestures. he feels the man's hands over his and he settles himself upright with his help. the mention of the "groceries" also gets him to perk up. ]
I think the last person who dared to open the fridge door was Thomas. [ he's kidding, it's not that bad in there. ] If there is a second adventurer I trust to reorganize the fridge, it's you. [ he says while giving caleb's hand a firm squeeze. ]
If you're ready for the surprise, doesn't that actually mean you're not ready at all? Shouldn't I try to make it a little more unexpected for you? [ throw mister colonel off his game and all. ]
hence, he's quick to purse his lips. while he would have put on a bigger spectacle of his mild displeasure, it seems caleb settles his mood in just a few gestures. he feels the man's hands over his and he settles himself upright with his help. the mention of the "groceries" also gets him to perk up. ]
I think the last person who dared to open the fridge door was Thomas. [ he's kidding, it's not that bad in there. ] If there is a second adventurer I trust to reorganize the fridge, it's you. [ he says while giving caleb's hand a firm squeeze. ]
If you're ready for the surprise, doesn't that actually mean you're not ready at all? Shouldn't I try to make it a little more unexpected for you? [ throw mister colonel off his game and all. ]
[ pasta AND rice??? damn
It felt wrong that Rafayel was somehow so endearing, while being mildly infuriating to deal with. Those fingers are tracing the lobe of his ear, which sends light shivers down his spine. They also leave smudges of paint behind, which is kind of annoying?? Kabru could try to be polite and accommodating, but he really thinks trying to eat while your fingers are dirty with paint is beyond common sense.
He stands up, taking Rafayel's hand and walking them both to the bathroom, where he starts to wash those hands for him. Even if he's exasperated, he's somehow still gentle and considerate in what he's doing. ]
Come on ... You were really expecting to eat with paint on your fingers?
It felt wrong that Rafayel was somehow so endearing, while being mildly infuriating to deal with. Those fingers are tracing the lobe of his ear, which sends light shivers down his spine. They also leave smudges of paint behind, which is kind of annoying?? Kabru could try to be polite and accommodating, but he really thinks trying to eat while your fingers are dirty with paint is beyond common sense.
He stands up, taking Rafayel's hand and walking them both to the bathroom, where he starts to wash those hands for him. Even if he's exasperated, he's somehow still gentle and considerate in what he's doing. ]
Come on ... You were really expecting to eat with paint on your fingers?
[ yeah it's time to inflate kabru...
if he's being obnoxious in any way, it's clear... it's entirely his intention. it's difficult not to give a small laugh when kabru attempts to look so professional in light of his teasing. though, in spite of these impish thoughts, he does seem content to follow behind him, letting the man lead him to the bathroom. ]
You don't think it would give an artistic touch to the food? [ he says as he cocks his head to side. with his hands now wet and slick with soap from the sink, he also reaches for a towel. he dips it under the water before using it to wipe down kabru's ear and cheek he got dirtied earlier. ]
Besides, don't you think it's kiinda hypocritical when you got some on you too?
if he's being obnoxious in any way, it's clear... it's entirely his intention. it's difficult not to give a small laugh when kabru attempts to look so professional in light of his teasing. though, in spite of these impish thoughts, he does seem content to follow behind him, letting the man lead him to the bathroom. ]
You don't think it would give an artistic touch to the food? [ he says as he cocks his head to side. with his hands now wet and slick with soap from the sink, he also reaches for a towel. he dips it under the water before using it to wipe down kabru's ear and cheek he got dirtied earlier. ]
Besides, don't you think it's kiinda hypocritical when you got some on you too?
[ Kabru knows that Rafayel is being playful. There's nothing wrong with that, of course, but the concern is the fact that the chances of him actually eating paint for the bit are pretty high. Probably. This man was senseless that way. Still, Kabru keeps playing along and answering his whims, so can he really complain when he keeps enabling his behaviour. ]
You put it on me. [ It's said rather dryly, which is behaviour he doesn't show others very often. Still, Kabru leans his face against that towel, allowing Rafayel to clean him up. ]
If I weren't here, were you really going to eat with painted hands?
You put it on me. [ It's said rather dryly, which is behaviour he doesn't show others very often. Still, Kabru leans his face against that towel, allowing Rafayel to clean him up. ]
If I weren't here, were you really going to eat with painted hands?
Putting me to work already? [ as soon as rafayel is up off the couch, caleb pulls him towards the kitchen. ] I remember agreeing to cook you dinner, but I'm preeetty sure I never said that I would reorganize your fridge too.
[ do you take him for a sucker, raf?the answer is ye bc lbr he's going to end up reorganizing his fridge we all know this already ]
Fine, fine. [ he sets the grocery bags on top of a counter, before reclining back against its edge, their fingers still intertwined. ] If you really want to make it more unexpected for me, then I can wait. [ he should get a head start on cooking and besides, he apparently has an additional task now. ]
I should get rewarded for my patience though, shouldn't I?
[ do you take him for a sucker, raf?
Fine, fine. [ he sets the grocery bags on top of a counter, before reclining back against its edge, their fingers still intertwined. ] If you really want to make it more unexpected for me, then I can wait. [ he should get a head start on cooking and besides, he apparently has an additional task now. ]
I should get rewarded for my patience though, shouldn't I?
[ yes, he 100% does take caleb as the kind of sucker who would clean and reorganize his fridge... just like how he knows thomas will inevitably fold when he finds out tomorrow that the art piece for the exhibition still hasn't been completed yet.
but, who says he can't find inspiration between then and now. much like who says he can't provide caleb with the right amount of motivation. there's a small hum as rafayel pretends to consider his words. ] Odd, I thought I heard the fridge cleaner talking to me for a second.
[ not him calling him fridge cleaner... ]
A surprise and a reward? Man, and I thought the beta fish we picked up the other day was greediest fish I knew. [ but, despite this he does give his fingers a light squeeze as he comes in closer. just enough to place a small kiss on the side of his jaw. so light in fact that it's probably easy enough to miss. ]
So? Still feeling like it's not enough?
but, who says he can't find inspiration between then and now. much like who says he can't provide caleb with the right amount of motivation. there's a small hum as rafayel pretends to consider his words. ] Odd, I thought I heard the fridge cleaner talking to me for a second.
[ not him calling him fridge cleaner... ]
A surprise and a reward? Man, and I thought the beta fish we picked up the other day was greediest fish I knew. [ but, despite this he does give his fingers a light squeeze as he comes in closer. just enough to place a small kiss on the side of his jaw. so light in fact that it's probably easy enough to miss. ]
So? Still feeling like it's not enough?
[ only kabru would worry about such things...
or so rafayel might have claimed. in reality, while he's sure kabru is racking his brain over something, he doesn't think he understands it. life was too short to get caught up on accidentally eating paints. besides, he'd like to think he knows exactly what goes into them since he creates each color himself. not that it probably makes it any more or less toxic, but shhh.
instead, he makes sure kabru is all clean before throwing the towel back on the counter. he figures thomas will clean it up for the both of them later. or the hired help, whichever got to first. before, he tugs on kabru's hand. ]
Honestly, I might have forgotten to eat. Sometimes when I get really into it, it's the next day before I realize it. So you could say you're doing me a favor by being here.
[ he lifts a hand up and rubs kabru's cheek with his now clean hands. ]
But, you look good now. Maybe this was your color all along, cutie. [ was it because of the lighting from the bathroom window and the position of the sun here as opposed to the outside? he isn't sure, but he likes seeing kabru here. ]
or so rafayel might have claimed. in reality, while he's sure kabru is racking his brain over something, he doesn't think he understands it. life was too short to get caught up on accidentally eating paints. besides, he'd like to think he knows exactly what goes into them since he creates each color himself. not that it probably makes it any more or less toxic, but shhh.
instead, he makes sure kabru is all clean before throwing the towel back on the counter. he figures thomas will clean it up for the both of them later. or the hired help, whichever got to first. before, he tugs on kabru's hand. ]
Honestly, I might have forgotten to eat. Sometimes when I get really into it, it's the next day before I realize it. So you could say you're doing me a favor by being here.
[ he lifts a hand up and rubs kabru's cheek with his now clean hands. ]
But, you look good now. Maybe this was your color all along, cutie. [ was it because of the lighting from the bathroom window and the position of the sun here as opposed to the outside? he isn't sure, but he likes seeing kabru here. ]
[ as long as you promise not to waste the aquarium tickets
oh and that our next date wont be at a cat cafe or a seafood market
also if we can avoid riding the tandem bike until i get more practice
the text likely started something like that. it was a slight reminder amongst all their plans. some of which inevitably got washed away by the proverbial currents of life, the ebb of flow of ideas and date plans being left in some invisible state of limbo. still, rafayel doesn't focus on that as much as he does the present in which he's quite obviously enthused about. enough where he even seems to count each of his steps until he makes it to where zhongli is waiting.
he's already holding a pamphlet and has a few ideas circled, before waves it with a smile on his lips. his voice is airy and easygoing. ]
So you didn't forget to match today. Good thing I casted the secret spell before I left the house. [ there definitely was no spell. he definitely asked zhongli what he was going to be wearing, but he sticks with this narrative anyway. ]
oh and that our next date wont be at a cat cafe or a seafood market
also if we can avoid riding the tandem bike until i get more practice
the text likely started something like that. it was a slight reminder amongst all their plans. some of which inevitably got washed away by the proverbial currents of life, the ebb of flow of ideas and date plans being left in some invisible state of limbo. still, rafayel doesn't focus on that as much as he does the present in which he's quite obviously enthused about. enough where he even seems to count each of his steps until he makes it to where zhongli is waiting.
he's already holding a pamphlet and has a few ideas circled, before waves it with a smile on his lips. his voice is airy and easygoing. ]
So you didn't forget to match today. Good thing I casted the secret spell before I left the house. [ there definitely was no spell. he definitely asked zhongli what he was going to be wearing, but he sticks with this narrative anyway. ]
[ 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. ]
Shall we head inside?
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?
[ 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. ]
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.
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. ]
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. ]
Edited 2025-04-16 05:40 (UTC)
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