[ he's about to open his mouth, as if he was ready to say something he didn't mean to say. maybe that just shows how much those words threw him off for a moment. there's a pause, before: ] Used to? I heard it's still a custom in some places. [ what should be forgotten memories...
well, they should stay that way for now.
he clears his throat, as if making it a point to move on. ] Is it that unusual? Aren't there some species of birds who even push their own offsprings out of the nest? Maybe your village... [ still, he moves behind rinne quietly. no sound of footfall as he slides in swiftly.
then very suddenly, his hand reaches out, but instead of pushing rinne into the water, he actually grabs his shoulder and pulls him back. or that's the plan. ] Don't stand too close to the edge if you don't want to be a misplaced hatchling.
[ The ocean calls to him. It swirls, the blue depths like a beckoning abyss. The once glistening surface he loved crashes into the bridge's pillars and shatters into jagged edges and sea foam. It looks soft. He wants to touch it. He reaches out— ]
Woah! [ ...and stumbles back. ] Hey now, I'm just lookin'! No point in giving the witch a trial run when you can see the whole package. Frankly, I think I'm packin'.
[ Don't listen to him. Whatever he says is a distraction. The sea continues to cry out to them. ]
You think that's what's happening here, Raffy? Some kinda coming-of-age ritual? Kyaha! Makes ya wonder why everyone jumped ship.
[ it's impossible not to feel the call from the depths of the water beneath them. considering all the people who heard the same alluring whispers from within the sea, he feels like this must be another expert ploy. in a way, he always feels the yearning for the ocean, and yet...
maybe because he always does that he feels the distinct difference here. is it weird how only rinne's constant chatter seems to be the only thing that pulls him out of these thoughts? ] Packing with what? [ rafayel says it as if it's a challenge, his eyes looking rinne from the top of his head to his toes. his eyes dragging deliberate, slow...
especially as his hand still remains on him. almost as if he's worried the second he lets go, they'd both be under the waves. ] No, I don't. But, I... [ he isn't sure how he should word this, and so the words end up dying on the tip of his tongue. while their mutual transformations seems obvious, rafayel still struggles to talk about it if just because ... it may have not been so different than who he really was. so instead, he does what anyone would do. ]
[As if on cue, giant tentacles emerge from the deep, breaking through and crashing against the water's hard surface. Normally, Rinne would have the sense to run away... but between Rafayel's suggestion and the instincts of his other soul, he's inclined to do opposite.
He chases after it.]
Hey!
[He runs to the edge of the bridge, trying to tug Rafayel along with him. Whatever he's packing... It's not here with right him now. He can't do this alone.]
H-hey! Miss Squid, over here! Can you hear me? Miss Squid!
[Miss Squid...
Miss Squid waves (?) a tentacle.]
She said hi...! [A huge breakthrough, surely.] Miss Squid, it's pretty lonely around here, right? Sorry to bother you, but we gotta pass through!
[ when rafayel first sees the tentacle rise from the depths, he half-expects rinne to run on back. fear was an instinct all creatures were well equipped with... or that's what he thought, anyway. when he sees rinne running towards it, he finds himself a second too late to take hold of him.
if this were back home, maybe he could hear the voice of the creature more clearly. maybe he could hear it speak back to him as easily as the fish. whether it's an ability that's been dampened from the presence of another soul fighting for ownership of his body, or just his own ability not being as readily accessed... he doesn't know, but it also doesn't matter. one thing becomes increasingly clear to him....
rinne can't actually understand them, huh. ] That's definitely not what she said. [ he says as he reaches out, and this time, his grip might feel a bit slick and sticky. not unlike the tentacle that rises out of the water, actually.
this is a mess.
but, it seems just in time as the tentacle slaps down on the surface of the water with surprising impact; drops of water cascading over them as its tentacles begin writhing. ] I told you not everyone likes the smell of fur. [ he's pulling him to avoid a tentacle that moves their way. he wants to reach for his dagger, but...
[ Rafayel looks like he's more in his element. Interesting... Does that mean Rinne can fall back into his? This shiny, new... slimy hand holding onto him — it's enough for him to forget the ocean's call. ]
Hah? [ Rinne cranes his neck to squint at Rafayel with a grin. ] The hell dβya mean? She waved, didnβt she? Looked friendly to meβ
[ A tentacle slams down where theyβd just been standing, water spraying like shards of glass. Rinne staggers back, his own grip tightening on Rafayelβs wrist as the beat of his heart kicks up. ]
Okay, maybe sheβs a little pissed. [ Which means it's not the time to fool around. He ducks another tentacle swipe, tail whipping behind him for balance as he brings Rafayel down with him.] How 'bout you try talking to her, pretty boy? I'm willing to bet you're more her type!
Edited (NO DWTOOLS IS FUCKING WITH ME SORRY) 2025-07-16 09:33 (UTC)
[ the fact that rinne can joke at a time like this...
he wonders if he also has abilities he isn't entirely showing for. but, he barely can think on it when he feels the tug on his wrist. it's stronger than he expects, and for a moment he stares at the connection of their limbs, before he's pulled like a fish hooked on a line.
her type?? hello? ]
I'll pass. [ but— ] Hey Miss Squid, if you're going to eat someone, obviously he's rounder and "packing." [ he says, his hand still wrapped around rinne's arm (not by choice). are they both holding wrists... that's kinda—
now it's his turn to tug rinne close as he produces a small flame, just enough to try and distract the tentacles. hers, not his. he speaks in close proximity, his voice almost like it was only meant for him. ] But, if you really want to try speaking with her, maybe you can repeat after me next time.
Hunting bears? Sure. Tracking foxes through the snow? Easy. But a giant squid? That's a whole different kind of hunt. Rafayel holds him as he conjures fire from his hands and all Rinne can focus on is what magic the man must possess if he can create something out of nothing.
Suddenly, Rinne is ashamed of his weakness. But more than shame, he's in awe. His brother never got the chance to shield him like this with a voice that prickles his ears with pleasant heat. Rinne had always been one to protect others, but things like these remind him of a truth he can't escape: this isn't his world, and he has no idea how to shape it.
But he knows people who can.]
...run.
[His grip tightens around his wrist as he buries his face into Rafayel's neck.]
in a place like this where he holds no influence over the sea life, nor can he communicate with them within the same capacity, it's clear that there's only one solution. when he feels rinne's grip on him tighten, he also holds him back. more on instinct and adrenaline than anything else.
his feet are already shuffling, albeit running had never been his strong suit. at least, not in front of a certain bodyguard. now wasn't the time for fronting, however. he grabs rinne by the waist, and ... he lifts rinne off the ground. just in time for the summer banner. ]
I'll try, but maybe you should stop making eyes at everyone you meet from now on.
[ Can't believe Rinne's getting the SSR for free...
Rafayel's strong. Rafayel's strong? Where was this guy when he was fainting all over the place back at the Valentia? Many questions come to mind, but Rinne holds his tongue. Back home, his tutors taught him that a leader only reveals his true power at the right moment. Rinne hides his strength for good reason, so Rafayel must be the same...
A good leader also owns up to whatever bullshit is going on, so. ]
That's just the Rinne Amagi charm, baby!
[ He yells this with his whole chest while looking extremely embarrassed.
Are they crossing the bridge or running back? Rinne wishes Rafayel would hurry. He hasn't figured out how to consistently rely his Carnivora powers yet, and the squid is probably destroying the bridge or something. I should really read the event notes. ]
[ if only they also were flyboarding instead but then i would be too embarrassed to go on
naturally, he has no intention of bringing any attention to his evol, or the fact that he's carrying rinne. the weight isn't familiar to him in the slightest, but the warmth somehow is. but, rafayel would rather not think about that. his own ears are a little red, if just because he never expected to save anyone here, much less the man he shared a bed with (platonic). though, he'd just as quickly blame rinne for seeming embarrassed first????
but, considering i didn't read either, rafayel is making a beeline for the opposite side of the bridge. if they're going to run, they're going to get somewhere as far as he's concerned. thankfully, by using the flames as a distraction, they're making it pretty far. almost there! ]
Don't yell in my ear, or this fish will have to swallow this little fox whole! [ says him, also yelling.
but, if they embarrassingly fall into the ocean, at least... he's probably better at swimming than running. ]
Also, can you do something about that? It's uncomfortable.
[ he feels something hard. put your gun away, rinne. ]
Edited (hit enter too early) 2025-08-18 20:00 (UTC)
[ Now, if they're sharing heat because Rinne always wants to imprint and Rafayel incidentally also wants to imprint, that's not his fault. Turn yours off first? Jeez.
That said, um. He's sorry. His face burns as bright as Rafayel's flames. ]
No, 'cause you're imprinting on me, dumbass! [ But Rinne's doing the same? ] Don't tell Prez. [ But it's okay to tell Niki? ] I-It never happened.
[ Embarrassing. First he pins this man to his bed (platonic), and now this...
Anyway, the squid makes one last attempt to shake them off by bringing a tentacle down near the end of the bridge. Do they make it?! Or will Rafayel die with Rinne's boner on him ]
[ it's true. since being here, there are a lot of first times for him. not necessarily in the rising heat he feels, but in whom it may be directed towards. it makes him feel uneasy to know that he's also feeling... something. but, maybe that's why it's easier to focus on rinne's wrongs. (rinne did nothing wrong) ]
You're the one who clung to me first, asking me to save you. [ except, not in those exact words. ... or words at all, really. but, even rafayel wouldn't just let him die. actually, does this make them even? it's a question, he surprisingly doesn't think of for once.
but, wait a minute. ] What does your "prez" have to do with th—
[ the last tentacle hits the space right behind his shuffling of feet, and rafayel makes one last leap forward. which inevitably means they're hitting the ground, yeah. sorry rinne. is it good that he never ends up asking? ]
[It's for the best. Right now, Rinne's acting entirely on instinct. With practiced precision, Rinne twists mid-air, holding Rafayel close to his chest as he takes the brunt of the landing's impact. It takes a moment for him to come to. When he does, he recognizes the exact position they're in.]
...You I'm really grateful and I know you want a prize for that, but can your reward wait? I'm kinda compromised right now.
[ in the heat (laughs) of the moments, he doesn't fully register what happens. unfortunately, fighting wanderers didn't necessarily prepare him for dramatically falling forward, or finding himself cradled in the arms of someone who should have been a stranger to him, but isn't. so even when he hears the tentacles begin to recede back into the ocean, he can't exactly be relieved.
if just because his own embarrassment takes precedence.
but, in spite of his ear and cheeks feeling like they're on fire, he figures he should at least try to figure out if rinne is okay, which might be why he's trying to slip his hand on rinne's neck, and it's the worst timing for him to wake up. rafayel plays it cool by pretending he wasn't trying to check on him.
but, then yeah. why are they this close. he pushes against rinne's chest to get up. ]
Y-you... you did it first. I told you no.
[ what is he even talking about. not even rafayel knows, but he does know to blame rinne. ]
[ why does this thread get worse each time i check. Anyway, as he stirs awake, the hand on his neck feels familiar. Oh, right. This is what Niki does to check if he's sick every time the weather changes ever so slightly. That's been happening more often now that he's in a completely different world... But that's nothing Rafayel should know. The color in his cheeks should tell him Rinne appreciates the gesture, though. ]
Why am I the bad guy now?
[ With his palm flat on Rafayel's chest, Rinne pushes the man off and sits himself up. He needs to hide his shame as soon as he can... ]
I guess I am. Imprinting gets us to trust each other faster, but I didn't think about you moving like that. I just wanted someone to...
[ ... ]
I guess you're the good guy for saving me. Thanks.
[ just two men with boners who narrowly escaped death... nbd. they can blame it on the adrenaline. or that's what rafayel would do. he's a little relieved when he feels the push against his chest and he settles back on his knees. he doesn't need to look down, instead he tucks his legs over, and begins also turning his body away from rinne.
it's good enough excuse to catch his breath, too. ]
Someone to what? [ he asks, because he's naturally nosy curious.
... and maybe, because he actually wants him to finish that sentence. but, even if he doesn't, rafayel shakes his head. ]
It was just a moment's strategy. Not everything is about that.
[ he means imprinting.
none of this sounds particularly convincing, but rafayel doesn't care for once. fronting in front of rinne just felt... kind of pointless, especially when he's seen him at his worst. does this mean, he won't hit up rinne in the future for free melon yogurt drinks because "he owes him"? no, it's the opposite. ]
[ there's a long stint of silence. just a brief shuffling of clothes, and the sound of rafayel dusting himself off. he opens his mouth for a second and closes it. then he starts again: ] You're also...
maybe kind of cool, if just for having saved him once. maybe twice in a way. but, rafayel never finishes those words, because he's also petty and suddenly remembered when rinne ditched him last time and he can't be the one to be left behind again.
so he literally leaves while rinne is talking and being very heartfelt, actually. this is so mean. ]
Rinne has half a mind to call out to him, but... Hmm. Maybe he gets it. Rinne doesn't deserve more attention than this. He should be lucky someone saved a shitty, powerless person like him at all! So that... makes sense.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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well, they should stay that way for now.
he clears his throat, as if making it a point to move on. ] Is it that unusual? Aren't there some species of birds who even push their own offsprings out of the nest? Maybe your village... [ still, he moves behind rinne quietly. no sound of footfall as he slides in swiftly.
then very suddenly, his hand reaches out, but instead of pushing rinne into the water, he actually grabs his shoulder and pulls him back. or that's the plan. ] Don't stand too close to the edge if you don't want to be a misplaced hatchling.
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Woah! [ ...and stumbles back. ] Hey now, I'm just lookin'! No point in giving the witch a trial run when you can see the whole package. Frankly, I think I'm packin'.
[ Don't listen to him. Whatever he says is a distraction. The sea continues to cry out to them. ]
You think that's what's happening here, Raffy? Some kinda coming-of-age ritual? Kyaha! Makes ya wonder why everyone jumped ship.
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maybe because he always does that he feels the distinct difference here. is it weird how only rinne's constant chatter seems to be the only thing that pulls him out of these thoughts? ] Packing with what? [ rafayel says it as if it's a challenge, his eyes looking rinne from the top of his head to his toes. his eyes dragging deliberate, slow...
especially as his hand still remains on him. almost as if he's worried the second he lets go, they'd both be under the waves. ] No, I don't. But, I... [ he isn't sure how he should word this, and so the words end up dying on the tip of his tongue. while their mutual transformations seems obvious, rafayel still struggles to talk about it if just because ... it may have not been so different than who he really was. so instead, he does what anyone would do. ]
If you're that curious, should we ask the fish?
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[As if on cue, giant tentacles emerge from the deep, breaking through and crashing against the water's hard surface. Normally, Rinne would have the sense to run away... but between Rafayel's suggestion and the instincts of his other soul, he's inclined to do opposite.
He chases after it.]
Hey!
[He runs to the edge of the bridge, trying to tug Rafayel along with him. Whatever he's packing... It's not here with right him now. He can't do this alone.]
H-hey! Miss Squid, over here! Can you hear me? Miss Squid!
[Miss Squid...
Miss Squid waves (?) a tentacle.]
She said hi...! [A huge breakthrough, surely.] Miss Squid, it's pretty lonely around here, right? Sorry to bother you, but we gotta pass through!
cw: tentacles... damn in the inbox
if this were back home, maybe he could hear the voice of the creature more clearly. maybe he could hear it speak back to him as easily as the fish. whether it's an ability that's been dampened from the presence of another soul fighting for ownership of his body, or just his own ability not being as readily accessed... he doesn't know, but it also doesn't matter. one thing becomes increasingly clear to him....
rinne can't actually understand them, huh. ] That's definitely not what she said. [ he says as he reaches out, and this time, his grip might feel a bit slick and sticky. not unlike the tentacle that rises out of the water, actually.
this is a mess.
but, it seems just in time as the tentacle slaps down on the surface of the water with surprising impact; drops of water cascading over them as its tentacles begin writhing. ] I told you not everyone likes the smell of fur. [ he's pulling him to avoid a tentacle that moves their way. he wants to reach for his dagger, but...
his skin is stuck to rinne's. oops. ]
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Hah? [ Rinne cranes his neck to squint at Rafayel with a grin. ] The hell dβya mean? She waved, didnβt she? Looked friendly to meβ
[ A tentacle slams down where theyβd just been standing, water spraying like shards of glass. Rinne staggers back, his own grip tightening on Rafayelβs wrist as the beat of his heart kicks up. ]
Okay, maybe sheβs a little pissed. [ Which means it's not the time to fool around. He ducks another tentacle swipe, tail whipping behind him for balance as he brings Rafayel down with him.] How 'bout you try talking to her, pretty boy? I'm willing to bet you're more her type!
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he wonders if he also has abilities he isn't entirely showing for. but, he barely can think on it when he feels the tug on his wrist. it's stronger than he expects, and for a moment he stares at the connection of their limbs, before he's pulled like a fish hooked on a line.
her type?? hello? ]
I'll pass. [ but— ] Hey Miss Squid, if you're going to eat someone, obviously he's rounder and "packing." [ he says, his hand still wrapped around rinne's arm (not by choice). are they both holding wrists... that's kinda—
now it's his turn to tug rinne close as he produces a small flame, just enough to try and distract the tentacles. hers, not his. he speaks in close proximity, his voice almost like it was only meant for him. ] But, if you really want to try speaking with her, maybe you can repeat after me next time.
[ orrr, they can make this their cue to run. ]
no subject
Hunting bears? Sure. Tracking foxes through the snow? Easy. But a giant squid? That's a whole different kind of hunt. Rafayel holds him as he conjures fire from his hands and all Rinne can focus on is what magic the man must possess if he can create something out of nothing.
Suddenly, Rinne is ashamed of his weakness. But more than shame, he's in awe. His brother never got the chance to shield him like this with a voice that prickles his ears with pleasant heat. Rinne had always been one to protect others, but things like these remind him of a truth he can't escape: this isn't his world, and he has no idea how to shape it.
But he knows people who can.]
...run.
[His grip tightens around his wrist as he buries his face into Rafayel's neck.]
Tell her I'm taken. We gotta run!
[can they run or does someone need to be carried]
no subject
in a place like this where he holds no influence over the sea life, nor can he communicate with them within the same capacity, it's clear that there's only one solution. when he feels rinne's grip on him tighten, he also holds him back. more on instinct and adrenaline than anything else.
his feet are already shuffling, albeit running had never been his strong suit. at least, not in front of a certain bodyguard. now wasn't the time for fronting, however. he grabs rinne by the waist, and ... he lifts rinne off the ground. just in time for the summer banner. ]
I'll try, but maybe you should stop making eyes at everyone you meet from now on.
[ yeah, he blaming rinne. ]
no subject
Rafayel's strong. Rafayel's strong? Where was this guy when he was fainting all over the place back at the Valentia? Many questions come to mind, but Rinne holds his tongue. Back home, his tutors taught him that a leader only reveals his true power at the right moment. Rinne hides his strength for good reason, so Rafayel must be the same...
A good leader also owns up to whatever bullshit is going on, so. ]
That's just the Rinne Amagi charm, baby!
[ He yells this with his whole chest while looking extremely embarrassed.
Are they crossing the bridge or running back? Rinne wishes Rafayel would hurry. He hasn't figured out how to consistently rely his Carnivora powers yet, and the squid is probably destroying the bridge or something. I should really read the event notes. ]
no subject
naturally, he has no intention of bringing any attention to his evol, or the fact that he's carrying rinne. the weight isn't familiar to him in the slightest, but the warmth somehow is. but, rafayel would rather not think about that. his own ears are a little red, if just because he never expected to save anyone here, much less the man he shared a bed with (platonic). though, he'd just as quickly blame rinne for seeming embarrassed first????
but, considering i didn't read either, rafayel is making a beeline for the opposite side of the bridge. if they're going to run, they're going to get somewhere as far as he's concerned. thankfully, by using the flames as a distraction, they're making it pretty far. almost there! ]
Don't yell in my ear, or this fish will have to swallow this little fox whole! [ says him, also yelling.
but, if they embarrassingly fall into the ocean, at least... he's probably better at swimming than running. ]
Also, can you do something about that? It's uncomfortable.
[ he feels something hard. put your gun away, rinne. ]
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That said, um. He's sorry. His face burns as bright as Rafayel's flames. ]
No, 'cause you're imprinting on me, dumbass! [ But Rinne's doing the same? ] Don't tell Prez. [ But it's okay to tell Niki? ] I-It never happened.
[ Embarrassing. First he pins this man to his bed (platonic), and now this...
Anyway, the squid makes one last attempt to shake them off by bringing a tentacle down near the end of the bridge. Do they make it?! Or will Rafayel die with Rinne's boner on him ]
no subject
You're the one who clung to me first, asking me to save you. [ except, not in those exact words. ... or words at all, really. but, even rafayel wouldn't just let him die. actually, does this make them even? it's a question, he surprisingly doesn't think of for once.
but, wait a minute. ] What does your "prez" have to do with th—
[ the last tentacle hits the space right behind his shuffling of feet, and rafayel makes one last leap forward. which inevitably means they're hitting the ground, yeah. sorry rinne. is it good that he never ends up asking? ]
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...You I'm really grateful and I know you want a prize for that, but can your reward wait? I'm kinda compromised right now.
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if just because his own embarrassment takes precedence.
but, in spite of his ear and cheeks feeling like they're on fire, he figures he should at least try to figure out if rinne is okay, which might be why he's trying to slip his hand on rinne's neck, and it's the worst timing for him to wake up. rafayel plays it cool by pretending he wasn't trying to check on him.
but, then yeah. why are they this close. he pushes against rinne's chest to get up. ]
Y-you... you did it first. I told you no.
[ what is he even talking about. not even rafayel knows, but he does know to blame rinne. ]
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Why am I the bad guy now?
[ With his palm flat on Rafayel's chest, Rinne pushes the man off and sits himself up. He needs to hide his shame as soon as he can... ]
I guess I am. Imprinting gets us to trust each other faster, but I didn't think about you moving like that. I just wanted someone to...
[ ... ]
I guess you're the good guy for saving me. Thanks.
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it's good enough excuse to catch his breath, too. ]
Someone to what? [ he asks, because he's naturally
nosycurious.... and maybe, because he actually wants him to finish that sentence. but, even if he doesn't, rafayel shakes his head. ]
It was just a moment's strategy. Not everything is about that.
[ he means imprinting.
none of this sounds particularly convincing, but rafayel doesn't care for once. fronting in front of rinne just felt... kind of pointless, especially when he's seen him at his worst. does this mean, he won't hit up rinne in the future for free melon yogurt drinks because "he owes him"? no, it's the opposite. ]
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[Well... Since there's no reason to front about this... Rinne assures him with a shy smile.]
... Don't worry. I won't tell anybody about any of this. The super cool Raffy is safe with me.
1/2
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maybe kind of cool, if just for having saved him once. maybe twice in a way. but, rafayel never finishes those words, because he's also petty and suddenly remembered when rinne ditched him last time and he can't be the one to be left behind again.
so he literally leaves while rinne is talking and being very heartfelt, actually. this is so mean. ]
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Rinne has half a mind to call out to him, but... Hmm. Maybe he gets it. Rinne doesn't deserve more attention than this. He should be lucky someone saved a shitty, powerless person like him at all! So that... makes sense.
Dammit. He has to be stronger.]