[ OKAY that is a very rude thought, you punk. Calling him debris... Not that he has any clue.
All he knows is that Rafayel has decided to challenge him, but not in a way that lets any accidental honesty spill through. For a second, he contemplates pressing his thumb in further, eager to win this game of chicken.
But instead, he pulls his hand back, letting it rest against the rim of the tub. ]
I see. [ The amusement fades into something more thoughtful, like he's studying him. ] Out of consideration of your fatigue, I won't give you a repeat performance.
it's not even like he's won any real ground here, but rafayel decides to think of it as if he did. when sylus retracts his hand, he does just settle back into the bath water, doing his best not to let the tension in his shoulders and body show. ]
"Consideration." [ he repeats, before closing his eyes. ]
[ Rafayel can consider it a win... He's tired of sitting on the rim of the tub, and lets himself sink onto the floor, leaning back against the tub. Back support. ]
You ran away.
[ What was it that Rafayel said... That hunters are only interested in prey while it's running? ]
admittedly, he's never expected or wanted any apology. if he had to be honest, this is even better. it was almost like an unspoken agreement, or an implication of one. as if sylus was insinuating that he'd always follow him if he ran. not that rafayel even really thinks he ran (he did).
... and not that rafayel truly believes that's what sylus meant. ]
Spoken like a real hunter. Maybe you should change careers.
[ he reaches a hand out and gives sylus' shoulders a light touch. ]
But, for the record, I didn't run. Your chase may have been pointless.
[ That's such gay meta. And it's true, even if he doesn't realize. Sylus' attention isn't easy to earn, and he's never felt a desire to look anywhere other than the hunter. Even now, he misses her, wishes that she was here, that he could touch her...
Being here with Rafayel isn't a consolation, nor is it a distraction from his longing. That part of him is immutable and ever lasting.
His interest in Rafayel is something entirely new, perhaps similar in ways, but still entirely separate.
If he were to run, Sylus would find him. He's not one to let his treasures go. ]
No?
[ His head falls in the direction of Rafayel's hand, eye closed. ]
that said, rafayel does peek at sylus' back curiously, as if attempting to see through him. you know, even when he knows that's impossible. but, the second sylus finishes his sentence, he catches himself and he turns back away. ] Yeah, that has to be it.
At least, it's better than worrying about a certain someone. For one, Soo-Won is pretty considerate. He seems to think before he says things, tries new things with me, and... who knows. [ you started this, and rafayel isn't going to go out of his way to correct sylus. ]
[ Why isn't he surprised that Rafayel is running with this. You are using a dead man in this manner?
Not that Sylus cares.
He keeps his eyes closed, feeling the fatigue of the day catching up with him. It's nice to take a moment to rest... While listening to Rafayel yammer on. It feels cozy. ]
he pauses because it's clearly a half-truth, but thankfully he doesn't scramble for very long to come up with a response. ] He was interested in the ocean, and said he wanted to try walking on the shore together. [ he starts off, but admittedly...
he isn't sure where he was going with this.
idly he places a finger where sylus' hairline begins on the back of his neck.
he wonders if he was planning to take a nap here? ]
[ He is not going to take a nap here when there is a bed just in the other room, but he doesn't mind lounging here a moment. It's nostalgic, reminds him of when he would have to patch himself up in an unnamed bathroom after a long day.
He doesn't move when Rafayel puts the finger on his nape, but he doesn't tense up at the sudden contact either, remaining relaxed. ]
Sounds like he was just choosing easy answers to earn your affection. [ Walking on the beach? Predictable. Lame. ] He should've offered to go riding on a jet ski or play with a hoverboard if he really wanted to try something new.
[ Choose something more impressive if you want to make him jealous... ]
when sylus remains still, his finger continues, trailing up through his hair. he stops when he reaches the center of it, as if deciding whether to move left or right. ] Is that a problem? [ he gives a small huff. ]
When it comes to watersports, you do know you're talking to the expert, right? [ it's obvious? he'd win? why is it a competition now, who knows... but, he does shake his head, as if they're getting off topic. ] But, I'll keep that in mind next time. A flyboarding date does sound kinda fun.
[ They are getting off-topic. He still hasn't discerned what Rafayel wants, or whether he's still upset about the mild choking attempt that Sylus doesn't think is that big of a deal.
The petting is nice though. Almost like having his hair played with. ]
[ good, because he's going for the other ear next, giving it a light flick. ]
If that's how you want to interpret it. [ the real answer is, he isn't sure what he wanted? a warm welcome? validation for this strange connection they had? sylus was probably right in determining half his issue wasn't actually with sylus himself. ]
Of course, that doesn't mean I'm going to say yes.
no subject
All he knows is that Rafayel has decided to challenge him, but not in a way that lets any accidental honesty spill through. For a second, he contemplates pressing his thumb in further, eager to win this game of chicken.
But instead, he pulls his hand back, letting it rest against the rim of the tub. ]
I see. [ The amusement fades into something more thoughtful, like he's studying him. ] Out of consideration of your fatigue, I won't give you a repeat performance.
no subject
it's not even like he's won any real ground here, but rafayel decides to think of it as if he did. when sylus retracts his hand, he does just settle back into the bath water, doing his best not to let the tension in his shoulders and body show. ]
"Consideration." [ he repeats, before closing his eyes. ]
So, why'd you come looking for me?
no subject
You ran away.
[ What was it that Rafayel said... That hunters are only interested in prey while it's running? ]
I assumed you wanted me to follow you.
[ Not like he cares or anything, idiot. ]
no subject
admittedly, he's never expected or wanted any apology. if he had to be honest, this is even better. it was almost like an unspoken agreement, or an implication of one. as if sylus was insinuating that he'd always follow him if he ran. not that rafayel even really thinks he ran (he did).
... and not that rafayel truly believes that's what sylus meant. ]
Spoken like a real hunter. Maybe you should change careers.
[ he reaches a hand out and gives sylus' shoulders a light touch. ]
But, for the record, I didn't run. Your chase may have been pointless.
no subject
Being here with Rafayel isn't a consolation, nor is it a distraction from his longing. That part of him is immutable and ever lasting.
His interest in Rafayel is something entirely new, perhaps similar in ways, but still entirely separate.
If he were to run, Sylus would find him. He's not one to let his treasures go. ]
No?
[ His head falls in the direction of Rafayel's hand, eye closed. ]
Were you just that emotional over Soo-Won?
no subject
that said, rafayel does peek at sylus' back curiously, as if attempting to see through him. you know, even when he knows that's impossible. but, the second sylus finishes his sentence, he catches himself and he turns back away. ] Yeah, that has to be it.
At least, it's better than worrying about a certain someone. For one, Soo-Won is pretty considerate. He seems to think before he says things, tries new things with me, and... who knows. [ you started this, and rafayel isn't going to go out of his way to correct sylus. ]
no subject
Not that Sylus cares.
He keeps his eyes closed, feeling the fatigue of the day catching up with him. It's nice to take a moment to rest... While listening to Rafayel yammer on. It feels cozy. ]
Tries new things? Like what?
[ Hmmm? ]
no subject
he pauses because it's clearly a half-truth, but thankfully he doesn't scramble for very long to come up with a response. ] He was interested in the ocean, and said he wanted to try walking on the shore together. [ he starts off, but admittedly...
he isn't sure where he was going with this.
idly he places a finger where sylus' hairline begins on the back of his neck.
he wonders if he was planning to take a nap here? ]
no subject
He doesn't move when Rafayel puts the finger on his nape, but he doesn't tense up at the sudden contact either, remaining relaxed. ]
Sounds like he was just choosing easy answers to earn your affection. [ Walking on the beach? Predictable. Lame. ] He should've offered to go riding on a jet ski or play with a hoverboard if he really wanted to try something new.
[ Choose something more impressive if you want to make him jealous... ]
no subject
when sylus remains still, his finger continues, trailing up through his hair. he stops when he reaches the center of it, as if deciding whether to move left or right. ] Is that a problem? [ he gives a small huff. ]
When it comes to watersports, you do know you're talking to the expert, right? [ it's obvious? he'd win? why is it a competition now, who knows... but, he does shake his head, as if they're getting off topic. ] But, I'll keep that in mind next time. A flyboarding date does sound kinda fun.
no subject
The petting is nice though. Almost like having his hair played with. ]
For your date with Soo-Won.
[ lol ]
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You want me to go on a date that badly?
[ he shrugs. ]
Then you should consider working up the courage to ask me yourself.
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Is that what you wanted when we all returned? For me to ask you on a date?
no subject
If that's how you want to interpret it. [ the real answer is, he isn't sure what he wanted? a warm welcome? validation for this strange connection they had? sylus was probably right in determining half his issue wasn't actually with sylus himself. ]
Of course, that doesn't mean I'm going to say yes.