[ even if there's an alternate path, doesn't that mean that he's still stuck walking this one? there might be another version of events where things don't go to hell... but where does that leave this tobari in purgatory?
nonetheless, he's not blind to the attempt being made at reassurance. rafayel steps closer, and tobari huffs out an amused breath. his free hand comes up to the back of rafayel's neck, guiding him down enough so that their foreheads can touch. not unlike the same gesture he'd shown hinagiku—but in the end, all he can tell is that there's two kind people worrying about even a sinner like him. ]
Don't make me into one more person you're trying to save, Raf. [ and even though his smile is a bit teasing—trying to keep things light—his voice is warm. gentle, even. ] I'll be alright.
This extra time I've gotten with everyone, with you, is enough for me.
[ the touch to the back of his neck, almost has him flinch on reflex. but, the raw emotion behind the gesture keeps him still, he moves along to the touch until their foreheads are touching. he feels a tickle of hair, and he also releases a soft sigh. ]
You always treat me like I'm fragile or something. [ he says, as he rubs their foreheads together just briefly, before pulling back. just enough to plant a hand on tobari's cheek and trying to pull it lightly. ] I can afford to help just one more lost fish.
I also know you're strong. That you'll be fine. [ that's what worries him more. precisely because tobari was a selfless person by heart; that he would rather place everyone else's needs and desires above his own. that he was essentially someone who may love too deeply.
maybe lemurians weren't the only ones who live and die for love. ]
[ he doesn't think he's had his cheek pulled in... so long... he makes a slight face with the pinch, but doesn't fight too hard against it.
it's just... he doesn't know if this is true! rafayel seems to have a lot on his hands as is, which tobari understands. what's the point in trying to help a dead man? isn't that just a path that'll lead to regret, wasted time, and heartache later? ]
... I don't think you're fragile. I think it takes a lot of strength to hold onto what you are and still keep going. It's admirable.
[ to still be able to play around with people, and to be actively trying to choose compassion instead of callousness ]
I just want you to be careful.
[ he doesn't want to find out what happens when an already bruised heart takes a beating ]
no subject
nonetheless, he's not blind to the attempt being made at reassurance. rafayel steps closer, and tobari huffs out an amused breath. his free hand comes up to the back of rafayel's neck, guiding him down enough so that their foreheads can touch. not unlike the same gesture he'd shown hinagiku—but in the end, all he can tell is that there's two kind people worrying about even a sinner like him. ]
Don't make me into one more person you're trying to save, Raf. [ and even though his smile is a bit teasing—trying to keep things light—his voice is warm. gentle, even. ] I'll be alright.
This extra time I've gotten with everyone, with you, is enough for me.
no subject
You always treat me like I'm fragile or something. [ he says, as he rubs their foreheads together just briefly, before pulling back. just enough to plant a hand on tobari's cheek and trying to pull it lightly. ] I can afford to help just one more lost fish.
I also know you're strong. That you'll be fine. [ that's what worries him more. precisely because tobari was a selfless person by heart; that he would rather place everyone else's needs and desires above his own. that he was essentially someone who may love too deeply.
maybe lemurians weren't the only ones who live and die for love. ]
no subject
it's just... he doesn't know if this is true! rafayel seems to have a lot on his hands as is, which tobari understands. what's the point in trying to help a dead man? isn't that just a path that'll lead to regret, wasted time, and heartache later? ]
... I don't think you're fragile. I think it takes a lot of strength to hold onto what you are and still keep going. It's admirable.
[ to still be able to play around with people, and to be actively trying to choose compassion instead of callousness ]
I just want you to be careful.
[ he doesn't want to find out what happens when an already bruised heart takes a beating ]