[ he does... tobari does bully his favs... i don't think rafayel should want to be a fav anymore.
it'd be so funny if he didn't show up, but no. to be honest, he probably showed up early. in the ihop itself, there's a booth already occupied. there is a box of string cheese sticks straight from bostco on one of the seats for rafayel.... however on the tabletop, there's also a small plastic container with some pastry dish inside, still a bit too opaque to make it out clearly. there's a second container nearby, but that one looks more like it just has riceballs. nothing fancy.
tobari himself is coming from the kitchen of the ihop, carrying two strawberry drinkies, yum. ]
despite his jokes about ihop, rafayel honestly doesn't mind what tobari serves. he presumes the lunch was more of a gesture than anything else. even though he told him not to bother and to finally rid himself of all sense of duty or obligation— he knows tobari isn't like that. the compass in his own pocket remains confusing even to him, but he also doesn't spare a thought to that. he looks at the cheese...
will he even have time to eat all these? at least, he can stuff one into all his pockets. he's already nosily poking around at the containers, before he turns to tobari. ] Is all this for me? You sure your goal isn't actually to stuff me up so you can eat me?
[ when rafayel says 'all this', tobari does need to take a second to just look at him like he grew a second head. you give a guy a chance to literally come back to life and think that he can't spend some time in the kitchen as a meager show of appreciation? what the fuck?
he'll just offer him one glass as he goes to take a seat himself, ] Can you raise your standards even half a step before I get offended?
[ ONCE AGAIN: "ALL THIS"? THEY'RE IN IHOP ]
Anyway, I don't think you'd be agreeable to my stomach so just enjoy all your fucking cheese.
[ if raf's already poking around the containers, tobari will just go ahead and open them. he lifts the lid to the pastry container revealing a simple japanese cheesecake with strawberries on top... yummy ]
I said lunch but I didn't expect you to have the tastes of a child, so this probably isn't that filling. [ he points to the other container ] Just take those riceballs with you after.
[ i think about how they don't need to eat but tobari was still like 'well you should have a complete meal anyway' since he brought up food. the riceballs are also simple but tasty... they have salmon filling ]
[ he does notice the way tobari looks at him, but he seems keen on ignoring it. giving him little more than a weird pursing of his lips and giving him a shrug. listen!!!! stop trying to show your appreciation!!! you're making it weird!!
he grabs the glass and does take a sip of it. it may not be a taste that necessarily reminds him of home, but maybe in the future, it will remind him of this lunch from time to time. ] That just sounds like you're scared. But, you're right. You couldn't handle me.
[ lol, he's going to place the glass down so he can try and help himself to some cheesecake, but he does stop mid-way. ] If I'm a child, then are you my mom? Should I try calling you that? Mommybari?
[ the glass is a nice bubbly—it's strawberry forward but there is some alcohol in it because if they're in ihop might as well take advantage of the one thing this place has going for it.
[ tobari hasn't even explained what they're here for!!! but also he's getting tired of just being batted at like a play toy. so he'll get the fork properly in his hand so that he can get a complete bite of cheesecake, along with a little slice of strawberry. tobari's free hand reaches out just briefly, his thumb tracing along rafayel's bottom lip and then follow the line of it to the corner of his mouth even though he hasn't taken a bite so it's not like there's any crumbs! it's a fleeting touch, intentionally teasing, and then he pull back.
then he'll extend the fork back out to rafayel—with a loose enough hold on the utensil so he can either take it back or just let himself be fed. ]
[ it's not a lie to say a bit of his behavior may have been a form of lashing out. of giving tobari a hard time, half out of humor, and half out of pettiness, and yet he can't help but be a little stunned when tobari eventually ends up reversing their roles.
he blinks, and opens his mouth to try and stop him, but he's overly aware of the way his fingers brush over his lips. it reminds him a little... of another such incident, and he can't help but to feel self-conscious. he pulls back, grabbing the fork back with a huffy complaint. ] You... [ he ends up stuffing the piece of cheesecake into his own mouth and he chews for a few moments before. ]
It would have been better without the performance. [ pouting... ]
[ the huffiness soothes any remaining ruffled feathers tobari might've had about it, content in his revenge. ]
Someone else at the table acted out first.
[ and tobari's not the type of person to back down when baited. he doesn't really do anything half-heartedly—even when it comes to learning how to make a cheesecake. it's not stunningly gourmet or anything, he didn't have quite that much time to perfect his skills, but its taste and flavor profile are up to tobari's own strict standards. so it's pretty good.
anyway, he'll shake his head. before rafayel says something else insane that tobari gets distracted by, he'll pull out that familiar second chance vial from where it was tucked into his belt. ]
I actually invited you out to apologize. This is the one you gave me.
[ and with little ceremony, he'll uncork the vial and empty its lemony contents into his own strawberry drink. he'll look at it a moment, admiring the way that it mixes in so easily to the cocktail, and then proceed to drink all of it down to the last drop. ]
[ he mutters something under his breath to feel like he gets one last say in all of this, before he does end up focusing back on his food. rafayel idly continues to get another forkful of cake, which he does seem to chew on contentedly. his cheese...
he only seems to put it down, when tobari begins to dig in his belt. for half a second, he has to wonder if this is continuation? revenge? but, only when he pulls out the vial does his mouth sort of fall agape for a moment, his eyes glued to the vial. ] I get it, didn't I... [ he doesn't get to finish his words before...
[ tobari tilts his head, trying to decide how much he wants to say. was he overly honest with rafayel last time? should he be just as equally honest now? his tongue darts out to lick the corner of his mouth, making sure he gets all of the elixir, as he contemplates his answer. ]
... ah. I think I was an idiot. [ maybe he should've seen some things coming, but. ] I was trying to figure out where to send Suzune—it's too dangerous for her to go back to our home without me, so she'd need somewhere else to go to be safe.
It's when I was asking around that someone... gave me a second vial. Just like that. Two vials for us pair of siblings.
[ and he still sounds disbelieving. probably would still wonder if he hallucinated it, if he didn't have the second vial stashed away on his person as a physical reminder. ]
So I felt like an asshole. Making a big deal of everything to you, and turning away your offer without thinking. I know there was never a guarantee that it would've turned out this way...
[ but it did. tobari was once again saved by the kindness of other people. ]
So I'm glad there's a moment where I can just say 'thank you', instead of just giving you another regret.
there's a long pause as he listens to tobari's explanation without interruption. ] Only now you realize. [ except the comment about him being an idiot. now he's back to zero interruptions. he listens on quietly, and he can't help but to smile in spite of the other emotions he feels. no, maybe that's all he can really focus in on. despite all his talk, and all his judgment on tobari, he can't necessarily say he's any better. ... and maybe that's why tobari's actions stung a little more than intended. ]
But, I think any normal person would struggle with a big decision like that. I also was pretty impatient... [ but, he does reach over to try and pinch tobari's nose. ] Though, if I had one complaint, is all you know how to do, say "sorry" and "thank you"?
In moments like this, you're supposed to say, "I'm definitely going to be happy."
[ okay he felt sorry but he doesn't feel quite so generous as to let rafayel just manhandle him however he wants. he lets him pinch his nose for a whole half a second before tobari catches his wrist and pulls his hand away. stop.
though at the request, he'll pause. can he say that? rafayel knows just as well that moving on after you've lost so much is hard. having his sister alive and well will do a considerable amount of healing for tobari, but it doesn't change what and who else he's lost beside her.
... well, despite all he's said and done, he'd rather not get into the habit of disappointing rafayel too much. ]
... I'll try. To accept what happiness comes my way.
[ that's as honest as he can hope to be.
he squeezes rafayel's wrist once before letting go. what he can say for sure is: ]
[ i like how manhandling is the limit... when he catches his wrist, rafayel does end up stopping. though, he does look like a petulant child being scolded, or like a pet that's been told "no"... metaphorically stomps off to a corner to sadly side-eye you into feeling guilty.
sadly, he can't read into tobari's emotions exactly. however, he does get that he was oddly serious when it came to matters like these, and he can only imagine what's going through his head. if he wasn't stopped the first time, he would've poked him again tbh. ]
Good. Don't think too much either. I can already see the wheels inside your head turning like... waaaay too fast. [ it wasn't a bad thing to be considerate, but he'd like for him to remain a little more carefree here.
which is why he does smile at his second request. ] I told you, I'd show you anytime.
[ he can't deny that. he does find himself ruminating on whether he even deserves to be alive... but it doesn't really matter, does it? as long as suzune is going back to life and if it'd be easier for her for him to live, too, then he will.
now that he's done defending himself against raf's annoyances, he'll pick up his own fork and take a bite of the cheesecake. ]
Show me the ocean? How? Are we heading to the lake after this? Or is there anything left you're afraid to show me?
[ it's not like they pick what memories the lake reveals after all ]
[ he leans over and pushes a strawberry onto tobari's slice, before eating another mouthful of cheesecake. he takes time to savor it a little, before he begins to talk. wait, before he chokes, he also takes a quick sip of his drink too. ]
Why would I have anything to be afraid of?
[ ...
maybe that's a lie. but, he hopes he can manage to only share the good. after all, there were a few people here who weren't very fond of the ocean, or large bodies of water. not that it bothered him, but at the very least, he hopes tobari can enjoy it. ]
If I don't like it, are you going to drag me away again?
If you want me to. [ a slight shrug ] I don't like seeing people uncomfortable, even if there might be things we have to confront about our lives. At the very least, even if it's bad, I don't think there's anything about you I can't accept.
[ maybe this is a bold statement but
tobari's been betrayed a few times over and still manages to try to understand people, so he feels like rafayel can't surprise him too much. and even if he did, it wouldn't change that he's saved tobari's life. so. ]
[ he tries not to laugh at tobari just eating it on instinct.
but, his reaction soon melds into something a little different. tobari's words are deeply comforting. almost as if they were specifically catered to him and the insecurities he constantly grapples with. at the same time, he isn't sure he deserves to be told these words. objectively, he's a killer, and he's never forgotten that, regardless of what motivations are propelling him from behind. ... so, he does let out a quiet huff. ]
Those words... It sounds like you're setting yourself up for disappointment. [ there's almost a coldness to his words, but it's really just a protective shell. he finishes his last piece, and it's almost like demeanor changes, his hand motions a little more graceful and poised. ]
You might end up afraid. [ ... and he doesn't want to find that out.
or that's what his he seems to be saying. then again, it's weird enough that he isn't scared of him now. ]
[ tobari is often the most intentionally menacing person in the room. with that said, he can at least sense the type of emotional weight that's behind rafayel's words. even if tobari is confident, he doesn't want to be dismissive. ]
... I'm not sure what skeletons you're hiding, and I won't force them out, but I don't want you to think I'm saying it lightly. If it's you, then I won't look away.
maybe it won't show tobari that rafayel is a murderer, thank.
when they get to the lakes surface and a vision first comes in view— it will mostly be filled with rafayel's mundane life. little snippets of them cast in the ripples beyond the surface, and eventually they'll be led to a larger memory. this memory encapsulates them and almost makes it feel like they've been transported to rafayel's private island. they'll be in the middle of his studio. there are several artworks that are still in the process of being completed, and the home is decorated lavishly. tobari will note that there are several large floor to window ceilings, and directly off to the side is a vast balcony that leads to a walkway to the shore.
the ocean almost looks like it's welcoming them. the surface of the water glimmers like jewels, and even the seagulls seem to be actively greeting them. for reason though, tobari will feel like he has eyes on him, and rafayel will be there, his fingers like a viewfinder, pretending like he's taking a picture of him. ]
Wanna check out the beach? [ in terms of emotions, tobari can probably feel rafayel's excitement. but, also a bit of nostalgia. he hasn't been away for very long, but it definitely feels like ( rafayel voice ) it's been 800 years.
it's enough for him to temporarily forget the heavier topic they've touched on before arriving here. ]
[ wow what if he wants to know now if rafayel is a murderer
just kidding, tobari really meant it when he said he'd accept literally anything rafayel showed him. if anything, knowing that raf lives in this level of luxury and opulence is actually far more foreign to tobari than anything else. even though the red light district is made of glamour and beauty, most of it is just a cover-up for the hard life of its occupants. this studio and home feels genuine in its splendor, and he can't help but admire it—even if his gaze does linger on the paintings more than anything else once he puts together that they're rafayel's works.
he'll turn to rafayel once spoken to, and his smile comes a little easier, coaxed by the openness in rafayel's emotions. tobari's own just reflect a little bit of his awe, some of his fondness. ]
Isn't that what we're here for? Lead the way.
[ he'll follow after, even though he almost gets a sense that this might be just as much for raf as it is for him ]
rafayel reminds himself to keep focused for tobari's sake. the actual ocean. whitesand bay is every bit the beaches you see in catalogues. it said to be nicest beach in linkon city. while rafayel doesn't know if matches up that bold title— the ocean would always hold a special place within him. all creatures born of the sea inevitably return to it. all beings born from the ocean waves will forever yearn for the lull and tranquility beneath the tides. ... and, the idea of it being "home" doesn't ever change.
while the girl in his memories isn't there, he is glad to a familiar face with him too. it's a contrast to the lonely days he's spent traversing this same strip of shoreline. every couple of steps, he'll look back to tobari. rafayel is already casting off his shoes to wade around in the shallows. the sea is not only picturesque, but incredibly calm. the scent of salt water is sharp on the nose, and yet even that feels really familiar. ] You're not scared of the water, right?
but maybe not here at the beach where it is so peaceful and nice? it's even nicer than the one that obikawa summoned up at random, and tobari sort of just copies rafayel's own motions to toe off his boots and leave it behind with his socks stuffed in them. even if rafayel looks back to make sure he's following—he is, even though his gaze is largely trained on the ocean itself with a quiet, admiring type of awe.
tobari has seen a lake in the abyss, but it's too toxic to casually swim in. clean water itself is hard to come by in itehari. the idea of just being able to wade right into the ocean astounds him and his emotions reflect that so easily. astonishment, reverence, and even a not-so-small amount of gratitude. it's the type of sight he never thought he'd be able to see in his life.
rafayel's question brings him back to earth and even as he's following into the water without much concern, ]
No, but I never got the chance to learn how to swim.
[ but it still doesn't occur to him to be afraid. he's busy watching the waves come in and wash over the shore ]
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it'd be so funny if he didn't show up, but no. to be honest, he probably showed up early. in the ihop itself, there's a booth already occupied. there is a box of string cheese sticks straight from bostco on one of the seats for rafayel.... however on the tabletop, there's also a small plastic container with some pastry dish inside, still a bit too opaque to make it out clearly. there's a second container nearby, but that one looks more like it just has riceballs. nothing fancy.
tobari himself is coming from the kitchen of the ihop, carrying two strawberry drinkies, yum. ]
Ah. Hey. Have a seat.
[ he did cook......... ]
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despite his jokes about ihop, rafayel honestly doesn't mind what tobari serves. he presumes the lunch was more of a gesture than anything else. even though he told him not to bother and to finally rid himself of all sense of duty or obligation— he knows tobari isn't like that. the compass in his own pocket remains confusing even to him, but he also doesn't spare a thought to that. he looks at the cheese...
will he even have time to eat all these? at least, he can stuff one into all his pockets. he's already nosily poking around at the containers, before he turns to tobari. ] Is all this for me? You sure your goal isn't actually to stuff me up so you can eat me?
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he'll just offer him one glass as he goes to take a seat himself, ] Can you raise your standards even half a step before I get offended?
[ ONCE AGAIN: "ALL THIS"? THEY'RE IN IHOP ]
Anyway, I don't think you'd be agreeable to my stomach so just enjoy all your fucking cheese.
[ if raf's already poking around the containers, tobari will just go ahead and open them. he lifts the lid to the pastry container revealing a simple japanese cheesecake with strawberries on top... yummy ]
I said lunch but I didn't expect you to have the tastes of a child, so this probably isn't that filling. [ he points to the other container ] Just take those riceballs with you after.
[ i think about how they don't need to eat but tobari was still like 'well you should have a complete meal anyway' since he brought up food. the riceballs are also simple but tasty... they have salmon filling ]
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he grabs the glass and does take a sip of it. it may not be a taste that necessarily reminds him of home, but maybe in the future, it will remind him of this lunch from time to time. ] That just sounds like you're scared. But, you're right. You couldn't handle me.
[ lol, he's going to place the glass down so he can try and help himself to some cheesecake, but he does stop mid-way. ] If I'm a child, then are you my mom? Should I try calling you that? Mommybari?
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but also more importantly ]
First of all, what the fuck.
Second, eat your damn food.
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Shouldn't you the one feeding me? [ grabbing tobari's wrist and putting a fork in his hand.
he's just giving him a hard time. he'll take it back in a second. ]
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tiredly: ]
What do you think we're here for?
[ tobari hasn't even explained what they're here for!!! but also he's getting tired of just being batted at like a play toy. so he'll get the fork properly in his hand so that he can get a complete bite of cheesecake, along with a little slice of strawberry. tobari's free hand reaches out just briefly, his thumb tracing along rafayel's bottom lip and then follow the line of it to the corner of his mouth even though he hasn't taken a bite so it's not like there's any crumbs! it's a fleeting touch, intentionally teasing, and then he pull back.
then he'll extend the fork back out to rafayel—with a loose enough hold on the utensil so he can either take it back or just let himself be fed. ]
Is this the attention what you wanted?
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he blinks, and opens his mouth to try and stop him, but he's overly aware of the way his fingers brush over his lips. it reminds him a little... of another such incident, and he can't help but to feel self-conscious. he pulls back, grabbing the fork back with a huffy complaint. ] You... [ he ends up stuffing the piece of cheesecake into his own mouth and he chews for a few moments before. ]
It would have been better without the performance. [ pouting... ]
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Someone else at the table acted out first.
[ and tobari's not the type of person to back down when baited. he doesn't really do anything half-heartedly—even when it comes to learning how to make a cheesecake. it's not stunningly gourmet or anything, he didn't have quite that much time to perfect his skills, but its taste and flavor profile are up to tobari's own strict standards. so it's pretty good.
anyway, he'll shake his head. before rafayel says something else insane that tobari gets distracted by, he'll pull out that familiar second chance vial from where it was tucked into his belt. ]
I actually invited you out to apologize. This is the one you gave me.
[ and with little ceremony, he'll uncork the vial and empty its lemony contents into his own strawberry drink. he'll look at it a moment, admiring the way that it mixes in so easily to the cocktail, and then proceed to drink all of it down to the last drop. ]
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he only seems to put it down, when tobari begins to dig in his belt. for half a second, he has to wonder if this is continuation? revenge? but, only when he pulls out the vial does his mouth sort of fall agape for a moment, his eyes glued to the vial. ] I get it, didn't I... [ he doesn't get to finish his words before...
tobari actually drinks it down.
oh.
he's stunned. ] ... Did something happen?
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... ah. I think I was an idiot. [ maybe he should've seen some things coming, but. ] I was trying to figure out where to send Suzune—it's too dangerous for her to go back to our home without me, so she'd need somewhere else to go to be safe.
It's when I was asking around that someone... gave me a second vial. Just like that. Two vials for us pair of siblings.
[ and he still sounds disbelieving. probably would still wonder if he hallucinated it, if he didn't have the second vial stashed away on his person as a physical reminder. ]
So I felt like an asshole. Making a big deal of everything to you, and turning away your offer without thinking. I know there was never a guarantee that it would've turned out this way...
[ but it did. tobari was once again saved by the kindness of other people. ]
So I'm glad there's a moment where I can just say 'thank you', instead of just giving you another regret.
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there's a long pause as he listens to tobari's explanation without interruption. ] Only now you realize. [ except the comment about him being an idiot. now he's back to zero interruptions. he listens on quietly, and he can't help but to smile in spite of the other emotions he feels. no, maybe that's all he can really focus in on. despite all his talk, and all his judgment on tobari, he can't necessarily say he's any better. ... and maybe that's why tobari's actions stung a little more than intended. ]
But, I think any normal person would struggle with a big decision like that. I also was pretty impatient... [ but, he does reach over to try and pinch tobari's nose. ] Though, if I had one complaint, is all you know how to do, say "sorry" and "thank you"?
In moments like this, you're supposed to say, "I'm definitely going to be happy."
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though at the request, he'll pause. can he say that? rafayel knows just as well that moving on after you've lost so much is hard. having his sister alive and well will do a considerable amount of healing for tobari, but it doesn't change what and who else he's lost beside her.
... well, despite all he's said and done, he'd rather not get into the habit of disappointing rafayel too much. ]
... I'll try. To accept what happiness comes my way.
[ that's as honest as he can hope to be.
he squeezes rafayel's wrist once before letting go. what he can say for sure is: ]
I'd still like to see the ocean.
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sadly, he can't read into tobari's emotions exactly. however, he does get that he was oddly serious when it came to matters like these, and he can only imagine what's going through his head. if he wasn't stopped the first time, he would've poked him again tbh. ]
Good. Don't think too much either. I can already see the wheels inside your head turning like... waaaay too fast. [ it wasn't a bad thing to be considerate, but he'd like for him to remain a little more carefree here.
which is why he does smile at his second request. ] I told you, I'd show you anytime.
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[ he can't deny that. he does find himself ruminating on whether he even deserves to be alive... but it doesn't really matter, does it? as long as suzune is going back to life and if it'd be easier for her for him to live, too, then he will.
now that he's done defending himself against raf's annoyances, he'll pick up his own fork and take a bite of the cheesecake. ]
Show me the ocean? How? Are we heading to the lake after this? Or is there anything left you're afraid to show me?
[ it's not like they pick what memories the lake reveals after all ]
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Why would I have anything to be afraid of?
[ ...
maybe that's a lie. but, he hopes he can manage to only share the good. after all, there were a few people here who weren't very fond of the ocean, or large bodies of water. not that it bothered him, but at the very least, he hopes tobari can enjoy it. ]
If I don't like it, are you going to drag me away again?
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okay, he'll take the strawberry and eat it. ]
If you want me to. [ a slight shrug ] I don't like seeing people uncomfortable, even if there might be things we have to confront about our lives. At the very least, even if it's bad, I don't think there's anything about you I can't accept.
[ maybe this is a bold statement but
tobari's been betrayed a few times over and still manages to try to understand people, so he feels like rafayel can't surprise him too much. and even if he did, it wouldn't change that he's saved tobari's life. so. ]
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but, his reaction soon melds into something a little different. tobari's words are deeply comforting. almost as if they were specifically catered to him and the insecurities he constantly grapples with. at the same time, he isn't sure he deserves to be told these words. objectively, he's a killer, and he's never forgotten that, regardless of what motivations are propelling him from behind. ... so, he does let out a quiet huff. ]
Those words... It sounds like you're setting yourself up for disappointment. [ there's almost a coldness to his words, but it's really just a protective shell. he finishes his last piece, and it's almost like demeanor changes, his hand motions a little more graceful and poised. ]
You might end up afraid. [ ... and he doesn't want to find that out.
or that's what his he seems to be saying. then again, it's weird enough that he isn't scared of him now. ]
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Not likely. I'm hard to scare off.
[ tobari is often the most intentionally menacing person in the room. with that said, he can at least sense the type of emotional weight that's behind rafayel's words. even if tobari is confident, he doesn't want to be dismissive. ]
... I'm not sure what skeletons you're hiding, and I won't force them out, but I don't want you to think I'm saying it lightly. If it's you, then I won't look away.
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[ ( twilight voice ) this is the skin of a killer, tobella
there's a certain casualness to how he says it, and then he just gives a small huff. ]
Fine, I guess there's nothing to lose.
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... like I said, I don't scare easy.
[ that's as gently as he can say 'so what?' it's not without his own curiosity, wondering what could drive rafayel to do that if it's true, but.
well.
tobari tries not to be a hypocrite.
do you want to fastforward to lake, bijou.... give me mem...... holds hands out politely ]
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maybe it won't show tobari that rafayel is a murderer, thank.
when they get to the lakes surface and a vision first comes in view— it will mostly be filled with rafayel's mundane life. little snippets of them cast in the ripples beyond the surface, and eventually they'll be led to a larger memory. this memory encapsulates them and almost makes it feel like they've been transported to rafayel's private island. they'll be in the middle of his studio. there are several artworks that are still in the process of being completed, and the home is decorated lavishly. tobari will note that there are several large floor to window ceilings, and directly off to the side is a vast balcony that leads to a walkway to the shore.
the ocean almost looks like it's welcoming them. the surface of the water glimmers like jewels, and even the seagulls seem to be actively greeting them. for reason though, tobari will feel like he has eyes on him, and rafayel will be there, his fingers like a viewfinder, pretending like he's taking a picture of him. ]
Wanna check out the beach? [ in terms of emotions, tobari can probably feel rafayel's excitement. but, also a bit of nostalgia. he hasn't been away for very long, but it definitely feels like ( rafayel voice ) it's been 800 years.
it's enough for him to temporarily forget the heavier topic they've touched on before arriving here. ]
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just kidding, tobari really meant it when he said he'd accept literally anything rafayel showed him. if anything, knowing that raf lives in this level of luxury and opulence is actually far more foreign to tobari than anything else. even though the red light district is made of glamour and beauty, most of it is just a cover-up for the hard life of its occupants. this studio and home feels genuine in its splendor, and he can't help but admire it—even if his gaze does linger on the paintings more than anything else once he puts together that they're rafayel's works.
he'll turn to rafayel once spoken to, and his smile comes a little easier, coaxed by the openness in rafayel's emotions. tobari's own just reflect a little bit of his awe, some of his fondness. ]
Isn't that what we're here for? Lead the way.
[ he'll follow after, even though he almost gets a sense that this might be just as much for raf as it is for him ]
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rafayel reminds himself to keep focused for tobari's sake. the actual ocean. whitesand bay is every bit the beaches you see in catalogues. it said to be nicest beach in linkon city. while rafayel doesn't know if matches up that bold title— the ocean would always hold a special place within him. all creatures born of the sea inevitably return to it. all beings born from the ocean waves will forever yearn for the lull and tranquility beneath the tides. ... and, the idea of it being "home" doesn't ever change.
while the girl in his memories isn't there, he is glad to a familiar face with him too. it's a contrast to the lonely days he's spent traversing this same strip of shoreline. every couple of steps, he'll look back to tobari. rafayel is already casting off his shoes to wade around in the shallows. the sea is not only picturesque, but incredibly calm. the scent of salt water is sharp on the nose, and yet even that feels really familiar. ] You're not scared of the water, right?
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but maybe not here at the beach where it is so peaceful and nice? it's even nicer than the one that obikawa summoned up at random, and tobari sort of just copies rafayel's own motions to toe off his boots and leave it behind with his socks stuffed in them. even if rafayel looks back to make sure he's following—he is, even though his gaze is largely trained on the ocean itself with a quiet, admiring type of awe.
tobari has seen a lake in the abyss, but it's too toxic to casually swim in. clean water itself is hard to come by in itehari. the idea of just being able to wade right into the ocean astounds him and his emotions reflect that so easily. astonishment, reverence, and even a not-so-small amount of gratitude. it's the type of sight he never thought he'd be able to see in his life.
rafayel's question brings him back to earth and even as he's following into the water without much concern, ]
No, but I never got the chance to learn how to swim.
[ but it still doesn't occur to him to be afraid. he's busy watching the waves come in and wash over the shore ]
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