[ yeah and raf is a fish who technically can do without feet so?
rafayel wonders which detail tickles him the most? the sand between his toes, the chill of the sea that intermingles with the frigid currents from the north at around this time. he probably should have considered that beforehand, but surely... this is just a memory.
when tobari speaks, he listens quietly. ] I think I get what you mean. Gods can't solve most issues. Unlike what people think, they're also victims of fate, and their powers are flimsy and unreliable at best. [ ... ]
But, I do think they still hear prayers from time to time, and maybe they blow a small gust in your direction, or... [ rafayel lifts his hand briefly into the air, and a seagull perches on top of it. ] Besides, you already got your wish granted.
[ what is up with all these incredibly chill seagulls... obikawa had one, too... tobari is going to be misled to believe that they are all completely chill and docile creatures and not feathery monsters who'll attack you for hot dog
also this is funny because he's just looking at raf like ??? ]
Are you trying to get me to pray to you?
[ HE DID GET A MIRACLE.... HE'S STILL NOT SURE HOW TO SHOW THANKS... FOR SOME REASON DEFERENCE ALSO STILL DOESN'T OCCUR TO HIM.... ]
[ can this please happen before end game... i need a seagull to greedily steal all his food and subvert all his opinions on them. jk, maybe here he can see a seagull who snatched a pizza from someone, flying in the distance. except this is a private island so where are they flying this pizza to? a mystery...
[ if he has foresight to realize that raf could stand to get more annoying then why wouldn't he prevent it? hello?
tobari has never been around water before but it's such an innate instinct to kick water at someone being irritating, which he does now (tobari was annoying first) maybe so ]
... well, I did say that I'm not the type of person who's ungrateful.
[ which is why he'll reach out to catch rafayel's hand in his own after a second ]
You saved my life. There's no other way to see it.
I'll probably never be able to properly repay you, but if there's something you ever want that I can give, just name it. The list of things I wouldn't do for you is short. Not really as offerings to a god or a savior but—just to you.
[ his friend. even if friend somehow feels way too casual for the appreciation that tobari feels. ]
So I can only hope that you find something that'll make you happy with that compass, reach it, and keep it for the rest of your life—'cause I'll just wish we had more time and remember you for the rest of mine, because that's still time you gave me.
If you want more straightforward praise, I guess there's more I can say. [ he's actually not shy about complimenting people once he likes them enough ] But I thought I'd get what I actually think out of the way first.
[ considering the first sentence out of tobari's mouth, rafayel doesn't end up expecting the rest. including, the way he so effortlessly reaches to grab hold of his hand. he can't help but for his eyes to travel to their joined hands, and he returns the gesture with a slight squeeze, like greeting an old friend.
maybe being by the ocean, even if all an illusion was enough for this feeling of nostalgia to kick in. honestly, the more tobari speaks, the less rafayel is convinced he's someone he's just met weeks ago, and he feels the weight of this unspoken connection. ]
Even if I do, I have a feeling it might be something I shouldn't have. [ though, he'll always value the feelings behind the gesture. even now, the compass in his pocket acts more of a reminder of that, and his desire to press forward. tobari at least gave him strength to believe in that. ] But, I'll accept just your feelings. To be honest, I think I'll also miss this. Maybe months from now, I'll think back to this moment, and... [ the clear communication. the easy way in which they could just speak their mind. having someone who says they're in his corner. ]
But, huh... you still had that many more wishes?
[ he cocks his head to the side in the way he always does, his tone of voice light and almost teasing. ] Then can you grant mine first?
[ for the record the very first thing out of tobari's mouth is almost immediately 'are you stupid?' but he barely holds back because rafayel's request seems sincere
but he does internally have a moment where he's like rafayel... are you... dumb.>??? ]
... you're seriously asking...
[ he shakes his head in disbelief for a second, but he'll just hold onto rafayel's hand tighter, as if that'll make this easier for him to understand. ]
I wasn't going to bother explaining this but... I asked for your favorite drink so I could knock back the vial at the same time, so I wouldn't forget who gave me this chance. [ so every time he has a taste of strawberry or apparently cheese (probably just desserts in general) he'll remember today ] I wanted to see your ocean so that if I ever do make it to another, then I'll just compare it to yours.
[ well. and also obikawa's. but rafayel's is already better. ]
My life is a series of gathering pieces of people to hold onto, long after they're gone. [ because people in the abyss die young and people in the red light district die early, so tobari is familiar with the practice of remembrance ] Your art, your sea, all the things you love and have loved and all the ways you annoy the shit out of me—
it's true. rafayel is entirely sincere in his request. call it experience. call it being burned. but, he knows even people's recollections and being a part of their memories moving forward isn't always a given. which is why, even if it seems ridiculous to tobari, rafayel himself can't help but give a weak sort of smile back. ]
I know. I know it's not like you'd ever forget on purpose, but if there ever was an instance you could forget, I'd like if you held onto these moments the best you can. Or so I say, but I'd also like it if you could move on from all the hardship in your past. That you really find your own anchor, and achieve peace. It'd also be good if you didn't neglect yourself. In this new life, even if you can't put yourself first, you should at least aim for second. Oh, and maybe you can start a nice hobby too.
[ he pauses, before he gently loosens his grip, letting tobari's hold be the one to dictate the length of their connection. in a way, it might have been his own symbol, his own way of feeling a relationship where he isn't the only one holding on.
despite his yapping, he does end up stopping to say one thing— ]
Thanks. [ ... and he means it. even if he doesn't verbalize a promise back, he thinks this will also be an easy moment to look back on. the sea remembers all, and somewhere within its depths, he'll come back to this moment again, and maybe in those moments he can allow himself a short reprieve from his nightmares. ]
[ okay this time he can't really help it, though he at least mumbles it under his breath: ] ... you really are kind of an idiot. It sounds like you have more wishes for my life than I do.
[ rafayel loosens his grip—but tobari just adjusts the hold of their hands, letting their fingers intertwine before he squeezes once. it's not out of some grand romantic gesture—even if he's not so stupid that he can't understand how it might be misconstrued—but to solidify what he says next ]
There hasn't been a second with you that I'd call a hardship. Not in any real way. [ rafayel is annoying as hell on purpose sometimes, but terribly, tobari accepts even those moments with him. maybe tobari is the one to blame... ] I'm not sure what the future holds or if I can promise any of the rest, but I'll at least take care of this life since you're the one who gave it to me.
[ does this bode well for tobari's ability to put himself first. not really. it's fine. he'll keep walking along the shore anyway, just bringing rafayel along with him. ]
I'm not going to forget you, Raf. I don't see how I could. If you're that worried about it, then I'll keep saying it until you believe me.
rafayel heard that and it's there's like a one second moment in which he just staaaares at tobari. but, he does end up shrugging his shoulders. as a sea god, he should be merciful at times and forgive these transgressions. even if the thought of that is goofy, so he can't help but chuckle a little to himself. (he thinks he's funny)
the only thing that dispels these thoughts is the way tobari is already tugging him along with him. ] You're so pushy. [ but, he clearly doesn't seem bothered by it as he follows right along. he doesn't misconstrue the gesture if just because he knows they both have people they can call entirely their own. even if rafayel does feel weird when there's more than one person he imagines for just a second. but, his point still stands. ]
But, how about you try saying it three times in a row and I'll see how I feel then? [ a joke, but he really is happy at the effort. he uses his free hand to fix his hair that's getting blown around by the wind. ]
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rafayel wonders which detail tickles him the most? the sand between his toes, the chill of the sea that intermingles with the frigid currents from the north at around this time. he probably should have considered that beforehand, but surely... this is just a memory.
when tobari speaks, he listens quietly. ] I think I get what you mean. Gods can't solve most issues. Unlike what people think, they're also victims of fate, and their powers are flimsy and unreliable at best. [ ... ]
But, I do think they still hear prayers from time to time, and maybe they blow a small gust in your direction, or... [ rafayel lifts his hand briefly into the air, and a seagull perches on top of it. ] Besides, you already got your wish granted.
no subject
also this is funny because he's just looking at raf like ??? ]
Are you trying to get me to pray to you?
[ HE DID GET A MIRACLE.... HE'S STILL NOT SURE HOW TO SHOW THANKS... FOR SOME REASON DEFERENCE ALSO STILL DOESN'T OCCUR TO HIM.... ]
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also... when tobari looks at him??? ]
A bit of praise never hurt anyone?
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I'm worried I'm going to start spoiling you...
[ his expression is so serious and deliberating but emotionshare does give away that he's playing around. just teasing ]
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which is also him playing around, but— ]
Isn't that something you should worry about after I've been spoiled rotten?
[1/2]
[ if he has foresight to realize that raf could stand to get more annoying then why wouldn't he prevent it? hello?
tobari has never been around water before but it's such an innate instinct to kick water at someone being irritating, which he does now (tobari was annoying first) maybe so ]
no subject
[ which is why he'll reach out to catch rafayel's hand in his own after a second ]
You saved my life. There's no other way to see it.
I'll probably never be able to properly repay you, but if there's something you ever want that I can give, just name it. The list of things I wouldn't do for you is short. Not really as offerings to a god or a savior but—just to you.
[ his friend. even if friend somehow feels way too casual for the appreciation that tobari feels. ]
So I can only hope that you find something that'll make you happy with that compass, reach it, and keep it for the rest of your life—'cause I'll just wish we had more time and remember you for the rest of mine, because that's still time you gave me.
If you want more straightforward praise, I guess there's more I can say. [ he's actually not shy about complimenting people once he likes them enough ] But I thought I'd get what I actually think out of the way first.
1/2
maybe being by the ocean, even if all an illusion was enough for this feeling of nostalgia to kick in. honestly, the more tobari speaks, the less rafayel is convinced he's someone he's just met weeks ago, and he feels the weight of this unspoken connection. ]
Even if I do, I have a feeling it might be something I shouldn't have. [ though, he'll always value the feelings behind the gesture. even now, the compass in his pocket acts more of a reminder of that, and his desire to press forward. tobari at least gave him strength to believe in that. ] But, I'll accept just your feelings. To be honest, I think I'll also miss this. Maybe months from now, I'll think back to this moment, and... [ the clear communication. the easy way in which they could just speak their mind. having someone who says they're in his corner. ]
But, huh... you still had that many more wishes?
[ he cocks his head to the side in the way he always does, his tone of voice light and almost teasing. ] Then can you grant mine first?
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[ but, also...
he still wants his compliments. ]
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but he does internally have a moment where he's like rafayel... are you... dumb.>??? ]
... you're seriously asking...
[ he shakes his head in disbelief for a second, but he'll just hold onto rafayel's hand tighter, as if that'll make this easier for him to understand. ]
I wasn't going to bother explaining this but... I asked for your favorite drink so I could knock back the vial at the same time, so I wouldn't forget who gave me this chance. [ so every time he has a taste of strawberry or apparently cheese (probably just desserts in general) he'll remember today ] I wanted to see your ocean so that if I ever do make it to another, then I'll just compare it to yours.
[ well. and also obikawa's. but rafayel's is already better. ]
My life is a series of gathering pieces of people to hold onto, long after they're gone. [ because people in the abyss die young and people in the red light district die early, so tobari is familiar with the practice of remembrance ] Your art, your sea, all the things you love and have loved and all the ways you annoy the shit out of me—
I won't forget. That's an easy promise to make.
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it's true. rafayel is entirely sincere in his request. call it experience. call it being burned. but, he knows even people's recollections and being a part of their memories moving forward isn't always a given. which is why, even if it seems ridiculous to tobari, rafayel himself can't help but give a weak sort of smile back. ]
I know. I know it's not like you'd ever forget on purpose, but if there ever was an instance you could forget, I'd like if you held onto these moments the best you can. Or so I say, but I'd also like it if you could move on from all the hardship in your past. That you really find your own anchor, and achieve peace. It'd also be good if you didn't neglect yourself. In this new life, even if you can't put yourself first, you should at least aim for second. Oh, and maybe you can start a nice hobby too.
[ he pauses, before he gently loosens his grip, letting tobari's hold be the one to dictate the length of their connection. in a way, it might have been his own symbol, his own way of feeling a relationship where he isn't the only one holding on.
despite his yapping, he does end up stopping to say one thing— ]
Thanks. [ ... and he means it. even if he doesn't verbalize a promise back, he thinks this will also be an easy moment to look back on. the sea remembers all, and somewhere within its depths, he'll come back to this moment again, and maybe in those moments he can allow himself a short reprieve from his nightmares. ]
no subject
[ rafayel loosens his grip—but tobari just adjusts the hold of their hands, letting their fingers intertwine before he squeezes once. it's not out of some grand romantic gesture—even if he's not so stupid that he can't understand how it might be misconstrued—but to solidify what he says next ]
There hasn't been a second with you that I'd call a hardship. Not in any real way. [ rafayel is annoying as hell on purpose sometimes, but terribly, tobari accepts even those moments with him. maybe tobari is the one to blame... ] I'm not sure what the future holds or if I can promise any of the rest, but I'll at least take care of this life since you're the one who gave it to me.
[ does this bode well for tobari's ability to put himself first. not really. it's fine. he'll keep walking along the shore anyway, just bringing rafayel along with him. ]
I'm not going to forget you, Raf. I don't see how I could. If you're that worried about it, then I'll keep saying it until you believe me.
no subject
rafayel heard that and it's there's like a one second moment in which he just staaaares at tobari. but, he does end up shrugging his shoulders. as a sea god, he should be merciful at times and forgive these transgressions. even if the thought of that is goofy, so he can't help but chuckle a little to himself. (he thinks he's funny)
the only thing that dispels these thoughts is the way tobari is already tugging him along with him. ] You're so pushy. [ but, he clearly doesn't seem bothered by it as he follows right along. he doesn't misconstrue the gesture if just because he knows they both have people they can call entirely their own. even if rafayel does feel weird when there's more than one person he imagines for just a second. but, his point still stands. ]
But, how about you try saying it three times in a row and I'll see how I feel then? [ a joke, but he really is happy at the effort. he uses his free hand to fix his hair that's getting blown around by the wind. ]