[ it's not uncommon for tobari to work late—most of his life when not centered around rafayel and suzune is based entirely on non-profits and community organizing, and the labor is harsh and unpredictable and constantly meeting the needs of the people most in need of help.
it just so happens that today helping people includes a little bit of arson, a pinch of vandalism, a smidgen of terrorism.
he thinks briefly about telling rafayel. but it's not like this is going to be a recurring thing (narrator voice: it would be a recurring thing) so what he doesn't know probably won't hurt him just this once. tobari is so honest so much of the time it's almost impossible to tell when he's lying but (tobari voice) if it's not important, i wouldn't bother to lie about it
like now ]
Getting held up tonight Have dinner and head to bed without me
[ considering itβs the first time this has happened, rafayel isnβt entirely alarmed. thereβs no real reason for suspicion and so he doesnβt question the text he receives. in the same vein, he is also out, likely finishing a meeting with a particularly pesky reporter who had been tailing him for days. so it works out.
who has a meal with a reporter accusing them of murder? just rafayel. still, he texts back just as casually. ]
yeah ill do dinner aloooone but you sure i dun have to run and pick you up
[ tobari, actively putting on his terrorist fit and texting with one hand ]
Name your demands
Also about to be busy Dont pout
[ fair warning before tobari abandons his phone at his actual work site before engaging in questionable activities and leaves raf alone until about 3 am when he hopes he's already gone to bed ]
[ it's probably 3:47 am when tobari responds to this text ]
I'm not dancing Do I look like some fucking trained chimp
Good night
[ apparently he's fine with the others? or maybe he just doesn't feel the need to negotiate in the middle of the night. either way, it's probably not until around 4 am before tobari gets in. he was smart enough to change into a different outfit for his terrorist activities so he's not overwhelmingly sooty... but there's still the traces of a smoky smell in his hair. he's quiet when he comes in, as he always is when he makes it home late since he doesn't want to disturb raf's rest...
except part of his routine when he comes back late is to at least sneak into the bedroom briefly to let raf know he made it home with a kiss on the cheek. walking in to an empty bed... maybe it's nothing, since they're both so prone to staying up in the first place but.
the immediate worry that hits him distracts him from even taking a shower to cover his tracks
that's affinity 225 stuff right there!!! that said, when tobari returns home, he will note that the balcony windows have been left ajar. while rafayel does like a healthy amount of sea breeze, it's probably not difficult to determine where rafayel wandered off to.
while rafayel wasn't necessarily prone to bouts of insomnia, it's true that on occasion when he can't fall back asleep, he spends most of it lingering by the ocean. even now, he's barefoot walking along the very edge of the shoreline, enough for his ankles to be lapped up by sea foam. over the sounds of the waves crashing, he barely notices his phone ringing. when he does see the caller id, he does end up looking back to their shared home, before picking up on the other end. ]
the sound of the ocean waves crashing gets him to settle considerably. then that's fine, he can trust that rafayel is fine. he wanders out to the balcony, opening the door and wondering if he can even catch sight of rafayel against the darkness. probably not, but—maybe it's just because he's on edge that he tries at all. ]
I warned you and said you couldn't pout, so don't pout.
[ even as he sighs audibly. his free hand comes up to his hair, pulling the tie out to let his hair down as he's reminded that he needs to hop in the shower before rafayel actually makes it back. but still, he'll hope he has time. for right now, he can't fight down his concern all the way. ]
I didn't agree to that. Not all the conditions were met.
[ he says this as if he were speaking as an artful negotiator as opposed to a petty lover. in spite of his words, he does fall silent for a moment, before nodding his head even if tobari can't see him from this distance. ]
I'm the same as always. You know, minus the fact I was abandoned, left behind, and just forgotten for the night. [ he says this lightheartedly though, and not in a way in which indicates any actual irritation. probably. ]
[ it'd take five minutes to hop in the shower. wash away the last of the evidence before rafayel even knows something is amiss. then tobari could head down to the beach and find rafayel probably when he's on his way back—what's five minutes? tobari could even bring the phone into the bathroom and put it on speaker if he really doesn't want to leave raf alone for even a second.
.........................................
he says it like a joke, but tobari's already sighing and heading for the beach. he'll think of a lie to explain the smoke later. ]
[ honestly, he doesnβt expect tobari to drop what heβs doing. if anything, heβs in a mood where he may not be expecting anything, just allowing the subtle sounds from the ocean pull him into some temporary trance. though, tobariβs words temporarily breaks him from that and he canβt help but to feel a deep swell of emotions.
he isnβt used to having someone worry for him like this. maybe thatβs not true, but taliaβs chiding felt different than tobariβs affections, or even his own passions. he turns to look back at where the balcony is and he gives a small wave of his hand. ]
You canβt see me? Weird. Maybe thatβs something for you to think about. If you came earlier in the day, for exampleβ¦?
[ in spite of his words, heβs already wading in the waters closer to the direction of the home. their home. ]
[ rafayel doesnβt expect anything and yet tobari would later think the real tell that something is wrong would be if he didnβt drop everything the second he thought something might be wrongβ¦
but he makes the journey to the beach anyway, keeping the phone against his ear even as he strains his eyes against the darkness to find him. heβll leave his boots at the door so he can also just wander out to the sand. ]
Why do I bother to give you the heads up if youβre going to complain anywayβ¦
[ but heβll eventually wander out toward the figure in the darkness that he assumes is his annoying lover. heβll stay on the line even as he approaches, as if holding onto that connection to the last moment. ]
[ the smell of sea water is distinct for rafayel, not unlike when people travel afar, only to return to the comforting scent of their own homes. the brine of sea water, the clear cut smell of nearly odorless saltwater and all the microorganisms within it. maybe thatβs why he can already smell a bit of the smoke that lingers on tobari. itβs different than the smell of cigarettes, but he also doesnβt jump into that right away.
instead, heβs more comforted at just having him close. enough where he can cast that aside for now. instead— ] Is there anyone who wouldnβt complain? Itβs past three, you know. As far as I know, in some householdsβ¦
[ he also stays in the phone, like itβs a lifeline. ]
Yeah, I just thought if I went to sleep now I might have a bad dream.
[ given how attuned rafayel is to a general sense of smell, tobari had no illusions about being able to hide the smoke from him—but if he's not commenting on it, then tobari isn't going to volunteer the information either. it's more of a thought pushed to the backburner now as he gets closer, the vague shape of rafayel becoming clearer as he takes in the sight of him.
even if he's still concerned, he is also fond. he's not immune to relaxing at the welcome sight of his boyfriend after a long day. ]
I used to be out later than this before you... [ tobari just adjusted his schedule to at least make it back for dinner every night, even if it meant taking work home or sometimes needing to leave again anyway.
it's a half-hearted argument though. his free hand reaches out to take rafayel's once they're within touching distance and only then does he finally hang up. ]
... then we can walk it out until those worries disappear.
[ the statement gets a soft hum of consideration. ]
Then it's all thanks to me your body is getting the rest it needs. [ he says smoothly, even knowing that probably isn't the case. tobari was relatively good at keeping busy, enough where rafayel wonders how he manages to fit as much as he does in a day. while he loses track of hours while painting, the sounds of the front door almost acted like a timer. ... and a careful reminder to mind his meals.
he appreciates tobari for being around, and maybe that's also why addressing everything else seemed to fall to the waste side. when he feels the warmth of tobari's fingers against the chill ocean breeze, he also pockets his phone.
he leans in just enough to lean his chin on tobari's shoulder. ]
[ it's true and isn't true. tobari doesn't get nearly enough sleep, even though he's good about remembering to eat, but even as busy as he keeps... he does enjoying taking at least an hour, if not more, with rafayel when he can. even if tobari is a busybody who can't really avoid picking up more work, it doesn't change where he wants to be.
hence why he'll let rafayel lean on him easily, huffing out an amused breath. he'll take their hands and bring them up so he can press a kiss to the back of rafayel's cold hand. ]
I'd guess you're more tired than I am. [ a walk along the beach at night actually sounds nice... his free hand comes up to card through rafayel's hair, just to keep him close ] We can keep walking, or you can come in with me to take a shower. Your choice.
[ rafayel feels an odd swell of emotions when tobari places a kiss on the back of his hand. he feels both affection and a weird sense of longing in equal measure. as if their current proximity wasn't nearly enough to satisfy him. ... and maybe because it's not?
he can't help missing his boyfriend. it's enough where sometimes he marvels at the concept of how the world continued to turn before he met him?
maybe that's why rafayel can't help but wonder when his past would finally catch up with him. or when all the secrets he's been harboring will finally come to light. ... and in the same vein, he wonders if there are things he doesn't know about tobari.
the thoughts jumble in his mind even as he answers steadily. ] Aren't you being a bit obvious by asking me to come shower with you? [ but, he does laugh just a little. ] Let's take our time walking back.
[ but also maybe it is a bit obvious—heβs not entirely sure what kind of mood rafayel is in, but tobari can at least be upfront about wanting to look after him. it doesnβt matter that he just came from a literal burning building; even if heβll still try to do everything and hold onto everyone who might need his help, it doesnβt change that heβs perfectly aware of what and who he holds dearest.
so heβll briefly press a kiss to rafayelβs hair, waiting for him to straighten up enough to resume the walk. itβs fine to wait for his initiativeβ¦ ]
Itβs nice out here anyway.
[ heβs absolutely become something of a beach bum himself since coming to live with raf, in the rare moments he has a break anyway ]
Soooo generous. [ he says in that same teasing tone as always. he falls back on it like it's a habit, and it's easy for him to also lean in and rub his head a little from side to side, like he's an affectionate (cursed word) cat.
that said, he does end up respecting the distance enough so they can continue walking. he'll also regain his composure because he still does get a little embarrassed showing this side of him. though, it does seem to meld into something a little more thoughtful... he still feels happy to hear the sea gets tobari's seal of approval. ]
tobari will just huff out an amused breath at the little nuzzle anyway, intertwining their fingers even as rafayel pulls back enough for them to walk. his day⦠]
Do I have to? [ heβs always so damn busy he gets tired reliving it all even without the terrorism. but heβs not sure if raf wants to talk about his feelings yet so heβll offer this much, ] Stressful, in both good and bad ways.
There was prep for a fundraising event thatβs coming upβ¦ but there were a few emergencies too. [ he squeezes rafayelβs hand. just by nature of working with pretty vulnerable populations, tobari is pretty sure he sees the worst of humanity and so rarely gets into the details of it all ] But we dealt with them, so everyone should be alright now.
[ for a moment, rafayel doesn't move. at least not until tobari's mouth also begins moving along with his feet. (insert foot emoji) when he does, he falls back in light, swinging their arms just a little as he walks and listens. ]
The fundraising event... You sure you didn't need my help for that? [ he tilts his head slightly. it wouldn't be wrong to say that rafayel did try to squeeze himself into tobari's life whenever he could. listen, if in another world and timeline he follows mc to her work trips, and simultaneously solves her work problems, who is to say rafayel isn't employing the same techniques on tobari. ]
... Dealt with. You know that sounds ominous, right?
[ tobari, already seeing how rafayel is going to try to squeeze himself into this: ] β¦ Iβm only advising for it, but if you want me to ask the coordinator if she needs hands, I will.
[ even tho tobari is advising he will in fact be involved in every part of the process just as moral and labor support but still. him like should i call thomas to see if raf even has room in his schedule for this? ]
Is there another word for resolving an emergency? Itβs ominous that it even happened.
[ just an annoyed grumble. maybe if tobari stopped trying to solve every problem in the world he would encounter less problems much to think about ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
well now it's spy x family au
it just so happens that today helping people includes a little bit of arson, a pinch of vandalism, a smidgen of terrorism.
he thinks briefly about telling rafayel. but it's not like this is going to be a recurring thing (narrator voice: it would be a recurring thing) so what he doesn't know probably won't hurt him just this once. tobari is so honest so much of the time it's almost impossible to tell when he's lying but (tobari voice) if it's not important, i wouldn't bother to lie about it
like now ]
Getting held up tonight
Have dinner and head to bed without me
no subject
who has a meal with a reporter accusing them of murder? just rafayel. still, he texts back just as casually. ]
yeah ill do dinner aloooone
but you sure i dun have to run and pick you up
you really should start sharing your location
no subject
but he has to respond to this before rafayel gets too stuck on this idea or he will die ]
So you don't have to ask me where I am before you show up to my work events?
Pass
[ the way that tobari's coworkers also probably love rafayel (except for when rafayel distracts tobari from trying to meet tight deadlines)
but the idea of him just being able to show up and cause more derailments even in the daytime hours sounds like hell ]
no subject
if i show up anyway does it matter if you let me skip a few steps
[ this will not stop him from dropping in on tobari... ]
do you not miss me
its been like all day
no subject
You miss me that much already?
That's cute
I can pay more attention to you tomorrow
[ tobari: maybe if i flirt with him he won't notice i didn't answer the other two questions ]
no subject
okay now youre laying it on a little thick
attention was yesterdays cost
now you have to factor in interest
[ him holding tobari up... by texting him nonsense...
sound about right. ]
no subject
Name your demands
Also about to be busy
Dont pout
[ fair warning before tobari abandons his phone at his actual work site before engaging in questionable activities and leaves raf alone until about 3 am when he hopes he's already gone to bed ]
no subject
plus i heard the arcade has some new games
oh and you have to do that one cat dance that's trending
i get to record
and promise me the rest of your time
[ one of these is crazier than the rest...
but, that said... rafayel is not in bed. ]
no subject
I'm not dancing
Do I look like some fucking trained chimp
Good night
[ apparently he's fine with the others? or maybe he just doesn't feel the need to negotiate in the middle of the night. either way, it's probably not until around 4 am before tobari gets in. he was smart enough to change into a different outfit for his terrorist activities so he's not overwhelmingly sooty... but there's still the traces of a smoky smell in his hair. he's quiet when he comes in, as he always is when he makes it home late since he doesn't want to disturb raf's rest...
except part of his routine when he comes back late is to at least sneak into the bedroom briefly to let raf know he made it home with a kiss on the cheek. walking in to an empty bed... maybe it's nothing, since they're both so prone to staying up in the first place but.
the immediate worry that hits him distracts him from even taking a shower to cover his tracks
so he immediately just tries to call him ]
no subject
that's affinity 225 stuff right there!!! that said, when tobari returns home, he will note that the balcony windows have been left ajar. while rafayel does like a healthy amount of sea breeze, it's probably not difficult to determine where rafayel wandered off to.
while rafayel wasn't necessarily prone to bouts of insomnia, it's true that on occasion when he can't fall back asleep, he spends most of it lingering by the ocean. even now, he's barefoot walking along the very edge of the shoreline, enough for his ankles to be lapped up by sea foam. over the sounds of the waves crashing, he barely notices his phone ringing. when he does see the caller id, he does end up looking back to their shared home, before picking up on the other end. ]
What, only now you call?
no subject
the sound of the ocean waves crashing gets him to settle considerably. then that's fine, he can trust that rafayel is fine. he wanders out to the balcony, opening the door and wondering if he can even catch sight of rafayel against the darkness. probably not, but—maybe it's just because he's on edge that he tries at all. ]
I warned you and said you couldn't pout, so don't pout.
[ even as he sighs audibly. his free hand comes up to his hair, pulling the tie out to let his hair down as he's reminded that he needs to hop in the shower before rafayel actually makes it back. but still, he'll hope he has time. for right now, he can't fight down his concern all the way. ]
... you okay?
no subject
[ he says this as if he were speaking as an artful negotiator as opposed to a petty lover. in spite of his words, he does fall silent for a moment, before nodding his head even if tobari can't see him from this distance. ]
I'm the same as always. You know, minus the fact I was abandoned, left behind, and just forgotten for the night. [ he says this lightheartedly though, and not in a way in which indicates any actual irritation. probably. ]
no subject
.........................................
he says it like a joke, but tobari's already sighing and heading for the beach. he'll think of a lie to explain the smoke later. ]
I'm coming down. Did you wander far?
no subject
he isnβt used to having someone worry for him like this. maybe thatβs not true, but taliaβs chiding felt different than tobariβs affections, or even his own passions. he turns to look back at where the balcony is and he gives a small wave of his hand. ]
You canβt see me? Weird. Maybe thatβs something for you to think about. If you came earlier in the day, for exampleβ¦?
[ in spite of his words, heβs already wading in the waters closer to the direction of the home. their home. ]
no subject
but he makes the journey to the beach anyway, keeping the phone against his ear even as he strains his eyes against the darkness to find him. heβll leave his boots at the door so he can also just wander out to the sand. ]
Why do I bother to give you the heads up if youβre going to complain anywayβ¦
[ but heβll eventually wander out toward the figure in the darkness that he assumes is his annoying lover. heβll stay on the line even as he approaches, as if holding onto that connection to the last moment. ]
Couldnβt sleep?
no subject
instead, heβs more comforted at just having him close. enough where he can cast that aside for now. instead— ] Is there anyone who wouldnβt complain? Itβs past three, you know. As far as I know, in some householdsβ¦
[ he also stays in the phone, like itβs a lifeline. ]
Yeah, I just thought if I went to sleep now I might have a bad dream.
no subject
even if he's still concerned, he is also fond. he's not immune to relaxing at the welcome sight of his boyfriend after a long day. ]
I used to be out later than this before you... [ tobari just adjusted his schedule to at least make it back for dinner every night, even if it meant taking work home or sometimes needing to leave again anyway.
it's a half-hearted argument though. his free hand reaches out to take rafayel's once they're within touching distance and only then does he finally hang up. ]
... then we can walk it out until those worries disappear.
no subject
Then it's all thanks to me your body is getting the rest it needs. [ he says smoothly, even knowing that probably isn't the case. tobari was relatively good at keeping busy, enough where rafayel wonders how he manages to fit as much as he does in a day. while he loses track of hours while painting, the sounds of the front door almost acted like a timer. ... and a careful reminder to mind his meals.
he appreciates tobari for being around, and maybe that's also why addressing everything else seemed to fall to the waste side. when he feels the warmth of tobari's fingers against the chill ocean breeze, he also pockets his phone.
he leans in just enough to lean his chin on tobari's shoulder. ]
Buuuut you're tired, aren't you?
no subject
hence why he'll let rafayel lean on him easily, huffing out an amused breath. he'll take their hands and bring them up so he can press a kiss to the back of rafayel's cold hand. ]
I'd guess you're more tired than I am. [ a walk along the beach at night actually sounds nice... his free hand comes up to card through rafayel's hair, just to keep him close ] We can keep walking, or you can come in with me to take a shower. Your choice.
no subject
he can't help missing his boyfriend. it's enough where sometimes he marvels at the concept of how the world continued to turn before he met him?
maybe that's why rafayel can't help but wonder when his past would finally catch up with him. or when all the secrets he's been harboring will finally come to light. ... and in the same vein, he wonders if there are things he doesn't know about tobari.
the thoughts jumble in his mind even as he answers steadily. ] Aren't you being a bit obvious by asking me to come shower with you? [ but, he does laugh just a little. ] Let's take our time walking back.
[ a good middle ground. ]
no subject
[ but also maybe it is a bit obvious—heβs not entirely sure what kind of mood rafayel is in, but tobari can at least be upfront about wanting to look after him. it doesnβt matter that he just came from a literal burning building; even if heβll still try to do everything and hold onto everyone who might need his help, it doesnβt change that heβs perfectly aware of what and who he holds dearest.
so heβll briefly press a kiss to rafayelβs hair, waiting for him to straighten up enough to resume the walk. itβs fine to wait for his initiativeβ¦ ]
Itβs nice out here anyway.
[ heβs absolutely become something of a beach bum himself since coming to live with raf, in the rare moments he has a break anyway ]
no subject
that said, he does end up respecting the distance enough so they can continue walking. he'll also regain his composure because he still does get a little embarrassed showing this side of him. though, it does seem to meld into something a little more thoughtful... he still feels happy to hear the sea gets tobari's seal of approval. ]
How about you tell me about your day?
no subject
tobari will just huff out an amused breath at the little nuzzle anyway, intertwining their fingers even as rafayel pulls back enough for them to walk. his day⦠]
Do I have to? [ heβs always so damn busy he gets tired reliving it all even without the terrorism. but heβs not sure if raf wants to talk about his feelings yet so heβll offer this much, ] Stressful, in both good and bad ways.
There was prep for a fundraising event thatβs coming upβ¦ but there were a few emergencies too. [ he squeezes rafayelβs hand. just by nature of working with pretty vulnerable populations, tobari is pretty sure he sees the worst of humanity and so rarely gets into the details of it all ] But we dealt with them, so everyone should be alright now.
[ none of this explains the smoke. itβs fine. ]
no subject
The fundraising event... You sure you didn't need my help for that? [ he tilts his head slightly. it wouldn't be wrong to say that rafayel did try to squeeze himself into tobari's life whenever he could. listen, if in another world and timeline he follows mc to her work trips, and simultaneously solves her work problems, who is to say rafayel isn't employing the same techniques on tobari. ]
... Dealt with. You know that sounds ominous, right?
no subject
[ even tho tobari is advising he will in fact be involved in every part of the process just as moral and labor support but still. him like should i call thomas to see if raf even has room in his schedule for this? ]
Is there another word for resolving an emergency? Itβs ominous that it even happened.
[ just an annoyed grumble. maybe if tobari stopped trying to solve every problem in the world he would encounter less problems much to think about ]
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
[1/2]
(no subject)
1/2
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...