the answer dictates the mood for tomorrow’s fake amnesia
that said, rafayel is also diligently washing off. maybe it’s fortunate this wasn’t the paint he blended hundreds of crushed beetles into. not that he would tell tobari if it was…
once he is sufficiently cleaned up, he eases back into the tub, letting his legs soak as he turns to look back towards a familiar pair of footsteps. he had a feeling he would return, but it still puts him at ease every time tobari is in his direct periphery. he’s about to grab some sketch paper, but stops a few inches short. ]
You’re lucky I’m here to give you an excuse to slack. [ a quiet hum, before— ] Should we take a day trip somewhere?
[ LOBSTERS? i flipped a coin on whether tobari grabbed a pair of his own pajama pants or raf’s and the coin said raf’s. so i guess it can be
i’m scared to ask about the beetles so i suppose i won’t
instead, tobari just lets the towel rest around his shoulders as he finishes drying off his hair, looking thoughtful about the idea of a day trip. without something to keep his hands busy, he’ll reach out to affectionately card his fingers through rafayel’s hair instead. he really isn’t outwardly needy, but after a few days of not seeing each other, he did also miss him. ]
We can. Suzune’s staying with her friends for a few days since their rehearsals run late. We can just drop off her treats at school before we leave. [ so he will only partially be an overly fussy big brother ]
Is there somewhere you have in mind to go?
[ he’s normally perfectly content to just follow raf’s whims… ]
[ cute... he will allow tobari cat pajama pants too. he cares about his happiness, even at the expense of his grandpappy turning in his grave...
he sees tobari and his wet hair, and he can barely suppress a laugh. he did end up having to wash it... still, rafayel is equally attentive and so he's already dragging himself out of the water. he grabs the towel and gestures for tobari to sit so he can dry him off.
even if he's still soaked. ] That works for me. I think she'll really like them. The cake you got was so creamy I thought I was eating clouds. [ or maybe he's more delighted in the fact that it's from tobari, but he won't explicitly say that. at least not when he has a mission to dry his boyfriend's hair. ]
As for location... what do you think about a hot spring?
[ oh......... yes unfortunately tobari would love cat pajama pants. local guy loves cats so much
still, he'll sit as directed and let rafayel finish towel drying his hair. he really had to make sure he got all the paint out... but it's fine. he did his entire haircare routine so it probably smells like citrus and roses.
he'd probably say something about how suzune would just ask if rafayel picked out the treats because she's in denial that tobari has taste—but he's entirely distracted by the idea of being able to go to the hot spring ]
Oh? Can we?
[ he obviously wants to... though he seems to think of something, looking down at himself ]
—ah, but if you can't find one that's accommodating, I can wait in the ryokan. [ his millions tattoos... as is, they're across his collarbone, down his arms, the back of his left hand... assigns him back tattoos too since no one can stop me!! just across his shoulder blades and down his spine. between the tats and the piercings, tobari really does look like a delinquent ]
thankfully the smell isn't enough to force him into heat again, but it is a nice one nonetheless. it's become a scent that's synonymous with some form of comfort to him. a mix between tobari's natural scent and their shared bodywash and shampoo. there's a small hum as his mood naturally picks up as he wipes his hair down. tobari is being so obedient somehow that it does make him squish his cheek just a little, before he responds. ]
That should be easy. It's a hot spring we have to hike up to.
[ exercise, his least favorite human activity. ]
Since they don't get a lot of visitors, they should be pretty relaxed. [ he traces his fingers against tobari's chest, as if to study his tattoos. when will he study how to do it so he can leave his mark on tobari too... ]
[ cheek squish?? forget being obedient he's just nipping at rafayel's finger like when you pet a cat in a way they don't like ]
—don't make me carry you the rest of the way up.
[ like
he would
but don't make him do that ]
... that sounds fine, though. [ if they're really alright with him. he doesn't fight off rafayel tracing along the curves of ink, even if he does tilt his head about it. ] ... what, looking for inspiration?
[ studying someone else's art that tobari got inked up with a while ago ]
[ help... he laughs, because even that's kind of endearing. ]
I won't. I did pretty well on the treadmill the other day, didn't I?
[ just a thousand complaints, but that's still good, right? ]
Do you see me as someone who'd get inspired by someone else's art? It's more like I'm thinking about the nerve of the person who would get this when I'm right here. [ even when he frames it like a joke, his voice does get a bit softer as he leans to whisper it in his ear... ]
but the comment absolutely makes tobari laugh. his tattoo artist and he go way back, and it's obvious enough that consistency is important to tobari when it comes to his collection of tattoos. still, he turns his head toward rafayel and catches his mouth again in a kiss that holds traces of his amusement, lips upturned at the corner. despite this, he lingers as if the gesture of affection might dispel any doubts. ]
[ this kiss is enough for him to almost forget what they were just talking about. he pauses, almost like he's short circuiting, and a light tinge of color shades his cheeks. in turn, he kisses him back on the lips, the cheek, and then: ]
It normally does, and you like it.
[ he winks.
only it's dispelled by??? confusion?? ] The needle is so small that the vampires would starve.
[ tobari accepts the kisses as they come, leaning into each one like they're welcome gifts.
even as he continues to talk shit, ignoring rafayel's initial semi-correct statement ]
I feel like you'd find a way. Or you'd try to tattoo something annoying on me like 'property of Rafayel' where I can't see and I'd have to hold it against you for the rest of our lives. I'd start covering up like a nun just to spite you.
[ why is he getting irritated about things that haven't happened ]
[ the statement does alleviate some of the actual jealousy that lingers beneath the surface. to be honest, it's easy to feel possessive, like tobari and his body belonged to him. that the colors he leaves in the wake on their intimacy were also a way of laying claim to him...
there's a second in which he actually thinks about it, though... ] Hey, I'd be more subtle than that. [ he touches the side of tobari's neck where idk i guess he left a bitemark... ] But, holding it against me, huh? Does that mean I'll still be on your mind all the time? I'm tempted...
[ tobari is mad about things that haven't happened...
[ the idea of getting jealous over tobari’s tattoo artist is so funny and yet—he somehow completely fails to be surprised. there’s an urge to tease rafayel over it… ]
Listen when people are talking. It wasn’t a suggestion.
[ but he’ll let rafayel touch him as he pleases, hand coming up to gently wrap his fingers around his wrist. this time, just for an excuse to touch him, not actively pulling him away. instead, tobari will be the one to lean in ]
But I’m already yours. If you want to leave evidence of that on me that lasts, I’d let you.
[ but if it’s stupid he’ll just move out don’t test him ]
[ the touch may be small, but it's nice. he feels the natural hint of warmth radiating from beneath his fingertips and can't help but find some semblance of comfort in that. he felt like it was tobari's way of saing he still accepted rafayel, even when he was being greedy.
he brushes his fingers over his skin, before they slide over his chest. mostly, he feels just enough to get he palm over his heartbeat. ] Then I'll have to think on the design. Maybe something like what I drew on the card I gave you the other day...?
[ a motif of two fish that subtly circled around one another...
a red flammula, considered an emmissary of the sea god. ]
[ the fact of the matter is that tobari might give rafayel a hard time whenever he sees even the slightest opportunity, but… he trusts him. does he think that rafayel needs proper tattoo artist training before tobari lets him ink his skin permanently? yes. but it’s not like he thinks rafayel would’ve let anything ugly or unsafe happen to begin with.
so he lets the palm curl over his heart, steady and assured. as far as tobari is concerned, since he even agreed to this relationship with rafayel, then every moment and heartbeat since has belonged to him. ]
Ah. [ an easy, affirming noise that he punctuates with another soft, adoring kiss ] Sounds nice.
As long as you put thought into it, then I’m sure it’ll be a work of art. I’d be lucky to adorned with it—to receive such a gift from my lover.
[ rafayel’s works of art might be considered priceless to the public and tobari is aware of that… but he finds himself wanting this tattoo for no other reason than it comes from the one he loves ]
at the same time, rafayel is definitely putting "watching metube video tutorials" on his to-do list in his downtime. how hard could it possibly be? ]
When you put it like that, it makes me wonder if you have an ulterior motive. [ ? this seems suspicious? as accommodating as tobari is, rafayel still ends up being surprise in moments like this. maybe this shared affection still feels new to him in some ways. ]
[ ulterior motive? tobari raises a brow, clearly perplexed for a second. considering how much rafayel seemed to want this, it felt a little inevitable that he would eventually give in.
but he supposes he might as well seize the opportunity, ]
I’m sure I could come up with one.
[ and he’ll turn to let his own arms wrap around rafayel’s waist, pulling him closer until their bodies are flush again. tobari leans his head in closer, near enough to kiss ]
[ his eyes briefly glance towards the arm around his waist before he looks back up at tobari with a smile. ]
What, suddenly struck by inspiration?
[ he leans in just enough for his lips to brush against his skin. it's light, just enough where it's hard to distinguish if it's a kiss, or just his breath tickling him. ]
[ even if this probably isn't the first time he's been jealous.
but, at the nip, he ends up reaching a hand up to cover his ear. even if the gesture and tobari's words do make him happy, now that he's started this argument... he can't just end it. ]
[ at the grab, he gives a soft grumble. he's not actually bothered, but he's definitely playing up looking like he is. he's about to defiantly purse his lips together before he ends up stopping midway at the sudden inquiry.
he blinks a few times, surprised.
... ] That depends.
[ despite saying that, he does untangle himself from tobari's grip momentarily. he heads off to a closet off in the corner of a room, and returns without a word. he grabs tobari's hand and places a needle in the center of it. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
the answer dictates the mood for tomorrow’s fake amnesia
that said, rafayel is also diligently washing off. maybe it’s fortunate this wasn’t the paint he blended hundreds of crushed beetles into. not that he would tell tobari if it was…
once he is sufficiently cleaned up, he eases back into the tub, letting his legs soak as he turns to look back towards a familiar pair of footsteps. he had a feeling he would return, but it still puts him at ease every time tobari is in his direct periphery. he’s about to grab some sketch paper, but stops a few inches short. ]
You’re lucky I’m here to give you an excuse to slack. [ a quiet hum, before— ] Should we take a day trip somewhere?
no subject
i’m scared to ask about the beetles so i suppose i won’t
instead, tobari just lets the towel rest around his shoulders as he finishes drying off his hair, looking thoughtful about the idea of a day trip. without something to keep his hands busy, he’ll reach out to affectionately card his fingers through rafayel’s hair instead. he really isn’t outwardly needy, but after a few days of not seeing each other, he did also miss him. ]
We can. Suzune’s staying with her friends for a few days since their rehearsals run late. We can just drop off her treats at school before we leave. [ so he will only partially be an overly fussy big brother ]
Is there somewhere you have in mind to go?
[ he’s normally perfectly content to just follow raf’s whims… ]
no subject
he sees tobari and his wet hair, and he can barely suppress a laugh. he did end up having to wash it... still, rafayel is equally attentive and so he's already dragging himself out of the water. he grabs the towel and gestures for tobari to sit so he can dry him off.
even if he's still soaked. ] That works for me. I think she'll really like them. The cake you got was so creamy I thought I was eating clouds. [ or maybe he's more delighted in the fact that it's from tobari, but he won't explicitly say that. at least not when he has a mission to dry his boyfriend's hair. ]
As for location... what do you think about a hot spring?
no subject
still, he'll sit as directed and let rafayel finish towel drying his hair. he really had to make sure he got all the paint out... but it's fine. he did his entire haircare routine so it probably smells like citrus and roses.
he'd probably say something about how suzune would just ask if rafayel picked out the treats because she's in denial that tobari has taste—but he's entirely distracted by the idea of being able to go to the hot spring ]
Oh? Can we?
[ he obviously wants to... though he seems to think of something, looking down at himself ]
—ah, but if you can't find one that's accommodating, I can wait in the ryokan. [ his millions tattoos... as is, they're across his collarbone, down his arms, the back of his left hand... assigns him back tattoos too since no one can stop me!! just across his shoulder blades and down his spine. between the tats and the piercings, tobari really does look like a delinquent ]
no subject
thankfully the smell isn't enough to force him into heat again, but it is a nice one nonetheless. it's become a scent that's synonymous with some form of comfort to him. a mix between tobari's natural scent and their shared bodywash and shampoo. there's a small hum as his mood naturally picks up as he wipes his hair down. tobari is being so obedient somehow that it does make him squish his cheek just a little, before he responds. ]
That should be easy. It's a hot spring we have to hike up to.
[ exercise, his least favorite human activity. ]
Since they don't get a lot of visitors, they should be pretty relaxed. [ he traces his fingers against tobari's chest, as if to study his tattoos. when will he study how to do it so he can leave his mark on tobari too... ]
no subject
—don't make me carry you the rest of the way up.
[ like
he would
but don't make him do that ]
... that sounds fine, though. [ if they're really alright with him. he doesn't fight off rafayel tracing along the curves of ink, even if he does tilt his head about it. ] ... what, looking for inspiration?
[ studying someone else's art that tobari got inked up with a while ago ]
no subject
I won't. I did pretty well on the treadmill the other day, didn't I?
[ just a thousand complaints, but that's still good, right? ]
Do you see me as someone who'd get inspired by someone else's art? It's more like I'm thinking about the nerve of the person who would get this when I'm right here. [ even when he frames it like a joke, his voice does get a bit softer as he leans to whisper it in his ear... ]
[1/2]
[ is it good? is it?
but the comment absolutely makes tobari laugh. his tattoo artist and he go way back, and it's obvious enough that consistency is important to tobari when it comes to his collection of tattoos. still, he turns his head toward rafayel and catches his mouth again in a kiss that holds traces of his amusement, lips upturned at the corner. despite this, he lingers as if the gesture of affection might dispel any doubts. ]
no subject
I think you'd accidentally stab me and I'd bleed out on the tattooing table.
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It normally does, and you like it.
[ he winks.
only it's dispelled by??? confusion?? ] The needle is so small that the vampires would starve.
no subject
even as he continues to talk shit, ignoring rafayel's initial semi-correct statement ]
I feel like you'd find a way. Or you'd try to tattoo something annoying on me like 'property of Rafayel' where I can't see and I'd have to hold it against you for the rest of our lives. I'd start covering up like a nun just to spite you.
[ why is he getting irritated about things that haven't happened ]
no subject
there's a second in which he actually thinks about it, though... ] Hey, I'd be more subtle than that. [ he touches the side of tobari's neck where idk i guess he left a bitemark... ] But, holding it against me, huh? Does that mean I'll still be on your mind all the time? I'm tempted...
[ tobari is mad about things that haven't happened...
while rafayel is jealous over nothing... ]
no subject
Listen when people are talking. It wasn’t a suggestion.
[ but he’ll let rafayel touch him as he pleases, hand coming up to gently wrap his fingers around his wrist. this time, just for an excuse to touch him, not actively pulling him away. instead, tobari will be the one to lean in ]
But I’m already yours. If you want to leave evidence of that on me that lasts, I’d let you.
[ but if it’s stupid he’ll just move out don’t test him ]
no subject
he brushes his fingers over his skin, before they slide over his chest. mostly, he feels just enough to get he palm over his heartbeat. ] Then I'll have to think on the design. Maybe something like what I drew on the card I gave you the other day...?
[ a motif of two fish that subtly circled around one another...
a red flammula, considered an emmissary of the sea god. ]
no subject
so he lets the palm curl over his heart, steady and assured. as far as tobari is concerned, since he even agreed to this relationship with rafayel, then every moment and heartbeat since has belonged to him. ]
Ah. [ an easy, affirming noise that he punctuates with another soft, adoring kiss ] Sounds nice.
As long as you put thought into it, then I’m sure it’ll be a work of art. I’d be lucky to adorned with it—to receive such a gift from my lover.
[ rafayel’s works of art might be considered priceless to the public and tobari is aware of that… but he finds himself wanting this tattoo for no other reason than it comes from the one he loves ]
no subject
at the same time, rafayel is definitely putting "watching metube video tutorials" on his to-do list in his downtime. how hard could it possibly be? ]
When you put it like that, it makes me wonder if you have an ulterior motive. [ ? this seems suspicious? as accommodating as tobari is, rafayel still ends up being surprise in moments like this. maybe this shared affection still feels new to him in some ways. ]
no subject
but he supposes he might as well seize the opportunity, ]
I’m sure I could come up with one.
[ and he’ll turn to let his own arms wrap around rafayel’s waist, pulling him closer until their bodies are flush again. tobari leans his head in closer, near enough to kiss ]
Should I lay my claim on you too?
no subject
What, suddenly struck by inspiration?
[ he leans in just enough for his lips to brush against his skin. it's light, just enough where it's hard to distinguish if it's a kiss, or just his breath tickling him. ]
My body and heart is all yours, silly.
no subject
he was content to flirt but something about being called silly over this kills the mood for him so fast ]
I think I’m getting distracted by hypocrisy? Didn’t someone else get worked up over nothing first?
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help, this is like tobari's distaste for lads head pats... but also??? ]
Over nothing? [ record scratch. ] You thought that was nothing?
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[ fuck it they’re still close, tobari tilts his head enough to nip at raf’s ear ]
I’ve been yours too, you idiot.
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[ even if this probably isn't the first time he's been jealous.
but, at the nip, he ends up reaching a hand up to cover his ear. even if the gesture and tobari's words do make him happy, now that he's started this argument... he can't just end it. ]
Hey, a fish's ears are sensitive, you know.
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[ but okay
he grabs rafayel’s face in his hand and tries to forcibly (but not painfully) turn his head so tobari can look at his other ear. bullying. ]
So if I asked you to pierce them for me, you’d say no?
[ body mod possessiveness trades ]
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he blinks a few times, surprised.
... ] That depends.
[ despite saying that, he does untangle himself from tobari's grip momentarily. he heads off to a closet off in the corner of a room, and returns without a word. he grabs tobari's hand and places a needle in the center of it. ]
no subject
You were too ready to offer this.
[ raf…………………………… ]
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