glub | ( 🍓🧀 )

[ would you betray him by calling thomas like that... ]

Yeah, it doesn't hurt to ask. I'd hate to over-step. [ he's not actually thinking about this at all. but, he can at least pretend. ]

You could have slipped a pun in there? Like, "I "fin-ally" figured it out, or I "turtle-y" got that covered? [ do you hate him yet, tobari... that said, he does look at tobari from his peripherals, already giving him a small smile.

he knows tobari tends to take on a lot. he guesses it may also be the fact that he also had good instincts and a lot of care to give, and so he had the penchant for getting overly involved in things. while it's not a bad trait, at times like this, rafayel thinks it'd be nice for tobari to take it easy. (he says while contributing to half those problems). ]

[ is it betrayal or just trying to keep the peace because tobari being overly involved also means he worries about thomas's blood pressure. he has a wife and a child apparently? tobari doesn't want him to collapse? ]

... well it's nice of you to pretend. [ TOBARI KNOWS RAF DOESN'T MEAN IT. but it's fine, because tobari is normally fine with rafayel helping out as long as it doesn't actually hurt his schedule anywhere...

anyway he ignores the puns. he just doesn't even acknowledge them. ]

And what happened in your day? Someone cause you trouble?

[ thinks about the doberman bf tweet where tobari isn't even nice to rafayel all the time but if anyone else actually caused issues for him then tobari would probably want to twist them into a pretzel ]

[ that is valid, but also none of rafayel's concern.

jk, he does care below the layers of him dogging on him. if there was anyone who was akin to family to him on the surface, maybe he'd also factor into that equation next to his aunt talia. as for tobari... ]

Just the usual paparazzi. You know, it's not always easy heading to venues where everyone knows I frequent. [ but, he says it with a shrug like it's not anything out of the norm. in a way, it isn't. just today went down a little differently. ]

Are you that worried about me?

[ rafayel........

tobari just makes a vague noise of acknowledgement. he also hates paparazzi on principle, so that's fair. ]

Don't ask dumb questions. Of course I am.

[ there's no reason to hide it! ]

You say that, but...

[ he looks back to tobari for second.

speaking of hiding things. ]

Shouldn't I be more worried about you? I don't mind you having your own secrets, but you'd tell me if you needed help, right?

[ it might be a little telling the way that tobari pauses to consider the answer. whenever rafayel implies he might need help, then tobari's instant response is that he'll do whatever he can to take something off his plate. the reverse...

well, it would feel worse if he agreed immediately and lied about it. so he tries to put thought into what he says. the conclusion he comes to is: ]

... yeah. If I thought I was in over my head, I'd tell you.

[ because he wouldn't want to risk something of rafayel finding out the hard way or getting caught off-guard. he brings their hands up again just to brush his lips over the back of raf's knuckles. ]

But I'm fine.

[ that's a pretty extreme threshold, he thinks.

but in spite of realizing all of that, there is a secondary emotion in which he kind of understands where he's coming from. which really does make him reflect on when, or if he plans to let tobari know about his own dealings. at the same time, he knows tobari might see or hear things on the news in which could tangentially be related to him.

it's why he remains silent. only breaking out of his state when he feels tobari kiss the back of his knuckles. it tickles a little, and rafayel smiles as he also leans in and presses a kiss to the side of tobari's cheek. ]

You make it hard to keep pressing you.

[ it's a little on purpose.

tobari doesn't think that this is big enough to be worth constructing an elaborate lie over. at the same time, he's not giving up information all too easily because he also doesn't think it matters enough as a one-time occurrence to bother rafayel with.

when the kiss on the cheek comes, he sighs slightly—even if the emotion behind it is hard to place. ]

... as long as you know it's not because I don't trust you.

[ if rafayel kept asking, tobari's not sure how much he'd be able to hide. but it's why he's grateful he doesn't. ]

I know that.

[ if tobari didn't trust him, then who could he trust... would be more of rafayel's concern. you know, aside from the pettier line of consideration that most definitely didn't cross his mind or anything. he releases a soft exhale before he re-adjusts his grip to hold onto tobari's wrist.

almost as if he's going to lead him home. ]

Same to you. If there's anything you don't know about me, you can always ask. Even if I'm not ready to answer you yet, I know I'll be able to tell you everything eventually. [ when he feels like tobari is in deep enough where it'd be harder for him to leave...

which may have been unfair on his part to think, but as scared as he is about laying out all his cards and being perceived as some monster...

he also has the burning desire to be accepted by tobari, anyway. ]

[ tobari glances down when rafayel readjusts the hold of their hands, but otherwise doesn't correct it or comment. for now, he'll let him do as he pleases as he still tries to place what could've unsettled him enough for this...

still, he doesn't think it'd be fair for him to turn around and press rafayel either. even then, if he gets to be really, truly honest for once... ]

... I want to know everything about you.

[ and tobari doesn't admit to wanting things very often. ]

I won't rush or force you. As long as you know I'm here, waiting, then that's fine. I won't go anywhere, so you can take your time... but don't carry something alone when you don't have to.

[ he's such a hypocrite.

but even in his hypocrisy, he can't help his sincerity. ]

[ the desire tobari has to get to truly know him is appreciated, even if he doesn't always show it.

he knows they're both elusive at times; always within reach, and yet distant in more subtle, nearly indiscernable in some ways. despite years of thinking no one would ever fully understand him, he wonders if sometimes tobari becomes frighteningly close to making him feel like he could.

it makes him feel a bit softer, and he can't help but smile even with his head turned away. it might be hypocrisy, but he still feels like it's some sort of lifeline. in the cruel world of the deep sea where they operated by survival of the fittesdt— sometimes that's all someone needed. ]

Actually, do you think I could ask you for a favor sometime? [ ... could he start allowing him into his world just a little? ] It's kind of related. Or maybe not. [ still, he doesn't really wait for an answer as he's already quickening his pace, pulling tobari just slightly. ]

Yeah.

[ the same way that rafayel doesn't really wait for an answer, tobari doesn't wait to give him one. it's perhaps a little funny in comparison to tobari's reticence to even admit that he could need help earlier—how quickly he'll say yes to anything rafayel could possibly need from him. he'll match the increase in pace so he's not being dragged behind. ]

Whether it is or isn't... whatever you want, Raf.

[ tobari is so prone to bluster—to complaining about everything rafayel puts him through and to making things harder just to force his lover into putting extra effort instead of just whining to get his way.

but at the heart of it, it's always this.

for him? anything. everything. ]

Edited 2026-01-20 03:35 (UTC)

Then be my date for the next event I have. It's not for another month.

[ he doesn't say much else beyond that. he knows tobari despises the rich, probably just as much as he does. the only difference is... that rafayel put on pretenses, and as much as he utilizes his wealth to infiltrate their circles, they were not the same. to begin with...

how could he be? he wasn't human.

at one time, maybe that would have been another one of rafayel's concerns&mdaash; of being perceived as being just as rich and greedy as the rest of them. if tobari thought he was the same, but he figures tobari would judge him appropriately when the time actually comes. ]

It's in a town I used to live in. I attended school there.

... alright. [ he did say yes already. ] Just give me the date and I'll schedule around it.

[ so that he's not busy around that time... tobari does hate rich people. he hates the opulence, the arrogance, and the incessant feeling of hoarding. even still... it's not like he doesn't take advantage of the moments he does get dragged into the upper echelons of society. the work that he does needs donations and investments—and while he's never against rafayel's help, he also knows better than to get money too intertwined with his relationship.

so he can keep himself busy while rafayel also does what he needs. in most situations, he can even play nice enough to not start a fight. and if it's for rafayel, then that'll stay his hand every other time he wants to throw a punch.

he's not sure what this favor could entail but... well. doesn't matter. ]

I wouldn't mind seeing more about where you came from.

[ despite rafayel's own home being a mess of his own whims, he knows precisely what tobari finds displeasure in. it isn't just the hoarding of old paintings, or stacks of sketches... it's in the sheer excess of their wants. the apathy towards everyone and everything else in the face of their own desires, and rafayel could sincerely understand where he comes from. even in old lemurian texts, the thought of humans being callous and selfish was well-established. well-known, and because of that he gets it. but, he also does comprehend that tobari is good at what he does.

if he can also use them to leverage something better for the world? why not. while... he gets his revenge in the shadows. it's a thought he considers, before shaking his head. ] I also want to show you everything.

[ they've finally made it to the steps of the balcony, and he turns back to tobari. ] It is kind of close to Valentine's. [ ... ] We can make a whole trip of it. Your work won't mind me stealing you for a week, will it?

[ realistically, tobari can't really remember the last time he took an entire week off. though if he reframes it in his head, as long as he's able to secure some decent funding and make some worthwhile connections on this trip—maybe it'll balance out to a net zero. ]

... I'll figure that out. [ he can delegate like an insane person before they depart... ] Just know that leading up to the trip, I might be working on making sure everything's fine for me to leave for a little while.

[ but he'll communicate with rafayel the whole time. he knows he might still pout. he'll deal with that later too. ]

But—sure, we can have a couple's getaway. Is there anything else I should know to prepare for it?

[ just how fancy is it... how does he make sure rafayel doesn't try to pay for a new outfit for him ]

[ you think tobari has a choice when rafayel comes home with like ten options for him

sorry, when they were just speaking about rich people things. that said, he does end up giving a dutiful nod, even knowing he's sure to kick up a fuss about it later. ] Then... I'll be sure to pack a picture of me to take to work with you so you don't miss me too much. [ when they get to top of the stairs, he does end up opening his arms for a hug. ]

Since you'll be busy, shouldn't you leave the preparations to me?

Your picture's already in my wallet.

[ tobari wouldn't have volunteered this information if rafayel wasn't in enough of a mood to go wading out into the water at 3 am... but he can know... assumes that rafayel forced tobari's phone screen to be a picture of him but the wallet was entirely tobari's own doing.

he'll let his arms come up to loop around rafayel's neck for the hug, pulling him in close like that'll help ward off anymore of those worries about bad dreams. ]

If you spend a ridiculous amount of money on me, I'm going to plan all our dates for the next year and refuse to let you spend a dime.

[ raf has been warned. that's why tobari doesn't want to let him prepare. ]

[ their matching lock screens where they're both making a heart with their hands...

oh...

he falls a little silent at the admittance. it's not that he doubted the depth of tobari's feelings, but that it felt easy to feel like a lot sometimes. whether its the baggage he inevitably carries, or the intensity of his emotions. sometimes devotion could feel like a heavy thing, and so...

he can't help but find tobari all the more endearing and lovable to him in this moment. the arms around him make him feel secure somehow, and he finds himself also wrapping his arms around his waist. he gives him a tight squeeze. he wonders if his own heartbeat is obvious...? ]

Too bad. If you wanted an obedient boyfriend, it looks like you picked the wrong one. I don't do refunds either.

[ ... ] But, I will try not to go overboard.

[ this matching lock screen is such a cute idea and tobari would look moody about it but he'd do the heart hands for raf. gap moe

anyway, dryly: ]

You know the hottest thing a rich guy can do is continue his steady flow of donations to research and organizations that better society.

[ just throwing that out there.

still, tobari will accept the squeeze and proceed to turn his face so he can press a series of kisses to rafayel's cheek, the curve of his jaw, and by the corner of his eye. this is bribery. it doesn't change that he's being affectionate on purpose but it is also factually bribery.

anyway, ]

... I didn't even want a boyfriend at all. [ this fish barged into his life uninvited!!! ] But I'm glad I have you.

[ TOBARI DOING THE HALF HEART WOULD BE SO CUTE... his aegyo

he laughs. ] If you're so interested, you can ask Thomas how much the last painting for charity sold for. I wasn't curious about it before, but I might be if that's what makes me attractive to you. [ obviously, the more money for charity the better, but rafayel didn't put a lot of stock into how the rest of the world perceived his work, nor did he actually care for monetary gain or fame.

you know, outside of his objectives.

but, judging by tobari's kisses, he thinks maybe it's not necessary for him to talk to thomas at all. his affections were obvious, and he liked that. his lips on his skin feel nice, and he also turns his head to place a chaste kiss on the corner of tobari's lips. ]

Silly, that's my line. Lemurians tend to love for life... [ so... ]

[ does aegyo once a year and only for raf

still, tobari can’t help his amusement. the point he was trying to make was that he would rather raf use his money for the sake of charity instead of spoiling him… but instead he’s just getting romanced about it? he turns his face toward rafayel, hand coming up to the curve of his jaw to guide him closer—near enough for him to feel the smile on tobari’s mouth and words against his lips ]

… no, I think you already said the most attractive thing.

[ because this is what gets him to fall a little deeper—not weird bartender roleplay or any grand gifts. just the reminder that raf wants to do good for other people, and that at the same time, he wants to do so at tobari’s side. his chest feels warm with it, with more affection than he knows what to do with.

so he’ll close the distance between them in a kiss that carries the overflow, all his tenderness and sincerity. when he speaks again, it’s just murmured against raf’s mouth ]

Then I guess I’m yours for life.

[ there's a genuine ? mark as he tilts his head.

honestly, he isn't sure which is the part tobari likes, but he'll take any compliment from him. a win is a win, and he wasn't particular on the hows and whys. especially, not when tobari looks genuinely happy.

but, if only he knew it was at the cost of tobari dissing the bartender roleplay... damn. biggest upset of the night, even if he's completely unaware of it. that said, despite him saying those words without reservation, a part of him wonders if his devotion could be interpreted as being too heavy, or feeling like too much, but then... ]

... You really do like being tied down. [ but, it is chilly tonight, and so he is trying to usher tobari towards the comfort of the inside of their home. ]

[ tobari lets himself be brought inside even though it was rafayel's fault that they were out there on this night anyway. as for the actual words, he thinks about it. tobari can count the number of relationships he's been in throughout the course of his life on one hand. he's not particularly abnormal about love as a concept—he cherishes people as they come, and then lets them go when things just don't work out. (typically, he is too busy for things to work out. rafayel going out of his way to spend time with him even at work probably did a lot of heavy lifting for the relationship when they started.)

... but he thinks he likes commitment. knowing that there's someone out there for him and someone he can give his attention to, too. ]

... I think it's more that I like you enough to let you. [ tie him down. ]

I do still need to shower. Are you coming? [ a beat ] No funny business.

[ they are probably up late enough that they're more likely to see the sunrise soon. they cannot bang in every thread ]

[ YOU'VE HAD OTHER RELATIONSHIPS!?! jk, rafayel probably knows this already.

he's also probably deep-dived into these relationships more than he should have, but no one has to know that.

but, now that they're inside, he can finally feel the warmth of the fireplace he's left on before heading out. it feels warm on his chilled skin, and he is already unbuttoning the rest of his shirt (as if he does more than two buttons when he's at home, anyway). despite him pausing for a second, he does obediently fall in step behind tobari. though, not without flashing his usual annoying smile. ] Hm... [ pretends to be thinking deeeeeeply. ]

What do you mean by "no funny business"? [ feigns ignorance...

but, please.... they can't keep getting away with this. ] So you like me enough to let me tie you down, but this is where you draw the line? [ he's kidding, he does have a conscience, and he does feel bad that it's already so late. ]

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