[ rafayel also makes sure to grab a smaller bag he packed with cheese sticks, water, his painting supplies, a sketchbook, and he even puts a camera over his neck.
he then gives the seat one last check to see if he didn't forget anything, before he turns back to tobari, also cocking his head to side as if to ask if he's all set? that said, his question does get a small chuckle. ] Maybe for some, but I wouldn't call it normal. I think a lot of people tend to get caught up in their everyday lives, and what they see all the time... they take for granted. You know what I mean?
[ which is why he feels like tobari is... special to him in more ways than one. he's attracted to the part of him in which connects more deeply to the world around him, and can see it for it's beauty, as seemingly muddled as it can appear from a distance. ]
tobari gives a nod, even as he fusses for half a second to adjust the strap of raf's bag, also double-checking the weight. he'll probably offer to carry it for him later, but for now they can start to head out. after locking up the car and pocketing the keys, he'll reach for rafayel's hand and start to head for the start of the hiking trail. he's unfortunately one of those people that walks with confidence even though he has no idea where he's ultimately going so rafayel should take the lead at some point,,, ]
... ah. [ an idle response to the statement, because tobari can acknowledge that people who live that way feel like they're in a different world from him ] But just because I've seen flowers before doesn't mean I've seen these flowers. They mean something to you, or at least the greenhouse that planted them does, so obviously I'm going to care more.
[ even though aside from that, tobari does tend to just enjoy nature and simple things. rafayel isn't wrong. tobari's just gone so much of his life without that even the smallest things earn his gratitude now ]
he does watch the way he fusses over him like a mother hen and can't help but release a small exhale in humor for a second, almost like he's trying to stop himself from cracking up. thankfully, he does keep it down. he swallows it alongside with any remark he might have said about it any other day. he then double checks the locks one more time before they head onto the actual pathway leading up towards the summit of the mountain.
he's satisfied with letting tobari take the metaphorical helm for now; he can steer this ship. fortunately, the trail does appear mostly intuitive for now. though, he does seem excited about the prospect of playing tour guide a little here. that aside, ] Yeah, they're special. They used to bloom only near the deep sea and they grow with their roots completely submerged in water. [ he nods along with those words. ]
But, even that doesn't mean a lot to everyone. Though, I guess at the same time, I wouldn't just show anyone, either. [ he smiles, as he uses one hand to grab the camera around his neck and take a quick shot of tobari. ]
[ even at the start of the trail, tobari finds himself looking around at the scenery more than anything else. trees, trail, fresh air. the sound of a camera shutter pulls his attention finally, prompting him to glance toward rafayel and raise a brow in confusion ]
What's the point of a photo of me when I'm the one you see everyday?
[ sap...
he shakes his head idly before focusing again on the path ahead of them, as if already trying to keep an eye out for the flowers that raf mentioned ]
... I'll make sure to remember this then. All the details.
[ since it's something that's so intentionally being shared with him... he won't take that for granted either. ]
Just like art... I think no matter how impossible it is, we naturally try to capture a specific moment in time. [ to bring permanence to something fleeting. they're here together today, but next week... tobari will be back at work (sad). jk, that said, in reality, it's more of rafayel's own whim. he's drawn to pressing down on the shutter when he sees tobari enters the frame... but, also— ]
... Silly. That's what the pictures are for. Told ya.
[ he thinks he's so funny. he catches up to tobari this time, nudging him light on the arm as they continue. the greenery is lush and despite that, the path is oddly maintained. money really takes people so far. ]
[ he huffs out a breath at that, mildly disbelieving. despite spending so much time with artists, tobari himself isn't all that prone to pulling out his phone to record or take photos. at least not of big, momentous occasions when people would be more expected to want to capture. his phone camera roll is probably 70% photos of stray cats that he sees, 20% embarrassing photos of suzune and raf, and then 10% the ever so rare ones of suzune mid-practice or mid-dance or rafayel mid-painting session where they don't even notice him. ]
Photos can capture aesthetics... but I think I'd rather remember a feeling. Maybe I've got the wrong audience for that sentiment, though.
[ but if he really thinks about it, ] Well, I do like seeing the world through your eyes.
[ he likes rafayel's art and his photos and every piece he leaves behind that reveals a little bit more about his perspective... but that's more because tobari likes him, and really, even now, wants to know everything about him. that's just the shape affection takes though, isn't it? ]
When you're old and grey, you better remember you said that.
[ though, he does laugh a little. ] Though, you seem like you'd grow into a sharp old man. [ i forgot about having to think about the fact that their lifespans are also so different... maybe this was doomed from the start.
though, i also have my eye on you... stop trying to kill tobari ]
Nah, I like hearing how you think of things too. I think sometimes it's easy to get lost, and forget to take in the moment. Besides, if we forget, we just have to come again and again.
[ I THOUGHT YOU SAID HE WAS HEALTHY IN THIS AU??? ]
Aaand it works?
[ smug... ]
Then, what do you think about the local legend here? They say when we cross the bridge up there, there's a statue of the god of the mountain. They say if you make a wish about romance, it'll be granted.
that said, he does think it's soooo like tobari not to apply this legend to himself. rafayel is almost offended. almost. but, he keeps it together because it's hard for him to be in a bad mood when he's on a hike with his boyfriend. ]
... Is that all you have to say? No wish of your own?
[ they're together forever unless rafayel feels like breaking up with tobari? it's funny because tobari's not even unreasonable about love—he knows that sometimes feelings can fade and matches don't work out. he also just thinks that he's in way too deep ever be the one to suggest breaking things off in any serious capacity. ]
Last one's vetoed.
The others are just based on schedules between your work and mine.
[ raf was gone for a few days because of an exhibition... tobari can go with him next time probably but there'll always be things that keep them busy.
if he has to think about an actual wish he has... ]
... I guess I'd just wish for my lover to always be content and healthy.
[ okay, but who would leave the boyfriend of all time?
in spite of the way that rafayel can occasionally push the boundaries of their jokes, and be rather susceptible to pettier emotions— he has also never seriously pondered on a timeline where he isn't with tobari. he gave him his entire heart, and at no point has he ever desired it back. but, he also knows that in the daily drudgery, it's easy for people to lose sight of those emotions and burning desire to be with their loved ones, and to express those feelings...
which is why, it feels nice to reaffirm them. even in the midst of a silly exchange like this. ] ... That's cheating. If you're going to wish for that, then I have to wish for your absolute happiness, obviously? But, instead of a mountain god, I can think of a better one to grant that for you, actually.
[ nvm, he doesn't want to sea god to be accessible anymore... ]
Do I seem that petty? [ he gives him a sidelong glance, before being annoying and snapping another photo right in tobari's face as rafayel walks backwards right in front of him. in the near future, he's going to regret expending his energy like this. ]
There are lots of pretty sights, yeah. But, I think a lot of them seem a lot more beautiful when I'm with you. Honestly, even the regular roads we walk, or the grungy city lights... they're all weirdly pretty.
[ he thinks raf can be plenty petty so he's not answering that. this is also petty of tobari.
still, he'll raise a brow when raf just walks ahead of him but backwards—tobari keeps a slightly tighter hold of his hand then, if only so that he can make sure to help raf keep his balance before he trips on something. though tobari will at least keep an eye out for him... ]
You sure you're not just becoming more easily pleased?
but, really. tobari sometimes struck rafayel as being so devoid of desires and/or expectations that he can't help but to find it ironic that he's the one being called easy to please?
that said, maybe tobari is smart, because rafayel does stumble on an exposed root a second later, nearly missing a step as he almost falls backwards. ]
[ this is a completely correct and accurate callout but tobari is now distracted with making sure raf doesn't just eat shit on their nice hike
so he'll use the hold on their hands to pull raf back toward him, other arm reaching out to catch him at the waist before he loses his balance entirely ]
Better than being King Klutz. Can you stop being a show-off and watch where you're going? Or else the Mountain God will laugh at you.
[ there's a second where he falls forward towards tobari. the close proximity catches him off-guard for a moment, but he delights in how swiftly he feels an arm snake around him, holding him firmly. ] Nice catch. [ he pats tobari's hand as if to tell him he's okay now. ]
But, don't you think that's a bit much? Like, should the Mountain God be that bad of a person? [ though, from his memories, he's fairly certain they envisioned their mountain god as some half-eagle, half-lion creature. the human imagination was pretty frightening... ]
If so, maybe we shouldn't be praising him too much.
[ when the hand pat comes, tobari frowns but reclaims his arm once he's sure that raf is steady again. once he's sure that he's got his footing, then tobari will start walking again but this time he's following the path and taking the lead so that raf doesn't start walking backwards again to once more tempt disaster ]
I'm not going to pretend I understand anything about gods even now. [ there is a hilarity in tobari being utterly undevout despite everything... ] Based on the legend, it just sounded like the Mountain God was some kind of gossip.
[ wow, so little faith in your boyfriend not tripping down the side of this mountain? though, he does end up following him in step with little complaint, especially as the mountain's pathway does appear to get a little steeper. ]
Even gods get bored, don't ya think? [ ... ]
Maybe one day it'll be Suzune coming up here making a romantic wish? [ lol. ]
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he then gives the seat one last check to see if he didn't forget anything, before he turns back to tobari, also cocking his head to side as if to ask if he's all set? that said, his question does get a small chuckle. ] Maybe for some, but I wouldn't call it normal. I think a lot of people tend to get caught up in their everyday lives, and what they see all the time... they take for granted. You know what I mean?
[ which is why he feels like tobari is... special to him in more ways than one. he's attracted to the part of him in which connects more deeply to the world around him, and can see it for it's beauty, as seemingly muddled as it can appear from a distance. ]
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tobari gives a nod, even as he fusses for half a second to adjust the strap of raf's bag, also double-checking the weight. he'll probably offer to carry it for him later, but for now they can start to head out. after locking up the car and pocketing the keys, he'll reach for rafayel's hand and start to head for the start of the hiking trail. he's unfortunately one of those people that walks with confidence even though he has no idea where he's ultimately going so rafayel should take the lead at some point,,, ]
... ah. [ an idle response to the statement, because tobari can acknowledge that people who live that way feel like they're in a different world from him ] But just because I've seen flowers before doesn't mean I've seen these flowers. They mean something to you, or at least the greenhouse that planted them does, so obviously I'm going to care more.
[ even though aside from that, tobari does tend to just enjoy nature and simple things. rafayel isn't wrong. tobari's just gone so much of his life without that even the smallest things earn his gratitude now ]
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he does watch the way he fusses over him like a mother hen and can't help but release a small exhale in humor for a second, almost like he's trying to stop himself from cracking up. thankfully, he does keep it down. he swallows it alongside with any remark he might have said about it any other day. he then double checks the locks one more time before they head onto the actual pathway leading up towards the summit of the mountain.
he's satisfied with letting tobari take the metaphorical helm for now; he can steer this ship. fortunately, the trail does appear mostly intuitive for now. though, he does seem excited about the prospect of playing tour guide a little here. that aside, ] Yeah, they're special. They used to bloom only near the deep sea and they grow with their roots completely submerged in water. [ he nods along with those words. ]
But, even that doesn't mean a lot to everyone. Though, I guess at the same time, I wouldn't just show anyone, either. [ he smiles, as he uses one hand to grab the camera around his neck and take a quick shot of tobari. ]
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What's the point of a photo of me when I'm the one you see everyday?
[ sap...
he shakes his head idly before focusing again on the path ahead of them, as if already trying to keep an eye out for the flowers that raf mentioned ]
... I'll make sure to remember this then. All the details.
[ since it's something that's so intentionally being shared with him... he won't take that for granted either. ]
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... Silly. That's what the pictures are for. Told ya.
[ he thinks he's so funny. he catches up to tobari this time, nudging him light on the arm as they continue. the greenery is lush and despite that, the path is oddly maintained. money really takes people so far. ]
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Photos can capture aesthetics... but I think I'd rather remember a feeling. Maybe I've got the wrong audience for that sentiment, though.
[ but if he really thinks about it, ] Well, I do like seeing the world through your eyes.
[ he likes rafayel's art and his photos and every piece he leaves behind that reveals a little bit more about his perspective... but that's more because tobari likes him, and really, even now, wants to know everything about him. that's just the shape affection takes though, isn't it? ]
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[ though, he does laugh a little. ] Though, you seem like you'd grow into a sharp old man. [ i forgot about having to think about the fact that their lifespans are also so different... maybe this was doomed from the start.
though, i also have my eye on you... stop trying to kill tobari ]
Nah, I like hearing how you think of things too. I think sometimes it's easy to get lost, and forget to take in the moment. Besides, if we forget, we just have to come again and again.
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Sounds like another ploy to steal me from work...
[ these ploys do work a fair amount of the time? but tobari shakes his head ]
I don't think my perspective is all that unique... but if there's ever anything you want to know, you can just ask.
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Aaand it works?
[ smug... ]
Then, what do you think about the local legend here? They say when we cross the bridge up there, there's a statue of the god of the mountain. They say if you make a wish about romance, it'll be granted.
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anyway not acknowledging the fact that yes it obviously works
also in response to this adorable legend: ]
Probably extremely popular with high school girls.
[ he wonders if they will pass by any who are trying to get lucky with their crushes ]
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that said, he does think it's soooo like tobari not to apply this legend to himself. rafayel is almost offended. almost. but, he keeps it together because it's hard for him to be in a bad mood when he's on a hike with his boyfriend. ]
... Is that all you have to say? No wish of your own?
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I already have you, so I'm not sure what more I could wish for.
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why does he make it so hard to be mad. ]
To be together forever? To have more time to spend together? More vacation days? To let Rafayel take control of everything?
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[ they're together forever unless rafayel feels like breaking up with tobari? it's funny because tobari's not even unreasonable about love—he knows that sometimes feelings can fade and matches don't work out. he also just thinks that he's in way too deep ever be the one to suggest breaking things off in any serious capacity. ]
Last one's vetoed.
The others are just based on schedules between your work and mine.
[ raf was gone for a few days because of an exhibition... tobari can go with him next time probably but there'll always be things that keep them busy.
if he has to think about an actual wish he has... ]
... I guess I'd just wish for my lover to always be content and healthy.
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in spite of the way that rafayel can occasionally push the boundaries of their jokes, and be rather susceptible to pettier emotions— he has also never seriously pondered on a timeline where he isn't with tobari. he gave him his entire heart, and at no point has he ever desired it back. but, he also knows that in the daily drudgery, it's easy for people to lose sight of those emotions and burning desire to be with their loved ones, and to express those feelings...
which is why, it feels nice to reaffirm them. even in the midst of a silly exchange like this. ] ... That's cheating. If you're going to wish for that, then I have to wish for your absolute happiness, obviously? But, instead of a mountain god, I can think of a better one to grant that for you, actually.
[ why did he even bring this up then... ]
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but also this is so funny not rafayel deciding to suddenly beef with the mountain god ]
Do you think I'm not already happy?
[ he asks when he wears a perpetual scowl or neutral expression at best except for when rafayel actually gets him to laugh or smile ]
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but, yeah... he has beef with this mountain god, because also...???
why are you making it so hard for people to make a wish to you, when a sea god is right here? not making people go on a hike. ]
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even though tobari just isnβt the type to ask for anything. ]
Are you looking for praise? That Iβve been happier with you than Iβve ever been before?
Well, itβs true regardless I guessβ¦
[ so he doesnβt mind saying itβ¦ ]
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Do I seem that petty? [ he gives him a sidelong glance, before being annoying and snapping another photo right in tobari's face as rafayel walks backwards right in front of him. in the near future, he's going to regret expending his energy like this. ]
There are lots of pretty sights, yeah. But, I think a lot of them seem a lot more beautiful when I'm with you. Honestly, even the regular roads we walk, or the grungy city lights... they're all weirdly pretty.
[ isn't that also a form of happiness? ]
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still, he'll raise a brow when raf just walks ahead of him but backwards—tobari keeps a slightly tighter hold of his hand then, if only so that he can make sure to help raf keep his balance before he trips on something. though tobari will at least keep an eye out for him... ]
You sure you're not just becoming more easily pleased?
[ even if he doesn't disagree ]
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[ ? hello?
but, really. tobari sometimes struck rafayel as being so devoid of desires and/or expectations that he can't help but to find it ironic that he's the one being called easy to please?
that said, maybe tobari is smart, because rafayel does stumble on an exposed root a second later, nearly missing a step as he almost falls backwards. ]
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so he'll use the hold on their hands to pull raf back toward him, other arm reaching out to catch him at the waist before he loses his balance entirely ]
Better than being King Klutz. Can you stop being a show-off and watch where you're going? Or else the Mountain God will laugh at you.
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But, don't you think that's a bit much? Like, should the Mountain God be that bad of a person? [ though, from his memories, he's fairly certain they envisioned their mountain god as some half-eagle, half-lion creature. the human imagination was pretty frightening... ]
If so, maybe we shouldn't be praising him too much.
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I'm not going to pretend I understand anything about gods even now. [ there is a hilarity in tobari being utterly undevout despite everything... ] Based on the legend, it just sounded like the Mountain God was some kind of gossip.
[ looking for romance wishes.... ]
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Even gods get bored, don't ya think? [ ... ]
Maybe one day it'll be Suzune coming up here making a romantic wish? [ lol. ]
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