Talking about you being a pain was not an invitation.
[ and yet here they are—and tobari squeezes rafayel's hand reassuringly anyway! he reaches out with his free hand to gently tap beneath his chin, encouraging him to keep his eyes up
despite his grouching, his voice takes a slightly softer tone as he adds, ]
We'll be on the other side in no time, Raf. Just one foot in front of the other.
[ it probably doesn't help when he just slightly tilts his head from side to side, as if he were confused at the prospect of it not being a request to be brat? ]
You were practically begging for it.
[ jokes aside, he is comforted by tobari's tipping his chin back up. it's true that he didn't necessarily enjoy the sensation of not being planted on firm ground. however, calling it a fear would be a clear exaggeration— it was disorienting at best. but, if it means tobari is focused on him...
then he's not about to correct whatever misunderstanding he might be having.
thank you, mountain god of romance. ]
When we get to the other side, I might need a hug...
[ not rafayel immediately becoming less convincing because heβs greedy. but tobari rolls his eyes affectionately anyway, also putting one foot in front of the other to get them to the other side. ]
[ why are you always clocking him??? tobari is standing on business ]
Do I seem like the type who'd do that? I'm not such a fussy person, you know.
[ lol, but, he does pick up the pace just a little.
clearly excited to collect his hug tax. this probably only makes it less convincing, but he doesn't seem to realize this. or, he does and he's confident that tobari wasn't going to be stingy with it. (may or may not be a lie)
but yeah why are you only wondering this now after ages of brat enabling ]
I think it's impressive to lack self-awareness to this extent.
[ HE'S SO RUDE AND FOR WHAT
tobari will at least sigh as he goes along with the swifter pace, following after. is he going to give rafayel a hug? who's to say. once they actually make it across the bridge, he doesn't actually move to close the distance between them at all....
instead he's going to look for the statue that rafayel mentioned, pointing over to it ]
[ when they make it across, rafayel is already leaning against the post that acts as a railing for the bridge. he pretends like he's catching his breath, but his eyes secretly (or not to secretly) studies tobari and the way he looks towards the statue. ]
...? [ he opens his mouth, clearly ready to utter yet another complaint, and yet the question throws him off. he seems to think about it for a few seconds before: ] That's blasphemous, you know. Instead of pretending... [ rafayel is finally moving to follow tobari, though. ]
We can make our demands— I mean, wishes, together. Besides, he basically made us hike all the way up here. I'd say the effort we expended makes up for more than just a silly prayer. [ the gods should be grateful... but, now who is blasphemous... ]
I still don't want anything... Not to mention you're the one who picked out this hike...
[ and he's also still not giving rafayel a hug because he's heartless and cruel... tobari should be pushed off the mountain. but he'll still hold onto his annoying, overdramatic lover's hand as they walk over to the statue... ]
But fine. Come on and make your complaints and then we can go.
Really? Because I can think up more than a hundred things I want.
[ like melon yogurt drinks? fresh seafood? cheese sticks—
no, wait. he has those. he shakes his head a little, as if to reroute his own thoughts. ] But, I think what I want most right now is the hug I'm owed. [ he ends up turning to tobari and releasing his hand if just to wrap him up in a hug. ] So you should hold me, before I think better of believing in gods.
unfortunately, tobari is just plainly entertained. is this part of why he neglects raf on purpose? because he thinks it's cute when he gets so demanding? it's more likely than you think.
truthfully, he was always going to give in—but rafayel's moodiness is just so amusing he can't help but enjoy it. the threat makes him laugh, which is not the right answer, but it's fine. rafayel lets go of his hand, but he'll just loop his arm around raf's waist instead to pull him close. there's a brief glance around—rng said raf can be lucky and not that many people are on the trail or are otherwise distracted with their own romance prayers, so tobari can use his free hand to rest at the back of rafayel's neck and guide him closer for a lingering kiss.
even when he pulls back, he sounds like he's about to laugh ]
Do you put me in debt just to collect as you please? Talk about greed.
the kiss was sudden and a bit surprising, if just because rafayel was entirely aware of tobari's stance when it came to pda. it's why, despite all his pushiness, he tended to veer on the side of caution. he wouldn't be much of a boyfriend if he couldn't at least determine his partner's boundaries, right? or that's his belief, at least.
it's why on rare occasions like this, that he can't help but feel entirely captivated by tobari for closing that distance. ... and you know, taking him completely off-guard. it's why he barely gets to return the gesture before tobari breaks their kiss. ]
Please, it's called strategy. How else would I pull you into my net...
[ hugging tobari closer and leaning forward to nuzzle his head on him... because he's needy. ]
Though, now it feels like you're the one who caught me and you're showing me off.
[ he looks at the couples around them who ... are actually too absorbed to notice them, but he makes it a point regardless of that fact. ]
[ there really are people here trying to pray to the mountain god for romance and tobari is like well i'm clearly having a great time and need absolutely nothing............... the audacity
he wants to sigh a little bit because it really is so much pda now... but he'll just let rafayel cuddle in as he pleases with an endeared roll of his eyes. the brat behavior was endearing enough that he'll let this slide a bit, along with the fact that he really didn't see rafayel for a few days... so he can spoil him just a little bit. (he spoils him all the goddamn time.) ]
Mm... well, sometimes it feels kind of cruel. Now especially. [ to flaunt how happy they are? damn. there are probably single people on this mountain trek too who are so vividly envious ]
But I am lucky to have you. I'm not so blind that I can't see that.
[ he really does spoil him all the time, and this is the result...
he's created this monster that's now nestling in his arms contentedly. though, he does end up straightening up a little as he is clearly making a spectacle of the two of them. the poor single people on this mountain trail... ]
Silly, I'm the one who lucked out. Who else is going to find someone as foolishly kindhearted and as understanding as you? To be honest, I thought it was hopeless to want to be understood, but you... [ he presses his forehead against tobari's lightly before he pulls away, enough to put space between them once more. though, a tender smile remains on his lips as he locks eyes with him. ]
I admit it now, I think you know me best. [ (this could be subject to change the second they get into an argument.)
but, he does end up wondering if he also know tobari best...? ]
Guess that sucks for everyone else? [ the single people... artsy birb bye. ]
[ rafayel really is a cuddle monster... but tobari is willing to accept it as long as it's short-lived enough. when he straightens up and pulls away, tobari will be the one to reach up and cup his cheek briefly. his hand falls away soon after, but it is his own little affectionate gesture of gratitude that rafayel didn't overstay in the pda zone...
in the end, he just thinks that some things should stay intimate between the only two people who need to know. ]
I'll give you more attention when we get to the ryokan.
[ since he's behaving... ]
But it is too bad for everyone else. I plan on keeping you. [ and he'll take rafayel's hand to gently tug him away. no more messing with gods and no more lingering in places with too many people. time to keep on with the hike. ] If I get to see and understand you the best, then I'll also treasure you the most.
[ the promise of attention is enticing all on its own, and he can't help the way he naturally looks forward to making it there. now that they've actually made it here, it's clear by how much more manicured and structured the pathways are, that they're getting close to where they'll stay.
even if it's still a bit of a walk and several, several sets of stairs away. though, perhaps, that's only a testament to the view that will be waiting for them in the ryokan. that said, he follows along with tobari. ] Nuh-uh, that's not possible because I won't let you steal my job, either. [ he changes his grip a little as they walk, his fingers squeezing tobari's knuckles as he interlaces them. ]
Buut, going back to you giving me attention... [ lol. ] What's first on the agenda? Giving me compliments, hand-feeding me, orrrr...? [ smiles... obnoxiously. ]
[ even more sets of stairs... tobari probably glances up at them briefly before he reaches out with his free hand to take rafayel's bag from his shoulder so that he doesn't get overly tired on the final trek. ]
I don't mind those as long as you don't push your luck before we get there.
[ they still have the rest of the hike... rafayel could say something truly insane and put tobari in a less generous mood?
but for now he'll bring up their hands to brush his lips against the back of rafayel's knuckles anyway ]
[ hey... he tries to fight tobari's hand off for a split second, before eventually letting him have his way.
ultimately, it boils down to that fact that... he likes tobari spoiling him, even if he's fully capable of hauling that bag and more. sometimes seeming a little more weak and vulnerable in front of him wasn't always a bad thing... why is he really that one tweet. ]
Within reason... sounds like an excuse to change your mind later?
[ he sees you...
but does he see himself and his ragebaiting ways? no. ]
[ me like which tweet is this. there have been so many tweets.
nonetheless, tobari just takes the bag because he really is prone to being overly thoughtful with his lover. even if he knows rafayel could probably manage just fine carrying the bag, itβs still undoubtedly lighter for him without it. little ways to make his life easier are things that tobari constantly looks for.
even if he also denies him in other ways. ]
Iβm not doing a TikTok dance just because you ask.
[ giving raf a completely blank check sounds like a horrible idea⦠]
But Iβll kiss you if you want. Praise you, pet you, hold youβ¦ What lovers do in private. We still have three days to make up for.
[ well. they got up to a lot the night before. but still. ]
[ there really has... thanks to you and pinterest.
the fact that tobari instantly jumps to that makes rafayel feel a little defensive, even if he knows it's completely valid. he's about to interject, but he stops when he hears "kiss." to be honest, he's immediately placated by that alone, but the rest of it...?
he ends up staring at tobari... his mouth agape.
give him a second to recover. ] Really? All of that? You sure, it's not you who has a catch this time? You're not making me go to an exhibition, or give a speech? [ he's even reaching over to feel around tobari's pants to see if he can pull out his smartphone to check that he hasn't been contacting thomas behind his back... trust no one. ]
[ don't just stuff your hand in his pockets when they're walking, hello? he frowns reflexively, even though he's going to once again be way too accommodating and actually find his phone from his back pocket to offer it to rafayel if he wants to see it? truly nothing interesting there... his phone's even on do not disturb today so he doesn't get the temptation to look at work texts.
but at rafayel's surprise, his brow furrows more and his frown deepens... ]
... do I neglect you that much...? No, there's no strings attached.
[ for raf to be so shocked? it's true that tobari's not always immediately so forthcoming with affection but he's like damn, am i a cold lover???? ]
[ the fact that tobari is letting him fish through his phone... he really is like those perfectly portrayed instagram bfs. that said, when rafayel doesn't end up finding anything, he gives up just as easily as he started. you know, even if he does end up tucking tobari's phone back into his own pocket.
at his words, he tilts his head slightly. ]
Hm.... [ he makes a noise like he's really, really thinking about it, before he ends up giving a small huff. ] I'm kidding. More than neglect... [ he'd say it's more like tobari tended to keep him on his toes. he was generous and affectionate in his own way, but he'd also set clear boundaries too. like... no cat dances, damn. ]
Pluuus, I get it if I make you feel shy. [ see what happens when you don't keep him modest... ]
[ HE JUST TAKES TOBARIβS PHONE HOSTAGE. tobari glances over, grumbling momentarily but he doesnβt actually care because heβs not that attached to his phoneβ¦ raf probably knows his passcode and has free reign to look through it whenever except for a few work chats
but he settles a bit once raf makes it clear heβs just kiddingβ¦ as needy as raf could be, tobari wouldβve felt guilty if his affections were ever doubted. ]
Shy? Now youβre just making up whatever you want.
[ the irony is that rafayel is definitely addicted to his phone like an ipad kid, or sylus and his tv. there are probably some nights where it has to be confiscated or he'd get more ideas of what to have tobari do... but, maybe that's tonight's problem. in reality, even if rafayel may sift through tobari's phone, he does try not to do anything to breach his trust. (blocking exes doesn't count, that's for everyone's peace)
funny enough, he thinks tobari worrying is... kind of cute. ]
Okay, cutie. Whatever you say. [ going to give tobari a little push as rafayel tries to get slightly ahead of him again. ]
By the way, you offered all of that, so I'll have a surprise for you too.
[ NOT THE IPAD KID OR GRANDPA SYLUS COMPARISON.... it's fine. tobari's few work chats that he needs to keep private for confidentiality reasons are locked by another passcode so rafayel is welcome to do whatever he wants when looking through it. apparently including blocking exes who tobari has to later unblock in person when they ask him about it. maybe this would be fixed if he stopped giving rafayel his phone but here we are.
tobari's eyes narrow at both the push and the surprise... he's still holding onto rafayel's hand but. ]
though, at tobari's words? ] Excuuuse you, but I definitely give good surprises? [ he says this with his entire chest like this thread didn't start the way it did. still, with the same confidence, he manages to tilt his chin upwards in both an act of defiance and a show of iron will.
[ tobari, thinking about yesterday and how incredibly he endeared he was by rafayel's failed surprise: ]
... I guess I can allow it.
[ it was really cute........... and stupid............ but also he really knows better than to argue with rafayel when he gets this stubborn about something so. only time will tell ]
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[ and yet here they are—and tobari squeezes rafayel's hand reassuringly anyway! he reaches out with his free hand to gently tap beneath his chin, encouraging him to keep his eyes up
despite his grouching, his voice takes a slightly softer tone as he adds, ]
We'll be on the other side in no time, Raf. Just one foot in front of the other.
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You were practically begging for it.
[ jokes aside, he is comforted by tobari's tipping his chin back up. it's true that he didn't necessarily enjoy the sensation of not being planted on firm ground. however, calling it a fear would be a clear exaggeration— it was disorienting at best. but, if it means tobari is focused on him...
then he's not about to correct whatever misunderstanding he might be having.
thank you, mountain god of romance. ]
When we get to the other side, I might need a hug...
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[ not rafayel immediately becoming less convincing because heβs greedy. but tobari rolls his eyes affectionately anyway, also putting one foot in front of the other to get them to the other side. ]
Now I wonder if Iβm spoiling you.
[ why is he only wondering this now ]
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Do I seem like the type who'd do that? I'm not such a fussy person, you know.
[ lol, but, he does pick up the pace just a little.
clearly excited to collect his hug tax. this probably only makes it less convincing, but he doesn't seem to realize this. or, he does and he's confident that tobari wasn't going to be stingy with it. (may or may not be a lie)
but yeah why are you only wondering this now after ages of brat enabling ]
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[ HE'S SO RUDE AND FOR WHAT
tobari will at least sigh as he goes along with the swifter pace, following after. is he going to give rafayel a hug? who's to say. once they actually make it across the bridge, he doesn't actually move to close the distance between them at all....
instead he's going to look for the statue that rafayel mentioned, pointing over to it ]
Did you want me to pretend to pray?
[ at least lie and say you'll actually pray!!!! ]
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...? [ he opens his mouth, clearly ready to utter yet another complaint, and yet the question throws him off. he seems to think about it for a few seconds before: ] That's blasphemous, you know. Instead of pretending... [ rafayel is finally moving to follow tobari, though. ]
We can make our demands— I mean, wishes, together. Besides, he basically made us hike all the way up here. I'd say the effort we expended makes up for more than just a silly prayer. [ the gods should be grateful... but, now who is blasphemous... ]
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[ and he's also still not giving rafayel a hug because he's heartless and cruel... tobari should be pushed off the mountain. but he'll still hold onto his annoying, overdramatic lover's hand as they walk over to the statue... ]
But fine. Come on and make your complaints and then we can go.
[ have your beef with the other god... ]
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[ like melon yogurt drinks? fresh seafood? cheese sticks—
no, wait. he has those. he shakes his head a little, as if to reroute his own thoughts. ] But, I think what I want most right now is the hug I'm owed. [ he ends up turning to tobari and releasing his hand if just to wrap him up in a hug. ] So you should hold me, before I think better of believing in gods.
Or Tobari. [ hmph. ]
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unfortunately, tobari is just plainly entertained. is this part of why he neglects raf on purpose? because he thinks it's cute when he gets so demanding? it's more likely than you think.
truthfully, he was always going to give in—but rafayel's moodiness is just so amusing he can't help but enjoy it. the threat makes him laugh, which is not the right answer, but it's fine. rafayel lets go of his hand, but he'll just loop his arm around raf's waist instead to pull him close. there's a brief glance around—rng said raf can be lucky and not that many people are on the trail or are otherwise distracted with their own romance prayers, so tobari can use his free hand to rest at the back of rafayel's neck and guide him closer for a lingering kiss.
even when he pulls back, he sounds like he's about to laugh ]
Do you put me in debt just to collect as you please? Talk about greed.
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the kiss was sudden and a bit surprising, if just because rafayel was entirely aware of tobari's stance when it came to pda. it's why, despite all his pushiness, he tended to veer on the side of caution. he wouldn't be much of a boyfriend if he couldn't at least determine his partner's boundaries, right? or that's his belief, at least.
it's why on rare occasions like this, that he can't help but feel entirely captivated by tobari for closing that distance. ... and you know, taking him completely off-guard. it's why he barely gets to return the gesture before tobari breaks their kiss. ]
Please, it's called strategy. How else would I pull you into my net...
[ hugging tobari closer and leaning forward to nuzzle his head on him... because he's needy. ]
Though, now it feels like you're the one who caught me and you're showing me off.
[ he looks at the couples around them who ... are actually too absorbed to notice them, but he makes it a point regardless of that fact. ]
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he wants to sigh a little bit because it really is so much pda now... but he'll just let rafayel cuddle in as he pleases with an endeared roll of his eyes. the brat behavior was endearing enough that he'll let this slide a bit, along with the fact that he really didn't see rafayel for a few days... so he can spoil him just a little bit. (he spoils him all the goddamn time.) ]
Mm... well, sometimes it feels kind of cruel. Now especially. [ to flaunt how happy they are? damn. there are probably single people on this mountain trek too who are so vividly envious ]
But I am lucky to have you. I'm not so blind that I can't see that.
[ even if he calls rafayel a pain........ ]
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he's created this monster that's now nestling in his arms contentedly. though, he does end up straightening up a little as he is clearly making a spectacle of the two of them. the poor single people on this mountain trail... ]
Silly, I'm the one who lucked out. Who else is going to find someone as foolishly kindhearted and as understanding as you? To be honest, I thought it was hopeless to want to be understood, but you... [ he presses his forehead against tobari's lightly before he pulls away, enough to put space between them once more. though, a tender smile remains on his lips as he locks eyes with him. ]
I admit it now, I think you know me best. [ (this could be subject to change the second they get into an argument.)
but, he does end up wondering if he also know tobari best...? ]
Guess that sucks for everyone else? [ the single people... artsy birb bye. ]
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in the end, he just thinks that some things should stay intimate between the only two people who need to know. ]
I'll give you more attention when we get to the ryokan.
[ since he's behaving... ]
But it is too bad for everyone else. I plan on keeping you. [ and he'll take rafayel's hand to gently tug him away. no more messing with gods and no more lingering in places with too many people. time to keep on with the hike. ] If I get to see and understand you the best, then I'll also treasure you the most.
[ and in that, he's confident. ]
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even if it's still a bit of a walk and several, several sets of stairs away. though, perhaps, that's only a testament to the view that will be waiting for them in the ryokan. that said, he follows along with tobari. ] Nuh-uh, that's not possible because I won't let you steal my job, either. [ he changes his grip a little as they walk, his fingers squeezing tobari's knuckles as he interlaces them. ]
Buut, going back to you giving me attention... [ lol. ] What's first on the agenda? Giving me compliments, hand-feeding me, orrrr...? [ smiles... obnoxiously. ]
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I don't mind those as long as you don't push your luck before we get there.
[ they still have the rest of the hike... rafayel could say something truly insane and put tobari in a less generous mood?
but for now he'll bring up their hands to brush his lips against the back of rafayel's knuckles anyway ]
I'll take requests within reason.
[ 'within reason' being the key here ]
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ultimately, it boils down to that fact that... he likes tobari spoiling him, even if he's fully capable of hauling that bag and more. sometimes seeming a little more weak and vulnerable in front of him wasn't always a bad thing... why is he really that one tweet. ]
Within reason... sounds like an excuse to change your mind later?
[ he sees you...
but does he see himself and his ragebaiting ways? no. ]
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nonetheless, tobari just takes the bag because he really is prone to being overly thoughtful with his lover. even if he knows rafayel could probably manage just fine carrying the bag, itβs still undoubtedly lighter for him without it. little ways to make his life easier are things that tobari constantly looks for.
even if he also denies him in other ways. ]
Iβm not doing a TikTok dance just because you ask.
[ giving raf a completely blank check sounds like a horrible idea⦠]
But Iβll kiss you if you want. Praise you, pet you, hold youβ¦ What lovers do in private. We still have three days to make up for.
[ well. they got up to a lot the night before. but still. ]
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the fact that tobari instantly jumps to that makes rafayel feel a little defensive, even if he knows it's completely valid. he's about to interject, but he stops when he hears "kiss." to be honest, he's immediately placated by that alone, but the rest of it...?
he ends up staring at tobari... his mouth agape.
give him a second to recover. ] Really? All of that? You sure, it's not you who has a catch this time? You're not making me go to an exhibition, or give a speech? [ he's even reaching over to feel around tobari's pants to see if he can pull out his smartphone to check that he hasn't been contacting thomas behind his back... trust no one. ]
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[ don't just stuff your hand in his pockets when they're walking, hello? he frowns reflexively, even though he's going to once again be way too accommodating and actually find his phone from his back pocket to offer it to rafayel if he wants to see it? truly nothing interesting there... his phone's even on do not disturb today so he doesn't get the temptation to look at work texts.
but at rafayel's surprise, his brow furrows more and his frown deepens... ]
... do I neglect you that much...? No, there's no strings attached.
[ for raf to be so shocked? it's true that tobari's not always immediately so forthcoming with affection but he's like damn, am i a cold lover???? ]
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at his words, he tilts his head slightly. ]
Hm.... [ he makes a noise like he's really, really thinking about it, before he ends up giving a small huff. ] I'm kidding. More than neglect... [ he'd say it's more like tobari tended to keep him on his toes. he was generous and affectionate in his own way, but he'd also set clear boundaries too. like... no cat dances, damn. ]
Pluuus, I get it if I make you feel shy. [ see what happens when you don't keep him modest... ]
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but he settles a bit once raf makes it clear heβs just kiddingβ¦ as needy as raf could be, tobari wouldβve felt guilty if his affections were ever doubted. ]
Shy? Now youβre just making up whatever you want.
[ imagine tobari being shy ]
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funny enough, he thinks tobari worrying is... kind of cute. ]
Okay, cutie. Whatever you say. [ going to give tobari a little push as rafayel tries to get slightly ahead of him again. ]
By the way, you offered all of that, so I'll have a surprise for you too.
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tobari's eyes narrow at both the push and the surprise... he's still holding onto rafayel's hand but. ]
... can I decline.
[ he is so untrusting ]
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though, at tobari's words? ] Excuuuse you, but I definitely give good surprises? [ he says this with his entire chest like this thread didn't start the way it did. still, with the same confidence, he manages to tilt his chin upwards in both an act of defiance and a show of iron will.
he's not giving this up, sorry. ]
I brought something even better than last time.
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... I guess I can allow it.
[ it was really cute........... and stupid............ but also he really knows better than to argue with rafayel when he gets this stubborn about something so. only time will tell ]
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