glub | ( 🍓🧀 )

[ rafayel is so sweet and sentimental while tobari is thinking about how if they were assigned to a group project together, raf would get on his nerves so bad and tobari would have to take lead on most of the work but at least they'd have the most beautifully designed poster presentation in class

speaking of that one expression, he's making it now as his brows furrow with the tap and then he lightly shakes his head just to dislodge raf's finger ]

You can ask Suzune. She'd say something about how I was overprotective and fussy... [ but their childhood isn't all that fun to talk about, given that tobari probably got put to work from a young age just to make end's meet. ] But even I was a kid, you know?

[ in theory. but he'll give raf a quick kiss on the cheek before lightly nudging him away—tobari normally doesn't have a problem with just standing around and chatting away while sticking close to each other, but he's hungry.... he doesn't sleep on a normal schedule but he does eat ]

[ they would be so set on visuals, it's true. he would probably also be decent at presenting information. you know, at the expense of tobari having to wrangle him under strict deadlines while rafayel simultaneously derails them both with a promises of a coffee date.

when tobari shakes his head beneath his finger, he ends up dropping it back to his side, though not without a slight pout of his lips. ] ... As in you were a troublemaker? [ that also wouldn't surprise rafayel. tobari had a bit of rebellious streak in him. he was the type who seemed to place himself on the backburner as long as it meant he could serve those in his close proximity. or even some higher, more elusive goal they've likely only talked about in passing between all his projects.

that said, he does smile a little at the kiss. he's already dusting his own hands off, so he can start leading them towards the dinner venue.

(for the record, he is absolutely going to ask suzune for the scoops.)

before, that, he does end up grabbing tobari by the wrist. ]

Then, are you going to change into the outfit I packed for you?

[ he can wear his all white wedding outfit i guess. why did i suddenly noncon you into this ]

Only if people were asking for trouble.

[ which is to say he picked fights with bullies and assholes. but also tobari did probably cause mischief here and there, so long as it didn't hurt anybody. suzune would probably talk about this more, the way that tobari would come back with scrapes and bruises and not explain why...

though at the question, he's just tilting his head ]

You want me to wear white to dinner? Is this a test? I thought it was for tomorrow.

[ YOU REALLY SUDDENLY BROUGHT THIS UP. the idea of tobari being stuck in all white while rafayel is having an assassin moment is also funny. imagine he gets blood on it. that's aesthetic and sexy ]

That sounds surprisingly easy to do.

[ he says this as he's pulling tobari towards their suitcases. ] Oh, yeah. You do need that for tomorrow. [ he says with a brief smile on his lips as he's leaning down and grabbing a new shirt for himself, and for tobari... his hand lingers over some of tobari's clothes.

this is why tobari should have left him buy like... all five options? but, you're right, white needs to be saved for tomorrow's festivities. :)

for now, rafayel grabs another black shirt out of tobari's pile. ] Don't you think it feels more vacation-y? [ i wish i could be more insane and it's the catch 22 outfits. but not even rafayel is crazy enough to suggest that... ]

[ THE BDSM OUTFITS? the way tobari honestly doesn't mind getting told what to wear, he just hates excess so five options is too many.... his closet probably has a bunch of varying statement pieces and hand me downs from his neesans. there's no way that he's a boring dresser but even he probably wouldn't do the insane bdsm outfits for a random dinner ]

What am I, your dress-up doll...?

[ but he'll take it anyway. they're the only ones here so he doesn't care about just starting to shrug off the shirt he's already wearing after undoing whatever fasten held it shut ]

We live beachside, I'm not sure if anything gets more naturally luxurious than that.

[ just pointing that out, ]

[ can you imagine...

but, at his words, he does give an almost sly smile. ] You only noticed now? [ when he's undoing his shirt, rafayel is already smoothing out the fabric of the shirt tobari's about to put on. he stands directly in front of him and he delicately slides his hands over tobari's chest. he establishes eye contact briefly, before giving a playful huff of humor. at least, he quickly gives up and begins dutifully buttoning him up, not unlike he was his butler.

does tobari get the feeling butler roleplay will commence, because he should. ]

So that's what the Young Master of the house thinks?

[ not this

tobari gives raf a briefly exhausted look, but fine—he'll still take this over the melancholy, so he'll briefly play along. when raf helps him out, he'll lift his own arms to rest lightly over raf's shoulders. the fingers on his right hand idly card through raf's hair, an excuse to touch him as he gets helped with getting dressed. the role reversal of this is hilarious when some days tobari thinks raf is richer than god....

for some reason he thinks of his friend awayuki who can't reasonably be a butler in this au but is probably hinagiku's personal assistant? ]

Even this Young Master knows when to count his blessings. [ this is already ooc because no rich person is ever as grateful as tobari ] What more could I want besides the sea and you?

[ tries to think of what rich people like ]

Maybe a yacht? A fourth house I don't use? Gold leaf tissues?

[ awayuki.... dresses her? damn...

the steady contact on his shoulders is comforting in a way, and it takes a bit of effort for him not to slip out of his self-imposed butler role. he keeps his expression perfectly even, though the touch of mirth that reaches his eyes are probably obvious enough. once tobari is perfectly buttoned up, he flips the collar of his shirt upwards, and also grabs a dark red tie that he's set on one of the bedside tables. he gently places it around tobari's neck, he does use it to nudge tobari a little closer, as if testing how much he can get away with. in a way, he feels like he's looking at one of his canvases. the care and the artistry behind his touch is no different, at least. ]

You don't think that last one falls a bit short...? But if our spoiled little prince wants it, he gets it... [ is there any butler out there who could boldly declare his master is spoiled? probably not. but, since tobari isn't actually spoiled... surely it cancels out.

that said, he does end up plucking a gold tie clip with a single diamond on it from his pocket, and clips it in the space between the two buttons. ]

[ hinagiku picks out clothes for them both but then awayuki helps her get ready in the morning including doing her hair...

tobari tilts his head, obviously confused at the idea of gold leaf tissues falling short. isn't that the most wasteful thing in the world? why put gold on something that would just disappear? except rafayel is picking out a gold tie clip with a goddamn diamond in it and tobari is trying to keep his expression steady so he bites back a comment on this being too fucking much! raf!!!! okay so maybe tobari has an incorrect idea of how much gold is worth at all!!!

rich people................... ]

... lucky me? [ this is killing him, he can't larp a spoiled rich boy well at all ] ... you sure this isn't overkill?

[ he really couldn't keep himself from commenting on the diamond ]

[ that's soooo cute, but also? eye emoji...?

not the gold that disappears. but, he's right.

though, rafayel draws the line at denying the tie clip. to be honest, he would have commissioned him something a little more personal, but it fits their purposes for tonight. besides, this is just for when they go out. actually, maybe he still could commission him something once they get back. he pockets the idea for their next outing. as for tonight, and the following night... well, he'd rather not associate the memories to something they may hold onto forever.

it's so clear what tobari is thinking, and he can't help the touch of humor that weaves into his voice as he speaks. ]

As the only heir to the late Master, doesn't this much only make sense? [ once he's done pushing his tie up, his fingers settle on it, letting this knuckles graze the warmth tobari's body exudes, and just like that he ends up breaking character as he presses a chaste kiss on tobari's cheek. ]

How would you rate your butler's service?

[ thinking about how if rafayel forced a tie on him this is probably a rare instance where tobari's buttoned up all the way and his tattoos aren't just out. he might even look halfway docile if not for the all the piercings.

anyway he's giving up entirely on the rp now with the kiss, like a spell being broken, and will instead just loop his arms around rafayel's neck to draw him closer. raising a brow, he teases ]

Yeah, I'd hire you. You even convinced me into thinking that you're well-behaved. That's practically a miracle.

[ with that said, ]

Still think the tie clip's over the top though. You know I don't need things like this, right?

[ jewels and gems and gifts... he'll accept them because he doesn't ever want rafayel's sentiments to go to waste, but still. ]

[ that's exactly what i was thinking this whole time... like this is ooc for tobari, i'm sorry.

seeing tobari look a little different than usual, he can't help but be a little endeared at the sight. regardless, he feels like anything would look good on tobari, even catch 22 bondage gear but this thread is not about that. ] Thinking? I'd say I am pretty well-behaved, aren't I?

[ he's a good, honest boy... ]

You might not need it now, but in fifty years when you have a memory shorter than a goldfish's, you're going to thank me. [ then everything around them could act as some sort of reminder... or that's what he'd like to believe at least. ]

... ah...

[ makes a noncommittal noise... is rafayel well-behaved... hm... well....

but tobari just frowns at the idea ]

I'd remember you. [ baseless confidence that even if he forgot everything else, he'd still remember rafayel. ] But you could give me anything and I'd hold onto it. You don't need to make it expensive.

[ tobari would keep seashells or small cards or anything at all. ]

[ the conviction in his words does end up moving him, even if there's absolutely zero backing to his statement. after all, who could predict the future? but in spite of this, he finds himself desperately wanting to believe in those words. ]

But they last longer...? Besides, the more wasteful you think it is, maybe that bitterness will follow you even when we're born again? [ why is he treating tobari like he'd be a spiteful apparition... in reality, that would be more like raf.

but, he belatedly feels like his statement felt a bit too intense for the moment and so he downplays it by touching the side of tobari's neck. he pads along the side where his pulse is, then he places his fingers against his adam's apple, staring at it for a moment before looking away. ]

[ rafayel thinking that what he said was too intense and so he decides to accompany it with a gesture that also seems to be a bit intense. even still, tobari just tilts his head slightly with the touch, brow furrowing just a bit in his confusion. generally, he'll accept any touch from rafayel—he's earned that right from him—but some of these almost feel like... they're trying to communicate something that words can't quite convey.

so tobari just brings up a hand to lightly catch the one that had grazed over his neck, lifting rafayel's hand so that tobari can press his lips lightly against those wandering fingertips. almost as if trying to answer what was left unsaid. ]

Sometimes you do drive me slightly crazy. [ he'll admit to that. rafayel ragebaits tobari on purpose and he gets caught every time. ] But I think in our next life, it'll be everything else you make me feel that'll drive me to you.

And if that fails, we can say I'll find you out of spite.

[ he turns rafayel's hand over in his hold, pressing another kiss to his palm before lowering it ]

Sound good?

[ the fact that he doesn't push him away is both comforting and... quite frankly, frightening at the same time.

rafayel isn't afraid of spilling his secrets, or showcasing his vulnerabilities. but, he was scared of tobari coming to hate who he actually was. or if he'd wake up one day and decided he couldn't handle the weight of rafayel's feelings. no matter how much reassurance he's received, he isn't sure if these thoughts of his would ever change.

... and he feels it stronger with every second. even knowing that he brought tobari here specifically for the purpose of sharing his world with him, it hasn't been easy. it's why it felt a little dishonest to accept tobari's heartfelt words. they read like a confession, and while it makes his heart flutter, it also burns him in the same breath. he inhales tightly at the feel of tobari's warmth on his fingertips, and his fingers curl instinctively, holding onto his hand. ]

As much as I look forward to your spite, I do have one complaint. [ ... ]

You're already making me sound like a troublemaker again.

You are a troublemaker. [ decisively. there's no way around that one, unfortunately

still, tobari will let his free hand slip to the back of rafayel's neck to encourage him down for a kiss anyway. when tobari pulls back, his expression softens into something fond. ]

But you're my troublemaker. So don't get so lost in your thoughts... but if you do, I'll just pull you back to me again.

[ and he'll press a kiss to rafayel's left cheek, right cheek, and linger briefly to nose at his jawline—a little overly affectionate, but still determined to not let this feeling of melancholy win ]

Let's go to dinner?

So the kiss was a spell this whole time, huh? [ ( purgastory voice ) why would there be a sex spell. but, it does succeed in drawing him back out from his thoughts. it was a physical reminder that maybe it was okay to trust in tobari's devotion. that their bond was deeper than his sins.

he finishes putting on his belt, before he ends up grabbing tobari's hand and heading out the door. he'd make a joke about tobari will need to eat to survive the next day, but he inwardly realizes... that's probably not very funny, and so he doesn't end up saying it.

...

they can hail a taxi there, i guess, since they may just be running late to their reservation.

the restaurant is a both quaint and upscale at the same time, almost carrying a more rustic vibe. while the menu is limited, the dishes they bring out are nothing short of beautiful; the seafood not only fresh, but incredibly well-seasoned and balanced.

but, maybe what sticks out more than the food is its owners. for one, it's probably the first time rafayel has been called with such familiarity by other people in a public capacity. they seem keen on treating rafayel like he's an overgrown kid, including calling him "lil raf." which is cursed because it only makes me think of that quiz...

that's not the most attractive, though, and so he's definitely looking for the first indication that tobari is done with his food so they can finally leave.

he even presses his foot on top of tobari's under the dinner table to drive that point.

why did i fast forward to here specifically ]

[ you did it so i could enjoy the idea of raf being aggressively babied by the shop owners... this is so cute... tobari is having the time of his life as well. normally he's a perfectly fine level of distant whenever they go out places, more polite to the waitstaff than any other patron, but watching the owners interact soooooo familiarly with rafayel actually makes his amusement come much easier. there's a curve to his mouth that's harder to dispel, eyes bright every time he gets called "lil raf"......

tobari might've finished his food, but raf's eagerness to leave has him feeling contrary. after the tap to his foot, he instead lifts it to let it drag lightly against rafayel's calf before hooking around his ankle. footsie. ]

What, we can't get dessert?

[ he supposes they can find another spot somewhere nearby but... this is fun for him?

lol

lmao ]

[ stop!! he only wants to be babied by tobari!!!

which is likely why, rafayel appears to be awkwardly trying to combat their embarrassing stories by waving them off. though, after the fifth or sixth time of doing this, he is definitely being worn down. if there's one consolation, it's in the fact that tobari seems to be enjoying himself. there isn't a lot he wouldn't endure to see him smile.

... and maybe the feeling of tobari's foot against his ankle. he tries not to show he's startled. he clear his throat, before trying to shake tobari's foot off. shifting his position a little, he tries to trap tobari's foot between his feet. ] If you keep this up, there won't be dessert from here or anywhere.

[ is this sulking, or is this... [redacted] ]

[ please... he loves every embarrassing story... even though he tries to obscure his grin behind his wine glass by taking well-timed sips, he's clearly eating all of this up. even the retaliation in footsie gets him to almost laugh, his head tilting almost in challenge. everything is a competition and they both want to win so bad.

hence why tobari is just going to lean forward over the table, letting his head rest his open palm as he lets his mouth curve into an inviting smile ]

No? Even if I ask nicely?

[ if he left it here, this would definitely just be flirting. however, he is still on the attack ]

Did 'lil Raf' grow up to be someone so stingy?

[ what did raf do to deserve this? nothing. ]

No, it looks like I spoiled you a little too much.

[ says the one who is also receiving just as much spoiling on the day-to-day, but he'd like to think he's making a point here. (he's not) even when tobari leans his chin over his hand like that, he can't take it as anything else but... clear seduction. his own mouth feels dry for a moment, and he clumsily reaches for his wine.

he holds it awkwardly between his fingertips for a moment, his cheeks flushed.

that is, until tobari "lil raf"s him!!!! he instantly sputters, almost spitting out the wine. he coughs a little, trying to clear his throat. ]

I'm never trusting you again.

[ honestly watching rafayel fumble is already satisfying for him, because it's just so fun to watch, but it's even funnier when he just full on splutters. tobari laughs, straightening up as he reaches his hand out to gently hold onto rafayel's free one ]

I'm playing with you, love.

[ is that pet name better... is that tobari trying to be affectionate so that rafayel doesn't throw a hissy fit... yes ]

But we really should get something sweet, even if it's elsewhere.

[ for rafayel's sweet tooth... and tobari sort of just wants to walk around more too, if only to see what other little parts of rafayel's past might get uncovered ]

[ realistically, the nickname does make him feel a taaaad better. but in light of his now tattered dignity, he's not so easy to forgive. which is precisely why he turns his head away. if tobari really wants to make up for it, well...

rafayel's already taken care of the bill, so what's next is easy. he stands up out of his seat, and he's already gesturing for tobari to follow him. ]

How about you give me something extra sweet when we get out of here? [ he does now finally crack a small smile. ]

Run away with me? [ bye... maybe he never hear lil raf ever again. jk, he was happy to see them after so long, but he instead of being reminded of the past, he'd rather live in the present with his cute bully of a lover. ]

[ flirting with him in an establishment where the owners so clearly are willing to pull his leg at any opportunity... bold... tobari raises a brow at this but there's no denying his amusement anyway. truly, he finds rafayel so hilarious at every moment. ]

A strategic retreat, is it?

[ but he'll get up to follow anyway... even though he feels just a little bit torn about not taking care of the bill, he'll let rafayel have this since he planned the trip... ]

What treat could you be hoping for, I wonder.

[ he will follow after anyway, bowing his head in gratitude to any waitstaff that they pass by on the way out. he likes this place... ]

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