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, it’s 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. ]
I’m not doing a TikTok dance just because you ask.
[ giving raf a completely blank check sounds like a horrible idea… ]
But I’ll kiss you if you want. Praise you, pet you, hold you… 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 TOBARI’S PHONE HOSTAGE. tobari glances over, grumbling momentarily but he doesn’t actually care because he’s not that attached to his phone… 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 he’s just kidding… as needy as raf could be, tobari would’ve felt guilty if his affections were ever doubted. ]
[ 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 ]
rafayel purses his lips momentarily as he hears the hesitation in tobari's agreement. but, it's one he quickly accepts. ] I'd complain about that attitude, but I know the mouth talks, but the body [ he leans in close to tobari's ear, almost like they're sharing a secret, and for a moment when they're obscured from view by the trees that line the pathway, he blows air on his skin. ] ... and mind always listen to Rafayel.
[ he is endeared..... except for right now when he's feeling tested. there's a brief, involuntary shudder at the gesture—before he then reaches up to catch rafayel's face with his hand. stop. ]
I can make things harder for you just for fun, if you want.
[ HE'S ALREADY SO CONTRARY, rafayel is tempting fate... but tobari will just pull him closer for a brief kiss—which is again just a precursor to him biting rafayel's bottom lip
[ in how many aus is tobari trying to seduce him? why does he play with fire knowing the lads are intrinsically horny...
a kiss in public... twice in one day. what a treat. rafayel is both stunned, but also wildly into it. when he feels the kiss on his lips, he's already trying to deepen the kiss, only for him to get bit? ow.
yet, why is rafayel smiling? ] Oh, that intense? So you want to play hard to get tonight? Then what should I do...? Be a good boy and chase you?
[ HE DOESN'T EVEN MEAN TO SEDUCE HIM THIS TIME!!!! HIS METHODS OF SCOLDING JUST BACKFIRE HORRIBLY BECAUSE THEY'RE JUST ALSO KINDA SPICY well that's tobari's fault
not rafayel trying to deepen the kiss in public though. calm down ]
You're quick to abandon the easier route of being spoiled...
[ tobari was so willing to just be nice and give rafayel attention since he was behaving but now he's like
[ he's kidding. or, is he? it's true that he just likes everything about tobari, even the part of him that complains. is it weird when even that's precious and kind of cute to him? ]
I'm kidding. If my lover is going to be extraaa generous tonight, how could I say no?
no just kidding, rafayel is just being blind... tobari has so many faults... he really bitches about everything and grumps nonstop even though he actually has so few problems. what is he complaining about. nothing important.
still, he rolls his eyes... he can be difficult, and there will probably be moments he's contrary just because... but in the end, he has no problem being straightforwardly affectionate with his lover ]
Every now and then, you earn a little while of being spoiled.
[ thinks about how rafayel might've left his expedition early but tobari doesn't know this for sure even though he suspects it.......... unintentionally encouraging bad behaviors ]
[ this accusation... but you're right. my mind is warped. i am no longer the same...
is he blind, or is he correct? the thought of being wrong certainly doesn't cross his mind, especially as they still remain hand-in-hand. he does lift his camera up again, and snaps a few more pictures. especially knowing now is the time he can get away with it (truth: he always got away with it).
he even tries to get the angle perfect, enough to include their joined fingers. ]
You better still be saying that tomorrow too.
[ putting the camera back down to try and press his body against tobari's back. just enough to try and help to push him forward as the ascend the next set of wide-set stairs. finally, the end is in sight, and so rafayel can't help but be extra pushy in excitement. ]
[ rafayel really always got away with it… tobari rolls his eyes affectionately when more photos get snapped, but does nothing to stop him or protest… in the end, the photos will probably catch his barely there, impossible to suppress smile over rafayel’s antics ]
Now someone’s getting greedy.
[ and then he’s getting further rushed up the last steps? jeeze ]
And eager.
[ what if he starts walking slower on purpose. what then ]
[ no... now he has to set that picture as his wallpaper. it's already been decided. that said, he's still pushing tobari up diligently. a small laugh as he gets called out. ] Greedy? Eager? You're seeing things.
I just thought you looked a little tired and thought you could use a hand, yeah?
[ picking up the pace like he wasn't pretending to be dying just like ten minutes ago. ]
Once we get there, let's wash up so we can head to the hotsprings right away.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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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, it’s 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. ]
I’m not doing a TikTok dance just because you ask.
[ giving raf a completely blank check sounds like a horrible idea… ]
But I’ll kiss you if you want. Praise you, pet you, hold you… 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 he’s just kidding… as needy as raf could be, tobari would’ve felt guilty if his affections were ever doubted. ]
Shy? Now you’re 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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rafayel purses his lips momentarily as he hears the hesitation in tobari's agreement. but, it's one he quickly accepts. ] I'd complain about that attitude, but I know the mouth talks, but the body [ he leans in close to tobari's ear, almost like they're sharing a secret, and for a moment when they're obscured from view by the trees that line the pathway, he blows air on his skin. ] ... and mind always listen to Rafayel.
[ tobari... always making rafayel worse. ]
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I can make things harder for you just for fun, if you want.
[ HE'S ALREADY SO CONTRARY, rafayel is tempting fate... but tobari will just pull him closer for a brief kiss—which is again just a precursor to him biting rafayel's bottom lip
and then letting him go
goodbye ]
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a kiss in public... twice in one day. what a treat. rafayel is both stunned, but also wildly into it. when he feels the kiss on his lips, he's already trying to deepen the kiss, only for him to get bit? ow.
yet, why is rafayel smiling? ] Oh, that intense? So you want to play hard to get tonight? Then what should I do...? Be a good boy and chase you?
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not rafayel trying to deepen the kiss in public though. calm down ]
You're quick to abandon the easier route of being spoiled...
[ tobari was so willing to just be nice and give rafayel attention since he was behaving but now he's like
well
i could also not if that's the preference??? ]
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[ he's kidding. or, is he? it's true that he just likes everything about tobari, even the part of him that complains. is it weird when even that's precious and kind of cute to him? ]
I'm kidding. If my lover is going to be extraaa generous tonight, how could I say no?
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no just kidding, rafayel is just being blind... tobari has so many faults... he really bitches about everything and grumps nonstop even though he actually has so few problems. what is he complaining about. nothing important.
still, he rolls his eyes... he can be difficult, and there will probably be moments he's contrary just because... but in the end, he has no problem being straightforwardly affectionate with his lover ]
Every now and then, you earn a little while of being spoiled.
[ thinks about how rafayel might've left his expedition early but tobari doesn't know this for sure even though he suspects it.......... unintentionally encouraging bad behaviors ]
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is he blind, or is he correct? the thought of being wrong certainly doesn't cross his mind, especially as they still remain hand-in-hand. he does lift his camera up again, and snaps a few more pictures. especially knowing now is the time he can get away with it (truth: he always got away with it).
he even tries to get the angle perfect, enough to include their joined fingers. ]
You better still be saying that tomorrow too.
[ putting the camera back down to try and press his body against tobari's back. just enough to try and help to push him forward as the ascend the next set of wide-set stairs. finally, the end is in sight, and so rafayel can't help but be extra pushy in excitement. ]
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Now someone’s getting greedy.
[ and then he’s getting further rushed up the last steps? jeeze ]
And eager.
[ what if he starts walking slower on purpose. what then ]
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I just thought you looked a little tired and thought you could use a hand, yeah?
[ picking up the pace like he wasn't pretending to be dying just like ten minutes ago. ]
Once we get there, let's wash up so we can head to the hotsprings right away.
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