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 ]
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.
[ 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?
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.
[ 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 ]
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. ]
[ 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... ]
[ it really is so bold... the recipe for disaster.
even as they're getting up to leave, he can hear the owner's voice already following them, something about "who would imagine the day lil raf would bring someone." and "let's leave the lovebirds alone." for one? he's a fish?
but, that said, he does feel warm and maybe it isn't just the alcohol in his system.
when they finally make it outside, he heaves a heavy sigh of relief. freedom. ]
I was thinking of a treat that's about this size... [ moving his arms around the level of tobari's height as he wraps his arms around him from behind. ]
[ the owners are... so cute... tobari glances over his shoulder in their direction on the way out, mouthing a brief 'thank you' before they exit properly. when rafayel does his big, big sigh, tobari almost laughs—but settles for just watching him, a little enthralled in seeing him in a different environment entirely from what he's used to. he can't help but think it's charming and a little exciting.
it's nice to know there's something new to learn about your partner everyday. (he will reevaluate this sentiment tomorrow.)
for now, he replies bluntly: ] You'll get a toothache.
[ ok annoying. but he'll lean back into the hold and turn his head to kiss raf's jaw anyway ]
So? Are there any other places around here where Lil Raf took his misadventures?
[ rafayel does not find them cute in the slightest. but, maybe that's how it's meant to be. him playing the role of being like a indignant youth all over again. but, it's a fact that it isn't a side others often see of him, and that makes it more... embarrassing somehow. not that rafayel's been particularly mature in front of tobari, but still...
tomorrow's tobari, thinking back on this moment in the face of actual murder.
in spite of all that, he does give tobari a gentle squeeze, his hands coming to loosen his tie from behind. his cold fingers touching the side of his neck. a gift back for the kiss. (no) ]
First on the tour of Rafayel's evening route is the pathway along the beach. [ his voice slips into that of something you may hear at a tourist attraction. ] During the day, you can see the famous red cliffs in the distance. [ as they walk, clumsily, as rafayel won't let go of tobari, it becomes clear, no on e can see them though. ]
There are some cafes close by. The local specialty features a famous blueberry yogurt.
[ his dairy... ]
Edited (idk why i was missing so many words .... ) 2026-02-21 01:47 (UTC)
[ not the cold fingers and the penguin waddleβ¦ tobari grumbles a little bit at the temperature and awkwardness, but if there isnβt many people aroundβ¦ he will allow it for nowβ¦ ]
You really like milk productsβ¦
[ donβt just comment on it
but admittedly if raf is undoing some of tobariβs tie, heβll take that as a sign that he can also undo the top buttons. too stuffyβ¦ too seriousβ¦ no more
even still, heβll try to get a better view of the beachβ¦ the oceanβ¦ he does like nature views a lot ]
thinks rafayel while also slipping his hand in between the gap of his first two buttons. he retracks his hands quickly enough though, instead giving tobari a kiss on the top of the head. ]
You only noticed now? The ocean wasn't exactly full of cows.
[ lol. ] But, I think you would have loved it a lot more before. [ before the winery blocked the sight of the cliffs. ] You can still see some daisies and asters. [ he says with a small smile, thinking about how tobari does tend to like nature a lot. it's something they have in common and just that alone felt kind of heart-warming. ]
[ tobari sighs, grip on rafayel's hand easing with the nudge... no getting too handsy.
though at the confirmation of the winery, where they're going tomorrow, and how it's blocking the nice view of this spot... he frowns. it's all adding up to a strange picture that he's not sure what to make of. rafayel doesn't even like rich people affairs. why are they going to this one? especially if the guy whose birthday it is... seems to be a dick? why are they here on purpose?
tobari's brow furrows for a second before he takes the pause as an opportunity to turn in rafayel's arms and look up at him. his eyes narrow, open about his suspicion, but if rafayel hasn't volunteered information up to this point... is there much point in asking? ]
... you don't have to tell me if you're still working through it.
[ it's permission, at least, to keep being cagey. but it's also an indicator that tobari isn't turning a blind eye to it either. he can tell something's up.
[ he doesn't doubt that tobari may have already connected some of the dots. at the very least, he's sure he's surmised that he isn't here with good intentions, but he also gets the feeling like tobari isn't likely to presume it's nearly as extreme as it is.
little does he know that they're not so different.
somehow, this situation reminds him to the smell of smoke that lingered on tobari's body the other day. an almost chemical smell, like he was lingering by a large open flame that continued to swallow whatever was in its path. but, he also pockets that for later, like he has been for the past month. ]
... Thanks. [ it was too late to turn back now. tobari would find out tomorrow.
... and then what? he isn't sure.
he plays with tobari's hand in his, squeezing his fingers gently. as they approach the shore that's lined with some cafes, he is already tilting his head as if to ask if he wanted to walk closer to the sand. ] I also trust you.
[ to follow him. at least up until tomorrow night.
but the way he says it might sound like he's saying goodbye. he doesn't seem to catch that, though. ]
[ tobari does want to walk closer to the sand—though he's pausing first at rafayel's response.
he's decided that he doesn't like it.
so with his free hand, he'll catch rafayel's face again and pull him down closer to tobari. ]
And you'll stay with me.
You missed that part.
[ they can trust each other and tobari is sure that's important. however, he also has decided he wants and needs to hear this from rafayel. so his gaze is expectant, waiting for those words. every now and then, tobari does get so decisive and bossy... but he thinks that in this moment, it makes sense to request these things of his lover.
rafayel went through all the trouble of romancing tobari in the first place, so it's important that he takes responsibility for the repercussions. ]
You're not allowed to let go of me so easily... so say it, and mean it.
[ can you imagine asking to be cagefished but that's technically what's happening here ]
[ his eyes widen just momentarily, before he swiftly gains control over his expression. he wonders if he was that obvious... maybe tobari really does know him best. the thought does get a small exhale out of him, one that's laced with more affection than he knows what to do with.
his gaze easily settles on tobari, almost like it was second nature to him. though, considering he's not given much of a choice... ] As long as you want it, I'll never leave you. [ his cheek leans into the touch, his eyes still focused entirely on tobari's.
he means it. he wants to mean it.
it's true that all lemurians eventually return to sea, but... he'd like to think it's not anytime soon. he has a lifetime to spend with his lover, after all. ... at least, that's what he wants. ] Rafayel will always stay with Tobari. [ his hand reaches to cup the back of tobari's.
he's being so pushy, and yet... why does he like every second of it? ]
[ and he is satisfied to hear that. like something tense in his own ribcage easing, even if he still feels like he's waiting until the moment he can stop holding his breath. what is rafayel hiding from him? he'll have to trust that he'll find out in time. probably tomorrow.
he's bold enough to believe that whatever it is wouldn't be enough to shake his faith.
he keeps his hand against rafayel's face, letting his thumb brush against the gentle curve of his cheekbone as if to memorize every inch of him. though if they're staying together, then won't he have all the time in the world to do that?
... well, tobari knows better than most that there's almost nothing truly guaranteed in this world. nonetheless, he believes in this. he will always believe in this—in them. ]
Then you're stuck with me. If you end up having any regrets or doubts, I'll handle them.
[ that's the least that he can do as rafayel's lover, right? he'll close the distance between them then with a soft, lingering kiss—almost like sealing a promise ]
[ it really is a bold belief when combated against the fact that tobari was oddly tender-hearted. he was kind and endlessly forgiving at his core, and while rafayel doesn't know the extent of this in the context of his crimes— he does know enough to determine that tobari was genuinely a good person.
too good for him, he thinks.
however, he'd like to think as much as justice is created with ones own hands, that maybe, people didn't always necessarily get what they deserved. how else could he explain the fact that his face is being touched so gently by such indulgent hands. he closes his eyes, savoring the way his lover's fingers travel over his features. ]
How could I... [ even if tobari had rejected him so completely... even if he started to perceive him as a monster... he could never regret this.
the kiss is so soft and gentle that is almost feels like an illusion. maybe that's why he leans in, refusing to break it immediately. he tilts his head just slightly, planting just one more clumsy kiss on the corner of his mouth. ]
Even if you didn't do any of that, I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. Don't distance yourself from me. No matter who I become, don't leave.
[ there is an irony in the fact that rafayel is already rich and that is, by default, what tobari always hates most. can he really be all that kind when he assumes every rich person is greedy, selfish, and ignorant by default? there are still echoes of it in their relationship—tobari's inherent rankling against all things that reek of wealth. he doesn't ask about rafayel's purchases, remains willfully unaware of price tags, and puts money out of his mind whenever possible.
rafayel's already proven him wrong and won against tobari's most ingrained and stubborn biases, so how could he become something so awful that it'd make tobari leave?
tobari fell for rafayel for countless other reasons. his kindness, generosity, thoughtfulness—how he could find moments to play and make life seem lighter even on the days where tobari felt himself frustrated by everything else. the idea of not having him is what prompts tobari to hold rafayel all the closer, frustrated by even the notion of such a future. ]
... I can't tell what's going through your head to make you worried about something like that. But it just makes me want you that much nearer to me.
[ they're still outside—so tobari doesn't answer that second clumsy kiss as passionately as he wants, but he does give rafayel a third one anyway, more insistent. ]
[ funny enough, tobari is still probably right 9/10 times. it's true it's not every rich person, but they were often at the scene of the crime. money often equated to power, riches to ego, and both were frequently a recipe for disaster. with those who enter that top percentile, he's sure common luxury goods no longer served to satiate them.
... and so, they shoot for something rarer. things more intangible, like promises of everlasting life and eternal youth.
tobari was so much the opposite of what he's heard of humans and the surface world. he wonders if there's a single person out there, who wouldn't have been hopelessly attracted to this part of him? while they've had a bit of a rough start, it didn't change how intensely he felt for him. if anything, he may have liked that part of tobari even more. it felt a lot more honest than most interactions he's had with anyone. he liked being challenged and kept on his toes. but, it would also be a lie to say he didn't enjoy the time they've spent where their feelings were mutual either (he's not that much of an m, though he is a certified yearner).
it isn't the first time tobari has held him this close, but it feels different tonight than it normally does. ]
... You act like I'm going to go away. [ he says this like this isn't his fault. but, he secretly delights in this rare show of desperation from tobari. rafayel brushes his fingers through tobari's hair, and gives a small nod. ]
Okay. I won't go anywhere. And even if you change your mind, I'll chase you to the ends of the earth.
[ tobari shoots rafayel a slightly withering look, a sentiment of 'whose fault is that'.... all these ominous sentiments of what he might become, or accepting him no matter what... but at the very least, tobari doesn't feel particularly daunted. no, he's painfully stubborn and even more than that—devastatingly loyal. there's not much from rafayel that he couldn't accept, he thinks.
even if it came at a large personal cost to himself, it's hard for him to think of a version of events where he doesn't love him, or doesn't want him to stay right where he is. ]
... mm. [ a soft, accepting sound. ] It won't come to that, but... alright.
[ he presses one more kiss to rafayel's cheek, tilting his head as he still tries to puzzle out what he's feeling... like he's having trouble accepting that he has to wait a little longer still. patience isn't always one of his strong suits when it comes to the people he cares about but... ]
The tour can continue now. Maybe with less dramatics.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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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?
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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 ]
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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 ]
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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] ]
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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. ]
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[ 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.
no subject
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 ]
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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. ]
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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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even as they're getting up to leave, he can hear the owner's voice already following them, something about "who would imagine the day lil raf would bring someone." and "let's leave the lovebirds alone." for one? he's a fish?
but, that said, he does feel warm and maybe it isn't just the alcohol in his system.
when they finally make it outside, he heaves a heavy sigh of relief. freedom. ]
I was thinking of a treat that's about this size... [ moving his arms around the level of tobari's height as he wraps his arms around him from behind. ]
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it's nice to know there's something new to learn about your partner everyday. (he will reevaluate this sentiment tomorrow.)
for now, he replies bluntly: ] You'll get a toothache.
[ ok annoying. but he'll lean back into the hold and turn his head to kiss raf's jaw anyway ]
So? Are there any other places around here where Lil Raf took his misadventures?
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tomorrow's tobari, thinking back on this moment in the face of actual murder.
in spite of all that, he does give tobari a gentle squeeze, his hands coming to loosen his tie from behind. his cold fingers touching the side of his neck. a gift back for the kiss. (no) ]
First on the tour of Rafayel's evening route is the pathway along the beach. [ his voice slips into that of something you may hear at a tourist attraction. ] During the day, you can see the famous red cliffs in the distance. [ as they walk, clumsily, as rafayel won't let go of tobari, it becomes clear, no on e can see them though. ]
There are some cafes close by. The local specialty features a famous blueberry yogurt.
[ his dairy... ]
no subject
You really like milk productsβ¦
[ donβt just comment on it
but admittedly if raf is undoing some of tobariβs tie, heβll take that as a sign that he can also undo the top buttons. too stuffyβ¦ too seriousβ¦ no more
even still, heβll try to get a better view of the beachβ¦ the oceanβ¦ he does like nature views a lot ]
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thinks rafayel while also slipping his hand in between the gap of his first two buttons. he retracks his hands quickly enough though, instead giving tobari a kiss on the top of the head. ]
You only noticed now? The ocean wasn't exactly full of cows.
[ lol. ] But, I think you would have loved it a lot more before. [ before the winery blocked the sight of the cliffs. ] You can still see some daisies and asters. [ he says with a small smile, thinking about how tobari does tend to like nature a lot. it's something they have in common and just that alone felt kind of heart-warming. ]
no subject
tobari does catch rafayelβs hand at the wrist when it wanders too far for his public comfort this time ]
Watch it.
[ WARNING!!!! ]
β¦ is that where the rich guy built his shit?
[ his winery or whatever ]
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caught. he clicks his tongue, before giving him an apologetic nudge with his cheek. forgive him...
though, he does pause for a moment, stopping mid-waddle. ]
... Yeah, it is. That's where we're going tomorrow. [ there's a silent, unspoken sorry in there somewhere.
he knows how much tobari had a distaste for .... basically, the same type of people. ]
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though at the confirmation of the winery, where they're going tomorrow, and how it's blocking the nice view of this spot... he frowns. it's all adding up to a strange picture that he's not sure what to make of. rafayel doesn't even like rich people affairs. why are they going to this one? especially if the guy whose birthday it is... seems to be a dick? why are they here on purpose?
tobari's brow furrows for a second before he takes the pause as an opportunity to turn in rafayel's arms and look up at him. his eyes narrow, open about his suspicion, but if rafayel hasn't volunteered information up to this point... is there much point in asking? ]
... you don't have to tell me if you're still working through it.
[ it's permission, at least, to keep being cagey. but it's also an indicator that tobari isn't turning a blind eye to it either. he can tell something's up.
and yet, all the same— ]
I trust you. I'll go where you go.
[ that's the most important part, isn't it? ]
no subject
little does he know that they're not so different.
somehow, this situation reminds him to the smell of smoke that lingered on tobari's body the other day. an almost chemical smell, like he was lingering by a large open flame that continued to swallow whatever was in its path. but, he also pockets that for later, like he has been for the past month. ]
... Thanks. [ it was too late to turn back now. tobari would find out tomorrow.
... and then what? he isn't sure.
he plays with tobari's hand in his, squeezing his fingers gently. as they approach the shore that's lined with some cafes, he is already tilting his head as if to ask if he wanted to walk closer to the sand. ] I also trust you.
[ to follow him. at least up until tomorrow night.
but the way he says it might sound like he's saying goodbye. he doesn't seem to catch that, though. ]
no subject
he's decided that he doesn't like it.
so with his free hand, he'll catch rafayel's face again and pull him down closer to tobari. ]
And you'll stay with me.
You missed that part.
[ they can trust each other and tobari is sure that's important. however, he also has decided he wants and needs to hear this from rafayel. so his gaze is expectant, waiting for those words. every now and then, tobari does get so decisive and bossy... but he thinks that in this moment, it makes sense to request these things of his lover.
rafayel went through all the trouble of romancing tobari in the first place, so it's important that he takes responsibility for the repercussions. ]
You're not allowed to let go of me so easily... so say it, and mean it.
[ can you imagine asking to be cagefished but that's technically what's happening here ]
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his gaze easily settles on tobari, almost like it was second nature to him. though, considering he's not given much of a choice... ] As long as you want it, I'll never leave you. [ his cheek leans into the touch, his eyes still focused entirely on tobari's.
he means it. he wants to mean it.
it's true that all lemurians eventually return to sea, but... he'd like to think it's not anytime soon. he has a lifetime to spend with his lover, after all. ... at least, that's what he wants. ] Rafayel will always stay with Tobari. [ his hand reaches to cup the back of tobari's.
he's being so pushy, and yet... why does he like every second of it? ]
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[ and he is satisfied to hear that. like something tense in his own ribcage easing, even if he still feels like he's waiting until the moment he can stop holding his breath. what is rafayel hiding from him? he'll have to trust that he'll find out in time. probably tomorrow.
he's bold enough to believe that whatever it is wouldn't be enough to shake his faith.
he keeps his hand against rafayel's face, letting his thumb brush against the gentle curve of his cheekbone as if to memorize every inch of him. though if they're staying together, then won't he have all the time in the world to do that?
... well, tobari knows better than most that there's almost nothing truly guaranteed in this world. nonetheless, he believes in this. he will always believe in this—in them. ]
Then you're stuck with me. If you end up having any regrets or doubts, I'll handle them.
[ that's the least that he can do as rafayel's lover, right? he'll close the distance between them then with a soft, lingering kiss—almost like sealing a promise ]
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too good for him, he thinks.
however, he'd like to think as much as justice is created with ones own hands, that maybe, people didn't always necessarily get what they deserved. how else could he explain the fact that his face is being touched so gently by such indulgent hands. he closes his eyes, savoring the way his lover's fingers travel over his features. ]
How could I... [ even if tobari had rejected him so completely... even if he started to perceive him as a monster... he could never regret this.
the kiss is so soft and gentle that is almost feels like an illusion. maybe that's why he leans in, refusing to break it immediately. he tilts his head just slightly, planting just one more clumsy kiss on the corner of his mouth. ]
Even if you didn't do any of that, I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. Don't distance yourself from me. No matter who I become, don't leave.
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rafayel's already proven him wrong and won against tobari's most ingrained and stubborn biases, so how could he become something so awful that it'd make tobari leave?
tobari fell for rafayel for countless other reasons. his kindness, generosity, thoughtfulness—how he could find moments to play and make life seem lighter even on the days where tobari felt himself frustrated by everything else. the idea of not having him is what prompts tobari to hold rafayel all the closer, frustrated by even the notion of such a future. ]
... I can't tell what's going through your head to make you worried about something like that. But it just makes me want you that much nearer to me.
[ they're still outside—so tobari doesn't answer that second clumsy kiss as passionately as he wants, but he does give rafayel a third one anyway, more insistent. ]
I'm not going anywhere, Raf. Neither are you.
[ decides that for him ]
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... and so, they shoot for something rarer. things more intangible, like promises of everlasting life and eternal youth.
tobari was so much the opposite of what he's heard of humans and the surface world. he wonders if there's a single person out there, who wouldn't have been hopelessly attracted to this part of him? while they've had a bit of a rough start, it didn't change how intensely he felt for him. if anything, he may have liked that part of tobari even more. it felt a lot more honest than most interactions he's had with anyone. he liked being challenged and kept on his toes. but, it would also be a lie to say he didn't enjoy the time they've spent where their feelings were mutual either (he's not that much of an m, though he is a certified yearner).
it isn't the first time tobari has held him this close, but it feels different tonight than it normally does. ]
... You act like I'm going to go away. [ he says this like this isn't his fault. but, he secretly delights in this rare show of desperation from tobari. rafayel brushes his fingers through tobari's hair, and gives a small nod. ]
Okay. I won't go anywhere. And even if you change your mind, I'll chase you to the ends of the earth.
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even if it came at a large personal cost to himself, it's hard for him to think of a version of events where he doesn't love him, or doesn't want him to stay right where he is. ]
... mm. [ a soft, accepting sound. ] It won't come to that, but... alright.
[ he presses one more kiss to rafayel's cheek, tilting his head as he still tries to puzzle out what he's feeling... like he's having trouble accepting that he has to wait a little longer still. patience isn't always one of his strong suits when it comes to the people he cares about but... ]
The tour can continue now. Maybe with less dramatics.
[ unlikely, given who's involved ]
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