[ 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 waddle… tobari grumbles a little bit at the temperature and awkwardness, but if there isn’t many people around… he will allow it for now… ]
You really like milk products…
[ don’t just comment on it
but admittedly if raf is undoing some of tobari’s tie, he’ll take that as a sign that he can also undo the top buttons. too stuffy… too serious… no more
even still, he’ll try to get a better view of the beach… the ocean… 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.
[ HELP... rafayel pretends not to notice that look.
tobari is so confident, that it's kind of hard not to want to believe in him at the very least. he's probably been oscillating between these extremes for the past week, and he isn't surprised it's all caught up to him here. ]
... Hey, you also contributed. I'd say it was at least a 51-49 split.
[ group effort. when tobari gives him that look, he can't help but to pinch his cheek.
but, he is walking tobari closer to the grassy hills leading towards the sand. the grassy hills are full of flowers, and so rafayel treads carefully as he leads him through. ]
[ not the cheek pinch... he scowls reflexively and pulls his face away. stop. this is not a second thread where he bites rafayel's hand but please know that he thinks about it...
tobari follows after anyway though, opting to hold onto rafayel's hand this time, and gets distracted fairly quickly by the flowers... he's not sure he can make out all the details in the evening, but he peers over to get a closer look anyway ]
... are there any other big changes to this place from when you were younger? Besides the eyesore.
rafayel chuckles just a little at tobari pulling away like that. cheek pulling and head pats... tobari's two enemies, and yet rafayel still tries his luck. but, it's hard when he finds everything about his reactions so loveable.
when tobari tries to get a closer look, rafayel does let go of him. he watches him for a moment, before: ] Yeah, it's easier to see when it's light out, but the ocean was more vivid green-blue back then. You could see more fish just skimming around the surface, so the seagulls were also always circling around looking for a bite to eat. ... Though, maybe it is a bit quieter without them?
[ except, as he says this one does fly over their heads, perching nearby. ]
[ tobari looks up over at the seagull, tilting his head curiously, before he lets his gaze drift from the flowers over to the sea. it's true that it was hard to make out it's real color against the night sky, but it makes him think about how it's dulled... there are so many things that human touch that seem to lose their luster. ]
... makes sense that you and the other Lemurians would be mad at us. [ thoughtfully. there's so much trash in the sea that they just didn't ask for ] People don't really know how to take care of what they're lucky to behold.
[ he'll at least include himself in that even though he tries to be careful... inherently part of the problem by being human.
he just doesn't like the idea of silence coming from... a lack of life. that's different from peace. ]
[ he looks at tobari thoughtfully, before shaking his head. ]
Don't worry. According to most elders, they weren't a fan to start with so.
[ lol, that probably doesn't make it better, but it doesn't make it worse at least. ] But, I think you're right. It's easy for people to lose sight of the beauty of things right in front of them. The more constant something is, the easier it is take it for granted. So I think it's important to be able to take it slow like this. [ but, he does look back to the seagull. he gives a shrug in its direction as if to say he doesn't have any food.
[ it's the contrast that exists within tobari—someone who inherently doesn't trust people or have any faith in most of humanity, but also can't bring himself to abandon strangers or ignore people in need. he's not an optimist, but he's not a true cynic either. ]
... but that's true. People sometimes get too used to the status quo. They don't consider what life is like for people without certain luxuries, or they could suddenly become that person who never sees the ocean again...
[ but rafayel has probably heard him talk about this plenty during all his grumbling and mumbling about everything wrong with the world... he returns to his side anyway, taking his hand again. ]
... I still like it here. [ if he's being honest. ] Even if I wish I could've seen it as you knew it, too.
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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... ]
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You really like milk products…
[ don’t just comment on it
but admittedly if raf is undoing some of tobari’s tie, he’ll take that as a sign that he can also undo the top buttons. too stuffy… too serious… no more
even still, he’ll try to get a better view of the beach… the ocean… 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. ]
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tobari does catch rafayel’s hand at the wrist when it wanders too far for his public comfort this time ]
Watch it.
[ WARNING!!!! ]
… 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? ]
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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. ]
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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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tobari is so confident, that it's kind of hard not to want to believe in him at the very least. he's probably been oscillating between these extremes for the past week, and he isn't surprised it's all caught up to him here. ]
... Hey, you also contributed. I'd say it was at least a 51-49 split.
[ group effort. when tobari gives him that look, he can't help but to pinch his cheek.
but, he is walking tobari closer to the grassy hills leading towards the sand. the grassy hills are full of flowers, and so rafayel treads carefully as he leads him through. ]
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tobari follows after anyway though, opting to hold onto rafayel's hand this time, and gets distracted fairly quickly by the flowers... he's not sure he can make out all the details in the evening, but he peers over to get a closer look anyway ]
... are there any other big changes to this place from when you were younger? Besides the eyesore.
[ the winery... ]
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rafayel chuckles just a little at tobari pulling away like that. cheek pulling and head pats... tobari's two enemies, and yet rafayel still tries his luck. but, it's hard when he finds everything about his reactions so loveable.
when tobari tries to get a closer look, rafayel does let go of him. he watches him for a moment, before: ] Yeah, it's easier to see when it's light out, but the ocean was more vivid green-blue back then. You could see more fish just skimming around the surface, so the seagulls were also always circling around looking for a bite to eat. ... Though, maybe it is a bit quieter without them?
[ except, as he says this one does fly over their heads, perching nearby. ]
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[ tobari looks up over at the seagull, tilting his head curiously, before he lets his gaze drift from the flowers over to the sea. it's true that it was hard to make out it's real color against the night sky, but it makes him think about how it's dulled... there are so many things that human touch that seem to lose their luster. ]
... makes sense that you and the other Lemurians would be mad at us. [ thoughtfully. there's so much trash in the sea that they just didn't ask for ] People don't really know how to take care of what they're lucky to behold.
[ he'll at least include himself in that even though he tries to be careful... inherently part of the problem by being human.
he just doesn't like the idea of silence coming from... a lack of life. that's different from peace. ]
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Don't worry. According to most elders, they weren't a fan to start with so.
[ lol, that probably doesn't make it better, but it doesn't make it worse at least. ] But, I think you're right. It's easy for people to lose sight of the beauty of things right in front of them. The more constant something is, the easier it is take it for granted. So I think it's important to be able to take it slow like this. [ but, he does look back to the seagull. he gives a shrug in its direction as if to say he doesn't have any food.
some things don't change, maybe. ]
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Yeah, well, not wrong for that.
[ it's the contrast that exists within tobari—someone who inherently doesn't trust people or have any faith in most of humanity, but also can't bring himself to abandon strangers or ignore people in need. he's not an optimist, but he's not a true cynic either. ]
... but that's true. People sometimes get too used to the status quo. They don't consider what life is like for people without certain luxuries, or they could suddenly become that person who never sees the ocean again...
[ but rafayel has probably heard him talk about this plenty during all his grumbling and mumbling about everything wrong with the world... he returns to his side anyway, taking his hand again. ]
... I still like it here. [ if he's being honest. ] Even if I wish I could've seen it as you knew it, too.
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