tobari accepts being called 'boss' so easily... the way that this nickname has probably lingered around the other staff whenever tobari and raf come together... it's true that tobari tends to run a tight ship on sets even when he has to defer to the director and other staff. he's quick about where to direct rafayel, doesn't mince words, and efficient in the workflow.
tobari would absolutely throttle rafayel for just calling him his boyfriend, but the fact of the matter is that he's busy. the staff point rafayel in the direction of the barricade set up a little further out where the most dedicated fans have somehow found out that rafayel would be on location today... how do they know this... like how did the shinee fans know that minho would be at the olympics and meet him at the airport? that's so insane to me
anyway tobari has gone ahead to thank them for their support and collect their gifts for rafayel so he can check them for security reasons... no weird track devices embedded in cookies on his watch... it gives him something to do while rafayel is busy modeling...
the fans try to ask him about rafayel, personal questions, etc etc but his answers are almost rote: ]
Thank you for your support. [ gets handed a giant teddy bear... tries to hold it along with his handful of fan letters ] Ah, thank you. He's busy as always.
[ ignores a fan asking him for aegyo... does he look like an idol to you.... no.... ]
[ maybe it's for a best he missed out on rafayel misbehaving then.
the staff know better than to run their mouths. especially, since the price of unverified rumors was high. they'd rather be cautious than fall into rafayel's whimsy, and maybe that's how they've managed to get by with no actual dating rumors. then again, rafayel also wasn't the type who got needlessly close to others idols. after all, the person he was closest to was right there in front of him, standing by the threshold of where the fans gathered and where the staff entrance was aptly blocked off.
not shinee... but no you're right. how do they always know? then again i did watch a documentary where people pay taxi drivers to stalk and send them the scoops, and how they just hang around placed for hours unprompted and just based off of snooping their sns.
the sight of tobari holding a giant teddy bear is oddly heart-warming, and so he appears from behind him. he wraps his arms around tobari, if just to grab the teddy bear from him and save him from aegyo because that's... for his eyes only? ] Thank you all so much. Sorry, but I'm going to have to steal this guy back. The shoot can't start or finish without the main character.
[ but, still holding the teddy with one hand around tobari, he does use his free hand to make a cat ear pose on one side.
annoyingly gives fan service while half-hugging tobari... how does he keep getting away with this ]
[ all the other staff also assigning this as rafayel's whimsy when he says things with his full chest is so funny.... him like why does no one believe me? are we not obviously dating? as tobari just ignores all his advances when they're at work
of course, at the sudden appearance of rafayel, the fans immediately start tittering with even more excitement. there's a few squeaks and squeals of his name, phones now brought out just to catch a brief video that will end up on social media later, and there's even someone who starts crying... he is so cute... he is so beautiful.... how can such a lovely person exist (imposes all my feelings onto this random fan)
tobari grumbles at the sudden appearance, but he's willing to give up the giant bear to rafayel if only because he needs to make sure he's collected all the other gifts diligently... there's a brief interaction where an especially bold fan starts to reach toward rafayel and tobari immediately switches gears to intercept their hand with a nudge of his own, putting himself between rafayel and the fan in half a second. warningly: ] Careful.
[ careful or you'll lose that hand is what goes unsaid based on the instant way his gaze sharpens into a glare.
but he'll move on quickly now that he knows rafayel is done at makeup, glancing back to him— ] You could've just gone to the director's tent without me. Let's go.
[ back to work.... even though these interactions will be all over the internet in 0.7 seconds... some of them already are.... ]
[ he is basically the little boy who cried wolf, it's true. he makes this joke so often that they're like yes, yes, whatever you say crazy man. probably made all the more convincing by tobari's complete lack of a reaction...
also i knew i would regret this... where are the fans demanding him to get out of their sims house.
so instead, we focus on how cool tobari is. per usual, he's quick to switch gears. it does make him laugh to think tobari can go from accepting large teddy bears to suddenly being so threatening... while he knows it's tobari's job, he can't help but think it also felt a little more personal than that.
rafayel gives them all a final wave— ] Be on good behavior, or this guy will have to bite you.
[ it's really all fun and games... but, he does end up diligently heading towards the director's tent. ]
What, and leave you to fend for yourself? They would have been asking you to meow next.
THOSE FANS AREN'T HERE!! IT'S JUST THE FANS WHO RIGHTLY LOVE RAFAYEL!! SNIFFLES!!!
either way, they leave. tobari will give all the fans one last nod... perhaps punctuating the truth of rafayel's statement, but also just in acknowledgement. he'll bring a hand around rafayel's back to guide and usher him in the right direction.... ]
And I would've said no... Your fans are almost better at handling rejection than you are.
[ rafayel is so annoying every time tobari denies him anything.... ]
[ using the teddy bear's paws to hit tobari lightly on the arm.... ] Okay, but you have to admit, you do fold sometimes? [ depending on what it is. but, he gets the feeling that tobari isn't nearly as unaccommodating as he may think or acts like he is. so who is really at fault for this? ]
rafayel's right but tobari has to at least put up a fight or else he'll get MORE spoiled...
tobari rolls his eyes as they approach the tent where the shoot-specific staff are waiting to direct and brief rafayel. he holds his arms open to collect the teddy bear so that it doesn't get in the way.... ]
[ the quick "no" does get a slight pout from rafayel. he even puts the teddy bear lower just so he can side-eye him bitterly... pettily, annoyingly. though, it does seem to slip off the moment they enter the tent. he deposits the bear with tobari, before adopting a more composed demeanor.
he greets the director with all the professionalism and enthusiasm expected of an idol. but, if tobari does look at him, he will continue to pretend to ignore him for the rest of the shoot. this is spoiled behavior... the good part is, he is efficient, and they don't have to do much reshooting at all.
[ IS THIS NOT PROVING HIS POINT, RAFAYEL... IS THIS NOT PROOF THAT YOU HATE BEING TOLD 'NO'....
regardless tobari just rolls his eyes and takes the bear. he lets rafayel do his thing and does occasionally look over, always keeping an eye on the set just in case... but otherwise occupies himself with opening the fanmail to make sure that nothing psychotic slipped in. good news, it's a safe batch... there's a bunch of other gifts like beaded bracelets, keychains, crochet crafts... adorable trinkets.
the photoshoot itself is whimsical and cute—set in an amusement park, of course it is. deito vibes... good advertising for the amusement park and also just a good place to get footage since it's a perfect set.
tobari doesn't even notice he's being ignored, he just assumes rafayel is focused.... eventually the photoshoot is over and the whole crew claps and says their thank you's. tobari is also exceedingly polite at this point.... waits for rafayel to come back to him ]
[ HELP, it's true, but rafayel remains willfully ignorant of that fact.
just like how tobari doesn't notice the way in which he's been (poorly attempting) to give him the cold shoulder throughout the shoot. ironically enough, it probably started out as a joke just to get tobari's attention, and yet... as time passed and he didn't actually notice him at all (????), it swiftly grew into being Real.
while the shoot is... fun, he can't deny that since he loves amusement parks (thanks tobari, but not right now), he can't deny thinking a few times during this shoot that it would have been a lot better if tobari was next to him instead. look, he can yearn and be angy at the same time.
that said, after he's done thanking the staff individually, he moves to grab some of his stuff he left earlier in the tent. once he returns, he does see tobari waiting there, and he ... fights the urge to wave him down. instead, as soon as they make eye contact, he's already walking towards the car by himself.
except, once he gets to the door, he realizes he doesn't have the keys...
[ help!!!! honestly tobari is pretty fond watching rafayel properly mind his manners and thank everyone individually... he's waiting but in no particular rush to leave—which makes rafayel heading immediately for the car confuse him a bit? he tilts his head but follows after with the giant bear tucked under his arm, frowning as he wonders what could be causing the mood...
when they make it to the car, he'll just raise a hand up to fuss with rafayel's hair, arranging strands back into place as he looks over his face for any signs of exhaustion. ]
Good job. Tired? [ if he's so quiet... ] I brought spare clothes if you wanted to get something to eat now that the shoot's done... but if you'd rather nap, I can drop you off at yours and then grab the food to bring back.
[ even when rafayel is mildly annoyed, he doesn't brush tobari off. instead, he remains rightfully in place, he leans leans down just as little to make it easier for tobari to see, especially since they did add some stick, shiny strands through his hair to create more dimension and highlight.
he tilts his head slightly at the question, but easily looks away once tobari is done. ] Not really. But, yeah, I'll head home first. You don't have to worry about food. I'll order in later. [ he does hold his hand out to take the bear again though since his arms look full.
also, that's his buddy to complain to... while he thinks tobari is a fool. ]
[ he asks openly as he hands the bear over to rafayel, and then also opens the door for him to enter the carβ¦ once heβs seated, then tobari will also hand him the rest of the fan giftsβ¦
and then he will also slide into the backseat and close the door behind him so they can talk this out before he drives ]
[ rafayel tucks the bear under his arm as he takes a seat in the back. he's already buckling up quietly as he holds the bear in his arms. only once tobari sits in the back with him does he gradually peek over at him through his peripherals. ]
... You woke up early, we should just get going. [ he offers quietly at first.
though, he is visibly warming up just a little now that tobari is here. ]
[ but, he reaches over and holds the teddy bear's hand out towards tobari. ]
But, you don't think you're worrying about the wrong thing? Instead of thinking someone is bothering me, you should be considering ways to cheer me up? [ why is tobari allowing this... ]
[ he looks at tobari's hand in which holds the bear's paws so delicately.
he tries not to break the seriousness of his own expression, however. ] ... That might be impossible. [ can he always ensure tobari will always keep his eyes on him? it seemed like an extreme demand even to him. he knows he has no reason to kick up such a fuss and yet.
so he decides to start this off a little differently. ]
[ he's not sure where this is going... he's trying to recall the photoshoot itself? did tobari miss some kind of cue from rafayel that he was uncomfortable? ]
The concept suited you well and you were polite to everyone on set. You took direction well, which made everything go smoothly. I think the director was pleased too, from our conversation.
he's quiet for a moment, before— ] So you were watching me? It didn't seem like it. You barely made eye contact, you didn't even try and approach me after the shoot, and you probably already forgot we were supposed to spend allll night together.
I was checking the gifts to make sure no one sent you anything insane. But of course I watch you—I always watch you. I still have to make sure that nothing weird or unsafe happens?
You and I both had to thank the staff, but then you avoided me at the tent where I was waiting for you? I offered to get you food because I knew we'd spend the evening together.
What the hell!
[ oKAY SO OBVIOUSLY HE DOESN'T THINK THIS TANTRUM IS VALID ]
[ he looks off to the side. ] I mean, part of why I worked so hard today was so that we could all finish early. [ he was looking forward to them spending time together... or so he seems to be implying as he's now grabbing the bear away from tobari like it's their child in the middle of their messy divorce. ]
[ rebuttals come easier to him. maybe that's why he's reflexively about to say something, but he stops short when he hears tobari's last words. he struggles top open his mouth for a second, but he does end up unbuckling his seatbelt and just leaning forward and against tobari's shoulder. ]
... I don't believe you. [ but, he does feel a little better.
despite the cautious way in which he's approached their relationship, it's true that he's recently been wanting to be a little closer. maybe all of this just really stemmed from his own insecurities. he can't help but wonder if tobari is dating him out of pity, or out of some weird sense of obligation (or worse, that they're not even dating at all... but he doesn't even think this is a possibility help). he knows they're bound by their professional relationship, and he's understanding of the fact that he can't exactly vocalize what they are to each other to the rest of the world, but in moments like this...
well, who doesn't want to be spoiled by their boyfriend? ] But, keep your eyes on me. I'm going to do all I can so you can enter an early retirement. So you have to do everything I want tonight.
[ . . . jeeze. tobari sighs, but doesn't shift away when rafayel leans forward and onto him. he shifts to make it easier for them to fit against each other, which surely only adds to how misleading this all is, but tobari just thinks that rafayel must be feeling especially needy... maybe he's anxious and demanding since their schedule is about to get insane with the comeback...
his hand comes up anyway, gently carding through rafayel's hair to try to soothe him. he just fixed it, and he'll have to fix it again before rafayel goes on live later today, but he'll deal with that when it comes... ]
I don't think I agreed to any of that... [ tobari has no idea what he'd do in retirement. go crazy, probably. but he understands the sentiment of what rafayel is asking so, ] Okay, okay. Get all your neediness out since there won't be room in the schedule for a while.
[ fair warning.... but also he frowns a bit as he feels like he has to say again, ]
... I know you work hard, Raf. I just want you to enjoy at least part of it while you're doing it. So don't push yourself too much. If there's ever something you hate, just tell me, and you won't have to do it. Even as much as I watch you, I can't read your mind, alright?
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tobari accepts being called 'boss' so easily... the way that this nickname has probably lingered around the other staff whenever tobari and raf come together... it's true that tobari tends to run a tight ship on sets even when he has to defer to the director and other staff. he's quick about where to direct rafayel, doesn't mince words, and efficient in the workflow.
tobari would absolutely throttle rafayel for just calling him his boyfriend, but the fact of the matter is that he's busy. the staff point rafayel in the direction of the barricade set up a little further out where the most dedicated fans have somehow found out that rafayel would be on location today... how do they know this... like how did the shinee fans know that minho would be at the olympics and meet him at the airport? that's so insane to me
anyway tobari has gone ahead to thank them for their support and collect their gifts for rafayel so he can check them for security reasons... no weird track devices embedded in cookies on his watch... it gives him something to do while rafayel is busy modeling...
the fans try to ask him about rafayel, personal questions, etc etc but his answers are almost rote: ]
Thank you for your support. [ gets handed a giant teddy bear... tries to hold it along with his handful of fan letters ] Ah, thank you. He's busy as always.
[ ignores a fan asking him for aegyo... does he look like an idol to you.... no.... ]
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the staff know better than to run their mouths. especially, since the price of unverified rumors was high. they'd rather be cautious than fall into rafayel's whimsy, and maybe that's how they've managed to get by with no actual dating rumors. then again, rafayel also wasn't the type who got needlessly close to others idols. after all, the person he was closest to was right there in front of him, standing by the threshold of where the fans gathered and where the staff entrance was aptly blocked off.
not shinee... but no you're right. how do they always know? then again i did watch a documentary where people pay taxi drivers to stalk and send them the scoops, and how they just hang around placed for hours unprompted and just based off of snooping their sns.
the sight of tobari holding a giant teddy bear is oddly heart-warming, and so he appears from behind him. he wraps his arms around tobari, if just to grab the teddy bear from him and save him from aegyo because that's... for his eyes only? ] Thank you all so much. Sorry, but I'm going to have to steal this guy back. The shoot can't start or finish without the main character.
[ but, still holding the teddy with one hand around tobari, he does use his free hand to make a cat ear pose on one side.
annoyingly gives fan service while half-hugging tobari... how does he keep getting away with this ]
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of course, at the sudden appearance of rafayel, the fans immediately start tittering with even more excitement. there's a few squeaks and squeals of his name, phones now brought out just to catch a brief video that will end up on social media later, and there's even someone who starts crying... he is so cute... he is so beautiful.... how can such a lovely person exist (imposes all my feelings onto this random fan)
tobari grumbles at the sudden appearance, but he's willing to give up the giant bear to rafayel if only because he needs to make sure he's collected all the other gifts diligently... there's a brief interaction where an especially bold fan starts to reach toward rafayel and tobari immediately switches gears to intercept their hand with a nudge of his own, putting himself between rafayel and the fan in half a second. warningly: ] Careful.
[ careful or you'll lose that hand is what goes unsaid based on the instant way his gaze sharpens into a glare.
but he'll move on quickly now that he knows rafayel is done at makeup, glancing back to him— ] You could've just gone to the director's tent without me. Let's go.
[ back to work.... even though these interactions will be all over the internet in 0.7 seconds... some of them already are.... ]
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also i knew i would regret this... where are the fans demanding him to get out of their sims house.
so instead, we focus on how cool tobari is. per usual, he's quick to switch gears. it does make him laugh to think tobari can go from accepting large teddy bears to suddenly being so threatening... while he knows it's tobari's job, he can't help but think it also felt a little more personal than that.
rafayel gives them all a final wave— ] Be on good behavior, or this guy will have to bite you.
[ it's really all fun and games... but, he does end up diligently heading towards the director's tent. ]
What, and leave you to fend for yourself? They would have been asking you to meow next.
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THOSE FANS AREN'T HERE!! IT'S JUST THE FANS WHO RIGHTLY LOVE RAFAYEL!! SNIFFLES!!!
either way, they leave. tobari will give all the fans one last nod... perhaps punctuating the truth of rafayel's statement, but also just in acknowledgement. he'll bring a hand around rafayel's back to guide and usher him in the right direction.... ]
And I would've said no... Your fans are almost better at handling rejection than you are.
[ rafayel is so annoying every time tobari denies him anything.... ]
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Should I show you tonight?
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[ just. no.
rafayel's right but tobari has to at least put up a fight or else he'll get MORE spoiled...
tobari rolls his eyes as they approach the tent where the shoot-specific staff are waiting to direct and brief rafayel. he holds his arms open to collect the teddy bear so that it doesn't get in the way.... ]
Focus.
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he greets the director with all the professionalism and enthusiasm expected of an idol. but, if tobari does look at him, he will continue to pretend to ignore him for the rest of the shoot. this is spoiled behavior... the good part is, he is efficient, and they don't have to do much reshooting at all.
rafayel is locked-in... out of spite. ]
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regardless tobari just rolls his eyes and takes the bear. he lets rafayel do his thing and does occasionally look over, always keeping an eye on the set just in case... but otherwise occupies himself with opening the fanmail to make sure that nothing psychotic slipped in. good news, it's a safe batch... there's a bunch of other gifts like beaded bracelets, keychains, crochet crafts... adorable trinkets.
the photoshoot itself is whimsical and cute—set in an amusement park, of course it is. deito vibes... good advertising for the amusement park and also just a good place to get footage since it's a perfect set.
tobari doesn't even notice he's being ignored, he just assumes rafayel is focused.... eventually the photoshoot is over and the whole crew claps and says their thank you's. tobari is also exceedingly polite at this point.... waits for rafayel to come back to him ]
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just like how tobari doesn't notice the way in which he's been (poorly attempting) to give him the cold shoulder throughout the shoot. ironically enough, it probably started out as a joke just to get tobari's attention, and yet... as time passed and he didn't actually notice him at all (????), it swiftly grew into being Real.
while the shoot is... fun, he can't deny that since he loves amusement parks (thanks tobari, but not right now), he can't deny thinking a few times during this shoot that it would have been a lot better if tobari was next to him instead. look, he can yearn and be angy at the same time.
that said, after he's done thanking the staff individually, he moves to grab some of his stuff he left earlier in the tent. once he returns, he does see tobari waiting there, and he ... fights the urge to wave him down. instead, as soon as they make eye contact, he's already walking towards the car by himself.
except, once he gets to the door, he realizes he doesn't have the keys...
indignantly crosses his arms outside the car. ]
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when they make it to the car, he'll just raise a hand up to fuss with rafayel's hair, arranging strands back into place as he looks over his face for any signs of exhaustion. ]
Good job. Tired? [ if he's so quiet... ] I brought spare clothes if you wanted to get something to eat now that the shoot's done... but if you'd rather nap, I can drop you off at yours and then grab the food to bring back.
[ he's so unaware of rafayel's tantrum ]
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he tilts his head slightly at the question, but easily looks away once tobari is done. ] Not really. But, yeah, I'll head home first. You don't have to worry about food. I'll order in later. [ he does hold his hand out to take the bear again though since his arms look full.
also, that's his buddy to complain to... while he thinks tobari is a fool. ]
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β¦ what did I do?
[ he asks openly as he hands the bear over to rafayel, and then also opens the door for him to enter the carβ¦ once heβs seated, then tobari will also hand him the rest of the fan giftsβ¦
and then he will also slide into the backseat and close the door behind him so they can talk this out before he drives ]
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... You woke up early, we should just get going. [ he offers quietly at first.
though, he is visibly warming up just a little now that tobari is here. ]
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Nah. Iβm doing fine.
And even if I was tired, I can take a second to ask whatβs going on if somethingβs bothering you. Or someone?
Can you tell me what I did, or should I start figuring it out?
[ since he can assume that sometimes rafayel wants to make him work for it ]
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[ but, he reaches over and holds the teddy bear's hand out towards tobari. ]
But, you don't think you're worrying about the wrong thing? Instead of thinking someone is bothering me, you should be considering ways to cheer me up? [ why is tobari allowing this... ]
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I canβ¦ but Iβd still want to know what I did to upset you so I donβt do it again.
[ if itβs fair. if itβs not fair thenβ¦ well he can take it into consideration just for the sake of being receptive to rafayelβs feelings ]
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he tries not to break the seriousness of his own expression, however. ] ... That might be impossible. [ can he always ensure tobari will always keep his eyes on him? it seemed like an extreme demand even to him. he knows he has no reason to kick up such a fuss and yet.
so he decides to start this off a little differently. ]
How did you think I did today?
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[ he's not sure where this is going... he's trying to recall the photoshoot itself? did tobari miss some kind of cue from rafayel that he was uncomfortable? ]
The concept suited you well and you were polite to everyone on set. You took direction well, which made everything go smoothly. I think the director was pleased too, from our conversation.
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...
he's quiet for a moment, before— ] So you were watching me? It didn't seem like it. You barely made eye contact, you didn't even try and approach me after the shoot, and you probably already forgot we were supposed to spend allll night together.
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I was checking the gifts to make sure no one sent you anything insane. But of course I watch you—I always watch you. I still have to make sure that nothing weird or unsafe happens?
You and I both had to thank the staff, but then you avoided me at the tent where I was waiting for you? I offered to get you food because I knew we'd spend the evening together.
What the hell!
[ oKAY SO OBVIOUSLY HE DOESN'T THINK THIS TANTRUM IS VALID ]
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[ he looks off to the side. ] I mean, part of why I worked so hard today was so that we could all finish early. [ he was looking forward to them spending time together... or so he seems to be implying as he's now grabbing the bear away from tobari like it's their child in the middle of their messy divorce. ]
Was I the only one who was excited?
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reaches over to pinch rafayel's cheek to scold him ]
Don't call doing my job excuses.
[ SIGHS ]
You did well then... [ to make the shoot resolve early ] but of course I'm glad you'd get a chance to rest before we start getting busier tomorrow.
Did you think I wasn't paying attention to you...? Raf, I'm always paying attention to you. I don't know how to not notice you anymore.
[ in a mysteriously platonic way, it feels like rafayel's at the center of tobari's universe most days. ]
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... I don't believe you. [ but, he does feel a little better.
despite the cautious way in which he's approached their relationship, it's true that he's recently been wanting to be a little closer. maybe all of this just really stemmed from his own insecurities. he can't help but wonder if tobari is dating him out of pity, or out of some weird sense of obligation (or worse, that they're not even dating at all... but he doesn't even think this is a possibility help). he knows they're bound by their professional relationship, and he's understanding of the fact that he can't exactly vocalize what they are to each other to the rest of the world, but in moments like this...
well, who doesn't want to be spoiled by their boyfriend? ] But, keep your eyes on me. I'm going to do all I can so you can enter an early retirement. So you have to do everything I want tonight.
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his hand comes up anyway, gently carding through rafayel's hair to try to soothe him. he just fixed it, and he'll have to fix it again before rafayel goes on live later today, but he'll deal with that when it comes... ]
I don't think I agreed to any of that... [ tobari has no idea what he'd do in retirement. go crazy, probably. but he understands the sentiment of what rafayel is asking so, ] Okay, okay. Get all your neediness out since there won't be room in the schedule for a while.
[ fair warning.... but also he frowns a bit as he feels like he has to say again, ]
... I know you work hard, Raf. I just want you to enjoy at least part of it while you're doing it. So don't push yourself too much. If there's ever something you hate, just tell me, and you won't have to do it. Even as much as I watch you, I can't read your mind, alright?
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