[ caleb really does... was rafayel the little guy at their get-together? pleading emoji.
that said, once everyone actually takes off, rafayel walks back over to where caleb is sitting, he sits on the desk space right beside him. he fiddles with a pointer he was holding in the back of his pocket for the lecture, as he talks to caleb without actually facing him. ]
What's with the sudden visit? Assuming it's not because you missed me... Did you want more cake?
[ Yes, he was, but Caleb would betray the little guy if he thinks it's funny.
He doesn't rise to meet Rafayel, instead comfortable to lean back against his seat and look up at him from where he is. His elbows pull further back on the armrests, homey. ]
A little presumptuous to think I'm here for you, don't you think?
[ A little self-important? A little self-centered? It isn't always about you, Rafayel, but there's enough playfulness where this doesn't come off dismissive. ]
What proof do you have? [ What are the ways you think he is obsessed with you? ] I'm open to a bakery recommendation, though.
Riiight, right. So you came into my lecture for someone or something else?
[ he's about to use the extendable pointer to poke caleb in the chest, but when he extends it, it falls apart in his hands.
either way, he plays it cool, and just looks off to the side. ]
Maybe I'd believe that if you didn't make eye contact like twenty times? And if it's an eye condition, you should get it looked at. Should I refer you to a doctor's office instead of a bakery?
[ His eyebrows perk higher, amused by how the little tool falls apart in Rafayel's hands, but not going to say anything. Especially not when his eyebrows arch even higher because ????
FIRST OFF, ]
You're the professor. Everyone in the hall was watching you.
[ So, yes, he would be looking at Rafayel during his lecture. ]
[ My god. That is not the direction he though it'd go, but it is starting to make sense what kind of personality Rafayel, the esteemed artist, has. How does the Hunter handle a brat worse than herself?
He looks down at the broken pointer poking him, then gently grabs onto the end. ]
okay but who created that brat, caleb? you. regardless, he does end up looking back down to where caleb grabs hold of the pointer. his lips curl upwards just slightly, looking smug like he's succeeded in getting some kind of reaction out of caleb.
or he feels like he's getting close, at least. ]
Hm, well... I do try to look each student in the eye at least a few times per lecture. They say it builds trust. As a guest, I figured you could use some extra service. [ he shakes the pointer a little, trying to get it out of caleb's soft grip. ] You're welcome.
[ Rafayel feeling smug over the lowest level of engagement... It's fine. Caleb doesn't mind and isn't bothered when he sees the other man practically preen himself up above.
How close is he, really? Caleb doesn't let go of the pointer. Rafayel can keep twisting more. ]
Is that it? I'm honored. Thanks.
[ Whenever in Rafayel's shaking becomes a little more abrupt or violent, he lets go. The next part comes without any teasing in his voice, though. ]
when caleb doesn't let go, rafayel's own lips purse slightly into a slight frown. it'd be a pout, but he has his dignity to keep here. though, it seems to dissipate the second caleb lets go. he's about to say something, but he's temporarily stunned at the shift in caleb's voice.
... the sudden sincerity of his words shut him up quicker than it should.
by the time he recovers, he clears his throat a little awkwardly. ] Did you seriously expect anything less?
[ Rafayel is emotionally disarmed? Success, though he does mean it. Even if his teaching has a little bit of an attitude, it was still a good class and the students were engaged. If not they seem enamored by their professor. Of course he's wondering what kind of dynamic does Rafayel have with the Hunter... Curious.
There's a pause as he hums, pretending to contemplate while he strokes his chin and looks off somewhere. ]
I didn't really come with any expectations, [ He turns his attention back, smile quirked higher. ] so considered me impressed and beyond.
[ there's a small smile on his lips. it's hard not to get a liiiittle carried away, especially when it's someone who knows miss bodyguard so intimately. it feels like their opinions would align, and maybe it's also like getting an inadvertent compliment from her? or that's delusion speaking.
or denial over the fact that he could actually feel a bit happy over a compliment he got from caleb. ]
Then for my impressed student of the day, I guess I can at least go a liiittle easier on you. [ a pause, before: ] Are you going to try and do the assignment? I don't expect you actually turn it in, but maybe it could give you a little perspective?
[ Caleb is thinking to himself Rafayel is very funny. Keep dreaming about how this is approval by proxy when realistically her big brother wouldn't approve of most men approaching her.
Anyway, Caleb is visiting as just a guy rather than the colonel. Granted, neither of them would be prepared for this. He blinks a couple of times, uh. ]
I mean... I guess if I have time, I wouldn't mind giving it a go. I don't really have a creative mind, though.
I don't think that's true, though. You probably just haven't activated it yet, or found a subject that draws you in. For the record, some of my best students aren't art students at all. [ he says best, but he'd like to think it's more like they're... interesting.
their art, their works, their perspective was so different that he couldn't help but stop and marvel.
then again, maybe that's the part of him that isn't human speaking.
but, he gets the feeling that caleb was intriguing in his own right, and rafayel kind of wants to reach into his mind... just a little. ]
"Losing confidence" is taking it a bit far. I'm just being honest.
[ Caleb knows he's a pilot, not an artist, and has little aspirations in the creative field, so it seems appropriate to say don't expect too much from him. He's a feeble guest at the lecture.
He rotates his seat, still peering up like a good boy, but decides he will stand up now. ]
You could be straight-forward and ask to see me again.
[ With a hand on his hip, he offers Rafayel the floor. What will it be? ]
[ honestly, he's still interested in seeing the world through caleb's eyes. he would be curious to what subject he chooses, or how he'd look when he's laser focused on something. it's why his own line of sight lingers over caleb for a second longer than he intends.
... and also why he's tearing his gaze away, and looking back off to the front of the class. if he doesn't make eye contact, maybe he can at least pretend to be aloof. ]
Now you're being a liiittle presumptuous. [ ... ] I have you now, so is there a reason I need to see you later?
[ Perhaps... It'd be scary to see Caleb laser-focused on something. It all depends. Caleb barely hovers over Rafayel with being a couple of centimeters taller. He puts all his weight to one side, head dipping slightly with his head tilt.
Maybe he's trying to catch his gaze. Why are you pretending? ]
That's news to me. [ Since his plan was to sit in the lecture, then leave. Straightening up, he gets ready for the spontaneous. ] Since you have me now, what are we doing, then?
when he sees caleb lurking at the edge of his peripherals, he makes it a point to angle his head so his eyes are still slightly out of view. ] What, you don't like surprises? [ his gaze ends up finally finding caleb's now, and when they meet, there's a certain twinkle behind them. ]
I guess we can first grab a drink, hit the arcade to see if they have any new plushies, check out the newest movie, and then maybe you help me restock on some art supplies? [ why does it seem like it all leads up to caleb just following his whims, and helping him run the errands?
[ Not completely true, but that can be said for everyone. People only like good surprises. Harmless ones.
His eyes playfully narrow, trying to glean into these choices like trying to read his opponent's kitty cards. Sometimes being more presumptuous is the play. ]
Do you get my sister to do all of that with you? Hmmm?
at caleb's statement of loving surprises, he can barely suppress a chuckle. though, it's one that he supplements with a more serious expression. he tilts his head from side to side for a moment, as his finger comes up to tap on his own chin. once, twice, then he shrugs his shoulders exaggeratedly. ]
[ You're so funny, Rafayel. So funny that he does scan his body language and expression down to how many creases come from the laughter. Are the angles on his face created when he speaks here friendly? Are they nervous?
Are you a master at lying, Rafayel? He'd wonder this, too. All of this just looks like nothing, though. Caleb's standing there and lets out a laugh. ]
Now you do. Pretty sure pipsqueak's the reason we all gathered at that restaurant that day.
[ They're cool, nothing to stress about even though Caleb is silently giving Rafayel trials. ]
[ while he could be a great actor when necessary, as of right now... his smile completely gives him away. for all the seriousness in his response, there's something mirthful in his eyes. but that doesn't completely stop his act.
he's about to be like: meeting? what's that?
playing dumb and dumber, but it's the second response that causes him to shut right up. his posture becomes marginally more rigid, and his demeanor clearly makes a subtle shift. he looks at caleb from the corner of his eyes now, trying not to make his interest too obvious. ]
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that said, once everyone actually takes off, rafayel walks back over to where caleb is sitting, he sits on the desk space right beside him. he fiddles with a pointer he was holding in the back of his pocket for the lecture, as he talks to caleb without actually facing him. ]
What's with the sudden visit? Assuming it's not because you missed me... Did you want more cake?
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He doesn't rise to meet Rafayel, instead comfortable to lean back against his seat and look up at him from where he is. His elbows pull further back on the armrests, homey. ]
A little presumptuous to think I'm here for you, don't you think?
[ A little self-important? A little self-centered? It isn't always about you, Rafayel, but there's enough playfulness where this doesn't come off dismissive. ]
What proof do you have? [ What are the ways you think he is obsessed with you? ] I'm open to a bakery recommendation, though.
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[ he's about to use the extendable pointer to poke caleb in the chest, but when he extends it, it falls apart in his hands.
either way, he plays it cool, and just looks off to the side. ]
Maybe I'd believe that if you didn't make eye contact like twenty times? And if it's an eye condition, you should get it looked at. Should I refer you to a doctor's office instead of a bakery?
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FIRST OFF, ]
You're the professor. Everyone in the hall was watching you.
[ So, yes, he would be looking at Rafayel during his lecture. ]
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but, what rafayel focuses on is: ] So you don't deny it.
[ said in a very gotcha kinda way!!!
caleb has a solid point, sure. that doesn't mean rafayel is agreeing to it, though. ]
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Caleb just says it as he sees it! ]
I think this says more about you than me. [ And he will keep saying it. ] You counted twenty times? Wow.
[ Moves this goalpost. ]
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[ don't make him escalate.
he's just going to use this broken pointer stub to poke caleb, anyway. ]
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He looks down at the broken pointer poking him, then gently grabs onto the end. ]
So you were looking my way thirty-two times?
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okay but who created that brat, caleb? you. regardless, he does end up looking back down to where caleb grabs hold of the pointer. his lips curl upwards just slightly, looking smug like he's succeeded in getting some kind of reaction out of caleb.
or he feels like he's getting close, at least. ]
Hm, well... I do try to look each student in the eye at least a few times per lecture. They say it builds trust. As a guest, I figured you could use some extra service. [ he shakes the pointer a little, trying to get it out of caleb's soft grip. ] You're welcome.
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How close is he, really? Caleb doesn't let go of the pointer. Rafayel can keep twisting more. ]
Is that it? I'm honored. Thanks.
[ Whenever in Rafayel's shaking becomes a little more abrupt or violent, he lets go. The next part comes without any teasing in his voice, though. ]
You're a good teacher.
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when caleb doesn't let go, rafayel's own lips purse slightly into a slight frown. it'd be a pout, but he has his dignity to keep here. though, it seems to dissipate the second caleb lets go. he's about to say something, but he's temporarily stunned at the shift in caleb's voice.
... the sudden sincerity of his words shut him up quicker than it should.
by the time he recovers, he clears his throat a little awkwardly. ] Did you seriously expect anything less?
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There's a pause as he hums, pretending to contemplate while he strokes his chin and looks off somewhere. ]
I didn't really come with any expectations, [ He turns his attention back, smile quirked higher. ] so considered me impressed and beyond.
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or denial over the fact that he could actually feel a bit happy over a compliment he got from caleb. ]
Then for my impressed student of the day, I guess I can at least go a liiittle easier on you. [ a pause, before: ] Are you going to try and do the assignment? I don't expect you actually turn it in, but maybe it could give you a little perspective?
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Anyway, Caleb is visiting as just a guy rather than the colonel. Granted, neither of them would be prepared for this. He blinks a couple of times, uh. ]
I mean... I guess if I have time, I wouldn't mind giving it a go. I don't really have a creative mind, though.
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I don't think that's true, though. You probably just haven't activated it yet, or found a subject that draws you in. For the record, some of my best students aren't art students at all. [ he says best, but he'd like to think it's more like they're... interesting.
their art, their works, their perspective was so different that he couldn't help but stop and marvel.
then again, maybe that's the part of him that isn't human speaking.
but, he gets the feeling that caleb was intriguing in his own right, and rafayel kind of wants to reach into his mind... just a little. ]
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[ Caleb knows he's a pilot, not an artist, and has little aspirations in the creative field, so it seems appropriate to say don't expect too much from him. He's a feeble guest at the lecture.
He rotates his seat, still peering up like a good boy, but decides he will stand up now. ]
You could be straight-forward and ask to see me again.
[ With a hand on his hip, he offers Rafayel the floor. What will it be? ]
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... and also why he's tearing his gaze away, and looking back off to the front of the class. if he doesn't make eye contact, maybe he can at least pretend to be aloof. ]
Now you're being a liiittle presumptuous. [ ... ] I have you now, so is there a reason I need to see you later?
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Maybe he's trying to catch his gaze. Why are you pretending? ]
That's news to me. [ Since his plan was to sit in the lecture, then leave. Straightening up, he gets ready for the spontaneous. ] Since you have me now, what are we doing, then?
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when he sees caleb lurking at the edge of his peripherals, he makes it a point to angle his head so his eyes are still slightly out of view. ] What, you don't like surprises? [ his gaze ends up finally finding caleb's now, and when they meet, there's a certain twinkle behind them. ]
I guess we can first grab a drink, hit the arcade to see if they have any new plushies, check out the newest movie, and then maybe you help me restock on some art supplies? [ why does it seem like it all leads up to caleb just following his whims, and helping him run the errands?
now who is the presumptuous one... ]
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I love surprises.
[ Not completely true, but that can be said for everyone. People only like good surprises. Harmless ones.
His eyes playfully narrow, trying to glean into these choices like trying to read his opponent's kitty cards. Sometimes being more presumptuous is the play. ]
Do you get my sister to do all of that with you? Hmmm?
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but i hate how accurate that is.
at caleb's statement of loving surprises, he can barely suppress a chuckle. though, it's one that he supplements with a more serious expression. he tilts his head from side to side for a moment, as his finger comes up to tap on his own chin. once, twice, then he shrugs his shoulders exaggeratedly. ]
Oh? You have a sister? I didn't know that. [ lol.
he has the right to remain silent. ]
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Are you a master at lying, Rafayel? He'd wonder this, too. All of this just looks like nothing, though. Caleb's standing there and lets out a laugh. ]
Now you do. Pretty sure pipsqueak's the reason we all gathered at that restaurant that day.
[ They're cool, nothing to stress about even though Caleb is silently giving Rafayel trials. ]
She mentioned you once.
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he's about to be like: meeting? what's that?
playing dumb and dumber, but it's the second response that causes him to shut right up. his posture becomes marginally more rigid, and his demeanor clearly makes a subtle shift. he looks at caleb from the corner of his eyes now, trying not to make his interest too obvious. ]
... Only once?