glub | 🫧🐟

Smart girl. It's imperative to strike a good working relationship with the person hiring me. [ him trying especially hard to roleplay as a salesman. ] If it's just a demonstration... [ since he's already within reach, he does move to wrap his arms around her from behind. gently, as if encircling something that was precious or truly fragile. the back hug works best if just so she can't see his face now.

who said he couldn't be resourceful? still, he speaks quietly into her ear, as if suddenly all the more aware of their proximity. ] The thing is, though... once you test me, there are no takebacks.

[ Oh, he's smooth. Though she can't tell if this is him being truly suave or if he's embarrassed and he's trying to prevent her from seeing his face.

But admittedly, it's also nice to have that presence at her back, something a journalist could trust to very few others, if anything. Bianca is quiet for a minute, musing on this, but then she leans back against him a little more, resting one hand lightly over his. Her head turns, slightly. ]

I don't know if you know this about me, but I'm a big believer in taking risks.

[ when she turns her head, he does deliberate on attempting to slide out of her sight. though, the thought itself was likely more embarrassing than their actual shared intimacy, and so he stays his position. his fingers curling over her arms gently. when he continues to speak, it’s still done with a certain level of confidence. his pitch isn’t done, after all. ]

Then for our brave little miss journalist, I have something extra special. Just for today. [ he lifts his hand to come up and touch her chin. pulling them in slightly closer and then pressing a chaste kiss on her cheek. ]

Can I recommend you change your favorite from apples to me?

[ One eyebrow quirks, a little playfully. He's still so ready to play it safe, it seems, teasing but ultimately out of reach. She's familiar with that, doing much the same, but they're testing the waters a little more these days, aren't they? ]

That's asking a lot of me, you know. Apples are pretty important, after all.

[ Her brand! The thing that brings her joy! Absolutely delicious! A perfect symbolism of allure and forbidden knowledge, the truth at the expense of ignorant bliss--

Bianca tilts her head up just slightly, challenging. ]

So if I consider that, are you finally going to let me kiss you properly, Bubbles?

[ whatever composure he may have regained in the past minute seems to slip through his fingers like sand in an hourglass, or much like a slippery fish that refuses to be caught. in spite of it, he also feels his heart beating erratically as he releases his hold over her. this time gradually moving to turn her around.

it's a gentle motion as if he were taking care of something especially fragile. even if he knows that she is quite the opposite in many ways. she was always so full of energy and a certain vivacity for life he may have gradually lost over time. then again, he didn't tend to spend much time truly getting know humans.

when they're finally facing each other, he's purposely avoiding her gaze. just a bit. he knows if he looks, he loses here. but, maybe he was okay with that, too. it really was an annoying set of feelings. which is why he gives a small sigh. ] You... [ he almost wants to pinch her cheek, but it's a desire he temporarily puts to rest. but, it looks like all his efforts in holding back... down the drain. ]

So you're selling your love of apples for a kiss? [ he plays with a strand of her hair that frames her face. ] I almost feel sorry for them. [ a slight shift in topic once again, and yet his proximity to her shows that he's not disagreeing, either. ]

[ It wouldn't be the first time someone's wanted to pinch her cheek in a clear reprimand and it probably won't be the last, but Bianca's not about to be fazed. He's got to be embarrassed, and that's adorable, the way he won't look at her. The way he still tries to be a tease, toying with a strand of her hair, but she'd like to think she's got him a little better figured out now.

He's fussy and whiny and too hot for his own good, but he's also really endearing in an awkward sort of way. It's not that hard to throw him off his rhythm, much to her delight, and she grins, resting her palms against his chest as her fingers tap out a playful little rhythm. ]

Depends on the kiss, I guess. I shouldn't really commit until I know what I'm getting into, right? Imagine if I did and then you slipped away!

[ ... Which she's considered. Maybe he doesn't want to deal with someone this excitable and energetic. She knows she can be a lot. ]

[ her words hit a nerve, if just because they're absolutely right. his eyes widen slightly, before he shakes his head, as if to physically brush off whatever she might have said. ] If I did, then would you give chase?

[ he looks down at her hands against his chest, and he feels a bit warm. while he's a bit worried that his erratic heartbeat can probably be felt against her palms, he does try and relax. ... it doesn't work. though, he does eventually settle his eyes back on her. his own flush of abashment aside, there's no such shame when he leans in, this time to place a kiss on her forehead, and then her cheek. ]

But, even if you didn't... [ he halfheartedly wonders if she might have been just as anxious as he was despite her usual energy? it's a brief thought that imbues a semblance of resolve within him. you know, aside from the thoughts of her not chasing after him. such sobering considerations... ]

It might be a little too late for you.

[ ... and finally instead of his usual teasing he cants his head slightly and presses his lips against hers. it's a chaste kiss, barely a breath against her lips, before he pulls away ever so slightly, as if deliberating if he can go for a second. ]

[ If it's a little too late for her, she thinks, then it means he wouldn't be up to slipping away in the first place. He wouldn't put her through the effort.

It's far too fleeting to be any kind of satisfying, and Bianca peers at him with darkened blue eyes, before her hands go from flat against his chest to curling her fingers into the material of his shirt. Snagging. Hooking. Her smile remains in place. ]

Has it ever occurred to you, Bubbles, in all of your teasing and pulling back...

[ And speaking of pulling, she tugs now, hauling him into another kiss. One she just barely parts from, to murmur directly against his mouth-- ]

That it's been "a little too late" for me for a good while now?

[ the sudden callout surprises him. not for her ability to surmise that's what it was, but that the idea that it had been perfectly unspoken between them for some time, only to come to the surface now. the hue of her eyes somehow makes him think of the way the water looks with the sunlight penetrating behind it. he doesn't attribute the ocean and its wonders to most individuals, but...

he finds for her, he does.

... and just like the ebb and flow of the ocean, he finds himself returning back to her as if he'd never had any intentions of leaving in the first place. with her fingers hooking him closer, he almost forgets how to breathe when she pulls him back. ] I, I didn't... [ "mean to," he wants to say, but he also moves to deepen their kiss. rafayel's hand gently comes up to touch the back of her neck, as his tongue slides against her lower lip. as much caution as he may have practiced before, it's almost like he loses sight of that in the way their breaths intermingle.

he doesn't pull away now. except to slip out: ] Then we'll have to keep it that way. [ he leans in to get another kiss in, clearly not wanting to part form her, but he eventually does add. ] Am I officially yours now?

[ He's really the cutest when he's surprised. When all of his smooth words leave him, like bubbles drifting upwards in the water to vanish once they reach the surface. It's clear when Rafayel is unprepared and to a journalist like Bianca, it reads as vulnerability.

... She hadn't been able to protect someone who had been so openly vulnerable with her once, despite her best efforts, and maybe Rafayel isn't someone who needs her protection at all, but she isn't going to take that vulnerability for granted. Or the way he keeps coming back, kiss after kiss, deeper and lingering with each passing breath. He could drag her into his undertow, if she's not careful.

But oh, wouldn't that be a thrill of its own?

A laugh escapes, bright and fond; he's staying where he is, and that means she can slip her hand into his hair, anchoring them further. ]

Yeah. I'll take your deal. Once you've had a taste of the forbidden apple, you can't go back to how things were before... Hope you're ready.

[ It's amazing either of them still has breath for a conversation, especially because she's moving back in, seeking his tongue with hers. A way to seal the contract, maybe. Or maybe she's just really wanted this for a while and intends to enjoy the opportunity to its fullest.

Hers. She really likes the sound of that. ]

[ he can't help but focus on each minute change in the way her fingers might move, or the way in which their breathing might match up, even for that split second. he feels like every one of her actions has a way of filling him up, leaving him both satisfied, and contradictorily also desiring more. the fact that she's reciprocating is more than enough for him. it speaks volumes in place of any strong words of affirmation. it's a sign of conviction in and of itself.

no, he hardly needed any of that if she was within his grasp like this. his hand drifts from the back of her neck to her upper, then lower back. whatever reservations he may have one possessed at one point almost seems entirely made up compared to how much bolder he is. his judgment may be clouded, but her words do tickle him. not unlike the way her fingers in his hair does. ] So you're not just big and strong, but brave, huh?

[ they're words, mostly teasing, as some of his initial abashment seems to have died down.

all the more when he feels the way her tongue slips in; his own tongue warmth against hers as he opens his mouth, savoring her taste. his hand still on her lower back, they do pull her closer, his lower body pressed right up against her. ]

If you're not careful, I could end up taking you somewhere you don't expect.

[ he means bed, but listen. he likes to play stupid games... ]

[ He's a lot bolder now. It makes sense; they hadn't really solidified any kind of relationship, just teased at it. Pushed and pulled. With this agreement between them now, she's starting to see just how passionate Rafayel is when his own capricious and teasing words aren't holding him back.

And she's delighted by it, the way it feels to have his hand make the journey from her neck to the small of her back, pulling her against him to the point where there's no room to allow any kind of gap. Bianca likes being able to learn him in different ways. How he tastes. How his mouth fits against hers. The shape of him pressed against her, which is definitely demanding more of her attention. ]

You're promising me a surprise scoop? You really know just what to say to a reporter, don't you? We're more about the unexpected, you know.

[ She's aware he means bed. Or at the very least, he could mean something else and she'd still be entirely up for it. ]

So why don't we see just where you'll be taking me, Rafayel?

Wow, so it's true that women just have one thing on their minds. [ scoops, that is.

but, he doesn't seem to mind if she mistakes it for literally anything else. no, maybe that would have just sped along the process. his words come out a bit breathier than he intends, still recovering from the way their lips came together, and the innate emptiness he feels when they're temporarily pulled apart. even if by mere inches.

as an artist he would always project the belief that all pieces of art are open to ones interpretation. but, he also has an appreciation from the way their bodies come together in a way that doesn't leave a whole lot to his imagination. he can feel the curve of back, almost as if he internally measures the distance from where his hand currently stands to where it gradually ends up; somewhere between her hip and thigh. ]

You say I know what to say, but I'd argue you have no trouble at all adding fuel to my fire. [ or so he says, but with his hand on her leg, he drops both hands, his only clumsy attempt at lifting her up. ] I thought normally people tried not to be burned. [ a pause. ]

Or kidnapped.

Normally, yeah.

[ Conversationally, like she's absolutely unaffected by how breathily his voice emerges (which is a lie, that is one of the hottest tones she's ever heard and she doesn't think she's being entirely biased here).

But he lifts her up and she goes willingly, arms fully wrapped around his neck. ]

But I'm not normal people, am I? And if you're the kidnapper...

What can I say? You'd better not give me back for any amount of ransom.

[ the only solace here is that it isn't in his home where tripping hazards littered across his floor in the form of paints, paintbrushes, and other art supplies. hence, he remains firmly on his feet, even when she responds back with words that basically choke him up. while he's been playing it cool (debatable), it's hard for him to keep it up when she says cute things like that.

securing her in his arms, he pulls her closer to his chest. ] Lucky for you, my prices are pretty high. Besides, the hostage I've taken isn't an easy one to nab. [ not this becoming roleplaying...

that said, he is taking her to the bedroom. but instead of placing her down on the bed, he leans her up against the dresser. it's closer. less margin for error. ] Now that I've taken you to my hideout...

[ I can't believe they're doing this. Except I can. And Bianca is absolutely here for it, grinning playfully as she's moved against the dresser instead of the bed. Not that she's an easy hostage, of course not. She's got some time to distract herself with kissing along his jawline, light and teasing and warm.

She doesn't think Rafayel could ever be boring, even if he tried. ]

Yeah? What are you going to do with me?

[ he'd argue that this is a rather unorthodox relationship between a kidnapper and the kidnapped. some may even consider it problematic in how she lays kisses on the side of his face, or the way she looks at him, her expression light and playful. but, in spite of his internal arguments in which he dissects her performance, he wears his fond feelings quite clearly on his own face.

when he feels her light kisses on his jaw, he barely holds back from kissing her again. instead, he says quietly. ] Normally, I would tie you up so I can keep an eye on you, but... [ he looks down, and realizes he's not wearing a tie. this is so sad, and she can probably see the wheels turning in his head. ]

You seem behaved enough that I only have to do this... [ he goes in for another kiss, his teeth lightly grazing her lower lip. ] To keep your lips sealed. [ he doesn't say it as to not fall out of "character," but it's clear he also wants to touch her more. ]

[ That... is so sad, poor Rafayel, unable to engage in bondage during the very first sexual encounter.

Bianca is absolutely amused but doing her best not to show it, willingly sinking into the kiss. ]

You say that, but maybe I've got a working recorder on me right now. [ With pauses to speak, of course. ]

What a confident kidnapper you are, not even thinking about searching me. You'd make having the authorities find you so easy...

[ crying.... and then no one actually felt sorry for him. ]

What? After I kidnapped you, you think I would worry about being recorded? Hey, I might actually like it. You know, as long as you don't take a step out from this bedroom, then it's just mine to listen to.

[ his lips hastily slides off from hers, his tongue moistening his lips before he places them against the nape of her neck.

his teeth lightly graze against her skin, sucking gently, just enough to leave a mark. before he pulls back, his eyes focusing back on her with a smile. ] Besides, it's not too late to search you now. [ his lips move down to her collar bone, then her chest. ]

But I'm onto you now, Mister Kidnapper.

[ And Bianca leans back, catching his gaze with a teasing lilt to her tone. ]

Now that I know you might not be able to tie me up, do you really think you can get a hold of me? I'm pretty good at evasive maneuvers.

[ Which is, apparently, just squirming. ]

[ not the squirming...

he watches her movements. there's definitely a touch of humor behind his eyes, and it's impossible not to find the way she wriggles around adorable in its own right. that is, if he didn't already find her so endearing as she was. ] Those movements... I see you have learned them from the very best. I've heard eels were incredibly strict teachers. [ the worms of the ocean...

he pretends to be at a loss, a certain level of dramaticism behind his words. ]

Wow, it looks like I really can't get past your defenses. Maybe this means this is your chance to finally escape. [ he whispers close to her ear, the fact stands though that his hands are still holding her around the waist. he does wonder if she genuinely planned to overpower him? ]

[ What a blessing that no one else is actually here to witness this increasingly theatrical show that started off with Rafayel coming over with dinner. Dinner and a show and a seduction, maybe?

Bianca can't help but consider herself pretty lucky about all of that, even as she lifts an eyebrow, hands slipping beneath his shirt to rest against the taut skin of his stomach. ]

Or maybe it's your chance to take me to bed before I have to drag you there myself. I could always tie you up, you know.

[ while most would end it at a confession and a nice, (debatably) romantic dinner... they aren't most people, apparently. though, at her words, he does give a slight chuckle, as if finding the idea funny. ]

Oh yeah? What are you going to tie me up with? [ he looks to the side of them, his eyes peering over the desk, before they sweep back towards her. his eyes once more focusing on her lips. once again, he touches her cheek, his thumb brushing against her lower lip. ] You must really want to have your way with me. Is this revenge for kidnapping you, or something else? [ he says, his voice barely a whisper. ]

It feels personal.

Oh, I've got a few belts, some thicker ribbons, sashes... a girl can get creative.

[ Bianca says this so airily, pausing in her explanation to lightly kiss his thumb. He's certainly invited it, if he protests, though she doubts he will. Not at this point. ]

And that, good sir, is the question, isn't it? If it's not revenge, if it's something else... what do you think it could possibly be?

[ Maybe it is personal. ]

[ well, he can't deny creativity. it'd be unbecoming of an artist to discount such a concept. even if technically he's supposed to be playing the role of a kidnapper with... sordid intentions?

when she kisses his thumb, he instantly feels the heat rising to his cheeks and ears again. but, he clears his throat. moving his thumb just slightly as his pointer comes to give the side of her mouth a small tug. ]

Hmmm.... [ he pretends to ponder on it, even if his own fake conclusion is obvious. ] Could it be that you fell in love with me at first sight?

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