hancfubuki
hancfubuki
鏡花水月
2K posts
indie multimuse. by kyo.
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hancfubuki · 20 days ago
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he has never been good at planning events, let alone surprises. communication isn't exactly his strongest skill either, if he possessed it at all.
alhaitham can already hear a whiny and grumpy husband later mumbling and sighing dramatically saying 'you really forgot? after all these years? i’m married to a heartless man!', but he wants to do this smoothly, to avoid raising any suspicions of his little planned surprise. so he wakes up earlier than usual that morning, careful not to disturb the beautiful sleeping figure curled up beside him. he hesitates for a moment, upon seeing kaveh's golden hair across the pillow, his peaceful expression as he sleeps, wanting to stay more time by his side. a sigh. he has things to do. he even listens to him mumbling, half asleep complaining about him leaving early, to which he simply responds: work, leaning down to press a quick kiss to his forehead. the scribe doesn't even allow himself a second glance even if he wants to, knowing that, if he stays too long, kaveh might catch the lies on his face.
thankfully, he has the help of cyno and tighnari to cover him, asking them to say he is on a field mission in case he asked. though, the wait feels longer than he had anticipated. alhaitham finds himself lingering in a quiet corner of the grand bazaar, waiting for the help of some aranaras to send the signal that kaveh has already left the house. as soon as he's certain the coast is clear, alhaitham doubles back and lets himself into the house. everything he needs is already tucked away in the study, supplies he had delivered weeks in advance, mostly because of kaveh always complaining and accusing him of having 'no sense of atmosphere', whatever that meant; so for once, he is determined to prove him wrong.
he tries his best to work efficiently on their living room, to adorn it with soft string of lights overhead, bright silk throw pillows in jewel tones such as emerald, ruby and sapphire, dressing the small table at the center with an elegant cloth and a set for two, full of fresh and colorful flowers and multiple crates of fine wine. kaveh's favorite dishes been prepared by lambad's and delivered earlier, with him teasing alhaitham and saying he 'believed he was incapable of sentiment', dishes that alhaitham noted over months of observation, and the centerpiece, a carefully chosen cake with delicate gold filigree and the figure of kaveh's magnum opus, the palace of alcazarzaray that collei helped to commission. he repositions furniture to open the space, draping a soft throw over the back of the sofa, and even lights a few candles with faint, soothing scents. it's all so... absurdly sentimental, completely unlike him but he knows that's what kaveh would want. and if there's one thing alhaitham prides himself on, it's knowing kaveh as the palm of his hand. the final touch is a wrapped box placed on the table, inside, his gift: a custom-made leather-bound sketchbook, its cover embossed with an architectural motif kaveh once admired. alhaitham steps back, arms crossing over his chest as he examines his work. the room is no longer stern; it feels warm, inviting… disgustingly cozy even. but he knows kaveh will love it. better than he expected, really. he lets out a small huff of satisfaction.
as evening falls, he is told by the aranaras that kaveh is on his way home, and as alhaitham hears the front door creak open, followed by the sound of his shoes against the polished floor and the inevitable rise of a familiar voice calling his name, the lights flicker on, bathing the space in warm, golden light, revealing the transformed space and a serious alhaitham with his arms crossed waiting for him.
"yes?" he walks closer to the door, slipping an arm around kaveh's waist to pull him closer. "happy birthday, love." he leans in to kiss sweetly his lips, a smile appearing in between as he snuggles his face against his.
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"were you about to complain that i left on your birthday, or think i would forget?" he hums happily, burying his face on top of kaveh's hair to kiss it softly. "i went to more trouble than i'd like to admit. but i care enough to see you smile."
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hancfubuki · 1 month ago
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caleb's eyes stay on the musician for a moment, like a moth to a flame. the melodic strum of the strings and the soft voice that weaves into the air, wrapping the entire market in a joyous embrace. it makes him forget about the chatter of vendors and the laughter of children. he starts noticing something... indescribable. nostalgia perhaps, an odd yearning, even though he never really had a home. there's something about the simplicity of the scene, the way the bard plays, tugging at his heart. not only the music, but also the power which holds over the crowd. it reminds him of those limited moments of peace in his tumultuous life, moments in which the world's chaos seems to fade away. his gaze shifts to rafayel, and a soft smile touches his lips. strange. he rarely takes the time to pause like this, to admire the little details of life that bring joy into it, the music whispering him to stay a while, to feel this.
and who is he to refuse?
his breath catches as rafayel pulls him in, hand feeling warm from the touch as the world around them blurs. nothing else matters. all caleb could feel was the steady tempo of rafayel's heartbeat, matching the music's one. "oh. i'm not a good dancer." he says as he stares into the sea god's eyes, his voice low, yet full of confidence, obviously trying not to bluff. lies. he is obviously pretty good at everything he does. he follows rafayel's lead, taking a step forward, then another. slow movements, swaying to the gentle melody. and even though he allows the lemurian to lead first, as their bodies start moving in perfect synchrony, his confidence grows. he spins rafayel gently, hands still clasping, pulling him back into an easy embrace as their steps interlace a dance of unspoken promises. caleb's hand finds rafayel's waist, his favorite spot. a touch firm and tender as always, almost afraid to let go. his gaze softens, filled with overwhelming love and reverence as he watches rafayel following his lead. a special perk. and he notices how in every movement and every steps rafayel takes, are a gift. a quiet testament to their connection.
it feels almost as if his heart is swelling, his chest tightening with the weight of his emotions. "raf...", he whispers, his voice trembling as they sway. "if only this could be everyday. just us, like this..." the words hang in the air as he leans in closer, his forehead resting briefly against the other's. the music shifting into a slower tune, and caleb takes the opportunity to still their movements, holding rafauel in place as his eyes roam over his face, etching every detail of it into his memory.
he finds his cheeks flushed, pupils dilated like a devoted puppy, completely captivated. and he doesn't care about the curious eyes that might be around them. with a soft, almost desperate exhale, caleb closes the gap. a deep kiss, passionate even. his hands moving instinctively, one staying firm on his waist while the other slides to cradle the back of his neck as his fingertips thread through soft hair. the kiss speaking all the emotions that are too vast to even try to articulate. when he pulls back, his breath is ragged and his flushed cheeks match the pink hue of the setting sun. his hand remains possessive, refusing to release rafayel completely. his gaze lock with rafayel's, his eyes shimmering with affection and a hint of something deeper. as usual.
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"i love you." he murmurs, his voice full of devotion. "and i'll make sure the world knows it too, no matter where we are."
The story was meant to be a complaint about how badly he was treated during his first time on land. He just wanted to iterate how weird hot water baths were to Lemurians, because the waters they bathed in were freezing to the human touch. He expects the story to pass the conversation without much fuss, moving on to another topic. Yet he's met with a ticklish touch on his neck, eyes glancing towards the owner of those pesky little fingers that kept drawing on his skin, warming him in the presence of many to share. Rafayel raises a hand to pat the top of his head when he lies on his shoulder, fingertips tickling the shorter strands near his ear, baby hairs the same color as his nails curled absentmindedly as he speaks, oh so slowly as if dedicating a vow. She didn't know me like you do, he wanted to reassure with a soft tease, but he didn't even need to try. Caleb himself had already affirmed it as fact verbally, a thumb brushing his jaw in a way that had Rafayel move with his touch, pinkish blue eyes following his movements.
Maybe he needn't worry about the temperature of his water ever again with the other by his side. But this compressing moment of obsession, that darkness which crept from the depths of truths within this man to possess him. It could become a danger to him one day. A liability. He was aware the other had moments, slip of a tongue, a glimpse of his hidden desires that wrapped dark tendrils around Rafayel when he let go of inhibitions or jealousy took over. Yet the young God finds himself intrigued by the way he forms them into promises, unwavering worship, and sweet affection in the very end.
How curious the young Lemurian is, to throw him over the edge and see just how dark this little puddle could go.
Out in the open, Rafayel doesn't hesitate to walk towards the markets they saw before, leading the way with a confidence a stranger shouldn't have. But he's always been like this, hasn't he? He sees something that catches his eye, and he is already moving to retrieve it. Halfway down the street, he feels a light brush on his hand. Too shy, he tilts his head curiously and doesn't respond, curious to see what comes out of that mouth of his. He chuckles when he gets his answer, endearments ringing in his mind as he squeezes his hand back and guides him through the busy street. "Well, you promised to take care of me so I'm not kidnapped, so you better hold on tight." He would rather they laced their fingers together more, weave them together so they couldn't possibly part-- but for now, he accepts this version of hand-holding, heart pulsating with happiness settling deep.
If only this simple love could be their daily forever.
There is a musician sitting on a stool in the middle of the wide open-area of the market, some gaudy odd decoration of worship carved with stone, a few smaller sellers passing by the dancers and children with drinks in hand. Then there were the dancers, ones who listened to the music and decided to let their feet guide them as they weaved each step and twirled with the notes of the music. "I do play when I'm in the mood," he says softly, listening to the gentle tune that had everyone lulled to a sense of security, soft smiles on their lips, and some even closed their eyes. "Not bad, they know what they're doing. It's calming to hear, and it makes the people happy." Although he tells Caleb that, he looks up and sees his eyes, gazing down at him curiously... and it sparks something in him. "My performances, however, aren't so easy to come by," he teases, then takes a step away as if he would part. But instead, with their intertwined hands, Rafayel pulls him in facing forward, grasped hands between their chests as he holds his shoulder with the other, a pretty smile as he guides him into the first step. "But you could show me your dancing skills in compensation. A special perk, for my Sunset only."
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hancfubuki · 1 month ago
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caleb’s joy suddenly falters for a single second at the mention of another woman, the one he guesses, is the same rafayel calls a betrayer. he knew about her, bur hearing from him directly they shared a bath together simply annoys him. as far as he remembers, the lemurian told him he was the one taking his first kiss, his first everything. yet, sharing a bath seems way too intimate to do it with a stranger. he tries to act composed, his gaze softening with a hint of intensity behind it, a possessive glance that it’s almost impossible to ignore. his head tilts slightly, fingers brushing against rafayel’s neck. “i can’t imagine why she thought that was the right temperature for you.” his words are gentle, casual, but carrying an undertone that betrays his calmness. and so, he leans forward, his head resting on his shoulder as his thumb moves to the edge of his jaw. “i mean, not everyone can understand what you need. it takes… attention. effort.” his gaze flickers down for a moment, jaw tightening as usual when he gets jealous at his own thoughts, this time, picturing rafayel in another bath with someone else. “but you don’t need to worry about that anymore.” he leans in, voice dropping to a murmur as his lips curve in a soft, possessive smile. “because i’m here now. and i won’t let anyone else near you to mess with your water again.” he places a kiss to his jaw before letting go. a promise along with words to claim him, thinking that he wants to be the only one to share this kind of intimacy with him from now on.
yeah. it didn’t matter anymore. caleb is the one with rafayel now, and whoever that woman was, she was nothing more than a horrid memory for the lemurian. the constant glances shared in between also reassured him about this. his palm occasionally laying on top of his knee, gently petting him as he speaks to gideon until it’s time to go. “i have good tolerance, yes.” even when his cheeks are slightly red, but mostly it’s because of the gesture. the soft kiss placed on his lips as he hums happily in response, wanting for it to linger for more seconds and stay connected until they are out of breath. he sighs when rafayel pulls away, the needy look on his eyes asking for more, even when he is aware that’s dangerous for both of them. if they kiss, they won’t stop, and the night will fall with no chances to explore the town a bit more.
as they step out of the tavern, the golden glow of the near afternoon basks the streets in warm hues. the sounds of the market are close, vendors calling out their wares, children laughing, and the faint melody of street musicians tuning their instruments somewhere in the distance. caleb walks a step behind rafayel at first, glancing at his profile and how the light played off his features, a flush creeping up his neck. ridiculous. they just had a moment of intimacy, yet he somehow feels shy about holding his hand. but to be fair, there’s something different about the simplicity of this moment. as he steps closer and without a word, his hand brushes against rafayel’s, curling his fingers around his. the hold grows firmer after a few second, thumb tracing small circles against his skin. “i don’t want to lose you in the crowd.” he says. a weak excuse he doesn’t even need yet somehow it helps him to hold back the urge to pin and kiss him again. after all, holding rafayel’s hand feels natural, yet every time he does it, his heart still races. the sound of the musician gets closer, and they finally find themselves in front of a crowd that’s listening and dancing.
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they could see the bard sitting on a wooden stool, cradling a lute with well-worn strings. their fingers move with ease, a soothing sound, like a lullaby, carrying a story without words. he squeezes rafayel's hand for a moment, looking back at him expectantly to see his reaction. "what do you think?" caleb is not well versed in music, so to him it sounds good as long as it's enjoyable, but he wants to listen to the critique of someone like him. "do you make music, seashell?" now he is eager to learn more about the lemurian.
Rafayel gives a little huff through his nose, tilting his head when Caleb teases him again. "I liked our bath. You made it nice and warm, but the last time I was here, that woman made the water so hot I thought she was trying to boil me alive!" He plays up for the dramatics, head tilted back like he's appalled. "I would have believed it if she hadn't stepped into that same water, as if it was nothing." He shakes his head as if in disbelief, wondering just why she had decided it was the perfect temperature when it left his scales feeling weak and nearly falling after the quickest little dip.  An experience he never wants to go through again, if he could help it, seeing as it was incredibly uncomfortable.
Silence falls upon the Lemurian as he listens to Caleb's conversation with Gideon, giving them space to catch up, laughing softly and leaning close to catch every detail. It's a rare chance for him to learn more about the man, so he takes in every story that might give him a hint to his behavior and adventure in Gideon's words, blue and pink eyes taking in every different expression he made from the corner of his eyes. He knows he isn't being as discreet as he could be, only hiding his face with a glass raised to his lips every so often to drink that sweet wine, his gaze sideways as he admires the other's smile and ease as he converses with his friend. Their eyes meet enough times for Rafayel to realize Caleb was keeping an eye out on him as well, which encourages him to drink without worry. The truth is, they had wine like this in Lemuria as well, though the taste was different. Alcohol was also brought from the upper world sometimes when ships were sunk, and he admittedly had had his fair share of messing around with his friends and taking a curious sip. Maybe he had never told Caleb of this, seeing the way he hovers and puts a hand to his lower back as Gideon leaves them, effectively giving him an opening to lean against the Captain without a word after receiving a kiss to his cheek.
"I like music. I wouldn't be opposed to listening to songs created by landlubbers," he jokes softly, giggling airily as his head lolls till it's on his shoulder. "Tipsy... Maybe a little." The admission comes with a dazed sigh, straightening himself and smiling with the softest flush to his cheeks. "Just enough to feel good. You had quite a few as well... Are you alright?" He reaches up, cups his cheek gently to caress-- and as if it's the most natural thing to do, the Lemurian gets on his tiptoes, lips brushing against the other's in a short little kiss. "Let's take a look at the performances, then you can take me to the pier. If there's enough time, we can walk all the way out to enjoy the sunset on the sea's surface."
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hancfubuki · 2 months ago
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caleb chuckles as his mouth curls into a smile, watching rafayel's dramatic unfold slowly. his finger lingers for a moment below his eye, wiping the small tears only to move towards his cheek, giving it a soft squeeze before letting it go. "so you didn't like when i heat the bath water for you? it wasn't even that hot." he teases as his voice comes playful. and gideon across the table simply looks confused. "how do you take a bath underwater?" to which caleb simply responds 'lemurian magic'. gideon nods, deciding not to get too much into it and just watches at how cozy they suddenly get.
he watches with a raised brow as rafayel examines the shot. he rests his chin on his hand, eyes glinting with amusement as the lemurian hesitates, sniffs and finally takes a cautious sip. "well?" caleb says, leaning slightly closer. but considering the expression on the other's face, he could tell it is not of his liking. "alright. no milk in your menu." caleb laughs softly, his eyes flickering briefly to the wine glass rafayel was reaching for. "but wine is a must, is it?" he is unsure if rafayel has ever drank something like this before, probably not so he decides to keep an eye on him as the time passes and their food plates gradually empty, he keeps talking to gideon, catching up, listening to the stories he had to tell while he was on whalefall city. cups of wine and beer come and go to their table, and even though caleb's tolerance is high, he notices how rafayel grounds himself to that cup until he decides to taste it again. when it's time to go, caleb hugs gideon goodbye, with the new promise of finding his new settled place in this town. as well, gideon waves goodbye saying he would like to visit them too someday.
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as they both leave the table, caleb's hand immediately goes to rafayel's lower back as they walk outside the tavern. "hmm~ we should make it memorable since it's your first time on land for so long. we already went through the market, i would say we are more low profile now, but you are very striking." he leans closer, a sweet kiss placed to his cheek. "the market is buzzing at this hour. music, lights... so that's an option. oooor maybe we could go somewhere a little quieter? a walk along the pier or someplace where we can just sit and watch the sunset." though he takes this chance to tease him. "how are you feeling by the way? tipsy?"
"The spice is fine." He replies curtly, annoyed by the stinging pain his tongue continues to endure. He feels a little better when the other wipes his tears away for him, leaning into the touch, head tilted to make it easier for him to be taken care of like a child to his mother. He's shameless, Rafayel will admit to that. Any chance he gets to be pampered, he will not let it slide. "It's the heat. You humans like everything so hot, it feels scalding. How does it not burn you from the inside? Not only that, but you guys also like to take baths with hot scalding water. No idea who decided becoming soup was a good idea." The Lemurian is whining, muttering to himself as the waiter leaves, bringing back a shot glass of something white and another tall glass of wine. The younger man shakes his head at the mention of 'milk', the name already sounding as suspicious as the drink in his hand. Unlike the beautiful sparkle of colors and bubbles in the wine, this one was a rather putrid color. He raises a brow, looking at Caleb questioningly before he takes the shot from his hands.
Maybe, to a human, this looked pale white.
In his eyes, the color was rather damning. It was a white canvas with pink and blue, a greenish hue and swirling something else. If this weren't the world of colors he was used to seeing, he might have felt a bit sick. Instead, he sighs at the new concoction that looks weirdly familiar yet different, taking a little sniff. He brings it to his mouth and gives it a little sip, a rich flavor covering his tongue with a weird acidic taste and sweetness. Yet, he still finds it a bit too odd to take the whole shot, putting it down as he licks the roof of his mouth with a passive expression. It's fine, just a bit odd. It has the soothing effect that Caleb mentioned, the spice no longer stings on his sensitive tongue. But he knows the heat he feels isn't from the food, but the wine he so quickly ingested on an empty stomach. Yet he finds his hand going towards the glass, his appetite spoiled.
Rather than eat, he wanted to enjoy this glass of wine that sweetened his tastebuds, bringing him mellow fragrances, tart in his mouth.
After another sip, he puts it down. If he drank any more, he might actually start to feel tipsy. Pink and blue eyes slowly move to stare at the man next to him, silently watching as he converses with his friend. After another few seconds of staring, he decides to pick the glass up and put it against his mouth, slowly enjoying the sweetness he grows fond of on his lips.
"Thank you," Rafayel replies, a little nod of his head towards Gideon for his generosity before he leans against Caleb's side, humming gently in thought. "Where do you want to go next? I'll follow you."
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hancfubuki · 2 months ago
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caleb's lips leave a soft hum as he smiles, head slightly tilting as he catches the teasing coming from his partner's words. he doesn't hesitate in wrapping his arms around his shoulders again, pulling him closer as his knuckles brush softly against his scales, this time with a comforting touch. "nope. i don't care about lemurians and their beauty. i am obsessed with you." the teasing exchange between them leaves him grinning, but deep inside, a genuine curiosity started stirring. he has already learned a lot about rafayel in the past few months, though, seeing his tails feels like a secret piece of the puzzle he is trying to pierce together. he cannot deny he is curious about his color and shape, and how the light might project on the scales there. did they shimmer like gemstones? or perhaps they were iridescent and the color moved fluidly like water itself. he starts growing a fascination to find out, but caleb could be a patient man, and he will wait until the day he can finally see it instead of imagining it. gideon interrupts his thoughts, mouth full of food as he speaks. "now i can't deny the stereotypes about us, caleb." he shakes his head, and it looks as if he's disapproving but despite of his serious face, it's clear he is joking. "i am curious to see them, but i'm sure if i go near you our dearest captain is going to snap me in half."
"i'm glad you know me." gideon scoffs, continuing his food and deciding to ignore caleb for the time being. gideon has never seen caleb acting like this towards someone, though, he is aware caleb can be possessive over the people and things he holds dear. with rafayel, it's obvious that intensity of his only amplifies.
caleb laughs at rafayel remarks, shrugging softly his shoulders. "i had to cope." he jokes back as he stares fondly at him eating. the warning not going unnoticed, and he simply chuckles and mouths a 'what?' in return in a playful manner. but he already had plenty of fish before lunch, so he decides to put his entire attention on the chicken he has been craving for so long. soft hums of happiness as he eats, the nostalgic taste on his tongue as the flavors dance inside his mouth. and when it's his turn to feed rafayel again, he does it willingly, without complaining. in fact, he enjoys it. he likes the idea of being needed even for the simplest things. as he continues talking to gideon, the sudden jump of rafayel's shoulders cause him to shift his attention to him. "careful, there. it's hot." he mutters as he leans slightly closer, a smile that's equal parts amusement and concern. he gestures at the waiter, hand moving to rest another glass of wine along with a shot of milk. "are you okay?" gideon asks while caleb softly wipes the small tears away. "you can't handle spice, huh?" caleb teases again, leaning more to kiss softly his cheek. the waiter arrives with the glasses caleb asks previosly, gesturing at rafayel's side as he nods his head as a thank you. "have you try milk before?" he is unsure how his stomach will react, reason why he requested a shot instead. "drink it, it will soothe you."
turning back to gideon, he finds himself conflicted. part of him wants gideon to stay but the frequency of his visits is honestly unpredicted. it would be selfish to keep him here when he has the entire world to explore. "it really depends on you." as if eating drives him away from the question, he focuses on the chicken. gideon simply looks at him, waiting, a long silence fills the table for a moment and caleb finds no other way to change the subject. "i can't really tell you when i'm coming back, so as much as i would like to find a familiar face, i can keep you here if you don't want to." gideon tilts his head, grimacing at him, questioning caleb. "so?" caleb looks back at rafayel, waiting to see if he had something to say. though, he knows he is the one who has the last word. "i don't mind staying. i have gathered enough money to settle somewhere and the market fluids well here."
"then why are you waiting for me to tell you what to do?"
"to hear you say you miss me, but you really are obsessed with the fish." he points at rafayel, a soft smile on his lips. "the food is on me. if you need to go back soon then go around and explore. i won't keep you here longer. but next time we see each other, i'll let the tavern owner where, so you two can find me."
"I do."
Rafayel looks at Gideon with amusement, a hand going up to his neck and hovering over his neck where his scales rested flat against his skin. "They lay flat against my skin, transparent, so it's not visible unless you get into my personal space and take a closer look. So it's only natural you haven't noticed." He rubs his nape, brushing his hand over the scales, smooth like a polished stone but soft and malleable like skin protected under the shimmering piece. The more time he spends with Gideon, the more he has no idea how this man is still alive with situational awareness worse than a jellyfish. But it was in a way that weirdly gave him a sense of fondness, considering his bright nature, slightly reminding him of a certain Lemurian friend back home. Caleb calls Gideon out for being rude, and Rafayel just rolls his eyes as he leans forward. "It's a matter of convenience. My city is too compact for all of us to live in if we were to live day by day in our Lemurian forms." A hand goes up to his chin, a thoughtful look passes as he turns his head to the captain, looking him up and down. "You humans are obsessed with our beauty. Here I thought you liked me for my personality." Rafayel jokes right back, teasing him with a smirk as he reaches out to flick his forehead. "In due time. I'll show it to you."
Chewing the newly acquainted food now in his mouth, Rafayel decides he likes this version of chicken. It's a bit dry in some parts compared to fish, but it gave way under his teeth so easily compared to some tougher cuts of fish he has eaten before. "I never said it was fish. But you said it was close enough-- holding back on me with the critique? It tastes nothing like the fish." Rafayel continues to talk back, swallowing his food. Just as he's about to swipe his tongue over the sauce on his lips, he feels a thumb wipe it away for him, curious eyes following his movements as the other takes it to his own and licks it clean. A tease, one that provokes him, and Rafayel is surprised he has the guts. There is a warning look in his eyes as he stares back at Caleb, turning his body whole and perching a hand on his knee, warm and calming still as he holds the fork out. Try him, and Caleb wouldn't have another bite of chicken their whole trip. The warning was clear, but it disappears the moment Caleb dives in for the food, his hands leaving him to be placed on the table as he puts the utensil down, pleased that the man had eaten.
He's even more pleased when Caleb indulges him and feeds him by hand, spoiling him silly as usual. A smile stays on his lips as he takes this new piece of chicken into his mouth. It's crispy on the outside, the spicy kick now much stronger compared to the ginger and lime, prickling the inside of his mouth. It's a little too strong for his very mild palette, but he also doesn't hate it enough to stop eating. If anything, he weirdly likes it the way warm soup and hot baths had been prickly hot yet soothing at the same time. As Caleb and Gideon continue to talk in that way only old friends do, he decides to chew down on the chicken once, the inside juicy and tender compared to the exterior. His shoulders jump in surprise when his bite causes hot juices to burst in his mouth, burning the roof of his mouth and his tongue, blinking and brows furrowing as he puts a hand to his mouth, lips parted as he huffs for cold air. Saliva pools in his mouth, tears prickling the edges of his eyes as he takes another huff and swallows everything whole. Hurriedly, he reaches for the first thing his hand could grab, his glass, and fills his mouth with the cold drink.
Sweet, numbing, and cold, yet his throat burns.
"It was too hot." He states, not a complaint or even a whine, just stating why he was in pain. He looks at Caleb, blinks away the tears in his eyes, and takes the last sip in his glass slowly, filling his mouth with cool liquid as his tongue continues to throb in pain. "Can I have another of this? It's tasty and cold." Suddenly, he feels quite warm too. Gideon looks at him worried, and he shakes his head in reply, a hand up in reassurance. "I'm fine, just a little burnt." He sighs, not sure if he wants to keep eating the spicy one after it hurt the inside of his mouth. Instead, he reaches for the bread on the side and dips it in the sauce of the first chicken, the cream of it soothing the burn of the spice still left in his throat. "You were saying-- you were thinking of staying. It would make it easier for us to come and find you, but it is up to you. I plan to have your captain take me around the human lands, to as many places as he can. So we might find you even if you were to continue living a nomadic life." Rafayel raises a brow at Caleb, questioning him. Gideon was his friend after all, he had the final say about what would be for the best.
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hancfubuki · 2 months ago
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     caleb leans into the touch, eyes fluttering shut for a moment as rafayel cups his cheeks. he will never grow tired of this, the way their foreheads always meet, melting be him every time, a tenderness he never experimented before. he lets out a breath as a soft laugh escapes his lips. “yeah. i know, honey. i should be the one saying that.” it sounds as if he’s joking, but it is true as well, or maybe it’s just the part of him not used to be at the other side of the table. usually these are the comfort words he would say to someone he appreciates, and even if the idea of feeling like a damsel in distress is not his favorite, he is slowly learning to accept it as it comes from rafayel. he is able to see the guilt in his eyes, being able to detect it’s probably because of his previous words. “i don’t want you to feel pity for me, though.” he says, leaning on to kiss his forehead in return. “you can’t carry the world’s weight by yourself, not even for me. so the same applies to you. i’ll tell you anything, but don’t lose yourself trying to keep me afloat. talk to me too.”
    leaving their little bubble and already in their table, caleb is not even surprised gideon has no idea what was going on. strong with a head full of air, and he has never been more thankful of his friend’s cluelessness. “i think i would look pretty hot with them. don’t you think, gideon?” he nods his head at his friend, who is too engrossed in his own food. “hm?” he looks at them confused for a moment, gaze lingers on rafayel for a second, then on caleb, then on rafayel again. “rafayel has scales? i didn’t notice.” he takes a bite of his food, talking with his mouth full. “well i should have guessed it’s obvious considering i saw his skin shimmering earlier. thinking about it… why do you have legs? i thought lemurians were fishes.” caleb blinks, holding back his laughter. “don’t be rude. you don’t go around asking people why they have legs.” he jokes, elbow pressing against the table as he uses his palm as support for his face, looking at rafayel, smirking mischievously. “you haven’t shown me your tail, actually. is it as pretty as your face?” gideon rolls his eyes and decides to politely ignore them for a moment, caleb taking this moment to feed rafayel instead. 
     caleb chuckles as his lips curve into a pleased smile. “lied?” he teases, leaning his chin on his hand as he watches him. “i said it was similar, not that it was fish. but i did told you how savory it actually was, didn’t i?” his hand goes up, cleaning the side of his mouth with his thumb and licking the drops of sauce off it, still smirking at rafayel, knowing exactly what he is doing. “you got a sharp tongue, seashell.” he laughs, completely teasing him on purpose as he noticed the blush from earlier, definitely wanting it to spread again on his cheeks. but when rafayel holds out the bite for him, he leans forward with exaggerated enthusiasm, closing his mouth around the fork and letting out an approving him as he chews. ah. the first taste of chicken in months. he might have added theatrics in his movements on purpose, but it does taste like heaven. the explosion of flavor in his mouth as he closes his eyes in total bliss while he swallows the food. “hmm~ i missed this.” he says, taking his own fork and having another bite of it. “it’s coconut, yes. it helps balancing the ginger and lime. told yaaaa, perfect harmony.” 
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    he takes a look at the other dish, the special blackbeard’s spicy fried chicken. “this one is more crunchy. it’s the tavern special.” indeed, a different plate completely. a blend of smoked paprika, cayenne and crushed res pepper. he wonders if it will delight rafayel’s palate considering it might be a bit spicy, and along with the garlic, onion and brown sugar the taste could be sweet but hot. he notices rafayel is waiting for him to feed him again, and he doesn’t even hesitate in doing it. “open up, sunshine.” caleb waits for rafayel to take the mouthful, eager to see his reaction. “you look so cute. you should let me cook back home just to see you pout over the flavors.” and gideon? he simply stares. he is trying his hardest not to laugh but fails in the process. he is not even mocking them, or find them funny. he is just glad to finally see caleb in this situation. “never pictured the great captain acting so cheesy with someone. it’s adorable.” he then looks at rafayel. “you mentioned before about taking him back with you. that means you don’t have any plans in staying? i thought about leaving soon, but if you are going to be close this town i could move here, so you can have a place to stay and i can keep caleb’s stuff.” 
Rafayel gives a soft hum as he cleans the other up, listening to him quietly as he has them dressed up and presentable to the public eye once again. "I'm glad to know you enjoyed it, Sunset. You were perfect, I couldn't have asked for better." The Lemurian reassures him, pecking his cheek and smiling gently, pushing his hair back to admire his handsome face, hand cupping his cheek as he does so. Still a bit red, but with some air and food, he's sure they'll return to normal soon. The Lemurian's face drops for a second when he mentions how he's suffocated before, and it pains him somewhere deep in his chest to think about what could've caused it in those years he hadn't been by his side. Rafayel himself had put his hands on him as well; he had killed him. "You feel safe with me." A statement, but there is a question in his tone as he brushes his thumb over his warm cheek, shaking his head gently to get rid of those dark thoughts. The guilt that eats up at the edge of his mind could be dealt with another day. Right now, he just presses their foreheads together, a thoughtful hum rumbling through his chest. "You can let me take care of you any time, love. But if you ever feel unsafe, know that I will listen to your wishes no matter what." Rafayel opens his eyes, pink irises shining in the dim light. "If you say no, I will drop everything and make sure you feel comfortable and safe. If you get hurt, I would be incredibly upset with myself-- so don't hold it back and tell me."
There is soft laughter when he realizes Caleb continues to have that cute wide grin, completely fucked out and relaxed. His feet are unsteady, he looks seconds away from being swayed into giggling, and Rafayel doesn't bother to hold back his little chuckle as they take a seat and the other gets comfortable in such a brazenly happy manner. Their hands are locked, and it seems like the Lemurian's hands would never be let go-- something he rather enjoys. The younger man rolls his eyes as he jokes about growing scales again, even Gideon seems to be laughing at his bad joke. "I'm starting to think you want to grow scales. Curious what it's like after you've seen mine?" The Lemurian raises a brow, a teasing look of his own as he sits back against his chair, trying to get comfortable first.
Once he feels like he isn't going to dive headfirst into the table, he takes a look at all the dishes. Some had odd colors, some were vibrantly colored, and the smell was intense. Rafayel thinks to reach for his drink first, throat parched after all the noise they had made up in Caleb's private room. But before he could choose what dish to start with, he saw Caleb holding out a bite in front of his lips. It reminds him of how he had done the same in his kitchen, fed him personally his first ever taste of the ocean's delights. The food in front of him was fragrant, something almost sweet wafting from what he thought of the milky substance making the sauce, an almost spicy tang that cleared his nose just from the smell alone. If it were Caleb and him alone, he would have found this intimate moment no different from their usual affectionate gesture. But he's snapped out of his thoughts when he hears Gideon's commentary as well, suddenly watched by two pairs of eyes, then four, then eight; others getting curious as the most handsome duo act like a married couple.
A light blush crosses his cheek, eyes wide and beady as he looks up at Caleb. He looks so expectant, and Rafayel decides to open his mouth and take the bite, chewing slowly to savour the taste while his cheeks slowly calm from its heat. The first taste feels spicy, surprisingly so from the ginger. Then there's a tang from the lime, something sour yet it is mellowed out by the creamy taste on his tongue. The chicken--- he is furrowing his brows in confusion now, tilting his head as he takes another few chews till he swallows the food. Lips pouted, deep in thought, he stared at the dish for a moment before looking up at Caleb. "You lied. The chicken tastes much more savory and has a depth of flavor that ocean fish don't have. What is this..." It's tender yet tough, flavor seeped into the deepest parts of its flesh, yet the saltiness was much more balanced with the sauce on it. "There's this creamy mouthfeel. Is that the coconut? I like that, it feels and tastes really good." A smile graces his lips, and he picks up his fork to get another bite, this time less methodical and simply enjoying his favorite parts of it in his mouth, moaning softly as the kick of spice satisfies his taste buds.
Rafayel then cuts out a bite and holds it out for Caleb expectantly, wanting to share it with him too. "You need to eat too, aaaah-- don't let it fall. I can see why you like it so much. It's satisfying and fills the stomach better. What about this other one? What is this? It looks different." He points out the other dish once the captain takes his cutout bite. Then, he turns his head and tilts his head up expectantly towards the other, mouth parted slightly, waiting for him to feed him.
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hancfubuki · 2 months ago
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     his cheeks remain dyed a rosy pink. eyes wide, shining as if he had just received the biggest treat in the world. hands rest on rafayel's chest, melting under the attention given with a boyish grin on his lips. "was i really that good? like... reaaaally really?" he chuckles, head tilting expectantly, acting like a puppy again, but this time aiming for more affection as he leans into rafayel's touch. "yes. i almost pass out." he says casually, already coming down from pleasure and regaining his composure little by little. “but i kinda like it?” as someone who has experimented death several times, he is not exactly a fan of it, but the previous taste of suffocation wasn’t as unpleasant as he would have expected. at the thought of it, caleb’s cheeks burn, the blush spreading all the way to the tip of his ears. “i mean— not exactly liked it liked it, but the way you made me feel. i have suffocated several times by now, but this time i felt safe. like i could let go and not have to think for a second.” he eyes drift away for a second, complying to rafayel’s movements and allowing him kiss him softly, lips puckering in return as the softness embrace him. “i have never been good at not being in control. so this was… different. and helped me learned a thing or two about me as well.” he chuckles, doing what he is asked, closing his eyes and allowing rafayel to pamper him in return.
     he feels the tenderness rafayel cleans him up, a smile curling on his lips allowing himself to receive this. indeed. it’s different. he is used to be at the other side, taking care of others instead. but with rafayel, he feels cherished. every second spent together brings him unbelievable happiness and a sense of reassurance, especially after the number rafayel created back in the tavern. it is a reminder that, at the end of the day, they belong together. 
     caleb stands up, being suddenly pulled but accepting the miss gladly as he fixes his clothes. as they make their way back to the tavern, he stumbles a little as they reach the table. there’s a dazed smile still present on his face, refusing to leave as his grip on rafayel’s hand becomes firm. the memory of rafayel’s tenderness and also intensity still fresh in his head, warming him up and cracking a smirk as he goes back to his seat. gideon’s eyes turn to look at both of them. “you’re back. it’s everything okay?” he nods when rafayel replies, not having a clue of why really was going on behind closed doors. “i started feeling a bit dizzy. probably because i have been underwater for so long. maybe i’m really growing scales.” he jokes, elbow poking at rafayel as the smell of the chicken suddenly fills his nostrils.
     that’s when he allows his head to be carried away again. chicken. it’s been so long. 
     caleb stares at the food and at the glass of wine replaced from earlier, and as much as he wants to take the first bite of both dishes, he simply turns to rafayel with bright eyes, waiting patiently to see his first reaction after tasting his favorite meat. though, different from what rafayel did before, caleb instead grabs the fork and takes a piece of the dish, to get it closer to rafayel’s mouth. “say ahh~” at the other side of the table, gideon is also watching curiously, completely entertained by the idea of a foreigner to taste local food for the first place. “knowing caleb, he probably put a lot of expectations on it.” gideon says as his elbow is placed over the table, his cheek resting on his fit as he waits for rafayel to eat. caleb simply laughs, holding the fork with the chicken thighs marinated in coconut milk, lime and ginger. “this one is more of a tropical flavor. what do you think?”
As heat consumes him whole, chest heaving with sharp breaths and whimpered moans, Rafayel slides in and out of his warm mouth, deep into his throat and shudders when he feels him suck him in deeper. It takes a few more thrusts, hands moving to the back of his head, and he holds him tightly so he cannot move, letting out a broken cry as he spills in him, bleary eyes just barely making out the little dent he makes in his throat.
Pulling out, blinding sparks dance in his vision as he topples forward onto his hands, blinking away the buzz of pleasure as he crawls over to his lover to check on him, hands over his hair to pull it away from his face. He heard him gasp for air, but the sudden silence that returned at his gentle shake made him pause. It takes two seconds before blood drains from his face as he rolls him onto his back. He pats his cheek and fingers against his pulse behind his ear, breathing a sigh of relief when he feels the soft thump against his fingertips, his heartbeat just as fast as he expected under his hand. Rafayel nearly cries when his eyes blink open, but it just comes out as a wet sigh and a shake of his head when their eyes meet. Triumph and something smug dance in his beautiful purple eyes, pulling a smile onto his once quivering lips when he hears that beautiful tenor of his voice let out a husky little chuckle. There's another wave of relief once he realizes he did not mess up whatever they just had, that he hadn't read his reactions wrongly, and maybe accept just how much Caleb seemed to enjoy what he could give.
"Hey, handsome." Rafayel laughs softly, voice hoarse and deep as his heart slows from the excess of excitement, love in his eyes as his fingers push those short bangs away from his face, leaning down to kiss his forehead, lips pressed against him for a long second before he presses another to his temple. "You did so well, love. You're a sight to revere."
Rafayel lets the other take his time to come down from his high, peppering soft kisses to his face, some lingering longer than others as he whispers praises and words of affection against his skin. "I enjoyed that very much. You were perfect for me, listened to me so well. You held on for me-- thank you. Are you alright, though? You knocked out for a minute, and I was worried." He sees his mouth open, but words seem lost in his throat and a pretty blush crosses the young Lemurian's face and up to his ears as he recognizes it's his fault, a little proud and yet flustered that he had let go his himself more than intended. It doesn't help that Caleb wipes his mouth, taking the leftover stickiness, and starts playing with it, making his stomach tighten at the sight. The Lemurian straightens, gets off the bed, and mutters something about getting a cloth when he feels the other follow him, arms wrapped around his shoulders before their lips meet again. A sigh escapes his lips mid-kiss, relaxing in his hold as his hands now move to hold his waist.
"You liked it?" Rafayel peeks up through his lashes, disbelief showing in a moment of weakness before a small smile curls his lips. He pulls the captain in with a hand to their lower back, leaning their faces together for a few more soft kisses before he nuzzles their noses together, foreheads close. "Okay, let's go get your favorite food before Gideon eats it all. Let me take care of you first because you look thoroughly ravaged. It'll only take a minute."
After a tight hug that lifts Caleb off the bed and lowers him back on the edge, Rafayel turns and finds a spare cloth, using the sink far off to one side to wash it a few times before bringing it back. Rafayel leans down, a hand on Caleb's shoulder to balance himself as he holds the cloth close to his face, gaze tender. "Close your eyes and relax. I've got you." With soft urging, he waits for his eyes to close before wiping away the dried tear tracks left on his face, the spit smeared over his skin, sticky residue from fucking his mouth and the coolness of the wet cloth to help the swelling of his lips. He wipes down his whole body with quick, methodical swipes, and after cleaning his own face, throws the thing in the sink before tucking and buttoning their clothes back into place. Those soiled gloves though... Rafayel decides to take both gloves off and stuff them in a pocket to wash them another time.
The Lemurian takes his hand and pulls him up onto his feet, his other hand grabbing his waist to pull him close, pressed together as he gives one last kiss. "Let's go," he says with a grin and holds his hand tight, guiding him out of the room. For how little time must have passed, his every step felt lighter and also more dizzying, still drunk on his post orgasm bliss as they enter the tavern again. This time, without Rafayel gloating his beauty and posing for attention, not as many bother to look as they make their way through the sea of tables and chairs, sitting at the table where Gideon was already digging in, their food and drinks already served and luckily, still steaming slightly.
"It was the pressure after all. I gave him some homemade solution, and he should be feeling much better now. I apologize for leaving you like that."
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hancfubuki · 3 months ago
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On their way to self destruction, they crash and burn together. For a brief moment, a flash of light and warmth, then, only darkness..
I love Applefish. They make each other worse <3
Third installation in my Nisekao Rafayel series~
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hancfubuki · 3 months ago
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Humid. Pulsating. Buzzing. So loud yet so quiet. Letting himself be held, touched. Drowning in an embrace. Dusk eyes catching dawn eyes. A lifeline for the night.
A fourth (?!?) Nisekao inspired piece - cause I just can’t seem to get enough ~
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hancfubuki · 3 months ago
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Based on a tweet that talked about caleb leviating rafayel (who has a fear of heights)
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hancfubuki · 3 months ago
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it’s the first time caleb has ever experienced this kind of desperation.
the overwhelming heat radiating from rafayel’s hands beneath him, the press of their bodies together leaving no space between them, how rafayel’s body responds arching under his weight. all of this ignites a primal need, an insatiable feeling leading him to finally submit. his hands grip rafayel’s hips, taking him as far as he can inside his mouth, small tears coming down his eyes and loud but muffed moans coming out as he slowly becomes a mess, drooling as the erratic movements of his head start matching the pace in which rafayel touches him in exchange. already too worked up from before, he feels his length throbbing, precum dripping down with every movement of his hand and every tease of his tongue, knowing he is close.
as soon as rafayel takes him completely in his mouth, caleb finds himself even messier than before. his body tenses a little upon feeling the fingers on his entrance, his breath catching in his throat as he pulls away from rafayel’s dick. his head starts feeling heavy, burying it on his pelvis as he sticks his hips out, melting and surrendering to the sensations provided. hand is still wrapped around rafayel's length, but he is unable to form a single movement, whimpering loudly, exhaling the lemurian's name in shaky breathes. caleb feels his head spinning for a moment, redness creeping on his face as eyes roll. the realization hits him like a wave. he likes this. he likes the weight of someone else taking control, the vulnerability of being held down and the shocks it brings down his spine as he finally feels completed, whimpering loudly as rafayel's throat becomes warmer with his climax. he doesn't even have time to react or to catch his breath before being flipped to his back. puppy eyes staring at rafayel as he nods slowly at his question. yeah, he enjoyed a lot actually, and the blush on his cheeks totally give it away. and as he feels the other's fingers on his cheek, he realizes they are not being wiped, closing his eyes softly and leaning into the touch even though they were just being smeared. as he leans down, he obediently opens his mouth, happily accepting his tongue in a messy kiss as whimpers still come from the back of his throat. he can even taste himself in it, sucking rafayel's lower lip as if his life depended on it.
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his head tilts slightly, half-lidded eyes as he stares at the other and nods at his command, leaning into the touch all over his body like a dog that just had been praised. he follows the silent orders, leaning against the pillow as he never breaks eye contact with rafayel. suddenly, it warms again. the familiar taste from just minutes ago lingering on his lips along with the saltiness of sweat. he feels the intrusion in his throat gentle at first, feeling his muscles of his neck relaxing around rafayel's fingers. the tightness of his throat easing as caleb instinctively sucks the deeper he gets, adjusting to the gradual depth. each subtle motion draws a soft sound from him, between a gasp and a whimper, leaning into rafayel's control. and as the struggle disappears, he notices the other's movements are becoming more assertive while his thoughts fade into submission.
it's suffocating, how he feels half of his length completely down his throat, eyes completely lost as the tears form again and fall on his eyelashes. though, it sends jolts of pleasure down his spine. it's intoxicating. every time rafayel thrusts harder, his chest tightens and his lungs burn as his body struggles for air. caleb's head tips back, throat straining as he draws in shallow breaths through his nose. the suffocated feeling doesn't disappear but he surrenders to it, allowing rafayel to fuck his throat as deeper as he could, enjoying the call of his name. his vision blurs, sweat on his forehead losing any track of sense, eyes rolling, allowing the lemurian to slam his mouth as he pleases. as he finally feels the cum dripping down his throat and with that rafayel pulling back, caleb falls to the side of the bed, catching his breath just enough before passing out. he opens his eyes, glassy and half-lidded, meeting rafayel's gaze with a spark of triumph. and he chuckles for a second, realizing he just had an awakening, waiting to be praised.
he stays there for another few seconds, feeling how his head comes back to earth and swallowing the remaining fluids inside of his mouth, some dripping from the corners of his lips. gideon, right— shit. CHICKEN.
caleb opens his mouth, waiting for words to come out but his throat hurts and his cheeks flushed again upon imagining how ridiculous he probably looks right now. he wipes his mouth, licking his fingers and playing for a second with the stickiness in his fingers. "as much as i would love to stay here, our food is getting cold." he rolls on the bed, managing to stand up at rafayel's height to wrap his arms around his neck and press a soft kiss to his lips. "i like this side of you."
Any worries he had flew out the window the moment he stepped in.
Rafayel stood with his back against the door, fingers going to the lock and giving it a light click so no one could disturb them unless they broke down that door. Oh, his eyes widened at the sight held in front of him, spread legs and a body flushed red, a very naked one as he saw the muscles of his abdomen spasm with every languid stroke of his hand up and down, the shirt between his lips falling when he looks up, their eyes meeting for a moment. Gorgeous. Dark eyes scanned him from head to toe, his cheeks still red, and the freckles on him looked darker like this, his hips never still as he bucked into his own hand, desperate whines and muffled moans filling the room with a musky scent. Was he so worked up that he couldn't even wait the minute it had taken Rafayel to climb those stairs and follow him, had touched himself to the memory of his fingers tugging for relief?
He's not allowed to take even a step before he feels himself lifted, tossed onto the bed, and the springs creaking loudly underneath. "How is it unfair? You had just as many chances as I." Rafayel smirks up at the man now towering over him, eyes taking in his form and still deciding what role he should play. Does he want the domineering God who craves endlessly to devour him till he's had his fill, or would he like the submissive Lemurian with teary eyes that serves him like a good boy? The thought is cut off when he's pulled into a ferocious kiss, all tongues and saliva, the sharp canine of his scraping against his tongue in retaliation for the rough handling of his face, moaning into his mouth with glee as they swiped tongues and lips together with greed, hands holding onto his waist desperately. When he pulls away, Rafayel jumps in surprise at the sudden sound and taste of the other's saliva pooled in his mouth, eyes wide and blood turning his whole face and neck red as he meekly closes his mouth. Did he just... spit in his mouth? He doesn't even know how to respond, not swallowing, just letting his own mix together and pool in his mouth as he sees the smug look on his face, even as his pants are pulled off his legs, shocked.
It's only when he sees the other's ass right in his face, their position pulled every other way to get comfortable by his powers that he snaps out of it, the heat in his head spreading all over his body. Caleb had been sweet before; they had touched each other that one time, but this position felt so indecent compared... It made his head spin, turned on, and yet a bit confused by the fast pace. But it's better not to think, don't overthink it, when Caleb seemed so alive as he tried to tempt the Lemurian. A soft scoff escapes him, hands placed on those pale globes of flesh, giving them a squeeze. As if he had to do all that to tempt him. Rafayel lifts his head, then decides to use his hands to pull the other's hips closer instead, getting comfortable as he fondles his back a few times, squeezing hard as he leaves soft kisses to the dick in front of him. "Yes, you were so good. Kept your voice down and took to my hand so nicely." So desperate as well, he was already leaking from his previous teasing. As much as he smelled the distinct taste of him he remembered from their last tryst, he also smelled something sweet, sticky, and thin, tongue lapping up from the base to his tip, feeling it twitch under his tongue.
Oh, it was the wine Caleb had ordered for him.
Rafayel moans softly with his head tossed aside, nails digging into his flesh as he feels warmth cover him whole. So eager, he whimpers softly when he feels the cool air hit his length before he's enveloped in warmth again, breathing hard against the other's thigh, and he bites, leaving teeth marks on his soft flesh to ease the sudden wave of pleasure. "Caleb," he whispers under his breath, thighs tensing as he starts to grow hard with every slurping sound that reaches his ears, blood thrumming through his veins loudly in his ears. His lips quiver as he kisses every part of him he could reach, hips twitching as he feels the tip of his dick touch his throat, soft groans of pleasure filling the room. Shaky hands move to his mouth and he pushes all the spit pooled in his mouth onto it, fingers wrapping around the other's dick no different from how he had in the tavern, but firmer now, wrist flicking faster than before, thumbing his slit every now and then, trying to push him over the edge. No longer did he have to worry about the swish of skin against flesh, hand squelching as he mixed precum and spit to ease the glide, hands warmed with his power to give him heat, lips peppering kisses along the base and his balls, taking them in his mouth and sucking them loudly, letting go with a loud gasp. So good, Rafayel squeezes his eyes shut when he feels his legs shake as Caleb continues to suck him off, loud and unabashed compared to the meek, blushing mess he was before.
Without hesitation, the Lemurian finally guides him into his mouth from tip till halfway, his mouth a heated cavern-- a warm, slick mess he uses to make every slide smooth, tongue swirling around him languidly, letting him enjoy the soft walls of his mouth, encouraging him to move his hips with a squeeze of his ass, guiding him in a slow rhythm as far as he could go. His fingers leave a wet trail as he fondles his ass, the meaty flesh caving under his hand in a way that felt weirdly cathartic, long fingers reaching the seam and rubbing circles at his puffed entrance. He doesn't breach it like the last time, only circles it gently as he remembers the distinct sounds he made the last time he tried, only teasing him, knowing the pleasure that came with its touch. Rafayel stops teasing him, hips rolling slowly into the other's mouth a few times before he stills, pulling off with a sigh. Breathing in deep, Rafayel swallows him whole, bobbing his head and sucking, a sudden enthusiasm as he lifts his head and pulls his hips down with a hard squeeze to his bottom, leaving red imprints. His throat clicks, swallowing each time he's fully inside. It doesn't take long before he feels warm liquid down his throat, a choked groan gurgled against Caleb's length as he milks him, sucking diligently till he's cleaned him of his seed, pulling away with a soft kiss to the softened length, licking his lips.
Then, he wordlessly flips the man onto his back, getting on all fours and shifting, a hard grip on his arm to demand he stay still, kneeling above his head to peer down at him. "You look lovely with tears... Did you enjoy it that much?" Voice hoarse and eyes dark, Rafayel spreads his fingers over his cheek. Instead of wiping those beautiful tears streaking down his face, he smudges them, paints them all over his face, and feeds it to him with his thumb. He leans down, waits for Caleb to open his mouth willingly before he kisses him, messily with tongue, drool and traces of his cum smeared on their lips. The Lemurian hovers over his lips, his next kiss gentle as a butterfly as he whispers. "Keep your mouth wide open for me, my sunset. You can use your powers and pull me off if it gets painful. Understood?" He waits till he gets a response, cooing praise and kissing his cheek before his hands spread wide, starts to wander down his body. He caresses his face, his neck, all the way down to his chest where he warms his skin, massages his muscles, palm brushing over his chest, and his fingers play with his nipples, stopping there to twirl and tease, kissing him to keep his noises from getting too loud. His hands continue to tease and explore, then he grabs a stray pillow and makes Caleb shift it under his shoulders. With the support, Rafayel circles his thick neck with both hands, thumb drawing circles with feather-light touches on his Adam's apple, fingers pressing gently against the back of his head, tilting it back against the edge of the pillow.
Rafayel gets on his knees, legs spread wide as he guides his length forward into his open mouth. First, he just taps against his tongue, filling his cheek with a sigh. Slowly, he glides in till he fills his mouth, shuddering as the heat consumes him. He presses on his throat gently, thumb drawing circles to ease his throat, and waits till he feels the muscles relax against his tip. When there's no struggle, the Lemurian groans and thrusts in all the way, ignoring the click of his throat to adjust his length and his thumb feeling the bulge of himself as he slides through. "So hot," he gasps, hips twitching in shallow thrusts into his throat, fingers caging his neck to keep him still and unmoving so he doesn't get hurt. Unable to help himself, Rafayel pulls his hips back and thrusts back in with a hard slap of skin, the squelching noise burning his ears as he starts fucking his throat more and more enthusiastically, whimpering and moaning pitifully. At some point, he babbles, calling out Caleb's name and his endearments, drool pooling in his mouth as he slams his hips with precision, his blush spread from his ears down to his chest, eyes rolled back and squeezed shut as he trembles. Yet, there is still a tenderness to his grip around his neck, hips still making sure he's not using his full strength as he chases after his pleasure, fear of breaking him. "Good, oh, please, just a bit more-"
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hancfubuki · 3 months ago
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     as soon as he manages to fully climb upstairs, caleb pushes the door to the previous room they were before. the boxes clattered at the corner revealed a bed in the middle of the room. forgetting to lock the door, knowing only rafayel or gideon would open it, he manages to sit at the edge of the bed. he lets out a shaky breath, one that he has been holding for a while by now. his hands trembling slightly as he runs them through his hair, trying to get a bit of the cool air in the room to try and extinguish the fire still coursing through his veins. his elbows rest at the mattress, gasping for air as he tries to calm down, but as his chest rise rise and fall with each deep breath and his erection continues as hard as before, he understands the dizziness is not going away until he unleashes himself. his mind continues replaying the way rafayel touched him, bold and unapologetic, acting as if nothing was happening and conversing so casually. 
     “damn him.” caleb mutters under his breath, his voice thick with frustration. his cheeks keep burning as he recalls the smirk on rafayel’s face, the way he had undone him with just a flick of his fingers. so he lays half down, using his elbows as support as he gets rid of the pants that are acting like a cage right now. he leans back, long fingers wrapping around himself ad he rocks his hips up and down to match the rhythm of his own hand. it’s not the same, but it is what it is. he no longer has a need to suppress his voice. the room is at the end of the hall and the noise downstairs is enough to disguise his soft, muffled moans, as he is holding the hem of his shirt with his teeth as he touches himself. he hears the doorknob clicking open, the sweet and frustrating voice of rafayel coming thought it, calling him love. oh… calling him love. he sighs deeply, his wrist going up and down slowly, legs spread open as he nods his head. “you played unfair.” the shirt falls over his torso, red cheeks and shiny half lidded eyes looking at rafayel as he closes the door. 
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     caleb doesn’t even allow him to answer, with a flick of his fingers, the air around rafayel shifts, gravity pulling him towards the bed and landing on the mattress with a soft thud. caleb smirks. “take responsibility.” from the moment they met, caleb has been eager to get control of rafayel, wanting to push him into submission, making him whimper until he begs for him to continue. and now, being on the other side he can understand the appealing behind. wondering if this is how rafayel feels, if it turns him on as much as it does to him. watery eyes glancing at rafayel, pleading for more as he climbs on top of him. he grabs his face with his palm, thumb pressing a bit harder than he initially intended to, forcing rafayel’s mouth open as he introduces his tongue, messy kissing, almost drooling, and as he continues grabbing his face, parting lips move away but not before spitting shamelessly inside his mouth. caleb smirks, arrogance all over his face as he shifts his body to undone the pretty pants he helped put on not long ago, carefully removing it as he doesn’t want to ruin the fabric with bodily fluids. 
     he puts all his weight on rafayel’s torso, crushing him down as his ass purposely rest on his chest, even bouncing it a little in front of his face to tempt him to touch it. big, plush. a little bit more and it would clap by itself. and he doesn’t even wait for rafayel to move, he keeps abusing his gravity control as he position themselves as he pleases, his dick gracing against rafayel’s lips, pleading to be eaten. “you were saying earlier you prefer dishes you have tried before.” he rocks his hips down, waiting.“bon appetite.” he plays for a moment with rafayel, despite teasing him back there he doesn’t seem to be as worked up as he was before. and well, caleb knows when to admit defeat. so he whimpers loudly, a plea as he moves his hips desperately. “you can use your pretty long fingers too if you want. i grant you full permission. i’ll be a good boy.” 
     he buries his face on rafayel’s crotch. touching softly his thighs, fingers running through the skin before sinking his nose in there. he takes a deep breath, before taking his softened cock in his mouth. it’s messy again, saliva dripping as he starts feeling rafayel growing inside his mouth. he feels his heartbeat pulsing through it, growing harder as the second pass and filling his mouth so perfectly fine. he feels the sweetness, the stickiness, and the saltiness of the sweat, differently from being underwater. caleb moans against it, tongue crossing the slit, sucking and tasting. he wonders if there’s scales in here too, he has touched it before but never really paid attention to it. so he makes it a mission to discover, languid tongue going across the length, licking in circular motion at the base. just flesh, sweet and tender flesh. and he sucks at it, not even caring about the mess he is doing as he moans loudly with his dick down his throat. the little tears that threatening to appear at the table finally getting released as he feels the tip on his throat. he wants more. and he whimpers, moving his hips in return to feel rafayel in sync.
Better not mention Rafayel had single-handedly wrecked the ship and drowned everyone on board.
Except Caleb.
It was a good thing Gideon seemed very unbothered with the world outside, or what caused Caleb's late arrival, or the fleet's demise. He seemed a bit too relaxed, worryingly so, but Rafayel rather liked him for some reason. He could see why Caleb kept him by his side and became friends with him, a relaxed humor and attitude that made days languid and carefree, enjoying little things in life-- something Rafayel himself loved. "Sweet white wine?" The Lemurian perks up, trying to ignore the shivers that try to ease their way through his facade. He liked wine, and it was true that he had been feeling a need for something sweet on his tongue. He moans softly, a light blush on his cheeks as he flutters his lashes and smiles. "That sounds delicious. A kiss and a drink, you're trying to spoil me."
Gideon is a good kid. The human tells him stories of how they met, and Rafayel smiles a bit too playfully when Caleb struggles to form his sentences under his teasing touch. The Lemurian wondered where this thrill came from, and if he was abnormal for finding the other cute when he struggled so. Before Caleb, he had never been truly in love or tried to form a relationship beyond one of friendship or worship. He had guidance from the elders, friends who showed him the world, and adults who taught him basic ways of life. He had read books about love and romance, how it was a deep, profound thing that two souls shared. He knew that sometimes it meant sharing a passion that was indecent in the eyes of others, but a natural part of it all. As knowledge, he had known. But to experience it himself first hand, barely keeping his attention on the topic at hand, unlike his lover who was trying his best amid his length throbbing under his fingers, how his back straightens and his thighs quiver when he squeezes tight, pointer finger toying with his tip... oh, he's a goner. He's going to come, he can see it in the way his eyes glimmer in the candlelit room from the corner of his eyes, from the way his chest heaved and his legs shook against the back of his hands. Yet he found in himself a mixture of pure adoration and greed, hunger to see him unravel and show the first human beings to lay eyes on the God that this was his lover, his follower, and no one else could--
Rafayel gasps softly when he hears the whisper of his name, broken and pleading. Even he cannot tell if he was begging him to stop or to continue, but taking pity, he starts a different conversation to take the attention away. "Well, we had a similar meeting. I found him among the wreckage of his ship, and he was barely breathing." A slow, languid tug of his length, hand squeezing him tight, ordering him to be good. "I brought him back, furious because I thought he was part of the group that tried to harm my childhood friend. A lot happened..." He flicks his wrist faster, thumb sliding in for a better grip, "--but I completely fell for him."
THUD!
Both heads turn towards Caleb now, and the Lemurian furrows his brows as pleasure spikes through his being. Oh, he was a masterpiece. Flushed from his face down to his neck, eyes brimming with unshed tears as he held back the natural reactions to his diligent hand. Rafayel slows his wrist, but he isn't relenting but edging him, thumb now pressing into his tip and rubbing in. "It might be the sudden change in atmosphere? He's been with me down in the depths for so long, the heat here would affect him badly, too." Rafayel plays the role of a worried boyfriend well, leaning in and using his free hand to caress his cheek, wiping away the sweat on his temple with a worried furrow of his brow. Even the Lemurian hadn't meant to take it this far, but as they competed for an unknown victory, the competitive side of him won over and took charge, pushing him to the edge. He could see the cogs spinning in his head, finding a way out until-- Splash! A glass falls and the cold, sweet wine splashes over his hand and the captain's crotch. His hand pulled back immediately as attention was brought upon them at the waiter's mistake. That was no mistake, but Rafayel isn't about to comment as he watches the man put on a smile and walk out in a gait. Even Gideon looks confused by his weird behavior.
"I'll go check on him. He might be feeling sick, so don't wait for us if we take too long. Here, in compensation. I just picked them up off the seabed, but I heard they're valuable to you humans."
Throwing a handful of pearls onto the tabletop gracefully so they don't roll off, Rafayel stands and rushes out of the tavern to chase after his lover. He hastens his steps as he gets to the stairs, pausing only a few seconds when he sees his reflection in a mirror next to a door. Ocean blue and pink had darkened into deep red, desire thrumming through his veins, and so visibly perturbed, even his brows arched, and his lips couldn't stop dancing between a pleasant smile and a smirk. He takes slow steps up the stairs, taking a deep breath as he calms himself, blood electric as he remembers the red blotches of a blush all over his face. Would... Caleb accept this part of him? He had always seemed so keen on making Rafayel docile, taking control over him and desiring to make him soft and submissive under his touch. He understood that need, but he also loved being taken care of; he doesn't think he could give up one or the other. He puts his hand on the doorknob of their room, hands shaking slightly in anticipation and fear. Did he... go too far? Lips thin as he pushes the door open, quickly closing the door behind him.
"Are you okay, love?"
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hancfubuki · 3 months ago
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"i have no idea what a liparidae is." gideon says unbothered, shrugging his shoulders. he really is unaware of everything that's going on, he notices rafayel leaning his head on caleb's shoulder, but considering the nature of their relationship he doesn't even pay attention to it. and of course, he is far from understanding the double meaning in their words. "huh. i think i heard a story or twice. one guy in our crew was obsessed with it and he was the main reason we went to look for it. since caleb is the only one here, i'm guessing he didn't make it. ah, he was annoying anyway." gideon adds, chugging the last sip of his beer before turning to the waiter.
caleb on the other hand, couldn't help but chuckle at the remark. indeed, he loves the thrill. and as long as he could keep up with this little game, he is more than willing to play. his fingers, still tracing delicate ridges of rafayel's scales, press a little firmer, his touch becoming more and more intentional, even after ordering their food. "gewürztraminer? it's like a kiss of sunlight trapped in a glass." if there's a characteristic about caleb, it's that he knows his food. to him, every meal is an experience, a story told through flavors. his palate is as adventurous as he is. he has an uncanny ability to dissect flavors, to detect the subtle undertones that others might miss, and that, of course, allows him to know exactly what type of drink pairs perfectly with every dish. however, gideon does pick up that part of the conversation, not even disguising the roll of his eyes as the other speaks. "it's white wine." alcohol, all the same. and despite rafayel's consistent teasing touch, caleb is able to keep the conversation, for now. "ah, ah. sweet white wine. and it pairs perfectly with chicken, especially with the creamy coconut and zesty lime." his words though, catch in his throat as rafayel pushes his hand off his shoulders. he watches for a moment, confused, but then as the lemurian's fingers pull at the lapel he feels his heart thundering in his ears. nah, this is not happening. this is not about to happen, is it? he hears rafayel talking, knowing damn well what the real meaning behind his words are. however, for the first time, he is unable to summon his usual cocky return. he stares at rafayel gripping the edge of the glove with his teeth and pulling it off in one fluid motion, and his breath hitches realizing this is definitely the end for him. he knows he should say something, retreat, ask for a truce, whatever helps him getting out of this situation, but he is frozen. a blush creeps up his neck, blooming across his face leaving behind his cocky and composed demeanor when he feels the hot fingers on his delicate skin.
"when i get overheated? i take a cold shower, i guess." gideon should consider himself lucky for not knowing what's going on between them. it doesn't even cross his mind, nor notices the blush creeping on caleb's face. "it was around... five years ago if i'm not mistaking. i was a simple merchant working for my family, but my ship wrecked. i was heavily bruised, and i supposed caleb ordered his crew to check for survivors or salvageable loot." caleb coughs, trying to act normal again and join the conversation to avoid raising any suspicion. "that's right." he adds, but his voice comes strained. "no gratitude. just... 'you're late'. and well, if he has got the nerve to say that, then he might be worth keeping around." his words keep coming out clipped, the spaces between them filled with subtle gulps as he swallows hard. rafayel's touch is testing every ounce of caleb's composure. he shifts in his chair, his thighs tensing and to his bad luck, this movement only intensifies the sensation.
caleb's cheeks burn hotter, his breathing becoming heavier. he forces a smirk, determined not to let rafayel win this out. "i wasn't wrong. gideon has been... useful." his voice drops again, and he finds himself biting his tongue in an effort to suppress any sound threatening to come out. his fingers curl around the edge of the table, leaning forward slight in an attempt to appear casual. this time he bites the inside of his cheek to mute a groan, his gaze flicking to gideon for a moment before darting back down, avoiding eye contact. this whole thing is... weird. "raf—" his voice now is barely a whisper, almost name slipping his name past his lips. and for a moment, caleb is not sure if it's a plea for him to stop or to keep going, and that terrifies him a bit. he clenches his jaw, teeth pressing together as he finds it hard to breathe. his eyes probably getting watery as he suppress with all his might any sound that tries to come out of his throat. and on top of that, in front of his friend. caleb is unsure if he dislikes this or not, but one thing is for sure. if rafayel wanted to humble him, then, he is doing it perfectly.
his mind races as he fights to keep control of himself, his thoughts darting between the growing heat and the need to salvage his pride. he couldn't afford to lose, not here, not in front of gideon either. but he knows if rafayel keeps this up, he will break, and the idea of moaning in public doesn't sound like a pleasant moment. well maybe, if they had a private room he wouldn't care if the entire city listened to him. but being exposed, like this? pass. though, suppressing his natural desires obviously takes its toll on, so as his voice cannot come out, he feels his muscles twitching, accidentally bumping his knee on the table and of finally getting gideon's attention. gideon stares for a moment, and he frowns upon seeing how red caleb's face is. "whoa, are you okay?" he asks, leaning into the table to take a better look at his face.
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"me? y-yeah." he chuckles, visibly nervous. "must be the weather." his thoughts spiral heavily, dick as hard as a stone as rafayel's touches threaten to undo him. this is bad. really bad. he knows if he lets this go on any longer, he would either: a. end as a humiliating mess in rafayel's hand, right here in public, mostly because he has been waiting for a while to have some moment of intimacy with him, or b. standing up and show the evidence of his yearning to be full display for everyone to see. his heart drums in his ears, drowning out the muffled sounds of the tavern around him. think. and as his eyes dart around, he notices as the waiter comes back with the two glasses of wine he requested earlier. perfect. forcing a grin, caleb nods at the waiter as the glasses are about to be served, and with a minuscule flick of his fingers, he activates his gravity evol to shift the tray slightly, just enough for one glass to fall right over his lap. the waiter looks ashamed and he mentions how he is about to bring something, but caleb immediately interrupts and grabs a napkin to pat at the stain. "just my luck." he shrugs his shoulders, laughing softly and using the spill as cover to strategically position the napkin over himself. he glances at rafayel, cheeks still burning. "oops, guess i'll need to go change." he mutters, eyes darting over rafayel as if it was some sort of secret code. the waiter apologizes and states he is going to bring another glass, on the house and caleb responds kindly as he stands up covering himself with the napkin. "i'll be back in a minute." with that, he makes his way towards the stairs, doing his best to walk casually despite the tension in his body.
In the first instance, he can feel the muscles under his hand tense. With a few swipes of warmth and gentle caresses, he feels the other relax into his touch, confidence back tenfold. Rafayel holds back a scoff of amusement at how he takes the challenge on so quickly, spreads his legs and pushes his thigh closer. If their legs weren't so long- if the table was a little taller, Rafayel could pull them over his lap to give proper attention, but that would defeat the purpose of being discreet. A small laugh escapes him either way as Caleb talks about chicken so enthusiastically as his thigh twitches as his nails dig into flesh through his pants, pretending his claims amused him.
The Lemurian was about to join in, add onto the story with dramatic flair, when he felt a sharp pleasure down his spine. He doesn't whip his head as he would like, and the shudder of breath is covered by a hum as Gideon praises the captain's cooking, confused and curious why a Lemurian has never seen a chicken before. Before he could even answer, Caleb breathed it out for him-- the deep sea. His home, where he belongs. A place that no human could reach, a civilization that no one on land truly understood or knew about other than from myths and hearsay. Yet here was a human with his arm around his shoulder, fingertips tracing over his weakness delicately, a sensual exchange that leaves Rafayel seeing white when a thumb presses down onto tender flesh and scale, a serene smile plastered on his lips and expression calm despite how his thighs tensed, hand on the other's leg digging in as shivers threatened to wreck his body. He sighs, heavier than intended. "Well, I assume you've never seen a Liparidae on the surface. Maybe, if eight hundred years pass, we'll see sharks crawling on the seabed and sea turtles climbing trees. They say all snakes once lived in the sea." He rolls his eyes, using the motion to turn his head towards Caleb and lean his head down on his broad shoulder, a quick need for comfort when he rubs circles into his neck, heat warming his ears, chest aching as his lungs beg for mercy to breathe after the electrifying touch.
None of the conversation truly reaches his brain anymore, wanting to sob when Caleb uses a weakness that he knows brings Rafayel to his knees, his voice a deep tone that reaches straight into his core. But he takes another breath, straightens himself, and lets his hand wander further. A challenge it is, and Rafayel refused to lose one that he started. "He can breathe if he's with me. I remember it's a fairy tale in the human world as well." No one was looking anymore, everyone was too busy living their own lives and eating their lunches, and even if there were a few curious ears, what could they do? Act like a madman and call him Lemurian? "A Lemurian's kiss grants even humans the ability to breathe in the deepest sea, was it?" He chuckles, hand now cupped over the other, the thin fabric of his pants doing little when he could feel the heat radiate from under his palm. The Lemurian even thinks he has a winning chance, fingers curling to fondle him gently with sparkling eyes, wide and sweet smiles as he turns to Caleb. "You find this part of me thrilling." It's not even a question, voice a seductive whisper and he breathes out the softest whimper against his cheek when he takes his ear between his teeth, a sound for him alone, while Gideon was distracted choosing his menu.
"What's gewürztraminer wine?"
Once the waiter leaves, Rafayel is still stuck to Caleb's side, his sneaky touch now a constant tease of gentle caresses or a fondle, his palm grinding against his length while fingertips reached down to cup his sack. "I'm excited to try these new dishes. Though I do enjoy eating foods I've already tried before..." he tilts his head to one side, thumb running from the tip down to the base over his pants, the tone light enough only Caleb could tell his suggestive meaning. He turns his eyes to Gideon, his free hand taking Caleb's and pushing it off his shoulders casually with a whine that "I'm hot," as he leans forward, cutting off his teasing. "I did cook for him, so he wasn't eating only raw fish despite his claims. But I admit, most of the things in the depths are cold. I tried something hot once and realized I could get used to it." All the while, he pulls at the front lapel, lithe fingers sneaking in through them, and he rubs at the fabric searching for the slip. Once he finds it, he lifts his hand away, a damp print on his palm that's hidden to everyone but him and his lover as he bites the finger and pulls it off, shoving the glove into his pocket. "Your weather, however, is far too hot and disturbingly sticky." He reaches down again just as casually, memorized his path so that the tip slides through the already open slit easily, warm fingers meeting even warmer flesh. "What do you do when you get overheated, Gideon?" Rafayel sighs as if complaining, a whining tone in his voice as if he was getting distracted by the stuffy weather, when really he is just brimming with satisfaction as their skin finally touched without barrier, shifting in his seat to get comfortable as half his hand slithers through the small opening.
"Actually, Caleb hadn't told me about you before." He confesses, shaking his head as if he couldn't believe it. "How did you two meet? Have you been traveling with him for a long time before I found him?" Rafayel is genuinely curious, even if half his attention is on his hand, now wrapped around him as far as his position allowed, wrist flicking tentatively, testing the waters to see how fast he could go without making a suspicious sound. Luckily, with all the slurping and clattering around them, thuds of mugs and scraping chairs on the wooden floor, loud cheers and cries, a few swishes of flesh couldn't even be registered by most human ears. "I... plan to take Caleb back with me. I need him. Do you have any plans?"
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hancfubuki · 3 months ago
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despite the mildly annoyance at gideon's snarky remarks, caleb couldn't help but feel the tip of his ears hotter as rafayel shows the bite he previously provoked on his lip. though, gideon doesn't really seem to truly understand what rafayel is talking about. he only sees a pout, doesn't even bother in checking the bite and simply stares, clueless, taking a sip from his drink as the previous words from rafayel are the ones lingering in his head. "you have never seen a dog? not even on your way here?" the man tilts his head in confusion. "where is lemuria located? i thought it was like some sort of an island." gideon looks up, wondering and mostly talking to himself as he squints. there are dogs in islands... right? yeah, perhaps he is not the smartest person in the room, he also is mostly unaware of his surroundings but he is good at heart. caleb grimaces at the flick of his forehead, an act getting too familiar by now, a pout on his lips as his brows are still furrowed. a silent complain. he glances down when the warm hand positions on his knee, then look back at rafayel with a calmer expression. an apology? "yeah, no. he has never shown interest in anyone." gideon turns to caleb now. "i have never seen you so worked up about anyone before, so it's refreshing. even though you have sworn off the whole... connections thing." he laughs lightly, oblivious to the depth behind his words.
caleb freezes for a moment, not responding immediately as his mind drift to memories gideon could never understand. how could he? gideon didn't know of the centuries that had worn caleb down, stripping him of friends, lovers and even rivals. time had erased so many bonds in his long life, leaving behind an immortal soul with little to tie him to others. gideon knows caleb as he appears now, aloof yet reliable, the kind of person who draws people in without trying, but avoids getting closer to them. gideon couldn't possibly fathom the weight of an immortal life. he looks down for a moment, knowing he should tell gideon, sooner of later about his secret. after all, time will pass and gideon will age, he won't and it would be unfair not to explain now that he has time. and as caleb attempts to open his mouth to respond, he feels the sudden warm more... intimate. he glances down, his brow quirking in inquiry. but beneath the surface, he feels a wave of calm settle over him. the brief and irrational worry from before, washed away by it.
his lips curl into a smirk as he leans into rafayel's touch, taking it as a challenge. he shifts slightly, his chair creaking as he adjusts his posture to lean back, joining the conversation despite the subtle game being played beneath the table. "go on, gideon. tell him i make the best chicken breasts." his tone teasing as he picks up the thread of the conversation. "it's not just a bird. i told you, it's the perfectly tender meat. you won't understand until you try it." his gaze shifts lazily to gideon, as though rafayel's wandering hand isn't steadily testing the limits of his composure. but he seems normal, the confidence returning to his body as he spreads his legs on purpose, leaning into the touch. "caleb is indeed a great cook, i can't deny that. but seriously there's no chickens there either? where have you been?" gideon responds softly, blissfully unaware of whatever is happening below. caleb's arm is still wrapped around rafayel's shoulders and he decides that two can play this game. with a deliberate slowness, he starts tracing a path along the shimmering scales at the nape of rafayel's neck. his touch is light at first, almost idle, but there's a certain intimacy to the way his fingers linger. he lets his fingertips follow the pattern of the scales, each one a tactile map he has memorized. the textured surface draws him in, movements slow and provocative. "deep water." caleb replies back, and as rafayel's nails dig into his inner thigh, his fingers slide further along the base of rafayel's neck, tracing the edges where scale meets skin. his thumb presses lightly against a particularly smooth section, circling it with a touch that's as much as a claim as it is a challenge. his smirk grows, voice dropping just enough for rafayel to feel the intent behind his words. "then again," caleb continues, his tone mixing with a more suggestive one, "there's more to life than food. some things are harder to forget, more tempting to hold onto. don't you think?" he shifts his attention back to gideon who really seems not to notice at all the silent play between the two. "but you wouldn't get it! i have been months underwater eating raw fish. i miss chicken every day." caleb's fingers dip lower, brushing along the edge of rafayel's shoulder blade where the scales shift under his touch.
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"but some cravings are... more immediate than others." as soon as he feels rafayel cupping him, he couldn't help but rock his hips to lean into the touch even more. gideon chuckles, sipping his beer. "i didn't think i would see the day you would get so poetic over chicken. you really are something else, caleb. underwater too? can you even breathe down there?" he shakes his head slowly. "but well, you inspired me to eat chicken today." gideon raises his hand,waiting for the waiter to take their order. he orders another beer for him and honey-rum chicken skewers. caleb takes this opportunity to lean down to rafayel's ear. "you're impossible, you know that?" he purrs, taking advantage of the fact gideon and the waiter are focused in each other. he takes his earlobe in his mouth, biting it softly only to turn again as if nothing happened, shifting his attention to the waiter. "can you please bring me chicken thighs marinated in coconut milk, lime juice, and ginger, the special blackbeard’s spicy fried chicken and two cups of your gewürztraminer wine, please."
When he glances back, he can see everything clearly.
For how little time they have spent together in Lemuria compared to his centuries on his plane of existence, Rafayel believes he has learned plenty of his tells. The straight and tightly locked jaw to the lips that hardened a smile on his face with force, and his eyes. The eyes were always the easiest. To see into them and the way a smile could not reach into the soul in those depths. It makes him smile a little wider, gently, as he watches the man approach him and Gideon at their chosen seat. Rafayel doesn't show a single sign of realization of the other's turmoil, simply acting like a good man who appreciatively nods with a soft thank you as he sits down in the pulled chair, feeling the heat that radiates from the hand stilled on the chair, knowing but not showing. He found it quite endearing and amusing that he couldn't play his own game. Left Rafayel wanting and frustrated, yet when the tables are turned, he throws a tantrum. He leans back in the chair, his back brushing against the fingers lingering on the chair just before it leaves, and by the time he fully sits back, it's already too late for Caleb to come back without looking too desperate.
"I admit, I haven't seen a dog before, so I can't make a comparison." The Lemurian gives a little tilt of his head, a thoughtful touch of fingers on his chin as if pondering. "Though... you're right. I can't have him biting me every time he gets impatient." His lips pout with the last word, showing off how deep the bite mark goes into his plush lower lip, dragging focus to it once again, slowly fading away as time passed and his mark healed. But he knew Caleb's eyes were on his every move, probably figured out by now how deliberate every movement was a show. Gideon would realize soon the apology had little to do with Caleb's current bad mood, and maybe more an apology in advance for Rafayel's little idea. Instead of pulling attention to it, Rafayel just chuckles softly at the banter the two shared, amused at the dynamic they had. This felt right, to see him with a friend who seemed to know him so well. After all, Caleb to him had seemed like a warm person, one with enough charisma to attract plenty to his side. So to hear he had no one left had been shocking. Here was one of the many he now knows is just the beginning of a journey of finding people he must have saved or helped without expecting any favor in return.
Rafayel hooks his ankle on a leg of Caleb's chair, arm reaching over to grab the backrest of it to pull him in with ease, his cape draping over the back, and he repositions the drape around his waist to flow over both their chairs that fit perfectly together without a seam, thighs touching and looking up at him with an amused smile. He reaches up and flicks his forehead gently, peering through thick lashes as his amusement wanes and leaves a pleading sort of look, asking for forgiveness. I'm yours. He says without words. The hand that once flicked him now lowers to rest on his knee, a warmth to ground him to the present, an intimate touch that can only be shared between them, to prove that Rafayel was still his.
"I wonder if it's simply mythical creatures that he is interested in. He was no different in my city. I've seen a few of my people professing their love to him a few times. They were offering unwavering loyalty yet, he turned them all down." He turns his attention to Gideon now, sitting across from them, still leaning back against his seat comfortably. Rafayel seems undisturbed by the stares directed at him, a small smile on his lips as he tilts his head to emphasize his words. "He seems to attract the affection of many wherever he goes. Even now, I occasionally see some look at him longingly as he helps lift heavy loads and fixes little mishaps around town." He shakes his head slightly, but his tone is light and playful, with no signs of envy or jealousy. Instead, the hand on Caleb's thigh turns warm, giving gentle pats like a reassurance. "But you don't have to worry. I won't let him die alone. I plan to live a long, fulfilling life with him." This, he was genuine. His tone is solid, unwavering as he says it, ocean blue eyes staring into the human's. A proof of his loyalty, that he was serious, and Caleb was now claimed as his in mutual respect.
Then, Rafayel's eyes crinkle in a boyish smile as he leans forward, perching an elbow on the table and resting his head in his hand as he gets closer to Gideon, voice lilting with interest. "Though, you should have seen him when he told me what he missed most on land. Can you guess?" His grin is wide, giving a dramatic pause for effect. Yet, for all his appearance seemed relaxed and unperturbed, his hidden hand did not act the same. Reassuring pats stilled, fingers spread over the top of his knee, and his thumb rubbed idly at the silken fabric of his pants, the trickle of warmth too obviously caused by his powers. "Chicken. That round, obnoxiously loud bird." He crinkles his nose, then shakes his head in exasperation, fingers dragging up the thin fabric till he's at mid-thigh, squeezing gently. "He looked so upset about not being able to eat the bird, I felt bad for him. Is this a sentiment shared by all land dwellers, or is it just him?" The Lemurian asks, creating space for Gideon to answer, leading his attention fully onto Rafayel's face, open and urging him to speak, neither his shoulders nor his arm moving even a millimeter as his fingers traveled to the inner side of Caleb's thigh, nails digging into the flesh. A tap, two taps, he lets his fingers slide up and down his inner thigh, alternating between soft featherlight brushes and nails digging painfully deep as he drags them further up, all the while his poker face is immaculate as he listens to Gideon with apt attention, nodding at the correct cues and a politely hidden chuckle when something feels funny.
"Oh, maybe we should try it here!" He lifts his head and snaps his fingers as if he has found the perfect idea, determined. "Do they have a dish with chicken in this tavern?" Rafayel tilts his head, then turns to Caleb, and with that movement, hides how his hand moves even further up, brushing against the apex of his thighs, the back of his fingers brushing between his legs. "Since I served you my people's food, why don't you order something for me this time? I'll eat anything you have to offer." He smirks, the sparkle in his eyes and smug tilt of his lips a facade of playful flirting over food recommendations when in reality, his fingers had crawled one little tap at a time till he was cupping him over his pants, blinking his eyes innocently. "I'm feeling parched. Can you recommend something sweet?"
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hancfubuki · 3 months ago
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slow steps heading nowhere close the stairs, he has no intentions to. the faintest flicker of amusement sparking in his eyes as he watches rafayel getting out of the room. though, that sharp and cocky smirk tugging at his lips seems to be fragile too as the lemurian simply passes by. caleb was expecting retaliation, even craving it, being the main reason behind his actions, every step taken acting as a dare, a provocation, a silent challenge for rafayel to rise to the occasion and meet him with the same unrestrained intensity that he offered just moments ago. but now? his stomach sinks with each echo of the boots he just helped tying up against the floor. the words resounding in caleb's ears, the sudden gentleness behind it cutting deeper than any blade. and he feels his smirk faltering for just a second before attempting to mask it again, any trace of self-reassurance feeling paper-thin with every step, crumbling under the weight of thoughts he couldn't push away.
'did i misstep? did i misread him?' the questions surge from the back of his mind, twisting his thoughts. he wanted to see rafayel's desperation, to feel it radiating back at him as fiercely as his own. but he knows that sometimes he needs to be grounded and remember others are not like him. could be traces of disappointment, and the sudden intrusive thoughts messing with his confidence, making him spiral down the paths of doubt. perhaps he had gone too far, or maybe he just wasn't enough. maybe rafayel didn't want h— no.
the sharp intake of air caleb takes is nearly imperceptible, but it grounds him back to earth. he pushes himself off the doorframe, straightening his posture as his eyes followed rafayel's retreating figure down the corridor. he realizes his mind is simply messing with him, as there's no way rafayel hadn't feel it too; the heat, the hunger, the magnetism that left both of them breathless. so he clenches his jaw. refusing to let his doubts swallow him whole. but even as he descends the stairs, his pace is steady as he couldn't completely ignore the tight knot in his chest as the ache of disappointment and indirect rejection to his challenge lingers as a shadow. he believed he had baited the lemurian, but in all honestly, he hadn't prepared himself for the sting of being left wanting in return.
he shakes his head slowly, simply following the other behind without a word leaving his mind until his stride falters, just slightly as the stares start to be more noticeable. it's subtle at first, a curious glance here and there, an admiring look at rafayel. but as the whispers rise like a tide, caleb realizes he doesn't need to catch every word to understand what they are saying. admiration. desire. intrigue. all of it directed at rafayel. caleb feels his jaw tightening again, chest burning from jealousy and possessiveness. the ease with which rafayel carries himself, that graceful sway of hips as he moves through the tavern like he owned the room. it all feels like a cruel mockery of caleb's earlier turmoil. does rafayel know what he is doing? is he doing it on purpose? the though crosses his mind as his eyes narrow, fixed on the hypnotic rhythm of the lemurian's movements. the flick of purple strands against his pale skin, the way his lips, still flushed and bitten press together. caleb realizes with a sinking certainty that he knows exactly what he's doing. every tilt of his head and every glance cast towards the room seem annoyingly calculated to pull their attention. and caleb hates how it works magnificently. some poor fool even dropped their drink for seeing his precious lemurian. caleb frowns, his hands curling into fists at his sides as his nails dig into his palms as he tried—and failed—to suppress the anger boiling up within him. he notices as the other's pace quickens as he approaches gideon, so he takes a slow, measured breath to calm himself. he tries to plaster a smile on his lips, being anything but genuine, acting more of a shield than a show of confidence. so as soon as gideon is close, caleb makes his move, crossing the room with hurried steps with his gaze glued to rafayel. let them look. let them whisper. he doesn't care.
lies.
he cares. he is mad actually. he wants to break every single skull in this room.
"no. we can do whatever you want now." hm yeah— they should go back to lemuria, actually. away from all the gooners' looks. he takes another deep breath, his fingers brushing the back of the chair before he pulls it out with a smooth motion. "here. sit." he says softly, waiting for rafayel to sit down as his hand lingers longer than necessary before letting it go, taking a step back to stand behind him. he is really trying, a neutral expression on his face as he attempts really hard to mask his anger and jealousy.
though, across the table, gideon's eyes dart between them. he doesn't speak yet, but the weight of his stare is palpable. his lips press into a thin line as he leans slightly back in his chair. eyes scanning the room before settling on caleb. despite the captain's efforts to main his composure, gideon is capable to see through the façade. the tension in caleb's shoulders is subtle but telling, the way his jaw tightens exactly the same every. single. time. gideon can tell caleb is angry. "took you long enough." gideon says, leaning forward to rest his elbows on the table. so this is why he muttered sorry before. gideon is able to keep a straight face as he stares back at the lemurian. teasing? scolding? who knows. he is able to keep a straight face as he speaks. "i think your dog needs some training, rafayel. he might just decide to bite soon." incredible, how he doesn't even crack a laugh. a fully stoic expression in his face as he speaks. but caleb is able to recognize this tone in his voice. this smartass, bossy and mother-like friend is making fun of him as he always does. caleb can even see the ghost of a smirk playing on gideon's lips as he crosses his arms over his chest.
so this acts as a breaking point for caleb. lips pouting as his eyebrows frown.
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"shut up, gideon."
gideon finally scoffs, a muffled chuckle as he presses his lips together again to prevent laughing too loud. "like watching a puppy trying to act like a wolf."
"remind me why i tolerate you."
"because you secretly love me. now sit down, or you'll keep attracting stares." caleb huffs, but decides to be obedient and takes the seat next to rafayel. of course, getting the chair so incredibly close to the other so he can blatantly wrap his arm around his shoulders, as if yelling to the tavern that he belongs to him. gideon looks at them curiously, "you know, i was starting to get worried about caleb dying alone. he is quite popular, but always rejected everyone. i should have known he had a thing for mythical creatures."
Someone who would hit him and complain about him not wearing the outfit. That sounded more like the siblings he knew in his life. His closest friends were siblings, although Algie was an older sister while Konche was the younger of the two. To see that the dynamic wasn't too different made him smile a little, glad to know that another person in Caleb's life had been bold enough to tell him off when he was being stupid. It's just too bad that he was never given the chance to meet her, not in this lifetime, but if she had a grave as humans liked to make, maybe Caleb would want to visit. But he thinks he's made enough suggestions about reuniting with old loved ones already. Instead, he gives a displeased look when the other tries to say self-deprecating things once again, saying he wasn't good enough to be prince-like. Luckily, the other seems to understand it wasn't a suggestion but a statement, that this young girl had seen him undeniably with admiration. "I'm learning what works best." Rafayel smiles gently when he agrees to wear it again when the time is right, hoping he was able to push them in the right direction for his little sister's dreams to be fulfilled.
The tension and his gaze are too much, not when they have someone waiting for them downstairs right now. So he slips away, an easy act to do as he makes his way to the door, touching the handle with some disappointment. After all, he didn't dislike the attention or the dark way he roamed over him like he was wanted. He wanted to indulge in his touch a bit longer, interrupted from his affections before. Rafayel understands things might not be the same here... But just as the door cracks open an inch, he feels the pull on his body, warmth on his waist again. His back pinned against the wall beside the door, eyes looking up wide with surprise and panic, blood rushing to his face.
"Caleb-"
Words are swallowed up by desperate lips and teeth, eyes half-lidded as a blush creeps up to his face at the feral display of hunger that manifests in mouths crashing and teeth biting. Arms shoot up to loop around the other's back, nails digging into fabric and skin as their heads are tilted and mouths parted for a deeper kiss, clinging on as his legs stumble and he's supported by the body pressed against him and the wall behind, a hand on his hip feeling him grounded as he feels his body light and heavy all at once. The Lemurian gasps and his eyes don't close fully until the end, wanting to memorize every desperate look on the other as he devoured his lips. When he finally pulls away, Rafayel feels his lips slick and wet the same way Caleb's glistened in the dim light, buzzing and bruised from the searing kisses and bites. His cheeks stay flushed red, chest heaving as he gasps open-mouthed for air, hazy eyes peering up at the other with his own desperate need, brows downturned in a pitiful look. Even a drunken man could see the vivid desperation and plea for more, fingers tugging at his shirt begging him to give in.
But it's cold.
Like a slap to the face, the Lemurian's eyes widen in surprise when Caleb pulls away, a frustrating smirk pulling at his lips as he opens the door, bringing in a cool draft that tugs his bangs aside. Let's go. The younger male turns to stare at his walking figure, how slowly he steps out as if waiting, a predator setting a trap out for its prey to be lured, to pounce once the fish hooks onto his line so he can grab it whole. Back against the wall and his tongue licking over his stinging lips, Rafayel slowly balanced back onto his feet, mind whirring back to life from where it had shut down for pure desire and instinct. Caleb was trying to bait him, a trick that was Rafayel's own. Maybe he could find amusement in it some other time, but right now, he was left frustrated and needing, anger flashing over his face. It would be so easy to reach out, pull Caleb over to slam him against the wall he now stood against, shove him against it with inhuman strength to keep him pinned and unable to move, show him the frustration that the captain seemed eager to wring out of him.
The Lemurian rubs away the saliva over his lips and down his chin, dark eyes peering down at the floor. Static buzzes in the air, the soft scent of rain wafting through the window and open door. But it ceases as the sun peeks through the clouds, the same way his face turns into a smile with piercing eyes as he steps out of the room, closing the door behind them with a click. "As you wish, Captain." His voice is low, but gentle once again, boots clicking as he walks past Caleb in an unhurried pace, down the corridor and looking back with a curious glance that looks far too genuine, as if nothing had happened, motioning him to the stairs he starts descending first. His posture is straight but not forced, a natural grace in every step and sway of his hips as he finds his way through the building with ease. The tavern was easy to find when he could hear the noise and soft sound of Gideon's voice through the walls as he spoke to the master behind the counter. If he had a few heads turn as he walked down the stairs and corridors, now, as he opened the tavern door and peered in, one set of eyes on him caused a domino effect as they all shoved and stared, some openly while others shyly peered through their mugs and silverware. First, their attention was caught by the grand uniform, but as their eyes raked slowly up from the filled clothes to the pale face as delicate as a maiden's yet handsome as a prince, purple hair now fanning across his cheeks in light lavender under the light, a curtain of royal colors tickling a pale nape without a single blemish in sight-- that had whispers arise.
Rafayel pressed his reddened lips together as if in thought, purposefully gathering eyes to the way they were bitten not long ago. Head tilted just right, the candlelight hit his eyes and made them shine like an ocean's jewel; Deep as the seabed and bright as the glistening surface under the sun. He gives the whole room a swipe with his gaze, hearing something clatter but giving it no attention as his eyes light up, steps faster as he walks up to Gideon.
"Thank you for choosing these for me. I got to learn a lot more about him thanks to you." A genuine smile, nodding his head to show his sincerity, because for all that had happened, he was glad to learn more about his past. Then, the Lemurian leaned sideways against the tall counter, all elegant curves, an elbow perched with his head resting on the back of his curled fingers. I'm sorry, he mouths to Gideon secretly as he hears footsteps come up behind him, his other hand moving onto the counter, tapping his fingers lightly as he moves his gaze and eyes the bottles on the other side. "Shall we take a seat? Or is there somewhere else we need to go, Sunset?" He peers back at Caleb, raising a pretty brow at him in question, bringing all attention-- awe, surprise, and envy-- towards the captain.
"I'm not used to these shoes yet. Can we sit for a while? I also want Gideon to spill more of your stories."
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hancfubuki · 3 months ago
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     caleb’s arms tighten around him once more, his breath hitching for just a second before he presses his forehead against rafayel’s, eyes soft as a smile curls on his lips. “i promised to take you everywhere. whatever path we take, we’ll find it together. you and me.” he tilts his head just enough to brush his nose against the other’s. the moment feels incredibly cheesy, and caleb doesn’t care at all. for once, he met himself lean into it, allowing to be a hopeless romantic, something that he has always secretly wanted to be. even when the subject shifts to people of his past, bittersweet memories filling his head, yet a relieved smile draws on his lips. the idea of meeting zayne didn’t sound too bad at all, to honor the memory of their friend by sharing a moment of their newfound happiness. though, for the time being, he shakes the thought away as right now all he can think abut is creating his new adventures with rafayel. “i’m afraid you look extremely hot when you do that.” he leans in, whispering softly as the flame sparks from his finger. 
     caleb freezes for a moment, his hands fastening the last strap of the boots, fingers delicately brushing against the lemurian’s ankle before dropping to his sides. slowly, he looks up when he feels rafayel’s fingers on his cheek. his eyes wide and vulnerable. and for a second, he doesn’t know what to say. there’s softness in his voice, in his touch. a type of love and affection he still not used to. “i…” his voice falters, and he clears his throat, what seems nostalgic turns into a twitched smile. “she would hit my head and complain i don’t wear it anymore now that i think about it.” he chuckles, but traces of self-deprecation are still in his voice. “i’m waaaay too far to be a prince. i’m barely—“ but he stops himself when rafayel’s thumb brushes over his freckles. he lets a loud sigh, his hands resting lightly on the other’s knees as he looks up at him. “quite the smooth talker are you, huh?” he slaps softly his thigh, standing up and tidying his own clothes. the urge of cornering him appearing again. the need to devour his lips in a silence promise that he will never self-deprecate himself again. “i will. when i’m ready. but for now, i’ll just enjoy the view.” rafayel is still in his arms, his knuckles brushing lips with desire yet not daring to make a move, simply because gideon is waiting downstairs. 
     “i don’t need to. i like my current clothes.” he replies, yet he feels his chest tightening as rafayel easily slips away from his hold. he makes it seem so effortlessly graceful it almost feels like an art form. for a second, caleb just stares, dumbfounded, his mind catching the memory of rafayel’s teasing smile from long ago.
     ‘i’m good at slipping away when i need to.’
     oh. not this time. gideon can wait. 
     his hands shoots out before he can fully escape, fingers gripping firmly around the lemurian’s waist, spinning him around and pinning him to the wall beside the door in one swift motion. the air between them thickens, charged with tension. caleb’s gaze burns into the siren’s, the hunger in his eyes leaving no room for misinterpretation, closing the distance as lips crash together in a kiss that’s all teeth and desperation, raw and consuming. his hand presses into rafayel’s hip, tilting his head just enough to deepen the kiss. it’s messy, unrestrained, pushing his body against the wall completely. a culmination of all the moments cut short since they arrived in land. and as caleb finally pulls back, his own lips swollen from the intensity of the kiss, he drags his thumb across his own lower lip, wiping away the lingering saliva as a smirk tugs at the corner of his mouth. 
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“let’s go.” his voice rough but laced with amusement as he steps back, reaching for the door handle and opens the door with a casualness that feels almost out of place. he is clearly teasing, he is amused. he enjoys this playfulness as he waits for rafayel to cross the door with very slow steps. 
    waiting for rebound, maybe?
Rafayel melts into the comfort offered to him.
Eyes close as he tilts his head just right so the other's lips can brush against his temple, blinking them open with a soft look in his gaze. Affection, love, a tender feeling that warms him from the inside out at being surrounded by his arms and feeling accepted despite his wrongs, seen past the mistakes he made for the boy who clawed through everything to find peace in his life. His offer to take him anywhere makes him smile widely, eyes crinkling as he basks in the attention and buries his face into his chest once more to take in his scent. Away from the depths of the ocean and no longer tasting brine on his tongue, he smells different. Earthy, warm sunshine, a bit crisp even with the gentle breeze coming in through the windows, the smell of wood so strong and encasing them. The Lemurian rests his face in his hand when he touches him, nuzzling into his palm. "Show me your world, and I'll show you all of mine. I will light up even the darkest seas and skies so we find a path that leads us to a place we can find safety."
From his tone alone, the Lemurian knows meeting the doctor is an awkward situation. He couldn't truly understand the emotions going on within the other, but he knows at least that no matter how much he feels betrayed or angered, there is a sense of belonging and camaraderie to those you were bonded to as a child. Even if he says they had no bond when the girl had left them, they had stuck together despite the pain until the doctor had found his home in their adventures. They were what Rafayel believed was the human form of family, even if there was no blood relation to them. The doctor had moved on, and maybe, they could find something amongst what was once broken by grief. He is sure, when Caleb admits he wishes to apologize, smiling tenderly as he reaches up to give his cheek a gentle caress, a comfort for him. "Don't worry. If they bully you, I have plenty of tricks up my sleeve to make them regret it." Rafayel smirks, playful, snapping his fingers and showing a spark of flames, too small to cause harm but enough to give someone a scare.
Straightening from his position, he takes the shirt and pants, changing into them with care not to rip it. Rafayel lets Caleb maneuver him as he pleases, raising his arms and lowering his head when necessary to put all the pieces together. He watches him put it on, piece by piece in wonder, the care and soft touch he gives the fabric with nostalgia written across his face. Rafayel admires the outfit with him, each intricate pattern seeming too grand for just a simple present on a whim. The cloak was clipped and embellishments shining even with the dim light through the window. This was tailored for the other, with blessings from a girl who was now long lost. Caleb tells him he was undeserving, yet compliments him in the same sentence. It makes him frown, displeasure on his expression before he lets out a soft sigh and calms down. It wasn't something he could force, nor was he feisty enough to argue with him about it like Algie would. But... "I will wear this now, but one day, when you feel ready to accept that you were admired and loved thoroughly for who you are..." Rafayel leans down, cups his face where Caleb is kneeling before him as he adjusts his boots, rubs his thumb over his cheek where dots speckled prettily. "When you are ready to accept that in her eyes, you were the knight and prince that you see me as now in these garments, please wear them again. Every stitch was made with you in mind. How could you not be deserving?"
"I think you would look dashing in this."
A soft laugh escapes him when he mentions jealousy, the concept itself amusing to the Lemurian.
Pulled in by his strong arms and pressed close to his chest, Rafayel feels the air in his lungs subside when his knuckles brush his lips, the dark gaze now directed at him making his heart stop. It makes him want to squirm, but it also keeps him completely still in his arms, captured for him to do as he pleases. Caleb looks at him like he could devour him, a familiar look that happens when Rafayel is deliberately trying to goad him into kissing and flirting, but he had done nothing of the sort. So the admission that he's thinking of doing something reckless spikes his heart rate up ten notches. His ears burn, eyes blinking rapidly as his hands tickle with the need to grab on, a shy glance downwards.
"Yes, your friend is waiting. We should go."
Should, but his feet are planted on the ground. His hand is lowered to the other's shirt where he grips tightly. "Before we leave..." Rafayel glances up as he whispers, eyes wide and questioning. His gaze lingers on the other's lips, chapped again as they left the waters, a meaningful look and a passing desire flaring in his gut, feet lifting slightly as his body sways forward-- which he cuts off with a whip of his head aside, letting go and moving away with a clear of his throat. "Gideon said he would be at the tavern? Do we go back down the same steps we came from?" He changes the topic, stepping beside him to go grab the door, a quick escape from this room where dust fills his lungs and the privacy makes him yearn for more. "Do you need to change as well? I can wait outside, or go down first."
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hancfubuki · 3 months ago
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