Work Text:
"You've been listening to that song for awhile now. Aren't you tired of it?", Rafayel muses. His hand holding a brush pauses as if waiting for your reply.
It's been a few days since you last saw Rafayel. Exhaustion from work has made you miss the melodious voice paired with sassy remarks, and you admit the playful fights were something you looked forward to. The weekend came, so you decide to spend the rest of your day off with him.
"It's a recommendation from a friend. It feels so calm." You hum in acknowledgment, a relaxed sigh escapes your lips. The painter was unsatisfied with the reply, evident as he puts his paintbrush down and turns around to look at you. He flashes a somewhat annoyed look, but it softens the moment your eyes meet.
He opens then closes his mouth, still picking the right words to say. He chooses to pout, "You've been ignoring my calls this past few weeks and when you're finally here with me, you're paying attention to not me, but some music your friend recommended to you."
You flash him a radiant smile and giggle which made Rafayel's ears turn slight pink. God, you really missed him. Even his incessant whining made your heart swell. You shift in the sofa to pause the music and turn in your seat to fully look at him.
"Let me enjoy my peace with music, won't you? And since when have I ignored your calls? I call you as soon as I'm done with my mission and we text everyday. Today's my day off y'know, and I came straight to your house to spend it with you." You quip back at him. Something about his expression tells you that he's seriously trying to consider your point.
You swear some droopy ears pop on Rafayel's head as he ducks his head. He whispers under his breath, "I just miss you so much."
"I missed you too", you reply. His ears turned pink. You gesture Rafayel to sit beside you and he quickly stands from his stool, his painting completely forgotten. You'll remind him later on, but for now you need to shower your boyfriend with love.
Rafayel pecks on your cheek and hugs you tight. You chuckle with glee and kiss his forhead. He lays on top of you, shamelessly using your body as cushion. Looks like hunter training has prepared you for this very moment.
You lazily play with his bangs while his arms wrap around your waist protectively. That 'annoyed' expression he wore quickly became relaxed, like a cat that earned its treat.
"That song", Rafayel starts. "What picture comes to mind? I wanna hear your thoughts, your voice."
Rafayel's eyes are closed as he speaks. Probably not aware he voiced his thoughts out loud. After awhile, you speak softly.
"That song...reminds me of you."
Rafayel's eyes open to look at you. You quickly avoid his stare and feel your cheeks heat up. You try to meet his gaze again, only to find a curiousity that asks a thousand questions, but he's holding back and patiently waits for your answers.
You cough lightly, supressing a stutter. You close your eyes a little and smile sheepishly while you continue to pet his hair. This time, firmly holding your gaze at him, hoping that he feels the sincerety of your words.
"It reminds me of you. The Rafayel whom I dearly love and loves me back.
The Rafayel who taught me how colors are emotions, and emotions show colors. He taught me that expressions are more of gradients than monotonous shades.
The Rafayel who holds my hand and takes me on adventures—be it an art exhibit to meandering through a bustling alley; the beach where the the sun greets the ocean and paints the horizon coral; taking me on dates in our home when the weather proves to be an awful sight.
The Rafayel who doesn't take turns on playing the claw machine. I'm still sour about that, but it was worth it because he caught so many plushies for me.
His eyes twinkle like the ocean bathed in sunset. He looks at me like when the moon comes out and litters the sand with stars, so much so that you'd think the sky is upside down.
He can be annoying though."
That pulls you away from your thoughts. A slight pinch at your waist catches your attention. It's not enough to hurt, but enough to focus your sight on Rafayel. He looks like a mess. Deshieveled bangs and the red, rosy cheeks he tries to hide with his hand.
"Meanie."
You pause.
"Hahaha! Rafayel, you didn't let me finish!" You burst out laughing at his remark. You try to compose yourself as your boyfriend, now with two hands covering his face refuses to look at you.
"Okay okay, I'll stop laughing. Let me finish first then you can voice out your feelings. Ahem. Yes, he can be annoying. Buuut!" You quickly add as to not hurt your boyfriend any longer.
"But! I love that part of him. His whining, pouting, calls and texts—I want it all!
Maybe his constant annoyances are what remind me that I have a home to come back to. Maybe I'd feel so lonely if you suddenly stopped calling me. My day gets a little bit brighter when I hear your voice. A-and if your art exhibits tire you, I'll come to your rescue and whisk you away!
S-so please, don't ever stop. You're everything I ever want."
It's your turn to blush maddeningly hard it makes you dizzy. There's a long silence between you two save for the rustling of your hand caressing his hair. Oh. That hand abruptly stops.
"...Really?"
It sounded so soft, so broken, and came with a sniff that made you double take. You were quick to wrap your arms around Rafayel and pull him closer to your chest, closer to you.
"I mean every word." You kiss Rafayel's tears away. He looks up at you and smiles.
"I love you."
Rafayel's smile was bedazzling.