escordvi | [ Open ] Travelers are dreamers...

Entry tags:

[ Open ] Travelers are dreamers...

Who: G'raha Tia + You!
Status: Open
Where: Various
What: MANTA quests
Warnings: TBA

💎 Spirited Away

[ It really shouldn't come as a surprise to see a very red cat strolling around Eltrut. It even has a little scarf about its neck. G'raha had wanted to see if the spell actually worked.

It does.

But apparently he is going to spend his time just basking in the wonderful sunlight. Snoozing. Looks like he is about to get some much needed rest!

Unless... ]

💎 Starships ( Close CR Only )

[ G'raha has everything that is needed for this little joint adventure. Parchment. Writing utensils. A compass. Even current star maps. He seems a little excited for this, apparently bringing snacks and a blanket along. ]

I wouldn't say that this is a particular skill of mine, charting the stars and all. Or cartography, for that matter. Yet the idea of new stars appearing in the sky is exciting, is it not? To think that, somewhere, a something new has been born brings about a sense of hope.

[ At least it does for him. How can anyone refute it, with the way his tail swishes and the gleam in his eye. Really, he just wants to look at stars like the helpless romantic sort he is. ]

💎 Book Bites

[ Anywhere that books are stored should be considered a sacred place. After all, it is a place of learning but also a place where knowledge is kept and stored for future generations or those in need. So to learn that something has been eating the pages is nothing short of disastrous.]

Now where could the creature responsible for this be?

[ At the present moment, he is following what appears to be some bit of a chewed up paper tail. He's looking under one of the reading chairs. Tail wiggling around as he tries to see proper. ]

💎 Get Shirty

[ Now the real question is... Who would have wanted to have switched clothing with G'raha?

The answer might be more simple than you think, since he is grabbing onto the hands of the person near him. Holding them with bright eyes that are just begging. ]

Surely a bit of fun is permitted? Doubtful you could tarnish my reputation in any way...

[ Alternatively... Perhaps this scene has already played out. Now there are consequences to allowing G'raha to switch clothing with you.

The consequences are - well he has been playing pranks. Harmless things, but enough that people are starting to get exasperated and maybe it is time to stop? ]

💎 Everybody's Grudge

[ He had heard of these strange Tonberries from Zack and others. But the reality is, he needs to see it with his own eyes. ]

I wonder... If these individuals are cursed as well?

[ Since that is how thing are back where he hails from. Still, as unfortunate as it might be? They might not have a choice regarding whether or not there is a need to take down this Tonberry. ]

💎 Wildcard

[ If nothing strikes your fancy, you can just hit me with whatever or tell me to write a custom starter. I'm down for it. Or you can hit me up @ verthunder on Plurk/Discord. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ The food from the bar is good. Raha has gotten used to it since he's been staying with Zack on and off. He's already setting everything down, shaking the blanket to set up a spot on the deck that they've picked out. ]

Neither had I. It isn't my field of study. [ Then he perks up. Gives Zack a quick kiss on the cheek. And hurriedly starts to spread everything out. ] One day I want you to tell me more about Gongaga. You mention Midgar quite often.

[ He's using both hands to pat the blanket. To encourage Zack to join him. ]

Maybe on this night I will name a star after you.

[Zack grins and moves to sit on the spot that G'raha has picked as their designated star-watching location. It's a good one. The Seventh Heaven is peaceful like this at night. He moves to sit next to G'raha's side and shifts to lean a kiss to G'raha's temple too.]

There isn't all that much to tell about Gongaga. A lot of bushes and trees and mushrooms.

[Not that he doesn't feel connected to his hometown... He just left when he was pretty young. And it's been years.]

And after me? Maybe I'll leave the star naming to you. I have no idea what I'd call a star.

[He just has to think about it!]

That is like saying Sharlayan has a lot of water and trees and scholars.

[ He settles against Zack, pulling out the compass to find true north. Then he can begin to orient the original star chart so that they might see the differences. ]

Why not after you, love? You are a bright light in my life, after all.

[Zack quirks a smile and watches G'raha work the compass. He'll glance up at the stars and then the charting paper again. He's not great at this sort of craft but they're both figuring this out together.]

You are to me too but I'm not sure a star called "Zack Fair" has the right ring to it.

[He chuckles a bit.]

Or did you have something else in mind?

[ Raha chuckles and leans against Zack. ]

No, I suppose not. It doesn't roll off of the tongue well. However, whatever name I come up with? You will know that it is for you and you alone.

[ Now he THINKS he has this right. The current star map, that is. At least he has been able to pinpoint the guiding star. ]

Now to match the current constellations.

[Zack smiles. He takes a second to watch G'raha do his nerd thing, working out the current map and pinpointing the new ones. He's come to really enjoy watching or listening to G'raha do nerdy things. He might not understand everything all the time and G'raha is leagues smarter than he is ... but he's trying to be enough.]

Well, maybe the "Zackary" constellation sounds okay.

[He takes his writing tool and marks a small star on the paper.]

But I think any of these new constellations should be named after you. You've earned something like that way more than I have.

[ There is a chuckle that escapes him. He is marking the stars on the chart that he can already identify with one color. Soon, any new ones he sees will be marked with a different one. ]

Oh? Would you like to be "full named" for the rest of eternity>

[ Of course he pauses, noting the star that Zack has marked. His ears perk up and red eyes look at Zack. ]

What do you mean? Are you not a great man yourself?

At least that way, every time I look up at the stars I'd think of you. And you full naming me.

[He leans his head towards G'raha. How corny is that but it's true. Full name him every single night.]

And yeah, of course, I think I've done a couple of pretty big noteworthy things. But you? All of the things you did to save not just your star but multiple stars? That's ... lightyears more.

[ There's a slight pink dusting across his cheeks. His tail lashes about behind him. It's a statement that makes him fluster, but also smile. Wide. ]

Think of me and laugh no doubt. A full bellied one that makes my heart melt.

[ He leans over to press a kiss to a cheek. ]

These things, however, are not to be compared. Lives cannot be measured so, love. You continue to do things that matter here and you shall do more in the future.

[He likes it when G'raha blushes a bit. The colour on his cheeks is cute.]

I'd laugh. Every time.

[Maybe it wouldn't be so bad to have a star named after his full name in that case. If it reminds him of G'raha and something sweet between them at the same time.]

I hope so, it's still a big dream of mine to make a difference.

[ He is thankful for Zack. So very thankful. What would he do without this man by his side? Without his love and affection? Because Raha now has it and his life would be less if he were to do without. A hole, a void would be in his heart.

How stricken he is with this man. ]

You do make a difference, Zack. Every day you make a difference to me.

[ Now let him duck his head and continue his work. ]

...?

[Somehow there seems to be just a little more weight to G'raha's comment. He looks at G'raha and his expression softens.

It's true that Zack has been wondering about himself, lately. Ever since everything happened with ... He's been wondering if he's actually enough for G'raha. Enough of a man. Enough of a partner. He can't really help thinking that. Since there's been a lot of times in his life where he's lost what he's loved.

Hearing G'raha say that with such a soft and honest expression. It makes him feel good. He puts his writing tool down and wraps an arm around G'raha's shoulder, hand resting gently between G'raha's ears. He leans close and closes his eyes to press lips on his temple once again.

This person, who's been such an incredibly mysterious and bright force in his life now... He's constantly blown away by his brilliance, his soft heart, his steady being. And Zack is so head over heels for G'raha too. G'raha deserves everything. And Zack just wants to share even a fraction of that light.]

[ His ear flicks at the sound of Zack putting down the pen. Raha's head lifts at the feel of an arm around his shoulder. He turns his head the moment there are lips at his temple. A hand reaches up, abandoning its duty to attend to a matter of the heart. His heart. This man. Thus the scarred cheek is taken in that hand.

Raha draws the other down to him. Presses their foreheads together as a tail wraps about Zack's waist. Zack thinks of G'raha Tia as a star in the sky, but perhaps that is what they both are. Beacons of light against the backdrop of the sky that have found one another. A moon that reflects one another's sun. Raha would say these things but he's sure he would be teased for voicing them. That or Zack's eyes would water and his smile develop in a way that would make Raha want to pull him away from the world around them.

Then the stars would never be charted. ]

When you look at me like that I oft wonder what you are thinking. What thoughts cross your mind.

[His eyes stay closed when he feels G'raha shift toward him. And stay closed when he feels G'raha's palm against his scarred cheek. He takes a moment to just enjoy the warm touch and their brows together. The quiet night. Just slowly breathing it in.

He doesn't want to bring up the more frustrated thoughts he has. Not after they've said their peace on it. He doesn't want to ruin the peaceful night under the stars either.

Zack opens his eyes and his expression is still soft, lips quirking slightly with a smile.]

I'm thinking about... How much I want to be right here with you just like this for as long as I can be. How damn incredible you are. And if I can make a difference in your day, everything's worth it.

[It's romantic and maybe a little bittersweet.]

[ There is more too it than that, Raha thinks. Romantic and bittersweet, a bit of weight to Zack's gaze. He really is lost in thoughts and does not wish to share. At least not all of them. G'raha hums in response, not applying any pressure in this moment. If Zack wishes to relay some of the other things on his mind, he will.

Instead, Raha moves. He removes his hand from Zack's cheek. Pushes the chart and writing utensils out of the way for a moment. There will be a return to star gazing, but there are some things that can wait. Zack is something that cannot and Raha settles himself into the other's lap. ]

A shared feeling. I, too, find myself desiring to be with you whenever I can, as long as I am allowed to be. It becomes increasingly difficult to part from you. [ Zack thinks that he is amazing. False. The amazing one here is and always will be Zack. ] When I wake and see you there, staring at me, I realize that I wouldn't mind being stranded for another century as long as you are with me through it.

[There's more to it but Zack doesn't want to ruin the good mood between them right now. He cherishes his time with G'raha more than anything and he'll work through his own thoughts with time. For now, he very readily accepts G'raha pulling himself into his lap and Zack slides his arms comfortably around G'raha's waist to hold him close. This seems to be one of their default positions and the closeness feels good. Like it makes his heart buzz.]

Being with you... It's like I remember how to breathe properly. If I had it my way, I'd keep you close for as long as I could. Nothing feels better than seeing you next to me in the morning.

[So the sentiment is returned.]

It makes me wonder. Wouldn't it be better if we named the constellation after both of us somehow? So the stars that make it up. They're always together.

[He thinks...]

Do you have any words for something like that? ... In that language you've studied.

[Ancient Allagan?]

[ He straddles Zack's lap and makes himself comfortable as the man wraps arms around him. Yes, this is how they seem to bring comfort to one another. How they reassure each other and soothe whatever inner turmoil clutches at their heart and soul. There's a sigh as he settles and presses lips against Zack's a light touch. His arms drape across Zack's shoulders and feels the warmth of his breath and body against him. ]

Hmmm. Leaving you always makes my heart clench at the loss.

[ So that means that G'raha also longs and yearns to keep Zack close for as long as possible. The topic shifts, though, and there is a smile as Zack makes the suggestion to use something in ancient Allagan. G'raha shakes his head at that. ]

As much as I might have studied the people and for as much as their history now dwells within, they were a race of conquerors. Nay, if you wish to go that route, I have something else in mind. So tell me, what would you use to describe us.

[Zack smiles easily against G'raha's lips. It feels good to hear that G'raha feels almost the same way he does. Being on different crews is a difficult thing but he respects G'raha's time and space. Who knows, maybe they could find a better solution to their arrangements in the future that isn't always just finding themselves in Zack's cabin on the Seventh Heaven, but time will tell.

Now G'raha has him thinking further...]

What would I use to describe us? ... I guess the first word that comes to mind is unexpected. [... He thinks.] Intense. And safe.

Aye. Unexpected is a word I would use as well. I had thought that you'd have your date and that would be the end of it. Yet here we are.

[ His eyes search Zack's as though thinking. What they have is intense, yes, but also comfortable. Not too much but also not enough. Sheltering and safe. He is glad that they share similar ideas on their relationship. It's endearing. ]

Aprosdókitoi Erastés... [ Raha murmurs, closing his eyes. ] For "unexpected lovers," if you find that agreeable.

I still remember how surprised you were.

[Zack had been straightforward with his intentions from the start. He didn't play that many games. He was attracted to G'raha in all sorts of ways from the day he met him. It was unexpected but Zack followed that lead the moment he had it.

He's just glad that G'raha accepted that too.

G'raha picks a set of words that sounds incredibly nerdy but it makes him quirk a small smile. Speak nerdy to him like that, G'raha-]

Yeah, I like the sound of that.

[He really does.]

No one had ever asked me out on a date before. How else was I supposed to react?

[ He gives Zack a peck on the lips. Then Raha wiggles, turning around completely so his back is against Zack's chest. Still in his lap, but able to continue to work from this position.

Perhaps also to hide his blush at the fact that Zack is smiling. Soft and fond and in a way that makes Raha's heart jump up into his throat. Zack likes Raha's suggestion. Loves him. Raha loves him in return so...

Oh his poor heart. ]

Then when we find a constellation, that is what we will call it. When the both of us look up at the night's sky, we will know.

[Zack lets out a small laugh at G'raha's retelling. He's still very convinced that there are quite a few individuals out there who would ask G'raha on a date. He's a real catch.

Once G'raha has wiggled around on his lap, Zack wraps his arms firmly around his waist and rests his chin on G'raha's shoulder. They'll need a bit more time to find a constellation they want to use so he'll let G'raha work for now.]

It's perfect, let's make our mark on the night sky.

[And the galaxy?

He tilts his had to nuzzle his nose into G'raha's neck.]

Have I told you today that I love you.

[ Once Raha is comfortable, it would seem that Zack also adjusts accordingly. There's a soft smile on his features as Zack does this, chin on a shoulder. Warmth radiating off of Zack and curling around Raha in return.

He continues to work, wanting to put their "mark on the night sky." The silence is quite comfortable, Raha humming a small tune while he marks out new stars on the map he had brought with him. Maybe Zack isn't pointing anything out, but it doesn't matter. His affection and warmth are enough.

And if the Miqo'te is softly rumbling, then all is well. At least until he chuckles at Zack's words. ]

I think you might have said as such this morning, aye. Though you speak it with every glance and every touch. So full are they of your intent and affections that I need not guess what you are trying to tell me.

[He'll leave the finer details of star mapping to G'raha because now he doesn't want to screw it up. He would rather watch G'raha work with a content smile on his lips. And his arms around the other. Taking comfort in that quiet purring.]

Good, but I'll tell you more often anyway.

[He just wants G'raha to know how much this means to him.]

If you tell me too often then I will start to feel rather spoiled rotten. Would you have me become some drunken glutton for your affections, Zack?

[ Actually no. Don't answer that. The answer to this is probably "yes." So Raha will just return to the task at hand. And fall into a single-minded focus. Zack's hands are secure around him. He feels safe and everything else just begins to melt away. ]

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