an itty bitty preview of a rafayel WIP because love and deepspace has me by the throat AND has forced me to sit down and write something. at the pace i'm going, it'll take 800 years 🐠 omg but i'll try to get it out sooner than later (hopefully)
HE LOOKS BEAUTIFUL IN THIS HOUR, specks of moonlight worn over his face like he’s been kissed by the stars. He has a loveliness different from the paintings scattered around his home, and it feels as if he is the magnum opus, born out of your own fantasy, but even better. The greatest masterpieces don’t compare – you don’t doubt that envy exists because of him. You’re left breathless and spellbound, quiet in your admiration.
There’s no mischief in his eyes, no expression on him that screams smug and teasing in the way that you’re used to. It’s intense, feverish; a match to the sweltering heat of summer outside these walls. Your chest stutters when the scent of saltwater catches a small breeze through the windows. And, it’s in that moment, strangely enough, the night comes to you like a sort of dream you think you shouldn’t have.
Any other time, you would be quick to turn away from Rafayel, the rational side of you claiming that the secrets he holds are secrets for a good reason, and if you should ever be involved, you may find yourself drowning with no way of reaching the surface.
But, that’s where you know where your fault lies. You’ve already wandered far, toed the line where the land ends and the water begins and crossed it without any problems just a few months ago. Things don’t seem so far-fetched anymore. Not with Rafayel. Especially not now when he looks at you as if he’ll consume you whole – if you say the word, he’ll do it faster than a heartbeat, you’re certain of it. There’s little reason to deny the tension that continues to grow between you.
His gaze doesn’t falter, holds your own in a vice that suffocates you, but you don’t try to look away and gasp for air. Instead, you abide by some unspoken truth so simply because the way it squeezes you makes you believe something more will happen if you stay.
zagreus can be a funny, sarcastic little shit sometimes but hes also just so, so kind and compassionate. like the way he expresses himself and his affection to others genuinely makes me feel so warm
like yes the sole reason he tried to escape is to go find his birth mother whom he never knew yet loved all the same, that in itself is proof - but he's so genuine and honest that it becomes affectionate rather than overbearing or that it feels like hes some kind of people pleaser. with theseus being the exception maybe but thats only bc theseus is a condescending bitch (/lh i find him funny)
The feeling when you ship a character with someone kind of because you know other people ship them, and you, like, get the vibe, but it feels kinda flat...
And then
You find another ship with the person and suddenly it's not flat, and you actually see the tiny neon sign above go "New Comfort Ship Unlocked" and proceed straight into hyperfixation for the next few days/weeks
I can't express how much I feel grateful for this gift art 😭🥹🥰
Thank you soo much for the encouragement dear @woof-mw ! To see my two fictional husbands cheering me up like this aaah you're spoiling me 🫶🫰🫶🫰🫶🫰 I'll cherish this forever!