Love & Deepspace (One Shots)

won't make it to the afterparty. 🎨 (s)

this is probably way longer than it needs to be, but it took me a week to finish soooo... enjoy! 🤭

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After a day full of paperwork and hunting down Wanderers, I'd made my way to Rafayel's studio to get ready for a big art exhibition which would be revealing one of his newest paintings. It had taken weeks of procrastination and the effort I'd put into cleaning his place had been completely undone, but the end result was magnificent; he'd allowed me a sneak peek once the painting was finally complete, and I'd dare say it was one of his best pieces yet. I had no doubt the public would marvel at it, just as I had.

To save a little time, I'd dropped off my dress along with everything else I'd need to get ready at the studio before heading to work in the morning, meaning I could head straight there once I clocked out. Raf had previously given me a key and said I could bother him whenever I liked, though he made sure to quietly add that my presence was never a bother so I wouldn't feel bad about it... he really is a sweetheart once you get past the layers of sass.

Brushing a little dirt off of my uniform, I twisted the door handle and made my way inside, awkwardly stepping over a paint pallet just a few steps into the hall. As I moved further into the studio, my eyes were immediately drawn to the canvases and sketchbooks that littered the walls and floors, each bearing their own unique artwork ranging from rough sketches all the way to full on murals created with the most amazing colours. Being surrounded by such beauty — both Rafayel's art and the ocean front — always makes me feel like I'm in some kind of wonderland. He'd certainly been keeping himself busy whilst I was away.

I continued through to the living room, freezing once I laid eyes on Rafayel who was lounging on the sofa in front of the window, staring out at the sky with a sketchbook and pencil clutched in his hands. He didn't react at all to the sound of my footsteps which made me think he hadn't even realised I was there.

"Really, Rafayel?" I asked, finally getting his attention. He turned to look at me with a soft smile, resting his chin in one of his hands. "You haven't even started getting ready yet?"

"How do you know that?"

"Well..." I trailed off, scanning my eyes over his figure. "For starters, your shirt is all wrinkled, and there's a paint blotch on it." He glanced down at the spot I pointed to, seemingly surprised as though he wasn't already aware. "And your hair could do with a brush." That comment made him pout a little. "Pluuuus, we picked out your suit a week ago."

Raf rolled his eyes and smirked. "Alright, Miss. Know It All. I'm just relaxing a little before the madness starts. That's not so bad, is it?" His voice was soft with a teasing lilt as he held a hand out to me. "Why don't you join me?"

"Oh, no, you can't lure me in, siren." I said, motioning to my dirt spattered clothes and messy hair. "As you can see, I've got a lot of work to do. So, I am going to go get myself dolled up in that nice, expensive dress I bought, and you, my friend..." Stepping forward, I used my finger to boop his nose. "You had better be in your suit by the time I come back."

His smirk continued to grow as he looked me up and down. "Or else what?"

"Or else... maybe I won't hold your hand whilst we're out tonight."

Finally, he sat up a little, looking very offended that I'd even threaten such a thing. That gave me satisfaction that I'd spooked him enough to convince him to get ready, and so I made my way into the bedroom to find my dress still neatly hanging on the front of the wardrobe. I couldn't help admiring it as I had when I first laid eyes on it; it was a soft peach colour with a ruffled skirt, sheer midriff, and golden flower details scattered all over the top. Rafayel had refused to look at the dress until I was wearing it, making me even more excited to see his reaction once I stepped back into the studio.