Raphael Jibril

formerly Israfil. Now trying to adjust to... married life with... with... expectations. And things. Yeah.

[maybenewlywedraph]

MMmmnnnh?

[maybenewlywedraph]

Noooo…?

Gabriel needs to stay true to her words… so Raphael enveloped her in two arms… not that it would be much of a hindrance, but… he would get to embrace a naked Gabriel, too. Which was always a good thing.

"… comfortableeeee…"

And really, it’s not like Matia cared.

[dutifulhusbandenoch]

"Ahahahha… I’m afraid you wont be leaving any time soon then, love…" Enoch commented the scene… and then joined Raphael’s endeavour to keep their wife in bed. Two men could maybe bring up the strength to hold one woman back. "Maybe it’s good to do things different around here… we’ve been in a rut  for too long, lean back and cuddle with your husbands again?"

[eldestgabrieljibril]

'surrendering' to the sudden snuggle-attack, Gabriel sat back down, wrapping one arm around Enoch and Raphael each. “I can see I'm outnumbered,” she chuckled. “Much better like this anyway.”

Happily wiggling back under the blankets, she picked up the corner of the blanket and held it up for Raphael. “Come join us?” she asked. “Don’t want you to feel excluded in any way…”

[maybenewlywedraph]

He tilted his head for a moment, considering... he had to let go of their sneaky wife to go under the blanket... but she didn't look like she was too interested in leaving, so he needed to risk it. possibly.

As fast as it was possibly for him, he snug under the blanket and wrapped himself around Gabriel again. Not letting go. Nope. Two men should be enough.

"...", he blinked a moment, then his features melted: "... waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarm...", he wriggled a bit deeper into the mattress. Wonderful, wonderful warmth.

[maybenewlywedraph]

MMmmnnnh?

[maybenewlywedraph]

"Sure! You have to face your fears!", it’s a reason t get excited.

Alright, he faced enough fears every day right now, but… this fear was kind of tangible. And avoidable. It only had teeth and hooves. That was kind of okay…

Nibbling at his breadroll, he smiled some more…

"Horse-tending it is!", Matia would be happy…

[dutifulhusbandenoch]

His wife was so close, that was so nice… And Raphael seemed, okay? "We should… probably get freshened up or at least half way dressed before Matia storms in here though… shouldn’t we… Raphael’s all pretty already, I can’t let Matia see me like this, my hair is a mess…" he said, with a laugh.

[eldestgabrieljibril]

"Why should we when we’re so comfortable here?" Gabriel asked, winking. "She’ll understand, I’m sure. We’ve got all day ahead of us to go let you two pet the horses, so there’s no rush…"

She did stretch and make to get up, though, placing the breakfast stuff back a bit so she could slip out from underneath the table.

[maybenewlywedraph]

Noooo...?

Gabriel needs to stay true to her words... so Raphael enveloped her in two arms... not that it would be much of a hindrance, but... he would get to embrace a naked Gabriel, too. Which was always a good thing.

"... comfortableeeee..."

And really, it's not like Matia cared.

[maybenewlywedraph]

MMmmnnnh?

[dutifulhusbandenoch]

There was something on Enoch’s face and in his eyes. Not just a smile, a shimmer, a shine… almost like a sparkle.

"… this’ll be so nice…" he said… and watched Raphael eat, with relief. "We haven’t actually done anything together as a family, really… except from meals… and that… doesn’t count… we need to spend some quality time together… all of us…" he nuzzled his nose against Gabriel’s cheek, but nodded at Raphael.

[eldestgabrieljibril]

"Looking after the animals is rather time-intensive, too," Gabriel mused, leaning closer to Enoch. "It’s actually a surprisingly good thing to do to have some family bonding time, come to think of it."

Resting her head on her first husband’s shoulder, she smiled at Raphael. “I’m glad to see you getting so excited about it.”

[maybenewlywedraph]

"Sure! You have to face your fears!", it's a reason t get excited.

Alright, he faced enough fears every day right now, but... this fear was kind of tangible. And avoidable. It only had teeth and hooves. That was kind of okay...

Nibbling at his breadroll, he smiled some more...

"Horse-tending it is!", Matia would be happy...

[maybenewlywedraph]

MMmmnnnh?

[dutifulhusbandenoch]

"… I… I’ve rode once, with my sisters, but I was a little smaller and she was holding really tight onto me… and the horse only walked and was led by another sister and… it was… nice?" he nodded, slowly sounded good…

"… so we’ll have a family day in the stables today?" his voice was enthusiastic, hopeful even.

[eldestgabrieljibril]

"Whenever Matia wakes up," Gabriel said. "I know she’d want to be there for that and it’s probably safer." Could get in some horse-tending as well while they were at it, maybe… Yeah, that’d work.

[maybenewlywedraph]

"She'd probably take the place of the horse making the injuries on me if she would not be there...", he nodded fiercely.  Not a good idea at all.

"Stables!", he exclaimed happily and grabbed a breadroll, nomming it in a rodent-way.

[maybenewlywedraph]

MMmmnnnh?

[dutifulhusbandenoch]

"… wait… we talked about seeing, not riding… " Okay, abort mission! Abort mission! That was a step too far.

And he even kind of wanted to ride a horse… but they were so big… and intense… and also so… up and down going. Oh God that would feel horrible. "… uh… I’d rather not ride one… today? They are so bumpy on the lower back… I’d like to touch it’s fur though, if that’s possible?"

[eldestgabrieljibril]

"Of course it is," she assured him. Made her feel one hell of a lot safer, too — two people to watch the horses while these two pet them. "You can take a rain check on the riding thing if you want to do that some other time, by the way. That would only be fair. Wouldn’t it?" she asked, glancing at Raphael.

[maybenewlywedraph]

"Aaaahjepp! We can slowly learn to ride!", it was probably for the best f them all. Horses ARE scary like something.

"I guess it will be pretty useful in the end... if we ever need to go somewhere fast..."

[maybenewlywedraph]

MMmmnnnh?

[dutifulhusbandenoch]

Perhaps yes, it would definitely be nicer in a bigger bed…

"… ha, then I’ll bring you breakfast to bed tomorrow…” Enoch chuckled, longingly looking after another slice of bread. "… wait what… horses? Why do you get to see the horses?" he looked at Raphael, then at Gabriel, then back at the boy, then at his wife. "… why does he get to see the horses?”

[eldestgabrieljibril]

…well, there went the surprise.”Because,” Gabriel said, placing a hand on one of Enoch’s shoulders, “you will get to ride one with me today. If you’re feeling up to it, at least…” Could be he didn’t want to, after all. Nothing to be done about that.

Looking at Raphael again, she told him, “Make sure you tell her I said to only let you pet them with the stable walls between you and them. This is not open for negotiation and if either of you disrespects that, you will be punished accordingly. I don’t want to come back and find that the horse got spooked and broke your leg, or worse.”

[maybenewlywedraph]

"Because I am a stubborn one and need to be intimidated to be talked to! It totally works", he nodded earnestly.

"And Matia totally wants to take advantage of that now. She won't like the that, but she'll be a good girl, I promise. And I won't get close either, don't worry, I do have some sense to keep alive!", the horse was scary. And that had been the nicest and oldest one of the mares.

For all he knew, Matia would have a preference for the wildest of them all. But he'd see. And make sure to stand outside of the stables. Jupp.

[maybenewlywedraph]

MMmmnnnh?

[dutifulhusbandenoch]

He let the kiss happen. Replied it even.

Whatever Gabriel had done. It must have been some female magic, considering Raphael was the complete opposite of yesterday… "… it’s a bit small though for ménage à trois like this…" he said, laughing quietly… then shifting again a bit… the confined space made it near impossible to find a sitting position that didn’t hurt his lower back…

[eldestgabrieljibril]

"Could move to my bed next time," Gabriel offered. "It’s bigger, so it might work. Not sure if it’s big enough, though…" Raphael was lanky, but…

Meh. Food for thought later. Right now, there was breakfast, and snuggling up to Enoch. Gabriel finished off her toast. “So what were you two planning to do today?”

[maybenewlywedraph]

"Sounds perfect!", he grinned and nodded. Bigger bed meant more room, after all.

"I... am going to carefully ask Matiia to show me the horses. I think she will eagerly agree. I promise to be careful, really!", he raised his hands defensively. "... and cleaning. Lots of cleaning" These bedsheets, too. AND his own, definitely. Best all of them.

[maybenewlywedraph]

MMmmnnnh?

[dutifulhusbandenoch]

He flinched shortly… that tickled but… it was nice to have that arm around himself…

And she ate… which was good. Raphael didn’t though… Mhm… Enoch picked up a piece of bread as well, biting into it… Really good. Much better than he had expected bread to ever taste. "Mhmm… this is great!" he said after swallowing. "Have you eaten yet?" He patted on the bed at their leg and feet level, shifting a little and sitting halfway crosslegged to make space, hoping Raphael would join them… and surely Gabriel would figure to move as well.

[eldestgabrieljibril]

Holding to a corner of the tray, wary of adding more dirty laundry to the boys’ workload, Gabriel carefully shuffled away as well, happily freeing up a spot on the bed. Gesturing at it, she said, “Come on, Raphael, sit, please. It would be a shame if you put all that effort into a breakfast you won’t even eat.” And it would help both her and Enoch feel a little more secure in the boy’s health…

[maybenewlywedraph]

The boy did as he was told: clambering over them from the side and nestling there, reaching over for a kiss to the lips for Gabriel... and one for Enoch. If needed with a little chin-hold.

"Thank you!", he continued grinning and grabbed his own cup of coffee, taking careful sips. Still hot, too hot for him, at least.

"...nice bed..." mmmmh...

[maybenewlywedraph]

MMmmnnnh?

[dutifulhusbandenoch]

He did sleep well. Felt a bit groggy, but positively though…

And slowly began to shift into a more humane, sitting position. It was a bit awkward to have Raphael here. And Raphael knowing full well that they had done marriage business. "… good morning to you too, Raphael…" his voice was calmer and softer than he had expected it to be… "… I’m sorry you had to make breakfast on your own… but thank you for cleaning up…" a smile even… And then his stomach reminded him that there was breakfast to pay attention to… But first… cautiously kissing Gabriel’s cheek. "… good morning…"

[eldestgabrieljibril]

Enoch would get an arm wrapped around his waist to pull him a bit closer when Gabriel returned it, or at least as close as could be done without upsetting their breakfast. “Good morning.”

Reaching for a piece of bread and eggs, Gabriel bit into it, giving Raphael a grateful smile for the breakfast.

[maybenewlywedraph]

It seemed to be a rather normal breakfast. At least from Raphael's point of view. Okay, maybe not exactly view. Because that one was a lot better than usual. A lot more skin was seen than usual. And unkempt hair.

"Good appetite!", he said with the biggest grin that could be. His family was okay. Right now, all was quite okay. Grinning was absolutely acceptable. Happiness!

[maybenewlywedraph]

MMmmnnnh?

[dutifulhusbandenoch]

He slept so incredibly well… even though when he eventually woke he felt a little cramped and like he had slept in a too small space.. His nose pressed flat against the pillow… not immediately waking from the kiss… "… MMmmnnnh?.." was his first sound as the shifting on the bed grew stronger, as did the smell of breakfast… Eyes blinking sluggishly… raising his head a bit.

[maybenewlywedraph]

Raphael then proceeded to smile and lift the bed-breakfast-tablet, putting it on it’s stilts, securing them on the side of the bed and proceeding to place it over the two of them… and sat down on the opposite side of it

"Breakfast for the wonderful, lovely married couple." He smiled widely and poured the coffee.

"… I’m happy to see you slept well." He was the picture of happy.

[eldestgabrieljibril]

"We did," Gabriel agreed, taking one of the coffee cups. "Still a lovely surprise to wake up to something like this, though. Thank you, Raphael."

When he put the coffee down again, she took his hand and kissed the back of it, settling back against Enoch slightly when she let it go. “Did Matia get breakfast yet?

[maybenewlywedraph]

Wifely attention is always good attention. Good attention he shall grin about. And even more about them leaning against one another, eyes lit up with warmth.

"Yes, she did. Also a note telling here where we are. But she's still sound asleep, maybe comes over later", or maybe not, she might have some running to do, seeing that she held still a lot during the evening. Mmmmh.

"The kitchen is all cleared up already, so no reason to worry, Enoch"

[maybenewlywedraph]

MMmmnnnh?

[eldestgabrieljibril]

"Huh?…" Gabriel blinked at the touch, the room slowly coming into focus.

…Enoch’s room?… Ah. Right. Yesterday, she had sex with him…

At some point in the night she’d sprawled out with little regard for obstacles, so she was half-tangled in the blankets, with her legs draped over Enoch’s and head dangerously close to falling off the side of the bed.

Shifting until she was on half of the bed, Gabriel sat up and leaned against the headrest, smiling at Raphael. “Good morning. Breakfast sounds great.”

[dutifulhusbandenoch]

He slept so incredibly well… even though when he eventually woke he felt a little cramped and like he had slept in a too small space.. His nose pressed flat against the pillow… not immediately waking from the kiss… "… MMmmnnnh?.." was his first sound as the shifting on the bed grew stronger, as did the smell of breakfast… Eyes blinking sluggishly… raising his head a bit.

[maybenewlywedraph]

Raphael then proceeded to smile and lift the bed-breakfast-tablet, putting it on it's stilts, securing them on the side of the bed and proceeding to place it over the two of them... and sat down on the opposite side of it

"Breakfast for the wonderful, lovely married couple", he smiled widely and poured the coffee.

"... I'm happy to see you slept well", he was the picture of happy.

[maybenewlywedraph]

MMmmnnnh?

The first rays of sunshine hit Raphael and he blinked awake. Well rested and warm.

Warm? That was new.

With a tired stretch, he realised the source of the warmth: Matia. Sound asleep and cuddled up to him. There was no way he couldn't smile at that.

She even had proper cuddling-manners: No arms were slung around him, she only curled up again his chest and he curled around her - obviously only due to his size.

It was easy to disentangle and get up, pressing a very light kiss to her forehead. Sound asleep. Very well. It had been rather late in the end.

On his way down he noticed the complete silence in the house... mmmh... so he might want to prepare breakfast on his own... thankfully, that was the easiest meal of the day.

After half an hour he was done preparing and went to look for Enoch... who... was in his room. But... he proceeded to close the door carefully. Only to go away with the widest grin possible. Yay.

That meant the easiest meal possible would now be a transportable meal. A small version with a tiny sketch of the other three in Enoch's room attached and a big version for the married couple of the house and him. Plus bed-rest for the meal.

After everything was brought in silently, he walked to Gabriel's side, kissed her cheek and whispered 'good morning' in her ear. Then repeated the same on the other side.

"Breakfast?" was offered with a smile in the end.

[maybenewlywedraph]

To Dinner

[eldestgabrieljibril]

Matia looked up immediately at the whispered comment, huddling closer with clear intent to ask about everything just as soon as the adults were out of the room.

Gabriel gave him a soft hug. “It’s alright. We’re fine, we didn’t go far and I was well prepared.” Letting go again, she took a few steps back. “Shall we go up to your room? I’d like to talk with you in private for a while.”

[dutifulhusbandenoch]

Ugh, he wanted her to never let go of that hug… Then his heart sank a little into his pants. That was probably about what happened in his room today, wasn’t it… "… still I know you can look after yourself but you’re one woman to protect yourself and Raphael…" he shook his head. "… and it’s almost dark already…" his hand searched for her fingers nonetheless… "… I suppose my room would work…" he looked at Raphael and Matia. If she did not want those two to hear… that meant it would be bad… "… make sure she doesn’t stay up past bedtime, thank you, Raphael…" because girls always found a way to sneak out and play…

[maybenewlywedraph]

Raphael huddle close to her and they watched the other two like hawks until they finally had left the room, sticking together to have their little secret undiscovered.

But then... the questioning started. Which horse it had been, how he rode, where they had been... and Raphael answered with much more glee than he had felt when actually doing those things...

Actually, he only got to the second question until they had to theoretically light a candle... he decided against that, though... and told Matia they needed to go to bed.

The pout she displayed was truly unfeminine to boot... he suspected he had a slightly bad influence already... but well, he promised he'd bring her to bed, they'd just need to wash up and he'd come to her.

After a little more arguing it was a go... and so he ended in his pyjamas... she in hers... teeth had been brushed... and they met in her room.

Where she needed to lay down... him sitting on the side... and they talked some more... of course she looked down on how he did it and how he had been scared and how she would teach him to do *SO MUCH BETTER*... but when the discussion came to the personality of the horse, she pulled him into bed, because Gabriel would be angry if he fell from the chair.

Before he could protest, he was pulled in and tucked under the blanket as well. More gushing over the different horses, many smiles and more giggles happened... until they finally just... slept in.

Sleep curled them into one another, too... good night

[maybenewlywedraph]

To Dinner

[eldestgabrieljibril]

Living room it was. Yes! Guessed that one right!

Giving Raphael’s hand one last squeeze, she walked up behind them, tapping both of them on the shoulder, kissing Enoch on the mouth and ignoring the squeal of protest from Matia.

"Can I borrow Enoch for a while?" she asked. "I’ll trade you Raphael for him, alright?"

[maybenewlywedraph]

"I'll take this, then", he smiled, took the book out of Enochs hands and sat down on Matia's other side.

"I promise I'll be... at least entertaining?", not that he could read on, but... well....

"I rode a horse, you know?"

[maybenewlywedraph]

To Dinner

[eldestgabrieljibril]

"Please don’t be sorry for that," Gabrielle said, taking his hands. "It’s normal. Don’t ever try to beat around the bush when it comes to your comfort and preferences. You matter to me, I’ll always listen."

Giving him a short kiss, she said, “I’ll look for Enoch. You go ahead and find Matia, okay? I’m sure she’ll be thrilled to hear that you finally rode a horse.” She grinned at him.

[maybenewlywedraph]

"I guess we an go together, she looked like she wanted to spend some time with people, still. So... she's probably with him still, lets go together...", he shrugged.

[maybenewlywedraph]

To Dinner

[maybenewlywedraph]

25 minutes of trotting terror later, they reached the house.

Yes, Gabriel’s presence this time around had been less horrid and more calming and pleasing, but… also worsening his problem.

Thank everyone for wide clothes…

And then… moved the leg over the horse - under the reins and annoying the horse a bit by scraping over its neck with his heel - as soon as they stood… and slid down. There. Much easier.

"Aye. Riding.” Matia was a very strong young woman…

[eldestgabrieljibril]

"It’s not so bad when you get used to it." Gabriel slid off the horse’s back after him. "Come on. Let’s get the horse taken care of before we do anything else, alright? She’s an old lady, this one."

'Taking care of' in this case meant Gabriel sending Raphael for stuff like a brush and putting the saddle and everything away while she did the dangerous things such as rubbing its legs down.

When she stepped back and closed the stable’s door, Gabriel took Raphael’s hand. “Do you still want to?…” she asked.

[maybenewlywedraph]

He did as he was told and avoided the other horses like a good little husband. All the errant running!

Matia would make sure she'd sooner or later learn all about it, he supposed...

"Aaah... yes, I still definitely want you to talk to Enoch", he nodded.

Looking to the side he sighed: "... I know what you mean. Ah... I'm a bit shaken... riding. And all...", he didn't think there would be very much happening there. "Tomorrow again?"

[maybenewlywedraph]

To Dinner

[eldestgabrieljibril]

"If you lay down I might sit on you instead. I’ll just have to sit behind you and lean on you, won’t I?" Gabriel asked with a playful nudge. Putting a foot in the stirrup, she mounted the horse behind him, arms around his sides to get the reins. Nestling her cheek to his arm, she said, "There. Perfectly fine. It’s just a short ride anyway."

Nudging the horse, she set it to a trot again, back towards the house.

[maybenewlywedraph]

25 minutes of trotting terror later, The reached the house.

Yes, Gabriel's presence this time around had been less horrid and more calming and pleasing, but... also worsening his problem.

Thank everyone for wide clothes...

And then... moved the leg over the horse - under the rains and annoying the horse a bit by scraping over its neck with his heel - as soon as they stood... and slid down. There. Much easier.

"Aye. Riding", Matia was a very strong young woman...