Work Text:
Scrolling through your Moments feed, you can’t help but frown. Another post of AI-generated content has the misfortune of getting mixed in with your algorithm. And to think you were about to share it with Rafayel only creases your brow further.
No matter how much you block or mute what you find, its usage grows more frequent by other users as easily as seconds fall into minutes. Quite frankly, it’s alarming how the line between genuine and fake posts blur together at times. Let alone being distasteful at the least and frustrating most—especially, when this form of artificial intelligence usurps the efforts of real people and their art.
You really can’t wrap your head around how anyone could consume it in good faith. It’s a no-go in your books. But before the annoyance fully settles in to ruin the rest of your free time, a familiar name pops onto your screen.
Rafayel ♡why this not considered an art print thingie
Rafayel blew a bubble to You.
Rafayel: 
Rafayel: heeey cutie whatcha doin
You: Funny thing, you just crossed my mind.
You: Are you free right now?
Rafayel: ohoho
Rafayel: i was about to die from boredom
Rafayel: pls save me with your presence
Rafayel: i even tidied up the studio i pinky promise you wont trip over another paintbrush this time
You: Oh! That’s great.
You: But I actually have a little request for you if you’ll hear me out...
Rafayel: yes anything for you
You: Can you draw a little fish wearing a cowboy hat? Pretty pleaseee?
Rafayel: huh
Rafayel: 。。。
The bubbles on his end pause. And for a moment, you’re worried that the idea could backfire somehow. You’re two words into putting a pin on the conversation when he replies.
Rafayel ♡why this not considered an art print thingie
Rafayel blew a bubble to You.
Rafayel: that’s it???
Rafayel: i mean like yeah ill do it bc you asked so nicely
Rafayel: but like what for this is kinda sudden
You: Because the one I saw on moments was cute… until I found out it was AI. :(
Rafayel: yeeeuck what a disgrace
You: Plus you’re such a wonderful, talented and handsome fishie who could make my dreams come true today… (ㅅ´ ˘ `)?
Rafayel: awwwe shucks
Rafayel: youre absolutely right
Rafayel: dun worry i got this gimme like a min
No sooner, a new message with an image attached comes your way. On what seems to be the corner of his sketchbook is a replica of Reddie—the little guy that brought you together over two years ago, and the very same flammula fish that Rafayel keeps at his place. Just as you’ve envisioned, there’s a small cowboy hat balanced on his little head, and a fin jutted out as if to say ‘hello.’ An equally small heart-shaped bubble rests next to his lips. Below them are the initials of his name and the present date in a neatly printed signature.
Rafayelgpt ♡why this not considered an art print thingie
You changed his name to Rafayelgpt ♡.
You: Omg?
You: That’s the cutest thing I’ve ever seen! You’re the best Rafayelgpt ♡
Rafayel: first of all
Rafayel: (buzzer noise) incorrect i should obviously be your number one not him
Rafayel: also lowkey thats not a bad nickname lmao only for you and me tho
You:
You:As an extra thanks, I’ll come over to your place and we can catch up on that show from the other day.
You:Give me ten minutes to get there? I can stop by the convenience store too if you need anything.
Rafayel: yippee hurry hurry
Rafayel: things are good over yonder the only thing thats missing is you cutieee
Pushing past the gates of Mo Art, the faint saltiness of the nearby sea passes under your nose. Several footsteps away, Rafayel’s already at the door; hip to the doorframe and arms crossed, the smile on his face grows when your eyes lock onto each other. The warmth of the sun overhead is nothing compared to what his embrace holds—one that you quickly run towards and he accepts without hesitation.
There’s a small laugh in his voice as he takes you in, and Rafayel’s nose presses against your temple. “If I knew making you little doodles would bring you home this fast, I would’ve done it sooner.”
You pull back, head tilted in intrigue. “So you’re saying I can ask you for even more masterpieces?”
“Masterpiece, huh?” He gives your lips a quick peck. “Sure thing. Whatever keeps the AI away and you happy, then I don’t mind.”
“Did you drink a glass of water before sending it to me?” you tease. “That fishie came awfully fast now that I think about it.”
“Two glasses, thank you very much,” he clarifies. “Staying hydrated is important, you know.”
You press his cheeks together with one hand, giving them a light shake. “I do, actually.”
“Mm, but it’s actually pretty nice though,” he says through the partial squish. “Something to keep my mind off of work.”
At the mention, you can’t help but peer over his shoulder. From a brief glance, his living room floor really is brush-less and ideal for walking around. Yet, something else catches your attention and your hand falls.
“Is that… a new canvas I see?”
Rafayel is quick to block your view with a shake of his head. “Nope, not today. I’m totally not behind on a new exhibition piece,” he blurts.
Nearby, a seagull chirps in your brief moment of shared silence. You’re sure that miles away, his agent let out a sneeze at the revelation spoken before you. He averts your knowing gaze, and the faintest flush over his cheeks only paints the picture of his guilt further.
You sigh. “Rafayel…”
“Cutie, please,” he starts with a pout. The red-blue sea of his eyes round out as he faces you once more. “I can work on it after we finish an episode. Or two. I swear, it’s almost done-”
Taking a step to untangle yourselves, you reach for his hand instead. His fingers lace with yours instinctively. You offer him reassurance, thumb rubbing across the closest knuckle.
“Both myself and the show will keep you company,” you say. “I don’t have anything else planned for today, so my number one fishie can take all the time he needs.”
“Yeah?” The corners of his lips rise from their moping state, already forgotten. “I like the sound of that.”