✧ masquerade

[ignoranceisblight]

[Ratio doesn't necessarily want to be here, at this IPC-sponsored masquerade ball. It could certainly be worse than most parties, he supposes, but he doesn't really want to be here all the same. He can't say he minds the mask too much, at least.

Perhaps him being a wallflower is to be expected, though.]

Comments

[takesitall]

Then they're fools who don't know what they're missing.

[ignoranceisblight]

[He chuckles sheepishly.]

... I'd like to see you again after this, if that's alright.

[takesitall]

[Ah.]

Before you say that, you do know this dress is just that, yes? A dress?

[Or: I'm a guy.]

[ignoranceisblight]

[His smile widens, just a little.]

Mm. Topaz was trying to dissuade you from talking to me because she's aware I am very gay.

[takesitall]

[That just makes Kakavasha grin.]

How about that. So am I!

[ignoranceisblight]

[And that gets a laugh out of Ratio.]

So, seeing you again after this?

[takesitall]

I think I'd like that. Maybe this weekend?

[ignoranceisblight]

That sounds wonderful. Dinner, perhaps?

[takesitall]

I love it. I'll give you my contact, so we can plan.

[The week goes by quickly and soon Kakavasha is walking up to the very nice Foedian place that Ratio suggested. It's outside of his usual budget unless he's won really big lately, so this will be nice.

Hopefully the fitted suit and sunglasses won't turn Ratio off.]

[ignoranceisblight]

[Ratio, already waiting for Kakavasha, smiles as the other man approaches. The suit and sunglasses are far from a problem--normally Ratio's a lot more subtle about any checking out he might be doing, but he'll make it a little obvious, if that'll soothe Kakavasha at all.]

Vasha. You look wonderful.

[Ratio himself is dressed a bit more plainly than he was at the masquerade, in a plain suit and some subtle jewelry, with his usual laurel hairpiece.]

[takesitall]

[It does, but the glasses stay on for now.]

So do you. So striking, Doctor~

[ignoranceisblight]

[His cheeks heat up just a little bit, and his smile widens a little.]

Ah-- thank you. Shall we, then?

[He offers Kakavasha his arm.]

[takesitall]

[And he takes it with a smile.]

I've been looking forward to this all week, you know.

[ignoranceisblight]

I have, too, to tell you the truth.

[It doesn't take long for the two of them to get seated. Ratio looks over the menu, then looks up at Kakavasha.]

Order whatever you'd like. I'll be paying.

[takesitall]

If you're sure...don't mind if I do.

[Hm. Hm...]

Any suggestions?

[ignoranceisblight]

Mm, the bourdeto and moussaka are both worth trying, and I'm partial to the kleftiko. I'll let you try a bite of mine, if you'd like.

[takesitall]

Ooh, please. I'll go with the moussaka, then.

[ignoranceisblight]

Wonderful. Ah-- and would you like a Foedian wine as well?

[takesitall]

Please.

[ignoranceisblight]

[Their orders go in and the wine is brought to them while they wait for the food.]

Hopefully it's to your liking.

[takesitall]

A suggestion from you is almost certainly going to be to my liking, doctor. So, can I ask about what you do with the Guild?

[ignoranceisblight]

I teach, primarily, but I'm also the main liaison to the IPC's Technology Department.

[He takes a sip of his wine.]

What do you do, Vasha? I don't believe you mentioned the other night.

[takesitall]

That's because I don't really do anything. I'm...a professional gambler, for lack of a better term.

[ignoranceisblight]

Ah, is that so...

[No judgment! A little concern, but no judgment.]

It seems like you're something of a successful one, then.

[takesitall]

Mhm. Luck of the gods, or something like it. It's not steady work, but at least it's fun.