--Statuesque--

[takesitall]

[Once again, Aventurine--Kakavasha, but in public he goes by Aventurine to keep his allure--has been dolled up and brought out to be shown off and fawned over at one of his aunt's galas. He and his sister are lucky, their aunt was able to locate them and get them out of a bad situation with the death of their parents, but...well. Parisa knows damn well that her brother is just being used as a status grab, what with his general beauty and intelligence and general good luck. But they can't do anything about it. They haven't got the money to get away from their aunt.

So Aventurine is dolled up and brought out to the gala, sitting more or less by himself in the garden. Like a statue.]

Comments

[takesitall]

[Of course.

The rumors are rampant when they finally go and talk, and Aventurine plays the part of smitten young thing perfectly well. His aunt agrees to start the talks with the Ratios and they set a date a few days from now for their first outing. Parisa will be their chaperone, of course.

Aventurine honestly can't wait, and when he and Parisa head out to the park they agreed on as the meeting point, he can't stop looking for Ratio.]

[ignoranceisblight]

[And frankly, the Ratios are just thrilled they don't need to pester their son about marriage.

As for Ratio on that outing, he's so excited he actually got there early. He puts his book away and stands when he spots Aventurine and Parisa, smiling.]

[takesitall]

[Aventurine smiles back. As they approach:]

Ratio. This is my sister, Parisa. Sis, this is Ratio.

[ignoranceisblight]

[He dips his head briefly in greeting to Parisa. His smile widens just a bit.]

It's good to finally meet you.

[takesitall]

Like wise. Vasha--er, Aventurine's been excited to introduce us.

[She offers a hand to shake.]

[ignoranceisblight]

[He takes that hand, giving it a firm shake.]

Aventurine's been wonderful company.

[takesitall]

Uh-huh. Why do I doubt that?

[She giggles and Aventurine just groans.]

Sis...

I'm you're sister, it's my right to tease you a little.

[ignoranceisblight]

[Ratio just chuckles a little, offering a hand to Aventurine for him to hold.]

He certainly makes the galas vastly more tolerable.

[takesitall]

[He takes it with a soft smile.]

Likewise. Goddess, I hated those things. And soon I won't have to attend them anymore.

[ignoranceisblight]

You certainly won't.

[He squeezes Aventurine's hand gently.]

So, where to?

[Considering Aventurine and Parisa's aunt, Ratio's fairly certain Aventurine doesn't get to have a lot of choice in things... so might as well let him have it here.]

[takesitall]

[He does not, and for a moment he looks like a startled deer.]

...is there anywhere to eat around here?

[ignoranceisblight]

There's a cafe nearby that's quite good, and a few food vendors around the park. I saw a food truck parked close by on the way here as well.

[takesitall]

[He looks to his sister, who shrugs. Your choice, baby brother.]

Cafe. I didn't have my coffee this morning.

[ignoranceisblight]

Cafe it is, then.

[It's so nice to be spending time with Aventurine away from the noisiness of the galas... The park's certainly noisy, too, but in a distant, tolerable way.

Once they get to the cafe... well, Ratio already knows what he wants, so he can quietly wait while Aventurine and Parisa look over what's available.]

[takesitall]

[There's some bickering and discussion in their native language before Parisa pinches Aventurine and shoos him away.]

Ow. Sisters, I swear. [He's not bothered at all.] She wants to surprise us with a treat of some sort, so tell her what you want to drink I guess.

[ignoranceisblight]

[He laughs a little before relaying his drink order to Parisa, some kind of tea latte.]

Shall we go find a place to sit down, then?

[takesitall]

After you.

[Thankfully the cafe is mostly empty and therefore quiet.]

I still can't believe this is happening.

[ignoranceisblight]

[They really are spoiled for choice on seating. He'll let Aventurine choose where to sit, though.]

Oh?

[takesitall]

Sure, my aunt gets what she wanted, but I'm not being forced to marry someone who just wants me for how I look. You actually give a damn.

[ignoranceisblight]

Well, you're my best friend, of course I give a damn.

[He squeezes Aventurine's hand a little.]

To tell you the truth, this works out for me, as well. This is going to keep my parents from bothering me about marriage as well...

[takesitall]

Best friend...?

[Huh.]

So we're saving each other from nagging relatives. What luck~

[ignoranceisblight]

[He chuckles a little, but nods.]

Yes, best friend. You're one of the only people I feel like I can truly relax around.

[takesitall]

It's funny. I don't think I've had anyone I could call a friend in years, outside of Sis, and now I'm marrying my best friend.

[ignoranceisblight]

[Ratio gestures at a table near the window that's set up with three seats, then glances questioningly at Aventurine.]

I have heard some people talk about marrying one's best friend being the ideal, but I imagine this isn't what they meant.

[A chuckle.]

Still, it likely means our marriage will be better-fated than many, I imagine.

[takesitall]

[Works for him!]

If nothing else we won't be a "are straight people okay" joke!