--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]

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!

[ignoranceisblight]

[He laughs as he sits down.]

And thank goodness for that--could you even imagine?

[takesitall]

Goddess, no. I would sooner die than let people think I'm straight.

[He sits across from Ratio.]

Hell on earth.

[ignoranceisblight]

Agreed.

[He can't help but laugh a little as he reaches over to place a hand over Aventurine's.]

Absolutely horrifying.

[takesitall]

Absolutely not.

[He moves to take Ratio's hand.]

...thank you again, Ratio. This means so much to us.

[ignoranceisblight]

[Ratio's expression softens, a fond smile tugging at his lips.]

You're welcome, Aventurine. I'm happy to help.

[takesitall]

[Parisa joins them at that moment, carrying their drinks (all tea lattes of a type) and her surprise for them: a selection of various pastries and a lemon cake that she knows Aventurine will like.]

Here we are! I wasn't sure what you'd like, Ratio, so I just got some of everything.

[ignoranceisblight]

Thank you, Parisa.

[He takes his drink and one of the pastries.]

[takesitall]

So, Ratio. What do you like?

[ignoranceisblight]

Well, when it comes to sweets, I'm always a fan of anything that heavily features nuts and honey. I also enjoy bougatsa... But to tell you the truth, I'm not picky when it comes to sweets at all.

[takesitall]

Excellent taste. But what about not-sweets?

[ignoranceisblight]

When it comes to things that aren't sweets, the spicier the better. That aside... I enjoy keftedes, tirokafteri, tsigareli, and pork souvlaki especially.

[takesitall]

Oh, you're perfect. It's not the exact same as the stuff we grew up with, but all of that is some of our favorites.

[ignoranceisblight]

Is that so? Wonderful.

[Maybe he can cook for them sometime, then.]

What else do you enjoy?

[takesitall]

...like, hobbies or...?

[Parisa winces. Aventurine wasn't allowed to explore that sort of thing.]

[ignoranceisblight]

Food. I meant food.

[... He'll encourage Aventurine finding hobbies once the siblings are away from their aunt.]

[takesitall]

Oh. Have you ever heard of chai? And there's a type of roast chicken that Sis makes that I love, with the spices.

[ignoranceisblight]

[Ratio perks up a bit at the mention of chai.]

I have heard of chai, actually. I'm fond enough that I keep some around the house, usually.

[takesitall]

Really? We haven't had it in years, Auntie's never been terribly fond of it but it was a favorite of ours growing up...

[ignoranceisblight]

[He nods.]

I tried it a few years back and I was hooked.

[takesitall]

[The rest of their date is amazing, and they make plans to have one at least once a week for a while. Now that Parisa's met him, they don't even need to take her along!

For the best, really, because one week Aventurine shows up at their meeting place absolutely furious. His sister would have probably only made it worse, even accidentally.]

[ignoranceisblight]

[Oh, that's.

Hm.]

Aventurine, what's wrong?

[takesitall]

Do you think if I shoved my aunt in a lake, you could get me out of whatever trouble that'd cause?