--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]

I'd need to...do something for you, though, to make sure my aunt didn't get suspicious or start rumors.

[ignoranceisblight]

[He grimaces.]

... Do you have any ideas?

[takesitall]

Hmm...well, she doesn't allow me to work so I can't offer that. I could introduce you to my sister and we say that she did the work, whatever it'd be, but then we'd have to get into fair market prices and all that...

[This leaves basically "marriage", but he doesn't want to suggest that. Not to his only friend.]

[ignoranceisblight]

That'd also involve me having to come up with something sufficiently convincing.

[takesitall]

And I love Sis, but there's only so much of her weaving you could want, since she doesn't do tapestries.

[Dammit. He sighs.]

Maybe a marriage offer...?

[ignoranceisblight]

... I wouldn't mind, if you'd be okay with it. It'd also mean you wouldn't have to deal with those idiots anymore.

[takesitall]

...I wouldn't mind either. Honestly, you might be the only person I've ever met I wouldn't mind being married to, even if it's just platonically. You're much more tolerable than most people, and I actually feel I can trust you with Sis.

[ignoranceisblight]

[He smiles a little.]

I'm flattered you trust me so much. Then... let's do this.

[takesitall]

Then...may I hug you? Just to start the talk before we go to my aunt. I want to see her squirm a little.

[ignoranceisblight]

Yes, absolutely.

[He chuckles a bit, shifting so Aventurine can hug him.]

[takesitall]

[And he does, smiling a little.]

Sis will be happy to meet you. Apparently I've been much more lively since meeting you.

[ignoranceisblight]

[He nods.]

There is a marked difference between them and now. [As he returns the hug.] I have to admit, I've been eager to meet her as well.

[takesitall]

If she offers to tell any stories, turn her down. They're lies.

[ignoranceisblight]

Oh? [And that just gets a mischievous smile.]

[takesitall]

[Oh no.]

All of them. Even the ones about her!

[ignoranceisblight]

All of them? Really?

[Heh.]

Perhaps you should preempt her on some of those stories then.

[takesitall]

...the ones about me trying to get a cat to befriend me are true. I like cats.

[ignoranceisblight]

[That gets a small smile.]

Perhaps we ought to get one, then.

[takesitall]

[He perks up, smiling.]

Really? Auntie's allergic, so I've never been able to keep one.

[ignoranceisblight]

I've always been fond of cats, so I'd be happy to get one with you.

[takesitall]

Oh, this marriage will be fun. And full of cats.

[ignoranceisblight]

That it will.

[He takes one of Aventurine's hands, intertwining their fingers and squeezing gently.

Just to prompt a little more talk before they get to Aventurine's aunt, of course.]

[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.