--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]

[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!

[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?