--Marriage--

[takesitall]

Oh, doctor~

[Aventurine enters Ratio's apartment with a cheerful little whistle, looking around for the doctor. They had plans for dinner tonight, just to relax after the week, and the door was unlocked but there is not Ratio.]

Doctor?

Comments

[ignoranceisblight]

[Having a cat tower would not stop him from this.

(Never mind that Ratio isn't getting a cat tower for his own damn self in cat form, but that's not the point.)]

[takesitall]

[Aventurine talks to "Chertan" the entire trip back to Ratio's neighborhood. He even stops to get a snack and gets a little bit of cat-friendly cream for Chertan if he is so inclined.]

Should I use the key I have and put you back inside, or will you just escape?

[ignoranceisblight]

[He is very much inclined, thank you.

At the question, he just gives Aventurine the most innocent look he can muster.]

[takesitall]

Uh-huh. Thought so.

[He sighs, amused, as they reach Ratio's place. Aventurine very carefully sets "Chertan" down on the mat.]

At least try not to get so far away from home next time, okay? For the dear doctor's sake if nothing else.

[ignoranceisblight]

[Meow! He rubs up against Aventurine's legs briefly.

... Maybe he should invite Aventurine over for dinner tonight.]

[takesitall]

[If he does, Aventurine will be happy to accept.

In the meantime, he texts Ratio:]

Poor Chertan got chased halfway to my neighborhood!

[ignoranceisblight]

[And Ratio replies to that message once he's found his way back inside.]

That little escape artist-- I'll endeavor to keep a better eye on him where I can. I take it you were kind enough to make sure he found his way back home? I really can't thank you enough. My apologies for it being necessary at all.

By the way, I was going to ask if you'd like to come over for dinner tonight...?

[Though now he feels a little uncertain about it...]

[takesitall]

ヽ(*⌒▽⌒*)ﾉ

I would love to~ What are we having?

[ignoranceisblight]

How do keftedes sound?

[takesitall]

Absolutely divine. Should I bring drinks?

[ignoranceisblight]

I'd appreciate it, thank you.

[... the way he catches himself smiling down at his phone after... he has some thinking to do, he realizes.]

[takesitall]

[Aventurine shows up on time, of course, with a bottle of lovely red wine and a very fancy cake.

Don't ask about the cake.]

[ignoranceisblight]

[And Ratio is actually there to greet him this time. The wine he expected, but that cake...]

Drinks and dessert?

[takesitall]

A new cake shop opened up right by my favorite winery. I had to get us one to try~ It's a flourless chocolate.

[ignoranceisblight]

[His expression brightens a bit.]

It looks wonderful. Thank you. I'm looking forward to trying it with you.

[takesitall]

Of course~

[He heads into the kitchen to set everything down and take a seat at the island.]

How's Chertan?

[ignoranceisblight]

Tired from his little adventure today, it seems. He's been asleep since I got home. And probably dreaming about getting out again, if I had to guess.

[takesitall]

Little goofball. He's too smart for his own good, but I love him.

[ignoranceisblight]

[Ratio just chuckles.]

Thank you for looking after him.

[takesitall]

Of course. He's your cat, why wouldn't I look after him?

[ignoranceisblight]

Fair enough.

[He feels a little bad for keeping the whole "him being the cat" thing from Aventurine, but...]

[takesitall]

Speaking of, though, those siblings I mentioned? I finally got them and took them to my vet, and I get to have them home in a few days!

[ignoranceisblight]

That's wonderful. I hope they settle in well when they come home, then.

[takesitall]

[Dinner of course is wonderful, as is the cake. Aventurine always enjoys his time with Ratio. He enjoys it a lot.

A few weeks later, Aventurine has another day off and is taking another walk. This one takes him to Ratio's neighborhood, because it's quieter.]

[ignoranceisblight]

[It's also been even quieter lately with "Chertan" making himself scarce. Only the most determined few have been trying to take the key lately, and even then, those have been few and far between.

Of course, Ratio's been doing some thinking, about how much he enjoys Aventurine's company. Enjoys it more than anyone else's company...

(By now, some have (correctly) guessed that this whole stunt with the key on the cat's collar was doomed to fail to begin with.)

With today being quiet, Ratio's been enjoying his time outside as Chertan... and when he spots Aventurine, he has an idea. He wanders over to Aventurine, meowing to get the man's attention.]