--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]

[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.]

[takesitall]

Hm?

[Oh! Aventurine smiles and bends down to pet Chertan.]

Hey little guy. Still got your key, good.

[ignoranceisblight]

[He purrs at the petting, then at the mention of the key, he sits and tilts his head back, presenting the key to Aventurine.

Almost as if he's inviting Aventurine to take it.]

[takesitall]

Yes, yes, I see the key! Ratio should give you more treats for not losing it, honestly...and maybe tell me how he gets you to keep your collar on. My cats hate them.

[ignoranceisblight]

[He meows as he reaches up with both of his front paws to attempt to tug Aventurine's hand closer to the collar.]

[takesitall]

Hey!

[He laughs, gently tugging his hand away.]

Careful, no claws~

[ignoranceisblight]

[He's being very careful about the claws! He is tugging again, though, more insistently this time.]

[takesitall]

Chertan, what are you doing...?

[He lets Chertan tug his hand, but he doesn't touch the key.]

[ignoranceisblight]

[He pushes himself forward a little, presenting the key to Aventurine again.]

[takesitall]

I--Chertan, I don't think Ratio wants me to take the key...

[He does touch it, but only because it's hard to avoid like this.]

[ignoranceisblight]

[Insistent meow. You don't know that for sure, Aventurine!!]

[takesitall]

...if he gets mad at me, I'm blaming you.

[He takes the key, confused.]

[ignoranceisblight]

[Once the key is taken, he starts walking towards home, though he does pause to look back at Aventurine.

Follow him!!]

[takesitall]

[And he's going, pulling out his phone to text Ratio.]

I got the key from Chertan. He was weirdly insistent.

[ignoranceisblight]

[There's no response from Ratio for now.

When they get to Ratio's house, "Chertan" sits down by the door and looks up at Aventurine.]