perfectmatch | week two

[ As through from nowhere, he produces a chip from behind the rabbit's ear, giving it a little flip by flicking it with his thumb. How does he do that... ]

Of course. I wouldn't expect you to give me precious intel without giving something in return. I can tell you who's caught my attention, a perfectly equitable exchange.

[ Even if his might be a bit more obvious, just given the way that He Is. ]

[ Which she has no qualms pointing out-- ]

I fear it isn't exactly equivalent in secrecy, but the confirmation would be interesting.

[ Mr. Obvious.

... But she turns it over in her head, petting the cat idly. ]

... I am not one to fall quickly, so do not take it as such. I merely find them interesting -- and wishing to know them better. [ Regardless, it's still uncomfortable to think on, to speak aloud, especially

especially because, if she is at all right in her observations, it is one they share, though-- ] I would hardly be the first to enjoy Nicodème's company, though perhaps the only one to feel young for it.

[ There's another, too, but... well, this is who she spoke of, admitted with an exhale just to get it out. Odile turns a somewhat knowing look to Aventurine as she continues. ]

A popular man, that one.

[ ...Ah. Nicodème. It would be him, wouldn't it? And before he can think better to hold it in the back of his throat, a wry laugh escapes him. Not aimed at Odile, just at the incredulity of the whole situation, that of course she would be telling him this. It's not that surprising though, is it? It's just like she says.

There's a lot to enjoy about Nico's company, and he is popular. He doesn't miss the meaning behind Odile's look, and it's not as though they've been terribly subtle in their affections, but it's not as though...they're attached, or anything...

...Hm. He's going to be thinking about this for awhile. ]

You might be surprised. He has a way with bringing the liveliness of youth into anyone's orbit.

[ At least, that's how it's been for him, too. It makes him feel somehow boyish in way he hasn't since — well, ever, really. ]

You already know what I'm going to say, don't you? I've been spending time with him too, Miss Odile.

Indeed. That is why it's hardly equivalent.

[ But she shakes her head, lifting the cat's paw slightly to "wave" at him. ]

You needn't worry about any advances on my end, Aventurine. I will not grace his walls the way those he called beloved do. My interest is simply that: because he is interesting, and I have not been chided in decades. I enjoy the feeling, yes, but that is where it ends.

[ The cat's had enough, wriggling slightly, and Odile lets it go with no issue. Even if... she had wanted to extend that interest, to see if it might take root and bloom different, she keeps in mind the line drawn in the sand. Respects it, because he had made such clear. No, Odile is quite comfortable with it as-is, and can enjoy his company regardless. Older age has at least given her the ability to temper what is needed. ]

Are we clear? I don't mind offering an ear for you to whine into, should he give you any trouble. It isn't as if I'm going to pass it around.

[ He wears a little amused smile, that she should think it would be Nico giving him trouble, rather than the other way around. He hardly deserves the affection Nico has shown him so far, but when he tried to intimate as much, he'd been met with stubborn resolve. His happiness matters as much as the rest of theirs, Nico had said...

A difficult lesson for him to learn. Odile seems content not to pursue Nico further, and it is a little bit of a relief to hear as much, but that makes him feel guilty, too. Navigating all this, acknowledging there's anything to navigate, is...fraught. ]

We're clear. [ A beat. ] But, you know, we're not... [ hm. is there a gambling analogy for this ] That is to say, while we enjoy each other's company...

[ He is running out of words. The vocabulary of a suave Strategic Investment Department executive doesn't really lend itself to expressing the tangle of emotions he's been going through this week. ]

...It's still early, is all.

[ It is... adorable, to see him fumble around with his words. Odile lets him work to the end, far too aware of her own-- shortcoming, in the same department, and a small, amused smile tugs at her lips. ]

Early or not, Aventurine... I would make your interest clear in words, to better see if his own matches. Because it is, if nothing else, interest. In him, his heart, the way he makes you feel.

[ Nothing, she feels, would be worse than that. Nico is a kind man. But kindness can be mistaken by those searching. ]

That said... my experience is decades old at this point, so perhaps it's out of style. Enjoy your youth while you can, in every terrifying way.

[ He can't imagine anything he wants to do less than tell Nico how he feels.

Or maybe those aren't even the right words for it. If he were any other person, it'd be easy. He could tell him how much he's enjoyed their time together, how he feels lighter, fuller when they're together, how the shadows in his heart grow shorter, but he isn't any other person. People keep saying that he's popular, as though there's anything that he can offer as a romantic partner, and he just...doesn't see it.

Is it still fair, then? To tell Nico how he feels, realizing the rope is getting shorter and shorter? Can he even...take a chance on his own happiness?

Something he'll have to...deliberate. One way or another. ]

I'll keep it in mind. Who knows? I enjoy gambles that are particularly reckless, so maybe there's some sense in trying things your way.

[ And if it all blows up in his face? Well. Then he'll still win his little bet against himself. ]

There's certainly no harm. Either way, you win.

[ There's no loss for the gambler in her eyes. Quite the wise wager he'd made on himself, truthfully. She makes a gesture with her hand. ]

Now, shall we see about these exotic animals they have on hand? I'd rather like a "picture" with a tiger to bring home. Isabeau, a companion of mine, will cry his poor eyes out in jealously.

week two | dates

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