week three | dates

[marriagebroker]

Here we go again.

You all better kiss.

Comments

[crimsin]

[ He blinks a time or two. Everyone has been treating it like a certainty, he didn't even consider that some might not. ]

You do not believe it?

[gamboler]

[ A thoughtful hum. ]

It's in my nature to be skeptical of gifts peddled that sound too good to be true. Then again, they did manage to have the power to bring us all here, so maybe there is some kernel of truth to it.

[ And if so...what should he use his wish for? ]

[crimsin]

I have seen some of the show before. The wishes seemed to be genuine.

[ People with all sorts of kooky powers were out here trying to earn their wishes. There has to be some truth to it. ]

Wish or no, though, I am truly grateful we have met.

[gamboler]

You believe the experience has been worth it? Just for the bonds you've made while you've been here?

[ He is taking that "we" in the royal sense and doesn't assume it applies to himself only. ]

[crimsin]

Darling, if I had met only you alone, this would have been worth it.

[ And he does genuinely mean that. To say Aventurine in particular has been a bright spot for him would be an understatement. ]

1/2

[gamboler]

[ There he goes again, surprising him and flustering him with those sweet words... ]

2/2

[gamboler]

You charmer. You already have my affections, you know.

[ His protests are totally a bluff, though. Please keep it up. ]

[crimsin]

[ He chuckles a little, warmly. ]

I know. But I will dote on you regardless. It is becoming a favorite pastime of mine.

[gamboler]

So I've noticed. Just leave a little room for me to dote on you in return, alright? I always pay my dues.

[ Said with a chuckle — he's teasing, even if it's kind of true. Relationships have always just been so transactional for him, it's a hard habit to break. ]

[crimsin]

I am not stopping you.

[ His grin widens, all teeth, and he leans over in his saddle. ]

Tell me I am pretty.

[gamboler]

You're gorgeous. A treat for the eyes from every angle.

[ Grinning back, a little cheeky, but it's true! ]

[crimsin]

[ Preens. They're both peacocks deep down, lets be real. ]

Ahaha, I know. Thank you for saying so.

[gamboler]

[ They are, and it works out so well for them both. But it seems Aventurine isn't done quite yet: ]

Not to mention beautiful within, as well. Kind and sweet, a stirring conversation partner, and liable to spoil me rotten.

[ None of which he finds the least bit objectionable. ]

[crimsin]

[ Oh. He blinks a little, smile turning a bit bashful. ]

You are going to make me blush, mon étoile.

[gamboler]

Am I? Well, I ought to keep going then. You're cute when you're blushing.

[ Says man who is also blushing, ]

[crimsin]

You are also blushing.

[ No mercy. ]

And you are at least ten times more adorable when you do.

[gamboler]

[ An overdramatic scoff. ]

Says the cutest man in the whole estate. Are you sure charm isn't one of your vampiric powers? No wonder I've been so enchanted with you.

[crimsin]

[ He laughs, trying to make it sound haughty, but it comes out just a touch too warm and fond for that. ]

Darling, do you not know? This is all natural.

[gamboler]

[ They're being so gross right now. One of the cameramen is surely rolling his eyes right now, but Aventurine couldn't care less. ]

Don't tell me it's effortless, too. I should have made you work just a little bit harder...

[ Too late for that! ]

[crimsin]

[ They’re SO gross. Maybe if they keep at it the camera crew will leave. (No.) ]

As if I would not have done it. You are worth the effort.

[gamboler]

[ Ugh!! There he goes with that sincerity again, that makes Aventurine's skin flush warm all over, his expression almost demure. ]

Now I feel like I need to work a little harder, if I'm going to keep up with your affections. Is it too late for you to play hard to get?

[crimsin]

[ This man is so precious. When he looks like that, Nico wants to kiss him breathless. The horses probably wouldn’t appreciate him lunging over, so he restrains himself. For now. ]

I can certainly try. [ AHEM. ] Oh no, monsieur Aventurine! I cannot be with you! I am too aloof and cool for that!

[ He’s not trying very hard. ]

[gamboler]

[ He's not trying very hard, no, but Aventurine is charmed by it regardless, chuckling lightly. His horse gives an unimpressed whinnie. ]

Ooh, tough crowd! I think she might've taken issue with you calling yourself "aloof and cool".

[ Nico is many things, but... ]

[crimsin]

How dare she. I am exceedingly cool.

[ He wasn’t trying all that hard in the first place, but his attempts completely falter and crumble now with a laugh. ]

Ah… well, there was an attempt.

[gamboler]

[ This man is simply too precious. If Aventurine weren't so enamored with him, he might have wanted to shove Nico from his horse. ]

Fortunate for us both, I like you just the way you are.

[ As sweet and goofy and sincere as he is. ]