[Aventurine doesn't startle, but there's a soft intake of breath as the invitation is accepted. This is the kind of thing that truly makes the gambler nervous because he doesn't like showing his heart on his sleeve (or in his hand), but after that cold wash of anxiety, there's... warmth. So much warmth. Maybe... it's okay. His fingers curl protectively around Ratio's, and after a moment he properly twines them together. No escaping now.]

I suppose it does. I was surprised when I saw him again. I didn't have a clue when I was a kid, you know? I thought he'd have some gray hair or something at minimum, but he hasn't aged a day. Maybe he's never aged, I don't know. I'm not asking questions and I'm definitely not looking at any files, even if the suspense might kill me.

[The cafe looks cozy, but Aventurine still has that paranoid habit of knowing where all the exits are in case of an emergency and anyone that might be a little bit suspicious also gets a mental note. But Ratio seems to anticipate this somehow, and brings them to a place that's less open. It... should be comforting, but he still finds himself a little uneasy because he can't see who's entering the store. However, the employee only area near the back is accessible enough, so he can look past it for now.

He could also, like, explain all of this. But he's eager to try to live differently from now on.]

Thanks, [he says, and lets go of Ratio's hand briefly so he can undo his coat.

And then he sees it.]

... What's this? [A string? He waves his hand a little bit.] Red isn't my first choice of color, but I can still pull it off.

[AVENTURINE PLEASE]