castlenim | (no subject)

[ if Opal and Diamond had willed a different outcome to the trial, Aventurine isn't sure how he would have taken this meeting with Sunday right after. Luckily, he'll never have to speculate about it again.

At the suggestion of the weather, though, Aventurine chuckles. ] Oh, come on, is that the best you have to offer lil' ol' me? I was hoping for a topic that you actually hold real interest in, to be honest. Something like...

[ propping his elbow up on his knee as he crosses his legs to rest his cheek against his palm, his eyes dance with mischief but no malice. clearly, he is digging mostly because Sunday has to be here with him and not there with Robin, but at least he doesn't seem to have any ulterior motive beyond that. ]

...How's your dear sister doing? I have to admit, I'm missing her last performance already.

[Sunday is well aware he's a captive audience until their business is finished, so he doesn't, in fact, appreciate the reminder he'd rather be having dinner with his sister instead.

But, fine. He didn't navigate inter-Family politics for years for nothing. Playing polite when he'd rather not comes second nature at this point.]

She's well. As everyone knows by now, she's taking a break, but she sends me updates on what she's doing.

[He doesn't say he wants to tell her she shouldn't have bothered brokering a deal with Jade for his life and freedom, but considering what Sunday would have done if their positions were swapped...his protests would rightfully fall on deaf ears.]

I didn't know you were that much of a fan.

[ ( Aventurine would agree that he would also rather be having dinner with Robin instead of Sunday, at least. these are baby steps in the right direction, surely. )

There's a look of feigned surprise crossing his features at Sunday's comment about being a fan. ]

I most certainly am! Just because I had to work while in Penacony doesn't mean I don't appreciate such musical positivity. [ he's probably saying that to be (more) annoying, but it's also entirely possible maybe the IPC peacock does actually like that sort of pop music, too. ]

Then again, I find it hard to dislike anything about Miss Robin, and I think most people would agree.

[ lifting his head as he notices the server coming back with drinks, Aventurine flashes an appreciative smile as their glasses are carefully set on the table. as the server departs, he takes his and offers a gestured toast to the other man. ]

Ah, looks like we can get started, my friend. To new partnerships, then. [ he offers a playful wink before taking a sip, adding. ] —and maybe you also convincing your sister to sign my limited edition album, too, next time you talk~?

[ what's a favor between friends, right?

Once he's taken a drink from the glass, he'll idly tilt the glass as he swirls the liquid around. his voice is less playful, although he's still quite relaxed and approachable. ]

Has Lady Jade given you any information on this meeting, already? No sense boring you right off the bat with what's already known.

[Robin's music has widespread appeal, so it's not entirely surprising that Aventurine would be a fan. Sunday simply can't tell if it is genuine, something Aventurine is saying to get under his skin, or some mix of the two.

He stays polite with the toast as well, tipping his glass at a slight angle towards Aventurine before taking a sip. Refusing just to be contrary isn't worth the effort.]

...I'm sure she'd be willing.

[Especially as a favor for her brother's new...colleague? Jailer? Conspirator? It's hard to say.]

And no, she didn't say much. The IPC puts me on a very need-to-know information diet, these days.

[Besides whatever he could dig up himself, that is.]

Wonderful. I can't express my gratitude enough, but I will be sure to repay such a favor in the near future.

[ Aventurine nods. ]

Well then, I suppose it's time to expand your need-to-know.

You'll be helping me locate Oswaldo Schneider, which is a lot easier said than done currently. I'm going to need you to assist me in infiltrating a few select events and circles, and I believe your skills may prove quite valuable in successfully listing the man to have an actual chat with him. Fair warning, though, my friend— This could take a while, or we might get lucky the first time. Be prepared for the long game.

[The information Aventurine gives him is...well, Sunday is intrigued in spite of himself. Before the Charmony Festival and its consequences, he had looked into the goings-on of the IPC and knew that not everyone in it was on the same page.

But this seems like the start of something much more than a small disagreement on the future of the enterprise.]

I'm familiar with the name. I'm not surprised to hear the man has so many who want to...have a word with him.

[A polite sidestep to mentioning how many people on ravaged planets want to wring his neck with their bare hands...Aventurine included, if Sunday's remembering right.]

I didn't expect so much trouble in corporate paradise, however.

[ Sunday is remembering quite well.

Aventurine chuckles, shaking his head before giving an incredulous smile towards Sunday. ]

Is that so? Even with your experience as part of the Family? You're giving us far too much credit! We just happen to be similarly well-versed in keeping outward appearances as yours did for some time. For us, outsiders knowing isn't threatening in the same way, but it's quite a PR nightmare to the IPC, to put it lightly. PR nightmares absolutely waste everything a giant cooperation values.

Not to mention, we don't follow Harmony. In fact, Preservation has a tendency to turn... oh so territorial at times, if you can understand.

[ Aventurine cants his head now. ] —Is your drink to your liking, by the way? If you find it dull, I insist you order yourself something different until you find one that strikes your fancy. No sense in settling this evening.

Oh, I didn't think the IPC was without its problems or inner conflicts. [If those who follow the Harmony couldn't manage peaceful cooperation, what chance did everyone else have?] But it is surprising to me it's gotten this far already. If you and Jade are involved, I assume it's Diamond at the helm?

[Which still begs the question of what's behind it all. Hostile takeover, guilty conscience, or a third option? And why strike now? Sunday doesn't have enough information to make a guess, as much as it chafes.

He's a little taken aback when Aventurine asks such an off-topic question, but not much of his surprise shows on his expression.]

...I wouldn't have ordered it if it wasn't something I liked.

While not this mission specifically, yes. This mission wasn't specifically assigned by Diamond, he'll be briefed on afterwards. Basically we're doing what he overall wants while taking a little initiative of our own with a slight detour.

[ Aventurine laughs softly at the response concerning the drink. ] That does sound like the proper and polite etiquette of someone raised to be a head within the Family, but you should live a little, don't you think? Trying something new and different on the IPC's credits is a safe little adventure in its own way! I'm encouraging you to take the plunge rather than restrain yourself. [ there surely is some kind of double meaning here, but Aventurine does also seem to genuinely think that Sunday should take the opportunity to change things up for himself to make it more interesting. It's overall something small, trying food and drink that is unfamiliar, but it holds value all the same for taking some risks for potential big rewards. ]

...If you want to, anyway. I am just making sure you don't deny yourself if you're holding back.

And what does he want? Besides finding Oswaldo Schnider, that is.

[That's not an answer Aventurine might have, but that's information in and of itself. How close Diamond is keeping his cards to his chest, even to the Stonehearts, would be good to know.

His expression shutters slightly at the other keeping on the subject of the drink, though. Sunday doesn't think there's anything else it could be besides a double meaning.]

Oh? Is this some sort of...corporate icebreaker? I thought it would be obvious I'm not really subject to the usual employee onboarding, Mr. Aventurine.

You knew about my cornerstone, Mr. ... Sunday. [ Aventurine's pause is easy enough to tell that he was debating whether to use Sunday's name or the Oak Family's, but it seems like while he's perfectly fine doing a little needling, he sees no value in associating him with any of the houses of The Family that did away with him. He doesn't know how Sunday feels, but Aventurine knows if he were in Sunday's position, he would be absolutely resentful towards them, whether he thought himself to be in the wrong or not. That alone is enough for Aventurine to not bring it up.

Besides, just because Sunday got outplayed doesn't mean Aventurine doesn't view him as someone not to be underestimated or otherwise toyed with. He knows he may have been one step ahead technically when dealing with him on the Penacony mission, but that was carefully planned in advance and gambled on into tiers of recklessness that Aventurine could have lost on. In a situation going impromptu head to head, he's not going to be so arrogant, especially when the risk has absolutely no reward. Aventurine only does anything with purpose, and trying to get under one's skin is no different. There are appropriate tactics and inappropriate for each individual depending on what one wants. ]

Are you aware of where it comes from, and why we are called Stonehearts? I can't say for certain Diamond's specific motives, and I'm not even sure how much Lady Jade and others of superior rank are privy to, but... if you know of these things, then it may not be so hard to imagine where Diamond's gaze directs for yourself.

[ Without a doubt, what Aventurine wants is Sunday's cooperation to be beyond malicious compliance. ]

[Oh, Sunday is resentful of a good deal many things, and the Family's attitude towards both him and Penacony is certainly included. The lot of them are undoubtedly thrilled he's no longer a thorn in their side.]

I do know of your cornerstone.

[He had to, in order to counteract the IPC's plans for a hostile takeover...or, at least attempt to counteract those plans. He really had to wonder how differently things might have gone had he not had grief over Robin's assumed death to handle on top of playing a chess game with a Stoneheart and a member of the Intelligentsia Guild.

But, that's something he'll never know for certain.]

They're all bits of the Amber Lord's power. In which case...Diamond thinks the company has been driven off the right path?

[ Aventurine can't exactly blame Sunday for wanting to prevent the takeover, of course. Nevertheless, that was something the gambler had to absolutely make sure was the inevitable outcome. Or, at least, as far as he needed to go to secure the rest of the way clear for Topaz and Jade to take the stage.

The smile on his face is amicable but unreadable in terms of whether that may be the case or not. As he said, Diamond's ultimate goals related to Oswaldo are not information he has knowledge of, but he likes the way Sunday comes up with a suggestion that is more likely than not not too far off the mark.

At minimum, Diamond is displeased with the way things are handled. That is certain. Aventurine simply can't fathom Diamond diverting any energy to the cause if he was even neutral on how things were handled. Diamond is finicky, but surprisingly tolerant on certain things, especially when it off his department. ]

Oh, I do like the way you think. I have a feeling that will be very useful in the assignment ahead of us. Which reminds me...!

[ the blonde leans forward, his hands propping up his chin as he stares with interest across the table at Sunday. ]

Do you fancy yourself a decent performer? A little roleplay familiarity wouldn't hurt, either, considering the ruse we'll be delivering.

[Discerning the intentions and objectives of others had been a necessary skill to cultivate as the head of the Oak Family. Sunday wouldn't have lasted long if he couldn't do that much, even with someone as inscrutable as Diamond, who hides his thoughts even from those on his side.

He takes a sip of his drink, expression equally blank with false politeness at Aventurine's attention.]

Why bother asking a question you know the answer to?

[He should already know Sunday can mask his emotions. Surely whatever ploy they're playing doesn't call for much more than lying smoothy and reacting the right way to inquiries...right?

And now Sunday is mildly suspicious.]

Unless this is a very involved plan, somehow.

[ Sunday caught on so quickly. Wonderful. ]

It's a very involved plan, and it's one I'm betting on you to make actually work out in the end. No one knows you are with the IPC, afterall.

[ Silence cuts between them only for a moment before Aventurine's exaggerated hum is heard as he seems to contemplate his next set of words. ]

For this, we'll need to be able to pose as a couple vacationing in the area. The location in question is not particularly fond of the IPC coming in on business matters. A Stoneheart arriving alone or with a random individual is going to look ... concerning, to say the least. Guaranteed Oswaldo will hear about it if he's actually there.

...But if a Stoneheart shows up for a vacation with someone they're simply personally involved with? That should be a much smoother process of slipping in without our friend being alerted before we confront him ourselves.

A...couple.

[Sunday repeats the words evenly.

The idea is...well, he's not sure he can be that good of an actor, but it's not like he has a choice. Chains might be the least of his worries if he backs out. And, most frustrating of all, Aventurine's logic is sound enough.

He can't claim to know Oswaldo Schnider well, but if he's as fraction as careful as Sunday himself, a work colleague who just happened to be in the area for no discernable reason will send all alarms ringing.]

I certainly have my work cut out for me, don't I?

You certainly do, but I believe you more than capable of putting on a particularly spectacular performance.

[ This will be interesting, to say the least, for them both. Aventurine may be smiling pleasantries right now, but that's only because he feels like he has the upper hand on Sunday in terms of who is more uncomfortable with this scenario facing them. Misery loves company and all that, sometimes enough to even force itself to have a little fun so long as it can be at sometimes else's excitement rather than its own. ]

It might even be fun.

[ No. No it won't. Not for Sunday. And most likely not for Aventurine, either, but there's nothing wrong with trying to be optimistic?

(it's not optimism driving him at all; Aventurine's clearly just being a little shit because he can be.) ]

I mean, when's the last time you took anything even remotely resembling a vacation for yourself?

Fun for who, exactly?

[Sunday's narrowed gaze shows he's also aware that this isn't going to be a carefree vacation for Aventurine, either. Even if they're no longer (technically) in opposition, he has some reservations about how well they can get along in general, much less being able to put on a convincing act of being on a romantic getaway.]

And I don't think it matters. This mission won't be much of a vacation at all, no matter how you look at it.

[Heaving a sigh, Sunday leans back in his seat, all geniality and politeness hardened in an instant.]

Let me guess...since I'm a complete unknown to our target and won't be read as easily as you, who he is familiar with, it will be up to me to fulfill some tasks or speak to him.

[ the smile on the stoneheart's face continues to give that innocent appearance that's all somehow still very cheeky in delivery without a word being said to support that feeling. ]

Somewhat. Oswaldo is a big shot and very inflated in his head of what wrongs he's committed and are allowed to be overlooked, but he's not that stupid, either. No matter how well I play the game, he's wary of me and he'll be wary of my boyfriend. Afterall, I wouldn't want someone I actually like getting friendly with a guy like him.

[ So... yes, Sunday is correct, it just needs to be played out extremely carefully as to also make the relationship as convincing as it will come to Oswaldo's attention. What Aventurine is hoping is that Oswaldo will be tempted to risk the interactions despite knowing he's involved with Aventurine, anyway. ]

You see... I need to be convincing that the relationship is real to me in more than just a public front sort of manner. But you... well, it'll not be impossible in his head that you might be with me for ulterior motives yourself. That would give you a better opportunity to play your given hand while with him depending on what angle he takes in approaching you. It may not work out so easily, of course, but I do pride myself in expecting and preparing for the supposedly unexpected.

I see.

[Sunday's lips quirk down at the word boyfriend, a flinch that on anyone less experienced at masking their true emotions would be an outright grimace.

He doesn't say anything more, at first, his fingers drumming against the side of his glass as he mulls over what he's been told.]

That's quite a delicate balance to maintain. And an...unexpected amount of trust I've been given.

[A slackened leash, or enough rope given for Sunday to hang himself remains to be seen. Although he has a good feeling which it is.]

[ Sorry, is there a bit of a deeper tilt upward of his lips at that expression Sunday makes now? Yes, yes there is.

It's both, in truth. A slackened leash, and a convenient rope in reach if Sunday so very badly wishes to hang, instead. Never say Aventurine didn't give the other a choice in this situation or a chance to prove himself. Whether he'll prove himself to be worthy of anything in Aventurine's eyes and the IPC as a whole will remain to be seen. Afterall, Sunday could potentially get himself a cushy level of protection from Oswaldo if he wants to manipulate to that outcome.

Potentially. If Oswaldo can be trusted with such things.

(But, for Aventurine... he'll take the gamble. As far as he's concerned, Sunday may resent him and even normally take the opportunity to get back at him for his past in Penacony, but the Stoneheart is relatively confident that regardless of what he feels towards Aventurine, he'll still feel he's preferable to Oswaldo when push comes to shove. Sunday doesn't have to feel affection for either of them. All Aventurine needs is for Sunday to deem him the lesser of the two evils.

Will his gamble pay off? That remains to be seen. If he already knew, there would be no fun in gambling at all.

...And if Sunday wants to play the game that's dabbling in the art of fucking oneself over, well, Aventurine is more than happy to give him his wish for that, too, in the end.

He'd really prefer if things could go... more smoothly than that, though.) ]

High risk... higher reward. A gamble I'll take and see through to the end. The math is simple.

[ The stakes are easily worth it for the gambler. ]

Is it too much trust, Mr. Sunday?

[Aventurine and the IPC aren't a lesser evil as much as they are a known one. He's no better than a prisoner, and this is a part of his sentence's labor requirement, but so far, those who are Sunday's glorified wardens have not gone outside the bounds of that.

The same cannot be said for Oswaldo Schnider.

Sunday's not nearly so naive (and far too paranoid) to trust that betraying his current keepers is the road to freedom. He has no leverage, no upper hand. Oswaldo would take everything useful from him and toss him aside, the same as any other planet under his purview.]

I suppose we'll see, won't we?

[They could go through all of this only to be ignored and all of this discussion proven moot, after all...although when has anything been so easy, recently?]

Well. I have a better idea of what's expected. When is this happening?

That we will. [ the game begins, then, at least between the two of them for this mission.

As for the mission itself— ]

Five days. Enough time for you to prepare, I hope, Mr. Sunday?

Yes, it should be.

[And even if five days isn't enough time, it's not like the plans are going to wait for him to get ready.]

Do you already have a backstory for our relationship, or is that what this dinner is meant to accomplish?

Our script is blank, unfortunately. You and I aren't exactly the easiest individuals to wrangle into a relationship even on paper.

[ although he says it good-naturedly, the difficulty is clear to both of them.. ]

I'm sure dinner and pleasant conversation will assist us.

A cover story won't be easy to spin, no.

[If Oswaldo knows who Sunday is, was, they'd probably need something more substantial than love at first sight or that they met during a work function.

Sunday's smile turns faintly mean over the rim of his drink glass.]

The easiest option is pity. For me, for my plight.

[For the way Aventurine could see his reflection in Sunday.]

[ Aventurine is quiet a moment, his expression becoming just a little less perpetually amused and a little bit more somber. If he notices any part of that mean little smile he doesn't make it particularly known. He really doesn't have to see it, either, when the words do wonders.

Aventurine hums then, tapping the fingers of his free hand on the edge of the table before finally replying bluntly. ]

...A pity fuck, then. Interesting. I suppose that's something we could indeed swing. Considering my reputation, it would mean you're really quite special to me despite the circumstances being usually awkward for others to hear and not very convincing of anyone's relationship involvement.

That's the issue, isn't it? Oswaldo Schnider needs to be convinced you're besotted enough to have your guard down. That doesn't leave many options.

[Especially considering the circumstances around how they met. Even if no one outside of the Penacony incident is supposed to know the details (and that's no guarantee that Oswaldo didn't) there are only so many ways for the ex-head of the Oak family and a Stoneheart to cross paths.

Makes the meet-cute story...complicated.]

Unless you've got an easier cover story on hand?

Hm...

[ Aventurine considers a moment on Sunday's words before finally off a bit of a sharp barely-there smile. ] ...Perhaps the more transactional the better in this case. He knows me enough to think I'm an opportunistic whore but not well enough for anything beyond that.

It's true I'm not above spreading my legs even for my enemies if it suits me. It looking like pity from my end will certainly make him think I'm after something extra from you. It works nicely... although he'll take extra interest in what you're worth, meaning you'll have to deal with him more than is minimally required.

If that is fine with you, Mr. Sunday, I can't see any need to think too creatively about this. We'll need that for later for any plot twists that come up.

I can read the writing on the wall, Mr Aventurine. Despite this whole situation being technically extracurricular to the company, it doesn't stray very far from IPC philosophy.

[Sunday shrugs, very faintly, but his expression doesn't budge from a mask of affected politeness.]

Results are what matter. If this is the most straightforward method, then it's not really a matter of whether or not I'm fine with it. It's necessary.

Results are easier to obtain when all parties and their opinions are taken into consideration and as satisfied as is possible, you know this.

However... I think we have come to a decision with your response. It is absolutely the most straightforward approach that will give Oswaldo enough potentials as to what it could be if it's a plot against him; he'll be kept distracted by either his ambition and ignorance or his own paranoia.

[ on such short notice, it is a decent position to manage to put themselves in. As if the world had simply stopped and been waiting for them to finishing having out the initial details, Aventurine catches sight of The waiter coming with their dinner.

Perfect timing is always a delight to have during dinner meetings, even if they still are not exactly done with the details. At the very least, however, they know what they'll be working with. ]

Wonderful.

[Sunday sounds anything but enthused, but thankfully, their meals arriving is a good distraction, and he no longer has to entertain this thread of the conversation.

Of course, there's still the other elephant in the room of how they should act around each other to sell the ruse. It seems a daunting task at best, an impossible one more likely, considering how frosty this whole dinner has been so far. But Sunday's not about to be the one to bring that up, and instead, he cuts delicately into his food to start eating.]

[ Aventurine is considering those very things in his silence. A relationship is not something he's ever really had to convince anyone of before, at least not without him pretending to be someone else entirely. But as Aventurine of Stratagems, his reputation is certainly not one for being involved with anyone beyond using them as a means to an end. And when he's doing that... he's never been in an actual relationship with them, or tried to make it seem as such. Any ideas of a relationship were in the delusional mind of the other party.

Sunday is a different beast on so many levels than what he's used to, but ultimately Aventurine mentally shakes his head clear it of too many intrusive thoughts at once. Trying too hard and overthinking it will give them away too early. As he focuses on his dinner, he lets his features soften slightly as he takes the first bite, realizing he hasn't eaten anything today due to his immense stress prior to the Stoneheart meeting. It's not like before way back when and it never will be ever again, but that realization of mild hunger makes the food taste all the better.

He and Sunday will just have to figure each other out enough in the next few days to get their act together— if Sunday thought they weren't starting this charade before arrival at their destination, and he would have some reprieve, he's about to be sorely disappointed come morning. ]

[Sunday assumes they will continue to plan their charade, but he is not expecting anything more than that, no.

More than that, now that he doesn't have to deal with navigating the previous conversation, he's getting the faint impression that something had happened before Aventurine's arrival.

He doesn't like acknowledging it, doesn't even like thinking about it, but their similarities do give him a crumb of insight into someone otherwise inscrutable. And he can recognize the release of tension, the slight relaxation when there's no longer a metaphorical dagger pointed directly at one's throat. He's felt it plenty of times maintaining his position in the Family, after all.

Maybe Aventurine's tardiness had a reason?

He tucks that away to ponder over properly later. The quicker he understands the real goings on of the IPC the better.]