thenearshore | [closed] in love and war...

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[closed] in love and war...

Who: Iskandar and Minako
When: June 9th
Where: Just a cafe on the Near Shore.
What: Iskandar is in dire need of professional advice.

[There is a cafe in Akihabara where they make the best hot chocolate with double whipped cream. That's exactly the place where Iskandar invited Minako to talk about his problem. There's something that's troubling him ever since the event happened. He arrives early and waits for Minako to show up. He's relieved when she finally does.]

Thank you for coming on such short notice. I know I wasn't very specific in my message but I really don't know how to describe it better than I did.

[He scratches his beard visibly distressed. Essentially, he wrote that it's a problem and it's about Waver. Both of those things are technically true but the situation is more complicated than that ... and he's terrible at dealing with such complications.]

It's almost two weeks now that it happened and I keep thinking about it...

[Forgive his rambling. He's really lost with this.]

I should probably start at the beginning. Which would be that I wanted to buy a present for Waver. There was no special occasion. I just thought it would be nice if he had something from me. I was looking for a proper comb since our trip to Hawai. All I ever found was either too girly or too mundane. I think I have some idea about his taste and nothing seemed to fit. So I thought maybe not a comb. He already has an impressive set of hair accessories and I wanted it to be special. For it to be obvious it's from me.

[He pauses, takes a deep breath and continues.]

So I thought maybe a ring. That's something I know he doesn't have. So I started looking for a ring. I wanted something classy but also something that would have a meaning for both of us. So I thought there's one gem in particular that instantly connect with him. One that has all the meaning I want.
Unbreakable, timeless and beautiful.

Like him. [He smiles.] Like the bond that connects us. So I started to look for a ring with a diamond but all I found were some tiny stones. I just couldn't believe the prices those merchants asked for something so small. I didn't like the designs either.

[There's King of Conquerors to you. He's used to untold riches of Asia. Not your usual modern engagement ring.]

And they all looked at me funny when I said it's not for a woman. I thought nothing of it then but I don't know now. Maybe it was a hint. I'm not sure anymore. Maybe they were just angry I criticised their wares.
So I found no ring with a diamond I liked but at one shop the owner showed me something else. A ring of red jade. I know Waver likes red jade. The guy even proposed to make an engraving on it for me. So I agreed and told him what to write on it. It wasn't anything special. Just a quote from Plato. One that I really like. I knew Waver would recognize it. So it all fit perfectly.

[Another pause because now we come to the clue of the problem. He hasn't touched his drink yet. Probably forgot it's there.]

It was only a matter of waiting for a proper chance to give the gift. As you probably know [Or not. It's not like everyone is interested in your private affairs, Iskandar.] almost two weeks ago Waver became a god. I can't even express how happy I am about this turn of events. [Because they were both deteriorating pretty fast before it happened. But that's not the problem here...]

I thought it would be a good moment to give him the ring. So I did. And he ...

[Iskandar stares through the window for a good minute.]

It's not that he didn't like it. He did. More than liked it actually. But I keep thinking about it. It's just a ring. I mean, I'm happy he likes it. I know I didn't insult him or make him angry with it or anything because he wears it. At least I think I didn't. I just... I don't know. I feel what I did meant to him something else than what I intended. And I don't know what. I don't even know if I'm even making any sense right now. It's just...

[He looks back at Minako.]

I want him to be happy. I'm glad that whatever I did made him happy. I just. I just would prefer it to be intentional. Right now I understand none of this.

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[ Iskandar might have forgotten about his drink, but Minako sure hasn't. He's the one who's talking and rambling anyway, so she might as well enjoy as much of her free compensation-for-coming-out-here drinks as she can! She can totally drink and listen at the same time.

Even as she kind of chokes on her drink for a moment when he talks so casually about those "tiny stones" on rings. He really is on another level altogether, isn't he.. Minako could only dream of those sort of rings, and here Iskandar is acting like they're nothing!

Thankfully she looks a little less comical and more put together again as he finally seems done for the moment. Minako puts her drink down for a moment. ]

So.. did you really just mean it as a present?

[ She's mostly asking since he himself seems so confused about it as well, so it's probably the best to sort out those feelings first before getting into the rest of it. ]

[Riches of Asia, Minako, riches of Asia. You're probably better off not knowing what his Persian wives wore on a daily basis.
He's got an entirely different frame of reference than most.]

I did but I see that it's clearly more than that.

[He shrugs. He notices his own rapidly cooling chocolate and takes a sip.]

I just wish I knew what.

[Asking Waver directly could help but that would be another level of awkward. He just doesn't want to make his blunder worse.]

[ .. oh no. It's not even that he's conflicted about his emotions, it's just that he doesn't realise what the misunderstanding is to begin with?! Minako looks up from her drink at him, staring at Iskandar as if the other suddenly grew a second head on his shoulder. ]

Wait.. You really have no idea?

[ Granted, Minako knows there's a lot of people from different times and cultures at the Far Shore. But it's still a bit of a culture shock whenever someone doesn't know something that's so obvious to her. ]

Did people never.. [ She pauses for a moment, looking for the right word to not overwhelm him with the implications of what he just did straight away-- ] .. give each other rings where you come from? In.. you know. A special way?

[Iskandar frowns. He did notice she's looking at him funny.]

Of course, we did! I exchanged rings and bracelets with many of my friends. Sadly, here I have none of those but it wasn't uncommon if that's what you think.

[You're just making him more confused.]

But that's not what you're implying, do you?

Edited (icon change) 2019-06-30 13:52 (UTC)

Yeah, that.. definitely isn't what I was going for.

[ Especially when Iskandar specifically says that, it's almost like he's friendzoning poor Waver! Then there must be some time or culture difference between those two, right? Considering Waver did seem to understand the implications.

She puts her drink off to the side so she can lean over the table a bit more towards him, motioning for him to come closer.

Then she whispers, as if they've got some little conspiracy going on here-- ] Usually when people give someone a ring like that.. it's a proposal.

A proposal? What kind of proposal?

[This is the moment where the ground should literally open up and swallow him because for the love of all that is good and holy Iskandar, King of Conquerors, Lord of Asia, Pharaoh of Egypt etc. etc ... is the densest material on Earth.]

[Then it clicks.]

Oh.

[By a feat of inhuman genius he finally gets it.]

You meant a marriage proposal?

[Are men supposed to marry in this realm and time? But then he does remember at the previous training prince Leo speaking about his own husband so it seems they do.]

But I love him. Why would I want to marry him?

[~~Iskandar, please... You married your first wife for that sole reason, idiot.~~]

[Then it dawns on him. Friendship between men might have been the highest, the most perfect form of love in the Ancient Macedon, even the whole of Ancient Greece... but Waver hails from a different era. Era that Iskandar knows close to nothing about. He's definitely trying to learn but it's like with anything. It takes time.

People are different. Customs are different. Beliefs around love, friendship, courtship and marriage are totally something else than he's used to.
Marriage is no longer just a contract that binds two families to their mutual benefit. Or a civil obligation a man, even a king, has to his society.]

I messed up, right? No, don't tell me. I know I did.

[The only good thing, the only thing the gives him hope is that Waver was not angry. He was happy. Does that mean...]

So what do I do now? Should I ask if he wants to marry me? I already gave him the ring. I can't give it to him again.

Can I ...

[He takes a deep breath. Give him an army to fight, a monster, a hydra, a Gorgon, anything. He can fight them single-handedly and won't even blink an eye. Matters of the heart on the other hand totally terrify him.]

Can I ask him without the ring? Or would it be terrible?

[ There's definitely another second-head-on-shoulder stare when he asks why he'd marry Waver when he loves him. Mostly since it takes her a moment to realise that's probably just another culture shock thing. Right, weren't marriages supposed to be more of a deal between families than a love thing way back in the day? Maybe that's why he's confused?

Thankfully Iskandar seems to fully realise it fairly quickly, making Minako lean back until she's sitting normally again, taking a sip of her drink while he fusses.

Mostly to observe him fuss for a moment. It's cute, since it's fussing born out of love. It's obvious how much he loves Waver, with how he said that so easily just now and how quickly he wants to make things right.. Minako always likes seeing love that pure and genuine, it's sweet.

She smiles with just a hint of mischievousness in her eyes. ]

Weeelll, I'm sure an extra ring can't hurt if you have the budget. [ It's half teasing, and half Minako just knowing that she'd never mind an extra ring if it was her, okay. Maybe she's a bit of a material girl. ]

But even if you don't, I'm sure it'll be fine! With the way you guys talk about each other, it's way obvious you're super duper in love. [ So a misunderstanding like this couldn't hurt anything, especially if Iskandar does want to marry Waver when it comes down to it. ] Just explain it was a misunderstanding and then properly propose to him. Even if you don't do it with a ring, you can still make it special by picking some special place to propose or something!

Edited 2019-06-30 18:30 (UTC)

[Super duper is so much a Minako expression that Iskandar can help but simply laugh out loud upon hearing her assessment of his relationship with Waver.

Those are not the words I would use but indeed we are very much in love.

[Well, she is not wrong.]

I'll think about that extra ring.

[He winks at her. We're all practical people here, Minako. He totally understands. The second ring wouldn't hurt if only he could find something suitable...and find it fast]

I just don't want to wait any longer.

[The pause is brief but they both know what that implies. No one can tell how much time left here any of them has. Iskandar wouldn't forgive himself if he lost his chance because he was looking for a perfect ring. He cannot stall. Still, he smiles in the end.]

Thank you so much. I cannot express how grateful I am for your help.

[ Those words - "I just don't want to wait any longer" - make Minako lose a bit of the over the top attitude she displayed just now. She doesn't look sad, necessarily, but the look in her eyes turns a bit more mature and wise. She gets it. She really, really gets that, especially considering recent events.

Minako has seen how sad Zelda looked after Caster disappeared. She doesn't want to see anyone else like that anymore. ]

Yeah.. Please don't wait. Make sure he knows. I mean.. I'm sure he already knows just how much he means to you, but it can't hurt to add that extra layer on top, right?

[ Marriage is cute, anyway. It's so sweet, and Minako loves it, even if she knows it will never be something for her. That doesn't mean she can't enjoy watching other people indulge in it though. ]

If you want to thank me, just invite me to the wedding. Even if it's a private one. I can hide really sneakily in that case, you'll never even notice I was there. [ That's a bit of a joke again, but this time said in a slightly more calm way. ]

I can assure you, you'll be the first person to get an invitation. I will deliver it personally.

[Yes, he hasn't even proposed properly yet and he's already planning the wedding.
No, he has no idea what he's doing. Still, such trivialities never stopped King of Conquerors. They won't stop him now.]

[ That's exactly the way to go about these things, Minako approves! Weddings are so important, you might as well start planning them as soon as possible!

On that subject, she can't help but be a tiiiny bit (okay, maybe I should rather say "very") curious and butt into this a little more. ]

So did you already have any ideas for the wedding?

[ She has to know!! ]

[Iskandar scratches his beard. Well...about that...]

Not really.

[Even if just an hour ago such thought would have never crossed his mind he does have a general idea what he wants. Less of an idea, how to get there.]

To be honest, I don't even know where to start. I mean I was married before but as you noticed things looked quite different then.

[And then he had people to do things for him.]

I never had to organise anything like that myself.

[Surely, he did organize feasts and numerous festivities but he was never directly involved in the details.]

[ The upside of this situation is that Minako doesn't seem to question why he isn't married anymore and is going to marry again. She can be tactful where it matters! If not just since there's a much more important matter that immediately comes to mind. ]

Well, maybe then you just.. need a little help?

[ She's put her elbows on the table so she can rest her chin on her hands and give him the best dramatically innocent look she can muster up. Batting her eyelashes and all. Hint hint. Nudge nudge.

Let her be nosy and butt her way in to help with the wedding. ]

[Iskandar laughs seeing how eager she is.]

You're the sweetest, girl, you know that? But you helped me a lot already.

[Go on, Minako. Be nosy to your heart's content. They could use all the help they can get.]

I don't want to put all the work on you.

[Seriously, help them. It would be one step from disaster if you don't. Iskandar is an ancient warrior ~~even if king~~, he's totally clueless and his taste is ... not so great. Waver would probably overthink every little detail. They need somebody who actually knows a thing about the subject and can keep her cool throughout the logistical mayhem that the event inevitably becomes.
Because Iskandar never plans small...]

Hey, hey, I said help! It's not all on me if we just work together! [ Besides, even with how much of a bulldozer in human form Minako is, she wouldn't want to fully push her own taste upon poor Iskandar and Waver's wedding. It needs to reflect their own tastes too, it's such an important event! ] You can say what you want, I can give some input on how weddings work nowadays, and then we can figure how to work it out! It's perfect!

[ And Minako already seems way too invested in the idea to let go now. The enthusiasm is practically beaming off her. If this goes on, a child could use her as a nightlight. ]

Wouldn't that be fun?

[Iskandar raises both hands.]

Yes, of course. You're right. I don't know about Waver but I have zero knowledge on the topic. So I would be grateful for any advice.

[Speaking of zero knowledge. Ekhm...]

But before all that... I have to ask. Assuming for a moment I'll find that second ring, how should I propose to make it right this time?

[He pauses. It's not that he doesn't watch tv or movies, it's just that up to this point he wasn't exactly paying attention to such things.]

What exactly do I do?

Well.. [ Her voice trails off for a moment as she thinks, her enthusiasm turning into something slightly more thoughtful. ]

I guess it depends on whether you want to do it the traditional way or not? [ Minako, being a nut for all things romance, has obviously watched so many proposal shows and videos. So many. All of them. She knows all the unique ways some people have done it. ] If so, then you usually get down on one knee in front of your partner, and you hold out the ring to them and ask if they want to marry you.

Usually the ring is in some sort of nice-looking box too.

Ugh, now I see where the impression came from.

[Iskandar rubs his temples. That ... explains a lot.]

I did everything besides the kneeling and asking. I even had a fancy box for the ring.

[He lets out a sigh. He doesn't go further into details of his almost-a-proposal. Those were indeed ... unique.]

Well, I've got to make it right this time.

[ Oh, Iskandar.. At least Minako doesn't fully blame him when it's now obvious that he just didn't even know that was the modern day tradition. And he's going to make it right anyway. ]

Then just make sure to definitely go on one knee this time! [ Even though he'd probably still be a huge guy even on his knees, but still. ] Like I said, I'm sure he'll understand.

Right. I will.

[He goes silent for a moment. Now that he knows he won't forget but still he wants to make the experience as memorable as possible. No matter if he can get the second ring or not.]

I might just have an idea for a good place to do it.

[There's a slightly mischievous smile curling his lips.]

Ha! He would never suspect what I'm planning.

[But then he hesitates.]

Do you think I should surprise him? Or would it be wrong?

[There. Firmly established. Iskandar, King of Conquerors. Completely hopeless in matters of the heart.]

[ It's a good thing that he has a special love advisor now, huh. ]

I don't think it'd be wrong in this case..

[ After all, Iskandar and Waver are so obviously totally in love. It drips off each word they speak of each other. So it's not like there's any potential for it to turn awkward then. (Especially with that not-proposal-that-seemed-like-one already having happened..) ]

Especially if it's such a good idea! No need to let those go to waste!

[And she's the best one in the whole of the Far Shore. Lucky him.]

Excellent!

[Iskandar looks down on his barely touched cocoa, smiles, then proceeds to finish it still grinning. Minako is completely right in her assessment. They are impossibly crazy in love.
Err yes, Earth to Iskandar... He looks at Minako and nods.]

But I am keeping you here long enough already.

Ah.. Right!

[ Minako's drink - in comparison - is long finished. But she didn't even seem to realise as much with how much she got into this whole conversation. She glances down at the empty cup in surprise, and then back up at him. ]

I should probably make sure I'm not slacking off on everything at my own temple. [ She stands up, but before walking away she quickly turns back to him. ] But-- keep me updated on everything! I really want to know!

[ She smiles. ]

Good luck, see you!

[ And with that she's off. ]

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[closed] in love and war...

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wrap?

yes, that's perfect!