[open] the dating game!

[ohhmrburnsides]

who: magnus burnsides, cisco ramon and you!
what: some blind dates!
when: throughout november
where: throughout riverview
warnings: will update as needed!

[ Since his friend with benefits went and got himself a For-Real Boyfriend, Magnus has been just a little bit lonely. It’s really not a big deal; it wasn’t anything serious. However, one of his friends is taking it upon himself to remedy Magnus’s loneliness.

That friend is Cisco.

He’s making it his responsibility to make Magnus’s life a little happier… by playing matchmaker. You might get a call or a text from Cisco asking if you’re up for a blind date. He might not even tell you it’s supposed to be a date. However he convinces you to get out of the house, you’re going to find a (possibly confused) Magnus Burnsides when you arrive. Maybe you’ll have a good time. Maybe you won’t. ]

( If this is something that interests you—for good times or bad—feel free to contact Magnus mun at aldigrocery or Cisco mun at platoapproved! We’ll be happy to set up a scenario. )

Comments

for Ed

[franciscoramon]

[ It's possible this is the dumbest idea Cisco has ever had - and he's done some pretty dumb shit in his day. But, well. It hasn't escaped his notice that, since Taako and Rin became a thing, Magnus has been a little blue. He's not the sort of guy who hides that kind of thing very well, despite the fact that he's clearly trying. It's just obvious to Cisco that he is reaching for happiness, rather than just feeling it.

So he can't help thinking that, well, maybe it would be nice if Magnus started putting himself out there. Meeting new people. Finding somebody to have fun with, who can make him smile. Doesn't have to be the romance of the century or anything - just someone to pull him out of his loneliness.

And sure enough, Cisco knows a few people. Some people who have lives almost as complicated as Magnus's, who (might?) be single. The only trouble is, he's almost positive that if he just suggested Magnus ask one of them out and get to know them better, Magnus would deny being lonely in the first place.

Desperate times call for desperate measures. ]

Heeyyy, Magnus, what up?

[ Cisco strolls into his favorite bakery and coffeeshop to find that Magnus has already found a little table for two by the window. Perfect. Cisco gives him a one-armed hug before dropping down into the seat opposite of him. He pulls out his phone, checks the time. Ed is supposed to show up in around five minutes - Cisco had meant to leave more of a buffer between the times but he had taken longer than he expected to walk here.

There's just a hint of nervousness in his smile as he tucks his hair behind his ears and asks: ]

You tried those cinnamon roll lattes they do here? They're to fucking die for, bro.

[ohhmrburnsides]

Heeyyy, Cisco!

[Cisco sure seems chipper today. It's a little odd, but it's certainly not a bad thing. Maybe Cisco's just excited about something and Magnus is about to hear all about it.

When he hears about the lattes, his eyes widen.]

Aw, man, they have cinnamon roll flavor? I didn't even notice! I just went for the usual. [He holds up his mug—pumpkin spice. Reminds him of his childhood.] Oh, well. Next time.

[He takes a sip from the mug and sets it back down.] Soooo, what's on your mind, my guy?

[franciscoramon]

[ Cisco had realized after the fact that maybe he should have warned Magnus to wear something nice, but he's just not sure how he could have done that without giving away the whole thing. Fortunately his friend doesn't show up covered in wood shavings or in gym clothes or anything like that. He looks perfectly well-groomed and cute, and Cisco breathes a tiny internal sigh of relief. He is preoccupied by checking the clock a second time and almost misses Magnus's question. He looks up, a little too quick. Almost guiltily. ]

You know, it's same old same old, pretty much. Been working on a sensor that'll help me determine what different universes everyone is from based on the frequency that they vibrate at on a molecular level. It's going pretty well, I mainly just have to tweak the software to make sure it's sensitive enough to pick up -

[ Thank god, he spots a familiar flash of blond hair by the door. Cisco feels a rush of relief, grinning as he twists in his chair, saying, in an unconvincing performance of surprise. ]

Oh, look, Ed's here. Hey, have you met Ed before? I'm gonna- yeah- Hey, Ed, over here!

[ He calls it loudly across the café, waving an arm at Ed to indicate he should come over. This is it. Showtime. ]

[alchemyfreak]

[With everything going on it had been awhile since Ed had spoken to Cisco, so he took him up on the invitation to lunch without much hesitation. Things had mostly settled down, everyone that was anyone important knew how to get in touch with him if there was a reason, it would be nice to get caught up, right?

He wasn't expecting Magnus, who he hadn't seen since moving out of Floor Six, but Magnus was a pretty chill dude so Ed didn't think much of it when Cisco called him over to a table already occupied by the two of them. In fact, now that he thought about it, neither of them had seen him since that canister update - but he figured the changes were probably minor enough to go unnoticed if he didn't bring it up, anyway.

Ed flashes a quick grin with a wave in greeting as he makes his way across the cafe to where they're seated. Golden eyes glancing from Cisco to Magnus curiously while maintaining an almost cautious - but still pleasant - smile, wondering if he should grab a third chair.]

Hey... I didn't know you guys knew each other.

[ohhmrburnsides]

[It's a blessing Ed comes in when he does, because Magnus knew he was not going to understand a word of that science stuff Cisco was about to lay down. And besides, Ed is a cool dude.]

Yo, Ed! Haven't seen you in a minute!

[He sees Ed struggling to decide whether or not to sit, so he reaches to an adjacent table—without leaving his seat—and grabs another chair to pull around so that Ed can join them.]

I didn't know you guys knew each other. Small town, huh? [He turns to Cisco.] We were roommates for a minute, back when I lived in communal housing. Floor Six.

[franciscoramon]

[ Cisco scoots to the side to that the chair Magnus pulls over is closer to him than to Cisco. This is already going great. Even if... ]

And I had no clue you guys had met either!

[ But that's good, right? It's better that they aren't complete strangers! All he has to do now is find an excuse to make his retreat, as non-awkwardly as he possibly can. Once he makes it obvious, of course, that this is all a setup and supposed to be a date. Cisco doesn't want this to slip into a mere Floor Six reunion. ]

This place is hella cute, right? I keep meaning to bring Eddie here on a date one of these days.

[ Real subtle there, Cisco. He looks around, grinning at both of them, as if he can force them to see the romantic potential in it through sheer force of will. He is even less subtle when he pulls out his phone, which is silent and obviously not lit up until he hits the button and pretends to be surprised: ]

Oh, damn, I- just got a text from Rey and there's a problem at the workshop, I guess I gotta run. That's- that sucks real bad. But you guys can keep each other company, right? Great. Guess I'll see you two later, sometime, byyyyeee!

[ And Cisco is bolting out the door before either of them can question his absolutely atrocious acting or his very peculiar behavior. ]

[alchemyfreak]

Thanks-

[Yeah, invited or not, debating whether to grab a seat was a bit awkward, but this was all an interesting coincidence as far as Ed's concerned. He'll just drop right down in that chair, ready to make conversation. The Quarantine sure could be a pretty small town.]

How's the new place?

[Of course it's the name that catches Ed's attention more than anything. Sure, he'd talked to Cisco during that whole Soul Mates thing about someone, but a name had never come up and if anything the casual slip of 'Eddie' just then only served to distract him from the purpose of whatever was actually supposed to be going on here. Which, he thought was a lunch to catch up. Nevermind the fact that Ed didn't have a romantic bone in his body, and Cisco's sudden peculiar behavior wasn't going to help set the mood even if he did.]

That was weird.

[Ed glances back at Magnus after watching Cisco flee the scene, quirking a brow. He doesn't really know Cisco well, so as far as he knows that sort of behavior is perfectly normal for him. Especially considering how animated he was the first time they met, but still. Maybe the other had a little more insight on it.]

Is he... Normally like that?

for Angela

[franciscoramon]

[ Cisco doesn't know Angela all that well, but the interactions he's had with her have been good, for the most part. She'd been pretty nice to him, when he was all broken up about seeing Ronnie's ghost. He'd had a pretty good time getting a beer with her after that, and she's got that whole intense badass warrior thing going. Even if she and Magnus don't click, Cisco figures they can talk about sword sharpening techniques or something like that.

(And hopefully she won't be mad at him and try to have his head on a pike or anything like that).

Cisco doesn't tell her it's an intended blind date, of course. He's a little surprised that Magnus falls so easily for the same ruse as last time, considering. This time it's not lunch, but rather a nice little picnic that Cisco himself arranges. He has the blanket spread out in a nice sunny patch of the park, waiting for Magnus to arrive; and then he has asked Angela to meet him in the same spot about 20 minutes later. ]

[ohhmrburnsides]

[Through the grass trots Magnus, who speeds up his pace a bit when he sees Cisco. He's holding a brown paper shopping bag in one hand and starts to wave Cisco down with the other.]

Yo, Cisco! I brought some stuff!

[When he takes a seat at the blanket, he starts pulling some items out of the bag, naming each one off as he does.]

Apples, cheese plate, grapes, marshmallows—not super picknicky but I saw them and I couldn't help it—aaaaand a six pack.

[The package of beer has a bear on the side. Of course.

...Also: if Magnus had known he was showing up to a date, he would not have worn the BURNSIDES 69 jersey, but he did not know, so he is definitely wearing it.]

What've you got?

[franciscoramon]

[ Cisco beams and waves as Magnus hurries up to reach him. He's a little less nervous than he had been the first time; perhaps it's the sun, the fact that this is one of the last days warm enough for a picnic before winter starts to settle in. Perhaps he's just in a good mood. Regardless, he is grinning when Maganus settles down.

That grin fades ever so slightly when he sees what Magnus is wearing. Shit. Right. He had forgotten that maybe Magnus would show up for a picnic dressed more informally than he would for other occasions. But he knows that, after the stunt he'd pulled with Ed, telling Magnus to get fancy would've given him away.

Oh, well. Hopefully it won't matter too much??? ]

Marshmallows are super picnicky, are you kidding? This is awesome. I got... some chips, some guac, some sandwiches, aaaand even more beer!

[ Cisco gestures to his own basket, which contains the items he'd just listed. He's happy he left himself a little more leeway with the timing, this go-round, so he can actually talk to Magnus for a while. Cisco gets a look at the particular brand of beer Magnus has brought and laughs with delight. ]

Where did you even find that?!

[ohhmrburnsides]

Oh—what, this? [He lifts up the six pack and shows it off in a Vanna White fashion. He's very proud of this find.] Just a little somethin' I picked up on the way here. It's actually pretty close, I can bring you there later.

[He takes a beer out of the package and hands it to Cisco, then grabs another for himself and cracks it open.]

How's that science thing going?

[franciscoramon]

[ Cisco sets down the beer as casually as he can without opening it, like he just isn't thirsty quite yet. ]

The science thing is going great. I'm working on facial recognition tech, right now. So... a program that you could put in a pair of sunglasses, or a visor, and when I looked at you, it would take a picture of your face, and compare it to other pictures of your face that it's got in it's- in it's stored memory, and it would be able to come up with a little label that says "aha, that's Magnus!"

[ He could delve much more into the specifics, the nitty gritty details of how he is tweaking the software to be faster, more accurate in low light and despite disguises and while moving, but Magnus doesn't need to know all that. All he needs to know is the broad strokes, and why it matters. ]

Gonna use it for some visors for the cops and the Perimeter Guard, make it easier to tell who is who in a crowd, spot anyone that's out of place, make sure nobody ends up shooting a teammate or a civilian.

[ It's yet another instance of technology that Cisco knows could be misused, but he's going to put in plenty of safeguards, make it so that if any of the visors are stolen, they'll become useless almost immediately. Failsafes upon failsafes. The one silver lining to the whole catastrophe with the heat and cold guns is that he's much much more careful, now. ]

What about you, how's carpentry stuff? Any interesting projects recently?

[ohhmrburnsides]

[Magnus is very grateful that Cisco is using words he can understand to explain the science thing. Last time, Cisco had mentioned, like, atom vibration frequencies or something, and it was way beyond Magnus's grasp. At least he understands what facial recognition is.]

That's super neat, dude! You make the coolest stuff.

[He'd taken a few sips of his beer while Cisco spoke. Now, he sets it down, produces a knife from his pocket, and starts slicing up one of the apples he'd brought.]

Yeah, right now I'm helping out at one of the community centers. The facility's kinda out of date, so I'm helping, like, restructure the building. It needs some mega repairs. I might try to talk some of the higher-ups at my job to start prioritizing reconstruction around town.

[He's had a good rep with his bosses so far, so he's been able to taken on interesting projects like these. It's that rustic hospitality at work.]

for Dorian

[franciscoramon]

[ OKAY. Okay. So that last arranged blind date had been a bit of a bust. Or a total bust. A catastrophe. But that doesn't mean he is going to give up! Not even when he can practically feel the skepticism coming off Magnus's texts in waves when he asks if he wants to get dinner. Magnus agrees, but Cisco's pretty sure that he's caught on to the pattern.

But that's okay, because this time, at least, he's pretty sure Dorian is single, and not a lesbian. That's a step up from last time, right!? (It's a pretty low bar, and Cisco knows it). Dorian is only a very casual acquaintance of his. Back when he'd put up all those flyers offering to give free and friendly tech help to people from worlds without cell phones, Dorian had been one of the ones to take him up on it. They had chatted enough for Cisco to know he was from a world with magic, but that was not Fearun. It had also been enough for him to see that Dorian was charming, and witty, and a little bit cocky too. All things he thinks Magnus might like, in somebody he went on a date with.

The restaurant Cisco picks is a pretty nice one - not terrifyingly formal, but a step up from his usual. That had been part of how he convinced Magnus to come. And he's already ducked in to the back and explained the situation, arranged to pay for the meal whatever it is they order. He might regret that later.

Coming up with a convincing text to send Dorian, to invite him here, had been a little bit more work, but he'd been hoping the man's curiosity would be enough, and it seems he hadn't been mistaken. He arranges for Magnus to show up first, but his stomach plummets when he sees, through the windows of the restaurant, Dorian heading for the door. Oh no. Oh, no, he had forgotten to factor in the possibility that Dorian would arrive a bit early.

So much for it not being a catastrophe. ]

Dorian! You're here! Um, already!

[tevinteraltus]

[Cisco was a charmer, certainly, but a helpful one. Dorian the Archivist was quickly falling in love with the technology of his world, and it's ability to catalog, not that it had much of an effect of Dorian's own system of organization...which amounted to "this stick is comprised of tomes I've yet to read", but there was no one about to judge him at the moment, and he was perfectly fine with that.

When he received the text from Cisco suggesting he had something new to show him, he was hesitant until the younger man had mentioned the venue. It was a nice place and promised something from the vine that would satisfy his tastes. His homeland, after all, was known for its vineyards and vintages worldwide, nevermind the rest of their reputation. Dorian had high standards when it came to wine.

He hadn't intended to be early, but he'd just left work, his work clothes were sufficient for a restaurant of this caliber, and besides seeking a glass of wine, the mage was hungry, and he could justify idling about on the sidewalk. He raised an eyebrow as he closed the distance between himself and Cisco, noting the slight hesitance in his voice.]

"Already"? So it's that I'm early, is it? Does this exciting new thing require some bit of synchronicity, then? Shall I step away for a moment?

[franciscoramon]

No, no no no no, no synchronicity required, have a seat, Dorian.

[ It wouldn't take a genius to see that Cisco is nervous, but the only effects of that are the slightly forced smile on his face, and a degree of fussiness to his movements as he gestures towards one of the chairs at the little table. Despite the fact that Dorian has already arrived, and Cisco ought to be looking at him (or perhaps preparing to show him the supposed new app), his eyes keep flicking up to the restaurant's front door. Almost as if he is expecting someone else. ]

Did you, uh, want something to drink? I already got the payment squared away and everything - it's my treat. So. No worries.

[ There's the sound of the restaurant's door opening and Cisco looks up, much too sharply. It's just a handful of older ladies, however, and his shoulders slump just a touch. He pulls out his phone and checks the time; Magnus was supposed to show up any minute now. ]

[tevinteraltus]

[Dorian did his best to just look like a pretty face unless someone asked his opinion, or he was trying to thwart some sort of callous plot or other, but he was observant, and he could tell Cisco wasn't his typical, casual self today.

And he's paying for dinner? Well, now. Oh, and there were the less-than-casual, frequent, glances toward the door, as well. Eyes narrowed slightly, Dorian took the seat offered by his new friend, one side of his mouth curled up in a slightly confused but questioning smirk. Whatever it was Cisco had actually wanted, he was certainly not accustomed to clandestine meetings to accomplish it and how flustered he was actually bordering on cute.]

By the look of it, I'd say you're the one who should have a drink, but if it's your tab we're running, yes. I'll have one of their finer vintages, something red.

[He settled into the chair, letting his hands fall to his lap as he continued to watch Cisco's nervous movements.]

Shall I wait for the wine to be served to ask who you're watching for, or should I act surprised?

[franciscoramon]

That sounds perfect.

[ He responds automatically to Dorian's proposed drink selection, though it could not be clearer that he wasn't really listening at all. Cisco is too busy fretting about what will happen if Magnus sees them through a window, susses out the situation, and just doesn't come in. Or if he was always planning on not coming, as payback for the last two times. What will Dorian think? How will he even begin to explain?

But then he hears watching for and turns back to Dorian sharply, the rest of his words sinking in, and Cisco feels a lurch of guilt. He'd been able to tell, when he was teaching Dorian how to make the best use of his phone, that he was a fast learner, sharp and intelligent. But apparently he's also pretty shrewd, too, and good at telling when something is Up. (And of course there's the fact that Cisco is not the world's best liar by a long shot). ]

Watching for? I'm... not watching for...

[ But before he can get more than a word or two into the feeble lie, there's the sound of the door opening and this time, it IS Magnus. Cisco jumps to his feet, saying quickly: ]

Hang on one second, sorry-

[ And then he is rushing over, winding between the little tables as he hurries up to Magnus and says, before he can even get a word in: ]

Look, don't go running off, okay. I know last time was.... last time but I promise I did my research this time. He's definitely single and I really think you're gonna like him.

[ohhmrburnsides]

[Magnus is not surprised. Cisco had cut him off before he had a chance to ask, "Is this another date?" He eyes Cisco down, attempting to be angry—but Magnus can't stay angry at his friends. After all, Cisco is just trying to be helpful, even if Magnus thinks it's weird. He sighs, defeated.]

And you're sure he's not a lesbian?

[His lips curl up into a little grin. He's not gonna berate Cisco, but he is going to tease him. Cisco's never gonna live that one down.]

Alright, the guy came all the way out here, I'm not gonna ditch him. I'll do it.

[Magnus is not one to rush out. Quite the opposite, in fact. He can view this date as a challenge rather than an obstacle. He turns to make his way over to the guy, and then realizes he has no clue who he is or where he's sitting.]

... Except you're gonna have to introduce us first.

for Hana

[franciscoramon]

[ This time, Cisco doesn't even try to pretend it isn't a date. Magnus might not be a rocket scientist but he's not a literal infant. He will be able to guess, and he just won't agree or won't show up. So instead, Cisco is honest and just texts him: ]

listen, just one more date okay?
i know you're probably real sick of this and me right now
but this person is a friend of mine and i really like her and i know you will too
just a totally casual thing at the ice cream parlor?
🍦🍦🍦🍦?

[ohhmrburnsides]

[A worrisome amount of time goes by before Magnus sends a response.]

ok but only because you have probably already told her she's going on a date and it would be rude not to

and also because of the emojis. nice touch.

[franciscoramon]

thanks
you won't regret it i PROMISE.

[ He hadn't, in fact, told Hana that it was going to be a date, but he fills her in by text on his way over to the ice cream parlor. When he gets there, he settles himself at a table near a tiny coin-operated merry-go-round that's clearly there for kids. He gets himself a tiny cup of some bright blue berry flavored ice cream, covered in about ten different kinds of candy. He can always take it with him when he leaves, and he needs something to preoccupy him as he waits for Magnus, and Hana, hoping neither of them decide to just ditch. ]

[ohhmrburnsides]

i'll take your word for it
but just one more time
🤔

[When he makes it to the ice cream parlor, the first thing he does is feign an angry "I'm watching you" motion at Cisco with his fingers... and then promptly gets in line for ice cream. As if he could ever really be upset when ice cream is involved. Once he's settled with his cup of strawberry ice cream overflowing with whipped cream, he takes a seat next to Cisco.]

You know you really don't have to do this, right? I'm doing fine, dude.

[franciscoramon]

[ Cisco laughs nervously at the gesture, but at least Magnus is here, and he wouldn't be joking like that if he were actually pissed. Once Magnus is sitting down, Cisco was going to launch into some unrelated story about a movie, to avoid actually talking about the whole blind dates situation, but Magnus beats him to the punch. ]

Yeah, I mean. I know I don't have to and... maybe I haven't gone about it perfectly-

[ Magnus doesn't even need to say anything before Cisco is holding up a hand to forestall comment and admitting: ]

-okay, make that definitely haven't gone about it perfectly. I just...

[ Cisco gives a small shrug, his smile a touch sad around the edges. He'd encouraged Taako to pursue things with Rin, not to shy away from all of that. And sure, that doesn't make it his fault that Magnus has been a little lonely, lately. But it still feels a little bit like his fault. Of course, he would never actually say that, so instead, he says: ]

You seemed a little low. And you're such a fucking awesome guy, it's like, a crime for you not to have somebody-

[ He trails off before he finishes, however, because the little bell above the door has rung and there's Hana, looking cute as ever. Cisco lifts up a hand to wave her over, getting to his feet. He sets a hand on Magnus's shoulder, saying quietly, just to him: ]

Just... give it a shot, okay? I promise this is the last time.

[bunnyhopped]

[ Here is Hana, looking cute as ever indeed. She doesn't know how to feel about the fact that Cisco waited until the last possible second to inform her that this was going to be a blind date; she isn't exactly in what she would consider date attire, either, but she knows that she looks cute no matter what look she's rocking. And her boundless self-confidence would have it so that she isn't actually that worried about how she would be on a blind date - more worried that the other person might not be prepared.

Once she's stepped in, though, and finds Cisco at the table with none other than Magnus Burnsides— Hana can't help but grin, and widely at that. Little does Cisco know that Hana and Magnus have already been exchanging text messages now and then, even met up at the arcade once to hang out.

So she approaches them easily, waving as she goes and regarding both of them with a smile before she changes directions, gesturing over to the line leading to the counter to get her own ice cream, since she sees that they've already gotten to that part. Might give them a few more moments to finish up whatever conversation they're having, too. ]