riverviewlogs | [open] the dating game!

Entry tags:

[open] the dating game!

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. )

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[ 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!

[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?

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. ]

[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?

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.

[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.

[ Cisco faces that teasing with the grim acceptance that he has thoroughly and completely earned it. That had been a world-class fuck up and he's already had to deal with the consequences on Angela's end. At least Magnus isn't threatening him. ]

Thank you. He had no idea this whole thing was a set-up, so... just don't blame him, okay? It was all my idea and doing.

[ Introductions were something he'd avoided the last few times he did this, but Cisco knows he's not getting out of it this time. He walks with Magnus over to the table where Dorian is sitting. When he comes to a halt he is shifting his weight from foot to foot, obviously uncomfortable but smiling anyway as he says: ]

Hey, Dorian, I got a confession. There is no app. I... remembered you mentioned you weren't seeing anybody, and my boy Magnus here isn't seeing anybody either, so I ... decided to play matchmaker. So. Um. Yeah. Magnus, this is Dorian. He's from a world with magic and stuff, and he's got super dope facial hair. And Dorian, this is Magnus. He's also from a world with magic and stuff and he also has very dope though very different facial hair. I already squared away the check with the waiter, soooo. Yep! Just gonna leave you two to the ambiance. Have a good night, sorry for all the deception and stuff!

[ And with that, Cisco makes his retreat. ]

Edited 2017-11-17 20:26 (UTC)

[Dorian stands as the two of them approach, Dorian covertly noting with at least some degree of appreciate the muscles that seem to reside beneath Magnus' clothing while Cisco stumbles through his explanation. He arches an eyebrow and turns slowly back to Cisco as he comes to the meat of it, though, his expression clearly asking, "oh really?" He makes to protest, but Cisco turns and, somewhat cowardly he notes, escapes before he can be questioned and Dorian lets out a sigh of disappointment before turning back to the other man. His own frame is well built, though lithe and he stands a few inches under six feet, yet holds himself with a confidence and poise that suggest he's used to rubbing shoulders with important people and looking the part.]

Well then. I don't know if I should be insulted or not. What do you think, Magnus? Have we both been labeled as lonely and pining, or am I simply convenient? ...I can't be too upset with him, obviously. He has impeccable taste. [He waves a hand, dismissing the question before it can be answered and motions toward the table he's risen from.] No matter. You heard the man. Our bills covered. What's say we make the young Francisco pay well for his good intent?

[First impressions: vaguely intimidating. He's obviously better put together than Magnus could ever hope to be, and he's already expressed some disappointment at the situation. The "situation" being this date. Luckily, Magnus had known better than to show up to a venue like this dressed as he normally would, so he'd opted for a loose button down—but still casual, with a few of the buttons left open at the top. It's a good thing he didn't show up to this date wearing, say... a jersey with 69 written on the back.

Dorian doesn't seem like the type of person Cisco would even know well enough to set up on a blind date. Magnus can't help but wonder how desperate Cisco was to rope a guy like this into it.

At least the guy seems to have a good sense of humor about the whole thing. Magnus loosens up a little as he takes a seat across from his, um, date.]

No, I think I'm the only "lonely and pining" one here. At least, to Cisco. I mean, wouldn't say I'm actually— [It's going great so far!] What I mean is, I am the only one here who is being pitied. But, hey, since he's paying—

[He comes to a stop as he has a sudden thought.]

Is his name Francisco?

[As his order of wine was never actually ordered when their kind waiter, obviously well compensated, or at least very good at his craft, arrives at the table, Dorian finally requests that bottle of red, "the good stuff", he reiterates, then suggests the rest will need a moment before turning back to his unlikely dinner date.

Date. Dorian realizes, quickly, he's never actually had one of those. Oh, certainly, his father had seen to it he'd spent a dinner or ten with his betrothed, but that ended rather abruptly when Dorian had informed his father under no circumstances did he have any intention of entering into an arranged marriage with such a boorish woman or a woman at all. They were, after all, beautiful beyond measure but...not for him, and if they were it would not be that one.]

Honestly, I'm not sure. "Francisco" is a common enough name in Antiva, a nation on my homeworld, and I simply assume...I knew a man from Antiva once named Franchez...and possibly... [He shakes his head.] Regardless, I digress. [But that stammer of his, and the clothing...though he was reminded of a certain hulking lummox of a man from back home as well, who looked horribly out of place in any sort of shirt, let alone one considered fashionable. That one, though, didn't stumble over himself quite as adorable as this one seemed to. That was endearing...and dangerous.]

Are you so lonely, then, that Cisco would see fit to trick an innocent bystander into sharing your company for the evening? You don't seem overly distraught, but I suppose you could be a good actor. [He stroked the tuft of hair on his chin thoughtfully.] What is it you do, anyway, Magnus? That is the sort of talk in which we're to engage if this is to be a proper date, isn't it?

Maybe that is his name... [He mutters to himself curiously about Cisco, but cuts himself off from that. This isn't the time or the place. He'll bug Cisco about it later.]

I'm not lonely, [he insists, even if it isn't a hundred precent true.] Cisco's making assumptions. But he's just trying to be helpful. I guess. [Even if he's talking smack about Cisco, he's still endeared by his friend's good will.]

I'm a carpenter. I build buildings n' stuff. But I'm more interested in furniture, honestly. I was thinking I might start a business when I save up a little money. Oh—and sometimes I carve stuff! I like to make little wooden animals. Like little duckies.

[He always gets just a little carried away when he talks about his woodwork.]

What about you?

It could well be, yes... [Not that Dorian felt it was a very big deal at the moment, but it was a conversation at least and that seemed to have been Cisco's point all along. A part of Dorian felt bad for Magnus, though he was also a little envious of the man. He'd never let it be known how lonely he was, how much he missed his homeland, or even the drafty keep of Skyhold, or the people who called it home, but that didn't mean he didn't think of it every day. Even Magnus here was causing a pang of homesickness in the mage, but he pressed a smile through the dreary thoughts clouding his mind and remained focused on the conversation at hand.]

Ah, I see. A skilled craftsman can always find a place in any society. [He cracks a slight smile at his description, though.] Do you make these things for children?

[And at Magnus' question, he smiles proudly.] I am a researcher, an Enchanter, an explorer of magical theory, an archivist, and...currently trying to save the world from itself. [He holds up a hand.] And I realize that all sounds rather grand, but we are an army. I am only one.

(OOC: Sorry for the delay! Crazy holiday prep is crazy.)

Oh, absolutely. I love kids! [Magnus has given some of his work out to kids he'd met on his mission, and remembering their faces always made him smile.]

Y'know, that's not entirely different from my situation. Before I got here I was kind of trying to save... the universe? [He hopes that doesn't doesn't sound like he's trying to one-up Dorian. He doesn't mean to.] But I'm not super good at any of the magic stuff. I'm more the muscle of my group.

[Until this point, Magnus had only been trying to play along with this whole date thing to the slightest degree, but being in the atmosphere long enough gets to him. On the word "muscle," he casts a knowing glance down at his burly frame, and even lifts his arms a little bit to show it off. He sure is a strongboy.]

I see. [Dorian has never had much interaction with children as a whole, though he was, at one point in his life, expected to produce at least one of his own. He, of course, had no interest in such things, and the idea of actually having one had never actually occurred to him until just this moment.] Do you want children? [It was an honest question, too. He'd never really given it any thought.]

You know, after you've finished with saving the universe, that is. It's rather time-consuming, in my experience. [He smiles broadly, his olive eyes moving over Magnus' frame appreciatively.] That you are, and they are lucky to have you, from the look of it. Not everyone is gifted in the ways of magic, and we all need a strapping warrior with a sharpened bit of steel between us and the bad guys while we do it.

[He leaned back, tapping his chin thoughtfully as his smile turned a bit suggestive. This was a "date" after all, albeit an impromptu one he most likely never would have agreed to otherwise.] You know, in my homeland "Magnus" means large.

Edited 2017-11-23 05:42 (UTC)

Isn’t it a little early to be asking about kids? This is only our first date. [It comes off jokingly, mostly, considering this “date” was a setup anyway.] Haven’t thought about it yet. I wasn’t sure how long saving the universe was gonna take, so it was never really an option. And right now I’m just trying to chill. But I guess, like, eventually I’ll consider it.

[Magnus eats up the praise. He’s still not sure what to make of Dorian just yet, but the guy is boosting his ego, and that’s certainly a plus.]

Thank you. See? At least someone appreciates all the effort us strong boys put into our work. We’re necessary! [A big laugh.] I'm gonna go ahead and take "large" as a compliment. What about “Dorian”? That mean anything?

"First"? [Dorian chuckled, leaning back in his chair, relaxing a bit. He had to admit, he'd never actually been on a date, per say, and he wasn't precisely certain he'd enjoy it, and yet the more they spoke, the more they were, or at least he was, and without the forced interaction of betrothal, either.

That being said, of course, he'd have to talk to Cisco about this arrangement. He could have simply asked. Magnus wasn't...trying to impress. He was earnest, friendly, kind by the sound of it, and simply...himself, and those were things Dorian appreciated more than anything. He'd grown up around fake people. Honesty was a rare commodity.

It also helped that Magnus was painfully attractive, but half of that was his own nonchalance.]

Oh, I certainly do. Us mages need someone to stand tall and intimidating between us and the bad guys while we work on setting them on fire. [But he wasn't one to play easy to get, either.] Oh, it certainly does. "A gift", in a manner of speaking. [And he raised his chin, much like a strutting peacock.] Aptly named, obviously.

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