( there's an unfortunate, muffled voice inside of aventurine that tells him to stay, perhaps. that there's a touch that lingers, a touch that doesn't burn nearly as much as he thinks it does, a touch comforting and maybe even reassuring. he doesn't immediately leave, undisturbed by the kiss that he reciprocates. he wouldn't have minded staying, maybe, but there's something in rude's words that set a particular fear in him, and aventurine steps back - inscrutable smile back on his face and all. )

I thought a guy like you would have people lining up to talk to you.

( he means the words, as aventurine looks and reaches for a box of tissues that he knows exactly where it is, working on getting his thighs cleaned with a particular ease of a man who has done this exact thing before. )

I work here, ( is what he says in response to the last bit, though aventurine doesn't elaborate. ) And you know my name. You can text me, or find me here at night, if you miss me that much. Who knows, maybe we can even play another game.