Aventurine had long roused from a night fraught with nightmares by the time you opened your eyes. Peering through the window at the hefty clouds above, his expression remained hidden from your view. However, the scarcely perceptible tremor of his hands was enough to lay bare the inner turmoil that gnawed at his soul. His unease did not stem from tangible worries, but rather from the endless stream of "what ifs" that plagued his thoughts. It was as if a sense of impending doom trailed his every step, casting a pall over his existence. After all, his life was woven with the threads of a predetermined destiny, and a perfect representation of the unexpected hanging paradox.

As if guided by a sixth sense, he instantly noticed your awakening. Turning to face you, a faint smile graced his features as he regarded your drowsy expression. He would never grow tired of cherishing you.

His hand, reflexively moving to conceal itself behind his back, halted midair as he remembered that there was no need for secrecy in your presence. He let his hand return to his side before moving to close the distance between you.

"Awake this early? I presumed you'd fancy sleeping in today," he remarked, in spite of being aware that you knew how significant this day was. Today marked his birthday, and he knew you figured that he dreaded the thought of celebrating it. The memory of the massacre that took place on his birthday, claiming the life of his sister and many other Avgins, cast a shadow upon the prospect of celebration. Nevertheless, the light pouring served as a reminder that the gods haven't abandoned him yet.

"I'm rather keen on taking you out today." It was all in hopes of creating new, more pleasant memories through something he relished— spoiling you.

"Unless you're worried about getting a tiny bit soaked, that is," he quipped.