all the right friends in all the right places {ota}

[denythyfather]

The judges give each other looks as Adrien flamboyantly gestures at his model. His cravat is undeniably tied perfectly, but so is Genoveva Ibrahim’s. In fact, the two have been neck and neck through the entire challenge, no pun intended. He obviously knows his stuff, and she has obviously studied up.

One of the judges clears her throat, then leans forward to speak into the mike. “Oriental, Mathematical. What comes next?”

“Osbaldeston,” Adrien replies immediately, giving Genoveva a jaunty wink.

The judges commiserate. The second asks, “Ms. Ibrahim, what publication is that from, and what is the publication date?”

“Necktietania, 1818,” she responds assuredly. Adrien’s eyes widen as he instinctively shakes his head.

“Mr. Fitzgerald?”

“Neckcloth-i-tania. Not necktie,” he blurts out quickly.

It’s a silent two seconds of the judges speaking together. Finally, the first judge leans forward again. “Congratulations on your advance in rank, Mr. Seven.”

Comments

What is late.

[diemwnt]

He appreciates it, intellectually. Really, he does. It's something Adrien'd good at, something that gives him that proper sort of confidence which looks so well in the younger man's shoulders. He appreciates that there's something inherently Diamond about this Challenge. He appreciates that it's something Adrien's going to win.

But it takes a minute to stop looking absolutely blank at the proceedings once the winner is declared.

A pat on the back is enough, yes? Makes up for how entirely lost a certain Jack might have been in this whole mess?

Shhh. ♥

[denythyfather]

"You have no idea what just happened, am I right?" He grins. "Did you get the part where I won?"

[diemwnt]

He doesn't bother looking arch. They both know Cadogan had no idea what the hell just happened beyond the one simple fact at the end.

But clearly a back-pat isn't enough to signify it. So now is the time for reaching one arm around Adrien's shoulders for a brief, tight hug. There, see? He's happy for you, ridiculous man.

[denythyfather]

Absolutely a hug he is taking advantage of. "We're having dinner tonight. The family."

That includes Tess, though Cadogan doesn't know that now.

[diemwnt]

Don't get used to it. Clearly there will never be hugs ever again. Clearly there's no tight cling now, however momentary.

/Letting ma'am cook?/

Because clearly 'the family' means his best friend, his best friend's fiancee, his best friend's daughter and his own mother. Not anyone who would give him a heart attack.

Clearly.

[denythyfather]

"I thought I'd cook. I'll treat you all." He can cook, Cadogan. Honestly. He's actually pretty good at it.

[diemwnt]

/You had a Challenge today./

Doesn't that mean he should be resting? Letting the men and women in his life fuss?

[denythyfather]

Considering the amount of time he spends expecting them to fuss over him? He'll give them this one day off.

/I want to do it, Cadogan./

[diemwnt]

There have been a lot of reasons for him to practice cracking a smile lately. This moment is no exception.

/Suppose we have to indulge you, then./

[denythyfather]

He laughs at that. "You always have to indulge me, but especially today."