Chapter Text
“Ah, so you used to be part of the Exaltist,” Hugo said while eating his steak.
The restaurant exuded elegance, chandeliers casting golden light while classical music drifted through the air. Vivian sipped her tea in silence, her sorrowful red eyes catching the light. Nobles filled the tables, their conversations swirling with boasts of fortune and whispered business deals. When Vivian set her cup down, her serene expression unsettled Hugo, as if calmness itself was a warning.
“I was considered a raven in the Exaltist due to my ability to witness people’s near-death in the future,” Vivian exclaimed.
She crossed her legs beneath the table, her gaze sharp and calculating, yet touched with a softness Hugo rarely saw. He couldn’t help but think Vivian resembled the little sister he once imagined. Still, doubt gnawed at him. Was her gentleness real, or just another mask?
She added some sugar cubes into her and Hugo's tea, pausing briefly as if contemplating each movement. "And I have dug some information about your... Raven-like past from a certain informant," Vivian added. Her voice carried a hint of satisfaction, suggesting she felt vindicated in unveiling this truth. "I met someone who owed me a favor. They happened to cross paths with your past." As she stirred the tea, her gaze lifted momentarily to meet Hugo's eyes, searching for something unseen. Hugo didn’t respond; a sly smirk was painted on his face. He must put on his poker face in front of this girl; he couldn’t show any weaknesses.
She puts some sugar cubes into her and Hugo’s tea, pausing briefly as if contemplating each movement. As she stirred the tea, her gaze lifted momentarily to meet Hugo's eyes, searching for something unseen. Hugo didn’t respond; a sly smirk was painted on his face. He must put on his poker face in front of this girl; he couldn’t show any weaknesses.
“Really? Enlighten me about that information then.” He said with a playful tone.
Underneath the table, he gripped his coin. Hugo was nervous, that's for sure, as this girl already knew him when she first met him, yet he was also curious. How much does Vivian really know about him? And what tactic will she use next? Vivian sipped her tea, putting her pinky up, deep in thought. The pause stretched uncomfortably, and Hugo's sense of unease grew palpable. As the silence lingered, he finally became aware of some familiar footsteps from two people.
Hugo looked up to see Aventurine and Ratio ordering some coffee, bickering with one another. He couldn’t believe it, they were in the coffee shop at the same time as him. He was about to leave when Vivian stopped him by pressing the edge of her umbrella against his neck. Her red eyes are sharp, daring him that if he leaves, she might take matters into her own hands.
“Do keep yourself in place, Hugo, Father and Dad won’t stop searching for you unless the misunderstanding has been resolved,” Vivian commanded, holding a cup of tea in her other hand.
Hugo's eyes widened slightly. Those two bastards are Vivian’s parents. This isn’t what he expected. he clenches his fist as Aventurine and Ratio came close to him.
“Pleasure to see you again, Hugo.” Aventurine greeted him with that smug smirk of his.
Hugo only gritted his teeth, glaring at both of them, ready to punch Aventurine. Ratio gripped onto his hand before he could do so, holding him in place.
“How about we talk about this in peace, my friend?~” Aventurine suggested, holding out his hand. Hugo clicked his tongue and took Aventurine’s hand. He doesn’t have much of a choice after all.
***
Hugo sat on the luxurious couch inside Aventurine and Ratio’s apartment, the cat cakes surrounding him and Vivian. She let out a chuckle, patting Spade, who was lying on her lap. His mismatched eyes, which were showing resentment towards Vivian, began to soften. The resemblance to his little sister was too strong, especially the way she acts.
He groaned in annoyance, ruffling his hair. He can’t escape this place with Ratio and Vivian watching over him like a hawk. Ratio stayed silent, seeing how the cat cakes take a liking to Hugo, who was just a stranger to them. Maybe it was because of the shape of his features or his voice that reminded the catcakes of him and Aventurine, even as far as calling him mini papa. The silence was deafening. Ratio stopped reading his physics book, turning his attention towards Hugo, who was patting one of the catcakes named Spade.
“It seems they have taken a liking towards you,” Ratio commented, stepping close to Hugo and sitting beside him.
Hugo immediately backed away from Ratio, keeping a distance between them. Vivian noticed the disappointed scowl on Ratio’s face, sipping her tea with a calm manner.
“It might take a while for him to trust your father,” Vivian said.
Ratio didn’t respond, darting his gaze away. He’s well aware it might take a while for Hugo to trust him, just like how Vivian took years to completely feel comfortable around him. Patience is the virtue that he praised a lot, even if he can be impatient at times. Aventurine came out of his room, holding a slightly torn letter with a white bird carrying a pocket of dennies in its beak as their stamp.
The letter drew Hugo’s attention, his eyes widening with shock. That symbol ... it’s the Mockingbird old symbol before Jack, his adopted father, had died, leaving Lycaon and himself to fend on their own. Aventurine handed over the letter to Hugo, his usual eyes filled with a playful nod, and he had become much calmer and softer.
“This is a letter that Jack had sent over to me; he told me everything I need to know about you,” he muttered.
Hugo immediately opened the letter, revealing Jack’s real handwriting inside. Everything was written, revealing Hugo’s past, and even down to his appearance. He gritted his teeth. He had told the old man never reveal his past to anyone besides Lycaon. He let out an annoyed scoff. Can this gambler really be trusted? His smile always ticked Hugo off, giving him a sense of unease even if it wasn’t threatening. He faced Aventurine, squinting his eyes in suspicion.
What does Jack see in him? Why did he trust this gambler that much? A sigh came out of his mouth. If Jack, who couldn’t trust people easily, trusts him and his partner, maybe there’s no harm in trusting these two to take care of him. His gaze landed on Vivian, who was patting Link, the other catcake, who was much calmer. Maybe this way... he could get to know Vivian more, about her past and what she likes. A way to make up for his regret towards Serena’s death.