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"... What is going on here...?"
“You’re a doctor, right? You see, this fellow here kind of collapsed…”
Believe it or not, Dr. Veritas Ratio finds himself walking around the Reverie of Penacony, inside the dreamscape. And for some reason, a ruckus happened to be loudly gathering nearby that it pierced through his ears from miles away. If someone needed help medically, he had no choice but to head over there, as it is his job to preserve lives. However…
The person who collapsed is none other than his… companion. Someone he talks to on the regular. Former IPC member, Aventurine. Although he is a former IPC employee, he still allowed others to call him by his stoneheart name. It's not like anybody else knows his real name anyway.
“Aventurine, eh? Didn’t he do like an announcement on the TVs or something…” The man standing besides him by the scene, Gallagher, exhales a puff. “Oh well, no use trying to remember. You said this fellow would be alright?”
“I’m sure… He must’ve drank more than he can handle and finally passed out on the road like he’s some kind of down-and-out.” The doctor can only sigh. He kneels down and attempts to caress Aventurine again to see if his face expresses any reactions. “... Aventurine.”
But he’s a little too far gone. Ratio feels up his neck and face too, but it just seems that his body temperature is a little warm. But when his callous hand reached his forehead, his eyes widened.
Hang on, his forehead is burning up by a lot… More than one hundred degrees.
He checks his neck again. He doesn’t know how he missed it, but it must’ve been a false alarm. His temperature is getting higher by the second. Sighing once more, Dr. Ratio carefully slumps Aventurine onto his shoulder like he’s a sack of potatoes. Gallagher and Siobhan look up in surprise. The doctor is way too built for him to be just a doctor. In any case, they stop him before he leaves the scene.
“Uh, wait!” Siobhan calls out first. “You know this guy?”
Ratio can’t really tell them no, nor can he say that he’s just a guy he occasionally chats with. They’ll think that he’s suspicious and it may cause a misunderstanding to happen. To avoid unnecessary conflict, he has no choice but to let out a, “Yes.”
“... If you don’t know his room number, check out at the front desk. Is he alright at all?” Gallagher asks the man.
“He’s ill, so I’ll have to take him somewhere safer.” Ratio informs the two. He knows that they’ll want in on the information too. “I suspect that he did not touch any of your drinks? None at all?”
Siobhan nods, “No, he collapsed the moment he even got here. He didn’t touch a single drink.”
“... Every one of you can testify?” Ratio views the several other monsters hanging around at the bar. Most of them nod, others look up at the unconscious man. He is knocked out, as if the sickness had struck him with a bat, cold.
“I was sitting the entire time. He came up to the bar, wobbling, until his legs gave out and he passed out on the floor!” A Ms. Domescreen, Lady, proclaimed.
Ratio nods, giving it some thought. And after that, he continued to titter away like he originally was. “That’s all I need to know. For now, I’ll be returning. Thank you.”
And after he leaves, Siobhan and Gallagher begin to gossip like usual. The rest of the members of the Dreamjolt Hostelry listen in as they cheer with drinks in hand.
“You think they’re a couple? I’ve seen them around my bar a few times.” Siobhan chuckles, crossing her arms. “That purple-haired guy always comes to pick up the blond guy. I sometimes even see them cruising around other bars in Penacony.”
“This old soul doesn’t have time for this sort of gossip, Siobhan.” Gallagher also laughs along. “But yeah, I bet a thousand credits that they are.”
.
.
.
Temperature’s risen to 102.4 fahrenheit. He has a high fever.
… Idiots don’t get sick, but how on Penacony did you manage to catch such a high fever?
Ratio has brought Aventurine to his own room. Since Aventurine and Ratio had a previous mission to accomplish, they had no choice but to stay in a random hotel together. So, technically, this is their room. However, Aventurine has been in and out doing his own thing since he returned from the nightmare-ish hell known as the dreamscape. Now back in the dreamscape, it seems that a lot has happened. Aventurine has gotten sick. How? Not even Ratio can calculate and backtrack what might’ve happened.
“Hm…? Hmm…”
A few mumbles slipped through the blond’s mouth. Ratio comes back to his side immediately to check up on him. Aventurine’s eyes slightly open, struggling to focus. Beautiful eyes, but they’re much more beautiful when he’s not in distress.
“... Doc? What are you-- cough, cough-- ”
“Lie down, gambler. Don’t you dare try to get up.” The doctor presses him back onto the pillow. The doctor has a drenched, fuzzy towel that’s been squeezed. As gently as he could, he placed the folded towel onto the blond’s head. Aventurine still hasn’t processed what’s happening to him right now. “Follow my finger.”
Ratio slowly moves his index finger. Although he just woke up, Aventurine does as he says and follows his finger with his eyes. Ratio nods, setting his hand down. This just confirmed that Aventurine hadn’t gotten an intake of alcohol. Even tipsy patients can’t follow a finger with their eyes normally.
“... What… are you doing?” His voice is hoarse. It wasn’t like this a few days ago.
“Is it not obvious? You’re unwell.” Ratio says nonchalantly. “A high fever of 102.4 degrees fahrenheit… Did you really arrive at the Dreamjolt Hostelry wearing such heavy clothing?”
“... Why are you taking care of me? I’m not twelve--”
“ I’m asking questions.” The doctor says sternly. Aventurine has no choice but to stop questioning his situation. “What were you doing walking to a bar while sick? Every single time I see you passed out at the bar, I’ve always assumed that you drank until you thought you were dead.”
“... I didn’t even know that I was sick, doc.” Aventurine can only breathe out. His throat is clogged up. “I was fine for a while. All I wanted was a nice drink for the day.”
“It is almost impressive how uncaring you are of your own wellbeing. You could get an award.” The doctor sighs.
“Thank you.” Aventurine responds. It’s obvious that he was being sarcastic, but it’s sourced from his own cynicality.
Ratio looks at the clock situated on the edge of the small table by the bed. The time ticks to 4 PM. The sun is still out, so Ratio might have time to buy some proper medicine. It’s strange, since it’s totally possible for people to get sick in the dreamscape. The only problem and question is the effects their medicine has on its people. If Ratio were to buy said medicine, he’d have to take extra precautions using it.
Thinking for a while, the doctor stands up. “I’ll admit, I did not bring medicine. It’d be irresponsible to leave you alone, so I’ll be taking care of you in the meantime.”
The blond chuckles, nearly coughing. “Like I said, I’m not a child anymore, Ratio. If you’re gonna help me, just get the medicine. I’ll be fine on my own.”
Well, when he says it like that, it makes Ratio not want to listen to reason. He may as well stay until Aventurine falls asleep or something.
“First and foremost, I’m a doctor. It does not matter if you feel humiliated. It is my job to preserve lives.” Ratio lets out a sigh. “Second of all, your stomach is rumbling. It’d be best to let you eat something that improves your immune system.”
“Well, doc, it’s not that I’m humiliated, it’s just…” Why would Ratio even bother with him? Aventurine is convinced that he’s just a lost cause.
All of these thoughts, and it’s only because he’s sick.
“Uh--” Ratio gets up. Aventurine watches him place a glass of water by his side and ventures off to the corner. “Where are you going?”
“ Now you’re worried?” He can hear the bastard smirk from a mile away. “I’m merely going to the kitchen. If you used basic context clues, you’d know that I’m simply preparing a meal.”
“Hold on-- cough, cough-- Ratio’s making me a meal? Am I dreaming?” The way Aventurine’s voice suddenly pitched a little higher kind of irked Ratio. He can hear his smile from a mile away.
“Lay down and don’t get up if you know what’s best for you.” He says as he drifts into the kitchen. “Doctor’s orders.”
“... Whatever you say, doc.”
Surprisingly, Ratio is very quick with it. Aventurine can see his silhouette shimmy-shammying each and every second. Quite literally, he’s going quick. He can even hear the sound of the stove turning on. A few cuts on the cutting board can be heard chopping away. Something firm and dense is being sliced and diced. Aventurine can only hear the sounds being made just a walk away. Starry lights peer from the windows, illuminating the mildly dark room. In some way, Aventurine felt his heart lighten.
In what universe did he happen to be in if Ratio is making a meal for him?
“... Cough, cough. ” He covers his mouth with his arm. He takes the glass of water Ratio set down for him and downs it in one go. “... What did I do to deserve this, haha…”
……
“It’s done.” Ratio comes back with a bowl of soup. Smoke comes out of it from above. You can really smell the deliciousness of the soup.
“Quick!” The blond chuckles. “Real cool, Ratio. You’re way too kind. I might fall for you!”
“Shush for a moment. Let me set this down.” Ratio pipes him down almost immediately. “I see you drank the water. Allow me to take your temperature.”
“... Doc,” Aventurine’s voice is hoarse, but it comes out as a mutter. Ratio takes his temperature in the meantime. “Why are you doing this?”
“......”
Because he cares. But he didn’t say that.
Ratio examines the thermometer and the percentage it’s at. It hasn’t lowered that much, so hopefully once he has something healthy to eat, it will help him. He passes the bowl of soup to the man and he sits up slightly. It’s bad to eat laying down after all. The blond looks down, viewing the bowl and the contents. It’s soup. A light colored soup with sauerkraut on top. It’s even nicely decorated too.
Ratio looks at the blond with a bit of concern. The blond hasn’t taken the soup from his hands. He’s just staring at his own reflection on the soup with a blank stare. Is he getting picky now? Turning his nose at his age? Now that’s where he should feel humiliation.
“...” Nonchalantly, Ratio takes the spoon and scoops up a nice portion. He lifts his hand and motions towards Aventurine. “Open wide.”
“H-huh? Wait, what? ” Aventurine finally blinks after what felt like hours. His cheeks flush pink. “Sorry, doc, I-I can feed myself-- cough, cough. ”
Ratio drops the spoon in disgust after the blond coughed on his face. He quickly lends him the bowl and sits by his bedside. “Just take it and eat it. I’ll be taking this glass and I’ll lend you a tissue box.”
“... Thanks.” That was genuine. But who knows if Ratio got the memo?
And as always, Ratio leaves to flee back into the kitchen. As for Aventurine, he can only continue to stare at the soup. The portion Ratio had scooped up for him was so perfect, he’s almost upset that he dropped the spoon back into the soup. Aventurine is rich, that’s for sure. This soup isn’t even of high quality for the rich. It won’t even meet the standards. However… The way it's decorated makes up for the quality, plus…
Aventurine hasn’t had soup in a long time. Soup is a dish meant for home.
“... Thanks for the meal,” he says as he drinks up. But as soon as he did… “ Eugh, what is this?! It’s… There’s…”
Ratio’s voice echoes from the kitchen. “It’s apple-sauerkraut soup.”
“Apple and sauerkraut?!” The blond sticks out his tongue. “No wonder it’s so sour! I can barely even take a few gulps!”
“It’s a fermented food. It's supposed to be sweet and sour. Sauerkraut contains natural probiotics that could play a role in immune system function. I’ve added back the sauerkraut juice to boost the probiotic value of the sweet and savory.”
“... Do I really have to eat this?”
“I’ve only made enough for one bowl. I’m not going to create another dish for you.”
Oh well, he figured. It’s been a long time since he’s had soup, like he’s mentioned before. He took more sips and bites. The more he drank, the more tolerable it was. Apple with sauerkraut wasn’t exactly his favorite, but whatever helps. Aventurine kept on thinking as he drank more and more of the soup. It helped him relax a little.
A little more so than he thought. In fact, he started dozing off as soon as he finished his bowl. A shame, he wanted to talk to Ratio a bit more. But Ratio seems to be taking longer in the kitchen than expected. He’s busy fiddling with his phone, most likely because he has to respond to his students’ questions.
… I shouldn’t bother the doctor much longer.
Aventurine thought as he slumps onto the pillow. It’s soft and cold, just how he likes it. He could lay on it forever.
And so, he finally falls asleep.
“... Sigh, it’s been an hour. I have to change your towel, so give it back--” Ratio stops in his tracks. The blond is finally sleeping. Strange how awkward it is now that Aventurine isn’t very talkative. It feels too quiet now.
But he supposes now is a great time to finally get that medicine. He can’t leave a patient unattended, but he has no choice. He won’t get better unless he buys the medicine and tests it for himself. There should be a pharmacy nearby. It won’t hurt to step out for a bit. But first, he has to change the towel. Carefully, without trying to wake him up, he quickly changes it and lays it on the blond’s burning forehead. He can leave briefly now.
It’s strange. It feels wrong for Aventurine to be so quiet.
.
.
.
“... Hm..?”
The light's dimming down… Hm? My towel fell off my head.
Aventurine wakes up once more. The newly changed towel on his forehead fell down on his side. He must’ve been twisting and turning in his sleep. His throat feels even more dry, as if he hasn’t suffered enough already. How did this even happen? Someone by the bars yesterday must’ve given him the sickness.
“... Doc?” Aventurine calls out, but to no avail. He calls again, but to no avail. There’s no response. He must be the only one in the room right now.
Ah, well. He did say he was going to get that medicine, right? Then, that’s fine.
……
But what if he didn’t?
Maybe he just left because he wanted to!
Haha.
……
It was now that he realized that his body is being covered by his own pajamas. It’s a little too extreme if Ratio was the one who changed him out of his clothes. But then again, it couldn’t be anyone except him.
So why is it that Aventurine still feels doubt?
Self-deprecation and self-doubt? Low self-esteem and low expectations?
Ratio would have definitely just left, but logically speaking, there’s no way. And yet, there’s something weighing him down like a ball chain hanging from his neck. It burdens him.
“... The towel feels new.” He says to himself as he takes the towel in his hand. He puts it on his head again. He doesn’t feel like getting up. “Laying on this bed is immensely comfortable, haha. I could sleep here forever. Cough, cough… ”
His eyes close again. And this time…
He dreams.
“Sister, I’m fine! I promise.”
… It’s a dream.
“Your luck is boundless, and yet somehow you managed to catch a high fever! It’s not fine!”
It’s a dream of him and his late sister.
“I-It’s not a sign from Giathra Triclops, I swear! I promise, I’m fine!”
“Stay right there, Kakavasha! I’ll be back to get some medicine! And don’t you dare try to move! Or else, I’ll…!”
No. It’s not just a dream. It’s a flashback… From all those years ago.
“Or else I’ll cry a lot!”
“Sister, don’t cry! W-wait, come back! It’s not safe out there! No, sister!”
“...”
“Sniff… I’m sorry, sister… I don’t want to burden you… Please come back. Please… Come back… I don’t feel good when I’m alone.”
“......”
“Kakavasha, I’m back! I-- wait, Kakavasha?! Why are you crying? It’s not good to cry while sick!”
“S-sister, where did you go?! You left me alone!”
“I’m sorry, Kakavasha! I told you to stay, didn’t I? Look! I brought back medicine, safe and sound!”
“... Did you steal that, sister?”
“W-what?! No! O-of course I didn’t! Look, just take it, okay? The packaging says you need at least 500 milligrams…”
“Uehhhh… I’m sorry! You didn’t have to!”
“Agh, Kakavasha! Stop crying, geez! It’s not a big deal. Even if I do get caught, they won’t kill me for it.”
“Ahhhhh!”
“Ah-- okay! Stop crying, I’m serious! I won’t die! I’m more worried about you, Kakavasha! Here, I even got some soup too. I added a little bit of some of our own seasonings so that it tastes good.”
“... Take some, sister. You’re hungry too, right?”
“Ah, Kakavasha…”
…
“When will you learn to be more selfish and love yourself more?”
.
.
.
CREEK…
He came back. Ratio opens the door, returning to the room, as promised. He has a plastic bag hung over his arm. It was unexpected that he’d take nearly an hour and a half to come back, but what can he do? He had to take said precautions with the medicine. The dreamscape is quite the place after all. It’s way more different compared to the real world.
He greets the blond, but of course, he’s still asleep. He’s even curled up in a ball. Sighing, Ratio takes the blankets and covers him once more. He should really stop tossing and turning.
“I’m back. You’ve been sleeping for nearly three hours.” He says as he touches Aventurine’s neck again. “Still hot… Once you arise, you’ll be met with 500 milligrams of liquid medicine to drink as well as a tablet, alright?”
He checks his towel again. It’s fallen off to the side. Aventurine’s face is turned, his cheek squished onto his right. He’s nearly burying his entire face into the bedsheets. His head is completely missing the comfy and soft pillow. As Ratio tries to examine him more, he feels up his forehead, only to be met with…
“......” He stares silently.
Beads of tears flow down the blond’s face.
It cannot be determined whether or not he is having a nightmare. It’s impossible to have dreams and nightmares in the dreamscape. After all, they’re living in the best dream right now at the very moment. Penacony is full of dreams and lies. Nightmares exist too. But it’s impossible to dream in the dreamscape.
So, for Aventurine, he must be remembering something.
For Aventurine, the strange individual with nothing tying his name down anymore, perhaps he can only cry when he’s alone. When he drifts into his own memories, he can only entrust himself with these vulnerable moments of weakness. Ratio has seen it all now. Winters come and go, nights pass with dreary, dark skies. And the sun sets with only the stars to shine forever in Penacony.
Ratio hesitates, but he lifts his hand once more. His delicate fingertips reach the blond’s face. His thumb strokes Aventurine’s cheek, wiping the bead of tears away from his left eye.
“... Sigh.”
He leans in. And his lips softly touch his forehead.
“... Wake up soon, gambler.”
He made sure the door wasn’t open for anyone to see that. Now that he’s back, he might as well test the medicines once more. He takes the plastic bag and goes into the kitchen. Looks like the kitchen is about to be Ratio’s next best friend. Now, he can test whenever he wants.
“......”
Aventurine’s eyes slightly open. He’s burning red.
Ah. He came back.