Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

He didn’t belong here.

The ambient lights were golden and dimmed, letting shadows cast in corners where customers could indulge themselves. The noisy slot machines hosted even noisier guests, screaming and hollering at every outcome. Fortunate or not, all their yelling sounded the same. It was a nuisance Aventurine had adapted to, but he couldn’t imagine his dear doctor would ever grow fond of the sound. He was a rose in thorns, a dove in a sky of crows. A pretty sight amongst the mess of it all.

A drunk couple messily made out a few feet away from him, and a bartender threw a cloth at them and told them to get a room. The people Aventurine was playing with jeered at each other as they recounted their last game. There was a pervasive taste of alcohol on Aventurine’s tongue, despite the last drink he took being hours ago. It seemed like everybody was drunk. Whether it was on the highs of risking it all or the bliss of alcohol, everybody was on something.

Maybe not them, though. Drunkenness was never an easy feat for Aventurine. No matter how many drinks he swallowed, sobriety haunted him. The worst that would happen was a bout of sleepiness. Whatever bliss or foolishness that overcame others was something he never experienced. And Ratio, at least to Aventurine’s knowledge, was not a drinker. Besides, the drink in the tall glass next to him was a milkshake. He could see the red and white straw emerging from whipped cream from a distance, a bright red cherry on top of it all.

Aventurine considered taking a photo. Ratio in a bar, and choosing to read and sip a milkshake. The first part of Ratio even being in a dirty bar like this one was impressive, but to spend his time there reading with a milkshake? Aventurine chuckled to himself. Adorable. A milkshake of all things too - how unclassy.

Aventurine stopped wasting his time by gawking at the sight of him. He slid onto the chair beside him, resting his elbow on the counter as he leaned forward, face turned towards the other man. He must have shifted the stool slightly when he jumped on, leading to Aventurine being less than an inch away from brushing shoulders with him. A fact Aventurine did not mind at all, and to his surprise, Ratio did not even bristle at the invasion of his personal bubble.

“This isn’t your scene, Ratio. What’s a smart man like you doing here?”

“Five points. This isn’t my scene at all,” Ratio agreed before taking another sip of his milkshake. It was strawberry-flavoured - not a flavour he ever would have guessed Ratio would order, but to be fair, he never expected Ratio to go to a bar and order a milkshake in the first place. “However, I have a coworker of mine who’s decided to run off to the casino instead of working on the presentation tomorrow.”

“Pfft,” Aventurine gestured off-handedly, “Nobody cares. Besides,” he pointed at the table he had been playing with, “That’s our client. I’m building a relationship with him, so I consider this a productive business meeting.”

“This is an unprofessional setting to be doing such a thing.”

“Doesn’t matter. We’re becoming friends now,” Aventurine smirked, “Is that why you’re here, Doctor? Jealous I’ll replace your companionship?” He slid the milkshake over, taking a sip. Aventurine could see the appeal; nice and cold, sweet and creamy.

Ratio scoffed. “Don’t be ridiculous. I’m here to make sure you don’t kill yourself in this endeavour of friendship.”

Aventurine pouted. “You can just say you love me, Doc. You don’t have to be so roundabout with it.”

That had Ratio rolling his eyes and snatching back his - admittedly really good - milkshake.

“You jump to the strangest of conclusions, dear gambler.”

“And you order the strangest of drinks, dear doctor,” Aventurine said, grabbing the drink back and taking another long sip, “Who is ordering pink milkshakes at bars?”

“Me, clearly.”

“And nobody else,” Aventurine said in a sing-song voice. With a smirk on his face, Aventurine placed the toe of his shoe under Ratio’s pants leg, the leather of his shoes brushing against tanned skin. He dragged his foot upwards, exposing warm skin to the cold air outside. Ratio didn’t move in response; there was no resistance, not even a flinch. Ratio held eye contact with him, an unimpressed look on his face.

“A pity. I prefer men who drink whiskey.”

He laughed at the way Ratio muttered something under his breath but relished the slightest hint of a grimace forming and the way he looked away. Perhaps there was even the faintest tinge of pink on his cheeks - or maybe he should stop wearing his tinted sunglasses indoors.

Aventurine popped the cherry in his mouth, enjoying the annoyance on Ratio’s face and the tartness of the fruit.

“Have fun with that book of yours,” Aventurine said, getting off the stool.

“Don’t lose any money.”

Aventurine laughed. “We both know damn well I won’t.”

◇─◇──◇─◇

Ratio was throwing him off his game.

At the start, all was well. He could feel Ratio’s lingering gaze on his back, watching his every move. His every call, his every bet, his every action was under his scrutiny. It was an unspoken dare between them, egging Aventurine on to win. And not just win, but completely annihilate the other players all while smiling and keeping things happy with their client. And he won, obviously. He couldn’t bear to lose with Ratio watching.

But Ratio wasn’t looking anymore.

At first, Aventurine assumed he was engrossed in his book. A normal thing for Ratio to do, even at social events. The number of times he had seen that man ignore a living breathing human to read a book was impossible to count. Perhaps that was why he felt the cards drop from his hand when Ratio’s head was turned away because he was chatting it up with some woman.

The tables had turned. It should have been Ratio who kept his eye on Aventurine. Now it was Aventurine breaking his neck as he turned around every chance he got to see what they were doing. An empty milkshake had been replaced with a tall wine glass she wouldn’t stop refilling. A wandering hand stopped playing with her bracelet and began playing with Ratio’s sashes instead. Aventurine scowled when she tilted her head back as her rambunctious laughter filled the air. Ratio was not that funny. Unless he stole a joke from him, nothing that could come out of that man’s mouth would deserve that kind of laughter.

That game lasted too long. His victory felt pointless - the real win was being able to slip into the space next to Ratio and throw the woman a passive-aggressive smile.

“Hey, there,” Aventurine waved, “It’s getting quite late, and I’m sure my partner needs to get to bed soon.”

That wasn’t even a lie. Ratio looked sleepy. He was leaning his cheek on his hand, eyelids threatening to fall shut at any moment. There were some splashes of red on his white clothes, presumably from an earlier spill. But, to Aventurine’s delight, he smiled brightly at his appearance, his hand reaching out towards him.

“Aventurine,” Ratio hummed. Aeons, he really was drunk - all of those syllables slurred together, his name barely recognisable, “Hi.”

“Ratio,” Aventurine mimicked, letting Ratio’s hand grab his wrist, fingers absentmindedly playing with his watch, “Hi. It’s time to go back now, don’t you think?”

Aventurine redirected his attention to the woman who watched him judgementally.

“Why don’t you let him speak?” she said with a smile. It did nothing to mask the irritation in her eyes. “He’s been a pleasure to have around. And I’m sure he feels the same way about me.”

“Oh, really now?”

“Yes,” she nodded, “I’m sure he’d like to stay with me. We were just about to discuss the recent happenings in the Xianzhou. Right, Veritas?”

Veritas. Aventurine searched Ratio’s flushed expression for answers.

“Doctor,” Ratio clarified, “It’s Doctor to you.”

Aventurine felt a wave of relief crash over him.

The relief soon turned into soaring pride as Ratio got off the seat, stumbling slightly, only steadied by Aventurine’s hold on his arms.

“A real pleasure you must have been,” Aventurine mused loudly, enjoying the grimace on the woman’s face and Ratio’s tight grip on his coat, “See you around.”

◇─◇──◇─◇

“Aventurine?”

“Yes, Doc?”

“This is unnecessary. I can walk fine.”

“I doubt that. I let you go earlier and you walked into a pole.”

“Well, I feel better now.”

“Why are you so keen on walking into a pole again?” Aventurine asked mockingly, “Did it feel nice?”

“No, that’s not-” Ratio swayed slightly, and Aventurine paused as he looked up. Ratio was fine - still standing upright, but his face was redder than the last time he checked. “This is…”

“This is what, Ratio?”

“... Embarrassing,” Ratio whispered, leaning down slightly so only Aventurine could hear it.

Aventurine stifled a laugh. “Well, then don’t run into a pole next time.”

Privately, Aventurine agreed that there was definitely an embarrassing element to this. Aventurine wasn’t tall enough to put his arm around Ratio for support. Instead, they had compromised by having Aventurine wrap his arm around Ratio’s waist while Ratio’s arm draped around Aventurine.

But for every ounce of embarrassment Aventurine felt, he felt ten times more smug knowing Ratio was flustered. By his own admission, as well. Maybe that was the real victory tonight.

As they entered the elevator to take them to the sixteenth floor, Aventurine frowned as Ratio pried himself out of his grasp and leaned on the cold metal walls.

“Didn’t think you were much of a drinker,” Aventurine commented, admiring the way he accidentally messed up his hair by pressing his head against the elevator wall.

“I’m not,” Ratio answered, cheeks still red. He looked at Aventurine through heavy blinks, occasionally shutting his eyes for a few seconds to savour the coolness of the metal, “I was just curious. She said it was a speciality here and,” Ratio yawned, “she wanted to know about old research I did.”

“If I knew all you needed was luxury wine and a few questions about your work to get you drunk I would’ve done that years ago,” Aventurine mourned, pouting at Ratio who scoffed and looked away.

“Nonsense. This is a rare occasion. It will not happen again.”

“Why not?” Aventurine asked as the elevator doors opened.

“Alcohol clouds the mind and influences judgement,” Ratio mumbled, “Makes you stupid, in short.” Despite his earlier complaints, as they stepped out into the hallway, they ended up in the same position. Ratio’s arm found itself hanging off of Aventurine’s shoulder, and Aventurine had subconsciously slithered his arm back around Ratio, securing him by his side.

“What room was it again?”

“Room 1618.”

They made it there with minimal struggle. No walking into poles (to be fair, there were no poles to walk into) and Ratio didn’t complain once. After two failed attempts at swiping his keycard, Aventurine took the card from him and pushed Ratio inside his hotel room, towards the bed. Ratio fell onto the bed with no trouble, outside of his hand stubbornly staying on Aventurine’s shoulder.

Aventurine went to shrug him off, but Ratio held firm. Another arm looped around his neck, locking around him as Ratio’s hands intertwined.

“... Ratio?”

“Aventurine.”

It was nice to know Ratio was still able to process auditory information and all, but that didn’t explain the arms wrapped around him or the ever-closing distance between their faces. He had a dazed expression and a blank smile adorning his face as Ratio mindlessly played with a lock of blonde hair. Aventurine would admire the view - seeing the doctor smile so unashamedly was a rare sight after all - but the dry feeling in his throat and the heat in his cheeks overwhelmed such thoughts.

Aventurine pulled backwards, opting to stare at the open window (as if looking away like that would calm his feelings of embarrassment.) Whatever Ratio had drunk, it must have been strong for him to be acting like this. “Yeah, Doc, it’s time you go to sleep-”

“I love you.”

Aventurine’s head whipped back into place to face Ratio. Those words couldn’t be real. Not coming out of Ratio’s mouth, and not directed towards Aventurine. He needed confirmation. He needed confirmation that this was real, he wasn’t dreaming, he wasn’t insane, he was here, he was real and that actually happened. Because not even in his wildest dreams would something as impossible as this occur. Desperately, Aventurine seized Ratio’s arms which were loosening around him as he looked to him for validation.

Aventurine stared at him in horror.

Ratio was passed out.

You’re kidding me.

“Ratio, Ratio,” Aventurine tightened his hold on his arms, “Ratio, get up! Please.”

Heavy arms fell from Aventurine’s grip as Aventurine focused his new efforts on waking him up. Slowly, apprehensively, he shook him once. Then again, for good measure. There was no response, only Ratio’s head lolling back and forth with each shake. In an attempt to step up his efforts, Aventurine very sweetly slapped Ratio in the face. Outside of a muffled groan and a frown, Ratio didn’t even stir.

“Ratio,” Aventurine put his face in his hands and groaned, “You bastard.”

Ratio did not just do that to him. Ratio did not just admit something as planet-shattering as that and then go to sleep.

For a good few minutes, Aventurine sat by Ratio’s sleeping body and debated pouring cold water over him to shock him awake. He ultimately decided against it, because if Ratio woke up mad at him, there would be absolutely no way in the galaxy Aventurine could squeeze those three words out of him again.

I love you.

Aventurine felt the tension in his body dissipate as he replayed those words. Their closeness, the arms wrapped around his neck, the glare so intense Aventurine had to pull away, and a drunken confession to top it all off. He managed the meanest glare he could as he stared at Ratio sleeping peacefully. Asshole.

“Ratio,” Aventurine tried one last time, tapping his shoulder as he did so.

No response. Aventurine cursed Ratio out in his head.

With bleary eyes, Aventurine cast a glance at the clock. Two in the morning. He yawned, not bothering to cover his mouth as he did so, instead resting his head against the soft headboard. It made a small thud sound. It wasn’t enough to cure him of his sleepiness and definitely not enough to wake Ratio up from his slumber.

A weight settled on his lap, tying him to the bed. Lazily, Aventurine opened his eyes to see Ratio, who must have tossed in his slumber, holding onto him like he was a stuffed toy. Arms wrapped around him, head buried into his side. He hesitated momentarily before letting his fingers run through violet locks.

Well, Aventurine thought, a nap wouldn’t hurt, right?

◇─◇──◇─◇

Aventurine was rudely awoken by falling onto the floor.

He blinked furiously as he held his head, a groan escaping his lips. At least the floor was carpeted, so nothing hurt that much. Through foggy eyes, he looked up at the looming figure above him, who was gesturing at everything and talking much too loudly for so early in the morning.

“What were you doing in my bed?”

Aventurine rubbed his eyes, finally able to see clearly. And think clearly, too. It was good he was adaptable because judging by the hellfire in Ratio’s eyes, if he stayed tired for a moment longer Ratio would throw him out of the room.

“Calm down, Doc,” Aventurine grumbled, his voice noticeably raspy. He would’ve loved to laugh at the situation. Ratio was beet red, holding the white sheets over his body like he was naked and desperately trying to cover up, despite being completely clothed. Aventurine didn’t even know if he kicked off his sandals before flopping onto the bed. “I was just sleeping.”

“Did we-” Aventurine didn’t think his face could get redder, but here Ratio was, lighting up like a stop light. Where was his phone when he needed it? “We didn’t- We didn’t do anything, did we?”

“No,” despite any humiliation at being confronted with such a question, Aventurine flashed him a Cheshire-like grin, “Why, did you want to?”

His answer came in the form of a plush pillow hitting him in the face.

“Okay! Okay, I get it,” Aventurine stood up, standing over Ratio who remained sitting in the bed, clutching those white sheets like his life depended on it, “You were drunk, so I took you back here, alright?”

“And nothing else happened?”

Aventurine swallowed, doing his best not to reveal what he knew and what Ratio must have forgotten. Ratio was obviously referring to the possibility that they hooked up, and to be completely honest, admitting to sex would be much easier than admitting Ratio declared he loved him. He smiled as he answered, even rolling his eyes to sell his confidence.

“Of course not,” Aventurine chuckled dryly, “Besides, you wouldn’t have forgotten if you had.”

Another pillow hit him in the face.

“And you decided to spend the night because?”

“If I said you held onto me like a teddy bear, would you throw another pillow at me again, or-”

Aventurine changed his sentence as he saw Ratio reach out for a third pillow.

“My own volition,” Aventurine lied flatly, “Your bed was very comfy, and I was very tired from bringing you up here.”

Ratio’s hand went back to holding his sheets over him, crossing his arms as he refused to make eye contact.

“And nothing else was said or done?”

Aventurine bit his tongue. “Jeez, Doctor. I didn’t think the alcohol was that strong.”

“Aventurine.”

There was no way Ratio would take the news of confessing his love last night well. The more Aventurine thought about the ordeal, the less he believed it happened. It seemed impossible, something pulled from some odd corner of his brain. Not an actual memory from the night prior.

“Nothing said, nothing done,” Aventurine lied again, a pleasant smile on his face, “Are you happy with that answer?”

“... I’m satisfied,” Ratio said, refusing to meet his eye, “Now get out before I make you.”

◇─◇──◇─◇

If Aventurine set aside any feelings of humiliation while he was walking to his room, the thought that rang through his mind constantly were those three words.

I love you.

Aventurine lowered his hat and pushed up his sunglasses as those words echoed in his mind. It was loud, haunting his every breath and every step. The cold and distant Ratio, putty in Aventurine’s hands, admitting that he didn’t just like him, but he loved him.

And that was why it felt so unreal. It felt more like a fraction of a fairytale, a glimpse into his desires. Ratio would never confess to loving him. But, if his memories served him correctly, then a drunk but earnest Ratio said he loved him before passing out. That wasn’t even counting the very real feeling of arms unconsciously tightening around him, keeping him by his side.

It was real. It didn’t feel real. Because it couldn’t be real. Could it? Aventurine was going to drive himself mad. No, that wasn’t true. Ratio was going to drive Aventurine insane over last night.

Aventurine needed to hear it again. He needed to hear it while Ratio was undeniably sober, in a situation where neither of them could forget or deny or turn away. He needed to know that Ratio wasn’t drunk and delusional, but rather true and honest.

Because he was curious, of course. No other reason. A motivation that would please the likes of Dr Veritas Ratio.

As he opened his hotel room door, a ding from his phone caught his attention. Sliding his shoes off, he opened an email.

Topic: Keeping Up With Star Rail

Oh, Aventurine skimmed through it while hanging up his coat, I forgot about this.

It was a show about the combat styles of various individuals across the stars. Ratio had been on it, with the Genius Society member, Screwllum, talking about his abilities. Why that robot knew so much was a question Ratio waved off, mumbling some mambo jumbo about visiting Herta’s Space Station a while back. It had been a bothersome response then, and even now it somewhat annoyed him. Topaz had been on it ages ago, with Numby presenting for her. He still didn’t understand why that was allowed.

It seemed like the show chose the guest speaker. If he didn’t intervene, they would probably rope Topaz or Jade into the show. Not that they didn’t know how he fought, but there was definitely someone he would prefer to take up the role.

Besides, they had been on so many jobs together before. It was only fair Aventurine ensured they got the best person fit to speak about him.

He could picture it already. His dear doctor, describing his combat in such detail that even Topaz and Jade could not compete. The harrowing realisation that he knew and understood a bit too much about Aventurine. And without a doubt, Ratio would deny it. The media would go crazy. That would apply pressure. Pressure to push another “I love you,” out of him, maybe. It wasn’t definitive, but to be fair, nothing Aventurine did was ever definitive.

He sent an email with his request but also enough credits to buy something nicer than that bland white couch for Ratio. If he was going to make him squirm on television, he might as well give him something comfortable and cute to panic on.

Chapter Text

The investment Aventurine had made for that couch was worth it. A bathtub-themed couch. It had been difficult to commission something so specific in such a short timeframe, but anything can happen with enough credits. And it was adorable. Shaped exactly like a bathtub but with one side gone so it could act as a couch. The sofa seat was blue like water, the throw pillows yellow like the rubber ducks Ratio was so fond of. Hell, there was an actual rubber duck perched on the couch that the designer threw in for the fun of it. All that effort, just to reference that famous photoshoot Ratio had been in a couple of months ago.

The camera zoomed out from the big screen at the back of the room after Aventurine’s combat video ended. He was endlessly grateful that this show was recorded and would be up on some streaming service after this initial airing. Ratio had so many more compliments than he expected. Aventurine knew that Ratio loved him, but he didn’t expect Ratio to be so obvious about it. Was he trying to get into a scandal or something? Or was he that oblivious to all the praises he was singing for him?

“Aventurine’s opponents think they’re players at the table, but in reality, they’re just chips in Aventurine’s game,” Ratio remarked, and Aventurine would bet on his life there was the slightest hint of a smile when he said that.

“Dr Ratio may have a sharp tongue, but it seems there’s some mutual respect,” Owlbert said.

Ratio’s brows furrowed, his slack position tensing as he leaned forward curiously, his eyes widening by the smallest fraction. “Wait a moment. Mutual?” From his plush bed in the comfort of his apartment, Aventurine felt himself mimic Ratio’s movements. He leaned forward with a frown on his face, the one-word question ringing in his head. Did Ratio not think he respected him back? Why would he even think that?

“What did he say about me?” Ratio asked. His tone was uncharacteristically uncertain, curiosity obvious as a hand raised to his chin. And it wasn’t just his uncharacteristic tone - Ratio would never derail an interview to talk about himself. It was actually a point of irritation for many of his fans. The man never talked about himself unless the interview was explicitly about him, and the last and only time he ever did that was that notorious bathtub photoshoot.

“Aventurine personally asked for Dr Ratio to be our guest today,” Owlbert answered, somewhat surprised by the question. Perhaps he also knew that Ratio didn’t impede interviews like this, or maybe he was also put off by his sudden curiosity. “He said… ‘perhaps only Dr Ratio can succinctly explain my combat style.’”

In a flash, Ratio was back to leaning against the plush sofa cushions, arms crossed as he refused to meet anyone’s gaze. “Nonsense! He’s a system of chaos devoid of logic. Unintelligible,” Ratio scoffed.

Aventurine laughed. Though he did love the boost in pride he got when Ratio had good words about him, he had to admit this side to Ratio - so easily flustered and upset - was just as good. Perhaps even better; Ratio, a bulky man who loomed over Aventurine, was cute when he was like this.

“That gambler can’t possibly think my mathematics are suited to this…” Ratio hesitated, his eyes darting around the room like he could find the words he needed written on the wall, “This… pinball, can he?”

(Yes, Aventurine thought, this gambler absolutely does think that.)

Owlbert blinked at the strange reaction from Ratio. There was a moment of pause where he deliberated what to do, but ultimately he picked up a cue card and read off it. “He also said, ‘Dr Ratio will vigorously deny this, but if he didn’t fully understand my abilities, why would he accept the invitation to come on the show?’”

If the first prompt flustered Ratio, then this had completely melted the man.

Before, any hint of his disconcertion was minimal. He became a bit more tense, a bit more apprehensive, and a bit too expressive. People would notice, but Ratio managed to maintain enough composure that Aventurine was sure only he and fellow Ratio fans would have obsessed about it.

But now?

Ratio’s mouth hung open for a few seconds as big eyes blankly stared at Owlbert. Even from behind the screen, Aventurine could hear the cogs turning in his brain as he desperately searched his big brain for a good response.

Aventurine couldn’t help but smile as he leaned back in his bed, watching Ratio scramble on television. What’s your play now, Doctor?

“That’s not…” Ratio began, “I just…” He started fiddling with his codex, opening to some random page but not reading it, his fingers sliding up and down the edge of the page instead.

He didn’t make eye contact with Owlbert when he spoke again. “I approve of this show’s dedication to truth,” Ratio faltered for a second, his calm and cultured demeanour completely thrown out the window, “and knowledge.”

After a beat of silence, he added, “Nothing more.”

Ratio was back to acting like his usual self. He leaned back on the soft cushions, his legs crossed and his chin held high. It did nothing to distract Aventurine from the growing blush on his cheeks. From a few feet away, he could hear his phone dinging with new notifications. He wasn’t the only person paying great attention to Ratio’s behaviour - all of the fan clubs Aventurine managed to sneak his way into must be going insane as well.

With a confused look, Owlbert forced a laugh, “I really can’t tell what the deal is between you two.”

“There is no deal,” Ratio insisted, “We are just coworkers.”

“Ah, so Aventurine is just a generous soul.”

Ratio gave him a pointed look. “Where did you draw that conclusion from?”

“You see, Dr Ratio,” Owlbert pointed a wing at the bathtub-couch hybrid, “Aventurine splurged quite a bit on that couch for you. In his words,” Owlbert quickly shuffled a few cue cards. “... ‘Do treat the Doctor well for me, he’s more picky than you think.’”

Aventurine cringed. Ratio was not meant to be privy to that information. Yes, Ratio would’ve figured out that Aventurine probably bought the couch. That was fine. But that last part about what he said was too revealing for his liking.

It was through the gaps of his fingers that Aventurine watched Ratio’s response.

Ratio laughed incredulously.

Huh?

“I’m the picky one?” Ratio asked with an amused look on his face, “That gambler refuses to purchase anything less than the best of the best. He won’t even make do with a regular hotel room. There’s always something ‘better’ he will happily throw his money at.” Ratio crossed his arms and scoffed, “The audacity he has to say I’m picky when he’s always so dead set on eating at the most expensive restaurants. No matter how many times I tell him that price doesn’t necessarily mean quality, he refuses to listen to me.”

Owlbert blinked at him before he continued. “... And you’re just coworkers?”

“Yes,” Ratio answered, barely hiding his exasperation, “Evidently.”

Aventurine held back the urge to throw a pillow at the television. Who was the idiot of them now, claiming they were just coworkers after admitting he loved him?

“Ah, yes,” Owlbert nodded uncertainly, suspicion clouding his eyes, “Evidently.”

Only once the show finally ended did Aventurine realise how tense he was the entire time. As an ad for a vacuum cleaner began playing, Aventurine felt his stiffness dissipate into the air as he relaxed in his bed. Without his focus on the show anymore, Aventurine could feel his heart slowly steadying back to its usual rhythm, the heat in his face disappearing.

It was overwhelming how many things Ratio had said about him. One of the best outcomes of a gamble, for sure. Aventurine figured in a position like that, Ratio would be forced to say at least one nice thing about him. He blew his expectations out of the water; Ratio had said so much. He could live off that ego boost for years.

Getting to see what the Dr. Ratio Fan Club (Insane Version) had to say about the interview was the cherry to top it off.

Lowering_The_Average: I love reading gossip about him. What are the theories, guys?

MaleGod: Is there a point in theorising anything? His behaviour speaks for itself…

RatiosHeadCover: I’m crying they did not just broadcast his situationship on live TV

CheeseIsPower: Was that real? Did that actually happen? There’s NO way that was real.

180cmBabyGirl: “Loving you is a difficult affair, but I like to make my life difficult” call me crazy but that Ratio quote was TOTALLYYY about this Aventurine guy

AAASitInErrandBoy: The way I learned nothing about Aventurine but I feel like I know everything about their relationship.

RatiosRubberDuck: why am i jealous rn

10yrRatioHater: Look, I’ve honestly been a Ratio hater for 10 years, soon to be 11. I don’t respect the guy much outside of his academic achievements but I’m glad to see he found someone.

Aventurine found himself laughing into his pillow as he scrolled through all the new comments. Disbelief, hilarity, envy, and joy all because Ratio went on television and talked a little too much for his own good.

Ratio had to be seeing these comments. Ratio was surprisingly active on social media, always responding to questions and comments people left behind in his journey to cure the ignorance that plagued the universe. There was no way he wasn’t feeling any pressure or being forced to face any new revelations because of the interview.

Aventurine plugged his phone in while smiling. Aeons, Aventurine raised a hand over his mouth as if someone was watching and judging him. He was acting like a schoolgirl. Giddy and giggling about his crush who was being a bit too obvious with the hints he was dropping. Kicking his feet in the air because of the rumours surrounding them.

Aventurine took a deep breath and turned his phone over so he could no longer see the screen. He needed to get a grip. But at the same time, he couldn’t help it. He might be acting immature, but it’s not like he knew how these kinds of relationships were meant to go.

◇─◇──◇─◇

Everybody had seen the interview.

It was obvious by the way every time Aventurine left a room, the chatter so happened to get a few decibels louder. IPC guards pay a bit too much attention to him. Jade had made a point to call him and ask a few vaguely personal questions regarding his personal relationships, always dancing around the name of a certain doctor. A visiting Intelligentsia Guild member gave him a proud nod as she walked by. A Topaz-less Numby trotted up to him, gave him a sniff, and left. Aventurine wasn’t entirely sure if that last event was related to Ratio at all, but considering Numby usually sneered at him before hopping onto Topaz’s shoulder, he was willing to write it up to Topaz being too busy to ask him herself.

And if Aventurine was getting so much attention, he could only imagine what Ratio was putting up with.

Aventurine was so eager to find out that he, against all odds, had shown up to a meeting ten minutes early.

He sat right at the head of the table, putting his feet up on a neighbouring chair as he aimlessly scrolled through his timeline. The Ratio fans had been going wild last night, and they caused so much of a ruckus that Aventurine woke up to an article about it. It was from some pathetic, low-level tabloid, but Aventurine still read it over his breakfast of burnt toast. It was funny, he would give it that.

The door swung open and Aventurine nearly dropped his phone.

Amber eyes outlined with red met his gaze. Violet hair, perfectly styled and accessorised with that golden laurel matched nicely with the black blazer he was wearing. White shirt, purple tie with gold highlights - Aventurine could have spent a few more minutes staring but the other man began speaking.

“Aventurine,” Ratio said. Aventurine did not miss the way his hold on his laptop grew a bit tighter as he hugged it closer to his chest.

“Doctor,” Aventurine said with a grin, “You’re here early.”

“I could say the same to you,” Ratio replied, sitting three seats away from him.

Aventurine stared at him in disbelief. After singing all those praises to him on the show, Ratio was going to keep a physical distance from him. For a doctor, he could be really obtuse. What was a space of three seats going to do for him? Magically erase the footage from last night?

“What, don’t like me anymore?” Aventurine pouted, “And to think I got my hopes up.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Don’t play dumb with me. You had so many good words to say about me last night.”

“I was simply stating the facts. There’s nothing more to it.”

“I don’t know, Doc. You said I wasn’t awful to work with. That seems more subjective than anything.”

“I said you were a C student at best. That’s hardly a compliment.”

“And if your courses have a 3% completion rate, and I’m a C student, that means I at least pass your impossibly high standards.”

“Barely.”

“That’s enough for me,” Aventurine smiled and gestured at the seat next to him, “So move in already. Or would you rather prefer to sit next to a failing student?”

Ratio mumbled something under his breath, but he still grabbed his things and pushed them to the empty spot next to Aventurine.

Alright, Aventurine thought, this is good. Really good. The conversation topic was already on the interview, and Aventurine not only managed to get Ratio to man up and sit next to him, but he was definitely counting this as even more confirmation that Ratio did indeed like being around him. He just needed to turn the conversation into Ratio’s true feelings - which would be the most difficult part - maybe through talking about what everyone on the internet was saying. Or perhaps he could pry himself. If he really upped his flirting game this time around, on top of all of the internet in a frenzy about them, Ratio was bound to crack.

“I hope you know I take the title of your C student very seriously,” Aventurine grinned, sidling up towards him. Ratio didn’t pull away, only throwing him an unimpressed look. “What have I done to earn your favour?”

“Don’t act so smug,” Ratio grumbled, “You are simply somewhat better than the rest. I can trust you can keep up with me and it is inarguable that you have strong capabilities in your own right.”

Aventurine blinked in surprise. He didn’t expect such a genuine answer.

“Do I get a question now?”

Aventurine shrugged. “Go ahead.”

“There were many other suitable candidates,” Ratio said, “Why would you request me?”

The truth that Aventurine was pursuing the media frenzy that might happen if he got Ratio flustered on camera which would all somehow lead to that late night where Ratio said too much being reenacted would not go down well with Ratio. It was a scheme Aventurine hoped always stayed concealed from him, lest Aventurine wanted a permanent dent in his forehead from a flying piece of chalk.

“I consider you a friend, Ratio,” Aventurine answered. And to his surprise, he meant it. This wasn’t a business deal he wanted to sweeten, or a relationship he knew he could use later. He liked Ratio’s company. He liked being around him a lot, in fact. It was embarrassing to admit it, but Aventurine always looked forward to working on projects Ratio was also assigned to.

“You call every second person you meet a friend,” Ratio sighed, rolling his eyes, “That word means nothing out of your mouth.”

Aventurine supposed he was right. ‘Friend’ did not encapsulate what Aventurine wanted with Ratio well enough. There were better words, much heavier words, that Aventurine would like to label Ratio as instead.

If he could just get Ratio to say it for him, this could all be so much easier.

“So simple friendship won’t suffice for you?” Aventurine asked.

“Don’t word it like that,” Ratio said pointedly, “I didn’t say that. I just said that word is rather redundant when you say so often.”

“Well, I guess you somewhat exceed the label of a friend,” Aventurine whistled, “I don’t go buying custom-made couches for everyone I meet.”

“How shocking.”

“I suppose we’ll have to find some other title for you if ‘friend’ doesn’t cut it,” Aventurine said. He was smiling as he gazed into pretty eyes, but internally, Aventurine was desperately praying that Ratio got the hint. His head could be thicker than marble sometimes.

Ratio bit the inside of his cheek as he looked away. “Be straight with me, gambler. I don’t have time for your games.”

I could say the same thing about you.

There was no time to respond with something smart as some IPC junior walked into the room.

◇─◇──◇─◇

“And before we end, I’m sure you’re all aware of the upcoming project Diamond has in mind.”

Aventurine bit his tongue to stifle a groan. He eyed the clock. They were twenty minutes overtime already. It wasn’t like he had anywhere to be, but the sky had flooded with grey clouds that were threatening to rain soon. No problem - he got good parking today, and he remembered his umbrella for once. He would just prefer not to have to walk in the rain, umbrella or not.

“With the Charmony Festival coming up, the Family is allowing IPC delegates inside Penacony. As such, it’s one of our few opportunities to expand to Penacony.”

Ratio seemed bored, too. He wasn’t the type to go glancing at the clock - he deemed it as unprofessional behaviour - but Aventurine did notice that Ratio’s fingers were drumming against the tabletop as he looked on, a grim expression on his face. Ratio must have felt his gaze as he turned to give him a sharp look. It was the same expression Ratio made every time he caught him at the casino instead of in bed the night before a big meeting. A stern glance that screamed ‘Get ahold of yourself, we’re on the job.’

“Alright, that’s it for today,” the IPC senior waved at everyone, “Get home safely. It looks like it will rain.”

Aventurine wished people farewell as they slowly left the room, putting on jackets and chatting about their weekends.

“Aventurine,” Ratio called. He was ready to leave, already one foot out the door.

“Yes, Ratio?”

“Did you bring an umbrella?”

Oh, Aventurine felt a grin creep on his face, so the doctor does have moves. Aventurine pushed his umbrella to the bottom of the bag as he pretended to search for it. With an exaggerated sigh, Aventurine shook his head.

“Nope. Seems I’ve forgotten it today.”

“Disappointing,” Ratio sighed, shaking his head, “Consider this a learning moment. Be more prepared next time, and check the weather before you leave your apartment.”

Ratio left the room.

Aventurine scowled. Asshat, Aventurine grumbled, shoving loose papers into his bag, getting my hopes up and all.

◇─◇──◇─◇

Aventurine looked out at the rainy cityscape from the reception. He could just walk out into the rain with his umbrella keeping him dry, but he couldn’t tell if Ratio had left or not. Ratio didn’t drive a car - he didn’t live at Pier Point like Aventurine - so he always took public transport. If Ratio saw him with an umbrella, would that not expose his earlier lie? But it was that or running through the rain with his jacket hiked over his head, and that would be detrimental to both his clothes and health. Though, Aventurine wouldn’t mind getting a cold, a break from work would be really nice right about now-

“So you really didn’t bring an umbrella.”

Aventurine turned around. Ratio stood a few feet behind him, head tilted to one side as he observed Aventurine. His black umbrella was already out and over his head despite them being inside.

“Do you take me for a liar?” Aventurine questioned, knowing full well he was one.

“Perhaps,” Ratio answered, “Where’d you park?”

“Nearby.”

“Is it on the way to the train station?”

“Um, probably?”

Ratio thought for a moment before he sighed. “Then I shall walk you. Keep up.”

Aventurine expected Ratio to give him a moment to register the offer and accept, or at least give him time to walk up to his side, but Ratio had no patience. Without warning, Ratio left the reception and pushed through the revolving glass doors.

“Wait,” Aventurine called out from inside, watching as Ratio began to walk out the door and into the rain without giving him so much as a glance, “Ratio! Ratio, wait!”

Aventurine would have liked the time to admire the scenery at least. Pier Point was rarely grey and rainy. Usually, the skies were always blue and sunny, a stark contrast to the boring life of a slave for capitalism. The dark sky, the pitter-patter of rain, the storm that was sure to come - in all of his years of living there, Aventurine had only seen Pier Point like this a handful of times. But he couldn’t take a moment to appreciate the view, not when he was splashing through puddles to get under Ratio’s umbrella.

“You couldn’t have waited for even a second?” Aventurine complained through heavy breaths as he glared at Ratio.

Ratio didn’t meet his eye. He kept looking straight ahead, at the damp pavement in front of them. “If you didn’t feel like running, you should’ve brought an umbrella.”

Aventurine scoffed, folding his arms as he sped up his pace to keep in time with Ratio.

“What’s with your mean attitude today?” Aventurine asked as he elbowed Ratio lightly, “You were the one who said I wasn’t awful.”

“Gambler, don’t think I won’t leave you out in the rain to fend for yourself.”

“You wouldn’t do that,” Aventurine dared. He truly did believe in that notion. Ratio wouldn’t leave him in the rain. It wasn’t special treatment or anything. Ratio wouldn’t leave anyone stranded in the rain.

“Really?” Ratio asked. He moved the umbrella away from Aventurine and towards himself - it was not enough to expose Aventurine to the rain, but enough for a few droplets to fall onto his shoulder. Aventurine rolled his eyes. It was a bluff, and a terrible one at that. There was no threat of becoming drenched in the rain if all Ratio would allow were a few stray raindrops to hit him.

“Okay, okay,” Aventurine put his hands up in mock defeat. He would let Ratio have this one. “I’m sorry.” With a satisfied look on his face (that he did not deserve - Aventurine let the taller man win), Ratio shifted the umbrella back into its original position where it hid both of them from the rain. “You were good on the show, you know.”

“I don’t appreciate lies, Aventurine.”

“No, no! Really, if we ignore the stuttering at the end, then you were decent.”

“That’s the problem,” Ratio groaned, “Everyone is focusing on that. And I understand, my stumbling was unprofessional. If you find yourself annoyed at any of the… consequences then, well, I apologise.”

“... Is the great Veritas Ratio saying sorry to me?”

“Doctor, gambler,” Ratio corrected, “And yes. Perhaps I feel somewhat guilty for derailing the audience's attention.”

“Oh, don’t worry about that. You should be more concerned about yourself. Those fans of yours are nuts.”

“I’m aware that there is a minority that gets a bit overexcited. Are they bothering you?”

“No, not at all. Their posts are funny, actually.”

“And what are they posting?”

“Oh. Um, you know. Rumours.”

“Care to elaborate?”

Was he acting dumb? Aventurine didn’t believe for a second Ratio hadn’t heard what the rumours were. “They spin the most interesting of tales,” Aventurine explained, “They, um, seem particularly fond of calling me your lover.”

“... Oh.”

That was a horrible response to that information.

Panic settled in as Aventurine tried his best to backtrack. “Amongst other things, of course, someone said ‘situationship’ but I’m sure you don’t know what that means - or at least I hope you don’t - I don’t think it’s marginally better but-”

“Well, I suppose it could’ve been worse.”

Aventurine stared at Ratio. It was a better response than ‘oh’, he supposed. “Excuse me?” He asked.

“There could’ve been speculation that I hated you. That would be awful, don’t you think?”

Aventurine almost laughed. “Doc, is this your way of saying you don’t hate me?”

“That wasn’t my intention, but sure. I don’t hate you, Aventurine.”

He wished Ratio would look him in the eye already. Instead of him, Ratio’s gaze was transfixed on the path in front of them, only focused on getting Aventurine to his car. It was hard to see what expression he was making, and Aventurine was trying hard to see what Ratio was feeling. He couldn’t tell if he was smug as he messed with him, if he was dead serious, or if he was just pitying him. “Aren’t you cute?” Aventurine asked playfully, “For the record, I don’t hate you either, Veritas.”

“Don’t call me cute,” Ratio snapped.

“But Veritas is okay?”

There was no answer to that. Ratio just stopped and pointed to a sleek black car.

“Isn’t this your car? Go already,” Ratio ordered, “You probably have some dinner reservation you’ll be late too if you keep stalling like this.”

“I thought you didn’t hate me,” Aventurine pouted, “Yet here you are, trying to shoo me away.”

“Well, you are getting on my nerves. So go already.”

Ratio walked him to the car door, holding out his umbrella so Aventurine and the inside of his car didn’t get wet as he hopped in. The moment the door shut, Aventurine heard the telltale splashes of Ratio walking away. He rolled down his window all the way, ignoring the rain that was getting on his lap.

“Ratio!”

Ratio turned around, one eyebrow raised in curiosity. There were some dark spots on his blazer where rain had hit him, and some silver droplets in his hair from when he held his umbrella out for Aventurine to get in his car.

“Yes?”

Aventurine had no plan. He had nothing to say, just something he wanted Ratio to say to him. There was no way the best Aventurine was ending up with today was Ratio saying he didn’t hate him. It was definitely progress, and the thought did make his heart flutter a little, but Aeons was that a low bar. With his right arm resting on the open window, his left hand scrunching his damp coat, Aventurine flashed Ratio his best smile.

“No goodbye kiss?”

Ratio gave him the most unimpressed look he’d ever seen. He rolled his eyes as he scoffed, mumbling something to himself that Aventurine couldn’t hear.

Then he began walking over.

Aventurine straightened his back, trying to hide the genuine smile that he could feel rising. Heat flooded his cheeks as his brain tried to process the sight of Ratio leaning over his car window, amber gaze flickering between Aventurine’s eyes and his lips. The sound of rain had become background noise, the sound of his heartbeat becoming the loudest thing he could hear. He opened his dry mouth to say something.

“Ratio-”

Water hit him in the face.

Aventurine opened his eyes to Ratio’s guilty hand, wet and still in the air from flicking water at him.

“Idiot,” Ratio commented with a chuckle. Aventurine couldn’t find it in himself to be mad - not when Ratio was smirking at him. He felt his heart leap again at the sight, any and all irritation that Ratio tricked him disappeared into the wind.

“You…” Aventurine began. He took a quick breath and fixed his surprised face and gave him an annoyed look despite being hopelessly entranced by his smile, “I hope you miss your train.”

“You will be sorely disappointed when I arrive on time,” Ratio replied, walking away again, “Drive safely, gambler.”

He was too far away for Aventurine to respond with something smart without having to yell it.

Chapter Text

Aventurine smoothed out the creases in his jacket as he waited for the interviewer’s next question. Everything had been going well so far - he was succinct, careful, but honest. He spoke just as Jade taught him too. But to be fair, the questions were easy. This wasn’t some finance journal after all. To his surprise, it was a pop culture magazine that asked for him. Notably, it was the exact same one that gave fans the universally celebrated photoshoot of Ratio in a bathtub not long ago.

Considering that history, Aventurine should have been less surprised when they threw a pair of black silk pyjamas at him and had him pose on a bed.

He obliged anyway. Aventurine wouldn’t let such an opportunity go to waste.

“So, Aventurine,” the interviewer said with a cheeky grin on her face, “I’m sure you’re aware, but we actually had your coworker, Dr Ratio, on this magazine a few months ago.”

Aventurine crossed his legs. He figured they would touch on this topic. Ratio’s blunder on television was only a few weeks ago - long enough that the public had begun moving on, but still on the lookout for information.

“Yes, I did,” Aventurine smiled, his left hand digging itself into his pocket, “Stunning photos, by the way. I can only hope mine end up as nicely as his did.”

“And I’m sure you’ve seen your Keeping Up With Star Rail interview,” she leaned forward, dropping her voice to a loud whisper, “Everyone’s talking about you two. Care to let us in for a sneak peek?”

Be smart, Aventurine reminded himself. Outright denial was out of the question. What if Ratio heard and assumed Aventurine didn’t like him at all? That would be detrimental. But he couldn’t lie and say they were dating for the obvious reason that it was dishonest and Ratio would murder him for that. At the same time, Aventurine couldn’t be the one confessing. He needed to pass his turn and force Ratio into a checkmate. His answer must be open-ended and suggestive, but truthful enough that Ratio didn’t strangle him upon their next meeting.

“Currently, we’re good coworkers who are finding entertainment in the stories we see of ourselves online,” Aventurine said. Not necessarily a lie, not necessarily the truth. Aventurine could say for a fact that he was enjoying reading what people had to say about him and Ratio. On the other hand, Ratio seemed impassive to the whole ordeal, which was pretty uncharacteristic of him considering his hatred for misinformation.

“Currently?” She questioned. He watched as she scribbled something down without breaking eye contact with him. He was glad she picked up on that word.

“Yes, currently,” Aventurine clarified, “If Veritas has any sudden changes of heart, he knows where to find me.”

The interviewer barely concealed an excited squeal as she wrote in her notepad. Aventurine’s hand twisted around fabric as he felt the adrenaline in his bloodstream ebb away. He couldn’t get more open-ended than that. The ball was in Ratio’s court, and Aventurine swore to all Aeons, dead and alive, that he would go insane if he had to initiate their next interaction.

Aventurine was going to initiate their next interaction.

In his defence, he was tired of waiting. Ratio was going to let the fuel Aventurine so graciously poured go to waste. He expected a text from him, or maybe a phone call if he was feeling particularly desperate, but there was nothing. He didn’t even like the post Aventurine made about being in the magazine, and Ratio liked all his posts. That wretch.

He bought all pre-orders of the magazine with him on the cover. There was a limit to how many one person could buy, but that wasn’t an issue for him. He simply paid people to buy them for him and drop them off at his office. The mountain of magazines on his desk added up to about one hundred. Aventurine could’ve gotten more if he looked at other sites too, but he was sure at least someone out there would want one.

So now he was walking around the IPC headquarters, handing out magazines with his face printed on them. A stranger said hi? Offer them a magazine. A fellow senior manager asked him what he was doing? Offer them a magazine. A delegate from some planet was lost? Offer them a magazine. Topaz walked by, giving him a strange look? Offer her a magazine. She gave him a stranger look before mumbling something to Numby. She didn’t even take the magazine.

Aventurine purposely went to places he knew Ratio liked to stay. He found himself wandering around the very fake but lovely garden on the fifth floor, but no dice. He walked around the hallways leading to Ratio’s office, but they were dreary and empty. Aventurine got his hopes up when he remembered Ratio was particularly fond of this sunflower mural on a lower floor. Aventurine had only walked past it a handful of times, and in most of those instances, Ratio had been sat by the bench in front of the painting, reading silently.

But not today.

Aventurine stared at the bare wooden bench in defeat. He bought a hundred magazines to squeeze one moment out of Ratio and he didn’t even see him. Aeons, Aventurine sat down on the bench in defeat, tilting his head back enough that he hit the wall behind him, I just bought one hundred magazines to talk to one man. He groaned as he hid his face with his hand, parting his fingers just enough so he could see the magazine on his lap. He supposed he could frame it on his dresser or something.

“Aventurine?”

Aventurine cracked his neck with how quickly he looked up. Ratio was standing across from him, wearing his usual attire. ‘His usual attire’ being an arguably scandalous outfit that turned heads, because really, what kind of scholar needed to be showing so much skin for? And if someone wasn’t staring at his figure, they were probably staring at his face which was covered by that plaster head. Aventurine would admit, it was a nice bust. He preferred Ratio’s real face, though.

“Doctor,” Aventurine said. He hoped his relief wasn’t discernable in his tone, “Fancy seeing you here.”

“I could say the same for you,” Ratio quipped, “What a pity. I was hoping for a peaceful lunch.”

Despite his cold words, Ratio sat down next to him, taking his headpiece off and sitting it beside him. He took a sip of coffee and began unwrapping a bagel as he hummed mindlessly. Aventurine didn’t even notice he was holding his lunch until that moment - he truly was no better than that fanclub of his.

“What are you holding?” Ratio questioned. His hands were full so he pointed with his head by raising his chin.

“Oh, you haven’t heard?” Aventurine asked. There was no way Ratio hadn’t heard - he was sure Ratio had seen his post, and he was sure Ratio was just too much of a coward to go ahead and like the damn thing. Wasn’t Ratio suddenly refusing to like that post more suspicious than if he just gave in? “That magazine that you were on a while back wanted me on the front cover, too. Have you read it?”

“... I have skimmed it.”

“What, do you already have your own copy?” Aventurine smiled, “And to think I was going to offer you my lucky last one.”

“I do not own anything of the sort,” Ratio clarified with a glare, “However, it is hard to avoid your interview when you have been gallivanting around the building, giving copies out for free.”

“I haven’t given you a copy, though.”

“That may be true, but you underestimate how quickly gossip spreads around here.”

“Elaborate, please.”

“I will say this. You have a lot of nerve to go into that interview and make a mockery out of me.”

Aventurine scoffed while Ratio took a bite of his bagel. He respected the choice, Aventurine had eaten it before - salmon, cream cheese, dill - but he was too offended to compliment his taste.

“Mocking you?” Aventurine asked incredulously. How was that his conclusion? “I was inviting you, actually.”

Ratio swallowed. “Yet the consequences remain the same. Are you enjoying yourself, dear gambler?”

“And what if I am?”

“... You need to learn to think before you speak,” Ratio mumbled. He turned away from Aventurine for his next bite, and Aventurine could only assume it was because there was the faintest hue of pink on his cheeks. If only Ratio would turn around - Aventurine was sure he saw the smallest indication of a blush before. Confirmation that he wasn’t delusional was always welcome.

“Oh no, here we go again,” Aventurine groaned with an exaggerated sigh, “You’re calling me a fool again. A fool that, if you remember, you said wasn’t awful to work with.”

“Perhaps I should make a formal post addressing the matter, where I reflect on you as a person and conclude that you did not deserve such minimal praise.”

“You want to get petty?” He asked. Aventurine made a bet - his gamble. He placed the magazine to his side, freeing his frisky hands to play with Ratio’s sashes, twirling his fingers around the cloth. He dragged himself a few inches closer, relishing the way Ratio tensed but did not pull away. Aventurine grinned. “Might I remind you of that lovely night we spent together?”

That grabbed Ratio’s attention. That cold, distant attitude was erased in a flash, replaced by a face that became increasingly red as seconds passed as eyes darted around making sure nobody was in earshot. There were some people in the general space, but they were far away enough not to have heard.

“Be quiet!” Ratio hissed, a hand covering Aventurine’s mouth, “And do not word it like that, that was not what happened-”

Aventurine easily slipped out of his loose hold, pulling Ratio’s hands away. “Oh, darling!” Aventurine exclaimed. Earlier, he was willing to be nice and modest for his dear doctor, but his grace was out the window now that he saw Ratio’s cherry-red cheeks. “I’ll never forget the way you wrapped me in your arms in such a loving embrace, the way you held me in your sleep-”

“Aventurine!”

Aventurine laughed at Ratio’s panicked expression, his wrists still held captive by Aventurine’s hands. The fight Ratio put up was minimal; he weakly shook his fists as he gave him an angry stare. A victim to his fondness, Aventurine let go of Ratio prematurely, giving Ratio the ability to hide his face and turn away.

“You are insufferable,” Ratio grumbled, “Your unprofessionalism will bite you in the backside someday.”

“Not with my luck, it won’t.”

“Why are you even here?” Ratio asked, finally setting his hands down. Good - Aventurine was missing his face. The pink was slowly fading away, and Ratio was escaping eye contact time he could, but Aventurine didn’t mind. The image of Ratio red and desperate to get him to shut up was worth it. “You never roam these halls. At least, not in the time I’ve spent working here,” Ratio continued.

“I’m fond of sunflowers.”

“Why do I doubt that?”

“I would never try to deceive a doctor of truth,” Aventurine confidently lied. He had no real affinity towards them until he realised this sunflower mural was a space Ratio enjoyed so much. He supposed he got the appeal; the painting was bright and stuck out amongst the boring greys and blacks surrounding them. The fact they always faced the sun probably brought out a romantic element to them Ratio would enjoy.

“Yet this is the first time I’m seeing you here. You haven’t even brought food.”

“Just because I’m on a break doesn’t mean I’m hungry.”

“Well, when you do have food, I would recommend this as a good place to eat it.”

Aventurine raised an eyebrow at Ratio. He had since regained his composure, his back straight and any trace of humiliation gone. Aventurine felt a growing smile on his face as he looked at Ratio.

“What’s the probability I have a certain doctor’s company?”

Ratio thought for a moment before he responded. “It’s zero on any day that isn’t Thursday or Friday.”

“I like my chances.”

“You realise it’s not certain on Thursday and Friday that I’m here, right?”

“I’m a gambler, Veritas,” Aventurine leaned back, “I’ll bet on any odds.”

◇─◇──◇─◇

“So, let me get this straight,” Topaz called out from behind a curtain.

Aventurine hugged one of the numerous shopping bags to his chest. It must have been Topaz’s - whatever inside was soft and pillowy, perfect for burying his face in.

He wasn’t planning on telling anybody about him and Ratio. Aventurine was very willing to die without ever telling anyone what was actually happening between them. But when Jade and Topaz invited him to go shopping in preparation for the annual IPC gathering that weekend and began talking like Ratio and he were actually a thing, Aventurine broke. He spilled everything to Jade and Topaz, his coworkers that probably only brought him along because he would carry their bags for them, all about everything that had happened in the middle of that (thankfully) empty changing room.

He felt a soft pressure on his shoulder and looked up to see Jade’s pitying face, her hand rubbing circles.

“So Ratio told you he loved you,” Topaz said.

“Yes. But he was drunk, so I don’t know if it counts.”

“... Right. So Ratio declared that he loved you, but he was drunk,” even with the dressing room curtain separating them, he could hear the fumbling of clothes as she changed into a different dress Jade picked out, “And you even slept together.”

“Not in that way,” Aventurine clarified, holding the shopping bag a bit tighter. He threw Jade a quick look, hoping she understood that nothing of that sort happened.

“Yes, yes, I know,” there was more shuffling from behind the curtain followed before Topaz continued, “And then everyone thought you two were dating because of that television show.”

“Keeping Up With Star Rail, yes.”

“And you two meet up to eat lunch together.”

“Yes,” Aventurine nodded, “He even bought me a coffee today.”

“And he meant it when he said he loved you?”

Aventurine paused. He could feel Jade’s piercing gaze on his back, watching and waiting for his response, he could hear the sudden stop in movement in Topaz’s changing room. They were both hanging on for the answer.

Yes, Ratio was as stubborn as a mule, sharp-tongued and eccentric. That idiot genius who was ignoring Aventurine’s obvious hints that he liked him and would like to hear those three little words again. It could be indicative of disinterest, or maybe he was only keeping Aventurine around because he liked the attention - no, no. That was stupid. He could already feel the chalk in his forehead for even thinking such a thing. He had multiple fanclubs dedicated to his presence. On Valentine’s Day, Aventurine heard rumours that his office and letterbox were so clogged up, Ratio had hired a maid to clear everything up so he could work. He didn’t care for attention.

If Ratio didn’t like him at least a little bit, Aventurine would know. With the things Aventurine was doing and saying around him, if Ratio didn’t like him, Aventurine would have been smashed to pieces by a pillar by now.

And that wasn’t even counting any vaguely romantic situations led by Ratio. They were few and far between, but Aventurine savoured them. The alcohol on Ratio’s breath as he leaned in close, the simplicity of those three words thathat rolled off his tongue. The way Ratio laughed after flicking water in his face - an immature sort of laughter he would never associate with Ratio in a million years. Gods, even the coffee he bought him yesterday. Ratio he had even gotten it the way he liked it. There was no way that wasn’t at least somewhat romantic.

He cleared his throat. Aventurine had been silent for far too long, and he could hear that Topaz had stopped changing as she waited for his response. “Yes. I’m sure.”

“And you like him too?”

Why is that even more embarrassing to answer? Aventurine thought, shifting slightly on the plush couch. Though embarrassing, at least he didn’t have to stop and wonder about the answer.

“... Yes.”

“Aventurine, I don’t mean to sound rude,” Topaz began with a sigh. If he ignored the incredibly judgemental tone she was speaking with, he supposed he could excuse it. “But if you know you both like each other, and you know Ratio is stubborn, then why aren’t you the one asking him out?”

Aventurine blinked.

“Because…” he began, staring off to the side as he searched his brain for an appropriate response. “Because I never thought of doing that?”

“Are you being serious?”

“... Sure.”

“Man up and ask him out already,” Topaz grumbled, “if you know Ratio won’t do it, then that means you have to do it.”

“Well, to be fair, he did say he loved me first-”

The curtain pulled back, revealing Topaz in a silk red dress. It was simple and loose-fitting, with lace at the back that was haphazardly tied in a rushed bow. It was that deep red she always wore, so it was no surprise to see she looked good in it.

“Oh, this one’s nice,” Jade marvelled, standing up so she could fix the lace, “I think this is the one.”

“You think so?” Topaz asked, cringing and stiffening slightly at the tight knot Jade made.

“Of course,” Jade assured her, “Aventurine, you agree, right?”

Aventurine gave her a thumbs up. “You should pair it with one of the fur coats we saw outside.”

Topaz raised an eyebrow. “Faux fur, right?”

“Probably.”

Completely missing the point, Jade chimed in, “No matter what kind of fur it is, you look stunning. That Asta girl will adore you.”

At the mere mention of her name, Topaz smiled warmly, twirling as she looked at herself in the mirror. Topaz was quite the cheerful woman, but Aventurine had never seen her like this. She was basically radiating with joy, her soft smile lighting up the store as she studied her own reflection, exposing her gentle devotion for Asta.

A moment of clarity must have washed over her, because in seconds she was clearing her throat and wiping that smile off her face. She straightened her back and folded her arms, throwing a judgemental look at Aventurine.

“You know, it could’ve been a double date if someone managed to ask out a certain doctor.”

“Low blow,” Aventurine mumbled.

“You still have time to invite him,” Jade offered, fixing a stray piece of Topaz’s hair, “There’s still, what, two days?.”

“What’s the point? He’s got an invitation too.”

“Well, that happened for me and Asta. She was already invited, but I asked her if she’d like to go as my date anyway.”

“This is different,” Aventurine insisted, “This is Dr Ratio we’re talking about. He will point out how redundant that question is.”

“The least you could do is ask him if he’s going,” Jade said, “He may be invited, but he might not come. He’s a university professor, is he not? He may be too busy marking essays.”

Shit, Aventurine felt his shoulders droop, she has a good point.

“Fine,” Aventurine sighed, “I’ll just text him later and ask.”

“Hurrah,” Topaz said flatly, pushing Jade out of the dressing room and shutting the curtain, “The bare minimum.”

◇─◇──◇─◇

Aventurine had been planning out what to text for at least ten minutes now.

Initially, he thought this would be an easy task to complete. All he needed to ask was if Ratio was going. Very simple, could be done in one message. However, this would mark the first non-work related message between them; almost every other text was about a project they were collaborating on.

Reading through their history somewhat panicked him. Was this going to be a step too far into Ratio’s boundaries? Their texts had been restricted to work for so long even though they talked about other things in real life. Aventurine could be as flirty as he wanted to be to Ratio in the real world, but with their digital histories being so work-focused, maybe Ratio would see this message as an annoyance.

But at the same time, the worst thing that could happen was that Ratio left him on read.

… That would really suck though.

In the comfort of the soft pillows that were scattered across his bed, in the soft fabric of his pajamas, Aventurine hit send and turned his phone face-down on his bedside table. Out of sight, out of mind. It really should not have been that anxiety-inducing to send a text message. It wasn’t even risky. He simply said hi and asked if he was going to see him at the party. That was a very normal question between coworkers, and honestly, Aventurine was just making too big of a deal out of it.

Gingerly, Aventurine checked his phone. It had been a minute, but maybe he had been too busy moping to hear the notification, he reasoned to himself. Utterly stupid reasoning, Aventurine thought with a grimace as he was greeted by a clear view of his phone background.

He dropped the phone back onto the bedside table as he tried to busy himself with rearranging the bed. He didn’t have time to make it that morning, so pillows and blankets were strewn about the bed. There was even one on the floor, presumably from him accidentally kicking it off in the night. Aventurine picked it back up and threw it on the bed, watching it crash onto a blanket he just folded-

His phone vibrated.

Aventurine dove onto the bed so he could efficiently grab his phone and check the notification.

Veritas: I apologise for the delayed response; I was drawing a bath. I will be in attendance, and I will be arriving at the right time. Will you be late like usual?

Aventurine should wait before responding. He put his phone down and kept making the bed, as if that was going to properly distract him from Ratio’s message. He fluffed up a pillow, pretending like he didn’t give a care in the world that Ratio was preparing a bath at that moment. He smoothened out sheets, swiped away a bit of dirt that made it onto the bed, and checked the time.

It had been one minute.

That was long enough.

Aventurine: You know me too well. I’ll be there sometime after the first hour though, I can assure you of that. Will I be seeing your face around, or that handsome bust of yours?

A minute passed before Ratio answered.

Veritas: I’ve been informed that it might not be best to wear it. Higher-ups sent a strongly-worded email earlier advising me not to because it was ‘asocial’ and ‘came off as rude.’

Aventurine: Veritas, are you telling me you got told off?

Veritas: Yes.

Aventurine: I didn’t know it was possible for you to get in trouble. I always thought you were untouchable.

Veritas: Don’t be an idiot. I have an easy time with superiors because I follow the rules. You ought to learn from my example.

Aventurine: No offence, but your example is boring. And Diamond doesn’t care what I do, anyways. He’s one of those end over the means’ people.

Veritas: Don’t let Diamond’s lack of morality excuse your actions. It’s pathetic.

Aventurine: Then what would you like me to do instead, Doc?

Veritas: Follow your own values. Or are you trying to convince me that you actually follow Diamond’s way of thinking?

Aventurine: And if I do?

Veritas: I think that would be quite foolish of you.

Aventurine: Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but I think I’ll have to side with Diamond on this one.

Veritas: Siding with Diamond is certainly a choice.

Aventurine: Why? Do you not like Diamond?

Veritas: I did not say that.

Aventurine: Don’t worry. This is a safe space, I won’t judge nor tell. What don’t you like about him?

Veritas: The bath is going to get cold soon.

Aventurine: Don’t leave yet, you need to tell me why you don’t like Diamond!

Aventurine: You’re not actually going to leave me hanging, are you?

Aventurine: Hello?

Aventurine: You’re kidding, right?

Aventurine: For a humanitarian, you are cruel.

Still no reply. Aventurine frowned; was Ratio seriously ignoring him right now?

Aventurine: I’ll drop the topic if you’re going to be a baby about it. Will I be seeing you around at the party or not?

Aventurine scoffed when he saw the dots pop up on the bottom of the screen. He really was ignoring him. Bastard.

Veritas: Have we not discussed this? I will be there.

He rolled his eyes and made a face before he replied.

Aventurine: Will I be blessed by the presence of the great Dr Veritas Ratio during my attendance?

Veritas: Flattery does not work on me.

Veritas: But perhaps I will see you around.

Aventurine: If you’re going to be mean to me and drop the Diamond subject out of nowhere, you could at least give me more than that.

Veritas: You ask for too much.

Veritas: But if I see you around and neither of us are busy, I will say hi.

Aventurine: That’s more like it. Have fun with your bath.

Veritas: I will. Take care of yourself.

Ratio put his phone down on the sink. He waited a few moments for the ding of a notification, but when two minutes passed and he received nothing, Ratio sank into the warm water until all of his hair was sopping wet and drooping onto his face. He pushed back his bangs, cringing at the feeling of his wrinkled fingertips against his forehead.

Ratio had been reading in the bath before Aventurine texted. He didn’t usually like using his phone while bathing - he feared it would fall in - but he understood someone might have an urgent situation they required his assistance for. Aventurine’s question didn’t quite fit the bill of an emergency situation, though. He debated for a while after receiving the message if he should even consider answering. He was in the bath and relaxing, and Aventurine had a habit of stirring him up.

But his eyes kept flickering back to his phone, so he indulged himself. He was relaxing, after all, and what was relaxation without a bit of indulgence?

Ratio reached out the soap, knocking the head of his rubber duck as he did so-

His phone dinged.

Quickly, Ratio shook the water from his hand as he picked his phone up.

Gambler: Are you really not going to tell me why you don’t like Diamond? I’m good at keeping secrets, you know.

Ratio rolled his eyes. How insufferable of him to be so insistent on the topic.

Dr. Ratio: Go to sleep. It’s bad manners to be gossiping about your boss, anyway.

Gambler: What’s that saying you like so much? Curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought it back? Tell me, Veritas, or else I might die.

Veritas? Ratio reread the text a second time, Since when did I allow that?

He reread it a third time. Then a fourth. He wasn’t sure when Aventurine began calling him that but honestly, Ratio didn’t think he minded at all.

Dr. Ratio: Are you alikening yourself to a cat? I suppose I see the resemblance.

Gambler: What’s that supposed to mean?

Ratio smiled and laid back in the bathtub. He supposed a few more minutes wouldn’t hurt.

◇─◇──◇─◇

Aventurine could always trust that the IPC would outdo itself from the year before.

The function hall was only five minutes away from the headquarters so that anybody who wanted to stop by right after their shift could join in on the festivities. And honestly, who wouldn’t want to? It was the kind of extravaganza that the everyday person could only dream of, but since it was Aventurine’s eleventh time attending, he has long since been desensitised to it all. Rookie IPC employees were oohing and aahing at the ice sculpture of Qlipoth they put in the foyer (which would melt in a few hours - so much for preservation) while delicacies from all IPC-owned or IPC-partnered planets were being served on golden trays (gold, because silver wasn’t good enough anymore). The hall itself was decorated spectacularly. A chandelier covered the entire dance floor, shining small rainbows onto passing guests. All the servants wore white pressed shirts with black bowties as they smiled and offered food to people who had roamed away from the elaborate feast at the back of the hall. He spied the food on the trays - none of them the tiramisu. It was the highlight of the food choices every single year. There were many tables draped with white tablecloths with noble-looking individuals chatting about business or politics or gossip or whatever. Aventurine sighed. So many people, and none of them the doctor who bought him coffee a few days ago.

Aventurine smiled at the memory of it. It was an unexpected move from Ratio. He had been waiting at the bench for a while - if Ratio had been later by a few more seconds, the nerves might have gotten to Aventurine and he might have sent him a worrisome text. But Ratio had arrived, exactly five minutes late, with two coffees in his hand.

“Here,” Ratio said, pushing one of the cups into his hand, refusing to make eye contact, “I decided to try that hazelnut syrup you’re so fond of.”

Confused, Aventurine took the cup, “And?”

Ratio made a face, “It was too sweet for me, so I ordered another one. Take your hazelnut catastrophe and drink it so it wasn’t a waste of my credits.”

Liar, Aventurine thought. The coffee was piping hot, and that cafe was always full. If Ratio had ordered this coffee and proceeded to hate it enough to order a different one before coming over, Aventurine’s hands would not be burning at that moment. Besides, there was no way in all of Pier Point that Ratio’s lips were naturally that perfect shade of pink and the lid of his cup was clean.

“Hey, Aventurine!”

Aventurine, cruelly ripped from his daydreams, turned to find Topaz. She was wearing that red dress alongside a fur coat (Aventurine knew she would give in and listen to his fashion advice). With a glass of champagne in one hand, her other arm was linked with a woman Aventurine could only presume was Asta.

He understood where Topaz was coming from. Asta was a pretty woman, a few inches shorter than Topaz despite being the one wearing taller heels. Her pink hair just passed her shoulders and was curled at the ends, and she wore a black dress that ended just below her knees. It was ruffled at the end, the texture a nice contrast to Topaz’s sleek dress. She wore a bright smile as she waved at Aventurine.

“You must be Aventurine!” Asta exclaimed, “I’m Asta, lead researcher at Herta’s Space Station. Topaz has told me lots about you.”

Knowing Topaz, the things she said were probably annoyed complaints about him.

“I’m glad to hear that I’m such a persistent presence in her life,” Aventurine said with a passive-aggressive smile at Topaz. She rolled her eyes and took a sip of her drink in response.

“... Yes, that’s definitely a good way of phrasing it,” Asta said with a giggle. She’s such a sweet girl, Aventurine thought as he asked about her research, no wonder Topaz likes her so much. It was almost embarrassing that a proud workaholic like Topaz had managed to secure someone so lovely before him. What did she charm her with, the debts she had managed to collect? Numby? Her insane mathematical and scientific skills?

When Asta began talking about some physics-related experiment, Aventurine concluded that yes, Topaz did probably woo her using her surprisingly extensive knowledge of math and science. Hopefully that was a strategy Aventurine would never have to use with Ratio. He only understood statistics and basic arithmetic and the drugs Ratio was currently tinkering with to try and alleviate the symptoms of Entropy Loss Syndrome. Anything beyond what he had to know and what Ratio had told him was foreign to him.

“Oh, Aventurine,” Topaz interrupted, tipping her champagne glass to vaguely point behind him, “It’s your doctor.”

A bit too quickly, Aventurine turned around to see him.

(“I told you he genuinely liked him,” Topaz whispered into Asta’s ear, “It’s not a media stunt. He’s genuinely been acting so odd because of this. It’s pretty endearing to see, but don’t tell him I said that.”)

Ratio wasn’t looking his way. He was chatting to a man with long red hair that Aventurine didn’t think he recognised. Maybe he did know him, maybe he didn’t - he wouldn’t know, he wasn’t paying attention to him at all. How could he even spare a glance in this other man’s direction when Ratio had pinned back part of his bangs with a golden clip in a shape of an owl, his face clearly in view for everyone to see? And - Aventurine blinked multiple times to see if he was perceiving the sight in front of him correctly - but Ratio had earrings in. They dangled from the lobe, a simple straight and narrow design with rubies in the centre. He must have ditched his blazer somewhere, as he stood talking in a tight black vest lined with gold, with intricate patterns painting flowers etched in the fabric with a grey undershirt. Aventurine shook his head. He needed to focus and walk over there already. It would be easier to take in the sights when he was closer, anyways-

Aventurine’s mouth fell open.

The red-haired man had delicately taken Ratio’s hand hostage as he bowed down to him with closed eyes.

“May I offer you a sincere compliment?”

Aventurine watched as Ratio, after a moment’s worth of hesitation, nodded. Was Aventurine going to lose Ratio to some man he had never even met before?

“It is an honour to be able to share the room with someone as talented as you, Doctor,” he said, his green eyes open and gazing at Ratio warmly, “For someone so accomplished, you choose to stand by the masses and guide them to the truth. I can only dream that someday, I could become as influential as you as I guide others towards Idrila.”

Oh no. Aventurine was actually going to lose Ratio to a man he didn’t know existed until a minute ago.

“The Beauty you possess is one that knows no bounds.”

All his hard work, slipping away just like that. Behind him, he could hear Topaz saying something (“Hey, Aventurine? Aventurine, wake up. Argenti has been doing that all night, it’s no big deal.”), but it faded into the classical music in the background. Walking up to the duo and wordlessly smiling at Argenti as he casually pulled on Ratio’s arm so he could escape his grasp was a subconscious set of actions Aventurine had no control over. He simply found himself standing by Ratio, his hand pulling Ratio’s away from the red-haired man’s hold.

He could feel a confused stare from Ratio, who was frozen for only a few seconds before he allowed his arm to drop to his side, safely away from the other man. Aventurine’s hand had since dropped to Ratio’s wrist, his grip loose around him.

“I don’t believe we’ve met,” Aventurine said after a while of staring into emerald eyes. Was it just him, or were they sparkling? “I’m Aventurine, the Senior Manager of the Strategic Investment Department. It’s nice to meet you.”

He could feel Ratio’s stony gaze on him, but received no motion from him to stop what he was doing.

“And I am Argenti,” Argenti said as he bowed again, and Aventurine wondered if he was going mad because he swore he heard angels singing when Argenti spoke, “I am a Knight of Beauty. It is my pleasure to be able to introduce myself to you.”

He looked between the two, his gaze dipping to their intertwined arms as he stood up straight.

“Aventurine, you are a beautiful soul, and I am grateful that I have had the chance to see you, even if only once in my life.”

Argenti took a step back (thankfully) and surveyed both of them. “Beauty comes in many disguises, and I am overjoyed to bear witness to one of its purest forms.” Argenti held a hand to his chest before addressing Aventurine, “There is nothing to fear. Strong bonds will remain resolute against passing winds such as myself.”

Argenti bowed again before waltzing off into the crowd, sidestepping onlookers and dancing around chatting couples. It wasn’t long before he stopped a pretty woman and began talking to her, that same admiring look in his eyes.

Ratio threw Aventurine an annoyed look. For a second, Aventurine considered pulling away and stepping back, scared Ratio was mad at his sudden invasion of his personal space. “You just got here, didn’t you,” he deadpanned.

Aventurine didn’t move, keeping his hand laced around Ratio’s wrist. It didn’t seem like he was bothered by it, so he saw no reason to pull away yet. “Is it that obvious?”

Ratio gestured at Argenti, who was now professing his adoration for the woman, “He has literally been doing this since he got here. You would know this if you weren’t so insistent on arriving an hour late to every function.”

“I’d prefer to arrive when the party’s already swinging,” Aventurine hummed, his head clouded by thoughts. Would Ratio mind if he slipped his hand into his? It wouldn’t take much work at all, and they were close enough already - might as well commit. Besides, he could always play it off with a comment about what Argenti said before he left if Ratio threw a hissy fit about it.

“A pity,” Ratio sighed, “If you had come earlier, there would still be slices of tiramisu left.”

Aventurine froze, tightening his hold on Ratio’s arm. “Wait, seriously? They ran out already?”

Ratio nodded, “It seemed they weren’t popular enough last time, so they made less for this year’s function.”

“You’re kidding.”

“I would never.”

“Those were the best things here last year.”

“And it seems you were the only person who thought so.”

“... Where are the caterers?” Aventurine demanded, dragging Ratio along as he searched the crowd for those garishly gold trays, “I won’t believe it until I see it.”

◇─◇──◇─◇

They did not run out of tiramisu, Ratio was just a liar.

“I was teasing,” Ratio corrected, “Don’t twist my words; I’m not a liar. I was simply mirroring your attitude towards me.”

“And it’s safe to say you crossed a line,” Aventurine grumbled as he took a bite of the tiramisu. Creamy and rich, it was one of the foods Aventurine genuinely looked forward to eating at these parties. It was always fun trying the new dishes from all around the universe, but he could always count on that simple coffee dessert making his evening.

“I suppose I spend too much of my free time around you,” Ratio said, “It seems your risky habits have rubbed off on me, but unfortunately not your luck.”

“Keep sticking around, then-”

Topaz cleared her throat.

Aventurine snapped out of it, turning his focus back onto the two women in front of him. Topaz looked unimpressed while Asta seemed amused by the whole ordeal. “So, yeah, if you want to try the tiramisu, the lady over -” Aventurine squinted for a second before pointing off somewhere behind Asta, “- there is serving it. They did not run out like a certain doctor suggested.”

“Duly noted,” Asta nodded, before turning her attention to Ratio, “Do you remember those little critters Ruan Mei left at the Space Station?”

“What about them?”

“Well, with Stelle on the Astral Express and Arlan taking care of Peppy and his own duties, we haven’t found anyone who can give proper care to them. So, we’re thinking of starting an adoption for them...”

Aventurine felt himself slowly drifting away from the conversation as it went from pet adoption (a topic Aventurine was interested in, despite having no pets himself), research (which Aventurine could semi-understand thanks to lunches with Ratio) before it devolved into astrophysics, which he had little knowledge of at all.

He passed his empty plate to a nearby caterer as he blanked out the conversation and began people watching. Many of them he recognised, whether it be from personal interactions with them or from hearing about them from others. Monarchs dazzled everyone they walked by in traditional clothing, politicians who ruled their entire government casually conversed, and even military personnel, like one of the Arbiter-Generals of the Xianzhou Alliance, were hanging about.

Aventurine had never visited or collarated with the Xianzhou Alliance, so he had no idea which one of the seven it was. He was tall and imposing, dressed smartly with an impressive mane of white hair. Despite the intimidation he held, he waved and moved with such grace that Aventurine could only imagine a gentle soul inhabited his body.

The fact he brought his son with him only helped paint the soft image Aventurine had created for the man. The boy was blonde, his clothes and hair all matching his father’s. They wore the same red garments, their hair both tied half-up half-down with long ribbons. To his knowledge, children weren’t invited to this event. The power that man must hold to be able to bring his son with him to such a strict party must be incomprehensible.

With a childish smile, the boy eagerly passed his father a skewer to try. He indulged the request, biting the meat off the skewer while it was still in the boy’s hands. The child amiled but it quickly disappeared when his father ruffled his hair before stealing the rest of the skewer. The Arbiter-General happily ate while his son desperately smoothed out stray hairs.

A bittersweet feeling threatened to burst from within his chest as he watched the boy complain about his newly messed-up hair, to which his father only responded by tousling it further. It was sweet to watch play out in front of him, and he should have felt some warmth flow through him at the sight, but jealousy bloomed instead. Thank the Aeons a server came around with glasses of bubbling champagne. Aventurine snatched it from the tray, focusing his sight on watching the bubbles pop as he swirled the glass. He immersed himself in the chatter of Ratio, Asta, and Topaz as they spoke about Ruan Mei. He allowed himself to taste his drink, letting the refreshing coolness settle on his tongue.

His eyes wandered back to the duo. Argenti had since approached them in the few minutes Aventurine had distracted himself, complimenting the Arbiter-General before patting the child’s head. It earned him an exasperated look before the boy turned away to check his reflection on his phone.

Aventurine sighed. He ought to look away already, there was no point in mourning what would never be.

But despite his resolution, his gaze still lingered.

“That’s the Arbiter-General of the Xianzhou Luofu, Jing Yuan,” a deep voice whispered into his ear.

Aventurine looked up to find Ratio by his side, leaning over his shoulder as he watched the three talk.

“I’ve heard they call him the Dozing General because he’s always sleepy,” Ratio said, “And the boy beside him is his retainer, Yanqing.”

“Not his son?”

“I think it’s both,” Ratio said with furrowed brows, “Yanqing came up to me earlier, actually. If you had been here on time, I wouldn’t have to recount this to you now.”

“Yes, yes,” Aventurine sighed, rolling his eyes, “I understand, Doc, you want me to arrive here on time. You don’t need to keep drilling it into my head.”

“Good. Anyway, his interests lay in combat. In particular, the art of the sword,” Ratio began, “Apparently, he would like to spar against me one day.”

Aventurine stared at Ratio. “What did you do? Did you hurt the poor boy?”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Ratio said flatly, “That ‘poor boy’ is a child prodigy who wants to test his skills against all sorts of weapons. Such as a codex.” After a moment’s pause, he added, “He asked about you, too.”

“He did?”

“He’s an avid fan of Keeping Up With Star Rail,” he elaborated, “It seems he is fascinated by your skills in combat too. Yanqing asked me to formally extend the invitation to spar him to you as well.”

“Am I that impressive?”

“Don’t let it get to your head,” Ratio warned, “He just wants to know how someone could manage to incorporate gambling into combat and if there’s any substance behind it. To which I dutifully informed him that there is none.”

“You’re so mean,” Aventurine sighed, “The only way to find out is to risk it. I’ve got cards in my pocket, and I’m very much up for a game of Blackjack with him.”

Ratio grabbed his shoulder, a concerned look on his face. “You are not teaching a child how to play that game.”

“Didn’t he say he wanted to learn?”

“He said he wanted to find out it’s effectiveness in combat-”

“And he’ll never understand the effectiveness in combat if he doesn’t know about its effectiveness in real life,” Aventurine interrupted playfully.

“Aventurine,” Ratio grumbled while pinching the bridge of his nose, “Gamble with a child and I will throw you off the balcony.”

“Okay, okay,” Aventurine put his hands up in mock defeat, “Don’t worry, I’m teasing. Just a little payback for earlier.”

“And how am I supposed to tell you’re kidding? You mention gambling in nearly every conversation we have together. It is, unfortunately, not out of your character to pull an innocent child into your bad habits.”

“You think so lowly of me,” Aventurine despaired, slipping a hand into his back pocket where his cards lay, “I might as well live up to your expectations and play the villain then. I suppose I have to go and ruin this poor child’s life with the lure of gambling now.”

“You are ridiculous,” Ratio scoffed, “You got so mad over that tiramisu lie yet you fool around like this.”

Aventurine gasped, pointing his finger in Ratio’s face excitedly. “So you do admit it,” Aventurine exclaimed, “It was a lie, not a tease, and so you are a liar, Dr Ratio. Checkmate.”

Ratio stared. Blinked. But then he let out a breathy laugh that sent Aventurine swooning. “How terrible. It seems that I’ve been caught red-handed in my extremely obvious lie,” Ratio monologued sardonically, “What ever shall I do now that I’ve been exposed? What punishment could befit a crime like mine?”

That answer was easy.

“Gamble with me.”

Ratio dropped his sarcastic act fast, his shoulders slumping as he looked at Aventurine. He must have been disappointed to see the excitement in his eyes. “This is what I mean. Do you finally understand why I was so concerned for that boy?”

“Don’t be so serious,” Aventurine said after a sip of champagne, “I’ll make it worth your while.”

“You are too presumptuous,” Ratio said, “Who’s to say I’m even considering your offer?”

“Well, you haven’t outright rejected me yet, Doc,” Aventurine pointed out with a grin, “And I’ll admit, maybe I am presumptuous, because I don’t believe you’ll turn me down.”

A beat of silence passed between them. In that moment where neither of them spoke a word, Aventurine became increasingly aware of how loud everything had gotten. The late-goers had all showed up by now, raising their voices so that they could be heard over the strings of the violin and the humming of the flutes. He could see Opal in the distance, talking to some delegate Aventurine couldn’t bother to recognise at the moment. Jade was dancing with someone, Argenti and Jing Yuan were still conversing, all the while Topaz was grabbing food, presumably for Asta to try. The chandelier shone brightly down on everyone, painting everyone in its crystal white light.

Ratio cleared his throat and the world reverted back to only them, in their own corner of the grand hall, bickering about anything and everything.

“One condition: I refuse to indulge your addiction in the public eye,” Ratio said, crossing his arms. Aventurine couldn’t help but be somewhat shocked, his mouth left gaping open before he could get ahold of himself. He didn’t think Ratio would actually entertain his whims, but he wouldn’t complain about what was happening. Aventurine pushed down the part that begged to tease Ratio for wanting to be somewhere private and alone, but he refused to scare away this opportunity. Ratio, for all his muscles and distant attitude, was so delicate when it came to humiliation.

“We could go upstairs?”

Ratio made a show of thinking as he looked up at the ceiling before meeting Aventurine’s eye again. “That will suffice.”

“Then we should get moving,” Aventurine replied as he dropped the empty champagne glass on a tray, “I’m excited to win against you.”

Ratio followed Aventurine to the staircase. It was, like the rest of the function, decorated lavishly. A red carpet with gold lining up the sides carpeted the marble steps, clean from any dirt or debris. It felt wrong to step on, and it seemed to be a shared feeling. As they walked up the steps side-by-side, Ratio kept looking at the carpet to see if he left any prints behind.

With one hand on the banister, the other in his pocket, Aventurine looked out at the sea of guests, dressed head-to-toe in expensive clothes and jewellery. Yet despite the crowd, Aventurine found himself sparing too long of a glance at Jing Yuan and Yanqing. The latter was now nodding along as Jing Yuan chatted with Jade, very obviously struggling to keep up with what they were talking about. Despite his confusion, Yanqing continued to nod and agree with whatever Jing Yuan said. Briefly, he allowed the thought to pass him. Would he and his father have been like that? Aventurine chewed the inside of his cheek as he peeled his eyes away from them, instead looking up and ahead.

“Having second thoughts?”

Ratio was a few steps in front of him now, looking down at him with concern.

Aventurine smiled. “No, not at all,” he reassured him, running up the few steps that separated them so they were back to standing beside each other, “Just distracted.”

“Oh, maybe they’re finally getting a room,” Asta whispered to Topaz as she watched the two disappear up the stairs.

“Probably not,” Topaz whispered back, “There are only meeting rooms up there.”

“Well-”

“Don’t.”

◇─◇──◇─◇

“Is this the balcony you threatened to push me off earlier?” Aventurine asked as Ratio pushed a glass door open.

In all his years at the IPC, Aventurine did not know about this small balcony at the very end of a long hallway of meeting and interview rooms. To be fair, it was tiny - it barely fit two uncomfortable-looking metal chairs and a small glass table. Not a romantic setting, but at least the view was nice. As Ratio shut the door behind him and sat down, Aventurine found himself glued to the spot as he looked on at Pier Point in the dark of the night. The IPC headquarters were still active, with almost every window lit up, probably by sleep-deprived employees with a deadline tomorrow. Only a few cars roamed the streets since everyone was at this function.

Lit up only by the white glow of the lights in the hallway, Ratio looked up at him. “Do you plan on taking a seat, or will you just stand there gawking for the rest of the night?”

Aventurine sat down wordlessly and took out his playing deck.

“So what will we bet with?” Ratio asked, observing how Aventurine shuffled the cards.

“Is money not enough for you?”

“It’s not that,” Ratio said, “Knowing how frivolously you spend your cash, I see no point in betting something we both have plenty of.”

Aventurine was ashamed to say he thought of something Ratio would highly disapprove of. Instead, he suggested, “I brought gems, if you’re really interested in that.”

“Aeons, no,” Ratio said, “Have you eaten dinner yet?”

He was confused, but he still answered, “No?”

“Alright then,” Ratio pulled his chair closer to the table, straightening his back as he did so, “You name a food each round, and whoever loses has to go and get it from the buffet downstairs.”

“You’re kidding, right?” Aventurine asked, only to be met with a dead serious stare, “That is so boring.”

“Yet I’m not hearing an outright rejection.”

Aventurine chucked. Using his own words against him? Fair play, Aventurine supposed. “Sure, I’ll play along with your stupid rule. But don’t think I’m happy about it. You’ve drained all the fun out of this game.”

“Well, perhaps if you arrived on time you wouldn’t have me stressing about your dinner.”

“Aww, Veritas,” Aventurine cooed, dealing two cards to each of them, “Stressing over me? You are so sweet.”

He didn’t miss the small smile as Ratio rolled his eyes before they both flipped one card. Two of diamonds for Ratio, a six of spades for Aventurine. “I’m a doctor before I am anything else,” Ratio reminded him, taking a peek at his second card, “Of course I’ll be concerned.”

“Sounds like an excuse,” Aventurine hummed, looking at his other card. Ten of clubs. That made his total sixteen.

“Hit.”

Aventurine passed him a card. “Hit,” he announced, before picking up a new card. Three of hearts.

Ratio thought for a moment before he locked in his next move. “Stand.”

“If you say so,” Aventurine said in a sing-song tone. He was at nineteen, and with stakes so low, was there even a point in not risking it? “Hit.”

Aventurine picked up a card. He sighed as he looked up at Ratio and dropped his deck for him to see.

Six of spades. Ten of clubs. Three of hearts. Two of spades. A perfect twenty-one.

Ratio sighed as he dropped his cards. A grand total of nineteen - he was so close. “What food do you want me to grab for you?”

“Tiramisu.”

“Noted,” Ratio said, pulling out his phone and opening the notes app, “We’ll play a few rounds first before we go get the food. It’d be time-consuming if we did it otherwise.”

“Understood,” Aventurine said, reshuffling the deck for good measure, “This round, I’ll say… that blue wine they imported. The entire bottle would be good.”

“The idea is that we’re meant to be grabbing food items for your dinner-”

“Veritas, respectfully, if you’re going to make me play the most boring game of Blackjack in my entire life, don’t complain about what food I pick out.”

◇─◇──◇─◇

They had long since forgotten about their game of Blackjack. By the sixth game, Aventurine let the deck slip from his hands and scatter on the table as he leaned back and relaxed. He happily told Ratio all about the ins and outs of the IPC. Ratio was the perfect audience - he was in the building long enough to have some idea of who Aventurine was talking about, but not there enough to know the juicy gossip that surrounded them.

“You will never believe what happened to Skott.”

“Who’s Skott?”

“Uh, slightly taller than me, glasses, bad hair cut, loud-mouthed and annoying?” Aventurine described. Ratio stared back at him with wide eyes. “He was in charge of the Aurum Alley project a while back?”

“Oh, him. Did something bad happen?”

“Oh Aeons, Ratio,” Aventurine leaned over and grabbed his hand excitedly, “You are not ready to hear what happens to him.”

“You’ve raised my expectations,” Ratio’s eyes flickered from meeting Aventurine’s own delighted expression to the hand on his wrist, “You better deliver.”

Aventurine watched in amusement as Ratio’s expression slowly shifted from neutral, to confused, to wide-eyed shock as he recounted everything he knew.

“He barked?”

Aventurine nodded.

“He barked in front of everyone because he lost a bet to a teenager?”

Aventurine laughed and nodded again.

“And this is on video?”

“Everything is on video nowadays,” Aventurine enthusiastically pulled his phone from his pocket, nearly dropping it as he did so, “Her best friend uploaded it onto her channel. Do you want to see?”

Aventurine keenly watched as the gears in Ratio’s head whirred. He could see the dilemma he was having with himself. Did he truly want to feel the second-hand embarrassment that was watching a full-grown man bearing the IPC logo bark and howl to the masses when he could keep his peace?

“... Show it to me already.”

“Yay,” Aventurine cheered quietly to himself, already on LilGui’s channel. He scrolled down for a while - she posted way too often - and clicked on the video helpfully titled IPC EMPLOYEE EMBARRASSES HIMSELF IN AURUM ALLEY!!!

Aventurine had seen the video multiple times, he had no need to watch it again. Instead, he focused his attention on the violent way Ratio cringed before he raised a hand to his mouth to hide his grimace.

The silence before Ratio spoke again was long.

“Why did he do that for so long?” Ratio whispered through a covered mouth.

“I don’t know, maybe it awakened something in him.”

In his second-hand embarrassment, Ratio had squeezed a card with his fist, rendering it a crumpled mess. It fell back onto the table, standing out against the rest of the cards. Perhaps it was a mercy on Ratio that they had since forgone playing; he had lost every single game so far. From memory, he was now responsible for bringing him tiramisu, an entire bottle of blue wine, these fruitwood drumettes Xianzhou netizens were raving over, potato cakes, as many oysters as Ratio could feasibly carry without seeming suspicious, and “something of your choice.” Not his brightest moment - Ratio was probably going to pick something bland but nutritious.

Ratio stood up, much to Aventurine’s dismay.

“That’s it,” Ratio announced, “You haven’t eaten yet and I need to process that video in my own time. I’m getting your dinner.”

“Do you want me to come?”

“No, you stay here,” Ratio ordered as he opened the door, “Or else there was no point to the bet in the first place.”

Arguably, there was no point in the bet the moment you took all the fun out of it with a boring rule like that, Aventurine thought to himself miserably as Ratio’s figure grew smaller as he walked away.

Even though he did miss Ratio already, it was good he left for a moment.

This was a critical situation. They were alone, by themselves, while a party raged on downstairs. In this cramped balcony, where the band could still be faintly heard and they could watch as people came and went, they had carved their own space for their own pleasure. The atmosphere was good, the view was beautiful, the moment was precious. If there was any time that Aventurine thought he could pull a confession out of Ratio while sober, it was now. If he upped the flirting, if he hinted enough, surely Ratio would finally get the message. It wasn’t like Aventurine was keeping his interest in him secret, after all. The magazine interview literally ended with Aventurine inviting Ratio to ask him out.

Aventurine liked that man but Aeons, he was acting at a snail’s pace. Or perhaps it just felt slow to him because he had technically already confessed, he just didn’t remember. To him, everything might be progressing at a natural and normal rate for most romances. All the while it was literally killing Aventurine waiting for him to man up again; how dare Ratio confess and immediately forget about it? It left him in waiting in the wings, wondering when it was his time to come on. Drinking coffee during lunch breaks together were great and all but if he could hear those three words again Aventurine would be so incredibly happy.

There was also Topaz’s suggestion. He could definitely save a lot of time if he just did it himself. Ratio had to like him, anyway. It was one thing to admit he loved him while drunk. But that, on top of his reactions on Keeping Up with Star Rail, the lunches they spent together, and even the fact Ratio was currently wasting his precious time on getting him dinner at that very moment - Ratio had to like him. He was even getting away with calling him Veritas. Sometimes he allowed it when they were in front of others, Ratio stayed silent and didn’t point it out his newfound fondness for his first name. Who could blame Aventurine? Veritas was such a pretty name.

Aventurine supposed that, maybe, possibly, he could be the one who put his foot forward. It was the logical step, after all. He did happen to fall for the most stubborn man in the galaxies and he was certain that Ratio fell for him too. Dancing around each other was only delaying the inevitable, and Aventurine had seen movies where the love interests simply grew apart without ever making that connection in the first place. He refused to let that happen between him and Ratio.

But at the same time, to confess something as heavy as love - Aventurine shuddered. If he was wrong-

Aventurine jumped as the door opened behind him.

“You’re back quickly,” Aventurine observed, failing to hide the shake in his voice from his shock. He turned around to face him, and his mouth fell open. He looked at Ratio for answers, to which he received nothing but a blank face. “Did- Did you steal a tray from the caterers?”

Ratio paid him no mind. “Of course not,” Ratio said tartly. He held a golden tray that the caterers carried around with a bunch of food piled on top of it. In his other hand was a full bottle of blue wine. “I’m not a thief, Aven. I simply offered to take it off their hands for a bit.”

“Aven?”

“Sorry?”

“You said-” Aventurine cut himself off with a nervous laugh, “Nevermind, no, it’s nothing. Just hand me this already.” He snatched the wine bottle from Ratio’s hand. It was already opened, thankfully, so all Aventurine had to do was flick off the loose lid with his index finger.

“Could you please eat before you drink that?”

Aventurine swallowed a mouthful of the wine. It was incredibly sweet with a kick of spice at the end that he didn’t expect. He wiped a drop from his lip, frowning at the stain of blue on his finger. “Can’t let that happen, Doc. What if you get curious about this specialty wine and get drunk on me again?”

Ratio bristled. “I understand that I was irresponsible then but I don’t see how that comes into play here.”

“What if, while I’m stuffing myself, you get bored and drink a little bit too much again?” Aventurine suggested, “Personally, I won’t mind. You’re a clingy, sleepy and happy drunk, Veritas. You were basically hanging off my arm!”

“To be fair, I was inebriated, you can’t possibly expect me to act properly-”

“Don’t get me wrong, I liked it. You’re cute like that.”

Ratio gaped at him before grabbing the bottle. “... That’s enough of that,” Ratio frowned, “Eat something before you get drunk out of your mind.”

“Unlike you, I don’t get drunk,” Aventurine stood over the table as he tried to take the bottle back, “So I’ll drink as much as I like.”

“What do you mean ‘I don’t get drunk?’”

“I don’t know,” Aventurine sighed, “I just don’t. I usually just get sleepy.” He sat down in defeat, grabbing the fork Ratio grabbed. He stabbed at the meat as he looked at the view below, “So I don’t really get the appeal of it. However, that blue wine does taste nice.”

“I suppose there are some benefits to your anomalous situation,” Ratio said as he placed the wine bottle on the table. He had brought a spare set of cutlery - he must’ve been hungry too - and took a spoonful of one of the potato cakes. “You won’t ever embarrass yourself like I did.”

“It was embarrassing, yes, but it was more funny than anything.”

“Oh, so it was humiliating, then,” Ratio rolled his eyes, “Thanks for the clarification.”

“Well, maybe it would’ve been if someone else had to bring you back,” Aventurine specified, “But I thought it was endearing. It’s not every often Doctor Veritas Ratio, owner of - what, eight pHds? - ends up drunk and on my arm.”

“Planning on using that to your advantage?” Ratio asked dryly, “That would be quite bad for me. I wouldn’t even be able to take revenge, since you allegedly don’t get drunk.”

“Maybe I would if you were some ‘friend’ I made on the job,” Aventurine confessed, “But you aren’t. You’re a bit more than that, I would say.”

“So not a friend, but someone you’re willing to embarrass on television?” Ratio played with his hair, “What a wonderful deal I’ve cut for myself.”

“Don’t say it like that,” Aventurine dismissed, “I didn’t know they were going to say that!”

(A lie, of course. Owlbert had cue cards of Aventurine’s own words just so he could quote them to Ratio, upon Aventurine’s request).

“Besides,” Aventurine stabbed at another drumette, “I got you that bathtub couch so you were as comfortable as can be during the show. See? I’m not a terrible person after all.”

“I never said you were.”

“Aww, Veri-”

“But you do have a habit of kicking up rumours about me wherever you go.”

“Jeez, is the idea of dating me so bad?”

“What? No, that’s not the-” Ratio recomposed himself and threw Aventurine a stern look, “Students keep asking me after class about you. It’s getting bothersome.”

Aventurine did his best to keep his face as neutral as possible. “Oh, what are they asking?”

“I’m sure you can figure it out,” Ratio mumbled, casting his gaze on the cityscape. Aventurine watched as his eyes tracked a car that sped by them, “But if you must know, they are wondering about us.” And very quickly, he added, “And they hope you are doing well.”

“You really do have the sweetest students,” Aventurine cooed, “How kind of them. Tell them I’m doing fantastic. As for the other question, well, I’m sure you’ve answered that for them already.”

Ratio threw him a confused look. “This is a personal affair that none of my students need to know about.”

Personal affair? Aventurine tried to hide the growing smile on his lips. ‘Personal affair’ is not how any normal man would describe friendship. “Say that again?”

Ratio swallowed dryly, his cheeks slowly filling with colour. “... No.”

“Don’t be shy! Veritas, come on, repeat it!”

“You truly are troublesome.”

“A personal affair, did you say?” Aventurine repeated, adoring the way Ratio crossed his arms in his pathetic act of defiance, “And to think you told Owlbert we were just coworkers.”

“And you told me I was something a little more than ‘friend’ to you,” Ratio argued, “So I think the mature thing to do is to call it even.”

“I don’t know, Doc, ‘personal affair’ seems pretty intense,” Aventurine said with a smile.

“You know what I meant.”

“Do I? Maybe it’s because I watch more TV than you, but that phrase certainly does not mean-”

“It was a slip of the tongue,” Ratio insisted.

“Oh, I’m sure it was.”

“Remove that sly tone in your voice,” Ratio ordered, “I did not mean it like that.”

“Sure, sure, whatever you say, Doctor,” Aventurine agreed. He only agreed so he could placate him for the moment. They weren’t getting anywhere, anyway; Ratio was willing to die on the hill that Aventurine was misinterpreting him. Distantly, Aventurine wondered if that counted as a confession. No, right? It wasn’t the three little words he was looking for, but it was also so stupidly obvious that it felt like it should count towards something. Partial marks seemed like a good compromise.

At the rate he was going, Aventurine could definitely squeeze a confession out of him by the end of the party. Tonight, he won the invisible gamble Ratio was never aware of. By the end of the night, surely, Aventurine would get what he wanted.

◇─◇──◇─◇

Aventurine had two tasks that night.

There was the unspoken but expected task that as a Stoneheart, he should maintain stable relationships with ambassadors from other planets. That was hard to do, considering he just spent the entire night cooped up with his favourite professor. The second task was much more personal, his long-term goal for a few too many weeks now - getting Ratio to say he liked him.

And he failed both of them.

From their perch on the balcony, Aventurine grimly watched as cars drove away. They looked small from where he sat - they reminded him of the toy cars he saw ads for. They zoomed off into the night, some going in the direction of the hotel and others in the direction of the apartment complex all IPC members lived in. Aventurine frowned; unless the night took a sudden turn for the better, him and Ratio were going their separate ways.

“It’s getting late,” Ratio said, “Are you planning on going home?”

Speaking of the devil, Aventurine cursed to himself, Veritas, you sly bastard. If it wasn’t so annoying, Aventurine would take the time to be impressed by how stubborn Ratio could be. Nearly every flirtation was greeted by a blank expression. Though, if he managed to provoke him enough, Aventurine was met with a blushing face before immediately being shut down.

“‘Home’ is a generous way of putting it,” Aventurine said with a trained smile, his disappointment invisible, “But yes, I think it’s time we wrap things up here.”

Ratio nodded and grabbed the empty tray. Aventurine didn’t think he would eat as much as he did. He found himself snacking on the food quietly as Ratio explained what happened at Herta’s Space Station. In turn, when it was Aventurine’s time to gossip, Ratio nodded as he ate a little bit of everything from the plate. Except for the tiramisu. Ratio refused to touch it, even when Aventurine offered it.

“Are there still taxis?” Ratio asked as he looked over the balcony, searching the cars for the bright yellow colour.

“I could drive you back,” Aventurine offered quickly.

“I’m not sure I trust you,” Ratio stated, “I know you said you ‘don’t get drunk’ but I still don’t trust that alcohol in your system.”

“Alcohol I drank hours ago. Besides, I had a ton of food,” he gestured at the empty plate Ratio was holding, “I’m stone-cold sober, and very capable of driving you to the hotel.”

Ratio hesitated, but in the end he gave in. “If I die on this car ride, donate all my money to charity.”

“You are so dramatic.”

“Such petty insults from the likes of you mean nothing to me.”

“What's that supposed to mean?”

“You’re at least a C student,” Ratio pointed out, “You have the capabilities to work that out for yourself.”

◇─◇──◇─◇

The drive was rather uneventful. With Pier Point being a relatively small planet, it took less than five minutes for Aventurine to pull up to the hotel. To summarise it in two words, it was overwhelmingly luxurious. It kept that sleek, black design all the other buildings in Pier Point had, but there was a certain level of extravaganza to it. The tall windows allowed for easy viewing of the huge fountain display inside the foyer, with a skylight that allowed moonlight to reflect off the water beautifully.

“Thank you,” Ratio said. He lingered in the passenger seat for a few more seconds, mind elsewhere, before he got out. He circled around the car and leaned over Aventurine’s open window, his arm resting on the top of the car.

Aventurine’s brain worked fast - that rainy afternoon when he joked about a goodbye kiss. Ratio walked up to him and leaned over, just like now. Perhaps he was making up for what he failed to do last time. Maybe, just maybe, he walked out of that party with newfound clarity and he was finally going to give into his affections.

Please.

“Aven.”

That nickname again, Aventurine felt his heart flutter. Was Ratio even cognisant when he said that? It slipped out of his mouth so smoothly and simply, but it shocked Aventurine to his core. With his eyes dancing between Ratio’s lips and eyes, Aventurine took a deep breath.

“Yes?”

Ratio wasn’t looking at him. He looked at his left, then his right, the fixated his gaze on the steering wheel. It was his tell that he was uncomfortable. Or, in this case, embarrassed.

“Next time, you ought to come to the party earlier.”

Aventurine felt his jaw clench as he smiled politely at him. His grip on the wheel tightened because Aeons, Ratio, you did not fool me again-

“I find that, despite everything, I like spending time with you,” Ratio continued, “So, naturally, I feel that I would enjoy myself more next time if you - well, you know,” finally brave enough, Ratio met Aventurine’s gaze, “It would be nice if you came early next time. That’s all.”

Aventurine sat in stunned silence. There were thoughts in his brain, but none of them were being processed.

“Will I be seeing you on Thursday?” Ratio asked a little desperately, his eyes slightly wide as he searched for a reaction.

“... Yes. Yes, you will,” Aventurine answered, snapping out of his thoughts, “And it’s yes for the other thing, too.” He cringed internally; there was no prose, no thought, no deliberation behind that answer, “I’ll come on time, if that’s your request.”

“Good,” Ratio nodded to himself, backing away from the car door, “I’ll see you on Thursday, then.”

He couldn’t sit back in his car and watch Ratio disappear again. It had been weeks since that initial confession and Aventurine had been patiently waiting. The game wasn’t fun anymore; not when he had been waiting for so long and Ratio was right there. He was so close, they were right by the finishing line, but it pained to see him walk away.

If he was so tired of waiting, then there was only one real solution, wasn’t there?

“Ratio, wait.”

He turned around.

Ratio confessed once, and it was his turn to do it now Right? Right. Topaz did it with Asta, and they were happy. He even saw the two getting in the same car from the balcony. Ratio liked him, he liked Ratio, everything was set into place. He took a deep inhale, sweaty palms curled up into fists, but then the cruel thought hit him.

What if he was wrong?

If he declared that he so much as liked him and Ratio was anything less than positive towards that information, what was he left with? If Ratio became disgusted and left him, then he would be alone. Ratio was, for better or for worse, the closest living person in his life. It wasn’t a hard competition to win; Ratio was the only one in the running. If this went anything less than perfect, their bond could be severed forever.

Aventurine would happily risk his life all he wanted. But he couldn’t risk losing the one breathing person he truly cared about.

“Buy me coffee on Thursday,” he said instead, tuning out how flat and lifeless his words sound, “Make it worth my while.”

“Don’t push my generosity, gambler,” Ratio said with an amused smile. Pretty.

“Well, as your ‘personal affair,’ I think I deserve something nice-”

“Quiet! Aeons, you truly are a bother,” Ratio chided, “Hazelnut syrup, correct?”

“Yes,” Aventurine clapped for him, earning a chuckle from Ratio, “Night, Veritas.”

Aventurine noticed how Ratio’s shoulders relaxed after he said that. How his eyes softened, his smile widened. “Goodnight, Aven.”

◇─◇──◇─◇

Aventurine kicked off his shoes and ran towards the bed, groaning into the pillow. Ratio could make everything so much easier if he would just say it again and actually remember it. They could both save so much time and energy and maybe Aventurine wouldn’t be coming home to a cold, lonely and unmade bed.

He didn’t even want to pick up his phone when it rang. A true testament to his tiredness - his phone was only in his pocket. By the fourth ring, Aventurine realised that there was no use in moping. It could be important. He had fun gallivanting around with Ratio, but at the end of the day, he was still an IPC worker.

Aventurine sighed when he saw Jade’s name at the top of the screen.

“Hello,” Aventurine greeted, taking off his blazer and throwing it at his desk. It hit the table but fell onto the floor.

“Good evening, Aventurine. Is Ratio with you or not?”

“... I’m alone.”

“Alright. Sorry to pry, by the way. That wasn’t my intention,” she cleared her throat before she continued, “I’ll spare you the small talk. Diamond swung by the function for an hour or two, and I had a chance to speak with him.”

“Uh-huh, and this involves me because…?”

“It seems that Diamond is keen on assigning you Penacony.”

Aventurine chuckled to himself in the silence of his bedroom.

“Shit.”

Chapter Text

Everyone thought they were dating now.

Suspicions were always soaring high since Keeping Up with Star Rail, then it turned into cheering them on after Aventurine’s interview released, and finally it had come full circle. After ditching the annual IPC event to spend all his time with Ratio, everyone had walked away with the assumption that they finally cut the crap and kissed.

And as much as Aventurine would love for that to be the case, it wasn’t. They could be holding hands as Ratio walked him back to his office, but no. Instead, they were walking an appropriate distance apart as Ratio blabbed on about his students. Apparently, they had done well on the last test and Ratio was willing to reward them by ending the next lecture early. Aventurine hummed as he listened along, sipping the coffee Ratio bought him earlier.

Aventurine let Ratio step in front of him to open his office door. “How gentlemanly,” Aventurine teased playfully as he stepped inside.

“Yes, yes, I know,” Ratio said, waving his compliment off. He was slowly becoming immune to his charms - he would have to step it up. “Will I be seeing you tomorrow or not?”

“Of course you will,” Aventurine answered. Ratio always asked, and Aventurine never understood why. He had a perfect attendance to their lunch meet-ups, even if he was late every now and then. “Besides, if I don’t see you there, you’re attending that seminar on market dynamics tomorrow, right?”

“Not willingly,” Ratio sighed, “I don’t understand why my presence is mandatory, though.”

“Then you skip and be on the receiving end of Taravan’s wrath.”

“I’d rather not,” Ratio shook his head, his nose scrunched in disgust, “I hear the most awful things about that man. I’d rather not find out if his scorn is as hellish as people describe.”

“It could be a fun experiment!”

“Maybe for you. You would delight in sitting back and watching me get yelled at.”

“That wouldn’t be the only thing I get out of it,” Aventurine clarified, “I would also find out whether or not it is worth skipping a mandatory seminar by Taravan in the future. It would be a learning experience for me, and it would build some character for you.”

“A good learning experience for you would be learning to shut your mouth and get back to work,” Ratio reminded him sternly, pointing at the clock behind him, “Fellow members of the Intelligentsia Guild are coming to my office soon with a new research project they want advice on. I’d rather not have to inform them that my reason for being late is because a certain gambler liked to talk too much.”

“Don’t leave me alone then, Doc,” Aventurine said with a tug on Ratio’s sleeve, “You might be bothered by making that excuse but I’m not. Stay a while longer and tell me what they say in response.”

“Very funny. I’m leaving now.”

Aventurine scowled as Ratio turned and left, leaving Aventurine’s sight in less than a minute. There was no way Ratio wasn’t speedwalking to get there on time - Ratio walked fast naturally, at his normal pace he would get back to his office in the neighbouring Intelligentsia Guild building on time. No, Ratio was rushing because he could feel Aventurine’s gaze on him. He had no proof, but he knew Ratio well enough to determine something as simple as that.

Aventurine shut his office door and flicked on his lights. Warm yellow lit everything up - the unnecessarily big and lushious couch he liked to nap in, the grand desk with piles of paperwork, the red velvet swivel chair he liked to spin in. It was a second home at this point.

He had about two hours to himself before he was needed somewhere else. Since he was confirmed to be on the nutcase that was Penacony, most of his free time became dedicated to researching. The Family - out of everyone, who was the most important for him to know? Robin, arguably Penacony’s biggest star, was finally returning for this festival. What made her take flight in the first place? Why was this event so special that she would end her journey across the stars? Who else was invited? He managed to find a list of the other invited factions and found himself perplexed at what he saw. The Xianzhou Alliance had denied their invite, so it seemed Aventurine wouldn’t find himself working alongside that father and son from the gala. However, the Astral Express had been given a ticket and had accepted. The Nameless, the followers of the late Akivili; those who hopped from place to place with the simple goal of exploration. He would have to watch out for them; he had little knowledge on what their interests would be.

The Galaxy Rangers was an interesting invite. They were notorious for passing through planets like wind through someone’s hair. Upholders of justice and goodness, yet also highly individual and rarely in communication with each other. Why invite a representative, though? And how were they even going to pick who went?

Really, Penacony is such a pain, Aventurine groaned loudly to nobody. It was definitely going to be difficult to pull off - at least he might get a promotion if he did manage it.

Aventurine opened a new tab. March 7th documented all of her journeys with her Astral Express family, and she shared stories, photos and captions on her social media page. It was easy to gouge everyone else’s personalities and values from there. Stelle, their most recent addition to the crew, who was always pictured digging through trash. Dan Heng, the guard of the express, never smiling but somehow always present in March’s photos. The elegant navigator Himeko, who March had made a (half-joking, half-serious) Mother’s Day post about. Welt, who was never facing the camera but often had a hand in writing March’s captions (he signed off with a robot emoji). Aventurine could see why they called themself a family; they certainly acted like one. It was a pity the IPC was nothing like their crew.

He took a sip of coffee as he opened up a post about Jarilo-VI and frowned. Aventurine shook the cup. Empty. From his seat at his desk, he threw the cup at the bin near the door with a flick of his wrist. Much to his disappointment, missed by a mile.

With a sigh, he got up and picked up the paper cup, relishing the ink under his fingers that spelled out Veritas, coffee w/ hazelnut syrup 1/2. One out of two - didn’t that mean Ratio ordered his drink first? How endearing. He felt a smile growing on his cheeks as he admired the messy handwriting for a second, before clarity hit him like a bus and Aventurine threw the cup in the bin.

Ratio was a terrible distraction nowadays. Stress regarding how Aventurine could pull off claiming Penacony for the IPC dissipated when Ratio was by his side. It didn’t even matter what they were doing. Aventurine could be talking about what he heard happened in the Marketing Development Department, Ratio could be explaining the trouble they were having with developing a drug that didn’t affect cardiovascular function, or they could simply be sitting together and saying nothing. His brain didn’t care what the situation was - it simply saw Ratio and turned off.

Even now, he was only thinking about spending time with Ratio and his heart had steadied and any stress had evaporated.

Aventurine raked a hand through his hair. He needed to deal with Ratio. And soon. He left for Penacony by next weekend. He didn’t know what would happen to him there, so he was best cutting his losses now instead of the later that might not exist.

Up until then, Aventurine had been going about everything rather indirectly. Interviews and hints, never anything directly towards Ratio himself. He always thought he was dropping the biggest hints humanly possible, but it seemed he forgot the most infuriating part about Ratio himself - Ratio was dense. Abhorrently dense and incredibly likely to write off everything Aventurine did as some sort of scheme or a tease to get under his skin. That idiot.

He could be direct, but not say a word. If he pulled something grand and romantic enough and directly in Ratio’s face, Aventurine’s intentions would be clear to the ever-blind Ratio. It had to be something that Ratio would immediately understand was, in no way, platonic or friendly at all. Something that made it obvious that Aventurine was willing to destroy their professional relationship in pursuit of a romantic one. Without being the one to say it, of course. If Aventurine was going to go out of his way to be all nice and romantic, Ratio should be the one who cut the bullshit and said he liked him.

A dinner date somewhere expensive was clear enough. No wine, because Aeons forbid Ratio got drunk. He could pay the live band to only play romantic songs the whole night. He could eagerly pay waiters to treat them like a couple, just to see if Ratio would interject. He could book out the whole restaurant while he’s at it so that Ratio truly understood how non-platonic and very romantic Aventurine was trying to be, but he had a feeling Ratio wouldn’t like all the attention being on them. He got a pretty good idea of what Ratio liked based on what he ate at the party. Ratio was particularly fond of seafood, but he detested caviar. He only took small bites of desserts because he found the sweetness overwhelming, but he did enjoy desserts. He was bad with alcohol and anything sour, but good with spice. If he called and paid in advance, he could probably get the entire course tinkered to something Ratio would like.

Ratio couldn’t look away then. He would have to say something about how elaborate and expensive the whole ordeal was. Flirtations over coffee could easily be waved away and written up as playfulness, but if he wore his heart on his sleeve, Ratio would be forced to see it. And Ratio couldn’t - and wouldn’t - look away from grand gesture like that. He would be forced to say something, because Aventurine wouldn’t.

That was it. That was his plan. Aventurine felt his heart racing, much to his embarrassment. Simple, direct, but the kind of extravaganza Ratio deserved. The gesture would surely be enough for Ratio to surmise what he truly felt. And Ratio, being the genius that he was, should be able to conclude his intentions and his desires. They had worked side-by-side on many projects before, so Aventurine knew that Ratio could read him like a book if he so much as wanted too.

Good, good. Aventurine let out a deep breath. With the Ratio issue partially taken care of, he could freely focus on Penacony now. With a somewhat clear mind, he made a mental note to stay back on the call later so he could ask Topaz to be his project manager. He heard through the grapevine that Jarilo-VI was - to nobody’s surprise - a failure for her. Penacony was risky too, but if she succeeded she would be launched back into the spotlight.

◇─◇──◇─◇

The seminar was awfully boring.

The only thing that kept his eyelids from shutting was his anticipation for dinner. He might have gotten a bit overenthusiastic and called the restaurant the moment he got home yesterday and arranged everything. He got all the specials to be something he was sure Ratio would like, he paid for live music he knew Ratio would adore, and he booked a table with their name on it. In his defence, he didn’t have much time - the Charmony Festival was approaching and Aventurine was scheduled to be out of Pier Point by Sunday next week. So actually, he wasn’t being overexcited; he was being very reasonable when he dished out an ungodly amount of money for this dinner.

When the prattling man finally shut his mouth and excused them all, Aventurine wasted no time looking for violet hair in the crowd. It didn’t take long to find him - he was sitting by the front, typing away on his laptop. Aventurine noted that there was a handful of Intelligentsia Guild members sat at the front - he thought Ratio was the only one of them who got dragged into this. Those poor souls.

Sneaking up behind him, Aventurine took his hat off and pushed it onto Ratio’s head, angled just right so it would cover his eyes. “Boo!”

Aventurine was stupidly glad to feel Ratio jolt underneath him, the smallest gasp escaping him. He watched as Ratio tipped his hat upwards with an annoyed look. “Missed me?” Aventurine asked.

Ratio scoffed, grabbing his hat and throwing it back at him. “What are you, a child?” He scolded, his tone too soft for his stern expression. He huffed as he began smoothing down his hair. “Your antics make it hard for me to answer that question.”

“So are you sparing my feelings or avoiding the question?”

“Let’s say both,” Ratio said, much to his confusion. What does that even mean? Aventurine wondered as he fixed his hat back on his head.

“What brings you here?” Ratio questioned as he closed his laptop, “You started early today. Surely you would like to be heading home by now?”

Aventurine watched as Ratio slowly packed up, blissfully unaware of the amount of money he spent on him. He leaned over the chair Ratio was sitting on, waiting for Ratio to sit upright. He didn’t mind the wait. Violet locks fell over Ratio’s face as he rearranged things in his bag, amber eyes busy scanning to make sure everything was there. He zipped his bag up with nimble fingers adorned with golden rings before he sat back up.

Ratio scrutinised Aventurine for a second before he spoke. “You want to know something,” Ratio stated. His head was tilted to the side as he tried to read him, lips pursed. “Spit it out already.”

“So perceptive, doctor,” Aventurine smiled, admiring the inquisitive way Ratio looked at him. He was like an owl with his big eyes and tilted head. “I haven’t got any plans tonight, you see. There’s a restaurant near my apartment that’s pretty nice, and I think you’d like the food they make.”

“... Is this an invitation, gambler?”

“What amazing observation skills,” Aventurine marvelled, “However, I do need your RSVP soon. As you mentioned, I started early today and I’m quite hungry already.”

“Well, I…” Ratio hesitated and looked around at his colleagues, and Aventurine felt his heart crumble. He checked with Ratio’s personal assistant - he even paid her for the damn information - Ratio had zero plans tonight. The ship he was taking out of Pier Point was set to leave on Saturday, so he could absolutely squeeze in dinner with his schedule. Unless, of course, Ratio simply didn’t want to do it. Oh Gods, Aventurine’s grip on the back of Ratio’s chair tightened. He did it. He scared Ratio away.

Despite his panic, he watched intently as Ratio exchanged looks with his fellow Guild members, seemingly communicating telepathically. Aventurine forced out laughter.

“I’m sorry, Doc,” Aventurine apologised, “Am I interrupting some plans, or…?”

“I would like to go with you,” Ratio blurted. He felt his heart steady from the sight of his earnest expression. Any anxiety disappeared when Ratio looked at him like that. He gestured at the Guild members he sat next to, “However, I recently made plans with them to celebrate the approval of their research tonight.”

He could work with that.

“Really? Congratulations!” Aventurine cheered, lightly clapping, “Such good news deserves to be celebrated properly. May I extend the invite to all of you as well?”

One of them - a surprisingly young woman with dark hair - answered as she put her hand up shyly, “Oh, we shouldn’t intrude-”

“Nonsense,” Aventurine interrupted, “Any friends of the Doctor are friends of mine too. As such, an invite for him is an invite for you. So, any objections?”

Another one, this time a young man with fiery red hair, piped up, “I don’t think we could afford-”

“Don’t even think about spending a dime. Everything’s on me.”

Aventurine felt a pressure on his arm. He looked down to find Ratio’s hand, gently pressing into his skin to grab his attention. “Are you sure?” Ratio asked. Aventurine didn’t miss the way his voice had lowered and softened, nor the way his shoulders straightened so Aventurine didn’t have to lean forward so much.

“Of course,” Aventurine answered.

Ratio searched his eyes for a second to find any hint of uncertainty, but he found nothing. “... Then I see no reason to deny such an offer,” Ratio asserted, “Besides, dinner with a Stoneheart isn’t an opportunity you will get often. It would be wise to accept.”

Ratio must of had a lot of authority over them - they immediately nodded and agreed without hesitation.

◇─◇──◇─◇

Aventurine only really invited everyone else so he could get Ratio to eat dinner with him. He knew that it would be more expensive with four other mouths to feed - not like money was a problem, but with what he had already spent, Ratio’s love had become more of a financial investment than an emotional one.

“You owe me so many coffees after this,” Aventurine whispered. At least they got to sit next to each other. Not that they had much of a choice - the others had purposely left two adjacent seats for them to sit down at.

“You were the one who offered to do this,” Ratio whispered back, “Didn’t you just tell them to not mind the price when they ordered?”

“I know, I know. You still owe me, though.”

Ratio considered what Aventurine said for a few moments before he simply responded, “Sure.”

Any expectations of how the night would go had been skewed the moment he invited the four other Guild members. All four of them were researchers, and all four of them - to Aventurine’s surprise - were past students of Ratio’s. It was a detail they wouldn’t stop talking about as they laughed and gushed about their university years.

“Hey, professor,” the dark-haired woman - who Aventurine had learned was named Lilly - called out, “Remember when-”

Ratio sighed loudly, flashing her a stare that would intimidate most people - she, however, must have been used to it after years of education because she didn’t flinch. “While you will always be my students, formally, you are my colleagues now,” Ratio reminded her. It had been about the tenth time he had to remind someone at the table about that fact - Aventurine would know, he had been counting. It was an impressive number of times, considering they only just ordered. “The progress you four have undergone makes it ridiculous that you still have the audacity to call me ‘professor.’ If anything, with the path you all are on, I expect that someday you will all become teachers in your own right.”

Ratio’s little rant was met by confused but somewhat endeared faces. Despite their years spent with Ratio as a professor, there was still a language barrier between them. That ‘language barrier’ being Ratio’s fondness for creating needlessly complicated statements out of simple ideas. Luckily, Aventurine was a professional in understanding Ratio’s long babbles; it was an advantageous side effect of spending too much of his work and break time talking to him.

“Aww, Ratio, I had no idea there was a sentimental bone in your body,” Aventurine cooed. With a hand on Ratio’s shoulder, he leaned forward to catch Lilly, and by proxy, the whole research team’s attention, “For the record, he’s saying he’s very proud of all of you and can’t wait to see what you guys do in your future.”

Ratio shot him a side eye as he crossed his arms and frowned. “... In plainer terms, I suppose that could be what I mean.”

The research team devolved into a series of awws as they tried to milk more compliments out of Ratio - a failure on all fronts. Now that Ratio was acutely aware of their excitement, he had put up his walls and would not back down. Every sentence was met by some off-topic response as he refused to entertain any of their wishes. Aventurine watched with one gloved hand hiding the smile on his lips. Ratio’s stubbornness annoyed him to no end, but it was pretty funny to watch from an outsider’s perspective.

◇─◇──◇─◇

When the food arrived, Aventurine was delighted to see Ratio had ordered off the specials. He paid a hefty sum just to make sure the specials for tonight were all something he would like. As such, Aventurine had also ordered something off the specials menu. It was to fulfill that romantic trope he always saw in shows, where one partner feeds the other a bite of their meal - something he was keen on trying to convince Ratio to do until he invited his students along. Though, Aventurine realised after a bit of pondering on the subject, I’m sure I could still convince him to at least try a bite of mine. Maybe he’d let me try a bite of his in return.

Despite Aventurine’s consent, the ex-students turned colleagues had all ordered quite cheaply. Well, at least as cheaply as they could order at a restaurant like this. Aventurine frowned at the girls who shared their pasta. Only the boys had dared to order something somewhat pricey - and they were asking to split their steaks with everyone who wanted a piece.

“Your students are too frugal,” Aventurine complained to Ratio, before eying the seafood he got for himself, “At least you’re eager to drain my wallet.”

“You brought this upon yourself,” Ratio argued, already taking a bite of his food, “Perhaps if you had less credits, you would learn not to risk so much in all your gambles.”

“That wouldn’t stop me,” Aventurine said, “I’ve never needed a dime to create a fortune.”

“I don’t doubt that, gambler,” Ratio agreed after swallowing, “But don’t go spreading that lifestyle around my students. I’ve taught them well, and I don’t want you to unravel all my hard work.”

“What happened to your ‘they’re my colleagues now’ speech?”

“That doesn’t change that I was their teacher once.”

“Tsk tsk, Doctor! You are too protective,” Aventurine sighed dramatically, “You ought to let them spread their wings and fly.”

“... Sure,” Ratio turned away from Aventurine and, with the most blank face Aventurine had ever seen that man muster, declared to his past students, “Go gamble if you want. But do know that you risk sinking to the bottom of the barrel or becoming like Aventurine.”

“So mean,” Aventurine lamented, “Was he always this cruel when he was your teacher?”

It took one moment of a shared look of confusion (assumedly because of what they just watched unfold) before Duncan - the boy with red hair - spoke up. “I wouldn’t say cruel, but I think ‘tough love’ fits the bill better.”

“Tough love, huh?” Aventurine mused before he pointed his fork in Ratio’s direction, “If I could get some of that, that would be great. Or do I have to enrol in one of your impossibly hard courses to get anything nice out of you?”

“It’s not called ‘tough love,’ it’s called being strict,” Ratio explained with a glare towards Duncan. Then he refocused his sight back onto Aventurine, “And you already get free coffee from me every time we meet up during our breaks.”

“Well, professor,” Lilly said with a cheeky grin, already forgetting Ratio’s earlier tangent about that title, “You could splurge him a bit more. I mean, you used to buy us all cookies if we managed to increase last year’s average on your tests.”

“Cookies?” Aventurine asked incredulously.

Lilly nodded, “And on our last day of workshops, he bought us a bunch of desserts from the cafe downstairs.”

“Because you all kept asking for it-” Ratio began.

Duncan nodded furiously, “One time, I got hammered and sent him an email about how I was going to be too hungover to do the test the next day, and he sent pain killers to my dorm and rescheduled my test to the day after.”

Aventurine raised his eyebrows as he looked at Ratio. Ratio scoffed, “That was a one-time situation. Had you made that irresponsible mistake again, I would not show such kindness.”

The other girl, the quiet Luna, chirped in, “You know those sculptures of him in the Prime Museum? He let us pick the poses he used.”

“Actually?” Aventurine asked a bit too eagerly, “Do you have pictures?”

“Absolutely not,” Ratio snapped with a sharp tone.

“My cat got stuck in a tree once,” the other boy, Jianyu, added in, “It was Ratio who climbed the tree and got him down for me.”

There was a momentary silence before Lilly shot an exasperated look that shut Jianyu up.

Oh, Aventurine smiled as he realised what was happening. He watched as they basically fell over themselves trying to talk big about their dear ex-professor, spinning tales of his kindness and heroism, much to Ratio’s appall and embarrassment. How sweet, Aventurine thought with a smile, they’re trying to wingman him. Aventurine shot a look at Ratio, who was hiding half of his face with his hand, but not doing anything to stop them from talking. He made a mental note to ask Ratio later how much of what was being said was true. Though, he had a feeling that they weren’t just wingmanning - they also just wanted to play around with their old professor and see how much they could get away with. The fact they were wingmanning him was likely a secondary goal to them; an excuse to mess around as much as possible.

As Lilly emotionally recounted a time where Ratio had put out a small fire in the lab because someone (Jianyu) didn’t tie their shoelaces, Aventurine met Ratio’s eye. There was nothing particularly funny about Ratio, but something about seeing the displeased grimace hidden behind his hand had Aventurine clenching his jaw to stop himself from laughing. His struggles not to laugh only increased tenfold when the smallest chuckle - which he disguised as a cough - escaped him.

Ratio jumped at the opportunity to barge into the conversation. “Oh dear,” Ratio said flatly as he pet Aventurine’s back a tad too harshly, “Your ‘stories’ are killing our host,” he said with a stern glare at each of them, “It seems like we should stop and eat in peace and quiet-”

“No, no, Doc, I’m fine,” Aventurine said after stifling another laugh. This time, he succeeded by gripping his leg with all the power he could muster. “I love learning about you, Veritas. What better way to discover more about you than from testimonies from some of your dear old students?”

Ratio, betrayed that Aventurine would side with his tormentors, simply leaned back in his seat and stabbed at whatever sea creature he was eating while Jianyu described how Ratio once saved him from a nasty, life-threatening beetle that had jumped onto his desk during a test.

◇─◇──◇─◇

The students walked far ahead of them, loudly reminiscing about their university days. Duncan was waving at the street, trying to signal a taxi to come pick them up while Lilly and Luna whispered and giggled to each other. It left Ratio and Aventurine far behind them, strolling side-by-side as they left the restaurant and entered the night.

“You shouldn’t have entertained their stories,” Ratio grumbled bitterly.

Aventurine laughed, “You’re still mad about that?”

Ratio didn’t bother to grace him with a response.

“Aww, Veritas,” Aventurine playfully bumped him with his arm, “How humble you are to be so embarrassed by your heroic deeds! I’ll never forget the way you freed that child from the mouth of an alligator and reunited her with her parents.”

“Oh, that one was actually true.”

Aventurine stopped in his tracks. Ratio stopped as well. With his mouth wide open, Aventurine searched for answers in Ratio’s neutral face. It didn’t last long, because Ratio turned away and he heard the smallest chuckle from him.

“I’m kidding, of course. I’ve done nothing of the sort,” Ratio said while he waited for Aventurine catch up to him and be by his side again. Only once Aventurine was by his side did Ratio begin walking, “Only about thirty percent of their tales were true, and that’s being generous.”

“So you didn’t actually climb into a tree to save a cat?”

“Unfortunately, no.”

“How disappointing,” Aventurine despaired, “I was really into that.”

“Sure you were.”

“You know, I’m surprised you let them talk for so long,” Aventurine commented. He figured that Ratio would step in at some point and shut them all up, but it never happened. He just sat there, resigned to everything that was happening, “I didn’t expect that you would just wait until they ran out of stories.”

Ratio shrugged as he looked ahead, watching Jianyu join Duncan in alerting a taxi by jumping around like a lunatic. “They’ve been a bit stressed with their project recently,” he explained, “I figured they were just destressing with all their stories. Not very professional of them, but I doubt it will happen again.”

“Professor, professor!” They yelled as they waved their arms. Two taxis had pulled up by the curb and Lilly and Duncan were already getting into one of the cars.

Aventurine felt his shoulders slump as he watched that taxi speed off into the night. “Is this the part where you leave?” he asked, as if they both didn’t know the answer.

“Seems so,” Ratio answered. He seemed a little despondent - Aventurine wasn’t certain though. Ratio was preoccupied with trying to hand signal to Lilly and Jianyu that yes, he was coming but they needed to wait a second. When the taxi door slammed shut, Ratio turned back to Aventurine. “I’m seeing you next week again, right?”

“Of course you will,” he said. A bit hastily, Aventurine added, “Your students are sweet. Don’t take offence, but I always wondered why you kept your job as a lecturer when you do a million other things.” Aventurine flashed a quick look at the taxi where Lilly and Jianyu were waiting. “I can see why now.”

“It is quite rewarding.”

“Oh, I wasn’t talking about that, Doc,” Aventurine smiled, “I was talking about your obvious soft spot for them. Heavens, you’d never let me say things like that to anyone.”

“I let you get away with too many things for you to be whining now.”

He bit his lip. Ratio was definitely referencing the magazine interview. “Well, I-”

The taxi beeped loudly behind them, making Aventurine jump.

“It seems they haven’t learned anything about patience,” Ratio sighed, “Goodbye then, Aven.”

That nickname again? Aventurine was going to die because of this godforsaken man. “See you soon, Veritas.”

Aventurine watched as Ratio got into the car. He stayed put as the taxi drove away. Maybe he was seeing things, but he swore he saw a gloved hand with golden rings wave from the passenger window. He waved back with a smile.

Aventurine couldn’t even be mad that he failed to drag anything out of Ratio. The whole experience of watching a silent Ratio put up with his meddling colleagues’ false stories might have just made his entire year. With a sigh, he put his hands in his pockets and walked off towards his car. He was leaving next weekend - he still had some time. Actually, Lilly had mentioned during dinner that she was dating a florist here at Pier Point. It had given him some ideas on what to do.

“Um, so, professor-”

“Ratio,” he corrected automatically.

“Yes, right. Ratio,” Lilly said slowly, his real name foreign on her tongue, “So, you know, Aventurine’s cool and all.”

Ratio folded his arms, mentally preparing himself for what was to come next. “I’m not stupid. You can cut to the chase now.”

“Oh good. Anyways, we were talking about him, and,” Lilly gave him a thumbs-up and a big grin, “We all approve of him.”

“I don’t need your approval for anything,” Ratio frowned, “And frankly, my personal affairs are none of your business.”

“... So how long?” Jianyu asked.

There was a momentary silence in the car as Ratio stiffened and the other two waited for a response. With a dry mouth and his eyes glued to the passing scenery, Ratio quietly responded, “Drop your nonsense. As I said before, this is a private matter I do not wish to discuss with you.”

Lilly blinked at him. “Wait, so you two actually aren’t-”

“As I previously stated, this is a personal affair.”

Jianyu looked like a goldfish with his mouth gaping open at him. “Are you kidding-”

“Personal. Affair.”

There was another stretch of silence before Jianyu decided to test the waters again.

“No offence, Doctor, but he did seem a bit touchy with you-”

“Quit it,” Ratio demanded with a cold stare.

Ratio could see Lilly, squeezed in the right side of the backseat, typing away. She was probably texting the others who went in the other cab. Jianyu was hovering over her shoulder, reading the messages through her phone. Ratio sighed. They could at least have the decency to be secretive about their speculations. Then again, it wasn’t like he could see what they were reading, and he wasn’t willing to ask to see.

With the taxi finally silent, Ratio could mellow in his thoughts. The driver had opened a window, allowing a rush of wind to run through his hair as he watched the lights from buildings flicker. Cool white lights as they passed by apartment complexes, belonging to IPC workers finishing up the final touches of their projects. The bright neon signs that flickered, advertising bars that people could cool down at. The vibrant colours on billboards, promoting the same old capitalist propaganda the IPC always spread around. He let himself relax. Then he wondered if Aventurine liked this view too. There were better ones, of course, but he was a night owl at heart. He preferred to see the world shrouded in darkness and see what lit it up.

Aventurine, Ratio thought to himself. A coworker turned nuisance. He always found that baths helped clear his mind, but not anymore with that man parading around in his life. Aventurine was ruining him - Ratio had begun thinking of him when he wasn’t even in the room. He would be walking around campus, see blonde hair and have to turn to check if he came for a visit. And how he hated the way he had begun trying to sneak out of meetings early so he could still manage to buy that godforsaken unhealthily sweet coffee and still make it on time to see him. In his pathetic defence, Aventurine just seemed happier and more energetic on the days he bought it for him.

Ratio shrunk into himself, afraid that his thoughts would somehow manage to leak from his brain and be blasted through the radio of the taxi for everyone to hear. It was an increasingly irrational and prevalent fear of his now - that if Aventurine got too close to him, he might just hear (or maybe even feel) the pounding of his heart against his ribcage. It was so bad that the first time he noticed the increase in his heart rate he bothered his poor GP to see if he had a cardiac problem. Ratio began to play with the laurel pin in his hair because Gods, even thinking about it was embarrassing. The thought of unbuckling his seatbelt and throwing himself out of the taxi brought him peace amongst the chaos of emotions he was feeling.

Ratio knew the game Aventurine was playing. He had his suspicions by the end of the Keeping Up with Star Rail interview, but when that magazine interview came out, he was certain. Aventurine, that idiot, was trying to pressure him into taking the first step in this silly game he set up. To be vulnerable and show emotion was to lose and that was so, so stupid. Wouldn’t the end result be mutually beneficial anyway? Ratio questioned. He had no right to ask that, though - he was as willing as a participant as Aventurine was. He also refused to give in to what Aventurine wanted. Perhaps it was his own pride - his desire to prove to Aventurine that he had his own free will and couldn’t be manipulated into doing what he wanted. Maybe it was stubbornness; that innate refusal to be the one to give in.

It didn’t really matter what it was anymore, because Aventurine was breaking him down. The more time Ratio spent by his side, the more he ached when he was gone. Smelling the faintest note of his cologne had him itching with excitement for their next meeting. Even when he was with Aventurine, the smallest step into his personal bubble had Ratio yearning for more.

It was symptoms like those that really made him consider letting Aventurine win his gamble.

It would have been easy to do it at this dinner, had it just been the two of them. It would have been exactly what Aventurine wanted, but Ratio wasn’t sure he cared about winning anymore. He could’ve spilled everything and hopefully whatever course of action Aventurine suggested after would fix him. Ideally a future that involved the both of them, together. Ratio clenched his jaw. This was really embarrassing to think about. At least the lights outside were pretty-

His phone turned on with a new notification. He hated the bright light of his phone - it was so jarring and painful to look at. That being said, the quick glimpse Ratio got was enough to captivate him - he swore he saw Aventurine’s name in the notification.

He turned his brightness all the way down because Aeons forbid Lilly and Jianyu see this. He would never live it down.

Aven: We’re going somewhere special for lunch next Thursday. Don’t bring your kids, but you better still buy me that coffee, okay?

Ratio turned towards the window so he could smile without judgement. He should’ve brought his alabaster head with him - it would’ve made all of this so much easier.

Dr. Ratio: Don’t call them “my kids.” Though they are somewhat childish, they are fully grown adults.

Dr. Ratio: But alright, I’ll buy you your coffee. May I have a hint on where you’re taking me?

Aven: Nope! You’ll have to wait and find out :)

Jianyu leaned towards him. “Hey, professor, what are you smiling at?” Jianyu asked.

Ratio scowled, hiding his phone, “I’m looking for classes to enrol you two in about respect and professionalism. You both desperately need it.”

◇─◇──◇─◇

Aventurine tapped his foot incessantly as he waited on the bench. One minute until Ratio was meant to arrive. To look busy and occupied, he was scrolling through his phone, rereading the talking points he was meant to make between him and the Family. Not that he had any plans of actually using them; not because of his own irresponsibility, but because he wasn’t stupid enough to think the Family would willingly listen to any of those points. They didn’t care; why should he pretend like they did? The only reason he had made the document was to fool Skott into thinking he had a legitimate plan. What was more important than that financial garbage was exploiting them and forcing IPC interference. After endless research, he found rumours of Death within the Dreamscape. It was the perfect disaster that could guarantee the IPC’s involvement. How he would do that, though-

“You look stressed,” a cup of coffee invaded his field of vision, covering up the document he was reading, “Is something troubling you?”

Aventurine took the coffee from Ratio’s hands, smiling up at him. “Right on time as usual, Doc,” he took a sip before he stood up next to him, “I’m glad I can always count on you to be punctual. I interviewed someone and they were a whopping ten minutes late - it really put a strain on my schedule.”

“Yet you’re here,” Ratio said as he walked by his side, “And you were early.”

Aventurine nodded. “I’m a good listener, Ratio. When you say I should arrive earlier, I arrive earlier.”

“You fool. We both know I was referring to special events.”

Aventurine pouted. “So you don’t want me coming early to our lunch dates?”

The word ‘dates’ must have thrown him off. Ratio blinked owlishly at him before he cleared his throat and continued. “I never said that,” he retorted, but there was none of his usual sternness behind it.

“I think it was at least a little implied.”

“Well, I’m here to confirm the subtext you were seeing is false,” Ratio said sharply. “Where are you taking me, anyway?”

“Surprises aren’t fun when you know what’s going to happen,” Aventurine teased as he pressed the down button to the elevator.

“It’s not about spoiling your surprise,” Ratio lowered his voice to a mumble as they entered the elevator - there were a few others already in it. “It’s about making sure you aren’t taking me out to some damned casino.”

“That’s what you’re worried about?” Aventurine asked a little too loudly - heads turned his way and Ratio shot him a look.

“Absolutely. Or - and Gods forbid you pull this stunt - you take me to one of those shooting ranges you love to frequent so often.”

Aventurine gave him a curious look. He swore he never told Ratio about that hobby of his - gambling had enough bad connotations, so why would he tell the ever-righteous Ratio he was also a good shot? “How did you know-” Aventurine began before an epiphany struck him like lightning. He had mentioned that he practised shooting as a hobby in that magazine interview Ratio swore up and down that he never read.

Mouth open, Aventurine lightly punched Ratio in the arm. “You read the interview, didn’t you?”

It took a few seconds of Ratio blinking at him for him to process that information. When he did, he turned away. “And what if I did?”

“Veritas, if you wanted to learn more about me you could’ve just asked,” Aventurine cooed as he sidled up towards him. Ratio leaned away, his eyes laser-focused on the corner of the ceiling.

“You embarrass me,” Ratio hissed.

“Yet you’re going to be walking out of this building with me.”

Ratio folded his arms and sighed. “Regrettably so.”

◇─◇──◇─◇

It rained that morning. The concrete was soaked with water, and the dip in the curb was a mini pool for pigeons to bathe in. Every now and then Ratio would warn Aventurine of an upcoming puddle, and Aventurine would tiptoe around it. Ratio would watch as Aventurine teased him by dipping the toe of his leather shoe into a puddle, before flinching away as he flicked up water onto his pants leg.

“Immature,” Ratio scolded.

“I call it payback,” Aventurine said lightly, taking his place back by his side. It wasn’t raining anymore. Yes, the skies were still grey and gloomy, and yes, streetlamps were still dripping wet with water, but it really didn’t require Ratio to fuss and bring an umbrella. He didn’t mind, though - it gave him an excuse to stand close to Ratio. Admittedly, he was at a distance that HR would not only frown upon but also was unnecessarily close for umbrella sharing after the rain had passed.

“Well, I’m afraid to break the news to you, but you are terrible at revenge,” Ratio said. Like the gentleman he was, he had basically pushed Aventurine towards the middle of the path while he walked on the side closer to the road. Pointless chivalry, Aventurine noted - there was nobody on the roads at this time. Everyone was working.

“How much farther is this walk?” Ratio asked.

“What, tired already?” Aventurine chuckled, “Want a piggyback ride? I’m sure I can carry you, but we’re bound to fall by my fifth step.”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Ratio chided, “We just passed your apartment building. Is there even anything past that?”

“Have you never explored Pier Point before?”

“Aeons, no. It’s not like Pier Point is some tourist attraction.”

That was good - Ratio had no idea where they were going. It really would be a surprise, then. “They need to keep their employees happy somehow, so they made a bunch of recreational facilities.”

“And I assume you’re taking me to one of them?”

“Yes,” Aventurine nodded, “You’re so clever, Doc! It baffles me that they haven’t let you into the Genius Society with a brain like yours.”

“Oh, shush,” Ratio rolled his eyes. Aventurine used to think that comments about the Genius Society would bother him, but after about the fifth time of witnessing a coworker ask Ratio about it and receiving a stern glare and lecture, it seemed his conjecture was wrong, “Go back to drinking that coffee of yours and let us walk in peace for a while.”

“See, and that’s why Nous hasn’t let you in,” Aventurine said as he sipped his coffee, “You know so much about everything, but you still lack basic manners.” He hoped Ratio wouldn’t point out the fact that Ratio had made a point to abide by the sidewalk rule. His entire argument would cease if he did that.

“How am I lacking basic manners when you’re the one relentlessly teasing me?” Ratio probed, “I could make an entire book of your HR violations.”

“And get me written up for bullying?” Aventurine asked. He laughed when Ratio nodded. “Wow, Veritas. Low blow. I never thought you were sensitive like that.”

“And I never thought I’d aimlessly follow you around Pier Point,” Ratio grumbled. Duly noted - Ratio really hated surprises.

Aventurine looked ahead, noting that they had just passed the main shopping centre. In less than a block, they would be there. He put his hands into his pockets so that Ratio couldn’t see the way they balled up into fists. To be honest, Ratio’s demands on knowing where they were going were throwing him off his game. Was it possible that Aventurine getting that first assumption wrong - that Ratio would enjoy a surprise - was a bad omen for everything that would come next? He took a deep breath. The sunflower arrangement he ordered was reasonable, and he was sure Ratio would like it. Not a single part of him doubted that idea. But was the live music a bit too much? Maybe he shouldn’t have paid for a foreign pretzel stand to set up shop while they walked by. Ratio might recognise it wasn’t from there, and might point out-

He heard it before he saw it. Perhaps if he wasn’t so engrossed in his worries, he would have had ample time to warn Ratio of what was to come. But instead, a little too lately, the grumble of an engine distracted Aventurine from his thoughts. He saw no car in front of him, so he turned around.

A sleek blue car was speeding in their direction, swerving despite the road being completely straight. If Aventurine had the time to guess, it was probably some IPC employee who was going to miss a flight to another planet. Ultimately, the context didn’t matter - he didn’t like the way that car was driving. Aventurine tugged on Ratio’s arm, pulling him to his side. Confused, Ratio tried to turn around and see what the commotion was.

“Aven, what are you-?”

The car, still swerving madly, hit the curb and sent water flying in Ratio’s direction.

The engine roar disappeared into the day, leaving Aventurine standing in shock as Ratio processed the situation. A good half of his clothes were damp, and part of his hair was drenched with water, sticking to his face. Slowly, Ratio pushed wet bangs out of his face and looked at Aventurine with wide eyes.

It took all the self-control in his body not to laugh.

Unfortunately, Aventurine was a gambler, and so he failed at that endeavour very quickly. Within seconds, he had become a mess of guffaws and breathy sentences as he covered his mouth and shook his head. Ratio watched his amusement with pursed lips.

“You’re a terrible person for laughing at my misfortune,” Ratio frowned.

“Perhaps I am. For the record, I’m considering this as payback for then,” Aventurine said, prising the useless umbrella from Ratio’s loose grip, “You should’ve given me that goodbye kiss.”

Ratio frowned as he squeezed out water from his sash. “How can you still hold that grudge against me? It’s been weeks since that.”

“I know, I know,” Aventurine repeated, watching as Ratio tried to use a dry part of his sash to pat his hair dry. Though Ratio seemed calm, he recognised his small shifts from side to side and the way he seemed to be shrivelling away from his own skin. Wet fabric sticking to skin was uncomfortable and cold - Aventurine would know. It was an awful feeling, and he swore he could feel it too every time he looked at him. There was no way Ratio could be walking around like that.

He checked the time on his watch. Aventurine sighed - they weren’t getting to the garden at this rate. He would mourn that loss later - he could feel phantom drops of water running down his shoulder, and that was just in his head. He didn’t want to know what Ratio was actually feeling.

Aventurine opened his wallet and pressed a card into Ratio’s palm. “Here, take this keycard, it’s my spare. My room is on the top floor. You can’t possibly miss it; it’s the only one there.”

Confused, Ratio tried to hand it back. “Aven-”

“Use whatever you feel like you need. That being said, I don’t have any clothes that could fit you, so I’ll just pop into the shops and buy something for you.”

“Aven, I refuse-”

“Must you disagree with me on everything?” Aventurine snapped.

Aventurine bit his tongue; he didn’t miss the way Ratio’s eyes widened with surprise. “Aventurine, I’m fine,” Ratio assured him as he pressed the keycard into Aventurine’s palm. His voice was soft, a stark contrast to Aventurine’s own tone, “It’ll be warm soon, and the water will evaporate. I would prefer to find out what that surprise of yours is.”

Aventurine sighed, pushing the keycard back to him. “You’re sweet, Doc, but if you get sick on my watch I’ll have to defend myself from your fans and explain myself to your kids.”

“For the millionth time, don’t call them ‘my kids,’ they are fully grown adults.”

“And you know what’s even more embarrassing? Walking around Pier Point while drenched.”

“Well, yes, but…” Ratio stumbled over his words as he tried to think of a comeback, “As you said earlier, most people are at work at this time. And as I’ve said before, I’m fine. I’ll admit it is uncomfortable, but it’s nothing I can’t stand.”

Aventurine gave him a once-over. He felt his skin crawl when he noticed how Ratio’s sleeves stuck to his skin. He didn’t like the thought of cold water dripping from damp his hair, rolling onto his back. He felt a chill go up his spine when he remembered that the rainwater he was splashed with must have been sitting there for a while. It had to be cold. Ratio had to be cold like that. Gods, Aventurine felt cold just looking at him. The garden wasn’t that far away, but he really did not want to see Ratio walk that distance in his state.

He looked away. “Well, maybe I’m uncomfortable seeing you like that.” Aventurine rubbed his arms, despite being warm and dry. He swore he felt the bitter cold for just a moment.

Ratio observed him warily, a moment of silence falling between them. “… Understood.”

Aventurine laughed, but it sounded empty. “I like you better when you listen to me.”

“Savour it. This will not happen often.”

◇─◇──◇─◇

Veritas: Are you sure?

In the middle of the store, Aventurine sighed. This was about the ninth time Ratio had asked, and he only just gotten into his apartment.

Aventurine: As I said before, make yourself at home. Feel free to use any of my amenities as you would your own.

Veritas: I understand the sentiment, but I wanted to double-check before I did anything.

Aventurine: First of all, this is a ninth check. Second of all, why are you so hesitant? Are you secretly a slob?

That statement must have annoyed Ratio enough to stop texting him. Aventurine watched the read receipt pop up and waited a few seconds for a response. After being greeted with nothing, he slipped his phone back into his pocket and began browsing through shirts. Ratio had said - no, he basically begged him to just buy the cheapest shirt and pants for him.

And there was no way in hell Aventurine was going to listen to him. This was a golden opportunity to shower Ratio with gifts. Besides, the entry that Aventurine came in from was in the luxury section of the mall, so if anything, it would’ve been inconvenient for the both of them if Aventurine walked all the way to the other side.

A dark green shirt caught his eye. Aventurine rubbed the fabric between his fingers - soft, silky. He liked the golden buttons, the black trim, the logo on the collar. It was incredibly similar to what he was wearing, and that was Aventurine’s main reason for plucking it off the hanger.

He followed the same reasoning for the white pants he picked. Aventurine looked out the window - not raining, but it wasn’t hot, either. He was already somewhat responsible for getting him drenched earlier, so he better not risk getting his dear doctor sick and fetch him a coat as well. It was light and thin, and it was slightly cheaper than the other clothes in his hand, so Ratio shouldn’t complain all that much.

Aventurine watched, ready with his card, as the cashier scanned the pile of clothes and folded them neatly into a bag. He might have gotten a bit carried away with what he was buying, but oh well. Ratio deserved the best of the best, anyway. The cashier delicately placed the last item in with everything else - a pair of earrings that he grabbed as he was walking towards the counter. The discovery that Ratio’s ears were pierced and that he wore earrings was revolutionary information for him. Ratio clearly had a good sense of style, but he wore gold studs that were easily hidden by his hair. These earrings would add a bit more flair to his wear - they were long blue feathers. The blue would blend nicely with his hair. The only problem now was figuring out how to get Ratio to accept everything.

◇─◇──◇─◇

“Aventurine?” Ratio called out from behind the bathroom door.

“You don’t have to yell, I’m just outside,” Aventurine reprimanded. He had been preparing for this confrontation - there was no way Ratio would let the fact that he bought him so much designer for him slide so easily. “In my defence, it was easier to buy that then go find the convenience store.”

“Aeons, Aven,” Ratio sounded shocked as the rustle of plastic filled the air. There was a pause before Ratio spoke up again, “Did you do personal shopping while you were there?”

“No, not for me,” Aventurine answered calmly, bracing himself for what was to come, “They’re all for you, Doc.”

“Aventurine,” the exasperation in his voice was palpable, “My instructions were clear. I simply asked for something cheap to wear. Not only can you not follow that simple guide, but…” Ratio scoffed to make sure Aventurine knew he was disappointed, “You bought me all these unnecessary additions. Earrings? Really?”

Aventurine pouted. “I thought they’d look nice on you. Is that a crime?”

“You…” Ratio trailed off, and Aventurine was met with the sound of more rustling. He’s probably blushing, Aventurine thought giddily, I bet he’s all red in the face right about now. Ten points to Aventurine for making him blush - though he was being scolded at that moment, that was still a whopping ten points to his name. But when he thought about it, ten points was really nothing in the grand scheme of things. Buying Ratio all of this probably lost him a thousand points, so a measly ten was just a drop in the bucket.

“This is ridiculous,” Ratio said after clearing his throat, “You can’t possibly expect me to accept any of this.”

“It’s that or you go out in your wet clothes.”

“At least that didn’t come at your expense.”

“It was pocket change, really,” Aventurine shrugged, “You really are picky, you know that?”

Ratio grumbled something in response, but with the door in the way, Aventurine couldn’t understand him.

“You better be thanking me!” He yelled.

Aventurine received no answer. No matter; Ratio was bound to thank him later, anyway. He glanced at the clock. They had about twenty minutes before they had to be back at the IPC headquarters. Not nearly enough time to get to the garden and show Ratio his surprise. A pity; he really did want to see Ratio’s reaction to everything. As he was walking up to his apartment, he had to call everyone involved and told them to leave early, that he was sorry, and he would pay them generously for wasting their time.

Nineteen minutes now. The they were meant to buy pretzels from the pretzel stand for lunch, but that was out of the picture now. He needed to make something that could be made quickly enough that they could eat and head back to work.

“Hey, Veritas,” he said as he knocked loudly on the bathroom door.

“I can hear you,” Ratio replied, “What is it?”

“Want two-minute ramen for lunch?”

“... Sure. Why not?”

◇─◇──◇─◇

Shockingly, two-minute ramen only took about two minutes to make. To be fair, it’s not like they had the time for Aventurine to be doing anything groundbreaking to prepackaged food. The only thing of note was that he had some boiled eggs sitting in the fridge that he plopped into the bowl. He set the bowl down in the middle of his dining table. The table itself was small, and it would only just fit both of them. In an apartment where everything seemed needlessly expensive and grand, the dining table was out of place. The original one was much bigger and probably suited the aesthetic of his apartment more, but he didn’t like how empty it always felt. At least with a small table, he didn’t have to sit down and eat while staring at empty chairs.

It was definitely a design choice that was kicking his ass currently; for the first time ever, he had a guest, and there was only just enough space for the bowl of ramen, their individual plates, their cups, and a jug of water. Aventurine sighed - he would have to move his plate to the edge of the table so Ratio didn’t feel so cramped. Hopefully, Ratio wouldn’t notice.

As Aventurine placed a cold jug of water on the table, the door to the bathroom creaked open. It was embarrassing how quickly Aventurine snapped his head in the direction of the noise.

The first thing he noticed about him wasn’t even the clothes he got for him. He had already envisioned what they would look like on him, and he was glad to see Ratio looked exactly as he did in his imagination. Of course Ratio looked good in green - he probably looked good in everything. The shirt and pants fit him perfectly, and the earrings almost looked like an extension of his own hair. What was taking all of his attention was the lack of red eyeliner and the still-damp hair. He had never seen him without the eyeliner; it had become such a constant sight that he forgot it was make-up. And his hair - it looked like he came crawling out of a photoshoot. It was wet enough that it was clear he just got out the shower, but it was dry enough that it still held volume.

Aventurine bit the inside of his cheek. Ratio looked really nice.

“I look like your clone,” Ratio complained. He ran a finger through the long earrings, watching it curl around his finger, “Are you having fun playing dress-up doll with me?”

Aventurine laughed, a bit too loudly and a bit too readily. “Don’t say that like it’s a bad thing. I get complimented on the daily, you know.”

Ratio sighed, then gave him a strange look as he sat down. “... Stop looking at me like that.”

Shit, Aventurine straightened his back and adjusted his shoulders, I must have been staring. Aventurine fixed the smile on his face to become one he had control over, instead of whatever dopey look he must have had on earlier. He chuckled to ease the tension. “Huh? Like what?”

“Like… ugh. Nevermind.”

Aventurine sat down opposite him, grabbing some noodles from the bowl and throwing them onto his plate. Ratio must have been waiting for his cue, as right after, he piled some noodles on his plate as well. Aventurine expected some small talk, or maybe another complaint about how much money he spent on him, but no. Ratio’s mind was occupied with something else.

“I was looking around for a towel earlier and I noticed that you have your bags packed,” Ratio stated, and Aventurine felt his heart drop. Though it was nothing more than a simple sentence, it sounded more like an accusation. That was fair - Aventurine had failed to tell Ratio anything about Penacony so far. But that was mostly because he didn’t want to. He didn’t want to intertwine Ratio with whatever the hell was going to happen in Penacony.

“An astute observation,” Aventurine praised, “Would you like to take a guess at where I’m going?”

Ratio looked uneasy. “I assume it’s Penacony. It’s the only major project that I’ve been hearing of nowadays.”

“How intelligent,” he cooed, “Honestly, I thought he’d give it to Opal or-”

“So you won’t be here next week, right?”

Aventurine froze, his fork stuck in the air. Ah. So that’s his concern, Aventurine realised, how sweet of you, Doctor.

“What, are you going to miss me?”

“Don’t say such things,” Ratio chided, “All it means is that I’ll have a few extra credits to spare.”

“And what will you spend those credits on?”

Ratio thought for a moment. “When you come back, I’ll buy you large coffees instead of regular ones.”

Aventurine gasped and kicked him under the table. “Doctor! Paying an extra three credits for me? You truly are too good for this universe.”

“Quit it with your dramatics,” Ratio demanded. It was an order that would be incredibly hard to listen to, especially after Ratio had kicked him as well. Kick was an exaggeration, though - it felt more like a light breeze against his shin. If it hadn’t been for Ratio’s foot accidentally hitting the table leg, Aventurine would have chalked the sensation up to a particularly harsh gust of air.

“Besides, I do owe you now,” Ratio gestured at his clothes, “Though I’m not thrilled with your choice, I will pay you back somehow.”

“What’s wrong with it?” Aventurine asked as he greedily took another opportunity to let his eyes sweep over Ratio, savouring every detail of his appearance. “Did you not look in the mirror before you left the bathroom? If so, you can take it from me. You look handsome, Veritas.”

Aventurine adored the way Ratio’s fingers flexed around his fork, the speed of his free hand reaching to play with his hair.

“Don’t derail my train of thinking,” Raito muttered. Aventurine wondered if he noticed how he was mindlessly finger-brushing his hair as he pondered. It took some time for Ratio to reorganise his thoughts after that compliment, because about a minute passed before he spoke up again. “Back on the topic, I will reimburse you. Be it coffee, or my own surprise for you.”

“... Your own surprise for me?”

Ratio nodded. “Out of curiosity, what surprise did you have in store for us?”

Aventurine pressed his lips together, “Not telling,” he sighed dramatically, “You shouldn’t have gotten splashed, Ratio. I suppose it will remain a secret forever now.”

“How awful of you to leave me in suspense like this,” Ratio said sarcastically, “Perhaps your surprise really should just be a large coffee.”

“You’re not that cruel.”

“You’re right. I’m not,” Ratio gave Aventurine a pointed look, “But apparently you are.”

Aventurine felt himself flush under his gaze. It was one thing to experience the surprise of sunflowers and pretzels and music. It was another thing to be sitting at his apartment, cramped on a table only ever designed to fit one, eating two-minute ramen, and try to explain his big romantic gesture that was meant to make Ratio call him his lover. That was simply unromantic and out of the picture.

“You still won’t tell me?” Ratio asked.

“Unfortunately, my lips are sealed.”

“How anticlimactic,” Ratio sighed. It was lighthearted, and Aventurine knew it, but considering that the ideal outcome of the day was meant to be a declaration of love, he couldn’t help but feel a little disappointed as well.

“You’re right, Veritas,” Aventurine finally took a bite of his noodles. They needed to stop the chitchat and begin shoving the food down - they didn’t have much time left. “You better upstage me with whatever surprise you make up.”

“Get back from Penacony safely, and that’s guaranteed.”

Safely. The word shook him. Surely, Ratio knew about how most of his deals went. There was no room for safety in his gambles.

Aventurine didn’t voice his thoughts, opting to shrug instead. “Yeah. Sure.”

◇─◇──◇─◇

Ratio waited patiently by his side as Aventurine double-checked that the door was locked. They walked to the elevator at the same pace; Aventurine was speeding up to match Ratio’s steps, while Ratio slowed down so Aventurine didn’t have to exert himself. Ratio tapped the button for the ground floor, letting Aventurine rest by leaning against the wall. When the doors opened, Ratio apologised quietly to the man standing in front of the exit, and Aventurine followed in his steps. He whispered a hurried sorry before he caught up to Ratio.

The cab was just outside. He could see the bright yellow paint from the lobby. Aventurine’s gaze flickered between Ratio and the taxi, before it settled on the linoleum floor underneath them.

He could say it right now. In the middle of this empty lobby as they rush towards their taxi, he could say it.

Aventurine bit his tongue.

Ratio opened the door for him, letting him take the left seat. Ratio sat on the right and then told the driver where they were heading. There wasn’t a huge distance between them, but it felt overwhelming. He could smell his soap on Ratio’s skin, his conditioner in his hair. It was subtle, and the driver and Ratio were not giving it a second thought at all, but that was all Aventurine could think about. It made his heart flutter, and that was still a feeling he was getting used to.

Ratio paid for the taxi despite Aventurine’s presence. Ratio must have prepared the credits during the car ride while Aventurine was busy in his own world; the moment the driver hit the brakes, Ratio was waving the credits in his face and jumping out the car before Aventurine could protest. Ratio didn’t even allow Aventurine to offer to repay him for the taxi cost, only mumbling something about how he needed to pay him back.

“When do you leave for Penacony?” Ratio asked the moment Aventurine shut up about the taxi payment.

“This Sunday.”

“And when do you think you’ll come back?”

“The week after, if all goes well,” he answered. What was this, an interrogation?

“And I’m seeing you tomorrow?”

“Of course. Can’t leave without saying a proper goodbye, can I?”

“Tomorrow it is, then,” Ratio said.

“Tomorrow it is,” Aventurine repeated.

Aventurine hated watching Ratio walk away. Though he could take some pleasure in the curious looks people gave him, he couldn’t say he enjoyed the absence by his side. He would much prefer him to be standing next to him.

But, he supposed, with failure after failure, that some things were not meant to be. It was probably better like that, with Ratio and him walking separate paths. Ratio’s career was an endless expanse of opportunities. Teacher, researcher, scholar, and whatever else he put his mind to. Aventurine was confined to the role of an IPC slave. It was foolish, really, to even attempt to entangle himself with Ratio. He thought that maybe it was better to lay everything bare with Penacony on the horizon, but no - perhaps it was better to keep a ‘no strings attached’ attitude for his plans.

Aventurine shoved his hands in his pockets. He had a meeting in twenty. He better get prepared.

◇─◇──◇─◇

Aventurine had finally finished packing. It had taken a while to fill up his bag with gems, to safely wrap and store the Cornerstones, to collect smashed aventurine pieces from the carpeted floor and pour them into his bag. He placed it by the door. He left on Sunday and though it was only Thursday evening, he preferred to be prepared. His clothes and essentials were partially packed, and he planned on finishing that on the day of leaving.

Aventurine finally allowed himself some rest, falling onto the bed and snuggling up with a pillow. He grabbed his phone and began scrolling through his timeline, carelessly liking the most basic of posts. Despite her failure in Jarilo-VI, Topaz seemed to have enjoyed herself there. She had posted pictures of herself at the Everwinter City Museum in Belobog with Numby and landscapes of the snowy plains Jarilo-VI was becoming infamous for. It seemed that she had met with the Astral Express in her time there. Topaz had some pictures of her sharing coffee with Himeko and some selfies of her, March 7th, and Stelle. She would have been a valuable asset to the Penacony project; but no matter, she said no, and he would move on. Skott would be fine as a project manager. Definitely not ideal, and he was nowhere near the sharpest tool in the shed, but any individual with shallow ideals was easy to sway.

A notification distracted him from his thoughts.

Dr. Ratio Fan Club (Insane Version) new post from @PassInOneGo! Has anyone noticed that Dr. Ratio seems…

Aventurine hadn’t visited the fan club in a while. Ever since one lunch weeks ago when he got a notification from the fan club while in front of Ratio, he had been terrified of Ratio finding out he was a member. Sure, he never posted anything, but if Ratio saw what he was liking he may never speak to him again. The absolute terror he felt when Ratio leaned over to see what the ding on Aventurine’s phone was had scarred him for life, so now he muted notifications. Now, the club only sent notifications at times Aventurine was sure to be home and very far away from Ratio’s judgemental gaze.

Plus, he already spent quite a bit of time with the doctor. He didn’t need to watch people fangirl over him, he did that enough in person. That being said, the only things on his timeline were business articles clients and coworkers were posting, so he was getting bored.

PassInOneGo: Has anyone noticed that Dr Ratio seems different lately? I’m a final year student at Uni of Veritas Prime and I’m one of his pupils, so I see Dr Ratio quite a lot. He’s usually a very strict teacher, but he has his nice moments. For example, if we do really well on a test he buys us cookies that the teaching assistants give out during the workshops, and he’s surprisingly understanding whenever people can’t make deadlines (as long as you can produce sufficient evidence, that is).

He hasn’t changed in a bad way, but it’s been throwing me off. When people come late to lectures, he has a tendency to remind them to come earlier to mitigate factors they can’t control, but he’s completely stopped saying that. I think it started a few weeks ago. He just tells them to get comfortable and to ask someone else for notes on any content they might have missed out. I know it seems like nothing, but trust me, as one of his students this was a big thing.

Another thing I noticed was that he’s on his phone more often. Dr Ratio likes to visit our workshops so that he can answer any clarifying questions we have, or if we’re particularly chatty, he listens to us talk about our lives. It’s pretty cool of him honestly. Usually if nobody has any questions or wants to chat he keeps roaming around the classrooms or just listens to the TA talk, but he’s begun sitting in the back of the room and goes on his phone.

He just seems a lot happier, I think? When he does come around to talk to us he actually answers questions about his own life, and he never really did that before. He was open to talking with us about non-academic related things, and he never used to do that. It’s pretty fun - did you guys know he’s planning a vacation to some beach resort? Never would’ve expected that from him! On top of that, he’s been smiling more often, which is pretty incredible. People keep snapping photos of it. I heard they’re making a ton of cash off it.

Putting that aside, what the hell is happening? And why couldn’t this be happening earlier? It’s such a pity he’s going through such a drastic change in my final year and not in my first…

Aventurine had never scrolled to the replies so fast in his life.

ImmaDelusional: Hey, I’m also one of his students. I noticed these things too, and I think our fav teacher has finally fallen in love

PassInOneGo: Are you fr? With who?

ImmaDelusional: https://youtu.be/2wMuR2Mrwt0?si=MitTHFcScj4bVP8S

PassInOneGo: Thanks king

PassInOneGo: Holy shit how did I not know about that.

RatiosBathtub: This is SOOOO cute wth <3 I need him EXPEDITIOUSLY

PassInOneGo: That’s my teacher, so stop acting like this you feral simp.

WhatsForSupper: Fun fact: I’m one of his past students and was lucky enough to have dinner with him last Friday. Can’t go into that much detail, but let’s just say @ImmaDelusional is absolutely correct here.

ImmaDelusional: PLEASE ELABORATE?

WhatsForSupper: Haha! No.

Happier, Aventurine scanned the word again, happier. Ratio was acting happier. To his knowledge, Ratio hadn’t made any grand life changes over the last few weeks. Nothing that would warrant this kind of shift in behaviours.

Except for him.

Aventurine’s presence in Ratio’s life was the only new variable, the only reasonable factor that could be changing Ratio’s actions. He, Aventurine, was the likely reason as to why Ratio was smiling more often, the reason why he was talking more about himself, the reason why he was letting tardiness slide. Him. Aventurine was doing all that.

He reread the post again for good measure. A third time, just in case he missed a detail. And a fourth time after he refreshed the page, just to check that the post was real and not his imagination playig tricks on him. The fifth time he reread it, he could no longer keep ignoring the truth. Ratio was happier. And, if his reasoning and the comments were correct, Aventurine was the reason.

Aventurine waited for his heart to steady as he took a few deep breaths in. He put the phone down, but didn’t clear his page - he needed to bookmark that post.

Ratio seemed happier because of him. It took a while for that truth to settle in, covering him like a blanket. It didn’t feel real - this felt just as jarring and strange and foreign as that drunken confession, but this was a bit harder to deny. He picked up his phone again and scrolled through some more comments. Ignoring the question of why so many of his students were apart of fan club, it became clear that yes, this wasn’t one person reading too deeply into this. This was a noticeable change by all of his students.

He, Aventurine, made Ratio smile more often.

And, after a bit of pacing around his room, Aventurine would like to see that smile for himself. He wanted to see and know that the fond smile on Ratio’s lips belonged to him. Aventurine wanted to be helf responsible for the affection in his eyes, the blush on his cheeks. He wanted to claim it, to see it, to feel it, but most importantly, he wanted to believe it.

Ratio left on Saturday. He left on Sunday. There was only tomorrow to do anything.

To confess was the last resort. The thought of spilling his guts to Ratio made his hands shake with terror. But, if the prize was getting to see Ratio’s smile more often, Aventurine would risk it all.

◇─◇──◇─◇

Aventuine managed to get onto his lunch break ridiculously early.

With him leaving for Penacony that Sunday, there was a fair bit of last-minute work he needed to clear up. The combination of three coffees and the syrup and sugar he added, alongside the general anxiety for what he was doing had him working at the speed of light. When Topaz saw him leaving his office so early, she laughed.

“Aventurine, wanting to meet up with your boyfriend is cute and all, but you can’t blow off work just to see him.”

Aventurine gaped at her. She may be one hundred per cent correct in her observation, but he did not appreciate being called out like that. “Is it so unbelievable to think that I’m just feeling productive today?”

“It’s not that I don’t think you’re productive,” Topaz began, before checking her watch, “But I don’t think you would ever be so productive that you finish everything forty minutes earlier than your schedule.”

“I did some of my work at home,” Aventurine countered.

Topaz stared at him, mouth wide in exaggerated shock, “What happened to you that’s made you so… eager?” She covered her mouth to quieten her squeal, “No way, is it actually Ratio that’s making you work?”

Oh Gods, it absolutely was. “... I think it’s time I left,” Aventurine announced, flashing Topaz a disgruntled look as he began walking away. Not that Topaz cared; she began snickering to Numby who, Aventurine swore, was laughing at him.

“I would’ve introduced you to Ratio ages ago if I knew he would have such an impact on you!” Topaz called. She didn’t follow him; instead, she happily stood in the middle of the hallway, hand on hip, yelling about his business for everyone to hear.

“Thanks, Topaz,” he called over his shoulder.

“Tell him I said hi!” Topaz shouted. After a few seconds, she added, “And that tell him Asta said those cat critters he adopted can be fed a normal cat diet!”

Cat critters? Aventurine thought to himself as he jabbed the elevator button repeatedly, He has cats? Interesting.

◇─◇──◇─◇

The drive to the florist was not that long. Aventurine had expected it to be longer, as he didn’t recognise the road and had never been there in person; he only ever called to make an order. It was surprisingly close to the headquarters, and it was only down the road and to the right of a cafe he visited often. If all went well, Aventurine could see himself taking Ratio there.

The florist was tiny. Flowers were displayed on every surface possible - tables, walls, and there were even some laying around on the floor that Aventurine had to tiptoe around. The light blue walls were barely visible behind posters all about flower language and the perfect flowers for lovers. Aventurine bit his lip. He only ordered that morning without consulting anything. He just asked for sunflowers and ‘other flowers that look nice’ in a bouquet, and to make that bouquet as big as possible.

A familiar face was standing by the counter, impatiently tapping a credit card against the desk. Dark haired and wearing a lab coat, the lady looked around in her boredom.

“Lilly?” Aventurine asked, “Fancy seeing you here.”

For a second, Aventurine wondered if he had gotten the wrong impression from her. He assumed that she, at least tolerated him, but that idea was destroyed when she stared at him like a deer in headlights. It took her a while to compose herself by clearing her throat.

“Aventurine!” Lilly exclaimed, “It’s good to see you. What brings you here?”

Aventurine hid a frown. She sounded impatient and nervous - did his presence bother her that much? He assumed after having dinner with her and her team that they were on good terms. After all, he recalled sharing a few jokes and good conversations with her. However, he also remembered her mentioning that she had a girlfriend who worked here. Maybe Aventurine had interrupted a visit.

“Picking up flowers,” he answered, “And you?”

“Wow, what a coincidence,” she laughed, and Aventurine bristled at how forced it was, “Me too!”

Saving them from an awkward silence, the florist appeared from a room in the back, carrying a large bouquet of red roses. It stunned Aventurine to see; he had seen so many movies with roses in them, but he didn’t expect them to be so beautiful in person as well.

The florist placed the bouquet on the table carefully. “Here, flowers for-”

“Yes, for me, thanks babe,” Lilly interrupted as she winked at her girlfriend, “You really are too sweet.”

“... Yes,” Lilly’s girlfriend slowly nodded, giving her a strange look, “Sure. Anything for you. Now, swipe when you’re ready.”

Weird. Does it even count as a gift if she pays for it? Aventurine wondered as Lilly swiped her card.

“Awesome, thanks,” Lilly made a motion to run straight out the florist, but reconsidered. Instead of leaving immediately, she turned around, pressed a quick kiss on the florist’s cheek, whispered something in her ear, and ran off with the roses in hand. A bit strange, but Aventurine wasn’t one to judge.

“Hey, I ordered a bouquet this morning,” Aventurine said with a wave to catch the florist’s attention, “It should be under the name ‘Aventurine.’”

If she was flustered by her girlfriend’s sudden affections, she didn’t make it obvious. Maybe that was the norm for them. “Ah, yes,” she smiled back as she tucked a lock of blonde hair behind her ear, “One sec. We have quite a few orders today.”

She disappeared into the back, coming out only moments later with the bouquet. He inhaled sharply.

The bouquet was perfect. How they managed to come up with something so brilliant when the instructions were ‘sunflowers and other flowers that look nice’ was beyond him. In between vivid sunflowers were pretty orange flowers. They ranged from so light they almost seemed yellow to dark orange, and they added variety to the bright yellows from the sunflowers. Aventurine’s heart panged - it looked like the florist colour-picked straight from Ratio’s irises.

Needless to say, Aventurine had to give her a tip.

“Take Lilly out somewhere nice with this,” Aventurine said as he slipped her a generous amount of credits, “You two deserve it.”

◇─◇──◇─◇

There was something so incredibly embarrassing about walking around the IPC headquarters with a huge bouquet of flowers.

Aventurine was used to people staring while he walked by; it was usually because of his eyes, his outfit, the scar on his neck, or some combination of all of them, and he never paid it any mind. As uncomfortable as it made him once, he had grown used to it over time. That was probably why he felt so exposed when he walked into the building with flowers. There was something so raw and exposed about it - no matter how expensive his clothes or accessories were, it was hard to distract people from the bright sunflowers in his hand. He was wearing his feelings on his sleeve, and everyone knew who it was for.

This is stupid. So, so, so stupid. It was the only thought Aventurine let run through his brain. Every other thought was dedicated to the eyes on his back, the whispers that were following him. It was hard to ignore the flickering gazes and agape mouths when he walked by. He couldn’t blame them, though - he would also turn to look if someone was carrying such a big and eye-catching display of flowers. Why couldn’t Ratio like something darker? Something that didn’t attract the stare of every human possible when he walked by? Why couldn’t they meet in a library or something for lunch? He would happily buy an entire library for him.

Yeah, the handing out free magazines of himself thing was embarrassing, but this was taking the cake. At least when he was doing that, he just seemed egotistical. Nobody knew he was doing all of that to get one man to talk to him. But as he walked up to the bench with the flowers hidden behind his back, it was so painfully obvious that Aventurine was only looking for one man in particular.

He was early, so it made sense that Ratio wasn’t there.

What didn’t make sense was the sticky note stuck to the bench.

Aventurine kneeled, placing the flowers on the bench as he read it.

Dearest Aventurine,

Plans have changed. Meet me at my office instead.

I’ll be waiting.

Aventurine scoffed, standing up and taking back his flowers. Damn Ratio. Did Ratio forget about texts and calls? It would’ve saved Aventurine so much time, energy, and dignity if he didn’t have to walk to a lower floor and then go up again. Ratio was eccentric, but this was just inefficient.

It was Ratio’s fault that he had to deal with IPC employees smirking as they asked him who the flowers were for. He smiled back and asked them to guess, and if they weren’t a chicken, Ratio’s name was always the answer. Aventurine always knew everyone thought they were together, but people usually weren’t so direct like that. His best response was to laugh and ask them if they were jealous before rushing off. Really, if Ratio just remembered his drunken rants, all of this tomfoolery could all be skipped and they could be happy and-

“Aventurine!”

Oh man, Aventurine grumbled to himself, another IPC guy. He appreciated the sentiment that he was approachable enough that random IPC employees could quiz him about his behaviour, but this was becoming too much.

When he turned around, he was proven wrong. It was an Intelligentsia Guild member running up to him instead.

“Wow, Aventurine,” Jianyu panted, “Crazy seeing you here. What’s good?”

“It’s nice to see you too,” Aventurine greeted after a moment’s hesitation. Jianyu didn’t have to run to reach him; he wasn’t walking that fast, anyway.

“What brings you to the Intelligentsia Guild?” Jianyu asked. He finally caught his breath, standing up straight as he continued, “The library? The, uh, research labs?” With a tilt of his head, he asked, “The cafeteria? I heard they’re serving fish today, and Luna said it’s pretty good.”

“No, unfortunately not,” Aventurine shook the bouquet to make a point, “I’m here to see Ratio.”

Jianyu squinted at the flowers. “Oh, uh, which Ratio?”

“... What do you mean ‘which Ratio?’”

“I mean, you know,” Jianyu nodded wistfully, “There are many Ratios in this world. Which one are you looking for?”

Seriously, what is wrong with this guy? Aventurine asked himself.

Aventurine laughed despite his reservations, “There may be many Ratios in the world, but there’s only one here that I care for.”

“Oh, yeah,” he drew out the last syllable of his agreement, “Veritas Ratio. The doctor guy. He’s a bit busy right now, I think, but he’ll probably be finished in twenty minutes.” Quickly he blurted, “To pay back for your generosity last week, I could give you a tour of the library? It’s gigantic!”

“That’s very kind of you, but I think I’ll go and see him now.”

Though Jianyu let him pass, he wouldn’t let him walk to the office in peace. He stayed by Aventurine’s side, talking his ear off about how grand and impressive the library there was, and how he should really take a very quick detour with him to see it, and if the library isn’t good enough, then there’s the fish that’s being served in the cafeteria that Aventurine might like but don’t worry, it’s okay if he doesn’t like fish because they have vegetarian options too. Also, there was this really cool experiment being done in one of the labs on the very top floor Aventurine might like, it was about astrophysics, very cool all around, but if astrophysics wasn’t his thing then he could just show him cool chemicals mixing together. It was all one continuous stream of meaningless blabber, but the main thing occupying Aventurine’s mind was that the boy hadn’t stopped to take a breath for five minutes. It was pretty impressive, though very bothersome.

But he could deal with it a little while longer - he was finally in the home stretch. Hugging the bouquet tightly to his chest, Aventurine sped up a little as Jianyu’s rants got progressively faster and more nonsensical. Now he was talking about what kind of fish it was, as if Aventurine even expressed an interest in eating the fish in the first place.

Seeing the door to Ratio’s office had him speeding up, much to Jianyu’s distress. His words got more mumbled, his speech faster, his distractions more confusing. Ready to ram through the door and throw flowers in Ratio’s face, Aventurine reached for the door handle-

Duncan and Luna opened the door from the other side, blocking any view of the office. They stared at him blankly.

“Hi,” Aventurine said, a little confused, “Is Ratio free now?”

It took them a second to respond. Their eyes bounced from him to the bouquet and then to Jianyu who awkwardly stood behind him.

“Yep,” Duncan nodded, “Go on ahead!”

Duncan and Luna got out of his way, with Luna slamming the door. Aventurine would’ve liked to question their behaviour, but when he turned around, Duncan was dragging Jianyu by the ear as they turned the corner.

Maybe it was for the better they rushed off - he needed a moment to calm himself down. He held onto the bouquet with one hand, hoping it hasdn’t smushed. Aventurine breathed in, breathed out, and put his hand back on the door knob. Everything would be abundantly obvious the moment Ratio saw flowers. There was no mistaking Aventurine’s intentions after this one.

Aventurine pushed the door open.

Ratio’s office was smaller than his, but it felt cozier and warmer. Blankets were strewn around the small couch, completely unpacked bags next to the door, a picture frame on a bookshelf of his family. The mahogany desk was remarkably big, with a laptop pushed to the side so that everything else could fit.

Aventurine swallowed. On one side of the desk, Ratio sat nervously, sitting on an uncomfortable metal chair Aventurine knew originated from the cafeteria. On the other was his big, luscious office chair with a throw pillow for added comfort. It was empty, clearly expecting someone. A coffee cup was placed on the side of the empty chair, a glass of water on Ratio’s side. There was a bowl of pasta set in the middle, and two tiramisu slices off to the side.

Finally, his gaze settled on Ratio himself. He must have come straight from a lab; he was still donning a white lab coat and he had his safety goggles pushed up so he could wear his reading glasses without obstruction. He was beautiful as always, but something about mussed-up hair from pushed-up goggles and the thick sweater he had on was making Aventurine melt.

This is all for me, Aventurine realised breathlessly.

“Hi,” Ratio said, breaking the silence.

“Hey,” Aventurine greeted. The daunting realisation hit him - he had no idea what to do. In his idealised version of events in his head, he expected Ratio to take the flowers and barrage him with questions - his usual behaviour. Or maybe he would just smile and accept, and they could wordlessly move on with their relationship, whether it be by Ratio walking away or Ratio staying.

Aventurine didn’t expect an outcome where they were both trying to do the same thing. To be fair, Ratio had a million chances to make a move, why would Aventurine expect him to finally man up when he decided to take one for the team?

“Aven,” Ratio called out softly, his gaze transfixed on the bouquet. Quietly, Ratio stood up and walked to him.

“Aven,” Ratio repeated once more. He was less than a foot away, his fingers carefully caressing delicate petals, “Is this for me?”

It took a second to get a hold of his thoughts. “Who else would I be giving it to?” It wasn’t the best response, but also not the worst. Aventurine kicked himself mentally - but ultimately, how was he meant to think straight with Ratio so close? Paralysed fingers allowed Ratio to prise the bouquet off him slowly, leaving him grasping at nothing while Ratio hugged the flowers to his chest.

“What a coincidence,” Ratio marvelled. Without letting go of the flowers and without ever losing Aventurine’s attention, he leaned over his desk to grab something.

Roses. The same roses Lilly bought earlier.

“Veritas,” Aventurine began. He didn’t have an ending to the sentence in mind. He just looked between Ratio and the roses that were now secured in his arms. He probably looked stupid, his mouth hanging open like a fish as he tried to process everything. Ratio had given him roses and made a small, private space for them to have lunch together. It was so simple, but it was blowing him away.

It took him too long to create a sentence from the flurry of words in his mind. “You didn’t have to.”

Ratio chuckled. “I absolutely did,” with a fond smile, he continued, “You’ve been upstaging me for far too long now. I had to do something.”

“I had no idea you were so competitive.”

“I didn’t know either.”

With a cheeky smile, Aventurine looked up at Ratio, pressing his face against the roses, “Anything else you might want to admit?”

Ratio bit the inside of his cheek, eyes focusing somewhere else.

“I’m fond of you,” Ratio confessed.

No mumbling, no aversion of eye contact, no alcohol in his system. That was so much easier than he expected. Why didn’t he do this earlier? Right. He was stupid.

“... Though, you are rather flamboyant and unpredictable,” Ratio added hastily. Aventurine bit back a laugh; even now, with exchanged flowers and a matching blush on their cheeks, Ratio went out of his way to insult him, “But lucky for you, I find that I can look past your gaudiness. Above all else, you are cunning, intelligent, and most importantly, kind.”

Ratio had to breathe in deeply before he continued. “It’s admirable,” Ratio said, “Everything about you is. I would be lying if I claimed that you were not the subject of many of my personal curiosities.”

“You really are a bother,” Ratio declared. His jaw was clenched and his eyebrows furrowed after that declaration, but he continued to look at Aventurine. “When I should be working, I find myself preoccupied with talking to you. I’ve begun watching minutes tick by on the clock during meetings, because I know I’ll see you soon. Leaving you on Friday afternoons is more dreadful than waking up at six for a meeting.”

He swallowed. “I like you too much. You’ve infested my every thought and action, and it’s a bother to deal with alone.”

Ratio was spilling his heart out for Aventurine to mop up and there was only one thought was circulating his brain.

His goddamn fan club was right.

With his heart pounding in his ears, Aventurine smiled. “Then I suppose I have to take responsibility for my sins, then.”

The blush on Ratio’s face was furious, “That would be a wise decision.”

Ratio was too good for him. That was a fact. In no universe did Aventurine deserve his praise, his adoration, his love, or even a scrap of his attention from him. But he had it. It was reserved for him.

Aventurine bit his tongue. He had many words for Ratio, but his head was so scrambled with everything Ratio said that he couldn’t form coherent thoughts. His mind was just repeats of Ratio’s words, disbelief, and pure lovesickness. Ratio deserved special words, but he couldn’t think straight.

The best thing Aventurine could do was close the distance between them, hook a finger around his tie to drag him down, and while fighting the tremble in his hands, press a kiss against Ratio’s cheek.

When he let go, Ratio was as red as the roses Aventurine was holding.

“You-” Ratio stuttered, “Did you just-?”

Aventurine laughed and nodded. This fool. A stuttering, flustered mess over one kiss on the cheek. He shouldn’t judge him too harshly, though; if Ratio kissed him now, anywhere, Aventurine would lose his mind.

“I did,” Aventurine affirmed, “Because I like you too, Doc. A bit too much.”

‘A bit too much’ was an understatement, really. But perhaps it was good that Aventurine was at a loss for words - Ratio looked like he would explode if Aventurine did anything else.

◇─◇──◇─◇

It was almost surprising how easily they faded back into their usual dynamic. It felt like Aventurine’s entire universe had shifted when Ratio confessed, yet twenty minutes later, they were casually eating lunch at his desk. There were a few difference, though. Ratio hadn’t stopped smiling, his cheeks were still pink and he was even being playful. When Aventurine stepped on Ratio’s foot as a joke, he was usually met with a book to the head and a quick reminder on manners, but Ratio was in such a good mood that he was now kicking back while they calmly chatted.

“You got your kids to help you out, didn’t you?”

“You weren’t supposed to know that,” Ratio sighed. Aventurine must have ruined that great mind of his; Ratio didn’t complain about them being called ‘his kids,’ and he always corrected him on that. “But yes. They were very eager to help.”

“I noticed,” Aventurine laughed, “Jianyu was terrible at distraction. You ought to send someone else next time.”

“It was either him or Luna, and Luna looked petrified at the thought of it.”

“What about Duncan? I saw him leaving your office when I came by.”

“He was the one who bought your coffee,” Ratio gestured towards it, “He ran the whole way so he would beat you here. He was exhausted.”

“And Lilly bought the flowers?”

“Indeed,” Ratio confirmed, “But she failed to mention she saw you at the florist. All she said was that you were coming earlier than expected. You made us have to rush things.”

“If I remember correctly, it was you who kept scolding me to come earlier to things.”

“I hadn’t anticipated that you would listen to me so well,” Ratio said, “Considering you’re leaving for Penacony soon, I had taken into account that you would have more work than usual. I expected you to be arriving much later than you did, hence, Jianyu was meant to distract you.”

“I manage my time well,” Aventurine said, “I did some work at home so I could finish earlier.”

“To get the flowers?”

“Correct! Ten points,” Aventurine cheered, “I didn’t want to keep you waiting.”

“How sweet of you,” Ratio said, “Unfortunately, this was one of the days I relied on you being late.”

“What can I say? I aim to exceed your expectations.”

“And you deliver,” Ratio affirmed, “You’ve made your plans for Penacony already, right?”

Ah. Penacony. “Of course I have,” Aventurine crossed his arms and laid back in his seat, “I wouldn’t procrastinate to this extent.”

“I’m glad,” Ratio took a sip of water, “Tell me about it.”

“Hey, as someone not involved in the Penacony mission, I’ll have to respectfully decline-”

“Well, as someone involved with your affairs, I have to respectfully push for some answers out of you,” Ratio countered, “Knowing how you are, I don’t trust that you’ll be doing anything by the book.”

“Guilty as charged,” Aventurine sighed. Even if he wanted to tell Ratio everything, he couldn’t. Everything depended on the guests the Family invited and what they did in response to his actions, and without formally meeting them, he could guarantee nothing.

He could tell Ratio the basics, he supposed. Whatever was on the paper was available information, anyway.

“I’ve set up a meeting with Sunday from the Oak Family. It will be on the first day so I can get it out of the way,” Aventurine explained, “Topaz rejected my offer, so I got Skott to be the project manager-”

“Skott?”

Aventurine looked up to see an appalled Ratio.

“Yes, Skott.”

“The one that barked because he lost a bet to a teenager?”

“I’m very glad you listen to me when I ramble,” Aventurine said.

“... Are you serious?”

“What, that you listen to me while I talk?”

“No. Skott. You can’t be serious about using him.”

“I hate to break your bubble, but I’ve assigned it to him,” Aventurine sighed, “I’m aware that it’s an unexpected choice, considering his history, but I’m sure it will work out in my favour.”

Ratio gave him a judgemental stare. “Do you trust him?”

“I trust him to do as I expect.”

“But you don’t trust him,” Ratio pinched the bridge of his nose, “How can you expect to go far in this scheme when you don’t even trust your accomplices?”

“It’s not a matter of trust, Veritas,” Aventurine assured, “It’s a matter of predictability.”

“Your gambles never fail to worry me. You are too ready to bring someone you have no relationship with,” after a pause, Ratio added, “You’re better off bringing me instead.”

Aventurine blinked. Was he serious?

“Are you saying you’d like to join me in Penacony?”

“... Perhaps.”

“Aw, Veritas,” Aventurine cooed, “Do you miss me already? Are you worried about what the big bad Family might do to me?”

“You are such an annoyance,” Ratio said through gritted teeth, “The answer, clearly, is yes. I also don’t trust a man who barks at teenagers and I don’t trust you to not destroy yourself on this mission.”

“There are better ways to say that you care about me.”

The hardened glare Aventurine received told him that he was not getting another word out of Ratio. Not a fond one, anyway. He must have hit his limit for affection with the confession earlier.

“Gambler,” he stressed.

“Doctor,” Aventurine mimicked. It wouldn’t be horrendous to bring Ratio along. They had worked on many missions together before, and they never once failed. Ratio understood the subtext of every action and word Aventurine spoke and acted as he desired. And on the other hand, Aventurine could always trust on quick solutions and advice from him. To bring him to Penacony was a smart decision, really. But knowing the basic outline of his draft - well, it wasn’t something he was willing to play out with Ratio. Someone irrelevant like Skott, or someone who held him in contempt like Topaz, would be easier to deal with. Ratio’s kindness was too much.

But Ratio did have a point. Skott was untrustworthy and a fool. He would follow along his schemes unknowingly, but when compared to the many missions before that Ratio and Aventurine spent knowing every little detail about each other and the plan perfectly - it would be a downgrade for sure.

“Are you sure?” Aventurine asked, “Penacony won’t be as fun as they make it out on the ads.”

Ratio’s eyes lightened up at the knowledge that Aventurine was taking his offer seriously. “I’m certain.”

“It’s definitely last-minute, but as a Stoneheart, I can make the necessary changes happen.”

Ratio slumped back with relief. It wasn’t a major movement - it was the slightest of exhales escaping his lips, the smallest of shifts in his posture. It wouldn’t be detectable if Aventurine hadn’t spent so much time learning his body language.

“You are sure though, right?”

“To reiterate, I am certain,” despite his relief, Ratio gave him a stony glare, “Knowing that you and your gambles will be unsupervised in Penacony was troublesome enough.”

“Oh, so you’ll be supervising me?”

“Why would it be any other way?”

Aventurine laughed. “I’m just saying, you’re nowhere near responsible enough to be the supervisor if you take any amount of alcohol-”

“Oh, shut it.”

◇─◇──◇─◇

Aventurine truly was lucky. Not every man had the Dr Veritas Ratio in their passenger seat. As he started the engine, he cast a glance at Ratio, who was looking out the window. The sunset had painted the sky with magnificent colours, and it bounced off Ratio’s dark hair in the most pleasant of ways. The gold of his glasses and hairpin sparkled in the sunlight, and Aventurine made a note to himself - he had to buy him more gold things. He looked amazing in it.

Ratio turned and smirked when he saw him staring. “Do you plan on driving anytime soon?”

“On it,” Aventurine said as he began backing out of the parking space, “Just heading to the hotel?”

“Correct,” Ratio confirmed.

“How do you want to do payment? I don’t drive people around for free,” Aventurine teased.

“Payment?” Ratio repeated softly, as if it was a thought that slipped out of his brain, “I can do dinner. Would that be acceptable for you?”

Aventurine almost crashed the car.

Seemingly unaware of the effects of that statement, Ratio continued, “I don’t have room service that often, but from when I’ve had it, it’s been quite good. It’s up to your impossibly high standards, I believe. Or at least, it costs as much as most of your meals.”

“I think I can make do with that,” Aventurine said as casually as possible, as if he wasn’t tapping his fingers on the wheel with anticipation or bouncing his leg with anxiety, “That sounds quite nice, actually.”

“So my ‘payment’ is acceptable?”

Aventurine nodded eagerly. “Very.”

Aventurine basically leaped out of the car and sprinted to Ratio’s side so he could open the car door for him.

“That was stupid,” Ratio commented, despite being amused by it.

“It’s quality service where I come from,” Aventurine bantered.

Aventurine let Ratio lead the way from the parking lot into the lobby, where they passed by the large fountain. It was bigger than he expected, with drops of water hitting them every once in a while. When Ratio noticed, he moved Aventurine away from the fountain and walked on the side closest to it.

“You haven’t learned your lesson from last time?” Aventurine asked.

“It seems not,” Ratio answered.

They walked together to the elevator, where Ratio swiped a card and pressed the number three. The hopped in the middle elevator, where Ratio leaned against the cold metal walls. Aventurine stayed close - though there was nobody else sharing the space, Aventurine couldn’t help but want to stay nearby.

“You’re more direct than I expected,” Aventurine said, “Bringing me to your place already?”

Ratio gave him a knowing look. “I went to your place first.”

“I wouldn’t say that counts,” Aventurine reasoned, “That was before, you know, all this.” He gestured between the two of them. When Ratio tilted his head in confusion, Aventurine sighed. “You know. Whatever we are.”

Ratio blinked. To his credit, this wasn’t the kind of conversation suited to hotel elevators.

“I always thought,” Ratio said slowly as he tried to gouge Aventurine’s reaction, “that the most logical step after this was a relationship. As partners,” he clarified quickly.

Aventurine wanted to scream. In a good way, of course. He wanted to punch the air and thank every Aeon that could be watching them talk in this shitty little elevator. “I’m not objecting to that,” Aventurine said as nonchalantly as humanly possible, “I’m actually in favour of the idea.”

“Then I’m glad we’ve come into an agreement.”

Their agreement was probably why Ratio held his hand before they stepped out of the elevator. With what little lucid thoughts he had running through his mind, he figured that by the time the doors opened, he would let go. But no; his grip remained firm, their fingers intertwined as Ratio guided them to his hotel room.

“Don’t get any funny ideas, gambler,” Ratio said as he unlocked the door. He still refused to let go of his hand - how cute.

“I have none,” Aventurine reassured. It was a bit hard to think of anything naughty or smart to say back when Ratio’s hand was so warm and fit so perfectly around his.

He let Ratio lead him into the room, and the door shut behind them softly.

Chapter Text

It took everything in Ratio to not call out Aventurine’s name and steady him. As Aventurine walked, he swayed from side to side, occasionally clutching his head as the Harmony infected his body and mind. By the time Aventurine had stopped walking - a moment to himself to catch his breath from the onslaught - Ratio finally caught up to him. He gritted his teeth before he spoke.

“You look pale. Or is that also part of your act?”

Aventurine looked up at him blearily. The surprise was evident in his features; the slight raise of his brows, the smallest step back. “Didn’t think you’d have the nerve to show yourself,” Aventurine muttered. He looked at him suspiciously, trying to understand what Ratio was doing.

It didn’t take a genius to conclude that Aventurine wanted him gone after Sunday’s curse. And he was going to make his exit and busy himself somewhere else since that seemed to be what Aventurine wanted for him. Ratio had played his role dutifully, and there was no more reason that he should stick around for the shitshow that was Penacony.

He knew that was what Aventurine was thinking; he wanted Ratio out as soon as possible. But Ratio didn’t want to leave.

Ratio, you wretch.

He shivered at the memory.

“I thought this was exactly what you wanted. After all, I faithfully fulfilled my duties as you instructed,” Ratio reminded him cautiously. Sunday was watching, and Ratio was well aware of that threat. Aventurine had placed strict instructions for their interactions; never longer than necessary, never friendly, and never revealing anything. This was breaking all three.

“Just tell me if you can’t hold on any longer,” Ratio offered, lowering his voice slightly.

Aventurine’s eyes darted around, looking for that godforsaken crow that had been stalking them everywhere. “So, the ‘genius’ of the Council of Mundanites wants to be my undertaker now? My… what an honour,” Aventurine said sharply. Ratio was doing too much, saying too much - after another stern glare from Aventurine, Ratio reeled it in. It was selfish, wasn’t it, to put his values before Aventurine’s wishes? Yes, but when Aventurine glowered at him after his betrayal, Ratio couldn’t even face him. Logically, this was Aventurine’s plan, and he was doing everything he wanted. But, Gods, did it hurt.

“Yeah, and I’m pretty sure the people at the Strategic Investment Department would love to be notified of your death in due time, but let’s not forget you won’t be seeing them, because I’m the manager of this task,” Ratio said. Aventurine looked relieved now that he had pushed his affections aside.

“Great, then tell your people that Aventurine is ready to go in seventeen system hours.”

“You’ve got a lot of nerve - how exactly do you plan on completing your task while your hands are tied by the Harmony?” Ratio asked. He had an idea of what Aventurine would do. His fascination with that Emanator, the cornerstone in his bag - Ratio had grim ideas of what Aventurine had in mind. If Aventurine could soothe that worry, things could be a bit easier.

“My conversation with Sunday convinced me that there’s a traitor in The Family, and that they hold the secrets of Penacony… So, I took the opportunity to set everything in motion,” Aventurine began. Ratio was glad that he was entertaining him. Though he didn’t expect the full story, he was happy to know a sliver of what was running through his mind. “I even managed to recover the gift money. Things haven’t gone this smoothly since I walked through the doors of The Reverie… Now, I’m only one step away from victory. Let’s just wait and see.”

Ratio scoffed. “Sounds like a very elaborate way of saying that you failed.”

“That’s all I can say. Have you forgotten, Doctor? You betrayed me,” Aventurine scowled. It was that same tone, that same look on his face - he truly was a brilliant actor. Ratio really did feel hurt.

Aventurine waved him away. “Go, do what you must. I look forward to the sight of the IPC fleet surrounding Penacony. You’ve achieved what you desired, haven’t you?”

Honestly, Ratio couldn’t give less of a shit about the Stellarons.

“That’s true, but what’s your plan?” Ratio asked hastily. Aventurine must hate him right now; seventeen system hours left and Ratio was stealing precious minutes from him. “Did you conceal an Orbital Support beacon in that gift money bag?”

“Well, who knows? Maybe that’s why I’m handing out cash even when I’m about to bite the dust,” Aventurine said.

Ratio bit his lip. He understood. It was his time to leave. He was never invited to this scene, and he was unwelcome to stay for long. “... You are indeed a gambler - an insane one at that.”

“Well, maybe I am. Who knows?” Aventurine said. There was a mournful smile on his lips, and Ratio took some comfort in it. At least any pain could be shared. They would be miles apart, but at least that feeling could bond them together.

Ratio feared that he would have to leave Aventurine’s side. He always knew it was a possibility, but he dreaded that it would come to fruition. He had optimistically hoped that it wouldn’t come to this. He would prefer to stand by him and help him no matter what, but if Aventurine wished him to leave, he would.

Ratio fetched something from his pocket, pressing it into the palm of Aventurine’s hand. He savoured the warmth radiating from him, the softness of his skin in that small second they were allowed to share.

“Fine,” Ratio said. He could hear the bitterness and defeat in his voice as he gave Aventurine the vial, “Here, take this. Open it when you’re on your last legs. You’ll thank me.”

“What’s this…? Medical advice?” Aventurine asked nobody. Greeted by cold air and silence, Aventurine sighed. “You catch on quickly, Doc,” he cooed, pocketing the vial.

◇─◇──◇─◇

Ratio couldn’t bear to stick around any longer. The coldness, the guilt, the distance between them; all of it was slowly eating him from the inside out. He didn’t even know where he was walking to. Somehow, he had made it to the main street of Golden Hour. People were busking by the sidewalk, drunkards on SoulGlad were tripping over themselves, and happy families were buying treats from the vendors.

Ratio wasn’t sure if he should stick around. Aventurine had made it clear that he wanted him out of Golden Hour for the next act. It was probably because Aventurine wanted to protect him from what he was about to do. Even though he trusted Aventurine, doubt festered in his stomach. Memories of his glare, his words, his annoyance; it was all becoming a bit hard to endure.

Ratio shouldn’t think like that. He really should not. Aventurine’s performance was nothing more than a show, an act, a facade. The real Aventurine, the one he grew so fond of over the years, would never look at him like that.

Right?

“Hey, hey,” a voice sang. It was a female’s voice; light and smooth, almost sickeningly saccharine. “Mr Smarty Pants, where are you headed off to?”

Ratio turned to find a petite young woman smiling up at him. She had dark hair tied into pigtails and a kitsune mask sat on an angle on the top of her head. Her pink eyes scrutinised him, seemingly picking apart every detail of his appearance in her mind. Ratio felt exposed as her gaze slowly swept his figure, a cold chill running down his spine once she finally made eye contact.

“And who might you be?” Ratio asked firmly, crossing his arms. He already had a good idea who this girl was. She perfectly matched the description of that person Aventurine had complained of ages ago. The kitsune mask she donned, the mischievous smile, the piercing gaze - it had to be that Masked Fool Aventurine warned him about.

“The name is Sparkle, but I’m sure a little peacock told you that already.”

“Clever, aren’t you?” Ratio said. The girl couldn’t mean anything but trouble, and he’d rather not talk to a Fool like herself about his current situation, “I don’t plan on wasting any more time here than I have to, so if you’d excuse me-”

“Don’t rush off yet! Your friend’s performance is about to start, and lucky for you, I have the best seats in the house,” Sparkle waved something in front of him, “Aren’t you curious to see what happens next?

In truth, Ratio was. He had his suspicions about what Aventurine was planning, and he was(unfortunately) probably correct. His curiosity did not surround the contents of the plan, but rather, the outcome. Though Aventurine was notorious for his luck, he feared the day it would run out on him. And if the worst were to happen, Ratio would prefer to be there to see it for himself, rather than hear the news through someone else later.

No. Aventurine made it abundantly clear that he didn’t want Ratio present for what would happen next-

“Alright,” Ratio said. When Aventurine came back, Ratio would just tell him he woke up and continued working on Divergent Universe with Screwllum. Aventurine didn’t have to know he disobeyed him. Besides, it wasn’t like watching what happened next was going to detriment his plan in any way - it was more for their peace of mind. “I’ll entertain you, Fool.”

Sparkle grinned ear to ear and began skipping away.

◇─◇──◇─◇

A bar.

The ‘best seats in the house’ was a bar for Masked Fools.

With a clenched jaw, Ratio followed Sparkle as she bounced past laughing drunks who raised their glasses in celebration of nothing. She waved to a tall, dark-haired man who was in the midst of pickpocketing someone, alerting the victim to his misdeeds. Ratio sped up as the tall man fled the scene, the person he failed to steal from getting progressively more disruptive as they tried to chase the pickpocketer. He averted his gaze from a couple who were doing it against a well-lit wall, but that meant he was looking at someone hysterically laugh as they lit their hair on fire.

Needless to say, Ratio stuck closely to Sparkle. It was hard to do - she was a short girl moving fast, but lucky for him, he could spot her dark hair swinging as she hopped away.

Sparkle jumped onto a stool at the edge of the bar. Only a few people were hanging around, and most of them were busy doing their misdeeds or watching the crappy television hanging from the ceiling. It was far enough away from the main entrance where all the antics were taking place, but it did mean that more questionable people lurked in the shadows. So while they weren’t facing the fear of being set on fire on accident, it did mean that Ratio was sure that the red-eyed man he brushed past on the way was probably high on numerous drugs.

“You don’t belong in places like these, don’t you?” Sparkle sighed, “People like you are no fun. Besides, you followed me in here, so stop frowning and get used to it.”

“You offered,” Ratio countered. It was a stupid argument, and he was well aware of it. In truth, he was not just curious about her invitation, she herself intrigued him; Aventurine had told him that she knew too much about what was happening in Penacony.

“It could just be the usual Masked Fool antics,” Aventurine had said days prior, “But I think she’s been sent here for a reason, something bigger than the usual fool debauchery, you know?” He put his sunglasses on - it was an accessory he was beginning to wear more often now that they were in Penacony. “If you do have the misfortune of meeting her, avoid her. Run away if you have too. All she wants is to cause trouble. I’m not sure what kind of trouble, but it’s not the normal kind.”

And it would seem Aventurine’s suspicions were correct. After all, why would Sparkle invite him, of all people, to the ‘best seats in the house’? Why was she aware that Aventurine had something up his sleeve at that moment?

“Hey! Bartender!” Sparkle yelled as she waved them over, “An old fashioned for me, and…” She looked at Ratio expectantly.

“Water-”

“Oh Aeons, you’re as boring as I thought you’d be,” Sparkle laughed. With a mischievous smile, she ordered, “One strawberry milkshake for him, please and thank you.”

Ratio frowned as the bartender walked away to prepare the drinks. He wasn’t going to drink anything from here, even if it was just water. Not only were the people very… rowdy, but he didn’t trust Sparkle for the life of him.

“If I’m so boring, pray tell, why would you extend your invite to me?” Ratio asked, “I’m sure there are many other people in Penacony who would be better company.”

Sparkle sighed dramatically. “That thief Sampo is going back to Belliebottom or whatever it’s called, and that dear memokeeper of mine is busy dancing with someone else. Blondie is getting ready for his show, and chicken wing boy has shooed me off until further notice. So now I’m stuck with you.”

“There’s nothing wrong with watching alone,” Ratio offered, “Moments alone are vital for self-reflection.”

Sparkle rolled her eyes. “Mmm, no. It’ll be more entertaining to watch next to you. Besides, I know a little secret about that little boyfriend of yours.”

Ratio looked at her suspiciously. He shouldn’t bite - she was a trickster, a jester, a fool. But despite that, he found himself curious and prodding. “... Go on.”

“Did you know he was invited to the tavern?” Sparkle asked. Ratio’s expression must have spoke for himself, as she happily continued. “Had he accepted, he could’ve been friends with little old me! It’s such a pity he declined.”

Aventurine, a Masked Fool. It wasn’t the most unbelievable thing in the world. With his luck and his risks, he would fit the bill of how they acted. How they thought, however-

“What, don’t believe me?” Sparkle interrupted, “I mean, take a look around. There’s even a casino downstairs. Ugh, I really don’t get why he would say no. He would’ve fit right in with us. Instead of that dusty old man Sampo, I could’ve had Aventurine by my side here. That would’ve been an interesting present, huh?”

‘Fit right in with us’ were words that made Ratio sick. The casino and bar may have been his scene, but the thought of him truly befriending Sparkle, someone he recounted stories of such cruelty about was ridiculous. Ratio crossed his arms. “I won’t deny that he might find some solace in this atmosphere,” he began slowly, holding her in contempt, “But don’t say he would fit right in with you. You and him are nothing alike.”

Sparkle laughed and took her mask off, holding it in her hands before she used it to cover half her face. The mask stared at him, unsmiling and cold. The half of Sparkle’s face Ratio could see grinned at him from behind the mask.

“This mask is my life, Doc. Just like that smile on your blondie!” Sparkle giggled, “You’ve spent so much time with him. Surely you know that there’s nothing behind that fake smile of his. We’re nothing more than puppets with shifting faces. This mask has complete reign over me, and the IPC has your boy locked up for good.”

“Just because your life has been swallowed up by your facade does not mean his has.”

“In denial, Doc? I saw you, close to tears, walking down Golden Hour ‘til I came up and fetched you. Gods, I used to wonder why a smarty pants like you hadn’t made it into the Genius Society, but if you can’t see something as straightforward as this, then you really are too stupid to get in.”

Nails dug into his palm. He was fine with questions and jabs about the Genius Society - he was over it. He swore he was over it. When colleagues asked, he spun it into a lecture of his realisation that humanity depended too much on higher-ups. When Aventurine teased, he rolled his eyes and sighed. But this time was different. He felt his blood boil and his cheeks redden with shame when she said that. Sparkle said it with venom on her tongue, and it stung.

“Don’t you see?” Sparkle continued. Her voice had darkened, “You’re just a pawn in his game. Only a puppet would be so heartless as to cast your feelings aside for this. He’s just chasing his next high like everybody else here, and he’s roped you deep into his web of lies.”

“That’s enough from you,” Ratio warned, “Aventurine may have been invited to your tavern, but he is nothing like you. I’ve agreed to my role in his plan. When it comes to him, I can trust he has a bigger picture in mind. He is planning something grand, something that you could never dream of achieving.”

“Oh, so he’s got you good! You believe every bit of it!” Sparkle hollered as she clapped excitedly.

“A scholar, such as myself, am naturally critical when it comes to my beliefs. I’ve made my judgement of him through my many interactions with him, and I’ve chosen to stand beside him.”

The bartender returned with their drinks, and pushed the old fashioned towards Sparkle who immediately began sipping, and the milkshake to Ratio who ignored it.

“That memokeeper reminds me of you. Graceful, entertaining, distinguished…” Sparkle cooed, “Yet dangerous. I’m itching to destroy somebody like her, but if she wants to ruin me, I’m all for it.” Sparkle raised her glass in the air, as if waiting for him to clink glasses with her, “Doesn’t that remind you of you and your little peacock? I mean, he’s dragged you along for all this time, and you’re so obviously depressed about it. He’s going down, and if he’s anything like me, he’s bringing you down with him.” Finally understanding that he would, in no universe, ever clink glasses with her, she brought the drink to her lips. “How romantic of him.”

“Aventurine wouldn’t,” Ratio asserted. For as much as Ratio had been trying to look out for Aventurine, Aventurine had been doing the same. Warning him of Sparkle, telling him to leave - Ratio may be having trouble coming to terms with the cruelty Aventurine spoke to him with, but that didn’t erase everything else. What happened in Penacony stayed in Penacony, and Ratio knew that they were more than the fake act they had mustered for the past week.

“You won’t find a friend nor a confidant in him, Fool. You and him are not the same. Unlike you, there’s substance behind his smile. He actually cares for the people he respects and he does not think of them as puppets to play with,” Ratio gave her a disgusted stare, “I’m glad he isn’t present at the moment. To be compared to you is the biggest insult of them all.”

Widened eyes stared at him. He must have shaken her - her blabbering mouth had shut up for a few precious seconds. Unfortunately, Sparkle regained her composure with a sad smile that caught Ratio off-guard. “You deserve the title of fool more than me. ‘Sparkle’ and ‘Aventurine’ are sugary personas for the both of us, and you’ve fallen for that trap hook, line, and sinker.”

Sparkle cleared her throat and pointed at the television. The program before had been some random sitcom about the government. It had since changed to what looked like a livestream of a Masked Fool who was filming in Golden Hour.

“Why don’t we call a truce for now?” Sparkle said with a grin, a stark contrast to her previous melancholy. It gave him whiplash, the way her voice changed from grim to elated in a flash. “When he breaks your heart, you can meet me in the tavern. If you say Sparkle invited you, they’ll either let you pass or shoot your brains out. Equally good options, in my opinion. You would look good dead and bleeding, Mr Smarty Pants.”

Before he could interject her insane comments, she pointed at the television. “Now, let’s call a truce. Watch what happens, Veritas.”

Veritas. Ratio gave her a disgusted look.

“Doctor,” Ratio clarified, “It’s doctor to you.”

“Not my first time hearing that one,” Sparkle said with an unbothered smile. She grabbed her drink and focused her attention on the television. She took occasional sips as she swung her legs back and forth like a child, excited for their favourite show to come on.

The video changed from facing the Masked Fool - a girl with a confused expression - to zooming into the faraway sky above Clock Studios Theme Park. It took some time focusing; through the blur, Ratio could only just make out what looked like golden clouds in the sky, small figures aiming at something. Red soared through the air, blue and pink burst from below, and Ratio could see the camera shake as the streamer desperately tried to make the camera focus. With enough shakes, the footage became clear.

Ratio’s heart sunk at the sight. He recognised the effects of the aventurine cornerstone; it had been only one time years ago, and it was only a brief sighting of it, but he couldn’t forget it. The golden claws that pierced through threats, the inhumane strength he fought with, the way he towered over everyone. He only needed to spend seconds in that form to scare everyone away.

Gods, Ratio thought to himself. Aventurine did what he thought he would do. He took a deep breath in as he tugged on his hair. He should look away - Aventurine made it so clear and so obvious that he didn’t want Ratio to stick around and he should’ve listened to him. But he couldn’t tear his eyes off the screen. Even if he knew that Aventurine didn’t want him to see this, did it really change anything? He would’ve heard about it sooner or later, whether it be from newspaper headlines, Topaz, or even Sunday himself.

Ratio cringed when a blast of fire was sent in Aventurine’s direction and he only barely dodged it. Gold coins rained from the sky and Ratio could only hope the Astral Express had been able to avoid them. Soft fits of giggles from beside him were the only thing to take his focus off the battle.

Ratio gave Sparkle the meanest glare he could muster.

“This is exactly what I meant earlier,” she cooed, twirling her index finger through dark hair, “He’s ruined you. I’m quite envious of him now. If only I had Black Swan cry over me like he’s making you cry over him. I’ll have to take a page out of his book.”

“Is this why you brought me here?” Ratio asked, his gaze drifting between her malicious smile and the television, “To kick a dog while it’s down?”

“Partially,” Sparkle grinned, “That peacock won’t be able to see this sight for himself, so I decided to see his effects on you myself.”

“Finding joy in other’s despair,” Ratio remarked about her, “I pity you.”

“I feel like that sentiment should be reversed. You’re the one worrying over someone who doesn’t deserve nor care for it.”

“But between us two, you’re the one twisting something as simple as love for manipulation. What an exhausting existence that must be.”

“Love?” Sparkle laughed, “Can puppets feel love?”

“I wouldn’t know,” Ratio said, “And Aventurine wouldn’t know, either.”

He turned his attention back to the screen, ignoring any more attempts at provocation from Sparkle. Her insistence that she and Aventurine were the same was anything but true. Aventurine would never see a worried man and begin laughing at their anxiety and mocking them. And though Sparkle may be nothing without her mask, Ratio had witnessed his fair share of moments when Aventurine’s fake smile came crashing down. Years ago, they were on some faraway planet doing some arbitrary project, and Ratio remembered being cut by something. The mask dropped then - Ratio had seen the genuine fear on Aventurine’s face as he hurriedly tried to patch him up. Or more recently, he had seen his forced smile be replaced by a genuine one. When he gave him that stupidly sweet coffee, when they were alone, when they went on their dates - maybe Sparkle was nothing more than a Masked Fool, but Aventurine would always be more than an IPC worker.

Stelle launched herself towards Aventurine as March 7th shot her ice towards him. He dodged the ice and swatted Stelle away, but looked up to see an attack from Himeko being shot down towards him. Ratio gasped when Aventurine didn’t escape that sudden attack. He could hear a snort to his left, undoubtedly from Sparkle, so he straightened his back as he kept watching. Aventurine seemed to be okay - thank Qlipoth he had some of Preservation’s power at his side. What he mistook to be golden clouds earlier turned out to be golden coins that poured down on Aventurine’s command, slowly tipping and beginning to fall like the raindrops-

The world slowed down. Seconds stretched longer than they should have. Ratio could feel his muscles contract as his fists became tighter, he could feel the slight furrow of his brow when he realised that time had seemingly slowed. In his peripheral vision, Sparkle’s kicking legs had grown slower, as if she was being slowed by water.

When the world resumed back to normal speed, a ghastly wind howled by the bar, a chorus of gasps and surprised laughter following it. The streamer had been knocked over by the winds, and as they slowly got up, they faced the camera back at the sky.

No Aventurine. Where Aventurine once was now replaced by a single streak of red in the sky.

Ratio wanted to vomit.

◇─◇──◇─◇

Weakly, Ratio pulled himself out of the dreambath. He stumbled as he got out, his tight grip on a nearby table the only reason he didn’t fall. The feeling of sickness had disappeared now that he was awake and exposed to the stale air of his hotel room in the Reverie. Ratio dragged a hand through his hair, occupying himself momentarily with undoing any tangles.

With his fascination with Death in the Dreamscape, Ratio had been able to put two and two together and figure out what kind of scene he wanted to create. With an opening like this, Jade and Topaz could easily swoop in from there. Jade was an expert in acting during crises; it was only natural that she would be attracted to this project now. And for the snake that Jade could act like, Topaz was perfect at balancing her out. With her genuine goodwill, the Family would be more inclined to agree with whatever contract Jade formulated.

Of course it was a smart plan; Aventurine was the one who formulated it after all. But still, Ratio couldn’t help but despise that Aventurine could come up with no other option than risking his own life. The hotel notepad Ratio had scribbled on the night before - that note had been a last-ditch effort. He had been hoping that Aventurine wouldn’t have to do such a thing; with the ‘death’ of that stowaway and Robin, Ratio thought exposing that would be enough, but as time went on it became clear that it wouldn’t be. Aventurine planned on using himself as an example.

So, what was he meant to do now? Just wait around for Aventurine to return? How long would that even take?

Ratio had little doubt that Aventurine’s luck would run out. The only issue was waiting for him to come back.

… He should take a bath. That always helped him clear his mind.

Ratio never used to bring his phone into the bathroom with him when he went for a bath; it was a new habit he developed ever since Aventurine began texting him at random hours of the day. He debated bringing it with him - if the entire point of bringing his phone with him was for Aventurine, what was the point of doing it now - but ultimately, he supposed it wouldn’t hurt to bring it along. Ratio might get a work call or something. It was still important for reasons like that.

He grabbed his phone from the bedside table and nearly dropped it when it turned on.

Aven: Hey, Doc.

With trembling fingers, Ratio pressed on the notification.

Aven: This is a scheduled message, so I’m sorry if I got your hopes up. When this text arrives, the conflict should have ended.

Aven: Thank you for being my project manager. You didn’t have to do that for me.

Aven: I didn’t have much free time while in Penacony, but I did have enough to do some shopping. I’ve left you some gifts as thanks in my room. You’ll find my keycard in your pocket already, don’t think too hard about how it got there.

Aven: Room 0417. I’m sure you remember, but I’d like to be sure you know so you get there first. I’m not sure the things I bought would be suited for someone like Topaz, for example.

Aven: Once again, thank you, Veritas. I mean it.

Ratio put his hand in his pocket and sure enough, a black keycard was there. Aventurine must have slipped it in when he wasn’t looking. When that was, he had no idea, but he held it to the light and smiled. Gifts, huh? Ratio thought fondly, ever the generous soul.

◇─◇──◇─◇

Cautiously, Ratio pushed the door to Aventurine’s room open.

He had visited a few times before, and each time, he was greeted with a smiling Aventurine. Champagne would be offered, and Ratio would navigate through the messy room to the couch he was sure Aventurine kept clear just for him. The fireplace was always going, warming up the room, and the lights were always as bright as possible. The crackle of the fire, Aventurine’s chatter, the messiness of the room - Aventurine had made the hotel room his own.

There were no lights on. The only light was the golden light from the hallway and the soft blue lights around the dreambath. Other than that, everything was grey. The mess around his room had been tidied up. He was no longer traipsing through piles of newly bought clothes or gadgets, no longer berating Aventurine for leaving his suitcase wide open in the most inconvenient of places - everything was clean now. It was quiet, too. Ratio’s footsteps were impossibly loud against the carpeted floor as he slowly approached the dreambath.

With bated breath, Ratio peered into the dreambath.

Aventurine lay there, asleep. With relief, Ratio exhaled as he saw the slow rise and fall of his chest. Aventurine seemed troubled like he was at the beginning of a nightmare, but he was there, in front of him. He was floating in the dreambath, right in front of Ratio, breathing. It was hard to fight the urge to get in there with him. As unlikely as it was, Ratio wondered if he fell asleep by his side, would he wake in whatever plane Aventurine was roaming?

But Aventurine had sent him here for something else. He had already disobeyed his wishes when he stayed back at Golden Hour - he should make up for that by looking for those gifts. But once he had them, surely Aventurine wouldn’t mind if he lingered in the room for a while longer.

There were three suitcases he didn’t recognise. The only one he knew Aventurine brought with him was the garishly golden one. “It matches my phone case!” Aventurine had said after Ratio gave him a critical look. He had rolled his eyes in response - that did not change the fact it was an eyesore to look at. The other three suitcases, thankfully, were much less gaudy. Two of them were purple, and the other one was black. With a sigh, Ratio zipped open the black one.

There wasn’t too much inside, but Ratio could easily recognise that these were gifts for people who were not him. A flat but big hat was packed on one side, a bunch of pet toys on the other. Jade and Topaz, Ratio assumed. Aventurine had informed him that Topaz had already arrived at Penacony and that Jade would join her soon enough - he would deliver the presents to them then.

The other two suitcases were bulky. With a grunt, Ratio laid one of them down and unzipped it. He stared at the contents for a good few seconds.

This one is for me, was the only thought in Ratio’s astounded head, this one is definitely for me.

Bathrobes, soaps, rubber duckies, shampoos, conditioners, bath bombs, oils - and that was only what he could see. Gingerly, Ratio lifted some of the items Aventurine had packed on the top. And Gods, there was more. Hair and skin products, perfumes and colognes, every colour of eyeliner that was feasibly possible. Didn’t Aventurine say he didn’t have much time to do shopping? That liar, how could Ratio ever be prepared for a gift of this magnitude? He threw an annoyed look towards the dreambath, hoping that Aventurine, wherever he was, would feel his judgement. Continuing to dig through the contents (and continuing to be appalled by the sheer amount of items Aventurine had managed to purchase and fit into his suitcase), Ratio found a small note at the bottom of it all.

Might have gone a little overboard on this. Don’t think about refunding anything, though. I threw away all the receipts so it seems like you’ll have to use it all so they don’t go to waste. Pity.
- Aven

Bastard, Ratio scoffed, putting the note back where it belonged. Even if he were to try and use everything Aventurine had given him, it would take him a lifetime to use it all. Aventurine had to return now - Ratio needed someone to help him finish all of these products. Ratio counted all the rubber ducks. Why did Aventurine gift him sixteen of them? Gods, Aventurine was basically asking Ratio to save some products for him with the sheer amount he bought.

And oh Aeons, Ratio hadn’t even opened the second suitcase. It was just as heavy and bulky as the first. Considering they were the same colour, it seemed likely that it might be addressed to him, too. His conjecture was correct; it didn’t take much analysis to figure that everything in this suitcase was for him.

Books, clothes, snacks. All of the books were classic fiction that he didn’t have the time to read because he was too busy working or reading anything else. He flipped open the page of the book on top - a novel called Catch-22 - and smiled when he saw Aventurine’s handwriting.

You didn’t have this one on your ‘to read’ list, but I did a book recommendation quiz a while back and I got this book. Obviously, I used my preferences and not yours, and we both know I’m not an avid reader, so I’m expecting that you’ll read this for me and tell me how it goes. Or not. Do what you will.
- Aven

Out of curiosity, he flipped to the front page of the other books. All of them had a similar note from Aventurine. Curious, he dug through the other suitcase - scribbled on the boxes of products were notes from him. On the back of a box containing mousse was a note talking about how Aventurine used that product too, and he was always curious if it would work on Ratio. On the box of black eyeliner were a few words about how he knew this wasn’t the colour he went for, but hey, couldn’t hurt to buy it anyway. On two of the sixteen rubber ducks, Aventurine had doodled Ratio’s laurel headpiece on one and sunglasses on the other.

As Ratio kept looking through the contents, he found himself sighing once again at the clothes. He never should have sent Aventurine his measurements. There were too many shirts and pants and coats and jewellery and - Ratio laughed - socks for his own good. Aventurine had essentially bought him an entire new wardrobe. As Ratio stared in disbelief at the price tag of a simple dress shirt, a familiar scent caught his attention. A warm scent, a bit spicy with notes of tobacco and cinnamon. Ratio pressed the shirt against his face, breathing in deeply. That gambler must have sprayed some of his cologne on it, as a little surprise just for Ratio. It was probably his way of enticing him to wear it.

It wasn’t hard to see why Aventurine had spent so much on him. In the worst-case scenario where he never returned, he must have wanted to make sure Ratio was taken care of through all these over-the-top gifts. Still clutching the shirt, Ratio let the familiar scent calm him. The idea that Aventurine could disappear had gotten him worked up. He let the scent consume him until any shuddering breaths steadied and until cloudy vision became clear again. No wonder Aventurine had bought so many books for him. He probably wanted to make sure he would be distracted for as long as he could.

Finally, Ratio folded the shirt and put it back in the suitcase. He walked to the dreambath and slowly entered it, trying his best not to disturb the still water. Ratio did not lie down - he didn’t want to sleep yet. Instead, he sat next to an unconscious Aventurine and gently pried his left hand out of a fist so he could hold it. He ignored the icy skin, focusing instead on how it would warm up over time.

Aventurine would come back. Aventurine’s luck would continue to aid him throughout his journey, no matter where he was. And if not luck, then it would be his kindness, his intelligence, his charisma, or any other aspect of that man’s character that would lead him out and back here.

Ratio would just have to wait. The gifts probably had two purposes; if Aventurine had ceased, they would make sure Ratio was still well-off. If Aventurine still breathed, and that he did, Ratio would have a distraction until he returned.

Aventurine’s hand was warm now. Warm enough that when Ratio pressed a light kiss to his fingers, he did not feel the sting of the cold. For now, Ratio didn’t need anything to distract him. He was perfectly content to hold his lover’s hand as he waited.

◇─◇──◇─◇

Every breath took effort.

Breathing was not subconscious anymore; Aventurine had to focus on telling his lungs to take in air. He had to pace it right; not so fast he was hyperventilating, and not so slow that he would choke. He focused on the expanse of his chest with every inhale, how he could feel himself deflate with every exhale. It felt like he was trapped under a heap of thick blankets - the oxygen wasn’t quite enough, so he found himself choking on nothing every now and again.

Aventurine needed to open his eyes. When he finally woke up, where would he be? He prayed it would be in his hotel room. He missed the warm oranges from the fireplace, the soft blues of the dreambath. The last colour he saw was the reds and silvers of the Knight of Beauty who found him, the last sound that he heard being the knight’s deep and fond voice, encouraging him to go on.

“Fear not anymore. When the day breaks for you, I pray you will find the Beauty in everything you do, see, and hear. But while darkness consumes us both, allow me to return you to where you belong. Rest now, until the light shines through.”

Treading in that nothingness ached him. To touch anything that wasn’t the stale water, to see something that wasn’t the pitch black that surrounded him, to hear anything that wasn’t silence, to feel something that wasn’t cold - Aventurine wanted to wake up. He needed to wake up.

He breathed. He tried his best to open his eyes. They were heavy, and it was taking strength he didn’t have to open them. Aventurine was so tired, but to see light again, to bask in warmth again, to talk to people again, to see him again - he could keep pushing. Aventurine steadied his breath again. And then he tried again.

Light came through in a sliver. Maybe he was desperate, but he swore that was the same warm lights from his Reverie room.

Breathing became easier. The air was lighter, the oxygen levels were higher. He could breathe without having to consciously think about it. He just had to open his eyes. He could feel a pressing weight on his limbs, but Aventurine could sort that out later.

It almost hurt to open his eyes properly. Aventurine had to close them immediately after being hit with the bright light - he wasn’t used to that yet after ages spent wandering the dark. Through the blur, Aventurine could tell that the fireplace was going, the lights were on, and the television was playing. That made him happy - there was only one person he could imagine got into his room.

Blinking away the fog, Aventurine almost sobbed when he saw the familiar landscape of his hotel room. It wasn’t the tidy room he had left it in. It was lived in. He could tell. As he forced sore limbs to hold him up, he looked around at the suitcases left open. His golden one and the black one stayed closed, but the purple ones and a smaller suitcase he immediately recognised as Ratio’s luggage was opened and sitting by the wall. Ratio must have made his hotel room his temporary home.

Though there was no sight of the doctor in the room, it was evident that he had been staying there, keeping Aventurine company the entire time. A table had been pulled right next to the dreambath, where a stethoscope, blood pressure monitor, resuscitator, and many other medical tools were lying. Had Ratio been giving him free medical check-ups while he waited? How diligent of the doctor.

Besides the medical equipment and his opened suitcases, Aventurine could spot his laptop charging on the floor, Ratio’s coat hanging by the door, and an extra pair of slippers neatly put in the shoe holder. Wherever Ratio had gone, he must have been coming back soon - he could see his phone and codex left all alone on the couch.

Slowly, Aventurine got out of the dreambath. It was silly, but he really did miss Ratio. He became one of the many lifelines he held onto to keep himself mentally sane. If he kept walking through the Nihility, the chance that he could fall fast asleep in Ratio’s arms grew higher and telling himself that over and over again made everything easier to bear.

Arguably, Ratio only worsened his yearning with that note of his. Aventurine eyed the two suitcases he had gifted him. There was no monetary way Aventurine could ever show his gratitude towards Ratio for that note and everything else he had done for him.

Aventurine kept going through the new state of his room. He paged through the book Ratio was currently reading - it was one of the ones that he had gifted him - wondering what some of the flagged pages meant. Maybe it was just a scene he liked very much? Aventurine wasn’t too sure about his book reading habits, after all. Aventurine put the book back, now opting to go to the bathroom. He bought so many things for Ratio’s baths, he could only hope Ratio at least indulged in some of the products-

“Aventurine?”

Ratio stood by the door, a jug of water loosely hanging from his grip. It was threatening to fall out of his hand at any second, but Ratio didn’t care. The jug hit the carpet with a thump, and water spilled out onto the floor as Ratio ran up to Aventurine. The moment Aventurine was in his reach, Ratio threw his arms around him, burying his head in the crook of his neck.

Waking up had never felt so good until now. This was everything Aventurine had been dreaming of. The warmth radiating from Ratio was so relaxing, the pressure of his hands pulling him as deep into his embrace as possible making him feel safe. The shirt Ratio was wearing was one of the ones he had bought him. Aventurine remembered spraying it with his signature cologne but was delighted to find that the shirt now smelt perfectly of Ratio - a gentle floral scent, calming and refreshing.

Hot breath tickled his skin, drawing out a dry laugh from Aventurine. He could stay there, trapped in Ratio’s arms for the better part of the rest of his life. He squeezed back as hard as possible, hoping that even a fraction of everything he felt for him could be conveyed. To show how much he cared for Ratio was a daunting task. It would take lifetimes to even show a fraction of everything he thought and felt. But for now, he hoped that reciprocating the hug would do.

When they pulled apart, Aventurine jumped on the opportunity to act before Ratio could do anything. He grabbed Ratio’s hand and pressed it to his lips, peppering light kisses on his palm and fingers, earning himself a surprised laugh.

“You only just returned, and you’re so energetic,” Ratio commented. He was blushing, but for once it seemed like Ratio wasn’t embarrassed about it.

“I missed you a lot, Doc,” Aventurine replied, pressing the warm palm against his cheek. He closed his eyes for a second and basked in the warmth. His imagination during those days in the Nihility could never compare to the real sensation of it. Ratio’s palm against his cheek, his thumb fondly rubbing in circles - he could cry.

Aventurine opened his eyes and his smile dropped. He may not be crying, but Ratio was.

The tears were silent, slowly running down his cheeks as Ratio gave him a hundred-yard-stare. He must have been deep in his thoughts, only snapping out of it when Aventurine squeezed his wrist.

Ratio put his free hand on his cheek, his eyes widening ever so slightly when he saw the tears on his fingers. It took him a moment to register that he was crying.

“I’m sorry,” Ratio rasped, “I missed you a lot, too.” His eyes darted around the room before settling on the floor.

With no warning, Ratio hugged him again. Once more he buried his face deep into the crook of his neck.

“Don’t look at me,” Ratio mumbled. If not for the fact that Ratio was right under his ear, Aventurine never would have been able to hear what he said.

Aventurine wrapped his arms around Ratio, making circles on his back in some attempt to soothe him. “I can’t see you in this position anyways,” he assured him. He was glad Ratio had hugged him like that. Feeling Ratio’s shuddering breaths and his tears pool on his skin was making him tear up, too.

It took a few minutes of Aventurine holding Ratio before Ratio spoke up again.

“I want to give you a check-up,” Ratio said. His voice was smoother now, much more akin to his usual professional tone. “After that, I’m going to tell the rest of the IPC that you’ve returned safely. I then plan on arranging a Doctor of Chaos to visit you, as the effects of the Nihility are beyond my expertise.”

“Straight to business, huh?” Aventurine teased. He loosened his grip so that Ratio could pull away if he wanted to. A pity he was letting go so soon; his hands had just found their way into Ratio’s hair, and he was enjoying the feeling of silky locks curling around his finger.

Ratio shook his head. “... No. Not yet. A few more minutes, please.”

Aventurine smiled. “Okay. I can do that.”

◇─◇──◇─◇

Body aches, scattered bruises, exhaustion; honestly, Aventurine thought that list Ratio made post-checkup was pretty decent given the circumstances, but Ratio seemed worried about everything. No matter how many times Aventurine patiently explained the path of Preservation tended to provide powers that - shocker - were related to preservation and that was why he wasn’t too badly injured, Ratio continued to fuss over him. He checked reflexes, pupil dilation and his heartbeat a few too many times. Only once Aventurine began yawning did Ratio rush him off to the couch as he made phone calls to IPC higher-ups.

But sleeping didn’t last long either. Ratio was midway through the second phone call when Aventurine woke up, gulping down air with cold sweat running down his back. He didn’t even see the Nihility in his vision. Aventurine only felt the freezing air and heard the gentle splashes of water beneath his feet. That was enough to spook him awake. At least waking up was easier that time; there was no need to force the minimal air in and out of his lungs or wrench his eyes open. It did worry Ratio though. Ratio, still on the phone and talking, had quickly appeared by his side. As Ratio made demands on the phone for a Doctor of Chaos to come as soon as possible, he was massaging away any remaining tremors from that nightmare.

The Doctor of Chaos helped, at least. Though they lingered a bit too long on asking about the Emanator and what he experienced, he did receive medications and advice. But to be honest, Aventurine just wanted to be left alone already. He let out a huge sigh of relief once the Doctor of Chaos had left the hotel room. Ratio had decided to give them privacy for the visit, but with the Doctor gone, Ratio had slipped back into the room.

“How was it?” Ratio asked.

“I’d rather not discuss it,” Aventurine answered. He was tired from having to explain it to the Doctor, and he wasn’t eager to do it all again, “I’m hungry. Can we get room service?”

“Of course,” Ratio opened a drawer where he kept the room service menu, “I will say, I don’t think the room service here is very good, considering most guests are expected to eat in the Dreamscape.”

Ratio sat down on the couch next to Aventurine, passing him the menu. There weren’t many options - the entire menu, food and drinks, was all displayed on one singular page. Out of curiosity, Aventurine turned it over. The back page had no more options - just a few sentences saying that there were more options in the Dreamscape.

“If you’re unsatisfied, we could always go to Golden Hour-”

“No,” Aventurine said firmly, “I’d rather stay awake.”

It wasn’t like Aventurine wanted anything exceptionally elegant. He ordered a burger and chips, which arrived much greasier than he expected. Even Ratio’s pasta had a pool of oil gathering at the bottom. At least they couldn’t grease-ify the red wine Aventurine had begged Ratio to order for them.

“... Maybe we should’ve eaten in the Dreamscape,” Aventurine said. Ratio let him try some of the pasta he had and though he thought it was decent, Aventurine did find himself cringing at the feeling of oil on his lips.

“They probably use the same amount of oil there, too,” Ratio pointed out, offering Aventurine a napkin, “I’d bet they just hide it somehow, so we don’t get put off by it.”

“Gross,” Aventurine muttered as he wiped his mouth.

“You shouldn’t be surprised. Most of the snacks they offer are deep fried.”

“Yeah, but still,” Aventurine shrugged, “Maybe I’ll talk to Topaz about that. She would happily write something up about how Penacony probably broke one or two food regulations by hiding that.”

The conversation fizzled out, leaving behind a comfortable silence between them. Aventurine didn’t mind; he had his thoughts to deal with. He poured a bit more wine into his glass, swirling it around before he took a sip. Ratio was someone he trusted and cared for, and he knew Ratio had to feel the same way. His request wouldn’t be laughed at or ignored - Ratio wouldn’t do that to him. It was now just about gaining the courage to ask.

“Say, Ratio,” Aventurine said, breaking the silence, “Since we aren’t doing anything right now, why don’t we play a dice game?”

“… We’re eating?”

“Well, we’re eating and doing nothing else,” Aventurine said, taking his lucky die from his pocket and setting it on the table between them, “It won’t take long. If the number you roll is greater than or equal to mine, I’ll tell you something about myself. And if mine is lower than yours, you tell me something about yourself.”

Ratio looked at him and the die suspiciously before sighing. “Aven,” Ratio began. He picked up the die and put it back into Aventurine’s hand, “You clearly have some goal in mind. You don’t have to do everything through a gamble, you know. You can ask me anything.”

Aventurine swallowed. Damn this man, he thought. It would be easier to ask on the pretence that this was a game. Outright admission of it - Aventurine shivered - that was much too direct. Way too vulnerable. Even if Ratio could tell that it was his main goal the entire time with his ‘game’, at least Aventurine could feign innocence.

Gentle fingers interwove themselves with his own, squeezing his hand to remind Aventurine that Ratio was there for him. With a breathy chuckle, Aventurine leaned on Ratio’s shoulder. If Ratio wanted a direct request, Aventurine would try for him.

“I’m sure you’re aware that ‘Aventurine’ isn’t my real name,” he started carefully. No response from Ratio yet - just his steady breathing punctuating the silence between his sentences. “My real name is something else.” He swallowed. “My name is Kakavasha.”

Surely, Ratio knew where he was going with that revelation. Nervously, he held Ratio’s hand tighter as he stared bullets into the half-eaten burger in front of him.

“That’s a beautiful name,” Ratio said calmly, “Would you like me to call you Kakavasha, then?”

Aventurine adored him.

“Yes,” Aventurine sighed with relief, “Yes, I’d like that very much.”

“Then, Kakavasha,” Ratio said, “Will you do the honours of picking a movie for us to watch?”

“Yes, Veritas,” Aventurine smiled, “I’d love to.”

Ratio pressed a kiss against blonde hair before he got up from the couch to grab the remote. Since Ratio had spent most of his time by the side of the dreambath, the remote’s home had become the table where he kept all of his medical tools.

Ratio flicked on the television, changing it to the free Penacony streaming service.

“You know, in your absence a certain Masked Fool made herself known to me.”

“Oh, no,” Aventurine frowned, “Did you run away as I told you to?”

“… No.”

“Veritas.”

With an apologetic expression, Ratio sat back down on the couch next to him.

“If it helps, all Sparkle did was spew nonsense.”

“Was any of this nonsense about me?”

“Yes. Most of it was,” Ratio admitted, “But ultimately, all she spoke was nonsense. She can kick as much mud onto your name as possible, but her word is nothing against your character.”

Well, it wasn’t the worst response ever, Aventurine would give him that. And he wasn’t too hurt by the whole ordeal - after all, if Sparkle had said anything about him, it did seem like Ratio had written it off as nonsense. He was still here, and still affectionate.

“Speaking of unlikely friends, you’ll never guess who I saw walking through the Nihility.”

“First of all, nobody who speaks so illy of you would ever be a ‘friend,’” Ratio specified sternly, “And second of all, what do you mean you saw somebody else walking through the Nihility?”

“Why don’t you guess who it was first?”

“Unlike you, I’m not fond of these kinds of games. Tell me already, or I’ll pick the movie. And you know I’ll pick some documentary that you will despise.”

“You’re no fun,” Aventurine groaned, “That Knight of Beauty who was flirting with you. Argenti, the redhead. Remember?”

Ratio’s head tilted to the side in thought. “... What was he doing there?”

Aventurine shrugged. “If I had to guess, he must have heard that my prince was busy hanging around with a Masked Fool to save me, so he decided to swoop in and do the hard work himself.”

Ratio sighed and passed him the remote. “Alright. I’m sorry for talking to Sparkle. Next time, I’ll flee on sight if that’s what you truly desire.”

Aventurine elbowed him. “You can run into my arms. I could protect you that way.”

“You’re ridiculous,” Ratio scoffed, eating the last of his pasta, “Pick a movie and eat the rest of your burger already, Kakavasha. You’ve stalled long enough.”

There it was, a simple change that left his mind reeling. It would take some time to get used to it, but he liked the change so far. With a smile, Aventurine rolled his eyes. Ratio had enrolled his classic ‘change topics to avoid further embarrassment’ tactic. He took a big bite of his burger and flipped to the romantic comedy section. He had no idea if Ratio cared for romantic comedies, but he would find out in time.

◇─◇──◇─◇

Aventurine could fall asleep like this. Ratio had dimmed the lights, the fireplace was blazing, and the blanket he had bought for Ratio was warm and fluffy. Ratio had been first to lie down on the couch, propping his head up with a stack of pillows. It was he who invited Aventurine to lay on his chest, and it was him that could lull him to sleep with the soft circles he rubbed on his back as he watched the movie. Aventurine had wrapped his arms around Ratio’s abdomen, keeping his extra source of warmth as close as physically possible. He was on the verge of falling asleep.

He probably would have, if Ratio stopped making comments about the movie.

“She’s too good for that man,” Ratio commented with a frown, “Why is she even entertaining the thought of him? He’s terrible.”

“Mhmm,” Aventurine answered, pressing his face against Ratio. He breathed in - the familiar floral scent was so soothing.

“She’s better off single than with him,” Ratio repeated for the fiftieth time.

“Yup,” Aventurine helpfully responded.

He drank too much. It was hard to believe, considering drunkenness wasn’t something he was familiar with, but it was growing more and more undeniable. The movie was a mess of colours that blurred and mixed, creating a distorted and confusing picture. His hands were trying and failing to grab onto each other, only ever touching slivers of his skin every time. On top of that, he was certain that his face was flushed - he could feel the heat in his cheeks, and that didn’t really make sense because Ratio wasn’t even being that romantic right now.

Well, he would give him props for being a bit romantic. After all, it was he who had offered to hold him like this, it was him who dimmed the lights and it was him who had grabbed the fluffiest blanket out of the many Aventurine had gifted him.

Aventurine pressed his ear against his chest, searching for the beating of his heart. It was Ratio who had been looking out for him after all their years together. No other business partner of his would ever follow him into a casino under the premise of making sure he didn’t ruin himself. That being said, no other person would do that and then proceed to be the one getting drunk and stupid and hauled back to his hotel room, but Aventurine digressed. The thought still counted.

Though his brain may be shrouded by fog, Aventurine wasn’t sure there was anyone else more appropriate to talk so confidently about his combat style than Ratio. Even if he wasn’t trying to get Ratio flustered, he would have always chosen Ratio. And Aventurine was sure his face got redder when he remembered how Ratio had flicked water at his face, that bastard.

There was nobody else he would rather spend his lunches with or sneak off during parties with. To be honest, it was pretty surprising Ratio was willing to do either of those things in the first place. Was his charm that captivating? Aventurine giggled. How he changed Ratio, how he made him seem happier to his students was something he’d always thrive on.

How special Aventurine must have been to Ratio for him to finally man up and buy him flowers. And for him to get his kids to help him; Aventurine would have paid millions to see them discuss the plan. How excited they must have become, how much they must have teased - it was such a silly thing to think about, but it made him smile.

Ratio’s forgotten memory, and one of Aventurine’s most prized ones; heavy arms draped around him and those three little words being said aloud. They may be together, but Aventurine never managed to get that specific confession from Ratio again.

He decided that he was quite ready to do whatever it took to make Ratio say it again properly. All or nothing had always been his motto, after all.

“Mmm, Veritas?” Aventurine mumbled.

“Yes, Kakavasha?” Ratio scrutinised him for a second before he exclaimed, “Aeons, are you drunk?”

He nodded, savouring the hand that held his cheek.

“Absolutely,” Aventurine replied. Based on the confused look on Ratio’s face, all of the syllables must have slurred together. With a deep breath, he tried to focus on moving his tongue in the right way so Ratio did not misunderstand his next words.

Ratio began to get up. “Kakavasha, let me get you some water-“

“I love you, Veritas.”

Aventurine laughed when he saw how wide Ratio’s eyes had become, at the way his grip tensed up around him. Through the haze, he saw his cheeks light up with pink in a matter of milliseconds as he searched for words.

Breathlessly, Ratio asked, “Really? You’re not just drunk, are you?”

Aventurine chuckled. “I mean it. Truly.”

Ratio’s eyes softened, a smile lighting up his face. “I love you too, Kakavasha.”

Satisfied, Kakavasha closed his eyes and let the alcohol guide him to sleep. As he drifted away, he felt no fear of any nightmares coming to haunt him. Perhaps it was the protective hand of Veritas that was scaring away any terrors, or the fact he knew he had someone to call home now.

No matter what it was, a drunk Kakavasha fell asleep in Veritas’ arms.