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A sense of dread washes over Aventurine as he gets ready for bed. Tomorrow is his birthday. Any normal person would be excited, ready to celebrate another year of life. Instead, Aventurine drapes his night gown around his shoulders, tying it at the waist and falling into bed. His tired eyes fill with visions of the past, something he could never have back.
Restless sleep encompasses him as a night of nightmares fill his brain. This same night all those years ago, the massacre of his people, the rest of the Avgin. His sister leaving him for the final time. Him forever losing his freedom, becoming lower than a human, unable to rid himself of that searing mark.
Silent tears stream down Aventurines face as he violently gasps awake. His vision blurs, unable to see anything. He desperately tries to see what time it is as he reaches for his phone. 6:17 AM. Well… “happy” birthday Kakavasha.
Aventurine laid back down and put his hand over the mark on his neck, forever burned into him. He wished he could just forget it and tear out the damaged skin. Tears blocked his vision once more and he tightly held his pillow, trying to find some form of comfort.
~~~
“Where is that gambler? He wasn’t in his office nor have I found him waltzing around yet.” Ratio called to Topaz, who turned to look at the taller man.
“Sorry doctor, I think he took today off. It’s unusual though, he never takes off work.” Topaz looked deep in thought. Numby rubbing on her ankle for attention. “Ah wait, today is [redacted] right? I still haven’t figured it out yet but he takes today off every year. He hasn’t been online in 28 system hours.”
“Every year? How odd” Ratio crossed his arms. Was today something important to Aventurine? He never takes off work even when he’s slacking off.
“I know, right? I’ve heard plenty of co-workers speculate just why he does it but I don’t believe any of them and Jade refuses to tell me when I ask. Also, don’t bother calling Aventurine, he won’t answer.”
“So that’s why he won’t answer.” Ratio looked down at his phone, 16 unanswered calls still left pending. “I might as well just visit him then.”
Topaz’s eyes lit up in horror, “NO NO don’t do that! I tried to ask him a question one time and he blew up on me. Full on screaming for no reason.” Topaz cringed at the memory. He had come to her and apologized the next day but she was still very off put by it. “I’m being serious, I don’t recommend that. I’m sure whatever you need can wait.”
“Oh I’m sure it can but now I’m curious.” Ratio started off out of Topaz’s eye sight.
“Let me know how it goes!” Topaz called to Ratio as Numby jumped into her arms.
Veritas walked to Aventurine’s house, it was located on Pier Point so he luckily didn’t have to journey anywhere too far. Veritas was familiar with the walk to Aventurine’s place, he had unfortunately found himself needing a place to stay during a past mission with Aventurine and he happily offered for Dr. Ratio to stay with him.
Veritas looked upon the house that Aventurine calls home. A lightly decorated house that showed a bit of upkeep. The doctor knocked on the front door and waited. It seems Aventurine was either ignoring him or asleep.
Ratio knew Aventurine wasn’t stupid no matter how dumb he tried to look. If he had a spare key, he wouldn’t hide it under the doormat. Veritas looked at all of the plants in front of Aventurines house. One plant showed more signs of upkeep compared to the others. Ratio approached the plant and rummaged in the soil a bit until he found a golden key.
Veritas put the key into the door and twisted. The knob clicked and the door opened. Ratio entered Aventurines house, unchanged since the last time he visited.
Ratio walked down the hallway to Aventurine’s room, noting the door was closed and the sound of quiet sobs. Veritas was surprised, was Aventurine crying..? He had never seen Aventurine even try to lower his guard, to hear him sobbing so raw and emotionally was a complete contrast to everything Aventurine strived for people to view him as. Hearing Aventurine cry almost made Veritas’ heart hurt. This gambler he had begrudgingly spent so much time with was in pain and refused to share it with anyone.
Ratio raised his hand and lightly knocked on Aventurines door. He could hear Aventurine shifting, probably trying to make himself look presentable. It wouldn’t change what Ratio heard but perhaps it would save some face. “I- uh.. who’s there?!” It was quite clear Aventurine was not expecting anyone to be looking for him.
“Dr Ratio. May I open the door?” Veritas heard a loud thump and more scrambling.
Aventurine opened the door, eyes red and puffy whilst still in his night gown, not opening the door further than half of himself. “What a nice surprise doctor! I wasn’t expecting you today. Whatever may I do for you?” Aventurine tried to hold his poker smile but was failing miserably.
“Drop the act, I heard you crying. What’s wrong, dear gambler?”
Aventurines face lightly dusted pink at the name. “Nothing is wrong! You must be mistaken, I wasn’t crying I was just-“
“Your golden lies won’t fool me. Tell me what happened.” Ratio pushed on the door, trying to get Aventurine to open it.
“I- wait! I promise I wasn’t crying. Can you please leave now? You should know I’m off of work today.”
“Actually, I wouldn’t know that, since you failed to inform me.”
“I did..?” Aventurine looked pensive in thought. He swore he messaged Veritas last night but he must have forgotten to hit send.
Ratio pushed past a now frantic Aventurine into his room. His bed was unkept but the rest of his room was tidy, probably a result of never being home.
“Hey! You can’t just barge in here!” Aventurine tried to tug on Ratio’s sleeve but he was picked up with no time for argument. “Ratio put me down, I’m in a night dress!”
“A very shear night gown, it isn’t hiding anything anyways.”
Aventurines face flushed a deep red. “So what? You barged in here to have your way with me?” Aventurine accused as Veritas gently placed him on the bed.
Ratio was disgusted. Did Aventurine seriously think that lowly of him? “No, we are going to sit here and you will talk to me. Are you so dense to think that I would take advantage of you when you so clearly need help?” Ratio scrunched his nose and sat down on the bed, facing Aventurine.
Aventurine laughed at Veritas. “Doctor, there’s nothing to talk about. I told you, I wasn’t crying.” Aventurine was desperately trying to piece his facade back together despite Veritas not budging. He refused to let anyone see him so weak, especially not Ratio. They were barely even coworkers, why did he care so much?
“Aventurine. You cant fool me, just tell me why you are upset.” Ratio stared at the stone heart, waiting for a response.
Ratio was pitying him. He could see it in Veritas’ eyes.
“Ah hahaha I really wasn’t…” Aventurine trailed off as tears flooded his eyes. He tried to blink them back and stop Ratio from seeing them but he was too quick, wiping the tears from his eyes with his thumbs as he held Aventurines face.
The mask shattered.
The gates flooded open and Aventurine started sobbing into Veritas’ hands. The doctor pulled Aventurine into his lap and simply held him, letting the gambler let out his feelings.
Once Aventurine had calmed down enough, Ratio started combing his hand through the stone hearts knotted hair, being careful to not tug on any knots.
“Would you like to talk or would you rather we just stayed here?” Ratio inquired.
“Mm. Just… don’t leave me.” Aventurine slurred, clearly exhausted from crying. He relaxed further into Veritas’ arms, his breath evening out. Aventurine’s dual colored eyes closed and a light snore could be heard from his lips.
Veritas moved Aventurine up next to him, laying side by side as he places a kiss on Aventurines forehead. “Sleep well, dear gambler.” And he drifted off into unconsciousness, hand in hand with Aventurine.
~~~
Aventurine awoke to the sight of Ratio’s chest. Aventurine blushed and tried to pull away to no avail.
“Did you sleep well?” A clearly awake Veritas asked.
“Oh uh fine… haha what’s with this position?” Aventurine once again tried to pull away, Ratio still hugging him but now brushing Aventurine’s hair with his fingers.
“You insisted on cuddling me in your sleep.”
“Oh…” Aventurine tried to gather his thoughts but was unsuccessful. Being smashed into a very attractive man’s chest right when you wake up was not helping him think. “Can you let go?”
Ratio let go of Aventurine, he let out a sigh he didn’t know he was holding. Ratio climbed out of bed and started walking for the door.
“Wait! Where are you going?” Aventurine shot up, fear in his voice. Ratio was seeing a whole new side of the stone heart today.
“I’m not leaving, I’m simply trying to see what food you have. Only aeons know how long it’s been since you ate or drank. Does your throat hurt?” Ratio inquired, crossing his arms.
“Sort of. I also haven’t eaten since dinner last night.” Aventurine confessed. Aventurine let himself fall back into the bed, sinking down to hide his embarrassment.
“You need to take better care of yourself. If I hadn’t stopped by, did you plan on just rotting in your bed?”. Ratio demanded, not happy with the way Aventurine treated himself.
“Well yeah…”
“Come with me, I will make us some food and you can either watch or if you feel up to it, explain what has caused this.” Ratio returned to the bedside to help Aventurine stand.
“Ugh. I don’t want to leave my room. Hey-!” Aventurine was cut off by Veritas scooping him up into his muscular arms. The gambler desperately clung onto Ratio, not wanting to fall. “Haha… you can put me down now.”
Veritas ignored Aventurines request and carried him to the kitchen where he pulled out a chair at the bar for Aventurine and promptly sat him in it. He moved to the fridge and opened it to be met with very little. A carton of milk, some eggs, expired cream cheese and bagels. How long has it been since Aventurine bought some food?
Veritas closed the fridge to view the pantry. The pantry was just as bare with a few specific items but nothing that could be considered a full meal. The closest thing was a box of instant noodle packages. Ratio sighed and removed two packages from the container. These would have to do. He closed the pantry door and moved to the counter so he could start preparing the food.
“Wha-cha making?” Aventurine playfully asked.
“The only semblance of actual food in your house.” Ratio deadpanned.
Aventurine did his classic poker laugh. “You know I’m not home often.”
“I’m well aware.” Ratio responded.
The duo sat in silence, Aventurine twirling a poker chip he most likely made with his path abilities while Veritas found a pan and filled it with water.
Ratio broke the silence. “Are you willing to talk?” Ratio glanced at Aventurine as he opened the packets and placed the noodles in the water.
Aventurine flicked the chip in the air, catching it with the same hand, feigning ignorance, “Talk about what, doctor?”
Ratio placed the pan on the stove and turned to face Aventurine. He grabbed Aventurines face which was now filled with fear. “I thought you were finally over your act. Stop acting dense, or are your eyes puffy and red for some other reason?” He released Aventurine to turn on the stove.
Aventurine cast his eyes on the counter and made the poker chip disappear. After a pause of silence, Aventurine answered,
“It’s my birthday.”
Ratio turned to face Aventurine clearly not expecting that. Still, he remained silent, silently begging Aventurine to continue talking.
“Today is also the anniversary of the Avgin massacre…” Tears welled in Aventurines eyes as he tried to push them back. “Today doesn’t bring back happy memories nor do I celebrate.”
“If you want to celebrate, we can go pick out a small cake.” Ratio wiped the tears from Aventurine’s eyes.
“No, I’m not disturbed by not celebrating. Today just isn’t a day to celebrate. My birthday is inconsequential compared to everything else that happened today all those years ago…”
Ratio walked around the bar, behind Aventurine and wrapped his arms around Aventurines shoulders. Aventurine simply broke down again, the tears flooding down his face.
Veritas used one of his hands to wipe the tears from Aventurines eyes. This man had been through so much and endured his pain alone. He was truly the strongest person Veritas had met.
“Unfortunately you don’t have the items to bake a cake but if you wish, we could still celebrate. Do you have a lighter?” Ratio inquired from behind Aventurine, lightly massaging his shoulders.
“First drawer on the left in the kitchen. What are you planning?” Aventurine returned the question.
“Just something small.” Veritas used his path abilities to create a small birthday candle. Green in color, just like Aventurine. Ratio used the lighter to light the candle, the tiny flame swayed as if in slow motion.
Aventurine laughed, “You gonna sing for me, doctor?” He leaned on the counter, pressing closer to Veritas.
“Not a chance.” Ratio deadpanned, still holding the lit candle, wax dripping on his fingers.
“Haha fine fine.” Aventurine closed his eyes briefly then reopened them and blew out the candle. Smoke blew into Ratio’s face. He fanned the smoke out of Vertias’ face and laughed again.
“Now, let me go back to making dinner. Do what you will with this candle.” Ratio took Aventurines hand in his and placed the candle in it, curling the gamblers fingers around it.
Ratio turned back to the stove and stirred the noodles. Aventurine stood up as quietly as he could, trying to sneak up on Ratio. “What are you doing, little peacock?”
“Oh nothing~” Aventurine stood behind Ratio and wrapped his arms around the doctors fit waist.
“This isn’t nothing, Aventurine. What calls for this quite intimate pose?”
“I just wanted to. I don’t enjoy you having me figured out but I can’t fool you.”
“That is true, dear gambler.”
“So blunt. And stop with the pet names!” Aventurine leaned into Ratio’s back, trying to hide his blush.
“Go sit down, dinner will be ready soon.”
Aventurine sat down and fidgeted with the candle in his grasp, careful to not break it.
Ratio opened a cabinet and grabbed two identical bowls. He poured the noodles into the bowls in equal measurements. He placed a bowl in front of Aventurine, handing him a fork.
Aventurine lazily stirred the noodles, staring at his reflection in the broth. “Hey Rati- oh..” Aventurine paused. He looked directly at Veritas, into his golden eyes. The subtle hues of red and pink dancing around his pupils. Those eyes…
“Are you feeling unwell? You need to eat in order to regain your strength.” Ratio tried to feel Aventurines forehead but his hand was swatted away as Aventurine’s hands landed on his face, dragging their faces closer than ever before. Ratio thought Aventurine was going to kiss him, what other reason is there for such close proximity? “Aventurine?”
Dawn colored eyes bore into Aventurine’s dual toned irises. From this distance, there was no mistaking it.
Once Aventurine realized what he was doing, he blushed furiously and pushed Veritas away, turning to eat his dinner.
“What was that for?” Ratio inquired.
“…” Aventurine buried himself in the instant noodles pretending to be immersed in them. “Nothing…”
“Is something else bothering you?” Ratio asked as he took a bite of his food.
“No, just… Nevermind, you wouldn’t understand.”
“Alright…”
Aventurine quickly finished his food and placed his dishes in the sink, attempting to flee back to his room.
“Aventurine wait-“
“Your business is done here doctor. I hope you achieved what you wanted but I will be returning to my room now. See you at work tomorrow.” Aventurine turned to leave but his wrist was grabbed by Ratio. Aventurine turned in astonishment. “Let go of me Ratio-!”
“Aventurine… let me take you back to your room.”
“Huh.?”
“You heard me. You clearly still are not alright, let me accompany you.”
“Whatever…” Aventurine continued down the hallway back to his room, Ratio following behind him.
Aventurine layed back down in his bed, briefly fixing it to his liking. Veritas just stood in the doorway.
“Now now, don’t be shy doctor~”
Ratio walked over to the bed and joined Aventurine in it. Aventurine pulled him closer, forcing Ratio to spoon him.
Aventurine’s breath evened out, him returning to stillness.
You were right, sister, dawn will shine upon us. It already has.