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“My parents want to meet you.” Veritas says on a random tuesday, after dinner. He rinses the plates while Aventurine dries them. The comment comes out of nowhere, catching the blonde off guard. They’ve been together for almost a year now, but have kept the relationship under wraps to avoid the chaos of paparazzi, nosy co-workers, and the inevitable “I told you so’s.” Aventurine wasn’t even aware Ratio had told his parents about them.
“They wanted to meet my so-called best friend.” Or not. Okay. Aventurine sets the plate he had in hand aside, turning fully toward his purple-haired boyfriend with a teasing smirk. “Best friend, huh? Where did they get that idea?”
Ratio mirrors his behavior, closing the sink and turning to face him. “I have talked about you on different instances over the years, and apparently they have watched enough ‘Keeping Up With Star Rail’ live videos to figure out we are… close. I never had many friends, even before I started university people my age tended to avoid me. It only got worse over time— between the age gap and my so-called popularity rising.”
Aventurine’s smirk fades as Ratio’s tone shifts. He reaches out, intertwining his fingers with Ratio’s in a silent gesture of support. Over time, Aventurine has grown better at picking up on these undertones—the quiet moments where Ratio’s loneliness seeps through the cracks. People are quick to label him arrogant, but the way he stares at the counter, grinding his teeth, tells a different story. One of isolation. Ratio closes his eyes, drawing in a steady breath before continuing.
"Given that we've stayed in touch over the years as colleagues—something they already find surprising—my parents have reached the conclusion that you must be my closest friend. So, they wanted you to come and celebrate our planet's version of New years."
Ratio brings a hand to his nose, pinching it as if the mere thought brings on a headache. “I told them I’d speak to you, that I couldn’t promise them anything without knowing your schedule first.” Aventurine recognizes the gesture immediately. It’s an escape route, a carefully crafted way out. Ratio, his sweet, considerate boyfriend, is doing his best to give him an option to avoid the awkward dinner with his parents. But too bad for Ratio—Aventurine has never backed down from a challenge.
“I’ll come,” he says. Ratio’s eyes widen with surprise, and Aventurine continues, unfazed. Determined. “This is an important celebration, right? Sounds like the perfect chance for a little family bonding.” He flashes a broad smile, hoping that the sharpness of his canines will hide his nervousness. Just because he’d be joining the family dinner didn’t mean he had to come as Ratio’s boyfriend. They could play colleague roles a little longer in front of his parents—though the idea leaves a bitter taste. They’ve been together for so long, and the only reason they’ve kept it under wraps was to stay comfortable. Not because either of them was ashamed. Aventurine at least hopes that's the case. He could never be ashamed of his violet-haired boyfriend, who, in his eyes, had never done anything wrong. Well, except that one time he chose to add water to his cereal instead of milk. Worse, Ratio for once had no reasonable explanation. Madman just liked the taste better that way.. but that wasn’t the point. Maybe he has stayed quiet because Aventurine is an Avgin, the last of his clan. Maybe Ratio doesn’t want to stir up the inevitable rumors. Maybe Aventurine just isn’t worth the hassle. He would understand if that were the case—
“...and I’ll clear up the misunderstanding,” Ratio interrupts with a firm tone, clearing his throat, having gotten over the initial shock. “I’d rather not spend three consecutive days under constant stress.” Once again, Aventurine is reminded how fortunate he is to have a boyfriend who possesses as much emotional intelligence as he does academic one—unlike some other geniuses...
That night before sleeping, Ratio calls his family to confirm that they’d be coming and Aventurine lies on the bed, his heart thumping in his chest. He listens closely to the conversation Ratio has in the hallway, hoping to catch any useful hint or detail. When he doesn’t manage to overhear anything helpful, he sighs. This could get very tricky very fast. Because you see, this gambler already has a plan. Not only does he want to make a good impression on Ratio’s parents, but he’s aiming higher—he wants to win their blessing. He’s willing to bet it all. If the first impression falls flat, he might as well forget about getting down on one knee and opening the ring box he’s been hiding for three months. From the moment Aventurine first laid eyes on Ratio—then forced his gun against his chest and watched Ratio’s expression shift from surprise to something else—he knew this was the man he’d marry, if Ratio desired the same. It was in the way Ratio’s eyes brightened as he pieced together clues, in the creases that formed between his brows when he was focused, and in the false toughness of his tone. Aventurine was just addicted to him, and he didn't plan to give up on his drug soon.
And so, instead of taking the easy route and pestering Ratio with questions, Aventurine set out to find the perfect gifts—only to realize it’s a harder task than he expected. He doesn't want to seem like he’s throwing money around with flashy, meaningless presents. A shower of extravagant gifts could undermine the sincerity behind his gesture, so he spends several days carefully plotting his approach. Eventually, his frustration builds to the point where he finds himself on his knees in front of Ratio, resting his head on his boyfriend’s inner thighs and groaning.
“Verii...” he says, voice heavy with defeat, “I have so many ideas for your parents, but I just don’t know what to do. Do they hate grand gestures? Would they appreciate something for their home? I’m definitely bringing flowers—carefully chosen from across the universe of course—but I can’t just leave it at that.” He sighs, exasperated. He might not have a family, but he still knew a bit about overall traditions. He was not a hopeless case. “My parents would be happy with whatever gift you wish to bring. It's just a gesture.” Ratio supplies, very unhelpful. In the end, Aventurine settles on two different gifts.
Time slips by quickly, and before Aventurine knows it, months go by, and they're aboard a spaceship, embarking on a seven-hour journey to Ratio’s home planet. The trip is quiet and uneventful. Ratio opens a book, immersing himself in it, while Aventurine pulls out his phone, half-heartedly cycling through gambling apps. After a moment of hesitation, he puts them one by one to a folder. Sure, he has a reputation as a gambler, but he doesn’t want to get caught doing something as careless as online betting—like a teenager risking his future for cheap thrills.
Eventually, he switches to a monitor app, a fond smile forming on his lips as he watches the critters back home from the camera in their bedroom. He zooms in on the little cats, watching them pounce and play across the bed, curling up on the pillows where his and Ratio’s scent is the strongest. Normally, they would have left the cats with Topaz—who never refuses a cat in need and is on her way to having more animals than days in a year—but she’s off on a mission and can’t even take care of her own pets. Leaving the cats with a stranger would have only scared them, and they didn’t want to cause any unnecessary distress. They’ll only be away for three days—four if you count the travel. The cats know where to find their food and water, and where to sleep. That’s all that really matters. Somewhere between flipping through the apps, Ratio’s head finds its way to Aventurine’s shoulder, and the blonde man closes his phone to cuddle. Before putting it away, he makes sure Ratio catches a glimpse of the cats playing at home. They rest a bit till they reach their destination.
As the ship approaches Ratio’s home planet, Aventurine peers out the window, taking in the sight of three golden moons orbiting like silent guardians. Perhaps they shield the planet from meteorites—he’s not sure, but the effect is breathtaking. The planet itself looks more mountainous and greenish than anything else. It's hard to spot any big water sources, but Aven is sure he has seen a few lakes that seem to have frozen already from the icy weather. A skating trip doesn't sound too bad. Once they land and retrieve their luggage, Ratio takes Aventurine’s hand, leading him down the main streets. “We made it here faster than I thought,” He says with a small smile. “We’ve got two hours before we need to be at my parents’ place. Let’s explore for a bit. It’s been ages since I’ve had a holiday here, and I’m curious to see what’s changed at the big market.”
.
They wander through the bustling market, taking in the vibrant scenery. The streets are alive with activity. Their first stop is a reception area where visitors can leave their luggage—an efficient setup, given that this market is renowned across this side of the galaxy. It’s no surprise that people arrive at all hours, eager to drop all their bags and begin shopping without any hindrance. Once they’ve checked their bags, they walk to the main street, where most of the crowd is. Ratio keeps a firm grip on Aventurine’s hand, guiding him with purpose and stopping only to admire certain stalls from a safe distance. The unspoken rule is clear: no shopping.
“We’re just stretching our legs after the long trip,” Ratio explains, side eyeing. “Besides, we’ll eat at home, so there’s no point buying snacks.”
Aventurine chuckles, raising hands in surrender. Ratio shares his stories as they wander—anecdotes about his childhood, the planet’s traditions, and the quirks of life under three golden moons. By the time they retrieve their luggage, he is quietly pleased with himself for keeping Aventurine’s spending under control. What he doesn’t notice is the glimmer of pure joy in Aventurine’s eyes—listening to Ratio talk about his home is his real treasure and was the main goal from the start.
.
As they approach the door to Ratio’s family home, Aventurine feels an unusual wave of tension. He doesn't remember the last time he was this nervous. Being scared, he knows. Feels a bit tinge of it every time he gambles, it has been part of his life from the start. But this? This is different. It’s a weighty, consuming nervousness he can’t seem to shake. His hands are clammy, and he pats himself mentally in the back for wearing gloves. He’s dressed more modestly than usual, swapping his signature fur-lined coat for a sleek black one with less details. His sleeves are rolled up to the elbows as usual, but his glasses have been put away. There was no point to it.
Ratio, standing beside him, looks effortlessly handsome in a tailored shirt that emphasizes his athletic build despite its covering his upper body fully. He gives Aventurine’s hand a final squeeze before knocking on the door. The sound of the knock barely fades before the door swings open. A tall man with an impossibly bright smile greets them. “Oh Veritas, you are finally home!” He says enthusiastically, and to his son's horror, hugs him tightly, wrapping his arms around, forcing him to go along. Veritas’s eye twitches, twice, before he sighs with defeat (exactly like when he sees his students doodling on paper instead of actually taking notes), and pats his fathers arm as a response. “Yes, I have returned. I have also brought my.. Colleague with me.” The man’s golden eyes—a perfect match to Ratio’s—shift to Aventurine, lighting up with curiosity. “Ah, you must be Veritas’s best friend! We’ve heard so much about you. It’s great to finally meet you.” He clasps Aventurine’s hand in a firm handshake, his bubbly personality a stark contrast to his son’s demeanor. Aventurine shakes his hand with ease, hiding his amusement at the stark contrast between father and son.
“Thank you for having me,” Aventurine replies smoothly.
“Come in, come in!” Ratio’s father ushers them inside. “Your mother’s finishing up dinner, and I’ll show you where you’ll be staying.”
The sleeping arrangements are as expected: separate bedrooms. Aventurine is led into a tastefully simple guest room with gold-accented furniture, while Ratio goes to his childhood room. Its walls are lined with bookshelves and so many random notes. Aventurine takes a moment to admire the space, imagining Ratio as a boy, his mind already racing with ideas and experiments. Ratio once told him that his parents touched none of his stuff after he had left college, and it has stayed so over the years, Ratio choosing to finish one degree after another with no plan to move back home.
After settling in, Aventurine washes up and makes his way to the living room, where Ratio is sandwiched between his parents on the couch. His mother, a tall woman with flowing brown hair tipped with purple, whispers something to him. Ratio crosses his arms and scoffs, his expression as petulant as a child’s. Aventurine hides a grin at the rare sight.
“Ah, our guest is back!” Ratio’s father exclaims, clapping his hands together. “Come, let’s eat.”
The dinner table is warm and inviting, much like Ratio’s parents. His mother offers Aventurine a polite smile. “Welcome to planet Metis, Mister Aventurine, my name is Virtue.” she says. “Veritas mentioned he showed you around a bit earlier. I hope you enjoyed it.”
“I did, thank you,” Aventurine replies. “The scenery is stunning, and the new year's market was a fantastic glimpse into your culture.” Because that's what it is. Three moons get in one line once in a while, and this planet's people have used it as a means to come up with a calendar. The night they see one moon instead of 3 is the night where the calendar gets reset and a new year starts.
The rest of dinner goes smoothly, both parents quite kind and not so direct like their son, simply enjoying whatever information Aventurine feels like sharing about himself. They don't ask about his eyes, nor his tattoo, don't even stare at them for too long. It's… a good kind of difference. Aventurine is not insecure by any means, his tattoo shows the fight he has put up, the hardship he went through to be here today, but it's still nice.
After dinner, Aventurine unveils the gifts he brought: a bottle of wine recommended by none other than Lady Jade herself and a high-quality camera. He knows he first swore himself not to bring wine, but he hadn’t been able to think of anything else that felt personal enough. Sue him—the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, right? Surely alcohol counts too. The camera, meanwhile, is for Ratio’s mother. Smiling warmly, Aventurine hands the camera to her, his tone brimming with charm.
“I heard from Ratio that you take a photo every time the moons align, but the brightness makes it difficult to capture the details. This is a new prototype with enhanced lenses and an adaptive system that adjusts to environmental changes for better focus. I haven’t had the chance to test it myself, but my friends at the IPC were impressed. I hope it serves you well, ma’am.”
They don’t reveal their relationship that night, parting ways for separate bedrooms as the evening winds down. “We have time,” Ratio reassures. “It’ll be easier to explain tomorrow. Tonight was about introductions.”
.
The next morning begins with breakfast, during which Ratio’s father indulges in a series of nostalgic stories, much to his son’s increasing embarrassment. By the time Veritas is as red as a ripe tomato, Aventurine has mentally cataloged enough information for future teasing. Afterward, they spend the day at the market—it’s the last day before the New Year’s celebrations, and most vendors are eager to sell their goods before retreating home.
This time, Veritas was not able to stop him from spending money, too tired from his fathers whining. Turns out, Ratio had no interest in sharing his new discoveries and changes in life with his parents. They mostly followed them from the news, and not directly from the man himself. Now, Ratio’s father has taken full advantage of having his son nearby, showering him with at least three years’ worth of scolding thinly veiled as advice. Ratio listens with the stoicism of someone resigned to their fate, while Aventurine trails behind, enjoying the sight with a soft smile. As Aventurine browses, Ratio’s mother approaches, her gaze settling on a display of handcrafted trinkets. Without preamble, she murmurs, “You’re good for him.”
“Excuse me?” Aventurine blinks, turning toward her in surprise.
She smiles gently. “You’re a good partner for my son. When he was younger, we made mistakes—mainly in how we handled his genius. We never cared about social hierarchies, but his teachers put him on a pedestal, and we unknowingly added to the pressure. When he didn’t meet the expectations we all had, Veritas was hardest on himself. He withdrew, convinced we were disappointed in him.”
She sighed, suddenly looking older than her age. “I regret not trying harder, thinking space would do him good as if he didn't leave us when he was just a teenager. We’ve seen how he changes around you—how much freer he seems. Thank you for being a comfort to him when we couldn’t. We feared he’d find someone who might make his burdens heavier.” Aventurine stills, caught off guard. Were they that obvious? Clearing his throat, he replies sincerely, “I promise to take care of him, just as he does for me.”
Her smile widens, satisfied, and she leaves him to his thoughts.
.
It turns out Ratio had a similar conversation with his father, though his expression upon returning suggests it wasn’t all scolding. When he joins Aventurine in the guest room, he sits heavily on the bed. “I didn’t think we were so obvious,” he mutters.
“Well,” Aventurine muses with a grin, “at least it saves us an awkward conversation. It all worked out, didn’t it?”
.
Later that evening, they hike to a nearby mountain overlooking Ratio’s home. As the sun sets, they set up a small picnic, sipping the wine Aventurine brought while waiting for the moons’ alignment. Within an hour, the sky turns golden, illuminated by the only moon visible from where they watch the event happen.
Aventurine leans over, pressing a kiss to Ratio’s lips. The sweetness of the wine blends with the faint taste of Ratio’s strawberry lip balm. He smiles into the kiss, thinking of the year ahead—a year with Veritas Ratio by his side, now perhaps as a fiancé too. He couldn’t ask for anything more perfect.