Chapter Text
‘’A holidays?‘’
‘’A long holidays‘’ Aventurine pointed out.
The doctor, on the other hand simply muttered, neutrally ‘’Why does it look more like you've been given a date for your execution?''
Aventurine simply sighed, sitting as if his body weighed a ton in his desk chair, waving the letter Jade had sent him regarding his holidays notification. ‘’I don't know what to do if I don't do anything.‘’
‘’Why am I not surprised to hear that from you.''
‘’Oh come on, doc! You must understand me better than anyone else!‘’
‘’In this aspect? Not at all. Having holidays, and above all, resting, is something primordial for a living being, especially if that one has a job position‘’ Aventurine pressed his lips together in a childish gesture ‘’Don't tell me you've never had a holiday?''
‘’Legal ones, but I've been able to collude with Opal to keep doing my job, behind the backs of those idiots in human resources, as well as Jade and Diamond.‘’
‘’Those idiots are the ones who have allowed us to have employment rights.‘’
''And I can refuse those rights if I want to, can't I?''
‘’That's not how things work, gambler.‘’
Aventurine snorted again, throwing the letter on his desk lazily. After a few minutes of silence, his voice became low.
Weak.
‘’I don't know what to do... Where to go...‘’
‘’You are one of the richest people I have ever known and will ever know, you can go anywhere in the world to relax and have fun.‘’
But it was clear that this answer was not the one Aventurine wanted to hear, as he hid his eyes with his palm while massaging his forehead. With another sigh, Ratio replied, with a tenderness that startled the blond ‘’Do you want to come to my homeland?''
Finally those eyes stopped hiding, looking at Ratio as if he had grown another head. And not a plaster one at that. ‘’If you don't know what to do on your holidays... come to my homeland. It has beaches and a spectacular environment to relax, and if you prefer a cultural holiday, I can show you around to see everything you want from every important place.‘’ Aventurine was still speechless, Ratio growing impatient, ‘’I can take a no, gambler. You're not going to hurt my feelings.‘’
''Would you really do that for me?''
''Uh- Didn't I just invite you?! What kind of a question is that?!‘’
‘’Well, it's just that-‘’
Ratio cut him off, shaking his head ‘’Fifteen points off‘’
‘’FIFTEEN!? DOC, YOU'VE EXAGGERATED A BIT TOO MUCH, DON'T YOU THINK!‘’
‘’That's what you deserve when faced with such a stupid question‘’ the proud doctor snorted, turning his back on the avgin.
He relaxed at the sound of Aventurine's soft laughter, still waiting for the answer ‘’I... Ra- Veritas, I don't know what to say.‘’
‘’Just yes or no to start planning the trip, ilíthhios .‘’
ÏīīīīīÏ
The journey to Ratio's planet was not a long one. The poor Aventurine was unable to pronounce the name of the planet, not worrying when he heard Ratio's soft, cheerful laughter at his attempts to pronounce it well.
If this was how his holiday had started, by Gaiathra let it continue that way.
Fortunately, Ratio's hometown, and his mother's, was surprisingly easy to pronounce.
''Calatis''
Ratio nodded ‘’Obviously there are far more important cities. In fact part of my teenage years were spent in Athena, but my hometown is this one‘’
‘It's...''
''Very villagey?’'
‘’Beautiful...‘’' Aventurine whispered, getting a chuckle out of Ratio again.
‘’I'm glad you like it, gambler. This is where we'll be staying, but I was planning to take you to other cities as well. Cirene, Siracusa, Éfeso...‘’
Aventurine did not take his eyes off the doctor's distracted face. It was obvious that he loved to talk about the culture of his planet and his roots. His voice had become much softer since they had planned this holiday, and a glow, more intense than the very rays of any sun star, was in his beautiful dawn-coloured eyes.
As they moved on, Aventurine listening politely to Ratio's every plan to keep their holiday from being boring, they came to...
...
a house?
‘’Oh, don't tell me that in your land there have also arrived those people who decide to speculate with housing?‘’ It was obvious that no, given the astonished look that Ratio had given him ‘’I mean...this hotel... looks like a house‘’
‘’It's because it is a house. My house, actually. Well, my mothers''
Wait, what
''Wait, what?''
His... His house? He was going to stay at his house?!? His family home?!?
And wait a minute... did he say mothers?!? In plural!?
‘’Would you prefer a hotel? I can find you one, but it's silly to spend money on that when we've got plenty of rooms.''
‘’I've got plenty of money, doc‘’ replied Aventurine, reluctantly, for after this, he didn't want to go to a hotel. But to accept such an easy invitation....
‘’Just because you have it doesn't mean you can waste it stupidly. Besides, we've agreed to make all these plans together. It's more convenient for me if we sleep in the same place, which means, we'll wake up in the same place too.‘’
‘’I can pay you for a room in the best hotel in Calatis‘’ Aventurine winked, Ratio rolled his eyes ‘’Even the best five star hotel in Pier Point can't match my place. So get inside at once‘’ barked the order, Aventurine following obediently.
Ratio wasn't really lying...
His house was not only huge, it was also beautiful!
The living room alone was as big as Aventurine's entire house, and although Aventurine didn't abuse his home because he didn't want a huge house all to himself, it wasn't small either.
The couches seemed to be made of the finest material possible, and the blankets that adorned them were incredibly soft.
He couldn't help but grimace, for he knew how expensive blankets and fur coats were... and what was behind it...
‘’Any animal product you see here, is by our hunting. Never bought from a fur industry.''
‘’Are you a mind reader?‘’ laughed Aventurine, actually relieved at that fact.
‘’You're very expressive, gambler‘’ and continued walking around, showing him the rest of the house.
Aventurine was truly speechless.
‘’Don't you miss the bathrooms in your house?‘’
And that was because Ratio's house didn't have a shower or a bathtub... it had saunas. SAUNAS!
‘’I've learned to make do with the bare minimum, but yes. I really missed having a nice bath at my mothers' house. If you want, after we finish packing, we could take one.‘’
‘’D...didn't you want to show me an important mausoleum in your city?‘’ the avgin stuttered, nervously.
It was too soon for that. Aventurine would need at least a century to assimilate sharing the same water with Ratio.
‘’Oh‘’ whispered Ratio, who if he were a cat right now, his pupils would have widened to fill his entire eye ‘’Yes, of course. We can save the bath for tomorrow if you want.‘’
Despite that serious and calm tone, Aventurine could detect the happiness the doctor felt at this interest in his country's culture.
If this was how it was going to be every time Aventurine was interested in learning about ancient constructions and ancient traditions, the avgin was certainly going to be a man hungry for culture.
‘’But first...‘’ replied Ratio, looking Aventurine up and down ‘’you should change‘’
''Uh?''
‘’Your clothes‘’ replied Ratio simply.
Oh. Right.
Ratio may have been being kind to him, but after all, he had a reputation. A reputation he couldn't lose, certainly not in his hometown.
And to see him walking around with him... in that outfit...
''Oh... I see. You... you're right, haha. How did I not notice.‘’ He turned his back to Ratio before Ratio was surprised by his reaction ‘’I just don't know what to wear, since I only brought... well, you know. My style stuff.''
‘’I can leave you some clothes to match. Follow me.''
Aventurine followed him, this time with his spirits flaring.
He didn't want to be hurt by that comment. He had received it from everyone in fact, even once Ratio had mentioned his clothing.
But to feel that he had to change him, to cover him out of modesty, or shame... though he wanted to understand Ratio, it pained him to know that even he wanted to keep his distance from the avgin.
When they reached the room, Ratio began to pull out white dresses, the fabric of which seemed to be the finest cotton possible.
He stared at a couple, until he offered one to Aventurine, saying it was perfect for him.
And Aventurine... he no longer knew what to think.
That deafening silence surprised Ratio, asking if he didn't like it.
‘’It's... a dress.‘’
‘’They're called quiton here, and it's unisex, relax. Though something would tell me you wouldn't mind wearing dresses‘’ Ratio laughed, his smile breaking immediately when he saw that Aventurine wasn't laughing at his joke ‘’Something wrong?''
''No... nothing...''
Of course... Ratio and his people's clothes were one thing and his own were another...
Ratio's irritated sigh finally caught his attention, ashamed that he had so quickly ruined a holiday that had started so well.
‘’What the hell did you understand by my words? Because it's obvious that something has upset you‘’
‘’It's nothing to do with you, relax.‘’
''Aventurine, just tell me.''
The avgin clenched his jaw, trying not to clench in that thin garment, looking down at his own clothing.
A garment that meant very, very much to him ‘’I was simply saddened that you would be ashamed of me walking around your city in my clothes... With my style‘’ He looked away as Ratio opened his mouth. He didn't want to annoy him. Not like that. Not with him... ‘’I thought it was because of how much it showed, but this garment shows a lot more so it's confused me, but I guess they're different styles, and... and the last thing I want to do is offend-''
‘’Aventurine, enough‘’ ordered Ratio, approaching him, Aventurine almost jumping in fright when the doctor's hand came to rest on his neck, reaching a little inside his shirt, pulling it out immediately ‘’What is this?''
''Uh... uh... sweat?''
‘’Right. Two points. And this‘’ he pointed at his synthetic fur coat.
''M... my coat?''
''Of what?''
''F...fur?''
‘’And this?‘’ He reached for the window of his shirt, tugging at it, his chest arching as he felt the light touch of Ratio's fingers on his skin. ‘’My... my shirt-‘’
‘’And what material is it made of?‘’
‘’I think it's mostly plastic and wool‘’ Ratio still didn't let go, Aventurine terrified that he could feel his heart pounding for every microsecond, as he looked at him, waiting for a response ‘’Doc, I don't understand-‘’
‘’I don't want you to go out in these clothes, not because I'm ashamed of you or your tastes, but because they're not suitable for the Calatis climate! By Nous, gambler, do you really think me so miserable as to be ashamed of you?‘’
The blond didn't know what to say back, Ratio sighed regretfully, letting him go, but his hand immediately went to his shoulder ‘’Forgive me.‘’ he whispered ‘’I didn't mean to yell at you or talk to you like that. It's just... I guess it was also partly my fault for not being more specific. I should have explained myself better.‘’ He pointed to the garment he had left for him ‘’The quiton is not only a perfect cotton garment for this kind of weather, but, being native here, even if you are showing parts of your body, no one will be surprised so you will be even fresher.‘’
Aventurine held up the quiton, realising that a large part of the upper garment was missing. So... would it show half of his torso?
‘’And besides... I'd love to see you in this‘’ he whispered that last bit quickly, as if embarrassed for Aventurine to hear him ‘’But if you want to keep your clothes, of course you can. It's just that they're not appropriate for the weather and I didn't want you to get heat stroke‘’
Aventurine was still at a loss for words as to the real reason for those words, feeling like an enormous fool.
‘’I... uh, Ratio, I'm sorry, I didn't mean-‘’
But Ratio silenced him, raising his hand, ‘’My words may have led to your confusion. Everyone tells me that I should be more specific when explaining things, and above all, have a better tone. I am sorry to have given you such a hard time, Aventurine.‘’
''Well... at least it's sorted out quickly, haha.''
‘’That's the thing about communication, and you and I have a good one of those.‘’
Aventurine nodded, hugging the quiton, looking back at Ratio ‘’Thanks for your concern for me.‘’
Ratio opened the wardrobe, taking the other quiton as well, a darker colour, and headed for the door ‘’I'll leave you to change in peace. If you have any questions, call me, I'm next door‘’
And... that call didn't take long to come.
‘’How could you get stuck?!‘’
‘’I was trying to get my arms in place and-‘’
Ratio snorted loudly through his nose, holding the garment stuck on Aventurine's shoulders ‘’How the hell did I assume you'd know how to put on this simple garment?''
‘’Doooc!!! Don't insult me!''
‘’Put your arm through here, asshole, or you're going to hurt yourself in the end.‘’
Managing to remove the arm from its binding, Ratio arranged the position of the quiton, this time explaining to Aventurine where the arm should pass through, bending the subtraction of the garment until it was as it should be.
''That's it. Perfect. See how it wasn't that difficult?‘’
''If you say so...''
Both were finally dressed in the new clothes, Aventurine feeling very embarrassed, but he didn't know if it was because of his exposed chest or because of Ratio's fibrous chest.
‘’If you feel uncomfortable, I can bring you some sort of scarf that can cover you up.‘’ Aventurine didn't want to sound ungrateful, but it was true that he felt awkward, and above all very exposed to be in clothes, not of his own choosing, that showed so much ‘’It's all about your comfort, gambler‘’
Aventurine nodded, asking for it to be a cream colour to match the colour of the quiton and his hair.
He could hear Ratio's amused snort, and though he didn't see it, he did imagine the way he rolled his eyes.
Finally they set out for Calatis, strolling through its streets.
Most of it was made of clay and stone, most of the murals with paintings that reminded him of some of the clothes he used to see Ratio in.
It took him to a main square where children were playing, in the centre of which was a huge fountain where pigeons drank and parents scolded those naughty ones who got into or wet themselves.
The smell in the village of Ratio was also very satisfying; it was a perfect blend of street food, flowers and incense.
After strolling through those streets and Ratio treating him to some sarmale, which Aventurine enjoyed with pleasure, they set out to go to the aforementioned mausoleum when they were stopped by someone who stunned Aventurine.
‘’How nice of you. Coming here unannounced.''
‘’Oh, did I hurt your feelings?‘’ sneered Ratio, smirking in a way Aventurine had never seen before...
...
Except for when they were poking at each other.
It was that smile that Aventurine loved so much about the doctor, that mix of tenderness and mockery that almost no one could see in the man.
And it seemed that... this young woman who was basically a miniature Ratio, save for her eyes, was also one of the few who could see that precious smile.
''Well!! Of course it bothers me to know that my brother, who I haven't seen for months, suddenly finds me taking a walk with-‘’ the young woman's fury ceased when she saw Aventurine, a sheepish smile forming on her face, apologizing for the spectacle ‘’Sorry for the scene. It's just that my brother gets on my nerves!‘’
‘’Understandable. I'd be mad at him too if he was my brother and did that to me‘’ Aventurine smiled, giving the aforementioned a wink.
‘’Oh come on, I was going to warn you anyway, what does it matter when‘’ growled Ratio, Aventurine finding it cute how the doctor's characteristic cold and serious tone wasn't there at all right now.
Really, just from the way he looked at the young woman, it was obvious that Ratio loved her.
...
Like any big sibling would, right?
''We were actually going to stay at home and that's when I was going to tell you, but Aventurine wanted to see the mausoleum and I knew that if I told you, mitéra wouldn't let me leave.''
Aventurine almost bit his tongue to stifle his laughter. He supposed that word meant mother, and he really would have loved to see the imposing Doctor Ratio being forced to stay at home by an older woman.
Why did Aventurine have to say he wanted to see that damn mausoleum?
The girl, on the other hand, seemed to be softening at her brother's justification, folding her arms but not arguing with him further.
She stared at Aventurine, an anguish in his stomach forming.
He wasn't wearing his glasses, and he was barely wearing clothes that hid his... memories of his past. What if he didn't like, what is arguably, the person most dear and important to Ratio?
What if... she insulted him? Or despises him? Put Ratio in a situation like that again?
Or, even though he understood it, to see how Ratio didn't defend him or kept quiet in the face of such aggressions?
‘’Well?‘’ sounded the girl's harsh and hostile voice ‘’Are you planning to introduce me to your friend or not?‘’
Aventurine swallowed hard, for although her tone was identical to Ratio's, he did not know her and did not know the origin of her manner of speaking.
Had he so soon offended Ratio's blood? So soon he would have to leave this place?
He tried his best to appear calm, but could not help but hide his right hand behind his back as he waited for Ratio's reply.
‘’It's Aventurine. A friend, and my co-worker. I have told you of him many times. He's the stoneheart I always do missions with.‘’
''Oooooh... so that's him‘’ muttered the young woman, looking at Aventurine again, as if judging him, when, all that face that reminded her so much of Ratio disappeared, replaced by a huge smile and candid eyes ‘’Nice to meet you Aventurine! I'm Minerva, unfortunately‘’ and that face returned ‘’Veritas‘ sister, the most attentive person in the world’'
His arm was still trembling behind his back, but he couldn't help but look confused.
All those looks of distrust and contempt... were they for his brother? N...not for him?
‘’Aventurine, this is Minerva, the person who can pack an unimaginable grudge into a body smaller than yours!''
‘’HEY!‘’
‘’Hey!‘’
They both said in unison, Ratio chuckling at that.
‘’I'm sorry we met like this, but I HATE THAT HE DOES THAT! It's not the first time he's come to Calatis sneaking around, or not telling us anything!‘’
‘'I was going to do it, do you want me to repeat it again?''
‘’Try to make that excuse work for mitéra!‘’ Ratio snorted like an exhausted horse ‘’What's wrong? You're ashamed of your family and that's why you hide it from your friends?‘’
''Why all my loved ones are such insecure and stupid people‘’ Ratio snorted, Aventurine unable to help but laugh at the siblings' argument.
But Minerva didn't seem satisfied with that, crossing her arms again, demanding an explanation from her brother.
And, to everyone's surprise, Ratio adopted a serious countenance ‘’I'm here for him, because he's on holiday and didn't know where to go. It hasn't even been five hours since we arrived from another galaxy, please understand that I didn't want him to see our chaotic family first. I know he'd be inundated with questions, which is exactly what I know you're eager to do‘’
Minerva bit her lip, looking apologetically at Aventurine as he looked surprised at Ratio's confession. Had he prioritised his comfort... over seeing his family?
''I had planned to take him to the mausoleum and on the way home, tell him about all of you, and when we got home, update the three of you, since I know you'd all be together at that time and I wouldn't have to go one at a time. Does that explanation work for you?''
Minerva pursed her lips, looking childish, clearly feigned, but finally gave in and nodded to her brother.
''But a message wouldn't have bothered‘’ she muttered, sulking.
Here Ratio seemed to soften, agreeing with Minerva, apologising for it.
The young woman seemed to perk up at last, asking if she could accompany them on the walk, Ratio obviously asking Aventurine.
''How would I care? Fine with me‘’ the blond smiled, Minerva nodding happily, moving ahead of the two men.
Aventurine wanted to follow, but was stopped by Ratio, grabbing the wrist that wasn't hidden ‘’Are you alright?''
''Uh? Yeah sure, how could I not be, haha.‘’
‘’I'm sorry if Minerva made you uncomfortable. She's a bit... eccentric.''
‘’You're truly two peas in a pod, otherwise no one would guess you're brother and sister! Well, although both of you have that same rude tone, haha‘’
But Ratio didn't seem satisfied with his answer, stroking his arm this time ‘’I'm serious, gambler. We're here for you, to enjoy yourself, not to pretend. Anything that bothers you or makes you uncomfortable, tell me, please‘’
Slowly, the stiff arm that was still hidden came into view, Aventurine weakly nodded to Ratio, thanking him, and after a last affectionate squeeze on the shoulder, both men followed the eccentric girl.