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Imbeciles. All of them, complete and utter definitions of the word. So much that the popularity the word had gained would make it this year’s most used word by Merriam Webster, if the ancient yet forever updating dictionary could even stomach the opportunity to hand any one of the people populating the doctor’s brain an award. He wouldn’t. He would go straight to failing, firing, frying to a crisp – anything else but reward such insolent behavior from such idiots!
That was Ratio’s usual thought process times ten for just the events of today alone. This whole week was going to be hell – Finals for his students at the University, results from all the labs on projects varying from his latest pharmaceutical drugs to his newest transportation model ships, and data collected from the Mechanical Aristocrat for the final installments of the Divergent Universe – and he knew that coming into it. Yet of course Mondays were the bane of any working man’s existence. Emails upon emails of pleading students crying their eyes out about raising their grade just a point more, attention-hungry scholars wanting the latest and greatest on all of his projects, and researchers begging to be a part of his next team or at least gouge see his most recent results on quantum mechanics theorems. He was tired of it all. Beyond tired; it burned a fire in his gut that was fueled by anger rather than his much more loving passion. That only made him huffy, scowling with eyes that held back both frustrated tears that could drown the universe, and the lazer-like glare that could burn holes in the fabric of time-space.
He hadn’t worn his statuette mask in forever, feeling more free to both face the world and show himself to it. He had to wear it all the way home in order to further conceal himself, and get away from everyone else staring at him and making him lose his mind.
His hand was shaking, holding his keys to their shared home, taking several tries to unlock their front door. Said door was opened with a swiftness and closed within the blink of an eye, the latter producing such a loud bang that every wall of the house rattled just so. If Ratio’s messenger bag wasn’t filled to bursting with papers right now, he would’ve slammed it right onto the ground of the entranceway, instead of the vice grip he kept on the handle. “Aven, I swear , the nerves of people; such talent to irritate every fiber of my being! ” Barely through the entrance and he can already feel all of his inhibitions slide off, literal mask included as it disappears to reveal his absolute state – eyes already red with tears at the brim, whole face flush from the fire within boiling him, and with pent up emotion bursting from and scratching up his vocal chords. Every other word with such emphasis that it felt like a punch to the entire atmosphere of the house. Ratio was ready to vent and let all this hatred out of himself; to cleanse his soul and then slowly heal from the jokes and encouraging words from who he loved most…
…Who hadn’t immediately exclaimed anything to him. Who hadn’t even greeted him, physically or just merely shouting out an acknowledgement of his existence.
The lack of presence makes the freight train that was Ratio stop dead in his tracks. No, Ratio had been the only one that had messaged that he would be working later today…Though such text got no reply – no complaints of working too hard, and no teases that would make him desire to come home all the faster – and not even a reaction emoji to it. Besides, Aventurine’s keys were in the bowl on top of the entrance counter, and all of his pairs of shoes were accounted for. He had to have come home already and not gone out since, but with the uncharacteristic silence…
“Aven?” The nickname is called through the house, Ratio deciding to just drop his bag unceremoniously to the floor as he slowly creeps into uncertain territory.
Though he doesn’t have to for long, when shivering blond hair catches his eye. Barely visible from where the other man was curled up on the couch in the living room, the TV blaring some random infomercial either man would never actually watch. Just any sort of constantly blaring background noise that could let the mind drift, but still barely keep hold so as to distract it from sinking into the deepest recesses. But even over the cheery voices talking about the optimal skin care routine, Ratio could hear it – the shaky, quick breathing that desperately wanted to mellow out in order to talk to his frustrated husband. But to prep yourself to take on the world when you yourself are swimming in your own torrent – Ratio’s heart sank into his stomach.
What happened? Was it some sort of meeting that went wrong? Did Diamond take back the cornerstone? Or was it a mission that Ratio didn’t know about that shook him up? Was it some pointed argument? Or did he wake up from one of those nightmares again? Did he scare him at all just now with his own outburst? No, of course he did; of course he did -
He had to calm down. Toss out those thoughts and breathe. Of course, that was easier said than done, but it was obvious – even from guesses and brief glimpses – that they were both trying to do so to approach the other. Not as if to hide or push it away though…at least not in Ratio’s case. He had his own ways of dealing with all of his pent up stress; calming methods and relaxing items that soothed him, discovered both with and without the man at the forefront of his mind. But Aventurine…They were there, but it was harder. He could swallow so much more pain, but that wasn’t healthy and Ratio swore it would kill him in the end more than any poison or stab wound ever would. So he had tried to share those methods and things with him, and extend himself towards the other with as much love and care, and hope and pray that it was enough. Slowly opening up to each other; slowly letting each other in; slowly showing each other their tears and scars both physical and mental…
Ratio finally got his heartbeat around a decent bpm, and his fists and his jaw could unclench easier. Not like it was any healthier of him to swallow his own frustrations, but he certainly knew that going off like he wanted to was not the appropriate banter right now. Right now he had to figure out what was bothering Aventurine, and what he could take, and then go from there.
Coat shed and held in his arms, Ratio takes his time rounding to the front of the couch in order to take in more of his love. His coat and gloves were discarded on the floor, and signature shades flung even farther away. Though he’s also wrapped himself in every throw blanket that had decorated the room and then some, with one of the decorative pillows hugged against his stomach. A warm and comforting cocoon…Ratio doesn’t want to dare disturb any of it, so he goes to kneel on the floor. But a hand appears from the pile – just so to catch Ratio’s eye – before patting the couch cushions so lightly to make no sound. It’s okay; come up. Aventurine not using his words makes a knot twist in Ratio’s chest, but even the silent reassurance is appreciated. Changing his trajectory, he sits slowly onto the couch, shaking from the desperate want to slam his full weight into the comfy cushions, but also not wanting to jostle his love. Though he does sigh as he sinks in, head lolling onto the back, and watching as Aventurine lets out the ghost of a laugh at the sight. Stardust eyes glittered with tears long shed yet could be rejuvenated if provoked, face red and puffy. Pain that could still wear the smallest of smiles.
“...Rough day?” Ratio asks after a moment.
It seems like Aventurine doesn’t even have the strength to properly shake or nod his head; or, if he did, he was trying to decide what exact answer he wanted to give. That was an answer in it of itself anyhow. An answer that makes Ratio’s heart hurt more, thinking of the myriad of things that could have happened to Aventurine today. Though, especially on unknown, upsetting topics, Ratio wasn’t going to pry unless there was an absolute urgency, like a physical injury or truly dark and foreboding talks. Neither of which seemed to be the case right now, but…
“Are you hurt anywhere?” asked so softly, just to be safe.
Aventurine does shake his head a bit at that at least, which puts that thought to rest. It eliminates some of the activities he could’ve taken part in today too, but it still leaves more questions. But Ratio also felt that Aventurine would share with him eventually. Whether today, or tomorrow, or sometime in the future where today would be merely on the backburner of his thoughts – He believed in that much anyways, with how much they had talked about now.
“...I’m sorry I came into the house yelling like I did.” The pain in his tone is more apparent than he wants it to be, yet so is the apologetic nature that he wanted to convey as well.
Aventurine merely shakes his head again, though this time with more energy and a shaky sigh, as if he was about to use his voice…but says nothing. Instead, his eyes stare up into Ratio’s in their own sorry way, and if a look could really convey a thousand words…
He wanted to kiss him so bad. But he knew this was for the best, at least for now, just staring at and being here as a needed, comforting presence for his beloved. How well that was working was up in the air right now, though Ratio had ways to make it a bit more comfortable. “I’m going to go make some tea. Probably the honey chamomile to relax my frayed nerves.” He sits up straighter at the announcement, moving to the edge of his seat before looking over Aventurine again, “Would you like a cup?”
It takes the stoneheart a minute, his face scrunching and making it look like his brain was working overtime to process the question. Which, in all likelihood, it probably was. But after that moment, Aventurine slowly nods his head, before a hand pokes out from under the blanket cocoon again to flash him a peace sign.
“Two sugar?”
A nod.
“Any creamer?”
The hand changes its position to show a little pinch.
“Mm. Anything else?”
The hand hesitates a bit, before the index finger points out to make a downward spiral motion.
Ratio’s own hand goes to his chin to process that real quick. “Hm…Extra honey drizzled in?”
A bit of a fervent nod, slight brightness coming into Aventurine’s sparkling eyes.
The puppylike nature makes Ratio hold back a laugh, instead smiling and nodding his head. “Okay. All of that will be ready in a moment then.”
With that, he gets up slowly, walking out of the living room and into the kitchen across the hall, and started the whole process. White and black kettle filled up with water from the sink, placed gently onto the electric stove, and then the heat at max to get the water to heat up as fast as possible – Ratio was typically a patient man, he swore it, but this was one of those moments where things needed to be expedited.
Then two mugs – he goes for one of their matching sets that weren’t actually supposed to match. Just one peacock-themed and the other owl-themed, the only thing putting them together being the similar cartoonish art style the birds were in. But it had made Aventurine very happy; two happy birds in a little nest. Ratio had reminded him that peafowl and owl nesting habits were quite different upon purchase, though it wasn’t like they were actual birds and should actually care about the schematics of it all. Though the memory brings a smile to Ratio’s face all the same.
Tea fished out of an amber jar, and scooped gently into a diffuser bag. Honey drizzled into the mugs – just to make it melt all the quicker once the hot water got to it – and extra practically poured into Aventurine’s mug. Two sugar for each of them, and then the kettle starts screaming at Ratio to plead for release. Carefully picked up from its fiery spot and poured slowly, then carefully placed to the side with the hot burner turned off.
Then he sets the timer for eight minutes, and waits.
And waits.
And
waits.
And he could break the oven clock if he wanted, but he remembers to breathe and stop squeezing his arms too tightly, trying his best to unstiffen. His hands lacking anything to do, he simply starts tidying up a kitchen that was already spotless enough as is, before getting the creamer from the fridge and two little spoons.
And then waiting.
He stops the timer a second before it can beep, but he is gentle. Small splashes of cream for the both of them. Small stirs to mix in all the love and help Ratio even himself out again. Though slightly shaky; slightly unsure; slightly desiring so much suddenly – He holds the handles of the mugs and forces himself into slow steps back into the living room.
Aventurine can notice. Of course he notices. And of course he’s kind about it, partially leaving the comfort of his cocoon by reaching his arms out for his mug with a smile. And Ratio could melt as quickly as honey, but also let this moment steep into a multitude of flavors.
“Careful now, it’s still hot.” Ratio comments before handing off the mug fully. Aventurine, immediately ignoring the statement, only blows on it once or twice before taking a sip. Instantly his face scrunches again, and he lets out a noise barely above a whimper at burning his tongue. Yet he still sips at it, still regrets it, and still sips at it before it's cool enough that he looks like he’s properly enjoying it. That’s when Ratio finally starts to sip his, having been fixated upon the other man this whole time. Not stopping him – though he worried for his mouth and throat, the feeling was understood – but simply admiring him. Though its when Ratio takes his first, long sip, a sigh escaping him as he sinks further into the couch –
“You look like shit.” The blond finally spoke, voice absolutely torn up even when only above a whisper and soaked in remedy.
Ratio can’t help but scoff into a smile at being greeted in such a way, “I could say the same to you.” spoken just above the TV, now just playing a chime in between ad blocks. It looked like Aventurine would laugh if he could, but there was clearly nothing left in the tank. Instead, they just stare at each other for a moment while they drank. Lovingly, as one was able to behold the most precious things in their hearts, yet with worry over the other mixed in. The contest ends when Aventurine sighs and shifts, before he looks down at Ratio’s coat where he had left it. His mug, now half empty, gently placed on the coffee table nearby. The hand that had invited him up now pops up and out of the top near his neck – fingers extended, then an unsure tension, and then an open palm out with eyes a bit pleading. Ratio chuckles – shaky and a bit strained from fatigue starting to replace his anger-filled adrenaline high – before gently placing the collar of the coat in the other’s grasp. At once it is whisked away into the pile, with such speed that Ratio’s a bit taken aback, though still visible with how Aventurine sniffs and cuddles it. Such action almost makes his cocoon loosen, but it all still stays around him, the added comfort of something of Ratio’s seemingly being the most important piece anyhow.
“You used the cologne I bought you for New Years.” Aventurine comments in a soothed, strained sigh.
Something that instantly makes Ratio feel more at ease, if such simple things and items and presence could truly help so much. “Of course I did. All of the notes of it align with what I usually wear, and…” He starts to go on one of his usual rambles, but the energy to do so wasn’t quite there, feeling tired from just the extra inhale of breath. So he pauses, looking over at Aventurine – The glimmer of concern in his stardust eyes, bless him – with a sleepy smile on his own lips. “...My love bought it for me. So, of course.” is the simple explanation that comes out afterwards. He can just make out the shift in skintone when Aventurine blushes, the TV light much too bright and the rest of the world so dark, save for the man in front of him.
But Aventurine also smiles at it. True and genuine, however tired and small it was. And that’s enough for Ratio.
“Speaking of him,” he starts, holding his own hand out at last Aventurine’s way, “does my love need anything before I draw myself a bath?”
At that, Aventurine hesitates again. Looking over Ratio’s hand, then looking over his expression, and then back down again. He opens his mouth and then closes it again, head lolling to the side as some sort of frustration mounts. The whole time Ratio left unmoving, just waiting for any sort of response before he moved about his needed routine.
“...Just you.” whispered out so delicately that it makes Ratio’s heart skip a beat. Aventurine’s gaze now half lidded as his hand finally ventured out to greet Ratio’s, interlocking their fingers and tugging him a bit closer. Ratio follows every movement, though still tries not to invade Aventurine’s space or act upon any of his own impulses. No, in these moments, he lets the other have his way with him, so they both know what they’re both ready for. Though, not like he won’t also give suggestions or tread murky waters based on the gathered intel.
“I can hold off for a moment then.”
Aventurine shakes his head, with much more energy than before, “No, don’t do that. I know how important those are for you, especially on days like today. Gotta get all those irritable people out of your head.” The smile he hands Ratio is still very genuine, if not extremely tired, and the kindness in his words certainly doesn’t go unnoticed.
Ratio lets out a sigh through his nose, but is also very grateful, his own fatigued smile reflecting that hopefully. “Would you like to join me then?” A pause. “...The warm water will be very soothing, and we could pick out your favorite bath bomb?”
Aventurine brings their handhold up to his lips, but chuckles against his skin at Ratio’s continued words, before the faintest kiss is placed there. Kept there. Even with what he said earlier for Ratio’s sake, it's a bit obvious that he wants Ratio near him in some way, if only for his love to be his rock to ease him out of all his mounting tension. It's also obvious how much he considers the offer, Ratio swearing he could see the gears turning in his mind. “...Later?” He asks after a moment, eyes almost begging yet also unsure. Ratio leaves a bit of air when it still seems like Aventurine’s chewing on the thought, and the stoneheart can’t help but sigh at that. “I…I know you’ve said I can always join you, whenever I wanted. But I…also know that it's your space. And…your alone time and privacy is important too, even though I…”
At that, Aventurine trails off, though Ratio knows that either of his thoughts could fill in the gap and it would be a correct statement: “Even though I want to be with you.” , and “Even though I want to take care of you.”
“And yet I want to be with you and take care of you too.” Ratio states it as easily as breathing for the both of them, his thumb in their handhold gently gliding over Aventurine’s cheek. The other stiffens, but then relaxes and even nuzzles into the small touch, keeping them both there in that moment all the longer. Not that Ratio minded. He was already wanting to spend the rest of his life with Aventurine; spending eternity just sitting here and being with each other was packaged into that, and of which Ratio would have no problem doing.
Aventurine could take advantage of that…but he doesn’t. Never really has, in these sorts of scenarios, unless it was those desperate moments where he truly felt like he couldn’t breathe. The infection of the Nihility sweated from his body, or night terrors of the past cried and screamed out in such anguish – Neither of those were present here today, yet Ratio wasn’t just about to leave him if he truly couldn't stand too much touch, but also desired his presence right now.
It takes a long time for Aventurine to answer and finish his internal fight. Ratio has all the time in the world right now for him.
“...I…kinda need to work myself up to it first. But…I want to be near you, and the water sounds nice…I just need another minute.” He admits, gaze finally ripped away from Ratio. Whether or not a minute was a true minute or not mattered little; all that mattered was Aventurine’s comfort.
Ratio nods, “And that’s perfectly fine. I would never want to force you.”
“Mm…” Another long pause. Aventurine’s eyes go towards their hands, as if sensing his thoughts. “...But don’t wait on me for too long, okay? Anything…Anything with you helps.” The latter bit is more muttered against another kiss to strong fingers, warmth and love flowing through the touch to both of them.
“Of course.” Ratio nods again, then sighs, “Though, admittedly, I…may be in there for a while. So…If you need me, don’t hesitate, okay?”
“Mm…” Aventurine nods, before finally peeling his hand away from Ratio’s own, and tucking himself back into his blankets.
It takes a moment for Ratio to move, and when he does he’s as slow as ever, part of him feeling the pull to stay by Aventurine’s side for forever. Though he knows that would make their conversation all for naught, and…despite his continued desire to comfort, finally standing makes him realize how much he needed this bath. Lighter than before, but still feeling his own internal tension. Eyes feeling heavy with fatigue and the now sudden need to cry again . Body just feeling bogged down and disgusting, if not for all his annoyances resurfacing the more distance he has from Aventurine, and with the more noise that plagues his mind. Getting out of comforting mode, now being the one that desperately craved comfort…
He goes to their outer bath. He needed more outside sounds to combat the inner if he wasn’t going to focus his energy on his love right now. Their massive home was Aventurine’s idea, but this addition had been by far the one worthy of full marks (the game room less so, the at home cinema redundant, but this ...absolutely needed). While the actual bathroom reigned supreme, marble and gold accents with the right amount of echo and room for his being to be, this bath being a bit more open to nature yet still modestly concealed on a stone terrace was something Ratio never knew he needed until they had built it. The vines and flowers gave a calming energy and natural scent, and the large bath specifically made to fit both he and Aventurine comfortably was still decorated in his favorite gold and blue, not to mention a comfortable yet cooling stone to rest himself against along the edges. The water still ran warm, and essential oils and bath bombs were still used often enough. Though Ratio decides in the moment on a scented bubble bath – not too much to devour him, but not too little to where there would be no point in the matter. Where Aventurine kept finding so many different scents for him to try was unknown to him, and the amount stored in their regular bathroom was what one might call an insane amount. But…this lavender and honey scent was already quite nice. It reminded him of their tea earlier – now trying to remember if he finished his tea, or if he left his mug half full on the coffee table – and still feeling soothed by it despite the tension still lingering in his muscles.
Clothes – Discarded immediately after everything was set up.
Body – Not caring to do a bit of proper cleaning or prep; just dipping and then submerging himself right into the water.
Soul – unwinding under all the warmth and rhythm of the water…to the point his tension can no longer hold back lingering tears.
A quiet crier due to growing up with every available space too crowded to do so too freely, except for the sanctity of the bathroom, Ratio still gets taken a bit aback when he can hear himself sob. Another reason why he chose this bath of theirs – he loved hearing his own voice for a plethora of reasons, but to hear himself cry was…a hard feeling to describe, and to have it amplified by any sort of echo only terrified him somewhat. He needed to have the open air to cry into and feel less looked upon for it, and all the outside noises as a distraction or to soothe himself at all. It was also another reason Aventurine built this add-on, admittedly shyly over a comforting session together in the water. Knowing Ratio and having lived with him for long enough, even if they spent days to months apart, he knew better than anyone how a place like this was something he deserved and needed. Not that Aventurine didn’t like it for his own reasons, a million different types of “sessions” had in these waters. But the usual purpose was, indeed, the relaxation and comfort it brought.
Electing to ignore any actual bath routine, just letting the soft foam of bubbles calm him as he lounged, and allowing himself to relax enough to cry to his heart’s content – in short, recovery bliss.
He doesn’t know when he stops crying – a rare point where his knack for keeping the exact time falls flat on its face. Only that the tremble in his chest finally subsides and, at some point, he can see clearly and breathe freely again. Nor does he know how long Aventurine had been lingering at the entrance back into the house. Only that the slap of bare feet padding across the stones barely hits his ears, until he’s fully calm and Aventurine’s already by his side. Though he doesn’t look over at the blond, resting his stinging eyes instead, holding his hand up similarly to how he had on the couch earlier. Except now the roles were reversed. He can feel Aventurine silently take his hand and kiss it – palm, to loving each finger, to his wrist and slightly beyond. Ratio sighs at the touches before the kisses skip his arm entirely, and he nuzzles wet hair into Aventurine’s bare chest as he’s kissed on the crown.
“Rough day, right?” Aventurine whispers into his scalp, sounding himself much more calm and collected than before.
Ratio nods, “ Extremely. ” said back in kind through a sigh.
A hum of agreement is all he gets back, before they stay like that for a bit, Aventurine’s kisses sucking out the last bit of stress or negativity that lingered. Once all of it is swallowed up for the time being, there’s only one thought that remains.
“...Do you still want to join me?”
“...Do you still want me here with you?”
At that, Ratio opens his eyes. Blinking against the light, before focusing in on his love’s face right above him, revealing all of his soft and shining glory. “Always and forever, Kakavasha.” said as easy as breathing, calling his real name now that no accidental venom could poison something so personal.
It makes Aventurine’s features soften all the more, letting out a sigh of his own before leaning down for a proper kiss. Well, as proper as cockeyed kisses could be, Aventurine giggling softly into each one before pulling away. “That’s certainly an offer I would never refuse. Just don’t go back on it, okay?”
“I would never dream of it.” Ratio states wholeheartedly, motioning for Aventurine with his free hand to get in already. “Though, should anyone else dare still think such a thing, I’ll crush them under every speech and marble pillar I can.”
Aventurine laughs at that, letting go of one hand to grab the beckoning other, dipping himself in and already getting cozy next to Ratio – a very great sign. “Aha, should I start up a new list for you then?” said teasingly, and that alone is enough for now too.
“Perhaps so. I’ll have plenty of energy in the morning to set up a few plans.” Aventurine laughs again, and Ratio remembers how much he loves the sound of that joy. Even if a bit muted, even not at one hundred percent still, it was one of Ratio’s most favorite things in the whole wide universe. To have it back is to be reminded of how much he missed it, and how he wished it’d never go away. Of course, that was too much wishful thinking, and he wasn’t usually one to board that train of thought. But…for Vasha, he would indeed give anything to make all such pain go away, and to keep him forever free of fear.
Their hands disconnect completely as Aventurine settles in, though one gets replaced to Ratio’s cheek, Aventurine laying against his chest and staring up at him. His face is a bit squished by the affection, and movement somehow brought a tiny cluster of bubbles right onto his nose, the sight of which made Aventurine let out a huff of a laugh. Something Ratio would roll his eyes at if not desperately loving the closeness and warmth, looking down just as lovingly as Aventurine was looking up at him. “What did I ever do to deserve you?” is spoken without words between the both of them, as if they had created the echo of a memory to add their catalogue in the Garden of Recollection. If a memokeeper was actually actively looking upon them…They would thank her for her service, before shooing her off to give them true privacy.
“...Let me clean you up properly.” Ratio starts after a moment, going to shake off his now much more sleepy and less stressed fatigue, though Aventurine becomes heavier upon him in the process.
“No, let me help you .” said firmly yet kindly, even if he ends up just nuzzling instead of acting upon his words, “ You need to get your body thoroughly cleansed; as much as your mind, if not more.”
“Hmm…” Ratio hums, sinking a bit more into the water upon instant defeat. “Well… then after that, I’ll help you clean your body and thoroughly cleanse your mind with your favorite shampoo and conditioner.”
“ Well , then we’ll have to dry each other off and make sure the other cleans their faces.”
“Then we’ll certainly have to help the other with lotion and perhaps a soothing facemask after that?”
“Yeah! And then we’ll have to pick out one of our matching pajama sets, and then –”
“I’ll whisk you off your feet, and place you gently onto the bed, and then –”
“I’ll snuggle into your chest, and…” The pause only lasts a moment, both of them nuzzling into each other more for comfort. “...I’ll just dream of that. Me in your arms forever. If…that’s still alright with you?”
“Mm. Sounds like the perfect dream to me.”
“Is it really?” Aventurine questions, laughing and sighing out his tension before it could mount.
Then it's Ratio’s turn to touch Aventurine’s face – just the softest beckoning on his chin, lifting his gaze back up to meet Ratio’s own. Sunset and stardust mingling in their mutual, universal love. “There’s no place I'd rather be.”
Aventurine scoffs a bit in his laugh at the statement, though he tilts his head to kiss those strong fingers once more, before his full weight starts to sink into Ratio again. “...Before all of that then, can we pretend that that dream is here too?”
Ratio nods, kissing the top of blond locks, “That dream is everywhere I can be with you, so I have no reason to object. Though I will try my best to make sure we don’t end up too pruney, alright?”
Aventurine nods, a smirk flashing on his face like he wouldn’t mind that at all, before his own personal fatigue finds him in a yawn. “...Thank you, Veritas.”
Ratio kisses Aventurine once more, before adjusting them both to settle more comfortably, basking in their shared presence. “No…thank you , Vasha.” For there was no better way nowadays to truly combat such a day than this.