Chapter Text
“You two need to get out of the house,” Aventurine admonishes his roommates the moment he steps foot in the house, before the door starts to close.
“And why might that be?” Dr. Ratio doesn’t look up from his book as he lounges on the living room couch.
“I’m sorry Aventurine but I’m in no mood to go on one of your evening excursions. Not today.” Sunday turns from the vegetables he’s carefully cutting to address his roommate.
“Hear me out. This isn’t just another of my evening excursions. Iiiiit’s,” Aventurine pauses dramatically, looking between the other two as he spreads his arms.
“Please get on with it so I can say ‘no’ and continue reading in peace.”
“You act as though there’s peace to be had when Aventurine is home.” Sunday turns his attention back to his vegetables as Dr. Ratio gives a brief smile. “Well Aventurine, as Dr. Ratio said, ‘please get on with it.’”
“This stick in the mud attitude is exactly why you two are going out with me. But this isn’t just any other trip. We’re going on a road trip.”
“You can’t convince me to go on a road trip with you. Remember the last one?” Dr. Ratio finally looks up from his book to stare Aventurine down.
Aventurine’s face grows bright red. “Ver, I’m afraid I don’t remember you being there for the last road trip I went on.”
“I worked hard for my doctorate so I would appreciate it if you addressed me as ‘doctor.’ Or at least use my full name.” Dr. Ratio sits up. “I heard the stories from Jade and Topaz, it was like I was there myself.”
“That was a business trip. And those two could stand to work a little less. They make me look bad in comparison.” Aventurine makes his way to the couch and seats himself beside Dr. Ratio, resting his feet on the coffee table.
“May I ask what happened on your last road trip? Or business trip. Whichever it was,” Sunday chimes in looking perplexed.
“I’d rather you didn’t,” Aventurine grumbles. “But the doctor here might fill you in later anyway.”
“I won’t pry.”
“Thank you. Getting back on topic, you two are going. I have everything planned out and it’s all paid for already. So, if you don’t I’m going to be out a lot of money…” He trails off, letting the new information sink in with the two.
“Trying to make us feel bad? That’s a low blow, even for you.” The doctor finally sets his book down on the arm of the couch, fully prepared for the impending debate.
“You wound me, doctor. I wasn’t planning on taking ‘no’ for an answer so I came home prepared to convince even you. But first, let me convince Sunday.” Aventurine turns his attention to his other roommate. “I know how hard it’s been for you lately, especially the past couple months with Robin being on tour again. But you’ve been cooped up in here too long worrying about all the worst case scenarios. Getting out will help you get your mind off those fears and get you some new perspective. Plus I have some fun surprises for both of you! I won’t disappoint.”
“As good as that sounds, I have almost nothing to pay my way through the trip with.”
“I won’t have it. All expenses will be covered by yours truly. So, are you on board?” Aventurine gives Sunday a knowing smile as Sunday nods.
“One down, one to go.” Aventurine’s attention returns once again to the man sitting beside him. “A little wager for you, Veritas. I’m betting you’ll enjoy this trip. If you don’t, I’ll put my job on the line, see if I can get the IPC to fund your research. Plus, I’ll never ask you to go on another road trip.” A spark lights Dr. Ratio’s eyes at the idea.
“And if I do enjoy the trip?”
“Then I get to see one of your rare smiles.”
Dr. Ratio scoffs, “That’s it? I win no matter what. You’re taking on all the risk. I’m impressed.”
Aventurine sinks further into the sofa as he places his hands behind his head and beams with pride at the doctor’s praise. Sunday makes his way over to the couch, swatting Aventurine’s legs off the table, he sets a plate of food in front of the gambler and doctor as they thank him. He then retrieves his own plate and sits between the two.
“It’s settled then. After this meal, pack your bags. We’re leaving first thing in the morning!”
The three enjoy their meal as Aventurine regales them with his neverending list of accomplishments. Dr. Ratio constantly questions the validity of the achievements as Sunday offers his praise.
—
Sunday shakes a sleeping Aventurine awake. “Alright, alright,” Aventurine yawns. “I’m awake.”
“This trip was your idea. I was hoping you’d actually be up in the morning for once. I’ve been coming to knock on your door for hours now.”
“I’ll get ready.” Another yawn from Aventurine. “Just give me a few minutes.”
“You better not fall back to sleep. Dr. Ratio was getting excited about winning your bet. I wanted to come in here and wake you sooner but he asked that I let you sleep. His exact words were, ‘if he sleeps through the trip, I win the bet.’”
“You know I don’t lose many bets. I’ll win this one too.”
“There’ll be coffee and breakfast waiting for you. I knew better than to start it before you woke up.” Sunday closes the door gently behind him as he leaves Aventurine to get prepared.
“Thanks, Sun.”
Aventurine quickly gets dressed in one of his many black suits with a green dress shirt underneath. His standard business attire. He combs his flattened blonde hair to give it its volume back and applies a small amount of cologne.
Making his way into the kitchen, Aventurine is greeted with the smell of frying bacon and coffee. He grabs the pot and pours himself a cup, sweetening it with sugar.
“You took your sweet time waking me,” Aventurine says as he looks at the clock showing 3pm over the stove.
“I thought you should have your beauty sleep.” Dr. Ratio answers from where he’s seated at the bar, nearly finished with his book.
“Don’t try to play innocent. Sunday told me you were hoping to win our bet on day one. Well don’t worry, today’s a short day of driving. Our first destination isn’t too far.”
“And where is this first destination?”
“That, my dear, is a surprise.” Aventurine reaches for a steaming piece of bacon but his hand is promptly stopped by Sunday.
“I don’t want you burning yourself again. Let it cool.”
“But your cooking’s just so good. It’s making my mouth water.”
“Foolish as always, Aventurine.” His book finished, Dr. Ratio sets it down and examines the scene before him. “If it weren’t for us, you’d have seriously injured yourself many times over.”
Aventurine rolls his eyes. “It’s just a slice of bacon, nothing serious.” Sunday and Dr. Ratio shake their heads in unison at Aventurine’s nonchalance.
After waiting for Sunday to give the okay to eat, Aventurine wolfs down his food.
“Ready to roll you two?” Aventurine wipes his mouth.
“We’ve been ready for hours. Though are we dressed appropriately?” Dr. Ratio looks Aventurine up and down.
“Of course. Did you look over my checklist?”
“I did. It was surprisingly well thought out. I assume someone helped you with it?”
“I can be organized!” Aventurine protests.
“Your room says otherwise. When was the last time you cleaned it?” Aventurine pauses at Sunday’s query. “That’s what I thought. When we get back, maybe you should take care of it.”
“Since you were so willing to go on the trip, I suppose that’s the least I can do.”
Sunday gives Aventurine an approving smile.
“Now that that’s settled, Sunday, do you have your suitcase ready?”
“It’s already loaded in the car.”
“Then let’s be off!”
Aventurine leads the way to the connected garage as Dr. Ratio and Sunday follow. Aventurine approaches his metallic green convertible as Sunday presses the button to open the garage door. Opening the driver’s side door, Aventurine leans the chair forward, stepping aside to let Sunday climb in the back. Dr. Ratio walks around and lets himself in the front passenger seat. With the other two settled, Aventurine puts his seat back in place, sits down, puts on his sunglasses, and starts the car.
—
Bright lights shine against the darkening horizon as Aventurine turns off the interstate into Las Vegas.
“This is your road trip idea?” Sunday can’t keep the incredulity out of his voice.
“It’s only the first stop. Something fun to loosen you two up then we move on to our next destination. It’s a long drive from here.”
“We’re already here and Aventurine has the keys. I’m afraid our only option is to play along for now, Sunday.” Dr. Ratio turns from the book he’s half finished on the 4 hour drive to look at Sunday. “We’re lucky he made it here without any issues.”
A look of alarm crosses Sunday’s face. “What problems did you have on your last road trip? Maybe I should have pried more.”
“Please, can we drop it. I’m sure Topaz would love to tell you all about it the next time she sees you.”
“If she sees you again,” Dr. Ratio chimes in.
“Aventurine, I think I need the details.”
“Have a little faith. In both you and me. I saw you carefully watching everything I did.” Sunday blushes. “I know you’ll make sure nothing bad happens to any of us. And anyway, that’s the past, I’m a completely different person now.”
“Completely different is a stretch but he has grown. It’s going to be okay, Sunday. I’m also here this time. We’ll keep him in check.” Sunday breathes a sigh of relief at his companions’ reassurances.
Aventurine pulls into the valet parking of a hotel dimly lit in comparison to the dazzling lights all around. The lights give off a lavender glow with specks of white lights blinking in and out around the building. Letters shine white, lighting one at a time until they’re all lit to read The Night Sky and then turn off to begin their cadence once more.
“Mr. Kakavasha, sir. Um, how are you?” A young boy shyly greets Aventurine as he steps out of the car.
Aventurine thinks for a moment. “It’s been a while. Misha, right?”
“Y-yes sir.” The boy’s face grows red as he speaks with Aventurine.
“You can relax. I won’t bite.” Aventurine opens the trunk and begins taking the suitcases out. “Though that one with the blue hair might. Especially if you don’t call him ‘doctor.’”
The boy goes pale and drags a cart over where Aventurine helps load the luggage. Once all the luggage is ready to move, Misha rushes it in through the front door, nearly tripping over himself as he goes.
“There was no need to antagonize that boy,” Sunday scolds Aventurine.
“Sorry, I’ve gotten so used to it with you two. I’ll be more careful.”
“This place doesn’t seem like your style.” Dr. Ratio quickly scrolls through his phone, typing occasionally.
“Yes and no. It may not be as flashy as a lot of the other hotels but it is one of the best places on the Strip. Especially with you two, I thought something a little less flashy would be nice.”
“That’s awfully considerate of you.” Sunday gently touches Aventurine’s upper arm.
“He does have his moments. I’m still not a gambler like him.” Dr. Ratio puts his phone away. “Though I suppose I agreed to this trip, it doesn’t hurt to try. It can’t be that difficult.”
“While I like your enthusiasm, let’s get checked in. Dinner first, then we hit the casino.” Aventurine hands the keys to the valet and watches for a moment as she drives off.
—
“I know this is the first time either of you have been to a casino. Don’t worry though, you’ve got an expert gambler here to teach you.”
“I know well enough how everything works. I did some research when we arrived.” Dr. Ratio casually declines Aventurine’s suggestion.
“I’m afraid I don’t know what I’m doing here, so any help would be wonderful. Thank you.”
Aventurine leads the way through the doors to the casino where the three are promptly ID’d. In the large space, most of the games are on the lower floor with a balcony above where people can watch the games unfold and drink at the bars. The ceiling shows a beautiful night sky, filled with stars.
Aventurine scans the upper floors until he spots two women standing intimately close to one another as they casually survey the casino below. One of them locks eyes with him. He gives a smile and turns his attention back to the casino floor.
“Right this way my gentlemen.” Aventurine leads the way to a table where an employee just arrived to run the table. “First up on the menu is roulette.”
Aventurine takes out a stack of 100 dollar bills and hands them to the employee. The employee counts out the cash over the table and hands Aventurine chips of an equivalent value. Aventurine then divvies out the chips to his companions. They each have $500 worth of chips at their disposal.
“I’m not quite sure what I should be doing here.” Sunday leans in close to Aventurine as he looks over the table at the many options for betting.
“Don’t stress so much about it. Just go with your gut.”
“Aventurine is setting you up for failure with that ideology.” Dr. Ratio meticulously places his bets to maximize his odds of winning.
“We’ll see about that.” Aventurine briefly places his hand on Dr. Ratio’s thigh.
Sunday places his bets and the wheel starts spinning.
—
“This game of chance is absurd.” Dr. Ratio glares at his dwindling stack of chips.
“Oh, don’t be such a poor sport, Ver. We all have our off days.” Aventurine places his arm over Dr. Ratio’s shoulders.
“Maybe we should find something else to do?” Sunday removes his bets from the table. Sunday stands as he exchanges his growing stack of chips for chips of greater value.
“That’s probably for the best.” Aventurine follows Sunday in standing and stretches as his chips are also traded out for those of greater value. Dr. Ratio rises from the table with his remaining chips.
“I know just what our doctor needs.” Aventurine looks to Dr. Ratio. “You’ll love this next game.”
Dr. Ratio grimaces. “I’m sure nothing can be worse than this horrid game. Though to say I’ll ‘love’ whatever you’re planning now is incredibly bold, even for you, Aventurine.”
Aventurine simply smiles, tips the dealer, and starts walking away. Sunday follows closely behind him as Dr. Ratio trails behind.
Once at their destination, Aventurine gestures emphatically at the table. “Blackjack!”
A small smirk shows Dr. Ratio’s lips before his stoic expression returns. “This will be better.” Dr. Ratio sits down confidently at the table.
“I hardly knew what to do with roulette and that was simple. I’m not even sure how to play blackjack.”
“Ver and I will teach you. You’ve got nothing to worry about.” Aventurine gestures to the open seats on his left. Dr. Ratio takes the seat at the end of the table and Sunday sits between the two.
The cards treat Sunday well as Dr. Ratio once again loses time after time. Aventurine basks in the joy of seeing his companions play the same games he enjoys, even if they don’t enjoy the games in the same way.
“Preposterous. Statistically speaking, I should be winning. The odds are in my favor.” Dr. Ratio rattles off the cards remaining in the deck. “So how am I losing? Is the deck stacked against me?”
“I’m sorry sir, are you counting cards?” The dealer glances over to her manager, catching his eye and flagging him down.
“Of course. Who in their right mind wouldn’t count the cards to ensure the best odds?”
The manager approaches the table. “What’s going on?”
“This man is counting cards.” The dealer gestures to Dr. Ratio.
“Give me your ID, sir. You’re going to be leaving now.
“And why would that be?”
“You were counting cards.”
“Is it such a statistical anomaly for someone to be so smart as to keep track of cards that their presence is a threat?”
“That’s enough, both of you.” A voice cuts through the arguing.
“Acheron, ma’am.” The man stands taller as he addresses the woman standing threateningly behind Dr. Ratio. “This man was-”
“I heard. Get back to work. I’ll handle them from here.” Acheron places a hand on both Aventurine and Dr. Ratio’s shoulders, silently urging them out of their seats. Sunday follows as his companions are dragged away.
“I saw your Swan earlier. Where might she be?”
Acheron glares at Aventurine and gives a little push. “If you want to know, be quiet and keep walking or I can send you out the door right now.” Aventurine goes silent.
Eventually the group finds their way to a private room on the upper floor. A woman in an unassuming purple dress sits with her legs crossed on a couch. The room is otherwise empty.
“Swan! It’s been too long.” The moment Aventurine is through the door, he greets the woman.
“I’ve missed you too, Aventurine.” Swan gives a smile. “I thought you weren’t going to visit us. You know you only had to ask for us. There was no need to cause a scene.”
Acheron stalks over to the couch, sitting with exasperation beside Swan. “Swan is right. There was no need for that commotion. There will be repercussions for your actions tonight.”
Swan places a hand on Acheron’s leg. “No need to get to that part just yet. We’re forgetting something important.” Swan holds Acheron’s gaze for an extra moment before turning to Aventurine. “Aren’t you going to introduce your… friends?”
“Of course! I didn’t want to interrupt your little lover’s quarrel.” Aventurine turns to introduce his companions. “This is Sunday. I don’t think I’ve been around since he moved in with us last year so you wouldn’t know anything about him just yet.” Aventurine gives Swan a wink, prompting her to smile.
“And over in this corner, we have our moody doctor. I’ve told you plenty about Veritas-”
“That’s Dr. Ratio, thank you.”
“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, doctor. And it’s nice to meet you too, Sunday.” Swan gives a warm smile. “I’m Swan, and this is Acheron.” She leans back into Acheron’s embrace and makes herself comfortable.
“I’d like to say it’s nice to meet you both but you’ve put me in a tight spot.” Acheron gets straight to business. “I should have you all banned for cheating-”
“I wasn’t cheating. I was simply counting what cards had been in play.”
“Strike two. Don’t interrupt me. It’s your first time at a casino, isn’t it, Veritas?”
“It is.”
“I suppose I can let it slide. Though you’ll be kicked out of the casino today, you can come back again another day. Just give it some time, okay?” Acheron pinches the bridge of her nose.
Dr. Ratio begins to protest as Sunday steps in. “That will be fine. Thank you for your kindness, miss Acheron.”
“Please, Acheron is just fine.”
“Pay up, Sunday.” Aventurine holds out his hand as Sunday takes out a bill and hands it to him.
“What was that for?” Acheron crosses her arms.
“I made a bet with Sunday. That Veritas would get us kicked out of the casino.”
Acheron smiles and shakes her head.
“Now that that’s all settled, have we got some stories for you, Swan.” Aventurine drags a seat to sit across from the couple on the couch. He begins telling Swan stories, beginning with the story of how he met Sunday, causing Sunday’s face to burn bright red.
Sunday takes a seat to Acheron’s side on the couch and begins speaking with her in hushed tones to avoid interrupting Aventurine and Swan’s conversation.
“I could learn a thing or two from you. You were able to rein those two in unlike I’ve ever been able to.”
“I’m afraid there’s no way to truly rein Aventurine in. He’s a wildcard. Which is what made him a perfect business partner for this casino. However, if you apply pressure at the right time, in the right way, you should be able to have some degree of control over him for the moment.”
“I’m right here, you know.” Aventurine stops his storytelling for a moment.
“I believe we’re both well aware, my dear.” Sunday is unfazed at Aventurine’s interjection and continues conversing with Acheron as Aventurine returns to his conversation with Swan. Dr. Ratio stands to the side through this all, scrolling through his phone.
“Did I ever tell you about the time Ver had me help him break into his office?”
“You have. And I thoroughly enjoyed it. I'd love to hear it again.”
“Ver wakes me one night at about 2 in the morning, frantic. He had some big breakthrough in his sleep about new architecture-”
“If you're telling stories, at least get the information right.” Dr. Ratio puts his phone away and stalks over to take a chair beside Aventurine. “My field of expertise is ancient architecture.”
“Right. Ancient architecture.” Aventurine gives a winning smile to Swan and Sunday. “Ver wakes me and is begging me to help him.”
“It was a simple request. You could have said ‘no.’”
The conversations continue. Swan listens intently to Aventurine’s stories and smiles each time Dr. Ratio interrupts to correct Aventurine. Acheron and Sunday continue to bond over how best to deal with their respective handfuls.
—
“I hate to stop so early but we have a long drive ahead of us. We’ll have to get some rest for the next stretch.” Aventurine rides after finishing a story. “I'm sure I'll have plenty more stories for you from this trip alone.”
“I look forward to your next visit. Don't wait so long next time.”
“I'll do my best. I'll be extra busy after this trip. Topaz is covering for me but she'll be expecting me to take on more projects as soon as I'm back. And I'll owe her that.”
Dr. Ratio and Sunday share a look at the news Aventurine so casually mentions. Neither had thought to ask about how the busy Aventurine had time for this trip.
“Be safe, Aventurine. I don't want to hear about any of you getting hurt.” Acheron gives Aventurine a stern look.
“So you do care!”
“Neither of these two should get hurt for your foolishness.”
“Don't worry, we’ll be safe.” For a brief moment, Aventurine’s carelessness is gone. “Well my dears, time to get some rest.”
“Actually being responsible for once? I'm proud of you.” Aventurine blushes at Sunday's praise, drawing a chuckle from Swan.
The three make their way to their hotel room where they rest for the night to be prepared for the next leg of their journey to start in the morning.