Chapter Text
Veritas Ratio was undoubtedly- as his lazy students often say before an exam- screwed. He had fallen in love. Hard . For none other than his coworker, Aventurine. A man who was an omega- just like himself.
As soon as he had learned about secondary genders, Ratio knew what being an omega meant, what was expected of you when you presented as one.
So, in a country full of majorly sexist citizens, you could only imagine the sorrow that would take over their demeanour when they found out he had manifested as one. With the sole exception of his mentor, professor Rond, bless the man for never once believing he had no potential.
Everyone else thought the same- a bright mind destined to do nothing more than stand by an alphas side- to spend his days cleaning and caring for his children. Well, little Veritas didn’t like the sound of that.
So, he proved them wrong. It wasn’t long before he was the highest in his class, outranking any alpha, young and old. Following that, he was accepted to none other than Veritas Prime university.
Safe to say, everyone who had once judged his intellect based on his secondary gender was now grovelling at his feet for forgiveness, becoming a ‘celebrity’ among them. His secondary gender had long disappeared from rumours after that.
There was nothing more he hated than fools who put down those who wished to learn just for who they were.
However, he had never met anyone as idiotic as some of the alphas who tried to pursue him in his university days.
The biggest scandal was thanks to some rich man's son, who tried to pressure him with his pheromones to give him a pass. Naturally he physically threw the guy out of the class for harassing him in such a way, he hated how close those pheromones were to affecting him. Later on, the discussion groups had watered the conflict down to the alpha bribing him with money. Unfortunately this would let the rude alpha off easier but also kept the discussions of his sex under wraps.
After that he would wear his alabaster head more often, not only was it good for blocking people out, but also scents. In his early adult years he discovered he was not a normal omega. His sense of smell was strong, too strong, he could sense pheromones at a far greater level than the average alpha and omega, it was troubling but like everything in his life. He would overcome the challenge.
On the opposite side of the scale, he was also ‘gifted’ with a weak scent, one that could be completely covered with the use of basic products like scent patches; it certainly saved him trouble in the long run. Often, people would just assume he was an alpha or beta, and he didn’t bother confirming or denying anything.
Let people think what they wanted, if it bothered them, then that was their problem.
He vowed to himself then and there that he had no interest in finding a mate, he would live his life in solitude and be perfectly content. His heart had never beaten for another until now anyways.
Until, he met Aventurine, that is.
There was something so captivating, alluring, about those eyes that burned with determination. As the gun pressed further into the IPC executives chest, there was a sudden influx of a sharp, burning scent.
An omegas scent had never particularly caught his attention before, after all, most were dull and repetitive to him.
But Aventurines-
His were different, unique. Behind that smokey smell was a hint of something sweeter. It reminded him of the breakfast served in Pier Points 5 star hotels. Not that he's stayed in them often.
The Stoneheart was almost everything he wasn’t as a textbook definition omega, his stature was fairly small and, Aeons, he was beautiful. The only thing that screamed he wasn’t an omega was that bitter scent, the sugary mix noticeable thanks to his heightened senses. Ratio was still certain that wouldn’t put too many people off and the few it did, greatly missed out.
Anyone would be lucky to catch his eyes- those electrifying teal and magenta eyes.
Aventurine slowly lowered the gun and smiled like nothing extreme had happened, his eyes never once breaking contact.
Veritas Ratio may have taken a silent oath to himself to never fall for an alpha, so it's only natural that an omega would come along and steal his heart. One that may bring more trouble than he’s worth.
After all, if Ratio did attempt to court him, make his feelings known, what could he give the man that could buy anything he ever wanted? Would his intentions be misinterpreted as something between companions? Extremely likely.
During the short alliance he and Aventurine had, Ratio had yet to see all of the man’s very sides. Aventurine was a strange man, he kept his cards close to his chest, it was hard to determine if his emotions were genuine or a surprisingly well created mask that never crumbled. Hiding emotions that Aventurine had discarded long ago.
It wasn’t until months of being acquainted with the man he saw a more unguarded side to him.
When Ratio was about to wind down for the night, he received a call, he was debating ignoring it as he had a busy day meeting with many IPC representatives. However the name Aventurine flashed up on his screen and he couldn’t turn a blind eye after knowing.
So, he picked up. “Gambler? Have you any idea what time it is?” Ratio glanced at the digital clock placed on the nightstand, it was almost midnight.
“Ratio…Uh Hey!” Aventurine's words were slightly slurred, an indicator that he was drunk. Ratio sighed to himself, maybe he should have just went to sleep.
Shuffling could be heard from the other side, then a new voice chimed in, “Hi, this is Aventurines friend, right?”
“Don’t be stupid, he doesn’t have any.” Butted in a smooth, irritated voice.
He might regret his next words, “yes. Is there a problem?”
“Can you come and pick him up? I’ll text you the address.” By then, Ratio was already putting on his sandals.
When he arrived, Aventurine was, to put it simply. A sorry sight. Passed out on the table, between the empty shot and wine glasses. Not to mention his company- even from a distance he could tell- two unmated alphas with powerful pheromones. He wasted no time putting on his stone head.
Really, had the gambler no common sense? He was unconscious and in the presence of not just one but two alphas. Though, not very courteous with the way they continued to drink, unintentionally spreading their scent all over him.
Disgusting.
Only when he was inches away from the table did the female alpha notice him, confusion on her face when she saw his appearance. “Ratio…Right? I’m glad you had no trouble finding this place, sorry to dump this pain in the ass on ya.”
“So this is the famous Doctor, in-person? He’s not all that. I bet there's nothing special under that mask of yours.” The second alpha chimed in, his colourful earrings shining due to the bright lights of the street.
That snarky comment made Ratio remove the alabaster head, he was confident in his looks, it was the most effective way to shut up anyone. Aventurine also seemed to be returning to reality so it would be good for him to see a familiar face.
Although, their words had implied Aventurine had been talking to these people about him, not that it mattered. There wouldn’t have been much to spill. They weren’t friends, he wouldn’t even consider them close. In fact, from the moment they were born, their lives had branched in such different directions that one can only wonder how their paths intertwined.
“Great to meet you! I’m Topaz, no need to worry about that loser over there.” She added, it was then Ratio knew he would get on well with her. “Say, is it alright if you give me your number?”
Ratio shot her a skeptical look, had she already caught on? This was obviously another Stoneheart so he didn’t want to lower the gambler's reputation by acting rude.
“Er, don’t misunderstand, I just think it would be wise in case something like this ever happens again. You know how Aventurine is, that guy would pass out in a ditch before calling anyone for help. Him phoning someone tonight was a rare occurrence.” Topaz scratched the back of her neck, making a very valid point.
Again implied that this was almost certainly going to be a regular occurrence. Ratio knew that office after parties could get a little wild, but surely they have limits. Judging by the sheer number of glasses on the table, he doubted his previous thought.
If Aventurine was attending these regularly then something grave was bound to happen eventually. Forget passing out in a ditch, he might just breathe his last breath in one.
“Please contact me when he gets into this state. Though not too often, if my recent call history is flooded with your number, I fear we will have problems.” The problem being Aventurine's lack of taking care of his body and knowing his limits.
It wasn’t hard to pick up Aventurine, he was as light as a feather, it only became difficult when the other tried to untangle himself from Ratios arms. His coworkers gave him a curt good night.
Finally, Aventurine had passed out again and he could continue the journey to his company apartment. Not without a few suspicious stares. Indeed to others it may have looked scandalous, an unconscious, intoxicated omega being dragged along by an alpha-like man.
A sleeping Aventurine carried such a different energy, Ratio was pulled towards that innocent looking face that twisted in discomfort every once and a while, he wished he could end those nightmares.
But Aventurine was an omega, one who often surrounded himself with alphas, letting them cover him in their scent. In what world did he have a chance?
For now, he would care for the omega, what he needed wasn’t a gift, it was affection and guidance. Aventurine needed someone to have his back, someone with a vast knowledge on omegas.
And in between that, he could keep the gambler well fed. If the gambler could eventually find a mate like that, then he would be happy for him. He would… without a doubt.
That afternoon, Aventurine practically crawled out of his bedroom, looking like a walking zombie. Groaning as he clutched his head.
Ratio had just finished making breakfast, the aroma spreading throughout the kitchen. He wasn’t awake long either, the late night messing up his sleep schedule. Late nights tended to only be reserved for marking days.
Aventurine seemed pretty calm for a man who woke up in a stranger's house. As soon as they made eye-contact, the executive froze, rushing to pinch himself.
“What are you doing?” Ratio furrowed his brows, not even attempting to conceal his confusion.
“This- this isn’t a dream?” Aventurine seemed slightly dazed, lost in his own world.
“Yes, Aventurine, you calling me at that late hour was not a dream. Yes, this is my apartment in Pier Point and yes, this breakfast is for you.” Ratio answered any questions the other could possibly ask next.
Aventurine didn’t say anything, simply dragging himself to the table where a bowl of porridge and banana was waiting for him. There was a brief flash of disgust before he dug in. At least he had the sense not to complain.
Ratio would eat later, for now he took great joy in witnessing Aventurines battle with the porridge, it was evident he wasn’t enjoying it but he continued to eat, face scrunching up every once and a while.
“You should wash up after your meal, going out like that is bound to gather unnecessary attention. I should have a spare set of clothes that would be a perfect fit.” He tried not to sound too confronting, he fears if he comments on the mans… scent- Aventurine would feel offended.
“Wow, and here I thought I was looking pretty well-kempt. Does my appearance for the day get zero points, professor? At least I don’t look like I’ve crawled out of a ditch” Aventurine replied in a playful tone, but the shift in his scent suggested otherwise.
If the situation wasn’t serious then he might have laughed at the comment Miss Topaz had made earlier, those two seemed quite close.
“Don’t call me that, gambler. And I was not referring to your looks, they might just scrape nine points, I was referring to the intoxicating pheromones that you have been doused in.” He corrected, hoping that Aventurine didn’t focus too much on the hidden compliment.
Sure, he may or may not have outed himself as an Omega or Alpha but he wouldn’t mind, so long as Aventurine no longer smelled of his colleagues, Ratio never knew he could desire the aroma of fire and honey until now.
“Ohhh, that! Don’t worry Doc, I can hardly notice a thing.” Aventurine said proudly, completely oblivious to the gobsmacked expression on Ratios face.
Was Aventurine being serious? Ratio may have heightened senses but anyone else would easily be able to sense the conflicting aggression of two alphas at odds.
Unless.
That may be the case.
Aventurine may be in a similar situation to him, that would be a comical coincidence. Ratio the man who suffocates in strong scents falls for the man who breathes them like oxygen, unknowing to the hidden world around him. He couldn’t turn a blind eye now, what a careless omega he had found himself mixed up with.
“If you don’t mind me asking, Aventurine, how many sexual health lessons have you been exposed to? These sort of teachings are a must for omegas in particular.”
In his old school they were compulsory, simple work that was soon much more complex in his biology degree. If need be he was more than qualified to educate Aventurines on such topics.
The gambler didn’t seem to understand the implications behind the scenting, whether it was done intentionally or not.
“Hmm, none. Most of the things I’ve learned about my secondary gender are from alphas, some had quite a lot to say… Oh, Jade told me some stuff too.” Aventurine seemed lost in his thoughts for a moment before shrugging it off.
Ratio felt a pang of sadness in his heart for the other. He couldn’t imagine the tragic life Aventurine had led until now, even himself, who had achieved so much in his life, still faced discrimination sometimes. For Aventurine, who had nothing as a child, he more than likely faced far worse people than he had, drilling profanities into that head of his.
Instead of replying, he let out a long, exhausted sigh.
“Don’t look so… what was it- butthurt? Ratio, I know the basics.” Aventurine brightly smiled. He was admirable, as strong as steel, to live so carefree. Ratio was the only one concerned between the two.
He half expected Aventurine to question his sudden interest in the topic, or even his own gender, but Aventurine already looked like he was thinking of a new subject to discuss, evident by the lightbulb that seemed to go off on his head.
Before the gambler could open his mouth, he rushed in. “Still, clean up and leave your dirty washing, I need your opinion on the new shower I had installed, you know what these company apartments can be like without refurbishing.”
That was a lie, naturally he wouldn’t spend money on a shower- baths were far more superior- but if it motivated Aventurine to finally rid himself of that stench- then he could easily feign interest in the gamblers review on a shower.
“Aha, that was your plan all along, wasn’t it? Well if it is anything below ten points I’ll be sure to buy-”
“Gambler.” A warning.
Aventurines mask donned a pout, “Relax, can’t I mess with you a little?”
Little was an understatement. That's all Aventurine seemed to find joy in.
Finally, the man slouched his way to the bathroom. A hangover weighing him down. It wasn’t until the door locked, Ratio let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding. He rushed to check his calendar and it was as he feared, the pheromones had triggered his heat a couple of days earlier.
Only himself was to blame; he chose to keep his stony exterior removed.
The executive may have weak senses but he would certainly notice the powerful scent of an omega in heat. Deciding it was for the best, Ratio left some old clothes by his bathroom door, proceeding to shut himself in his room, collapsing against the back of the door.
Ah, he really hated these heats, they didn’t come often but when they did it was sudden and intense, it was going to be a long week. Aventurine would be understanding if he spilled the truth, the other experienced the same biological cycle as him, but for some reason he didn’t want to expose it to the gambler. This wasn’t like him, lying over something like this, it went against his goals, Aventurine really did bring a new side out in him.
A slow knock at the door grounded him, even if for a moment. Aventurine. Oh how he desired the man more than ever.
“Doc? Are you in there?” His voice was just about audible through the thick door.
By now, his breathing was heavy, it took all his might to steadily reply. “Yes, I unfortunately won’t be able to see you out.”
“I wanted to say sorry,” Aventurine paused as if contemplating his next words. “I didn’t mean to trouble you like this, next time I won’t call, I must’ve been feeling sentimental last night. I’ve dealt with the scent problem, I should have realised you had a sensitive nose.”
Sentimental? Over what , he wanted to ask but now was not the time. Aventurine had opened up and he didn’t want to waste this moment.
“You are… not,” trouble, you never truly have been, sometimes a bit of a pain but- it has never bothered me. If he had the strength to, he may have revealed the words deeply rooted in his heart to Aventurine.
He thought his voice battery had been drained, however something slipped from his own lips, “Aventurine-”
Stay. Don’t leave me alone.
Ratio bit his tongue, those damn instincts of his. He didn’t want the secret to spill out, he didn’t want to show the other his vulnerable side. Not yet.
“Are you alright in there?”
“Go to the hospital- get assessment.” Ratio didn’t know if it was his heat or the absolute mess of words he uttered giving him flushed cheeks.
If Aventurine replied, he did not register the words. It wasn’t until the gambler was long gone that he had the strength to move. Swiftly, he made his way to the bathroom, the used clothes lay neatly folded on the bathroom counter.
Now, the clothes had been covered in that fiery honey smell, no longer tainted by the pheromones that caused him great distaste. Shamelessly, he brought them close. They contained his most favourite scent after all.
Aventurine wasn’t lying when he said he dealt with the problem.
It was funny how biology worked sometimes, not once had a scent ever enchanted him as much as the omegas had. It was completely against nature, Aventurine was an almost picture perfect omega unlike him who was broken, a scent so weak that it only revealed itself during his heat.
Stories would detail the gravitational pull between Alphas and Omegas, they were attracted to each other as easily as breathing. Not once had he ever felt that until meeting Aventurine, he wanted him. Wanted him so badly it hurt.
Because he knew, Aventurine wouldn’t want him back. The man who could rarely feel the presence of pheromones would always seek comfort in those who could provide powerful ones, potent enough to break through that barrier.
Despite never believing the roles people had pushed onto him. Something inside him was nervous, he didn’t want these feelings to break the fragile bond between them. If he couldn’t call Aventurine his mate, then he would at least support him in any way he can.
His initial thoughts hadn’t changed-
Instead of gifts he would offer the gambler a helping hand, knowledge in times of need and would collect him from wild night outs. So long as Aventurine made it home safely and took care of his body. Ratio would watch him thrive from beside him.
It would only be greedy to wish for more.
As he drifted in and out of conciseness, a vision lingered in his mind. A tranquil landscape, the sun shone on him. It was fiery, but comforting. Bundled in his arms was a life, one so small it couldn’t even move its head on his own.
A child resembling him, strange, this was a first. When the child opened their eyes. He didn’t know what to feel.
Those beautiful eyes, the ones he often dreamed about, now stared back at him from another person. The Avgin bloodline had lived on.
A gentle hand brushed his shoulder.
“There you are my beloved, I’ve missed you.” Said Aventurine, his voice dripping with honey.
Suddenly all the warmth had dissipated, and he was left in his dark, humid room, cold sweat trickling down his body. Oh Aeons, he really was screwed.