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“You’ve got to be kidding me.”
Aventurine’s stiffness is evident; standing like a deer in headlights in the dimly lit doorframe. Ratio stares at his apparent new roommate, the bridge of his glasses slowly sliding down his nose. “I take it you have been assigned to this room as well?”
“There’s gotta be a mistake.”
“I highly doubt it.” Ratio explains. “Were you not aware that there were shared accommodations on this planet?”
“Not exactly.” Aventurine is still tightly holding onto his obscene amount of luggage. “You’d think a Stoneheart would have better privileges than room sharing.”
Ratio frowns. “This isn’t some five-star resort, now. Have you not been briefed on the economic state of Novus-III? Are you not aware of what the IPC has so ordained you accomplish here?”
Aventurine, still in the doorway, pouts so dramatically Ratio can even see it where his desk is tucked further into the room. “Yeah yeah, I just hoped I could sleep…alone.”
“There are no such luxuries here.” Ratio says, brows knit together in a small frown. “Does my presence upset you that much? Perhaps you could be switched if you throw enough of your gambling charm around.” He says as mainly a jest, but perhaps the gambling fool would be insane enough to turn his heel and try that.
After a long pause, Aventurine deems the situation at a loss. “It doesn’t matter who, dear doctor.”
“Has the IPC been spoiling you?” Ratio turns away then, returning to his stack of documents arranged by other Guild members. Aventurine doesn’t bother responding to his comment, and instead chooses to wordlessly unpack his things on the unclaimed bed.
That’s fine; Ratio much prefers the silence to nonsensical squabbling. It gives him more peace of mind to finish the paperwork so he can head to the main city’s center, or what is left of it. So he diligently cross-references financial records and documents; though given what he knows of Aventurine’s ranking, this would far better suit him than Ratio himself.
An hour passes and not a single word more has been spoken between them. Ratio takes his reading glasses off and turns around, seeing the blonde man laying almost like a corpse: legs stretched out and pressed together, arms crossed and fingers laced over his chest, and eyes closed. It’s odd to say the least, but more concerning is the fact that Aventurine is still fully dressed, shoes and all.
Ratio stands up and stares, half-curious and half-alarmed. “Aventurine, are you going to sleep like that?” He calls out softly.
“Why not?” Aventurine says, and Ratio is too drowsy to press the issue. Instead, he heads into the shared bathroom that also connects with another pair of IPC members on the other side. There is no bathtub, which is disappointing but expected. So Ratio opts for a quick shower before adorning himself with a comfortable night set.
He returns to the shared bedroom an hour later, and Aventurine hasn’t moved. And judging by the unevenness of his breath, still isn’t asleep. Ratio takes care to dim all of the lights before tucking himself into the very small bed beside the Stoneheart, separated by a poor excuse of a bedside table.
“Goodnight, Aventurine.” Ratio says softly, and the blonde man only hums softly in return.
What a strange man.
Fate seems to enjoy pairing him with the blonde-haired gambler more often than not. It’s not unusual for them to be on the same planet at the same time, but sharing a room again is quite the coincidence since their first experience a few months ago. Aventurine is decidedly less aggravated than before, but still not exactly pleased with the arrangement.
“It’s just for one night, and I’ll be out of your hair.”
“I’m not particularly bothered, gambler.” Ratio explains. “This isn’t my main abode; and even if it was, I would still have no qualms about sharing a space with you temporarily.”
Aventurine frowns as he flops lazily onto the couch in the small, one-bedroom apartment Ratio uses when his presence is required at Pier Point. “Jade wasn’t entertaining the idea of sending me off-planet for the night; I mean, if repairmen can fix the air ducts in my place overnight, why can’t I just be sent somewhere else?”
Ratio’s lips upturn into a tiny smile. “It is precisely for that reason that I would assume your department would not want to delegate extra funding for a meager amount of time. And it is not as if we are strangers.”
“Strangers, no. Acquaintances…what do you think, Ratio? I mean, you don’t seem to wear your bust that much more around me.”
“There’s no point in the comfort of my own space.” Ratio says, arms crossed over his chest. “Do you think our relationship is anything but professional?”
“Ah, it could be if you’d ever let me repay you for that little incident on Kovar.”
Ratio shakes his head. “No need.”
“Acquaintances, it is.” Aventurine says quieter before kicking his shoes off and setting them neatly at the foot of the couch.
The doctor opens his mouth to retort, but opts for changing the subject. “That couch does pull out into a small bed; it might be more comfortable than just the cushions.”
But Aventurine only waves his hand. “I probably won’t be able to sleep anyway. So long as the crew is out by 06:00 system hours, I’ll be gone before you know it.”
Not bothering to argue, Ratio cleans up his meal he had just finished before the Stoneheart walked into his place, and headed around the corner into the kitchen. “Help yourself to the fridge if you need it.” He calls out, and gets another wordless hum to show that Aventurine had heard him.
Ratio doesn’t think much of the exchange before heading to his bed. But what does alter his perception of the other man happens a few hours later in the dead of night. Sleep could not have its complete control of his mind, so Ratio wakes up to grab himself a glass of water or a mug of warm herbal tea (he hasn’t quite decided but perhaps a tea without caffeine is just what he needs).
But all thoughts of quenching his parched throat stops as he makes his way past Aventurine on the couch, who still seems to sleep like the dead; the slight lapse in his thought makes him misjudge the emptiness of the path to the kitchen by tripping over one of Aventurine’s expensive shoes.
The moment the loud thud of his knee coming into contact with the hard floor echoes in the otherwise quiet living room, two things occur. One: Ratio hastily debates between verbally apologizing or just hoping Aventurine is actually asleep and the noise isn’t enough to rouse him. Two: those thoughts completely dissipate as he turns his head to face the couch and is met with a sharp edge pressed to his neck and Aventurine’s bright eyes full of alarm glaring at him in the darkness.
But just as quickly, the sharp object retreats and those multicolor eyes soften into an apology.
“Oh Mother Goddess, you scared the life out of me.” Aventurine quickly exhales and sits up. “Sorry, I…I thought you could be an intruder.”
Ratio is frozen for a beat or two before clearing his throat.
“I…I didn’t hurt you, did I?”
“No…” Ratio said slowly, standing up in a daze. “Sorry for scaring you. I should have been more mindful to watch my step.”
“Oh, Aeon’s sake, please don’t apologize. I…still haven’t gotten rid of this old habit.” Aventurine flashes the tiny knife with open palms before tucking it into his jacket pocket, the cloth rumpled from the awkward position. “I probably should have asked before bringing a weapon into your space.”
“It’s no more dangerous than the knives in my kitchen.” Ratio says with a shrug; his heart is racing but he tries not to show it. “Do you want some warm tea?” He tries with a pitiful softness to his voice. “I have a special blend to…help aid one’s sleep.”
“Nah.” Aventurine stands up then, stretching his arms above his head. “I should go.”
“Gambler, it’s the middle of the night.”
Aventurine flashes his watch before letting out a soft yawn. “It’s 04:00 system hours. It’s quite a long walk back, and I should probably stop by my office before I get there.” Before Ratio can even protest, the Stoneheart is already grabbing his briefcase and hat, neatly tucking his feet into his shoes. “Thank you for letting me crash for a bit. I hope you get some good rest.”
Ratio swallows a rebuttal and merely follows him to the door. “You as well.”
The front door to his IPC-assigned apartment closes and shuts faster than Ratio can think, can process the quite rapid turn of events. He slowly brings his hand to his neck, feeling where Aventurine had nearly pressed his concealed weapon against.
He frowns, but not for the fear of his own life.
Had the gambler ever had a night of restful sleep?
The third time they share a room is mostly uneventful; it’s a short two-night stay at a small, resort planet. Well, Erosia is more of a giant, man-made structure floating in space than it is a planet. It’s an IPC-owned colossal building that boasts large ballrooms and auditoriums, mainly used for grand events and galas that Ratio loathes attending.
But there are even some the doctor cannot pawn off to another Guild member, so he begrudgingly wears his best suit in attendance. The only upside are the slew of lectures on the second day that make the trip worthwhile. But even with it’s size scarcely smaller than Penacony’s Reverie, there were only so many rooms to go around.
They hardly see each other, but the familiar luggage sprawled out on one of the beds is evident enough as to Ratio’s roommate for the duration of the event. Only once did Ratio return for the final night that he finds Aventurine already asleep on the bed closest to the window.
The man lifts his head, a small flash of panic on his face before it relaxes upon seeing a familiar face. “Ah…there’s my long lost roommate. Is this the first time we’ve seen each other this entire time?”
“Indeed.” Ratio says quietly, tucking his shoes by the closet before hanging up his suit coat with a small grunt. “Sorry to disturb your sleep. I will remain quiet while I prepare to retire.”
“Retire?” Aventurine huffs a tiny laugh. “You know, given how many assignments we’ve done together, there’s no need to speak so formally around me.”
“I…” Ratio feels his cheeks warm at the thought. “Forgive me; I wasn’t trying to.”
“Oh, I know that.” Aventurine yawns. “You can just…I don’t know…relax a little?” He hums, finger on his chin. “Mmm, not the right word. But you know what I mean.”
Ratio stifles a laugh of his own. “Still keep a knife under your pillow?” When Aventurine doesn’t respond, the doctor turns his head towards the bed again after his tie is undone. “That was spoken in jest.”
“I know.” Aventurine says a little quieter. “I won’t tonight. Will that help you sleep better?”
“Apologies, gam—” Ratio clamps his mouth shut. “Aventurine. I did not mean to offend. Perhaps…if I can let down my guard around you, then you are free to do the same.”
“How very kind of you doctor.” Aventurine gives him a smile then before tucking himself back under the hotel blankets. “Have a good night. I will try not to wake you in the morning.”
“Likewise.” Ratio responds in kind, but his heart falters. Whatever bit of rapture between them has died with his words, and something tugs painfully at his chest. At least this time, the hotel room does have a bathtub he can soak in. The soaps provided plus the ones he brought along would suffice. It’s as relaxing as a bath can be.
Perhaps he soaks in the warm soapy waters for too long, the tips of his fingers wrinkled with time. He mulls over how to apologize to Aventurine, for undoubtedly overstepping on something personal and most likely traumatic. Ratio should have guessed, putting the pieces of Aventurine’s past to surmise that the gambler truly hasn’t been able to sleep peacefully in a very long time.
Properly dressed for bed, the doctor fully expects Aventurine to be awake. But when he opens the door quietly, Aventurine is sprawled out on the bed a little more comfortably, light snores escaping his lips. Ratio feels his chest thud with relief. As he walks by, he sees the glint of a knife thrown lazily into an open luxury bag haphazardly stuffed with clothes and toiletries.
Maybe his words hadn’t cut as deeply as he initially thought.
The fourth time they share a room is unexpected, but not unwelcome. It starts a few days after Ratio awakes from the Dreamscape in Penacony, when Sunday’s threads no longer control the collective dream. His feet immediately carry him out of his room towards Aventurine’s, panic laced in every step.
Not many people can bask in the frigid waters of the Nihility and return unscathed, or return at all. Surely it would not be enough for the Stoneheart to become a Self-Annihilator, but there are far worse outcomes that has Ratio’s mind fogged with uncertainty. He hopes his note is enough of a push to keep headings towards the plane of the living, to not succumb to the emptiness of nothingness.
There’s a single guard at his door; unusual for a Stoneheart. When he approaches, the guard turns, resting his gun to his side. “Doctor. This room is unoccupied.”
“Where is he?” Ratio’s lack of patience is etched in his tone.
“Aventurine is in another room. As per IPC regulations, the residing chief physician assigned to Penacony is examining his condition. Given your official rank, I can divulge that he is staying in Room 1345 in the V.I.P. corridor.”
Ratio just gives a nod in thanks as he practically runs in the direction of the room number given to him. It takes him a good ten minutes to find it, four guards stationed out front this time. They are wary of him as he approaches, but let down their guard once they recognize him. “Is he stable?”
The guards stare at him for a while before one of them speaks up. “You don’t have authorization to enter; I will confirm with the on-site manager.”
A sour frown etches itself onto Ratio’s face; oh he had wished he had the foresight to wear his bust. He sees silent glances between the guards before they part, allowing Ratio to finally answer. Authorization, he tuts in his mind, I have more authority to see him than anyone else on this Aeon-forsaken planet.
As he lets himself in, the once bland guest room, one not fitted with a Dreampool, is transformed into a temporary infirmary. There’s two nurses at the foot of the bed, blocking his view, and the head emergency physician at the side finally notices him. “Doctor Ratio? I am surprised to see you.”
“How is he?” Ratio walks closer, trying to see the familiar blonde head laying atop the pillows. “Doctor…”
“Camellia.” The red-headed physician smiles softly. “He is surprisingly well, given the circumstances.” She explains. “Though I believe he should be sent off-planet as soon as he is able-bodied. As I’m sure you’re aware, my expertise only lends to the physical. His heart rate and oxygen levels are all normal. Of course we will monitor him as he recuperates, but he will need a doctor in the realm of psychology to properly diagnose his mental state.”
Ratio feels tension leaves his shoulders. “Any external injuries? Or internal?”
She shakes her head, extending a tablet she had been holding in her hands. “None that we can detect with what equipment we have. Though, I would err on the side of no abnormalities.”
He swipes through the different tabs, frowning a little at the low iron and various vitamin deficiencies. But given the lack of a red error marker on the screen, that seems to be par for the course of Aventurine’s physical state. “You said he would need a psychological evaluation. Is it standard procedure or do you suspect something?”
“Both, perhaps.” She shoos the nurses away with a wave of her hand as she walks closer to the bed where Aventurine lay rather peacefully. Several IVs and monitors were attached to his arms and chest, the dull beeping noises serving as a stark contrast to the quiet echo of the Reverie’s music faintly swelling outside the door. “Perhaps you could give a preliminary assessment when Aventurine is awake? You’re far more qualified in that realm than I am.”
“Only if would not encroach on your assessment.”
She laughs softly. “Oh, please, Doctor. I care not for IPC ranks. You and I both studied in the field of medicine; the difference between our prowess is vast, but we are doctors at our cores. I am not threatened by those who have more knowledge than me. And you, Doctor Ratio, are not one to wave your station as Guild member around like a flashy watch.”
“Perhaps not.” There is a twinge of a smile on his lips.
“I’ll leave you with him, then.” Doctor Camellia says, taking a stride towards the door. “Please alert the guards of your departure so a nurse can continue their watch on him.”
Ratio tries to argue, but she waves him off with a hand too.
“I know not what lies behind the Dreamscape. And given your professional relationship, coupled with your expertise, you’re more than qualified to keep an eye on him for a while.” She gives him a small wink then, silent yet heavy as it weighs on Ratio’s shoulders. “Pleasure to meet you in the flesh, Doctor.” She says before exiting the room, the door falling closed with a gentle thud.
Ratio steels himself, setting the tablet down on the makeshift desk by the lounge area of the room. He then quietly drags a chair up to the side of the bed, falling into it with a relieved sigh. Aventurine looks the most peaceful than Ratio’s ever seen of the Stoneheart who normally sleeps with a knife under his pillow.
Albeit, the journey to this point and Aventurine’s fragility are not ideal, but at least he’s being forced to sleep without worry. Ratio checks the IV lines out of habit, making sure proper care was given to the other man. With the injections sites clean and clear, he feels a little more at ease.
He’s alive. He came back. All is well.
He keeps those thoughts cycling through his mind, all the while worried for Aventurine’s mental state after dipping his soul into the vastness of Nihility. Ratio hopes he can recover; he hopes that Aventurine will be back to his usual self in no time at all.
Ratio carefully takes one of Aventurine’s hand in his own, closing over his cool flesh while his thumb pressed against his pulse. Steady, alive. He exhales deeply, resting his head on the railing of the bed. “Thank you for staying alive.” Ratio says aloud, and he falls asleep before he can catch himself.
Instead of being woken by a nurse, Ratio feels a firm grip on his hand. He sits up with a start, vision swirling for just a moment before Aventurine’s smiling face greets him. “What an unusual sight, Ratio. Coming to check whether I died or not?”
In a daze, Ratio stares at the Stoneheart for a moment, so much so Aventurine’s smile eventually fades into a neutral expression. “I was hopeful you would come back unscathed.”
“Well, how do I look, Doctor? What’s my prognosis?”
“That depends on you.” The warmth in his hand radiates so much to that he forgets he’s holding it. He thinks about letting go, but Aventurine makes no move to untangle their fingers.
Aventurine gives him a small laugh. “It feels like I’ve been asleep for a week.”
“Do you feel lightheaded?”
“A little. But isn’t that to be expected?” Aventurine tilts his head to the side. “Or do Pathstriders who walk in Nihility’s frigidity always come back with a clean bill of health?”
Ratio presses his lips into a gentle frown. “Are you hungry?”
Aventurine opens his mouth to reply them promptly closes it. He settles back onto the bed, head cushioned by soft pillows. “Actually…yes. Please tell me I can eat normal food.”
“You can. I will have something ordered for you as soon as possible.”
“Uh, erm…doc…” Aventurine squeezes his hand, preventing Ratio from getting up. “Mind just…keeping me company a little bit longer?”
Ratio doesn’t know how he’s supposed to decline such a rare offer, so he stays, willingly, a little while longer.
The fifth time they share a room, it is no coincidence. It’s not an accident, or a result of professional interactions. No, it is a conscientious decision not made lightly. And it’s consensual, intentions reciprocated.
Oh thank the Aeons it is.
Ratio’s bed has never felt this warm, so heavy with life. There’s drool on his chest, the culprit lost in the throes of his own subconscious, lightly snoozing without a care in the world. And Doctor Ratio would not have it any other way.
He’d be remiss to disturb his sleeping partner, so he opts for keeping one arm tightly around lithe shoulders while he soaks in the morning glow of the sunrise poking through the curtains. Ratio’s home is aptly quiet, but in a comfortable way.
Time is forgotten, pushed aside for a moment of peace. Ratio simply breathes, listens, and keeps still. He flexes his toes underneath the duvet, and feels a lazily leg slide against his own. Bliss, Ratio thinks to himself, the rise and fall of of his chest a comfort to his ears.
The moment, however, seems to have a time limit. There’s an unmistakable scratching at the door, seemingly on the dot. Or, rather, Ratio assumes so. He waits for a few more sets of scratches before he woefully peels Aventurine off of him to pull away to tend to the other residents of the house.
His footsteps are quiet as he pads over to the door. He opens it, greeted by three familiar round and innocent faces. Ratio quietly holds a finger to his lips. “Your dad is still asleep.”
The three cat cakes mew quietly, eyes wide as the peek in to get a glimpse of the sleeping beauty. Ratio carefully walks to the kitchen, preparing a batch of fresh coffee and simultaneously preparing the cakes’ breakfast.
Maybe twenty minutes pass before Ratio sets a tray of food on the floor and fresh water for the little ones, but they are nowhere to be seen. Curious, he peeks around the living room and hallway before finally checking the bedroom. He’s a little fearful the cakes have woken Aventurine, but instead he finds a much more beautiful sight.
In the short span of Ratio’s absence, Aventurine had fully stretched his limbs to nearly every corner of the bed. There’s a pillow under one of his knees now, and the duvet is half sprawled on the floor. And three little cat cakes have all find a cozy spot in the empty spaces, claiming a little more time to sleep amidst the warmth of their owner.
Ratio, warm coffee in his hands, leans against the doorframe with a genuine smile. The Aventurine half-dressed and tangled in his sheets makes his chest flutter, makes his skin vibrate with sun-kissed warmth of a morning shared together. His unsightly and messy sleeping habits do nothing but bring joy; it is a sign of true healing.
He walks the short distance to the edge of the bed, setting his coffee on the nightstand while carefully fixing the duvet. Aventurine grabs the fabric on instinct, clutching it to his chest while his light snores filled the quiet room. Ratio leans down and presses the faintest of kisses to his forehead, earning him a soft little sigh from the Stoneheart in return.
Letting the gambler and his pets have a bit more time to rest, he leaves the bedroom door ajar, returning to the kitchen to finish his mug of coffee. His home hadn’t necessarily felt empty prior to their ever blossoming relationship, but now it would feel wrong any other way.
Settling on the couch, he sets the TV at a low volume, watching the news with his phone in hand, idly passing the time until his beloved partner finally begins to wake much later in the morning. Ratio doesn’t bother scolding him; Aventurine is deserved as much rest now to catch up on all that he has lost.
And so Ratio takes pride in Aventurine’s ability to sleep to the afternoon; after all, it is a much more palatable to the past. There are no more hidden knives, no more shoes on the bed…and most importantly, both eyes closed with not a hint of danger lurking in the shadows.
It’s the most he could ever ask for.