Chapter Text
The smell of roses and bliss, couples walked hand in hand, and thoughtful gifts all around. Giggles, kisses, hugs, surrounded Aventurine. Yet there he was on his way to work while everyone else spent their days with their loved ones. If only he could spend the holiday with his sister, but that opportunity has long since passed.
Aventurine mentally shook his head as he realized he does have actual things to do other than think of the past.
He steps into the IPC's Strategic Investment Department and makes his way towards the elevator. And by the Aeon's above there's a couple in there as well. Of course they're clinging to each other like there isn't another person in this elevator, as if to them, they're the only people in the world. Aventurine doesn't comment on it (even though he wants too) and waits for his floor while those two randos kiss and hug. Annoyed, he rolls his eyes.
By the time the blond finally makes it to his office he has seen at least seven different people giving flowers to one another, seven people hugging, and seven people kissing. 7..7..7, hey isn't that Aventurine's lucky number? It most certainly is, and perhaps it's a sign from the Aeons. Well that's how Aventurine interprets it. Either way Aventurine needs one final confirmation, he takes out that chip of his that he often messed with and did small parlor tricks with.
He mumbles to himself, "heads" then throws it up into the air like a bird finally being let out of its cage.
it falls back down into the gambler's palm. He uncovers it, heads.
Perhaps today’s my lucky day, it must be a sign to make a move at last.
A few phone calls later and Aventurine had his hand on a fancy new chalk stylus, and a box of divine dark chocolates. Though there was a bigger issue, he had to actually give these to Ratio, and who knows what that man is up too. He’s incredibly busy and Aventurine knows this from the amount of times their conversations have been cut short. So he does the logical thing and checks his watch
I believe he's lecturing during this time...but how long do those lectures last?
Somehow someway, he gets his hands onto Ratio's class schedule and just as he thought, the doctor is teaching at the moment.
An 90 minute lecture? He does talk a lot yet so little at the same time. I suppose I'll have no choice but to wait till he's finished.
Aventurine stands in front of the gates of The University of Veritas Prime and sighs. Walking through the campus he sees more of what he saw on the streets of pier point. Except it's youthful lovers all around. Most are holding some type of bouquet, balloons, and some even gift baskets. Aventurine glances at his present, feeling insecure suddenly.
I should've bought flowers or something far more extravagant. He won't care over a customized stylus and chocolates, he's far more worthy of something more.
Aventurine doesn't turn back though as he's already here and Ratio only has about 15 minutes between lectures. And he's already waited 90 minutes, and most certainly doesn't want to wait another.
So he continues on, trying to be confident even as he doubts himself deep down.
Upon making it to Ratio's lecture hall, he knocks on the door.
No response? he must be grading...perhaps this is a bad time- no, no, when has him being busy stopped me before?
So despite the lack of response, he pushes that oak door open only to see, no Ratio in sight. Worse of all there's cards, flowers, stuffed animals, and other junk on the doctor's desk. Lovely. Of course he wasn't the only one who got Ratio something. How could he be so stupid?
He pushes aside his disappointment and realizes Ratio must be getting a coffee or perhaps lunch? Maybe he can just call him. He's clearly not working after all.
So naturally he pulls out his phone and gives the good doctor a call, but to no avail as his call is ignored. Lovely.
For a moment, the blond contemplates just leaving his gift with the rest but then how would Ratio know the truth behind it? No he must give it to this stubborn doctor whether the man likes it or not!
Though as he's leaving the lecture hall and walking back through the campus, he catches word of Ratio apparently cancelling his final class.
Cancelled, how unlike him...
Perhaps Ratio went to the Intelligentsia Guild so logically he heads there next.
In front of Ratio's personal office, he knocks once again and once more there's no response.
Is he not here either?
Doubt floods Aventurine's mind but tries his best to ignore it and goes inside.
"Uh Mr.Aventurine, I apologize but Dr.Ratio isn't here at the moment. He came by a few moments ago but stated he had urgent matters to attend too."
Aventurine looks back to see where this kind voice is coming from, it seems to be one of Ratio's subordinates and he sighs.
"Ah, thank you miss, do you have any idea where he is then?"
He responds in a practiced and silky voice hoping he'll get a straight answer but unfortunately the woman shakes her head. He sighs once more before taking his leave.
Urgent matters? What could that possibly mean. Perhaps it isn't meant to be.