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No one's to blame for this.
Ratio knows that.
It doesn't stop him from risking a deep inhale and exhale for emotional regulation.
Sometimes you're paired with someone on a job that requires your expertise, and then the job's location becomes utterly decimated within hours.
In this case, even if not a literal decimation, it is still an incident that affects their physical reality.
A triple, multilayered star eclipse suddenly manifested above the city in a freak moment, and now hotel rooms are rarer than some "extinct" species.
Still, even knowing the cause isn't enough to stave off the psychological habits ingrained in humanity, and the whole situation has afflicted him with a horrible bout of irrationality.
"Gambler," he says, not even sparing a look at his business partner for the trip. "Aren't you always lauding that 'luck' of yours?"
Luck. He emphasizes the vowels before snapping the whole word off in irritation.
"I don't think it's the worst. It's not a cell, after all."
This time he feels obligated to turn towards the man, leveling a stare at those irises patterned like multi-colored bands of agate. They're beautiful, but in the moment Ratio is annoyed at how the other is pretending to act innocent and unawares by hiding those hypnotic eyes behind golden bangs. The man raises his hands in apology with a chuckle.
"Gambler…"
"Fine, I agree that was in poor taste. Though, do you really hate calling me by my title that much, Doctor?"
Even now, that voice is lilting up and down, teasing him.
"Director Aventurine. Where is that fabled luck of yours?"
"… Let me message my P.A."
"Has she finally tired of your shenanigans?"
"What are you saying, Doctor? I've asked her before if she wants a letter of recommendation to another Stoneheart, but she ultimately decided to remain with me."
Aventurine sulks, but Ratio keeps pressing, perhaps driven by the entire situation.
"People can change, oftentimes due to circumstances beyond their control."
"She's fine," the man flatly replies.
"Flames are warm, but take care to not get burned, either."
"Again, she's fine. Let me check in.
Aventurine's playing it cool, and yes, he's dealt with far worse, but…
It's pretty bad.
Smoke has soaked into the walls, carpet, and furniture, discoloring the materials in various shades of yellow and grey, while the room itself perpetually smells of freshly stomped-upon cigs.
What's more concerning is how the bathroom consists of a doorless space separated from the living area only by tile and a glass wall. Ratio must notice him glancing at how there's no proper threshold between the bathroom tile and carpet.
"We're most likely breathing in types of mold not yet discovered by science," Ratio comments, and Aventurine wonders if the man is trying to make a joke. "Anyway, has your assistant replied yet?"
"… Give me a few more moments."
Everything she says makes sense. To begin with, a midtier hotel wouldn't have staff and procedures dedicated to preserving customer privacy in place, while of course all the individuals who'd have the time and income to suddenly jet on over to another planet at short notice would also want to live in luxury while on an unplanned vacation. As always, even when his trips end so often in disaster, she tries to set him up for safety when she can.
"Well, I've sufficiently guilted my assistant into some treats back home, but otherwise… We're stuck here."
Ratio's brow is furrowed, and Aventurine truly wishes he could smooth it out right now.
"Well, I respect the effort made at least."
Ratio is paying attention to that singular par of space at the foot of the bed, and the small gaps netweem the nightstands at the sides. The perfect size for a phone to fall through and be nigh impossible to scrape out.
"It could be worse," Aventurine cheerily comments, before glancing down and realizing that there's not much more 'worse' to go through.
The entire floor is dull with old stains, completely coloring the oddly dense fibers, as if the filth has compressed and compacted the carpet into a perpetually moist-feeling texture. He wonders if the particulary dark spots are a partial source of the smokey smell wafting throughout the room. The scent isn't the faint, pleasant aroma of tobacco-incense. Rather, it's thick miasma that coats the tongue and throat in a sticky film.
The glass wall separating the living space from the shower and bathroom is opaque at least, but a sharp transition from tile to carpet means their lungs must be full of spores right now.
"If you're going to use the toilet, use it now."
"hm?"
Ratio huffs and points at the wall.
"That space containes the shower, sink, and toilet all in a singular space."
Aventurine resists the urge to text his P.A. again about a potential warning. It's not her fault a sudden, infitnitesmally rare convergence of multiple celestial occurances appeared, all contained in a single location.
All of this on the eve of talks about increasing the efficiency of the tourism on the planet without losing quality, which is why Aventurine's got the Doctor with him.
"Yeah, let me go and you can shower first."
"Thank you."
It's an odd sensation, hearing your companion moving and making sound so close nearby, yet have no access to them whatsoever. Aventurine drops his bag onto the long bench and vanity that further crushes the narrow row of space at the foot of the bed to the window. Even now, he's got the blinds drawn, and the curtains closed as well. People know they are here, and not everyone welcomes the IPC's interference on their home planet.
Sitting next to his bag, he starts digging through it, pulling out his toiletries while trying to not think about this room and the grime it exudes. Just like this, he's completely blocked off the only open space in the room. Underneath his toothpaste and skincare are his nightclothes, which he tosses onto the bed.
The singular bed.
… He reconsiders Ratio's comments about pissing off his assistant.
True he's been a bit, obnoxious lately, ever since sending that selfie a few months ago, but has he really been that insufferable?
He glances at his phone again, resisting the urge to to message back so soon.
So far she has had to talk him down from buying every little thing that reminds him of the other man, or recovering the sudden drop of confidence in his style the moment he needs to pick clothes for a rare date, plus there was that time he annoyed Ratio so bad she had to step in to stop him from panic texting others for advice-
Okay.
So… He might've pissed her off recently.
"Gambler, it's your turn."
Ratio reappears from behind the glass, and Aventurine stares at the way the man's fingers curl around the edge of the wall. Firm yet nicely manicured, but what catches his attention next is how droplets drip from Ratio's hair to run down his neck, collar, and chest. That skin stretched taut over strong muscles looks like polished crystal, even under this horrific lighting.
With the makeup rinsed from his face, the Doctor's features aren't as sharp, but the sudden vulnerability in his look has Aventurine swallowing.
"Stop staring."
"Can you blame me?"
"No, but you still need to go clean up. Again, be wary of where you step in there."
"You're scaring me, Doctor."
"Just go."
Aventurine still thinks Ratio is making a joke, until he's actually behind that glass wall. The entire space behind the wall has been converted into a wet room… If the wet room was missing two walls, There's tile at least, but not a single division between the shower, sink, and toilet, though what actually puts Aventurine the most at pause is the shared drain for the entire space. Rather than a sensible grate at the center, there's a long bar at the back that the floor is sloped towards, with a slotted metal cover. Even from here, he can catch strands of hair that are neither blond nor sapphire-toned, and glimpses of a suspicious sludge visible from the bits of light that make it past the slats.
One misplaced step, and he'll be directly placing his foot on that entire setup. Of course, the water pressure was weak, forcing him to move uncomfortably close to the drain.
He showers as fast as he can before stumbling out in his nightclothes that have been dampened, hanging on a hook too close to the shower head.
As if this place is mocking his wealth, two packets of complimentary toiletries are placed side by side, with a nigh identical one that has a minuscule bit of text at the bottom declaring that this plastic junk actually costs credits.
He's quiet as he skitters out of the place, tiptoeing and trying to reduce the amount of time on the oddly wet-feeling carpet. He doesn't care that Ratio's already on the bed and jumps on, nearly bashing the man's nose in with his elbow.
How is he going to make this up to Ratio?
What kind of gift will the man like?
Their six month anniversary is coming up, but he knows Ratio will be busy, so he needs to figure out when to plan a small celebration for them both.
He needs to make sure Ratio doesn't regret choosing Aventurine, and that means putting in work.
If he's not smart enough, Ratio might leave. If he's not as attractive as the other, Ratio will leave. If he doesn't show Ratio how much he respects the other, Ratio might leave. If Ratio needs to put too much effort into the relationship, he might leave.
If he's not good enough, Ratio will leave.
As long as Aventurine handles everything, it'll all be okay.
"Do you need me to sleep on the floor?" Aventurine mutters.
"What kind of person do you think I am?"
"Someone who values cleanliness."
"And why would someone like that make their partner sleep in filth?"
Aventurine peeks up from the pillow, locking eyes with a scowling Ratio.
"Don't you want the extra bed space? I feel like this is the cleanest spot in this entire room."
He's met with glinting eyes that blink at him for a few seconds, before Ratio turns to look up at the cracked ceiling again.
"I am not making you sleep on this filthy ground, next to whatever undiscovered microbes are populating this room, and that pitiful excuse for furniture is not going to be sufficient for any type of rest."
"Alright. Do you want to sleep under the covers then? I can sleep on top."
"We can discuss that later. For now, I think we need to discuss what we can do to lessen the grudge your assistant has against you right now."
"Her logic was sound, and she did seem kinda shocked when I mentioned just how gross this place is."
"Is that why she promised you alcohol and ice cream once this trip is over?"
"Yep, she knows everything that I like! Is there anything you want, as thanks for braving this nightmare with me?"
"…I'll keep that favor in mind for later."
"Ah, my dear Ratio, you're not about to drain me dry for your upcoming research, are you?"
"… We'll see. Your nightclothes right now are remarkably more casual today. You look like you're about to do a light workout."
"I'm not bringing those nice ones here," Aventurine scoffs, waving away the ridiculous notion. "If I lose that button, I don't think I'll ever be able to forgive myself."
"I'll be interested in hearing the story of that button someday. You're very attached to it."
"I am," Aventurine mutters, before breaking off his thoughts with a chuckle. He props himself up om his elbows, braving the doughy pillow to peer at Ratio's face.
The man is too handsome, and as always he feels his chest and face grow hot at the man's stern expression that borders on disdainful. To be honest, noticing how Ratio's begun looking at him in fleeting moments of fondness makes his pride swell up in a way rivaling taking chances on some of the most horrific business deals in the cosmos.
It's all in the little things. Aventurine doesn't need much more.
"Aw, has this place rattled our Doctor so much, he feels the need to chase after the nearest oddity?"
"You're my partner. Why wouldn't I want to learn more about you?"
"Huh? Mmph?!"
His arms slip on these stupid pillows, sending his face careening into the hard packed cushions. Once he's done there, he doesn't bother looking up.
"So do you want me to sleep on top and you can haave the bed under the covers?"
"Why can't we both share?"
Aventurine's silver tongue has gone leaden.
Granted Ratio's got him on the cheek, they've had a kiss here and there, but the man doesn't seem interested in Aventurine's body, so he's long since given up on assuming anything will happen without trying.
It's nothing that can't be solved with a bit of effort, though.
Ratio's a serious man with a hard body, and Aventurine's not that bad in his opinion, but it's nothing like the Doctor's. Eventually he'll end up with a body appealing to the man.
He knows from experience, like so many other people, how disgusting it feels to be intimately touched by someone you've got no interest in.
If the Doctor's not interested, Aventurine just needs to make him interested. Knowing that they're tied romantically is enough for now, even if he's craving more.
"You sure? The window's closed so we might overheat, and I kick around in bed at times," he says, offering Ratio an 'out', instead of risking contact with another man he's not physically interested in. In fact, Ratio's feelings of disgust about this stuff might rival or even exceed Aventurine's discomfort over unwanted contact. Even if they're romantically involved, you can't always explain away your annoyances and dislikes.
"Look at me."
Aventurine peeks up, spooked by how Ratio is staring straight at him.
"It's cold. Get under the covers."
"Alright~, suit yourself," he jokes, before puttering about as he tries to tuck himself in without needing to step on the floor.
Ratio, genius as he is, is already waiting for the other to crawl under by the time Aventurine figures out how to manuever under. The man adjusts how the covers are spread, and Aventurine smiles at how the thick muscles on the man's arms move and tug on each other, a beautiful demonstration of how the human body can be turned into art as Ratio turns off the lights.
And after a burst of darkness, that artistry is suddenly pressed into him, to Aventurine's shock.
He freezes and looks to the side.
"You alright? Do you need me to move?"
It's difficult to see, with the only light coming from what peeks through the curtains, but Ratio is giving him that steady look that's internally melted him so many times. Serious and honest. Lacking all falsehood and double-layered meanings.
"This is fine."
It's the truth, Aventurine knows, yet he still worries.
"You sure? You're bad with physical contact, aren't you?"
"You're my partner, Aventurine. Something like this is to be expected."
His ears and cheeks grow hot at that rare moment of Ratio referring to him 'Director' or 'Stoneheart', instead of a nickname. Being called 'Gambler' doesn't really bother him, but it's always so nice to be called just 'Aventurine' by the Doctor.
"Shall we get some sleep, then?"
"Yes, we've got a long day coming up."
Ratio turns off the bedside lamp, and Aventurine shifts into a more comfortable postion. This is the first time they've ever shared a bed, and he wonders if he should get his assistant something new to flaunt at her next family gathering. According to her, that new hair comb really shut up some annoying relatives being nosy and critical of her career.
The sensation of warmth so close to Aventurine makes his shoulders untense with a soft sigh.
Ratio is strong, and together with him, they're a formidable force to deal with.
Wait, Ratio is closest to the door right now. He should be closer, since he has the power of Preservation-
Firm arms wrap around his waist, and a warm breath tickles his ear.
"Haha, what are you doing, Ratio?"
"This is what partners do, correct?"
"Yes…?"
Ratio's fingers press into a softer spot near his lower abdomen.
"Oh, sorry about that."
"For what?" Ratio says, his breath fluttering over the shell of Aventurine's ear, and shifting locks of hair.
Aventurine can just imagine it right now. Those elegant fingers sinking into his flesh, skin and fat plump around where those fingertips press in.
He wishes he were good enough and appealing enough to Ratio right now, but that's okay.
"You prefer more muscular bodies, right~?" Aventurine teases. "I'm still working on it, but I'll make sure you have a great surprise waiting for you soon."
A part of him wonders if the 'surprise' will be another letdown to the other man, but there's no point worrying about that right now.
Keeping his fingers pressed down, Ratio drags his hand up, all the way towards Aventurine's stomach, and even higher until he's hit the man's diaphragm. Instead of sliding over his shirt, Ratio instead lifts up the hem, to directly touch the flesh. An intimate moment that causes Aventurine to make a surprised utterance.
"Hehe, that tickles! Something the matter, Doctor?"
"… This is my fault, isn't it?"
"What do you mean?"
"Lets rest and get that deal done tomorrow. We'll be doing quite a bit of walking to survey the areas."
"Alright, if that's what the Doctor has prescribed."
The first time Aventurine tried to wordlessly proposition him, was when they were spending time at the man's apartment, watching another horrific reality show. He asked for a lap pillow, amd crumpled up those indecently unbuttoned pajamas, revealing a single, pink nipple.
Partially revealing his chest, playfully mussing his clothes in a more youthful, excited attempt at seducing Ratio. Those multi-colored irises gazed upon him with tempting desire, but Ratio merely fixed up Aventurine's clothes.
"It's cold right now."
"Oh, okay."
What if the man got sick while physically straining himself and catching a chill due to sweat later on?
The second time, Aventurine made a small, cozy dinner in his apartment, spreading the table with food he cooked himself. He gazed upon Ratio with a particular look, and Ratio knew the man was yearning for something else, with the way Aventurine's eyes lingered near his mouth and hands.
"Can I get a prize for all my hard work?" the man said, sweet and playfully pleading. The nape of his neck gleamed, tempting and leading up to a narrow face and plump lips, fluttering locks of gold draped over his eyes as he tilted his head in an alluring way.
"It's true, this meal was exquisite. I'll think of something, then, since you deserve it."
He must've said something wrong, because Aventurine's eyes widened, and he backpedaled before Ratio could say another word.
"No, don't take any extra time thinking of something, haha! I was just teasing, so don't put too much effort or thought into it."
The other man doesn't realize it, but Aventurine glances to the side at a very specific angle when he feels unsettled. Unless you're constantly around the other, you won't notice it.
Maybe his assistant has noticed this too.
The candles, which bathed their dinner in warm, flickering tones, felt too bright and too irritating all of a sudden.
The third time, he and Aventurine had been drinking, since Ratio had just finished a presentation at an inter-galactic symposium. The excited voices all slandering him about Nous' gaze had left him particularly irritated, and as if he could read Ratio's mind, he shuttled them both into his apartment for cocktails after Ratio had returned. According to him, his assistant had finally sourced a bottle he was looking for, with great annoyance and difficulty allegedly. As they drank, the man mumbled about finally talking her into getting a raise, or something similar.
"Do I have a fever, Doctor?" Aventurine whispered, pressing his forehead into Ratio's with a ruddy face. "I hear there's a thick vein along your inner thigh," he murmured. "Can you take my pulse, Doctor?"
Aventurine in all forms can be charming yet irritating, but seeing the man unravel into pure desire made Ratio wonder how would it feel to press his hand into a soft thigh, feeling for what was no doubt a racing pulse.
The slanderous words echoed in his head, causing a burst of irritation, even as Aventurine was so close to straddling him.
"Taking a pulse there is rather inaccurate. Your wrist is better."
"Oh… Okay."
They drank and talked about pleasant, nonsensical things for the rest of the night. Aventurine gave Ratio the bed, and slept on the couch that night.
The fourth time, perhaps realizing that propositioning Ratio while he was irritated was no good, Aventurine instead aimed for a day of chores that he invited himself to.
"Gambler, you do understand these deals are meant to psychologically entice people into spending more?"
"Of course, but still," Aventurine said, grinning and pointing at exotic fruit that were buy one get one half off, even if two large fruits would be wasted on one person. "I'm paying today, so why not shop like a fool today, dear Doctor?"
That grin, those crinkled eyes, the modest clothes accentuated by expensive accessories-
It was all just Aventurine.
Ratio had no choice but to acquiesce.
Aventurine knew how to relax him, how to convince himself to just stop thinking for a few hours, until they were both back in Ratio's apartment this time, packing away groceries and working on the miscellaneous issues that had popped up around the property.
They relaxed at the dinner table, munching on some takeout Aventurine had ordered, from a place his assistant had recommended. "Ratio," Aventurine murmured after finishing a bite. "I actually wore something very nice under my coat and clothes today. Do you want to see?"
Ratio paused.
Lingerie?
Is it all lace? Maybe a body harness instead? Are there garters and stockings underneath those slacks?
Ratio would be interested in an all white set on Aventurine's alabaster skin-
No in that case, maybe a dark, sable black would look better?
Wouldn't it be lovely if it was a set with some small accessories attached?
Small glass gems, refracting a scattering of iridescent rays over the skin, would make Aventurine look nigh ethereal.
In fact, why not get multiple sets and have Aventurine try them all on?
He'd burn the view in his brain for an eternity, but he was equally ready to let the memories die with him, since who would want their lover's body, elegantly wrapped in thin straps, be remembered and used by others?
"How about next time?" Ratio replied.
"… Alright~!"
For some reason, however, there was never a 'next time', and now the sets remain unopened in his closet.
Ratio can't remember the last time he was such a fool.
Aventurine was obvious about his wants four different times, and especially explicit about what his plans were that fourth time.
If someone's rejected four separate incidents, of course doubts about attraction will occur.
Ratio's lucky the man hasn't just left him yet, if he's gotten so sure of Ratio's lack of interest that even gentle fondling didn't seem to make the Aventurine hard. The man's assistant seems to be wary of him, and he's loathe to admit she might've been right to be cautious,
He honestly hadn't thought too hard about intimacy, until Aventurine had rushed out of the shower and hopped onto the bed. When Ratio first came out, he purposely went out in only a towel, to gauge Aventurine's reaction.
It was exhilarating to see Aventurine's pupils dilate and waver over his body. The man's lips had been slightly parted in desire.
He was wondering what Aventurine might do to be extra appealing to him, but the man had simply rushed out and escaped to the bed fully clothed.
As if there were no expectations of being ogled over, even though in this state, the man was still beautiful.
Moist skin that glows under the light, tousled hair coiled around his face and neck like shiny ribbons, and as always an inscrutable expression that's so irritating yet so lovely.
Then to be met by obvious attempts to avoid contact, with Aventurine extremely concerned about his sensory issues. Yes, he has issues with human contact, especially from strangers, but Aventurine is the furthest thing from a stranger. They're partners who've been dating for a few months now.
Ratio wasn't planning on being intimate in this filthy room, but he still wished to know more. Then again, maybe he's lucky Aventurine didn't take his actions as attempted advances, since riling up the man only to say he didn't want to do anything would've been just another rejection.
Aventurine has always looked amazing, and Ratio's never felt any disgust towards the other's body. The few times his students have gotten glimpses of Aventurine, the overall sentiment is a moment of shock, as some people are prone to when seeing a very beautiful person.
Yet for some reason, the man he's holding feels as if he's inadequate for Ratio.
Maybe he's gotten too accustomed to Aventurine's bravado and persistence. Ever since the initial argument that got their relationship started, Ratio has made sure to never push the other too far after stressful events. That doesn't mean everything else just rolls off, however.
There's always room to recover, however.
Six months. They'll have been dating for six months, by then.
Aventurine usually initiates meals and the like, but Ratio can just act in advance now. Presents will take a little time, and even though Aventurine is addicted to giving gifts, to his chagrin, Ratio needs to return the sentiment every now and then. Also, he should invite the man to his own apartment this time, instead of them always lounging about at that luxury penthouse.
Ratio blinks a few times.
… Doesn't this sound like Aventurine handles everything?
"They seemed agitated."
Aventurine grins up at Ratio.
"Maybe because they were expecting one suit and another shut in scientist. Did you see their faces when two Pathstriders strolled up? Those suspicious bodyguards gave up on the spot."
"Suspicious is putting it lightly," Ratio scoffs. "Keeping your hands near a holster during an entire three hour meeting? Not mention all the snipers placed around the venues we visited."
"It's their fault and no one else's for underestimating us," he replies, winking at something glinting from the top of a building. How much longer do they need to walk before the lose all these stragglers? "Oh, did you know my assistant has come up with a ridiculous way of predicting how my trips will go?"
"She has?" Ratio folds his arms, distracted by something.
"Yeah. She mentally bets against me, and because I always win, that's how she knows whether or not to send in an extraction team or something else."
"Isn't that a ridiculous paradox? Why bet if she knows she'll always lose? And the fact that entire system is reliant upon something like 'luck' is the height of folly."
"Maybe Aha accidentally caught her in the corner of THEIR eye once," Aventurine groans with a shrug. "Why else would she treat her bootleg fortune-telling so seriously?"
"Your assistant is definitely an odd one. Oh yes, for our upcoming six months, why don't we have a dinner at my place?"
"Huh?"
"I feel like I should be the one hosting you every now and then, no?"
Aventurine risks a glance in Ratio's direction, where he notices scarlet ears clumsily hidden behind thick hair. He snaps his eyes back to the sidewalk. Doesn't help that he can feel his own ears and face turing a similar shade.
"If it's not gonna be too much trouble, then yeah, that sounds nice," he says, formal language slipping.
It's been so long since Ratio invited him out anywhere, even though Aventurine's perfectly fine handling everything, there's just something so sweet about someone choosing to take time and effort for you, and not out of pure obligation. Happiness is something you make for yourself, but Aventurine will never be against someone offering goodwill towards him.
He grins, trying not to seem too much like an excited child.
"I'm looking forward to it."
After countless loops and even a whole meal, their tails finally give up and both rush back to check out of that hotel room as fast as possible. As they pack up, they slip back into business speak.
"Please refrain from using terms and values that are too vague in the report. Keep in mind that I am also contributing to it, and your proclivities for 'potentiality' are not helpful when trying to convince a business-minded crowd."
"Come on, Doctor. You know just as well as everyone else that successful people in business love thinking it's due to their own gifts and 'instincts', when all you need to do is appeal to every illogical superstition under the sun." Aventurine risks double-checking the floor for any misplaced jewelry, even though he's not going to wear it until it goes through an autoclave.
Ratio seethes as Aventurine drops down onto all fours to peer under the bed.
"Oh, I knew I was missing one," Aventurine says, getting back up, triumphantly holding up gold ring with multi-colored stones. Ratio is looking at the ring as if it's a dead animal, and considering the state and smell of the room, perhaps the ring is actually coated in dust from some mummified rodent. That wince makes Aventurine laugh.
"Have I mentioned how good you look when you're looking at something in disgust? Like you're staring at some wet rat of person," he says, grinning as Ratio predictably goes indignant and exasperated.
"Sometimes I really do question your taste. Again, if you're going to mention potentialities, please throw in a few numerical values."
"Alright, alright~."
They're about part ways their separate ways, when Ratio leans down to kiss Aventurine on the forehead.
"Send me your schedule and I'll find a time that works for both of us. Six months is the longest I think a relationship of mine has ever lasted, to be honest."
And just like that, Ratio walks away in the opposite direction, as Aventurine is left behind like some sputtering fool.
It's not as luxurious as his place, but Ratio also lives on the top floor, with only two neighbors, and those neighbors are only present a few weeks every year. For all intents and purposes, this entire floor belongs to Ratio, just in a far more affordable way than Aventurine's tactic of buying himself a whole penthouse.
He checks his suit, a more understated thing, instead of the battle clothes he prepares for business meetings and the like. Of course, he can't appear completely unadorned to a half year anniversary dinner, especially if according to Ratio he's the man's longest lasting relationship. Gemstone earrings, gold rings, gold necklaces, and gold bangles, all worn to the brink of a line considered gaudy or trashy.
Then again, a good face helps push that line up very far.
"I hope he actually wears this," he mutters, turning the gift box over and over in his hands. It's a flashier version of his hairpiece, with good-sized pearls interwoven between the laurel leaves. The entire piece is heavier than his everyday accessories, but this is meant to be something for more formal events.
Aventurine doesn't know who gave Ratio his current hair pin, or if the man bought it himself, but this gift will be too expensive for the man to not use. Even if they eventually need to split, Aventurine smiles, thinking about how he'll always be able to catch a glimpse of it in magazine shoots or video appearances.
He's been getting a bad vibe ever since he sat back and thought about how Ratio took the initiative.
Why would Ratio suddenly do that?
He mentioned this being his longest relationship, but that could easily be interpreted as a consolation statement.
'You did such a good job, Gambler. This is the longest relationship I've ever had.'
For some reason, when it comes to the other man, Aventurine becomes bad at accepting reality.
When Ratio seemed uninterested after what he thought was a nice day of casually hanging out, that might've been it. Obviously a lot of people don't need intimacy in a relationship, but when it's actually incorporated into dating and the like, there are usually feelings attached.
If Ratio's someone who doesn't need sex, Aventurine feels like it would've been brought up rather fast into the relationship, because Ratio knows that's something considered important, and would rather not waste time needlessly avoiding the subject.
Aventurine was probably running from the core problem, by pretending that physically he just wasn't the man's type, and not that this was a deeper issue.
So this present is like a compromise to Aventurine.
Even if it all ends today, he'll at least have left a mark on the man's life.
He rings the doorbell, and it doesn't take Ratio even a minute to let him in.
"Here you go. Happy six months~," he trills, handing it over before shrugging off his coat to hang on a hook.
"Thank you. I'll open it during dinner then. Wine?"
"Of course."
Ratio's face is clean of makeup right now, and Aventurine gives himself a moment to ogle over that softer style again. Maybe like Aventurine, the makeup and flashy clothes are armor for situations where one needs to command respect or awe.
That tight sweater also makes him sigh as the man returns with a glass. As he follows the other into the kitchen, he swirls the wine and smiles at the delicious scents wafting throughout the apartment, thick and savory, yet brightened up in places with citrus.
"I hope you didn't have to work too hard on tonight's dinner."
"If I really skimped on effort for something like this, you should get angry," Ratio replies, rolling his eyes. "I assure you, I'm not so shameless as to not return the effort you made for me a few months ago. Did your assistant help you come up with such an… intense menu?"
"No way, that's too much, since I already rely on her for some ridiculous situations." He grits his teeth at the sheer embarrassment of even imagining what a situation would be like.
As her boss, he's got to keep at least some modicum of self respect and decency.
"What do you have left?" he asks, leaning against the kitchen island, as Ratio washes his hands.
"Nothing, honestly. The main course is finishing off in the oven, I chose a stew which tastes better the longer it's simmered, and I've timed it so that the dessert will be set and chilled by serving time."
"Wow, how efficient!"
"There's also cut fruit in the fridge in case you get hungry later."
"Hm. Prepared as always."
Aventurine can tell Ratio's satisfied and proud, since his lips have that curve which is only somewhat stronger than that of a fingernail, and the corners of his eyes are creased. He joked before that Ratio's disdainful stare is wonderful, but it's this look that makes him the happiest.
Under warm lighting, with the wine heating up his stomach, Aventurine reminds himself that everything will be alright. He's been through worse, but this breakup will definitely rank rather high on that list of miseries.
"I'll set up the table."
"Do you need any help?"
"Your job is to open up this," Ratio says, placing a gift box as small as the one Aventurine brought onto the counter. "Stay here and relax."
The Doctor leaves before Aventurine can ask for more details.
He stares at the black box, then cracks it open, the lacquered wood smooth as glass under his fingertips.
"… Same?"
Inside is a large baroque pearl dangling from gold hardware, with what looks like an additional piece of amber on top. The pearl is good quality, shimmering with the intense luster associated with baroque pearls, yet lacking any dull lumps or indents also found on many oblong pearls. The bead is a reddish stone closer to Ratio's eye color than regular amber.
How embarrassing.
He got Ratio something with pearls as well.
Aventurine really wanted to leave a statement with that hairpiece, but he doesn't think he'd be able to keep this shoved into the back of a drawer either. Not when it's in such a nice box, and resting on a soft cushion of black velvet.
Without thinking, he swaps out a stud for the pearl, smiling at the weight of it dangling from an earlobe and admiring how it looks on his phone camera.
The oven beeps, and Aventurine doesn't have time to take it off before Ratio strides back in.
Aventurine wonders if Ratio is going to mention the earring, only for his jaw to drop as the man takes out what looks like an ornate piece of clay pottery. For something that's meant to be smashed open, the clay has clearly been scored and and stamped with a fractal design that any artist would be loathe to destroy. The sculpture is carted away, still on its tray, and the stew is also carried to the table still in it's expensive and enameled cookware.
… Just what kind of dessert is waiting in that fridge?
The table has been simply set, with the only extras being some candles, and the chairs placed side by side instead of across from each other.
Both sit down, and Ratio speaks first.
"I'm glad you look good in that. You go well with flashier accessories, but I think something calmer like pearls accentuates other charms that you have."
"Oh… Um… Why don't you open yours' as well?"
Ratio undoes the ribbon, and opens the box to reveal the hairpiece. At the sight of the pearls, he chuckles and tilts his head at Aventurine with a larger, more honest smile. An expression Aventurine's not sure he's seen before.
"So we both thought similarly."
"… Pearls are flashier than that clip you usually wear, but it's not too much that it'd look gaudy on stage." Aventurine takes another sip of wine before continuing. "People have a habit of talking less slander when someone's wearing something that's obviously expensive, yet not ostentatious."
Ratio blinks a few times at him, then takes a deep, calming breath that's disturbingly long for someone as composed as the man.
"The clay will keep the main dish warm, I can always reheat the stew, and it doesn't matter how long the almond-custard pudding chills."
"What?"
Ratio grabs his face and kisses him, immediately deepening the connection with his tongue. Aventurine can't help but return the gesture, but chokes as the man untucks his shirt to directly squeeze his chest underneath.
"Ratio?! Doctor, what are-"
"We're going to bed. It's my bad for neglecting you physically and making you self conscious about your looks."
"Huh?!"
"Let me spoil you," Ratio whispers into his ear. The warm breath makes Aventurine shiver, and he nods.
"You sure I'm good enough?"
"More than enough. In fact, when you mentioned wearing something under your clothes that time, I bought multiple sets for you to wear."
"I'm sorry, what?!"
If so much blood is rushing to his face, why does Aventurine feel lightheaded?
Ratio grabs the collar of his shirt and simply rips it open, popping off buttons.
Aventurine realizes that the meal is definitely going to be iced and dead by the time he's satisfied.
"I've been making you handle too much of this relationship on your own, and something is definitely wrong if your partner is feeling you up while sharing a bed, but you don't get excited." Ratio stares at him with a pitiful expression that has most likely been practiced just for this scenario.
And Aventurine honestly doesn't care that he's falling for it.
"Do you know how much I've been dieting recently?" he says, tilting up Ratio's chin with his fingertips. "You can't stop until I know you think I'm perfect."
"That's easy enough."
Ratio sends them both sprawling to the floor, and mounts Aventurine without hesitation.
The two of them lay together naked in Ratio's bed, Ratio seemingly fascinated by the softness of Aventurine's thighs and parts of his stomach. Even after doing so much just there in the dining room, Ratio's now taking full advantage of the comfortable mattress to mold their bodies in as many ways as possible.
He presses himself into Aventurine's flesh, seemingly obsessed with wringing every sound possible out of him, determined to undo every doubt Aventurine has ever had about the both of them.