Work Text:
Pier Point is always a busy place, filled with thousands of noises and people passing everyday, mostly too busy with their tasks to notice others or too stressed to think straight. Aventurine is walking through the corridor with a grinning face, after taking summer leave few moments ago.
He had already planned location and activities to try during that time, currently daydreaming about Astropolis's landscape and surfing at the sea.
Of course how could he hide such information from dear Doctor Ratio? Veritas's office is Aventurine's direction for now, it has become a habit actually.
He has memorized Ratio's usual schedule, knowing exactly when he's occupied with lighter tasks, hangs "DO NOT DISTURB" sign or drinks tea.
In front of the door, Aventurine raises fist to hit them in specific way - seven light knocks, creating a small tune. Only he announces himself like that and after hearing familiar "Come in", gambler enters the room.
Ratio sits in front of wooden desk, holding mug with tea in hand. His reading glasses are placed on small pile of books, papers neatly set closer to the edge.
Office is like doctor's second home, he frequently stays there longer than needed. Aventurine comes here not only to tease Ratio, but also because he knows his workaholic tendencies.
“Heey doc~”
“What brings you here, gambler? Usual boredom?”
“Well, I have to make sure our last meeting is memorable.. I'm leaving.” Aventurine answers dramatically and laughs as he sees Ratio's reddish eyes widen for second. “Last meeting this month, don't worry, doc! I just took leave and I won't be there for the last two weeks”.
Veritas sighs at Aventurine's intentional choice of words and acting. Doctor keeps a serious, even sharp look in public, but in gambler's presence, his almost stone face is slightly cracking, showing hidden emotions.
“Good for you.”
“Any plans after work today? I need to swing by the mall and having company would be fun. I want to look dazzling at the beach and you'll help me with choosing the best things to wear.”
“Wouldn't Topaz be a better advisor in that case?”
“She's busy today. Besides, you could watch something else than books and papers once in a while, right?”
“Hm. Perhaps I can find time around early evening.”
“Great! I can't wait already, I'll come here for you.”
“Temperature should be lower as well”
“I hope so, I'm melting already even inside building with air conditioning. And you still drink tea, huh?”
“Heatwaves won't stop me from my daily tea, especially raspberry one.”
“Right, strict rules.”
Gambler jumps off the desk on which he sat earlier, then goes to the door. Before leaving, he turns to Veritas once more, smiling unlike usual. Less theatrically.
“See you later, doc.”
“Until the evening.”
After the doors close, Ratio lets his own smile paint on face. Whenever he gets to see that face behind colorful masks and vivid performances, warmth spreads inside his chest. It's good to see close person truly happy.
── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
Sun still shines outside, but extreme heat has shifted into pleasant warmth. Ratio puts books back on the shelf, packs his stuff and closes window. He hears seven knocks again, Aventurine is waiting on the other side of door.
Before heading to the mall, they stop by Aventurine's apartment, as one of IPC's key members he has one nearby headquarters. Ratio is often guest and Aventurine lets him leave his work-related things there if they are going somewhere, whether mission or simple hang out like today's. These happen frequently now, as events few months ago from Penacony got the two closer. Scroll with “Doctor’s Advice” has found its place on Aventurine’s nightstand, in moments of doubt gambler tends to re-read words written inside. And doctor? He unconsciously began to let down his guard, observe and talk with gambler outside work more.
“You want to drink something before we go, doc?” Aventurine offers while looking for keys.
“That would be nice. Check internal pocket in your jacket, I saw you putting keys there.”
“Indeed” he smiles as pulling them out, peacock and spades keychains shaking against each other. “You’re observant, doc”
“And you're forgetful.”
“Maybe, but at least I've remembered to get new slippers for you. No more walking just in socks” he muses, kicking pair lightly towards Ratio and walking to the kitchen.
Tiny smile appears on Veritas's face, that doesn't happen often. How does Aventurine manage to do that? How did he make doctor feel warmer inside with yellow slippers?
While doctor puts away his belongings and gets more comfortable, Aventurine stands in the kitchen, waiting for kettle to whistle. He uses that moment to message Topaz, she was the one who really insisted that Aventurine should go with Ratio today instead with her like usual.
Aventurine: We'll drink tea and then go. I feel like an excited kid.
Topaz: Keep us updated, Numby is cheering too ♥ 🧷attachment.png
Aventurine: Aww, I’m sending kisses for this little one!!
Topaz: Fingers crossed not only Numby will receive your kisses
Aventurine: Funny. It's just clothes shopping and perhaps visit to bookstore so doc won't get too bored
Topaz: I can't remember the last time he was bored with you. He yearns for your company, I'm telling you!
Aventurine: You think so?
Topaz: I know so
Gambler stopped denying his feelings with Topaz and himself towards Ratio. Still, he doesn't think it's time for doctor to find out as well, so around him he behaves like nothing has changed. Close friends. Right?
Topaz's support is undeniably helpful, Aventurine is grateful for being able to always count for her words and advice. Aventurine highly values her. As well as Numby’s of course, snuggles are perfect for bearing through uncertainty.
Minutes later tea is ready, the two sit together at sofa in silence. When it's enjoyable for Veritas, for Aventurine it's too quiet. His eyes drift to the floor, staring at own shoes. Without any noise he begins to think more. It's never quiet in his head, if there are no sounds outside, inner thoughts begin to murmur, over and over. About everything around, about his life, about doctor, about-
“Where exactly do you want to go?” warm voice breaks spiral at the right moment.
“Ah” gambler blinks few times, smirks like usual, then answers “As I said, I need new clothes and accessories. Flashy, charming, stunning - perfect for vacation.”
“Any ideas?”
“Suprisingly not at all, that’s why you’re going with me. Two heads are better than one.”
“I’m not sure if I am great fashion advisor though.”
“It’s not just about that, remember? Enjoyable evening in IPC’s mall. There's a bookstore, I'll take you there” Aventurine winks and leans on backrest.
“That won't be necessary” Veritas looks away, successfully surprised by gambler.
“Not necessary, but nice, hm? Doctor Ratio with shopping bag instead of suitcase will be an interesting view.”
“Interesting how?”
Ratio observes Aventurine's chattering, feeling better to see him smile more honestly again. If he needs rambling to feel better, doctor will listen.
── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
Aventurine and Veritas walk towards the gallery now, finally there's small wind outside. Although weather falls into background, because they focus more on talking about basically everything around. With right person, even the simplest topics turn into enjoyable and passionate conversations.
The mall is surely standing out, it's in the five highest buildings on street, fancy with all decorations around, especially neon IPC logo on the glass roof and most of Cosmos's famous brands in one place. All billboards, displays show newest summer collections, top accessories and advertise vacation resorts at Astropolis, as if pop-up ads on IPC’s work programmes were not enough.
They turn to the first store, gambler already between hangers and shelves. Ratio follows him, somehow catching up with Aventurine being everywhere at once. It's known that doctor prefers things to go slow, stay neat, organized, but Aventurine’s unpredictability is acceptable, slightly expected, as it also became part of a familiar rhythm.
“Ooh, look at these!” gambler’s fingers play with teal-tinted sunglasses.
“Identical to your pink ones.”
“That makes them even better” Aventurine puts them on nose, then on head and looks to small mirror nearby “What do you think, doc?” he tilts head, watching every angle.
“I reckon they look good. Bluish shades suit you. Lighter colors and blonde hair are nice combination, eye-catching as you wanted.”
“And you said you are bad advisor? I'm buying them. Let's look for jewelry now.”
Jewelry in this store doesn't fit Aventurine's expectations. Disappointed, he pays for sunglasses and leaves. They walk from store to store, it takes while to find anything appealing for gambler.
He's very specific about accessories. Not until fifth store Aventurine is interested, his eyes sparkle as seeing bunch of necklaces, especially one with white beads and golden charms - spades, clubs, diamonds, seashell instead of hearts. Potential candidate to become new favorite. Veritas helps him find few more accessories, such as bracelets, rings.. and another necklaces. They soon walk out with shining trinkets in bag.
For now, Aventurine hasn't bought any clothing yet, paying attention more to details. Because of that, in the next store instead of taking one of those fancy pants with countless patterns, he picks plain white ones. Such gorgeous accessories need to stand out, it's their role to draw eyes. Especially those sunset ones that are right next to him, gambler wishes. That would flow him with tide of joy bigger than any surfer saw in their life.
── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
Third hour passes. Speakers announce about gallery closing soon. Aventurine and Ratio are finishing their cocktails, they've sat on a bench to take a break. Shopping bags are on his left side, water gun sticks out. Yes, he bought himself a water gun.
“It’s almost sunset already?” gambler notices, watching sky change color outside through a large window.
“Frankly, I've lost track of time.”
“It's called ‘having fun’, doc. You really enjoy my company that much?”
“I never said I had objections against it.”
Aventurine’s eyebrows rise. He meant it as a joke, yet got a genuine answer. Veritas really enjoys spending time with him?
“In fact” doctor continues “This day was entertaining.”
“Oh my” gambler answers instinctively, but then adds to be less awkward “You flatter me. Do I deserve five points then?~”
“Yes. Five points for you, gambler”
Ratio smiles. Pink tint appears on Aventurine's cheeks. No, it's not that smile doctor gives others during forced greetings, not the one when he turns out to be right at their stupid arguments. It's slightly wider, even his eyes crinkle at the edges. Aventurine smiles back, it's indeed contagious. To not reveal his feelings too much, he turns that smile to a teasing grin.
“Would taking you to the bookstore double my final mark?”
“I thought you were joking.”
“Nah, it's just around the corner. You'll miss me less with new book in hand. Come on. I know you want to.”
“Well, now you can be my advisor.”
“What an honour. I'll gladly play that role”
Like Aventurine was twirling around materials, Ratio walks between shelves now. Gambler watches every move of fingers, how sunset eyes read description or look at cover. The person hidden behind sculpted head is revealed now. Veritas comes out from Doctor Ratio, and gambler is delighted. His heart beats faster.
“Oh? ‘As I've written’, the book published by Astral Express” Veritas murmurs to himself, interested.
“I heard something about it. Maybe you want Miss Stelle’s signature? I can handle that~”
Doctor doesn't answer, truly fascinated while reading the description.
“Helloo?”
“My apologies, can you repeat?” Ratio turns head back to Aventurine, face not hiding pure curiosity and little joy anymore. Gambler hit something bigger than jackpot today.
“Nevermind. Book caught your attention I see”
“It did indeed. Amphoreus is truly intriguing and I've read only description..”
Doctor starts monologue on their way to check out. Calm, yet passionate voice is like music to gambler’s ears. Mall staff shoves them to exit, shopping has officially ended.
It's dark outside, only lamps light Pier Point’s streets now. Night’s breeze doesn't bother them, as talk is full of warmth. Both gambler and doctor stopped playing their roles, just truly enjoying each other.
“You're sure you don't want to stay over?” Aventurine asks as they arrive at his apartment's door.
“I need to prepare for tomorrow's lecture.”
“Isn’t it too late?”
“I don't have much to do, just last touches.”
“Message me when you're back?”
“If you wish. Good night, gambler”
“Good night.”
── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
Spaceship destinated to the Astropolis is leaves in ten minutes. Aventurine arrives in new look, not only outfit, but Topaz has dyed part of his hair in teal shade. Her, Numby and Ratio accompany Aventurine, saying goodbyes. Trotter happily sits in Aventurine's arms.
“Uncle Aventurine will buy you a souvenir, promise!” he laughs as Numby snuggles closer.
“If he won't enter board too late” Topaz picks up trotter, so Aventurine will be free to go.
“They wouldn't leave without me, but it's time. I'll keep you two uptaded~”
“You better do” she flicks his small ponytail, sets Numby on ground and embraces him.
“Stay hydrated and use sunscreen.” Ratio adds
“Of course, doctor’s orders are my command.” gambler answers, extending palm “Handshake at least?”
“Have a nice leave.” Veritas nods, shaking hands with gambler. Their eyes lock on each other for moment, before Aventurine lets go.
“Byee~” he grabs luggage and walks to the spaceship.
His
friends wait little longer until spaceship flies away. Ratio observes it and lets out quiet sigh. Then he realizes Topaz still stands here, smiling.
“You miss him already?”
“Nonsense.”
He walks away, returning to usual rhythm. Topaz has her own knowledge. When will these two finally talk to each other honestly?
── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──