Work Text:
Aventurine melted in his couch, grasping onto his glass of wine with a sigh. Finally, after days and days of nonstop work, he could take a second to himself.
It wasn't very common for him, but he felt like he would go insane if he went ahead with his usual habits. Normally, when he wasn't working, Aventurine was sleeping, or at the casino. But tonight he felt bored of the luck games, and it was too early to go to bed.
So instead, Aventurine tried something new. He lay on his overly luxurious sofa, stretching out until he was comfortable. The wine was an extra treat, a delicious specimen imported from some fancy planet. It was probably expensive, but Aventurine didn't bother to find out when he bought it. However much it was, it was worth it. The taste was silky and smooth, perfectly delightful for a moment like this.
Aventurine took a sip and settled his head on the armrest. His penthouse was quiet. It always was, but it felt more noticeable tonight. Usually, the quiet felt nice, but now it just served as a proof of the apartment's emptiness.
In truth, Aventurine was rarely ever here. It was more of a resting place than anything personal. He never cooked here, never had guests over and he barely spent any time in the rooms that weren't the bedroom.
And it had been professionally decorated, so Aventurine had little familiarity with the furniture. He was living in a magazine, essentially. At least the aesthetic was enjoyable.
Not that any of it mattered much. The house served its purpose.
In the utter silence, Aventurine failed to kill the guilt that was slowly clawing up his chest. This house could've held his entire clan comfortably, and yet it was owned by a man who was almost never there. What a joke.
But it wasn't like Aventurine wasn't working for it. He was paying for his luxurious life every single day, either physically or emotionally. Just because the cage was made of gold, didn't mean it was comfortable.
Aventurine groaned, running a hand on his face. He remembered now why he didn't take time to himself. Any second of silence was bound to end up filled with depressing thoughts. His reality could finally catch up to him if he stopped moving.
He tried to avoid these feelings as much as he could. They were counterproductive. And once he let himself think about his life, he was bound to go down a rabbit hole of memories and unhealed wounds.
As he took a long sip of wine, Aventurine hoped it would wash away the darkness in his thoughts.
At this very instant, his phone began to ring loudly. Aventurine jolted, spilling a bit of wine on himself.
"Shit." He muttered, trying to find his phone and wipe his shirt at the same time.
Right, Aventurine's quintessential luck. As soon as he was starting to feel like shit, more work reached out to him. How great it was to be the Mother Goddess's favorite.
He supposed he shouldn't feel disappointed. He asked for this, in a way. It would allow him to keep his bad thoughts far away.
Aventurine finally took ahold of his phone, already anticipating what Jade was going to ask of him.
His annoyance melted away as soon as he saw the contact name.
RATIO is calling.
Aventurine's heart leapt in his chest. He sat up, putting away his wine glass. He felt embarrassed by this entire scene, all of a sudden. Ratio couldn't even see him, but Aventurine still felt the slight pressure of having his life somewhat together.
It wouldn't matter if it was anyone else, but it was Ratio. Lately, Aventurine found himself caring quite a lot about what the doctor thought of him. Maybe it was because they were spending more time together and sharing more projects. Even when they were on different planets, they sent each other messages frequently.
Initially, the messages were just work stuff. Project details. Reminders and clarifications. Normal colleague exchange.
But as it went on, after months of visiting Ratio's office on Pier Point, Aventurine couldn't help but to notice that the nature of their conversations shifted. They would chat about other subjects, talk about coworkers and ask each other questions.
Aventurine actually quite enjoyed it. Every time he went to see Ratio, it was incredibly refreshing. Maybe it was because he treated him differently than the IPC employees. Maybe it was because sometimes, Aventurine could swear Ratio was talking to him, and not Aventurine of Stratagems.
It was destabilizing, but also dangerously enjoyable. Aventurine might've even gotten a bit addicted to it, because he went to see Ratio as much as possible. He often made excuses just to visit his dear colleague.
But it wasn't his fault that Ratio was… Ratio. Such a complex and compelling individual was bound to pique his interest. And of course, Ratio wasn't exactly hard to look at either, but that was besides the point.
The point was that Aventurine cared, so this call was as terrifying as it was exciting.
He cleared his throat and quickly answered the call.
"My my, am I dreaming? A call from Doctor Ratio himself?" His usual flirty tone felt weirdly natural.
Ratio sighed in the phone.
"Good evening Aventurine."
Ratio's voice went right to Aventurine's guts. he supposed this was what you called butterflies. He could've listened to Ratio talk for hours. There was something about his deep voice and the way he spoke that was just…
"Ah, so this really is happening! What did I do to get to hear your beautiful voice this evening Doc?" Aventurine wondered if he was laying it on a bit thick. Maybe he was, maybe he wasn't. It was just another gamble.
"I was simply… wondering… how you were." The response took a second to come, as if Ratio felt embarrassed by it.
Aventurine knew how to discern truth and lies, and he was surprised to realize that Ratio was completely honest. And in any case, Ratio was always straightforward, so he meant this.
He called Aventurine just to… know how he was doing.
A now familiar warmth overtook Aventurine. Lately, he felt this way every time they talked. Even just a text from Ratio made him warm. It was dangerous, and yet Aventurine had no urge to stop it.
Which was unlike him. Usually, he would try to get rid of these feelings. He would distance himself away from Ratio as much as possible, but…
He liked it. He liked him. Ratio was just something else, so uniquely different than everyone around. Aventurine felt like he could breathe when he was around Ratio. He felt like a bit of his life belonged to himself.
"Come on now don't make me blush! Taking time out of your day just to check on me? How generous." An honest smile spread on Aventurine's face.
He shifted on the sofa, allowing himself to truly relax into it. He enjoyed a quick sip of wine before continuing.
"I'm doing okay. Actually, I was just catching a break. Can you believe it?"
"That is a pleasant surprise." Ratio recognized. "I didn't mean to interrupt, so if you'd rather I could always… call you back later."
Aventurine's heart sank in his chest. He didn't want Ratio to hang up. He wanted to listen to him talk all night if anything. He wanted him here, in his living room, sharing this couch, sharing this bottle of wine.
"No! No, no need. I'm… actually very happy you called."
"Oh. Very well then." Ratio's tone was lightly surprised, and uncharacteristically soft. "Has the medication I gave you helped with your sleep?"
"Oh yes, almost too well. It really knocks me out, I struggle to get up in the morning."
Aventurine took a long sip of wine. At the mention of his medication, he felt the insecurity crawl up in his chest. He didn't think this would be a sensitive subject, but according to the unease he was feeling, it was.
"You could lower the dosage then." Ratio answered simply.
It wasn't about the medication. Aventurine knew it. He didn't want to bite. He didn't want to turn this into some pity circus. He didn't want to ruin the moment.
Except deep down, he did want to. Just a little bit. He just wanted… Just needed to hear that…
"I will." He paused, his brain giving him enough time to change the words on his tongue. he didn't listen. "You know doc, I never understood why you bother. With me. And my… problems."
Ratio huffed, almost humorously.
"You are incorrect gambler. This does not bother me. Quite the contrary, in fact."
Oh Qlipoth. This was terrible. His reassurance fishing had worked. And now Aventurine's heart was melting just a little more.
"Oh, so you're telling me you prescribe meds to some crazy IPC executive for the love of the game?" Aventurine half joked. He knew he was pushing his luck, but when wasn't he?
"No. I do it because I care for your well being." The doctor so plainly answered. There was no more amusement in his tone. "And before you jump to conclusions, like you seem to love doing, I do not care for you out of pity."
Aventurine made a face, even though Ratio couldn't see him. That was quite the callout. Clearly Ratio had him all figured out.
And unfortunately, Aventurine found it incredibly romantic. So he dared to push ever further.
"Then why do you?" He asked with a softness that one else had ever heard from him.
This prompted a long sigh from the other end of the line.
"Has it ever crossed your mind that I like talking to you? That I find you delightful to be around?"
A chuckle of surprise escaped Aventurine's lips. It was but a frivolous reaction to the violent mix of fondness and shock that was overtaking him.
"No, not really."
"Well, don't make me repeat myself."
Aventurine turned to lay on his side, a stupid little smile on his lips. How typically Ratio of him. He loved it. Ratio had this way of saying things that clicked with Aventurine. Right now, instead of spiraling into even more guilt and doubt, he just felt reassured. It was probably because of the intense way Ratio spoke. It didn't leave room to argue.
Silently, Aventurine listened to the vague noises of whatever it was Ratio was doing on the other end of the line.
"Still with me gambler?"
"Mhm. I was just trying to guess what you're doing."
"Oh, I'm simply putting my dishes away. I just came back from the university."
With ever growing fondness, Aventurine imagined the ruthless Doctor Ratio with his phone in between his ear and his shoulder while he puts away plates and cups. How domestic.
Aventurine's stupid smile widened.
"How'd your classes go today?"
"Quite like the usual. Although I have to say, it feels like each year the students get less and less determinate. fifteen of them were visibly dozing off during my fascinating lecture on astrophysics. Those fools will undoubtedly fail their lab." The exasperation in Ratio's voice somehow made Aventurine feel even warmer. He loved listening to Ratio rant.
It hit him at that moment, as if he'd gotten hit by the Astral Express.
He was in love with Veritas Ratio.
And it should've been catastrophic. It should've been the end of the world, really. Aventurine should've shot himself dead that very second.
But instead, he just smiled harder. He envisioned Ratio in his mind and abandoned himself to his fate. Out of all the things that could kill him, he would chose being in love with a gorgeous, intelligent and remarkable man over the rest.
"You know, I'd love to listen to one of your lectures."
"You are always free to enroll at Veritas Prime if you wish."
Aventurine couldn't help but to chuckle. He was flattered that Ratio thought he was smart enough to go to University.
"I think I had something a little more private in mind."
"You'd want a private lecture on astrophysics?" Ratio asked skeptically. "Do you even like that field of research?"
"No, but I like listening to you. So sure, astrophysics or whatever you want. I'm sure you'd find a way to make interesting." Aventurine answered honestly.
"Cease your flattering." Ratio sighed after a few seconds. Aventurine would have given anything to see his face at that moment. The doctor was historically bad at receiving praise. It was almost amusing to watch.
"Sorry, I forgot you don't know how to handle compliments." a chuckle escaped Aventurine's lips.
He should've taken time to think about it, should've let himself come up with a plan. Unfortunately, his desire to see Ratio moved faster than his rational brain. So before he could register it, he was asking:
"Are you going to be on Pier Point next week?"
"That is the plan, yes. I have projects to supervise." Ratio's voice softened. "What about you?"
A spike of joy went through Aventurine's body. This was a good start. It might actually work. Ratio might actually accept.
"I think I'll come for a few days." Taking a deep breath, Aventurine jumped in the deep end. "There's this nice spa I discovered recently that I'd like to go to. I think it would be your style Doc! You should… accompany me. If you want."
The silence that hung between the two phones didn't fail to make Aventurine worried. His mood shifted automatically. Had he went too fast? Or did he misread the entire situation? Was Ratio absolutely disgusted right now?
"… Yes, that would be lovely." He finally answered. His tone was surprised but visibly content. Aventurine released a breath. Before he could even be happy about Ratio accepting, the doctor continued. "Actually, while we're at it, I saw a restaurant the other day that piqued my interest. Perhaps we could try it out at the same time."
Aventurine had to stand up from the couch because of the wave of excitement that overtook him. Grinning at his phone like an idiot, his heart was beating disgustingly fast.
Not only did he manage to ask Ratio out, Ratio added to the plans. Which meant he wanted this. And now they basically had an entire day's worth of date. If Aventurine had a little less dignity, he would be jumping around like a lovesick fool.
"That's a great idea. I never thought I could look forward to going to Pier Point, but here you are." Aventurine joked. He was too overjoyed to fake his tone. He rarely felt this happy, truly happy.
His happiness turned into fondness, because Ratio laughed at his joke. Doctor Veritas Ratio, who failed almost all of his students, who submitted harsh project evaluations, who's glare could've killed you, laughed. At Aventurine's stupid little joke.
Oh, he was really done for. If this didn't work out, Aventurine was probably going to hang himself.
Because he never felt like this. Rare were the days where he had something to look forward to. Every day, Aventurine woke up with a little more hatred of the world. Every day he wished he didn't wake up. But he would wake up a hundred times now, if only just to hear Ratio laugh.
So a freaking date sure gave him enough will to live for a few days.
"I have to agree. It will surely make my week far better." Ratio answered, sounding happy in a way Aventurine rarely ever heard. "We can review the details via message. I will book a reservation."
"Oh my, what a gentleman!"
Ratio just scoffed dismissively at those words. It didn't tarnish Aventurine's mood.
"Very well then. I would keep chatting, but I happen to have some papers to grade. I'll see you next week."
"Oh I'll be there! Bye doc!"
Even the mild disappointment from the call ending wasn't enough to bring Aventurine down to earth. He fell back into his sofa, that ridiculous grin still on his face. It wasn't the nice practiced smile he always used, it was one of those smiles that make your cheeks hurt. The type of joy that twists your face, that makes you almost ugly. He didn't even care.
Aventurine had a date with Ratio. Life was worth living.
Still up on cloud nine, Aventurine kicked back on his couch and enjoyed the rest of his glass of wine. This time, no ugly thoughts managed to make their way to his head. There was only bliss.
Aventurine liked relaxing after all.