Work Text:
True innovation was when Aventurine could wake up from drinking all night without the slightest semblance of a headache.
Whoever created that feature of the Dreamscape he owed plenty to. He would pay them to change one small detail though; Aventurine couldn’t remember anything from his dream. He supposed that made his dream more realistic, more like he actually fell asleep. He remembered some minor scenes, like Ratio gulping down the last of his cocktail, or flashes of colour, like the white of Ratio’s outfit, but that was about it.
Speaking of Ratio, the taller man was still asleep, floating in the bath beside him. It was a miracle the Reverie staff allowed them to share the room after he gave his old one to that Nameless girl. But considering the way he nestled into Ratio’s side as he asked if he could move rooms to “be with my love,” perhaps there were no miracles, just bad acts tired employees chose to overlook.
He looked over him. Ratio looked peaceful in his slumber. The submerged clothes splayed out in the water around him, barely moving. He had taken off most of his metal accessories under the basis of erosion, or some similar word Aventurine wasn’t familiar with. The laurel he wore, the gold cuffs on his gloves, and even that chain that dangled in front of the window on his shirt that Aventurine liked to play with were left on the coffee table. Aventurine asked him to at least keep that chain on (it’s so sexy), but Ratio scoffed and said something about being on business. Now that Aventurine was awake and standing over the tub, he could say for certain that the famously detail-oriented man missed a spot.
There was an incredibly gaudy ring on his fourth finger, big and golden with a huge amethyst protruding out of it. It was extravagant and stuck out like a sore thumb on Ratio, though Aventurine would give credit where credit was due - the amethyst was a very pretty shade of purple. It matched his hair.
Aventurine would tease him when he woke up. There was a more pressing issue at hand, and possibly the reason he woke up at all. Both their phones were going off. He was always a light sleeper, waking up easily to the smallest noises. On the other hand, Ratio was a deep sleeper. Aventurine would know better than anyone, he was Ratio’s favourite one-night stand. He spent way too many mornings waking up to footsteps or voices passing by their hotel door while Ratio slept like a dead man. Aeons help him if Aventurine had a meeting that morning - Ratio’s arms, as secure and comfortable as he felt when they were wrapped around him - always refused to move. The amount of meetings he was late for simply because Ratio slept like a log was too embarrassing to think of. So it was really no surprise that both Aventurine and Ratio’s phones were vibrating and ringing and beeping with notifications and Aventurine was the only one up.
Aventurine had never woken to so many notifications before. Especially not congratulatory ones.
Congrats! So happy for you.
You two are so cute! Couple goals!
OMG! I had no idea you two were together! Wishing you all the best!
It didn’t take a genius to work out what happened. Someone probably snapped a quick picture of him and Ratio together and posted it online. He wondered how many members of Ratio’s insane fanbase would try to kill him.
He rolled his eyes and scrolled quickly, barely registering any of the words. It took ages to reach the bottom of the notifications. People were tagging him, messaging him, and whatever, and he simply did not want to read all of it, especially since he saw at least five death threats from those weird Ratio fans. The very first notification was a sweet message from Topaz, but it made his heart drop regardless.
Topaz: I can’t believe you got married without me and Numby there! What happened to Numby being the flower girl? Haha, just kidding. I’m really happy for you and Ratio, though <3
Married?
He reread it again.
Married.
That was definitely a problem. Aventurine was definitely not married. Yet, when he scrolled back up, that information contextualised everything. No wonder people were congratulating him. No wonder people were asking how long they were together. No wonder there were so many fans in his DMs telling him to “die die die” for being married to their scientific idol.
But surely they weren’t stupid or drunk enough to get married, right?
With one tap on a random notification, he was again proved wrong. A forum post on the IPC chat boards - how it was still up and not taken down for regarding very personal business, he didn’t know - had posted pictures of his and Ratio’s supposed marriage.
Three pictures in total. Only three, yet swiping through them had Aventurine considering staying in the Dreamscape forever. Figure out how Sparkle disguises herself and live out the rest of his life as a nobody in Golden Hour.
The first was them leaving a jewellery. That flashy ring Aventurine spotted earlier was shining brightly on Ratio’s hand, sparkling in the city lights. A much more modest ring was on his hand, both in the picture and in the present moment. It was much more modest, with small diamonds embedded all around the metal. In the image, they didn’t look drunk at all. Perhaps the flush on Aventurine’s face or the wide smile on Ratio’s face might hint at it, but outside of that, they looked fine. Ratio was walking straight, tightly holding an Aventurine that Aventurine himself did not recognise. His smile looked so strangely earnest, his gaze so full of emotions he didn’t want to pinpoint. It was like seeing a doppelganger.
The second image was of them facing each other while holding hands, a priest in between them and shit, that was a picture of them saying their vows, wasn’t it? It was not a photo Aventurine could stomach for long. He couldn’t see his own face, but he could very well see Ratio’s. He hated the way he looked at him. It made him feel sick.
The third photo was of them kissing at the altar. He turned off his phone at that one.
There it was. Photographic proof they got married last night, accompanied with them literally wearing wedding rings. Aventurine ran a hand through his hair as he began to pace around. How Ratio would feel about it? A man renowned across the stars got married because he had a few too many drinks. To Aventurine, of all people. And that wasn’t even scratching the surface - was he even allowed to get married? The IPC owned him, but he supposed their interest in his life stopped at his work in the Strategic Investment Department. Or at least, he hoped it did. He twisted the wedding ring - Aeons, he owned a wedding ring - as he pondered. Surely, annulment was on the table. But it seemed like everyone was already aware that the great Dr Veritas Ratio got himself a husband, so should they play it off and divorce in a couple of months? Or maybe they should dissipate and disappear. That would make Aventurine’s life so much easier.
“Aven?”
How to break the news to Ratio was a whole other endeavour. Aventurine took a deep breath to settle himself.
“Ratio,” He straightened his back and fixed a smile on his face before he turned around, “Slept well?”
Ratio rubbed his eyes as he positioned himself upright in the water. Sleepiness was clearly still eating at him as he blinked a few times while looking around. It was times like these Aventurine couldn’t help but compare him to a lazy cat despite his hard-working reputation.
“Why are you up already?” Ratio asked, voice raspy. He swam over to the edge, resting his cheek on the wall of the dream bath, half-lidded eyes dangerously close to falling shut, “You hate waking up early.”
He resisted the urge to pat his head, “It seems like word got around about last night’s escapades.”
Ratio frowned, “I don’t remember a thing from last night.”
“Neither do I, but it seems like everyone else knows,” Aventurine said grimly. Upon seeing Ratio’s brows furrow, he added, “It’s simultaneously better and worse than whatever you’re expecting.”
“So do you know what happened or not? Spit it out already.”
Aventurine sighed. He forgot how blunt and impatient Ratio could be.
“Just take a look at it for yourself.”
Aventurine handed over his phone, already opened to that damned forum post (seriously, someone should take it down already), and passed it to Ratio. Thankfully, the man was too busy trying to wake himself up to notice the second of hesitation before Aventurine gave him the phone. Aventurine watched, face neutral as he scanned Ratio’s expression. Despite the grievances the situation was causing him, Aventurine would admit it was hilarious watching Ratio’s face go from annoyed to complete and utter shock.
“Aventurine,” He said his name slowly, looking up at the blonde man with disbelieving eyes, “Did we get married?”
“Ratio,” Aventurine crouched so he and Ratio were eye-level, “Unfortunately, yes.”
Wide eyes bounced back and forth between staring at him and staring at the photos. A minute passed before Ratio moved again. He covered his face with his hand and while sinking deeper into the dream bath, he quietly mumbled, “shit.”
“Swearing? What happened to your pristine vocabulary?”
“Shut up,” he dropped his hand, revealing a stony gaze, “Frankly, I don’t know how you’re taking this so well.”
“And I’m offended you’re so upset,” Aventurine pouted, “I’m quite the catch.”
Ratio rolled his eyes, but that didn’t hide the flicker of amusement on his face.
“Don’t be foolish. The IPC won’t be happy about our new arrangement.”
“Arrangement? We’re legally lovers now,” Aventurine teased, finding delight at Ratio’s red cheeks when he said that, “Besides, I think I should be more worried about your fans. I’m on five more hit lists than I was before thanks to this.”
“Your situation is delicate,” Ratio said, handing the phone back as he got out of the tub, “I’m not letting the IPC have your head for a silly decision we made.”
“So protective,” Aventurine cooed, “You’re doing the whole husband thing quite well.”
“And you’re being too careless about this,” Ratio snapped, “You ought to practice more caution.”
Stupid, Aventurine thought. What happened to the whole “doomed to die by the IPC” spiel Ratio went on a couple of days ago? If his destiny was to die, let it happen. He would take it in stride; it wasn’t as if anything was anchoring him here. Ratio’s situation was the more problematic one. A prolific figure in scientific discoveries found doing something as asinine as marrying his coworker drunk in Penacony? That was risk. That was worth his concern. The fate of his fuck buddy was irrelevant compared to his universal renown.
“Calm down,” Aventurine said as he placed a hand on Ratio’s shoulder, “If anything, the IPC would be thrilled I married the great Dr Veritas Ratio. What’s the worst that would happen, anyway? They make us divorce?”
“They execute you.”
He clicked his tongue, “Point taken, but that’s if I don’t secure Penacony. This would just be the cherry on top.”
There was a moment before Aventurine felt the tension evaporate from Ratio’s shoulders, the taller man’s figure relaxing. Ratio sighed in exhaustion, and it was still so early in the morning. To think that Aventurine would talk reason into Ratio was so absurd. Especially over Aventurine’s well-being, of all things.
Ratio began slipping on his accessories, clearly deep in thought. Notably, he kept that extravagant ring on.
“Feeling proud you scored me?” Aventurine joked.
“Be sensible,” Ratio said, the smallest hint of a smile on his face, “That sentiment should be the other way around.”
Ratio didn’t give Aventurine a second to process what he said before he continued, “We will go have breakfast, and you will eat something nutritious, not just sugary foods,” He said the last part with a glare. Too many mornings and nights together revealed Aventurine’s affinity for sweets, much to Ratio’s dismay. “Then, we will find a Memokeeper. It’s in our best interest to know what happened last night. It will make any future communication about… our predicament easier with any lawyers or IPC members. Do you understand?”
“Yes, yes,” Aventurine said, “This has to be quick though. I’ve got to arrange a meeting with Sunday and I’d like to know more about the Nameless.”
“Of course,” Ratio affirmed, “But once again, I would suggest not interfering with the Nameless-”
“I know, Ratio,” Aventurine grumbled. Always with these meaningless reminders, this asshole, “I’ll be careful.”
“Good,” he said, “I don’t want you dead, dear gambler.”
◇─◇──◇─◇
It was only once they were out the door Aventurine realised they failed to discuss something somewhat important.
“Ratio?”
“Mhm?”
He swallowed any feelings of embarrassment, opting to smile instead. He looped his arm around Ratio’s, nestling into his side. Aventurine relished the red on his cheeks, the wide amber eyes, the temporary silence as Ratio tried to work out what exactly Aventurine’s play was here.
Aventurine wouldn’t give any time for Ratio to catch up, of course. With such a smart opponent, he refused to give up this edge so freely.
“Since we’re already married, we might as well act the part,” Aventurine tightened his grip slightly, just enough for Ratio to feel a shred of discomfort, all while resting his head against his arm so his hair brushed against his bare skin, “Don’t you think so too, dear doctor?”
Ratio exhaled sharply, turning his head away. Aventurine had to fight the urge to reach up and force him to look him in the eye, giving him no option but to face him - make him reveal what he looked like tomato-faced and shy and flustered.
“Aventurine!”
Aventurine dropped Ratio’s arm like a hot stone. He recognised the voice immediately - that grey-haired Nameless girl. And, judging by the click-clack of heels amongst an abundance of other footsteps, her Astral Express companions.
He turned around, unsurprised to find he was correct. Stelle, March 7th, Himeko, and Welt. He had done his research on all of the members, including the fifth passenger, Dan Heng, who must be staying behind on the train. There wasn’t much on any of them, but he had his connections.
“My Astral Express friends,” Aventurine said with a smile, “How are you doing?”
“We’re doing great,” Himeko answered, “Once again, thank you for your favour earlier.”
“My pleasure,” Aventurine nodded, “Where are you headed off to? Forgot something on the Express?”
“No, not at all. Just to the lobby,” Himeko’s gaze flickered between him and Ratio, “Stelle told us last night about the good news. Best wishes to you both in the future.”
An arm snaked around his waist, pulling him close. He almost stumbled in surprise, completely caught off guard by the newfound weight. It took far too long for Aventurine to realise that it was Ratio’s hand on his torso. It wasn’t tight, nor was it so light it was almost unnoticeable. Rather, it was firm and steadying, warm and welcoming. Aventurine felt his breath hitch. He kept looking forward, trying to assess the Nameless’ intentions, but that priority quickly fell to second place as he resisted looking up at Ratio.
“Can’t say I saw it coming,” Stelle commented, earning herself a cold glare from March, “But good job!”
Ratio’s thumb rubbed in circular motions, an action Ratio was seemingly unaware of, but Aventurine was all too occupied by the gentleness of it all. He felt a soft squeeze of his heart, warmth blooming in his cheeks - if this lasted a second longer Ratio was so dead after this.
“Good job?” March hissed, elbowing her friend, “That’s not how you congratulate them!”
Was this revenge for earlier? Distracting him from an important conversation with this… affection? How embarrassing, to think Ratio could send his mind racing with something as simple as a hand on his waist.
“What is it then?” Stelle whispered back, “Good work?”
Seriously, how were the Nameless still here? Shoo already.
“Fine, let me show you,” March said in a defeated tone. She turned to them with bright eyes and a wide smile, “You two make such a good couple! May the Aeons bless your marriage from now to forever.”
“The sentiment is deeply appreciated,” Ratio replied, “Now if you excuse us, we’re off to celebrate our…” A moment of hesitation passed; it was only a beat long, and the Nameless would not have noticed it, but Aventurine did, “... union.”
“Of course,” Welt nodded, “We’ll let you two be off, then.”
“Farewell.”
“Bye-bye!” March waved at them as they left.
As they turned a corner, finally away from the prying eyes of the Nameless, Ratio’s hand disappeared. Yet he still felt the lingering warmth, the phantom pressure of a thumb going round and round in circles. With that massive brain of his, he must have known the effect that would have on Aventurine. If it weren’t for the fact Ratio was built like he was carved out of stone, Aventurine would punch him.
“Good act,” was all Aventurine managed to utter.
“As expected,” Ratio kept his gaze ahead of himself, walking forward with such big strides Aventurine found himself speeding up so they could stay at the same pace, “I learnt from the best.”
“How kind of you.”
“Though,” Ratio said slowly, “If you want me to drop the act and stop, I will. I only did so earlier because you brought it up. I realise now you seemed a bit uncomfortable during our conversation with the Express members.”
Aventurine looked up at him. Blinked. Swallowed harshly.
Uncomfortable was the last word he would use to describe it - in all honesty, the touch was nice. It was gentle and endearing, and despite wishing Ratio dropped dead at the moment, he would (regrettably) admit that he wanted it to happen again. His embarrassment was more surprise and fluster than anything akin to discomfort.
But he won’t just say that. He wouldn’t want his husband of a few hours to think he was in love with him or something.
“Don’t worry about it. Whatever gets us by,” Aventurine said, and with a cheeky grin, added, “Besides, you’ve done much more sinful things to me. I think I can handle a hug.”
Ratio smacked the back of Aventurine’s head lightly, pink dusted on his cheeks, “Do not speak about that in public, you idiot.”
◇─◇──◇─◇
If not for the occasional congratulations or his gaze constantly drifting back to the garish ring on Ratio’s finger, Aventurine could have forgotten about the whole marriage predicament they were in. At least for the duration of breakfast, he was happily distracted with waffles drowned in syrup, busy bickering with Ratio about the healthiness of it, and trying to feed Ratio just one bite of his waffles. He only succeeded once, and Ratio’s response was cringing because it was “too sweet” for his liking.
Ratio tipped generously as they left, heading back up to their room in the Reverie Hotel.
“Where do you plan on finding a Memokeeper?” Aventurine asked, “They’re quite elusive, you know.”
“They protect memories, correct?” Ratio said, opening their door and shuffling aside so Aventurine could walk in first, “And we’ve lost ours. I’d like to think we’re of interest to them.”
“And so what?”
“We’ll visit the jewellery shop and the chapel in the photos. Hopefully, there will be some hints there,” he shut the door behind him, heading straight for the dream bath.
“That’s an unusual plan for you,” Aventurine said sceptically, “Since when did you rely on chance?”
“Unexpected things happen all the time,” Ratio said, getting into the dream bath, “After all, who would’ve expected your bachelor days to come to a crashing halt so suddenly?”
He held out his hand for Aventurine to take.
“I’m liking this new Ratio,” Aventurine said, slipping his hand into Ratio’s, using the other man’s weight to steady himself as he submerged in the water next to him, “He’s much more fun.”
“I’d hope so,” Ratio lay in the water, floating, but never moving - his grip around Aventurine’s hand wouldn’t allow him to stray away, “Even if we were drunk, I’d hope you would be smart enough to marry someone you at least liked.”
Foolish man, Aventurine thought, rolling his eyes inwardly. If anyone should be saying that, it was him.
Aventurine lay down next to him, delicately moving so that neither Ratio nor he would have an excuse to let go of the other. As he let sleep swallow him, Aventurine let himself embrace one last lucid thought. Even if the IPC were mad, even if they annulled their marriage a few hours from now, even if they never talked to each other again, at least he had been blessed to experience the feeling of soft warmth blossoming in his chest, the comfort of fingers interlocked with his own.
It was probably whatever sleep-inducing drug they pumped into the pool that was making him think such a way, he couldn’t help it. Being with Ratio felt like the crack of dawn after a cold and sleepless night. To bathe in the sunrise was to finally live, to finally thrive.
◇─◇──◇─◇
Aventurine opened his eyes to bright lights and the sound of traffic. Children laughing, horns beeping, songs singing. The chirping of those origami birds that hide around Penacony was by his head, there was a conversation passing him by, but it all faded into the background. One voice pierced through the cacophony, deep and commanding.
“There you are. Let’s get going, shall we?”
Golden Hour was uncharacteristically crowded, filled to the brim with tired parents and their excited children, drunkards, and the odd celebrity or two. It was probably due to the upcoming Charmony Festival that so many people were there. Without much of a clue where they were headed other than the appearance of the building itself, the giant crowds were unhelpful in their search.
As they walked around with Ratio leading and Aventurine slightly behind (that man walked too fast for his own good), he noticed something odd. As they weaved around people, occasionally Ratio would stick his hand out behind him, palm open to the world. Surely it was an invitation from Ratio to him, but it wasn’t like anyone was watching them like before. They were two random faces in a crowd here - nobody cared about who they were, much less what they were.
But by the fifth time they overtook someone and Ratio left his hand open and waiting, Aventurine accepted it. It would be an inconvenience if he got lost amongst the sea of tourists. Plus, it was nice. He hated brushing shoulders with strangers, so Ratio’s familiar touch was welcome.
◇─◇──◇─◇
“This is it?”
With his free hand, Ratio scanned his phone before looking back up at the store, “It seems so.”
It wasn’t the most extravagant place in Golden Hour. While everything was awash in a golden glow, the store stood out because of the cold white lighting leaking from the inside. It was hidden away in one of the numerous alleyways, a bit of a walk from the main city area Aventurine had grown familiar with. Only a few other people were walking around, contrasting the packed area they were in before.
Despite this emptiness, Ratio’s hand was still holding his.
… He probably forgot about it.
“Well, what are we waiting for?” Aventurine prodded, “I’ve got places to be.”
Heeding his call to action, Ratio pushed open the door. Aventurine had no time to mourn the loss of Ratio’s hand - not when an overly enthusiastic jeweller smiled and waved at them the moment they stepped inside.
“Well if it isn’t the lovers from last night!” He boomed, “Already looking for a gift?”
Though the jeweller seemed to know them, but Aventurine only found him somewhat familiar. Dark blue hair that went white at the back, teal green eyes, a sly smile - a unique appearance that stood out amongst the rest, yet he had no memory of ever seeing him before. He was wearing a white shirt with a black vest over top, dark pink and purple details etched into it.
“Good to see you too, sir,” Aventurine flashed a smile, and quickly grabbed Ratio’s hand to reaffirm the whole marriage debacle, “How’s it been since we last saw you?”
It was Aventurine’s turn to take the lead. He approached the jeweller to get a better look at that nametag of his. Sampo. He’d never heard of that name before.
“Same old, same old,” Sampo waved his hand around, “I should be asking you that. You two seemed quite eager to run off and get married last night.”
“I just couldn’t stand another second not being married to this man,” Aventurine teased. He felt Ratio’s fingernails dig into his skin.
“The love story of a century!” Sampo exclaimed, “That reminds me. I’ve got a gift for you.”
That piqued Ratio’s interest, “You do?”
“Well, it’s not from me. This Memokeeper came by and dropped it off earlier. Lavender hair, very beautiful. She a friend of yours?”
“A good friend, apparently,” Aventurine commented.
“She dropped off a memory bubble for the two of you. Took a sneak peek myself - hope you don’t mind - I think it’s meant to be a memento for your special day. We don’t have memory bubbles back where I’m from, so a gift like this would go for a good price.”
“And where are you from?” Ratio asked. He had a stern look on his face that puzzled Aventurine.
“Small little planet, Jarilo-VI. Just recently got unfrozen, and I felt like seeing what other planets were like,” Sampo said, crouching under the desk he stood behind and rummaging through things, “It’s pretty nice there. You should have your honeymoon there if you’re still looking for places.”
“I know of it,” Ratio said, “I’m planning on visiting sometime.”
“Actually?” Aventurine asked. He had only recently heard of Jarilo-VI when he was looking at the recent feats of the Astral Express crew.
“Of course. They’ve been isolated from the other planets for decades. Not only would it be intriguing to see how a society has thrived without any intergalactic communication, but I plan on holding educational programs there to share our knowledge with them. Perhaps they know things we don’t,” Ratio mused. He snapped out of his thoughts, throwing Aventurine a sharp glare, “You would know this if you listened to me when you visited my office instead of complaining about work.”
“Okay, okay, I get it,” he put his hands up in mock defeat, “That’s on me. I’ll pay more attention to you.”
“Here it is!” Sampo cheered. He gently passed the bubble to Aventurine, who held it carefully.
“Thank you, sir,” Aventurine said, looking at the bubble with curiosity. It was dark blue and light bounced off it in all sorts of colours.
“It’s Sampo to my customers.”
“Well, thank you, Sampo,” Ratio said, though it sounded a bit forced, “We’ll be on our way.”
Ratio ushered Aventurine out quickly, the door slamming behind them. Confused, Aventurine opened his mouth to ask why but Ratio was one step ahead.
“The Trailblazer told me about that man,” Ratio said. He kept a hand on Aventurine’s back, egging him to follow him to the end of the alleyway, “She was the one who suggested I visit Jarilo-VI for educational purposes. She told me to look out for a blue-haired man named Sampo if I ever visited.”
“Why?” Aventurine asked, unimpressed, “Did he kill someone?”
“Not to my knowledge.”
“Oh, boring.”
“He’s a common thief,” Ratio said simply, “Check if he stole anything.”
With one hand holding the bubble, Aventurine patted himself down. Phone, check. Sunglasses, check. Wallet, check. Only when he was finished checking every pocket did he realise what was missing - the conman took back the damn wedding ring.
“Did he steal from you?” Ratio asked, a dangerous edge to his voice.
He couldn’t help but chuckle at Ratio’s no-nonsense attitude. “Calm down, Ratio. It’s nothing big.”
“What did he take?”
“He, uh,” Aventurine refused to meet his steely gaze, “Took back the wedding ring.”
“...Oh.”
“Yeah,” Aventurine sighed, “He could at least have the dignity to take something I didn’t buy from him-”
“Do you want it replaced?”
Aventurine stopped. Paused. Looked at Ratio. Ratio simply stared back with a dead serious expression.
“Huh?”
“If you’re so troubled by the loss of it,” he talked slowly, picking his words carefully, “I’ll happily oblige to get you a new one.”
“There’s no need. They pay me too well for you to even be considering buying me a gift.”
“No,” Ratio shook his head, “I had a responsibility to alert you the moment we saw him. This is my fault, it’s only fair for me to take accountability.”
“Seriously, don’t worry about it.”
“I insist.”
It was obvious Ratio wouldn’t let this injustice go. He had that look of determination in his eyes that Aventurine often admired, but was currently being annoyed by. He sighed. He never won arguments with Ratio, anyway.
“Fine. But you’re not allowed to complain when I pick the most expensive one.”
“Deal.”
“Now, how do you use this thing?” Aventurine asked, letting go of the bubble. It stayed floating in the air, the shape of it wobbling and shifting around.
“They have these at Herta’s Space Station,” Ratio said, “Just touch it.”
“Didn’t I already touch it?”
“No, you carried it.”
“Same difference.”
“Apparently not, considering you haven’t got any memories back.”
“Whatever,” Aventurine tapped the bubble lightly with his index finger, scared of popping it. Ratio followed suit.
He could feel the memories rushing into his brain, neurons on fire from it all. It didn’t hurt, not a single bit, but Aventurine stumbled backwards from the sheer feeling of being overwhelmed by it all.
He remembered everything.
Aventurine stared at Ratio in horror. He must remember everything too.
◇─◇──◇─◇
“Let me indulge you for a drink,” Aventurine said, “Just one, and I’ll stop bothering you.”
Ratio rolled his eyes, feigning a look of disdain. Why they still play this game, Aventurine didn’t know - the moment he sat down next to him, Ratio likely put together the pieces of what Aventurine wanted. And he stayed, instead of walking away, so Aventurine knew Ratio wanted this too.
Ratio sighed, but that didn’t hide the flicker of interest in his eyes.
“Just one.”
‘Just one’ was a big fat lie, and they both knew it. All of their out-of-work endeavours started just like this; Aventurine ‘accidentally’ stumbling upon Ratio and teasing, provoking, and egging the taller man to join him for a drink. Eventually, Ratio would yield, and they would have their fun. At first, it was a risk. It wasn’t dangerous - it couldn’t be, Ratio wouldn’t let it be - but it felt like it. How their bickering could transform so quickly to frantic movements spurred on by Aventurine’s taunts and mockings. To destroy Ratio with pleasure was more thrilling than destroying him with pain, and Aventurine knew damn well Ratio felt the same. They played with that fire, waiting for it to burn them alive.
Luckily, it hadn’t burnt them yet. Perhaps it never would - not with how Ratio acted nowadays, Aventurine mused. It wasn’t a bad change. Ratio was just kinder now. Nicer. Sweeter. The man always made a point to care for Aventurine’s well-being, but it extended much further than simple reminders now. Off-handed comments about his paleness slowly turned into telling him to take care of himself to text messages after work about Aventurine’s day. It was only the natural course of progression that Ratio would buy Aventurine lunch when he was swamped with work, that Ratio’s office became his second home, and that he could always trust Ratio to grab him a glass of cold water and pain relief tablets when they woke up together.
That adrenaline, that thrill he got from those nights was lost. It was replaced with a tender familiarity that Aventurine grew to yearn for.
It was Ratio’s gentleness that he came for tonight. Getting drunk with him was a precursor to that.
“Gallagher!” Aventurine waved over the brunette bartender, “What are your specials tonight?”
He didn’t actually listen. Aventurine just ordered two of the last fruity cocktails Gallagher mentioned and hoped it would be good.
“Tell me, peacock,” Ratio rested his cheek on his palm, “How are your negotiations with the Family going?”
Aventurine groaned. Maybe he would need the alcohol after all.
Ratio was so fun when he was drunk.
He was putty in Aventurine’s hands - malleable, compliant, soft. Like this, Aventurine was able to get away with all sorts of things that a sober Ratio would give him a cold stare for. If he reached up and squished his face, Ratio’s only reaction was to giggle and tell him to stop. A sober Ratio would throw chalk at Aventurine’s face. If Aventurine pulled him in for a kiss, he had the honour of seeing a very flustered Ratio instead of having Ratio turn away and scold him for his shamelessness.
Ratio was also more touchy. He kept a hand on Aventurine at all times, like he was the anchor preventing him from floating away. It was easier to find his place in Ratio’s arms when Ratio was all laughs and smiles.
Aventurine was drunk as well - it was that steady hand on his shoulder that stopped him from running off to the neighbouring casino.
And perhaps Ratio’s body pressing against his in this secluded corner of the bar, his mouth moving from chest to neck, thwarted any future plans of gambling.
“Don’t go,” Ratio grumbled after seeing Aventurine eye the casino for the hundredth, “Playing games with you is pointless. You always win.”
“You don’t have to come, you know,” Aventurine raised a hand to Ratio’s cheek, smiling as he leaned in, “I’m perfectly capable of going by myself.”
Ratio chuckled, “You wouldn’t leave me here.”
“Do you wanna bet on that?”
“You never change, dear gambler,” Ratio’s head settled nicely in the crook of Aventurine’s neck. He heard a deep inhale before Ratio reappeared, “I’ll play whatever game you want here. Just don’t go.”
How clingy. It was so endearing that Ratio could tolerate him this much.
The urge didn’t manifest in a conscious thought. Perhaps it was a feeling - some feeling buried so deep within him he didn’t even know it existed - crept up. Curiosity, desperation, fear, whatever it was, Aventurine couldn’t specify. But with Ratio so close, so kind, so loving, he couldn’t help but feel some sort of disconnect between him and his body, because surely someone as caring as Ratio wasn’t sparing a single thought to him.
But no, that was him, Aventurine, locked in Ratio’s embrace. Ratio, with those alluring eyes that the sun itself envied, was looking at him with such palpable fondness Aventurine felt uncomfortable.
It must be the drunken state Ratio was in.
Aventurine knew he could sober him up quick.
“You sure you wanna play with me?” One hand guided Ratio’s hand to Aventurine’s back pocket. The other loosely held his sleeve, toying with the fabric.
“Mhm,” Ratio said.
“You sure?”
“Yes.”
He let Ratio’s fingers feel around until they fished out the object. Hard and metal, and certainly not allowed on Aventurine’s person. He watched in intrigue as Ratio’s eyes widened, the soft, almost sleepy exterior he had dissipating in an instant.
“Aventurine,” an uncharacteristic tremble in Ratio’s voice piqued Aventurine’s interest, his smile growing a little wider, “Where did you find this?”
Ratio held the gun loosely in his hand, staring at it in horror. Honestly, Aventurine didn’t see the big deal about it. In a dream world, what good was a weapon?
“Some Bloodhound dropped it earlier,” He said nonchalantly, “I’ve kept it on me ever since. Just in case they want it back.”
Aventurine opened the chamber, shaking out the bullets, “I’m sure you know this game well enough by now.” The bullets scattered on the floor, metal hitting wood. They rolled around, surrounding the two men, “One bullet. You shoot.” Aventurine pressed the gun deeper into Ratio’s hand, forcing him to point it at his chest, “An experiment for you, a game for me.” Aventurine spun the chamber. He could feel it - the adrenaline shooting in his veins, the racing of his heart. He hadn’t felt this in a while, this pure exhilaration, “You get to find out what happens to those who ‘die’ in the Dreamscape. I get my game.” He snapped the chamber back in place, reaffirming the placement against his chest, “Say, if I lose, I’ll make it up to you. I’ll tell you my little secret if that makes you feel better.”
Aventurine looked up at him, breaking the rhythm he was giving his instructions in. Terrified eyes met his own, overflowing with worry. It was enough to make Aventurine’s grip slacken - was this just an effect of the alcohol? When he first pulled off this stunt, he swore Ratio’s face stayed completely blank. This unbridled horror couldn’t be possible. Drunk delusion on his part, intoxicated foolery on Ratio’s.
The gun joined the bullets on the floor, falling to the ground with a clack. Aventurine didn’t move. He was at a standstill, dazed head not able to comprehend that sudden pained look on his companion’s face. It was Ratio, tender and gentle, who closed the gap between them, grabbing Aventurine’s arms like he was about to slip away forever. It was Ratio, drunk and stupid, who pressed his forehead against Aventurine’s, eyes closed and breathing heavily. It was Ratio, who just a few moments before was scared of the inevitable, pulling him into a hug.
Aventurine’s arms lay by his side limply.
“Verit-” His voice was muffled against the other man.
“Aventurine,” Ratio interrupted, tightening his hold, “You’re so cruel.”
Cruel. Aventurine liked that. It fit him nicely.
“Easy, now,” Aventurine finally wrapped his arms around Ratio, patting him on the back, “I almost thought you cared.”
“Perhaps I do.”
The silence that passed them was slow. It felt like Aventurine was wading through water as he tried to make sense of such a statement. It was like he was drowning - drowning in the revelation, drowning in the implications, drowning in the secure safety net of Ratio’s arms.
“Do you really?” It was so childish of him to ask for clarification. Ratio was not a liar. He was a man of honesty, for better or for worse.
“Of course I do,” there it was, Aventurine’s confirmation. Yes, there was alcohol running through both of them, but when Ratio looked at him, those beautiful eyes so filled with determination, Aventurine could only melt.
“Do you want to know my secret?” Aventurine asked. When Ratio nodded, he smiled and placed a hand on his chest, egging him to lean down towards him. Once close enough, he hooked his hand on Ratio’s shoulder, his other playing with his hair. “I’m quite fond of you, too.”
It was Ratio’s turn to be surprised. At first, Aventurine thought it was an act to mock his own shock. But Ratio was a more genuine man than him, he wouldn’t pull tricks like Aventurine. How idiotic, to be surprised Aventurine grew a soft spot for him. Intelligence, beauty, kindness. For every trait Aventurine liked about Ratio, there was another trait he adored.
“I don’t believe you.”
“And I don’t believe you, either.”
“That’s certainly an issue,” Ratio tucked a lock of blonde hair behind Aventurine’s ear, “Whatever could I do to persuade such a stubborn man?”
“I’m facing the same problem myself. For a man so intelligent, you would think he had a bit more common sense.”
“Common sense…” Ratio was looking far away, surrounded by his thoughts and nothing else.
“Yep, common sense. He could read all the books in the world, and yet-”
“Will you marry me?”
He swore his heart stopped beating.
“... What?”
“Will you marry me?”
Aventurine was all too aware of his undone buttons and his messy hair. The bullets and gun on the hardwood floor, forgotten and unused. There were partygoers just a couple of feet away, dancing and chatting the night away.
“Marry?” He repeated dumbly.
“You’re the one who said I lacked common sense,” Ratio said pointedly, “Besides, I believe this provides both of us with a solution to our problems.”
He wasn’t even down on one knee. Ratio was standing over him, face flushed with alcohol on his breath, his gaze so affectionate that the answer spilled out of him without much thought.
“Yes.”
He didn’t expect a kiss, but it happened anyway. Ratio’s lips found his easily, smashing against his with the passion and ferocity and excitement of a soldier finally returning to his dearest wife. It was like they had spent centuries apart, and only now, when they were together, could the future really begin. It was the kiss of long-distance lovers, the kiss of reunion, the kiss of engagement - yet Ratio and Aventurine were simply drunk coworkers with bad ideas.
No, not coworkers anymore.
Lovers.
Maybe that was the title he always yearned for with Ratio. Coworkers do not seek the other out in the depths of night to heal their loneliness - lovers do. Lovers had the privilege of indulging each other, and that was all Aventurine could ask for.
They were panting when they separated. Ratio was even redder than before, his usually so well-kept appearance ruined before him.
“No takebacks,” Aventurine said quickly.
“Absolutely not,” Ratio laughed, before stealing another kiss.
◇─◇──◇─◇
The blank spots from last night were filled in with ease. Stumbling around Golden Hour until they came across that jewellery store. They probably passed multiple as they walked around, but only that one stood out amongst the rest with its harsh, cold lighting. He remembered picking out that lavish ring, holding it up to Ratio’s hair and smiling about how similar the colours were. The modest ring Ratio picked out for him, the jeweller (who was not blue-haired or called Sampo) wishing them well as they left, asking for directions to a chapel. The stained glass that dyed their bodies with a kaleidoscope of colours, the officiant who definitely knew they were drunk yet still proceeded, the click of a phone camera.
“Vows?” He remembered Ratio asking the officiant, “I’m not one for stalling. I want to marry him.”
Aventurine couldn’t remember what the officiant was saying. Sickness, health, death, he didn’t hear any of it. The energy and excitement from running around with his soon-to-be husband was slowly sapping away, Ratio’s warm gaze and soft hands being the only thing he felt. Ratio felt like the hope of a new day, the start of something new.
When they kissed, Aventurine wondered if this was the dawn his sister used to talk about so often. It certainly felt like it.
Even as Aventurine was becoming more and more mortified at what was said and done last night, his heart twisted at the memory of Ratio’s touches and kisses. It was better when they had no memory; they were married, but there was nothing to it. It was a bad decision, end of story. Nothing to see here but a drunk mistake. They could go and fix it, and that would be that.
But now? With everything unravelled and revealed?
Aventurine looked at Ratio cautiously. Those words from last night that Aventurine didn’t deserve hung in the silence between them, thick and heavy. Aventurine’s own admissions put him in a vulnerable spot as well - there was no advantage, nor disadvantage. An even playing field that Aventurine could twist this in his favour.
But he didn’t know what outcome he wanted.
“Did you mean it?” Ratio asked, breaking the quiet.
He could be honest. Tell him that he was the only friend he considered to be true, the only person he ever wanted to talk to. To confess that Ratio was the one he felt safest with, or that he was the only person he could really relax around.
Aventurine could lie. Blame it on the alcohol, and save Ratio from him. Pretend like this was some grand master plan to destroy Ratio, to put him in his debt, or something akin to that. To push him away, not because he wanted to, but because it would be the best outcome. Wasn’t it Ratio who reminded him he was a doomed Sigonian thrall, sentenced to death?
To think Ratio was the one who proposed. He really was dense, forgetting that Aventurine’s existence was limited.
“I was drunk,” Aventurine said. This would hurt, he would miss the warmth, but it was for the better, “And you were too.” This was Ratio’s free ticket out of this union. The easy way out, the exit he must be yearning for.
“I always mean what I say,” Ratio said, “But what about you?”
Ratio was going to make this hard for him.
“You know I’m a liar,” Aventurine said, “Why would that ever change?”
Ratio’s glare was scrutinising him, he knew it. He was picking him apart in his head, trying to make sense of both his memories and this present. Aventurine could almost hear the cogs in his brain whirring as he thought.
“When you are sober, you do have a tendency to lie. But you run your mouth when you’re drunk,” Ratio said finally, “Deceit doesn’t plague the minds of the inebriated.”
“Ratio,” Aventurine stressed, “What do you want from me?”
“My simple request was for you to answer my question. Did you mean anything?”
“I was drunk.”
“Irrelevant.”
“You shouldn’t be trusting anyone when the alcohol is talking.”
“You’re a unique case, dear gambler.”
“I just can’t-” He wanted to hide away from this ridiculous interrogation. The answer was so easy; the truth was yes, the only word he had to say was yes, but his throat refused to comply with that. It was like his vocal cords tied themselves up, choking him at even the thought of admitting something so vulnerable. Which was ludicrous - Ratio heard him last night. He knew what he said last night. The words came so easily to him then. Where were they now, when they really meant something?
He wanted Ratio badly, but it felt like his entire body was rejecting any possibility of it happening.
“... Aven,” Ratio’s voice was as quiet as a whisper, “I’m sorry. You don’t have to say anything.”
“No, it’s okay. It’s just-” I can’t admit it to you. I really wish I could.
Ratio didn’t hesitate to wrap his arms around Aventurine. Aventurine didn’t deserve it, but he reciprocated the hug anyway. There were so many people out there, yet he was the one Ratio wasted so much precious time on.
When Ratio pulled away, Aventurine noticed an indiscernible expression on his face. His eyes were downcast, his breathing a little off. His lips were pressed into a straight line before he spoke.
“Why don’t we just stay married?”
Aventurine understood in an instant what this was.
A lifeline.
A way to keep Ratio around, without having to directly confess anything. A way to keep their relationship afloat when Aventurine couldn’t find the words.
He was too good for him.
“What about the IPC?”
“Weren’t you the one who said they would love this union?”
“What about your reputation?” Aventurine frowned, “I can’t imagine the court of public opinion would enjoy your unprofessional ways.”
“My personal and professional life are distinct from one another,” Ratio answered calmly, “It is simply not their business.”
“I’m Sigonian-”
“I see no problem with that.”
He almost laughed, “You’re insane.”
“I have to disagree with you there. I think my actions both last night and today were quite sensible.”
Ratio extended his hand, letting Aventurine take it. He inspected the empty ring finger.
“You’re not opposed to this arrangement, correct?”
“Well, considering that everyone knows about it, it may be difficult to pretend it never happened,” Aventurine said. Finally, he found his footing in the conversation - it was comfortable like this, “It’s better off for us socially if we keep this going.”
“Then it’s imperative I get you a new ring. I won’t stand for meaningless gossip stemming from something so small.”
“Alright,” Aventurine nodded, “I’d like that, too.”
When Ratio offered his hand to hold again, it was both exactly like before and completely new. They were still roaming around the Golden Hour aimlessly, navigating through crowds to find a jewellery store where a notorious scammer wasn’t working. But now there were all those squishy feelings involved, the small smile on his face, the ability to lean his head against Ratio’s shoulder without writing it off as an act.
How lucky he was, to be by Ratio’s side.
◇─◇──◇─◇
Veritas would be back any minute now.
Aventurine hoped it would be sooner than later - there was nothing fun to do at home without Veritas around.
The whole month had gone by achingly slowly. Aventurine was glad Veritas’ plan to introduce Jarilo-VI to the rest of the galaxy’s knowledge was approved, with all the months he spent creating the perfect curriculum, determining what the basics were, and whatever, but did Veritas really need to be stationed in Belobog the entire time? The answer was yes, he absolutely did, but Aventurine did not like that fact either way. It made sense, considering Veritas was the one who organised it (with Topaz’s help, as she had visited previously) and was the one who was teaching all the seminars, but it was so boring without him.
But no matter. He would be back soon.
Just a couple more minutes.
With his phone battery nearly exhausted, Aventurine played aimlessly with his wedding ring, shifting it to other fingers and spinning it around as he watched the clock tick away. They were lucky that Diamond and the IPC did not care about what he did in his free time. Gambling or marriage, as long as Aventurine did his job correctly and efficiently, they were satisfied.
The sound of the door creaking open made Aventurine jump. He almost dropped the ring entirely, but he caught it a second before it would have fallen onto the floor and quickly slid it back on his finger. Light streamed in from the outside into the hallway, only blocked by the tall figure Aventurine missed so dearly.
“Aventurine?”
Aventurine felt his shoulders slacken as his brain lost any previous train of thought. He was picking himself up from the couch and looping his arms around Veritas’ neck in a matter of seconds, nestling into his embrace comfortably.
“You’re back.”
He heard something fall next to him. Veritas must have been holding something. It didn’t matter, though. What mattered was Veritas’ smile as he hugged him back.
“I missed you too.”
“I’d hope so,” Aventurine said as they pulled apart. Veritas kept his hands in Aventurine’s, rubbing circles with his thumb.
“Can we sit down? I’m exhausted.”
“Okay,” Aventurine said, leading Veritas to the couch. He didn’t waste any time flopping onto the couch and throwing his head back in utter tiredness. Aventurine sat down next to him, taking his chance to fit himself into Veritas’ side, like the perfect puzzle piece.
“Had fun?”
“Of course I did,” Veritas answered, a hand already secured around Aventurine’s waist, “They were eager to learn about the outside world. I had the chance to introduce all kinds of things to them. It was an honour.”
“Whatever you say, Doc,” Aventurine hummed, “If you don’t mind me asking, where’s that laurel of yours?”
“Oh,” his free hand flew to his hair, where the laurel was usually pinned, “Remember that Sampo guy?”
“Ugh, yes.”
“I allowed him into one of the seminars,” Veritas sighed, “He must have taken it off me when he asked me a question.”
“What question?”
“He asked about how you were doing, and I let my guard down,” Veritas admitted.
“How adorable.”
“Quiet.”
“I’ll buy you a new one,” Aventurine said, twirling his finger around violet locks, “It’s my responsibility since I’m the reason you let your guard down.”
“Nonsense, I can-”
“Shh,” Aventurine pressed a finger to his lips, “Nuh-uh. I’ll do what I want.”
“... Fine,” Veritas relented.
“Hey, do you want me to prepare a bath for you?” Aventurine asked after a few moments of silence.
He received no answer.
“Veritas?”
Still nothing.
He looked up to find his husband completely asleep. Aventurine held back the urge to laugh - he wouldn’t want to wake him up.
Aventurine had work to do. Work he swore to Diamond he would do at home so he could be let off early today.
It didn’t matter. There was always tomorrow.
Aventurine allowed himself to close his eyes and listen to Veritas’ deep, rhythmic breaths. He let himself drift away into sleep, the warmth of his lover next to him enough to lull him into sweet dreams.