Work Text:
Aventurine was bored out of her mind. A few days prior, she had just returned from an exhausting on-field mission with a random planet in the middle of nowhere. Negotiation was her strong suit and oftentimes fell on her shoulders, she could also argue battle as well but she always felt out of it afterwards.
Currently, she was rotting away on her bland mattress in an awfully under-decorated room wearing nothing but a pair of pants. She couldn’t remember the last time she ate. Scrolling through social media was her go to most of the time, as it soon became mind numbing, and this time was no different. Some might call it pathetic, but she’d argue that it helped her staying ‘hip’ with the younger generation.
Jumping between scrolling through Penacony’s SGM, Stellar Glamor Magazine, as she was just recently featured on it, and her timeline, she was extremely bored.
Topaz & Numby @pigs4everyone
Today, 15:48
Oh my god!!! He looks so adorable in this picture!! Thank you loving fans for 50k followers, enjoy this as a special!!
[4 files attached, click to access]
♥︎ Liked by duck]1.6180]tas, Madam Jade, #1 BASEBALL RACCOON, 7 of your friends, and 16,578 others
Aventurine wouldn’t say she had good history with Numby, her many rings often came up as missing whenever in the room with the pig, but she didn’t mind leaving the occasional like. That is to say she preferred to get savory things on her timeline.
Ferdinand @Penacony.Jewlery8
Today, 08:34
Just in stock: state of the art never seen before beautiful golden layered sapphire necklace! Real 18k gold tested by professionals. Lowest bid starts at 400,000 credits.
[1 file and 1 link attached, click to access]
♥︎ Liked by You, ~.xXBusinessOpalXx.~, and 11 others
Comments (3)
Today, 17:58 You: I’ll buy the whole stock!
—> Today, 18:15 duck[1.6180]tas: This is obviously a scam. Don’t you know the owner of Penacony Jewelry and her employees?
——> Today, 18:17 You: Are you stalking me?
♡ 1 like
[your friend may have liked this post]
She still couldn’t spot scams, not that she didn’t have money to spare, so it wasn’t that big of a deal. She really didn’t mind sending struggling people extra cash, she already had way too much. Scammers were only one of her problems with technology. Obviously, growing up without it caused her to lag behind her fellow stonehearts, but she eventually caught up.
Even if she still struggled with navigating through certain apps. And if anyone asked, she’d say yes, she can work her phone well. If they didn’t already know this was her fourth one in half a decade. It wasn’t her fault people were malicious with literally everything. She still preferred the newspaper, and it preferred her.
And with enough scrolling, she stumbled upon a post by ‘Unknown Author, PhD’. Her timeline mostly consisted of fellow stonehearts’ posts and the occasional advertisement, even though she paid for premium, so it was a bit odd to get something so out of the ordinary.
Unknown Author, PhD. @foolnumber8755
Today, 14:32
Relationship troubles? In College? In a totally not romantic but also not platonic relationship with your best friend turned enemy? Are you a loser? Read my article to get an idea of how to get into a secure relationship with your crush!! A step by step guide to woo-ing your crush!
[1 link attached below, click to access]
♡ Liked by 2 others
Clicking on the highlighted link—she never passed internet safety, but what’s life without a gamble?—it brought her to separate page.
A step by step guide to woo-ing your crush, by Unknown Author, PhD.
TOP 5 MOST POPULAR STEPS FOR STUDENT CRUSHES—DO NOT USE IF NOT STUDENT!!! 100% SUCCESS RATE!!!
Last time she checked, Aventurine had never been a student, but did it really matter? Technically, her crush had been a student—even a professor!—so it should cancel her out, right? And, why was the author so obsessed with the reader being a student?
The very first step to relationships is to confess feelings, thoughts, and future actions. But, not many people can make it to that step, And to that I say, work on your confidence before commiting yourself to another person. If your confidence meets an acceptable level but you still feel something else is mising, Follow these 5 easy steps to woo your crush.
This seemed like a very trust-able site—ignoring the spelling mistakes—and a very trustworthy author, so, Aventurine rolled over in bed and started to read.
“Step 1: Display Chivalry.
Many people enjoy other treating them special or other the top. When they are in need, you have to and will be there to asist them in any way. Put them first before thinking about yourself. Show them you are a dependable person. Help them with exams, provide notes, help them study! Have their back no mater what.”
Chivalry. Aventurine didn’t even know what that word meant. A quick search and multiple websites later, she already had a plan.
Thanks to unknown sources, Ratio’s students, she learned that Ratio had a very important meeting with the Guild today. Of course, this had absolutely nothing to do with her, but somehow, she got the perfect excuse to join her in it. Apparently, there had been a surprising increase in the propagation’s activity in another country far away—something called Melustanin—and it was Ratio’s job to figure out why.
Not without push back from the good doctor, but the Guild was useless without her. Aventurine had convinced Jade to send her along with the expedition, something about filling out her resume a bit more and refining her on-field skills. So, here she was, standing in her wardrobe the size of a room one second away from breaking down.
Oftentimes, she work her usual stoneheart outfit, but that never failed to get a sneer from the pristine Doctor. She had to woo her, and this simply wouldn’t do. Today, she needed to wear something casual but still professional. She wasn’t very intimate with casual or anything not ‘gaudy’, so she was at a standstill. The meeting wasn’t for another 3 hours, not including the hour and a half shuttle to Veritas Prime, but she still hadn’t a clue in the world.
So, with almost everything else, she phoned a friend. She didn’t answer for the first couple of rings, but then it answered with a click.
“Topaz here, P44 at your service, what is it, boss?” Her, slightly annoying if Aventurine had a say, voice rang out.
“Are you busy? I’m kinda in a life or death situation right now.” Still digging through her racks of clothes, which was surely being picked up by her mic. She almost pled, “Please, I’ll pay you back with whatever you want. I need help finding an outfit.”
Topaz only responded with a laugh. “You? Needing help with fashion? Is there a celebration I don’t know about?”
“There’s a meeting I have to attend today, but Ratio is going to be there. She doesn’t like my usual outfit, so I need something to make her gasp. Something never seen before!”
“So you’ve finally decided to make a move? Now I know something is seriously going on. I thought you said you would never try anything and you’d take your feelings to the grave.”
“I had a reckoning. And no, don’t ask from where. It’s extremely embarrassing.” Topaz kept quiet, as if she didn’t even have to ask it and let the silence do the talking. Aventurine lowered her voice and spoke, “Okay fine. It was from some stupid article online.”
“Ha! You’ve fallen so low, Aventurine of Stratagems.” A few moments of shuffling and she was being video called. Accepting it and turning her camera off quickly, Topaz immediately complained. “If you want my help you do know I need to see what you’re looking at, right?”
“‘Paz, I have a very flimsy bra and even worse panties on right now.” And again, the other used silence as a weapon. Flipping her camera on and setting it on top of a nearby cabinet, she sighed. “Happy now?”
“Only slightly. Now, do you even know what Ratio likes? Have you seen her stare at anything in particular? And what color are most of your clothes?”
“So many questions, don’t overwhelm me!” Dragging her hands down her face, Aventurine started to sort through her hanging clothes. “I’ve seen her stare a bit at my waist, I guess. Not so much anywhere else, but maybe a little bit on my legs.”
“Then there’s your answer! Wear one of those tight skirts, something above the knee. I know you have tights somewhere, so put those on too. And do not put a button up on, it does nothing for you.” A small pause to let her catch up, “And please, lose the rings but keep your gloves!”
She gasped dramatically, “Like hell I’ll be losing the rings! They’d never forgive me for leaving them home alone while I’m out there having fun.”
Topaz scoffed, “I guess. Oh! Pick that blouse, right there. Leave the chest open and look for your green vest.” She laughed, “If Ratio doesn’t like this, you may as well give up while your ahead.”
“Okay, give me a minute and I’ll put it all on.” Aventurine disappeared into her bathroom, quickly dressing herself. Maybe she went a little too overboard with the skirt suggestion, as they seemed a little short on her. She hadn’t worn one in years, so walking was even harder. And the vest she picked was a little low for her liking, cupping the undersides of her chest—not like there was much there to begin with.
Looking in the mirror, there was something missing. Her neck looked far too bare and she was in desperate need of a haircut. She preferred to keep it above her shoulders, but now it was tickling the base of her neck. Piling on the most amount of jewelry she could, she finally returned back to Topaz, who was now arguing with her pig, Numby.
Clearing her throat and giving a little spin, Aventurine asked, “Does it look good? I feel like I need a jacket on top of this.”
“No way, you look gorgeous. Do a bit of touch ups with your makeup and you’ll be fine. Oh and, add a bit more blush than usual.” Letting out a small hum, Topaz finally said, “I would say you need some heels, but I doubt you’d last very long with those.”
“Yeah, a big no to heels. Ratio loves her some heels, but on me? I doubt it. Y’know, I’m supposed to be doing stuff for her. Like pull her chair out and help her finish her sentences or something. I don’t know.”
“Are you talking about that article you read? What did it say?”
“I can send you the link if you’d like, but for step one it said to be chivalrous, or something.” Finally finding her favorite pair of flattops, she slipped them on. Picking her phone up and returning back to the bathroom. Setting it down on the counter and shuffling through her makeup collection, she got to work.
“Chivalrous? With Doctor Ratio? She’d get pissed before impressed, you know. Might tick her off more than you think.”
“You never know. Maybe she has always wanted a prince to sweep her off her feet, or in this case, a prin-cess.” A small smile graced the blond’s face, “Maybe, she has been waiting for someone to finally recognize her as the queen she is.”
“You’d probably die before you even think about lifting that woman up. With those arms, they would probably snap right in half.” Her cackling filled the room, “Aeons, I’d die laughing if I saw you try! Here, try this, don’t be too overbearing. I know the point is to make her notice you trying, but she’d only get annoyed.”
“Gee, thanks. Have I ever told you how unfunny you are?” With a glance at the time, Aventurine jumped up, grabbing her phone and dropping everything. “I’m totally going to be late! Okay, bye ‘Paz, I owe you!”
Hanging up before she could say anything, Aventurine rushed out the door, grabbing the first purse she saw. Saying goodbye to her children, three of the tiniest black cats, she was down the street and sitting in the fastest shuttle she could afford.
Entering the university was always a hassle. No matter how many times Aventurine passed through, they’d still ID her and make her take a questionnaire. Thankfully, the shuttle had been quick today, so she arrived a whopping 20 minutes early. Putting on her visitor’s badge, started her way down the main hall.
Ratio wasn’t in the main building, so it was quite a walk to get there. She knew this path like the back of her hand, she could probably navigate through it with her eyes shut. Taking the stairs up and taking a sharp right, she finally ended at a door with ‘DR. VERITAS RATIO’ on a golden plaque.
Trying her best to ignore the stares she got, taking a breath and smoothing down the top of her hair, she pushed into the room without knocking before. And there she was, all in her.. glory. Her long hair was put into a bun today, which just so happened to put her collarbones on full display. Aventurine could feel the drool pooling in her mouth at the thought of grabbing a handful of those traps or mouthing along the bone.
“Doctor! How I’ve been longing to see you again.”
At last, Ratio lifted her head and blessed Aventurine with the sight of those beautiful red eyes. “Ah, dear gambler. We saw each other a week ago, that couldn’t have been long.” That was nicer than Aventurine was expecting, but she’ll take the little wins.
The blonde sneaked closer, sliding her palm against the dark wood of the Doctor’s desk. “That reminds me, how is your back? Need some help in carrying the load?” She opened her other hand, opening and closing it as if to make a grabbing motion. The only thing she wouldn’t ever get tired of are the, scarily, low rise shirts Ratio loved to wear.
She only scoffed, “Are you here just to distract me from my work? If so the door is, still, behind you. I have a meeting to attend to soon.”
“Yes, I know, Doctor. I was assigned to go with you. On the mission too.” Sliding into the chair across from Ratio, Aventurine crossed her legs and leaned forward. “I could help you with that.”
A single purple eyebrow raised at that, “Is that so? This mission is not nearly important enough to need assistance from a stoneheart, but I suppose I thought wrong. And, no need, I am just finishing up now.” With a glance at the time, she begun to gather the papers up. “We should start walking now, the walk is 5 minutes.”
“Please, let me handle it, Doc’.” Aventurine offered, putting her—smaller, gods she could get caught up in that—hand on top of hers. Ratio’s face only became even more suspicious, but let her hands recede to her sides.
Aventurine got up, sliding behind the desk and bumping hips with the other as she started to push the papers on top of each other. Folding them carefully into the Doctor’s codex and lifting it against her side. Heavens, she should’ve thought this through, why was this codex so damn heavy? Flashing her brightest smile, they began their trek to the meeting room, and yes, she did make sure to hold the door open for her dear Professor.
By the time they got there, nobody else had arrived yet. As Ratio raised her hand to open the door, Aventurine panicked and shoved her to the side with as little force as possible. Aventurine quickly jerked her head away, giving an awkward chuckle. “Sorry, Doctor, I must’ve slipped.” Freeing one of her hands, she pushed open the door, gesturing for the taller woman to go in.
Following her steps, Aventurine could’ve cried in joy when finally setting the codex down, carefully pushing it towards Ratio’s chair, which she did remember to pull out for her. And if she inched her own chair closer, that was nobody’s business but hers. When they sat, their knees were pressed against each other, the shorter of the two angling her body towards Ratio and leaning her head on her hand.
“Gambler, do you know there is an entire table for us to share? It wouldn’t hurt to not be so close to me.”
“Uhuh, sure, whatever you say,” She was so close to finishing off her sentence with ‘beautiful’, but she stopped herself before she could regret it. Another smile climbed her lips as she spoke, “Wow, I couldn’t help but notice how professional and organized you are today. It must be difficult having so much load on your shoulders.” Was she trying too hard? She hoped Ratio didn’t notice.
“That implies I am not already an organized person. However, I,” A break, “Suppose you could say that. My work in the guild has always been controlled, no matter how much they try to make me work. I make sure not to let it overlap with my main job of an educator.” Another quick pause as she lifted her finger to press it against her chin, “Are you doing alright, Aventurine?”
She hadn’t expected for a name drop this early into her, I guess you could say, testing phase. No matter, it wouldn’t slow her down. “Haha, always so worried about me, Doctor! You really know how to make a girl blush.”
Ratio opened her mouth to respond, but quickly cut herself off by the sound of a door opening. Members of the Intelligentsia Guild began to pile in, filling in the seats around them—conveniently avoiding the other spot next to Aventurine, not that it bothered her, she already knew she wasn’t accepted. But, she did mourn Ratio standing up and walking to the center of the room.
Only for a few seconds before she got an eyeful of Ratio’s cape-less, how scandalous, backside. Aventurine needed to visit her more at the university, the only time the good doctor would wear fitted skirts, they did everything and more for her ass. To be completely honest, the blonde could careless about the assignment so she made little effort to pay attention. That small effort went out the window when Ratio went to sit back down and was replaced by a brunette.
“Wow, you were great up there, Doc’.” Aventurine cooed, nodding her head along frantically.
“You have complimented me, and said ‘wow’, approximately 70% more than you usually do.” Not even sparing a glance her way, if Aventurine might add. “Is this another one of your ploys to get on my good side? What did you do this time?”
“So quick to jump to conclusions! You think so lowly of me, Doc’, it almost hurts my feelings. Can’t I simply compliment you, sincerely, from my heart?” Placing her hands over her chest, Aventurine subtly scooting closer.
“Things do not simply ‘come from your heart’ with you.” Her voice dropped a decimal, finally turning her head to face the shorter of the two, whispering scarily close to her ear, “What is it, gambler? I can do my best to help you.”
Aventurine could swear her stomach jumped, a burning heat filling her abdomen. “Doctor,” She hoped Ratio couldn’t see her throat moving with a thick gulp. “I—,”
“Please quiet down, there are people wanting to listen to this presentation.” A man cut in, she couldn’t be bothered with remembering his name. He pointedly stared Aventurine down, not once sparing Ratio a glance. She made sure to send him the most passive aggressive glare she could muster. “Thank you. If you could continue, Miss Kassandra.”
After that, the meeting went by with a blur. Aventurine couldn’t recount half of the actual presentation, especially not the questions afterward. They’ll be leaving by plane on the 14th, and will be there for a total of 10 days. Until then, Aventurine had all the time in the world for anything else. It didn’t sound too difficult, maybe it could be a mini vacation for them.
Ratio was one of the first people to stand, gathering her stuff and pushing her way through the door. Aventurine wasn’t nearly as fast enough, but she could tell the good doctor slowed her gait to wait for her. It was the little things that made Aventurine trip up about the purple-headed beauty, the things you’d have to over analyze to find
“Doctor, are you free after this? A new cosmetics shop just opened down the street from here, it would be a fun trip, don’t you think?” Aventurine, the true word for it would be gushed, but she would like to describe it as, politely asked.
“I have no arrangements after this, so, I wouldn’t mind going out with you again.”
“Well, if you say it like that, Doctor, I wouldn’t mind either.” As they entered the elevator at the end of the hall, she made sure not to go in first and pushed a few buttons to start their descent to the basement. “And you have everything from your office?”
“Yes, I made sure to grab everything before I left.” Digging through her bag and pulling out her car keys, they stepped out into the garage and prepared to leave.
Normally, Aventurine would mourn leaving the university, as she quite liked it here. But now, it was the perfect opportunity. Sliding next to the Doctor, she plucked the keys out of her hand. “You must be tired today, let me.” Putting on a dazzling smile, she tried to usher Ratio towards the passenger seat, but the woman wouldn’t move.
With a sneer, Ratio hissed, “Gambler, I do not need your help. You’ve already been ‘helpful’ enough today. I can drive my own car.”
“Ouch, Doctor. After all, It only makes sense I help.” Clearing her throat, she put on her sweetest voice. “I can’t possibly make you drive the car, your feet must hurt from walking across campus with those heels on.”
Seizing her hand, Ratio scowled, this was going to be her breaking point. “You’re attempting to baby me right now, Aventurine. I do not need you to drive if you think I cannot. I refuse to let you act like I do not do this every weekday without help from anyone else. I don’t need you to carry my belongings, I don’t need you to pull out my chair or open the door for me, and I especially don’t need you to push me away from doing something as simple as driving.” Snatching the keys back and entering the driver’s seat, Ratio started the car and rolled her window down.
Aventurine would’ve fawned over Ratio’s, very vein-y if she might add, hands gripping the wheel with such force if she didn’t already feel like a sack of shit. “Ratio—,”
“Good day, Gambler.”
And with that, the blonde was all alone stuck in a garage she wasn’t sure how to get out of. She knew she would take it too seriously, Topaz had just warned her as well. Couldn’t she have seen the signs? Nicely done, Aventurine, Nicely done.
Step 1, failed, but completed.
The 10 Stonehearts - Private Group Chat
Aventurine ♤ @blondebonanza
Today, 16:22
is anybody available to pick me up by any chance? im at the university of Veritas Prime rn.
Topaz @jelenaprivate
Today, 16:24
What did you do this time? Did your plan with Ratio fall through? And can’t you just order a pickup car?
Aventurine ♤ @blondebonanza
Today, 16:32
can somebody pick me up please? im in dire need of assistance rn, theres like totally a rainstorm coming ill pay u back
Topaz @jelenaprivate
Today, 16:33
Ignoring me, are we?
Jade @wealthyserpent
Today, 16:35
No worries, my child. I am on the way now. However, you must tell me what happened.
Aventurine ♤ @blondebonanza
Today, 16:35
oh my god thank you so much missus Jade, i really do owe you
ill tell you all about it!
also, im not at the front gate, im in the basement
Sugilite @mrfantastic
Today, 17:03
LOL. Got yourself into a pickle, huh, peacock?
Sugilite -> Topaz
Ratio totally ditched her ass
Aventurine ♤ @blondebonanza
Today, 17:15
dude i literally hate u
Dr. Veritas Ratio @zeropoints
4/10, 17:39
Hello students of the university of Veritas Prime, I will be out of office starting April 12th, 4/12. My summer classes will be canceled until May 6th, as I will be out of country and return by then. All assignments are now due by this upcoming Monday, and if they are not turned in by then, they will be marked as an automatic zero with absolutely no extra credit available. All information is posted in the UVP app, if you do not see this or if you’re looking to know more. Take this not as a break, and instead a time to study and prepare for other classes. Good luck.
♥︎ Liked by You, ScreW, and 60,983 others
Comments (187)
Today, 19:41 Underpaid Artist: We are going to miss you, scholar god!!!
♡ 301 likes
Today, 18:36 10y Ratio Hater: Please come back soon, we’ll miss you!!
♡ 136 likes
—> Today, 18:36 10y Ratio Hater: wrong acc
♡ 598 likes
Today, 03:42 You: We’re going to have so much fun together, Doctor!
♡ 457 likes
—> Today, 08:37 Dr. Veritas Ratio: Don’t comment underneath my posts if you’re going to cause trouble.
♡ 1405 likes
——> Today, 10:53 You: You love me~
♡ 1 like
[your friend may have liked this post]
[284 replies, click to show more replies]
Aventurine of Stratagems @luckiestofthemall
Yesterday, 13:20
Hello to my avid fans and fellow IPC workers, I will be *incapacitated* for another week or so. If you have any questions or concerns, please email my assistant, all socials/ipcmail in bio, as I will not be able to respond. This is a parting gift for you all, my recent modeling job for the beautiful seamstress, Black Swan! And please, friends, always remember that your humble Aventurine will always be up for service. Buh-bye now~
[4 files and 2 links attached, click to access]
♡ Liked by Topaz & Numby, Madam Jade, MarchMadness, 11 more of your friends, and 6,652 others
Comments (324)
[Click to show messages hidden by a moderator]
Yesterday, 15:32 Uoyi | Aventurine’s #1 fan: nooo!!!! please be safe miss aventurine!!!!
♡ 23 likes
—> Today, 16:02 myruuipc (busy serving cunt): Dude she doesn’t even know who you are, kinda pathetic if you ask me
♡ 4 likes
Today, 17:27 b1ocked_uke: Ahhhh!!! Please bless us with more photos, director!!!
♡ 50 likes
—> Today, 19:11 You: Well if you insist~ All additional photos are on @blondebonanaza
[3 files attached, click to access]
♡ 714 likes
——> 19:11 b1ocked_uke: You are the best, director!!!! We love your work!!! <3
♡ 34 likes
Yesterday, 21:52 Dr. Veritas Ratio: Incapacitated? That’s a little dramatic, even for you.
♥︎ 98 likes
—> Today, 00:42 You: You have the gall to comment and not like? How cruel, even for you!
♡ 54 likes
——> Today, 00:53 Dr. Veritas Ratio: Cruel? When have I ever been cruel to you?
♡ 3 likes
[click to show message thread]
———————————> Today, 04:42 Topaz & Numby: Are you guys seriously talking about this under Aventurine’s (official) post? Take the homo-erotic flirting to dms please.
♡ 533 likes
[your friend may have liked this post]
Yesterday, 13:21 Justafool35644: Little peacock is tutting her feathers again? That suit looks terrible on you!
♡ 2 likes
—> Yesterday, 15:23 You: Did you forget to bot your likes?
♡ 19 likes
Yesterday, 13:21 Justafool35644: [This message has been blocked by moderator]
“2; Pay attention to their presence.
Always be attentive. Notice their favorites, struggles, and experiences. Be a good listener above all else.”
Before departure, Aventurine had convinced (read: bribed) Ratio to visit a nearby late-night coffee shop for a quick snack.Their plane left around midnight, so they had a few hours to spare. To be completely honest, Aventurine wasn’t sure on how to approach this step, as the two women rarely had the time to sit and speak.
But now, they sat in a cozy corner cradling cheap coffee and occasionally taking chunks out of a desert they agreed to share. It was a bit scary, sitting so closely to someone and watching their face move as they spoke. Aventurine had chosen to sit next to Ratio instead of in front, it helped with coping about the fact they were not on a date.
And heavens did she regret it. Ratio had a habit to stare directly into her eyes without break, yes, it did make her gut quiver with want but it also freaked her out, most of the time. The good doctor’s torso was bent at an angle in order to face her, not only making it very difficult to focus on what she was saying, but it looked downright uncomfortable.
“Gambler, have you even been listening to me?” Sounding thoroughly exasperated, it made Aventurine almost feel bad.Then, she immediately took it back when Ratio made it even harder to focus by crossing her arms. “This information could possibly help you in the future, so you should do it good by actually listening.”
“Yes! Yes of course, Doctor. I would never out right ignore you.” Clutching her chest dramatically, she gasped, “You think so lowly of me.”
“Is that so? Repeat what I just told you and explain to me when their fault happened and who the cause was.”
She got her there. “Professor, it was kind of obvious that contestant 5 purposefully put herself in harms way in order to make 3 shoulder the blame. But, I could argue that technically, what she did wasn’t the baseline for contestant 3’s ‘outburst’. Maybe, in her eyes, what she did wasn’t all that bad.”
“I’ve never heard that reiteration before, you are truly clever, Aventurine.” Ratio’s eyes closed in what seemed to be serenity, clutching her chin as the softest smile bloomed across her skin. The blonde needed to impress her more often. “I don’t know why I doubt you.”
Aventurine wasn’t sure where that came from, she must have gotten better at lying recently. She could have said something along the lines of ‘i pulled that out of my ass and i don’t remember what you said’ but instead what came out of her mouth was, “Of course, whatever you say, dear Doctor.” Pulling her mouth into her own smile, she said, “Doctor—,”
“Doctor Ratio! Professor! We’re so lucky to have ran into you!”
Aventurine did not say that.
Taking a brief glance away from Ratio, she could feel the pain already, and looking around the woman’s shoulder, there was a group of three. She wasn’t exactly sure who they were, but she was sure enough to send them her meanest glare.
“Ah, Huang, Qian, and Lew. It’s great to see you three. What are you doing here?” Aventurine couldn’t control the bitterness that clogged her throat up.
“We were sent off you find you, Professor. We’re the interns that’ll be traveling with you to Melustanin Metropolis.” Qian, apparently, boasted. She was loud for an intern. They all slid into the seat across the table and Aventurine couldn’t help but inch closer to Ratio. “We really didn’t expect to find you here.”
“Yes, I was simply here to relax—,” The one on the left’s eyebrows quirked up at that, “here with my… strategic partner, Director Aventurine.”
“Haha,” That was probably the one, if not, the fakest laugh Aventurine has ever done in her lifetime. “If you could introduce me, Doctor. I’m not familiar with agents of the Guild.” She looked up to Ratio, sliding her hand down the other woman’s bare arm and hooking her thumbs around her elbow. She could do that forever.
“We’re not members of the Guild, yet, we’re students. Miss Ratio’s students, to be exact.” One of them cut in, and Aventurine could really not be bothered enough to remember their names.
“Doctor, not miss.” Aventurine snapped back, unintentionally clutching her cup harder. Taking a sip of her sugar doused with a little bit of coffee, and almost throwing up doing so, she pushed another smile onto her lips.
Ratio, oblivious to the now rising tension, simply nodded along. “Yes, these were old students of mine. I cannot say anything about their scores, but they were always open and excited to learn. Very efficient students. They are a year away from graduation, I believe.” She turned her head to look away from Aventurine, and the blonde missed her habit.
“Doctor, I remember me getting the highest score on our final test, out of us three. Shouldn’t you mention that?”
“I vividly remember I got the highest score, nobody saw your name at the top of the list!”
“And what of your dog shit memory, huh, Lew?”
“Attention whores.” Aventurine murmured—obviously not on purpose, she wouldn’t stoop so low to insult people not even half her age—pointing her face away from Ratio. Whats so bad with speaking your mind nowadays?
“Children, calm down. Did you just come to disturb me to fight over test scores?” Ratio sounded out of it already, Aventurine could attest to that. “Out with it. Why did the Guild send you to find me?”
“I can tell you why, Professor, I can!” The girl, who had been quiet so far, practically yelled. Aventurine didn’t know how the good doctor did this almost every day. “The higher ups wanted us to fly with you to get a scope of the scene. We’re supposed to watch you work and stay with you until we arrive safely at our hotel!”
There goes Aventurine’s plans of woo-ing the Doctor. How the mighty have fallen. Senior Manager of the IPC's Strategic Department foiled by some teens. That would not be good for her publicity. She could feel the sigh rising in her throat, and it took everything in her to calm it.
No, she wouldn’t let this slide. The Guild would never do such a thing, and if they did Aventurine would have a lot to say, they had to be lying. She only needed them to fess up about their lies.
“Really? Well, we were just planning on taking a stroll around the city after this. Nothing beats a beautiful night in Pier Point.” Aventurine squeezed her arm when Ratio tried to speak up. Thankfully, she got the hint. “If the Guild wants you guys to tag along, I’m sure me nor Ratio would mind.”
“Yes, of course. If you three can keep up, you may join us. We were just wrapping up here.” They, Aventurine, already paid their bill, so Ratio simply stood and starting to make her way out. Heat started to rise on Aventurine’s face as she followed close behind, not bothering to spare a glance behind them. She really didn’t do anything special, but Aventurine could fawn over her all day.
She would love to hold onto her arm a bit more, but she knew Ratio wasn’t the fondest of physical touch. She really didn’t mind walking in tandem with the good doctor,—she had already realized the taller women shortened her gait to let her keep up, and it made Aventurine feel warm inside—although she did scoot closer than usual.
She didn’t like nighttime, no matter how many times she told people she did. It made sweet memories, that Aventurine tried her hardest to suppress, resurface. Tipping her head up, she said, “Wow, the stars look great today, huh, Doctor?”
“I do not see any, as light pollution is at an all time high in Pier Point. Residents, rich and poor, of the city do not care enough to plan out Eco-friendly architecture.” Ratio also loved to speak with her hands, a telltale sign of an impeding lecture. “You see, something as insignificant as caring for the globe is always thrown—,”
“Always so knowledgeable, Doctor. That’s one thing I’ve always liked about you.” That shut the other woman up. Turning her head up and looking at Ratio, Aventurine quickly noticed the red beginning to crawl up the good doctor’s ears and nose. How cute. “You’re so easy to fluster, Ratio. If I didn’t know better I’d use this tactic every time.”
Ratio muttered something, jerking her head away from Aventurine’s gaze.
A grin settled on Aventurine’s face. “Sorry? I didn’t hear you.” Flicking the Doctor’s arm, she cooed, “Are you embarrassed, Doctor?”
“I,” She choked out before straightening her posture and clearing her voice. “Utterly impossible, preposterous, even.” Her voice ran quiet again before almost-whispering, “Five points.” Aventurine expected another lecture, but Ratio just stayed quiet.
“Hah, I can’t believe I got that right. You know, people always say the illustrious Doctor Ratio is always so hard to read even without her handsome bust, but I’d say, their wrong. When you get—,”
“Professor!! Come look at this!” Ugh. Aventurine had almost forgotten about those kids, but they’re back to cause even more trouble for the stoneheart. Two of them—Lew and Qian, if Aventurine had to guess—were crouched next to a bundle of iridescent flowers. Huh. They were now standing in a garden, they must’ve walked farther than Aventurine previously thought.
Unfortunately, the good doctor fell for the bait and joined them.
“Do any of you remember what these flowers are called? They should’ve been included in Professor Lynch’s classes, if you three were paying attention, that is.”
No one attempted to respond until Huang—or Qian? Aventurine couldn’t tell—spoke up. “Passiflora?”
“Unintelligible. Zero points. You are getting confused by the color, these are sea holly flowers or, Eryngos. However, they are not native to this area, so park owners most likely planted these. It is far more likely to find these in Veritas Prime rather than Pier Point.” Waving her hands around once more, “These specifically belong to the yuccifolium genus, which are one of the smaller breeds.”
“Well, they sure are pretty. Their shapes are so irregular.” Aventurine commented, not bothering to squat like the others. “We best be on our way, it’s starting to get windy.” Someone’s phone rang out suddenly, and, surprisingly, it was Aventurine’s. Unknown number. “This is Senior Manager Aventurine of the 10 stonehearts at your disposal, who am I speaking with?”
“Director Aventurine! Where are you guys? You’re going to miss the plane!”Looking down at the time, Aventurine muttered, “Shit.” Yanking Ratio up and almost jumping into a sprint, Aventurine hoped her luck would save her this time. Well.
Step 2, objective half-way complete.
Doctor <3
[Dr. Ratio]
“There’s no rush.”
00:59
You
who booked these seats?
i wanted a different one
Doctor <3
The Guild were in charge of seating.
Would it kill you to use proper grammar and punctuation?
You
absolutely
your so far away!!!
Doctor <3
You’re*
I am across the aisle, we are not far.
You
we both picked window seats
whoever that worker is sitting next to you is totally blocking my view!
Doctor <3
Incorrigible.
You
jealous, doctor?
jealous i have to eye another woman other than you?
im sure i could pay off the flight attendants to switch my seat
hell, ill even pay the guy next to me to swap seats with you
which one do you want, doctor~?
Delievered
1:14
You
dont ignore me!!!
i see you reading these messages
Doctor <3
How? I turned off read receipts.
You
Haha
your so easy to fool, doctor
ive chosen for you, i want to move over to your seat
Doctor <3
You’re*
[Aventurine sent 300,000 credits]
You
im feeling generous today
enjoy this gift!
[Dr. Ratio sent 300,000 credits]
Doctor <3
They won’t let you switch seats.
I don’t need your money, Aventurine.
You cannot fool me.
[Aventurine sent 500,000 credits]
You
i just did
you wanna bet on that?
i bet 500,000 credits ill be able to sit next to you in the next 10 minutes
Doctor <3
I know better than to bet against you, gambler.
If you fail, I’ll send the 500,000 back.
If you win, I’ll keep 100,000
You
thats too little
make it 200,000 and youve got yourself a deal
Doctor <3
I’ll agree to 175,000 as long as you type with proper punctuation for your next few messages.
And that’s final.
You
It hurts my fingers :(
Whatever you want, Doctor.
I’ll see you on the other side, when I win.
I can’t wait to sit next to you, I have so many things I want to show you!
1:23
[Dr. Ratio sent 325,000 credits]
Aventurine ♤ @blondebonanza
4/14, 3:44
Ahh, what a sleepy Doctor~ We had so much fun today, it exhausted her. @zeropoints You’re so cute in your sleep.
[2 files opened, click to compress]
[file 1: Photo of Aventurine and Ratio’s faces pressed together, eyes looking at each other, Aventurine’s hand cupping the other side of Ratio’s cheek, her nails digging into Ratio’s skin]
[file 2: Photo of Ratio’s arm slung around Aventurine while her face rests on Aventurine’s shoulder, Ratio’s eyes are pressed closed with her eyebrows knitted in thought, it’s obvious she’s dreaming. The background shows they’re in an airplane, shoulder to shoulder]
♡ Liked by Topaz, Memo1, Charmony~Dove, 30 more of your friends, and 120,872 others
Comments (6873)
[Click to show messages hidden by a moderator]
4/14, 05:23 Dr. Veritas Ratio: Aventurine. Why did you ping my official account? My students can see this post!
♥︎ 3416 likes
—> 4/14, 06:14 You: Embarrassed, Doctor? I just couldn’t help myself, you were so adorable I would feel bad about not showing other people! Would it be better if I pinged your personal account here? I’m sorry!
♡ 1876 likes
——> 4/14, 06:15 Dr. Veritas Ratio: You are not sorry. I’m can see your grin from where I’m sitting. Don’t @ it now, then they will have access to my personal. Zero points.
♡ 258 likes
———> 4/15, 07:43 Ratiosbathwater: Who knew professor was so easily flustered!
♡ 104 likes
4/15, 05:55 Fabulouus: I didn’t know Professor Ratio was dating someone! I thought she’d be alone forever.
edit: omgudfhguh thank you guys for the likes!!
♡ 1795
—> 4/19, 09:41 Topaz: @blondebonanza @zeropoints Is nobody going to correct this dude?
♡ 1 like
4/14, 04:10 Uoyi | Aventurine’s #1 fan: WHAT???? DIRECTOR AVENTURINE NOOOOO!!!
♡ 122 likes
—> 4/16, 04:53 myruuipc (busy serving cunt): How many times do I have to call you pathetic? she still doesn’t know you
♡ 73 likes
——> 4/17, 04:59 Uoyi | Aventurine’s #1 fan: I seriously cannot take this rn, i’m at a very vulnerable time in my life.
♡ 3 likes
4/18, 06:45 Star111Lover: OMYUSDFGIUE??? ANOTHER PROFESSOR RATIO SHIP?? what we thinkin for the ship name chat?
♡ 762
—> 4/20, 06:58 saltyqqc: hows aventuratio?
♡ 127 likes
—> 4/21, 07:03 w0rk3r: veriturine??
♡ 381 likes
—> 4/24, 08:30 kAnA2ii: Guys, goldenratio is RIGHT there
♡ 588 likes
Robin🪽@guidetoresonance
Today, 12:35
Hello and welcome to all. I am here to thank my dear fans for 350 billions streams on my newest album, INSIDE. To celebrate this amazing achievement, I am hosting a greet and meet, and later on, preforming a few songs from my album, at Pier Point!
During my performance, I hope to encourage viewers and attendants of the event to consider donating to N.O.U.R.I.S.H., an organization dedicated to spreading food and love throughout the cosmos.The meet and greet will be from 14:00-16:00 on May 4th, no photography allowed. The fundraiser will be directly after that and last 3 hours,16:30-19:30.
More thanks to Diamond, head of the 10 Stonehearts, and N.O.U.R.I.S.H. for sponsoring this event. I hope this can open your eyes further, and I wish you the best, my dear fan. See you all then.
♥︎ Liked by You, MarchMadness, BOOTHILLXX, 33 more of your friends, and 3,456,324,867 others
Comments (309,756,123)
Today, 12:40 robinpilled: those 300 billion streams were all me btw
♡ 2,324,874 likes
—> Today, 15:05 Marigold (Robin’s version): the other 50 billion were me
♡ 897,341 likes
—> Today, 17:37 Robin🪽: Thank you for your contributions.
♡ 234,905,687 likes
——>Today, 17:39 robinpilled: OMGHGUISDSYUBDFIHFGGG ROBIN I LOBE YOU
♡ 901 likes
Today, 15:22 You: Congratulations! You’re coming to Pier Point soon? We haven’t seen each other in forever, let’s grab coffee some time. Text me and I’ll hook something up for you.
♡ 109,378 likes
—> Today, 16:13 Robin🪽: That sounds fun. I can’t wait to see you again!
♡ 234,978 likes
——> Today, 21:52 f*ntastic: Guys. robturine, what we thinkin?
♡ 12,004 likes
———> Today, 23:00 CEO of men: Your fucking weird, thats what i think. not everything needs to be a ship. these are real people.
♡ 3 likes
————> Today, 23:44 kaygeo: the santa maria is crying her eyes out rn
♡ 24 likes
Songbird
[Robin]
Let’s share our wings with one another.
23:22
Songbird
I’ll arrive at the airport around midnight, is that alright?
You
You’re asking me if that’s alright?
I should be asking if your okay with staying at my apartment
Songbird
You flatter me, but really, i don’t mind spending time with you
We had so much fun the last time I came over, I really thought it wouldn’t be a problem
[You hearted this message]
You
Haha
I jest, you’re always welcome to my humble abode, Songbird
I have so much to tell you about!
When you get here, I’ll order us some food and we can watch any movie you want
Songbird
There’s something that came out recently, im not sure if you saw it
Its called ‘Yours truly’, I’ve been wanting to watch it for months now!
You
A romance film, I assume?
We’ll watch whatever you want, princess
Songbird
Aventurine
You
Sorry, Sorry! I got caught up in the moment
I could picture you pouting like how you did the last time
Songbird
Aventurine!!!
Please
I’d rather not let him know that
You
Did I take it too far?
I’m on the way to pick you up now
I can’t have a lady like you waiting
“3; Present them with a gift of your choice.
If you are following the steps carefully, you will have noticed what they enjoy and what they dislike. Find a gift that best suits them and present it when the time is right.”
Talking about picking Robin up and actually picking Robin up are two very different things.
One major factor Aventurine always forgets to take into account is the fact that Robin is a very famous woman. And that her fans are some of the craziest of any singer Aventurine has seen. The little Songbird didn’t make an announcement, nor encourage her fan base to come to Pier Point’s airport, but there is already a mob forming at the front gate.
Cars are piling up, some riding bumper to bumper. She really doesn’t know how Robin does it sometimes. Using her stoneheart status to the fullest, she was allowed to pull around the back and go through the basement. Robin was already there, her chest heaving up and down as if she ran down here, blocked by four of the largest security guards Aventurine has seen ever.
Robin didn’t do well with the real Aventurine,the insecure Aventurine, but she did do well with the flirty Aventurine, the assertive Aventurine, the seamlessly cool Aventurine—or so Aventurine thought, she hasn’t really tried to show her real colors to Robin yet. And so, with the blond’s fanciest most expensive car, she pulled onto their right. Rolling down her window, she made a show by pulling her cat eye glasses down and peeking up at the woman. Surely that was cool enough, right? “My dear friend, Robin!”
“Aventurine!” She piratically yelped, voice filled with excitement. “I didn’t expect you for a few more minutes.”
“Haha, you know me.” Stepping out of her car, she stretched her mouth into a wide grin. “Always on time, always ready to come jumping to whoever is her master for the day.”
Robin smiled back, “That sounds nothing like you.”
“Semantics.” Robin liked it when she was gentleman-ly, possibly, Aventurine didn’t really know, she just started acting like this one day. Not quite placing her hand on Robin’s back, she led her to the other side of the car, holding the door open. “I’m sure you guys can handle her bags. You can’t expect a lady of her caliber to take her own bags, right?” She cooed at the four men before getting in the car herself.
They had already pulled off when Robin asked, “You’ve been well then, Aventurine?”
“Like always, Songbird. Like always.” Jerking her head away from the road, her felt her smile getting bigger as she whispered, “You know, this is my fastest car. Wouldn’t it be fun to go on a little joy ride?”
“Aventurine,” She almost looked pained to say this. “Are you sure about this?”
“Don’t let those stories about big celebrities dying in big car crashes get to your head. A passenger princess such as yourself shouldn’t worry her head about this.”
“One of many, I suppose. Wouldn’t people be upset?”
“Haha!” Aventurine floored it, a roar bursting from the engine, making sure to roll their windows down. “One of many. Who cares what a rich woman and a superstar does? They wouldn’t dare stick their noses into our business.”
“Then, I guess,” Robin sighed in defeat before a smile crawled up her face. “It would be fun. What’s a joyride without music?”
Aventurine’s cackling was soon overshadowed by the quick thumping beats from whatever song Aventurine had on last. “No joyride at all, no joyride at all.” Driving was something that came easy to the blonde, even if a certain Doctor always complained about her lack of safety. Weaving between the occasional car, she didn’t let up on the gas not once. Glancing down at her dashboard for a quick second, it wobbled between 262 and 269, only 269? Pathetic. “You wanna guess how fast this baby goes?”
“Uhm,” Robin glanced over, her long gray hair whipping around in the wind, “305?”
“352.”
“You’re sure that’s allowed on the road?”
“No, not at all.” Aventurine really couldn’t stop herself from laughing. “Even if somebody tried to stop us, they wouldn’t be able to catch up. Honestly, I expected this to cost more. It was only a puny 20 million.” The car jerked for a second, and it was obvious it scared Robin, as she started to grip onto the car door. “We’ll be there soon, don’t you worry.”
“Aventurine, shouldn’t you be looking at the road?”
“Ha! My luck won’t fail us, Songbird. The wind started to snap against their faces at the increase of speed, they basically had to yell to communicate. “I bet there won’t be another person on the road until we reach my penthouse.”
Just like Aventurine predicted, it only took a few more minutes to arrive at her apartment. She lived in the dense part of the city, the (almost) tallest building, Aventurine Tower. The previous Aventurine had named it that, which was honestly, very narcissistic, but the current Aventurine couldn’t be bothered to change it.
Already having double checked the arrival of Robin’s things, they let the elevator take them up. She’s only staying for one night, as tomorrow she has to attend her ‘meet and greet’. Aventurine would come too, but she has some business to attend to, so she’ll barely arrive at the end of her concert.
“You want something to eat, too? I’ll order it while you get settled in.”
Robin nodded, making her way up the stairs and into Aventurine’s guest room. It didn’t take long for them to step into the living room, sit on the long-couch, and find a movie. To be honest, Aventurine didn’t really plan on watching a movie, rather having it playing in the background while she spilled her guts out. She’d talked to Robin about her, she’ll never not cringe saying this, pesky crush.
“Hey,” Turning her full body towards Robin, Aventurine sighed. “I,” Come on Aventurine, you got this. “I kinda really need your help right now.”
The other woman probably thought the situation was more serious than it was, because when she looked back at Aventurine, she almost looked pained. “What is it? Did something go wrong?”
“Sorry, I shouldn’t have said it like that. It’s more like, my heart can’t take this anymore. You know what I said about keeping my feelings to myself about Ratio, right? Well, I got a boost of confidence and this past month has been me trying to scope things out. So far, everything I’ve tried has failed, and it’s only brought me down more.”
“I see, and you want to ask her out? Tell me what you’ve done so far.” It seemed they had the same plan, as Robin turned away from the movie to focus fully on Aventurine.
“Don’t judge, but I’ve been using a.. guide of sorts. It’s some article that was either written by a teenager or some loser with a lot of time on their hands. Here I’ll show you.” Taking her phone out as quickly as possible, she quickly stuffed it into Robin’s waiting hand. “Tomorrow, or maybe the day after, I’ll do the third step. I’m going to a meeting and shes going to be there, but I don’t know if I’ll be brave enough to present a gift at her job.”
“I agree, the scandal would be too much for some one like Ratio to handle.”
“Oh definitely. She’d blow up before any of the press could point a camera in her face. Popular Senior Manager of the IPC, the stoneheart Aventurine, and famous academic, Dr. Veritas Ratio, caught in a scandalous relationship outside of the university of Veritas Prime!”
Robin giggled, shaking her head playfully. “Well, it would certainly be a surprise for her coworkers. Have you already prepared a gift?” When Aventurine didn’t make any move to respond, she simply sighed. “Aventurine.”
“Listen, I was planning on getting something while on a mission I had a few days prior, but I was just too busy! And I, kind of, had no idea on what to give her. I thought about books, cosmetics, clothes, bath products, none of them sounded good!” She sighed, covering her face with her hands. “I really don’t know what she would enjoy, and I’d rather get her something that she couldn’t just buy herself.”
“Is there anything she talks about a lot? What do you know she likes?”
“That woman could talk about education for days on end, but there isn’t really anything she doesn’t know that I could teach her.” Not including anything personal, of course. “I know she’s interested in the arts, but I’m not sure to what degree.”
“That’s your answer. Arts are about creating your own media, so make something that represents her or something she’d like.”
Ruminating it over in her head, Aventurine finally nodded and smiled. “Thank you, Robin. I really don’t know what I’d do without your advice.” Just in time for Aventurine’s door bell to buzz. “Well, the food is here. I’ll go get it, then we’ll go back to the movie.”
Aventurine wasn’t sure on how to approach making Ratio’s custom gift. She had to make it herself, she couldn’t let another person make it for her, then it would lose its meaning. Her idea was simple, a little rubber duck. To replace the one Ratio has in her bathroom now. She wants it to have the cutest little fedora, bright, shining eyes, and little pink glasses balancing on its beak.
To give Ratio her own little gambler, to remind her of Aventurine everyday, to give Ratio a type of Aventurine to bathe with everyday. Every time she was.. she’d rather not finish that thought. Aventurine would love Ratio for the rest of her days. Although, she’d quickly get jealous of the little duck stealing away her time to actually bathe with Ratio.
So far, she’d only made a little hat out of paper mache, and has yet to paint it. She’s never really painted in her entire 32 years of living, and never really planned on it, so, she has decided to take a painting class.
Here she is, sitting in the stinkiest room she has been in since her days before becoming a multi-quadrillionare surrounded by middle-aged moms and undergraduates and wearing more gold than this entire building is worth. If she’d known paint is extremely easy to splatter on clothes, she would’ve never worn her second-favorite wide leg pants—her first-favorite being the ones she received as a gift from Black Swan’s personal collection, that she had fitted, by the way.
“So, why are you girls here, hm?” She’d been caught up in talking to a few of the moms that sat at her table. “Trying to expand your artistic ability?”
One of them, maybe her name was Vera, belly laughed. “Absolutely not! I do not have a single artistic bone in my body, I’m here with my son because he was too afraid to go by himself.”
“Me as well, even though technically my daughter is here with her friends.” Another one sang, she also had blonde hair, which wasn’t really important, but Aventurine rarely ran into other blondes. Aventurine was sure her name was Sage. “Why are you here, Miss..”
“Aventurine! Haha,” Dipping her brush into the dirty brown water, she tried her best to not combine her colors but so far, she had failed. “I’m making a.. gift, I guess. For someone I hold dear.”
“Why, what kind of gift?”
“She likes ducks, so I’m making her a customized one. I was also thinking about making her a painting though, she really likes the arts.”
“Oh aeons, That’s so romantic! I wish my husband would learn art for me.” Vera again, she had a habit to speak in exclamation points.
“Well, I wish you two the best.” Sage hummed, clearly focused on her own painting. She glanced up, her eyes narrowing at Aventurine. “I’ve seen you before, not sure where. I’d remember a face like that anywhere.”
“Oh, I’m just a humble servant, really. But, maybe you’ve seen me on..” Ratio would say something like, If you have to say you’re humble, you’re probably not humble at all.
It was done. The little yellow rubber duck Aventurine had been carting around for two whole days. Always a little subtle reminder. While she wouldn’t say it turned out the best, it’s glasses were a little crooked when she glued them on, she still tried. Her amazing, no, dazzling opus was newly named Duckurine, the little sticker on the bottom said so.
She couldn’t just present little Duckurine, she needed something with pzazz, but, something calm enough to represent Ratio. Something to show their union, not that they were unionized yet, Aventurine simply hoped.
It was only right Aventurine got a woman such as Ratio flowers. What is a good romantic gift other than flowers? And so, here she was, standing in line for her own personalized bouquet. She knew absolutely nothing of flowers, so she looked up pretty ones with meaningful messages.
She needed a bouquet with yellow and purple flowers, since it was the easiest way to recognize the two. In the end, the yellow flowers that she decided on were tulips, zinnia, and a singular peony. A singular peony for Aventurine’s wealth and fortune.
For the purple flowers, she got a few lavender, wisteria, and a singular purple iris. A singular iris for Ratio’s wisdom and faith. Her wallet kicked its toe into a wall once she made the purchase, that is to say it didn’t hurt much, but the bruise was still there. Who knew wisteria was so expensive in Veritas Prime.
Her original plan consisted of showing up to her job, but that couldn’t be more embarrassing. Instead, she was going to show up to her house. When? Aventurine hadn’t gotten to that part yet. She couldn’t (read: didn’t) pick her flowers up until 2000, which was way past the shop’s closing time—good day to be filthy rich. It was dark by the time Aventurine pulled up to Ratio’s apartment, and it took her 10 minutes to find her room, 117.
And when she raised her hand to knock, her muscles froze and her breath quickened. She didn’t know why she thought she could do this. She was too weak. She would always be too weak for these… feelings. She’d come all this way, just for her to ruin it for herself. Thanks, Aventurine. Really, sometimes—
Her monologue was broken apart by the sound of a door opening. “Gambler? What are you doing here at this hour?” Ratio whispered, her hands rubbing at her eyes. Ah, she must’ve been sleeping. She looked adorable with her bed head.
“Haha, Doc, Doctor!” When she winced, Aventurine physically deflated. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to bother you, really. I just…”
A sharp purple eyebrow raised just slightly, only her right one, since Ratio had impeccable control of her face. “You just? Aventurine, please, spit it out. It is late. Tell me why you were standing at my door for over 30 minutes.”
30 minutes? She did truly let the time slip through her fingers like that? “Well, I was… haha…” Spit it out, Aventurine, listen to the good doctor, she’ll carry you to safety. That’s when her wine colored eyes flicked down to Aventurine’s hands. She took a step back, quickly hiding her gifts behind her back. “Doctor.. you misunderstand.”
Her face fell. “I misunderstand? So you are not here to ask me out? Have I read too far into your garbled lines?” Damn her wit. The silky purple robe barely hanging on her shoulders sagged as her hand came up to clutch her chest. She looked beautiful like this.
Aventurine tried to force her voice up her throat to explain, to make Ratio feel better. But, when she opened her mouth, nothing came out.
“Aventurine, you are truly cruel.”
And when Ratio begun to close her door, Aventurine’s hand shot out, catching the door just before it slammed shut. It hurt, heavens, it hurt. Crying out, Aventurine quickly shook her head. “Ratio, please, I didn’t mean it like that. You misunderstand. Just.. hear me out.”
She sighed, her hand coming up to clutch her nose before opening the door wider. “Come in, and remember to take your shoes off.” Once Aventurine stepped inside, Ratio motioned to the couch.
When they were both seated, Aventurine scooted close enough so their knees were just barely kissing. “I,” Her voice clogged up again, but this time, it wouldn’t slow her down. Instead, she shoved the bouquet and a small paper bag into the good doctor’s awaiting hands. “You were right. These were.. for you.”
“Why?” Her voice had the same baritone as usual, but her smile couldn’t be missed. It was like Aventurine’s sun had finally rose again, even though it was pitch black outside.
“It’s a gift, for you. For you.” And when her carefully manicured, and obscenely long, nails tore into the paper bag her smile grew more. “Do you like it? I made it.”
“Yes, I like it, gambler. Is it you?” She held the little yellow duck up to Aventurine’s face. “I see the resemblance. I would say its cute, but you’re far cuter.”
Aventurine could feel her face heating up, her hands flying to cover her face. Who knew the Doctor was such a flatterer. “I, yes, it’s me. I thought it would be cute. Something to remind you of me.”
“These flowers are beautiful, did you custom design this?”
“Nothing less for you, dear Doctor.”
And then, she did something, something Aventurine would’ve never seen coming. Ratio, the ever stern professor, laughed. And aeons, did Aventurine miss her laugh. Her last was years ago, when they were still in Penacony. During one of their free nights after the assignment had been completed, they wandered to a bar. Who knew Ratio was such a lightweight? She had laughed once, at one of Aventurine’s jokes, and Aventurine had filed it away in the deepest depths of her brain. “I like it.”
Clearing her throat, Aventurine inched closer to Ratio until their shoulders were pressed against one another’s. “There was also something else I wanted to ask you, Doctor.”
She seemed to perk up again, her head turning to lock eyes once more. “Yes?”
“I just, wanted to invite you,” A pause. Aventurine could feel a drop of sweat run down her temple, was it always this hot in Ratio’s house? “To, uhm.”
That seemed to drag the good doctor further in, her eyes widening by a fraction. “To invite me to..?”
The blonde couldn’t help but inch off the sofa, clenching her hand behind her back. “To invite you to my house, tomorrow night. For a, a, uhm, girl’s night. I guess.”
Ratio’s face instantly fell. She’d been invited on a ‘girl’s night’ multiple times, but she has yet to accept. “I see. Aventurine, tomorrow is a Tuesday, I have to overseer the university’s baseball game. I cannot simply cancel it because you want to.. ‘hang out’.” Always so straight to the point.
Aventurine felt like she could cry. Pulling her hands from behind her back, she sought out Ratio’s own. “Veritas, please?” A well placed squeeze and a whine could have Ratio agree, it worked, sometimes. She’d rather not have to play her trump card yet. “You never come, it makes me sad.”
She sighed and shook her head. “Gambler, I don’t think you heard what I said. I need to be in attendance for that game.” She shook Aventurine’s hands off and stood, smoothing her purple hair down. “If that is all, I will go back to bed, and I implore you to as well. Lock the door on the way out.”
Aventurine jumped up, snatching the small duck off of its little throne. “Doctor, won’t you think about it? Duckurine would be very happy.” And when that didn’t phase her, Aventurine sighed. She was saving it for tomorrow to surprise the Doctor, but nothing could get to her as this.
Stepping into her room, Ratio snatched Duckurine out of her hands and placed it on her bed side table. Adorable. “Aventurine, unless you plan on staying the night, which I do not approve of, see yourself out. I won’t ask again.”
“Can I tell you the truth, Doctor? If you say no again, I won’t push.” Ratio didn’t make any moves to show she was listening, but Aventurine knew she was. “I want you to come over tomorrow because,” Letting her voice drop into a whisper, she said, “It’s my birthday. I want somebody to celebrate it with me this year.”
That made her turn, her eyes blown wide. “Tomorrow is your birthday? And you’ve never told me this before?” Putting a hand on her, wow, hip, Ratio tutted to the side and shook her head. “If you had simply said this, I would’ve agreed years ago.”
Did Aventurine forget to mention she only asked when it was her birthday? Oops. “So you’ll come? Really? What about your game?”
“I won’t go. I’ll pull some strings, it’s not as if they can decline me.”
Aventurine would say her eyes began to well with tears, she’d be lying, since she hasn’t cried since she was 12, but it sure as hell felt like it. She surged forward and wrapped her arms around Ratio’s waist,—she didn’t want to strain her feet, okay?—burying her face into the doctor’s clavicle. She would reach heaven prematurely if she moved down a few inches, but Ratio’s, probably, not ready for that. “Thank you, Veritas.”
Ratio’s arm came up to rest on her shoulders, heavens, one of her hands cupping the back of Aventurine’s head. “Of course, Aventurine. My dear gambler.”
Step 3, completed but effectiveness undetermined.
Aventurine ♤ @blondebonanza
Yesterday, 22:22
Duckurine has been completed! This *other* duck has been lonely for so long, but she finally has a friend, or should I say…? Updates coming soon..
[1 files opened, click to compress]
[file 1: Two rubber ducks pressed against each other, one on the left with an especially hideous fedora and the other with a tiny golden leaf headpiece, a singular finger, with long gold nails and purple swirls decorating it, poking the duck on the left on the cheek]
♡ Liked by duck[1.6180]tas, Jade, Charmony~Dove, 16 more of your friends, and 81,229 others
Comments (926)
[Click to show messages hidden by a moderator]
Today, 04:10 Uoyi | Aventurine’s #1 fan: okay this is kinda cute.. whos other duck is that??
♡ 2,845 likes
—> Today, 04:25 myruuipc (busy serving cunt): okay this isn’t very pathetic of you
♡ 82 likes
——> Today, 05:01 Uoyi | Aventurine’s #1 fan: when are you gunna respond to my texts ;)
♡ 24 likes
———> Today, 08:56 Dererere: Are you guys in your enemies to lovers arc?
♡ 8 likes
Yesterday, 23:55 Charmony~Dove: Oh my god!!! You actually did it, I wish you the best of luck!
♥︎ 86 likes
—> Today, 02:41 Aventurine ♤: You are heaven-sent, I owe you! Let me know what you want and I’ll buy it for you
♡ 87 likes
——> Today, 10:17 Topaz: I’m kinda hurt you didn’t tell me
♡ 65 likes
———> Today, 12:14 Aventurine ♤: When I tell you, go to a hospital just in case you get a heart attack
♡ 1 like
Today, 05:37 duck[1.6180]tas: heh
♥︎ 1 like
Dr. Veritas Ratio @zeropoints
Today, 09:00
Hello students and athletes of Veritas Prime. I regret to inform you all I will not be supervising, nor showing at, the upcoming baseball game today at 17:00. Although I do understand we are playing the semi-finals, I absolutely cannot be present due to personal matters that I must attend to.
Apologies to the players, as I know they were looking forward to my attendance, and I wish you all the best of luck. If we win and show as the bracket 2 winners, I will personally participate in the next home game as a returning player, not counting the MUBL finals. Play ball.
♥︎ Liked by You, #1 BASEBALL RACCOON, ScreW, and 4 more of your friends, and 98,862 others
Comments (1709)
Today, 11:44 Aventurine ♤: Wow, I didn’t know you liked baseball this much to get so involved in your team. You used to play?
♡ 8245 likes
—> Today, 12:17 Dr. Veritas Ratio: You’ve been inside my house multiple times, basically constantly, how have you not seen my 13 World Series MVP trophies? I won them consecutively through ages 20-32, which was my official retirement.
♡ 10786 likes
——> Today, 12:20 Aventurine ♤: How humble of you, Doctor. That’s what that shrine was? I always thought it was some nerdy math awards you got, I never read the fine print. I was too busy ;)
♡ 934 likes
———> Today, 12:40 Dr. Veritas Ratio: Too busy tracking dirt all over my wood floors? Too busy eating all my food and stealing my socks?
♡ 236 likes
————> Today, 12:51 Aventurine ♤: You can’t blame me! They’re really comfortable socks and super fashionable!
♡ 1937 likes
——> Today, 15:49 Violet ☆ | studying: are we just going to glaze over the fact that professor just confessed aventurine the STONEHEART (the 10th richest person in the WORLD) regularly goes to her house?
♡ 9743 likes
Today, 10:27 #1 BASEBALL RACCOON: I WILL WIN PROFESSOR AND THEN I WILL BEAT YOU TOO BECAUSE I AM THE BEST
♡ 786 likes
—> Today, 11:00 Dr. Veritas Ratio: Was this Stelle or Caelus?
♡ 298 likes
——> Today, 11:02 #1 BASEBALL RACCOON: Stelle said that, but this is Caelus now
♡ 3 likes
———> Today, 11:39 Dr. Veritas Ratio: Tell your sister that I could easily beat her, even if I am retired.
♡ 22873 likes
Doctor <3
[Dr. Ratio]
“There’s no rush.”
14:00
Doctor <3
I’m here, tell your security to let me in.
You
already??
i haven’t even prepared anything for us!!!
Doctor <3
Perfect. Now, I can help you.
And don’t try to stop me, I’ve made up my mind.
You
i’m not there yet, i had a late meeting
can you pick up a few things from the store for me?
it’s a small list
Doctor <3
Will it get you to use proper sentences?
Don’t answer that.
What is it? I’ll get started on it now.
14:12
You
cactus honey, lamb meat, goat cheese, potatoes, any type of pepper really
yeast, i don’t think i have flour but im not sure, celery
i think that’s it
if i'm missing anything i'll just tell you to go back to the store for it
Doctor <3
How presumptuous.
I suppose I’ll fetch those for you. Anything else?
May I ask what you are making?
You
it’s a secret, doctor!!!
in your words: heh.
i think that’s all
i'll have an ID for you set up in the meantime
so you don’t have to wait on me to let you in
Doctor <3
Would it kill you to type out long messages?
Delivered
“4; Be Authentic.
Don’t hide from them like a coward and don’t mask your feelings. Most people appreciate a person that is upfront and isn’t avoidant. Tell them a secret of yours that you wouldn’t trust with anybody else.”
Aventurine didn’t know what she was thinking. She absolutely dreaded the thought of being ‘authentic’. And she was no cook, and certainly not a chef. During Kakava, in the comfort of her family tent, her mother would always dedicate a small portion of the day to a meal. At the time, Aventurine could say her favorite thing was food. She loved the various stews and soups her familial community would cook for one another.
Her mother had taught her, Aventurine’s, sister how to make Aventurine’s favorite, puya with pufe. Aventurine could make a joke on how she’s always been a fan of things that start with p, but she’d rather keep her thoughts pure when thinking about her family.
While she herself was not yet old enough to be taught the recipe, she did watch the soup-making process like a hawk. Or, rather, as she’s never seen a hawk before, like a small fluffy owl. That reminded her, her own owl was currently on a shopping run for her and she was disastrously late.
How can one be late to their own birthday, you may ask, but Aventurine is a woman of many feats. That includes skipping the line for the elevator,—which, why was there even a line in the first place? Not many people lived in her tower of ivory—tapping the button repeatedly as if that would speed it up, and sprinting down her obnoxiously long hallway.
When she finally reached her bedroom, trying her best not to stomp on her children (read: cats), she looked a mess. Her vest and shirt were ruffled and pushed out of place, as if she’d gotten punked. Not to mention her hair, her hair spray worked a little too well, so when she ran, her hair flew up and froze in that state.
There wasn’t enough time to take an entire shower, not to mention washing her hair as well. Smoothing down her hair and brushing the hard strands, she threw on some pajamas just in time to hear her door buzzer go off. She didn’t look good enough for Ratio, but she’d rather go now then fret over herself for another half hour.
“Ratio! Hi!” Aventurine cracked the door, peeking out of it with only one glowing eye. Her children gathered at the door, meowing and pawing for the small opening to open wider. They loved Ratio, almost more than Aventurine did herself. “I didn’t expect you until dark!”
“I know, so you’ve said.” Charming as ever. “Well. Are you going to let me in or am I going to stand here all night?”
“Right, right! Sorry.” Swinging the door open, and barely missing Ratio’s nose, and quickly welcomed the good doctor in. And right off the bat, Aventurine could tell she had a lot to say.
“Aventurine. What am I looking at right now?”
“Uhm, my house? No, my living room?”
Ratio gave her a bland stare, disgust written all over her face. “The first thing we’re doing together is cleaning. Show me your where your vacuum is.”
“Ratio, it’s no big deal. I swear.” Aventurine really couldn’t clean right now. But, she really didn’t feel like thinking about the reason behind it. Giving a small sigh, Aventurine fetched a few cleaning supplies for her to start.
“You, sit. I don’t want to hear anything out of you.” She paused, pressing the grocery bag into Aventurine’s hands. “No, I want you to start cooking. I’ll join you once I’m done here.”
“Alright.”
Aventurine still doesn’t know how to cook. She almost burnt the peppers, seriously, what does sear even mean? She had no idea that potatoes take forever to cook, but thankfully Ratio was there to save Aventurine’s day. In the end, they had a semi-decent meal to eat. The pufe wasn’t done yet, so they opted to eat the soup now and eat that later.
Ratio was still pacing around, searching for something to do. She couldn’t sit down and rest properly most of the time, and she called Aventurine a workaholic. Too busy opening and shutting the oven as if it would make it bake faster.
Aventurine didn’t like to be the type of person to focus on appearances,—that’s a lie, she loved to be a pervert—even if it did, most of the time, embody the wearer. But, she can’t say that for someone like Ratio. A lot (read: most) of her time spent with Ratio was spent analyzing what she was wearing. And her findings are of the following:
Ratio loved, what Aventurine liked to call, ‘minis’. The woman would wear mini skirts, mini shorts, mini shirts, if something barely covered her body, it was guaranteed Ratio would wear it. Of course, she did nothing of the sort while at work. At work, it was long, long, and more long. As if she switched completely. Long skirts, long shorts, long shirts, long jackets.
Which, wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, since she was around, basically teenagers, young adults all day. It wouldn’t send the right message across. However, for Aventurine, it was dreadful. She would mourn the sight of Ratio’s, juicy, might she add, clean shaven legs every time they were together.
She didn’t do ‘minis’ for anything other than clothing. She liked her hair long, her heels long, and her nails even longer. The woman herself was also very long. Aventurine wouldn’t say towered, but in her fantasies she definitely would. She grew up in a desert, a place with little to no trees, but nobody said she wasn’t good at climbing them.
And now, in the comfort of Aventurine’s home, she took the idea and ran with it. The longest robe known the man, purple and flow-y, with only the bare minimum to cover her bits. Now, yes, her pacing was annoying, but the sight was far from it. Unfortunately it was cut short when Ratio fell back onto her couch with a bowl in hand.
“Did I ever tell you where I got this recipe?” Aventurine had already finished her portion and was buried under a few blankets on her sofa. When she didn’t get a response, she stretched her toe out, poking at Ratio’s bowl, which quickly got swung at.
“No, why?” Another swat. “Keep your feet to yourself.” Pressing her foot higher, she poked Ratio on her nose which squeezed the cutest squeak from Ratio. “Gamb, Gambler! That is disgusting. I just started eating!”
Aventurine exploded into a fit of giggles. “It’s not my fault you got so much.” Pushing closer, she buried her feet underneath Ratio. “Anyway, it’s really not that important. I just,” Heavens, this was difficult. “I learned it. From my, uh, sister. And my mom too, I guess.”
Would Ratio judge her for this? Would she finally realize how terrible of a person Aventurine was and turn tail to leave? The blonde wouldn’t blame her if she did. Nothing good would come from being close—or worse, loving, that word leaves a bitter taste in her mouth—to Aventurine. Nothing but shame and a funnel of endless lies.
Ratio was in the middle of taking another bite, but her spoon froze in the air. “I see.”
“Ah, am I making you uncomfortable? Sorry, I just thought you’d like to know. I know went to stop it’s okay—,”
“Aventurine.” Ratio set her bowl down, turning to face her. “I appreciate telling me this. Did they teach you how to cook it?”
“Hah, no. When I said recipe, I meant I snuck into my sister’s lessons and pretended I didn’t understand when she wanted me to help her. She always pretended to be mad at me for forgetting stuff, but I knew she was just kidding.”
“Hm, and how was she?” The good doctor was always so kind. Pretending to care about such insignificant things. “Did she treat you well?”
“The best. She would,” Aventurine could feel her eyes start to burn. A light sheen crawling over her eyes. “She would make me braid her hair under the pretense I would get candy. She would dress me up like a doll, even if we only had scraps and the occasional necklace. Sorry. I’ve been rambling, haven’t I?”
“Gambler, stop saying sorry. There’s no reason for you to apologize.” She opened her arms, settling into the couch and giving a small beck with her hand. “It’s alright if you don’t want to, but touch is the best medicine to tears.”
Aventurine almost flew into her arms, the smallest hiccup making her chest jump. She knew she wouldn’t cry, and it almost made her feel bad that she was exploiting Ratio like this, but the burn hurt. “Ratio, please, please promise me. Promise me once I tell you this you won’t leave and never come back.”
She scoffed, and it made Aventurine’s heart jump, but didn’t move. “I promise. I’ll never leave you, my dear gambler.” Her arm came up to cup Aventurine’s back, cradling her as if she’d break from just a little talking.
“Then, can I confess something?” When she felt Ratio head move up and down, she took a deep breath and willed herself to continue. “I can’t remember her face. The girl who raised me. We survived. Us two. My mother had fallen trying to protect us, and we ran. We ran for days, and my legs ached when we took breaks.”
Quieting with a sniffle, she snuggled closer to Ratio, burying her head into her neck. She was a little muffled when she spoke, but Aventurine tried her hardest to maintain her mask. “Then, we were found by slavers. I didn’t know. I saw them, and approached them as if we were buddies. I thought they were travelers, looking for directions. I said a bit too much and I led them to my sister, but by the time she screamed out, it was too late. I led them to my only surviving family member.”
“You were naive, there was nothing you could’ve done. Regret will only hold you down.” Ratio’s hand begun to move, digging its way through Aventurine’s hair. “And then? What happened after?”
“They killed her and drug me away. I,” Was she even ready to tell Ratio this? “I was branded. They threw me in with other slaves. Sold me off to a man, a sick, sick man. He would make me fight his other slaves. Then, if I didn’t win—or I did, it didn’t matter to him—he would beat me and.. and touch me. I don’t want to get into detail, but I know I hated it.”
“I’m proud of you, for telling me this much. I’m glad you’ve thrived long enough to feel comfortable pouring your heart out.”
“It, It was so long ago. I would be embarrassed if I didn’t grow past it.”
“Trauma is rarely outgrown, Aventurine. It isn’t just a phase children go through. It’s alright if you still have a shield up.”
It really wasn’t that funny, but Aventurine couldn’t help but burst out laughing. “Who knew you could be so funny, Doctor! Well, I think that bread is done, we best get it out!” Aventurine pushed up, but a strong arm brought her down again.
“Aventurine, please. Don’t put that dreadful mask back on after that. You don’t need to preform for me.” She could feel the good Doctor’s heart start to beat faster. “I beg of you.”
“Ratio, you know I can’t—,”
“Please. If it’s too hard, at least try. You don’t have a guarantee anything.”
“Okay. Okay, I can do that.” The arms lifted off of her back, but Aventurine didn’t make any movements. Letting out a soft exhale, she wrapped her arms around Ratio’s neck. “Thank you, Doctor. Seriously, I appreciate it.”
“Mm,” And then, thick hands seized Aventurine’s sides and Aventurine couldn’t feel the floor anymore. And Ratio was tickling her.
Kicking her feet, Aventurine squealed, “Ratio! You totally just ruined the moment!”
Step 4, complete.
Aventurine ♤ @blondebonanza
Today, 01:38
We had such a great time! Professor is so caring~ You can always come back another time, my doors are always open to you, @zeropoints
[2 files and 1 video opened, click to compress]
[file 1: Sitting at a table, Ratio with her eyes closed taking a large bite of pufe and a bowl of soup off to the side, Aventurine with a plate of bread in front of her, the bread lay untouched]
[file 2: Aventurine with her feet propped up on the bath tub, Ratio’s hands rubbing at her feet in deep thought]
[video 1: Ratio continuing to rub at Aventurine’s feet until something grabs Ratio’s attention and she looks up and lunges at the camera, her face clouded in anger]
[video 1 transcript:
???: Ratio, [unintelligible], youhooo
???: Ratio
???: Ratio [yell]
???: Ratio can you even hear me?
???: [unintelligible] Veritas, hey look up here
Ratio (?): [hum]
Ratio (?): Aventurine! [shout]
Ratio (?): What the hell are you doing?
Ratio (?): Are you [unintelligible] me
(video cuts off abruptly)]
♡ Liked by Topaz & Numby, kn1ghtxx ❤︎, Memo1, 17 of your friends, and 88,396 others
Comments (927)
Today, 08:35 Memo1: Finally got with the girl of your dreams, hm? The card never lies.
♥︎ 12 likes
—> Today, 11:42 Aventurine ♤: The card never lies. Expect me to show up to your shop more often, especially with these lucky predictions.
♡ 287 likes
——> Today, 13:01 Topaz & Numby: You guys finally got together, then?
♡ 76 likes
———> Today, 14:22 Aventurine ♤: Ratio can see these comments
♡ 2 likes
Today, 02:11 Dr. Veritas Ratio: How many times have I told you not to @ my business account? And not to post things like this?
♡ 876 likes
—> Today, 02:14 Aventurine ♤: Your students *already* have my account, why give them your private? Anyways, you’re just too cute not to post!!
♡ 1,387 likes
——> Today, 02:18 Dr. Veritas Ratio: heh.
[1 attachment redacted, blocked by moderator]
♡ 2,651 likes
———> Today, 02:21 Aventurine ♤: 20 million to the moderator that removes this photo, send proof in dms and IPCash UID. how did you even get that photo?
♡ 98 likes
————> Today, 02:26 Dr. Veritas Ratio: I have my connections. What was it you said? “You’re so cute in your sleep”?
♥︎ 1,738 likes
Today, 07:30 MarchMadness: You guys are so cute together!! Oh my god, relationship of my dreams ❤︎❤︎❤︎
♡ 6,346 likes
—> Today, 08:23 Uoyi | Aventurine’s #1 fan: They’re not tg
♡ 72 likes
—> Today, 07:59 RATIOSSMELLYFEET: They’re not tg
♡ 51 likes
——> Today, 09:11 annoyon (comms open): They ARE tg
♡ 153 likes
———> Today, 09:11 banneduser872674901: [This message has been blocked by moderator]
Elli-is | Professional Food Critic🍴@elilikesfood
Yesterday, 10:40
Hello my wonderful little chefs! I have been cooking up, pun intended, something new for you guys. Different types of content have all been heavily requested, so I’ve decided to put it all of it into one thread! Bon Appétit!
♥︎ Liked by You, Vamp01010, and 10,872 others
[Click to compress thread]
…
————-> Elli-is | Professional Food Critic🍴@elilikesfood
Yesterday, 10:47
This was extremely hard to find, but here I present, the best romantic date-spot in Pier Point! Pier Point is not a city of romance, neither for quiet, coquette relaxation, so there are little restaurants other than business diners and bars.
However, there is one I highly recommend. And that is:
“Vignettes in a Cup”
If that isn’t the most romantic name ever, I don’t know what is!
Food: ★
Drinks: ★★★
Staff: ★
Seating/Comfortability: ★★★
Atmosphere: ★★★
The staff can be harsh, so prepare to be yelled at. But, the food, drinks, and vibe all make up for it! It’s not very popular, in fact it is quite underground, literally. Link to their website below!
♥︎ Liked by You and 972 others
Doctor <3
[Dr. Ratio]
“There’s no rush.”
03:33
You
Hey
I know your probably sleeping right now
but are you busy tonight?
Doctor <3
You’re*
For you, no.
Why?
You
theres this place ive been wanting to try out
can you come with me? pleasseee
itll be embarrassing to go by myself
Doctor <3
Send me the address.
What time do you want me to come?
You
[Click to be redirected to another page]
Maybe…. 18:00?
Doctor <3
Don’t be late.
And don’t say it.
“You think so lowly of me, Doctor.”
You
wosw
are you sure your a teacher and
not a seer?
Doctor <3
You’re*
Foolish.
I’ll dress my best.
You
❤︎
“5; Ask them on a date and confess your feelings.
Once you have completed the 4 previous steps, approach them with another gift and ask them on a date of your choice. Your gift does not have to be physical, but a kiss is highly recommended.”
What the fuck was she thinking? Aventurine woke up in a blur and the first thing she did was snatch her phone up. Midday had already passed, and the sun was starting to set and Aventurine was still in pajamas feeling like she just chugged down liters of liquid hallucinogen. Ratio had texted her back with a heart of her own, and that had Aventurine scrolling through their messages.
She didn’t even remember asking Ratio out, she definitely wasn’t lucid when she did. And to an undercover bar? She was asking to be prematurely dumped! She’d visited Vignettes in a Cup before, and that was because it hosted an illegal underground drug trade. Their food was absolutely disgusting, or maybe that was because of her company, and she would not recommend it to anyone.
Jumping out of bed, she rushed through her morning routine and put on the most casual thing she had, which was not casual at all, a form-fitted vest and her blandest pair of slacks. By the rate she was moving at, she was definitely going to be late, after Ratio told her not to be. She’d have to speed her way there, not to say she didn’t already drive far over the speed limit. Snatching up whatever else she needed, she flew out the door.
By the time she arrived, Ratio was already there, sat on a bench not far from the entrance. Aventurine didn’t get out of the car, instead she simply watched the woman with a faint grin on her face. Heavens, she was gorgeous. She looked far too fancy to be loitering around in the slums of Pier Point. Various robes hiked over her shoulder dropping into a dress that split in threes, and a headpiece that wrapped around her forehead. She really did dress her best.
“Ratio!” Throwing her hand out of the window, she waved before stepping out of her car.
Ratio stood, snapping her codex shut and clutching it to her side. “Aventurine.” She sounded so soft, so serene that Aventurine wanted to throw up. “You’re late. After I told you not to be.”
“I thought so too.”
She scoffed, before grabbing Aventurine’s hand. She’d never done something like this before, even if they regularly touched each other. Aventurine thought she enjoyed life, but that was before the divine goddess that Ratio is lifted her hand and placed a kiss on her fingers. Maybe she was over analyzing, but the soft brush of lips grazed right over her left ring finger. Surely this was Ratio’s way of proposing. As Ratio would say, ‘I accept, as would any woman’.
“Gambler, are you alright?” And then she did something awful, something the blonde would never forgive her for. She dropped Aventurine’s hand. “Apologies, did I overstep?”
“No! No, no.” Clearing her voice and straightening her posture, and face, Aventurine spoke, “I was just taken back, is all. I didn’t take you for such a romantic, Doctor.” Her efforts were rewarded, as blood rushed to Ratio’s already pink face. “We best be on our way, before people start getting tipsy.”
Ratio hummed, nodding her head before sweeping Aventurine’s hand up again. “Very well.” She started her descent down into the building, pushing the door open and dragging Aventurine with her.
Getting seated and given one menu to share, Aventurine decided it was be best to sit opposite of Ratio. “So, have you been here before?” Not bothering to pick what she wanted, she already knew, the blonde passed it over to the good doctor.
“No. I rarely go out to eat these days, I’m truly too busy.”
“And? What has you so busy, Doctor?”
She could see a comic-ly large vein form on her forehead. “Don’t get me started on those buffoons in the Guild. They would be nothing without me.” Snuffling, she crossed her arms to rub it in further. “As you know, I was recently assigned to another project just a few days ago, and I was required to choose another person to go with me. I was far too busy with my actual work as a teacher, so I told them to pick for me. I heavily regret doing so.”
“Mmm, and who did they pick, Doctor? Someone not suited to your tastes, I assume?”
“That would be an understatement. Idiotic wouldn’t be harsh enough to describe that man. He didn’t understand what we were to research, so instead of doing the simple thing and asking the Guild, he decided to go to me. Normally, I wouldn’t have a problem with educating the unfit, but instead of asking it outright, he decided to be secretive!”
“Absolutely despicable.”
“While I value myself,” Aventurine could do this forever. “And possibly the stupidest thing,” When had she started watching the good doctor’s lips? Did she get new lipstick? “Unbearable I say!” She really outdid herself tonight. “No matter how many times,” I wish I could eat her for my dinner.
“Hello, my name is Montana and I’ll be serving you two tonight! Any drinks to get you started? Perhaps an appetizer encase you haven’t decided what you want?”
Ratio cleared her throat and spoke, “I’ll have the charity incentive to start, and she’ll have a metropolitan roam. We need more time to decide.”
“Sure, I’ll have that right out for ya’!”
“Ordering for me now, Doctor?”
Ratio’s hand on her bicep clenched. “So you did not want what I ordered?”
“I never said that.” Inching forward in her seat, Aventurine set her head down in her hands. “I didn’t realize we were so close.”
“I, well, it only makes sense. We’ve known each other for so long.” And when she got no response, a single purple eyebrow quirked up. “You’ve been so quiet this evening, Gambler. Is there something wrong?”
Yes. Something was wrong, gravely wrong. She wanted to say yes so badly, but now was not the time. “No. I slept in this morning. It’s fatigue, that’s it.”
“If you say so.” Aventurine could tell Ratio didn’t believe her, but it didn’t matter, as she started back up ranting. She could rant all day if she chose so. The topics would never be the same. Either her coworkers, students, bosses, random people on the street, et cetera. It was nice. Being a person Ratio felt comfortable showing her true feelings to.
Usually, Ratio was stringent and wouldn’t allow nonsense. She’d be quick to shoot down others, especially if they are wrong. Outspoken would be a good word to use, maybe even nasty. When they met the second time, the first involving a pistol, one of her first words to the stoneheart was to call her gaudy, over the top, fake. Everything in the book.
Yes, she was rude, but not without any merit. The doctor of truth told no lies. It was coming up on a decade—8 years, 1 month, and 22 days—of partnership, but only a few years of friendship. They didn’t trust each other then, most of the time they kept their distance until they were forced into a room.
She wasn’t sure about Ratio, but Aventurine had been far too fragile at that age. She was still shaken up from her days as a slave,—it felt funny saying it like that, with so much courage and not a hint of fright, that is—not that it showed, and wouldn’t dare bat an eye at anyone. Hell, she didn’t trust anyone at all. But, that’s how she survived, how she thrived. Anyone could stab her in the back, even if she wanted them to, even if she pretended she didn’t care.
She didn’t know what changed between them two—she was lying, she knew what changed them, and it was Penacony but she didn’t like to think about that. Before, they would snap at each other’s necks and disagree on almost anything, but now, it was playful bickering or gentle persuasion to stop an argument before it came to fruition.
Their drinks had arrived, and their conversation died down while they ate. Aventurine didn’t like to order food from places like this, so most of the time she watched Ratio eat. It was a fun game to play, noticing her little quirks here and there. They had a relaxing night, until their waitress put down the bill.
“Ratio, I don’t know if you remember, but I invited you out.” She was already at her breaking point, this close from letting her annoyance seep into her voice.
“Are you insinuating I have bad memory? I ordered more. It wouldn’t be fair to make you pay.” Cracking open her wallet, Ratio passed the waiter a few thousand credits. “Is that enough?”
“Haha, Ratio I couldn’t possibly let you waste your money on this.” Taking a card out of her wallet, Aventurine set it down on top of the receipt.
“And you can?”
“Obviously. Just let me do this. For you, Ratio. You’ll get the next time.”
She sighed. “I suppose.” Honestly, she was far too easy.
And like that, they were pushing the double doors open and walking back outside. And finally, for her final act to commence. “Ratio, did you park far?”
“Certainly farther than you.” She ran her hand down her shoulders. “Well, I should be off then. It was a nice night, Aventurine. We should do this more often.” And before she could walk off, the blonde grabbed her shoulder and dragged her into an alley. She gasped as her back hit the wall, clutching Aventurine’s shoulders. “Gambler!”
“Sorry, Ratio, but you can’t leave let.” Heavens, she wanted to touch and grab and yank but she kept her hands to herself. “There has been something weighting on me for this entire dinner, and I must tell you now.”
“I, I see.”
Throwing her down jacket on top of Ratio’s bare shoulders, she mentally prepared herself. “I’ve been, I can’t believe I’m doing this right now, but I’ve been thinking about some things. And,” Ratio’s eyes widened. “it’s made me realize many things about myself.”
“Gambler—,”
“Veritas, please. Just let me say this first.” Swallowing down the lump in her throat, she willed herself to continue. “For a while now, we’ve been close. We talk almost everyday, we tell each other everything, and we go out together. A few months ago, this would’ve been enough for me. But, as time progresses, I feel myself wanting more.”
She laughed, shaking her head. “I know, I’ve always been a greedy bastard, but this is the one thing I cannot let slip through my fingers. I want to wake up with you in my sheets, I want to come home to you, I want to bring you gifts everyday, I want to take you out whenever you want and proclaim my love wherever we go.” Grabbing onto Ratio’s shoulders, she met her eyes.
“Can’t you see, Veritas? I want you, I want you. Whatever it may take, please, just please, I want you to accept me and live your life with me. I have known you for many years, Veritas Ratio, and I have lied for many of them. But, believe me when I say this, but I love you, Doctor.”
She could feel her confidence start to give out. She had to get through this before she gave up. “I’ve loved you through thick and our many thins, and my feelings haven’t changed. So please answer me truthfully when I say, will you, heavens, be my,” Did she have to choose a phrase so juvenile? She felt like a middle-schooler. “Girlfriend?”
Ratio didn’t look away when her hands came up to cup Aventurine’s face. “I,” Did Aventurine read the fine print right?
“It’s okay if you don’t want you. I understand if you do not feel the same way. Don’t say yes just to not embarrass me.”
“No, Aventurine, you are wrong. I’ve loved you for many a moon, don’t be foolish.”
“And you still do, right?”
“Yes, yes Aventurine, that is my answer. I want you, too. No matter if you have almost endless flaws—,”
“Hey!”
Her grip tightened on the blonde’s face. “I have always had love in my heart for you. Even when you lie and cheat, I have wanted nothing more than to be yours.” Aventurine could feel her abdomen clench. “May I kiss you?”
She could feel her heart stop. She swallowed before raising herself on her toes. Still, she was eye-level with Veritas’ nose, she couldn’t deal with this bullshit right now. She looped her arms around Ratio’s shoulders, yanking her head down, but still, she didn’t make any move to get closer.
“Please.” And then, their lips brushed, not quite touching but enough to anger Aventurine. “Just kiss me!” Her hands slid through purple locks, grabbing a fistful and pressing their lips together. It felt like coming home. Titling her head to the side, her tongue prodded at Ratio’s lips until the seal broke and Aventurine was stuffing her tongue into her mouth. She tasted like sickening sweet liquor, it made Aventurine long for her actual taste.
Her breath began to slip, but she’d rather die than to push away. It felt as if Ratio would leave if she let her go now. Aeons, she would die a happy woman. Using her other hand to snatch Ratio’s own, they were sticking to the wall as if she didn’t know what to do with them, she guided them to her waist. Then, they clamped down, and Aventurine could throw up with how sickeningly big they were compared to her stomach.
Ratio was gasping now, trying her hardest to pull away, but the blonde would be damned if she got away. A growl crawled up her throat, as if daring Ratio to try once more. She fanned her free hand out, sliding it up and down the thick muscle of Ratio’s delicious traps. While she was distracted, Ratio finally pulled away.
"Aven—,” She tried to cough out, but Aventurine yanked her back in. Her hands left the blonde’s waist, instead coming up to grasp her shoulders. “Aventurine.” The good doctor panted, her chest heaving up and down as she tried to catch her breath.
“Veritas. Why did you stop kissing me? Am I a bad kisser?”
“Don’t put words into my mouth. I need to breathe.”
She should probably ask, but she couldn’t help but let her hands roam a little bit. They were curious, after all. Freeing Ratio’s bun from her grasp, she trailed her hands down the good doctor’s back. Muscles bulged, as if Ratio was squeezing them taut, it wasn’t good for Aventurine’s psyche to simply feel and not see.
She pulled them back up to wander down her arms, but this time she was blessed enough to see. Thank you, Mama Fenge, for a woman such as this one. She could drool over biceps like these for days, they didn’t even move when Aventurine tried to squeeze down on one. She wanted her mouth on them.
To be truthful, Aventurine only began this game for one target in particular. She flicked her eyes back to Veritas, who was already staring back. “Veritas, can I do something that I’ve wanted for years?”
“Yes.” She didn’t even ask what. Not like Aventurine would tell her anyways.
And Aventurine dragged her hand down her shoulder, touching and grabbing whatever she could. She stopped, and finally grabbed a handful, though they weren’t nearly big enough to cover the entirety of Ratio’s breast, of heaven incarnate before shoving her face in the softest, warmed pillow she could possibly think of.
“Aventurine!”
Aventurine of Stratagems, Kakavasha, truly loved Veritas Ratio.