Work Text:
Aventurine smiled at his phone as he received a new text. He just received a response from the trailblazer about what item they wanted from the store the gambler was currently in. Cosmic Star was a new shop that recently opened up in Penacony and since Aventurine had some free time on his hands, he decided to pay it a visit. The store sold highly crafted merchandise from top-notch designers. Something completely up his alley. Since it sold items from all over the universe, he thought it would be appropriate to buy the Trailblazer something from here. During his vacation time, he thought he would buy what friends he did have some souvenir gifts. That’s what friends do, right?
“They said they’ll take the windbreaker.” Aventurine told his shopping partner.
Dr. Veritas Ratio nodded and pulled the “Unmanned Flight” windbreaker jacket after acquiring from the gambler what size he believes the trailblazer wears.
To be honest, the moment when Ratio joined Aventurine on his vacation was kind of a blur. The doctor just showed up around the second or third day (Aventurine isn’t sure which one) of his time off and started going on about how someone should be watching him and how he shouldn’t be alone. At some point, Aventurine tuned him out but that didn’t mean he wasn’t interested about the doctor’s presence.
“Then why don’t you join me since your so worried, doctor?” The gambler purposed. After that, Ratio huffed and mumbled some nonsense that Aventurine couldn’t make out. He was sure the doctor would walk away after that, yet here they were. It was the fourth day of his vacation and Ratio was still here holding all of the bags that contained Aventurine’s purchases from their shopping spree.
After setting up the delivery of the windbreaker to the trailblazer, the companions left the store with Aventurine looking down at his phone. They had been shopping for many system hours already, so he thought it was time to find something to eat. Before leaving the store, he did ask the doctor his opinion on what to eat but that went nowhere.
“This is your time off. Do what you please.” This was currently Ratio’s favorite response to every question that Aventurine asked involving what to do next. Honestly, the gambler isn’t even sure why he tries anymore. Maybe he should just call the shots since Ratio doesn’t seem to have an opinion either way.
They sat out on a balcony looking over the Golden Hour. They were at a restaurant of Aventurine’s choice obviously. They mostly ate in silence with some small talk here and there. That’s what it’s been their whole time together really. They comment on what to do and where to go next but other than that not much. In fact, neither party has mentioned anything about their past mission together. Aventurine is fairly certain that Ratio knows about why he has vacation time so maybe that’s why the doctor hasn’t asked about it. Same goes for the whole black hole trip. It’s very likely that Ratio heard everything from someone else like Topaz or anyone from the IPC but wouldn’t Ratio like to hear it straight from the source?
Aventurine hesitated to bring it up. In all honesty, which is something that’s hard for him to do, he has been enjoying the doctor’s presence and didn’t want to ruin it. Chasing Ratio away was the last thing the IPC senior manager wanted to do. It was one thing to tease and bicker with the doctor on their missions together, but this was different somehow. During missions, Ratio doesn’t have much of a choice but to work with him but here the doctor could leave at any time. During missions, they communicate about their plan of action but here they can talk about anything. Here, they aren’t working together. Here, they aren’t being forced together. Here, they are just… together. Friends? Aventurine’s not sure. So far, Ratio has been… nice, caring, and forgiving. One could almost say friendly. He could approach the doctor about this but it’s easier right now to just ignore it. What if he’s reading the situation wrong? What if none of this means anything? Aventurine’s heart couldn’t handle the idea that Ratio is faking so it’s best to not bring it up.
Instead, he intently watches the man sitting across from him. Ratio isn’t wearing his usual get-up today but a dark blue suit jacket over a black shirt with suit pants that matched the jacket. Sewn into the jacket was a floral pattern in a shade of purple. He looked like a rich aristocrat with loads of money most people would dream about. He looked… handsome. Though Aventurine has always found Ratio attractive. He thinks he can be pretty obvious with his feelings for the doctor then again, he has never hidden it either with all the constant flirting, playful banter, and seductive body language. Most, if not all, of the IPC know so how has the doctor not figured it out yet? Or he has and he ignores it?
Aventurine too, isn’t in his normal outfit. He still looks as alluring as a beautiful peacock, but more toned down. Well, for him anyway. He is wearing a teal dress shirt with the first two buttons undone and a white suit vest over top. He has on white pants held up by a black belt with a fancy gold buckle. The vest had gold chains and buttons and he still had his extravagant peacock earring. His favorite rose-tinted glasses sat upon his face while other flamboyant jewelry covered his wrists and neck. He was fidgeting with his black chocker collar when Ratio’s eyes glanced up at his own.
“You’re staring.”
“Huh?” Aventurine was lost in his thoughts on how cute he and the doctor looked that he didn’t realize that his eyes were on Ratio this whole time. He tried laughing it off and turning to his normal tactic of flirting. “Sorry doctor, your handsome face was particularly begging me to stare at it.”
“You look zoned out Gambler.” Ratio, as usual, downplaying Aventurine’s flirty comment, tilted his head in concern. “Something on your mind?”
“Not really.” Aventurine shrugged. Truthfully, he didn’t lie the first time despite Ratio thinking it was. The gambler truly was lost in the beauty that is the esteemed professor Ratio.
Ratio looked down and poked at the remaining food on his plate with his fork. “Are the nightmares getting worse?”
Nightmares? So, he knows about that. Aventurine frowned. He didn’t really want to talk about them again. He’s always had nightmares but after escaping the void of nilhility, they became worse. More vivid, more gruesome to the point that they haunted him even after waking. He stayed quiet. He was a little unsure how to respond then Ratio looked up at him to continue.
“I know the IPC had you examined by a Doctor of Chaos, but if those methods aren’t working, now is the time to speak up.”
Aventurine leaned across the table on his elbow with head in hand. He can work with this comment. “Why? Because I have a much better doctor right here?”
Ratio grumbled and rubbed the bridge of his nose closing his eyes. “The whole point of your little break is for you to heal, you insolent fool.” He opened his eyes again only to give Aventurine quiet the glare. “So, if you don’t tend to your physical and mental wounds now, you will be in no shape to return to work when the time comes.”
Aventurine let out such a hearty laugh that he sat up putting his hand over his chest to help control himself. “Oh please, doctor, as if I can’t handle a few battle wounds.” He got his laughter under control and gave the doctor a sly smirk. “It’s almost like you don’t know me.”
“I do know you which is why I’m concerned.” Ratio’s voice was stern.
“Relax doctor,” Aventurine playfully swung his hand by snapping his wrist, “exploring Penacony and its vast dreamscapes is exactly what I need, however, having you tag around has been a happy bonus.”
“After everything that just happened here why did you choose to stay when you could have gone anywhere?” Ratio changed the subject.
Aventurine thought about the question for a little while. It does seem rather weird. He did “die” here. The planet did recently go through a lot it’s self but yeah, he didn’t have a desire to go anywhere else.
“Well, that might be because despite everything it’s not a bad place.” He wasn’t facing Ratio when he responded. “There’s games of luck, high end fashion stores, and a loud atmosphere. All of which I tend to enjoy. Besides, you wouldn’t judge a person base off one incident, would you?”
“Yes, I would.”
Aventurine rolled his eyes with a small giggle. That was a fine metaphor but the wrong person to say it to. He pulled back on his typical black gloves then slipped on his gold rings over the gloved fingers.
“There’s a fragrance store down the street I would like to stop at if you’re ready.”
“We shopped at plenty of stores with perfumes that could have been to your liking. Why didn’t you look then?” Ratio grumbled.
“Because none of those had my brand.” Aventurine stood up. “This one does.”
Rolling his eyes, Ratio didn’t argue anymore but got up out of his seat collecting Aventurine’s bags. They left credits for their bill on the table and soon the doctor fell in step next to the gambler once again.
***
“When you said ‘my brand’ I thought you just meant your favorite. Not one that actually belonged to you.” The fragrance store that Aventurine had brought them to was bustling with people and reeked of a verity of scents that mixed together making Ratio’s nose wrinkle. Aventurine didn’t mind; however, he was used to it. He smirked at the doctor as they stood in front of a wall covered in perfume and cologne ads. The particular one they were looking at had none other than the gambler himself. He was shirtless in the picture as he modeled with a perfume bottle carrying his familiar spade logo. The back of his hand posed against his cheek framing his face as he wore nothing but black gloves and rose-tinted glasses. Of course, the picture only showed his top half giving off the impression that he was nude, but Aventurine knew he wore pants for that photo shoot.
One might think that Aventurine loves looking at himself in his own modeling ads but that’s not what he was looking at now. Instead, he watched the doctor intently trying to find a reaction from him. Ratio’s face held his normal stoic look, however, looking harder Aventurine could just make out a light shade of pink grazing Ratio’s checks. This in turn made Aventurine blush. Now of course, ads are edited but there’s not much to fix with a body like his. Only the scars and wounds from his past. The physical ones anyway. What they are looking at will be very close to the real thing if Ratio ever got that far with him. Even thinking about getting naked for the doctor made Aventurine more flustered. He had to look away before Ratio would notice.
“Can I ask you a personal question?” Ratio almost sounded nervous when he spoke, and Aventurine could feel his heart skip a beat as he tried to guess what words would next come out of that grumpy professor’s mouth.
“Anything doctor!” Aventurine said with a flick of his wrist and a cheeky smirk on his face.
“Since major editing is involved in these Ads, why not remove…this?” Ratio’s forefinger gently touched a spot on Aventurine’s neck on the poster. Not just any spot but the one where the brand labeling him a slave sits.
Aventurine felt his heart sink a little. Why is that what the doctor noticed? He sighed and broke eye contact with the doctor. “Well, it’s a part of who I am. Besides, it helps people recognize it’s me.”
“It doesn’t bother you that people see an ex-slave?” Ratio wasn’t rude with his questions or pushy. More concerned and curious. Aventurine wondered why the doctor cared to be honest. For a second, Aventurine let slip his façade as he thought about the question. He can’t change how people look at him even if he did have the editors remove the brand. His eyes are still there. He will always be a low life Avgin who, through lucky fortune, found his way to the top. He wasn’t about to admit these feelings to the doctor however, so he recovered his loveable grin and responded.
“While it may reflect my past, it doesn’t shape my future doc.” He gestured with his hands over his body as if presenting himself. “Have you seen me lately? All kinds of people would line up to spend a night with me.”
There was a questioning look on Ratio’s face. It didn’t last long but Aventurine could see the doctor bite his tongue as if he was holding back from saying something. For a moment, Aventurine thought about prying and confronting Ratio about it but as fast as the look came it was gone and the doctor seemed to settle on another response.
“Only a fool would fall for Ads such as these. They are clearly edited creating unreal standards that a typical human cannot fulfill.”
Aventurine let a chuckle escape his lips. A change in subject was needed. He can recover and work with this statement. “It sounds like you’re saying I don’t look that good underneath doctor, and honestly, I’m a little hurt.” He moved closer to Ratio wrapping the man’s muscular arm into both of his smaller ones. “Why don’t we head back to the hotel, and you can find out for yourself.” He laid on his best sultry voice thick and while he felt Ratio tense under his touch, the doctor quickly recovered and gently pushed Aventurine away to free himself.
“We’re done here. Buy what you need, I’ll be waiting outside.” He started to stroll to the exit. “The smell in here is intoxicating. I don’t understand how you can bathe yourself in these overwhelming scents.”
Aventurine rolled his eyes but smiled. There was no weight to Ratio’s remarks. They have worked together enough that he can tell. Ratio seems very emotionless when it comes to his words but it’s his body that betrays him. Aventurine could tell by Ratio’s calm voice and gentle push that the doctor didn’t truly mean what he said.
The part about the fake Ads isn’t what hurts Aventurine. Of course he plays the role of this sexy, fashionable, businessman but the truth is, deep down he’s not like that. Because of his past as a slave, Aventurine avoids sexual relations. Sure, he flirts and teases, but he never lets it get further. He knows when to back off and take his leave. People fear the IPC, so he uses that to his advantage if needed. He’s smart. He knows when others try to spike his drink, lore him away or hit on him. He’s been doing this for years. Keeping boundaries while playing his role so no one will ever know the truth.
That sex traumatized Aventurine. It’s what he was forced to do back then. It wasn’t pretty. It wasn’t fun. He never enjoyed it being shoved into the sheets on his belly while being slammed from behind or having his mouth held in place over the other’s dripping dick. It never felt good, and he never understood why people do this for pleasure. He wished he did though, don’t get him wrong, he’s human after all. He touches himself some nights because he’s the only one he can trust to treat him right. But when he does, he would be lying if he said he didn’t think of someone else doing the touching.
That someone else was always the esteemed doctor Ratio. However, Ratio seems to view Aventurine the same way as everyone else. A sleazy IPC manager with a flamboyant fashion sense. If only he could change that, but it might be too late. Yeah sure, there was that note the doctor wrote to him. The one asking him to ‘stay alive.’ Aventurine never confronted the doctor about that. That too could have been fake. Something written in the moment but the weight of the words meaning nothing. Maybe the doctor just felt bad for him. Who knows but he was too afraid to ask.
He was stuck in his own thoughts when he finally purchased what he needed and headed back to the doctor waiting outside the door.
***
“It’ll just be a game or two at the table, then maybe some slots, then I’ll be back up.” Aventurine explained his next item on his vacation itinerary which was heading to the casino at night to the doctor who didn’t seem thrilled with the idea. “You don’t need to come if you get bored. Just stay back here, go to sleep and I’ll see you in the morning.”
They were currently sharing a room which works out since most of the time they are in the dreamscape anyway. So far, Aventurine has avoided the tables, but he thinks he’s ready to go back. He knows Ratio isn’t a fan although he wouldn’t mind if the doctor came along. Having someone standing with him sounded nice. Nothing like showing off your skill in front of your partner. Well sure, they aren’t really together but Aventurine can pretend for a night.
“Give a me a reason as to why I should trust you?” Ratio’s scolding voice interrupted Aventurine’s trophy husband fantasies. “Least we forget that only a few days ago you almost died on this very planet. Who’s to say you won’t go off betting your life again trying to throw it away after only recently getting it back.”
Aventurine rolled his eyes with a light huff. “Still bothered by that I see.” Aventurine thought of the note again. When Ratio talks like that it makes it seem real. Maybe he did mean those words. However, once again, Aventurine’s lack of ability to trust people made him second guess it.
“You are always free to come along Doctor, I just know gambling isn’t your scene.” Aventurine walked closer to the doctor putting his hand on Ratio’s chest. “Maybe you’ll bring me good luck at the table.”
Ratio backed away from the gambler’s hand. “I believe you have enough of that.”
“Aww, what’s wrong with a little extra luck?” Aventurine stepped closer again. This time, using his tip toes, he wrapped his arms around Ratio’s neck to get as close as he could to the doctor’s face. He mustered the most seductive tone he could. “If I win big maybe you’ll be the one getting lucky tonight.”
Ratio simply put his forefinger to Aventurine’s lips. “That my work on others but not on me my naive peacock.” Aventurine let go. He put his feet flat on the ground and raised an eyebrow at Ratio as the other man continued. “Me and you both know that sexual intercourse is where you draw the line.”
“And how, good doctor, have you come to that conclusion?” Aventurine crossed his arms over his chest and tilted his head curiously at the doctor. He’s worked hard on coming up with this glamorous façade of his. How is it that Ratio saw through it?
“Truly gambler, you think you can hide anything from me. With how long we have worked together. We have shared rooms enough that I have noticed you come back at a decent hour, and you never have evidence of any sort of… escapade on your person.” His voice was stern then he looked away from the gambler and mumbled but it was still understandable. “Also, you told me when you were drunk once.”
“When was that?” Aventurine’s voice cracked a little.
“I don’t remember. I don’t keep track of how many times you have gone out drinking and approached me with your drunken knowledge.” Their eyes met and Aventurine could see Ratio’s stoic face ease up. “I haven’t told anyone if that’s what your worry about.”
Aventurine now averted his eyes. He knew the doctor wouldn’t tell anyone. That’s not what bothers him. With Ratio knowing this fact about him, all his chances of getting with the man seemed…lost. Why would Ratio want to be with a guy who’s afraid of sex? Why would Ratio want anything to do with someone who’s not who he claims to be? The flamboyant, high-roller, seductive IPC manager was nothing more than a disguise to Ratio now. Of course, it always was but Aventurine never wanted the doctor to see what was really hiding underneath all his lushes feathers. I’m not good enough for him.
Aventurine was moping in his own sorrow when Ratio spoke again.
“I suppose you know what you’re doing so I will let you be. There are some errands I can run myself.” Ratio started to walk out of the room but Aventurine stopped him.
“What makes you think this time won’t be different? Maybe this time I’ll finally cave.” Ratio turned to face the enraged peacock. “This is my vacation, right? And what better way to enjoy a vacation then getting laid? Since you clearly don’t want any part of this then I guess I’ll have to find some other lucky sap.”
“You’re bluffing.”
Aventurine started to walk towards the door but not before stopping at Ratio and snarling at him. “Watch me.”
Like that, Aventurine left the room with the door slamming behind him. He leaned his back against the wall of the hallway. He looked down at his shaking hands.
It’s just sex. People do it all the time. You’ll be fine.
Ratio hadn’t walked out of the room yet, but Aventurine was sure he’d follow. He took a deep breath to get his fears under control then moved out towards the casino area.
All or nothing.
***
Aventurine didn’t have to go through with this but something about the doctor knowing his secret really cut him deep. He doesn’t care for what others think of him, but he cares what Ratio thinks. Ever since they started working together, Aventurine created this image of himself, and he wanted to keep it that way. He’s no idiot. He knows how good the doctor looks and how many suiters would line up for even a night with him. Aventurine wants to be the one who keeps Ratio every night. He has to be worth the doctor’s time.
I’m not worth anything.
Despite his grumpy attitude, luck was by his side as it always is. He won a few times at the table then moved to some slots and now found himself at the bar. He was on his third drink of the night so not drunk but maybe a little more than tipsy. He didn’t want to feel anything. That’s the only way he can get through this. Making it quick and painless.
He saw the doctor around. Every so often, Aventurine would catch Ratio’s eyes from across the room, but the other man never came over to him. Ratio let him be and watched from a distance. Aventurine hasn’t spotted the doctor in some time, not since he sat at the bar. He glanced around trying to find that familiar dark purple hair lurking around but before he could find it, he felt the presence of someone sitting next to him. He knew it wouldn’t take long for someone to approach him, but he was hoping to be more ready.
“This seat taken?” A man with short brown hair sat next to him dressed in a suit and tie. The man had a pretty face and wasn’t much taller than Aventurine himself. Eyeing the new guy up and down, Aventurine decided he wasn’t much of a threat. He’s not the doctor but he’ll do.
“It is now, friend.” Aventurine winked and put on his best smile perfectly hiding the frown that almost showed up after thinking about Ratio.
“I couldn’t help but think why such a pretty man is alone at the bar?” The man smiled too while Aventurine’s wavered a little. If he was to be honest with himself, he doesn’t really remember why he was doing this. Is it worth it? Too late now.
There was what seemed like harmless flirting between the two and at one point, Aventurine found Ratio around, but the doctor still kept his distance. Now was a good time if any as the gambler took the brown hair male by the hand and pulled him closer. He mustered his best seductive whispering right into the other’s ear.
“How about you take me somewhere more…private.” He could feel the other male shiver with excitement underneath him. Though, Aventurine didn’t feel the same way. As the man dragged the gambler across the casino, Aventurine looked around to find the doctor one more time but never saw his work companion.
***
Aventurine felt rough hands across his body as he was shoved against a wall. They were inside the other man’s hotel room. No one was naked but there was rough kissing. Aventurine wasn’t thrilled with the other’s tongue down his throat. It was franticly exploring the inside of the gambler’s mouth while the hands rubbing hard against his buddy.
The brown-haired man grabbed Aventurine by the vest and pushed him towards a couch across the room. The IPC manager found himself falling backwards on it and in no time another body placed itself on top. He started to feel something stir inside his belly and it wasn’t pleasure. This wasn’t right. This isn’t what he needs. If he was ever going to have sex again it wasn’t going to be with some random guy at a bar. What he wants, what he truly wants is the man to be Ratio.
Veritas.
It’s Veritas’ hands he wants up and down his body, Veritas’ tongue down his throat, Veritas’ body pressed against his. That’s what he wants, not this. But how does he back down now? Does he admit to this other man his secret? No. There has to be another way.
That’s where his luck comes in.
A hard knocking struck the door. The owner of the room grumbled. “I’m busy.” He yelled at the door. The knocking stopped and the man went back to kissing the gambler. Just as their lips touched, there was another round of knocking. The man mumbled profanities under his breath but got up to answer the door anyway. Aventurine sat up. He didn’t need whoever was on the other side of that door to see his flustered state. When the door opened, however, he recognized that baritone voice anywhere.
“Excuse me sir, but I believe you have stolen my work partner and I need him back.”
Aventurine grinned. Time to play along.
“Ugh, doctor, I was just having a bit of fun. Can’t you come back later.”
“No, we have a time limit on our next project and I’m not getting fired over your needy libido.” Ratio is yelling pass the other man who has yet to respond. He was never given a chance either as the two work partners continued to bicker till Aventurine had walked out the door which Ratio slammed behind them.
They moved away from the room in case the man from the bar would try to follow. They found themselves outside in the Golden Hour leaning over a balcony. The fresh dream air felt good in Aventurine’s throat as he breathed it in. His nerves were beginning to calm, and he was starting to get his confidence back.
“How do you feel?” Ratio didn’t sound angry, only concerned.
“Better.” Aventurine’s voice was relaxed. “Thank you for that.”
Ratio nodded. “I don’t think he is after us. Let’s head back. We can talk about this back at the room.”
Aventurine raised an eyebrow at him. “Talk about it? What? Are you going to scold me like a small child?”
Ratio rolled his eyes and began to walk off without even looking back to see if the gambler was following. “Come with me, peacock.”
***
Ratio lightly grazed Aventurine’s neck with his fingers checking for any marks or blemishes.
“I told you, doctor, it didn’t go much further than kissing.” Aventurine’s voice cracked as he tried to hide the red blush that snuck up in his cheeks. Ratio was touching him! “Sure, he touched me a little, but nothing felt as though it would leave a mark.”
They sat together on the couch in their room outside the dreamscape. Aventurine tried to reassure Ratio that marks from the dreamscape wouldn’t show up in reality, but the doctor persisted in checking the gambler’s body for any bruises. The doctor’s fingers now moved to the hem of Aventurine’s shirt and vest. Aventurine went stiff.
“May I check here?” Ratio asked for permission. Aventurine nodded. It was a little unexpected. Ratio never seemed like the type to ask for permission. On past missions, he would treat the gambler’s wounds whether Aventurine wanted it or not. Now, the doctor was being gentle and tender as he checked out the other’s smaller body. Aventurine kept his clothes on, after all, he wasn’t hurt but he couldn’t convince the doctor of that so here they were. It’s not like Ratio hasn’t seen the gambler naked before. Aventurine has been through much worse in which the doctor had to patch him up in places that were normally covered in clothes.
They sat in silence while the doctor looked over the other man until he was satisfied that the gambler had no injuries. Aventurine leaned against the arm rest watching the doctor intently. Ratio eventually sighed and sat up against the couch.
“Always with reckless abandon. When will you learn?” The doctor scowled at him and was stern but didn’t seem angry.
Aventurine tried putting on his fake smile and laughed. “You know me doctor, I-“
“That’s enough of that.” Ratio interrupted and now sounded angry. “If your absurd stunt in Penacony hasn’t taught you anything then I’m afraid there’s no hope for you.”
Aventurine tilted his head. “What are you talking about? What does that have to do with this?”
Ratio crossed his arms over his chest and looked away breaking eye contact with the gambler. “You should never rule out death as a possibility.”
“Death?! You think I could have died? By that man?” Aventurine was now turned directly at Ratio. His own voice cracked as he got emotional.
“Or worse!” Ratio made eye contact with him again. “I don’t know the details of what you’ve been through as a …. slave but I know that’s why you avoid sexual intercourse. That man only wanted to use you.”
“How do you know that’s not what I wanted?”
“If it is then you truly are a pathic fool.” Ratio lowered his eyes, and his voice didn’t go above a whisper. “You are worth more than that.”
Aventurine was stunned, then he remembered something when he was in the void.
Do stay alive.
In that moment, he was the fool. The doctor has always cared about him. About his life. Throwing it away in front of Ratio hurts the man more than it ever did himself. Ratio still cares about Aventurine’s life. That’s why they are here now together. Ratio didn’t want to leave him.
But now he might think Aventurine is a lost cause as the doctor begins to rise off the couch. “We are done here.”
“No.” Aventurine managed to grab his arm. The doctor glared his way but didn’t budge his arm. Seems like the doctor didn’t actually want to go. “I’m sorry. I want to get better. It’s hard… finding a reason to live.”
Ratio turned to face Aventurine on the couch. The gambler stood up letting go of the doctor’s arm. They were close but not touching. Just watching each other, waiting for one to make a move. Ratio broke the pause first. He held out his hand. A simple gesture, but Aventurine understood. He put his hand in the doctor’s who firmly grasped it. They looked into each other’s eyes.
“Did you read my note?”
“Yes.” Aventurine’s voice was weak.
“Why didn’t you say anything about it?”
“I was scared. I thought maybe you just being… kind.”
This got a laugh out of Ratio. Not a strong belly laugh but a small chuckle. “You think I would waste my time with just anyone to ‘be kind?’ Please Gambler, when have I ever shown kindness?”
It was Aventurine’s turn to giggle. “You have a point.” He moved his other hand to caress the doctor’s check. “I want you to show me.”
Ratio’s amber colored eyes twinkled as he leaned in to press their foreheads together. “Show you what, gambler? Do be specific.” His voice sounded sweet and relaxed.
“I want you to make love to me.” Aventurine moved the doctor’s hand around his waist and moved the hand that was on Ratio’s face to his shoulder.
“A-are you sure?” Did the pristine professor Ratio himself just stutter? “After what happened tonight I don’t think that’s-“
Aventurine cut him off with a kiss. He has never kissed much so he doesn’t have experience really, but he gets the jest. To be honest, he just follows his own feelings. He wanted to taste every part of Ratio’s mouth inside and out. He moved his tongue across Ratio’s lips tasting the man and begging to explore the inside of his mouth. Ratio pulled the gambler off by the shoulders. Aventurine gave a pout, but Ratio just ignored it.
“Two things.” The doctor held up two fingers and as he explained he put a finger down after each item. “First: I would prefer to do this on an actual bed which the Rivera here doesn’t provide. Second: I need to know that this is what you want because as you know, I want more than just sexual relations but if that’s all you want then I’m not your guy.”
Aventurine huffed. “You think I’d use you like that?” His eyes narrowed and voice serious. “You know what I was before…this. Why would I become the thing I can’t stand?”
Ratio looked away. Aventurine could tell that the doctor didn’t mean to see what he did, but the gambler continued.
“It’s because of my past that I avoided sex. It never felt good to me, but I only have those horrid experiences to base it on.” He put his hands on either side of Ratio’s head forcing the taller man to look into his eyes. His blessed, lucky, multi-colored eyes. “I waited for someone to show me otherwise. Someone who can show me what it means to be loved in that way. And I want it to be you. It has to be you.”
It was Ratio who initiated the kiss this time. Aventurine was pulled close to the doctor’s body by the man’s muscular arms. The kiss was sloppy and needy due to their lack of experience and impatient eagerness. It didn’t bother Aventurine. The gambler was lost in the kiss. He couldn’t think, he could barely breath and butterflies emerged in his stomach. He couldn’t believe this was actually happening. After everything that happened, his relationship with the doctor was finally going in another direction.
After the kiss broke, the two work companions looked into each other’s eyes. They stayed quiet yet so many words were said between them. Their foolish banter and playful flirting finally bloomed into something more. They are finally here. They finally found each other despite being right next to each other the whole time.
Aventurine’s hands roamed all over Ratio’s body. He felt his muscles, chest and followed the curve of his ass. Ratio let him take his time observing what he was in for but then broke the silence between them.
“I would really prefer a bed.” Ratio half mumbled as he glanced around the room.
“We could get a room change.” There were some special rooms in the hotel that did have actual beds and not just the dreampool. “What’s wrong with the couch?”
“If I’m going to do this with you then we are doing it properly and not as horny teenagers rutting together for a quicky.”
Oh. Ratio did say this is real to him, but Aventurine didn’t know how serious the man was. Then the doctor lifted the gambler’s chin so Aventurine would face him and talked in a gentle voice.
“You deserve more than that.”
Aventurine smiled and pressed their foreheads together. “Then show me how much I’m worth doctor.”
***
Changing rooms was easy. Other than it having a bed, the whole room had more space. It also had dimming lights, and the décor was different. Aventurine is pretty sure this is one of their ‘love’ rooms which works out in his favor. Laying from the bed, he can see red balloons hanging from the ceiling. Staring at them helped calm the nerves a little. He didn’t feel as uncomfortable as he did with the other man. Not even close. He believes what he feels now is a normal type of anxiety. He is about to go all the way with the man he has wanted since they first met.
Ratio was hovering over him kissing his neck and jawline while the doctor’s gentle hand roamed across his body. They weren’t completely naked yet. They shed their clothes only seconds after entering the door, but it wasn’t rushed. Aventurine still got to admire Ratio, stripping out of his tight clothes while the gambler’s hands rubbed across the bugling muscles of the doctor’s body. Ratio’s body is well toned and bear with no visible scars or blemishes. Till now. The thought made the gambler chuckle to himself. The doctor was like a canvas, and he was the artist preparing to create his new masterpiece.
When it came to Ratio seeing his body, that’s where things got tense. While each article of clothing came off, however, the doctor gave reassuring comments while a new part of the gambler’s body revealed itself.
“Those perfume ads don’t do you justice.” Ratio remarked while rubbing his fingers across some of Aventurine’s torso scars. “They can’t capture the radiant beauty this peacock represents.”
Aventurine blushed madly and froze in place. He had no response. He just wanted to get closer to Ratio, wanted the doctor to praise him more, feel him more. He craved it.
Ratio was slow, taking his time up and down the blonde’s body. Aventurine took his own time as explored the doctor’s body through touch. Too focused on the balloons, Aventurine didn’t see Ratio grind down against his lower half so now their cocks rubbed together with the fabric of their boxers between them. The only remaining article of clothing. Aventurine moaned loudly. It felt good. Too good. They aren’t even fully nude, and he doesn’t think he can last much longer. All they did was touch and kiss, yet he can feel himself coming undone.
The doctor picked up the pace as he grinded their bodies together. Aventurine wasn’t new to the feeling of an incoming orgasm. Sure, he hasn’t experienced many and none of them were out of pleasure as much as they were forced, but he knew the feeling. This still felt different. It felt good, real and it was about to crush him.
“R-Ratio!” Was all he could get out before he cam. The doctor slowed down eventually coming to a halt. Aventurine was panting and felt flushed. He tried to focus on the red balloons above to pull himself together. He covered his face with his arm in embarrassment. He felt a light grab on it, and it was being moved away. Ratio was smirking down at him and pinned the arm he moved above the gambler’s head.
“This is an unusual look for you, gambler, but I must say you look good.” The doctor leaned down to plant a kiss on Aventurine’s forehead. The stoneheart grinned through the red flush that covered his face.
“Enjoying the sight of me underneath you, Doctor?’
Ratio tilted his head curiously. “Would you like to switch?”
Seriously? This might go without saying but Aventurine has never topped before. Sure, he’s had some fantasies of him inside Ratio’s tight heat, but not tonight. He wanted to build some confidence first. For now, he just wanted Ratio to worship him and tear him apart at the same time. So, to answer the doctor’s question he shook his head.
“You promised to show me how much I’m worth.” He put his free hand up to stroke Ratio’s face. “Right now, I want you to spoil me rotten because I deserve it.”
A small grin appeared on Ratio’s face as the man took the hand Aventurine had on his face and gave a small peck on the gambler’s fingers. “Let me know when you’re ready to keep going.”
Aventurine smirked. He sat up with Ratio releasing his other hand and immediately smashed their lips together again. As they kissed, he snuck his fingers inside the waistband of Ratio’s boxers. He started to pull them down and Ratio moved when needed so they could slide off.
Aventurine gulped. He’s pretty sure Ratio heard because there was a low chuckle from the man’s lips. Now, Aventurine doesn’t really care about size. He knows he’s not anything major himself but the doctor on the other hand, is most likely bigger than average. He shivered as he remembered past memories. The pain he felt when a ‘client’ was of a bigger size. The doctor seemed to pick up on his uneasiness and caressed Aventurine’s face.
“We can always stop but I assure you this will be nothing like you remember.”
“How did you know I-“
Ratio shrugged. “An educated guess.” He tilted his head towards a nightstand next to the bed. “I heard from one of the hotel staff that these rooms supply lube and condoms.”
Aventurine giggled and covered his mouth with his hand like a little schoolgirl. “How naughty of them to provide such things.”
“I think they are self-aware as to why people book these ‘love’ rooms of theirs.”
They both smiled at each other then ended up back into their kiss. This time Aventurine felt Ratio’s fingers under his waistband. They had to come off sometime although Aventurine still felt goosebumps trying to imagine what the doctor would think. Once they were off, he watched as Ratio gave him a once over. Aventurine sucked in a breath as he waited for the doctor’s response, which felt like hours.
Ratio took his index finger and trailed from the bottom of the gambler’s cock to the tip. Shivers of pleasure went through Aventurine’s body.
“Cute.” Ratio’s voice wasn’t mocking but genuine. Aventurine’s face flustered red as he quickly straddled the doctor’s legs and hastily brought their mouths together for another kiss. Sitting on the doctor’s lap, he was now in control as he moved his ass against the doctor’s hard on. They broke off from the kiss and the two basked in each other’s moans as Aventurine grinded in a steady pace.
“Can I give you a tip?” Ratio half panted in his ear. “It’s intimate to use first names in bed.”
“You know,” Aventurine whispered sweetly in the doctor’s ear. “That goes both ways, doctor.” He pulled back so Ratio could see the smirk on his face.
“I know. Which is why I would like to know yours.”
Aventurine slowed down his movements. Here, he thought Ratio just wanted to hear his own name but what he really wanted was a way to get Aventurine’s. The gambler thought about it. He opened his mouth to speak but in seconds found himself on his back underneath Ratio.
“You don’t have to answer me yet.” The doctor’s voice was gentle. “Maybe I can coax it out of you.” The stoneheart giggled as Ratio leaned down to kiss and leave more marks on his neck which caused a moan to slip out of the pretty blonde’s mouth. The feeling of their naked bodies together was more than enough for Aventurine. It’s been a bit since his first orgasm, and he was now plenty hard. He refused to cum again unless Ratio was inside him.
Aventurine playfully smacked the doctor’s back to get his attention. Once they locked their eyes, Aventurine tilted his head at the drawer of the nightstand. Without another word, Ratio opened it and pulled out the lube and condoms. The staff member was right. While Ratio started to put lube on his fingers, Aventurine took the box of condoms and threw them on the floor. Ratio looked at him curiously.
“You sure?”
Aventurine nodded. He wanted to feel Ratio inside. He knows he’s clean thanks to the doctors that the IPC has provided. Aeons know no one used them in his past. Ratio is the last parson he wants to use them with. He sat up a little to use his hypnotic eyes on Ratio.
“I want to feel all of you, Veritas.” The kiss that followed Aventurine’s words was gentle. Not rushed, not sloppy, just passion. Ratio laid Aventurine back down on the bed.
“As you wish, Aventurine.” Did the planet just freeze over? Aventurine isn’t sure when he last heard his name in a respectful way coming from the professor’s own mouth. As much as he liked it, however, he couldn’t help but wonder what that name would sound like coming from Ratio’s mouth.
“Please communicate if you need me to stop.” As the doctor’s kind words registered in Aventurine’s ears, the stoneheart felt slick fingers rub over his hole. He felt tense for a moment in anticipation but as Ratio entered a finger, he relaxed. The lube helped and Ratio’s slow gentle pace allowed him to ease into it. He went back to focusing on the red balloons. Back then, he used to focus on the room to escape the moment. He found anything he could to pull his mind away from the pain his body was feeling.
This was nothing like that, however. Between Ratio’s words of loving encouragement and the slow pumping of his finger (which became two fingers then three at some point) the pleasure was building faster. He focused to keep the orgasm from coming too early. He wasn’t sure if he could make it much longer. He put his hand on Ratio’s chest and pushed the man to sit up. Aventurine once again straddled the doctor’s lap, but this time took the other’s man thick cock in his hand.
He could hear Ratio asking if he was sure as he aimed the doctor’s cock to his hole and began to settle down.
“Are you alright? You don’t need to take it all-“ Ratio’s hands went down to the gambler’s waist to help sturdy him as Aventurine interrupted the other man.
“I-I’m fine it’s just…been a while.” He squeezed an eye shut as he tried to gather his strength to push down some more. “Just give me a moment.”
Ratio took Aventurine’s head in his hands, and they kissed again.
“Lean against me. Breathe. Stay with me.” Ratio’s words were almost enough to calm him down. After some deep breaths, Aventurine began to slowly move with Ratio’s help. Soon enough, he took the doctor whole causing them both to throw their heads back in lewd moans. Their colorful eyes staring into each other as they started moving together finding their pace.
The eye contact added a whole new element to sex. This is the type of intimacy that Aventurine thought he could only think of. He finally found it. He finally learned why people like this so much. He was already one with Ratio, but he wanted more. He wanted their connection to be as strong as possible. After remembering the doctor’s tip, Aventurine knew what else he needed.
“Ka-Kakavasha.” He was getting close, and the oncoming pleasure made it hard to speak. Ratio gave him a confused look so Aventurine explained. “My name…that’s my name.”
“It’s beautiful.” Aventurine shivered with excitement. Did the doctor just think his name was beautiful? He was close. Too close. He leaned into Ratio wrapping his legs harder around the man’s waist and his arms around the doctor’s back digging his nails into it. Being held in Ratio’s lap like this felt perfect. He can feel Ratio’s pace pick up meaning he must be close too.
“Veritas.”
“Kakavasha.”
Not long after repeating each other’s name, they finished in succession. Aventurine cam first. Everything went limb and after coaxing him through his orgasm, Ratio speed up and finished not long after. They kissed slowly and lazily but the passion was still there. Everything Aventurine felt was real and it meant something. He crumbled in Ratio’s arms as the other man stroked his blonde hair gently. He suddenly felt sleepy. He could almost pass out right in the doctor’s arm. Then he heard the low octave of Ratio’s voice.
“Let me draw us a bath.” Aventurine just hummed in response. To be honest, he didn’t want to move but the idea of joining the doctor in a bath made him excited and curious.
The bath was cleansing. It was uneventful but Aventurine was ok with that. He didn’t want everything to be just about sex between the two of them. He wanted to experience Ratio in other ways: learn what he likes, see what he eats, watch his behavior manners. During their bath time, he learned that Ratio needed the water to be a certain temperature and preferred his baths with salts.
After cleaning up, they cuddled together in bed wearing loose clothes and tucked under the sheets. Ratio was lying on his back while Aventurine laid on top of him with his head on the chest of the other man. He felt the doctor’s fingers rub against his back.
“Well, do you understand now?”
Aventurine looked up to see the doctor looking at him. “What are you talking about?”
“Do you understand the value of your worth now? At least to me.”
Aventurine smiled. Ratio’s letter wasn’t fake or written in a moment of weakness. The doctor cared for the gambler and vice versa. Aventurine’s past was never going to go away but his future with this man looked promising. Maybe his life means nothing to the IPC but he didn’t care. His life meant something to Ratio and that’s all that mattered.
“I must be a very high commodity to the esteemed Professor Veritas Ratio.”
Ratio leaned down and kissed him on the forehead.
“Indeed, you are Mr. Kakavasha.”
***
“What do you think? I think the jacket is a little much but it’s comfortable.” It was the last full day of their vacation. Aventurine got a call from Jade saying he was to report back to work. He had mixed feelings about it. The past two weeks was filled with him making memories and experiences with Ratio and he wasn’t ready for it to end. He recently purchased a new outfit with a frilly jacket with blue, green, and teal feathers that matched the rest of the suit. Ratio looked him up and down.
“You look even more like a peacock. I didn’t know that was possible. Congratulations.” Ratio’s voice sounded layered with sarcasm, but Aventurine knew the man was smiling inside.
“Perfect.” Aventurine grinned. They still had their romantic room and were currently getting ready for their last dinner of vacation. Aventurine wanted to look stunning. He wanted heads to turn his way as they saw him attached to Ratio’s arm. He wanted to look as expensive as he was. He knew Ratio wouldn’t care but it meant something to him.
“Oh!” Ratio suddenly went over to one of his bags frantically looking for something. “Remember when we went shopping for souvenirs?”
Aventurine watched curiously. “When I bought the windbreaker for the trailblazer? Yeah.”
“You also bought something for Topaz and Jade.” Ratio pulled out a small green box from his bag and headed back over to his boyfriend. “This is for you.”
Aventurine tilted his head. “For me?” He took the box. “What did the handsome doctor buy for little old me?” He started to lift the lid when he thought of something. “I may have something for you too.”
“You can give it to me later. How about you open the box.” Ratio seemed a little impatient. Almost like he was nervous if the gambler would like it or not. Cute. Aventurine opened the box and his jaw dropped.
“Ratio, it’s lovely.” He held up a suit pin that was the color of aventurine and shaped like a peacock. “It’ll match beautifully.”
“With your ridiculous suit? Yes.”
Aventurine laughed. It was pure and genuine. He walked over to his personal bag and pulled out a dark blue box about the same size of the one Ratio gave him. “That too but it will also match this.”
Ratio raised a brow at the gambler but opened the box, nonetheless. Aventurine watched as the doctor’s face softened and a smile appeared on his face. From the box, Ratio pulled out a gold pin the shape of a wise owl.
“Because of the owl on my shoulder. Very smart, gambler.” He gave Aventurine a small peck on the forehead.
“See what I mean? The peacock and the owl. Beauty and brains. We complete each other Ratio.”
“We do.”
“What were your thoughts on plans for tonight?” Aventurine asked Ratio. “You know. After dinner plans.”
“I didn’t have anything specific in mind. You?”
The radiant peacock got closer to his lover putting his hand on the doctor’s chest. “I was thinking maybe you can lay in the sheets, and I can be on top.” His voice was seductive as he licked his lips and looked up at the doctor.
“If it makes my peacock happy.” Ratio caressed his boyfriend’s face. Boyfriend. Aventurine still wasn’t used to that word, but it made him feel all bubbly inside. They kissed and no matter how many times they did, Aventurine can’t get enough.
Life was going to be different from now on, but he couldn’t be happier to be alive.