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Chapter Text

Veritas Ratio blinks his eyes open with a groan.

Instead of his pillow, his head lays on a cold, hard surface.

He suddenly jolts awake, memories of the night prior flooding through him. He rubs his forehead with a groan, but his first instinct is to look at the samples.

Indeed, it’s just as he’s feared—all of them are gone. Vaporized. He groans as he stands, rolling his shoulders. He fixes his glasses and when the strain on his muscles becomes evident as he tries to look around, he applies a quick self-massage technique that will have to do for now.

Much to his own shame, he has to freshen up in a nearby restroom, reserved only for hospital staff. The dark circles under his eyes remain, but his clothes and hair are in order. After righting his laurel hair clip, Ratio leaves the restroom and goes straight for one of the break rooms, making himself a strong cup of coffee before he heads to his office.

…He nearly drops his mug upon entering.

There Aventurine sits in his chair just like the day prior, his legs up on Ratio’s desk while he tosses a chip of sorts up in the air. Noticing Ratio’s presence, the vampire swings his legs over the edges and plants his feet back on the ground, elbows now on the wooden surface as he regards the doctor with a smirk. 

“Why are you here?” Ratio asks, checking the clock. It’s still morning—hours before the time they agreed on. For a brief moment, he wonders if vampires cannot read clocks, but the idea is so ridiculous he scoffs and pushes it out of his head.

“You didn’t specify a time for today specifically, so I thought, might as well let myself in. After all, we have a productive day ahead don’t we, doctor?” Aventurine croons, and the sound of his voice is an assault on Ratio’s senses.

He takes a sip of his coffee, hiding the way his lips quirk downwards with his cup. 

Aventurine again fills Ratio’s precious silence with meaningless babble. It appears moments of peace, few and far between, are beyond him, now, revoked the moment he’d asked Aventurine for his aid. “I’m surprised, though. Your books really stress the importance of a proper day and night rhythm, but you look like you’ve gone and thrown it all off!” Aventurine takes a jab at Ratio. The doctor scowls when his hypocrisy is called into question, sighing loudly.

“You truly do not grasp how dire the situation is, do you? Then it is useless for me to try and explain it to you.” 

“Just like how you can’t explain idiocy to an idiot? Haha, don’t worry. I understand your urgency. You have your precious humankind to save, don’t you? Veritas Ratio, the genius doctor who is going to save humanity. Oh, they speak so highly of you. It’s fascinating, just how much gossip I can find on you online.” 

Genius doctor. Ratio’s throat tightens at the title and if his mood weren’t foul before, it certainly is now. “Ah, so you occupy your free time perusing the net for utterly meaningless purposes. How very… novel.” He rounds his desk and stares Aventurine down. Aventurine cocks a brow at him, challenging him to speak.

When Ratio’s grasp nearly threatens to crush his paper cup of coffee, Aventurine huffs out a laugh and stands up. “Alright, alright. I’ll get out. Ah, but a word of advice? You’re way too easy to tease.”

Ratio’s response is another glare. Aventurine vacates his chair, allowing Ratio to take his spot. There’s hardly an indicator as to Aventurine’s presence previously—just the dip in the cushion. “In any case,” Ratio begins, tone brooking no room for interruptions, but he doubts Aventurine would pay any heed to that. “Your blood contains rather… unique properties. Further study is required, therefore I am proposing we extend our partnership.”

“Oh? Why, how flattering! I thought you were going to throw me into the sun at the first chance you got.”

Ratio hums, neither confirming nor denying. However, as Aventurine brought up the sun himself, Ratio is saved some time. “Hm. Funny that you should mention that. When exposed to UV light, your blood caught fire. Care to explain how you yourself walked out without as much as an ember?”

Aventurine raises his brows and breaks out into a fit of laughter. “You… you used my blood for that? Ratio, I thought you had a human race to save! Oh, heavens, you—ahaha, were you debunking rumors? Really? What are you going to do next, throw it at garlic?” A grin lingers on his face, his fangs poking out past his lips. 

Ratio feels his ears redden. He does not mention that the thought had indeed crossed his mind—he would not give Aventurine the satisfaction. “To answer a question with another, utterly ridiculous question…” He pinches the bridge of his nose, taking a deep breath. Aventurine is already getting under his skin. “You are insufferable. Has anyone ever told you that? In case they have not, I will endeavor to reiterate that over and over again.”

Aventurine snorts. “Haha, don’t worry, you’re not the first. But, to ensure our cooperation goes smoothly… I can walk in the sun just fine. Ah, it’s not common for vampires, though. The easiest way to kill one is to just shine that fancy light of yours on them. It won’t work on me, but you never know who you’ll find in the night…”

Ratio palms his chin. “And, pray tell, whyever are you unscathed?”

“Hmm… tempting, but I won’t answer just yet. This is just day two of our partnership, it’d be boring to reveal all my cards already,” Aventurine replies.

“…Forget I asked.” Ratio finishes his coffee, tossing the paper cup at the trash can in the corner. Something glimmering on his desk catches his attention and he looks down. It’s the chip Aventurine had been playing with prior. He pushes it his way. “You seem to have forgotten something.”

“Or maybe I left it there on purpose. Don’t you want to know more about me?”

“About your misguided hobbies? Not particularly, but if you insist on being a bother about it, fine, I will bite. Then, I already had my suspicions, but are you a gambling man, Aventurine?”

“Ah, I’m so glad you asked!” Aventurine’s cheery tone is laden with sarcasm. He performs a sleight of hand with the chip and pockets it again. Ratio doesn’t look impressed. Aventurine’s lip curls into a pout, exposing his fangs again. Ratio doesn’t know what to make of that expression, only that he’s mildly disturbed. “I do enjoy a good game of chance. The higher the stakes, the better the thrill. I told you before, didn’t I? I don’t do emotions in the conventional way, so a gamble, where the stakes could cost my entire fortune, or perhaps my life? Now that gets my blood pumping.” 

“Have you ever considered that you are simply insane?” Ratio remarks dryly.

“You think so highly of me.”

“My opinion of you worsens with every word that falls from your mouth.”

“Trust me, your company is just as pleasant.”

“Ah, so we do have something in common,” Ratio’s quip puts an end to their banter. 

Aventurine’s smile is easy, but there’s something slightly different about it. “You know,” he begins in a hum, and Ratio braces himself for another headache. “You’re not too bad, doc. Sure, you’re a pretentious asshole, but… like I said, you’re very easy on the eyes, and you’re able to hold a conversation without screaming in terror! Either you’re incredibly stupid, or very impressive. I’m still undecided.” 

The headache does not come. Ratio frowns instead. Aventurine’s words and tone indicate that he almost… longs for an equal partnership? There’s a twinge of loneliness to his tone that does not suit his character. 

He must be imagining things.

Then again, Ratio knows how isolating it is when you are either put on a pedestal or, in Aventurine’s case, feared. How fascinating. He had not expected such an… an emotion, to settle on a simpler term, to cross the mind of a vampire.

Either way, Ratio does not rise to Aventurine’s taunt. There are more important matters to attend to than juvenilely bickering with Aventurine or indulging his scholarly interests in that same vampire’s mental and physical state. He fears Aventurine might be correct in one aspect—Ratio is far too easy to work up.

Declaring that he will not fall for the vampire’s taunts again, Ratio straightens his back and looks at Aventurine. “I have no interest in chasing after speculations, but I do have a theory.”

Aventurine quirks a brow. “What, about whether I find you impressive or stupid?”

Ratio pointedly ignores him. He pretends he’s talking to the opposing wall instead. A far more pleasant conversationalist as it doesn’t interrupt him at every turn and tries to twist the meaning behind his words into something utterly ridiculous. “Your… species resembles the dead more than the living. It appears your body, through whatever means, is still capable of storing and filtering blood. But what would happen if one were to take away that same blood from its container? Without your unique biology, it seems to revert to its previous state. That is to say, dead—however, that does not answer the question as to why it simply ceases to be.”

“Woah. You’re looking at me with eyes that say you want to dissect me.” Aventurine sounds mildly perturbed. “ Graciously ignoring the fact that you called me a container, I’ll bite. Haha, not literally, of course, unless—”

“ Aventurine.”

Aventurine snorts. “Got it, time is of the essence, know when to shut up… honestly, doc, I haven’t really thought about it. My blood. Or how I even exist in the first place. Your guess is as good as mine. Hmm, no. Your guess is better than mine, because I never bothered trying to find out in the first place.” The underlying twinge of bitterness to Aventurine’s voice tries to seek shelter behind his easy smile but Ratio picks up on it regardless.

Ratio stands from his desk and motions further into his office. He took the liberty of changing the paper towels on the exam chair and goes to grab his supplies while Aventurine gets settled. “Hm. I might be mistaken—and I rarely am—but you do not sound particularly pleased with your…” Ratio turns around, dragging his gaze up and then down Aventurine’s body. “…Peculiarities.”

Aventurine waves a dismissive hand. “Oh, what’s not to love? Eternal life, strength and speed enough to crush a human, people who bend to my will simply because I exist… isn’t that the life.”

“You don’t sound particularly interested,” Ratio points out without looking at Aventurine, putting on a pair of gloves. He feels Aventurine’s eyes bore into his back, calculating.

“Hmm? Are you saying you know me, doctor?” Of course Aventurine has to flip the script with that annoyingly smug edge to his voice. He quickly shifts away from the prior subject and returns to taunting Ratio while stroking his own ego—and yet, that brief exchange had given Ratio more insight into Aventurine than any other interaction prior and his feelings boil down to a single thought: Aventurine is utterly fascinating. A contradictory mess of a creature masquerading as a human who hides his true intent and emotions behind an expertly cultivated mask. “If you want to get to know me, it’s only fair I get to ask you questions too, right? A little game of truths, or, maybe we should call it a heart-to-heart?”

Ratio sighs.

Aventurine is as fascinating as he is annoying. 

“Remain still. I cannot stop you from running your mouth, but I ask you to choose your questions carefully.” He has Aventurine clench his fist and stretch his arm, grabbing the vampire’s wrist as he slowly pinpoints a vein and pushes the syringe in.

“Haha, no stupid questions, got it. Oh, but didn’t you say there’s no such thing as stupid questions, just stupid conclusions? After all, questions are—”

“The first step towards educating oneself and enriching the mind,” Ratio finishes for him. 

Aventurine laughs. He looks on as his blood flows through a tube. “Haha, I wouldn’t be surprised if you reread your own books. People claim you have quite the ego, you know.”

“I care not for what the public perception of me might be,” Ratio answers flatly. “Such trivial matters get in the way of one’s pursuit for knowledge. Humans might be biased by nature, but entertaining and engaging in thoughts born out of prejudice rather than coming to your own conclusions is something I utterly detest.”

Aventurine hums. “You’re missing out. There’s a whole discussion on whether or not you’re a virgin, or a dilf. You’ve garnered quite the reputation.” 

Ratio narrows his eyes, feeling heat creep to his face. Of course that is what Aventurine would be curious about.

…It raises a question. But it has to wait, as… “Absolute nonsense. That is not even a real word.”

“It’s an acronym,” Aventurine says, “‘Dad I’d Like to Fuck’.”

Ratio opens his mouth, and then closes it again.

“That—that is… that is ridiculous! Are they fools? I do not have children, nor am I—” He trails off, drawing a deep breath. He must remain focused, his hand steady. 

Aventurine snickers. “I’m just the messenger. Honestly, I had no idea what it meant myself, but pictures of your face have very… interesting discussions surrounding it. And apparently, you bodily threw a man trying to bribe you into letting him pass out of your lecture hall. Impressive!”

That… is not entirely untrue. Ratio holds his tongue and sets his jaw, grinding his teeth. It is taking every ounce of control he has not to unleash a verbal assault on Aventurine. He is better than that.

He should be better than that.

His breathing becomes strained.

“Alright, alright. I’ll stop with the rumors. Sheesh, you’re way too uptight about this stuff. Ah, but I do have an actual question, by your standards. Your mind isn’t afraid of me, but what about your body? You give me these dirty looks, but your heartbeat increases and your blood pressure almost spikes, sometimes. But you still don’t back down.”

Ratio pauses as he fills another vacutainer. Now there is a question worth his attention. He hums in thought, finally deigning to look at Aventurine. “Indeed. My senses are screaming at me to run and hide. Such is the natural instinct of prey when faced with a predator they have no chance of defeating, but I will not let it impede my progress. Lest you think of me as a suicidal maniac, I assure you, I am not. I do not make a habit out of tempting fate, but I do not expect a gambler such as yourself to understand. However, I have my theories about you. I would be a fool to let my guard down completely, but I have reasons to believe you are not after my life, nor have the interest to kill.”

Aventurine looks at him strangely. Ratio sees him frown for the first time before he schools his expression, tilting his head in a display of curiosity. “So you’re thinking about me, then? I’m flattered, Ratio.”

“You are missing the point entirely,” Ratio hisses, having to put the vacutainer he was holding down for a moment as his fist shakes with barely contained irritation. “And on purpose, no less.”

Aventurine shrugs dismissively. “Maybe. What do you care, Ratio?”

“I don’t,” Ratio’s reply is quick, biting. “My fascination with you is simply the byproduct of a researcher’s misguided curiosity.” 

Aventurine hums, a cryptic smile curling his lips as he watches Ratio collect the samples and organize them. 

“Today, I wish to test the durability of your blood when kept outside of your body. I will turn on a timer when you leave, and see for myself how long it takes for it to vaporize completely after you have left. I need to calculate the window of opportunity and not squander it.”

“So, you’re already throwing me out? That’s it for today?” Aventurine asks, painting the picture of a petulant child with that look in his eyes. “You’re so mean, Ratio. I even went out of my way to get here early…” 

Ratio ignores his attempt at provoking pity. “I will call on you to return once the samples have gone.” 

“Ahaha, sure, but how are you going to do that? Shout from the rooftops? My hearing is incredible, but it’s not that good. Unless, you’re asking for my number? Ratio, you flirt!” 

Ratio throws him a flat look.

Aventurine whips out his phone with a laugh. “Okay, I got it. Here, let me give you mine, first.” 

“How very gentlemanly of you,” Ratio remarks dryly. Aventurine looks at him for a moment longer and snickers. 

“I didn’t know you had a sense of humor,” he comments as Ratio registers his number. 

“There is much you don’t know about me. I advise you to steer clear of baseless assumptions.” 

“It’s more of an observation, really. You haven’t smiled even once,” Aventurine points out. “Now give me yours.” 

Ratio opts to ignore the comment about him smiling. It would be useless to try and tell Aventurine that there is currently a crisis going on that could wipe out ten percent of humanity, as it doesn’t appear to get through his thick skull. “No need. You will have my number when I text you.” 

“But how will you know I got home safe?” Aventurine asks. Ratio pinches the bridge of his nose.

“Go home, Aventurine. I have no further need of you.” 

Something dark flickers through Aventurine’s eyes. They widen a fraction and his bottom lip trembles. He has never seen such pure anger fade so quickly, but Aventurine masks it as easily as he does everything else—only, a second too late. 

Ratio frowns. Was there something he said? 

Aventurine might have schooled his expression but he isn’t smiling anymore. “Fine. Ah, you don’t have to walk me out. I didn’t maul anyone when I got here, and really, I’m not in the mood to create a scene, so try to give me the benefit of the doubt here, Ratio.” His tone is as flat and hollow as the look in his eyes.

Ratio wants to point it it was Aventurine who had coaxed Ratio into walking him to the exit but for whatever reason, he holds his tongue. He just nods, and gestures to the door. “I will see you later.” 

“Mmhm,” Aventurine shoves a hand in his pocket, giving Ratio a wave as he walks towards the door. “You sure will, Ratio.” 

Contempt. Contempt is what Aventurine laces his syllables with—but only the mention of Ratio’s name. 

When the door clicks shut behind him, Ratio finally allows himself to breathe again. Fear had held his heart in its clutches at the drastic switch in Aventurine’s demeanor. He knew partnering with a vampire could spell his doom one day, but it’s far too soon for that.

Shaking those thoughts out of his head, Ratio collects his samples and prepares himself for another day of rigorous work.

It is a little past five when Ratio texts Aventurine.

Veritas Ratio : Aventurine. The samples have expired. Return at your earliest convenience. 

- Doctor Veritas Ratio.

The reply is almost instant.

Aventurine : I think you have the wrong number. 

Veritas Ratio : Aventurine. I will not repeat myself. Time is of the essence.

- Doctor Veritas Ratio.

Aventurine : Haha, okay, okay. I know it’s you, Ratio. You don’t have to sign your messages. I’m already on my way.

Veritas Ratio : Give me an ETA.

Aventurine : Do you want me to get you something on my way there?

Veritas Ratio : Estimated time of arrival.

Aventurine : Well, you learn something new every day! 

Aventurine : Five minutes.

Veritas Ratio : Alright. 

Aventurine : 👍.

Aventurine : By the way, I did get home safe. Thank you for asking.

With a sigh, Ratio pockets his phone. Giving Aventurine access to his number will undoubtedly prove to be a mistake in the long run, regardless of any conveniences it might bring with it. With Aventurine, the cons outweigh the pros, so to speak. 

Although, he is not terrible to work with. Ratio will give him that. No, Aventurine has been rather cooperative, and when he arrives at Ratio’s office at the five minute mark, he proves again to be surprisingly reliable.

“Impressive. I had not actually expected you to arrive in time. I presume you live close?” Ratio motions for Aventurine to follow him to the lab. 

Aventurine feigns shock with a gasp. “First you try to get my number, and now my address? Ratio, if you want to get in my pants, just say so! For a handsome man such as yourself, I am always willing to clear up my schedule.”

A few residents turn their heads at Aventurine’s louder volume. Ratio grinds his jaw and grabs the gambler by the sleeve, all but hauling him through the halls. “Be quiet,” he hisses, ignoring the way his cheeks heat up out of embarrassment and Aventurine’s following cackle.

“I don’t live that close, really. It’s too dreary here, for my taste. Besides, haven’t you been to my place already? Or was it not worth remembering? Maybe I should invite you over again,” Aventurine muses. Ratio remembers that, indeed, he’s been to Aventurine’s ludicrously expensive penthouse and in his estimates, it would take far over a mere five minutes to get to the hospital.

Had Aventurine lingered since Ratio dismissed him? Does he possess some innate abilities that either slow down time or advanced reflexes? Trifling matters Ratio should not give any thought to, and yet, he finds himself wondering regardless, his gaze drifting to stare at Aventurine’s side profile for a moment too long.

He’s caught in the vampire’s peripheral vision, a twinkle of mischievous to those usually so dull and lifeless eyes setting them alight. The corner of his lip twitches up, and Ratio looks ahead. They arrive at the lab before Aventurine has the chance to get on his nerves for the umpteenth time that day. “Here we are.” 

“Mm. I can see that, thank you. Pretty impressive. And very empty. Don’t your colleagues like working with you, doc?” 

Ratio pinches the bridge of his nose. “I happen to cultivate an amiable work environment, however, none of that is of any concern to you.” 

Aventurine draws his own conclusion with a nod. “You’re just antisocial. Got it.”

Ratio tosses him a bag, partially to throw him off-balance and to shut him up. Neither work, and Aventurine shows that he does indeed have some form of heightened reflexes as he catches it without even looking at Ratio. “Careful! If I didn’t have a delicate touch, you’d have gotten blood all over me. Now wouldn’t that have made a mess…” Aventurine clicks his tongue, tutting. “Got any sharp objects around here? Sinking my teeth into it is a little too barbaric for my taste.” 

Ratio quirks a brow. “Whatever for?” If Aventurine wanted to inflict harm upon him, he wouldn’t even need anything—ah. Ratio’s brain catches on as Aventurine holds up the blood bag, flashing the doctor a smile. Ratio’s expression twists into one of dismay. “No. Absolutely not. I forbid you from… feeding in my laboratory.” 

“Ahaha, but I’m so hungry. Come on, Ratio…” Aventurine takes a step closer, his eyes fixed on Ratio’s exposed neck. He ghosts his fingertips against the skin, and were he not a predator tracing a vein with the tip of a nail, it almost borders on being sensual. “It’s either this, or… well, I have a live, handsome man right in front of me.” 

Ratio takes a deep breath and bats Aventurine’s hand away. “Fine,” he relents, rummaging around and hands Aventurine a scalpel. “Do not make a mess. Keep any unnecessary noise to yourself. I neither want to hear nor see it.” 

Aventurine snorts. “Why thank you, you’re so considerate.” 

He turns his back on Ratio, humming to himself as he cuts a hole in the bag and Ratio’s curiosity wins over his disgust because he’s taking a peek and—indeed, Aventurine is efficient with his consumption.

He drinks as if he’s hasn’t had a proper meal for days. 

Or perhaps, that is his natural reaction to blood. 

Aventurine’s eyes glaze over, almost intense. He’s struggling to withhold his noises, Ratio realizes, hearing odd sounds bubble up in his throat and die back down. He moans, once, gulping down a sizable amount of blood and his pupils dilate, eyes rolling back.

Fascinating.

Ratio wonders if he derives pleasure from this. Certainly, the doctor is not versed in sexual matters, but he’s no stranger to the objective facts about intercourse and reactions related to arousal. 

If going by a purely academic description… Aventurine’s behavior matches up. His cheeks, usually devoid of any color at all, turn a light red. Is that because of the blood? Does it instill life back into his undead body?

Ratio ruminates over these questions for far too long. He doesn’t even realize that Aventurine has finished, and caught on to Ratio’s staring. “You know,” he begins, snapping Ratio out of his thoughts. He licks his lips clean, droplets of blood dripping from his fangs and trickling down his chin. He wipes it away before it can make a mess of either his clothes or the floor. “For someone who is so disgusted by me, you’re ogling me an awful lot. You’re a bit of a hypocrite, aren’t you?” Again, there’s that finger pressed against his chest, but it moves up, and Aventurine hooks it under Ratio’s chin, tilting his head down to meet his gaze. “ Doctor.” 

“Hmph. Do not flatter yourself so, gambler. I am a researcher. To understand that which was previously undocumented by man is merely a hobby of mine.” 

“Oh? Moved on from vampire, have we? Haha, I guess that would sound a little strange in public.” The blush fades from Aventurine’s cheeks. Ratio almost finds it a pity. That brief flash of something alive suited him. Aventurine, despite the headaches he brings, is, again, objectively speaking, attractive. Were it not for the utter nonsense he spouts, he might actually make for pleasant company.

Ratio blinks.

He jerks away from Aventurine’s touch.

He’s exhausted. He should not let his mind wander too far. He has a job to do! He hears Aventurine laugh but tunes out the sound of his voice, putting a hand on his forehead and draws a deep breath before he turns around once more. He ignores the heat that has risen to his face, hoping that it is not too obvious.

“To business, Aventurine. We are wasting time as we speak.” 

“Ah, so he’s not allergic to my name! You had me worried there, you know.” Aventurine tucks a hand into his pocket and saunters over to Ratio’s position as the doctor gathers his notes. 

As Ratio starts his explanation, Aventurine interjects with the occasional question or remark—however, unlike usual, they’re born out of curiosity and speculation rather than a desire to taunt or get a rise out of Ratio. They fall into an almost comfortable rhythm, bouncing off each other surprisingly well. 

Though they are unable to reach a conclusion, a few interesting theories arose. Aventurine suggested that, given how the body of the dead rise again, the blood within is what keeps them alive, but to take even a fraction of that away would render it useless. For good measure, Ratio took some more samples and put some in the fridge and others in the freezer to check on the day after.

When they finish up, Ratio is the first to speak.

“I must give you credit where it is due.” He clearly draws Aventurine’s attention with those words. Aventurine pops his back with a groan and tilts his head in curiosity. “You have proven yourself to be decently intelligent. Why, I hardly thought you capable of anything other than ceaselessly spouting aggravating nonsense.” 

Aventurine narrows his eyes. “I really don’t know if you’re giving me a compliment or insulting me here.”

“I was merely stating my observations. Take that as you will.” 

“And here I thought you weren’t being an arrogant bastard for once, but you just have to go and prove me wrong, don’t you? I’m going home. Have a good night, Ratio. Try not to fall asleep at your desk this time, okay? You look pitiful.” And with that, Aventurine is out the door.

Disregarding the vampire’s words, Ratio gathers his notes and returns to his office.

…

He hardly gets through the first stack before his head hits the wooden surface. His laptop illuminates his exhausted face, his cheek pressed against a set of keys that embed themselves into the digital writeup.

Ratio rouses to a strong, bitter odor. He groans as he tries to blink the sleep from his eyes, only for his fingers to push against his glasses. Had he not taken them off when he…?

Ah.

No, his train of thought is entirely wrong. He hadn’t gone home. 

He had made it as far as his office, attempted to digitize his notes, and succumbed to exhaustion. With a heavy sigh, Ratio pushes himself to sit up, and nearly flinches back when something is dangled in his face.

“Good morning. I made coffee.”

“...You… Why are you here?” 

“Mighty sense of deja vu, isn’t it?” Aventurine laughs. Unlike Ratio, he looks refreshed and ready for the day ahead. Ratio vaguely wonders whether creatures like him even need rest, but he cares not to ask. He simply takes the offered coffee, brings it to his lips and takes a sip.

…Only to immediately spit it back out.

His eyes widen and he glares at Aventurine. “You— you call this coffee?!” 

Aventurine gives him a rueful smile. “Don’t look at me like I tried to poison you! I don’t have very active tastebuds, or a sense of smell.” 

Ratio pinches the bridge of his nose. “We have a machine that does these tasks for you. Never try to brew a pot of coffee again.” 

“Ah, so that’s what it was?” Aventurine hums absent-mindedly.

It strikes Ratio then.

How old is Aventurine? Was he... made into what he is today? Is he frozen in a state of eternal youth?

Though his appearance suggests he is younger than Ratio, he could very well be centuries older. 

Ratio deigns not to ask. He is not one to pry into the personal affairs of others, heedless of scientific curiosity. In this case, it is misplaced, and frankly impolite.

He takes off his glasses and sits back in his chair, rubbing the bridge of his nose. Aventurine says nothing, but Ratio feels the gambler’s gaze on him. “Are you expecting me to congratulate you for being right?” he asks, “If that is what you are after, then go ahead, gloat. You must think you deserve it.” 

“Oof, easy, doc! I do have an ego, you know. You’re making it feel pretty fragile.” 

“You are a headache. I find it troubling to deal with you this early on in the day.” Ratio holds up a hand when Aventurine narrows his eyes. “...But, if you truly acted out of concern for my wellbeing, then, I believe I must convey my gratitude. So thank you, Aventurine.” 

Aventurine appears stunned. He opens his mouth only to close it again, looking at Ratio as if he’s speaking a different language entirely.

Ratio sighs. “Try not to let it get to your head.” 

“What, you, the prestigious Veritas Ratio, thanking me? I’d never!” 

“Doctor. Doctor Veritas Ratio.” 

“Of course, doctor.” He offers Ratio a hand. “Now, can our miracle doctor get up by himself? Ah, actually.” He drops his hand and motions to Ratio’s laptop. “I think you have some pages to delete. You kind of fell asleep with your head on the keyboard. They’re imprinted in your skin. You look ridiculous,” Aventurine points out with a soft laugh, cupping Ratio’s face. The coldness of his skin starts Ratio awake, and he finds himself not entirely minding as Aventurine traces the outlines of the keys on Ratio’s cheek. It helps wake him up, and slowly brings him back to his senses.

Seeing that he has over a hundred pages consisting of a nonsensical string of the same letters repeated over and over again, Ratio sighs heavily.

“Indeed I do.” 

“Well, I did my one good deed of the day, so I’m off. I’ll be back at our usual time. But if you feel lonely, text me.” 

Ratio doesn’t even look at him as he walks out the door or question what their ‘usual time’ entails. “I will message you if I require your services, no sooner.” 

Aventurine finally leaves his office. The coffee is still on his desk, and though Ratio has no intentions of drinking it… he leaves it there as he sets to work.

It serves as a lingering reminder of Aventurine’s weirdly misplaced kindness. That a vampire such as him could be considerate of others, even if he might have ulterior motives.

Oh, had the circumstances been different… The doctor would have proposed a study on Aventurine himself. Alas, his dedication drags his focus back to his work, and once he finishes up on his laptop, he makes for the lab to check on the samples.