Chapter Text
The morning sun had long risen over the horizon, the pink and orange clouds of bright, brilliant dawn having faded and ebbed away as the sun’s beams lessened in radiance, the birdsong gradually subdued, declining to small and distant chirps, carried away by the breeze. Ratio had watched the sky change most of the night, the moon falling, the sun rising, black midnight changing to bright blue, unable to sleep, unable to do anything other than think.
Today, his life would change irreparably. It was partly his own fault for accepting the offer to begin with, yet it had seemed a distant notion. At first, as the deadline of this day had crept closer, he had done nothing, merely watching, observing, waiting to see if it would truly happen, finding it somewhat preposterous that his life was set to change. Then, as the realisation sat in that there was seemingly no escape, he’d written various arguments, various letters to say he declined to involve himself, yet never sent a single one.
In his own heart, Ratio reluctantly accepted that he would go through with it. So, this very evening, in merely a few hours time, he would be married. It should not be such a terrible thing, if only he wanted it. If he’d even met the person, maybe it would be tolerable, maybe they could have an understanding. Instead, he’d marry a stranger.
Yet again, he reminded himself, he’d signed the contract. He could have torn it- and almost had- yet it had struck him as interesting, creeping into his mind, evading his sensibilities. The audacity of it all unnerved and impressed him whenever he recalled the letter- an offer of a strategic partnership disguised as marriage. A ridiculous notion, yet this unknown person exerted an inexorable influence over him, intriguing him more than he would like. Not only that but his family, and many educational endeavours he cared for that lacked funding, would receive staggering sums of money, and in return, he’d offer this stranger the benefit of his intelligence and reputation.
As he checked all his belongings had been carefully and correctly packed, and as he steadily dressed himself and made himself look presentable, he wondered what would happen to his career, his accomplishments, all the things he’d planned to do. His teaching position had essentially been nulled the moment his employers heard of the marriage, seeing as he had to move, and unsure of what his future ‘husband’ would expect of him, he had no certainty for his future or professional career, other than whatever was asked of him.
He knew of Aventurine only in rumours- and though he wasn’t inclined to believe rumours, he had nothing else to go on, as Aventurine had not even attempted to establish any contact with him other than the original letter. They’d meet only when they sighed the marriage contract. There’d be no wedding either, no celebration- though part of Ratio preferred it that way, as that meant this would be over with faster, and it made it feel more professional.
Once fully dressed, he glanced in the mirror, finding his expression strained, though he cared not for changing it, ensuring not a strand of his hair was out of place, and that his make-up looked perfect and that it accentuated his features, smoothing out the fabric of his suit, even though it had no creases. With a sigh, he decided this would do, and turning away from the mirror, he resolved to leave, and see where the events of the day took him- hopefully, the whole ridiculous thing would be cancelled, and he could return to his life before he let himself agree to this.
--
As he left home, travelling to the edge of Pier Point, having sat alone with his thoughts for the entirely of the journey, he finally stepped out of the carriage as it halted to find himself standing before a fairly uninteresting looking building, with no defining features. He barely cared to look, finding the interior was much the same, as someone directed him to another non-descript room, opening the door for him and letting him step inside.
Immediately, he locked eyes with a man with blond hair, watching the way his eyes widened a fraction, quickly smoothing away his lock of surprise, smiling widely back at him. ‘Ah, so there you are, the wonderful Dr. Veritas Ratio- absolutely charmed to meet… such an intriguing man as yourself. I’m Aventurine, in case you hadn’t guessed yet.’ Aventurine looked him up and down, observing him with a shrewd stare and a pleasant smile. ‘I hope you had a nice journey here, seeing as you’ve come all this way just for me…’ Aventurine beckoned him over with a wave. ‘Come here then, let’s get this done.’
‘I’d say I’m pleased to meet you, but I’m not especially all that pleased,’ Ratio replied, not wanting to move closer to him. ‘You… intend to go through with this, then? I’d rather talk first and discuss this further… For what reason-’
‘You know the reason,’ Aventurine interrupted, his tone infuriatingly calm, ‘I understand- agreements and contracts can be… such tricky things, however if I recall… you agreed to this. I don’t claim to know why, though I could make some guesses… and yet you’re still here. You could have run away; you have no obligation to see this through. But seeing as you are here, then you’re already going to sign, aren’t you?’ He paused, studying’s Ratio’s expression, his own gaze unreadable. ‘Make your choice now, then. Leave, and nullify the agreement we made. Or stay, and sign the contract as agreed.’ He paused, looking to the contract spread out on the table before him, then back to Ratio. ‘Your choice.’
Ratio hesitated, watching him carefully. Aventurine had a slightly cocky smile, one that would irritate Ratio on any other face, yet Aventurine wore it so naturally that while his air of casual confidence frustrated Ratio, he had to admit it suited Aventurine in some way. He wasn’t an unattractive man, his looks striking, intriguing in a way that made Ratio almost want to stare at him, finding it hard to direct his attention anywhere other than Aventurine.
Yet from what he’d heard, Aventurine was a sly, sleazy man, one who would do anything to benefit himself. Would he seriously offer Ratio a way out of this? He likely wouldn’t do so without some potential gain for himself. Looking at his casual attitude, Ratio had to wonder if he even wanted to be here- he seemed far too nonchalant, too unbothered. Perhaps he wrote that contract on a whim, amused that Ratio accepted his vague deal. So, if Ratio walked away, would he even care?
However, the unfortunate reality was that Ratio had already resigned himself to this. The money Aventurine would give, as a courtesy to his family, would be appreciated- and not only that, but he’d made sure that part of that money would fund various educational programmes that he’d personally chosen, money that they wouldn’t see otherwise, if not for this union now. So, even if he didn’t understand Aventurine’s motives in seeking him out, or why he proposed this façade, he’d agreed to play his part for his own reasons.
As he approached, Aventurine’s smile widened, though Ratio noted it didn’t reach his eyes, his expression pleasant yet devoid of any tangible emotion. Standing next to him, he once again had to privately admit to himself how attractive Aventurine was, expensively dressed in a well-tailored suit that enhanced his features, a pleasing, if not slightly overwhelming scent emanating from him. He’d not expected him to be handsome or charming, expecting an irritating, cunning man- though he supposed Aventurine could still be those things, too.
Sensing Ratio watching, Aventurine kept his smile intact, picking up a shiny, pristine pen from the table, and effortlessly signing his name on the contract with one quick flourish, no hint of hesitation. Without even a glance at the paper, he held the pen out for Ratio, watching him with that same smile as Ratio debated his next move.
Slowly, Ratio took the pen from him, his fingers just barely grazing Aventurine’s gloved hand. As he looked down to the contract, he felt as if the words blurred as one, staring fixedly at the curved letters of Aventurine’s signature, at the already dried ink, permanent and definitive. As he positioned the pen over the line for his own signature, he hesitated again, wondering how worth it going through with this truly was, and whether he could take Aventurine’s suggestion and leave here without another thought, feeling as if signing his name would sign his life away.
However, taking a deep breath, he steadied himself. This wasn’t the end of anything. After his family and the various organisations Aventurine had promised wealth to had siphoned enough money from him, when he’d helped Aventurine with whatever work he required of him, and after he found Ratio a boring companion, he’d surely divorce him, end whatever this ploy was, and move on without ever thinking of Ratio again, this whole arrangement merely a footnote in each other’s lives.
That thought satisfied him somewhat, and so he finally signed his name, offering back the pen for Aventurine to pocket.
Aventurine accepted it, humming in approval as he studied Ratio’s signature. ‘So, you really went through with it…’ Aventurine turned fully to him, observing his expression, giving Ratio a look of intrigue, stepping closer to idly brush his fingers against the lapels of Ratio’s suit, ensuring to hold his gaze as he stared deeply into Ratio’s eyes. ‘What a beauty you are,’ Aventurine praised, giving him a long, thorough stare, appraising him. ‘Veritas-’
‘Don’t call me that,’ Ratio interrupted, taking a step back as he felt heat crawl along his face, the proximity both annoying and flustering, sharply looking away from him. ‘You may… politely refer to me by my surname alone-’
‘Oh? I can’t even refer to my husband by his first name?’ Aventurine asked, the amusement all too obvious in his tone, as if he enjoyed seeing Ratio so flustered.
‘No. This is… a contract. There’s nothing more to it, so we should keep formalities- I’d call you by your surname, though it seems you don’t have one…’
‘I don’t, otherwise you’d have had to change your name to match.’
Ratio’s irritation eased at that, more curious now as he studied Aventurine again. ‘Why don’t you have any sort of surname?’
Annoyingly, Aventurine merely shrugging, finally stepping away and turning for the door. ‘Does it matter? I think it doesn’t. Come, then, we should go. Don’t worry about taking the contract. Someone else will need to check it other and check its legitimacy, then they’ll give it back to me after taking a copy.’
‘I did think it strange that there were no witnesses here…’ Ratio observed, slowly following after him. ‘I know that’s not standard practice… Then again, this marriage is essentially a complete falsity, isn’t it? If I have to live with you, then we’ll do so as somewhat civil strangers and-’
‘No consummating our marriage, then?’ Aventurine teased, offering him a wry smile before turning away again as Ratio’s face steadily turned redder.
‘Absolutely not. I’ll- I’ll kill you if you dare touch me,’ Ratio quickly replied, an entirely empty threat, Aventurine’s words having strangely flustered him more than expected, part of his mind having pictured it the moment Aventurine said it, hastily ignoring that mental image.
‘How feisty- what an interesting man you are, I think you and I can have a lot of fun together. Well, I know I certainly will. Come, then, the two of us should get to know one another-’
‘I already know about you,’ Ratio interrupted, ‘and from what I’ve heard, I… I have no desire to learn anything more about you.’
Something in Aventurine’s gaze sharpened for a moment, yet he otherwise maintained his expression, shrugging lightly as he turned his back on him. ‘Oh, believe me, my dear husband, you’re not the only one to say that to me, and you certainly won’t be the last. Fine, then… other than when I require your help, as agreed, we’ll completely ignore each other, and you can spend your days married to a stranger. Oh, and by the way, if you’re hoping I’ll tire of you enough to divorce you… then dismiss that thought, it’s not happening too soon.’ Before Ratio could process that, Aventurine beckoned him over with a wave. ‘Come, then, I’ll show you to my home- or our home, if you prefer.’
‘I don’t prefer anything you suggest,’ Ratio maintained, gritting his teeth at the easy laugh Aventurine let out, as if he’d said something amusing. ‘And is this not a detriment to you? Being married to me seems completely… redundant- I have nothing to offer you, surely you could have made another sort of arrangement-’
‘No,’ Aventurine silenced him what that one word, looking over his shoulder, and though he smiled, Ratio detected something menacing in his expression. ‘Remember… I offered this so-called marriage to you as… a mutual benefit. Each of us stand to gain- you gain from my funds; I gain from your assistance and intellect. Once again, my carriage is waiting for us. Don’t worry, you’ll have plenty of time to ruminate and ignore me on the journey, so we might as well get going.’
Ratio sighed in reluctant acceptance. ‘Fine. Just to reaffirm, I of course will ignore you the entire time, so don’t even attempt to talk to me.’
‘What wonderful company you make, clearly I should look forward to an exciting journey.’ Aventurine let out a small laugh to himself, though the sound tailed off into a sigh. He cast another long look at Ratio, inhaling slightly as if to speak, his expression having changed somewhat, though Ratio couldn’t pinpoint the new emotion resting in his stare. Before Ratio could understand it, Aventurine turned away, and just as agreed, silence settled over them, and Ratio knew neither would speak for some time.
--
As expected, the journey was completely quiet, neither speaking, and though he didn’t look at Aventurine, preferring to read, he felt Aventurine’s eyes on him, wondering what he himself must feel about this situation, thinking still on his earlier words, telling Ratio he could leave. The original letter had arrived out of nowhere, unprompted, with no explanation- and strangely, it had interested Ratio far too much. One of Pier Point’s Ten Stonehearts personally writing to him, outlining a strange plan for marriage for the sake of allowing them to work together- it helplessly ignited his curiosity, wanting to see how this panned out, part of him needing a change in his life enough that he’d wanted to accept.
When they inevitably arrived at Aventurine’s home, Ratio felt trepidation rise within him, the sensation only amplified when he first stepped onto the grounds, a tall, polished gate standing behind him, and a large mansion dominating the grounds before him, hawthorns and briars lining the pathways, plush green grass stretching far and surrounding the house, the gardens at the back currently hidden from his view as he stared up at the mansion with its undeniable presence.
‘So, this is where you’ll be staying… Don’t worry, I knew you’d want your own room, so I’ve already sorted that for you. I hope everything’s to your liking. I probably won’t be around too much, so you’ll be alone most of the time.’ When Ratio replied to nothing he’d said, Aventurine spoke again, a teasing lilt to his voice. ‘Oh, I see, did you still want me to stay quiet? My sincerest apologises, I’ll just have to shut myself up now-’
‘I was merely taking a moment to compose myself,’ Ratio interrupted with a sigh. ‘I’m not sure how you feel about all this, but despite my initial agreement, I’m sure you can still understand… my displeasure.’
‘Oh, I understand it all too well,’ Aventurine replied, and though his expression held nothing, not even sincerity, Ratio had to wonder if his words were perhaps sincere after all. ‘But you must be tired… I’m guessing you didn’t sleep that well? I can’t blame you. We’ll save the tour for another day- though perhaps you’d rather look around without me- ah, anyway, let me just show you to your room.’
Truly, Ratio was grateful that Aventurine had no intention of showing him around from room to room, or explaining each one, for currently Ratio felt too dazed, following Aventurine in through the front doors, and past the interior and its ostentatious decorations that would surely dizzy him if he looked too closely, all too aware of how lavish and expensive most of it must be, even at a glance. When Aventurine paused, he almost walked into him, managing to snap himself free of his haze at the sound of a door opening, watching him beckon him with a wave as he entered the room first.
Though he wanted to protest for the sake of it, Ratio felt too tired to care anymore, deciding to follow with the hope of sleeping soon, and momentarily forgetting this day had ever happened. Stepping inside, he paused, finding the room already neatly arranged, not a speck of dust adorning any surface, a wide bed with soft sheets and plump pillows catching his attention, momentarily taking aback by the serenity and cleanness of the room.
‘You didn’t think I’d shove you into some dusty old room, did you?’ Aventurine asked, having noticed his surprised, letting out a chuckle. ‘You may not like me, but I still have no plans to mistreat you. I’ll live my life, you live yours. I hope the furnishings are too your taste. Ah- and I’ll have your belongings brought up shortly, but in the meantime, I bought a few gifts for your, just… clothing, things like that, just… anything you might need. If it’s not to your taste, just throw it away.’
‘How wasteful,’ Ratio scoffed, turning away from him, ‘And I have no need for your extravagance. I thank you for giving me a room of my own, but I offer no thanks for any gifts you thought I’d like, as I assure you, I likely won’t care for them.’
Looking over his shoulder, he found Aventurine giving him a strange look, quickly smoothing his expression back to a neutral one when he realised Ratio watched him. ‘As I say, if you don’t want it, throw it away. I’ve bought you a few random things, just anything you might possibly like, so check the drawers and such later and see if you want to keep it. That’s all.’
‘I see…’ As he drew closer to the bed, he looked to the bedside table, wondering if there were anything in there. Opening it, he found a sleek, black box, with a ribbon tied around it, and as he looked at it, he swore he heard small, stifled laughter from Aventurine, turning to see his expression the same, no sign that he’d done anything other than stand there and smile disconcertingly.
Under his stare, Ratio undid the ribbon, placing it aside, before opening the box, and as he saw what lay inside, he nearly dropped the array of glass sex toys lining the box, sharply inhaling before turning to glare at Aventurine. ‘What are these- these obscene items?’
‘Why ask the question? From how flustered you look, you already know,’ Aventurine replied, his smile widening in amusement the more Ratio’s face heated. ‘I wasn’t sure what you’d be like. For all I know, you’re a wanton whore, a chaste blushing virgin, or someone in the middle- either way, I thought you’d appreciate these gifts. Especially if you won’t want to sleep with me, you’ll need something else to satisfy you, isn’t that right?’
‘This is… completely inappropriate.’ He dropped the box to the floor, kicking it slightly so it skidded across the floorboards until it softly thudded against the nearest wardrobe. ‘I have no need for… such indecent items.’
‘Ah, I see- and how else will you be occupying your time, then? I’m sorry to say, but when I’m not asking for help… There won’t be much for you to do here, you’ll learn that pretty soon. You’ll get bored quickly- or desperate- and it’s better to have something and not use it, rather than want something, and not even have the option to use it. Anyway, I’ll leave you alone for now. If you need anything, you only need to let me know, and I’ll get it immediately.’
‘There’s… nothing I want,’ Ratio refuted.
‘That’s not true, everyone always wants something. But fine, be stubborn.’ Again, Aventurine turned around, taking a step close to the door. ‘Goodnight, then.’
Ratio watched him leave, letting out a long, shaky breath when he was finally alone, slowly sitting down on the bed and resisting the urge to put his head in his hands. His thoughts were flurried, scattered, the beginnings of a headache throbbing through his skull, letting out another sigh. Giving up on sitting upright, he let himself flop back onto the bed, staring up at the top of the canopy bed, splaying out atop the sheets and blankets, almost annoyed by how soft they were, how lovely everything in this room seemed, for he could take no pleasure in it.
In his heart, he knew why he’d accepted this strange offer, though that only filled him with a distinct sadness. He’d begun to feel stuck, as if his every action were barred, every move blocked, his educational proposals, his ideas, all were suddenly ignored and scorned. It made his accomplishments feel shallow, and without his accomplishments, what else did he have? He felt as if no matter how hard he tried, he never got anywhere, that he could never do enough, always isolated, set apart from others, both idolised and loathed.
Perhaps then, that was why he couldn’t help but latch onto Aventurine’s offer. It gave him an escape, one that both intrigued him and frustrated him. He had to wonder, if this was almost like a second chance for him, playing into a lie, helping Aventurine with intel and work, having been told that marriage was simplest the easiest way to disguise whatever it was Aventurine wanted to ask of him. Was that the true reason? He doubted it, yet he hardly even cared anymore what Aventurine wanted or didn’t want from him.
If Aventurine left him alone, and Ratio were allowed to re-build his life here on his own terms, perhaps this wouldn’t be so terrible, merely a binding contract between strangers, more akin to a business deal than anything meaningful. Yet that thought saddened him further, filled with so many indescribable emotions that he couldn’t latch onto one single consistent though from the murky depths of his mind.
In the end, all he could do was continue to live his life, re-adjust to the circumstances, and observe the situation as it unfolded.