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Having known Aventurine prepared for a mission recently, one he seemed to give Ratio even less details than usual, Ratio had wanted to know more, increasingly suspicious the more Aventurine merely smiled and waved any questions aside. He’d tried to keep his demeanour casual, reminding Aventurine he could help, that he was always prepared to assist him, and that he could be a valuable asset for any mission. Yet Aventurine had remained hesitant, citing that Ratio had little reason to be involved, still trying to deter him. However, Ratio insisted, the secrecy around the plan only intensifying his need to be involved, until Aventurine reluctantly agreed to let him participate, though stated that Ratio’s role was merely observation.
That had led them to attend an event together, though Aventurine still gave him only vague details, always giving him a somewhat strange look whenever he asked. Looking around the decadent interior of the main hall, as other guests mingled and talked, brushing past him and Aventurine, he had to wonder Aventurine had seemed so secretive about such a simplistic seeming party. All he truly knew, was that, whilst other guests continued to converse downstairs, with other members of the IPC gathering intel that way, Aventurine intended to search rooms of the villa and see if he could find anything especially incriminating. When asked what they were searching for, Aventurine had of course offered him only an infuriating smile.
They’d still slipped away from the event together, and though Ratio was frustratingly uninformed about the man Aventurine was supposedly trying to gather intel on, he nonetheless followed Aventurine from room to room. Yet whenever they approached any room, Aventurine always making him wait outside, sometimes staying in the room for a while before leaving, evidently searching the contents, yet if asked what they were searching for, Aventurine offered him only an infuriating smile.
It irked him, to watch Aventurine concentrate as he scoped various rooms, while not telling him what he searched for, leaving Ratio feeling somewhat useless as he traipsed after him, occasionally settling into a rare, awkward silence between them when Aventurine didn’t continue to idly chatter. Finally, watching Aventurine walk boldly into another room that looked more like a bedroom than the other rooms, Ratio had enough of waiting, following behind him. Immediately, Aventurine whipped his head around at the sound of his steps, his eyes wide as he realised Ratio hadn’t stayed where he’d wanted him to.
‘Ah, hey, it’s better if you stay outside, some of the rooms here they’re...’ Aventurine trailed off as he looked past Ratio, instead quickly approaching, his hand reaching for the door as it started to shut.
‘They’re what?’ Ratio repeated, standing before him and appraising Aventurine with a look of intrigue, trying to understand why he looked so uncharacteristically uncertain. ‘Try to elaborate. I’ll admit, I’m utterly tired of you not telling me anything, it’s as if you truly think I can contribute nothing. Or can you simply not trust me?’
The door locked behind him, the sound mechanical and distinctive. Ratio turned quickly at the sound, finding that Aventurine already had a hand on the door, his expression one of rare concern.
Aventurine tried the handle; it barely even rattled. ‘Looks like it’s…locked…’ As Ratio only stared at him, still trying to process the situation as a flurry of emotions struck him, Aventurine met his eyes and spoke again. ‘It’s locked,’ Aventurine repeated, slightly slower this time, as if Ratio were incapable of comprehending such a simple thing.
‘I am aware,’ Ratio bit back, Aventurine’s tone only needling at his nerves, his concern infectious. ‘The question is why it locked, and how- considering the situation, there is little chance this is random… This is likely a trap, either designed to harm us or waste our time, both of which are a completely egregious nuisance on top of an already annoying mission.’
‘Yet you asked to come on the mission anyway,’ Aventurine murmured, sounding slightly distant, sighing to himself. ‘I feel like I gave into you too easily… I should’ve just refused…’
Prickling with unease at Aventurine’s tone, Ratio studied the lock briefly, finding it to be a rather clunky looking mechanism he didn’t recognise, trying to decipher the interface, though the screen froze when he tapped at it, a loading screen appearing that made him sigh. ‘It looked simple at a glance, and yet it seems the technology here is something I’m unaware of, seeing as you’re supposed to be more knowledge about this mission, then you should-’ As he spoke, words appeared on the screen, and he froze, unable to speak, his words catching in his throat, barely even a gasp escaping him.
The room will unlock when you have sex.
Ratio stared at the words, blinking, waiting for the words to change and distort, yet they only remained the same. His mouth felt suddenly dry, swallowing thickly, an uncomfortable feeling, like sandpaper scraping along the inside of his throat. Suddenly, he understood Aventurine’s hesitance, how he’d insisted Ratio remain outside each room, likely attempting to avoid this exact situation. Still, it felt too unreal, everything around him suddenly distant, dreamlike, feeling as though he could process nothing, the world around him an illusion that he felt might waver and fall apart any moment, with his own heartbeat loud and starkly, uncomfortably real in his ears, disorientating him.
Aventurine let out a dry laugh, watching as a blank space for a five number combination appeared beneath the words. ‘Well… Want me to try shooting the lock?’
Ratio took a long, deliberate pause, his heartrate steadily increasing the longer he stared at the words on the screen in disbelief, Aventurine’s words giving him something to focus on other than his own panic. ‘Obviously not, you’ll only make it worse.’
‘Then want me to try guessing the code? I bet I can get it right first try-’
‘Your arrogance is unwarranted- that is statistically unlikely. If we were to try every combination… Well, would you like to take a guess as to how many five number combinations there even are?’ Ratio sighed, trying to steady his pounding heart rate, wanting to appear as normal, knowing if Aventurine looked too deeply into his eyes, he’d easily see his concern. ‘You’ve dealt with this… client before, I believe, is there… any likelihood this is a ill-suited joke?’
‘That, I do know,’ Aventurine said with a snap of his fingers, smiling back at him. ‘Zero chance this a joke, Doctor. Why do you think we’re meant to be interrogating this particular man? He’s very well known for…’ Aventurine looked around the room, shrugging. ‘These sorts of set-ups. I did warn you not to enter the room with me, you need two people at least to trip this trap, and I’d have been fine snooping around with you waiting outside.’
Ratio narrowed his eyes at that, frustrated, even more so knowing how easily they could’ve avoided this. ‘That is… whilst I’d have preferred some of this information before the mission, I concede this is… entirely my fault-’
‘No, no, the fault’s all mine, don’t blame yourself, doc. I should’ve explained myself more. I know you too well; you were only trying to be kind, following me like that.’ Aventurine’s gaze drifted to the door again, looking far calmer than Ratio himself felt. ‘We could wait until someone comes to get us… Topaz and Madam Jade are investigating the other half of this venue- though separately, unlike us.’
Ratio considered that, knowing now why Aventurine had seemed so reluctant to let him come along, and it made sense why he seemed to stay in the other rooms so long. ‘Please… explain more to me, anything,’ Ratio begun, needing Aventurine to speak, mainly to distract himself, to give him something to focus on as his mind ineffectually scrambled to find a solution he couldn’t yet envision. ‘I… need to hear you speak…’
‘What we mainly want information on is illegal technology he possesses- I couldn’t care less about his sexual proclivities or whatever, but that lock there is unregulated technology… So, sparing you the details… it won’t unlock unless we either do what it says, or we wait a few hours for an expert to maybe disable it.’ Aventurine then shrugged, eyeing Ratio carefully, studying his expression as Ratio deliberately steadied himself. ‘So, we could just have sex, then.’
Ratio’s body tensed, certain he’d misheard Aventurine, waiting for his mind to comprehend what he must have actually said, yet as the suggestion sunk in, a deep flush creeping along his face, his heart pounding faster, he slowly turned to glare in irritation at Aventurine. ‘Excuse me? You’d seriously make such a suggestion? Frankly, I think you’re… you’re insane for even considering such a thing. That’s- that’s… Why even say such a thing?’
‘Ah, that’s…’ Aventurine trailed off, seemingly flustered for a second, and though his expression soon returned to normal, Ratio couldn’t believe in it. ‘Well, it’s the easiest solution, isn’t it?’
‘The easiest solution…’ Ratio repeated flatly, completely unimpressed, feeling his panic had subsided, replaced instead with frustration. ‘I’ll pass, if it’s all the same to you. I have… have no desire to… yield so easily to this… audacious idea.’ Ratio cast a long look around the room, settling his eyes on the large bed, grimacing as he could only imagine exactly what purpose it served. Instead, he turned away from it, sitting instead on a chair beside a small table, deliberately turning it so that he did not have to look at Aventurine or the bed, for the sight of them only made his thoughts wander to places they shouldn’t. ‘We’ll… simply have to either wait or bypass the system ourselves…’
‘Suit yourself, I won’t argue against your choice.’ Aventurine replied easily as he sat down, watching him from the opposite end of the room, offering him a warm smile that made unexplainable feelings rise within himself. ‘To be honest, there’s still too much debate as to how the locks work, which is why the IPC is so keen to claim them. All I know, is if the locks have a protocol, it seems nearly impossible to break free otherwise. Unless there’s a failsafe to deactivate them- which there might be. Of course, you can see what tonight’s target has re-purposed them for.’ Aventurine gestured to the room in general. ‘If not for the locks being… an interest of the IPC, then hardly anyone would care about what this man and his friends get up to.’
Curious about the mechanism, Ratio looked around the room, trying to see if any noticeable technology stood out, finding it looked almost more like a lavish hotel room, other unremarkable. Yet, considering what the rooms were used for, one thought struck his mind. ‘Are there… cameras?’
‘Unless they’re undetectable, then likely not,’ Aventurine replied, his gaze flitting across the room, humming to himself in thought, ‘we ran a preliminary scan of the building, looking for heat signatures, any signs of dangerous technology… And seeing as we’re on the third floor, there’s no obvious cameras- we only traced small electronics here, like the door panel, that’s why I thought to check here, in case we could find some of the unregulated technology, penalise the owner, and- well, you don’t need to know all the other boring specifics, I’ll spare you. Funnily enough, we’ve found the exact evidence I needed… and now we’re stuck here.’
‘Indeed.’ Ratio thought of nothing else to say, trying not to watch Aventurine out of the corner of his eyes. He knew his own face must still look painfully red, his treacherous heart beating loudly in his chest, because the second Aventurine had suggested they do as the lock said, Ratio had immediately wanted to say yes, embarrassed by the sudden want that had struck him, unable to initially tell it apart from the panic. He’d almost wanted to use it as an excuse so that he could give in to what he wanted, yet now, despite being offered, he’d hesitated.
When he’d imagined Aventurine before- though he could scarcely admit that even to himself- he’d thought he would be ruthless, taking him apart so effortlessly, ardently desiring him and absolutely passionate. Yet despite everything, Aventurine seemed almost disinterested when he’d suggested it, as if none of this mattered in the slightest, as if he didn’t really want Ratio, but saw this as a simple solution. Then again, he knew Aventurine well enough to know that whether that was the case or not, his face likely wouldn’t reveal much either way, though that only frustrated him further, wanting to know what Aventurine must think.
That meant he’d either have to wait this out, or try and understand Aventurine’s own thought processes enough that they could come to an appropriate solution between them- but the inner workings of Aventurine’s mind must be impossible to comprehend, though admittedly he did like the challenge of trying to.
‘I suppose… we truly have little options regarding our escape,’ Ratio begun slowly, observing Aventurine with a keen eye, disappointed to see not a flicker of change upon his expression when Aventurine turned to him. ‘However, it’s not exactly an optimal solution for either of us…’
‘We can do something quick, to get it over with,’ Aventurine reasoned, his tone casual, carefully studying his expression. ‘My signal’s not working so well on my phone, but it’s been like that ever since I got here. I could try making a call, in the meantime.’
Aventurine’s voice had sounded detached, uninterested, despite the fact that he’d offered something sexual again. It felt too unlike him, lacking his usual teasing or sly tone, not speaking to Ratio with the intrigue he usually did, which only unnerved him more. Reasonably, Ratio couldn’t believe his words, especially not given the situation- Aventurine might say anything, or do anything, to get this situation over with.
‘I suppose it’s worth a try- I’m referring to the call, obviously… not the first suggestion.’ He watched Aventurine shrug to that, idly pulling out his phone and staring down at his screen, busying himself. Another pang of nervousness unfortunately struck him, quickly pushing it aside as he regarded Aventurine, not wanting to appear too curious or interested, wanting to appear casual as he spoke. ‘Unless you think… there is only one true way out of this situation?’
‘Well, whether there’s only one way out or not remains to be seen- we’ve got options, of course,’ Aventurine replied, continuing to busy himself on his phone, his expression revealing nothing. Sensing his staring, Aventurine looked up, shooting him a sly smile, the expression so familiar that Ratio’s body ached with another wave of arousal, overwhelming his frustrations. ‘Unless you want me to fuck you? If that’s the case, I’d be sure to show you a good time.’
Ratio quickly looked away, blushing intensely and inwardly cursing himself for whatever expression he must’ve reacted with to have Aventurine chuckle like that at him, though admittedly the sound of Aventurine’s laughter eased his mood somewhat. Again, he resisted the urge to answer, annoyed with himself that anything he currently said would only sound desperate to his own ears.
Perhaps, admittedly, he had thought about Aventurine in such a way for a while now. At first, it had started innocently enough- he’d simply wanted to spend more time with Aventurine, curious about him in a way that surprised himself, subtly attempting to seek him out without appearing as if he really wanted his attention. Then, interest had become affection, and then he thought often of siting closer to Aventurine, of what it would be like to feel Aventurine’s body heat against his own, to hold hands or perhaps kiss him, to hold Aventurine in his arms and to be held in turn.
His fantasies had, against his will, changed drastically. Even now, he struggled to look at Aventurine’s hands without recalling nights where he’d fingered himself for hours, desperately wishing it were Aventurine’s fingers inside of him, touching everywhere sensitive, that Aventurine would even want to touch and please him. That thought made him sigh, purposefully turning his body away from Aventurine to hide how heavily his face had flushed with arousal, his half-hard cock starting to strain against the fabric of his pants, his thoughts spiralling as heat spread through him.
Yet still, he wondered what it would be like- he wanted Aventurine to touch him, to take him apart and please him so thoroughly, to finally satisfy him in a way that mattered, in a way that didn’t leave him still wanting more, his own touch not enough. But did Aventurine really mean his words? Would this only be a transaction, something to get out of the way? If so, then he’d refrain and push aside his desires, not wanting to be used and cast aside afterwards, only wanting Aventurine if it meant something to him, if he wanted Ratio for more than just sex.
‘How long do you think we’ve been here?’ Aventurine asked, breaking him from his thoughts. ‘it’s so boring, just sitting here.’
‘Unless you have a better solution, then I’d suggest you stay quiet.’
‘Ouch, no need to sound so upset, I was just asking.’ He paused, observing him in that slightly intense, unnerving way again, his tone somewhat softer as he next spoke, sensing Ratio’s concern. ‘Do you have any ideas? Apart from the obvious.’
‘I suppose I should attempt to think more about solutions, or perhaps examine the lock again,’ Ratio conceded, though he made no move to stand, still distracted by his own thoughts. Arousal still coursed through his body, frustrating him and embarrassing him, unable to meet Aventurine’s eyes as his own heart pounded fast and loud, folding his arms as if to draw himself tighter into his own body. ‘You say it might be possible to break the lock without fulfilling its criteria?’
‘Well, sure, it’s technically possible.’
Something about that word choice irked him, and he turned to look at Aventurine, concern creeping through him at the almost soothing smile Aventurine shot him, as if he believed Ratio need appeasing, though that only worried him more. ‘And… what do you mean by that? It is possible, is it?’
‘In the research we’ve done into these locks, breaking them and such… the likelihood of breaking one without doing what it says is…’ Aventurine shrugged lightly, downplaying his own words. ‘Oh, I don’t know, roughly 0.05%- but of course, that’s just on the data we have so far.’
‘0.05%...’ Ratio slowly repeated, cold dread settling through him. ‘Out of further curiosity… how extensive is the research currently conducted by the IPC on these locks?’
Aventurine did not answer immediately, continuing to smile, the sight now infuriating more than anything, his smile too pleasant and sweet, his words slow and soft, as if coddling Ratio, made his body simmer with a strange mix of frustration and arousal. ‘You know… I think it’s better not to talk about specifics. Hey, why don’t we talk about something else to pass the time? Earlier, on the way here, you were telling me about some research you were working on- I’d love to hear more about it, and I’m sure there’s much for you to say.’
‘Do not attempt to change the subject, gambler,’ Ratio warned, speaking carefully to stop his voice shaking, ‘tell me… tell me how stuck we are here. I need to understand the situation- it can’t… we can’t…’ Ratio swallowed thickly, unable to say his next words- because as much as he wanted to say they couldn’t have sex, he wanted it, wishing they would, that he could give into what he wanted. If only the circumstances were better- otherwise he’d be made a fool of, with his feelings unrequited, knowing he’d not be able to hold back his desperation and desires if Aventurine were to actually fuck him, that Aventurine would take one look at his unbearably needy expression, and know how much Ratio adored him.
That thought made his cock throb in his pants, fully hard and aching now, delicately folding his legs to hide it. He couldn’t reveal his own feelings- there had to be another way to deal with this, there had to be something he could do to hide his own pathetic crush and feelings for Aventurine. Because it wasn’t simply that he found Aventurine attractive- though of course he did- but his affection transcended such physical means. Though he did not always say it, even a brief message for Aventurine would brighten his mood, happy that Aventurine took the time to talk to him, to connect with him, some part of himself always hoping for Aventurine’s attention and affection as well.
‘Well, as willing as I am, I won’t force you to say yes- besides, with my luck, maybe that 0.05% chance to unlock the door otherwise is all we need, it’ll be fine.’ Aventurine studied him again, likely seeing the conflict on Ratio’s flushed face, still trying to be cautious of him and ascertain how he felt. ‘Of course, if you did want to just have sex, then I’d do everything I could… to make it good for you, I wouldn’t want it to just be-’
‘It’s impossible,’ Ratio repeated, part of him fearing that Aventurine’s touch would ruin him, that he’d crave it forever, and that never having it again would make him feel empty, lesser, as if he lacked some intrinsic need. He couldn’t- if they indulged now, if he gave in, he feared he’d lose himself completely. ‘There is… absolutely no way we can… engage in any sort of sexual activity. Not… not with you. It’s… nothing to do with you, it’s entirely me, it’s all my fault-’
‘Oh, no, I get it, you don’t have to make excuses for not being attracted to me,’ Aventurine said with a laugh and bittersweet smile, ‘it’s okay, you don’t have to justify yourself to me.’
‘That… is not the issue,’ Ratio murmured, unable to continuing looking at Aventurine’s expression without feel the want of him unbearably rise within himself, suffocating as he struggled to breathe for a moment. ‘I just believe… that there are too many questions as to the parameters set by the room, therefore, we need to isolate what factors are-’
‘That’s not the issue?’ Aventurine repeated, interrupting him, a slow smile spreading across his lips as their eyes met, and from Aventurine’s smile, Ratio’s heart ached, for he knew Aventurine had seen everything he felt, for him, every vulnerable emotion revealed from one unguarded expression. ‘So, I was right, you are attracted to me… Or rather, I hoped you were, though I could never be too sure. And let’s face it, we both know what the easiest solution is here- so, then, why don’t you want to? It’s alright, you can tell me. If you’re just not interested in sex, if it’s inexperience…’
‘It’s… it doesn’t matter, Ratio replied, increasingly unable to lift his head, keeping his voice firm even though he felt annoyingly pathetic. ‘It’s… a matter of my preferences and my feelings. Don’t think too much on that.’
‘So, does this mean what I think it does?’ Aventurine said, the amusement clear in his voice, standing up and striding over to him with quick movements, his smile sly and teasing in a way that made Ratio shiver. ‘I’ve noticed… how red your face is, how your hips can’t stop squirming in place… At first, I thought you were angry, maybe anxious, or afraid, but… I can see it now, the arousal in your eyes… You’re not afraid because you don’t want it; you’re afraid because you do want it.’ Aventurine stood beside him, carefully resting a hand on his thigh, parting it somewhat, his voice now dripping with teasing sympathy, yet it still held something genuine that made him ache. ‘Oh, what’s this? You’re hard already? And we’ve not even done anything… Tell me, Doctor, just what are you thinking about?’
‘Don’t.’ Ratio looked away, painfully embarrassed, his voice breathless as he spoke, trying and failing to hold back the emotions wrought within his tone. ‘Don’t… don’t say anything else. This isn’t… my reaction is…’
‘I’ll make it good for you,’ Aventurine murmured by his ear, ‘if you let me. If you don’t want to, push me away, and we’ll try and think of something else. Because, you know… you cut me off earlier. I was going to say… I don’t want this to just be a quick fuck, something where neither of us want it and we just want to get it over with. No- you don’t deserve that. You deserve appreciation, worship, devotion, you deserve my everything. Please… trust me enough to look after you… I know… given the circumstances, it must be difficult for you… So, if you want this, I won’t take it lightly, and I’ll treat you as you deserve.’
Ratio looked away, hesitating, yet distracted by the warm feel of Aventurine’s palm against his thigh. And truly, he wanted it badly, a seemingly unquenchable, distracting desire for Aventurine in every way he could have him, slowly starting to understand that perhaps Aventurine felt the same, vulnerability still prickling at him. ‘I suppose… it’s worth a try.’
‘You could try to sound a little more enthusiastic,’ Aventurine teased lightly, drawing back only to offer Ratio his hand to take, softening his expression in a way Ratio had only seen in his fantasies, aching again with the need for him. ‘How about… we try something small first? Not full-on sex. Maybe… that’s enough?’
‘I repeat: it’s worth a try, I have nothing else to add.’ Looking into Aventurine’s eyes only made his heart pound faster, almost dizzying him with its frantic rhythm, his breath stuttering as his lips parted.
Standing up, he stared to the bed, contemplating his next approach. Not wanting to reveal the flurry of feelings within himself and hesitate too thoroughly, he stepped forwards before Aventurine could. His hands ran over the fabric of his own clothes, then electing not to remove much, instead sitting on the edge of the plush bed to remove his shoes, before fumbling with the fastenings of his pants, slowly sliding them down so they pooled on the floor, leaving his underwear on for now.
Every move, he knew Aventurine watched him, eventually hearing the shuffle of fabric as Aventurine likely stripped himself somewhat. Still, Ratio did not turn, the anticipation only making him burn hotter with arousal. He felt awkward, too vulnerable, knowing that not only would Aventurine see him in the most intimate way possible, but that they couldn’t determine whether there were or weren’t cameras, unsure if his most vulnerable moments would be recorded.
When a hand rested on his shoulder, he quickly rose his head, meeting Aventurine’s searching gaze. It soothed him somewhat, to see Aventurine standing there, his jacket shucked off, preparing for the same, shared vulnerability.
‘Are you still sure? Don’t force yourself to do this,’ Aventurine told him, ‘You look nervous… I can’t blame you. But I don’t want you to be uncomfortable or unwilling, or to feel… forced into this. I’m serious when I say… we don’t have to do this. We can wait. It’s possible there’s a deactivation panel somewhere else in the building… or perhaps, unlike other IPC tests conducted, this locking mechanism is weaker, we can find faults to exploit. There are options. Only do this if you want to.’
‘What... do you have in mind? What would you do to me?’ Ratio wondered instead, suppressing a shiver at the way Aventurine’s eyes darkened with desire. For even though Aventurine had suggested this, his concern for Ratio only made him want more, knowing undoubtably that Aventurine took this seriously, that he could trust him to be careful, and prioritise his comfort.
Aventurine bit his lip, suggesting he had many, many things he wanted to say, swallowing them all, and settling for saying, ‘Can you lay down for me first? Just rest with your head on the pillow, and trust me to do the rest.’
It should be easier said than done, to trust Aventurine so willingly with his body, yet he gave in easily, laying just as Aventurine said, spread out on the bed, the soft pillow supporting his head, taking a moment to adjust and let his nerves settle. Blinking back at Aventurine, he awaited his next move, nodding slightly to urge him to continue
‘Mind if I take these off?’ Aventurine asked, looking to Ratio’s underwear, waiting for a nod before hooking his fingers through the waistband. For a moment, he stared at the beginnings of a wet spot adorning the fabric, clearly distracted by it as his gaze traced the imprint of Ratio’s cock through the fabric, before carefully easing the underwear down Ratio’s long legs, discarding it onto the floor.
Aventurine made a small noise of surprise as Ratio’s cock sprung free, eyeing the glistening bead of precome atop the tip. Again, he waited for a nod before wrapping a gloved hand around it, swearing under his breath at the breathy, barely smothered noise Ratio made. ‘So worked up already... Do you want me to make you come like this first?’
‘Continue- whatever plan you’ve concocted,’ Ratio replied, grateful when Aventurine’s hand left his cock, if only so he could stop stifling the noises that threatened to leave him, giving his body the chance to adjust to the arousal coursing through him in thick, hot waves.
‘Gladly.’ Aventurine busied himself with taking off his own underwear, pausing and instead shooting Ratio a smile as he stared at his bulge and the thick impression of Aventurine’s cock beneath the fabric, laughing when Ratio quickly looked away. ‘You can look; I don’t mind.’
Still, Ratio tried his best not to look, though his gaze slowly drifted to Aventurine’s cock, needing to see it and finding it just as hard as his own, effortlessly drawing his focus and demanding all his attention as he shuddered, the object of so much imagination finally revealed to him, thick and heavy between his legs, unable to resist looking to it as Aventurine drew closer to him.
‘Let’s try it like this,’ Aventurine then said, placing his cock between his spread thighs, pushing them together, watching Ratio squirm at the sight of Aventurine’s cock trapped snugly between his thick thighs. ‘If there are sensors detecting movement, this might be enough to fool them. If not, well… we’ll go from there. How’s that sound?’
It took him a moment to answer, the sight of Aventurine’s cock between his thighs absolutely obscene, hot against his skin, drawing all his focus as he helplessly found himself staring at it, arousal thrumming through his body. He felt his own cock twitch, his breath coming out in a shallow gasp as his face heated further, a heavy flush colouring his cheeks. ‘Just move,’ Ratio told him, reclining further back against the pillow, looking up at Aventurine only to shudder intensely, realising that Aventurine had stared at him, watching Ratio fixate on his cock. ‘Come on, just… do it already…’
‘Impatient, are you? Don’t worry- I want this to be good for you, so if there’s anything you want, you tell me, and I’ll do it immediately- only you get to ask that from me.’
Before Ratio could ask what he meant, Aventurine drew back, then thrust forward again, holding Ratio’s thighs close together, re-adjusting his position to lean close, so that his cock could slide against Ratio’s, grinding them together every time he thrust, pleasure pooling through Ratio’s body with every drag of Aventurine’s cock against his, shuddering from the sensitivity.
‘You- you feel amazing,’ Aventurine told him, smiling back when Ratio immediately shuddered from the praise, ‘Your- your skin is so soft, it’s like velvet- I know you must really look after this perfect body of yours, as you should.’
Flattered, Ratio enjoyed the praise and attention, basking in it, every word enhancing his arousal as a loud moan pulled itself from his throat, his mind filled with a distinct fuzziness from Aventurine’s words alone. It made him want more- squirming slightly as he tried to hold back his own desperation, biting lightly at his lips to stop himself from speaking and saying something that only revealed the strength of his own need, still unable to hold back his own moans.
As overwhelming as it felt to have Aventurine so close, disbelief still permeating his mind, Ratio no longer wanted to look away, fixated on Aventurine’s every expression. His flushed, desire-struck face, the way his lips parted in a moan as Ratio’s thick thighs trembled around his cock- all of it enticed Ratio to stare at him, to see the evident, unquestionable enjoyment, to see the way Aventurine indulged in him.
Aventurine’s grip on his thighs, almost possessive, made his mind spin, fogging with arousal until his thoughts were murky, unclear, unable to focus on anything other than the heat of Aventurine’s body against his, and their way their cocks rubbed together, slippery and hot against each other, each thrust drawing breathy, shared sounds from the both of them.
As Aventurine’s rhythm stuttered, Ratio tightened his thighs around his cock, rewarding himself with a low moan from Aventurine’s throat. His thighs shook constantly, every drag of Aventurine’s cock against his own making him moan, his cock constantly leaking, a pool of precome forming on his stomach, with warmth spreading through his body, writhing from it, still trying to keep his thighs in place.
Aventurine moved faster now, rutting into the crevice his thighs had created, and seeing it move in and out, rubbing against his skin, mesmerising him, stealing his focus, Ratio helplessly wondered what it’d be like to be properly fucked by him- to have Aventurine stretch him and fill him deeply. Just from that thought alone, a deep, resounding moan left him, aching for, for more of Aventurine’s touch, for Aventurine to fuck him and claim him.
When Aventurine shifted, bending him slightly to lean further over Ratio’s body, Ratio’s hands grabbed for him on instinct, drawing him into a messy kiss, moaning weakly into his mouth, clinging to him as Aventurine shuddered, fucking his thighs a little faster, a little rougher, returning the kiss with equal fervour. From how worked up he’d already been, Ratio knew he’d come fast, that every puff of Aventurine’s breath against his lips, every moan he swallowed, and every thrust between his legs and grind against his cock, all hastened his orgasm, building within him as his stomach muscles trembled and tightened.
‘Fuck, Ratio- you feel too good, I’m not- lasting much longer like this,’ Aventurine murmured against his lips. He shifted again, grinding with intent against Ratio’s cock, still rutting between his thighs, a shaky gasp leaving his lips. ‘Are- are you close? You’ll- come for me, right?’
‘Oh- ah, yes, I’m- I’m already-’ Ratio shuddered, silencing his moans by kissing Aventurine again, his moans muffled by his lips. Reaching a hand between their bodies, he wrapped it around his own cock, stroking himself slowly, rubbing deliberately against the tip, whining under his breath at the feel of precome leaking over his thighs, the wet, slick sounds flooding him with desire, his thighs quivering and shaking, and before he could even fully register it, he came with a long, drawn out moan, hot come spurting over his own hand, dripping between their bodies.
Aventurine swore under his breath, and if not for the haze of his own orgasm, Ratio would’ve been able to decipher the unknown, garbled words he heard from Aventurine’s lips. Instead, Ratio moaned and writhed, his thighs trembling as Aventurine rubbed against them, his cock throbbing and pulsing, his release seeping down Ratio’s thighs and legs, continuing to move until his noises turned breathier and weaker, his rhythm finally falling apart, then ceasing, letting Ratio’s legs drop.
Seeing the mess of fluids over his skin, Ratio shivered, the sight so obscene that his cock gave another twitch of interest. Despite the fact the after-effects of his orgasm still persisted within him, he still felt the familiar pangs of arousal strike at him, heat still simmering within his body, still wanting more.
Aventurine cast a long, lingering look at the mess, before looking aside, watching the door and the lock. Ratio followed his gaze, looking to see the lock’s interface exactly as it looked last time. ‘That… didn’t do anything, so, that means…’
Ratio closed his eyes, uncertain how this felt. This whole ordeal had tired him, yet even worse, is that he’d known that what they’d done likely wouldn’t work, yet he’d indulged it anyway. And now, it had only left him wanting more. He couldn’t deny it, as much as he wanted to, his feelings bubbling to the surface, threatening to burst the longer he supressed them.
‘Ratio?’ Aventurine said, tapping him, likely having said something that Ratio had tuned out.
‘What?’ Ratio’s tone sounded firmer than he’d meant it, having been snapped from his thoughts too quickly, the word tailing off into a sigh. ‘Apologises, I was… thinking. Aventurine, do you… know very much about the lock? Is it absolute?’
‘I was assigned to this last minute, just an... extra pair of hands. So, it seems there likely is some sort of mental connection- maybe the lock knows what we consider sex? And it knows... we haven’t had it...’
‘I had started to suspect as much. No matter, then. We’ll simply have to have sex.’ Ratio spread his legs slightly, drawing Aventurine’s gaze. ‘You may continue.’
Aventurine narrowed his eyes, still smiling slightly. ‘You know what continue means don’t you? It means you’re asking me to fuck you, Ratio. Are you sure you want that?’
‘My words are confirmation enough,’ Ratio replied, knowing it wasn’t what Aventurine wanted to hear, not quite, the words too difficult for him to say. ‘Stop- looking at me like that. Just hurry up- surely there is... some sort of lubricant. Perhaps busy yourself with finding that instead of staring so strangely at me.’
Aventurine let out a small laugh, shaking his head. ‘Can you blame me? You’re too irresistible, I can’t help but stare.’ As Ratio’s face reddened further, Aventurine smirked to himself, standing so that he could search through the drawers. ‘So, my words do affect you, don’t they? I can see it so clearly, that aroused expression on your face, and the way you look so embarrassed by it... you’re trying to hide it, but I’ll make you admit how much you want this.’
‘Go ahead and try, I’ll doubt you can truly succeed,’ Ratio retorted, failing to suppress a shudder at the smouldering look Aventurine shot him. He already knew he’d lost, that Aventurine’s touch really would change him irreparably, that he’d never be the same after this. Yet as strange as both those feelings and the circumstances were, he wanted it nonetheless.
Without Aventurine’s body draped over his, he felt slightly concerned again, his focus flitting around the room, still noticing no obvious cameras. Perhaps he should be more cautious, and pull the sheets over his body to hide himself, yet whether there were cameras or otherwise, he found that his want for Aventurine hadn’t diminished, now unthinkingly unbothered by the potential risks in a way that momentarily surprised him, realising how much his want for Aventurine affected him.
Thankfully, Aventurine settled between his legs again, his hand skimming over Ratio’s thigh, eliciting another shiver. Of course, he’d found a bottle of lube, holding it up for Ratio to see, shaking it slightly as if to draw his attention. At some point, Aventurine had removed his gloves, the sight of his bare fingers surprising Ratio for a moment, before he shuddered again in anticipation as Aventurine poured lube onto them, warming it between his fingertips.
Holding Ratio’s gaze, Aventurine dipped his hand lower, swirling a slicked fingertip against Ratio’s hole, smiling at the small moan Ratio couldn’t bite back, how he squirmed in place from Aventurine’s teasing. ‘I won’t put it in until you say you want this- oh, and you have to mean it. So, go on- be genuine for me, tell me this is what you really want, and I’ll give you everything.’
Aventurine’s finger rubbing against his hole, already drew breathy little noises from his own lips, trying in vain not to squirm from the stimulation. ‘Fine. Then I want it,’ Ratio said through gritted teeth, pushing back against him just for Aventurine’s finger to retreat, letting out a noise of frustration. ‘Can you stop with the teasing? Stop delaying and do it- or are you incapable?’
‘Trying to goad me, are you doc? Sorry to say, but that won’t work. Try again.’ Aventurine offered him a smile that sent a bolt of heat through him, burning with a mix of irritation and arousal, a heady concoction of feelings that had his cock steadily hardening between his legs. Aventurine merely continued to rub infuriatingly slow circles against him, so close to dipping his finger instead, only to draw back and tease his twitching hole, repeating the motions the more Ratio squirmed.
‘Aventurine,’ Ratio said his name like a warning, undermined by the raspy quality to his voice, tailing off into breathless sound when Aventurine continued the same movements. ‘Why- can’t you- can’t you just- do something?’
‘I am doing something.’ When Ratio scoffed at that, Aventurine laughed fondly. ‘I’m helping you. After all, consider this in the same manner you think about us working together.’ Though Ratio glared at that, Aventurine smiled back. ‘Hear me out. When we work together... don’t you complain if you know I’m not being honest? Don’t you always want my full cooperation? For me to hide nothing from you? That’s my perspective here. I want your every thought, your every feeling, I want nothing to stay hidden. And if I don’t get that, I’ll stop completely.
Annoyingly, frustratingly, Aventurine’s words were true. Ratio did think like that for their work together- he just never considered this the same type of collaborative project. Like his words, the rhythm of his finger was maddening, making him squirm and writhe, his cock painfully aroused and aching; he felt as if fire seared through his body, hot and shuddering waves of frustration and pleasure flooding him, overwhelming him.
‘Aventurine,’ he said again, breather now, his voice edged with desperate, a tremor running through him as Aventurine met his gaze. ‘I want this...’ Ratio murmured, his voice softer now, ‘please.’
Finally, Aventurine relented, dipping a finger inside, even that light stimulation eliciting a strong shudder from Ratio as he clenched around it, breathy sounds rising in the back of his throat, falling freely from his lips. Still loose and relaxed from his recent orgasm, Aventurine’s finger easily sunk inside of him, crooking to delicately press against his prostate, rubbing lightly as he found it, though even that slight pressure felt overwhelmingly good.
‘You can- add another,’ Ratio told him, gasping out a moan, squeezing around Aventurine’s finger. It felt harder to feel any concern for the situation with Aventurine’s finger only making him need more, increasingly desperate for everything Aventurine could give him. When Aventurine looked to him in amusement, Ratio attempted to frown. ‘We’re- we’re under constraints, it’s better- to hurry, for the... sake of the mission...’
Aventurine outright laughed at that. ‘You care about the mission that much, do you? The mission you pestered to accompany on despite having no personal or professional stakes in? Seeing as you apparently care so much, I should just fuck you hard and fast to get it over with and make myself come as soon as possible.’
Ratio swallowed what otherwise would have been an annoyingly loud moan, unable to quell the tremor that wracked him. As much as he’d love that, to be thoroughly used and taken, he also wanted Aventurine’s appreciation, his care, he wanted in these circumstances for Aventurine to look at him with tenderness and devotion. ‘You... said you’d treat me as I deserved. Only you can say… what it is you think I deserve...’
Aventurine’s expression softened, and just as Ratio asked, he eased in a second finger, thrusting gently and making sure to rub small circles against his prostate. ‘I intend to do exactly as I said. You deserve... my upmost attention and appreciation. Only ever the best for you, Ratio.’
Ratio shivered, spreading his legs in an even further invitation, encouraging Aventurine to thrust his fingers in and out, pressing against everywhere sensitive, his insides fluttering around the digits. He’d already long since relaxed into the sensation, melting against the soft sheets, moaning breathlessly, every movement so slow, so gentle, that Ratio felt as if Aventurine worshipped him, light-headed from the adoration on his face.
Soon enough, Aventurine had worked in a third finger, pumping them in and out, stretching Ratio and rubbing his prostate in slow circles, drawing back whenever Ratio pushed against him for more. Intent on drawing out the pleasure, whilst always leaving him wanting more, Aventurine’s fingers continued to move in and out, so achingly close to giving him what he wanted.
‘Stop, ah- teasing,’ Ratio scolded him, trying to keep his voice firm, desperately trying not to moan too loudly as Aventurine rubbed slow circles against his prostate. ‘I’m- I’m more than ready, you can- just insert it.’
Again, Aventurine let out a small laugh, the sound so undeniably fond that Ratio ached from it. ‘It? You can’t even say the word? By it, I could assume you mean another finger, or my tongue... but I know what you want, what you need... so, just for you, I’ll stop teasing... for now, anyway.’
‘For now isn’t definitive enough- I’d rather you not tease me at all.’
‘We both know that’s not true. If you truly hate something, you’d say it with more sincerity,’ Aventurine pointed out, smile widening as Ratio’s face flush further. ‘Besides, you’ve known me long enough, you know what I’m like... I’m starting to realise, if you really didn’t like me... you’d not even have asked to be here.’
‘Were you seriously doubting if I liked you at all?’ Ratio wondered, his embarrassment subsiding somewhat as he turned to take in Aventurine’s expression. ‘I’ve tolerated many fools in my life, however Aventurine, you are neither a fool, nor someone I merely tolerate. Now, as I’ve said… continue.’
Aventurine’s cock pressed against his hole, hot against his skin, shivering at his own rising desire for Aventurine to fill him. He knew Aventurine had found no condoms earlier- surprising, given the room they were in, yet secretly Ratio delighted in that fact, wanting to feel all of him, to leave no sensation unknown. He had to inwardly debate if he could take it, uncertain now that he could fully see the thickness of it, wondering if anything could truly prepare him for it, promptly deciding he’d rather find out firsthand.
‘It should be… quite stretchable, it should fit,’ Ratio said when Aventurine looked from his hole to his face, shooting him a questioning look as if silently asking if Ratio were really sure. ‘Oh, just put it in already.’
Aventurine laughed at that, completely carefree. ‘Your dirty talk is just so sexy, Ratio.’ As he pressed forward, and the thick tip slowly breached Ratio’s willing hole, each of them let out a shaky sound, both edged with desire.
As Aventurine spread him open, a wavering moan left Ratio’s lips, his earlier desperation reigniting, burning through his body. Could Aventurine give him everything he wanted? Could he satisfy every desire and need? Would he quell the aching, simmering arousal that thrummed through him? He met Aventurine’s eyes, wondering if Aventurine saw the unspoken questions in his stare, almost hoping he would, that he could know from a glance alone how needy and desperate his attention made Ratio.
Sinking inside inch by inch, Aventurine kept his movements careful, his cock hot and thick as it pressed against everything sensitive inside of Ratio, unyielding as it spread him open. Every movement, as Aventurine gave him every inch at a steady pace, felt better than Ratio had ever imagined, already knowing he’d be obsessed with this, finding in this moment he no longer cared if this would now be a constant, undeniable need.
Though he pushed back, trying to take more, Aventurine’s hand squeezed at his hip, holding him steady to stop him moving too much, and even if his pace stuttered for a moment, he always resumed that same, slow pace, before finally, after what felt like too long a wait, his hips were flushed with Ratio’s. Soothingly, his fingers trailed along Ratio’s thigh, watching his body quiver as he adjusted to the shape and feel of his cock, moving slightly and watching his cock slide in and out of Ratio’s hole.
Already, Ratio rocked back, the stretch noticeable but not painful, a pleasant ache spreading through him at being filled so much, his thighs trembling from the sensitivity coursing through his body. Aventurine watched him for a moment, staring as Ratio tried to move by himself, before tentatively shifting to meet Ratio’s movements, soon settling for a steady, deep rhythm, one that had Ratio shuddering and moaning from every thrust.
Aventurine kept himself slow and gentle, yet it still felt as if every thrust carefully shaped Ratio for his cock, and that every moment from now on he’d feel empty if Aventurine wasn’t buried as deeply inside of him as possible. Even Aventurine’s hand brushing against his cheek had him letting out breathy, whiny noises, leaning into his touch, every small movement from Aventurine eliciting shivers that shot along his every nerve.
Though his own hand shook, he locked his fingers with Aventurine, his face burning red as he brought Aventurine’s hand closer, letting his knuckles brush against his lips. From that small gesture, he wondered if he’d betrayed himself too much, if Aventurine could look into his eyes and see how deeply desire had sunk into him, lodged in the very marrow of his bone, every pump of his heart sending another deluge of desire through him, his adoration for Aventurine constantly streaming through his veins.
Yet Aventurine’s smile was kind in a way Ratio wasn’t usually allowed to see- and so perhaps words weren’t needed, perhaps in the depths of his heart, Aventurine knew how he felt, and he knew Aventurine’s feelings, too.
As he tipped his head back in a moan, Aventurine’s hand falling free from his grip, Ratio stared up at the ceiling for a moment, and as he did so, he recalled with sudden clarity where they were, exactly what this room was. He had to wonder if there were cameras after all, if there would be a recording somewhere out there of him unravelling around Aventurine’s cock, capturing his softly furrowed brow and parted lips, the audio nothing but moans and slick sounds.
Feeling Ratio flutter around him, Aventurine followed his gaze, his smile widening as he easily understood his thoughts. ‘Oh, I see… you’re still thinking if there’re cameras, right? Do you like that? The idea of being watched…’ Aventurine leant back slightly, trailing his hands over Ratio’s body, from his shuddering muscles to his chest, brushing briefly over his peaked nipples, his fingers then caressing his collarbones, watching the way Ratio writhed for him. ‘Look at you… so reactive, so expressive… Do you even know what you look like right now? I wish- there was a mirror, so I could show you your own beautiful face…’
Ratio couldn’t help but clench around Aventurine at that, inwardly liking the idea, stunned by the intensity of his feelings, though he still tried to fling a hand over his face to hide himself from Aventurine’s admiring gaze. Of course, Aventurine easily caught his hand, pinning it beside his head, purposefully leaning over him so that he could speak closer to Ratio’s ear, caging him against the bed with his body.
‘But even if there are cameras… I want this sight only for myself,’ Aventurine murmured against the shell of his ear, chuckling lightly as Ratio clenched around him again. ‘Do you like that?’ His lips brushed against Ratio’s shoulder, then his neck, sucking at his thrumming pulse point until Ratio moaned obscenely. ‘Such beautiful sounds, too… I wonder if anyone downstairs can hear you cry out for more? It’d be such a shame to covet something as precious as you for myself, but I want you more than- than I can say.’
Ratio’s entire body shuddered, twisting and twitching with all-consuming arousal. He longed to tell Aventurine to take him- body, soul, whatever he wanted, Aventurine could have it, his entire being, everything he was. Yet only a debauched, broken sound left him, embarrassingly loud as Aventurine fucked into him, his movements rougher now, driven by pure need, ensuring he felt every drag of his cock against his swollen, sensitive prostate.
Still, Ratio felt he’d spoken anyway, as Aventurine’s hot breath fanned over his skin, his intense stare brimming with lust and dark with desire, never once looking anywhere but Ratio. His own expression had slackened with pleasure somewhat, his eyes fluttering shut only to immediately open, determined to watch Ratio amidst the throes of pleasure, to see how he trembled from his touch.
Ratio slung and arm over Aventurine’s back, pulling him closer. ‘Come- come inside me, make me yours, please- I- oh, I need, I need you, Aventurine-’ He jolted against him, arching his back as Aventurine throbbed inside of him, keenly aware of his every movement, every twitch felt as he fluttered around Aventurine in turn.
‘Fuck, Ratio- you’re- you’re so-’ Whatever Aventurine meant to say, a moan replaced his words, his movements firmer as Ratio buried his head against his shoulder and moaned desperately into his ear. ‘I’ll- I’ll fill you, just like you want, I’ll keep you full always-’ Aventurine’s hand snuck between them, tightly wrapping around Ratio’s cock, stroking him to meet the pace of his thrusts, teasing at the slit as precome streamed over his fingers, every stroke slicker and wetter than the last.
‘Ah- Aventurine, I- I’m-’ Ratio jolted, a gasp leaving him followed by a resounding moan, unable to hold back the strings of sounds that left him, all desperate and needy, clinging onto Aventurine and clutching the fabric of his shirt, twisting it in his grip. With an especially broken moan, Ratio’s hips squirmed as he finally came, breathy sounds filling the air as well as punched out moans, clenching harshly around Aventurine’s cock as his own release stained their shirts, writhing as Aventurine stroked his sensitive cock into oversensitivity.
Rhythm stuttering, Aventurine groaned in the back of his throat as his own release overtook him, Ratio’s insides squeezing him so tightly he could hold back no longer. As Ratio moaned from the feeling of being filled, Aventurine’s rhythm faltered further, completely falling apart until every thrust became slower, uncoordinated, lazily grinding against Ratio’s prostate.
Finally, as Ratio weakly twitched beneath him, Aventurine slumped over him, stopping moving entirely. For a while, they lay there together, gathering their breathing, as though both of them were aware of the distant, metallic unlocking sound, yet not wanting to move. However, with a reluctant sigh, Aventurine moved first, pulling his softening cock free with a wet sound, smiling as Ratio pressed back, as if trying to take him inside again.
‘We could go again,’ Aventurine offered with a sly smile, dragging his fingers through the mess between Ratio’s legs, pushing some of his own release back into Ratio’s loose hole.
‘As… as much as I’d prefer to do that, we… shouldn’t linger here.’ Ratio shakily stood up, looking around the room in case a camera had suddenly materialised, wobbling in place as Aventurine’s hand wrapped around his shoulder, steadying him. With Aventurine’s support, he bent down to pick up his own underwear and pants, easing them back up his legs, his mind too hazy to pay much attention to the come still seeping from him. ‘Let’s… meet up with the others.’
‘Ratio, there’s no way you can hide the fact I’ve just fucked you.’ Aventurine tightened his hold on his shoulder, brushing Ratio’s hair with his fingers and smoothing the strands down, re-adjusting the laurel pin so that it no longer threatened to slip free entirely. Then, he rested his hand against Ratio’s heated cheek, before swiping his thumb over his lips and wiping away a sliver of saliva. ‘No offence, but you look like a beautiful mess… Your hair is all over the place, your face is so, so red… your clothes are crumpled, your legs are shaking- or and not to mention the fact you have… very obvious stains on your shirt.’
‘Oh.’ Ratio looked down at himself, finding Aventurine to be right, his legs shaking constantly as he stood, his clothing stained, completely obvious. ‘I suppose… the state of my being presents somewhat of an issue… regarding professionalism.’
Aventurine leant closer, his lips brushing against Ratio’s cheek for a moment, before murmuring in his ear. ‘Let me get you back to the hotel room. Don’t worry about anything else, let me make sure you’re safe and resting well, that’s all I want.’
‘You don’t look much better than I do,’ Ratio weakly complained, more for the sake of it, nodding to the state of Aventurine’s own crumpled clothes, and the stains of Ratio’s release on his shirt. ‘You can’t… seriously return to… the mission…’
‘I care less about the… implications of my appearance. Besides, we’ve been here long enough, for all we know, everything’s already completely sorted… and we missed it all. Usually, I’d not want to miss anything exciting but…’ Aventurine’s offered him a wide, satisfied smile. ‘I don’t think anything could have been more exciting than this, than you.... So, get some rest, Ratio… because if you’re willing, I think I’ll need another dose of the excitement only you give me soon.’
Ratio deliberately sighed at that, aiming for annoyed, though it sounded undeniably fond, relieved to know that Aventurine at least returned his feelings. ‘We’ll at least find out whether our assistance is still needed and, after that… I’m all yours.’
Saying that, he didn’t wait for a reaction, turning to leave the room as his heart pounded faster, trying to ignore any thoughts of the consequences of what had happened, or of what might become of the mission. Yet as he walked, he still felt Aventurine’s at his back, watching him intently and distracting him from his thoughts. And when a hand snaked around his waist, holding him tightly as Aventurine’s steps matched his own, Ratio continued to say nothing, though he knew the subtle smile on his flushed face said everything for him.