#asteronomical writings

[asteronomical]

RTRN Canon Compliant Snippet #3

“Well, would you look at that. You keep staring at me, doc.”

“An astute observation, dear gambler. We are supposed to be a couple, are we not?”

“Yes. Though I don’t recall your job description involving ogling your partner.”

“How crude. At the very least, indulge me as I play the part of an enamored man.”

“My, am I that easy on the eyes?”

“That question needs not be asked. You are objectively beautiful.”

“And subjectively?”

“… I suppose my sentiments remain the same.”

[asteronomical]

RTRN Canon Compliant Snippet #2

After a beat of silence, Aventurine huffs. "But you know what I plan to do. Wouldn’t want you to waste your time on a dead man walking.”

“My time is not being wasted. You are not a dead man." Like this, it feels like Ratio is trying to convince himself instead. "Even if you were, there is merit to this moment that will last beyond your death.”

“Why?” Aventurine turns his head to the side so he can look up at the doctor. Even when his face is no longer hidden, it is near impossible to gauge what feeling his expression conveys. “We are mere coworkers, doctor. Collaborators at worst, and friends at best.”

“One would think we are beyond all that, already.” Ratio reaches out to tuck a stray strands of hair behind the gambler’s ear. With just that one brave step forward, it feels like he could run ahead with full confidence. And so he does. “You know the rumors.”

“Hm?” Aventurine sits up just enough so he can rest his chin on his hand, turning to face him properly. The corners of his mouth twitch, pretty pink lips curling up into a smile. He knows where this is going. He knows and yet they can never be direct with each other, so he resorts to riddles once again. “I didn’t take you to be an avid gossiper.”

“I am not. Their hushed whispers crawl into my ears, unwillingly.” Ratio does not withdraw his hand. Instead his touch lingers on the shell of the other man’s ear, sliding down to graze the lobe and its one earring. The feathered ends of the jewelry brush against his fingertips as he moves to gently hold his face, rubbing against the soft cheek until the reds of a faint blush bloom on the pale skin.

“And?” Aventurine sighs and it’s a little breathless, a little winded even though he’s only tipsy at most. He leans into the touch like it is a lifeline, dainty eyelashes fluttering when their gazes meet. “What do the rumors say?”

“They say you have me wrapped around your finger. And you, mine.” Ratio mumbles, and he runs his thumb over Aventurine’s parting lips as though he’s sealing the secret between them. “They say the esteemed Doctor of the Intelligentsia Guild is entangled with a certain quartzite Stoneheart, and that he is drawn to him with all the inevitability of a moth to a flame.”

“And are they right?”

“Would I be here if they were wrong?”

[asteronomical]

RTRN Royalty AU Snippet with Prince Aventurine and Advisor Ratio

Kakavasha huffs, scooting over to make room for company. “And what does my upcoming coronation have to do with me entertaining potential suitors?”

“You are about to step up as the ruler of the empire, but you have not been betrothed yet.” Veritas slips into the seat right next to him, and their shoulders brush against each other as he reaches for the pastries. “On top of that, your romantic prospects have been rather… barren due to your lack of interest in pursuing them.”

The prince takes a bite out of the macaron that’s pressed to his lips, chewing quickly so he can get his complaints out faster. “Surely the council does not believe that an unmarried king would be that incapable of governing. Are they perhaps thinking with the wrong head so often that they think I would do the same?”

“Mind your words, Kakavasha.” The advisor scolds, lightly dabbing a napkin on the corner of his mouth to wipe away some frosting. “Though, I do share your sentiments. It is truly archaic to attribute a king’s professional abilities to his personal relationships, or lack thereof.”

“Oh, Veritas.” The other man turns to face him, slender fingers curling around his bicep and dainty eyelashes fluttering as their gazes meet. “How could they ever think that I need a consort by my side when I already have you?”

“That…” He trails off, clearing his throat. Distinctly, he can feel his cheeks warming up as he lets his thoughts wander into unknown territory. “Mind the implications of your words, too.”

[asteronomical]

hes a lil silly

[asteronomical]

the banter is Bantering

[asteronomical]

RTRN Royalty AU Snippet #3

“Let me rephrase then, my beloved advisor.” Prince Kakavasha turns in his seat to face him, giving him the cordial smile that he knows is well-practiced. “None of them are worthy of my love, for all that it is worth. To me, that is the ultimate goal of marriage. I fail to see the merit in a loveless union.”

“Then, that is where the problem lies.” Veritas is a weak man, and so his demeanor softens as easily as the manner in which he puts a reassuring hand on Kakavasha’s shoulder. He is more than just this man’s advisor; for not even years of duty could erase the childhood spent as friends. “I am not the council, and I will not urge you to settle with someone you are unhappy with. However, I do believe that these meetings are essential to you eventually finding true love. Perhaps tomorrow shall be a start.”

“No. I already… have someone in my heart.” The prince averts his gaze, and there is a faraway look in his eyes as they swirl with unreadable emotion. “And I know for a fact that he will not be courting me.”

[asteronomical]

RTRN Royalty AU Snippet #2

“The council is getting rather bold.” Veritas scoffs, having half the mind to stop the carriage at this exact moment and demand they be brought back to the palace. “How impudent of them to suggest that you should be the one to visit the duchy instead of the opposite.”

“A small transgression, my beloved advisor.” Kakavasha interjects, voice clipped. “Besides, it is no greater offense than the circumstances that have led us here.”

A small twinge of something twists his gut. “Right. Your Highness, I−”

“Save your apologies, Veritas. This isn’t your fault.” The prince waves him off, leaning against the cushioned seat with a resigned sigh. “I know there is only so much you can do with your hands tied.”

“Then have my repentances, Kakavasha.” The advisor holds his hand out like it is an olive branch, waiting with bated breath. “Do accept it. Please tell me what I can do to make this ordeal a little more bearable.”

“Accompany me while inside the Duke’s mansion. It is awfully big, and unfamiliar and lonely.” Kakavasha looks up expectantly, slipping slender fingers into the awaiting gentle hold. “If it is you, my beloved advisor, I will always want you by my side.”

“Do you think I am simply here to warm the carriage seats?” Veritas brings their hands up, brushing the other’s knuckles against his lips. “If it is you, my dearest prince, I will follow you to the ends of the earth.”

[asteronomical]

RTRN Vampire AU Snippet

Ratio sinks his teeth in.

He can feel the way Aventurine’s breath gets caught in his throat, the way he swallows thickly past the fangs digging into the junction between his neck and collarbone. He can feel the way Aventurine’s heart races from where their chests press against each other, the way his blood vessels thrum under the gentle press of his lips.

Blood oozes out of the pinprick wound, spilling onto his waiting tongue. With it, comes the telltale scent of copper in the air; it always marks the beginnings of a feast. And yet, Ratio is no gluttonous fool. He partakes in moderation, practices self-control, and pays mind to his limits. However, he falters at the taste.

For the first time in a long while, he wants to indulge.

Immediately, Ratio pulls back and puts some distance between them. A rivulet of red trickles out of the wound, down Aventurine’s exposed torso. He wants nothing more than to lick it back up, to trail a path of kisses up the heated flesh and drink straight from the source. It was like honey. It was sweet, and sugary, and saccharine.

It was tempting.

It was no less than divine. He is no god, and he cares not for their affairs. And yet, he could liken Aventurine’s body to delectable ambrosia, and his blood to syrupy nectar. Would he really be so much of a demon if this is what pulls at the strings of his restraint?

Aventurine’s pretty eyelashes flutter open, and he looks up at him with dazed eyes. “Hah… What’s stopping you, doctor?”

Ratio stumbles over his words for just a moment. “I… fear I may not be able to control myself.”

“Then don’t.”

“I can’t just take all your blood.”

“It’s yours to take.” Aventurine holds onto his shoulders, pulling him closer and whispering into his ear. “I’m yours to take.”

And perhaps, that is both permission and forgiveness all in one.

Ratio sinks his teeth in once again. This time, he devours.

[asteronomical]

dialogue from a wip ^^

[asteronomical]

RTRN Canon Compliant Snippet where they have a small talk before Penacony

“You’ve grown complacent, doctor, if all it takes for you to go behind the IPC’s back is a vague request from a Stoneheart.”

“That is not complacency. It is choice.”

“Well, isn’t that a little careless?” Aventurine huffs and looks away, absentmindedly tracing the rim of the forgotten shot glass in between them. “What, when Topaz comes knocking at your door in the middle of the night, you’ll drop everything to assist her in her plight?”

“No.” Ratio says easily. All too easily, all too quickly, and giving away just a bit too much. “Of course not.”

Those striking eyes look up at him, flashing with an unreadable glint. He feels like his very soul is being picked apart, like the fundamental machinations of his being are being tinkered with. “Then?”

“I accepted your request because it was you who needed my help. Not the IPC, not the ten Stonehearts, but you, Aventurine.” He pointedly looks away, as if he hadn’t laid his heart bare on the granite countertop just in front of them. “Is that so hard to fathom?”

“Perhaps.”

“It shouldn’t be. For you, I have done far more for far less.”

Aventurine scoffs. “What do you have to gain here, then? You know as well as I that I cannot promise you anything.”

“You can, my dear gambler." Ratio insists. "Your safety, for one. Your life and its continued existence, for another.”

“My sincerest apologies, doctor. I’m afraid that not even that is set in stone.”

“On whose terms? Yours, or the IPC?”

“Are those not one and the same? I am but an asset. My life is but a debt to be repaid in full.”

[asteronomical]

hi!! showing off @unoriginalpun and i's magical girls ratiorine au!! the dynamic is magical girl doctor ratio x reckless fighter aventurine,, and we have 3 chapters up so far with 17k words and some visual aids!! do stay tuned because there's many many more to come, and we're only 10% of the way through!!

[asteronomical]

RTRN Magical Girls AU - First Meeting

Aventurine nods, quickly scrambling for his phone. He’s not going to pass up on being in direct contact with a coordinator, especially pretty ones that give him free grief seeds just because he’s low on them.

He looks back up once he finishes typing the numbers and asks, “Hey, what do you want your contact name to be?” 

“Whatever you like.”

“Can you give me your name?" 

"No." 

"Okay, then can I give you my name?" 

"No.” The pretty stranger deadpans, “I'll get attached."

Despite himself, Aventurine laughs. “I’ll just call you doctor, then, since you refuse to give me your name.” His fingers flutter across his phone keyboard immediately.

“Don’t.” There’s a hesitant pause, but words follow it anyway. “It’s Veritas Ratio.”

“Aventurine.” He smiles like he’s the cat that got the cream. And perhaps he is. “Pleased to make your acquaintance, doctor.”

[asteronomical]

RTRN Magical Girls AU - Flirting Mid-Battle

── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──

In the aftermath lies the single rose that was offered to him, slowly sinking into the colored sand. Aventurine picks it up, gingerly spinning the stem between his fingers as he gets an idea. He saunters up to the entrance, where Ratio is still sitting and observing him. He kneels before him, holding out the flower.

“For you, doctor~” Aventurine winks. “A little gift for being such an attentive audience.”

The coordinator groans as he abruptly closes his book, grabbing the rose and brushing their hands against each other. "Quit playing games, gambler,” he hisses despite his cheeks turning a little pink, “if you’re such a veteran, you should know not to turn your back on your enemy.”

Their conversation is interrupted by a swarm of familiars throwing themselves at them, but Aventurine’s not surprised. For the first time tonight, he lets his peacock tail fan out completely to shield both of them. It’s big enough to cast a shadow on Ratio’s face, who looks up at the fluttering feathers with wide eyes. The bugs bounce off him harmlessly before he turns around, and they dissipate with a quick swipe of his fan that sends daggers flying into them. 

“Ignore them.” Aventurine giggles as he glances back at the coordinator. “You were saying?”

── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──

Click here for the full chapter!

[asteronomical]

RTRN Magical Girls AU - Aventurine's Transformation

── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──

Aventurine huffs, his soul gem shining between his fingers. “Let’s get this going,” he says to himself as his magic engulfs him whole. 

Turquoise light wraps around his figure, manifesting into luxurious fabrics and long feathers that spread across his entire body. They crawl over every inch of his skin until they all disappear with a twirl, revealing a teal leotard topped with feathers as black as ravens that curl around his neck and shoulders. It hugs his torso tightly, showing off his lithe frame and a peek of his bare skin through circular hip windows.

Then, magic swirls around his waist and covers his legs in a shimmering skirt, all until it fans out into feathers with the coy sway of his hips. Flared white pants emerge from the curtain of glitter and sparkle, alongside a peacock’s tail fanning out from his lower back. The vibrant feathers swish around as he twirls, arching his back and leaning toward the descending luminescence above him.

He receives it gracefully. A teal diamond falls down into the center of his torso, unzipping a spade window into his chest. Aureate embroidery surrounds it, as though to keep it in place. Then, his wrists glow as golden bracelets wrap around them loosely, and the magic in one of his hands crawls upwards until it settles on the dip of his palm.

A flash bursts out in a brilliant yet fleeting display. A feathery weight replaces the warmth in his grip, and it is then that a peacock feather fan manifests itself in Aventurine’s hand. It’s just at the right time too, because the witch finally stands up on two stubby legs. 

He grins as he spreads his fan wide open, and there is a dangerous glint of something metallic in between the feathers. “Shall we?”

── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──

Click here for the full chapter!

[asteronomical]

“Surely there is more to you, beyond the initial intrigue of your eyes.” Veritas continues, “No person is defined solely by one thing. There are other facets to your form, and more layers to your character. Should I uncover all of them, I will certainly find new novelties to be enamored with.”

“You’re oddly passionate about this, but I would be lying if I said I wasn’t curious.” Kakavasha's eyes burn with something fervent, and he recognizes it as the passion of a betting man. “List one of them, then. One of those novelties you mentioned.”

Truly, it could be anything. It could be something mundane, like his favorite color or his age. But no. Veritas Ratio is not one for easy problems nor easy solutions. Veritas Ratio is one for the profound, for the questions that are hard to ask and even harder to answer. There is no challenge he will back down from, and he has no qualms with having them be self-imposed.

“Your scent,” the alpha decides. “I shall guess it.”

Or: The four times Alpha Veritas guesses Omega Kakavasha’s scent through coffee orders, and the one time he gets it right.