Work Text:
Aventurine, albeit being quite glued on his work computer, still noticed that an email was sent to him as notified by his mobile phone that just lit up. For a moment, he let his attention shift to it, thinking that it equally held importance and had to be tended to soonest he possibly could.
The sender's name immediately caught his attentionー
"Dr. Ratio?" He could have just texted me instead of sending an email.
Aventurine chuckled to himself.
The doctor really insists to be formal with me despite the years we've worked with each other and had been together.
However, as Aventurine ran through the professor's message, his views of it quickly changed:
To Aventurine of the IPC's Strategic Investment Department:
Hopefully that amidst your work, you have not forgotten what day is todayーone I refuse to remind you of. It is solely your responsibility to remember how important 5th of May is.
But you can be a careless one.
Therefore, the ubiquitous meーnone other than Dr. Veritas Ratioーshall help you jog your memory.
On this day, I find myself lost in the beauty of youーyour essence, your heart, your mind. It is not merely a day to mark the passage of time, but a sacred moment in which I pause to revel in the miracle that is you.
I often reflect on how inextricably my life is woven into the tapestry of your presence. There are moments, quiet and unspoken, when our souls meet in a language only we understandーa kind of symphony that transcends words. To say that you are my anchor would be to diminish the depth of what you mean to me. You are not simply my anchor, but the very pulse that beats through my veins, the quiet yet fierce force that keeps me grounded, yet allows me to soar.
In your laughter, I hear the melody of every dream we have yet to chase, every horizon we have yet to explore. In your gaze, I see the universe itself, its infinite stars and endless possibilities, each one shining with the brilliance of your love. You are my constant reminder that love is not just a feeling, but a force, a power, an energy that transforms everything it touches.
Today, I celebrate not just the passage of another year, but the growth of our love, which has deepened and expanded in ways both gentle and profound. I think back to the early days of our journey, when we first discovered the joy of simply existing in one another's space, and I marvel at how far we have come. Yet, in every moment, I know that we are only just beginning.
My wish for you is simple: may you always know how deeply you are cherished, how profoundly you are loved. May you never doubt yourself, think carefully of the steps you will make in life... and that you are the center of my universe, the most precious part of my every day.
Happy birthday, my love. Thank you for being everything I never knew I needed, and everything I ever dreamed I could have. I am, and will always be, yours.
Forever and Always,
Dr. Veritas Ratio
The young blonde was stunned. He would normally know what to do even in the tightest situation he had been in life but with this letter in particular, he couldn't find even a word to respond it with.
At first, he found himself forcing out a chuckle as if to shove off what he just read but soonest he rested his elbows on his table, Aventurine began using the back of his hand to wipe his falling tears away. Regardless of his effort, they kept gracing his contours with the traces they left.
He removed his glasses and placed it on the table. "Ratio, you really...," but wasn't able to finish his statement. He wasn't sure whether to complain or make a joke about itーthere wasn't any response other than that either way.
Topaz, who was passing by the aisle Aventurine was in, noticed that his focus was elsewhere... wiping his eyes. Confused, she tried to make an assumption by saying, "Hey, Aventurine, you couldn't be slacking off like this, you know? That's unfair...," if the blonde could see her right now, he would know she was slightly pouting yet there was softness in the tone she used. "If you need rest, you can tell Jade."
Aventurine pretended to be massaging his head to hide the truth that he was crying. "...Yeah, you're right," and even tried to laugh it out. "Well, as expected from you, Director Topaz."
While it was unfair in a sense that she adjusted her own schedule accordingly to get proper rest and also be productive at work, Topaz was intelligent enough to understand that compared to the given missions to her, Aventurine had the tougher, complicated ones, sometimes those that none of them believed he could have done.
Numby walked by her side, tilting their head in wondermentーit didn't look like Aventurine needed rest, though, they thought, yet it was also something they themselves failed to comprehend.
Topaz gave him a mixed look of confusion and worry before finally leading herself back to her own spot. She does, however, hope that Aventurine feels better soon, though.
Meanwhile, Aventurine did follow her advice except actually resting. Aventurine took the day off, left the quarters that day to meet the man who sent him that letterーDr. Veritas Ratioーindeed, for what his special day would be if it wasn't celebrated with his most important person?
Fortunately, both Topaz and Numby were looking at the opposite direction, completely missing how Dr. Ratio and Aventurine met at the doorstep of the quarters and sharing a kiss. At least, she had a break from those twoーa rare occurrence she would forever cherish.
Happy birthday, Kakavasha!