Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It felt like finally breathing fresh air after escaping that hellhole of a town, like being freed from a shackle that had clung to his neck for years. He’d spent so long trying to make a life there, trying to fit in, but it never worked.

In the end, leaving was the only thing that made sense. Ratio should have known better when he chose to pursue a career in a place like that. It wasn’t as if he hadn’t done his research. He knew about the crime, the shootings, the drugs. He just thought he could handle it. 

But what blinded him to all the red flags was the state of education there. It was so low that he thought maybe, somehow, he could make a difference. Even after working himself to the bone every day, pushing past his limits, nothing changed. 

The people in that broken town weren’t going to change, any more than the rest of their crime-infested town ever would.

He used to believe there was hope, that maybe the teens actually wanted to learn, that the place still had a chance. But he had placed his hope too high, because even the local university, the only one still operating in town, turned out to be a disaster. It was the worst institution he had ever lectured at. No wonder it never received proper accreditation. Corruption ran deep, with the university siding with gangs and shielding the rotten government. 

And the worst part was that, for him as a male omega, it had been hell. When he chose to be honest about his identity, he was mocked, harassed, and faced constant discrimination. The hatred became unbearable, leaving him with more trauma than he could carry. Eventually, he learned to hide who he was every day just to survive.

The trauma still lingered, even now. Even after moving into a new neighborhood, he couldn’t bring himself to trust it right away—not after everything that had happened. Just in case something went wrong again, Ratio went out wearing scent blockers and kept taking his suppressants, even though they were rough on his body. None of it mattered. He just didn’t want to have to move again.

He liked the new university where he worked, and his colleagues had been kind, greeting him warmly the first time they met. After a full week of lecturing, for the first time in a long while, he allowed himself to hope that maybe he could finally settle down.

On the bright side, where he was living now was nice too. He rented an apartment on the third floor, and the elevator actually worked. That was a relief, unlike before, when the elevator constantly broke down and once even trapped him inside for nearly three hours.

Living in the new place was a relief. He no longer felt like he had to stay on edge all the time. He didn’t have to worry about getting shot on his way home, or coming back to find his apartment broken into, or dealing with drug dealers living next door. For once, things felt peaceful. 

His neighbors were normal too. He met one of them once, a woman who seemed like a typical nine-to-five worker. They didn’t talk much, just exchanged a quick greeting when she stepped out to pick up some takeout. She gave him a polite nod before heading back inside. She wasn’t exactly talkative, but that was fine by him. It was already so much better than what he was used to. 

That Saturday afternoon, Ratio decided to take a walk around the neighborhood, just to get a feel for the place. The streets were clean, with people strolling around, minding their own business. Some were relaxing, others just returning from the mart.

It was peaceful, a quiet contrast to the chaos and danger he had left behind. A couple of kids rode their bikes past him, laughing, one of them nearly crashing into a mailbox. Someone was mowing their lawn a few houses down. There were no sirens, no screaming matches through paper-thin walls, no constant tension in the air. Just life. Ordinary, boring life. And gods, he had missed boring.

Passing by a small park, he found an empty bench and sat down, watching a dog chase after a frisbee while its owners laughed nearby. The simple scene helped him relax, the tension he hadn’t realized he was carrying slowly slipping away. For the first time in a long while, he didn’t feel like he had to keep looking over his shoulder. He stayed there for a while, watching the crowd enjoy the afternoon, and thought that maybe next time he’d bring a book and spend some time reading in the park.

After a while, Ratio left the bench and kept walking, turning corners without checking the map and letting his feet guide him. He wasn’t just trying to learn the streets. He wanted to let himself exist in this new place, to start feeling at home. He walked past rows of tidy houses, small family-owned shops, and cozy cafés with open patios.

A bookstore caught his eye, and he made a mental note to come back when he had the time. He wandered through a tree-lined residential block, noticing a bowl of water left out for passing dogs and handwritten signs offering piano lessons.

By the time the sun dipped low in the sky, painting the clouds in soft golds and pinks, he found a small diner nestled between a laundromat and a florist. The smell of food was warm and inviting. He slipped into a booth, ordered something hearty, and sat for a while, watching strangers come and go. Everyone looked busy, like they had places to be, but no one seemed like they were running for their lives. And that was enough for him.

After dinner, instead of heading straight back, he wandered deeper into the city. The air had cooled, carrying hints of rain, concrete, and the lingering aroma of grilled street food. He followed the trail of brightening lights and the distant thump of bass until he turned onto a street that looked like it belonged to another world.

This was the city’s glittering side. Neon signs glowed in electric pinks and blues, flickering over sleek clubs and cocktail bars. Music pulsed behind heavy doors while people lined up in heels, suits, and glittery shirts, laughing loudly, some gathering to smoke beneath the streetlamps. The glow reflected off windows, puddles, and passing cars. It all felt more alive than anywhere else he had walked through that day.

He paused for a moment, taking it in. The night here had a pulse. It was nothing like the town he’d left behind, and for once, he didn’t feel out of place. He had never really been the type to go clubbing, but something about the energy drew him in. Ratio crossed the street and made his way to the nearest entrance, wanting to see what this part of the city was really like.

Music blasted through the room as he stepped inside. The place was packed with drunk people, loud voices, and flashing lights. It was an experience completely new to him. He had never really been in a crowd like this before, but as he looked around, the atmosphere didn’t seem so bad. The people around him seemed nice. Normal, even. At the very least, they didn’t look like the kind of dangerous men he was used to, and that alone felt like a win.

The best part was that everyone’s scents blended together in the crowd, mixing in the air, so he didn’t have to worry tonight, even if his scent blocker started to wear off.

He made his way deeper into the club, weaving through the crowd of dancers on the floor. A few people asked him to join them, and for a moment he considered it, but he just shook his head and kept moving until he reached the bar. He took a seat on one of the stools and let himself breathe, taking in the unfamiliar comfort of it all.

Ratio ordered something simple, wanting the burn of alcohol but nothing too strong. He waited patiently, watching the crowd, until a couple took the stools beside him. They looked like they had just come from the dance floor, still laughing and catching their breath.

“Hayi, really, tell me—why don’t you want to come with me to pick up furniture? You promised you’d come next time for our date,” Ratio overheard the blonde one say to his partner, his voice taking on a slight whine as he leaned into the gray-haired man beside him.

“I thought you were going to ask me out on a real date or something,” the man replied flatly, not even glancing at the blonde as he flagged down the bartender.

“It is a date. You don’t think picking out pretty furniture counts?” the blonde shot back.

“No. And you never even listen to what I like when it comes to furniture. So why do I need to go?” He finally turned his head to look at the blonde. “Last time I said I liked a lamp, you told me it gave ‘emo vibe.’”

“Because it did! It was gray and depressing.”

“Maybe I like gray and depressing,” the gray-haired man said, folding his arms and refusing to budge.

“No, you don’t.” The blonde rolled his eyes and grabbed his partner’s glass, taking a sip without asking. His face twisted instantly. “Ugh, why do you drink this?”

“Says the guy who orders something stronger than rocket fuel and then passes out ten minutes later.” The gray-haired man shot him a look, mouth twitching with a half-smile.

“Rude. At least I have taste,” the blonde said, flicking his hair out of his eyes. He grinned, leaning in with a smug look. “Yours is basically just water with ice. It’s like drinking sad melted snow.”

They kept bickering after that, tossing playful insults back and forth. It didn’t really sound like fighting—more like the easy teasing of people who know each other well. Ratio sat quietly, listening with interest. There was something about the way they spoke to each other that drew him in, something gentle and familiar. It wasn’t just curiosity anymore. It felt softer than that, something closer to longing.

He found himself smiling at their banter more than once, lips twitching as he stared down at his drink. He couldn’t quite explain it, but it felt as if some invisible thread was pulling him toward them, like gravity shifting ever so slightly in their direction.

He unconsciously leaned a little closer, drawn in by the sound of their voices, wanting to listen more, to know more about them. As he shifted toward them, just slightly, he finally caught their scent, more distinct than anyone else in the room. That was when the realization hit him, the reason he had been so easily drawn to them. They were his fated mates. 

Ratio glanced over, only to find the blonde looking right at him. Their eyes met, and for a second, Ratio couldn’t look away. His eyes widened, heart beating faster, a jolt of panic running through him. What if the blonde saw through him, realized what he was? The blonde shifted closer to his partner and whispered something, their gaze lingering a moment longer.

Before he could think too much about it, Ratio was already on his feet. He grabbed his drink, set it down, and made his way toward the exit, weaving through the crowd, trying not to look back.

He moved in a rush, lost in his own mind and panic, when he suddenly crashed into someone. Strong hands landed on his shoulders, steadying him. Ratio’s eyes flicked up to see who he’d run into, and he had to fight back a whimper. It was another one of his fated mates. His mind spun, wondering just how much destiny wanted to tangle him up.

“Easy there, where are you off to in such a rush?” The other blonde kept his hands on Ratio’s shoulders. Ratio caught the alpha’s scent in the air, and his chest tightened.

“Uh...” Ratio tried to come up with something to say, but another voice interrupted him.

“Yeah, why are you in such a hurry? Why don’t you stay and talk for a bit, hm?” The first blonde he’d noticed at the bar spoke up from behind him.

“Ah, Kaveh, I didn’t know you knew him. Why didn’t you introduce him to me?” The blonde who had been holding Ratio let go and looked over at his friend—maybe a partner, though Ratio couldn’t tell. He didn’t want to get tangled up in whatever was between them any more than he already was.

“I don’t know him, but maybe we can finally change that, right?” Kaveh said, turning to give Ratio a slight nod. He stepped forward and held out his hand. “Hello, I’m Kaveh, and that beside you is my alpha, Aventurine. And here’s my omega, Alhaitham.” He slipped his other arm around Alhaitham’s shoulders.

For a moment, Ratio just stared at the offered hand, hesitating. If he introduced himself now, there would be no escaping them, but he knew it was already too late.

Seeing the hesitation, Alhaitham sighed. “Looks like he doesn’t like you, Kaveh.”

“Aww now I feel a bit sad,” Kaveh said, letting his hand fall. Ratio felt a pang of guilt for ignoring him.

“Here I thought you were at least a little likeable,” Aventurine teased, snickering at Kaveh before turning his gaze to Ratio. “Don’t be shy now. We can be friends, right?” He put just a little extra emphasis on the word "friends."

“Right, I’m Ratio. I… I really need to go, I’m sorry. I have something to do,” he said, already edging back, his words tumbling out in a rush.

He gave them an apologetic smile, but his nerves were obvious. Before anyone could say more, Ratio turned and slipped through the crowd toward the exit, not daring to look back. The air outside felt cooler against his skin, and he let himself breathe out, chest tight with a mix of relief and regret.

For a moment he just stood there on the sidewalk, trying to steady himself. The city lights blurred in his vision, and he realized his hands were shaking. He hadn’t expected the night to turn out like this—hadn’t expected to meet them, to feel that strange, magnetic pull. Part of him wanted to run as far as he could. Another part already ached at the thought of leaving them behind.

Ratio drew in a shaky breath and started walking, heading in the general direction of home, unsure if he’d ever really be able to escape the bond that now tugged at his heart.

Aventurine wasn’t sure how long he’d been watching his prey. He’d stepped outside for a smoke, lingering near the club entrance, when he first spotted him—a man with wavy violet hair and a strikingly pretty face. He was a bit buffer and taller than Aventurine, but there was a softness to him that made him irresistible. He was exactly Aventurine’s type, similar to his mates in build, though maybe a little stronger. Just the thought of finally getting to devour him made Aventurine’s mouth water.

He couldn’t help but follow him inside, moving through the crowd with stealth. Every so often, when the man was distracted, Aventurine snapped a quick picture for reference, already thinking about how he’d use it later for his favorite stalking games.

Aventurine clicked his tongue in annoyance when the club’s lighting made some of the shots blurry. The dimness wasn’t helping, and he had to wait for the right moment, catching the man only when the lights hit his features just right.

Even in the low light, he didn’t disappoint. There was something ethereal about him, almost unreal. Aventurine watched as the man sat down at the bar for a while, and then, by chance, his own mates took the stools beside him—completely unaware they were sitting next to someone so interesting.

He watched as the man tried to listen in on what Aventurine’s mates were bickering about, doing his best to be subtle. Aventurine had to stifle a laugh. He knew just how entertaining his mates could be when they got going.

For a while, curiosity seemed to get the better of him, but then Aventurine noticed Kaveh finally spotting the man. When Kaveh leaned over to whisper something to Alhaitham, the man suddenly tried to slip away, heading quietly for the door.

Aventurine saw his chance. He moved quickly, stepping into the man’s path and striking him hard enough to knock him off balance. The man stumbled, nearly losing his footing, but Aventurine grabbed his shoulder and held him in place.

“Easy there, where are you off to in such a rush?” Aventurine said, pretending to be surprised by the impact, though he wasn’t at all. He let his hand linger on the man’s shoulder, sliding slightly down his arm, hoping to catch a trace of his pheromones or anything to explain why he felt so drawn to him. 

But there was nothing. Maybe he was a beta, Aventurine thought, though that didn’t make him any less interesting.

The man’s body went rigid under his hand, and Aventurine could tell he was hesitating, trying to find an answer. “Uh…” he managed, but before he could say more, another voice interrupted.

“Yeah, why are you in such a hurry? Why don’t you stay and talk for a bit, hm?” Kaveh’s voice cut through.

Aventurine glanced at him and threw him a smirk. Kaveh shot one right back, and Aventurine just knew he was interested too—he was far too familiar with that hungry look by now. Yeah, Kaveh would enjoy fucking with this one. Aventurine glanced at Alhaitham, expecting the usual indifference, but even he had a sharp glint in his eyes.

His mates were interested, and Aventurine had no problem helping them get what they wanted. Now that their curiosity was stirred, the man didn’t stand a chance. He was already caught, whether he knew it or not.

“Ah, Kaveh, I didn’t know you knew him. Why didn’t you introduce him to me?” Aventurine let go of the man’s shoulder, feeling a little disappointed that he had to. He wanted nothing more than to pull him in and hold him all day, nuzzling his neck and leaving love bites all over his soft skin.

“I don’t know him, but maybe we can finally change that, right?” Kaveh said, so much cheerful energy coming off him, like he was genuinely happy to meet him. Kaveh stepped forward and held out his hand. “Hello, I’m Kaveh, and beside you is my alpha, Aventurine. And here’s my omega, Alhaitham.” He slipped his other arm around Alhaitham’s shoulders.

For a moment, the man just stared at Kaveh’s outstretched hand, as if the gesture itself was strange to him. Why was he so suspicious? What was he hiding? It didn’t matter if he didn’t want to give them anything about himself. Aventurine thought breaking through his walls, one by one, would be fun. 

If the man didn’t want to give in easily, all the better. He’d enjoy the chase, and in the end, he’d make sure the man ended up on his knees where he belonged.

Seeing the hesitation, Alhaitham sighed. “Looks like he doesn’t like you, Kaveh.”

“Aww now I feel a bit sad,” Kaveh said, letting his hand fall. Aventurine knew that sad act—he was just trying to lure the prey in, make him feel guilty.

“Here I thought you were at least a little likeable,” Aventurine teased, snickering at Kaveh before turning his gaze to the man. “Don’t be shy now. We can be friends, right?” Maybe for a while, it really was just friendship—nothing he should be so quick to reject, at least for now.

“Right, I’m Ratio. I… I really need to go, I’m sorry. I have something to do,” the man said. Now he had a name, Ratio, and he was already rushing for the door. Aventurine watched his target flee, cackling with genuine interest.

“Ah, he was interesting,” Aventurine said, wiping away a tear that had formed from laughing too hard.

Kaveh let out a sigh, watching Ratio disappear into the crowd. “So much for trying to flirt. And then he was gone,” he muttered, though there was a glint of challenge in his eyes.

Alhaitham looked unimpressed, but Aventurine didn’t miss how his eyes lingered on the door Ratio had vanished through. “He’s a feisty one,” Alhaitham said, his voice almost amused.

Aventurine grinned, feeling the thrill of the hunt settling in his bones. “The fun ones always are.”

He glanced between his mates. “I think I need to show you guys the treasures I’ve got on my phone,” he said, wiggling his eyebrows at them.

“Oooh I hope you got some pretty pictures of him. I want to print one for myself,” Kaveh said eagerly.

Aventurine hushed him, not wanting to draw attention from the crowd. He gave them a signal and led the way toward their private room.

As soon as they got inside the room, Kaveh didn’t hesitate to push Alhaitham onto the bed, kissing him hard and swallowing every moan. Alhaitham gripped Kaveh’s hair tightly, his muffled sounds filling the room as Kaveh rushed to undress him.

Aventurine sat on the bed beside them, leaning back against the headrest as he opened his phone and scrolled through the pictures he’d taken of Ratio. He studied every detail, piecing together in his mind how to track him down.

The sounds of kissing beside him faded. “Alright, what have you got for us?” Kaveh panted, trying to catch his breath. Aventurine glanced over at his mates, both of them bare-chested, lips swollen, and hair a mess. Kaveh was grinding his hard cock against Alhaitham, who grunted beneath him.

Aventurine rolled his eyes and ignored them, focusing on the photos he’d collected. He’d need his men to dig up more on Ratio—where he lived, where he worked, every detail. 

Soon, he and his mates would show up wherever Ratio went, making sure he saw them every single day. The thought alone was addicting. It wouldn’t take long before Ratio couldn’t get them out of his head, until he dreamed of them and craved them just as much. 

Kaveh snatched the phone from his hand. “What’s got you smiling like that?” he asked, as Alhaitham pressed their bodies together, growing impatient with Kaveh’s wandering focus and the pause in his grinding.

Alhaitham shifted forward, moving against Kaveh again while Kaveh flipped through Ratio’s photos.

“Oh, he’s cute,” Kaveh purred.

Aventurine hummed in agreement, then leaned down to capture Alhaitham’s lips in a kiss. His omega was already so on edge, he was practically biting at Aventurine’s mouth.

Aventurine deepened the kiss, tugging Alhaitham closer and letting their bodies tangle on the bed, pulling him away from Kaveh. Kaveh, still scrolling through Ratio’s photos, grinned over the screen. “Your instincts were never wrong for stalking him in the first place—he really is pretty.”

Alhaitham’s breath hitched against Aventurine’s mouth, his fingers digging into Aventurine’s clothes as he fumbled to unbutton them. Aventurine tugged the shirt off and tossed it aside. “Then maybe we shouldn’t let him out of our sight,” Alhaitham murmured.

Aventurine pulled back just enough to look between them, eyes gleaming with excitement. “We won’t. Next time, he won’t get away so easily.”

Kaveh tossed the phone aside and leaned in, pressing his lips to Alhaitham’s neck before flashing a wicked grin at Aventurine. “Next time,” he echoed. “We should take it far enough to uncover all his secrets while enjoying his body and every tight hole he has. I want to see how far he’ll bend for us, and then we’ll find out just how much fun it is to break him.”

“Fuck, he does have a great body,” Aventurine said, giving Alhaitham’s hardened nipple a sharp pinch before moving to press kisses all over his face and neck. He settled at one of Alhaitham’s peaks, sucking hard.

“Ngh,” Alhaitham gasped, gripping Aventurine’s hair as Kaveh continued to kiss him.

“I bet he sucks cock real nice with those sinful lips,” Kaveh murmured between kisses. Aventurine groaned at the thought, unable to help himself. He pulled off from Alhaitham’s swollen, bitten nipples and quickly opened his own pants, tired of waiting.

“Show me what that would look like,” Aventurine demanded, stroking his hardened cock. He gave Alhaitham a signal, and Alhaitham crawled into his lap. Opening his mouth, he stuck his tongue out and licked up the length of Aventurine’s shaft, moaning at the salty taste. He sucked hard on the crown, then swallowed him down to the base, making Aventurine’s back arch as he groaned.

“Ratio makes you hot, doesn’t he?” Kaveh murmured, pulling Aventurine’s blonde hair back to devour his lips.

Alhaitham squeezed his balls, making Aventurine’s hips jerk as he moaned. His omega had no gag reflex at all, pushing himself to take Aventurine even deeper.

“Watch how well Hayi sucks your cock,” Kaveh groaned, grabbing Aventurine’s head and turning it so he’d watch. “I love the way his throat bulges from how fat and thick your cock is. Damn, what a sight he is.”
      
“Fuck, so good,” Aventurine gasped, pressing his palm against Alhaitham’s head to push him even deeper.

Alhaitham took him eagerly, lips stretched wide, drool slipping from the corners of his mouth. Aventurine’s grip tightened in his hair, urging him on, while Kaveh’s hand slid down Alhaitham’s back, nails dragging across his skin.

“Look at you,” Kaveh murmured, his voice rough with arousal. “You take him so well. Bet you want to be filled in your other filthy hole next, don’t you?” He moved to pull down Alhaitham’s pants and slapped his hard cock a few times against Alhaitham’s already dripping hole.

Alhaitham shuddered at the contact, his body already arching back, desperate for more. Kaveh didn’t waste time, guiding himself to Alhaitham’s entrance and pushing in, slow at first just to feel him clench and writhe.

Aventurine watched the way Alhaitham’s body shook between them, still thrusting into his mouth, his grip tightening in Alhaitham’s hair. The three of them moved together in sync.

“Ratio probably has a lot of experience in his sex life, don’t you think?” Kaveh asked between thrusts. “Or maybe he’s an innocent who needs to be broken in?”

“He fled like his ass was on fire the second we flirted with him,” Aventurine grunted, his eyes rolling back as Alhaitham let his dick slip free to moan out loud when Kaveh pressed into his sweet spot. Alhaitham changed his rhythm, dragging his tongue up the underside of Aventurine’s dick.

“Ah, get it back inside. Such a dirty fucking slut. Don’t stop,” Aventurine groaned.

Alhaitham didn’t need to be told twice. He swallowed Aventurine down again, spit running down his chin. Kaveh kept a harder, faster pace, pounding into him, each thrust making Alhaitham moan louder around Aventurine’s cock.

“That’s it,” Kaveh growled, gripping Alhaitham’s hips tight, leaving finger-shaped marks. “Show us how good you can be. Bet Ratio would look so pretty like this, fucked open and drooling.”

Aventurine’s hand tightened in Alhaitham’s hair, using him just how he liked. “We’ll have him like this soon. You want to taste him too, don’t you?” he rasped, thrusting deep, voice thick with want.

Alhaitham could only hum in agreement, every nerve in his body singing, lost in the heat and the mess of them.

“Good boy,” Kaveh murmured, his hand ghosting over Alhaitham’s head before pushing him further down on Aventurine’s cock. “We’ll teach our violet-haired cum slut exactly how we like our dicks sucked, fuck him until no one else will ever be enough. He’ll crawl to us, desperate for the taste of our cum. Doesn’t that sound so good?”

“Fuck, yes,” Aventurine gasped, his fingers curling as his back arched. His hips snapped up into Alhaitham’s throat, mindlessly chasing his release. “He’ll be begging for our attention every time.”

“The best part is when he gets confused about why he wants us so much, asking himself why he’s craving it and hating himself for it,” Kaveh purred, biting down on Alhaitham’s neck as his thrusts grew erratic. “Ratio will be putty in our hands, and we’ll discover every one of his deepest desires, won’t we, baby?”

Aventurine’s fingers tangled in Alhaitham’s hair as he lost the last semblance of control. “Yes,” He groaned, eyes locked on the drool running down the corner of Alhaitham’s mouth. Shuddering, he grunted, spilling ropes of cum down Alhaitham’s throat. Alhaitham swallowed quickly, but still choked from the force of it. Aventurine’s vision went dark for a moment as he pictured finishing all over Ratio’s face. The thought alone made him shudder so hard he nearly blacked out.

He heard more grunts from Kaveh and Alhaitham as they finally reached their climaxes. Aventurine sighed, laying his head back against the headboard as he slowly gathered his senses.

“Feel better?” Kaveh asked, smirking as he caught his breath. Alhaitham lay on the bed beside them, gasping for air, his mouth open and streaks of cum dripping from his lips.

“I think I am, but Hayi seems to need some help swallowing the rest of his dessert,” Aventurine said to Kaveh. Kaveh leaned down and kissed Alhaitham hard, his tongue sweeping and sucking up every last drop, grinning in victory as he pulled back. 

It did nothing to settle Aventurine’s dick, it never stayed down for long around these two. They accepted their own depravity and darkness, understood each other better than anyone else ever could, and followed each other willingly down the road to hell.

“Let’s get out of the party early. I’m too excited to play cat and mouse with our ‘friend’ instead,” Aventurine growled.

Grinning, Kaveh sat up. “Oh, you always know how to make this game interesting.”

Chapter Text

Ratio’s head was a mess that Sunday afternoon. Why had he thought it was a good idea to go to such a crowded, noisy club last night?

He never had much alcohol tolerance to begin with, since he’d never really built it up in the first place. Just one glass was enough to leave him hungover when he woke up in the morning.

He had already washed up and tried to get some work done for Monday’s lecture, but he was still feeling the effects of his hangover.

“Urghh,” he groaned, dropping his head onto his research report as dizziness and nausea crept in. He hadn’t had a real breakfast since he woke up, only a simple cup of warm tea because he had no appetite. Now that it was lunchtime, he considered going outside to get something to eat.

He sat up slowly, rubbing his eyes and willing the room to stop spinning. The thought of food still didn’t excite him, but he knew he needed something in his stomach if he wanted to make it through the rest of the day.

With a sigh, he pushed himself out of his chair, grabbed his wallet and keys, and made his way toward the door.

Outside, the sky was clear and bright, sunlight spilling across the busy street. He enjoyed the walk, hoping it would help clear his head a little more.

As he walked, he thought that maybe a simple meal or just coffee and some bread would help settle his nerves and ease the lingering ache in his body. He kept going, trying to convince himself that today could still turn out okay, even with the rough start.

Ratio had already sprayed his scent blocker and brought his suppressants in his pocket, since he couldn’t take the pills on an empty stomach. He just hoped he wouldn’t end up puking them back up after lunch.

When he got to the café he’d been thinking about visiting for days, he saw how long the line was. Standing there for the next thirty minutes was the last thing he wanted to do, not with his stomach empty and his head throbbing. Still, he got in line before it could get any longer, closing his eyes against the pounding in his head.

“Well, well, well. Fancy meeting you here.” The sound of that voice made his whole body go stiff, his heart racing as he slowly opened his eyes and looked up to find Aventurine standing in front of him.

Aventurine was already smirking, arms crossed as if he’d been waiting for this exact moment. Ratio swallowed, unsure if it was nerves or just his lingering hangover making his hands shake.

“Didn’t think I’d see you so soon,” Aventurine drawled, taking a casual step closer. “Rough morning?”

Ratio forced himself to stand a little straighter. “Something like that,” he muttered, glancing away. He tried to ignore the warmth creeping up his neck, but Aventurine’s presence felt like a poison working its way into his system.

Aventurine seemed perfectly at ease, eyes fixed on Ratio with that same interest as the night before. The line moved forward, inch by inch, but Ratio felt trapped in place. He could feel the weight of Aventurine’s attention, like a hand gripping the back of his neck.

Aventurine tilted his head, his smirk growing. “You seem a little taken aback seeing me here.”

Ratio shot him a wary look. “I’m just not used to running into people twice in a row. It’s a big place.”

Aventurine chuckled. “Funny, maybe we’re just tied together by destiny. Don’t you think?” He continued, “So, do you fancy a talk with me? Or maybe lunch? We didn’t get our time last night.”

Ratio shook his head, taking a careful step back in line. “I’m not really up for company today. I just need something to eat before work.”

Aventurine’s smirk didn’t fade, but his eyes narrowed, watching Ratio closely. “You sure? I don’t mind giving you space, but I’m not that easy to get rid of.”

Ratio avoided his gaze, focusing on the display board above the counter. “I’m sure. I just want a quiet meal on my own.”

Aventurine shrugged, but there was an unmistakable glint of challenge in his eyes. “Suit yourself. Maybe while we wait here in line you’ll change your mind. I’m not the type to give up easily. Mind if I push a little?”

Ratio’s patience finally cracked. He turned to Aventurine and let out a loud sigh. “Can you just leave me alone? My head is pounding, I barely slept, and the last thing I need right now is someone bothering me.”

The words came out harsher than he intended, but he didn’t care. He rubbed his temples, trying to will the pain away. “Seriously, just let me get my coffee and go.”

“Fine, jeez. I just wanted to talk to my new friend. Why is he so sensitive?” Aventurine was next in line but stepped aside to let Ratio go ahead.

“Next person, please,” called the girl behind the counter.

Ratio’s attention snapped to her. He managed a polite smile. “Good afternoon. I’ll get a large coffee—two cream, three sugar, and a few pumps of caramel, please. Also, I’d like a blueberry muffin.”

“Of course,” she said with a smile. “That will be ten eighty-nine.”

Ratio reached for his wallet, but Aventurine was already tapping his card on the machine.

“On me,” he said, shooting Ratio a wink.

“You didn’t have to.”

“I wanted to.” Aventurine shrugged, then grinned. “Now you owe me.” With another wink, he spun on his heel and headed for the door. “See you later, Ratio.” His chuckle sent a chill down Ratio’s spine.

Ratio had a feeling nothing good was going to come from that man. He very well might be fucked—and not in the way his needy omega ass would prefer.

It was the perfect day to sit in the park with a good coffee and a fresh muffin. Ratio sighed when he realized he had forgotten to bring his book. It would have been the ideal afternoon for reading. Instead, he took his time with his muffin, watching people pass by and soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.

Once his coffee was finished, Ratio tossed his trash and returned to the bench, deciding to enjoy the day a little longer. The park felt calm, the steady flow of people passing by almost soothing.

After a few minutes, someone settled onto the seat beside him. Ratio looked over and found Alhaitham there, offering a polite smile.

“Hello. What a nice coincidence, running into you again.”

Ratio just stared at him, a little incredulous. There was no way he could run into one of them again after just a few hours. What kind of coincidence was Alhaitham even talking about?

“Right, nice to see you too,” Ratio replied curtly, already thinking about how he could escape from this one as well.

“It’s a nice day to spend in the park. My alphas always tell me to go out and enjoy the fresh air,” Alhaitham said. “I’m not usually into the outdoors, but now that I’m pregnant, staying inside can get boring.”

Ratio listened, nodding at the end. Pregnant? He didn’t look it at all. “Ah, you really haven’t started showing yet.”

“Yeah, it’s still early. Just about two weeks,” Alhaitham said, rubbing his still-flat stomach.

Ratio nodded, still feeling awkward. “I’m actually new to the neighborhood. Just moved here not too long ago.”

Alhaitham’s expression brightened a little. “Really? Then you must not know the area very well yet. If you’d like, I could show you around. Walking together might be nicer than sitting alone, right?”

Ratio hesitated, unsure if he wanted the company or another close encounter with one of them. Still, he found himself nodding, unsure why he agreed. “Sure. I guess a walk wouldn’t hurt.”

Alhaitham smiled, stood up, and gestured for Ratio to join him. “Come on, then. I’ll show you some of the best spots around here.”

Ratio stood, brushing the crumbs from his lap, and fell into step beside Alhaitham as they left the park. The afternoon sun warmed the sidewalk, and for a few moments, neither of them spoke. It was a comfortable quiet, broken only by the distant chatter of other park visitors and the sound of birds in the trees.

Alhaitham pointed out a small bakery tucked between a florist and a bookstore. “That place has the best croissants. If you ever want a real treat, try them fresh in the morning.”

Ratio glanced over, committing the shop to memory. “Thanks. I’m still getting used to everything here. It’s quieter than I expected.”

Alhaitham nodded. “It’s not a bad place, once you know where to go. I used to get lost a lot at first, too. The city’s bigger than it looks.”

They walked on, passing people with dogs, kids on bikes, and the occasional couple holding hands. For the first time that day, Ratio felt the tightness in his chest loosen a little.

“So, what brings you to this side of the city?” Alhaitham asked, glancing over with genuine interest.

Ratio shrugged, trying to keep his answer simple. “Needed a change. The last place I lived… wasn’t good for me.”

Alhaitham’s expression softened, as if he understood more than he let on. “Sometimes change is exactly what we need.”

They continued their walk, wandering through quiet side streets and busy main roads, talking about small things like favorite foods, little details about the neighborhood, and the best places to eat. 

The afternoon passed easily, the awkwardness fading as they found themselves sharing stories and laughter. The hours slipped by, and soon the sky began to turn gold as evening crept in.

By the time they made their way back to Ratio’s apartment building, the sun was setting, painting the city in soft orange light. They had exchanged phone numbers, and now stood side by side on the street.

Alhaitham offered a small smile. “I had a good time today. Let me know if you ever want to go for another walk.”

Ratio nodded, feeling lighter than he had all day. “Yeah. I think I’d like that.”

He was about to turn and walk away after saying goodbye, but he didn’t expect Alhaitham to pull him close and press their lips together. 

Ratio’s surprise faded as the warmth of Alhaitham’s body seeped into his own, making him shudder. Without thinking, he found himself kissing back. Alhaitham’s arm slipped around his shoulders, drawing him in and pressing their bodies closer together.

For a moment, Ratio lost himself in the kiss, the world fading away until all he could feel was Alhaitham’s soft breath and the press of his lips. His heart pounded so loud he was sure Alhaitham could hear it.

When they finally broke apart, both of them a little breathless, Alhaitham lingered close, his eyes searching Ratio’s face for any sign of regret. Ratio just stared back, still dazed.

“I’ll text you,” Alhaitham said softly.

Ratio nodded, still catching his breath. “Okay.”

They stood there for a moment longer, before Alhaitham slipped away down the sidewalk, leaving Ratio standing in the golden wash of evening with his heart still racing.

Alhaitham crossed the street and spotted a familiar car parked along the curb. He sighed, rolling his eyes as Aventurine stepped out, grinning at him from the sidewalk.

He’d have to tell his alpha that he owed him a lot for sending him out today, especially after begging him to go when he’d been in the middle of a really good book. In the end, Alhaitham had spent the afternoon wandering the park.

His mood had been all over the place lately, thanks to his pregnancy hormones, but when Aventurine told him who he wanted Alhaitham to walk with, he hadn’t argued. Now, after everything, he had to admit that he didn’t regret it at all.

Alhaitham walked over and stood in front of him. Aventurine naturally wrapped an arm around his waist, nuzzling his face into Alhaitham’s neck. “Baby, looks like you had a great day today.”

Alhaitham just sighed. “You owe me a ton. I want you to buy me everything I ask for.”

“I will, baby, you know I will,” Aventurine chuckled, leaning in close. “But I really can’t believe you managed to score a kiss with Ratio already.”

“You’ve been following us all day, haven’t you? I have to admit, your stalking skills are getting better. Psycho,” Alhaitham said, rubbing their noses together.

Aventurine just laughed. “Of course I have. Honestly, I was a little jealous you got to taste him first. Won’t you let me have a taste too?”

Alhaitham grabbed him by the neck and pulled him in for a kiss. Aventurine moaned into it, hungrily devouring his lips, biting and tasting him deeply.

He turned Alhaitham and pressed him up against the car, grinding their bodies together as he kept kissing him, tongue exploring like a starving man.

Alhaitham arched into him, hands tangled in Aventurine’s hair as their bodies pressed closer. The kiss deepened, and neither of them cared if anyone passing by might see.

Aventurine finally pulled back, breathing hard, lips swollen from the intensity. “Fuck, I’m actually getting hard from this.” He let go just long enough to open the back door, then pushed Alhaitham inside with him.

They moved together in a rush, Aventurine lowering his pants just enough to free his hard cock before undressing Alhaitham from the waist down. He pressed himself against Alhaitham’s already dripping hole, slowly pushing in.

Alhaitham hissed, gripping Aventurine’s hair tightly. “Be more gentle, Aven—ah.”

Aventurine paused for a moment, his hand soothing along Alhaitham’s thigh. “I’m sorry, I’ll go slow,” he murmured, but the hunger in his eyes was clear.

He pressed forward, inch by inch, until he was buried deep. Alhaitham shivered, breath catching as he adjusted to the stretch. Aventurine leaned down, lips brushing over Alhaitham’s cheek and jaw, whispering soft encouragements as he began to move.

Their bodies rocked together in the cramped back seat, windows already starting to fog. Alhaitham’s hands roamed over Aventurine’s back, nails leaving faint marks in their wake.

“Just like that,” Alhaitham whispered, head falling back as pleasure overtook him.

Aventurine grinned, picking up his rhythm as every thrust made the car creak. He held Alhaitham tight, their bodies moving together faster. The sound of skin against skin and their breathless moans filled the small space, drowning out everything else.

Alhaitham clung to Aventurine, hips rolling up to meet every push. His legs trembled, the pleasure almost too much, and his eyes fluttered shut. “Aven… harder, please,” he begged, voice rough with need.

Aventurine’s grip tightened as he drove deeper, his own moans mixing with Alhaitham’s cries. He pressed his mouth to Alhaitham’s ear. “You feel so fucking good, baby. You always do.”

Their pace quickened, the heat between them building with every movement. Alhaitham’s cries growing louder as each thrust pushed him closer to the edge. Aventurine’s hips snapped forward, chasing his own release, their bodies slick with sweat.

It didn’t take long before Alhaitham came, back arching as pleasure overtook him, his body trembling in Aventurine’s arms. The sensation pushed Aventurine over as well, his own climax ripping through him as he spilled deep inside Alhaitham with a guttural moan.

For a moment, neither of them moved. Aventurine slumped forward, pressing soft, lingering kisses to Alhaitham’s cheek and neck. They stayed tangled together in the back seat, their breath mingling in the warm, foggy air. 

Alhaitham wrapped his arms around Aventurine, holding him close as the aftershocks faded, both of them content to just stay like that for a while, dazed and sated in each other’s arms.

When they got back home, Kaveh was already waiting for them in the living room. As soon as he saw them, he jumped up from the couch and grabbed Alhaitham in a tight hug.

“Where did you guys go? Why did you have fun without me?” Kaveh wailed loudly.

“You said you were busy with your clients today, so we just went out without you,” Aventurine replied, taking a seat on the couch.

Alhaitham tried to peel Kaveh off, but only ended up dragging him along until they both sat down, Kaveh still clinging to him.

“Something really interesting happened today, Kaveh. You wouldn’t believe it,” Aventurine said, smirking at them.

Kaveh looked between the two of them, suspicion and curiosity warring on his face. “What? Don’t keep me out of it. Tell me everything.”

Aventurine stretched, looking far too pleased with himself. “Alhaitham got to have a date with Ratio today and even kissed him.”

Kaveh’s eyes went wide as he shouted, “What?! No way! I can’t believe you kissed him already! You guys move so fast without me.”

“Not me, though—just Alhaitham,” Aventurine sighed. “He rejected me when I tried to talk to him alone.”

“Oh, you’re so lucky, Haitham,” Kaveh sobbed. “He must taste so nice, sweet and everything.” Then he grabbed Alhaitham by the neck to pull him closer. “Let me taste him too!”

Alhaitham snorted, trying to twist out of Kaveh’s grip, but Kaveh just leaned in and kissed him. Aventurine watched with an amused grin as the two became more absorbed in each other, settling back to enjoy the show.

“I can’t wait to see how far he’ll let us take this game.” Aventurine’s eyes glinted with anticipation.

Chapter Text

The soft sound of tapping filled the quiet room. Ratio sat at his desk, absently tapping his pen against the wood as he stared at the same page of lecture notes for the third time without really reading it. Outside, the halls buzzed faintly with the chatter of students on their break.

He tried to bring himself back from what happened yesterday, but the more he thought about it, the more his concern grew. He realized he wasn’t even close to escaping their circle. If anything, he was being drawn even further in, caught in their orbit despite his efforts to stay detached. 

It unsettled him, the way his boundaries kept slipping whenever they reached out, making it harder to tell himself he could still walk away.

Maybe it was instinct that made him allow that kiss and even enjoy it. Was he really meant to just give in to them, to surrender to what he was and admit that he was their soulmate?

The thought nagged at him all day, blurring the line between what he wanted and what he feared. Even now, alone at his desk, he found himself replaying the moment over and over, unsure if he was hoping to escape or secretly craving more.

His phone beeped with another message from Alhaitham, who had been texting him since morning. There were short notes wishing him a good day at work, questions about his plans, and now a message asking what he would have for lunch.

Ratio sent a simple reply, “Still thinking about it,” trying to stay cautious. He knew Alhaitham might share everything with his alphas, and he didn’t want to let himself get any more entangled in their lives.

It wasn’t that he was rejecting fate, but there was something about them that reminded him too much of a past he was trying to escape. He didn’t want to end up running away again. This time, he truly wanted to make things work. 

So for now, it felt safer to live like a beta and keep his distance from anything he wasn’t sure about.

After a while, Ratio pushed his chair back and stood, rubbing the tension from his neck and stretching his body. He needed a break—maybe some fresh air and food to clear his mind. 

Grabbing his wallet and phone, he left his office and headed down the hall toward the campus cafeteria.

The midday crowd was already buzzing, with students and staff scattered around tables or waiting in line for food. Ratio joined the line, letting the noise settle around him. He glanced up at the menu overhead and decided on something simple.

While he waited in line, Ratio glanced down at his phone and caught himself searching for new messages. He quickly locked the screen, feeling a little embarrassed that he was actually hoping for one. 

“What’s wrong with me?” he muttered, rubbing his eyes with a sigh. Forcing himself to focus on his surroundings, he tried to quiet his thoughts as he moved closer to the counter.

He collected his lunch and found an empty table by the window. The first few bites eased the tension in his shoulders, and for a moment he let himself simply enjoy the rhythm of his surroundings. 

The voices nearby faded into background noise as he ate in silence, letting the food and drink settle his stomach.

When he finished, Ratio tossed his trash and stepped outside. The afternoon sun was bright, and the campus park was dotted with students sprawled on benches or walking along tree-lined paths. He took his time wandering, letting the fresh air clear his mind.

For a while, Ratio simply walked, absently pulling out his phone to check for messages. He wasn’t paying attention to where he was going and suddenly bumped into someone. Whatever the person had been carrying fell to the pavement with a loud crash.

“Oh no, my maquette!” the man exclaimed, dropping to his knees to salvage what Ratio now recognized as a small model of a building. Pieces of it had scattered across the pavement from the impact. Ratio knelt down to help, carefully gathering the parts. When he finally stood and looked up, he found himself face to face with Kaveh.

Kaveh blinked at him in surprise, a strand of blonde hair falling into his eyes as he clutched the battered model to his chest. “Oh, what a nice coincidence, meeting you here, Ratio,” he greeted him brightly, still trying to fit a broken piece back in place.

Ratio stared at him, genuinely baffled. He couldn’t help but feel like he was caught up in some sort of game between them. There was simply no way he kept running into one of them wherever he went. 

Watching Kaveh fumble with the broken pieces, he finally stepped in to help. “Sorry, I wasn’t watching where I was going. Let me help you with that.”

He knelt beside Kaveh, carefully fitting the scattered pieces of the model back together. Their hands brushed a few times, and Ratio felt a slow warmth spreading through his body from being so close to the alpha.

Kaveh huffed a laugh, shaking his head. “Don’t worry about it. At least you’re helping me fix it. This is the building model I made for my final project when I was still a student here. I got it back because I need to use it as a reference for my work.”

Ratio offered a small, apologetic smile as he noticed a few broken pieces that still weren’t sitting right. “Some parts still need to be glued. I can help you fix it—I have the equipment in my office.”

Kaveh’s expression brightened. “Sure, let’s go,” he said with a grin, standing up to walk beside Ratio.

They made their way across campus, Kaveh carrying the damaged maquette with care. Every so often, he struck up a conversation and glanced over at Ratio with interest. The talk flowed easily between them, shifting from the project to small stories about campus life as they walked.

When they reached Ratio’s office, Ratio unlocked the door and told Kaveh to set the model on his desk. But when he looked over, he noticed a bouquet of roses sitting there.

Kaveh chuckled, teasing that it must be from a secret admirer or something. Ratio was just as confused, but he simply slid the bouquet to the side and let Kaveh place the maquette on his table. Kaveh set it down gently, then watched with interest as Ratio pulled out a small toolkit and a tube of glue from his drawer.

As they worked side by side, the silence between them grew heavy with tension. Kaveh leaned in closer, watching Ratio’s face as he worked on the model.

Their distance faded without either of them really noticing as they worked together. “We just need to wait until it dries,” Ratio said, finally setting down the glue. That’s when Kaveh reached out and took his hand.

“You really are something,” Kaveh murmured, his gaze lingering on Ratio’s lips.

Ratio felt his pulse quicken. For a moment, neither of them pulled away. Kaveh’s hand stayed on his, fingers softly tracing across Ratio’s palm. Then, closing the small distance between them, Kaveh leaned in and captured Ratio’s mouth in a kiss.

Ratio instantly melted into the kiss, his arm unconsciously circling Kaveh’s shoulder and pulling him closer. Kaveh deepened the kiss, pressing forward until Ratio’s back met the chair.

Kaveh’s hands slid up to cradle Ratio’s face, his thumbs tracing along his jaw as their mouths moved together. Ratio let out a soft, surprised sound but didn’t push him away. Instead, he tightened his hold, feeling the heat rising between them.

Kaveh broke the kiss just long enough to catch his breath, his forehead resting against Ratio’s. “You’ve been driving me crazy, Veritas,” he murmured, before capturing Ratio’s lips again in a deeper kiss, their tongues tangling as desire clouded their minds.

Kaveh’s hands slid down Ratio’s sides and found their way to his crotch. He cupped him lightly through his pants, then took a firmer hold, pausing as if waiting for Ratio’s reaction.

Ratio held his breath as Kaveh unbuckled his pants, unbuttoned them, and let his cock spring free. Kaveh wrapped his fingers around Ratio’s already hard, leaking length.

Ratio gasped, trying to pull away from Kaveh’s insistent lips. “W—wait, Kaveh, what are you doing?”

Kaveh kissed him again, cutting off his words. Ratio’s hands tightened on Kaveh’s arms in a half-hearted attempt to push him away, but as Kaveh’s hand moved in slow strokes, Ratio felt himself giving in. His resistance slipped away, his moans swallowed by Kaveh’s mouth.

After a while, they broke apart, both of them gasping for air. Kaveh looked up at him, eyes half-closed, lips swollen, a clear hunger in his expression. He pressed one more deep kiss to Ratio’s lips before sinking to his knees in front of him.

Ratio could barely catch his breath, let alone think straight, when Kaveh kissed the head of his cock. It was just a light touch, lips brushing over his most sensitive skin. He pushed Ratio’s pants further down his shaky legs, kneading the muscles of his ass before opening his mouth and taking him in, swallowing his entire length.

“No—wait, Kaveh, mmh.” Ratio’s fingers tangled in Kaveh’s hair as pleasure sparked through him. Kaveh’s tongue worked skillfully, tracing along the sensitive underside while his lips sealed tightly around him and began to move. Each bob of Kaveh’s head sent a fresh wave of pleasure rolling up Ratio’s spine, leaving him trembling in his chair.

“Oh—ngh,” Ratio bit his lip and squeezed his eyes shut, struggling not to come too soon. Kaveh looked up at him, licked the precum from his slit, and slid a hand around to fondle his balls. He ran his tongue over one, then the other, before returning to suck hungrily on Ratio’s cock.

Ratio felt that familiar tingle at the base of his balls and knew he needed to warn him. “Ka—Kaveh, wait… I’m gonna—You need to stop.” His voice came out strangled, and he wondered if Kaveh even heard him.

And then he came, shaking with the force of it as he clung to Kaveh’s shoulders for support. Kaveh swallowed every drop, then licked him clean. His eyes were closed, his face a mix of lust and bliss. When he finally looked up and opened his eyes, he gave Ratio a satisfied smile. “Thank you, that was delicious.”

“That’s not—” Ratio turned his head away, his face growing even hotter with embarrassment.

Kaveh just chuckled, leaning in to take Ratio’s face in his hands and kiss him. Ratio opened up for him, tasting himself on Kaveh’s tongue.

They stared at each other for a moment after the kiss, their breaths mingling in the quiet. The chill against his bare skin brought Ratio back to reality, and he stood to pull up his pants.

Awkwardness settled in as Ratio finished fixing his clothes. For a moment, they stood in silence, the weight of everything that had just happened pressing down between them. 

The air felt heavy with tension and with walls Ratio wasn’t ready to take down. “I think the glue’s dried now,” he said quietly. “If there’s nothing else you need—”

Kaveh let out a heavy sigh. “Okay, I understand. You don’t have to spell it out for me.” He picked up the repaired maquette, cradling it carefully in his arms. 

For a moment, Kaveh hesitated, searching Ratio’s face as if wanting to say something more. But he only managed a small, resigned smile.

“Thanks again for your help, Ratio,” he said softly. “I’ll see you around.”

Ratio nodded, unsure of what else to say. He watched as Kaveh turned and left his office, the door clicking softly shut behind him.

Ratio let the tension drain from his body as he dropped into his chair, his heart pounding in his chest. “What just happened?” he muttered, gripping his hair tightly as he tried to process the reality of it all.

He turned his eyes to the mysterious bouquet of roses on his table, grabbed it, and tossed it in the bin. Then he walked to the bathroom, thinking he needed to cleanse himself. He splashed cold water on his face, rubbing it hard, trying to clear his mind.

Ratio let out a shaky laugh, wiping his face with a towel. “This is really getting out of hand now,” he muttered to himself.

Aventurine let out a loud groan when the livestream on his phone cut off.

“Aww why did he toss it in the bin? I thought our dear Doctor might like roses. Tsk, tsk.” He clicked his tongue and set his phone on the table.

Leaning back in his chair, Aventurine felt a twinge of jealousy knowing Alhaitham and Kaveh had already enjoyed a delicious taste of Veritas Ratio. He could hardly wait for his own turn.

He grabbed his phone again and dialed Kaveh’s number. After a couple of rings, Kaveh picked up.

“I knew you were watching. I’d recognize that bouquet of roses anywhere,” Kaveh’s voice filled the room.

“Tell me, Kaveh. Give me a list of words to describe how wonderful it is to taste his cum,” Aventurine growled.

“Oh, it was delicious. I can’t even put it into words,” Kaveh replied, his tone almost dreamy.

“Fuck, you better have saved at least a drop for me.”

“Nope, I devoured it all,” Kaveh shot back, voice full of smug.

“Your greed sickens me,” Aventurine muttered, clicking his tongue in annoyance.

“Hah, where are you anyway? You might as well come meet him here,” Kaveh said. Aventurine could tell Kaveh was still on campus from the crowd noise in the background.

“I’m in a very important place,” Aventurine drawled. “You should know, he really has an amazing scent in his bedroom.”

“You’re in Ratio’s bedroom?” Kaveh asked, surprise coloring his tone.

“That’s right,” Aventurine replied, glancing around. The room was tidy, almost bare, as if Ratio hadn’t settled in fully yet. But the first time Aventurine had entered, a sweet scent lingered throughout the place, especially strong in his bedroom.

The room smelled like walking through a garden full of flowers. It was so addicting that Aventurine thought about getting the same perfume as Ratio. But when he rummaged through Ratio’s things to find it, he realized the scent was different. That only left him confused. Where was that sweet smell really coming from?

“Aww isn’t that nice? Can you put your cameras in some really interesting places and ooh grab a little something of his for me when you get back,” Kaveh chimed in, grinning.

“What, you want me to bring you his dirty underwear or something?”

“That would be perfect. Do it.”

“Of course you’d think that’s a good idea, you sick pervert. Bye, I need to place more cameras.”

Kaveh just laughed. “Bye, love you.”

“Love you too, idiot.” Aventurine hung up and started wandering around the room, checking it out more closely.

The more he looked, the more he realized just how strange Veritas Ratio really was. He continued to snoop, peeking into the closet and noticing there wasn’t much inside. Aventurine made a mental note to use that as an excuse for a shopping date. 

Moving to the desk, he opened a drawer and found several pill containers. “Doctor, what have you been up to?” Aventurine murmured, picking up one of the nearly empty bottles.

He gazed at the label, then pulled out his phone to look up what the pills were. When he saw they were a type of suppressant, he grew even more confused. Why would Ratio need suppressants if he was a beta? Betas didn’t have a mating cycle like heats or ruts.

This discovery only made Ratio more interesting to him, not less. Now Aventurine was starting to question if Ratio was even a beta at all. What was his real secondary sex, and why was he hiding it?

He rummaged a little further and noticed another spray bottle near Ratio’s perfume. After searching the label, he realized it was a scent blocker.

“Heh.” Aventurine smirked, feeling certain now that he was onto something.

Aventurine set the bottle back down, his mind racing with possibilities. It all made a little more sense now—the sweet scent, the suppressants, the scent blocker. Ratio was hiding much more than he let on.

A slow grin spread across Aventurine’s face. “So, you’re not just a regular beta after all,” he muttered, almost admiring the lengths Ratio had gone to conceal the truth.

He glanced around the room one last time, taking in every detail. With his curiosity burning brighter than ever, Aventurine slipped out of the apartment and headed toward a small pharmacy nearby. The bell above the door jingled as he pushed it open.

At the counter stood a middle-aged man who glanced up. “What can I get for you?”

“I need two bottles of heat-inducing pills,” Aventurine replied.

The storekeeper sighed deeply. “I know what kind of alpha you are. You seem like the type who would use these on vulnerable omegas. I’m not selling them if you plan to drug someone without their consent.”

Aventurine let out a quiet sigh, pulled out his wallet, and slid a hefty amount of money across the counter. “The pills, please.”

The storekeeper studied the cash for a moment, then nodded slowly. “Right away, sir.”

Once Aventurine had the pills, he made his way back toward Ratio’s apartment. He was going to use them to test whether his hypothesis was correct.

“Let’s find out what you’re really hiding, my dear Doctor,” he muttered, a smirk spreading across his face.