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This set was…extravagant, to say the least. Golds and blues in the background of his own massive statues, which were themselves accented by the overgrowth of plants and other fauna. A little paradise to celebrate himself and the universe he swore to teach, slight planetary and star imagery not lost in the clutter of small flowers and his massive presence. The fact that Stelle had replicated his personal sculptures so accurately deserved some points added to her overall score, though how she captured himself and his surroundings in each picture would truly be the deciding factor.
He had only agreed to this photoshoot for a few reasons, and testing her photography skills in comparison to that of March 7th’s displays back on Penacony was one. Of course, one-on-one comparisons would be rude to their differentiating artist styles. Rather, it was to see if such familial and friendly influences would leak into the frame, or if such familiarity would give Stelle more drive and confidence towards the task at hand. The sets she had made for everyone, as well as the dark circles already forming under her eyes, were clear indications of her dedication towards this silly, artistic project.
Another reason was for interacting with the other models present. Though they would only really meet for the group photos, Ratio was ever curious about each individual’s lives, as well as their own reasons for agreeing to all of this.
That Castorice girl for starters. From the tidbits he was able to gather on where she was from, it sounded strikingly similar to his first home. Though, being a world that was cut off from the universe for Aeons knows how long, he wonders how exactly he and her planets would have influenced one another, or if such coincidences of semi-doppelganger proportions could indeed occur like this. While Professor Rond would not be the most up to conversation of deep thought, Ratio would have to poke his brain on the topic whenever he could visit next. Of course, with how shy and docile Castorice sounded, he wouldn’t push her too hard either. Instead, maybe just some talks on amphoras, and if she ever sculpted one before…
General Jing Yuan of the Xianzhou Luofu seemed the most amicable, having close ties with the Astral Express crew, though also seeming to be more than ready to escape work for a bit in order to help. Much could be said on overindulging in off time from his responsibilities, though Ratio didn’t quite have an opportunity to comment or scold, nor the grounds to do so. He was also here, after all. He would be sure all of his words would be turned against him, so it was best to make polite small talk whenever he could meet him.
Madam Herta springs to mind as another powerful person present, though of course she wouldn’t give up her precious time so easily. Ratio could only wonder if she was taking one of his own reasons – boiled down to studying the trailblazers more – but in her own interesting fashion, akin to the Simulated Universe. Ratio had messaged Screwllum about her acceptance through that line of thought, though the mechanical genius had confirmed his other suspicions as well. That being that the woman would probably not leave The Blue so easily either, and probably do most of her own work remotely, save for the group photo she can’t as easily ignore. Seeing that your work is perfected by your hand mixed with a sort of lack of comradery…Ratio’s frustration and admiration mixes and gives him a headache.
Then there was that emanator…From his few on the sidelines of most of his time in Penacony, she and the Trailblaze seemed to get rather close, so of course she would be seen as a trusted ally. Though, for both what she did to , as well as what she did for Aventurine…She made him feel a whirlpool of emotions he was unsure he could comprehend even still. But he wanted to speak to her nonetheless. Because, away from that situation – or even within it, with most of her own emotions and memories stripped by Nihility, yet still reaching out to Aventurine to help him live in the face of death – Acheron also seemed to genuinely care for individuals and the universe at large. In that sense…Even just a few words of acknowledgement, and catching her up on their lives, would be enough closure to calm the tides.
With Sunday, however…he would want to do the same, but he’s already internally decided against it. Not in the sense that he could never forgive him; Ratio and Aventurine both knew of his plans, in order to put their own into motion. While he could chastise him for any pain caused to his partner, they both knew what they were getting into with him. Rather, Ratio didn’t want to approach him first for the simple reason that the timing on Sunday’s part was perhaps…too turbulent. Having been released due to Robin’s deal with Jade, wanting to make up for his past errors even if it was far too late for some, and trying to reinvent himself while also accepting himself as the Astral Express opened their arms – Ratio can only imagine the emotional turmoil, and how anything Ratio could bring up would add fuel to the fire. For both of their sanities, just seeing him well and away from toxicity was enough.
Ratio was sure that that was a shared reasoning he had with Aventurine’s presence today too.
The last reason for Ratio’s own involvement was Aventurine’s own insistence on the man joining in on the fun. Having done it in the previous year, and picking up guitar to truly get into character for his image, seeing Ratio get an invite was a one way ticket to constant pleading and puppy dog eyes. If only so Aventurine could match their images together and gush about how handsome he was – the man’s own admission – and also to see the instrument chosen for him. Which was…an accordion. “Something as complex and complicated as you are, huh?” Aventurine had joked upon seeing it, leading to Ratio bopping him on the head slightly with it. Even in flustered blush, Ratio knew not to hurt important things. And the instrument was only going to be shown off in the group photo anyhow, so there was no need for him to integrate it into his life…Yet he may have dabbled with it a bit.
All the reasonings and images aside, Ratio himself felt honored yet nonplussed by the opportunity…but also wanted everything to go off without a hitch. Triple-checking his outfit and hair, redoing his makeup, internally pumping himself up for any instructions on poses –
“Ratio.” The blond’s voice echoed slightly into the otherwise empty room, standing in the doorway and smiling softly. “You’re overthinking it all still, huh?”
Ratio sighed, finally glancing his way while leaning against the vanity table. “This is important, Vasha.” The nickname whispered slightly lower than his other words, afraid someone would overhear it.
That caution and politeness made Aventurine laugh, getting off the doorway to start closing the distance between them. But, before more compliments or complaints could be brought up, their three bouncing baby catcakes bounded behind Aventurine. Getting around the now giggling man instantly, all three of them go to cling to Ratio’s legs, surprising the scholar into a very audible gasp.
“Go Papa!” said one.
“We believe in you Papa!” said another.
“You’re so shiny Papa!” said the third.
Many more words of encouragement rang out in their little meows, their joy as energetic as they were, filling the room so fast that the atmosphere felt soaked in sunshine. Ratio and Aventurine both stare down at them for the longest time, the blond with this proud and confident smile, while Ratio’s features slowly softened and eased. The only way to stop their tirade was for Ratio to pet all of their heads within their cakey shells, scratching their ears softly and making them release pleased purrs at the reward. Such oppressive forces are taken down so easily…Ratio cracks a smile, all other thoughts of other people and studies falling to the wayside.
“...Feel better now?” Aventurine’s voice was much softer than before, and his smile equally sunny to match the air. This man…for all his own frustrations and annoyances, Ratio’s heart skips a beat, yet also throbs for him so intensely.
“...I will after one more important matter.” Ratio states, standing up straight and stepping carefully around the catcakes, making his way over to Aventurine.
Aventurine, anticipating the moment, changes his smirk to a smile and raises his hands up towards Ratio’s face. “And what would that be, dearest doctor?”
Ratio wraps one arm around Aventurine’s waist, before his other hand reaches for his chin, bending down slightly. “Heh. You already have the answer.” whispered against their lips, before they connect into soft kisses that feel like they last a lifetime. Stretching out this simple moment between them. Away from swirling thoughts and exchanges and instruments and photos – In the here and now, the only thing that really mattered to either of them.
After a minute that felt like an eternity, they pulled away from one another, both breathless yet smiling. Ratio gains his composure quicker, quick glances at his makeup in the nearby mirror. But Aventurine is quicker on true actions and teasing, grabbing Ratio’s arm to finally pull him out of the room while grinning up at him. “C’mon worrywart; into the studio you go! But, if you need more good luck kisses, I’ll be readily waiting in the wings~”
Ratio sighs again, though this one with a much lighter, amused tone than before. “I’m sure you will be.” said with mixtures of play annoyance and gratitude. Catcakes excitedly following them out, the slightly forced dragging slowly morphs into Ratio confidently walking slightly ahead of them all. Reasonings, for at least this one moment, didn’t matter now. What mattered now was him striking all of his confident poses for Stelle’s camera, for the fun of it and nothing more.