( It does something to Aventurine's heart every time Ratio worries about him -- there's the urge to do something reckless and dangerous to bask in his attention, sure,. But the idea that someone cares enough about his wellbeing to be concerned is still a new and novel revelation that Aventurine, almost a year on from his last attempt to end his life, still can't quite believe.

"Do stay alive, I wish you the best of luck."

Does Ratio have any idea how much those words meant to him in that moment? Proof that Acheron was right and that there was a reason to live after all? That maybe he wasn't so alone, that there still could be people out there that cared. That wanted him to stick around.

One day, Aventurine will tell him. Before it's too late and he can't anymore, either by death or because Ratio will have left him. His expression softens slightly, and his hand goes back to wrap around the pendant he hasn't taken off since Veritas gifted it to him. Perhaps he's been selling them both short lately on the longevity of this arrangement.

Perhaps.

Anyway-- )

Isn't that what we're supposed to be doing? Saving it? It's strange though, there's really not much to save -- here's where I'd make a bid for allowing the IPC to come in and offer them a little nudge in the right direction, if I could. But don't worry so much, dear Doctor. There's something here I'm not eager to go without.