...this is for me too, doc. [ aventurine murmurs into the top of ratio's head as he tips his own down to bury it in his hair. there, now he doesn't have to feel embarrassed. ] We will make some kind of a breakthrough. I know there's something to be uncovered here. And... we have pieces! We just need to start making sense of them. How about we collectively work on that. [ that will make him feel better, or so he hopes. ] Laying it out will give us a better visual of the situation.

[ he smiles from behind his mask, a clawed hand reaching for ratio's chin to tip it back, allowing them to gaze at each other. ] And I don't know what I would do without you, Ver. [ he presses a kiss to his forehead. ]