Chapter Text
Chapter 2
Gradually, Aventurine’s senses began to seep back into him, pulling back the heavy weighted curtain of his mind. First the feel of the smooth fibers of the sheet wound around him…then the crack of sunlight flashing under his eyelids. Now realizing he was awake, and it was actually morning, he heaved one arm over to begin the laborious process of getting his reluctant body out of bed. And then it pressed into a warm and squishy lump.
There was a tiny, high-pitched sound, like “weh”. What in the world…?
Startled, Aventurine forced his bleary eyes open, and then it all came rushing back to him. Clover…!!! He hurriedly sat up and made room for the soft green-shelled little creature snoozing next to him, a nest of blankets crinkled around her.
His own foot had also been entangled in the bottom of the blanket, and it only covered him halfway. As usual, he’d probably been squirming around a lot in his sleep. It was honestly impressive that Clover had been able to sleep through all that. She gave off a purr-snore and blinked one eye, caught between the awake and asleep states. Good. Relief settled Aventurine’s nerves when he realized he hadn’t actually disturbed her.
It was a few minutes before his alarm clock was set to start buzzing, but he might as well start getting ready. It took quite an effort to look this debonair every day, after all. But as he washed up and made his morning coffee, his thoughts again turned towards last night. Good Lord, that was shameful. Even though she was only an animal, and apparently experienced with that sort of thing, he felt ashamed that another living being had witnessed his moment of weakness. Well, it had been a mistake, a consequence of the unusual circumstances and his distracted thoughts. It wouldn’t happen again tonight.
By the time Aventurine was half-dressed and sitting in the dining room with his coffee and a few pieces of toast for breakfast, Clover had finally woken up. She hopped onto the table and gave him a mewl of greeting, and he gave her a pet on the top. He fished an egg out of the fridge, intending on frying it up for her, but she held out her paws as soon as she saw it, so he curiously presented it to her raw. Her little kitty mouth opened wide…and she sucked in the entire egg, shell and all, like some kind of miniature vacuum. These creatures really could eat anything…was there a tiny black hole inside their gelatinous bodies?
Everything else felt the same, aside from the cake cat springing back and forth through the apartment. At one point, he almost tripped on her when he went to fetch his coat out of the closet. How thrilling…at any point, he might snag his foot on her, slam his head against the kitchen counter, and end up in a coma.
Holding his bag in one hand, Aventurine wrapped his other arm around Clover, carrying her tucked against his chest, as he exited the apartment. Noticing his lack of available hands, Clover helpfully used her little gray-tipped paws to grab the door handle, and they opened and closed the door together.
In the elevator, he lowered her before the “lobby” button, and she thrust one paw out and pressed it for him. How had they taught her that? It was kind of incredible, how much she just knew. He was beginning to wonder how extensive the training for these critters was.
On the way out, Aventurine passed a few of the lower-ranked executives who lived on the lower floors, and he called quick greetings to them, pretending to be in a rush. They gave curious, puzzled glances at the unknown creature in his arm, but he gave them no time to stop and ask questions. Thankfully, the head security officer at the front of the building wasn’t much for small talk. Even when Aventurine tried to engage him in a “lovely weather we’re having today” or a “how was your holiday?”, the large man only ever nodded and uttered a vague “yep”.
The beeping of Aventurine’s ID card as it passed through the scanner served as a reminder every day—as always, his movements were monitored. Naturally, every IPC worker had to “clock in” at some point, but for him, it was much more than a tally of work hours. His ID had an active tracker installed. It was useful technology for sure, and he’d actually made use of it himself a few times. Suddenly, he thought it might be a good idea to outfit Clover with some type of tracker as well, in case she got lost. Unfortunately, starting today, he wouldn’t be able to keep an eye on her the whole time.
Morning was simple enough today—just a few reports to submit and a small stack of messages to reply to. Clover amused herself by hopping onto the back windowsill and staring out at the cityscape beyond. There was a squeaky noise as she occasionally rubbed her paws against the glass, and Aventurine felt a little bad that he couldn’t take her out there just yet.
What was even worse was that he had to leave her behind in the office for a while that afternoon. There was a deal that had to be conducted in person in the city proper. It might look simple on the surface, but he knew…there was a non-zero chance that something might go wrong, and the last thing he wanted was to put Clover in potential danger. Some of the people he dealt with could become hostile after losing their bets with him…it was simply part of the business. Fortunately, the office was safe and protected enough for little Clover.
It felt a bit sad when Aventurine told her that he’d have to leave her here alone for a few hours, but he tried to lessen the impact by giving her pets and assuring her that he’d be back. Getting out into the city would also grant him an opportunity to slip away afterwards and purchase a nice cat bed for her. He used his phone to locate the most elite, high-end pet supply store. No expense would be spared.
He’d probably worried for no reason, as the transaction went smoothly and with only a small bit of tension. At the luxury pet store, he found a cat bed shaped like a castle, with little blue and green gems set at the top, and a few dangling feathers attached on the inside. It was soon on its way to his mailbox in the apartment complex lobby.
As soon as Aventurine stepped back into the office, Clover hopped over to his side and stared up at him with her little round, gray-circled face. A face like that was incredibly powerful…he was ready to buy her another 50,000 credits worth of cat toys.
A few more calls went by, followed by a briefing from Jade about his next major assignment. He also had a commission to take care of, but that didn’t take long—it never did.
That night, he set up the castle bed in the parlor, and Clover spent a little while inside, swatting at the feathers. But…she didn’t stay there. This time, Aventurine made sure to have a workout in the small fitness room to the side. He was sufficiently tired and a tiny bit achy at bedtime. But as soon as he laid down, Clover sprang herself up onto the bed beside him.
“Uh, no, no, it’s okay,” he told her, even as she buried herself in a silken sheet and nudged against his chest. “I’m fine tonight, you don’t need to do that. You have your own bed now.”
“Myah!” Clover cried out in protest and jiggled herself into a comfortable nook against his neck.
“Seriously, it’s okay now. I just made a mistake last night. It won’t happen again.”
Clover wobbled her body side-to-side in disagreement, and refused to budge. Inside himself, Aventurine was starting to feel ashamed again. Had he really seemed that pathetic? So much so that he couldn’t be trusted to sleep on his own? Then again, Clover had been trained as a therapy animal. He couldn’t fault her for wanting to do her job.
“Is it more comfortable in my bed?” He wondered aloud. “Hmm, maybe the castle bed wasn’t the best choice. Maybe it’s actually not as soft as some of the simpler ones. I wish I could’ve brought you with me so you could’ve tested them out.”
“Nyu,” she simply answered, and shook herself again.
He sighed. “Well, either way, it looks like you’re not going anywhere, are you?” With a resigned little smile, Aventurine turned onto his side and gave her few rubs over the front edge of her cake shell. He left that arm to wrap around her curved side, holding her like a stuffed animal. And he had a wonderful, dreamless sleep.
(-)
The next morning, Aventurine gathered up the castle cat bed, tucked Clover inside of it, and carried the whole bundle out the door with him. The other apartment residents gave him odd looks, but he simply stared back with one of his enigmatic smirks, and they immediately turned away. Who were they to question whatever crazy scheme the great Aventurine had come up with now? Whatever it was, it was sure to achieve lucrative results.
He’d decided to bring the bed to the office. Since she didn’t seem interested in using it overnight, it might at least provide some comfort and enrichment during work hours. She didn’t seem opposed to it, and she’d willingly slotted herself inside as he’d squished it down snugly over her top. All that poked out were her big eyes and round gray face, as if she’d become one with the castle itself. What a silly thought…though Aventurine found himself wondering what it would be like to put her in a little costume. Her shape would allow her to slide easily into a pouch-like opening. Would it be too uncomfortable for her? It would probably restrict her movements. But if it was just for a few pictures…
As he walked through the main entrance to his designated wing, Aventurine caught sight of someone…and for time efficiency, he should probably talk to them now.
“Good morning,” he smoothly greeted as he strode up to the two black-armored members of his support squad. Fortunately, they had their helmets off, so they were distinguishable—one woman and one man. Aventurine swiftly set down his bag and extracted something from it—a cell phone with a design of blue waves on the cover. “So very sorry, my friend,” he began as he handed it to the young woman. “I only managed to get C3 and one copy of that special bell weapon. But I didn’t lose a 50/50.”
The lady was new—a fresh transfer to his crew, and no older than 25. She stared back at him with her mouth slightly dropped open in amazement. “That’s…incredible, sir! Thank you so much! I swear I only had enough for maybe C1. But…wow!”
The man with her, an older soldier who’d been looking after her, gave a hearty chuckle. “I told you! Our man never disappoints.”
“Certainly,” Aventurine answered, watching the lady scrolling through the menus of her game with widened eyes. “Though I do wish it had gone even better. At least another copy of the weapon, perhaps.”
“How much do I owe you?” She asked, looking up at him with fascination. And now the kicker.
“Oh, no charge, friend! I would never charge the members of my own team for my services. I ask only for your support and your good work, as always.”
“Ah! Are you sure?” The young lady pressed a hand to her cheek. “You could take a little bit from my next paycheck…”
“I appreciate it, truly, but no, that’s not necessary. You’re a first-time customer, as well. All first pulling commissions are free, regardless.”
“See?” the male soldier spoke up, with a smile. “There are lots of benefits to being on Mr. Aventurine’s crew!”
Aventurine, meanwhile, noticed his eyes trailing downward, curiously looking at the strange, blinking castle-cat in his arm. “Ahaha, you bet there is.” Decisively, he retrieved his bag and squished in at the Clover bundle. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to get this creature to its destination.”
At last, he parted from his subordinates with a gentlemanly bow of the head. Unlike some of his colleagues, Aventurine preferred to keep an amicable relationship with his assigned squads. To keep them…invested, as it were. Loyalty was easily purchased, and the trading of favors was the name of the game. It was especially important to bring this newcomer into the fold—make her feel as if she was valued. That way, when it came time for her to put her life on the line, she’d do it gladly. These little services were honestly the least he could do.
Once he arrived at the office, he set the castle down in a corner near the window, and Clover immediately squeezed out of it. Maybe it had been getting hot, all squished in there. For a few minutes, she bounced around the coffee table, jumped on the couch cushions, and found a stray pen, which she picked up with both paws and brought back to the desk. It felt more comfortable, now…another living creature sharing his space. One that he didn’t need to perform for, no matter how natural the performance felt.
The first few hours went as usual. Then…while waiting on his next phone call, Aventurine found himself curiously searching the internet for more information about “Ruan Mei’s Cake Cats”. Soon, he came across a messaging group for cake cat owners—“Kitty Pastry Pals”. It required a login to access, but its security was very barebones and the IPC’s network could easily bypass it.
So, for the next several minutes, he curiously scrolled through it. Mostly, it was filled with pictures the members had taken, showing off their cats. Some people had decorated their shells, and some had made little tail ornaments for them. He saw unusual breeds, like one that resembled a trash can and one with gold leaf on the side and especially wide, blank eyes. But occasionally, he did see someone with a question. For instance, how to get two dissimilar cake cats to get along (the trick was usually to give them matching accessories), or if two of them would breed (the answer was no, they had to be specially cultivated at the space station).
But then, one especially odd string of comments grabbed Aventurine’s interest:
“Hey guys! Has anyone else tried the Synesthesia Beacon upgrade that lets you talk to your cake cats? It’s kind of expensive, but I’m really glad I got it! I’m always chatting with my little guy now. He’s like my best friend.”
“That’s great! I’m saving up to get one for myself. I want it as soon as possible!”
“Awww! I wish I could understand my Sesame like that. Though something tells me he wouldn’t have much to say, lol.”
Then came a meme post of a cartoon character giving a thumbs-up and the phrase “cake cats > people”.
A Synesthesia Beacon upgrade…that would translate Clover’s little meows?! The lady from the adoption service hadn’t mentioned anything about that…how come? Maybe it was just a strange rumor, or considering the fact that it cost money, a scam. Even if such a thing did exist, he imagined it could only translate simple feelings and expressions—things like “food?”, “yay!”, “shiny!”, or “what’s that?” Yet the further he read into the line of messages, the crazier the stories became.
“lol, part of me wishes I’d never got it. My cats Sugar Blossom and Gingersnap won’t stop criticizing my gameplay and making fun of my equipment choices. At least laughing at me seems to be bringing them together.”
“Sweetbean and I had a really deep conversation about the meaning of life yesterday. I’m thinking of reading her some books on interastral history and the Aeons, so we can really get into it some more!”
These claims—though they could just be plants, hyping up the so-called Synesthesia Beacon upgrade—they were just a little too detailed. Could it actually be true?
Aventurine swiftly tabbed out of the message group and brought up the officially sanctioned webpage for the Synesthesia Beacon. Sure enough, there were updates available. He hadn’t been notified of them, because they hadn’t been designated as essential. That meant…these were languages used so sparsely, it was extremely unlikely to encounter them. For the sake of his work, he ought to download them all…but only for work, of course. Through the IPC’s elite access network, it didn’t cost him anything…so why not?
As he watched the download percentage steadily rise, an odd nervous energy gathered within Aventurine’s stomach. He picked up one of his golden chips, rolling it between his fingers, and at the same time, Clover bounced up onto the corner of his desk, as if sensing his discomfort. Suddenly, he wasn’t sure which outcome would be worse—if it didn’t work…or if it did. If it was truly possible to speak to Clover directly, and to hear her speak comprehensible words back…was that really what he wanted? But then…if she could speak, if she was capable of complex thought and expression…it was his responsibility to hear her out.
With a little bling noise, his phone announced that the update had finished installing, and he took a slow breath. There was an unseen trepidation in Aventurine’s shoulders as he placed the phone flat and level on the desk before him. And then…he tapped the Synesthesia Beacon activation button.
With widened eyes, he turned to Clover on the corner of the desk, staring straight into her own black, glossy ones. She blinked, but held her gaze steady.
“…Clover? Hello there. Can you…speak? Try to say something.”
“Hello!” The voice that reverberated out of the small, squishy creature sounded like a calm young lady in a middle register. And Aventurine’s breath snagged in his chest.
“I can speak, yeah. Did you just get that thingy that lets you understand me?” Clover curiously inclined her head toward him. Her little mouth hadn’t moved as much as the words would indicate…but they clearly sounded out, even after it had closed. No way. That…was a complete sentence, a complete thought.
A horrible sensation began clawing its icy talons through his heart. “I…yes, I can understand you.”
“Awesome! Finally, I don’t have to struggle to get my point across!” This incredible little cat flung herself closer across the desk, straight over the folders that were spread out there. “Hi!! Your name is Aventurine, right? Hi, Aventurine!! I’m so glad we can meet like this now!”
Aventurine felt his left hand begin to tremble, and he clenched it tighter against his knee, hidden below the desk. Faintly, color had begun to drain from his face. “You’re…you’re sentient. Sapient.”
Clover wobbled at him. “I’m not sure what ‘sapient’ means, but if you mean ‘capable of speaking in big long complex thoughts and stuff’, then yeah, of course! We were originally meant to be geniuses, after all, even if we didn’t quite reach that level.”
The horrible feeling twisted, dug into his very heart, and Aventurine sprang into action. With desperate, fumbling hands, he snatched up his phone and furiously swiped through the menus to find the number. Where was it…oh, gosh, where was it?! Why hadn’t he bookmarked it?!
“Hey.” Clover raised a paw towards his hand in concern. “What are you doing? Are you alright?”
“I’m returning you.” The words flew out of his mouth, determined, as if willing it into existence, forcing his own mind to accept it and reassuring the universe of his decision. Ah! There it was, the number for the adoption agency!!
“What?! Wait, no!!”
The instant Aventurine tapped the call button, little Clover launched herself up, slamming into his hand and knocking the phone out of his grasp. It clattered to the floor, thankfully protected by its high-impact casing.
“What are you doing?!” Aventurine finally snapped, flying to his feet before her. Below, the phone was buzzing, dialing but not reaching through yet.
“I don’t want to go back!” Clover cried. “And why do you suddenly want to get rid of me?! If you don’t like me talking, just turn the thing off!”
Emotion like he’d never seen before pinched in at Clover’s eyes. She was feeling rejected…she didn’t understand that it was for her own good. Unintentionally, he’d hurt her.
A soft breath puffed out of Aventurine’s chest as he tried to bring his panic back under control. The vague, muffled sounds of a woman’s voice came from below, an answering machine, by the tone of it. Clover still might not understand...she might be too entrenched in their institution and ideology. But he’d decided to at least try, if only to alleviate a fraction of the pain he’d made her feel.
“You’re a sentient species. You’re intelligent, capable of advanced thoughts, just like a human. You’re not a mere animal. It isn’t right for them to…sell you like this. For humans to own you like this. To treat you like pets. If I had known, I would have never been interested in the first place. I refuse to be a part of it.”
The bile churned in Aventurine’s stomach, and adrenaline pulsed through his veins. Because he knew all too well. The fact that he’d ever been an unaware participant in such a thing made him feel utterly sick. He was being consumed by self-loathing, even more than usual. The oppressed becomes the oppressor, huh? Isn’t that how it goes? Now that you’re on top of the world, you get to be the master, holding lesser people tight in your grasp, buying and owning them like property. You’re the same as he was. You’ve risked so much and survived for so long, and for what? Just to become that which you hated most.
“Oh.” Clover raised both paws, as if reaching for him, all pink, scented toe pads on display. Perhaps she was trying to soothe him. “I understand why you might think that. But I wanted to be adopted. And you’re very nice to me.”
“It doesn’t matter.” Darkness tinged the edges of Aventurine’s voice. “A comfortable cage is still a cage.”
“It’s not like that at all!” Clover objected. “It’s more like…like a family. I was hoping…you could be my new family.”
Those words…they struck into Aventurine’s heart, and though his hands still clenched tight, the desperate, churning thoughts within him began to diminish. “Don’t you have any family and friends aboard the space station?” He stared down at the defiant little cat. “I’ve taken you away from them.”
“Well, I do have a few friends,” Clover considered. Her paws lowered, realizing she wasn’t going to get picked up. “But I’m sure I’ll get a chance to visit them sometime. Iphigenia was saying that this company deals with our space station every now and then. And as for family…”
Her black oval eyes turned towards the wall, as if considering how to say it. “It’s…a little difficult for me to understand. You humans call ‘family’ those that gave you life. So, I guess that would make Miss Ruan Mei my family. Many of the others of my kind think that way. But I’m not so sure. Technically, a boy with gray hair is the one that brought me into this world. But I don’t truly consider either of them family.” Her paws scrunched in, and her round little body seemed to shrink further into her shell portion. “I’ve heard that…humans sometimes form families just based on strong bonds, so…I wanted to be adopted, form a bond with a human, and maybe find out what that meant.”
Aventurine’s lips pressed tightly together. “There’s no guarantee that would happen...the person adopting you might only view you as a pet or a tool, not family.”
Clover shivered a little, like a bowl of jelly. “I know that…but…to me, it was worth a shot.”
A risk-taker…a little gambler in her own right. She’d thrown herself into a chance lotto in the hopes of winning the experience of a family. Incredible.
Gently, Aventurine sat back down, bringing his face level with her scrunched one. “That was truly your purpose for putting yourself up for adoption?”
“Y-Yes!” With a soft spring, Clover popped her face back out again. “And also, uh, well… I’ve always wanted to leave the space station and see what else is out there. From what I’ve heard, the universe is huge. And I feel really lucky to be with you! It seems like you’re a really important person in this massive company that goes all over the universe. I’ll have a chance to see a ton of new things!!”
Ah. That was a less sentimental and more concrete personal goal. Aventurine folded his gloved hands and stole a glance towards the security camera tucked into the far-right corner of his office. Not so much for his own security…but to keep watch on him. By this point, it would be obvious… From this recording, Diamond or Jade or anyone else who cared to know would be able to tell that Clover was intelligent and could be translated. Soon, it would become common knowledge. And it was already too late. He’d already shattered all of his own walls in front of her, believing her to be a simple cat. All he could do now was desperately scramble to save face.
With his usual breezy smile, he crossed his legs and raised a hand in conversation. “That sounds all fine and dandy on paper, but you see…” Aventurine was loath to break it to her, but it was important for her to understand. “The kind of work I do on other planets…it’s not exactly routine. Or safe. I refuse to put you into such dangerous situations.”
A new kind of dread was building in the pit of his stomach. They’d know that he cared about her. The kind of terrifying attachment he’d always tried to avoid was already upon him. They could…use her against him at any time. Rivals, opponents, negotiators…those that wanted IPC presence gone from their world at any cost. Anyone could find out that Clover could be translated…that perhaps she knew his private secrets.
Pain and terror swirled through Aventurine’s heart as unspeakable images began to flash through his mind. His eyebrows pinched, just a smidgeon, and he successfully blocked the emotion from displaying on his face. Even though he wished he could crumple to the floor and sob. No. I don’t care. It’s fine. It’s just how it is.
“Ah…” Clover closed her eyes for a long moment, taking it in. “Hmm. I want to say it doesn’t matter, I’d want to go anyway, but I…don’t know.” They popped open again, and her body made a tiny hop. “But I still want to stay with you! You’re not going to dissuade me!”
“Haha…in that case…” Aventurine gave her one of his standard little smiles. “Let’s open negotiations.” Striking a deal with his own cat definitely hadn’t been on his agenda, but unexpected twists like this were always a thrill.
“Negotiations?” Said cat jiggled with anxiety. “Yes. How do you feel about this compromise: you can stay with me, but if I’m going away on assignment, you’ll have to stay here with one of my associates at the company.”
“That’s a little disappointing,” Clover admitted. “Is there any way that person could take me somewhere else instead?”
“It’s not likely. But I’d say it’s not impossible. And…” This one felt like a bit of stretch, but he wanted to make it known anyway. “If I’m ever able to get some time off, I promise to take you somewhere nice.” The chances of that were slim to none, but…Aventurine had never shied away from miniscule chances.
Clover’s round little black face looked down at the shiny wood of the desk. “I also…I want to help you, though. I really do want to help you. It feels nice, to be able to help a human like that. How will I be able to help you if I’m not with you?”
Aventurine bit at his tongue, keeping his face in check. “The best way you could help me in a situation like that…would be to keep yourself safe.”
Clover went silent, and he gave her a quiet moment for consideration. Everything had changed…
Deep inside, Aventurine was still nervous. He’d never wanted such a loaded responsibility. A pet was one thing…but Clover was actually more akin to a young person. Becoming a caregiver, an older sibling, a roommate…that was honestly frightening. He shouldn’t even be entertaining the thought of keeping her. Yet…his sentimentality was winning out, as much as he hated to admit it. This whole thing was a mistake. A mistake, yes, perhaps the first time he’d truly miscalculated. And now he had to deal with the consequences.
“I will ask one final time…do you truly wish to stay with me, under these conditions?”
The tense moment hung in the air, teetering on the edge of a decision that would impact both of their lives.
And suddenly, Clover’s little gray paw shot forward, so fast that the rest of her wiggled from the force. “Yes! It’s a deal! I want to stay with you!”
Aventurine felt oddly relieved. The course was set…now he’d just have to try his best, and pray that it was good enough. A precious life was now intricately entwined with his, as much as he both feared it and desired it. No backing out once all the chips were on the table.
Softly, he reached out his gloved hand, pinched that plush little paw in his fingers…and gave it a firm shake. This was the true, final deal, mirroring the moment they had come together in this so-called partnership. A pact between beings of two very different species. In his gentler, pathetically emotional voice, Aventurine told her, “It’s a deal, then, my friend.”
The harsh office lights shone off Clover’s large, wet eyes. Her tiny mouth curled into an adorable kitty smile. And she sprang forward, straight towards his chest, forcing him to catch her in his arms. “Yaaaaaay!!” She cried out, and her round little face was nuzzling straight into his chest-window. Her paws stretched as far out around his body as they could, which wasn’t very much. “I’m so glad…”
Aventurine let out quiet, nervous laughter. “I guess that’s that, then.” He gave her a reassuring squeeze, and pried her squishy body away, setting her back on the table before him. She wiped a few happy tears that had fallen, rubbing paws over both eyes, and then bobbed up and down in place. It was painfully heartwarming.
“Say, now that we can have a real conversation, I have something to ask.” Aventurine crossed his arms, almost as if protecting himself from another sudden hug attack. “Do you like the name ‘Clover’? Or did you already have a name of your own? I’ll gladly call you by whatever you’d most like.”
“I guess I did have a name, of sorts.” She paused in her bobbing and tapped one paw to her mouth. “But it was more like a designation code. I was called INCOSP-P7, for ‘Innocent Coconut Splashmelon (Patterned) Number Seven’. I came in the box with INCFSP-P4, BOCR-2, and COSF-8. Compared to all that, I much prefer being called ‘Clover’. And I can’t really think of anything I’d like better. I’m already getting used to it.”
“Alright.” Aventurine nodded, starting to feel slightly better about the whole thing. If he’d helped give her more of an identity for herself…that was wonderful. Though their situations were vastly different…he, too, knew what it was like to be identified purely by a code, a number. “Once again, Clover…I’m happy to meet you.”
“Me too, Aventurine!” His newly confirmed little friend slid herself forward and nuzzled her side against his hand. “Pet me, pet me! Come on. Don’t you dare stop petting me now, just because I can talk like a human.”
Laughter bubbled out of him, and it came straight from his chest, unfiltered. He lifted that hand and obliged, stroking it up over Clover’s little round head, and then continuing on to the side of her shell, where her namesake, the tiny lucky clover mark, was located. “I thought you were supposed to be the quiet one,” he teased.
“Well, I just think it’s not worth saying much if no one can understand you, y’know? Mmmm…” Her yellow eyes closed, and she began to purr. Purring, it seemed, was untranslatable.
“I have to get back to work,” Aventurine spoke up, after another minute of pets. “You’d better stay quiet during my calls, okay?”
“Oh, yes, of course!” Clover’s tail swished, gazing longingly after his retracting hand. “I’ll go chill out in that castle bed. It really is nice, you know!” He watched her hop down from his desk and start bouncing backwards towards the bed. “Thank you!”
“You’re welcome.” He smiled. And then lifted his phone, pressing to send a call to a certain person… Clover buried herself in the soft, fluffy castle, and at the same time, the call picked up, with a vaguely aggressive click.
“What is it now, Aventurine?” An annoyed female voice came through. “I just got out of my presentation.”
“Ah, Topaz, it’s nice to hear from you, too.” Immediately, he was back to normal, and it felt so much easier. His eyes narrowed in amusement. “How many people showed up this time? Or did you make it mandatory, to be sure to fill those seats?”
A sigh huffed through the speaker. “Get to the point. What is the purpose of this call?”
“Well, I’m happy you asked. You see, I’ve got a little proposal for you…”
“I don’t even want to know what it is. I’m not entertaining your insane ideas again.”
“Oh, but are you sure? Because this is something I’m certain you’d be very interested in. Something I know you wouldn’t want to miss out on.” Aventurine tapped his fingers against the desk. She didn’t respond with another rebuke, allowing him to continue…and he knew he already had her intrigued. “Come by my office later, say, in another three system hours. I’ve got something fascinating you show you.”
(-)
The office door slid open, and the armored guard ushered in the white-haired young lady and her little pig-like companion. Ah. It was time. Unlike with most anyone else, there would be no exchange of business pleasantries and platitudes, and it was refreshing. Aventurine didn’t mind such things, of course, but after several days, it did start to grow weary.
Topaz confidently strode up to his desk, Numby pattering after. “Alright, Aventurine, what is it this—ohmygosh!”
Of course, she immediately noticed…just as he’d planned. Clover was positioned front and center on the desk, blinking her big yellow eyes and twitching her tail. Topaz rushed closer, boots clacking on the smooth floor, and Numby launched themselves into the air, hovering over her shoulder to get a look. “What is this?! It’s so cute!”
Aventurine chuckled and smoothly rose from his chair. “Have your attention now, do I? Like a moth to the flame.”
Numby glided closer, sniffing at Clover with their stubby little snout, and then, their mouth began to crack open. Swiftly, Topaz clamped her hand over their snout, pushing them back, and with a little whine, they seemed to get the picture. The little cake cat probably looked and smelled delicious.
It wasn’t every day that Topaz brought her little golden Warp Trotter to work, but she’d mentioned giving a presentation, and Numby was very useful as a mascot and attention-grabber for those sorts of things. So coincidentally, their companions were now meeting for the first time.
Aventurine casually placed one hand on top of Clover’s flat shell. “You know, anyone who knows your weakness to cute animals could exploit you so easily. If I threatened this little one right now, I’m sure you’d do anything I asked.” He’d never do such a thing, at least not to an innocent creature, but he was sure Topaz didn’t know him well enough to call his bluff. He made sure that no one ever did.
Her eyes narrowed, and she glanced down at the pulsing, breathing little kitty before fixing him with a baleful look. “Fine. I get it. Just get to the point. What do you want? Or did you call me here just to criticize me again?”
“Exactly as expected. You’re woefully predictable, Topaz. It’s pretty boring.” Aventurine leaned closer, over the desk, meeting her gaze directly. Unfortunately, she’d become too familiar with the unsettling coloration of his eyes, and they no longer affected her. He’d have to use other methods of emotional manipulation.
“Are you guys about to fight or something?” Clover asked, though Topaz didn’t have the Synesthesia Beacon upgrade, so to her, it probably only sounded like “Myyu?”
“But before I lay down my proposal, there are a few things you should know. The answer to your question.”
Aventurine lifted Clover with one hand, holding her like a platter of appetizers. “This is a cake cat, a brand-new species developed by Number 81 of the Genius Society, Miss Ruan Mei. I recently came into possession of this one here—a female named ‘Clover’. They’re known for their squishy bodies and pleasantly scented paws. Here, you should smell hers—it’s really nice.”
He held Clover out, closer to Topaz’s face, and she obligingly lifted her paws, as if she’d been trained to, though he hadn’t actually told her beforehand. “Pleased to meet you/mew,” she said, and eagerly showed off her paw pads.
Instead of sniffing, Topaz only reached out with both hands and pressed them. However, it did disperse a bit of her scent into the air, and though it was barely perceptible, some of her rigidity eased.
“She’s wonderful, though I have to wonder how she ended up with you.”
“Oh, well, you could say I’m just lucky.” Softly, Aventurine set Clover down again, with a dramatic sweep of his arm. “Now, the deal is simple enough. Whenever I’m away on assignment, I need you to watch little Clover here for me. You may take her back to your apartment if you so choose, but she’s not to leave Pier Point until I’ve returned.”
“And…?” Topaz crossed her arms and waited for the other shoe to drop. “What’s the arrangement here? What are you willing to compensate me with?”
“Why, Clover’s presence itself, of course. She’s adorable. I know you’re just dying to hold her and squeeze her. Plus, you may not have noticed, but her paw scent has a certain stress-relieving aromatherapy effect.”
“So, you just want me to babysit your new pet for you. For free.”
“That’s way oversimplifying the offer, my friend. You really don’t understand how much you stand to gain here.”
Topaz sighed, but looked down into the little cake cat’s big, shining, innocent eyes. “Of course. I should’ve known you’d find a way to twist my arm. But even if I wanted to…there honestly isn’t much space at my apartment currently.”
Numby leaped up onto the desk and began to snuffle around the small pile of poker chips in one corner.
“I’m sure you can find space. She’s quite compact. And she doesn’t need a lot of room to run around.”
Aventurine grinned and snatched one of the chips, drawing the Trotter’s attention. Then, he flicked it back and forth between his fingers, arcing it through the air and catching it with perfect precision. Numby followed the golden glint with their gaze, utterly entranced.
His smirk grew wider when he noticed the obvious look of frustration on Topaz’s face. She’d always been far too free with her expressions. Someday, it was going to cost her. But this was yet another tactic Aventurine had decided to deploy. She hated when he did this, probably afraid that he’d steal her precious Trotter away with his fancy coin tricks. Childishly jealous when he baited them over to him by flashing gold in their direction.
Topaz…he didn’t truly dislike her, but she was just far too naïve to be in a place like this. He kept her at arm’s length, knowing how bought in she was, and disdaining her innocence. She hadn’t even killed someone with her own hands.
At last, with one final flick, Aventurine pinged the chip in Numby’s direction, and they eagerly flapped their mouth open, catching and swallowing it inside. “Here’s a little treat for your pet, too.”
“Rrgh…” Topaz pressed at the side of her head. “Fine. I’ll watch Clover. But only for her sake, not yours.”
“Yayyy, thank you, Miss Topaz!/Munyu!” Clover wobble-cried. And Aventurine began to wonder whether or not he should tell her about the Synesthesia Beacon. Well, there was time to decide before he’d have to leave.
At the sound, Topaz smiled again, focusing on the little creature. “Yeah, for you. I can’t leave you all alone. You’ll like it even better with me, I’m sure you will.”
Perfect. Playing with Numby had ignited her competitive spirit. She was probably thinking something like “well, I’ll try to steal his pet, too!” It was over. The game was won.
Aventurine swiftly drafted up a formal agreement, while Topaz petted Clover, much to her delight. They both signed it, and there—an official pet-sitting contract. As much as he distanced himself from others, he counted himself lucky he had one person he could assuredly rely on to protect a small creature. Maintaining amicable contacts had always been essential. It was just…anything more than that was out of the question.
Once Topaz left, Aventurine resumed the petting, watching the little creature purr and wiggle with happiness. He hoped, from everything he’d said to her earlier, she knew that he didn’t actually consider her a possession, that he’d never use her safety as a bargaining chip. More than any other person on his “friends” list…she was for too valuable for that.
(-)
Coming home that evening felt strange, once again. After two days, Aventurine had been beginning to adjust to Clover’s presence. It wasn’t as jarring, the second time, to spend a night with another living thing existing in his space. But now, it was more than just a “living thing”. He was coming home with another person, another intelligent being with complex thoughts and emotions. And that was maximum discomfort all over again.
The first thing he did when they entered his apartment was set Clover down on the coffee table, seat himself on the sofa, and begin the next important talk. Under no circumstances, except perhaps under the penalty of death, was she to reveal any information about him. Thus far, Aventurine had been exceptionally careful about who knew things about him. Of course, Jade and Diamond already knew his past, but anyone he worked with on a lower level knew only his surface persona, maybe the fact that he was Sigonian, and that was it. And even then…he’d never, ever allowed Jade or Diamond to see his weaknesses.
It was hard…being so firm, so deadly serious, almost intimidating with this sweet little blob. Clover’s eyes stared back at him, blinking in soft yellow, frowning in silent complacency. Why? They seemed to ask, too innocent for this life. And then, he had to explain everything…how his work could be deadly, how showing any sign of weakness could give his opponents a foothold from which to tear him apart. At least she’d been listening in on his phone calls, and he could use them as a reference. He had to be the one with the ammunition, giving the person on the other end as little as possible to fire back with.
She was very quiet throughout the lecture, only nodding and saying “okay” from time to time. Though he adamantly refused to let it show, Aventurine couldn’t help feeling a bit guilty…like he was scolding a child who’d done nothing wrong. But for the sake of his own safety, and consequently, hers, these rules had to be laid down.
The problem was…how could he possibly punish her if she did leak any private details? He couldn’t…he’d just have to impress upon her how important it was and…place his trust in her. It was terrifying.
Clover seemed a little sad, but she understood and didn’t try to argue. And at the end, she reached out to his knee and made a promise to never tell anyone else about his private life. As a reward, he gave her another little container of sushi and a rub on her top.
Despite all of it, Aventurine still felt terribly unsettled. Normally, it was quite easy to convince himself that he didn’t care. Acquaintances…”friends”…they were disposable. His wealth was disposable. His life was disposable. A vulnerable, innocent life that now depended upon him…he couldn’t bring himself to believe it was nothing to throw it on the table.
He kept his hands and his body busy for the rest of the evening. But he had to stop when Clover bounced up to his foot, holding one of his playing cards between her paws. “What are these, by the way? People use them for games, right? Do you think you could teach me how to play games with them?”
And soon, the two of them were on the living room floor, a heap of cards spread out between them, as Aventurine gladly explained the rules of Go Fish. It was difficult to play a game with her, though, because her paws could only hold two cards at a time. Maybe he’d look into getting her one of those card holder wheels, or perhaps her own little shelf to hide her cards in.
Though it was a very simple game, it was kind of incredible to be playing like this, in his own apartment, with another person. He’d never expected anything like this to ever happen.
Before either of them knew it, it was getting close to bedtime. Aventurine cleaned up the cards, and he was just about to head to the gym, when a strange thought struck him. More than anything…he wanted to protect Clover from harm. There was nothing he could do…except maybe…
No. No, why would he think of that? It was a useless stray thought, nothing more. But still…
Clover was still sitting in place, curling her little paws and tucking them close to her snowball-white body. So small, so fragile… He had to do something.
This is stupid, Aventurine’s inner voice once again criticized him. This is so stupidly sentimental. You really think these empty words will give you peace of mind? That it will really help protect her? You’ve never been able to protect anyone, and especially not like this. No one will help. This is nothing.
But then, another part of him pushed back. Well…some part of this seems to be real, at least when it comes to me. And it’s worth a try. Anything is worth a shot. It’s simple enough.
He sat back on the floor, cross-legged, only a few inches from her. “There’s one more thing I want to teach you.”
“Oh?” Clover stretched her head up, curiously. “I’m all ears!”
“It’s a…ritual, of sorts. It’s a blessing my family used to recite, for good luck and protection. I’d like to give you some of that good luck and protection, too.”
“Of course.” She smiled her little kitty smile. “That would be wonderful. And maybe I could do it for you, too!”
I’m not the one who needs it. But Aventurine returned her soft smile.
This is ridiculous. But maybe it will make me feel better. I hate that it might make me feel better. This is so ridiculous.
“Hold your paw up,” he instructed. “Straight up, like a high-five. And keep it there.”
She did just that, stretching the squishy paw up, almost to his chest.
She’s just a cat. Why does it matter so much? You’re so weak, too weak. It hurts. Will this really help?
And he extended his left hand, softly pressing his palm to her tiny pink toe beans. She looked up, meeting his eyes in fascination. And quietly, reverently, he recited the blessing of Gaiathra Triclops.
Clover had no idea what he was talking about. Did she even have blood? And she might never have schemes. But from her silent stillness, he could tell that she understood how serious and spiritual this was.
A quiet pause after “concealed”…and he tenderly pulled his hand away, prompting her to lower her paw now. “There you go.”
It felt silly…but it also felt reassuring. Illogical, sure…but his brain had been trained to see this as an expression of love and care. And even if it did nothing, objectively…his innermost core now felt much more stable.
“Thank you,” Clover softly spoke, eyes shining. “Thank you very much. Does this mean…does this mean we’re family now?”
Aventurine let out a short, quiet laugh. “…Perhaps it does.”
And with a joyful leap, Clover sprang into his lap, nuzzling her squishy face into his stomach.
He chuckled and used both hands to pet her sides. “You know, it’s surprising to me…that you’d want me as your family. Topaz wasn’t exaggerating today—you would be better off with her. Her assignments are always fairly straight-forward, and she’s very experienced with cats.”
“That doesn’t matter.” Clover wriggled and pulled herself back. “You need me more than she does. And—and I like being with you! You get all creepy and weird when you’re talking to those people on the phone. And you’re kind of a worrywart. But you’re a really nice person. I don’t understand what it was, but you did something really nice for that girl this morning—she was super happy. You’re sweet and kind and fun to be around. I’ve already learned a lot from being with you, and I want to learn more!”
“Haha. True, there are a lot more card games to teach you.” All things that don’t—that shouldn’t apply to me. But there’s a lot she doesn’t really know. She knew he struggled with nightmares, but not their content…though now, she might start asking, unfortunately.
Once more, Aventurine tried to convince Clover to sleep in her own bed, but she was having none of it. “And what if you start crying again, but I’m in the other room and I don’t hear you?”
“I’m not going to freak out again, I told you, that was just a mistake.”
“Oh, yeah, and I don’t believe that. You’re a serial liar, at least when it comes to yourself. I’ve been observing you for two days, I know. And you know that I know.”
Damn, it was frustrating when she was right. Finally, he relented, but with the stipulation that he’d be turning off the Synesthesia Beacon. The last thing he wanted was to hear her pitying little voice in the middle of the night telling him things like “you’ll be okay” or “it’s alright, don’t cry”. It was more comforting to hear “myu munyu”.
When Aventurine finally turned off the light and tucked himself under the covers, Clover hopped up on top of his head and extended her paws, patting them over his face. He knew what she was doing…and breathed in slowly, absorbing the soft aroma. In a way…this was her “blessing”. It was an exchange of feelings and protective instincts, and that, he could accept.
His eyes slid closed, and he imagined playing cards with her again tomorrow night. Maybe for a lot of nights to come.