the question 'what are we' had never popped into aventurine's mind before.

he was used to their arrangement. during the day, they'd protect him, and as night rolled around, they'd warm his bed. both of them had gotten used to this routine, neither of them questioning it, or how he entertained other women some nights. they knew they were just another pawn in the game, a role they weren't going to fight.

except..

he'd found himself meeting fewer and fewer women, as of late. his interest just wasn't getting piqued, and even if it was, he'd quickly lose it after a few shallow conversations over drinks. instead, he started craving their presence. their touch, their hand held in his.

he wasn't sure what this feeling was, and he wasn't brave enough to try to name it, but he did know that he didn't want to ruin what they already had by saying this out loud. he knew they shyed away from affection, knew how they froze up when he showed his care, and he was afraid if he spelled out his feelings to them, they'd run away for good.

so he kept silent. night after night, spending them in moments of shared intimacy, without ever saying a word.

he shifted, turning to face them. they already looked like they were dozing off, they always got tired after being intimate, and it was a cute look on them. gently, he reached out to brush their bangs from their face, smiling as they stirred.

"sorry, did I wake you?"