apocryphals | → stay here for a while for this and show me love

( It's been two years since Aventurine found himself on what he's come to call Ratio's island. He knows the man is Doctor Veritas Ratio, because he introduced himself to Aventurine the third week he'd shown up near daily. He's not used to someone wanting to talk to the animals they're studying, and so he'd been curious about the stern man who didn't have anything better to do than conduct his research alone. On the few times he's seen the man interact with others -- on a phone or in person -- he seems as irritable as most humans. Maybe even more.

But with the seals he's respectful, if stiffly formal. None of them are selkie like him, of course, but they're good company and look out for him as much as he does them. And Ratio looks out for them all.

Which is how Aventurine is content to spend his days on the island following the man as he does his work. He even starts talking to him, and while he only answers in barks and huffs, Ratio seems to understand. It makes for a warm companionship that Aventurine hasn't experienced since his family-- well. Since then.

Sometimes, after the sun has set and the light in the windows of the cabin has gone, Aventurine slides out of his seal skin. To walk along the beach and retrace whatever he and Ratio had done today, only pretending he had hands to help and to hold Ratio's. And, sometimes, he sits on the edge of the dock and simply stares at the windows, the door.

He knows better than to present himself as he is, no matter how kind the doctor is. Still-- he can't help but wonder what it would be like.

It's not important though, not when he's happy to simply throw himself out of the water as a seal on a bright spring morning, barking a greeting at the man.

After all, he is his favorite human by far. )

There you are.

[ Every now and then, the seals leave the island. This is normal, and he can almost set his calendar to it, which he’s come to appreciate over the years. The seals (at first, anyway) don’t talk back, and they don’t bore him with easily findable questions. They listen, and they’re predictable, and he’s come to consider them something like friends, if it was ever possible for him to have any. He’d been admitted to University at age 12, and it hadn’t helped his status as a loner, any — he was, in fact, adamant it had only made things worse and he learned quickly to keep to himself and only interact with people when absolutely necessary. By his fourth doctorate he’d come to the conclusion that he was surrounded by idiots, only a few of which wanted to actually learn anything and better themselves. When he’d been given the grant to come here to study the sea lions he’d taken it without complaint, despite knowing he’d be away from civilization for years at a time, speaking to people only when necessary for groceries and to hand over his documentation. It’s lonely, but he’s never not been lonely.

And then that curious yellow seal had shown up. Completely unremarkable, at first, save for the yellow tint to his fur that Ratio had assumed, at first, had been a trick of the light, though a particularly cloudy day had put that thought to rest.

He’d scolded him, a few days after his arrival, in the way he was of Ratio’s attempt to document the size of one of the pups a mother had brought with her to bask on the rocks.

And he had barked back.

He’d started talking to him, then. He introduced himself, and started making sure he was explaining what he was doing. It was, of course, ridiculous to assume that they could understand, but Ratio could at least pretend they did, and that they agreed with him.

He hadn’t seen the yellow one right away on his arrival to their sunning rock, and he’d started to wonder if he’d moved on to warmer waters early. It would be unusual, certainly, but this seal in particular was unusual, and very fascinating — it wouldn’t surprise him in the slightest if he started moving off schedule. ]

I thought you had moved on.

[ He smiles, just a little. ] I’m glad to see you’re still on schedule.

( Aventurine shakes his body, as if to brush off the remark of 'moving on' -- it's spring, and he won't leave until it gets too cold in late fall for him to justify staying. He wonders if Ratio does. Move on, that is, away from the island and back towards the places where humans come from. He doesn't think so, or at least there hasn't been a time where Aventurine has come to visit and not found him.

He waddles closer, careful to keep a respectful distance from the man. It wouldn't do for him to think he's more unusual than he already does. But Aventurine does jerk his snout at his clipboard, slapping a flipper on the ground in a clear question: what are you working on today, Doc?

The chances of him understanding the details is small, but he does like to hear the man talk. )

[ Ah, of course, it’s spring. He’d nearly forgotten, the only thing breaking up his days being the sight of his seals. He’s setting up his camera, as the yellow seal approaches, glancing up when he slaps the ground with his flipper, raising an eyebrow. ]

Hm? This?

[ He glances at the camera, and waves a hand. ] I’m taking pictures today, for archival purposes, in case one of you finds greener pastures elsewhere. [ A pause. ] Or oceans, as it may be. It’s for comparison if a new pod ever shows up — they could be your descendants after all, though I suppose yours might be most obvious.

( His descendants, huh? Aventurine almost wants to tell him that it's not going to happen -- the only seal that will look like him is him, on account of a great many factors. But he doesn't, because if he started talking he's pretty sure the good Doctor will fall into the Northern Sea and Aventurine has already fished him out once.

(He'd been so worried that time, Ratio had been concerned about the seals, of course, and gone out checking on them during a particularly bad fall storm -- the surge easily knocking him off and carrying him out to sea. It had taken Aventurine longer than he'd like to have gotten to the doctor, shedding his skin to help keep his head above water and drag him back to the shore. There's no doubt in his mind that Ratio had caught a glimpse of him that night, and Aventurine had recklessly kissed him before slipping back into the ocean. But he'd been given no sign that the doctor had even remembered, so his secret had remained.)

But nor will he say no to having his picture taken, and flops dramatically on his side in a clear pose, fin outstretched.

Well come on, then. )

[ Is he— posing??

Ratio has to take a moment, because it certainly seems that this seal is not only completely capable of understanding what he’d just said but understands the concept of photography as a whole. And as soon as the moment comes, Ratio physically shakes his head to clear his thoughts. No, impossible. He’s been out here too long by himself, he’s assigning human emotion and behavior to an animal. Granted, an animal that is fond to see him and has even allowed Ratio to touch him a couple of times. But that’s simply the animal assigning him behaviors in line with its world view, and nothing more. He’s become part of the pod.

Still, it makes him smile. This particular seal has always been friendly to him, to point Ratio has idly wondered if was ever in captivity. It had grown more so after the incident; the pod had been preparing to move on for the winter, but a storm had rolled into the bay unusually early that year. It had been folly, but he needed to know they were alright — and instead had found himself sinking into the depths after a large branch had slammed into him from behind. He’s still not sure how he made it to shore. The waves, possibly, but lack of oxygen from near drowning had caused him to hallucinate rescue from a person which was an impossibility. He’d been the only person for miles then, just like now.

(Not to mention the kiss. It had felt so real in the moment he’d hoped it was another person.)

After that, this seal had been following him more often, staying in his vicinity for longer periods of time. He’s found he likes the company. ]

There’s no need for that, you know, this isn’t a glamour shot, [ he says, as if it can understand him. ] Even though you, especially, are a fascinating creature. Sometimes I think you can almost understand me.

( He waves his fin in a gesture that could easily be interpreted as hurry up and take the photo until Ratio mentions it's not a glamour shot. There's a distinct huff of annoyance as Aventurine rights himself -- who wouldn't want to take a photo of him? He knows he's beautiful by any standards -- well, seal standards, he supposes. But he knows his human form is as beautiful. It's what his former pod was known and killed for, after all.

Dwelling on that won't do right now, however. So instead he smacks his tail against the dock in response to both the flattery -- he is fascinating, thank you -- and to simply rile the man up. He thinks he almost understands him? Well, that's true enough, Aventurine supposes. Sometimes he doesn't quite get all of what the doctor says when he really gets going. But he's nice to listen to, and that's good enough for him.

So he gestures for the good doctor to continue explaining his work -- though this time he does scoot along the dock to follow him. In case there was any question about him understanding him. )

[ He tries not to get used to the strange mannerisms. It would effect the work too much, create false data when that's the last thing he needs. But he can't help how it warms his heart a little to see the seal react to his words, as if they were having a conversation. ]

Do you remember the other day when I placed those tags on your hindflippers?

[ Ratio sits on the dock, pulling the camera out of it's bag and beginning the set up. ] This is part of that. For ease of cross reference, I'm taking photos of the members of your pod I've tagged, and I'll mark them with tag name and number when I return home this evening. After I'm done cataloguing, I'll be able to monitor your movements much easier. And then tomorrow I can spend more time wading out to your rocks and cleaning out the debris.

( For all that the good doctor might think he's not holding a conversation, he very much is -- Aventurine wouldn't deny that he's a little delighted by the fact that Ratio treats him as if he were capable of intelligent thought in spite of all appearances otherwise. Though he can't help but wonder what he'd do if he found out otherwise -- maybe one day he'll get to see the man's surprised face. Instead he'll settle for being the best company the ocean can offer.

Aventurine may be reckless and risk his skin, but he doesn't... wish to lose the doctor over his true nature, because his luck has always come at a cost. That doesn't stop him from imagining what it might be like if he didn't, however, and that Ratio would kiss him back and tell him that he'll wait by the sea forever, as long as his life allows, and Aventurine will be allowed to hold his love no matter what.

Anyway.

He gives a huff of affirmation that he understands, and an excited tail slap that Ratio would be doing his best to make sure the pod has a clean environment. It wasn't too dirty, this time, but the pod that put him up deserves the best in Aventurine's opinion. Something to thank them for their kindness, repaid in the only way he knows how.

Aventurine bunts Ratio's leg, encouraging him and doing his best to extend his gratefulness to him in a way that he can understand. He knows the other man will have things to say about the friendliness of the local seal population, but it's fine. Aventurine doesn't count. He does give a small slap of a flipper, however, to encourage the other man to be careful tomorrow. )

[ His own response is a huff, a mix of laughter at the seal’s antics and dismay at himself for still allowing himself to cheese with the animal as if it were an actual person. He settles at the edge of the dock, leaving enough room for the seam to join him and raises the camera to his eye, snapping away.

He’s quiet, for a moment, the only noise around then the distant barking of the pod, the waves lapping the shore, the soft whir of the camera. He’s not sure what sparks the thought, but he follows it though anyway. ] That stone you brought the other day, the one that reminds me of your coat, in a way. I did some late night research. Turns out, it’s called an ‘aventurine’.

[ He snaps a few more before looking down at his, well. Companion. That must be someone’s tamed creature, missing human companionship. ] I know it’s likely not the name you’ve been given, but I was thinking I might call you that, if you’re agreeable.

[ He asks, as if the seal understands him and can give that permission. ]

( There's no way to tell him the name he's been given -- Kakavasha -- without giving the game away completely. The fact that the doctor likes him enough to name him at all is far more touching than he thinks he knows. So Aventurine barks his agreement, slapping his fins on the ground to double down on the agreement.

But that reminds him that he'd found something else for the man. Aventurine barks again, before diving back into the water. It's only a shame that he can't tell him, but that's alright, somehow he thinks the man will be able to tell. It's only a few minutes before Aventurine finds where he stashed the gift -- a nice, large shell from the tropics he'd had to get by bartering and gambling. Taking it gently in his mouth, he returns to the dock to jump up and place it next to Ratio, nudging it closer.

Selkie courting customs are likely lost on him, but Aventurine will know what it's supposed to be. If he can't kiss him, he can at least leave him gifts until he inevitably moves back to the mainland. )

[ Ratio doesn't startle easily — but all the same, he jumps a little when Aventurine jumps into the water, blinking a few times in confusion. He hadn't done anything to frighten the animal, he's sure, so why...? He watches the spot where Aventurine had disappeared with intent, waiting. Surely he'd be back soon, right?

And he is correct. He turns as Aventurine resurfaces, hesitating before reaching for the shell, a soft smile on his face. ]

Another gift? For me? [ He picks it up, admiring the beauty in the sunlight, the way it shimmers— and he realizes. ]

Where did you find this? This type of shell isn't native to these waters. [ He lowers it, fixing Aventurine with a stare. ]

( Another gift for him, and Aventurine does not hide his excitement at Ratio's acceptance of it. And the fact that he seems to enjoy it! He's very pleased with himself, would pat himself on the back if he could, but then the doctor proves once again to be too smart for his own good, and Aventurine realizes he really, really should tread carefully around the man from now on, though he doesn't think he could guess what Aventurine is.

Probably.

Instead he just tilts his head, a simple is it? conveyed with wide, watery, innocent eyes and seal-like innocence. )

It is, [ he says, still suspicious, and somehow understanding that head cock completely. He isn't buying the big, round, innocent eyes for a single moment, and he regards the seal in silence for a few moments longer than he maybe should, before letting out a sigh. It's folly, and he's clearly losing his mind. ]

Obviously, [ he says, more thinking out loud than anything else, ] you must have found it as detritus on the ocean floor, though how it got there is a mystery to me. Perhaps someone on one of those ill begotten northern sea cruises dropped it in a drunken stupor. Well. [ He smiles, then, despite himself, carefully folding the shell into the pocket of his camera bag. It'll go next to the aventurine stone on his shelf above his work station in the cabin. ] If they do not appreciate it's beauty enough to keep it safe then I will. Thank you, Aventurine.

[ And then he sighs again. He's thanking the seals, now. Perhaps Topaz had been correct on her last visit, and he needed more human contact than he thought. ]

( He only outlasts the doctor by virtue of being a seal, and not a human with human expressions. At least not in this form. That Ratio is suspicious is bad enough, but Aventurine won't attempt to try and convince him his story isn't true -- it's better that way, and it ultimately doesn't matter when the goal is the same: bring him interesting things, and pretend -- just for a little bit -- he can win his heart.

Because he can't expose himself, not when he's the last selkie around these islands, and he's pretty sure humans don't fall in love with animals. So he's just going to have to be content with this, however he wishes otherwise. He'll be the man's favorite seal, at the very least!

So he barks his happiness at Ratio's acceptance of the gift, and scoots himself forward to bunt his leg with his head. You're welcome, Doctor. )

Ah—?

[ He's not expecting the headbump, and he raises his hands in shock, sitting still for a moment before tentatively lowering one gloved hand down to rest on Aventurine's head. He's certain, now, that the seal had been someone's pet. What other explanation could there be for how tame he is, how much he seems to crave Ratio's companionship moreso than the other seals in his pod? He lowers his other arm, and gives Aventurine a soft smile. ]

This is highly unusual behavior, but... It is nice to have company, isn't it.

( It isn't the other seals' fault -- they've welcomed Aventurine in without an issue, and he tries his best to look out for them in turn. But they have their own concerns about fish and warming waters and other things that Aventurine can't completely relate to in the way that they do. His concerns are, also, slightly more complex than the things that worry them. Humans are interesting, the doctor the most of all that Aventurine has ever come across, and kinder than most, too.

So he's better company, or just company at all.

He ducks his head twice in a facsimile of a nod; a little just to tease the man and see what he comes up to justify that, and mostly because it is a sentiment he shares.

Just the two of them, however and in whatever form that takes. It's enough. )

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seal with a crush.

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