[ Ratio's hand stops. He sets the pen down and turns the chair to face Aventurine, searching for any hesitance in the gambler's countenance. He'll find none, of course, knowing how much the other man adores provoking him. But at least in this scenario, he is being given the chance to express his affection with words rather than action.

Ratio stands with a fond sigh, closing the small distance between them with a few steps. He leans down to press a hand gently against the gambler's cheek, toying with the blond's silky locks with his fingers. ]

You are stunning, Aventurine. Devastatingly beautiful. But it is not your appearance that mesmerizes me. Though you love to drape yourself in extravagant finery, your presence alone can command a room. Your wit and charisma never fails to draw my attention. Your smile [ his real one ] steals the breath from my lungs and when joy dances in your eyes, I can think of no one else who is as lovely as you.

[ He pauses, observing Aventurine's reaction with amusement. ]

Shall I continue?