[ He can see Aventurine regain his stride, his demeanor shifting from hesitance and open expression to something teasing, sharper, yet no less affectionate. He's pleased to have restored the man's good cheer, but flusters when his affected appearance is brought to attention, the change of topic sudden and unexpected. He averts his eyes, his cheeks heat up even further, and his voice pitches up as he responds to the teasing. ]

A-As I told you before, I am unused to such acts of intimacy! My physiological reaction to these novel sensations should be well within the realm of expectation.

[ He's not going to let his embarrassment stop him from addressing Aventurine's initial sentence, however, and he refocuses his gaze on him, expression shifting into something more earnest. ]

And yes, I will scold you. Any such comparisons of our individual worth are meaningless in the context of our relationship. It is you that I have chosen to be my partner, and you have chosen me. As long as we desire each other, nothing else should matter.