[ With Aventurine, it's easy to express his concern. He is the one man Ratio has opened his heart to, and with any luck, the only one he'll ever open his heart to, for the rest of his years. It's easier to show his love when he's been allowed to, as Aventurine's lover. And that's all he wants to do. To shower Aventurine with affection and adoration, as if that will somehow convince the man to live for another day, though he knows the desire has to come from within.

Though, truthfully, he just wants to express the emotions simmering within that are sometimes overwhelming to him. ]

While I am not fond of the IPC's takeovers, in this case, I believe it would be a net benefit to both parties. There is hardly worse the people of this planet can suffer through under them.

[ Especially with that inter-universe summoning technology of theirs. That alone will offer them more than enough leverage for a good deal.

Something here he's not eager to go without? Does he mean...? ]

...it better stay that way.

[ He values something greater than his own death? That... it's progress. ]