Aventurine sauntered around the pool table with the effortless swagger of someone who'd never lost a game in their life. His gloved hand twirled the pool cue, his eyes gleaming with that all-too-familiar smugness.

Another win under his belt, and this one had been especially sweet. He could get used to this, could draw this game out forever if he could keep seeing that fiery look in your eyes.

He let himself lean casually against the edge of the table, his head tilting slightly. "Ah, I didn't know you'd be so bad at this. Honestly, are you sure you've ever played before?" His tone was light, but his grin... well, that was downright infuriating, and he knew it. "Care to try another strategy?" he said, as though the suggestion was genuinely helpful.

Of course, it wasn't. It was another playful jab.

He was so wrapped up in his self-satisfaction that he didn't notice the subtle change in your demeanor when you stepped closer, right into his space.

There it was, that flicker of defiance again, like you had something else planned.

Aventurine opened his mouth, no doubt ready with another cheeky comment, something about personal space maybe, but the words died in his throat when your hands suddenly found his chest. With one swift push, he was sent sprawling back onto the pool table.

"What the—whoa!" he sputtered with wide eyes of surprise as his back hit the smooth surface. His thoughts raced.

This was new.

He quickly propped himself up on his elbows, trying to regain some composure, but there was something undeniably different now, something that made his heart skip a beat. He swallowed hard as his eyes flickered down to where your body fit perfectly between his legs, the subtle arch of your back as you leaned down further. He tried to focus on anything—anything—other than the fact that you were practically on top of him.

Aventurine found himself acutely aware of the way his chest rose and fell beneath your gaze. He was flustered.

Actually flustered.

"Huh, I suppose the view is pretty nice from here," he managed to say, though more breathless than he'd like to admit. His eyes darted between your face and the pool cue in your hand.

What were you doing? What was he supposed to do?

"Is this... your new strategy?" His lips twitched into a shaky smirk, still playing it cool on the outside, though his insides were anything but calm. Every inch of him was hyper-aware of your presence, the heat radiating off your body, the way you leaned in as if you were going to make a move... but no. You were aiming at the balls behind him, completely focused on your next shot as if this position was entirely normal.

The audacity. There was no way you didn't know what you were doing to him.

Aventurine licked his lips subconsciously, trying to suppress the grin that was now pulling at his lips. Oh, you were bold. He liked that. He really liked that.

Maybe he wasn't the one in control here, after all.