[ Paul is trained to read nuance, but he wouldn't have to be in order to catch the inflection on Dito's "rewards". It gives him no precise insight into what that means, no flash of knowledge, but it has an oily sheen that makes his stomach twist as he braces his elbows against his knees and hangs his head. He has to take three careful breaths before he trusts his own voice again. ]
I won't be like that.
[ A faint edge of urgency through his affable lightness. He doesn't know how much of Dito might still be resisting this, if any at all, but it's necessary to Paul to make sure that this is understood even if the answer is 'none'. Clear expectations, defined boundaries - ]
That's not how I treat anyone in my service, is what I mean. You care for my well-being, I care for yours.
[There is the sound of vegetables being dropped into a pot; the sound of simmering liquid. Dito crosses the threshold into the living room where Paul sits, lowering himself hesitantly onto the couch as if worried that Paul will disapprove.
That grateful, sycophantic look is back in his eyes again, and when he speaks it's with the shyly affectionate tone of someone in love.]
Oh, I know you'd take care of me, sir. You seem very kind. I know you wouldn't make me do anything I wouldn't want to do. And maybe I would want it. Eventually, I mean. I get the feeling it'd be better with you than with my last mistress.
[His smile warps to goofy embarrassment and he turns away, flushing slightly.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
(cw: vague mentions of sexual abuse)
I won't be like that.
[ A faint edge of urgency through his affable lightness. He doesn't know how much of Dito might still be resisting this, if any at all, but it's necessary to Paul to make sure that this is understood even if the answer is 'none'. Clear expectations, defined boundaries - ]
That's not how I treat anyone in my service, is what I mean. You care for my well-being, I care for yours.
[ He can feel the debts piling up already. ]
(cw: vague mentions of sexual abuse)
That grateful, sycophantic look is back in his eyes again, and when he speaks it's with the shyly affectionate tone of someone in love.]
Oh, I know you'd take care of me, sir. You seem very kind. I know you wouldn't make me do anything I wouldn't want to do. And maybe I would want it. Eventually, I mean. I get the feeling it'd be better with you than with my last mistress.
[His smile warps to goofy embarrassment and he turns away, flushing slightly.]
I-If I'm not overstepping. Sir.