[The shift might be subtle on Richard's expression, but he had spent years reading people's body language so that he could pick it apart. Partially a survival mechanism but mostly that he was one that knew the best way to control people was to understand their subtleties. And in this case, people who spent much of their time in silence, it was useful to know when he was heading into the territory of pushing into potentially uncomfortable territory.] Talk to me, Richard. Am I reading the situation wrong of growing into your circle of trust?

[He remained close, opposite to his usual antics. While he didn't deny that the power dynamics of the conversation were likely in his favour, he had no doubt that Richard - regardless of being naked - could take him down without much, if any effort. They had never fought, of course. Even play fighting was not the sort of antics that they degraded themselves to. Still, being physically close was important.

His blue eye remained steady in return, gazing thoughtfully as he considered the question. The back of his hand moved to stroke up and down Richard's neck where it was held.]

I would appreciate you telling me so. Unfortunately, I wasn't born with the ability to read minds, and we both know that our minds are where they greatest traps exist. Around and around we may go with no resolution. [Communication was something he had lacked in his youth; now, he was too controlling in his own behaviours to not understand the value of the word.]