[ There is a particular mortification in discovering that he is on the bottom rung of the social ladder even compared to other submissives. Essek feels his face warming with indignant embarrassment, and is grateful at least that his skin tone conceals a light flush well. ]

Please pay it no mind. That would be a ridiculous imposition.

[ And Light, Essek hates being pitied nearly as much as he hates feeling indebted to someone. Kindness has a price. Naturally soft-spoken, his tone is polite but distant. Meeting the taller man's gentle gaze, he offers the soft, practiced smile that has been a perpetual piece of his persona for decades. ]

I would not presume to spend what someone else has earned. Surely there are things you wish to buy for yourself.