Though it was exactly what he wanted--the purpose of the confession--he still flinched away from the sympathy in Gideon's voice. It sounded a lot like pity, to him. Forcing himself to get his shit together, he grit his teeth and raised his head. Of course, by that point, Gideon had turned to face him and his body language was exceedingly familiar, all warmth and restrained intimacy. Not even sure of his own mind, he pushed himself simply to speak.
"I told you because it's what you wanted," he said softly, leaving the slight resentment he felt from his tone. "You wanted power over me, so I gave it to you."
Not enjoying the echo his words called up, he braced himself to surge to his feet, desperate to pace if only for a moment, before he remembered he was chained to Gideon and the couch. Collapsing back against the cushions with a huff, he busied himself by rubbing his hands together in a nervous gesture.
"I wouldn't have confided in you if I thought you'd tell." Trying to explain the vulnerable action away for both of them, he said, "From what I know of you, you're almost annoyingly honest."
Trying to take any sting from the words, he shared a rare genuine smile, an acknowledgement between the two of them.
Needing something to keep his hands busy, he suggested, "Want to be my apprentice and I'll make us some spaghetti?"