"That's understandable," Caduceus replied. That was how it should be, there was a lot to be said for having a deity call to you rather than seeking their favour yourself. Or picking one at random. It was like choosing a life mate, finding someone on your own, someone that fit you just right, was better than having parents or communities pick that mate for you.
"I'm glad you enjoyed it," he added, slow and soft, toying with Caleb's hair now that they were resting against each other. He knew well enough that Caleb meant more than just the food, and there was something- Caduceus couldn't put the words to it. He didn't think it was the same feeling he got when they were slowly kissing, building up to more, but it was definitely a something that curled up in his belly like the tinest ache. He liked it a lot. Caleb liked it too.
Caduceus always appreciated that the silence between the two of them was comfortable. There was never a time when it felt awkward. They could be peaceful in their own thoughts, though usually they were touching, that one assuring point of contact.
His fingers were stroking lovingly at the little hairs at the nape of Caleb's neck when he felt the return gesture, the brush through his hair that brought a smile to his face. Caduceus' breath hitched slightly as the touch travelled along his ear, making it twitch the closer Caleb got to the tip, which in turn made Caduceus chuckle. He cracked open his eyes to look at the man beside him, the attention to the base of his ears drawing out a quiet hum of contentment.
"S'nice," Caduceus murmured. "Sensitive. But here-" with a gentle hand he guided Caleb's fingers back to the curve at the base, adding a bit more pressure. "-it's really good. It's an intimate thing to do," he continued, moving the fingers along to the tip once more. "It's not something- it's indecent to touch a firbolg's ears, unless you're family or a mate. It'd be like me grabbing your ass. Well-" Caduceus shrugged. It was a near equivalent, but he and Caleb did as mates did, so the comparison wasn't that close. Still, he continued to guide Caleb's hand so that he could feel the softest hairs on the insides of Caduceus' ears, making them twitch again. "You can touch any part of me. When your-" he paused at the word mate again, opting to bypass it this time as once more Caleb's touch fell to the base of his ears. "-it's just an intimate thing. To touch and pet them. And you're welcome to."
He let his own hand fall away, giving Caleb the space to do as he pleased.