Caduceus might not have been the most astute person before when it had come to understanding intimacy or intentions, but once he had some idea of what he was looking for, and in this one special person in particular, it wasn't too difficult for him to pick up on everything, filing it away in the new place in his head that was made just for this. Caleb was struggling with it, but that was understandable. Of all of his travelling companions, Caleb had always been the most withdrawn when it came to expressing himself or exposing himself, physically and emotionally. It made sense to Caduceus that picking apart exactly what made him hot and bothered wasn't going to be a comfortable experience.
But Caduceus had all the time and patience in the world. He didn't interrupt Caleb as he spoke, just listened, took mental notes, filed them away for later. Caleb liked to be played with, he liked to be teased. Objectified was a wonderful word that gave Caduceus tingles, and he had no idea why but they were definitely coming back to that. Played with, teased, objectified, a little bit of humiliation, but Caduceus didn't like that word as much. He liked being held down, he liked Caduceus being rough with him. Those were all easy things to do again. He'd just have to think of ways to keep it new. Think of different ways to put Caleb down a bit but only just enough before pulling it back with praise. Caduceus loved that part, he loved telling Caleb how good he was. He loved the reactions he got.
A shiver ran through him. A warmth. He really liked being in control. He had loved feeding Caleb, he'd loved the thought that although Caleb didn't need him to he'd still let him. He loved how well behaved Caleb was for him. And all of that dawned on Caduceus as it seemed it was dawning on Caleb.
"I like being in control of you," he said slowly, measuring the truth of the words as he said them. "I like that I can tell you to do small things and you do them, and then I like being able to praise you. I like the control." Was that a terribly selfish thing to be taking from this? Perhaps. But there was also the underlying thought that went along with it- "And I like taking care of you. I don't think it's that I want you to need me, I just enjoy- I enjoyed bathing you, and feeding you, I enjoyed how you let me. And...now..."
Caduceus licked his lips, brow furrowing as he thought of how to word it. Perhaps Caleb had found the right word already. "Holding you down and using you-" his voice cracked slightly. "-I suppose that was objectifying you. I liked that a lot. But I also felt as though I were taking care of you. I don't know...I'm not sure where the line is between enjoying being in control and enjoying caring for you. I hope either way it turns out the same. Oof-" he chuckled, placing a hand on his chest where his heart was thundering anxiously. "It's quite nerve-wracking, isn't it? You did such a good job, Bren. I'm so glad you felt able to tell me things. And if you stop liking anything it's okay. If me doing all of these things helps you settle into that headspace, if that's what relaxes you enough then I'm very happy to continue until it doesn't make you happy anymore."