let me explain

With the challenge having come to an end, Genesis accompanied Epi on their way back. He would have been a fool had he not noticed how he deflated at his words and part of him felt a little guilty. He didn't understand why he felt this way, but he didn't want to leave the man feeling upset. Sure, he may have been nothing but a tool for Enyo or the rest of the Dunamis, and that's typically how he saw others as well, but there was something different about the golden dog. Even he was a little surprised with himself that he enjoyed the company of the other man more than just in bed, but that wasn't something he felt like he needed to, or even could, explain.

Intentionally leading Epimethius to the willows instead of the border, their trip had been mostly silent. Partly because Gene was trying to figure out exactly what to say to the man, but also because he didn't want prying ears to listen or family to follow. Relaxing underneath a willow, he gestured for Epi to lay alongside him before offering him a small, genuine smile. "I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings with what I said at the challenge," he started, his voice soft. Apologizes felt different on his tongue, it wasn't something he was used to, but for some reason hurting Epimethius made him hurt in a way he couldn't explain, nor would.

"But please understand, they only think of you as a tool, a pet even. I must appease them, or we'll both be punished. But you are more than that to me, I can see your worth outside of a den," he paused, looking for more words. "My family is very strict and... picky, to say the least. They only see you as a dog, but if you prove to them the worth I know you have, then their attitude will change,"

He hoped that Epi understood. It would seem that despite their knowledge of his activities, they would have to play it safe and remain mostly secret. Though he wasn't quite sure he understood why, since their acts of desire and need wouldn't reproduce and wondered if Enyo held herself to the same standard she apparently expected of her family when choosing a woman to lay with. "I like your company, so please don't take what I said today to heart. You are more than nothing but a toy," he whispered now, though even he knew that Epi wasn't equal he wouldn't say it. He wondered if he could ever be seen as equal though, if Erebos and Enyo would accept him as one of their own if he could prove himself. He just hoped that he wasn't wrong, and that Epi could prove it to them- prove that he was more than just a dog.