what

Maybe they try to gently break it off due to the guilt of the power dynamic developing and Cole starts guilt tripping them about it. Using desperation tactics basically. Like he knew the whole time that Ren had this guilt the whole time and he obviously didn’t want them to feel guilty over something he reciprocated but them trying to leave makes him upset and he starts saying some shit to make them feel Terrible.

Like yes he was insecure about being the one taken cared of in the beginning but he’s been with Ren long enough to know what they got out of the relationship and one thing was a peace of mind. The feeling that they were helping someone directly and not just passively through charities or other funding support, even if they personally benefited in the process. He could absolutely start pulling at that thread.

Like don’t you get it? He needs Ren now. Ren made him too comfortable in this lifestyle they provided for him—at least give him some time before they cut him off completely so he can transition back to his lifestyle from before. Ren made him THEIR responsibility. So they can’t just leave. Leave him like that. How cruel would they be to do something like that?

In this AU, Cole probably does his most to provide for a lot of other needs Ren has to make up for the emasculating discomfort he gets sometimes from their dynamic. He will never have nor make more money than Ren in his lifetime, but he’s a quick learner for all sorts of things. He’ll find ways of taking care of them