[ The smile falls away — vanishes, wiped clean off Cain's face by that apology. He shivers under the gentle touch of Percival's hand, holds himself still; he can't stand that look, one that he knows all too well. He hates that Percival blames himself, and even though his arm isn't fully wrapped, Cain lifts his hand, trapping Percival's fingers, clasping Percival's hand against his cheek, unwilling to let that sorrow stand a moment longer. ]
No. No, there's no need for you to apologize. If anyone's to blame, it's those who bespelled us in the first place. Or me, for getting us into that mess. But it wasn't your fault.
[ He leans forward a little, trying to catch Percival's gaze again, beseeching. He'd almost rather have Percival scolding him, yelling at him — better that than this awful resignation, the blame Percival's carrying, the guilt. ]
It wasn't your fault at all, Percival. All that we have to discuss... I'm the one who owes explanations, who owes apologies. [ His fingers tighten on Percival's, just a tiny squeeze. I despise it when you lie. You can start by doing less of it, Percival had said. The truth, then. ] I'm the one who got you killed. I should start with an apology for that.
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No. No, there's no need for you to apologize. If anyone's to blame, it's those who bespelled us in the first place. Or me, for getting us into that mess. But it wasn't your fault.
[ He leans forward a little, trying to catch Percival's gaze again, beseeching. He'd almost rather have Percival scolding him, yelling at him — better that than this awful resignation, the blame Percival's carrying, the guilt. ]
It wasn't your fault at all, Percival. All that we have to discuss... I'm the one who owes explanations, who owes apologies. [ His fingers tighten on Percival's, just a tiny squeeze. I despise it when you lie. You can start by doing less of it, Percival had said. The truth, then. ] I'm the one who got you killed. I should start with an apology for that.