[ At least Percival's looking at him again — but that only makes what Cain has to say harder, the admission a stone hanging around his neck. A noose drawing tighter, leaving him feeling as choked as he had when it'd been Percival's hands squeezing the breath from him. ]

You know there's blame to lay at my feet. [ He says quietly, but with resolve. It's a truth he's known ever since he saw Takasugi lead Percival into that room. A truth that he's accepted, resigned himself to, just one of many that he has to bear. ] The man who tortured us only took such an interest in harming you because of me. You were only in that position in the first place because of what I've been doing.

[ He pauses, explanations brimming in his throat. But no. No, Percival deserves the right to judge him before he makes excuses for what he's done. ]