[ Cain's quiet for long minutes. The time ticks by, the silence pressing at him, closing around him claustrophobicly. What will he do? He can leave things as they are, keep Percival at arm's length — but that hadn't kept Percival safe. It hadn't done a thing, except hurt them both, had it?

The promise Percival's offering isn't one he can keep. But that's the same whether or not Cain's at his side. Percival won't stay away from danger.

And most of all, he doesn't want to lose Percival.

Slowly, Cain leans forward. Slowly, he reaches up with his free hand and cups Percival's cheek. ]

It's not a burden. To be trusted by you— I want to trust you, also. I'm not good at losing people, but I've already almost lost you, all because I kept you in the dark. Can I trust you? Can I trust that I won't lose you?