[ I will not let you go alone. The words have Cain's smile blooming, and he ducks his head, staring down at their joined hands. Even with the insults, even with Percival talking about Cain heading off into danger... he knows that Percival means more than that. At least... he thinks he does. ]

And if you prove too hardheaded to listen to reason, I won't let you go alone, either. [ Not that there'd ever been a risk of that, on Cain's end. ] But... I also won't try to leave you behind. Not anymore.

[ He looks up, the smile soft, small and hopeful. ]

I'll trust you to have my back and to be at my side.