001 [VIDEO]

[faithful_slave]

[For a few short moments the screen shakes in an almost sickening manner as Riff tries to figure out whether he's actually managed to make the device work correctly or not before it stills and he comes in to view. To the undiscerning eye Riff looks every bit the perfect Victorian gentleman's servant (or Victorian gentleman, depending on the viewer'

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[video] 1/?

[poison_earl]

[He had been trying to keep himself from hoping Riff would be here. There had been other newcomers so far, many other people who weren't him, and even though BREW had brought Cain to Death City, he thought it would keep Riff away from him as punishment. Maybe his father was more powerful than he'd thought.

Given that, it wasn't surprising that it took him a moment to register what he was seeing: he barely paid any attention to Riff's words, shocked as he was.

The communicator falls to the floor with a clatter, but not before it recorded his very surprised expression.]

[video] 2/? I have no idea when this is going to end, and I don't regret one bit

[poison_earl]

[The sudden sound snaps him back into reality and he rushes to pick it up, glances properly at the screen. He looks almost dazed, as if someone had either slapped or hypnotized him. Probably both. At the same time.]

...Riff?

[video] 3/?

[poison_earl]

[Bit by bit, he seems to return to his usual self, although internally he feels as though he's torn between laughing hysterically and sobbing. Thankfully, he manages to keep that under control, but his golden-green eyes are expressive enough to show what Cain is hiding.]

You're here.

...I didn't think you were going to be here.

[video] 4/4 ....okay I think I'm done. For now.

[poison_earl]

[Step four: anger. It's a nice, comforting feeling where he doesn't have to think too much, or even feel too much. If he focuses on his anger, perhaps the sudden pain twisting inside his chest will fade away.]

You're late. I should cut your salary for this, you lousy servant!

[Video]

[faithful_slave]

[Riff has waited patiently through all of this, and though it's less obvious is just as surprised as Cain. You will, however, notice the regret in his eyes, that he's caused Cain any form of pain and not been there when he was needed]

My apologies Lord Cain, had I been aware you were waiting I would have been here sooner.

[Video]

[poison_earl]

[Cain notices it all too well, and it's enough to make his anger deflate. He sighs quietly and moves his hand up, to run it through his hair; it's shaking slightly, but he doesn't seem to notice.

Cain feels exhausted, drained: as if he hadn't seen Riff for twelve years instead of twelve days.]

I spent twelve days in this place without you, Riff. Are you aware of how much you've neglected your duties?

[I've missed you.]

[Video]

[faithful_slave]

[You see this? This is the look of a man who's about to go out and find something very important, no matter where he has to go or how hard he has to search]

I apologise, my lord. If you will give me a few moments I'll set about making ammends for that.

[Video]

[poison_earl]

[That look is so familiar that Cain has to restrain himself from smiling widely. He cannot allow his feelings for Riff to blind him right now: there are matters he needs to focus on.]

I expect nothing less.

[He pauses, watches the video transmission with rapt attention, looking for any changes in his servant's expression at his next words.]

Come find me. If you really are Riff, you will know how to.

[Video]

[faithful_slave]

Of course, Lord Cain.

[He hadn't been expecting anything less. In fact it would have been more surprising if Cain hadn't tested him, after everything they've been through.

[Video]

[poison_earl]

I'll be waiting for you.

[He ends the video transmission, careful not to show too much of his surroundings, just in case it was Riffael instead of Riff.]

((ooc: All set for the log, then? :3))