002 [Video]

[faithful_slave]

[For a moment the screen is filled with an oddly textured blackness that soon turns into the sleeve of Riff's coat as he pulls his arm back. When the screen clears you can see that Riff is sat rather comfortably at a desk, apparently focussing on whatever it is he's writing. In the background, lounging comfortable on his bed (and fully dressed,

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[action]

[poison_earl]

[Cain has been waiting very patiently until Riff's done with his network post. Very, very patiently. As soon as he is sure the camera isn't recording any more-- he confirmed it in his own communicator, just in case-- he crawls off to the edge of the bed and sits down.]

Riff. You are a Weapon and your Weapon form is a poison bottle. [If he were a little kid, he'd be jumping on the bed.] Why are you even sitting there planning a tea party?

[action]

[faithful_slave]

[Riff is wearing a very obvious Annoyed Parent look when he turns to face Cain, and he doesn't even try to hide the sight that goes with that look.]

Yes, I know what I am Lord Cain. And no, you're not testing me on the rodent population.

I am planning a tea party because, considering recent events, I thought people might like something else to think about for a little while.

[action]

[poison_earl]

[Cain pouts in return. It's a very bratty, petulant pout.]

Why not? They're nothing but pests who are going to be exterminated one way or another. I would be delighted to help with that task.

[He crosses his arms, pouts even more.]

Are other people more important to you than me?

[action]

[faithful_slave]

Because I am not a form of pest control.

[He gets up and moves to kneel before Cain, looking up at him, because even if the question was more petulant than anything else, it tugs at Riff's unresolved issues]

No one is more important than you Lord Cain.

[action]

[poison_earl]

No, you're not. You are my manservant and my Weapon, but I will need to test you, eventually.

[He's also the most important person in the world, but Cain doesn't need to say that, does he?

He looks down at Riff and sighs quietly, before reaching forward and cradling his butler's face in his hands.]

Good. I was beginning to worry.

[action]

[faithful_slave]

You need never worry about that, Lord Cain. [He casts his eyes downward as he speaks, but reaches up to cover one of Cain's hands with his own.] You will always be the most important thing in my life.

[He doesn't comment on Cain's need to test his Weapon abilities, that conversation can wait for a little longer, reassuring Cain is more important.]

[action]

[poison_earl]

[He becomes silent, thinking about things he shouldn't. Cain believes him, of course, but a part of him will always wonder if Riffael will ever return. The possibility of losing this fragile peace frightens him.

His voice is far too quiet when he speaks again.]

I will never let go of you, not even in this strange place. Not after--

[His fingers twitch slightly and he stops himself from speaking any further, but his unspoken words are obvious. Not after what happened at the tower.]

[action]

[faithful_slave]

[Cain's unspoken words ring heavily in Riff's ears, and his fingers involuntarily curl against Cain's. More than anything he wishes he could assure Cain of his loyalty with the same simple honesty he'd had before Riffael had torn everything apart, but he can't do that any more.]

I will do everything in my power to make sure you never have to.

[It's not an ideal promise, but it's the best he can give without lying.]