[Abel cant exactly say he's been great at being forward, direct, but if Alexei is expressing insecurity, that he is worried he isn't good enough, there is no reason to not switch tactic.

Having been told from a very young age that he needed to try harder, that his best wasn't always good enough, that what he wanted didn't matter, well. Hell if he is going to let Cain feel any of those things without making sure he knows exactly where he stands, opposite of them.

He waits a moment, following his confirmation before he lets his shoulders relax minimally. He'd been a little tight through that as every word was important, carefully chosen.]

I honestly don't think much will change. I could be way off, I've never done this before, but... what I can ask from you confidently, it isn't the same with...well-

[He doesn't want to freak him out again, but if he's asking logistics, he kind of has to tell him more about what he thinks he could get from a second person, doesn't he?]

Do you want to know what I'm expecting if I was going to tell him?