[When he gets up Abel pulls his legs up onto the couch, knees tight to his chest, cheek resting on top of them. It feels better that way, curling in while Cain paces, trying to keep his own breathing level.

It's good that he comes back so quickly, it gives his mind barely any time to start catastrophizing every possible outcome, what he might say when he sits down again.

Pulled to his side, he legs one of his legs fall, resting his head on his shoulder]

You're not the problem, you just...kicked down the door housing the problem. [He wants to make sure there is a distinction seeing as he feels it's important.

Even though what he's saying makes him feel lighter, it's a muted sort of happy in that once they're finished with this conversation, the one that has taken them two separate days and a lot of hurt feelings to have, he has to have another one after. He sucks in a deep breath and pushes it aside, finding a smile easily as he turns his head just so, giving Alexei a very soft, lingering kiss, their noses touching still as he pulls back just enough to look him in the eyes.]

Every potential reward has its risks, I just...got lucky when I took them with you. But I swear, Alexei, if I find out you're threatening to kill anyone if they hurt me, Norton included, I'm going to be very disappointed in you.

[He smiles, pressing it to his lips before adding softly.] But I think I can turn a blind eye to a little mild threatening...I think you've earned it.