He doesn't like that he's pulling back, sort of folding in on himself. Perhaps it was a little much? Talking about all of it and talking candidly about feelings the way they were. It wasn't exactly an easy conversation to have.

Abel's fingers curl into a loose fist in his own lap, head tilting just so as Cain continues.

"I'm not so overloaded that I can't talk to you about things that are important, Alexei. I-" He takes in a steadying breath before continuing, "I love you, and just because Fitz is my best friend, and my responsibility, his crisis isn't something that I'm putting on hold or is being pushed aside so I can make space for you."

He's proud of himself in the way that his voice doesn't tremble. He sounds...not quiet confident, but definitely reassuring. "Don't go second guessing yourself now because it came out naturally in conversation. That's sometimes better than trying to make a plan, and...you're okay. You'll be okay, I know you will."

He lets his hand sit, palm up between them, "Can- can I hold your hand again? I feel like you're slowly moving away from me."