Tomorrow…surely he'll tell me tomorrow….!
Cain has been telling himself that since God knows how long, but Riff never said anything. There were the occasional awkward moments, where Cain was sure Riff would say something, or at least give a hint of his feelings, but no. Riff never let his guard down.
Cain's patience was wearing thin. He hasn't been able sleep for a couple of days now. When Riff came to wake him up in the morning, he was sitting up in his bed, deep in thought. Or so it seemed, but he was actually just wishing desperately that this would be the day Riff would tell him. It never seemed to cross his mind that maybe Riff doesn't have anything to say. Maybe it was all one sided. He never thought of that, until now.
Of course! Why else would he have been silent all this time? Damn it all! How could I have not thought of this?! I'm a bloody detective, for heaven's sake! I was so wrapped up in my feelings…I can't believe I've been wasting all this time waiting for something that's never going to happen!
"Master Cain, is there something wrong? You seem…troubled."
Cain snapped out of his thoughts. "No, it's nothing. I hardly got any sleep last night, I'm just tired is all."
"Master Cain-"
"Riff, what do you think of me as?" Cain interrupted.
Riff was clearly surprised. It took him a moment to let the question sink in. "Well…as my lord, of course."
"That's it?" Cain's disappointment showed.
Riff was taken aback by Cain's disappointment. Cain was his master, and Riff was his servant. Although at times Cain seems like almost a little brother, or even a son, he was still his master. What was he suppose to see him as?
"My lord, what's gotten into you, asking such a question all of a sudden? You know I belong to you, and I will follow you where ever you go. Perhaps you doubt my loyalty?"
"…No that's not it…"
"Are you sure you're feeling all right? You haven't been quite yourself these days."
"No…I haven't, have I?" Cain got up, and Riff dressed him, as usual.
After awhile, Cain came to his senses and became like himself again. He had mysteries to solve, and a younger sister to keep out of trouble. But after a few months Cain had absolutely nothing left to do. He had solved enough mysteries to last 5 lifetimes, his sister was staying with some friends, and his father seemed to be keeping a low profile. His longing for Riff grew again, and he had just about enough of Riff being so damn oblivious to his feelings.
But, he never was courageous enough to actually talk to Riff about it. Every time he came close to confessing, the fear of rejection would take over and he would chicken out.
