It was dusk when Cain stood waiting in the garden. The sky was rapidly growing greyer and greyer, and with each minute, the sylvan paths became darker. Finally, Cain could hear leaves crumbling under approaching footsteps, and Riff appeared in livery, pushing branches away to enter the clearing.
"There you are," Cain exclaimed with a smile. "I was beginning to think you'd forgotten."
"I could never forget such an explicit order, my lord," Riff teased, taking Cain into his arms. "But, I cannot stay long," he warned before Cain eagerly met his lips.
"Why ever not?" he whined as he toyed with his servant's tie.
"Because I've your household to run." His excuse did not stop Cain's kisses, nor did it prevent his hands from running through Riff's white hair and over his once perfectly tidy uniform.
"I suppose you're right. You shouldn't let me keep you from doing your job. I should just appreciate these opportunities as they arise." But Cain wouldn't let him go, and each time he protested that there was work to do, Cain had to bite his lip, grab his servant's hand or pull Riff closer to him so that it was impossible for him to leave without one more embrace, kiss, or stroke. After numerous protests and instances of inching away only to be closer than before, Cain finally allowed Riff a bit more slack, still holding his hands until the very last second when they had to part.
"Lord Cain, I must go."
"Very well, although I do not approve. You will stay tonight, won't you?"
"Again?" Riff was kidding, but even so, his master's lopsided grin and shining green eyes continually convinced him that he could never stay away for long. "I suppose I should appreciate these opportunities as they arise." Cain smiled and Riff allowed one more kiss before shuffling off on darkened paths.