Some people think their money and influence is the only thing they have going for them. [Ugh, any more thoughts like that and Abel is going to tilt dangerously into pitying Hideki rather than extremely disliking him. He's proud of himself for hanging onto this grudge this long, but he knows himself-- it's going to take serious work to maintain it.] Not that I'd accredit that much deep thinking to him, but it's possible.

[Abel sighs heavily and wipes his face on his undershirt. It does feel better to know Cain at least clocked his presence, he wasn't just some loose ornament rolling around without purpose. And that Cain had apparently just pretended to have a good time for Hideki's sake, aside from those few fellow Displaced who came to see him. Abel's glad they came, at least. Cain deserves to know people like him. If this mess resulted in anything positive, it's that. He reaches over to take Cain's hand, squeezing it firmly. He's calmer, at least.]

If you want me to be your backup, I'm here to be your backup. I never thought about it that way, but I like it. [He pulls of a small if not wet smile at Cain.] And as your backup, I'm... ha, filing a formal complaint over you going AWOL on me. [Even if he technically was the one to fall asleep first and miss Cain's exit. But it's somehow easier to word his hurt this way instead of telling it to him straight.]

...I could have messaged you. I didn't exactly perform well tonight either, I assumed too much.