Steve managed to stay quiet. Barely. He wanted to protest that no one had hurt Suzaku. The kid was a walking wound! But it was obvious Suzaku didn't see it that way. For some unknown reason, the boy seemed to think he deserved that sort of treatment, that he was unworthy of kindness and caring. It broke Steve's heart. That kind of systematic abuse was a horror all it's own.

The confession to killing millions hurt too. Just what did they have him do in the military that he could kills millions? Even Steve couldn't claim that many lives, just many many thousands. He took one of Suzaku's hands, knowing the boy would let him but get no comfort from the touch. Nearly everything about Suzaku was heartbreaking . . .

"I don't mind being hurt if it means we can be closer Suzaku. Those we love always have the power to hurt us, even if they don't mean to. Sometimes especially then. I just wish I could help you."