[Once Setsuna was snuggled up against his side, Steve was able to relax a little. He looped one arm around the boy, drawing him in tight, his other hand sifting through Setsuna's hair in a constant, soothing motion. It calmed him at least as much as he hoped it worked on the kid, allowing him to be a little more clear-minded. He didn't even object to the profanity, giving Setsuna a pass because of the outrageous circumstances.]
Yeah. It has. I doubt you're the only one who's suffering kiddo. I know I've been having nightmares. When I can even drift off at all. But you can stay with me for a while if you want. I always do sleep better with someone else in the bed.
[As soon as he said it, Steve's cheeks went red, but at least the kid couldn't easily see that. Honestly, how could he be so crude? Yes, it was true, but he generally only slept with James or Loki nearby, or wrapped in his arms. Grown men who were . . . grown men! He'd made it sound dirty, having Setsuna in his bed, which it absolutely wasn't. Steve was grateful for the subject change and pounced on it eagerly. Not that is was so much less awkward . . .]
Normal, no. Not for this length of time. No one has seen them, or saw them get taken. They just . . . vanished. And no one has a clue where they went. Do you know the Kirks, Setsuna? They look like brothers, but one has a scar on his cheek. You couldn't miss either of them if you saw 'em. Tall, dirty-blond hair cut pretty short. Muscular. They're almost twins and they usually spend a lot of time together. James has the scar and he's . . . he's ah . . . Jim is really nice and friendly, someone people gravitate towards. James is . . . mn.
[Steve wanted to confess to any number of things about James, but none were appropriate, especially not to tell Setsuna. He waved a hand vaguely, enduring the pain of the potion in favor of saying too much.]
no subject
Yeah. It has. I doubt you're the only one who's suffering kiddo. I know I've been having nightmares. When I can even drift off at all. But you can stay with me for a while if you want. I always do sleep better with someone else in the bed.
[As soon as he said it, Steve's cheeks went red, but at least the kid couldn't easily see that. Honestly, how could he be so crude? Yes, it was true, but he generally only slept with James or Loki nearby, or wrapped in his arms. Grown men who were . . . grown men! He'd made it sound dirty, having Setsuna in his bed, which it absolutely wasn't. Steve was grateful for the subject change and pounced on it eagerly. Not that is was so much less awkward . . .]
Normal, no. Not for this length of time. No one has seen them, or saw them get taken. They just . . . vanished. And no one has a clue where they went. Do you know the Kirks, Setsuna? They look like brothers, but one has a scar on his cheek. You couldn't miss either of them if you saw 'em. Tall, dirty-blond hair cut pretty short. Muscular. They're almost twins and they usually spend a lot of time together. James has the scar and he's . . . he's ah . . . Jim is really nice and friendly, someone people gravitate towards. James is . . . mn.
[Steve wanted to confess to any number of things about James, but none were appropriate, especially not to tell Setsuna. He waved a hand vaguely, enduring the pain of the potion in favor of saying too much.]