Did you just say you talked to him? What the hell for?! I . . . sorry. Sorry.
[The words and tone were angry, but Steve squashed it immediately, never loosening his hold on the boy as he squeezed his eyes shut. He counted his breaths and listened to the other things the boy had to say, reminding himself that someone Setsuna's age, despite having suffered so much, often didn't understand the dangers they put themselves in. For all his traumas, Setsuna was still so damned innocent . . .
The choked confession had him snuggling Setsuna tighter, nuzzling the boy's temple as he spoke.]
Shh, it's ok. Like I said, you stay here as long as you want. I'm glad to have you. And I used to sleep with my best friend too. Er, in the same bed I mean. When we were kids mostly, not as often when we got older. But I know what you mean. It's comforting, sleeping with someone you trust. Someone you love.
[Steve met Setsuna's eyes, his own dark and haunted, and shook his head a little. He didn't want the kid out looking, maybe asking the wrong question and getting snatched as well. His own safety was immaterial. He would find the men, no matter what it took.]
No, I haven't asked anyone else. I don't wanna risk more people getting snatched. That means you too. No asking questions or going looking. You can keep an eye out, but if I hear you've been trying to talk to people . . .
[An empty threat. He might be angry for a while, but Steve would never deny Setsuna his love and attention. Or his care. The kid was so painfully vulnerable . . .]
no subject
[The words and tone were angry, but Steve squashed it immediately, never loosening his hold on the boy as he squeezed his eyes shut. He counted his breaths and listened to the other things the boy had to say, reminding himself that someone Setsuna's age, despite having suffered so much, often didn't understand the dangers they put themselves in. For all his traumas, Setsuna was still so damned innocent . . .
The choked confession had him snuggling Setsuna tighter, nuzzling the boy's temple as he spoke.]
Shh, it's ok. Like I said, you stay here as long as you want. I'm glad to have you. And I used to sleep with my best friend too. Er, in the same bed I mean. When we were kids mostly, not as often when we got older. But I know what you mean. It's comforting, sleeping with someone you trust. Someone you love.
[Steve met Setsuna's eyes, his own dark and haunted, and shook his head a little. He didn't want the kid out looking, maybe asking the wrong question and getting snatched as well. His own safety was immaterial. He would find the men, no matter what it took.]
No, I haven't asked anyone else. I don't wanna risk more people getting snatched. That means you too. No asking questions or going looking. You can keep an eye out, but if I hear you've been trying to talk to people . . .
[An empty threat. He might be angry for a while, but Steve would never deny Setsuna his love and attention. Or his care. The kid was so painfully vulnerable . . .]