[The anger melted away leaving only worry and pain. Steve caught the boy and pulled him into a tight hug, voice strained and choked.]


I know I won't always have you. I know it. Everyone leaves eventually one way or another. But I damn well want you for as long as I can have you. I need you Setsuna. I need you in my life, and I think you like being needed, hmm? I always wanted a younger brother, someone I could protect and teach and love. Someone I could share things with. I . . . I know they don't seem like a big deal, but what if someone poisoned them? What if this place drugged them? Any habit is dangerous Setsuna, even a once-in-a-while habit. Please. Please understand why I'm asking for this. Please . . .