It was a bad precedent to set, to let James have his way in things like secrets in the hotel. Steve didn't pry, as a rule, but was it really prying to ask about what sent the man to his door when he'd normally be anywhere else? It wasn't like Steve was subtle in not being fond of drugs and drinking till someone passed out, or came ridiculously close to it. He loved James, and he wasn't going to lecture someone with the life James had had on how to keep living it. But it hurt him to see his lover like that, and to know why he often did it.

Steve sighed and loosened his hold on the man. It just wasn't in him to hurt James more at the moment. Whatever had happened must have been pretty damned bad, "Come on. We'll get you clean and then I'll make you some food." He caught James' eye, the look in his own making it clear he was absolutely serious.

"But we are talking before you go James. Whatever happened, I'm on your side, but I think I deserve to know at least the generalities of what brought you here."