compelledtoprotect

Steve stroked Setsuna's cheek lightly. He was used to the way the boy often flinched and stiffened, though it always hurt a little. It wasn't Setsuna's fault though, or his own, and he reminded himself of that. Often. The kid might never stop it, but Steve was confident he was making an impression anyway. A good one for a change. He'd get back to the issue of where Setsuna had been sleeping eventually.

"I'm sorry your friend left sweetheart. I mean, I realize the bigger picture is that she went home, but that doesn't make it any easier to not even be able to say goodbye. I'm sorry you're sad Setsuna."