[He just held the boy. As long as Shion didn't try to run, Steve would keep hugging him. It soothed his worry to at least try and offer comfort. The boy was so traumatized, it was painfully obvious, and he hated that he couldn't do more. So Steve lied. It didn't matter to him what Shion had done. He didn't consider it a conscious act and he held no anger or hurt against his friend. None.]


Just a little. It didn't go in very far, I promise. Barely broke the skin. And it wasn't you Shion. None of us were ourselves. I . . . I did bad things too. Things I regret. But I'm ok, really. You didn't hurt me, I promise. You really don't have any reason to feel bad.