[Having Shion lean into him helped Steve feel better too. There was a very real reason he hugged people. A lot. Physical touch didn't solve every problem, but it sure made things easier in general.]


I'm glad you are too. And I don't expect you to get over things with just a few words. It was traumatic Shion. You weren't in control of yourself which makes everything worse, because you blame yourself twice over. Once for not fighting the blood, and again for actually doing the things it told you to do.


[Steve knew. He understood. And he felt exactly the same. He'd let himself become a victim, and then victimized others. It was just easier to be strong for someone else than to stand around and think about it himself. Besides, he didn't want Shion to suffer. The kid was completely innocent.]