[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 . . .
[Any of Setsuna's anger and frustration dissipated like water on a hot side-walk in summer. When Steve hugged him again, Setsuna broke into tears.]
I'm sorry. [He cringed.] I didn't think of any of that.
[As for need, the only thing he can do is nod his head. He never considered that, or understood that might be why he was constantly drawn back to Steve - but he loved this, the feel of not just being needed, but wanted.] I-I do.... I like being needed. [He pulled back to look up at Steve.] And, I promise, I won't touch them anymore. I gave the rest of the carton away to Cain, anyway.
Shhh . . . shh Setsuna! Don't cry! Please don't cry love! I know you didn't mean any harm, I know that! And I wouldn't expect you to think about drugs and poison. That's something I worry about. Normal people don't need to. It's just that this place . . . This place doesn't treat anyone fairly, especially someone like you. It's so cruel to you Setsuna . . .
[He gave a slight chuckle at the mention of Cain, not surprised in the least the man had been the beneficiary of Setsuna's largess. He cuddled the kid close, more than willing to offer all the love and care he had to the boy. Steve sighed and there was a resigned note in his voice when spoke again, not loosening his hold.]
If you wanna smoke Setsuna, come to me, ok? I'll get a supply of cigarettes, ones I can at least try to vet, and you can have one there. I'm sure I can bribe Spike for some with a meal or two. I don't like it, but . . . but it is your life. If you wanna smoke . . .
[He couldn't help the slight sniffs, but he calmed quickly and snuggled into Steve's chest.]
It doesn't treat anyone fairly. [He could agree to that fully, usually. To Steve's generous offer, Setsuna shook his head.]
I'm good. [Because he already associated them with Kira and Katou, who were both dead, and now that look Steve had given him earlier. He wouldn't be able to get rid of it long enough to manage, not anytime soon.] I don't want them, not anymore.
If you're sure Setsuna? I promise I won't complain about you drinking. That should sweeten the deal hmm? And maybe you could invite Peter over for a little party sometime. I'd be sure to get the best liquor the hotel provides . . .
[It was absolutely a joke and he smiled at Setsuna, no little damp-eyed himself. He knew he'd played unfairly with a stacked deck. The kid was so used to being yelled at and left behind, he'd do anything to stop that happening. The fact that he'd manipulated Setsuna a little for his own good didn't make it right, and he had a feeling that sin was going to show up on his list sooner rather than later. But he'd been living with crushing guilt for years. What was a little more?]
I'm sure. [Setsuna gave Steve a dead serious, determined nod. He hadn't considered for a second Steve would manipulate him. He was just too happy everything seemed okay again.]
Food sounds good. [He reached for Steve's hand and gave it a squeeze, happy to do something where they were both happy again.]
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2019-11-11 02:47 am (UTC)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 . . .
Wrapping up?
Date: 2019-11-11 02:57 am (UTC)I'm sorry. [He cringed.] I didn't think of any of that.
[As for need, the only thing he can do is nod his head. He never considered that, or understood that might be why he was constantly drawn back to Steve - but he loved this, the feel of not just being needed, but wanted.] I-I do.... I like being needed. [He pulled back to look up at Steve.] And, I promise, I won't touch them anymore. I gave the rest of the carton away to Cain, anyway.
Yes! Go Us!
Date: 2019-11-11 03:04 am (UTC)[He gave a slight chuckle at the mention of Cain, not surprised in the least the man had been the beneficiary of Setsuna's largess. He cuddled the kid close, more than willing to offer all the love and care he had to the boy. Steve sighed and there was a resigned note in his voice when spoke again, not loosening his hold.]
If you wanna smoke Setsuna, come to me, ok? I'll get a supply of cigarettes, ones I can at least try to vet, and you can have one there. I'm sure I can bribe Spike for some with a meal or two. I don't like it, but . . . but it is your life. If you wanna smoke . . .
\o/ YES! Ending
Date: 2019-11-11 03:11 am (UTC)It doesn't treat anyone fairly. [He could agree to that fully, usually. To Steve's generous offer, Setsuna shook his head.]
I'm good. [Because he already associated them with Kira and Katou, who were both dead, and now that look Steve had given him earlier. He wouldn't be able to get rid of it long enough to manage, not anytime soon.] I don't want them, not anymore.
End!
Date: 2019-11-11 03:19 am (UTC)[It was absolutely a joke and he smiled at Setsuna, no little damp-eyed himself. He knew he'd played unfairly with a stacked deck. The kid was so used to being yelled at and left behind, he'd do anything to stop that happening. The fact that he'd manipulated Setsuna a little for his own good didn't make it right, and he had a feeling that sin was going to show up on his list sooner rather than later. But he'd been living with crushing guilt for years. What was a little more?]
Come on kiddo. Let's find some food.
Wrapping the End
Date: 2019-11-11 03:24 am (UTC)Food sounds good. [He reached for Steve's hand and gave it a squeeze, happy to do something where they were both happy again.]