He had no reason to leave, not when this suffering was blossoming in front of him like this. It was perfect to wedge himself into, to grasp at the things that he needed most. There was no resistance, and he savoured that most of all.

"You don't have to ask. I would do it for you, to protect you, to make you happy. So you don't have to," he whispered back, leaning in to nudge his nose against Steve's watching the man closely as he flexed his hands under his friend's.