"I'm going to help you."

He'd feel better if lying to her was more difficult, if it caught in his throat. But the words come out smoothly and he holds her closer.

Adoring.

Protective.

"I know you didn't meant to do anything wrong."

She never does.


His hand slides to her shoulder, to the cluster of nerves Steph taught him to find.

Her chin is on his shoulder and he closes his eyes.

The pinch is sharp and vicious, but that doesn't matter - the effect of those particular nerves being hit is unconsciousness.