ut not enough so that steve is convinced he＊ll never say it again. steve steps over to the counter and swings sj onto it, his heels clattering against the wood. looking disgruntled, sj shifts up onto his knees, leaning against steve＊s side. steve capitulates immediately and slips an arm around sj＊s middle, palm smoothing over his tummy. it＊s slightly disconcerting how easy it is for him to be there for sj, to slip onto thatforting role. maybe it＊s because he knows what he wanted at that age; maybe it＊s just instinct.

his instincts are also telling him where he should go next in his search for answers. he remembers the cool touch of the mist against his face when he＊d first woken up here, and again contemplates what he should do. should he just go, by himself? would it be wiser to at least let someone know what he＊s planning, even if he doesn＊t want anyone toe with him? but would they even let him go alone-

※you＊ve got that look on your face,§ seven says, folding his arms across his chest. ※out with it.§

steve bites back a grin; seems there＊s no point in wondering how to broach the subject of going off to search in the mist. after all, he＊s surrounded by versions of himself who would definitely know that was plotting something, even if they couldn＊t guess exactly what he was thinking. hey, that was one benefit, he supposed; not having to tip-toe around when trying to broach a subject.

※i want to go back to where shield and brooklyn found me,§ steve says, and seven lifts an eyebrow but lets him continue. ※i need to start looking for ways to get home, and that＊s as good a place as any.§

seven nods slowly. ※that＊s where i was going to suggest we start,§ he says, and steve sags into the countertop in relief at the lack of resistance, hip checking against the edge. sj winds an arm around his neck and steve distractedly rubs his thumb over the worn blue and white stripes on his shirt.

※has anyone ever been back that way, through the mist? is that where everyone turns up?§

※we all seem toe in from somewhere out there,§ he says. ※you were the last one toe in. no-one been back through though, as far as we know.§

※do you have to go?§ sj suddenly asks, and seven and steve both stop, eyes locked for a long moment. sj seems to regret what he＊s said, slumping back down to sit on his heels and twisting as if to get away from steve. steve doesn＊t let go, just gently tugs sj close to his side again, arm still wrapped around his middle.

※you know i do,§ he says, though he＊s unable to fight away the wave of guilt he feels. ※got people at home waiting for me.§

sj just nods tiredly, understanding. steve looks at him helplessly for a moment, not sure what to say. he＊d give anything to be able to send sj back to his own universe, alive and whole. hell, at this point, if given the chance he＊d probably take sj back with him to his universe and raise him as his own goddamn kid, consequences be damned

※i take it you want to go now?§ seven says, bringing his mind back to the task in hand.

※as soon as possible,§ steve says, though focussing on the job isn＊t as easy or straight-forwards now he thinks about leaving sj and the others behind. he＊s only been here a few days, he shouldn＊t be getting attached, definitely not considering this is only temporary-

or at least he＊s hoping it＊s temporary.

※can ie?§ sj asks, and steve hesitates for a moment.

※probably not the best idea,§ he says cautiously.

※but if you find a way home, i want to say goodbye,§ sj says, and steve feels his already weak resolve crumble.

※seven?§

※he＊ll probably only follow us anyway,§ he concedes, and turns towards the door. ※let＊s go.§

e on then,§ steve says letting go of sj and leaning back. ※you walking or hitching a ride?§

※a ride,§ sj replies immediately. ※i tried walking to the mist once with sticky. it＊s really far.§

※you don＊t have toe,§ steve reminds him, but he＊s crouching down anyway, balancing easily on the balls of his feet. sj immediately scrambles forwards onto steve＊s shoulders, cool palms clamped on steve＊s forehead. his heels kick against steve＊s chest and he shouts with laughter as steve straightens up, hands going to sj＊s ankles to steady him.

※don＊t wriggle,§ he says, and laughs himself as sj curls forwards over his head to look him upside-down in the eye.

※you＊d catch me,§ he says confidently. ※you＊re a superhero.§

steve lets go of one ankle to poke sj on the nose. ※even superheroes need to be able to see where they're going.§