[ it's something that steve really can't wrap his mind around, and maybe it's because he's so intently focused on his own pain that he doesn't see nate's the way that he should. if he felt the need for space, he could have it. steve would give that to him, but their contract... it had felt more than just paper or the easy agreement they'd settled on when he'd first asked nate to live with him. friends would never leave friends, and yet, that's exactly how it feels to steve in the moment.

regardless of the reason, nate is clearly saying that he's not good enough.

and it's a dirty thought that creeps in beneath the warmth of nate's hand on his and the tender words he speaks. that he's his dominant and he could make him stay. he could force him to come back and relent to what he wants. he could enforce it until there's nothing left of their friendship but the one duplicity desires them to have, and it's so nauseatingly strong that steve has to look away from nate. he swallows it down, wonders if nate could feel it since he's already in his mind. ]

Then... think about it. [ he can't bring himself to be happy about this. there's clearly no convincing him to continue forward. ] When you need a contract, I'll be here. I want to help you, and if that's the only way I can, I'll do it.

[ and the weight of it is crushing, causing his eyes to burn. ]

But I meant it before, Nate. You're not alone. You will never be alone.