He's scared and confused and a little flustered because that was a compliment, right? In the worst possible circumstances, but still. And what did Steve mean, he could smell him dancing around the truth? That made no sense, not that most things about his abilities did, he supposed, but still.

"Yeah, but..." He continues staring up at the other man, trying to blink away the tears, but his voice is definitely breaking. "Not like that... You-- you weren't supposed to scare me!" Just a little flash of anger there again, though the despair and fear are definitely more prevalent still. What happened to that promise to never hurt him? To let him figure things out at his own pace? He squeezes his eyes shut in embarrassment. This is a part of the truth anyway. "I-- I wanted you to be gentle with me..."