[Steve dropped down onto the couch and let his head fall back with a deep sigh.]


I'm sorry Pete. I'm looking at things through jaded eyes. You're right. Saving people is never questionable, and as long as you feel confident, that's all that matters. You're good kiddo. You have good instincts and you have the skills. Don't let me bring you down.


[He reached over to pat the kid's arm a little, offering a faint smile. Steve didn't want to depress Peter, or make him feel bad in any way. He just got so angry over the boy being used . . . well. That was his own burden, not Peter's. If the kid was happy, that was all that mattered.]