[He studied the kid, eyes dark with conflicting emotions. Intellectually he knew Peter wasn't much of a kid, but he just looked so young! So vulnerable! It was that innate need to protect that prompted him. Peter looked like someone who needed it, no matter what his brain said.]


I do, honestly. Once upon a time I had soldiers even younger than you under my command. It just never gets easier watching someone who's life has just begun run into danger. Even worse when it's someone I care about.