[Oh boy. He considers doing this alone. The kid is...well, a kid. And when it comes to trying to look out for others, he seems like an overachiever. So he doesn't want him jumping on any of his issues like empathy jackal and trying to do his emotional labor.]
[But the alternative is a kid alone in the woods calling out his problems and it feels like something where he shouldn't be alone. Where he should have an adult to empathize and reassure him.]
[So he stays. If Steven tries to help him, he'll deflect. And he'll be there if he needs someone to listen because somebody should be.]
[He holds out his hand and sticks out a pinky.]
That's super duper pinky swear territory, kid. Don't leave me hanging.
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[But the alternative is a kid alone in the woods calling out his problems and it feels like something where he shouldn't be alone. Where he should have an adult to empathize and reassure him.]
[So he stays. If Steven tries to help him, he'll deflect. And he'll be there if he needs someone to listen because somebody should be.]
[He holds out his hand and sticks out a pinky.]
That's super duper pinky swear territory, kid. Don't leave me hanging.