[ It takes time, a decent amount of it, but the longer it takes the calmer Stephen grows. If there was going to be backlash it would have come quickly. People don't have to psyche themselves up to denial, or to the knee-jerk evasion of discomfort.
Nate nods. He looks everywhere but at Stephen, and then at him directly. Stephen's mouth twitches faintly in support, nodding just the barest nod in return as Nate sets his resolution. (An idea makes its way to mind in that same moment. A little resolution of his own.)
To try is really all we can do when faced with something we've never done before. It's important just to set that goal. ]
1/2
Nate nods. He looks everywhere but at Stephen, and then at him directly. Stephen's mouth twitches faintly in support, nodding just the barest nod in return as Nate sets his resolution. (An idea makes its way to mind in that same moment. A little resolution of his own.)
To try is really all we can do when faced with something we've never done before. It's important just to set that goal. ]