Stephen notices distantly that the bandage on his broken hand is damp as he finally withdraws it, his other hand lifting to pat clumsily at the Cat's shoulders. It's the sound of Peter shifting to the floor that tears his gaze away from Bluestar and makes him draw in a breath like he wants to say something more before letting it out again, defeated before he even starts.

He shifts, shuffling himself off his knees and next to Peter. He doesn't say anything, doesn't put an arm around him, but presses up against him, side by side. He glances at the Cat; lifts his hand in a vague but interpretable invitation.