"Yeah..." Steven hadn't had much time to be scared, but when he got to the masquerade his anxiety had built up quickly. His brain had felt so sticky, though, it was hard to sort out.

"I kind of got sick from something one of the other guests gave me... I didn't realize that was why I felt so bad until Lars found me and took me back to his room so I could nap." He's sort of embarrassed, humiliated by the fact that he'd trusted his new friends and that they'd almost really hurt him without a thought.

He hadn't had any control at the time, which is what makes it feel so scary.

"I got up so I could find you at the costume party, but..." He trails off. "You know."