{CONT. || @red-hemlock}
Steven has a bad habit of expecting things to just work out. In his defense, they usually do; he's not sure whether it's a side-effect of his abilities, or just how the world works, but he's almost always capable of weaseling his way out of any difficult situation in which he might find himself. ...although, granted, he doesn't find himself in danger very often.
But this feels different. Maybe it's because he has someone else to worry about in addition to himself, or maybe it's because he's crossed the most powerful person he knows, but Bell's... scared. Terrified, even.
Part of him thinks the two of them should just give up. He'll beg for Mr. Afton's forgiveness, show him that he's learned his lesson, and swear that he didn't tell Hemlock a thing. It won't work, but Steven's been nothing but loyal and efficient until now, and maybe that will count for something. Maybe-- maybe everything will work out fine, and Hemlock will go back to her life, and he'll go back to his, and they'll both learn to ignore the horrors being committed right under their noses.
Another part of him is furious and desperate, as though he's been betrayed by the universe the one time he tries to do the right thing. William can't keep getting away with this, they have to do something--
But first, they have to make it out of here alive.
He tells himself to trust Hemlock. This is her job, her area of expertise. And if he's honest with himself, she probably isn't committed to her work enough to sacrifice herself for him, which means she's at least semi-confident that she can handle the crowd. This is what he's hired her for, and he'll be putting them both in more danger if he doesn't listen.
"Right. ...right. You'll do fine!"
He takes a step backwards, slightly embarrassed about his immediate reaction to all of this, and then turns to bolt. He makes it to the door without being hit, but when he half-closes it behind him, he pauses, peering through the crack at Hemlock and the sea of attackers. None of them is from the company's security division, of course-- it wouldn't do to risk sending people with whom Steven has built up friendly relationships-- and he hopes that means they're less than the best in their field.
He should leave, but he can't. He has to make sure his only ally in all of this is okay, and stay to provide some sort of help or distraction or second target if she isn't.
He can't afford to face this alone.