[Regifortis]

Steve did feel that same irrational burn of guilt, like when he was being scolded by his parents. But all the same, he had to tilt his head a bit in confusion.

"I'll happily leave, if that's really what upsets you so much. But I have to wonder just what they told you, to be honest. I don't think that many men can whip their dicks out in front of me and demand that I suck it and take another one up the ass, then turn around and say that I think I'm better than everyone. But your friend Murray proved me wrong, and John didn't seem fussed about it when it happened. I would honestly rather be homeless than live next to perverts like that. On the other hand..." He gestured to his former landlord. "I was wrong about you. I thought you were just taking me for a ride and using me as a free food service and fake friend like the rest. But you were very kind to me, when I was just rude and awkward and secretive. I wish I had acted better around you. I am terribly sorry, sir. But if it doesn't sound it, then it's because I don't understand why you made friends with those two."

Steve turned to start packing his things, leaving the adjacent door open. "I don't know...maybe I am a bad person. Maybe I am supposed to look past John and Murray's faults, but I just can't find it in me. Especially not after tonight. So maybe you have perfectly good reasons for being friends with them. But don't bother telling me, because I'm sure they won't make sense to me." Steve considered how to end the conversation as he put what little he had back into the boxes on the bed.

"Tell you what. I like you, so I'll tell you this secret that made me so desperate to live here." He pulled up his shirt and revealed his noticeably swelling stomach. "I'm a pregnant man. Don't ask me how. Don't ask me when. Not because I wouldn't tell you, but because I have no clue. Someone upstairs is playing some kind of prank on me, and I don't want anyone I can't trust knowing about it. Neither of us can imagine what my life would become if this got out in public." He pulled down his shirt. "You can choose to believe me or not. If I don't seem contrite enough for you to believe me, then it's because I'm angry with you. So let me make it clear what you should believe. I like my privacy; I don't like guilt trips; I shouldn't have to lie and play nice and feign interest in something so I can HAVE A PLACE TO LIVE; I'm dealing with forces beyond my control; and..." Steve sighed. "You're a great cook. I didn't actually say it, but the fact you fed me each night made me really happy. I really hate that I'm leaving on terms like this..." Steve picked up his boxes and actually stifled a sob. "But hey. I'm an asshole. Some people just can't deal with that, I guess."