Bart had been expecting questions, the need to come up with some kind of explanation. And he would have given one, if Piper had asked. No matter how painful he found even thinking about the entire experience even now, several day later, he would given a full account.

Not being required to do so -- especially after the grueling confession he'd given Tim, just the night before -- was a relief that Bart wasn't sure he knew how to handle. So he...didn't.

Wrapping his arms into Piper's chest, he crawled completely into the other man's lap, holding tightly to stave off a creeping case of the shakes. Bart didn't see what Piper could do to actually protect him, but wasn't it the thought that was supposed to count...?