( since his hand is still on stephanie's shoulder, he'll lightly squeeze like it's a silent plea not to say something like that. )

...

( he huffs slightly, looking off to the side, because this isn't about him — it's about hope, and maybe he should be more firm about that. )

Tamales... ( ... ) Now, now... if hope here is bothered in any way, that gives room to despair, and since you're both hopeful individuals... I'd rather not have it brew between the group...