He is solidly torn between being glad to see the anger, instead of just endless resignation and exhaustion-
-and wanting Zerxus to stop being so... protective.
In the end, the fact that he is who told Zerxus to stop trying to make him stop caring is what decides for Steve. Whether it's what Asmodeus wants or not, this is better. For now, if not the long term.
"Not a lot's changed from my perspective, except I hate the deal you made a lot less than I expected to. Let's go actually find some clothes for me. Maybe explain what this conversation made you decide I was right, make sure my shield's something you're familiar enough with to use effectively." He's not trying to distract Zerxus from this. He's trying to make sure they don't get stuck without a path forward.
no subject
-and wanting Zerxus to stop being so... protective.
In the end, the fact that he is who told Zerxus to stop trying to make him stop caring is what decides for Steve. Whether it's what Asmodeus wants or not, this is better. For now, if not the long term.
"Not a lot's changed from my perspective, except I hate the deal you made a lot less than I expected to. Let's go actually find some clothes for me. Maybe explain what this conversation made you decide I was right, make sure my shield's something you're familiar enough with to use effectively." He's not trying to distract Zerxus from this. He's trying to make sure they don't get stuck without a path forward.