Steve watches all those reactions, and inclines his head very slightly. Does not immediately let go of Zerxus' hand, but does loosen his grip -- and not because Steve's stupid enough to read that as pain.

Neither is the empathy. Empathy more than the intense response to basic physical contact and affection make Steve wince, albeit faintly. Zerxus has been consistently more kind to him than fits his appearance or location (in the devil's house). Raw empathy and pain, here, in this discussion with all the rest of what's been said?

Steve's not stupid.

"What did you think you were getting in exchange?"

He's not judging. He's not condemning. He's not even pitying. He's just... sorry.

He'll sprawl around naked, later.