Steve isn't sure Zerxus realizes how much... information about himself he's given Steve. How complete the picture he's painted has been. In what he's said, yeah, but also in Steve sees in between the words and in responses.
He can see the man inside the devil, and he has a pretty damn good idea of the broader strokes of his history. What he did. People he loved. Why he did it. What his life is now. The points they overlap and how strong that overlap is.
He is prepared for the argument that pulling away isn't the same as pushing away and in truth? Steve would have allowed it - at least for a while - and taken the technical win as a point to push with later. That the man has enough... bravery and of himself present to take Steve's hand adds a bit of... pride? to the smile.
He curls his fingers down so his grip is solidly there and pulls Zerxus forward and pretty much around, without letting go. And in fact making sure there's at least some contact between shoulders or knees.
Basically a physical guide in 'sit beside me' (on the floor) and isn't letting go. The heat of that hand should be oppressive for Steve, but it's not. The physical contact itself is more than worth it.
"I'm gonna need food, water, and a better idea about what day to day life here's going to be." That's not a demand for information right now, though he'll take it. "Right now... When are you back on patrol?"
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He can see the man inside the devil, and he has a pretty damn good idea of the broader strokes of his history. What he did. People he loved. Why he did it. What his life is now. The points they overlap and how strong that overlap is.
He is prepared for the argument that pulling away isn't the same as pushing away and in truth? Steve would have allowed it - at least for a while - and taken the technical win as a point to push with later. That the man has enough... bravery and of himself present to take Steve's hand adds a bit of... pride? to the smile.
He curls his fingers down so his grip is solidly there and pulls Zerxus forward and pretty much around, without letting go. And in fact making sure there's at least some contact between shoulders or knees.
Basically a physical guide in 'sit beside me' (on the floor) and isn't letting go. The heat of that hand should be oppressive for Steve, but it's not. The physical contact itself is more than worth it.
"I'm gonna need food, water, and a better idea about what day to day life here's going to be." That's not a demand for information right now, though he'll take it. "Right now... When are you back on patrol?"