Re: Room 12: Janus A/Steve M
[Objectively, the body Steve inhabited now (post-serum) was better than that he was born into. In a twist, most assumed—or had assumed—this was his true form, like it was who he was—really, truly—finally shown without (in an inverse to what, say, many trans people experienced). It meant, for someone who had, once upon a time, honed his body as a weapon against the Axis, there was a disconnect sometimes between Steve and his tactile form. Obviously, he didn't understand the trials Allen had gone through, continued to go through, but he didn't assume this boy was any truer a form than the others he'd seen.
As for warmth and camaraderie, well, no one accused Captain Liberty of wayward behavior. He was too big by then. And before that, he hadn't been at war. But, he took the same risks. It could be said he liked the rush of it.
Back in the present, Steve asked the boy beside him about his pain, and he watched Allen closely as he answered. Blue eyes were as keen as they were kind. He nodded sympathetically.] I'm sorry. [He was. He watched the youth's profile as lip was chewed nervously and he smiled when Allen finally turned his gaze away from the window. The grin bared on gaunt features would've looked more at home on, say, the older male form Steve knew than this one, but he just kept his own smile perched. He gave a nod and a low sweep of lashes over cheeks. Steve laced his fingers together in his broad lap.] Yeah, kid, as opposed to that.