Re: [PJ's: Steve/Atticus]
Maybe both. I'm a complicated man. [Steve smiled, meeting the dark gaze that came his way.] People are conflicted, [he agreed and without teasing.] But, I think that makes you obstinate. At least today. [Or so Steve thought. Because Atticus spoke after that, and he was more forthcoming that the other man thought he'd be, given how he, Atticus, behaved earlier.
Steve listened, turning toward the darker man just a little, his knee banking over thigh as he lifted it to make room. Gently, idly, and fully entitled, he dragged fingertips along Atticus' jawline. Concern etched itself on Steve's face.] Could it have been the memory thing that kept you from turning back? Somehow? It threw a lot into chaos. [His hand fell to the other man's shoulder, like it was considering working on those tense muscles, but, instead, it lifted to take the offered cigarette.] No, Janus doesn't really converse. [Steve took a drag and passed the cigarette back to Atticus. He exhaled thoughtfully, his chin down to his chest. He was quiet a moment.] I don't know where it stands with Janus. Like I said, he said something on the phone that wasn't true. I don't know why. But, I'm not all that concerned with him. I assume you know how I feel, but maybe that's a mistake on my part. Or maybe I'm just worried you won't feel the same and I'll look like an ass. [This wasn't entirely true. Maybe partially, but Steve was put too much emphasis on emotion to not share them out of fear.
He sighed. He was on edge.] I can't believe PJ's gone. I know it's my fault. The whole government thing always makes me paranoid. And on and on. I wish I'd been here, for you, for everyone else, when everything was happening, instead of thinking it was 1942.