If there was a word to describe how Steve Rogers was feeling, it was simply tired. He didn't look it, he wouldn't have done that to James or Natalia for that matter, but the weight was there. It was the same weight that Steve Rogers, Captain America so willingly carried across his shoulders, no matter how it strained his back and heart at times. There was someone in need of him, a friend, a child. Now was not the time for Steve to look any kind of tired.
Now was the time for him to look happy. Fortunately at least, it was an easy look for Steve.
Bright blue eyes settled on the young man without delay as soon as they stepped in the door and Steve found his lips turning upwards into a warm and inviting smile despite the conflict of feelings that surged inside him. The boy wasn't blonde, which was a small blessing given the way Steve was already instinctively looking for ways to separate him from Ian. He looked healthy, albeit a bit nervous and slightly and just a dash anxious. He shifted his gaze slightly to Natalia, lifting one large hand to brush the small of her back for comfort. He knew this wasn't easy on her either.
It didn't get any simpler as Steve let his legs carry him toward the boy. His heart got louder, his head felt dizzy, his legs suddenly felt like they were made of adamantium, but never once did that smile fade. In fact, as he watched the boy peel himself out of that booth, his words mildly bumbled with nerves as he spoke to Nat, in only grew. He was glad to see Natalia take the lead even, with Steve biting back his own words to give the two a moment and not overwhelm the boy, but still ready as ever to step in when they needed.
That step, in this instance, took the shape of a hand. It was casually, affectionately, dropped over James' shoulder in a manner that was decidedly unique to Steve Rogers. It wasn't just for James' comfort either, as he let it smooth over the shoulder, resting gently, reassuringly, between the shoulder blades, but also for Steve. A touch, something physical to ground him here, in this moment, as proof that it was actually happening.
"It's a good choice." Steve turned, appearing to survey the booth for a moment. "Good vantage point on the door too." Steve wasn't the type to miss that. He left room for Natalia to sit, while Steve glanced between the two trying to decide which side of the table would be best for him to take. Finally, with a wave of the lifted hand from James' shoulder, Steve made a motion for the boy to sit as he slid in next to him. He figured that was less awkward for Natasha, and it gave the two ability to retain eye contact in case things got tense.
"I hope you two brought your appetites." He settled into the old rhythm of himself without missing a beat. "And you keep your money off the table. This one's on me."