[ It takes Steve by surprise, even if it shouldn't, to feel Jimmy pull his hand back. It makes his stomach twist in a panic, bracing himself for Jimmy asking him to leave for reasons that he really doesn't want to hear, but thankfully it doesn't happen. He's tempted to reach back for him again, take his hand anyway, but he knows he shouldn't push his luck so he forces himself to move slightly forward as he rests his elbows on his knees. It's done to force himself to not move and bring him closer, because that fear of spooking him into wanting to be alone is too strong to ignore.
As Jimmy speaks, Steve feels his shoulders tense. Two years. Two years? It's probably a good thing that he's not looking at him, because it's taking all he has to not ask - demand, really - why he hadn't said anything before. Steve couldn't have done much to help him heal or maybe even find answers, but he could have been there.
He should have been there.
There's a knot in his throat that he has to push down, passing a hand along his beard as he tries to string his thoughts into something that resembles coherency before sitting up. ]
I'm going back with you.
[ There's a finality to it, that stubborn streak of his flaring despite how neutral he manages to keep his expression. ]
Are you in pain? I can try to get you some medication.
[ And by 'try' he means he would, because nothing would stop him from providing for Jimmy whatever he needs. ]
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As Jimmy speaks, Steve feels his shoulders tense. Two years. Two years? It's probably a good thing that he's not looking at him, because it's taking all he has to not ask - demand, really - why he hadn't said anything before. Steve couldn't have done much to help him heal or maybe even find answers, but he could have been there.
He should have been there.
There's a knot in his throat that he has to push down, passing a hand along his beard as he tries to string his thoughts into something that resembles coherency before sitting up. ]
I'm going back with you.
[ There's a finality to it, that stubborn streak of his flaring despite how neutral he manages to keep his expression. ]
Are you in pain? I can try to get you some medication.
[ And by 'try' he means he would, because nothing would stop him from providing for Jimmy whatever he needs. ]