People need space to get the shit out of their heads, into the air and know it's been heard by someone who is capable of understanding. Decent people don't want - and won't - do it if the person listening is someone they think is struggling with their own stuff.
Reveal enough to make it clear you get it, but not so much you look anything but okay and inspire, if only vaguely, the belief that maybe they can get there.
It's a fine line. Steve's gotten pretty damn good at walking it.
Steve is goddamn tired.
"I didn't really expect to make it a career. One war, go home, marry the pretty girl and have a nice, boring life. Then that went away and there's just always been another fight to throw myself at. I don't think I'd handle it well if I lost that, now." All as truthful as the steadiness, warmth, and matter-of-fact compassion.
Still presenting it with purpose that has nothing to do with him.
He nods ahead to the jet, as it gets closer. "Three people onboard. The guy you saw fly over and drop the explosives is Sam. He'll be the pilot. Woman is Wanda. Other guy is Scott. Sam's already seen you. Wanda might get defensive - if she does, her hands will glow. She'll come off it once she realizes you're not a threat. Scott will make a really dumb remark, but it won't be with any intent to hurt you, he's just got a mouth that takes off without his brain."
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branchandroot
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Date: 2024-10-25 04:27 am (UTC)Reveal enough to make it clear you get it, but not so much you look anything but okay and inspire, if only vaguely, the belief that maybe they can get there.
It's a fine line. Steve's gotten pretty damn good at walking it.
Steve is goddamn tired.
"I didn't really expect to make it a career. One war, go home, marry the pretty girl and have a nice, boring life. Then that went away and there's just always been another fight to throw myself at. I don't think I'd handle it well if I lost that, now." All as truthful as the steadiness, warmth, and matter-of-fact compassion.
Still presenting it with purpose that has nothing to do with him.
He nods ahead to the jet, as it gets closer. "Three people onboard. The guy you saw fly over and drop the explosives is Sam. He'll be the pilot. Woman is Wanda. Other guy is Scott. Sam's already seen you. Wanda might get defensive - if she does, her hands will glow. She'll come off it once she realizes you're not a threat. Scott will make a really dumb remark, but it won't be with any intent to hurt you, he's just got a mouth that takes off without his brain."