Maybe it's some kind of reverse Florence Nightingale effect, but Horvath has definitely won Steve's trust. He appreciates the reassuring pat, giving a vague nod as the man retreats.
He also appreciates Daredevil's presence. It's frustrating to be knocked down like this. He's angry that he can't contribute more, angry at himself, not so much the curse. "Well," he tells him with a wry smile that may well carry through in his voice, "we write our own job descriptions. I wanted to protect them without being overbearing. Guess I fucked that up."
If they come back safely, he'll forgive himself.
"I could really use some guidance," he adds quietly. "Yes. Please. I can't just...not do anything until this is fixed. If it even can be fixed. I've got to figure out some workarounds, fast. But the kids come first." He can't look at Daredevil, not quite sure how to pinpoint his face properly, and anyway he couldn't see it if he did, so Steve has to hope his voice carries his sincerity. Honestly, he's scared, but now is not the time to let himself feel it.
When Kinner returns, Steve makes a small approving sound at the preparation he announces. The man wasn't kidding; he knows how to deal with this terrain. He'll have to thank all of them properly later, once the boys are safe, but he's starting to feel some optimism.
He'll have to be nudged or led through Horvath's gate, but once they get there and into the building, he seems to be able to get around without being led. As long as no one's placed objects in the middle of the floor without telling him, he knows the layout of this building by heart. He has to direct Harrowheart up the stairs to the bunkhouse, and one of the refugees can tell him where the boys were resting. Dimly, Steve is aware of the shape-change, but he's in no position to react to it. Which is fine. When the refugees make alarmed noises and back away from the immense wolf, he tells them, "It's all right, he's a friend."
For the moment, that's all it takes to keep anyone from panicking or interfering.
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He also appreciates Daredevil's presence. It's frustrating to be knocked down like this. He's angry that he can't contribute more, angry at himself, not so much the curse. "Well," he tells him with a wry smile that may well carry through in his voice, "we write our own job descriptions. I wanted to protect them without being overbearing. Guess I fucked that up."
If they come back safely, he'll forgive himself.
"I could really use some guidance," he adds quietly. "Yes. Please. I can't just...not do anything until this is fixed. If it even can be fixed. I've got to figure out some workarounds, fast. But the kids come first." He can't look at Daredevil, not quite sure how to pinpoint his face properly, and anyway he couldn't see it if he did, so Steve has to hope his voice carries his sincerity. Honestly, he's scared, but now is not the time to let himself feel it.
When Kinner returns, Steve makes a small approving sound at the preparation he announces. The man wasn't kidding; he knows how to deal with this terrain. He'll have to thank all of them properly later, once the boys are safe, but he's starting to feel some optimism.
He'll have to be nudged or led through Horvath's gate, but once they get there and into the building, he seems to be able to get around without being led. As long as no one's placed objects in the middle of the floor without telling him, he knows the layout of this building by heart. He has to direct Harrowheart up the stairs to the bunkhouse, and one of the refugees can tell him where the boys were resting. Dimly, Steve is aware of the shape-change, but he's in no position to react to it. Which is fine. When the refugees make alarmed noises and back away from the immense wolf, he tells them, "It's all right, he's a friend."
For the moment, that's all it takes to keep anyone from panicking or interfering.