Defensiveness overtook Steve’s form, shoulders squaring up as wide as they would go (still nothing on the doctor in front of him, but the blond paid no mind). How many times had he had this argument? How many times was he going to have to force himself to stand up for his right to stand up against bullies just as much as anybody else? He was used to hearing everything Dr. Banner was saying, but it didn’t mean that he had to like it or listen to it anymore. Perhaps this effort had been a mistake (especially since it seemed they knew more about him than he could afford), but Steve just couldn’t help himself. This time had seemed different, like it had truly been mean to be. Seems he had been wrong.
"Doctor Banner,“ he began to counter, voice sharp as he tried to look taller and more determined than he felt. "I got the same responsibility as everybody else out there to do what’s necessary to stop what’s happening. Just because I - ”
He stopped, mid-sentence, and felt the shock beginning to take over his system. Everything Bruce was saying… It was counter to the accusations he’d laid out at the beginning. He was approving Steve despite knowing everything that was wrong with the man?
"Wait, I - I am?“ Steve asked in disbelief, head tilting curiously as he tried to process what exactly was going on. The blond wasn’t stupid, after all, and knew that accepting him was going to be more of a challenge for both the doctor and himself. So why was Bruce doing all this? He felt his whole body relaxing, the tension leaving him easily now that the fight he’d been imagining was over. Slowly he moved to stand, eyes still curiously laid on the man he was trying to figure out. "You’re… With all due respect, Doctor, that hardly sounds like the kind of person you need. A lot of work for you. I’m grateful, don’t get me wrong, but… Why?”
The question was fair, of course. It was a very strange situation taking place, stranger than Bruce could imagine the other would be feeling. “I think you have a good heart. Too many men are full of rage and spite, but I don’t think of you that way. I think you’re... Kind.” He said with a small smile. “Shockingly enough there’s enough cruel men in the army who are willing to shoot anyone they come into contact with, but I feel like you’re fairly logical.”
Bruce liked logical people. Bruce also liked people that were kind to him. Most of the other soldiers ignored Bruce, or they didn’t even refer to him as Doctor- Which Bruce hated. “Just promise me one thing, Steve.” Bruce said, turning back to him, “I need you to always remember where you started. Things are going to get kind of... Strange in the upcoming weeks, and it’s going to be very easy to forget this office and this moment.” he said before turning back to the door once more.
A large part of Bruce wanted to tell Steve what he was getting into, but he was contractually obligated not to. The poor kid had just signed on to be the governments personal lab rat, much like Bruce had been so many years before- Though they didn’t have Bruce fully in charge back then. Bruce knew he had it right this time. Things were different. Bruce never wanted to be a soldier, but he knew Steve did.
Bruce walked out of the small office, leading Steve out of the facility. “We need to leave immediately. You start your training first thing tomorrow.” He said, leading Steve to a cab and opening the door. “I know this is happening really fast, I’m so sorry. If I could do this any differently then I would, but we need to begin working with you right away to prepare you.”
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