[OOM: Howard Stark]

London, 1943

Downtime is both precious and rare when you're in an elite military force. Steve spends it at Milliways when he can, and at the pub that's become their local when he wants to stay in London.

(Which he often does, despite the air raids and curfews. He's come to love this dark, sprawling city. It's not New York, but it'll do until it's time to go home.)

So Steve is having a drink and smiling at the singing. Another thing to like about the English--no matter what, they keep on singing.

[oom: Orpheus]

[Previously.]

Steve's hand hovers over the small of Orpheus's back as they go upstairs to his room. He's still not sure what happened earlier, when they tried dancing, but the more important thing is that Orpheus is hurting and it's within Steve's power to help. Maybe even make him feel better.

This, he thinks, is what you do when you care about someone. Two backs to carry the burdens.

"Do you need help undressing?" he asks when they're in Orpheus's room.