[Gene's still in shock, still worn out and exhausted and grieving, but something in him brightens just a fraction when Captain Rogers doesn't respond with "where?" or "what?" It's good to know they're not actually forgotten on some shithole of an island fighting and dying while no one else cares.
So he tries to find something like a smile, even if it's maybe a little shy, or just fleeting.]
My brother landed in Italy, [He offers, maybe intending it as some kind of peace offering. Sure, he thinks the Marines are the best, and knows they are, too, but he's not going to insult the Army and seriously mean it when the guy's reaching out to him.
Especially when that suggestion just reminds him of someone else, because Ack Ack had always been trying to find ways to make people feel more comfortable, less scared, less homesick, and he's gone. It's been less than an hour since it happened, and he still almost can't believe it happened at all. It makes it easier and more difficult to say what he does next.]
I can manage, sir. [He's a marine, he can take whatever anyone has to throw at him.
But he is cold. And he's pretty sure he's never going to turn down fresh water after what he's been through.]
[spam!!]
So he tries to find something like a smile, even if it's maybe a little shy, or just fleeting.]
My brother landed in Italy, [He offers, maybe intending it as some kind of peace offering. Sure, he thinks the Marines are the best, and knows they are, too, but he's not going to insult the Army and seriously mean it when the guy's reaching out to him.
Especially when that suggestion just reminds him of someone else, because Ack Ack had always been trying to find ways to make people feel more comfortable, less scared, less homesick, and he's gone. It's been less than an hour since it happened, and he still almost can't believe it happened at all. It makes it easier and more difficult to say what he does next.]
I can manage, sir. [He's a marine, he can take whatever anyone has to throw at him.
But he is cold. And he's pretty sure he's never going to turn down fresh water after what he's been through.]