Steve remembers the wards he visited, at home and overseas. He remembers the haunted eyes and the fear and the shame.

He can also see the mansion between the trees.

"You know there's no dishonor in that, right?" He frames it as a question, but it comes out implacable. No room for argument; just the truth. "There's nothing to be ashamed of, not liking to fight. Not liking what happens when you do." He smiles, faintly, remembering Dr. Erskine's first test. "I never wanted to kill anyone. I live with it. I have to. But not wanting to fight doesn't make you less of a hero."