Even though he had told James time and time again he considered him his son. They may not have been related, he may not have ever thought about having children, but James? He had found a way underneath his skin and while they butted heads more times than not he would always consider him a son no matter what. But he'd never told anyone outside of their group that. He'd been trying to keep things to themselves because he wasn't certain how James would react to others knowing how he felt about him. The incident at the hospital had changed a lot of things and Steve knew it. Now, though, he was about to put it out to the rest of the world just how he felt about James. A part of him thought about maybe not saying what he had to the group of agents. Not all of them would understand what he and James had. Or if they did they might automatically think that they were father and son. Now, though, there would be no question as to what their relationship was.
"James, of course I mean that." He wouldn't have told him if he hadn't meant it. That and he'd told him time and time again but this time it seemed as if it finally sunk in with him. "I know I've told this time and time again, but I mean it. In my mind you are every part my son."