It occurred to me three people and a dog might be interested.
Excerpts from my notes for The Only Easy Day, concerning Joe and Steve's relationship.
After reviewing 2.03, particularly their first scene on the rifle range:
Initially, there's a lot of affection and respect between them, especially respect and admiration from Steve's side. Joe is clearly proud, has assumed a parental role that's slightly more intimate than their Navy professional relationship, that of a demanding coach who's invested in the outcome but withholds "too much" affection. He's not afraid to compliment Steve on a job well done, but Joe is clearly better at everything unless he, Joe, acknowledges he isn't.
Upon the events of 2.10, 2.11 and 2.12:
Korea actively changes things. Steve is restless and more emotional, struggles with both work and his private life. During the hearing, he and Joe perjure themselves with regard to circs of the Korea op and presence of other soldiers (thus protecting Commander Wade, Lieutenant Jacks, and SEAL team nine.) This is one very significant time Joe actively doesn't blame Steve for something that is actually because of Steve, the loss of his career, that is significant and big and Steve does blame himself for.
Very soon after Korea, Joe doesn't tiptoe around the issue. He's the only person who directly speaks of the events and Steve is not always ready to be talked to about it. Clearly visible emotional reactions. Clearly not Joe's problem. He confronts Steve with Hiro's abduction and leaves him in a seriously visible state of distress.
Joe has a caring, protective streak about Steve. He does genuinely believe what he does is for the best of Steve, and that Steve should accept this. Frequently treats Steve like a wayward, well intentioned teenager that just can't see what's right for him. Understandable, but Joe's still going to pull the superiority card because Steve isn't "ready".
Following a thorough study of the final scene of 2.13, after Steve rescued Joe only to have Joe leave the car:
This is critically the only moment we see Steve vocalise his trauma, making us wonder if he's vocalised it to anyone else, and the rejection he receives is swift and instantaneous. Who cares you were tortured for what is perceivably Joe's goals and secrets? You take it like a man. It's your job, it's who you are, you suck it up, you swallow it, you put it away. While Steve tries to articulate emotion, Joe is a brick wall that that bounces off, and Steve is not a bad articulator once he puts his mind to it. But it's clearer here than elsewhere, in terms of being full frontal visible in canon: Joe and Jack both have used Steve as a tool, a means to an end, not a human being that's dented and damaged and hurting.
No, I do not write this thorough notes for all fics. Yes, I write notes for some fics. Discuss or ask questions in comments if you wish!
After reviewing 2.03, particularly their first scene on the rifle range:
Initially, there's a lot of affection and respect between them, especially respect and admiration from Steve's side. Joe is clearly proud, has assumed a parental role that's slightly more intimate than their Navy professional relationship, that of a demanding coach who's invested in the outcome but withholds "too much" affection. He's not afraid to compliment Steve on a job well done, but Joe is clearly better at everything unless he, Joe, acknowledges he isn't.
Upon the events of 2.10, 2.11 and 2.12:
Korea actively changes things. Steve is restless and more emotional, struggles with both work and his private life. During the hearing, he and Joe perjure themselves with regard to circs of the Korea op and presence of other soldiers (thus protecting Commander Wade, Lieutenant Jacks, and SEAL team nine.) This is one very significant time Joe actively doesn't blame Steve for something that is actually because of Steve, the loss of his career, that is significant and big and Steve does blame himself for.
Very soon after Korea, Joe doesn't tiptoe around the issue. He's the only person who directly speaks of the events and Steve is not always ready to be talked to about it. Clearly visible emotional reactions. Clearly not Joe's problem. He confronts Steve with Hiro's abduction and leaves him in a seriously visible state of distress.
Joe has a caring, protective streak about Steve. He does genuinely believe what he does is for the best of Steve, and that Steve should accept this. Frequently treats Steve like a wayward, well intentioned teenager that just can't see what's right for him. Understandable, but Joe's still going to pull the superiority card because Steve isn't "ready".
Following a thorough study of the final scene of 2.13, after Steve rescued Joe only to have Joe leave the car:
This is critically the only moment we see Steve vocalise his trauma, making us wonder if he's vocalised it to anyone else, and the rejection he receives is swift and instantaneous. Who cares you were tortured for what is perceivably Joe's goals and secrets? You take it like a man. It's your job, it's who you are, you suck it up, you swallow it, you put it away. While Steve tries to articulate emotion, Joe is a brick wall that that bounces off, and Steve is not a bad articulator once he puts his mind to it. But it's clearer here than elsewhere, in terms of being full frontal visible in canon: Joe and Jack both have used Steve as a tool, a means to an end, not a human being that's dented and damaged and hurting.
No, I do not write this thorough notes for all fics. Yes, I write notes for some fics. Discuss or ask questions in comments if you wish!