[ It's hard to miss the discomfort in his caretaker; a sense of unease and unhappiness seems to cling to him like spiderweb. He has no right to comment on the matter, so he holds his tongue. Perhaps the man's mood will be eased when Steve is healthy enough to be out of his hair. The offered tea is accepted gratefully as Steve shifts up enough to hold it. ]

I wish we might have met under better circumstances, Bruce — but I appreciate all you've done for me.

[ Blowing on the tea lightly, he sips at the edge. It's hot, but he's resistant enough that it doesn't scald him, though it logically should. His thumb rubs against the rough edge of the cup in a brief and thoughtful silence. ]

I should be able to leave tomorrow. I appreciate your kindness, but... I don't want to put you at any further risk.

[ What does he seem like, he wonders? A criminal on the run, perhaps? He could clarify, he supposes — but this is no one's business but his own, and he won't drag an innocent man into it just in a bid to seem less the villain in his eyes. ]