"You're a good man, Steve. Better than a lot of people deserve. Hell, better than the world deserves. Or feels like it, some days." His jaw works a little, wanting to say something, deciding against it, rethinking it in his head.

It takes a little time for him to settle again, and he mirrors Steve's pose, his posture. Seated on the floor across from him, head tipped back. "I'm not sorry for leaving," is what he settles on. "And I'm not sorry for staying away. I am sorry for making you guys worry. I don't wanna hurt the people who don't need hurt."