[ oh don't give him that frowny face, he is fine. well, as fine as he gets these days at least. he is functioning, he isn't drinking despite the urge, and he is doing his goddamned best to make himself useful in this place, what else are you after here, Steve?

Tony does look up at that though, that Sam would go and talk to Steve about how he seemed off at dinner. and honestly, Tony cannot be blamed for the choke of laughter that spills from his mouth. really.]

And so Sam believes you to be my keeper? Interesting. You have your reasons too Steve, I am not going to force my issues on you just because I--

[ miss you. but Tony swallows that back. doesn't let it excuse his behaviour because he does miss Steve, misses being able to rely on Steve as much as he used to but he isn't sure that is a thing he can have here. ]

We can talk, as long as we don't start a debate about ethics and morals, I have learned that lesson.