[ It's a dangerous shift in tone. Stephen reaches out with his power and finds Tony's mind abuzz, frantic. There's a lot at play. It makes sense for there to be a lot at play, but now isn't the time for freefall. They're too far from safety and these sentiments too much like a recipe for disaster.

So Stephen grips Tony by the sleeved forearm, creates a physical point of focus, steps in just that little bit closer. To the outside eye it might the comforting of an overcome friend. His hand tremors in its hold and for once he's glad of the ache in his bones that reminds him that this is normal, this is always. His shaking hands are not a product of now.

The thin fabric of Tony's shirt is thankfully enough to spare them both the empathy bond. Stephen's voice is low and firm, urgent. ]

I know. And I'll help you. But if you walk away from me now you'll be lucky if you make it five minutes before you lose control. You'll overhear an idle comment and that'll be it. We had a murder that way. New arrivals killed a civilian - couldn't have stopped themselves if they wanted to.

[ His bedside manner always has been notoriously awful. ]

We'll find your suit. But you need information and resources, and you need to get this drug out of your system. So you need to come with me. Please do not make me order you.