The familiar poke and prod doesn't escape his notice, and Steve ducks his head on a huff of a laugh in acknowledgment of it, not at all surprised that she's got his number. He's grateful when she moves on, though, because he doesn't especially feel like explaining himself. Not that he usually needs to, with her, but he likes to think he can keep some things closer to the vest.

Figuratively speaking, anyway. What he's actually wearing are his green scrubs layered over thermal underwear, and he'd already been wearing his boots in the house simply to keep his feet warm. He thinks of the long coat and dismisses it just as quickly — if they're going to the canyon it can only get in the way, and he's not so affected by whatever's keeping him weakened here that what he's got on won't keep him warm enough. He steps out onto the porch and closes the door behind him after a quick glance backward, waiting for her to lead the way down the steps.

"Sounds like a story. Aren't you the woman who gave me a hard time for trying to go it alone?" His tone is fond, questioning, his expression on her gentle.