Edwin had only realized that the statement might read as condescension instead of genuine once he'd said it, but they'd already moved on to the next thing before he could attempt to reiterate that he'd meant it.

He startled at the voice, only to relax almost instantly when he realized who it was, accepting the water even as he said, "I'd hoped you would stay with Charles so he doesn't think we've abandoned him." Though he shook his head almost immediately, uncapping the water with a more subdued, "But thank you. I am." The trembling had finally run its course, and he could only suspect it had been some kind of adrenal response, and while his ears were still ringing, he was sure that was just due to the relative quiet outside after the nearly-physical wall of sound inside.

It was after another swallow of the water that he unfolded to his feet, drawing himself upright with his usual sort of deliberate precision, steeling himself a little, "We should go back inside before he notices we've both gone."