'I got distracted'. Immediately asks another question. Steve's pretty sure Zerxus is just being contrary at this point, and he's not mad about it. In fact, it's pretty endearing.

He is absolutely just this side of wolfing his food down, though so too distracted to do more than lift an eyebrow. Or notice any texture problems with the food.

"As far as I know. and in the name of being honest, I'm pretty sure the more reasonable of them would be happy enough being classed as powerful aliens from somewhere that happens to be connected to earth. Not the same kind of thing as is happening with this." This encompasses... all of hell. "Probably more on par with you as you are now than him." He's not an idiot. Usually.

"Why does it smell different, now?" Maybe if he makes his own questions pointed, it'll either make Zerxus careful or he'll get something useful.