Steve doesn't understand why Zerxus made it that far toward physical contact, then stopped and hovered. The only way he can read that is wanting it, but not thinking it will be accepted.

As a result, he flips his hands over and wraps both hands around Zerxus' forearms and gives them a gentle squeeze. He's definitely not as warm as Zerxus. Just bog standard human in a too warm room. There's a lot of emotional warmth, at least, for the brief period it's there before he lets his hands fall.

"No. I think I do need to count myself out." There is a very slight smile with that. "Otherwise, I'm just giving someone a handle to grab. Consequences of me not being there are bad. Consequences of me getting desperate are worse. I'm okay." He isn't okay, but he isn't frantic or panicked, just resolute and... sad.

He is not awkward giving comfort.