It suited Philip, these sudden and unsolicited invitations made by Steven that far surpassed the customary acts of modern hospitality. Offers of a place to stay, a place to rest, possessed an unrivaled allure to some deep-seated part of him and uncovered a new layer of overwhelming approval, perhaps because Philip had spent much of his life as a traveler, weaving in and out of the lives of others. Though he had never sought nor desired permanence in regards to having a home, he knew the difficulties of being without proper shelter that he recognized the value of having one place he could always turn to in a time of need. The word xenia lodged firmly in his brain, though he didn't know where it came from. It's meaning only a vague recollection from some old lesson in school.
"You've got to be the most awesome person I've ever met," Philip said, pilfering several pieces of cheese from the arrangement Steven had rustled up from his kitchen. He nibbled contentedly at one edge of the snack, never one to let the opportunity of food slip by. "I don't think there are many people these days who'd open there home to a perfect stranger. Most places that I've been people didn't even take the time to get to know their neighbours. The most you'd get is a wave so you wouldn't even think about asking to borrow a cup of sugar. Times have changed. I guess for them trust isn't something owed but earned." Something in Philip felt almost old while saying this. "I like this better." He meant it as he glanced up to meet Steven's eye again, something stirring within him that felt a lot like camaraderie or brotherhood. Philip was accustomed to these bursts of affection, but the odd, almost protectiveness for his current companion was far more foreign. He could only presume it was part of his appreciation for Steven's gracious abilities as a host.