Another weak smile as he ate a kernel out of his hand. "I can't tell you how happy that makes me to hear you say that." And it did. To know that she was doing her homework and planning to study for tests without prompting meant a lot to him.
Steve frowned. A piece of popcorn part way to his mouth paused in motion as he turned to her. His voice firm. "Mary, you are not a pain in my ass. Not now, not ever."
With a sigh he lowered his hand and turned more in his seat so he could really look at her. "We have some growing pains to get through. And after being with Aunt Deb for so long..." He shook his head. The point wasn't to blame his Aunt, he knew that she tried her best and it wasn't an easy situation for her either. "It's a big change and us being in this place certainly doesn't help, but I know this isn't easy for you. More importantly, I know you're trying."
He shrugged and looked away. "I know I'm a lot stricter than you're use to. Lots of rules and... I'm sorry. I don't really know any other way. I'd hoped Danny's input would help to balance me out a bit but..."
Wo Fat being here and threatening them was more than counter-balancing anything Danny could possibly do. It was because of that constant threat Steve had to be as strict as he was. Things he didn't necessarily see being a huge deal now were and while his actions may seem harsh, they really were meant for her, and the others, safety and well-being. Didn't mean it was fair or easy.
Steve shook his head. "My point is that you're not a pain. You're not doing anything I didn't know you were doing in our rightful timelines." He turned and tried to offer her a smile. "I'm not saying this as a challenge but you are not dishing out more than I was expecting to handle when you arrived and I insisted you come live with us." Another shrug accompanied by a smile, this one more genuine. "And, honestly, I've been enjoying spending time with you. I didn't get to my first time around. Seeing you at sixteen and getting to know sixteen year old you... It's a gift."