Social obligation rather than hospitality. You might be the man I loathe most in the entire world, but custom dictates that if I can offer you tea and refreshment in my house, I must.

[ He notices trevor watching and so makes sure the man can see what he's doing-- steeping the spice mix in a pot with the boiled water, laying out the cups and bringing them over to the small table by his chairs so he can pour two cups.

he'd never admit it, but the mindless act of simply making tea feels very grounding just at present. ]

And there are all kinds of tea and ways for it to be drunk. There's no need to give up on it entirely just because of a few bad experiences.