[He listens quietly--and he sighs, faintly, shaking his head and pressing his lips to Tony's again. And after a long moment, he pulls away to look Tony in the eye again, response equally solemn.]

Then I am pleased you found yourself on the proper side. It suits you better.

[Everything from clean energy to the Avengers--it suits Tony better and he knows it. He knows Tony is not a team player. But he also knows that it gives Tony strength to not be alone, and some days, it is just the Avengers standing together.

He knows this.

He also knows that that sort of thing does not and would never suit him.]

And I believe you've paid enough a price.

[Just a quiet murmur, because he remembers that coffee-soaked night in which Tony was plenty haunted--

By so many things.

Hm. His tone is a little wondering when he responds.]

Why I...defend Asgard...?

[He has to give that one some thought, even though he knows the answer (he knows, in the same way that he knows it does not make sense). And a derisive snort.]

Certainly not for my false 'kin', certainly not for those who treated me with nothing but scorn.

[...so why?]

...And yet it has its worth.