[He's not a mindreader, but he understands one thing: it isn't fair. It's why he's been trying so hard, keeping it a secret this long. Because he's learned what this version of Tony Stark is all about. Because he's had to discover for himself what the differences are.

Because the fact of the matter is this: once bitten, twice shy. And those first bites are still stinging, months later. The scars on his ears are testament enough of that.]

...I'm sorry for all of this. Really, I am. None of this is right, even if we can't help feeling the way we do. But for what it's worth... I wish he was more like you.