[ For a minute, there's nothing but silence. Thor's words hang in the air. Finally, Loki sits down, his hands folded together. He does not make eye contact, his usual tell when he is trying to put into words something deeply personal without wavering. Most people feel the opposite, but Loki changes when he makes eye contact. The need to conform, to bend to other's expectations comes from making eye contact and Loki could not afford that right now. ]

I'm always afraid.

[ The words comes out quietly, a quiet puff of breath. For a moment, Loki considers taking it back, leaving. Fear leaves him bare, leaves him without his defenses. And yet. ]

I hurt Taako recently and I stayed away because I thought he would not come back. I hurt Steve once. He called me a mistake and I don't know how I stayed then, but I was scared. I was scared when I told you the truth and realized there was no coming back from it.

[ Loki exhales, digging his fingers into his palms in frustration. ]

It is always, always like this since the Vault. I don't think I remember a time when I haven't been scared, Thor. But I know this much — I am tired of it.