"That's exactly what I'm saying. You just told me what was done to you. I'm a lot of things, but never one to make another person's mistakes." He leaned forward, dropping his voice a bit. He didn't think they were in danger of being overheard, but he didn't want to take unnecessary risks. "An agent bound in fear and resentment looks for any opportunity to bite the hand that holds the leash. I don't want someone like that on my team, I've had enough trouble watching my back in the past, it hurts being stabbed." Loki was one thing. Ward had been another. He'd been stabbed literally and figuratively. It wouldn't happen again.

"When I told you I didn't want anything from you, I was honest. I don't. But if you offer I won't turn you down. If you want to stay in that cafe for as long as you're here, that's where I'll leave you. And I hope that's going to be the case. But things are happening. I don't know what and I don't know who, but I will eventually. If I can handle it on my own, I will. And if I can't, I have other resources. But I'd like a friend at my back and I hope we're still at least that."