[He opens his mouth to protest the instant Tony starts speaking: Kyle knows where this goes and he's often told himself he doesn't deserve or want to hear it at all, and then closes it and lets Tony finish. There's a reason for it even if it's completely unfathomable to Kyle.]

[He closes his right hand into a fist and bites down on the knuckle of his index finger, looking down and focusing on Tony's shoes, and then he starts, haltingly-]

You don't know me. I want to say. I was the last Green Lantern in the universe for a long time. [He drops his hand and meets Tony's eyes.] Maybe I wasn't the best guy for it - hell, I wouldn't have chosen myself - I was just all they had. [he exhales.] I don't mind the affirmation. James would say I need it, and I kinda do; it's a ton of shit to be carrying, but you should know me first.

Okay?