When the faceplate opens, Gene sinks to his knees, his fingernails digging into his scalp as he covers his face with his forearms. He doesn't want Tony to look at him.

Damn him, but he's making good sense.

"I don't want to hurt you," he says at length, sounding broken. He has to make Tony understand. Why won't he understand?! "I don't want to hurt you anymore. I don't want it to make me hurt you again. I'd rather die."