Gene smiles wanly, with no amusement in it. "If you give it to me, what makes you think I'll give it back?"

How can he explain it to Tony? How can he explain the addictive rush of pure power turning him into a god made flesh? How can he describe the best thing he's ever felt with the worst consequences? How can he tell Tony that he's worried that he won't control the ring, the ring will control him?

"Please, Tony, I'm scared too. But don't...don't ask me to do this. I don't want to forget this either, it terrifies me that I could wake up and you're gone," he says, and much to his horror he can feel tears pricking at his eyes. "But I don't want to put this on and have it turn me into a monster again. I don't think I can handle it."

He takes a shuddering breath. "I hate this. I hate that...that if I do this I risk becoming a person I hate. I know the future is uncertain and it seems like now or never, but...I can't do this yet, Tony," he says, his voice cracking. "I can't be trusted with it."

And he covers his eyes, because he doesn't want Tony to see him cry.