[ While he wanted to reach out for Tony, he refrained and stayed rooted to the spot in front of him instead. He doubted the comfort would be welcomed and wanted to make things better not worse. Could he, though? Judging by the look on Tony's face it would be an uphill battle.

But when weren't things a battle with them?

If only things were easier and they gelled better. ]

I'm guessing I didn't tell you and you had to find out. [ Running a hand through his hair, he looked down. ] I'm really sorry about your parents, Tony. Howard meant a lot to me. [ It likely wouldn't mean much but he wanted to say it anyway. They never really talked about the bond he had with Howard and after a little digging he understood why. Howard had ended up not a very nice man, much to his horror. ]