it doesn’t matter where he goes anymore, no matter how secluded, every step is second-guessed, every passing look from a stranger reads as either fear or accusation. everything is cyclical; a kiss, a fall, and then running as fast as he can. he’d been dumb enough to think he’d found a family. that he could sustain someone’s affection. betty had seemed like home. tony had done the same, and in that split second connection between being wrapped in natasha’s arms and falling into the abyss, he’d thought he’d finally found it.