[None of us are ever really safe has a big impact on Loki. He feels like maybe Clint understands his phobia of sentiment more than others do, upon hearing it. His eyelids flutter in a way that's obviously fighting back a wince, and his eyes harden in a haggard way that Clint has probably seen on people before. People like Thor and Natasha and Bucky. All those losses that Loki had mentioned earlier. The trickster nods, regarding the rest of what Barton has to say about his teammates.]

[It's unexpected, that Clint of all people is suddenly suggesting that Loki return home to his own timeline. Loki draws back, looking alarmed and confused. The last question, in particular, hurts, and Loki makes the choice to drop the numbness.] I can't go back.

Don't you think I want to? For Thor? For my things? And my debt? And my duties toward the people I've lost? Thanos and the stone are there. Even were I fool enough to risk getting caught by Odin once more, I'll not risk being taken by that thing again.

You... you said to be honest with you. To tell you... what I was thinking. I had a nightmare once. And when I woke up, I didn't know for hours if it was true. I dreamt Thanos was displeased with my disappearance and betrayals. That he used the stone to possess me, turn invisible and... teleport to kill Thor. As a punishment to me. He spared my family. And if I go back, they're in danger from more than just him.