Tony agrees with him. He understands pride, he understands backing off when people seem determined not to appreciate what he's trying to do. But they don't have the luxury of pandering to their egos here and he knows that.

"Watch out for Steve and Bruce." It isn't easy asking for help, and he's certainly not going to ask for it for himself. But for the sake of others, the request rolls easily off his tongue. "I'm trying, but I'm obviously at a disadvantage here. Help me do that. I don't want to lose them again."