Following that other one... [video]

[runs_on_batteries]

If there are any kids- both big and small- who don't want to be alone right now, I'm making hot chocolate and blanket forts in the dining room.

Also, bring a blanket.

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[runs_on_batteries]

[Tony comes over and sits next to Joss. He doesn't say anything at first as he puts an arm around him. He figures it must be really awful to see a murder after having been murdered not that long ago. He couldn't imagine the horrors the kid must be seeing in his mind.]

I'm not going to let someone hurt you.

[dredefulchilde]

[For once, Joss accepts the hug without a fuss. He even leans into it.]

I’m a killer. I don’t—I don’t want—that’s not me anymore, but it was. I did horrible things. Am I next?

[runs_on_batteries]

[Tony craned his neck so he could keep Joss under an arm but also see just how sincere this answer was.]

No!

[Was there more? Well, yes, of course there was more. That wasn't nearly enough of an answer from someone who loves to talk.]

You are not who you used to be and I have done horrible things too. This train is about redemption. I don't care what you did or to whom, Joss. You are a good person and I'm not going to let anything happen to you. I give you my word.

[dredefulchilde]

[Unfortunately, Tony’s word doesn’t seem to be enough. Joscelin sits rigidly on the bench, eyes staring straight ahead.]

It’s his fault. The other Joscelin’s, I mean.

[runs_on_batteries]

You're right. It wasn't. All the more reason you shouldn't fear punishment.

[He sighed.]

Joss, think logically about this. Yes, we were caught off guard but now everyone is on alert and watching everyone else's back. You know how strong many of us are. Do you honestly think anything can escape all of that?

[dredefulchilde]

[He snuggles in closer to his foster father, who seems very tall and very safe right about now.]

I know, I know...but watching that. I remember when it happened to me, you know. The first time I died, I was too sick to notice the difference. I just fell asleep. But when I was shot, it was sudden and violent and I saw it coming. I felt it.

I don't want to die again.

[runs_on_batteries]

[It was healing in some ways that even if he hadn't prevented the psychological attack the ICP message had been, he was still hero enough for Joss to lean on.]

You won't, kid. You won't.

But it can't be easy having a reminder like this after what you went through.

[dredefulchilde]

[He looks up at Tony.]

I am, though. That's the whole point. I'm mortal now and anything can hurt me. You're right; it was a reminder. I just met her on the platform...I gave her water because she had something in her eye. And then she was killed, just like that.

[runs_on_batteries]

[He sighs. It wasn't because Joss was being difficult- even if he was kind of. He was frustrated there wasn't an easy way to answer this that would make his boy less afraid.]

At some point, as a mortal, you'll die. That's true. However, it's not going to happen with me around.

[He knew he could make all the promises he wanted but eventually he wouldn't be able to shelter the boy- or his other boy.]

You should talk to Peter too. He is struggling with similar things and in a sense you're both kind of brothers. At a point in his future, I'm not going to be around. If you follow me home, eventually I will die there as well. May and Peter will be part of your family there as well as here in addition to Morgan and Pepper.