"None of us can." He speaks softly now, almost sadly, perhaps concealing a hurt at which Natasha cannot even begin to guess. "But so be it. Thus is the very nature of fate."

He chuckles, however, when she attempts to deliver another insult.

"Perhaps you do. Nonetheless, it's a reaction, and not a negative one. Maybe it gives me a perverse sense of pleasure to know that you enjoy it."