Trust and believe that thought has crossed his mind. Once he was promised he would long for something as sweet as pain. He's still waiting for that to come to pass, but even with all his newfound strength, he's hesitant to discount the possibility that Thanos will find a way to make good on that threat. And the Titan has a dark sense of humor.

He wouldn't complain if she touched him, but he understands why she does not. She has real reverence for her gods, and for him by extension. Other Nexus residents might scoop him up in this shape, but she has never been overly familiar.

"Oh, my. What pretty words you have!" He tilts his head again coyly. "I'm not hiding. But I cannot save you. I have no food to give, and your fires have not gone out. I cannot fight winter, nor would I do so if I could. Why should I court resentment?"

"Besides. I don't belong here. Not right now. I need to be in the open air. I only came because my mother would have wanted me to give you a kind word."