[Sighing quietly, he tries to think of an answer when he's never found one that ever made it any easier for him.]

We do it because it's right. Because we can protect the people who can't protect themselves.

[Shaking his head, he gives Tony a weak smile that doesn't quite reach his eyes, remembering that last mission with Bucky.]

But knowing that doesn't make it any better when something happens to someone we care about.