[He doesn't mind it. If anything, he's actually more surprised that Loki looks apologetic. It's the one flaw in Nico's argument. The fact is, the Black Shuck asked both of them to carry out the task. He may not want Hiro with him for this dangerous assignment, but he doesn't want the Black Shuck turning one or both of them into chew toys. It's a terrible situation, basically.

Nico crosses his arms tightly against his chest. Hiro's right in that it's partially about trust, but it's not in the way he thinks.]

It's not just about trust. [Anything he says about his trust issues is...too personal, too private for him to feel comfortable talking about with Loki here. In his mind, it's not something to say to someone who he's just met, no matter their age or how wise they are. Some of it shows on his face, though he tries to keep his expression as even as possible.] The fact is, I messed up then and I messed up now by agreeing to let you come with me when I visited the Black Shuck. I got you involved and I'll be damned to the River Acheron if I let you get killed because of something I did.

[Nico's holding himself very tightly. He can't lose someone he's close to. Not again. His heart's been healing slowly this past year, but that doesn't mean it still isn't in a fragile state.]

Fact is, Hiro, there's a good possibility that if we get into trouble, there's no guarantee I can keep you safe. I could be too slow or something will happen that'll make me too late and that's going to be fatal, or you'll wind up in a fate worse than death. Then I'm going to have to explain to everyone who knew you what happened because I'm sure there are people who care about you more than enough to mourn your passing.

[And they wouldn't be the only one. Nico would carry that grief and guilt for the rest of his life if it ever happened.]