Tony raised his hands defensively, fingers spread in surrender, letting her rant without interruption. He didn't expect all the accusation for trying to be understanding, but she did have a point. In the silence that hung between them, he delicately lowered his defenses, waiting for her to admit her conclusions with only an expectant stare to goad her. Right, that went well.
He couldn't be certain what Cassie's excuse was going to be, and wasn't even sure if she knew, or had come up with a lie for herself. He didn't know if it was something here that kept her or something there that pushed her away. What Tony needed was to stop trying so hard, because it wasn't getting him anywhere. He slipped off of the ledge, patting dust from his pants before he leaned and dropped his hand on her head, whether she wanted it or not. "Happy Birthday, babe," he offered with a kiss to her crown, then let her be.