Yeah, exactly. Hours after. Alive. Dead people don't leave messages, Pepper. [ he's arguing, but it's just as affectionate. he knows he could have handled everything better, but he has so much to fix. he doesn't want her in danger. now it seems like this place hasn't given him a choice. ] That poncho would have been really helpful a minute ago, I wonder where it went...
[ back on task, tony. forcing himself to hold her at arms length, he sighs, shaking his head. he can't apologize, just like he couldn't apologize for making the sacrifice play in new york. but he is -- sorry. not that he did what he did but that he can't stop hurting her. that doing these things is part of who he is. ]
I'm okay, Pepper. I was always gonna be okay. [ he lifts his hand to the side of her face, thumb rubbing across her cheek. ] Are you okay?