[ he flashes a brief smile at that, but then she goes on and it drops off his face completely. fear pumps through his veins, his other hand coming up to cup her face symmetrically. ] Oh, Pep... I. Goddamnit.
[ tony swallows, tears prickling behind his eyes he knows will never fall. he presses his forehead against hers and tries to formulate a sentence again. ]
I was supposed to protect you. The suit was still set to the last coordinates and then it froze. I have to fix it. I never meant to leave you there. This is-- Pepper, I'm so. God. [ he's spiralling. but seriously, what is he even good for? ]