Talking is worse than he thought it would be. Can they just go back? Tony shuts his eyes tightly and buries his face in her throat, hating that he has to choose between Pepper and life. They can't be separated for him and it isn't an easy thing to come to terms with.
"How was your day?" he asks in a small voice, turning a little so she's not pressing on his chest as much. They often didn't see each other at all during the day and he just needs something mundane.