"That will be all, Ms. Potts," Tony replied automatically as he sunk into his chair, part of his processing already dedicated to scanning and organizing the project list but his gaze never leaving his assistant. He should have at least picked up the phone. He depended on her, and Pepper never failed him, on everything from home to the office to co-ordinating an impromptu space launch, and he couldn't be there when she actually needed help. Even if she just wanted to talk to him about it, he wouldn't know how to handle it. It was only when she was gone that he sank his head into his hands, counting out a slow breath and wondering if he could schedule in another trip to somewhere no one had to see him. Let's be honest, at least try to do that, Stark, when no one's watching; somewhere he didn't have to see anyone.