It's safe to say the whole house is in mourning, everyone dealing with the shock of it in their own way. Nate has been a priority, of course, but nothing seems to be easing the man's silent suffering -- not that it's any wonder. Pepper remembers all too well every instance she'd feared Tony was dead, the all-encompassing, paralyzing dread that pushed everything else aside. But she's never had to live with what came after, which she thanks every deity and lucky star imaginable. The thought of the agony Nate must be in breaks her heart, as does the sight of the man that's overtaken the couch, a shadow of his old self.
The house is so quiet tonight as Pepper pads softly first to their bedroom to change into her pj's and to check up on her new, unintentionally acquired pet. The tiny pig is snug as a bug in a rug, which at least brings a brief smile to her lips. Grabbing a fluffy robe and shrugging it on, she slips her feet into a pair of slippers before leaving again. This time she beelines to the garage, knowing Tony can be found there. Even if it weren't where he spent most of his time on a regular day, he'd definitely be there now.
It feels oddly selfish to Pepper; being able to go to the one person she loves above anyone else. Nate can't. The inexplicable twinge of guilt doesn't make her feel any better, even if none of it was her fault. It wasn't anyone's fault -- unless maybe that crazy planet's.
Opening the door leading to the garage, she's greeted with low lighting and even less sounds than she'd been expecting, calling out softly as she pads deeper into the workshop, ] Tony?
action;
It's safe to say the whole house is in mourning, everyone dealing with the shock of it in their own way. Nate has been a priority, of course, but nothing seems to be easing the man's silent suffering -- not that it's any wonder. Pepper remembers all too well every instance she'd feared Tony was dead, the all-encompassing, paralyzing dread that pushed everything else aside. But she's never had to live with what came after, which she thanks every deity and lucky star imaginable. The thought of the agony Nate must be in breaks her heart, as does the sight of the man that's overtaken the couch, a shadow of his old self.
The house is so quiet tonight as Pepper pads softly first to their bedroom to change into her pj's and to check up on her new, unintentionally acquired pet. The tiny pig is snug as a bug in a rug, which at least brings a brief smile to her lips. Grabbing a fluffy robe and shrugging it on, she slips her feet into a pair of slippers before leaving again. This time she beelines to the garage, knowing Tony can be found there. Even if it weren't where he spent most of his time on a regular day, he'd definitely be there now.
It feels oddly selfish to Pepper; being able to go to the one person she loves above anyone else. Nate can't. The inexplicable twinge of guilt doesn't make her feel any better, even if none of it was her fault. It wasn't anyone's fault -- unless maybe that crazy planet's.
Opening the door leading to the garage, she's greeted with low lighting and even less sounds than she'd been expecting, calling out softly as she pads deeper into the workshop, ] Tony?