Pepper watched in eager hopefulness, but to no avail. Tony didn't move, didn't even seem to notice, and for a moment she had to pinch her eyes tightly closed. She would not break down. She utterly refused, and as she took in one shaky breath then another, Pepper reminded herself of what those working in the clinic had said. It would take time, but he was recovering. He was getting better, and he would be himself again.

She simply had to hold herself together until then.

"Why are you here?" She already knew, yet the question still needed to be asked. Why would he be so eager to indulge in memories they all knew to be false? Why would this man, this so-called god who had tried to kill Tony and ruin their entire world show him kindness now, when they had all been manipulated into thinking it true?

God, she didn't want to do this. Not any of it, and Pepper bowed down, touching her forehead to Tony's as she struggled still to keep everything in.