"Don't," Pepper says, more fiercely than she intends. Tears are pricking at the corners of her eyes, and she bids them not to fall. Not yet. She shakes her head and breathes in slowly. "Don't do that to yourself, Gene. This isn't your fault, it isn't some punishment designed just for you, and it's not a punishment you deserve. It's just-- senseless."

That makes it no less cruel, she knows. The grief remains. As saddened as she is that Tony's gone home, it's Gene's despair that makes her heart tight.

She takes one of his hands between her own. "He's still alive, Gene, and he still loves you. So do I." It doesn't seem fair to remind him that Tony could return. That's hope he may not have the space for now. "You aren't alone anymore. You won't have to go through this alone."