[ Pepper cracks a broad grin and lets out a laugh that's nearly a downright giggle at the priceless mental image of Hawke stumbling into one of the meetings with the stuffy bigwigs Pepper has the dubious pleasure of dealing with all too often in her line of work. She wishes she could somehow see that happen with her own eyes. ]

It's something he most definitely needs, though I didn't always entirely appreciate being something of a glorified nanny to a grown man all day, all week. But even then, he had redeeming qualities. He's improved considerably since those early days.

[ Her lips twitch at the puppy comment. As much as she loves Tony and is reassured -- pleased, even -- to hear such remarks, it's easier to make light of it all. ]

Probably because so far, I've been the only one crazy enough to put up with him for prolonged periods of time.