[The way that he offers up that tidbit, that she's the fifth one, has Pepper counting off in her head whom Loki might have run into. Bruce, Steve, herself--Tony, and for a moment her eyes go wide in concern, wondering if the reason why she hasn't heard from her lover in awhile might have to do with an unfortunate run-in.
But she's doubtful; Loki hadn't recognized Stark Industries, and Tony wouldn't have spoken to Loki at length without throwing his last name into the mix, particularly since Loki doesn't know them. She has to hope that Tony's just occupied, off saving the day as always. She's got her own part to play, and even without any formal training, Pepper knows that if she doesn't pay attention, things won't turn out well.
(And for the record? Tony has spent his life trying to redeem himself and his company since the realization of what was going on. Somehow Pepper doubts that Loki would end up saying the same.)
She watches, curious as Loki starts to search their would-be attackers, then stunned when he turns some random object into a staff. Her first assumption is that he's made a weapon for himself, but Pepper is quite wrong in that. When Loki makes his intentions clear, she honestly doesn't know what to think.
But she can hear the footsteps too, meaning there's not really time to question it.]
I'll find a way to manage. [She mutters the thought, words more spoken to herself than him. She takes the staff, wondering if it'll survive the heat of Extremis, capable of turning metal molten in seconds. But since that's also something she isn't going to voice to Loki, she nods towards her impromptu teacher.] What should I do?
no subject
But she's doubtful; Loki hadn't recognized Stark Industries, and Tony wouldn't have spoken to Loki at length without throwing his last name into the mix, particularly since Loki doesn't know them. She has to hope that Tony's just occupied, off saving the day as always. She's got her own part to play, and even without any formal training, Pepper knows that if she doesn't pay attention, things won't turn out well.
(And for the record? Tony has spent his life trying to redeem himself and his company since the realization of what was going on. Somehow Pepper doubts that Loki would end up saying the same.)
She watches, curious as Loki starts to search their would-be attackers, then stunned when he turns some random object into a staff. Her first assumption is that he's made a weapon for himself, but Pepper is quite wrong in that. When Loki makes his intentions clear, she honestly doesn't know what to think.
But she can hear the footsteps too, meaning there's not really time to question it.]
I'll find a way to manage. [She mutters the thought, words more spoken to herself than him. She takes the staff, wondering if it'll survive the heat of Extremis, capable of turning metal molten in seconds. But since that's also something she isn't going to voice to Loki, she nods towards her impromptu teacher.] What should I do?