[Charlie's eyes close. She knows exactly what Pepper is talking about. It's difficult to keep the pain out of her own voice for once. It's not as steady as usual.]
I'm so sorry you saw that, Pepper. [She pauses, searching for a way to reassure her friend that everything's okay.] Can I do anything for you, Pepper? I feel awful. I always feel awful when people see that and I'm not the one to tell them.
I didn't... I wasn't sure who... who I was seeing, but...
I'm so sorry. [ Not just pity, though there's pity there. More though, she's sorry for the invasion of privacy. No one should have their traumatic past on display like that. This damned City. ]
Can I see you? Just-- It's silly, but I feel like I won't feel better until I see with my own eyes that you're alright. Does that make sense?
Yeah. Absolutely. I'm at [address and directions.] My apartment caved in because of the sand so...I'm temporarily here. And don't be sorry. The City's done this to me before. I wish it wouldn't and I can't say I'm getting used to it but... I'll see you in a bit.
[ A few minutes later, Pepper is pacing outside the door, trying to gather herself before she knocks. Finally, she smoothes down the front of her blouse and just goes for it. ]
I get that. And, y'know, obviously I survived that. More or less. So...[She almost wants to say it's no big deal but it really is. She's just trying to remain calm about it.]
I don't have many opportunities for friends and people to hang out with back home. My...all that fire? Remember when I said I move a lot? That's why. There are people after me because of it so...[She shrugs.] Sometimes it's just nice having a caring face around.
[ Suddenly her first conversations with Charlie make more sense. Finally giving up on propriety, Pepper crosses the threshold to wrap her up in a hug that she hopes is more comforting than awkward. ]
You're so strong, Charlie. I can't even imagine what it must have been like, growing up like that. Losing everyone, still so young.
[Charlie hesitates for a moment before hugging Pepper back. She's still getting used to hugs, really, but she's fine with this. Hugs aren't bad. They're nice. Comforting.[
[Charlie smiles, letting out a small chuckle even if there's not much to laugh at in the situation. It was just...a release of stress or something along those lines.] I ended up living with some amazing people for a while. Called them my grandparents. Blame that and a need to not disappoint my dad, even if he was gone.
I can definitely get that. [ She's certainly seen the way Tony keeps working, comparing himself to his father, trying to convince himself he's worthy in a way he'd never outright admit. ]
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Can you talk?
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Oh, Charlie, it was awful. Just-- fear and anger and fire everywhere. And that poor little girl!
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I'm so sorry you saw that, Pepper. [She pauses, searching for a way to reassure her friend that everything's okay.] Can I do anything for you, Pepper? I feel awful. I always feel awful when people see that and I'm not the one to tell them.
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I'm so sorry. [ Not just pity, though there's pity there. More though, she's sorry for the invasion of privacy. No one should have their traumatic past on display like that. This damned City. ]
Can I see you? Just-- It's silly, but I feel like I won't feel better until I see with my own eyes that you're alright. Does that make sense?
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Charlie? It's Pepper.
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[It's not her place. It's Buffy's but she knows Pepper so she's okay with letting her in.] You okay?
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[ Yeah, Pep, you're not convincing anybody. Least of all yourself. ]
Alright... I should... go, then, I guess. Sorry to bother you.
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I don't mind if you stay, Pepper. I really don't.
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You're so strong, Charlie. I can't even imagine what it must have been like, growing up like that. Losing everyone, still so young.
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Thank you, Pepper.
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I mean it. The girl I saw could have turned out so many ways, and still through all that, she became you. There's something to be said for that.
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