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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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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