"Yes, Captain Rogers needed..." The lie dies on his lips when he sees the roiling emotions in her eyes. Why, out of everything that's happened, does he feel the worst about this?

He sighs. "Stark has explained the situation regarding our marks, correct?"

Pepper gives a curt nod. "He has. I still don't believe it, though. You come down here, kill people, try to take over, then what? Get a magic tattoo and stop?" She laughs. "No, there's something else going on, you're aiming for something, and-"

"I'm sorry."

Pepper stops mid-rant. "What?"

"I'm sorry to have caused this schism. If there were a way to undo it, I would." It hurts to say, but he can't help but feel in this moment Tony would be better off, happier, without him. It is a paradox that the bond fosters this care in him, and therefor he wants the bond to end for the sake of his soulmate.

"There is nothing I can do that will fully make up for the destruction I brought to this world," he continues. "But I will do everything I can to try."

He doesn't wait for her to reply before looking to Tony.

"We were planning for search and rescue around the city. The Chitahuri were without guidance for the short time they were here, so any deaths will be incidental, and hopefully many preventable if we act quickly. Captain Rogers has pointed out several destroyed buildings that could still have survivors in them. He had hoped you would have a suit or drone that could assist."