"He wasn't." There's no point in mincing words; Tony had been wild back then. He still is, honestly, though it manifests itself in other ways. At mention of the time when Natasha had been set up as a spy, however, Pepper frowns. "Those circumstances were especially bad. Worse than normal by far, even for Tony."

And thank goodness for that.

She nods when he says he needs time, glad for the show of resolve. "Sure. I know it isn't easy." Caught caring for two people, and suddenly so afraid of losing one who means a great deal. It isn't an easy position at all, and Pepper doesn't envy Clint for it.