[ ned nods, hastily, withdrawing his hand. he's always misreading the moment, saying the wrong thing. he gets up, suddenly, wringing his hands. ]

I should-- I just thought, the pie... [ would help ease your crippling worry and loneliness. yeah, something like that. he grimaced, looking at the door. ] He'll be okay, Pepper. The whole time stopping thing? I've seen it first-hand.

He won't be without you.

[ his eyes spoke volumes as they swiveled back to her face. you just have to be strong enough to be without him. ]