“oh Pepper.” Loki said, understanding now. “Pepper Steph isn’t doing thing like that to be mean. She’d be horrified that you where honestly upset.” Loki admitted. “your the only girl aside from Peggy Carter that she’s ever really interacted with. She and Peggy used to buy each other wild things like that all the time and it always made them giggle. She’s not trying to torment you, she’s trying to connect with you.” Loki admitted, handing Pepper a soft hankie. “it’s okay to cry you know. Your under so much stress, it’s a wonder this hasn’t happened before now.” Loki admitted. “but Tony’s been doing better hasn’t he? He even remembered your birthday.” she pointed out. “the press…” she shuddered delicately. “they should be illegal.” Loki grumbled. “nosy bastards.” she patted her knee before swinging her feet up and started massaging Pepper’s feet. Much the same way Pepper had done for her so long ago when Loki was freaking out about being in love with Johnny and Steph and worried about ruining their relationship the first time the three of them had slept together. “everything happening at the same time, I can completely understand.” she promised. “sometimes you just need a break from everything… but are you sure breaking up with Tony is really what you want?”