Pepper watched him go. She took a deep breath as the door closed behind him, tried to be calm and focused, to not think too hard on her surroundings, on the weight of everything that had transpired so quickly. She tried not to think in terms of oh hell, what have I done? though it seemed inevitable. She tried to center her attention on something that wasn't related, wasn't part of the current situation, but the only thing in this room was eyes.

Then everything shattered.

Having a concussion was less confusing than this. She was cold and fatigued and she couldn't remember how to look at anyone dead on anymore. Her strength had fled from her and it felt so permanent this time.