[The sad thing is, this is Tony Stark trying for an apology. It's better than getting strawberries - he still can't believe she was allergic - and sitting there, tripping over words, saying I, I, I, I, I over and over again and getting nowhere. Playing with things out of agitation, nerves and ending up making a fool of himself, proving that he's the most self-centered asshole in all the land.

There's a reason he keeps Pepper near him at all times, Coulson or Rhodey when she can't be there. Hell, even Fury could see through his bullshit, call him out on things his mind got stuck on, sidestepped, and tried to say through the completely wrong avenues. Pepper Potts is his translator, picking up his messes and making him use actual words to talk to people. But she's not here. And all he can do is screw up his face for a moment in annoyance, frustration, before trying his best at a lopsided grin.]

Considering my version of art is vintage car restoration, probably not going to be something you'll have to worry about. [He gives a half-assed salute, though] Not much I can do down here other than sober up, so don't worry. Your art room's safe.