The reason that Bruce isn't fretting over the unknown attack was that Natasha Romanoff had already contacted him about it. Unofficially, she'd become the one that SHIELD assigned him. At least, Bruce thought it was an unofficial understanding, who really knew? (Nick Fury, that's who.) Natasha hadn't been able to tell him anything specific. Though she did imply that she'd take a personal interest in the incident and if anyone could fish out information, it was their red-haired espionage extraordinaire.

"I-"

Back in the land of personal turmoil. Pepper's gaze has floored him. It's a good thing that Bruce is sitting down because he's not sure he remembers what do to when a woman is direct about what she wants. It reminds him briefly, painfully, of another very self assured set of eyes.

Bruce's forgotten italian sub waits in his hands.

"Yes." The affirmation comes out a little louder than he intended, and Bruce has to laugh at himself. One of his better coping mechanisms. "It's exactly what I want."