For whatever reason, when Pepper tells him not to worry he's always listened. It was part of what made them so good out in the field together. She was the only true stabilizing force in his life, and so her assurance brings him real comfort when anyone else saying that might be met with defensiveness or at the very least uncertainty.

"Yes, dear." He tilts his head and lets that wash over him. It felt right. He looks over the mess they've made and realizes he really doesn't want to deal with it. And his ice cream is probably melting on the counter by now. "I'm just gonna--" Reluctantly, he gets up, arm brushing hers again when he goes to take her bowl. He gets everything into the sink okay. This is so... domestic. Of course it is, right? That's the mission. He just hadn't expected it to feel good. It's weird.