[ he smiles. it's broad and pleased. in some odd way, he's gotten what he wanted. he doesn't say that he knows she can't cook, that he knows it'll never be her forte. it doesn't have to be said. ]

besides. I'm not looking for an apprentice but if they ever send me away, someone will have to take over the space. Pepper hates the robots. Romanoff is an option. I don't trust many other people.

[ he shrugs. it's the simple truth. ]

I know what my technology can do in the wrong hands. if I'm gone, use it or destroy it. seriously. torch the place if you have to. the robot, the suit, the whole thing.