"Your secret is safe with me," Black Hawk promises. She looks up at Pepper and gives her a small smile. "And I...think I would like a friend." Her smile twists and fights to remain, but a grimace and then a sob take it over. "I...I've been out here, alone, for months now. No one to talk to. No one to...to laugh or hug or anything. Just me." She draws herself inwards, huddling close to herself. "...Just me."

She sniffs. "A-and it's probably just the strain of combat and almost being killed, but all of that is just hitting me all at once and I'm very sorry because this is probably not the best way to...to start a friendship, but--"