hanging my tomorrows on the bones of yesterday

This is a really interesting premise and question! I agree with rens_sanctuary that neither of these women seem to be the arguing type. Pepper has always been the consummate business woman to me and I can imagine her being able to compartmentalize a lot. Even to her own detriment. So I'm coming at this from another way I guess. That these two are too rational about things. Until Pepper's emotional turmoil, which she is suppressing,manifests itself through Extremis and then then Nat has to step in and they HAVE to have a conversation.