Anthony Edward Stark | Iron Man (616) (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
definingfuture) wrote2015-04-20 03:07 pm
definingfuture) wrote2015-04-20 03:07 pm
IC inbox for duplicity
Tony's Mailbox.
IC inbox for
Tony's Mailbox.
What I want?
[God. That's the question he hates to consider. He tries not to when he can help it, but it always manages to come back.]
Would you like to come over? I- I'd like us to talk in person. It'd be nice to see you.
[God. That's the question he hates to consider. He tries not to when he can help it, but it always manages to come back.]
Would you like to come over? I- I'd like us to talk in person. It'd be nice to see you.
[Herbert was hoping he could set this entire thing up before having to see Tony in person but...he's not surprised. It's fair, some people have an easier time determining intent face to face. It won't particularly help him it just makes things more confusing with more variables to pay attention to but it's not as if he isn't already confused.]
Alright, I'll be up.
[He hangs up without saying goodbye because there's no point, he's going to see Tony again in like 20 minutes anyway.
Or in 30 minutes because the elevator is slow and he ends up on an equally slow bus before finally reaching Tony's apartment building to buzz in.]
Alright, I'll be up.
[He hangs up without saying goodbye because there's no point, he's going to see Tony again in like 20 minutes anyway.
Or in 30 minutes because the elevator is slow and he ends up on an equally slow bus before finally reaching Tony's apartment building to buzz in.]
[Being cut loose abruptly leaves Tony anxious. When Herbert does show up, he answers the door by commanding it to open. He's been pacing the suite, apparently, and quick steps over to the entrance like he's waiting for important news.]
You're here. Good. I- I'm glad you came.
[He smiles with nervous, hopeful energy.]
Did you want a drink? Something while we talk?
You're here. Good. I- I'm glad you came.
[He smiles with nervous, hopeful energy.]
Did you want a drink? Something while we talk?
[He seems to have made Tony nervous somehow...which fills him abruptly with a strange urge to tell him that it's fine, they don't have to do this contract thing. But... no. He needs this. Tony is the only person he really trusts here to have that level of power over him. He can't back off of this.]
I'm...alright. I'm not-- [Or... is he asking because he wants to drink something himself? This is difficult.] Soda, if you have it. [Considering Herbert constantly steals it anyway.]
I'm...alright. I'm not-- [Or... is he asking because he wants to drink something himself? This is difficult.] Soda, if you have it. [Considering Herbert constantly steals it anyway.]
Yeah. Yeah, of course.
[He's a little too eager to go fetch Herbert a drink. A little eager to please, smiling with that awkward, but friendly brightness he puts on when he wants to impress. When Tony hands the soda to Herbert, he brushes his fingers over the back of his hand lightly.]
I'm glad you came up. I know this is... not the easiest situation for you, but I just- I want you to know that- I like it when you're here.
[He's a little too eager to go fetch Herbert a drink. A little eager to please, smiling with that awkward, but friendly brightness he puts on when he wants to impress. When Tony hands the soda to Herbert, he brushes his fingers over the back of his hand lightly.]
I'm glad you came up. I know this is... not the easiest situation for you, but I just- I want you to know that- I like it when you're here.
[This is...weird? What is this mood supposed to represent? Is Tony actually happy Herbert asked? Also, apparently, Tony really was just asking if he wanted a drink, so trying to work out the deeper meaning of that failed. Herbert takes a drink of the soda to cover for this, and ends up just sort of holding it after that. He hates this. These sorts of social interactions are the one place he doesn't feel completely confident with the actions he takes.]
You...like it when I'm here... [He almost sounds confused. Honestly, he thought he was just forcing his presence on Tony like he does with everyone else. That doesn't preclude friendship for him: he figures that friends probably just need nudging sometimes, awareness of his existence and possibly of his potential benefit to them. But he hasn't even been doing that with Tony, not really, he's just been constantly showing up.] I wouldn't say the decision was difficult--you're the only one here I'd trust with, this contract.
You...like it when I'm here... [He almost sounds confused. Honestly, he thought he was just forcing his presence on Tony like he does with everyone else. That doesn't preclude friendship for him: he figures that friends probably just need nudging sometimes, awareness of his existence and possibly of his potential benefit to them. But he hasn't even been doing that with Tony, not really, he's just been constantly showing up.] I wouldn't say the decision was difficult--you're the only one here I'd trust with, this contract.
You can't help how you feel, Steve.
And I can't help being who I am.
And I can't help being who I am.
[ It's the way Bucky reacts to the thought of having his hair cut short that gets to Tony. He watches the man pull a face and dismiss that thought like it's a bad taste in his mouth and smiles, letting out a soft laugh at this man that doesn't quite look like Bucky but still has a familiar metal arm and knowledge that Tony knows no one else would have, including himself. ]
Like a suit. Not armor. We're not quite that close yet. But I do handle his personal upgrades as well.
[ Bucky can take that however he wants to. Tony is having a little fun, even if it's just to take his own mind off of the stress. ]
But you... What's your relationship with him like? You're not here to kill me, are you?
Like a suit. Not armor. We're not quite that close yet. But I do handle his personal upgrades as well.
[ Bucky can take that however he wants to. Tony is having a little fun, even if it's just to take his own mind off of the stress. ]
But you... What's your relationship with him like? You're not here to kill me, are you?
Yeah, I like it when you're here. I thought you knew that.
[He hasn't actually said that. In typical Tony fashion he just assumed that his easy acceptance and general positive attitude toward Herbert conveyed his thoughts. The actual communication of the sentiment slipped by him, and when he's out or living life normally as Herbert moves his stuff into Tony's drawers and stashes his supplies in his living room, it's the lack of comment and protest that carries the thought rather than a real statement of acceptance. Sometimes Tony needs the reminder that he just hasn't said what he thinks enough.
Right now, he's still getting used to the word trust coming from Herbert and probably getting swept up in it a little too much.]
I just- I don't want you to regret being my friend just because of a contract.
[He hasn't actually said that. In typical Tony fashion he just assumed that his easy acceptance and general positive attitude toward Herbert conveyed his thoughts. The actual communication of the sentiment slipped by him, and when he's out or living life normally as Herbert moves his stuff into Tony's drawers and stashes his supplies in his living room, it's the lack of comment and protest that carries the thought rather than a real statement of acceptance. Sometimes Tony needs the reminder that he just hasn't said what he thinks enough.
Right now, he's still getting used to the word trust coming from Herbert and probably getting swept up in it a little too much.]
I just- I don't want you to regret being my friend just because of a contract.
[To be fair to Tony, Herbert's used to his presence being tolerated, not liked. Not to mention his general difficulty with picking up on implications.
This next bit is confusing him again as well, he thought they were past this particular aspect. He stopped complaining, so obviously it was over and done with.]
If I still assumed you wanted to use me for, something, I would never have suggested this arrangement, Tony. That's...why I asked.
This next bit is confusing him again as well, he thought they were past this particular aspect. He stopped complaining, so obviously it was over and done with.]
If I still assumed you wanted to use me for, something, I would never have suggested this arrangement, Tony. That's...why I asked.
Okay.
[He doesn't sound convinced, but that is more a product of how many people that he's hurt lately. People that he cares about generally end up in the crossfire of conflict or grow to hate him and he's feeling the weight of that lately. It's taking him longer to let himself have what he wants.]
Then I would be glad to have a contract with you. Does this mean you'll stay here sometimes? For more than just work, I mean.
[He doesn't sound convinced, but that is more a product of how many people that he's hurt lately. People that he cares about generally end up in the crossfire of conflict or grow to hate him and he's feeling the weight of that lately. It's taking him longer to let himself have what he wants.]
Then I would be glad to have a contract with you. Does this mean you'll stay here sometimes? For more than just work, I mean.
[Herbert's intent, anxious posture tilts backward into his usual one. It's not exactly relieved sagging, but it's the Herbert equivalent of it. Tony never actually explained what he wanted, he thinks, never really came up with terms aside from...their friendship not falling apart? He was expecting more of an outline, a pre-contract, what with Tony insisting he come up here to talk with him. But this is fine. He's not going to bring it up if Tony isn't. He prefers no additional rules.]
I was intending on moving in--theee only reason I hadn't previously is that this society is surprisingly puritanical in regards to the, uncontracted classes considering their, monthly sexual requirements. Living here makes much more sense than, continuously travelling between here and the Down.
I was intending on moving in--theee only reason I hadn't previously is that this society is surprisingly puritanical in regards to the, uncontracted classes considering their, monthly sexual requirements. Living here makes much more sense than, continuously travelling between here and the Down.
You'd be all right moving in with me?
[He's honestly touched by that. He knows that Herbert doesn't dislike him, of course, because he comes in regularly, but he never presumed he was that important to the man's life. Living with someone is a big step, and Tony thinks that on some level this must mean the man likes him if he's willing to share space with him.]
Can I... ask you something?
[He's honestly touched by that. He knows that Herbert doesn't dislike him, of course, because he comes in regularly, but he never presumed he was that important to the man's life. Living with someone is a big step, and Tony thinks that on some level this must mean the man likes him if he's willing to share space with him.]
Can I... ask you something?
Yes? [Another thing he thought he'd made clear that requires a slightly questioning tone at the end of it. If he's alright signing his damn life over to Tony, obviously he's alright merely cohabiting. He said he trusted him, didn't he?
And Tony said he liked spending time with him. He supposes it must be true? He can't really think of a reason for Tony to say so otherwise. Tony seems...generally fine with a lot that Herbert does, really. It's...new.]
Yes. [And then he feels like something more is required so he adds, gesturing slightly with one hand:] Go ahead.
And Tony said he liked spending time with him. He supposes it must be true? He can't really think of a reason for Tony to say so otherwise. Tony seems...generally fine with a lot that Herbert does, really. It's...new.]
Yes. [And then he feels like something more is required so he adds, gesturing slightly with one hand:] Go ahead.
[ Personal upgrades, suits, he's picturing the thing Steve wore the last time Bucky saw him in the field. The airport, maybe, before he went under the ice. Something like that, something that indicates he's part of a team, or that he's at least on the other side of the situation this Bucky's been in himself.
Well, good for him. Good to know somewhere out there he's fighting instead of running.
But those couple of peaceful years without fighting had been nice.
Maybe not so good for him.
The question brings his brows together, startlement, incredulous disbelief. Be a hell of a thing to come and drink coffee with the guy, talk about their pasts, then shoot him on his own damn couch. ]
No, I just- no.
[ A shake of his head, hair catching on his shoulders, face dipping toward the ground. ]
Thought I had a second chance to do things better. Figured it was the right thing to do.
[ After the way it went down with his Tony. After everything that just happened with Stefano. Although the longer he sits here, the more apparent it is that these two Starks are very different, and his apologies and explanations mean nothing to anyone but himself. The more he knows that, the less they relieve the knot he feels in his gut when he thinks of Howard's son.
Maybe he's not here for any good reason at all, then. ]
Well, good for him. Good to know somewhere out there he's fighting instead of running.
But those couple of peaceful years without fighting had been nice.
Maybe not so good for him.
The question brings his brows together, startlement, incredulous disbelief. Be a hell of a thing to come and drink coffee with the guy, talk about their pasts, then shoot him on his own damn couch. ]
No, I just- no.
[ A shake of his head, hair catching on his shoulders, face dipping toward the ground. ]
Thought I had a second chance to do things better. Figured it was the right thing to do.
[ After the way it went down with his Tony. After everything that just happened with Stefano. Although the longer he sits here, the more apparent it is that these two Starks are very different, and his apologies and explanations mean nothing to anyone but himself. The more he knows that, the less they relieve the knot he feels in his gut when he thinks of Howard's son.
Maybe he's not here for any good reason at all, then. ]
[ Tony gives Bucky a warm smile when he denies the suggestion. It's fond, even if he can't say he's familiar with the man, because the way he looks down and says he wanted a second chance means everything. ]
Well, I'm glad to hear it. It would be a pretty bad first meeting if one of us died right away.
[ He laughs, a little tired, maybe, but with a comfort that comes with the acceptance of his place. He's always going to be threatened by someone because of who he is, and Tony just as easily dismisses the idea as he brought it up. What's more important is where that hesitation came from. It's the same awkward, uncomfortable sound he makes when he wants to say something and can't. One thing Tony knows well: guilt. ]
You know what I think?
[ Tony reaches over to put a hand on Bucky's arm. ]
You already have the chance to start over. You're doing it right now. Maybe we can't go back and change what we've done and the regrets are always going to be there, but we learn from them. If I know Tony Stark, he feels the same way. Iron Man was my way of starting over. I think he'd appreciate knowing that you were trying to do the same thing.
It's all right. Trust me.
Well, I'm glad to hear it. It would be a pretty bad first meeting if one of us died right away.
[ He laughs, a little tired, maybe, but with a comfort that comes with the acceptance of his place. He's always going to be threatened by someone because of who he is, and Tony just as easily dismisses the idea as he brought it up. What's more important is where that hesitation came from. It's the same awkward, uncomfortable sound he makes when he wants to say something and can't. One thing Tony knows well: guilt. ]
You know what I think?
[ Tony reaches over to put a hand on Bucky's arm. ]
You already have the chance to start over. You're doing it right now. Maybe we can't go back and change what we've done and the regrets are always going to be there, but we learn from them. If I know Tony Stark, he feels the same way. Iron Man was my way of starting over. I think he'd appreciate knowing that you were trying to do the same thing.
It's all right. Trust me.
[ He looks up at the touch, brow wrinkling, eyes going a little soft. He can handle words all day, can distance himself from them, but when it comes to fingers curling around his shoulder, locking on his wrist, touching?
It obliterates his defenses easier than he likes to admit.
Maybe this Tony is right. He'd like to believe that, he would, and he swallows down a surge of something that threatens to fill his throat. Dryly murmurs instead: ]
That or he'd throw a cheeseburger in my face and blow my arm off.
[ Feels like a toss-up, but he only knows what he's heard. ]
It obliterates his defenses easier than he likes to admit.
Maybe this Tony is right. He'd like to believe that, he would, and he swallows down a surge of something that threatens to fill his throat. Dryly murmurs instead: ]
That or he'd throw a cheeseburger in my face and blow my arm off.
[ Feels like a toss-up, but he only knows what he's heard. ]
You're James Barnes.
[ He knows what thoughts can fill up the mind when things get bad. He's been there, done those awful things whether he remembered them or not, whether he really wanted to or not, and he would just as soon banish that doubt away from those around him than have them suffer. ]
You aren't what anyone else tried to make you. You still have your life. As long as you're still breathing, then you can change it. There's a future ahead.
[ And as optimistic and ignorant as that sounds, Tony's smile is steady, fixed on Bucky. ]
He'll understand. I believe he'll eventually come around, because he'll know what it can be like. Doing things... you don't want to do. I can't say he won't be angry, but I believe in him. And I believe in you.
And Steve. [ Tony squeezes Bucky's arm lightly. ] It sounds like you both need a little of that.
[ He knows what thoughts can fill up the mind when things get bad. He's been there, done those awful things whether he remembered them or not, whether he really wanted to or not, and he would just as soon banish that doubt away from those around him than have them suffer. ]
You aren't what anyone else tried to make you. You still have your life. As long as you're still breathing, then you can change it. There's a future ahead.
[ And as optimistic and ignorant as that sounds, Tony's smile is steady, fixed on Bucky. ]
He'll understand. I believe he'll eventually come around, because he'll know what it can be like. Doing things... you don't want to do. I can't say he won't be angry, but I believe in him. And I believe in you.
And Steve. [ Tony squeezes Bucky's arm lightly. ] It sounds like you both need a little of that.
Sorry to bother you
Was kinda hoping you could gimme a price quote on your services, if you're even in business
Got sort of an engineering problem
Or a tech problem
Or both
Was kinda hoping you could gimme a price quote on your services, if you're even in business
Got sort of an engineering problem
Or a tech problem
Or both
You want me to make something.
[He's not sure how to feel about that.]
What are you looking for?
[He's not sure how to feel about that.]
What are you looking for?
Not exactly. More like repair something.
[ Followed by a quick picture of his arm, royally fucked up. Metal plating gnarled, circuitry sticking out, wires haphazard and askew, half-detached at the shoulder. ]
[ Followed by a quick picture of his arm, royally fucked up. Metal plating gnarled, circuitry sticking out, wires haphazard and askew, half-detached at the shoulder. ]
That looks bad.
Is this because I told you I've built things for Bucky?
Is this because I told you I've built things for Bucky?
Partly
Also partly because I don't know who the hell else could even figure out how to start putting it back together.
Also partly because I don't know who the hell else could even figure out how to start putting it back together.
Yeah, I guess that's probably true.
What did you do to it?
What did you do to it?
Got in a garland fight with a god damn metal wizard or something
[ Which is a very... very abridged version of the actual happenings, and Max may or may not actually be a metal wizard. Definitely some kinda wizard though. ]
Started drawing something and the next thing I know he's peeling it off like a can opener.
[ Which is a very... very abridged version of the actual happenings, and Max may or may not actually be a metal wizard. Definitely some kinda wizard though. ]
Started drawing something and the next thing I know he's peeling it off like a can opener.
Edited 2018-12-17 01:42 (UTC)
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