[ 002 ] ★ [ Video ]

[latenightfondue]

[ The video feed starts and catches a few moments of an extremely messy apartment with sand scattered over everything, and then it turns around to focus on the man holding the device, sprawled out along a wide window sill where he watches the candy hearts falling from the sky. There is a bowl beside him full of them, which he keeps dipping into, and speaks around. ]

This the sort'a stuff everyone was warning me 'bout, huh? Been here two weeks and I got sand coming outta everywhere, candy falling outta the sky, and I gotta say there's something ain't right 'bout them either.

[ He stops long enough to chomp down another one. ]

Think I might'a got something'a Lena's and that Tony fella's. [ His expression doesn't give much away, but he does wash the candy down with a swallow of scotch straight from the bottle. ] Anybody know what the hell's going on? Insightful things.

Comments

video;

[ironmanic]

College does that to a guy.

video;

[latenightfondue]

Y'got a lotta mystery about you, buddy. Been hearing a thing or two 'round here.

video;

[ironmanic]

Gossip? If it's about the Maxim models, then yes, it's all true.

video;

[latenightfondue]

...Y'got yourself some models? [ He is far too interested in this. Focusing on the point. ] Thought you said you only dabbled with engineering?

video;

[ironmanic]

[Well it was bound to get out sooner or later]

I...lied?

video;

[latenightfondue]

Unless what I heard ain't true. You own a company?

video;

[ironmanic]

[Yes. And back home it's your company, Howard.]

More or less. I should have known someone would tattle on me.

video;

[latenightfondue]

Guess this place ain't as big as it feels.

[ He's not annoyed by it all, though, just confused, but playing it casual. ]

Never hurts to get friendly with the boss, huh?

video;

[ironmanic]

[...how did that happen. Whoops. Sorry, Steve.]

What department?

[All of them but the specialized ones? This is Howard, after all. His father. A fucking legend.]

video;

[latenightfondue]

Engineering and Mechanics. The exciteable dame on the line sorted out something in the middle.

[ He's watching whatever is going on behind the mask. ]

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[ironmanic]

I'm sure you'll be wonderful addition to the team. Welcome on board?

[Did that sound like a normal employer thing to say?]

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[latenightfondue]

You're killing me with the enthusiasm here, buddy, but there ain't no doubt that things're gonna be better with me 'round the place.

video;

[ironmanic]

[Yes yes Tony knows exactly how amazing and wonderful and legendary and revolutionary you are dad.

And without you he'd be dead.]

Once you get used to all the newfangled contraptions.

video;

[latenightfondue]

That ain't gonna be much'a problem, I pick it up quick. Got this thing working within an hour, didn't I?

[ There's a pause while he debates something. ] Hey, since I'm gonna be working under you, why don't I take you for a drink, huh? Sweeten you up.

video;

[ironmanic]

Are you asking me out on a date? That's [weird dad] sweet of you, but getting me drunk isn't going to get you a promotion.

[Clears his throat]

Not that that's a no or anything.

[A small part of him really, really wants this.]

video;

[latenightfondue]

Sure. I see a handsome fella like yours, how am I to walk away without asking, huh? And I got faith in my skills enough to think they'd get me further than plying you with liquor.

[ He looks like he's sitting on the edge of a seat with anticipation. ] What d'you say? No funny business.

video;

[ironmanic]

[Oh my GOD dad swung both ways??]

...I knew you were Cap's college boyfriend.

[He tries very, very hard to look nonchalant.]

Can't say no to a good scotch.

[What is he doing.]

video;

[latenightfondue]

[ Howard not-so-secretly swings every way. ]

Why d'you think Barnes hates my guts? [ He flashes him a flirtacious wink, playing along, because, hey, a guy can dream. ]

You're a guy after my own heart. There's a place here does the finest scotch, lucky I found it.

video;

[ironmanic]

Because Barnes has a giant stick up lodged up his ass, but I guess that makes sense, too.

[snerk]

Time and place.

video;

[latenightfondue]

The guy don't like anyone, huh? He's easy to wind up, though, gotta love that.

[ He tells him the name of the place, gives brief directions. ]

Next time y'got a spare evening, I'm all yours.

video;

[ironmanic]

[Keep it cool, Tony. Keep it cool. Think of this as Herbert. Tobias, remember? No need to wake that inner 5-year-old because you're a grown man, Tony. He's been dead for twenty years, Tony.

Stop thinking about What do I wear?]

Dawn handles my schedule, but whatever. Too much paperwork. Tomorrow?

video;

[latenightfondue]

[ Tobias is already picking out what waistcoat to wear. ]

Tomorrow sounds good, as long as this sand business don't go getting in the way'a things.

Re: video;

[ironmanic]

What's sand in the wake of [a pair of Starks] two fine gentlemen?

video;

[latenightfondue]

Guess it beats anything worse. Okay, pal, let's do this.

video;

[ironmanic]

It's your wallet.