eyeing maskormenace

[withgreatbleach]

Oh, I see. Now you're going to try to make time for me? Way to make a guy feel wanted!

[ He's still smiling even as he says that, though. ]

Still, can't complain too much — it'd be nice to see Pete and little May. Then again, I guess she's not so little now, huh? Even... okay, saying it'd be "nice" to see Kaine might be too much of a stretch.

Comments

[notyourfathersosborn]

That would be why.

...Honestly, I'm surprised you're not yelling at me right now.

[withgreatbleach]

Do I do a lot of yelling in the future?

[ Frowning! Because, honestly, he can't imagine that. ]

Don't get me wrong, I'm not "thrilled" that she would keep up the family business. But I know, better than most, how hard it can be not to do that "work".

[notyourfathersosborn]

Not you, no.

I've watched her struggling with it the past year, but even still I doubt I can even imagine.

It's more that given my last name people aren't thrilled to learn I help her out.

[withgreatbleach]

Your name doesn't have to define you. Trust me on that.

[notyourfathersosborn]

[You're his new favorite person.]

I know. I had a smart young lady tell me the same thing. She turned my life around.

Still, I could do without people talking behind my back. If they're that subtle.

[withgreatbleach]

Sounds like quite the lady.

[ PROUDEST DAD SMILE A NOT-DAD CAN MANAGE. ]

People will always talk! Easier than it sounds, I know, but you've just got to tune them out.

[notyourfathersosborn]

She's incredible.

[And everyone needs to know how incredible she is.]

I'm an Osborn, Mr. Reil--[Oh my god.

Oh my god that explains a lot.

Ahem.]

Ah, Mr. Reilly. I was taught that when I was a child. That doesn't mean it doesn't get any less tiring.

[withgreatbleach]

[ That was... a little weird. But he's just going to assume Normie was about to accidentally say "Mr. Parker" or something. Because WHAT ELSE could it possibly be?! ]

Could you... stick with Ben? Mr. Reilly makes me feel – ancient. The future's different, I'm sure, but right now I'm only... what? Five years older than you? Tops? It just doesn't feel right.

[notyourfathersosborn]

O-of course.

...Ben, then.