on the mere existence of Avengers colognes.

[ohmythor]

"Smell like four of the Avengers"?

Really?

No, that's just... [ MAKES A FACE. A REALLY WEIRDED OUT SCRUNCHED UP KIND OF FACE. ]

I can't be the only one that thinks that's just kind of ... creepy. --no, I really don't want to know. Seriously, no!

[ seriously for real this is a thing thank you think geek for making all my dreams come true ]

Comments

[ohmythor]

I think that's probably exactly what they did. [ A small shrug. ] Though I kind of want to know who -- came up with that idea.

[ A beat. ] I've been wondering that since I found out. .... nnno offense, but I thought that sort of thing would go to Tony.

[redheadpepper]

I can probably find out. [See above: legal action.]

None taken. He's a lot better than he used to be, but he still likes his booze.

[ohmythor]

--that sounds a little ominous. [ Smiles, though. ]

Seriously, Steve's sounds like -- well -- a margarita. With the lime and tequila. And Tony's just sounds like a flower. --it's weird. This whole thing is just ... weird.

[redheadpepper]

Yeah, it doesn't even make any sense. I'm sure they smell nice to people who like that kind of thing, but they're clearly just trying to capitalize on the name.

Stark Industries has a really good legal team, though.

[ohmythor]

... [ Now she laughs again. ]

I'm not surprised to hear that. I'd say don't -- destroy them completely, but ... they might kind of have it coming.

[redheadpepper]

[Pepper laughs, too.] Nah, that's probably not necessary. A C&D letter usually does the trick. Put the fear of, well, Stark into them.

Now that I think about it, though, maybe Tony should do a cologne endorsement of some kind...

[ohmythor]

... it would probably sell like crazy. [ Seemingly amused, at the thought. ] Get him to hawk it at his next expo and you wouldn't be able to keep it in stock.

... can I ask you something? ... kind of personal?

[redheadpepper]

It could be a win-win. Boost sales of a product he actually likes, and cut down on others slapping his name on everything without his permission.

...[Personal? Pepper isn't too big on personal questions, but, well, Jane is all right.] Sure. What do you want to know?

[ohmythor]

[ Her mouth quirks. ] I'm not so sure about that second part. [ Thinking of the ... sex toys, mentioned by someone else. Bluuuuuuuugh.

... a beat. Oh, Pepper. Jane shifts, her expression curious, but not overly so. ] ... why Tony?

[ Pepper's probably been asked more than once why she puts up with the man. But Jane doesn't find him all that intolerable himself. And it's not to gainsay Pepper herself, a woman Jane certainly respects. It's more ... wondering if there's something to him that no one else sees. Only Pepper would know that. ]

[redheadpepper]

[That actually makes her laugh again.] You know, no one's ever just come out and asked me that so bluntly before.

I guess I'd say, why does anyone care about the people they care about?

[She pauses a beat.] I know most people think I must be crazy, or some kind of masochist. But honestly, in the business world? Tony's a breath of fresh air. I always know where I stand with him. I always know exactly how much he values me - which is a lot. He respects me far more than most businessmen I've met, who might make a good show of pulling out chairs and whatnot, but aren't likely to pay any attention to what I actually have to say.

And he makes me laugh.

[ohmythor]

Wow, really? I'm the first one? [ Now she's embarrassed. But she's a good listener, and stays quiet but attentive. It's on the last line that a smile tugs at her lips. ]

Those sound like good reasons to me. I'm -- sorry for just coming out and asking like that. But he's kind of -- well. He's Tony. I guess I just wanted to know. I have a feeling I'm going to end up working with him a lot.

[redheadpepper]

Don't worry; it's a lot better than having nosy journalists dancing around it and being smug. I prefer it when people are straightforward. There's not enough of it in the world.

[She smiles.] He's got a big brain, and an even bigger ego, but he's not as scary as all that. He likes working with smart people. You'll be fine.