On Paradisa;

[builds]

All right, you seem pretty keen on throwing me back into the fray. Which, hey, completely understandable. If I wasn't me, I would want to be me, too.

But first, I'd like to go over some ground rules with you. They're very simple. So I don't want to hear anything about you forgetting them.

First off, and this is the big one. You want to throw me in fresh, and I agree with this. Wholeheartedly. That whole Peace whatever thing I had going my first time around? Yeah, that was kind of embarrassing. The less I remember about that, the better.

In fact, just ignore anything that anybody ever says about it. I can do that whole selective hearing thing, so don't go waltzing off all "Oh, this thing I used to do was a good idea!" No. Just no. I have the Avengers there, or at least three of us, that's enough responsibility for me.

Second. Second... Those suits. The ones the bad guys have? You didn't solve that problem. In fact, that problem's still around, and it's been, what? Ten years? Okay, maybe not ten. But you get my point. Solve it. Those are my suits, and I won't have some whack jobs running around in them.

Third, and last... wait, did I say the first one was the big one? Correction. This is the big one. A loss. I saw your IMs.

If I turn alcohol into water, yes, I will make some sort of reverse-Jesus joke. And then I will hate you. No offense or anything, but it's kind of in my contract. You take away my alcohol, I hate you. Nothing personal.

Actually, it's very personal. Don't do it.

All right? Got all of that? Wrote it down somewhere?

Good. Don't go forgetting them.


Oh, and one last thing. Tell Pepper she'd better be there.

Comments

[quits]

I'm going to be there. You can stop worrying.

I'll have more than four icons by then, hopefully.

1/2

[builds]

Hey now. It's not the number of pictures that matter, it's the quality.

[builds]

Okay, who am I kidding? You're going to be judged and you're going to be judged hard. You'd better get those icons.

[quits]

I will have icons.

Also, your loss sounds smart. I'm sure you've heard what my loss is.

[cloakand_danger]

There goes any idea I might have had about apologizing for what happened to the Patrol, I suppose.

[builds]

I'm sorry, who are you? I have absolutely no idea. [ Looking away, not meeting his eyes. Obviously lying. ]

[cloakand_danger]

[Sure, Tony, if that's how you want to play it.] No one, I suppose. Just someone who trusts you to be a more than competent engineer when things need doing.

I may have a list waiting when you get back. The outposts are going to need some extra help.

[disciplines]

[There is nothing to be said. True warriors speak with their fists.

So Alleyne tightens her right hand and holds it out. Remember the secret bro-shake you taught her? She never forgot it, man.

If you're going back to this hell you may as well feel welcome. Don't leave her hanging!]

[builds]

[ Hot chick in a leaf bikini wants to fistbump?

First thought: Hell yes.

Second thought: Pepper better not think something's up. It's just a perfectly normal hot chick in a bikini who wants a brofist.

Third thought: Hell yes.


So, in short - fistbump it is. ]

[disciplines]

[You're so lucky she's in with the ladies herself and has an insane snake ex dogging her every move now.

Don't worry miss Pepper it is all kosher here.

If this were a buddy movie there would be explosions and sunglasses about now.]

On the bright side, at least you're not forgetting how to do that.

[changethings]

Careful, he might take you winning good looks and stunning personality instead.

[builds]

The castle takes important things, right? Because I'm not going to lie. Those are pretty damn important to me.

[changethings]

Reserves-Jesus looks a little better now, doesn't it?

[compromisedarrow]

About time. I was starting to get worried it'd just be me, Loki, and a 1940's Steve hanging around.

[builds]

1940's?

Please tell me you've been lying your ass off about the future. You know how gullible he is. These kinds of setups don't come around very often.

[compromisedarrow]

Don't worry. I'll leave that to you. He just knows what he needs to.

[valuedstrength]

[Boy does this guy have an ego on him... and never stops talking. One part of that sticks out to him.]

You're a member of the Avengers too?

[builds]

Don't tell me you forgot me already. That hurts. Right here. [ Tony puts his hand over his... arc reactor. ]

We're allies who fought off aliens together. And then ate shawarma.

[supes]

I'm looking forward to seeing you around again... fresh starts are always good, too.

[builds]

Oh, hey. I remember you. For the duration of my time here, anyway.

Clark, wasn't it? Superboy?

[raincoatruinedit]

Reverse Jesus, huh? Sounds interesting to say the least.

[builds]

You and I have very different definitions of "interesting."

[sexyhitchhiker]

[well, at least she looks somewhat amused]

Alcohol into water. I like it.

[builds]

[ Incredulously- ] You like it?

[ Then, more incredulously- ] You like it?

[schrodingersghost]

Does that actually work? [Danny is skeptical.]