dear_mun | (no subject)

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canon: marvel comics

(no subject)

Got this out of your system yet? I'm a very busy man, as I know you are well aware. Let's just get this over with quickly so I can get back to my life. Besides, you have a lot of catch up to do. Maybe you should focus on that instead of playing around with me, hm?

... Okay, yes, I'm impressed that you didn't rely on any obvious puns. That doesn't actually make me feel any better. And, yes, I know making me feel better isn't the point. I just wanted to mention that. It's the little things that keep life going.

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I imagined you of all people'd relish the opportunity to spread your wings.

I was spreading them. Coming here is more like having the floor drop out from under me.

Give yourself the chance, you'll find something of worth in this stint.

You always do, if I know you.

You think so? Funny, because it seems like I'm just on standby right now.

I don't underestimate Stark ingenuity.

'Standby.' Does your typist have an ultimate objective for you in mind?

You have a few times.

Did you want me to come up with a better way to put it? How about second string?

So far, the plan seems to be pretty open. I guess I get my pick after all.

I have. But I'm not the only one who's made that mistake, Tony.

I'm not looking for a different turn of phrase; I wanted to hear you say you could make something of this. And I'm glad you did.

Different situation.

Yeah. I guess if you want to call this making something of it. Sure.

-- Quick to make any verdict that affords you impunity. I shouldn't be so surprised.

I'm trying to offer my support here. What would you rather I say?

Because there is no underestimating you, Steve. There's just not being prepared enough. It's a different approach.

No, nothing. I appreciate the support. I guess I'm just not feeling all that optimistic right now.

[ whoops guess who feels guilty for leaping down Tony's throat instinctively ] I'm not so sure about that, Tony.

You know you won't be on your own here. You have us, one iteration or another - and that's a real boon.

Well, either way. It's all resources in the end.

[He barely notices. God and the Devil are in the details... it's all the same, isn't it? He's guilty of the charge, he just feels like it's inevitable with Steve.]

... I guess there's always someone around. If I get to talk to you, at least that's something.

[He looks kind of apologetic after that stiff answer. It's hard not to fall back on bitter responses.]

We can both claim the Avengers as our resource. That's all that needs to be said, about you and I.

We'll answer the call. Between now and then... [ all that needs to be said, but they don't help the small issues wanting to be said. ] don't be a stranger.

[Ah. Okay, he manages to smile.] I guess we'll always have them in common.

[He won't look directly in Steve's direction, and therefore doesn't have to look away when the second part hits. Convenient, this foresight, huh?]

I was expecting something completely different from you, Captain. [And those would be the issues Tony can't help but blurt out.]

'Once an Avenger.' I wouldn't stand for any less. [ Never mind that they've hardly been able to function together in the same Avengers roster since Steve's revival, hey. ]

[ Ah. There it is, half-addressed after so long stowed to make way for the next big threat. As such, he'll be tempered: ] I won't deny we've ignored some matters between us for the greater good.

Of course. [And if his answer is lacking some energy, well, he's been feeling out of place within the role for a long time. Almost gotten used to it.]

It's fine. You can say whatever you want to me. Hell, I've waited long enough to hear it.

No.

You first. Tell me why you're still shutting me out here.

I'm not. [Blatant lie. He has to amend that, because even he can't make it work.]

I'm not... trying to shut you out. I just wasn't expecting you to say that.

[Okay, so he's projecting. He doesn't want Steve to say it. Sue him.]

We've danced around it long enough.

Tell me I'm wrong. You've been keeping company with it, too.

Don't know what you're talking about, Cap.

[An honest enough answer from Tony, since "it" could be a few things. At least to him.]

[ that'll get you a blunt response. ]

Civil War, Tony. You hardly remember a thing. Would that we could finally debrief, I reckon things might be going more smoothly. But we can't. I wonder where that leaves us.

-- That's my take.

[ And he's quiet. No quick retort or brush off, or even an argument over it. He's wrestling with what exactly to say, and how to say it. You know, now that he has to answer? He doesn't have a good one. ]

I doubt it would change much if I did remember.

[ No, he's not looking up at him. ]

[ barbed: ]

Why not?

Because.

Because it's you and it's me. Somehow, that always...

[ That didn't come out right. ]

What would you say?

That we've lost sight of what we accomplish as partners.